African American Opinion

Justice Dept Probes Wells Fargo - Did NAACP get Kick backs to drop Lawsuit?

2011-07-27T06:33:00.000-04:00

Well look at this, According to published reports, Wells Fargo who happens to be the NAACP's favorite predatory lender, donor and “Lead Sponsor” of the NAACP’s 101st annual convention is the Target Of Justice Department Probe.

Get this, The NAACP which appeared to get "promotional kick back money" after mysteriously dropping it's lawsuit against Wells Fargo, the nation's largest home mortgage lender, for allegedly preying upon African American borrowers during the housing bubble and steering them into high-cost subprime loans.

This is not the first bad news for the NAACP's lead sponsor, Wells Fargo.

As reported by Faye Anderson over at Anderson at Large, On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve Board ordered Wells Fargo to pay an $85 million fine for steering borrowers with good credit into subprime loans.

The order reads:

The $85 million civil money penalty is the largest the Board has assessed in a consumer-protection enforcement action and is the first formal enforcement action taken by a federal bank regulatory agency to address alleged steering of borrowers into high-cost, subprime loans. […]
The order addresses allegations that Wells Fargo Financial sales personnel steered borrowers who were potentially eligible for prime interest rate loans into loans at higher, subprime interest rates, resulting in greater costs to borrowers. The order also addresses separate allegations that Wells Fargo Financial sales personnel falsified information about borrowers’ incomes to make it appear that the borrowers qualified for loans when they would not have qualified based on their actual incomes.

There is more... In 2007, the NAACP filed a class action lawsuit against 15 of the nation’s largest subprime lenders for “systematic, institutionalized racism in sub-prime home mortgage lending.”

One of the defendants included Wells Fargo Bank & Company.

As Faye Anderson reported in her blog post dated April 28, 2010, "The NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Jealous was an outspoken critic of Wells Fargo. So you can imagine my surprise when earlier this month, I read the NAACP dropped its lawsuit against the predatory lender." So what did the NAACP get? As Citizen Journalist Faye Anderson ask in the same article.

Easy answer, that the Justice Department needs to probe. The NAACP in my humble observations accepted Wells Fargo’s tainted money as a "kick-back" for dropping the lawsuit.

AAP says: "Forget all the black celebrities that kiss the NAACP's ring in order to get an Image Award. Average black Americans who are hurting and facing depression-like unemployment levels have questioned for years the integrity and credibility of the National office of the NAACP.

Average black Americans have wondered for years if the NAACP represented them of the interest of big banks and corporate kickbacks. Well again, here is the smoking gun. Let's hope the Justice Department probe includes the "corporate kickbacks" from Wells Fargo to the national office of the NAACP."

Seeds of Change Sci Fi anthology

2008-08-20T16:56:00.000-04:00

Seeds of Change
edited by John Joseph Adams
Published by Prime Books
Forthcoming August 2008

Here’s the cover copy and the full table of contents of my forthcoming original SF anthology for Prime Books, Seeds of Change.

Imagine the moment when the present ends, and the future begins–when the world we knew is no more and a brave new world is thrust upon us. Gathering stories by nine of today’s most incisive minds, Seeds of Change confronts the pivotal issues facing our society today: racism, global warming, peak oil, technological advancement, and political revolution. Many serve as a call to action. How will you change with the future?

These nine stories sow seeds of change across familiar and foreign territory, from our own backyards to the Niger Delta to worlds not yet discovered. Pepper, the mysterious mercenary from Tobias S. Buckell’s Crystal Rain and Ragamuffin, works as an agent for change—if the price is right—in “Resistance.” Ken MacLeod envisions the end-game in the Middle East in “A Dance Called Armageddon.” New writer Blake Charlton imagines a revolutionary advance in cancer research in “Endosymbiont.” Award-winning author Jay Lake tackles technological change and the forces that will stop at nothing to prevent it in “The Future by Degrees.” Other stories by K.D. Wentworth, Jeremiah Tolbert, Mark Budz, Ted Kosmatka, and Nnedi Okorafor-Mbachu range from the darkly satirical to the exotic. All explore the notion that change will come.

Will you be ready?

Table of Contents:

Introduction by John Joseph Adams
N-Words by Ted Kosmatka
The Future by Degrees by Jay Lake
Drinking Problem by K. D. Wentworth
Endosymbiont by Blake Charlton
A Dance Called Armageddon by Ken MacLeod
Arties Aren’t Stupid by Jeremiah Tolbert
Faceless in Gethsemane by Mark Budz
Spider the Artist by Nnedi Okorafor-Mbachu
Resistance by Tobias S. Buckell
The cover features a very nice blurb provided by Robert J. Sawyer, which says “A first-rate anthology of provocative stories.” Which was redacted down from:

“Isaac Asimov said science fiction is the branch of literature that deals with the responses of human beings to changes in science and technology. His definition put humans in a reactive role, and essentially had science and technology changing on their own. But we can also be proactive, actively making the future what we want — or what we dread. A first-rate anthology of provocative and disturbing stories gathered by the always reliable John Joseph Adams.” — Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo Award-winning author of HOMINIDS

African American Opinion Blog has moved

2008-06-29T07:54:00.002-04:00

Come visit and
Make a New Accountat our new blog site:

African American Opinion.com

Effective July 1, 2008

10 Reasons why we need stronger gun laws

2008-06-26T19:55:00.001-04:00

Here's a video I made after the Supreme Court struck down a Washington DC ban on handguns.

George Cook www.letstalkhonestly.com

My New House pt 2 - the developing interior

2008-06-26T19:38:00.002-04:00

Excerpt from Black Entertainment USA

As I mentioned a day or two ago (I've kind of lost track) I purchased a new home. Since I have shared my experiences on getting approved for the mortgage, as well as my thoughts on most every other subject, I thought you might want to know more about the house (or at least see inside).

The house is 2005 sq ft (which I plan to expand to 3500 sq ft due to the attic and basement). It's a 1910 brick house in relatively excellent condition. The house is filled with American Cherry wood, which I am told you cannot find anymore....

Full Post Found Here>

Thamia Kelley is missing

2008-06-25T19:46:00.001-04:00

9 year old Thamia Kelley of Fruitridge California has been missing since June 14. See this beautiful child's picture and learn more about her case by clicking the link below. Let's all pray that she is found alive and in good condition.

http://www.letstalkhonestly.com/missingblackwomen.html

Through the Grind, Hitting Their Stride

2008-06-24T08:01:00.001-04:00

Lauryn Williams

The Olympic Trials are June 27th through July 6th. Bust out the popcorn. The best from between the sky scrapers of New York, from the open plains of Alabama, to the rolling asphalt of Massachusetts. They take with them the hopes of their cities, towns and homes and converge on Eugene, Oregon. From there it's a journey to represent the Red, White and Blue in beautiful Beijing, China.

LaShawn Merrit

Check out updates on some of these sites :

Track and Field News

USA Track and Field Site

Running USA

Trackshark

Runners Space

Allyson Felix

Bernard Lagat

This is a pretty cool site. Check it out Flocast.org. It's like Youtube for track and field.

Wallace Spearmon

Man of Steel

2008-06-23T18:35:00.002-04:00

The steel industry has been reaching for ways to move ahead, but is looking for a boost. All that McCain has come up with is, "let's push free trade", which is a bunch of hot air. How about giving the steel industry some real solutions. The Employee Free Choice Act for instance. More info on the Employee Free Choice Act here. Barack has been supporting the passage of this act for a while. It would give steel worker employees a chance to improve their unions and, accordingly, their jobs. The U.S. steel industry has been feeling the brunt of globalization and trade acts, which hasn't really been addressed. There are several things that could help. Research for new types of steel would be one. Lower costs fuels to run the factories would be good, too. Probably one of the priority aspects would be to improve manufacturing techniques. Barack has another approach, re-negotiating free trade acts to get better results for our manufacturers. Alot has changed since the first NAFTA agreement was passed, and it's time some of its policies were revised. While at an event for steel workers, he said :

And to those who think that the decline in American manufacturing is inevitable; or that manufacturing has no place in a 21st century economy; we say right here and right now that the fight for manufacturing’s future is the fight for America’s future. And that’s why we’ll modernize our steel industry, strengthen our entire domestic manufacturing base, and open as many markets as we can to American manufactured goods when I’m President.

Here are some links about the steel industry :

United Steelworkers Endorse Obama

Obama Calls for Passage of Employee Free Choice Act

Obama Talks to Indiana Steel workers

Michael Dyson responds to Obama's Father Day speech

2008-06-23T18:01:00.000-04:00

You knew it wouldn't take too long.....lol. Click the link below to check out Michael Dyson's response to Barack Obama's Father's day speech.

http://www.letstalkhonestly.com/blacknewsblackviews.html

Comedian George Carlin has died in Los Angeles at 71

2008-06-23T07:37:00.003-04:00

Comedian George Carlin has died in Los Angeles at 71. As reported in the Washington Post Carlin was selected last week by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to receive this year's Mark Twain Prize, a lifetime achievement award presented to an outstanding comedian.

Over a career of half a century, Carlin placed himself in the forefront of comic commentators on the American scene. He was particularly known for an album that referred to what he described as the seven words that could not be used on television. More HERE

In memory of George Carlin we leave you with these 7 words:

Happy Juneteenth Weekend!

2008-06-22T22:20:00.001-04:00

Hope all had a good Juneteenth weekend!

Click on this link to see an animated Juneteenth Poem Juneteenth Picture Poem

Barack Obama was right about black fathers

2008-06-22T11:28:00.000-04:00

I'm sure by now that you have all heard Barack Obama's speech on Father's Day weekend about black father's stepping up to the plate and being more involved in their children's lives.

But what you really have not heard are attacks against Barack Obama's comments from many of those who attacked Bill Cosby. Now there are a few who voiced their negative opinions some blogs going as far as to say he betrayed have his race ( http://www.blackagendareport.com ) But many have not said much. You know why?

Because Barack Obama is right.

Now some may say he is just pandering to white conservatives in order to get their votes but so what if he is. His message is not any less true.

We need our black men involved in our children's lives so that black boys know how to be a good man and black girls have an idea of what a god man is.

There is no disputing the reports that children who have fathers involved in their education do better as a group. There is no disputing that these same children are less likely to end up in prison. There is no disputing that these children are less likely to grow up in poverty.

Black men we owe it to our children to make sure that they do better than we did. The true measure of a man is not how tough you are, what kind of car you have, how much money you have. It's not any of that. It's how you take care of "Yours". The true measure of a man is how you ensure your children's future.

That being said, let's not forget that the MAJORITY of black fathers do the right thing. Yeah, I know about the 70% number of black children born to single mothers but that does not equate to 70% of black men not being involved in their children's lives. That only means that they don't live with the mother.

One last point. It's just not black men that need to step up. If you have ever been to a PTA meeting or Parent/Teacher Night forget color just count the number of men that are there. I'm sure women will outnumber them at least 3 to 1 if not more. So while this is an issue that has the spotlight shining on black fathers it is not unique to them.

To all the good black fathers out there keep doing what you are doing and set the example. Although you are rarely acknowledged even by our own I just want to let you know that you are appreciated.

George Cookwww.letstalkhonestly.com

Silenced by Nicole Givens Kurtz

2008-06-20T15:39:00.001-04:00

SILENCED
by Nicole Givens Kurtz

SCIENCE FICTION
Publisher: Parker
Published: July 2008

Here's the blurb:

In the year 2146, the United States has completely collapsed, leaving the country in ruins. In this turmoil, Cybil Lewis and her inspector-in-training, Jane, fill a need. When begged by Jane to look into the disappearance of Jane's cousin, Cybil is catapulted into a world far removed from anything she has experienced so far-a world of lies and deceit. As they investigate, they move far into the reaches of the divided states and deep into the upper crest of political turmoil. Reluctantly caught up in a world of betrayal and corruption, Cybil and Jane unearth long buried secrets and survive attempts on their lives. As they move closer to the truth, they discover that the people, who are entrusted with the safety of the territories, will do anything to keep their secrets, including murder. Especially murder. Cybil and Jane will do what they must to get to the truth. They will never be SILENCED!

Here's her website

A review is over at romance in color

Religious idiom and the african american novel, 1952-1998

2008-06-20T08:37:00.001-04:00

Religious idiom and the african american novel, 1952-1998
Tuire Valkeakari.
Gainesville: University of Florida Press,
Published 2007
ix + 261 pp.
Preface, prologue, notes, bibliography, index.
$59.95 (cloth)
ISBN 978-0-8130-3055-5.

Here's the blurb from the University of Florida website:

"In this groundbreaking and valuable work, Valkeakari creatively accounts for how African American authors use Christianity in their writing as they recycle or in some cases subversively secularize or supplant biblical precedents. [This book will be] of interest to anyone interested in the dialogue between religion and literature and how African American literature forms a cohesive and at times rebellious tradition."--Jonathan Little, Alverno College

"An extremely valuable (post) modern contribution to the field and one that opens new ways of looking at the ongoing and often ignored and underplayed dialogue between religion and literature."--Carol Henderson Belton, University of Delaware

In this study of novels by Ralph Ellison, Toni Morrison, Leon Forrest, Ernest Gaines, Randall Kenan, John Edgar Wideman, Gayl Jones, and Octavia E. Butler, Tuire Valkeakari examines the creative re-visioning and reshaping of Judeo-Christian idiom and imagery by African American novelists--specifically their use of "sacred" language for secular meaning. She shows that in writing about the complexities of American selfhood and nationhood, these authors neither abandon religious idiom nor evangelize. Rather, they delight in reshaping their chosen raw material for their own purposes, which often have little to do with the material's original context or function. Their use of biblically derived idiom is marked by innovative secular subversion and by stories of spiritual quest that defy conventional dogmatic definitions. These authors evoke religious rhetoric to study and revisit Martin Luther King Jr.'s concept of the "beloved community" and to express their yearning for an inclusive love ethic that could transcend any boundaries drawn in the name of race, class, gender, or religion.

Beginning with the functions of Christian idiom in African American letters from the 1770s to the 1920s Harlem Renaissance and its aftermath, followed by an analysis of post-1950 novels, Valkeakari shows how, generation after generation, African American writers have evoked Christian rhetoric to advocate civil rights and democracy. Their treatment of this legacy reached a new level of creativity in the latter half of the 20th century, becoming a more pervasive characteristic of the African American novel than ever before.

Tuire Valkeakari is assistant professor in the Department of English at Providence College, Rhode Island.

Here's a bit of a review from H-NET BOOK REVIEW
Published by H-Amstdy@h-net.msu.edu (May, 2008)

Reviewed for H-Amstdy by Carolyn M. Jones, Department of Religion, University
of Georgia

>>=============================
Re-Shaping the Sacred Through Literature

Tuire Valkeakari's excellent study considers a wide range of literature produced between 1952 and 1998 to examine the ways that African American writers have explored and shaped the Christianity that African slaves received when they came to America. Valkeakari's study includes Ralph Ellison's _Invisible Man_ (1952), Toni Morrison's _Beloved_ (1987) and _The Bluest Eye_ (1970), and works by Leon Forrest, Gayle Jones, Ernest Gaines, and Octavia Butler. She traces the "roots" of these writers' concerns to African American letters, invoking the works of Paul Laurence Dunbar, Frances Ellen Harper, James Weldon Johnson, Margaret Walker, Nella Larson, and others. Valkeakari examines the "creative re-visioning" and "re-shaping" of the Judeo-Christian inheritance that African Americans undertook in their expressive culture under oppression to resist and undo that oppression (p. 1). Her examination leads to her final questions about home and belonging.

Valkeakari argues that this re-shaping has been multiple, without any one particular trajectory; instead, African American writers are "signifyin(g) on the sacred" (pp. 4-5). The two-ness that African Americans experienced was not that of a secular-sacred split; instead, it was the "double consciousness" and how that worked within and against an African sense of the sacred and profane or secular as not two, but
whole. Valkeakari argues that, given this orientation, the writers utilize Judeo-Christian notions to affirm civil and human rights and democracy and to think critically about messianic discourse, violence, and scape-goating, and to construct and deconstruct the Black Christ figure. She also looks at the figure of the minister in African American fiction. Finally, Valkeakari's work emphasizes the importance of Ellison's _Invisible Man_ for the writers who came after him. Indeed, Ellison becomes, in the work, a kind of pivot or fold between the writers who came before and those who came after him, as he, in many ways, sets out an agenda for thought.

Valkeakari does not want to argue whether African American writers, in thinking about religion, have stayed within denominational boundaries; neither does she want to do "myth criticism" (p. 12). Her task is to examine cultural mixings and the development of hybrid forms to understand a unique and varied African American production.

I was particularly impressed with the work on female ministry.....Rest of article here:H-NET BOOK REVIEW

Copyright 〓 2008 by H-Net, all rights reserved. H-Net permits the redistribution and reprinting of this work for nonprofit, educational purposes, with full and accurate attribution to the author, web location, date of publication, originating list, and H-Net: Humanities & Social Sciences Online. For any other proposed use, contact the Reviews editorial staff at hbooks@mail.h-net.msu.edu.

The Politics of Gay Black Men

2008-06-20T06:41:00.001-04:00

AAPP: Talking about issues related to Gay black men may not be an interesting topic for many black political bloggers, but it is for this African American Political Pundit (and let me be very clear "I'm Not Gay)." Yes, I placed it in bold folks. There are many issues in gay communities that are not talked about by the main stream media or for that matter the black blogging community. As an example the issue of blacks gays getting married and if Gay Marriage is Anti Black is not a topic of conversation with many black bloggers, not was the incident Or how about the Busted Florida Republican state rep's "black gay panic" defense on soliciting charge.

More HERE

Slow Lane McCain

2008-06-19T11:21:00.002-04:00

Some snippets from around the world...

Germany
McCain Calls Vladimir Putin ‘President’ of Germany

New Zealand
Supporter's bad joke backfires on McCain (Clayton Williams, McCain's buddy)

U.K.
Republican meltdown

France
Ad bashes McCain as hero of France

Turkey
US presidential candidate McCain trails in 2008 fundraising

Australia
John McCain advisers going down like flies over lobbying ties

Korea
Are the Republicans Crazy?

Japan
McCain's stubbornness raises questions

Poland
"WTF, McCain? Deliver bottled hot water to dehydrated babies?"

India
Shining India backs Obama over McCain

WWII Tank Battalion at the Forefront

2008-06-19T09:51:00.009-04:00

Here's some info covering one of the most valiant battalions in American history. They entered World War II in 1944, pushing their tanks to the frontlines and clearing the way for foot soldiers. The battalion was nominated six times between 1945 and 1976 for their efforts, but the unit's award was not presented until 1978. The 761st, comprised of black soldiers, was also known for their contributions before the Battle of the Bulge. Despite the lack of supplies and sometimes re-enforcements, they were able to prevail and crush German forces. They took part in many allied campaigns and destroyed every Panzer in sight. Here's an excerpt from one of the sites online :

The German breakthrough in the Ardennes Forest precipitated the famous action known the world over as the Battle of the Bulge. The 761st was tasked with taking the German strong hold in the town of Tillet. Every other American unit assigned to take the town had been beaten back. Tanks, artillery, and infantry inside the Ardennes Forest had assaulted Tillet and all had failed to take it. After a week of steady fighting against entrenched SS troops, the 761st took Tillet and drove the Germans out in full retreat. These are but a few of their remarkable accomplishments.

And a description from the military award they received :

The 761st Tank Battalion distinguished itself by extraordinary gallantry, courage, professionalism and high esprit de corps displayed in the accomplishment of unusually difficult and hazardous operations in the European Theater of Operations from 31 October 1944 to 6 May 1945. During 183 days in combat, elements of the 761st - the first United States Army tank battalion committed to battle comprised of black soldiers - were responsible for inflicting thousands of enemy casualties and for capturing, destroying, or aiding in the liberation of more than 30 major towns, 4 airfields, 3 ammunition supply dumps, 461 wheeled vehicles, 34 tanks, 113 large guns, 1 radio station, and numerous individual and crew-served weapons. This was accomplished while enduring an overall casualty rate approaching 50 percent, the loss of 71 tanks, and in spite of extremely adverse weather conditions, very difficult terrain not suited to armor operations, heavily fortified enemy positions and units, and extreme shortages of replacement personnel and equipment.

Some more links and info over here : 761st Division in World War II

Winners of my 3rd & 4th grade poetry contest

2008-06-18T11:27:00.002-04:00

LTH POETRY CONTEST 06/18/08
Here are the winners of my first LTH Poetry Contest held in Hillside NJ. All poems were Haikus submitted by 3rd and 4th graders of a local school.

You can see the winners as well as read their winning poems below.

Kristen, John Blanc, Caitlyn Laryea, Lauryn Campbell_Harris

3rd Grade Winners

Caitlyn Laryea

My land has freedom

U.S. is my home country

I love where I live
_______________
Lauryn Campbell-Harris

Bees fly by the trees

Buzzing past the pretty f

lower Catching the cool breee
_______________
4th Grade Winners

John Blanc

Father
Smart, handsome

leading, teaching, eating

never gives up on me

awesome
_______________
Kristen

Superstar popular,

entertaining singing, supersizing, fantasizing

strut it girl famous

Eco-Healthy Homes

2008-06-18T10:41:00.006-04:00

Great article in Black Enterprise on people leading in the design industry. Robin Wilson works on bringing efficiency expertise to clients through product management. Here's an excerpt from her site :

Robin Wilson is the voice behind RobinWilsonHome, founded in 2000 and based in New York. She has earned the moniker "The Efficiency Expert," assisting clients in home redesigns, project management and architecture/contractor selection.

Robin and her team ensures that clients can look past the day-to-day issues in their renovation projects, although they are involved in the process at every step. This allows their vision to be realized with a clear plan, clear estimates, and management of interruption to their business or home life.

Working with clients prior to the start of their project to develop the Scope of Work, assisting with the selection of contractors, coordinating the expediting projcess for the building department are some of the key areas of expertise.

Take a look at her site : Robin Wilson Home

Article on her site on eco-health : Eco-Healthy Homes

Rush Limbaugh hates Blacks: volume 100

2008-06-18T04:35:00.005-04:00

Yeah I know, big surprise. But he once again crossed the line, parroting all kind of nonsense about Katrina victims in New Orleans.

Hat Tip: Crooks and Liars. With audio.

I want to know. I look at Iowa, I look at Illinois—I want to see the murders. I want to see the looting. I want to see all the stuff that happened in New Orleans. I see devastation in Iowa and Illinois that dwarfs what happened in New Orleans. I see people working together. I see people trying to save their property…I don’t see a bunch of people running around waving guns at helicopters, I don’t see a bunch of people running shooting cops. I don’t see a bunch of people raping people on the street. I don’t see a bunch of people doing everything they can…whining and moaning—where’s FEMA, where’s BUSH. I see the heartland of America. When I look at Iowa and when I look at Illinois, I see the backbone of America.

So many lies, so little time...
I'm not going to waste time debunking this scumbag's numerous Katrina smears, since there are plenty of websites like this one, this one, and this one too, that have already done that job. So, I'm going to focus on reasons why he's saying this blatantly racist slime.

Reason #1: To conflate his base of listeners who are already biased against minorities to vote against Sen. Obama in the fall. His "Operation Chaos" nonsense failed miserably (except maybe in IN), so he needs to prove himself relevant in the eyes of his GOP overlords. What better way to do that than to keep his bigot brigade riled up over the summer, ready to deploy into the voting booth to vote the entire GOP ticket? Look at all these code words "heartland", "whining and moaning", "backbone of America". You know damn well what these code words are implying.

Reason #2: He's a moron. Point blank, a moron. Ceder Rapids and Iowa are not New Orleans or the Gulf Coast circa 2005. FEMA knows better, or at least they're trying to act like they do. The Midwest floods aren't being caused by a Cat 3 hurricane. However, one thing the Rushes of the world tend to neglect is Bush's own negligence. Just like in New Orleans, Iowa's farming areas and eastern cities are protected from flooding by levees. And here, just like in 2005, the levees weren't maintained properly and are failing. Literally, failing. And why would they be failing, you ask? Where's the money going, you wonder. If you thought "Iraq" you're the winna! Ding ding ding!

Reason #3: He sure as hell can't point the finger at those who might be more responsible for the disaster; the titans of industry that so many of his ilk pander to. Big Oil, Big Auto, Big Ag, the major sources of carbon dioxide and methane which are responsible for Global Warming/Climate Change. Are these floods the result of climate change? Possibly. Will we see more such floods in the future? And what can we do to prevent or mitigate the next great disaster? See, you won't find answers to these questions amongst the Reich-wingers like Rush. It's too hard, too costly. And long as they're safe in their fortress of greed, surrounded by like minded fools, parrots, and Blackwater mercenaries, then why should they care about the poor farmers or poor residents of New Orleans?
And where's Sen. Obama? Filling sandbags. McCain? Picking up checks. Bush? Just now showing up.

Top-Notch Throwdown

2008-06-17T23:14:00.017-04:00

Are these Finals a look ahead at the next Olympic basketball champions? As they drive to the hole and blast through defenses, we're catching a preview of the cast for USA basketball in Beijing. Gasol's been hittin the boards pretty good against Boston's Hulk green D! Garnett's dishing it pretty good though, and crashing through LA's frontline is of course, Pierce. It's been a great series. Look forward to seeing some of these same atmosphere bending, swift-vert, high-octane moves bring home the gold!

Here's a bit from a member of one of the first great Olympic teams :

...starting with the decision three years ago to open the Olympics to NBA players. Then he ticked off some more: “how badly we wanted to get back the gold. A number of top players in their prime, and a couple of others at the end of their careers. And everybody willing to throw egos, individual statistics, and all that other stuff out the window to prepare to be the best team ever.”

"The one thing I will remember most about this team is the professionalism of the athletes. That’s what got us past all the distractions, all the controversies. They wanted to play as a team, put individual statistics aside, and work toward a common goal. A lot of bonding took place among these 12 athletes during the weeks we were together, and it was great to see and be part of."

Chris Mullin

Some articles for ya, links to team info :
US, Argentina Qualify For 2008 Summer Games in Beijing!

17 players expected for USA hoops minicamp

Kobe will be part of U.S. team at worlds, Olympics

Melo's plans to include Beijing

LeBron to play in 2008 Olympics

Politics, Racism, Color Arousal, Women, Black Men, Assassination, American Bigotry

2008-06-17T09:20:00.002-04:00

Question: Did Hillary Clinton create this problem when she opened up the conversation about assassinations?

Check out this nut jobs website.

the assassination of barack obama.com

Thoughts anyone?

The bigots are coming out big time. check out this so-called art exhibit that was raided and shut down before it could be viewed in NYC yesterday.

As reported by blogger Sanda Rose and according to the NY Times blog: Cityroom, Boston-born performance artist, Yazmany Arboleda, tried to set up a provocative art exhibition in a vacant storefront on West 40th Street in Midtown Manhattan with the title, “The Assassination of Hillary Clinton/The Assassination of Barack Obama”. More HERE

There is More HERE

Some vids for Black Music Month

2008-06-17T00:00:00.002-04:00

Tribute to Bo Diddley, Road Runner

and

Sonnyboy (Shel Riser) Live in Amsterdam

"Onward and Upward!"

Pick up the Slack

2008-06-16T17:58:00.005-04:00

In 2002 McCain voted against an initiative that would have improved textile workers' factories. Considering the U.S. probably has one of the highest demands for clothing of all sorts, it would be great if our own workers could benefit from the market. Here's a link on McCain and his lack of support for textile and apparel employees in 2002. Our textile industry should be growing, not being tripped up by short-sighted industry policies. So a bunch of people want to delve into the textile industry and McCain can't see a reason to fund it. Gives a new meaning to "take the shirt off your back". So what's with McCain's approach? McCain is a doofus. The textile industry's time has come to play 1st string, not 2nd fiddle. Obama could take this on. Let's get someone who sees the need to fund the future of our textile industries. Shirts, sweaters, earmuffs, plaid (not so much), tents, parachutes, corduroy boots, socks, the whole nine!! Barack the vote! What else does the industry make, lessee.. In the meantime, take a look at this link on the textile industry.

Where do racist find work? A Satire.

2008-06-16T17:02:00.001-04:00

George Cook of www.letstalkhonestly.com answers the question of "Where do racist find work?" in this video satire.