ISRAEL HOUGHTON AND NEW BREED AT BRONX'S NEW COVENANT DOMINION CATHEDRAL DEC. 11-12

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

I am circulating this information for those of you who have never heard Israel Houghton or his lyrics. I am also circulating this for those of you - who like myself - already love and can't get enough of his work.

In this instance, there's something positive to be said for negative mainstream media and their penchant for character assassination.  Had they not been trying to vilify Joel  and Victoria Osteen and their  ministry nearly five years ago, I would never have heard of Israel Houghton.  At the time CNN was casting aspersions on Joel Osteen's eternal optimism, and the fact that his services seemed more like a rock concert than "traditional religious music." 

For some reason the rock concert reference got my attention.  What was that about? I decided that I needed to hear this music.  But try though I might, I could not find any of the local NY broadcasts that carried Osteen that also carried his full service, which would have included Israel Houghton's music*.

(*Don't know why that is.  We would definitely benefit from seeing the entire program.  Heck, they brought back the extreme right wing 700 club -- don't know why, though. Maybe we should request that they give us Osteen's program instead.  We need the inspiration more than we need their pseudo news -- anyway, I digress.

It was upon going on line, looking up Osteen and finding that www.Lightsource.com carried his entire service, that I was regaled with the wonders of  Israel Houghton.  His lyrics are mind blowing, uplifting, encouraging, graphic and beautiful.  I have been a fan ever since.  In addition to his being Osteen's music director and leader of their praise worship on Sundays, his band, New Breed, has traveled to Africa, Australia, and other parts of the world on several occasions. 

Our culture is rich with traditional gospel and spiritual songs.  They have definitely come into their own in the 21st century.  But, I admit, that Israel Houghton is my absolute favorite.  I listen to him while I'm writing articles.  His is the music I first hear when I get up in the morning.  In fact his music and lyrics put me in such a good spiritual space that none of the nonsense I encounter phases me.  I've actually learned the lyrics, and find that I can actually recite and apply them to situations when I run into a challenge. (you can find him and New Breed on YouTube.)

Such lyrics as "I am a Friend of God…He calls me Friend."  Who wouldn't want to be considered a friend of God.  How about "We have overcome!";  or "If not for your goodness, not for your grace, I don't know where I would be today -- If not for your favor, not for your love…I'm still standing, but for the Grace of God."  I could go on, but I think you get the message.  The brother's work is phantastic (I made up the word, but you get my drift).

I am not writing about religion, though.  This is about spirituality.  It's about inspiration.  It's about keeping on and using the inner messages to communicate with those around you.  We hear, see and deal with enough negativity on a daily basis.  We actually have been bombarded with a bastardization of our music to the extent that we have to go through a mine-field of "b" words, "n" words, "m-f's" among others.  So that the legacy we are trying to leave our children has been marred. 

Additionally, if you listen long enough to gloom and doom dirges that pass as lyrics, regardless of whether they are the blues, spirituals, who-hate-who songs, you begin to take on the appearance and attitude of the underlying messages in the songs.

There's no danger of that with the wonderful songs and music Brother Houghton has graced us with.   From Israel Houghton, through his lyrics, music,  his own personal triumph over adversity and his dedication to provide inspiration through his talent, you can play him over and over and over again, and never get tired. 

I definitely plan to be there to enjoy first hand this brother's wonderful work.
You can contact New Covenant via their website:  www.nccmin.org, or by calling them at (718) 328-6072.  New Covenant is located in the Bronx at 1175 Boston Road

Tell them Gloria Dulan-Wilson told you about it.  I won't get you any discounts or anything.  Just think it would be a nice thing to do.

Stay blessed  and
Eclectically Black
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

--
STAY BLESSED &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK

ON The Spot Public Service Announcement Video

ON The Spot Public Service Announcement Video

By Gloria Dulan Wilson

In light of the recent New York Mayoral election turn out, ON THE SPOT Commentor Norman Graham and I recently discussed a possible solution to getting the Black Community out to vote in dramatically high numbers.

If you agree, we'd like to hear from you. If you have a better solution, we'd like to hear from you as well.

Check Out the Public Service Announcement Video



See the full On The Spot Show

New York belongs to all of us. Many of you have ideas and concerns waiting to expressed. Let us know what you think about these ideas. We are open to constructive commentary and recommendations. Thanks for checking in.

Stay Blessed & ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Why is Congressman Major Owens Liquidating His Office?

WHY IS FORMER CONGRESSMAN MAJOR OWENS LIQUIDATING HIS OFFICE?
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Major Owens, former Congressman from Brooklyn’s 11th Congressional District served in Congress for 24 years, from 1983 to 2007. During that time he set quite a record as the “Education Congressman.” Over his lifetime as a public servant, Owens has served more than 35 years in public service. With that kind of history, one would think that historical archives housing his works, plaques and other accomplishments would have been erected in Brooklyn by now.

Instead, Major Owen is liquidating his office. He is giving away or throwing away almost everything from his former Brooklyn congressional headquarters at 289 Utica Avenue. Not because he wants to, but because he has to. He has no place to put the considerable collection of memorabilia and valuable documents he has accumulated over the years he served in Congress. Trained as a librarian and civil rights activist, even after retirement Major Owens continues to be a community reformer, and currently serves as chair of the CENTRAL BROOKLYN MARTIN LUTHER KING COMMISSION, and therefore continues to be a force in history for his community.

That his material is being liquidated, rather than preserved is a major concern because Black people have considerable contemporary heroes and sheroes in our midst, but very little to herald their accomplishments. As usual, our history may well be left in the hands of a few paragraoguc mentions in the mainstream media and tabloids, but the real meat of the information is left to chance; or completely overlooked.

As I walked through the now defunct office, I saw boxes and boxes of books, papers, albums. There were plaques and awards still on the wall of the now empty office. Other boxes held equipment no longer used for communicating with the public or disseminating information to his constituents. Congressman Owens has amassed such a wealth of material that even his private bathroom was piled high with material.

When asked why he was getting rid of all his material, he said, somewhat sadly, “I have no place to put them. We had started applying for a grant to archive these documents, but the economic downturn sort of got in the way, and stalled the process.” The “we” he referred to was former New York State Assemblymenber, Roger Greene.

Now I guess those of us who are economically challenged might ask, “why should that concern me?” Even in the worst of economic times, we owe it to ourselves to maintain the history of our communities for ourselves and our children. The fact that Owens, as well as Congressman Edolphus Towns, Congresswoman Shirley Chisolm, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Congressman Charles Rangel (NYC), Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. (NYC), Congressman Floyd Flake (Queens), Congressman Greg Meeks (Queens), have all valiantly worked in behalf of the Black community, perhaps paving the way for those who will seek the office after them; the fact that we have children who need to know these individuals and look with pride upon their accomplishments (and perhaps even their failures); is important to our future.

As Carter G. Woodson, author of the Mis-Education of the Negro, so appropriately stated 70 years ago, if we don’t tell our own story, if we don’t value our own history, no one else will. To give you a snapshot of just how significant the preservation of his body of works are to us as Black people, let me give you just an overview of who Major Owens is:

He is a walking wealth of education and information. A former librarian and activist, he served on Congress’ Education and Labor Committee (later Education and the Workforce) and the Government Operations Committee (later Government Reform). He remained on both panels throughout his House career. As the “Education Congressman”, Owens was in the forefront of legislation that established the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which set forth the standards addressing discrimination against individuals with disabilities, and guidelines prohibiting discrimination against persons with disabilities in businesses and public spaces. It further established standards for public accessibility to buildings. The act promoted development programs for preschool children and to introduce new technologies to assist students with disabilities, both physical and developmental.

During his twelve terms, Owens was one of the most vociferous advocates for education: “A civilized and moral government which is also seeking to enhance its own self-interest must strive to maximize the opportunities for the educational development, equal access and productive employment of all its citizens. Greater than all the physical barriers are the barriers of entrenched attitudes and the silent insistence that people with disabilities should be grateful for minimal governmental protection and assistance.” And “Education is the kingpin issue. The proper nurturing of and attention to the educational process will achieve a positive domino reaction which will benefit employment and economic development.… The greater the education, the lesser the victimization by drugs, alcoholism, and swindles.… We have to believe that all power and progress really begins with education.” (from Black Americans in Congress: Major Owens)

Prior to his retirement, Owens was the third-ranking Democrat on the Education and the Workforce and the Government Reform committees. In addition, he served as the Ranking Minority Member on the Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Workforce Protections. Owens also was a member of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and the Progressive Caucus.

During the 90’s, Congressman Owens pledged to “push the prerogatives of a congressman to the limit” to publicize the needs of inner-city Americans. “My principal focus is on jobs and employment. From my perspective the Democratic-controlled House has been extremely negligent in this area. It has shown little, if any, urgency about the plight of the unemployed.” He advocated for more federal money for education and libraries, and focused on restoring federal funds for library services, institutions of higher learning, and programs to alleviate the high school dropout crisis in the black community.

In 1985, he wrote portions of a higher education bill that provided a fund of $100 million to improve the programs and the infrastructure of historically Black colleges (Owens is a graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA). He called the measure “the payment of a long overdue debt.” He served as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Higher Education Brain Trust, and advocated that funds that were used to fuel the Cold War, be “shifted from military to domestic programs should be appropriated for American inner cities. “We need our fair share of this peace divided, in particular to rehabilitate crumbling and dilapidated inner-city schools, and to guarantee a first-rate education for urban youths,” he said. On the House Floor in 1990, he belted out some lines from a rap song he wrote: “At the big white DC mansion/There’s a meeting of the mob/And the question on the table/Is which beggars they will rob.” He later became known as the “Rapping Congressman,” and still writes rap lyrics to depict issues of urgency.

Since many of his constituents were of Caribbean descent, Owens also sponsored two pieces of legislation that were important to immigrants: a bill that prevented the Immigration and Naturalization Service from deporting the parents of American-born children under age 18 and a measure that extended citizenship to immigrant children under age 12 who were in the U.S. without their parents.

Additionally, he was a key backer of the Child Abuse Prevention Challenge Grants Reauthorization Act of 1989, which renewed a measure first passed in 1974. The bill provided states federal funding to assess, investigate, and prosecute cases of child abuse; conduct research; and compile data. The bill also defined child abuse and neglect.

To say the least, a synopsis of Congressman Owen’s contribution would actually fill a book -- I just wanted to give you an overview of how he has impacted our lives in so many ways -- ways that are not highlighted unless you search the archives of the Congressional Record, or you know the Congressman personally. When the news talks about Americans with Disability Act, (ADA), few, if any, realize that it was a Black man who spearheaded this program. How many more, in addition to Owens, have contributed to our well being?

That said, what do we as a community who has benefited from Owen’s years of service, do to preserve his archives, and those who will come behind him? While I’m sure that we may have a few hidden millionaires in our midst who just might be able to pony up with the funds to make this happen, I want to put forth some recommendations that will not only assist Congressman Owens, but may well be the answer to the underwriting of other programs that are of benefit to the Black community, but have gone begging, largely because the many mainstream charitable organizations don’t necessarily value what we value.

One of the major things that needs to be done is the re-establishment of the Black United Fund of New York, (BUFNY), immediately, if not sooner. As you may or may not know, it was founded by Kermit Eady over 25 years ago, after he won a court battle against the United Way, which did not want Blacks to have their own payroll deduction charitable organization. In fact, during that time the United Way, nationally, only gave a little under 3% to Black programs, nationally. Through BUFNY, the prime thrust of this organization was the underwriting of programs, businesses, scholarships and other establishments and institutions that were key to the progress and well being of the Black community. Their motto, THE HELPING HAND THAT IS OUR OWN, was primarily because all the funds raised through BUFNY was contributed by Black people for Black people, in amounts as little as $1.00 to $15.00, per pay check through a tax deductible payroll deduction program, they were able to raise $111 million per year, which was put back into the community.

In addition to underwriting other non-profit organizations that needed assistance, they also provided 400 units of affordable housing in Harlem and Brooklyn, incubated businesses, provided scholarships, and had done so for 25 years solely through small, ongoing contributions from the Black community. If they were still in effect, the underwriting of an “Institute of Contemporary Black History and Study” (I just made that up, but it could be a good name for Black archives), would be a shoe in. It would be a complement to the Schomberg Collection in Harlem, and perhaps a part of Medgar Evers College. The great thing about the Black United Fund of New York (BUFNY) was that its priority was focused on programs benefiting Black people. Not waiting in line for some criteria that finally came around to it being our turn.

When Elliot Spitzer decided to dismantle BUFNY over specious claims, with the view towards aggrandizing his own image he knew exactly what he was doing. He was cutting out a major financial conduit that was part and parcel of the autonomy that African Americans in New York needed. The fact that none of his claims were true, that they were later found to be erroneous, should have not only triggered an apology, but it should have prompted the immediate reinstatement of the organization, it’s holdings, as well as the return of the affordable homes that had been renovated and provided to the community. Thus far, despite letters to Governor Paterson, this has not been done. As each year passes, the Black community slips further and further to the margins of the community, while programs go begging that could easily have been underwritten through BUFNY. Even in this time of economic challenges, the contributions of $1.00 to $5.00 per week would have made a vast difference for those families facing foreclosure, unemployment, illness.

Of course, continuing to put together proposals to those entities that provide grants for educational and historical purposes is viable. However, with so many major organizations facing their own internal economic crises, the saying, “God Bless the Child whose got his own,” is as significant now, as it was when Billie Holiday sang it over 60 years ago. So the second possibility would be for members of Congress who are currently incumbent here in New York to establish a fund or a program that would provide funds for archiving their current and former members. Much like the libraries established for former Presidents. Better yet, perhaps through the auspices of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, funds for such a program could be established in each state where a Black Congress member has served for three terms or more.

Currently, though, we fact the fact that at the end of the month Congressman Owens will have liquidated and vacated his former office, and time is of the essence. What can we do now to save his considerable holdings? Perhaps Medgar Evers College could assist in helping to catalogue what he wants to retain and find a space on or near the campus to house them temporarily while a more permanent space is being identified. With the assistance of the Brooklyn Public Library, this should be quite easy to do.

Additionally, perhaps through our local churches and community based organizations, a round robin of fundraisers can be held to defray some of the costs of acquiring a permanent physical edifice for Owens and our other elected officials/activists. This would not only be utilized for memorabilia, but a place of study, research, education, and training.

When we put our minds to it, we, as a people have been known to make miracles. To make a way out of no way. This, to me, would be one of those times. Brooklyn, right now, currently has thousands of buildings standing vacant that could be transformed into such a center. Before they go under the wrecking ball, or continue to decay, we should be about the business of putting them back into useful service. This could translate into “shovel ready” projects, blight removal, community based initiatives, and other programs that President Obama has been advocating.

It’s not enough to leave the fate of what happens to us in the hands of others. It is as important that we flex our own considerable creative and innovative muscles, individually and collectively, to be the transformation we so richly deserve. Major Owens is a great part of our history. He needs our help. I, by no means, have all the answers, so I’m open to recommendations, as is Congressman Owens. Let’s talk about what we can do, and then, let’s get it done. Each victory aids us some other to win. We have but to start.

Stay blessed,
And Eclectically Black

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

PS: Just so you know, I am not just advocating, I'm insisting that the Black United Fund of New York be reinstated to its fullest, including the return of all buildings and funds as well as financial remuneration for their harassment.
Stay blessed/GDW

Rev. Conrad Tillard Installed as Senior Pastor at Brooklyn's Nazarene Congregational

INSTALLATION CEREMONY FOR CONRAD B. TILLARD AS SENIOR PASTOR OF NAZARENE CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

On Sunday, October 18, Rev. Conrad B. Tillard, Sr. was officially installed as the Senior Pastor of the Nazarene Congregational United Church of Christ, with the congregation, family and well wishers happily witnessing the 20th such installation in the Church’s history.  

While the name Tillard may be somewhat unfamiliar to you, many will easily recognize him by his former identity as Minister Conrad Muhammad of Muhammad's Mosque No. 7 in Harlem, where he served as National Youth Minister from 1984 through 1998.

What many may not have realized is that eleven years ago, in 1998, he stepped down from the Nation of Islam, reinstated his family name, Tillard, and  re-embraced his roots within the Christian Church.   Joining Harlem's Abyssinian Baptist Church, he embarked on the rigorous study and training at  Harvard's Divinity School under Howard Thurman.  Thurman, according to Tillard,  “gave him new insight into Jesus Christ and his mission of universal brotherhood, reconciliation and love.”  Under the mentorship of Rev. Calvin Butts, he became an ordained minister, before coming to Nazarene in Brooklyn.    

The Apostle Paul once said, “Be not conformed of the world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.“  And over the past eleven years,  Rev. Conrad Tillard has most definitely and totally transformed his life.   In addition to completing Harvard Seminary School, he started CHHANGE (Conscious Hip-Hop Activism Necessary for Global Empowerment), in an effort to address the problems of the youth.  Simultaneously he’s managed to  re-marry, becoming the father of a handsome new son, Barack, while continuing to be a good father to his children from his previous marriage.   He's also begun work on his autobiography, “The Prodigal Son Imperative in My Father’s House.”   Somewhere in that time frame he’s also planned, participated in, or attended conferences world wide, held local seminars of relevance to the Black community, and lent his presence and support to other organizations in the community. 

It is clear Rev. Conrad Tillard is a man who makes every moment of his life count.  A quality that is a definite asset for Nazarene and for Brooklyn as a whole.


Rev. Tillard surrounds himself with stellar leaders who are likewise dedicated to the community, and this installation was no different.  The morning service saw guest speaker in the personage of former D.C. Congressman Walter Fauntroy; while Rev. Wendell Foster served as Installation Master of Ceremonies, and Rev. Calvin Butts was the keynote speaker. 

Rev. Foster’s wit and wisdom was evident throughout the program: “I will say to him {Rev. Tillard} publicly what I always said to him privately: You once were lost, but now you’re found.  Aren’t you glad he’s found?”  Church chimed in, “Yes! Amen!”  Rev. Foster continued “There’s a bad habit that we of the Black, Negro, Colored race have, and that is to always talk about what a person is not doing, rather than looking at their contributions.  We tend to forget that Jesus said: ’I have come that you might have life and that you might have it more abundantly.’”  With Rev. Tillard taking the role as Senior Pastor of Nazarene, that will not be an issue, given the fact that since  coming to the church, seminars, forums, community events have stepped up exponentially.

Per Foster, the Black church was, and must always be, an instrument for liberation.  “That’s why we’re here.  The Black church is the oldest indigenous religious institution born in America.  The others came from England, Holland and other places, but the Black Church was already here.  They brought us here as slaves and introduced us to religion.”  

Rev. Calvin  Butts, in his keynote, spoke of the necessity for Rev. Tillard to be a man of deep thought and conscience:  “The Psalmist raises this quote.  ‘What is man that thou art mindful of him?’   Conrad Tillard must be a man of thought.  One of the things that is so distressing about the church is that many of the men and women who are leaders of the church do not think.  They have allowed themselves to be regulated by clichés.  You know just after three words what they are going to say next.  And they will say almost anything to get a rise out of the congregation.  It’s truly tragic.  They haven’t read anything in a long time.  They haven’t pondered anything in a long time“

In this world of stress, wars and rumors of wars, where the family is undergoing considerable stress and challenges, Rev. Butts emphasized:  “That’s why when we gather on a Sunday morning we’d like to know that our leader, the pastor of our church has taken the time to think about some of these issues.  To have the ability to look beyond what is in the present moment, and contemplate what may be down the road  and see the tides of certain situations.”

Butts also cited the Congregation’s responsibility, outlining the difference between man and animals is the ability to conjure and think.  “And not only is it Conrad Tillard’s responsibility, it is the responsibility of the members of the Nazarene Congregational Church to think -- don’t come in here and leave your mind outside.  A thoughtless person has no appreciation for life as God has given us.”  

The congregation was charged with giving him time to think; to do the due deliberation that is needed in times of both quiet and crises.  “When he stands for that mother who has three children, no husband and is scurrying around trying to work at a job that pays her too little for too long hours; she wants to come to church on Sunday morning, to hear what the man of God has to say for the living of these days. God has given us the ability to think everything in divine thought.  The truth is you got to have a conscience. You can’t be a leader if you don’t feel the pain of the people.  You weep with those who weep; you rejoice with those who rejoice.”   Butts continued, “It takes a person of conscious. I remember Johnny Taylor, the guitarist, who used to say, “I told my conscience that if it didn’t bother me, I wouldn’t bother it.  But sometimes you can’t sleep at night when you think about the injustice in this world.”  

He also exhorted Rev. Tillard always be open to Holy Guidance; to have an open mind and to know when he doesn’t know the answer.  “Nobody knows the work and will of God from the beginning to the end.  But when you think you know everything, you cut yourself off from the meaning of the Holy Ghost. And you don’t have to be a church of 40,000 people to be successful with God.  You can be a church of 10 people, but if you are still following the leader of the Holy Spirit, God can do wonders with you.”

“Finally, Conrad, you can’t do anything without prayer,” he stated emphatically..  “Because prayer is the thing that’s going to keep you going when everything else around you falls apart.  The Greeks called man anthropos.  This where we get the word anthropology.  Anthropos means the upward looking one.  Conrad I want to tell you to keep looking up.  Keep your eyes on God, and God will see you through.“

New York State Assemblymember, Karim Camara led the official Charge to Rev. Tillard, linking  the responsibility of the congregation to the leadership of its pastor, he stated:  “This installation service is not just about installing him, giving him a new robe, and expecting him to change the world between Sundays.  You are here at to partner with him, which means that you are a minister also.  You are unique and fortunate that you are installing a pastor who has already exercised his leadership gifts city wide, statewide, even nationally.  And throughout his spiritual transformation the one thing that’s always been consistent is that he has been sensitive to injustice in the community.  You cannot find an instance over the past twenty years where Conrad Tillard has been absent when it comes to issues of communities of color, lower income communities, or working families. “

In his Charge, Camara drew the analogy between the people of Israel who, after having been saved from slavery, still wandered around in the wilderness for 40 year and the current plight of Black people.   I’m perplexed, I can’t understand it.  Even in the absence of GPS and navigational devices, it should not have taken 40 years.  But they had lost their faith in their leader, Moses, when he was called by God.  Make sure that you always keep faith in your leader.  You can say all you want about thank the Lord, how much you love the lord, but you show that and demonstrate that by having faith in the leaders that he has put here on earth for us.  You have to let Conrad Tillard be Conrad Tillard.  Let him lead in his own unique way.  Regardless of who the previous leaders or pastors were, Conrad Tillard is not them, and has to be allowed to be his own unique self, and lead in his own way, with his own unique gifts.”

Camara spoke of the value of gratitude:  “Grateful for leadership, and grateful to the Lord in general.  The people of Israel, lost in the wilderness, God gave them their own unique specific instructions. But after a period of time manna wasn’t enough, water wasn’t enough, they wanted all the good food that they had when they were in slavery.  It got to the point where they said they wanted to go back.  Make sure you keep looking ahead, don’t try to go back.  You can value the past, value tradition, but we’re not slaves to it because the Holy Spirit is always moving and leading us in new directions“

Urging the congregation to avoid negativity and pessimism, he stated:  “Avoid the negative reports.”  The ancient Israelites sent out 12 men to “bring back the reports on the best strategic way to ender the promised land.  Ten of them came back with reports of giants and the walls being “too big.”  But Joshua and Caleb said,  ‘Even though we know that the walls are big, we know that God called us and brought us this far for a reason.’  Avoid the negative report.  Make sure that you labor with him (Rev. Tillard).  We know that the harvest is plenty, but the workers are few.”

City Councilman Al Vann presented Rev. Tillard with a proclamation,  which read in part, “Whereas, Rev. Conrad B. Tillard, Sr. was selected in  2005 - 2006 by Love Men.com as one of the most influential and spiritual Black leaders in the United States;  has been activist and leader for students for the past 20 years.  He founded a Movement for CHHANGE -- Conscious Hip Hop Activism Necessary for a Global Economy, a youth organization credited with creating the thrust of Hip Hop political activism; he has been both a mediator in Hip Hop’s vital contents and spiritual mentor to troubled Hip Hop personalities such as Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, Jamal Shine Barrow.  He has also been outspoken critic of negative activities in youth culture and the Hip Hop industry. In 2001 he returned to the church of his youth, and joined Abyssinian Baptist Church, and in that same year co-wrote the 1 hour television program “Culture Shock” for WPIX, Channel 11, New York City.  Now, therefore be it known that Al Vann, council member of the 36th District, hereby honors Rev. Conrad B. Tillard on the occasion of this 20th Pastoral Installation service, and his outstanding service to God, the Church and the Community.“
.  
Borough President Marty Markowitz declared October 18, 2009 Rev. Conrad Tillard Installation Day in the Borough of Brooklyn.

In accepting the mantle of Senior Pastor of Nazarene Congregational United Church of Christ Rev. Tillard pledged:  “I am willing and I promise to serve this church faithfully, preaching and teaching the word of God, administering the sacrament and fulfilling the pastoral office according to the faith and order of the United Church of Christ.“  Then as his  wife, mother, stepfather, children and the congregation looked on, he donned the regal robes of the church.

After a standing ovation, Rev. Tillard addressed the congregation:  “My family means everything to me.  They have always been here for me.  Tamecca and I met at Abyssinian.  She had recently joined Abyssinian, and for the last seven years and for that time she has stuck with me through the challenges of seminary, to Boston and traveling back and forth; and coming to Brooklyn.  She has been a solid rock.  And I just want to say that she has been an excellent, excellent first lady for me for a long time now.  And she is an excellent first lady for this church.  She always does what needs to be done whether that takes all day or all night.  And I want you all to know that I love her and I’m proud to have her with me in this ministry.”

A family man, it was clear that he and his family have very loving bonds.  He stated that  without them he would not have become the success he is.   He is married to church first lady, Tamecca Tillard.  They are the  proud parents of five beautiful, talented and gifted children: Amir, Najmah, Conrad Jr., Zuriel and Barack.  

Tillard closed his greetings by introducing his mother, brothers, and other relatives. He shared with the audience the fact that his stepfather, Baptist minister and civil rights activist, Rev. Horace Jones, married his mother when he was 8 years old. “Here we are, 40 years later, and he’s still active.  So I grew up in social justice. I grew up with justice and social commitment in my home.”  It was Rev. Jones who made sure he had the education and support he needed when decided to become an ordained minister.

Rev. Conrad Tillard’s level of activism, care, concern and interaction have already made a decided difference in the Bed-Stuy based church,community.  And it’s clear that even greater works shall he do in the future.

My sincere congratulations to Rev. Conrad Tillard, to the Nazarene Congregational United Church of Christ, to Bed-Stuy Brooklyn for gaining such a wonderful leader; and to the Eclectically Black community everywhere, because he is truly a fantastic brother.

Stay blessed,

Gloria Dulan-Wilson
###








NEW YORK MAYORAL CAMPAIGN: IT AIN'T OVER YET

NEW YORK CITY MAYORAL ELECTION 2009 RESULTS: It Ain’t Over Yet!
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Well, call me an optimist, or whatever, but I always look for that odd chance that things can and do change on a dime. In this instance I’m talking about the recently held mayoral election which saw Bloomberg just barely squeak by Bill Thompson with a 4% or 5% margin (depending on who did the tally)

Well, speaking of tallies, according to the New York State Board of Elections, it ain’t over yet!. They have to go back and recount all the votes as well as tally the absentee ballots and affidavits. It is quite possible that this may well still be a Thompson victory.

According to a statement from the Board of Elections posted on the internet and duplicated below:

“The preliminary election “results” reported on election night are just that – preliminary. New York State Election Law requires a complete recanvass of all voting machines and the counting of all valid absentee, affidavit, and military ballots before the election results can be certified. The preliminary election results are produced by a combination of poll workers manually recording the results and the New York City Police Department (NYPD) collecting materials containing these results, compiling them, and entering the information into its computer system for tabulation.

After the polls close on election night, more than 30,000 poll workers transcribe the number of votes for each candidate from the face of the voting machines onto Return of Canvass forms. These poll workers then hand the Return of Canvass sheets to the NYPD Officer assigned to that polling location. The candidates and/or members of their respective campaigns are permitted by law to assign poll watchers to observe and record the preliminary results (see NYS Election Law, Section 9-126).

Once collected, the NYPD Officer delivers the Return of Canvass sheets to his or her police precinct to be transcribed into its computer system by civilian employees of the NYPD. The computer records are then transmitted to the Associated Press and a copy of each Return of Canvass form is delivered to its office at 55 Washington Street in Brooklyn. The Associated Press then shares the preliminary results with its colleagues in the news media. These preliminary results, however, do not include thousands of absentee, affidavit, and military ballots (see NYS Election Law, Section 9-102),

This to me means several things: those of us who have given up and thrown in the towel need to be making sure that Bill Thompson and his campaign team are still in the game and on hand for the recount and tally of the absentee ballots. Officially, they have two weeks to do the recount. The election happened last week, November 3, 2009. We are already rolling into one week and counting.

What needs to happen now, in addition to the recount, is the invoking of “if you see something, say something.” I.e., if you were at any of the polls and the machines weren’t working, if your name was not where you were registered and you had to go to another place to vote; if you completed an affidavit, and want to make sure it was counted, this is the time to speak up.

“New York State has one of the most meticulous recanvass procedures in the country. State Election Law requires all Board of Elections to recanvass every voting machine used within 15 days of the election. During this process, bipartisan teams of Board Employees record the results for tabulation. As an extra layer of oversight, representatives of all the campaigns are notified of the recanvass schedule and invited to monitor the official recanvass and ensure its accuracy. The absentee and affidavit ballots are then opened and tabulated after staff review. The campaigns are once again invited to monitor the opening and counting of these paper ballots (see NYS Election Law, Section 9-208).”

We know that in the past, certain communities, particularly in Harlem and parts of Bed-Stuy Brooklyn, and other areas, had major problems with malfunctioning or frozen ballot boxes.

If you know of any problems that weren’t resolved by or before 9:00 pm of election day, or if you were told to come back and still were not able to vote, this is the time to speak up. Contact your Congresspeople, city council reps, lawyer, or anyone else who can intercede in your behalf in making sure your vote and your voice counts, and get that evidence and information to the Board of Elections immediately.

“Subsequent to the recanvass the Board certifies the election result pursuant to and in accordance with the procedures set forth in the applicable portions of New York State Election Law (see NYS Election Law, Sections 3-222, 9-200, 9-208). “

So, as they say in the New York State Lotto: “Hey! You never know.” In this day and age of Republican chicanery, it is incumbent on all of us, Democrats, Independents, whatever, to stay on top of things, and do our best to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Pass this on, and make sure you don’t break the chain of concern, information and action.

First contact Bill Thompson’s Headquarters by calling: 212-608-6555 or 212-669-1600; then contact the Board of Election by calling: (212) 487–5300 FAX (212) 487–5349; you can also go online and visit their website: www.vote.nyc.ny.us

It’s totally up to us to make sure that we’ve done all we can do to be counted. If it turns out that the margin was even narrower than originally projected; or that as a result of these additional ballots, Bill Thompson actually won, we’d look like a bunch of idiots to not have taken advantage of our rights to have every vote count.

Stay blessed,

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

2009 ELECTION RESULTS

2009 ELECTION RESULTS: or MY CONDOLENCES TO NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY, I TRULY MOURN OUR LOSS

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

It was a stunning close-call for Bill Thompson. If indeed it was a close call. The rumor is that he ‘almost’ made it as the next mayor of New York. In fact, the margins are so close - mere 4% difference, he may well actually be the next mayor of New York. Because of this, I’m holding out for absentee ballots and the military votes. Actually, I think we should both demand a recount (with federal surveillance over the process), and give us an update of how many of the absentee ballots, military ballots and affidavits were for Bill Thompson or Bloomberg. You know, you can't trust the Republicans. Honest and fairplay is definitely not part of their bailey-wick. In fact, I don't think it's even included in their vocabulary.

I was a little non-plussed that Bill Thompson gave his concession speech so early, because, as with Al Gore v. George Bush, it turned out that the counts were called in and victory awarded to Bush prematurely. You all remember this, right? Gore had to rescind his concession to let the process proceed. I'm a believer in it ain't over til it's over; and without those additional votes, it just ain't over.

Call me a dreamer and an optimist, but I still hold out for the outside chance, that phenom that lets you know that let’s you know that miracles do still happen.

In the interim, let’s keep our focus on how we got that close, and what we’ve learned on the way. If we are discontented with the past performance of Mayor Bloomberg, I’m sure that that has not changed, and unless we have a plan B, we are likely to suffer more of the same over the next four years.

So how do we deal with this issue going into 2010? One we have to make sure that the city council speaker is someone who really understands the needs of the constituency and is someone we can trust. Therefore, I’m suggesting, recommending and demanding that either Tish James or Al Vann become the Speaker for the City Council. No more rubber stamping there. No more budgetary boondoggles where our council members are brow beaten by a mean spirited Quinn-like creature.

The next thing is for the different communities to form their own organizations centered around the issues that most affect them, and make sure they pack the community board hearings, Borough hall, and other areas where people are charged with dealing with the community, but turn out to be less that rubber stamps themselves; or just plain clueless and disorganized.

I’ve visited a few Community Board headquarters and some are junky, with papers, cardboard boxes and discards all over the place. The people running them are just bodies occupying spaces, not pro-active individuals doing what is necessary to enhance the community. I recommend a shake-up and a revamping of the community boards; and a blue-print for excellence by which the revamped community boards have to comport themselves by.

In the interim, or simultaneously, we should make a comprehensive list of the issues and concerns and the atrocities we’ve suffered under Bloomberg, with the pledge that he no longer gets to continue in that mode. Now that may mean a body of community activists, it may mean having bull dog lawyers; it may mean developing a relationship with Attorney General Eric Holder’s office to keep these concerns before them, and not buried under the Bloomberg boondoggle.

That’s not easy when you’re trying to figure out where your next job is going to come from, how to pay the rent, whether or not your children are getting good educations; but if we don’t what’s already bad under Bloomberg is guaranteed to get worse.

Now for my New Jersey friends, I really feel sad for you. You’ve got a prosecutor/persecutor for a governor. Been there, done that. Maybe you’ll catch a break like we did and he has to step down before he can do too much damage.

For those of you who have the audacity, temerity and the gall to try to blame Obama for this situation, for those of you who said that we “Black people didn’t elect Obama president, white people did “ as though to say he has no clout, and them to criticize him because he didn’t lead a parade for Bill Thompson in NYC, my response is to say get a grip! And do it fast.

Of course we as Black people didn’t elect Obama by ourselves, but neither did white people. It was a joint effort! This is the United States of America. We still only have one vote, and all the efforts on President Obama’s part, and he did come out for Bill and Corzine. But this is a local election, and the responsibility still boils down to us -- to each individual whose job it was to get inside those booths and pull the lever for them. For those of you who made these critical statements, you need to take those 4 fingers and point them back at yourselves. You also need to renew your dedication to support Obama and those who work with him for you. It means we have to develop a mentality of self-empowerment, rather than constantly griping about who does or does not support us.

Thank God there were not enough of you to stop the march on Selma, AL, or the Montgomery bus boycott; or the March on Washington, or the Million Man March. I guess some of your tribe was around when we were going door to door trying to get Blacks the right to vote in the 60’s. With those kinds of mentalities, I guess thank goodness there were enough of us to counteract some of those invectives I’ve been hearing.

There’s nothing worse than a negative minded Black person, bad mouthing other Black people who are trying to help, under the guise of “telling it like it is” or “keeping it real;” instead of putting the positive spin on it to begin the paradigm shift we need to go forward, not dwell on backward. My problem with "keeping it real" is that we often keep it real negative, keep it real ugly, keep it real stupid. What we don't seem to want to do is to create a new reality. A paradigm shift. Those of us who claim to have ascended from Kings and Queens, have to stop thinking and acting like slaves, puppets, and victims. There has to be some Blackbone in there somewhere, or else our ancestors would all have perished on those ships. It's time to go and reclaim our DNA.

That said, we’ve got Obama, let’s maximize that as much as possible. We came within 4% of defeating Mike Bloomberg; I say let’s get our legal team to make sure the votes were accurately counted; that the absentee ballots and military votes have not been counted; and like Al Franken, don’t concede until they are.

In fact, I think Bill Thompson’s concession must be conditional on what those numbers show, and proof that the machinery used to count the votes were fully functioning, with no glitches.

So while I mourn our loss, I’m optimistic about our future if we continue to pull together, not apart; if we continue to turn to each other, not on each other; if we continue to have each other’s back, not ride each other’s back or play back stabbers.

Stay Blessed and Eclectically Black,

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

ELECTION RESULTS: or MY CONDOLENCES TO NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY, I TRULY MOURN OUR LOSS

ELECTION RESULTS: or MY CONDOLENCES TO NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY, I TRULY MOURN OUR LOSS
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

It was a stunning close-call for Bill Thompson. If indeed it was a close call.  The rumor is that he ‘almost’ made it as the next mayor of New York.  In fact, the margins are so close - mere 4% difference, he may well actually  be the next mayor of New York.  Because of this, I’m holding out for absentee ballots and the military votes.  Actually, I think we should both demand a recount (with federal surveillance over the process), and give us an update of how many of the absentee ballots, military ballots and affidavits were for Bill Thompson or Bloomberg.  You know, you can't trust the Republicans.  Honest and fairplay is definitely not part of their bailey-wick.  In fact, I don't think it's even included in their vocabulary.

 I was a little non-plussed that Bill Thompson gave his concession speech so early,  because, as with Al Gore v. George Bush, it turned out that the counts were called in and victory awarded to Bush prematurely.  You all remember this, right?  Gore had to rescind his concession to let the process proceed.  I'm a believer in it ain't over til it's over; and without those additional votes, it just ain't over.

Call me a dreamer and an optimist, but I still hold out for the outside chance, that phenom  that lets you know that let’s you know that miracles do still happen.

In the interim, let’s keep our focus on how we got that close, and what we’ve learned on the way.  If we are discontented with the past performance of Mayor Bloomberg, I’m sure that that has not changed, and unless we have a plan B, we are likely to suffer more of the same over the next four years.

So how do we deal with this issue going into 2010?  One we have to make sure that the city council speaker is someone who really understands the needs of the constituency and is someone we can trust.  Therefore, I’m suggesting, recommending and demanding that either Tish James or Al Vann become the Speaker for the City Council.  No more rubber stamping there. No more budgetary boondoggles where our council members are brow beaten by a mean spirited Quinn-like creature.

The next thing is for the different communities to form their own organizations centered around the issues that most affect them, and make sure they pack the community board hearings, Borough hall, and other areas where people are charged with dealing with the community, but turn out to be less that rubber stamps themselves; or just plain clueless and disorganized.

I’ve visited a few Community Board headquarters and some are junky, with papers, cardboard boxes and discards all over the place.  The people running them are just bodies occupying spaces, not pro-active individuals doing what is necessary to enhance the community.  I recommend a shake-up and a revamping of the community boards; and a blue-print for excellence by which the revamped community boards have to comport themselves by. 

In the interim, or simultaneously, we should make a comprehensive list of the issues and concerns and the atrocities we’ve suffered under Bloomberg, with the pledge that he no longer gets to continue in that mode.  Now that may mean a body of community activists, it may mean having bull dog lawyers; it may mean developing a relationship with Attorney General Eric Holder’s office to keep these concerns before them, and not buried under the Bloomberg boondoggle.

That’s not easy when you’re trying to figure out where your next job is going to come from, how to pay the rent, whether or not your children are getting good educations; but if we don’t what’s already bad under Bloomberg is guaranteed to get worse.

Now for my New Jersey friends, I really feel sad for you.  You’ve got a prosecutor/persecutor for a governor.  Been there, done that.  Maybe you’ll catch a break like we did and he has to step down before he can do too much damage. 

For those of you who have the audacity, temerity and the gall to try to blame Obama for this situation, for those of you who said that we “Black people didn’t elect Obama president, white people did “ as though to say he has no clout, and them to criticize him because he didn’t lead a parade for Bill Thompson in NYC,  my response is to say get a grip!  And do it fast. 

Of course we as Black people didn’t elect Obama by ourselves, but neither did white people.  It was a joint effort!   This is the United States of America.  We still only have one vote, and all the efforts on President Obama’s part, and he did come out for Bill and Corzine.  But this is a local election, and the responsibility still boils down to us -- to each individual whose job it was to get inside those booths and pull the lever for them.  For those of you who made these critical statements, you need to take those 4 fingers and point them back at yourselves.  You also need to renew your dedication to support Obama and those who work with him for you.  It means we have to develop a mentality of self-empowerment, rather than constantly griping about who does or does not support us.

Thank God there were not enough of you to stop the march on Selma, AL, or the Montgomery bus boycott; or the March on Washington, or the Million Man March.  I guess some of your tribe was around when we were going door to door trying to get Blacks the right to vote in the 60’s.  With those kinds of mentalities, I guess thank goodness there were enough of us to counteract some of those invectives I’ve been hearing.

There’s nothing worse than a negative minded Black person, bad mouthing other Black people who are trying to help, under the guise of  “telling it like it is” or “keeping it real;” instead of putting the positive spin on it to begin the paradigm shift we need to go forward, not dwell on backward.  My problem with "keeping it real" is that we often keep it real negative, keep it real ugly, keep it real stupid.  What we don't seem to want to do is to create a new reality.  A paradigm shift.  Those of us who claim to have ascended from Kings and Queens, have to stop thinking and acting like slaves, puppets, and victims.  There has to be some Blackbone in there somewhere, or else our ancestors would all have perished on those ships.  It's time to go and reclaim our DNA.

That said, we’ve got Obama, let’s maximize that as much as possible.  We came within 4% of defeating Mike Bloomberg; I say let’s get our legal team to make sure the votes were accurately counted; that the absentee ballots and military votes have not been counted; and like Al Franken, don’t concede until they are.  

In fact, I think Bill Thompson’s concession must be conditional on what those numbers show, and proof that the machinery used to count the votes were fully functioning, with no glitches.

So while I mourn our loss, I’m optimistic about our future if we continue to pull together, not apart; if we continue to turn to each other, not on each other; if we continue to have each other’s back, not ride each other’s back or play back stabbers. 

I’m committing to memory the poem I wrote in Bloomberg’s honor, entitled, BLAME BLOOMBERG (below), lest we forget that the problems remain:
 
BLAME BLOOMBERG
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson (rap and rhyme)
 You say Wall Street just fell on you?
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg!
And Main Street just got bulldozed too?
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg.
Your job is gone, your apartment too?
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg

You can’t afford to pay the rent?
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
You work all day but can’t save a cent!
Don’t blame Bill blame Bloomberg.

Your water and electricity’s high?
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg.
And public jobs are privatized?
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
.
Wall Street exec screw up but are still hired
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg.
They get millions in bonuses while you get fired.
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg

Times, Post, Fox Five TV the truth they hoard
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
Cause Rupert Murdock’s on Bloomberg’s board
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
So you won’t ever know what’s  really happened
Til it’s too late and you’ve been ripped off and  flattened

Housing costs are too damned high!
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
Banks ignore you, foreclosures make you cry.
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg.

You and your family are on the street
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg.
You can’t buy food, can’t make ends meet.
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg.

NEW YORKERS SAID 8 IS ENOUGH!!
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
Bloomberg ignored you and said that’s tough!
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg.

If he gets re-elected
And the middleclass keeps being neglected,
Walked on, pushed out, disrespected, on the shelf
Don’t blame Bill, blame YOURSELF

Bill Thompson gave you a better plan
For middle class and working families he stands
Can he save New Yorkers? 
If we elect him, Yes he can!

You say you live on the Upper East Side?
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
You feel you’ve been taken for a ride?
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg

Your quality of living has started to slide
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg.
You’re doing menial jobs that insult your pride
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg

High test scores don’t prove good education
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
Our kids can’t meet the  world competition
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg

They need substance, not just form
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
Or mediocrity becomes the norm
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg

Harlem is where you used to stay
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
Til they took the affordable apartments away
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg

For a Harlem studio $750 Grand you’ll pay
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
Or ride the homeless bus to no where -- one way
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg.

He’s building overpriced high rises of glass
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
Destroying beautiful buildings with all the class
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg

The Yankees Stadium got reconstruction
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
While the surrounding neighbors face destruction
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg.

If you can’t get from here to there
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg,
‘Cause they keep raising the transit fare.
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg.

You just can’t afford  four  more years
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
Because you’ll be shedding more than tears
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg

I don’t have to be a wise sooth sayer
To say you’ll need more than a prayer
If you re-elect Mike Bloomberg mayor
Don’t blame Bill, BLAME YOURSELF!

Bill Thompson gave you a better plan
For middle class and working families he stands
He can save New Yorkers from this man
Let’s elect him so he can!
And get rid of Bloomberg

No matter how much he spends his money
Your chances of getting any are slim and none-y
Your eyes may shine and your teeth may grit
But not one program will you get
His promises turn out to be vapid lies
This my warning word to the wise
It’s clear that we’ve each only got one vote
If you blow this that’s all she wrote
New York can do better without Bloomberg.

We’re coming to the end of this little ditty
I wrote it because I love New York City
For a mayor who cares vote for Bill Thompson
He’ll save New York and get the job done
And once again make New York Number One
Or perish as fools under Bloomberg
VOTE BILL THOMPSON FOR MAYOR 2009
AND EVERYTHING WILL TURN OUT FINE  -- note, since we blew that one, I’m changing it to STAY UNITED IN 2009
AND EVERY THING WILL TURN OUT FINE
© GDWEnterprises 103009 ###       
                            ©GDWEnterprises 110409

(Stay blessed, not stressed, God will do the rest - GDW)

BILL THOMPSON HAS NEVER LOST AN ELECTION

BILL THOMPSON HAS NEVER LOST AN ELECTION
CAN WE MAKE HISTORY AGAIN? YES WE CAN!!

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

For those of you who have had some moments of trepidation as to whether Bill Thompson can win the election, allow me to remind you and assure you that BILL THOMPSON HAS NEVER LOST AN ELECTION.

Now why is that? Is it because he has some magic powers? Yes, it’s the magic of believing that New Yorkers deserve the best across the board. It’s the magic of not just pretending to understand the middle class, but to be a part of the middle class and under stand and support it’s aspirations and concerns. It’s the magic of being able to speak to people on their level without a speech writer having to put the information together for him. It’s the magic of having risen in the ranks of public servantship and not losing sight of what is needed regardless of where and when he enters.

BILL THOMPSON HAS NEVER LOST AN ELECTION Is it because he has tons and tons of money and can buy all the votes he want; advertise anywhere he wishes, buy lies to evade the truth? Definitely not the case. In fact, the soul of New York cannot be bought or sold. It has to be won. The unvarnished, unfiltered truth is that despite hardships, despite Democrat or Republican in the state capital or in Gracie Mansion, Bill Thompson has always delivered and made New York City his priority. He has been an exemplary Comptroller, instrumental in holding the line in terms of budgetary and cost overruns despite Bloomberg.

BILL THOMPSON HAS NEVER LOST AN ELECTION: Is it because he can buy votes? No, and neither can anyone else. Votes are given in support of an individual who is giving you the best each and every day, despite the challenges and obstacles. Bill Thompson has never tried to rest on his laurels or reputation.

BILL THOMPSON HAS NEVER LOST AN ELECTION: Because at the end of the day, when his opponents pulled every trick in the book, told all the lies; distorted all the truth; blocked all the media information, twittered their last invective twitter;
at the end of the day New Yorkers took their own personal inventory. Are they actually better off after 8 years of Bloomberg? And the overwhelming answer is NO!

Despite the glitter, despite the promises -- which have largely gone undelivered; despite the cast of characters who back him (do you really trust someone that is backed by Rudy Giuliani?) Do you really want someone who thinks the Public Advocate should be vacated and let the News media be the critic of last resort for the city? Do you really want to back someone who wants to bring people in from other countries to do the work in New York, while our city, which has been blessed by having the largest immigrant population is now struggling to provide decent jobs for them as well as for “native” New Yorkers. Where the jobs are being privatized as opposed to being distributed to people who are already here.

BILL THOMPSON HAS NEVER LOST AN ELECTION: Each and every time Bill Thompson has run for office of any kind, people look at his actions, accomplishments, sincerity, integrity, strength of character, and in their heart of hearts, know they must follow their conscience and act on their best interests. New Yorkers know sincerity, integrity, dedication, determination and the truth when they see it. And it shines through Bill Thompson.

New York has been entangled by slick words, distortions, lies, deceit, veiled threats on the part of the Bloomberg doom berg machine. It’s these same distortions that have brought our city to the brink of financial and social disaster, depression, leaving a bad taste in the mouths of the people.

Bill Thompson is devoted to developing New York City’s assets for all New Yorkers, not just for a hand picked few. Bill Thompson has always stood for transparency, making sure that he gives New Yorkers what they need as well as what they want. Bill Thompson’s track record has always been that of success and progressiveness. However, rather than leaving people behind, or segregating people from the benefits of a greater New York City, he practices the policy and politics of inclusion -- not exclusion.

BILL THOMPSON HAS NEVER LOST AN ELECTION: because people can see into the heart of the man. People SERVANT LEADER who will do more for all New Yorkers in the next four years than Bloomberg has done with his millions in the past eight years. If Bloomberg was going to develop affordable homes it would have already been done. Instead he focused on stadiums, glass building, bulldozing neighborhoods, walking over the wishes and autonomy of New Yorkers by disenfranchising them through the dismantling of term limits, and the violation of tax exempt funds to build properties that are of no benefit to the people who are most in need.

BILL THOMPSON HAS NEVER LOST AN ELECTION: Though he faced what appears to be insurmountable odds, he stands steadfast and looks the problem in the face, and works to provide a viable solution that is beneficial to all concerned He has never rolled over or abandoned his constituents, or put the interests of one over that of another.

BILL THOMPSON HAS NEVER LOST AN ELECTION: because he’d diligent, dedicated, caring compassionate on the one hand; tough, focused, and vigilant on the other. Through all his roles in the City of New York he has never stooped to abuse of power, which usurps the rights of New Yorkers on Main Street in order to curry the favor of those on Wall Street. He has never insulted the intelligence of New Yorkers.

BILL THOMPSON HAS NEVER LOST AN ELECTION: And New Yorkers have never lost with Bill Thompson, no matter what his current role or responsibility. His track record has always been that of success.

SO LET’S MAKE SURE THAT BILL THOMPSON WINS THIS ELECTION: It’s the most important one of all. New Yorkers must vote for Bill because he puts New Yorkers first. We are his number one priority. We must turn out in record numbers as we did for President Obama, because we recognize the truth when we hear it, when we see it. It’s time for a change.

IT’S TIME FOR A CHANGE, IT’S TIME FOR NEW LEADERSHIP, IT’S TIME FOR A PARADIGM SHIFT. IT’S TIME TO ELECT BILL THOMPSON MAYOR OF NEW YORK CITY. CAN WE MAKE HISTORY AGAIN? YES WE CAN!!

VOTE NOVEMBER 3RD 2009.

Stay Blessed and Eclectically Black,

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

GLORIA DULAN-WILSON EIGHT IS ENOUGH SERIES

READ EIGHT IS ENOUGH Eight PART SERIES

EIGHT REAL REASONS WHY BILL THOMPSON MUST BE ELECTED MAYOR TO SAVE THE SOUL OF NEW YORK AND WHY WE CANNOT AFFORD BLOOMBERG EVER AGAIN!

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Stop what you're doing, and listen very, very carefully to what I'm about to say...

As a Black Journalist and a holder of public trust I just wrote a piece of undeniable "TRUTH" that is unlike anything out there in the mainstream media. I urge you to read the "Eight Is Enough' Series before you go to the polls on November 3rd 2009.

This is a must-read eight part article series. Everyone who cares about New York City and the future of our politics should read this series!

But Don't Simply Take My Word for it. Listen to What One of My Reader's Had to Say...

FROM ZACH HUSSER:

Dear Sister Wilson,

This compilation of information about what Bloomberg, Giuliani, and Pataki have done to "every day Voting Citizens" in New York City is the most researched and thoroughly written article about the politics of New York City, thus New York State, that I have ever read!

READ 'Eight Is Enough' NOW!

'Eight Is Enough' Part 1

'Eight Is Enough' Part II

'Eight Is Enough' Part III

'Eight Is Enough' Part IV

'Eight Is Enough' Part V

'Eight Is Enough' Part VI

'Eight Is Enough' Part VII

'Eight Is Enough' Part VIII

I ask you to email a copy to at least 10 friends, associates, relatives, supporters of Bill Thompson, those who are on the fence to get out and VOTE Today.

Bill Thompson Endorsed By President Obama "Our great city comptroller, our candidate for mayor, my friend Billy Thompson is in the house." - President Obama, 10/20/2009

Check Out: New Yorkers For Bill Thompson 2009

Stay Blessed and Eclectically Black,

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

"Send This Gloria Dulan-Wilson Blog To A Friend NOW!"

RE-ELECT JON CORZINE THE BEST GOVERNOR NEW JERSEY'S HAD IN 20 YEARS

JON CORZINE BEST GOVERNOR JERSEY HAS HAD IN 20 YEARS
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

To our neighbors across the Hudson in the great Garden State of New Jersey: Don’t believe the hype. Jon Corzine is the best Governor you’ve ever had. Stay out of the Bushes. Making Chris Christie governor would be like shooting yourself in the foot.

In supporting Jon Corzine, President Barack Obama made a personal appearance in Hackensack, NJ on October 21, and stated: "What we need are leaders that are committed to moving this country forward, moving this state forward, That's the kind of leader Jon Corzine is. That's why he deserves another four years."

It’s interesting how the Republican grist mill continues to distort the truth in order to entice people into their lair. I have been watching with interest the mounting distortions of late in the media against Governor Jon Corzine, in an effort to make Chris Christie -- a BUSH REPUBLICAN -- look like some kind of “saint”.

Christie was appointed Attorney General by George Bush even though he had no prosecutorial experience, or background in criminal justice. During his tenure,
Christie gave a $52 million no-bid government contract to the firms of former US attorney general John Ashcroft, his former boss at the Justice Department, without competitive bidding; as well as no-bid contracts went to attorney John Inglesino, a friend, adviser and campaign donor; and former U.S. Attorney David Kelley, a former colleague, from 2002 to 2008.

The contracts awarded by Christie’s represent a direct conflict of interest for him because of his close connections to the men who stood to profit from the awards: his former boss, a former colleague and a political ally. It is a practice that became more common under President George W. Bush’s administration. Christie, a 2001 Bush appointee, approved a total of seven deferred prosecution agreements in seven years as New Jersey’s U.S. attorney

US attorney general David Kelley he investigated Christie’s younger brother, Todd, on stock fraud charges for cheating customers for financial gain, but ultimately did not prosecute him. 20 other traders wsere also accused by the SEC along with Todd. They were found guilty, he was not. Kelley was later awarded the contract as monitor but said it had nothing to do with the previous case - really??!!

New Jersey Democratic State Committee Chairman Joseph Cryan said : "Chris Christie wants us to believe that in a country with more than one million lawyers, the one most qualified to receive this no-bid work is the same one who let his brother off the hook for stock fraud. I think the people of New Jersey are smarter than that."

So let me go on the record and say that making Christie governor would be the biggest mistake New Jersey can make.

An online publication entitled EmptyWheel recently posted an article pointing out how Christie was using his ties as Attorney General illegitimately to cast aspersions on Jon Corzine, and make the public think that he and his supporters were doing something illegal: “Chris Christie’s ongoing ties with his old friends at the US Attorney’s office just got much worse. First we learned that Chris Christie gave a highly inappropriate loan to one of his Assistant US Attorneys, Michele Brown, when he was her boss. Given his seeming magical coordination of campaign events with high profile busts by his former office, that "ongoing financial relationship" is highly suspect.”

They further stated that the Department of Justice’s Office of Public Responsibility is already investigating whether acting US Attorney Ralph Marra made inappropriate politicized comments when he announced the politicos, rabbis, and kidney busts in July, 2009” At that time Stephen Dwek, a developer-turned-snitch brought down mayors, rabbis and dozens of others in a stunning probe of money laundering, bribery - and trafficking in black-market kidneys and fake Gucci bags. Hundreds of federal agents on both sides of the Hudson River - in Brooklyn and Jersey - raided the homes of 44 suspects targeted in the two-year probe, collaring high-ranking politicians and trusted religious leaders.

The spectacle of the alleged perpetrators being led into federal court with shackles on their wrists and ankles, was graphically displayed in the media. Bail was set as high as $3 million. “Aside from the wide-ranging political ramifications of the arrests in Jersey - shocking even in the ethics-challenged Garden State - the takedowns of five rabbis left Jewish communities in Deal, N.J. and Brooklyn reeling.” But, the timing of the whole incident, and the fact that nothing material ever came of the highly touted take downs, makes it look even more like what it really is: a political ploy to defame Corzine by the Christie Camp. It’s a classic Macchiaveli ploy called the “big lie” where the bigger, the more audacious lie, the more difficult it is to disprove it, the more the person tries to disprove it, the more the public becomes convinced that it must be true.

In other words, there’s already growing evidence that Chris Christie is mobilizing ongoing relationships with friends at the US Attorney’s office to help his campaign against Governor Corzine.

FactChecker, another online publication called Christie "The Bush Attorney General." According to New Jersey’s Election Law Enforcement Commission records, Stern, Kilcullen, Inglesino and their wives, have contributed nearly $24,000 to Christie’s 2009 bid for governor. Christie has agreed to participate in the state’s public financing system, which matches $2 for every $1 donated, tripling the amount donated from the firm’s principals. Christie has been accused of pay-to-play, or awarding government contracts for campaign donations.

Christie is intentionally using his office to benefit Republicans and damage Democrats. The overall net effect of his actions, according to BluePages.com, is that “Christie is such an unthinking partisan that his style and work naturally lead him to situations and actions that have partisan outcomes. His slanted investigation record over the past two years, selective commenting on cases, or his dropping what appears to be an unnecessary subpoena in last year's Senate race have been designed to help Republicans and hurt Democrats. He runs his US Attorney office in a way that has a partisan effect on New Jersey, and New Jersey can expect more of the same if he becomes governor. 

Senator Jon Corzine ran for Governor on the heels of a very tempestuous year, which saw the death of the first Black mayor of Jersey City, Glenn D. Cunningham, and the stepping down of Jim McGreevey after having announced that he was a “gay American”. Corzine has done a great job in trying to bring honor and respect back to back to New Jersey. Even to the extent to risking his life -- nearly losing it -- at a time of possible racial crisis at Princeton University. Despite his injuries he bounced back stronger than ever.

QUOTE: "By making the right decisions now, New Jersey can and will emerge from this national economic crisis stronger, sooner and more prosperous."

New Jersey has always had some of the highest taxes in the tri-state area. It did not start with Corzine, but long before he moved from the realm of businessman to gubernatorial candidate. In fact under Christine Todd Whitman taxes increased exponentially, while services to all but the most affluent areas, decreased considerably. Chris Christie, who tries to point fingers of blame at Corzine also admitted that he would not be able to reduce taxes immediately.

Now, I’m not speaking as a total outsider, but as one who lived in New Jersey for quite some time, having served under Glenn D. Cunningham, Jersey City’s first Black mayor. The previous mayor, Schundler, a Republican neglected the inner city, with most of the profits and benefits going to outside investors, principally from New York. The schools, homes and other institutions at that time were going begging. People were largely ignored unless they had major bank.

It was at that time that I met Senator Jon Corzine, who supported Cunningham in his bid for mayor. Corzine had not at that time expressed any aspirations to run for governor. His main concern was that New Jersey, and by extension Jersey City, was being grossly shortchanged by the current political regime -- which was then under former governor Christie Todd Whitman. Do you remember the “egg” fiasco under Christie Todd Whitman, where she decreed that a restauranteur could be arrested if eggs weren’t cooked to a certain kind of “doneness”? Those people who liked their eggs “over easy or sunny side up” were suddenly being criminalized. Who do you think was behind the enforcement of those insipid rules? The education take over of low performing schools happened under the Republican’s watch because they were not supporting, repairing or funding the urban schools, while simultaneously requiring schools to accomplish certain goals.

Then New Jersey caught a break when she stepped down to head up the EPA under the Bush administration. Codey who appointed acting governor, was a considerable improvement over Whitman. Christie, however, managed to fly low under the radar in terms of his activities. That he was appointed to the position by Bush in 2006 to be US Attorney General from New Jersey, ought to give Jerseyans considerable pause as to whether or not they are opening themselves up to more pervasive regressive and repressive Bush-type mismanagement under Christie.

New Jersey definitely went into a tail spin under McGreevey. Definitely a low point in the history of NJ politics Had Corzine not been elected governor, and worked diligently to stem the tide of the Bush era errors, and simultaneously reverse the damage done by McGreevey, New Jersey would be in even worse straits. Remember the economic downturn happened on Bush’s watch, and Corzine had to balance budgets as much as possible, without totally devastating the state. That is an acomplishment not to be taken lightly.

Now that Obama is president, and the opportunities are flowing to New Jersey, Christie will be more instrumental in siphoning off funds and contracts for his cronies, thus putting middle class and working class families in last place again. Look at what’s happened already. -- not at the commercials on TV. I.e., don’t believe the hype. The truth is that Christie will reverse the good that’s already been done and make the Bush years look like walk in the park.

Property taxes in New Jersey have been out of control for at least 40 years. An issue neither Corzine or Christie are going to be able to resolve without some serious reforms. Reforms that are more likely to be implemented in a Corzine administration, than under Christie.

The parable of don’t change horses in the middle of the stream applies here. Corzine has led New Jersey through it’s worst economic downturn in modern history. Now that things are finally making a turn around under President Barack Obama, is definitely not the time to hand it off to a Bush Republican bent on undermining progress.

And a word of caution in reference to Chris Daggett, who appears to also be running for Governor. Be careful of setting up the “Nader Effect“. Just in case you’ve forgotten the debacle of 2000, when Al Gore “lost” to George Bush, because Ralph Nader, who didn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell of winning, stubbornly refused step out of the running as a “Green Party” candidate. Chris Daggett could be considered New Jersey’s “Nader.” With the margin between Corzine and Christie so close, Daggett could drain needed votes from people who mistakenly think they are sending a signal with a protest vote. This really isn’t the time. Corzine needs a big turnout by minorities, women and urbanites — reliable Democratic constituencies in this Democratic-leaning state.

When you go to the polls on Tuesday, November 3, please remember that the people who led New Jersey, as well as the entire United States, to the brink of disaster, the same people who caused people internationally to look up on the US as a bully, the same people who lied about Weapons of Mass Destruction, the same people who left all the children behind under their “no child left behind legislation; the same people who took the jobs out of the community and sent them overseas, are the same people who are backing Chris Christie. They are paying for his distorted ads.

As I stated in the beginning, I am saying again JON CORZINE IS THE BEST GOVERNOR NEW JERSEY HAS HAD FOR AT LEAST 20 YEARS.

You owe it to yourselves and the rest of the country to re-elect JON CORZINE GOVERNOR OF NEW JERSEY.

Stay Blessed and Eclectically Black,

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

RE-ELECT JON CORZINE THE BEST GOVERNOR NEW JERSEY'S HAD IN 20 YEARS

EIGHT IS ENOUGH PART

EIGHT IS ENOUGH
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

It is interesting how so often the most simple, miniscule things sometimes are instrumental in being the means by which the most clever disguises are exposed.
This was the case for me last week when I went to the movies to get some respite from the never ending barrage of bad news on TV, in our newspapers, and from friends.

Interestingly enough I decided to go see "Astro Boy"© at the Regal on 42nd Street. What appeared to be typical, juvenile fluff loosely based on a highly technolized Pinocchio, was a real lesson in democracy, leadership, and the basic moral fibre and principles which determine the make up of a society. 

Wow! Now how did I get all that from an animated feature length movie?  My insight turned on the very nefarious, despotic character of "Mayor Stone", who's power and tendency toward dictatorship, with the capacity to crush all those who stand in his way, was such a parallel to our current mayor, Mike Bloomberg, it was like a modern day parable in animated form.

The mayor Stone character was running for re-election. His slogan was: "IT'S NOT TIME FOR A CHANGE." He rolled through his city with seemingly unlimited power. If he couldn't get you to cooperate, he'd destroy you.  His favorite thing to do was throw money or hollow promises at someone who had something he wanted or needed, with an aside to his minions to incarcerate or deal with them once he got what he wanted.  He operated through trickery, lies, distortions, deceits, and, of course, bribery.

When he finally got what he wanted he went through the city wreaking havoc, destroying everything in his wake, seemingly oblivious to everything he trampled on while he pursued his objective. His efforts nearly brought down the entire city. While those around him could truly see him as the monster he was, he was totally unaware and unconcerned.

Well, like the Astro Boy © cartoon, the Bloomberg administration has been monstrous in its effects on the communities that he's touched. Like Hobbes' Leviathan, his tentacles have reached into every corner to accomplish his will, without any concern for the effects it has on the people who live there, who love New York, who raise families. I defy you to go see that cartoon and not come away with the same graphic parallels between Astro Boy's© "Mayor Stone" character and Mayor Bloomberg. 

Those of us who consider ourselves part of the middle class must question the New York Times statement that New York City is indeed better because of Bloomberg. Really? Take a look at whose writing the article. Most of them do not live in the middle class communities that are being affected by this administration. Of course, if you're in the $250,000+ a year income bracket, of course things are better. 

According to Bill Thompson in the recently held debate, the middle class income for New York really ranges from $50,000 to $170,000 by New York self definition. If you live in Manhattan this may be more the case than not. But if you live in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens or Staten Island it's more between the range of $37,500 and $80,000. 

However, the higher income index has often been used to justify the unconscionable increases in rental rates, housing costs, and utility service increases. It is the unrealistically higher rate that has been artificially imposed on the other boroughs that has put affordable housing and other services out of reach, because the assumption is that since we make more we can/must pay more.  It is that median income that has been used as an index for rationalizing the higher costs in practically everything in NYC -- from the $4.00 cup of coffee to the $35.00 bounced check fee. From the higher taxi fares to the increasingly higher transit fares. Most of the people sitting on these boards making these decisions were appointed by Bloomberg, but have absolutely nothing to do with the people they're making the decisions about -- in much the same way the Mayor has no relation to the middle class that continues to flee New York.

Realistically speaking, even that median income is no longer viable, with so many no longer gainfully employed. With nearly 40,000 jobs no longer available. With Bloomberg's policy of privatization of so many jobs that righteously belong to New Yorkers going to outside sources. 

And the Wall Streeters who have lost their jobs must deal with the fact that they who swore by the Bloomberg Report have to ask how accurate the report is when it did not portend the upcoming downturn and what to do to stem the tide. Interestingly enough, Bloomberg's cronies have tried to find ways to keep their ill gotten bonuses, and there has been absolute silence from Bloomberg in having them put those monies in a fund for those New Yorkers who have lost or are losing their homes and livelihood because of their callous, impersonal, nefarious practices that have put so many of us in jeopardy. 

Where is his righteous indignation against the banks that drag out procedures that might just help save a home or a business in New York in time of crisis.
"It's so easy to hurt others when you can't feel pain."  Bloomberg makes no connection to the misery the people feel, and the trauma they face as they are foreclosed upon, forced out into the streets.  He can't help them because his cronies are part of the problem not part of the solution.

The new formula of mass mind group think utilized by the media totally ignores or evades these facts. The Chief and Leader (Reluctantly) endorsed Bloomberg. What does that mean? It means that they have no principles. It means that they are afraid to take a real stand for the truth for all those people who depend upon them to provide information on the continuously dwindling jobs that has kept this city running for centuries.

Consider the fact that his whim to put seating areas in the middle of 34th Street and 42nd Street, backing up traffic for blocks, in order to slow down the city, and at the same time blocking the flow of New York, had less to do with greening New York, and more to do with whether or not he could get the city to bend to his will.

The fact that two baseball stadiums were built in low and moderate income communities while nothing has been done for the surrounding community, including the failure to hire locally skilled labor for the construction of the stadiums. A seat could very well equal a day's salary.  By the way, there are some beautiful old buildings slated to go on the chopping block that are nearly a century old -- look fast the New York skyline will soon be classless glass boxes sitting vacant, staring down on you while you sit on the sidewalk, homeless shelter or whatever and wherever is left after New York is filled with Bloomberg's version of affordable housing.

The D- grade Bill Thompson was relatively generous considering that Bloomberg has flown low under the radar of detection during the Wall Street vs. Mainstreet debacle.  He appears to not have been called into account for how it is that Mainstreet is suffering on his watch.

D- is an appropriate grade given the betrayal of the public trust. Given the callous manner in which he went about dismantling the Term Limits law while people protested, as though they (we) not only did not exist, but did not count. The my way or the highway attitude and behavior negates everything else he may have accomplished.  New York City is part of a democracy, not a dictatorship. A "D-" is appropriate for the despotic behavior that is evident in the Bloomberg administration.

Bloomberg the Republican, Giuliani the Republican, Bush the Republican have all had devastating effects on New York City. Let's go three for three and relieve New York from further deprivation and downturn. It's time to put New Yorkers back on top, and not the mayor on top of New York.

We cannot afford four more years of Bloomberg. EIGHT IS ENOUGH. VOTE November 3rd 2009 for Bill Thompson the next mayor of New York City.

Stay Blessed and Eclectically Black,

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

BLAME BLOOMBERG - 'Eight Is Enough' Part VIII

Have fun with this one -- use your
imagination and become the spoken
word artist in you as you recite this!

BLAME BLOOMBERG

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
(rap and rhyme)

You say Wall Street just fell on you?
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg!
And Main Street just got bulldozed too?
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg.
Your job is gone, your apartment too?
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg

You can’t afford to pay the rent?
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
You work all day but can’t save a cent!
Don’t blame Bill blame Bloomberg.

Your water and electricity’s high?
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg.
And public jobs are privatized?
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
.
Wall Street exec screw up but are still hired
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg.
They get millions in bonuses while you get fired.
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg

Times, Post, Fox Five TV the truth they hoard
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
Cause Rupert Murdock’s on Bloomberg’s board
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
So you won’t ever know what’s really happened
Til it’s too late and you’ve been ripped off and flattened

Housing costs are too damned high!
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
Banks ignore you, foreclosures make you cry.
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg.

You and your family are on the street
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg.
You can’t buy food, can’t make ends meet.
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg.

NEW YORKERS SAID 8 IS ENOUGH!!
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
Bloomberg ignored you and said that’s tough!
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg.

If he gets re-elected
And the middleclass keeps being neglected,
Walked on, pushed out, disrespected, on the shelf
Don’t blame Bill, blame YOURSELF

Bill Thompson gave you a better plan
For middle class and working families he stands
Can he save New Yorkers?
If we elect him, Yes he can!

You say you live on the Upper East Side?
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
You feel you’ve been taken for a ride?
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg

Your quality of living has started to slide
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg.
You’re doing menial jobs that insult your pride
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg

High test scores don’t prove good education
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
Our kids can’t meet the world competition
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg

They need substance, not just form
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
Or mediocrity becomes the norm
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg

Harlem is where you used to stay
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
Til they took the affordable apartments away
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg

For a Harlem studio $750 Grand you’ll pay
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
Or ride the homeless bus to no where -- one way
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg.

He’s building overpriced high rises of glass
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
Destroying beautiful buildings with all the class
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg

The Yankees Stadium got reconstruction
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
While the surrounding neighbors face destruction
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg.

If you can’t get from here to there
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg,
‘Cause they keep raising the transit fare.
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg.

You just can’t afford four more years
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
Because you’ll be shedding more than tears
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg

I don’t have to be a wise sooth sayer
To say you’ll need more than a prayer
If you re-elect Mike Bloomberg mayor
Don’t blame Bill, BLAME YOURSELF!

Bill Thompson gave you a better plan
For middle class and working families he stands
He can save New Yorkers from this man
Let’s elect him so he can!
And get rid of Bloomberg

No matter how much he spends his money
Your chances of getting any are slim and none-y
Your eyes may shine and your teeth may grit
But not one program will you get
His promises turn out to be vapid lies
This my warning word to the wise
It’s clear that we’ve each only got one vote
If you blow this that’s all she wrote
New York can do better without Bloomberg.

We’re coming to the end of this little ditty
I wrote it because I love New York City
For a mayor who cares vote for Bill Thompson
He’ll save New York and get the job done
And once again make New York Number One
Or perish as fools under Bloomberg.

VOTE BILL THOMPSON FOR MAYOR 2009
AND EVERYTHING WILL TURN OUT FINE.

BLAME BLOOMBERG - 'Eight Is Enough' Part VIII

Stay Blessed and Eclectically Black,

Gloria Dulan-Wilson