I Love Ya Ms. Keys but You May Want to Curtail Your Time at The Barbershop! Alicia Keys & the Great Gangsta Conspiracy!

I don't want to spend too much time on this but I would like to say my piece on this latest bit of celebrity drivel. First, what is the deal with the media's obsession with people of color who self-identify themselves as Black (Keys, Obama, Halle) and whose parentage is biracial? America's societal structure has been pretty clear as to how much African blood is deemed tolerable....none. So when Keys made some rather off the wall comments centered on conspiratorial thinking, I noticed several newspapers that often preface her lineage first. I find this interesting if you juxtapose Obama's Rev. Wright troubles under the same premise. I suspect that many Whites find it odd that Obama or Keyes would align themselves with dubious Black cultural idioms or beliefs. Newsflash! Like other Black folks they have no choice but to live Black lives. Regardless of the circumstances of one's parentage, a phenotypical Black person is still subject to the trials and tribulations of life as a minority. As a conservative, I do believe that one must overcome these circumstances but racial realities are just that.....reality. Now regarding Alicia's comments-they amount to what one may often hear in a Black barbershop. Take it from one who knows, being the son of a barber. Let's take a closer look at the comments in question, courtesy of the Dallas News:

In a potentially controversial chat with Blender mag, Alicia Keys, 27, says, “Gangsta rap was a ploy to convince black people to kill each other. Gangsta rap didn’t exist.”

Ms. Keys, sporting a gold AK-47 pendant around her neck, says she has been reading books by some of the members of the Black Panthers.

She says the feud between East Coast and West Coast rappers, which led to the murders of Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G., was fueled “by the government and the media, to stop another great black leader from existing.”

The singer is not available for comment, her rep says.

This is what happens when pop culture exalts entertainers (such as Tupac or Biggie in this case) to the likes of Dr. King or Malcolm X. I have even witnessed inner city businesses that have had pictures of MLK side by side with portraits of the aforementioned rap heroes. And trust me, if you ever bear witness to such photos, it also explains just how far Black consciousness has fallen. What do you guys think? Let's hear your thoughts and I may pick this topic up again during this Thursday's Afronerd Radio broadcast.

It's Showtime! Check Out Comic Shoppe Radio-Monday at 7pm eastern!

pearl jam - do the evolution
Uploaded by steveo_russianspy

Time to talk graphic novels, movies and sci-fi! Yep, stop by the Comic Shoppe this Monday at 7pm to get your fill of all things pulp with the usual cast of characters-Dburt, Max and Daryll. We have yet another full range of topics and ideas: our impressions for next week's NY-comic con, last week's graphic novel (including independent books) reads, discussion on one of my favorite adult swim shows, The Venture Brothers (check below as an example) and a sneak peak at The Spirit movie and there's always more! Feel free to join in our lively discussion at-646-200-0104 or via email/IM-thecomicshoppe@yahoo.com! Oh and Afronerd Radio returns this Thursday at 9pm. Excelsior!


Online Videos by Veoh.com

I Never Forgot this bit......A reminder of Chris Rock's Comedic Genius

I remember this Chris Rock skit from a few years back and I always thought that it was a dead on assessment of what occurs when things can go awry for notables of color-and the fallout that is generated among the remaining Black populace. Perhaps this is why on occasion, one should disavow notions of tribalism. As much as I detest tit for tat arguments, Whites are allowed to be tribal under the guise of what has been deemed as mainstream, but Black folk as brothers and sisters do not have such an option. Senator Obama can't choose another man of color as a running mate because.....well, it would be too much color. Conversely, McCain has that option. Even Senator Clinton couldn't choose another woman for her running mate for similar reasons. Anyway, enough with my political and social protestations.....enjoy the clip and I look forward to your observations.

WTF! It's 2008! Does Every Man of Color have to be Compared to the Next? Obama & Tiger Comparisons at McCain Rally!

One could easily chalk up this latest controversy (which appears to be happening in every 24 hour news cycle) as typical of an alleged conservative conspiracy except that the Dems have upped the ante for racially divisive antics in this historical election year. Regardless of this blog’s conservative bent, I will not excuse any behavior that appears to be crass or racist and this next story should not be taken lightly. In a nutshell, during a rally for Senator McCain the person who introduced him to the crowd made a passing reference to golfer Tiger Woods (in place of Senator Obama) in a clear connection to race. The comment was clearly positioned as a negative-here goes yet another person of color encroaching in a traditionally White arena and excelling. These situations must be nullified by shaming the perpetrators as being primitive; making it known that such behavior will not be tolerated. The drawback of tribalism, which so many racial and ethnic groups are trapped in due to their own volition and outsider racism, negates any notions of individuality (Black overachievers are interchangeable) impeding true political discourse. Here's more on this issue, courtesy of The Hotline:

April 08, 2008
What's With The Tiger Woods Comparisons?
Army Staff Sergeant David Bellavia introduced John McCain at Vets for Freedom Rally today with this unfortunate line, linking Barack Obama with golfer Tiger Woods. But not in a good way:

"Fortunately, I have the privilege, the distinct privilege today, of introducing a true American hero who defies political norms in Washington," Bellavia said. "Sen. John McCain has spent a lifetime in service to our nation. His example of unwavering courage is a model for every American. Rest assured that men like Senator McCain will be the goal and the men that my two young boys will emulate and admire. You can have your Tiger Woods, we've got Senator McCain."



Bellavia is certainly not the first GOPer to connect the two men. In a piece about the Rev. Jeremiah Wright controversy, Politico reported last month that Republican media consultant Alex Castellanos, creator of Jesse Helms' notorious "Hands" ad, said Obama is no Woods. In other words, with the revelations about Wright's most fiery of sermons, Obama looked less conciliatory, less jovial, less like a bridge builder.

“All the sudden you’ve got two dots, and two dots make a line,” said Castellanos. “You start getting some sense of who he is, and it’s not the Obama you thought. He’s not the Tiger Woods of politics.”

Unfortunately for the Obama team, who might've been able to make some hay of McCain's intro, Teamsters prez James Hoffa mentioned Woods today on a call with reporters. When asked if PA voters -- translation PA's white working class voters -- were concerned about Obama's race, he said: "With regard to his race, he's African American. I know he's of mixed race, but, you know, he's like a Tiger Woods. He's just a great person that's really excited a lot of people. We're not detecting a lot of discussion about his religion or his race here."

Certainly the Hoffa mention was positive, while Bellavia's was, uh, not. Indeed Obama's camp -- if they want to risk highlighting the race issue anew -- could ask for McCain to denounce the staff sergeant's remarks.

Sometimes You Have to leave the street stuff.......Well....in the street-Ruminating on the Bell Case

For the sake of brevity, I will try not to rehash my feelings about the tragic Sean Bell case as I addressed my general feelings about this incident a few weeks after the initial occurrence. And not surprisingly, I remain steadfast in my position regarding the conduct of both parties' as the prosecution recently rested their case in this situation. But I did want to comment on something that really bothers me about this case that tangentially relates to other aspects of a Black male’s existence-appearance. Take a look at the above photo of one of the defendants in the Bell matter, Officer Gescard Isnora and then take a look at one of the alleged victims, Mr. Trent Benefield (below). I’m not one for conspiratorial thinking but is there a problem with legal advisors telling their clients the importance (and the “game” of) looking as professional as possible to convey credibility? The accused, simply put, could pass for a wall-streeter whereas the victim looks like he is ready for the club.

And even delving into the issue further, the victim also has a 50 million dollar civil suit pending and again I ask where are the non-PC advisers that will tell him it may be wise to discard the street attire in order to bolster his case? Although I’m more familiar with civil litigation due to my employment, it is safe to say that appearance is crucial during the discovery process (and beyond) when dealing with our nation’s legal system. I have reviewed countless deposition reports and one's look and demeanor are always analyzed unbeknownst to the plaintiff (or defendant). Even one's intelligence (or lack thereof) is noted-trust me, this is not conjecture. The symbolic scales of justice not only signify or measure the strengths of a case’s support and opposition but also weigh credibility. And one should look credible. As I have stated many times in this blog, being polite or politically correct is literally killing people of color. Perhaps I’m making too much of this phenomenon. What do our readers think? Does appearance matter?

Expect a Full Plate at the Comic Shoppe-Dinner (ahem..the broadcast) starts at 7pm eastern-Mon.

Entire Shows

Dark Victory-Part 1


Dark Victory-Part 2

Stay tuned for a fully packed Comic Shoppe radio broadcast tomorrow as we go over quite a few topics in the world of comicdom. First up, check out Warner Brothers' Legion of Superheroes animated two part show entitled, Dark Victory. I was not a big fan of this series, now closing it's second season-but, this particular event/special was actually quite entertaining and we will pick it apart on Monday's broadcast. We will also utilize our analytical scalpels to discuss Friday's Battlestar Galactica season opener, He That Believeth in Me. And did anyone catch even more astounding clips of the Iron Man movie slated for a May 2nd release? Annnnnnd....there's two Cloverfield alternative ending clips that have leaked on to the internet. So join us Monday at 7pm eastern as Max, Daryll and yours truly attempt to confab on the aforementioned and our favorite graphic novel reads from last week. The call-in number is-646-200-0104 and you can also reach us via email/IM-thecomicshoppe@yahoo. Be there & Be square-true believers!

The Comic Shoppe's Week in Review

Send Out The Clowns PLEASE!!!! Snoop Dog's Remarks Against Obama-

For the umpteenth time, I like hip hop. I just do not care for the pedantic, ignorant and minstrel type that has dominated America's airwaves in the last 10 to 15 years. And I have also grown wearisome of rappers who have a soapbox to spew utter pabulum and idiocy-case in point, Calvin Broadus aka Snoop Dog. Another hat tip to resident commenter/blogger Sergio, for notifying me of this tripe:

From Media Takeout:

April 04, 2008. MediaTakeOut.com has learned that rapper Snoop Dogg has launched a scathing attack on presidential candidate Barack Obama. Snoop, reportedly a Hillary Clinton supporter, told the British newspaper The Guardian the following:

The KKK gave Obama money. They was one of his biggest supporters ... Why wouldn't they be? The media won't tell you that. They don't want you to know that. They just want you to know that this [N WORD] befriended this other [N WORD] who be threatening your values. But we all know all presidents lie to get into f*cking office. That's they job." .


But Snoop doesn't stop there with his crazy talk. He added the following:

In America's eyes, that muthaf*cker's gonna be president 'cos (John) MCCain can't f*ck with him. Hillary (Clinton) can't f*ck with him. He's winning over white people, white ladies.

Al Jazeera English Speaks with Afronerd......Dr. King's Legacy

I just wanted to share with our readers a brief question and answer session that I was fortunate enough to participate in, courtesy of Sarah Brown, Senior Journalist with Al Jazeera English. The Al Jazeera site (again, emphasizing the English part-home of Sir David Frost) is doing a special Black blogosphere report inquiring about our thoughts on Dr. Martin Luther King (as tomorrow is the 40th anniversary of his death), his legacy and Senator Obama's candidacy. Check out our exchange:


Brown-
1) Forty years on from Martin Luther King Jnr's death, how do you see his legacy today? How close, or how far, are Americans to fulfilling his dream?

Dburt-
One would readily admit that Dr. King's legacy permeates through just about every facet of our current societal structure. We have seen sweeping and demonstrative changes in media, entertainment, government, politics and of course in public accommodations. These changes have been so circumspect and commonplace that I suspect many have taken them for granted. These societal transformations would also go beyond the Black/White paradigm that King experienced prior to his death-i.e. Women being the predominant beneficiaries of affirmative action, and the advent of gay rights and multiculturalism. However despite America's transition over the past 3 to 4 decades, we are still pretty far from fulfilling Dr. King's dream as can be exhibited in African-American stats post War on Poverty programs and Kerner Commission findings.



Brown-
2) How do you think MLK would view the candidacy of Barack Obama, and Obama himself? How do you yourself view Obama and the other candidates regarding race relations?

Dburt-

In a nutshell, I would suspect that MLK would view Senator Obama's candidacy as truly an amazing accomplishment, if not the stuff of science-fiction. Again, we are talking about a time when someone of Adam Clayton Powell, Jr's status being something that engendered a great deal of pride amongst African-Americans-and rightfully so. Again, during King's time just striving to see a Black person attain a certain degree of personal autonomy, freedom of movement and the right to public access was a feat unto itself, much less (seriously) running for the presidency. King would more than likely see a kindred spirit in Obama and obviously view him and his candidacy as the natural progression of the Civil Rights movement. Personally, I see Obama as a beacon of hope for people of color who would otherwise believe:
a) Whites would never vote for a Black person (for the presidency-but perhaps for a lesser office) and ;
b) that breaking the glass ceiling is an impossibility-Obama, in essence debunks such a notion.

Unfortunately due to recent events (the Rev. Wright controversy and the trials of the campaign in general) , Obama has been put into a racial corner but he has also risen to the occasion admirably. The other candidates on both sides of the party aisle (excluding Gov. Huckabee), in my estimation have done a poor job in addressing racial concerns. But then this criticism would apply to leaders of various racial and cultural strata.

Brown-
3) What do your own experiences tell you about US race relations in the past 40 years? How far does America have to go to attain the ideals espoused by MLK?

Dburt-
Anecdotally, I would have to say that at least on a superficial level, race relations have improved greatly within the last 4 plus decades. It is undeniable. Also within the last 40 years, marriage between people of different races/cultures was made legal and thankfully interracial liaisons are appropriately seen as commonplace. However, we still see flashes of racial violence and intolerance hearkening of an era past. We have also seen the reemergence of minstrel (or neo-minstrel) and pandering images that pay favor to negative Black perceptions for the entertainment of both Black and White audiences. America still has a great deal of distance to cover if we are to live up to Dr. King's ideals-but an Obama (or Hillary Clinton) victory would be a great indicator of substantive change.

Brown-
4) What lies in the future for US race relations? If elected, would an Obama presidency alter race perceptions in the US, and perhaps world perceptions of US racism?

Dburt-
Well, with apologies for slavery coming from states like Florida and New Jersey and recent PEW polls that reveal that many people of color are not blaming racism as the sole fault for some of our (people of color) internal dysfunctions, the future appears hopeful. I do think that Obama's presidency would play a role in changing racial perceptions but it definitely cannot be seen as some sort of panacea. We would still have to see a cultural shift amongst many people in order for these aforementioned perceptions to dissipate. But a man of color as POTUS on the world stage would undoubtedly demonstrate a sea change for how the world sees us (or U.S.) and how we would see ourselves. Even as a Black conservative blogger (and many would see that as an oxymoron) I would like to see such a feat. In the immortal words of Spongebob Squarepants, I'm ready....I'm ready.



Well I enjoyed the Q & A, and stay tuned as there may be more from Al Jazeera English and the Afrospear in the near future.

And click on the link below for the Al Jazeera news special (in its entirety) regarding the blogosphere's take on Dr. King's legacy:


Bloggers weigh King's legacy

Bravo Judge Arrington, Bravo! He has More to say... and Don't forget Afronerd Radio Thurs at 9pm eastern!

Well it's safe to assume that I will be talking about Judge Arrington's bravery on Afronerd Radio tomorrow. Hat tip to Sergio of the BloodSport blog for informing me of this video, however it is unfortunate that the Judge did a little bit of the capitulation shuffle once news of his actions reached public consciousness. I must also give kudos to our resident commenter, "Al from Bayshore" (L.I.) for using the "critical mass" description that I too have often used. And critical mass is exactly what this situation entails. As time moves on, and folks of color grow weary of being connected to other African-Americans that could care less about honor, solidarity and respect for life, we will continue to witness outbursts of indignation by those who have just had enough. The PC police will be confronted for being enablers in addition to those within the dysfunctional sect. But let's mix it up tomorrow by analyzing Arrington's stance, Condi Rice's comments, my NPR appearance and my thoughts on Koreans sporting Afros (ya heard correctly). Stop by on Thursday at 9pm eastern-feel free to call-in with your comments and questions at 646-915-9620 or via email/Im-afronerdradio@yahoo.

P.S.

But I will admit that I thought Victoria Principal in 1974's Earthquake was quite sexy sporting her fro'. Perhaps Ms. Principal (who is of part Japanese extraction) should get credit for starting the trend.




And of course for a replay of the Bloggers Roundtable broadcast in question, click below:

Bloggers' Roundtable: What's in a Name? Part II

Everyone is entitled to their Cosby moment-ATL Judge Kicks Out Whites To Talk to Blacks!

Unfortunately due to time constraints I cannot editorialize on this next story but I certainly will attempt to do so in the ensuing hours. But it's safe to say that as the title aptly states, everyone is entitled to their Cliff Huxtable moment! More in a few hours.

This just in, courtesy of WSBTV.com:

Judge Orders Whites Out Of Atlanta Court

ATLANTA -- Judge Marvin Arrington insists he's not a racist; despite ordering white lawyers out of his courtroom on Thursday.

The Fulton County Superior Court judge said he was just fed up seeing a parade of young black defendants in his courtroom.

"I came out and saw the defendants, about 99.9 percent Afro-Americans, and some point time I excused some of the lawyers, most of them white, and said to the young people in here 'What in the world are you doing with your lives,'" he told WSB-TV Channel 2 reporter JaQuitta Williams.

Arrington said he thought his message might have more power if it was delivered to a blacks-only audience.

"I didn't think about racism or reverse racism, I practiced law for 30 years and 75 percent of my partners were white," he explained.

The judge said the majority of people who appear before him accused of crimes such as murder, rape and robbery are black and he wanted to do something about it, one on one.

"I didn't want them to think I was talking down to them; trying to embarrass them or insult them; be derogatory towards them and I was just saying 'Please get yourself together,'" he said.

Arrington added that he may make a similar speech next week, but this time he'll allow everyone to hear it.

Some Links, Some Musings & Afronerd Does NPR on Wed.

Just keeping my readers abreast of the goings on with Afronerd-check out NPR's News & Notes this Wednesday (approx. 1:15pm eastern) as I'm scheduled to appear on Farai Chideya's Bloggers Roundtable. I'm pretty sure that this will be a festive broadcast as Debra Dickerson of The End of Blackness and Mother Jones blog fame and Terrence Health of the Republic of T blog are also scheduled to participate. The topics to be discussed have not been hashed out yet, but I suspect that we may revisit the "ghetto" name versus researched African nomenclature debate stemming from my last Roundtable appearance. We may also discuss whether the Senator Obama-Rev. Wright controversy is actually an indictment on the radical progressive belief system of the institution of the Black Church. We will of course flesh this out during the show but I suspect that many will answer the aforementioned in the affirmative. I would also surmise that many people of color didn't even flinch at Rev. Wright's comments, much less condemn the minister for anti-patriotism. And there lies the conundrum-can African Americans be fairly critiqued by the media without being perceived as not being anti-American? Conversely, can Black folk (as Obama's speech intimated) move beyond victimization while acknowledging (not compartmentalizing) historical inequities? We'll see if we can come up with some cogent responses this Wednesday. And lastly, we may even discuss Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's recent remarks centering around American slavery being a "birth defect." And you thought she wasn't a sista-don't sleep on my fellow conservatives. It's time to listen to both sides of the political aisle.

Click on the link below to hear today's Bloggers Roundtable-think of it as a preview!

Bloggers Roundtable: 'L.A. Times' Apologizes for False Tupac Story

Stay Tuned for Comic Shoppe Radio-Discussing the Next Big Events in Comicdom, Last Week's Graphic Reads-7pm eastern

Don't forget that tomorrow is another episode of the Comic Shoppe featuring yours truly, Max and Daryll discussing the latest news in the comic/sci-fi fantasy world. During this broadcast we plan to analyze the upcoming event series (Final Crisis, Secret Invasion) from Marvel and DC as well as reviewing the stand out graphic novel reads of the previous week. So stop by with your questions and/or comments Monday at 7pm eastern via our call-in number-646-200-0104 or email-thecomicshoppe@yahoo.

The Comic Shoppe's Week in Review

And check out another comic show broadcast from Planet Brooklyn-Pete's Basement:


Pete's Basement Episode 11 - 03.25.08 from Petes Basement on Vimeo.

Fay Wray is rolling in her grave! The Vogue Controversy, Hillary under Bosnian Fire & Media Scrutiny & Is Osama Dead? Next Afronerd Radio

Well, I had planned to write a short opinion piece on the latest Vogue/Lebron James/alleged simian debacle but I decided that it might be better for a discussion on air. In addition, let's wax on the latest Hillary Clinton blunder as well as the lack of media coverage centering around the late Benzir Bhutto's revelation of Osama Bin Ladin's murder. So join me tomorrow at 9pm eastern to discuss these issues and others, courtesy of Blog Talk Radio. Feel free to join in with your thoughts and opinions at-646-915-9620 or email/IM-afronerdradio@yahoo. Be there, Be square and Be aware (of shady Vogue photographers).


Afronerd Radio's Week in Review


For footage of the Vogue photo shoot in question, click on the link below:

Vogue photo shoot

And a full length clip that is also rather controversial, but let's keep quiet
about it......shhhh!

Perhaps I'm late on this......but why also the MSM-Bhutto Said that Bin Ladin is Dead!

I was listening to the Coz Carson show on Air America (yeah, I listen to the other side every once in awhile) this morning when a listener made reference to the above clip, which was perhaps one of the last interviews of former Pakistani Prime minister, Benazir Bhutto. What makes this interview fascinating was the rather nonchalant, matter-of-fact fashion in which Bhutto intimated that the Islamic terrorist Osama Bin Ladin was killed. The question remains-why didn't the famed host, David Frost question her about this at the time of the interview and more importantly why hasn't our mainstream media confirmed this story? Unfortunately, Bhutto cannot be vetted as she was killed just a few weeks after this appearance. So, I'm putting this out there for the class-why no noise about this matter from our media? Bhutto was not only an ally of the US but also a well respected (despite prior money laundering charges) and western educated world leader. If Henry Kissinger made similar assertions, would the world just ignore it? What say you?

Comic Shoppe Radio-this evening at 7pm eastern, last week reads, comic news & reviews

Well it's Monday and you know what that means-time for the Comic Shoppe! Stop by http://www.thecomicshoppe.com at 7pm eastern while Max, Daryll and yours truly discuss the latest in comic/sci-fi news as well as our favorite graphic novel reads (i.e. Batman/Superman Annual #2, Ironman,JLA, Captain Marvel, Captain America, etc). I'm sure you guys know how this works-drop by with your thoughts, questions and opinions at: 646-200-0104 or via email/IM at thecomicshoppe@yahoo.

The Comic Shoppe's Week in Review

Mike Huckabee Gets It.....But Will Middle America?.......The Speech, Urban Crime Stuff-Afronerd Radio-Thursday at 9pm

Check out what Governor Huckabee has to say about the Obama-Rev. Wright dust-up. More evidence that if Black folk get thrown on a George Foreman barbecue grill come Democratic convention time this summer-you may want to throw your vote towards the right side of the aisle-I'm just sayin.' So let's mash it up-as my Caribbean brethren often say. Join me tomorrow at 9pm eastern to talk about Obama, his speech and urban crime (the UNC student deaths). The call-in number is 646-915-9620 or contact us via email/IM-afronerdradio@yahoo.

The Fallacy of mentoring the lower tier......

More to follow..

And I'm back. Never let it be said that work and blogging are easy endeavors. I actually found out about the above exchange while listening to Sirius' Howard 100 this morning. The fallacy that I'm alluding to regarding mentorship is that it is an easy exercise (or is that exorcise?). I am definitely not a fan of so-called reality television-perhaps it's adherence to staid racial/ethnic stereotypes is the main reason for my disdain. But whether this clip was staged or not, it still serves as an example of the difficulty of trying to bring civility to those who many would deem to be dysfunctional. As the above clip demonstrates, Dr. Ian Smith's attempt to convey the importance of composure to the young woman ("Toccara") fell on death ears. Unfortunately this behavior is nothing new as we have seen it played out before on many of our crime ravaged urban streets. I have great admiration for the Nation of Islam as they are one of the few organizations that have been successful in rooting out the blind anger that many other Toccaras (both male and female) have one time or another exhibited. Unfortunately, it's kind of "hot on the block" to be a Muslim in America. My wish, in the same vein as Obama's brilliant oration yesterday, is that we move beyond such anger so that we can actually address our internal issues. Anger without focus and direction can leave one alone without progress-just ask Toccara Jones.

The Speech....A Much Needed Discussion to stop the Bleeding

I must say that I was moved by Senator Obama's speech yesterday. I have always stated that I am not a fan of Obama's boilerplate progressive politics but that his historic campaign transcends the political for someone like myself whose is coming from a more conservative stance. I have also stated in previous entries that at the very least, for the sake of political survival, Obama needed to move to the center to really bring it home to the average American voter. Unfortunately, he has been backed into the very racial corner that his campaign was so desperately trying to avoid. Being tied to a church that espouses the same 60s radicalism and victimization standard that we have heard countless times before, hopefully will not be the death knell to his otherwise masterful campaign-at least I hope that it isn't. This is not to say that Rev. Wright's words did not bear a glimmer of truth. His reference to the government creating AIDS can be scoffed at by media pundits (as it is conjecture for the sake of histrionics) but no one is discussing that in the minds of many Black folk who remember the infamous Tuskegee Experiment, such a notion is not without precedent. The refreshing thing about Senator Obama was that we thought that his ascendancy in the public sphere would usher in a new age of secular Black politics. This latest controversy proves that he is still mired in fire and brimstone. I pray that he can see himself clear of this political quicksand. We will continue to address this issue on Thursday's Afronerd Radio broadcast.

Reminder.....Interview time Tonight at Afronerd Radio & a Discussion about Obama's Rev. Wright Problem

Don't forget foks that we will be interviewing Carletta Lindsay of ON Network's I Am Blackness film series at 8pm eastern. The second half of the show we will be analyzing the media dust-up regarding Senator Obama's minister, Jeremiah Wright. The call-in number is 646-915-9620-so you know our old adage, Be there and Be square!

Oh and a side note, the new pan-blogging project, Keep It Honest in '08 is up and running, ready for contributers. There's work to be done folks! Let's start by not only visiting the blog but also visiting and writing letters to the organizations/links below:

Pennsylvania Media Outlets-TV & Print

PA Governor Rendell's Contact Info

Hillary Clinton

John McCain

Barack Obama

DNC Contact Info

RNC Contact Info

2 More great shows scheduled.......Interview time on Afronerd Radio(Sun, 8pm eastern) & The Comic Shoppe-Mon. 7pm