Mary Mitchell

It incenses me to no end to see the lack of critical thinking taking place. This situation is indicative of several others. No, African Americans are not by any means a monolith. Support who you wish in this election, but why resort to the very politics that you fought against decades ago (Rep. Rangel)in an effort to please "Ol'Massa and da'Mistress"(Bill and Hilary Clinton). Someone please tell Rangel and our dear brother Andrew Young that the Civil War ended slavery and they are free to leave the plantation. I suppose they want to stay remain sharecroppers in the unharverstable fields of self-righteousness and live in shacks built with the timber of delusions of grandeur.

I was, however, glad to see Rep. Lewis remember why he bled on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in 1965, but I fear that Julian Bond and several others have forgotten those lessons, and like professional athletes purging themselves at Congressional Hearings, they too tarnished their legacies.

With regard to Tavis Smiley's grand display of intellectual masturbation called "The State of the Black Union" it is time to stop talking and start formulating sustainable solutions to the systemic problems we still face as a race and nation in particular. Smiley, along with Drs. Cornel West and Eddie Glaude compiled a book called The Covenant and so Smiley's efforts should be focused there. Hold not only presidential candidates accountable but also governors, mayors, city/ward councilmen/women, etc. Help to foment the localized change that is the foundation of any movement.

I grow so tired of the same talking heads every year on C-SPAN along with their representative "mini-me's" who pontificate and postulate "tales told by an idiot...full of sound an fury signifying nothing." Despite my Shakespearean reference I do hope my point is understood. We do not need "Amen corners" that serve as opiates of the masses the way that some of us attend church to get our weekly dosage of the "the word" and never ponder how to make the gospel relevant beyond self. You feel good and go home...warmed by a "hot" song and a "good sermon" never thinking of the true revolutionary foundation of our spirituality. Smiley's "forums" are no different.

Brother Tavis needs to understand that it is NOT about him and that it is about the people, the American people. His pettiness is embarrassing and his grand standing is at the very least dishonorable at such a critical juncture in Obama's campaign. This so-called controversy is just another way that Willie Lynch's tactics for oppression are still helping to steal away our righteous minds. May God help us all.

Here's the thing, I personally have to agree with Tavis here. Here is why. This election, as historic as it is has to have balance. We cannot, must not, should not behave as lemmings going to the cliff. It is almost as if Barack is drinking is own kool aid, and feeling as though he does not have to DIRECTLY address the issues that confront African Americans. The Symposium is an opportunity for him to DRIRECTLY address these issues. Barack is running for president, not Michelle. While she can answer some questions, and defer to a website, or even news reports unfortunately it will not be president Michelle Obama, it will be Barack. If he cannot spare a few minutes of his time, to DIRECTLY address issues that are important to the people from which he comes, how can we be assured that he will address the issue after we give him our votes. Are we the ones being dissed here or is it him. What is more important his discomfort or ours?
I have to applaud Tavis for attempting to hold Barack accountable before he takes office, because voting blindly is what we all did with Bush, and we all know what that has cost us so far.

I am so proud of Mr. & Mrs. Obama for their grace and respect for us as a country and holding up their integrity. Continue to turn the other cheek. The real people are in your corner. I wish them the very best.

Dear Mary Mitchell,

Again, you have shown that your bias has no bounds. During the debates, Senator Obama ask on several occasions if he was talking to Senator Clinton or 'her husband.' So, why is it a double standard in your column to focus on why Mr.Smiley has refused the spouse of Barack Obama, participation in the State of the Black Union?

It is clear that Barack Obama has a busy schedule on his pursuit of presidential aspirations. It surprises me that he would send his wife instead of coming in person. I thought this election was between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Mr. Obama preaches that this country is hungry for change, nevertheless the old proverb states that you must teach a man how to fish. So, he can feed him self. Also, does Mr. Obama believe that he can maintain the support of the Black vote without showing face, or taking the time to meet with his black constituents. I am appalled by your column and your continued campaign to disrespect fellow African leaders. Your whole agenda is if you don't follow Obama, then you aren't really black enough. How do you define being black? You should stop using your race as a defense to promote a sort of jounralistic tone that does not represent our diverse culture.

I am so dissappointed in Tavis Smiley...I have admired his passion for out people for seveal years now...but when unity is most critical, he as opted to become self centered and blind to the devices of the enemy in whom he has claimed to belive in. I am referring to the album I purchased "The Covenent". This dynamic project proclaimin the saving grace of Jesus, seems to have been lost in this political tug of war.

Tavis...get over it for the bigger picture...my father was the first black city council person elected to our local government here in Wisconsin. I did not hav a dad for many years because his passion was for his people...however, my watching his passion instilled a passion in me that I would not understand until my adult years...I use to chastise my dad about his choices to support certian endeavors and the main thing that I remember my dad teaching me was that "Our people our like crabs in a bucket". I know that this is a clique for some, but this is something I have personally lived. Tavis...get over it and focus on the better good...focus on the big picture...I don't give a hoot about your show our your prestige...I care about my struggle at the gas pump. I care about my 11 year old grandson failing in school...don't make me lose all respect for you!

obama does not want to be associated with any black institution or gathering. That is the reason why michelle obama has been dispatched to black churches, etc... He states he wants to represent all Americans but he can't be seen at any event that is prdominately black. That is unacceptable to this African American.

To Harriet Knight-Everette - Beloit, WI
February 15, 2008 08:48 PM Harriet Knight-Everette OF Beloit, WI said:

"obama does not want to be associated with any black institution or gathering. That is the reason why michelle obama has been dispatched to black churches, etc... He states he wants to represent all Americans but he can't be seen at any event that is prdominately black. That is unacceptable to this African American. "

I agree but I understand why... White America would NEVER SUPPORT an Africam American who acts like he actually is Africam American. Think Colin Powell and Condolessa Rice.

I think that Tavis is taking this too far and personally I dont like his show. I take my lead from the Bible in Romans 8:28 which reads: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,[j] who[k] have been called according to his purpose. I believe that Barack Obama was sent by the Father for the good of all. We as Black Americans needs much, but white america needs even more....they are ignorant to our needs (whether by choice or whatever) and this will help to enlighten them on many issues both here and abroad. Tavis' show and/or approval is NOT the 10 commandments of Black America! Get over it Tavis!

I really sympathise with Tavis in the dillema that he found himself in the wake of Senator Obama not being able to physically show up at this Black event.One thing is sure here, Senator Obama might have prior engagement vital to his election as he stated or he was just being careful not to get involved in another controversy that will derail his campaign agenda.Who can blame him ,is it not said that" discretion is the better part of valor."
Tavis should have viewed the situation from this perspective and would have looked more compassionate and could have avoided the negative reactions that followed his rejection of Mrs Obama as a substitute for his husband.Could he have preferred an out right rejection of his invitation by the Senator?
However Tavis, is a GENTLEMAN WHO LOVES HIS BLACK PEOPLE AND WE LOVE HIM TOO AS ONE OF OUR OWN.In this case there was an oversight for which he should be pardoned as it was not intentional .TAVIS WE LOVE YOU DON'T YOU FORGET THAT

GET over it Tavis ..good lord ... you are a better man than that,
this man is running for president of the USA..their will be another opportunity TAVIS..

. GIVE IT A REST TAVIS

GET over it Tavis ..good lord ... you are a better man than that,
this man is running for president of the USA..their will be another opportunity TAVIS..

. GIVE IT A REST TAVIS

My sentiments exactly Justin ... get over yourself Tavis. It's not about you and the forum you orchestrated. It's about a BLACK Candidate and what's politically necessary to win. There was already too much controversy surrounding what Rev. Wright said. Obama didn't need to show up for this forum. Respect the position taken and don't be part of the problem, but part of the solution to move Obama's candacy forward on a positive note! If you don't have anything positive to say, don't say anything. This is the 1st time in history that a person of color has come this far on the political front ... this is history don't try to tear it down and cast negativity in the arena. United we must stand!

Ebonei in Atlanta