Rep-ugh-blicans Try to Lynch Attorney General Eric Holder

by Gloria Dulan-Wilson

It should come as no surprise, given their other attempts at undermining President Barack Obama and the 99% American citizens, that the sitting Rep-ugh-blicans would find some bogus reason for finding Attorney General Eric Holder in "contempt" of Congress. But, since this is probably the most "contemptible" Congress since the overturning of the Jim Crow laws under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Holder may well wear it as a badge of honor, as opposed to one of disgrace.

We who overunderstand the situation salute Eric Holder for maintaining his cool and professionalism under what has to have been the most ludicrous and thinly veiled mockery ever perpetrated in modern political history.

Can you spell RACISM boys and girls? And it is no accident that racism starts with the letter "r" Republicans Acting Crazy In the Same Manner - could well be the true acronym for the travesty that played out in congress - wasting thousands of our tax dollars; obviously pockets lined by NRA dollars, to try to undermine Holder's authority and detract from the good job he is doing under an equally competent President.

I wanted to find out just what this whole thing is about, so I looked up the "operation fast and furious" info, and found out that it was generated quite some time prior to Holder coming on board as Attorney General, and generated out of Arizona - notably a cowboy state - hence the monicker "fast and furious" to indicate that it centered around guns. Now, being from Oklahoma myself, and having had a dad who routinely kept his own stash of guns, I have nothing against guns, per se. In the hands of intelligent people, guns really can't hurt you. However, we in America have to admit that we to have a lunatic fringe - in both the urban and rural areas - who should never come within sniffing distance of guns or gunpowder - it renders them crazy - and woe betide the person who gets in their way.

That said, Operation Fast and furious was anything but. There was nothing fast about the botched sting operation, that was obstensibly set up to track a cache of guns from a seller in Arizona to a buyer somewhere in Mexico. It really was kind of a slow, watch the paint dry kind of affair, during which our guys (much like they do on TV) pretended to go along with the gun runners so they could get to the real perpetrators with the deep pockets, who were looking to purchase the guns across the border.

According to the debate before the contempt "vote", Republicans claimed they were seeking answers for the Michigan family of Brian Terry, a Border Patrol agent killed in December 2010 in a shootout with Mexican bandits (??? they still have bandits in Mexico? Wow!). Two guns from "Fast and Furious" were found at the scene. Like I said, how convenient that those banditos, who were so interested in getting guns, just happened to have left two of them at the scene of the crime. Democrats wanted the Terry family to have all the facts, and argued that it merited a more thorough, bipartisan investigation to accomplish that. (of course, when a grieving widow is being manipulated by nefarious elements, and there is possibly some major money involved, she is going to side on those who appear to be doing her the most good - capice?)

Apparently, something went horribly wrong during the "Fast and Furious" sting. Maybe one of our guys "jumped the gun" and blew the cover of the other agents. Whatever happened, one of the border patrol officers, Terry, was killed in the process. And "ironically" two of the guns from the sting operation were found at the site. Hmmmmm "how convenient!" That was in 2010 (I think). Now the officer's widow, who obviously and understandably is totally destroyed at the death of her husband, is looking for answers and possibly who to "blame" is being manipulated by the NRA and the Rep-ugh-blicans, into accusing Attorney General Eric Holder of wrong doing( I know I just said it, but I really want the rest of you to get the bigger picture - what we have here is a SET UP folks!! Pure and simple.

The alleged five (5) email memos alluded to in the testimonies,that were supposedly sent to Holder's attention, most of which came prior to the officer's demise, were appropriately filtered by Holder's staff according to their priority. Unfortunately, given that he is the Attorney General of the United States, the "fast and furious" sting at that time was not a priority, given other more pressing issues.

Additionally, at the risk of sounding a wee bit callous, officer Terry died in the line of duty, which I am sure he was well aware was a possibility, given the nature of his job - that of border patrol, where you have to have a gun to patrol the border; and where you are expected to fire it, because you as a guard may be fired upon by someone desperately trying enter our country illegally. I.e., he knew the job was dangerous when he took it (a la` Super Chicken). My condolences to his widow and family. The loss of a loved one is horrible and painful, no matter what the circumstances. The big concern here, however, is whether she realizes that she is being emotionally manipulated by the repughblicans in a massive ploy to overthrow the President. If she doesn't know this, would somebody please go over to her house, knock on her door, and tell her and her family what's really going on? She lives in Michigan, I think. I'm sure there is some FOIA info. She should definitely be aware of wolves in sheeps clothing pretending to be working in behalf of her family, when there are bigger, more ulterior motives afoot.

Just out of curiosity, I would really like to know who really generated the guns in Arizona? (which recently had their heads handed to them on a plate by the Supreme Court via the striking down of their immigration laws. It seems to me that if the guns were generated in Arizona, and were being sent south to be sold in Mexico, we have more to worry about than just a few Mexicans sneaking across the border. It appears that Arizona needs to be scrutinized for gun running activities within the borders of the US. And, by the way, that's just what the NRA is afraid of. If it can be proved that there are illegal gun smugglers in the US, the Attorney General can ask for, and get, a tightening up of the gun laws, including licensing and regulations, throughout the country. And the NRA absolutely does NOT want that to happen. With one of the most powerful lobbies in the world, it's no wonder they are pandering to the Terry family, the red-neck Democrats, the Rep-ughblicans, and every one else they can get to. No wonder they want Holder out of the way.

Moving foward, the rep-ugh-blicans and their cohorts, the NRA, pounce on this so called "fast and furious" issue, because they really have nothing else no other way of stopping the President, or of slowing Eric Holder down; and because they need to detract us -WE THE PEOPLE - from their other racist shenaninagans - like voter nullification, the re-establishment of poll taxes in Florida and other southern states; the corporations under Koch brothers trying to buy the election. You know the stuff they and the meanstream press do everyday, day in and day out; 24/7 - 365 - all racism all the time, ad infinitum.

So we now have Congressman Issa out of California, heading up a hearing committee where the fine art of evidence suppression is being practiced in a not-so-veiled attempt to slow Holder down, if not stop him completely. Even Boehner ("bone head") put in his two cents worth. He almost choked on the words, because he knew they were bogus.

And when Eric Holder, fine Black man and exemplary Attorney General that he is, was neither intimidated, nor off put by their allegations, these bozos come up with a threat of holding him in "contempt."

Now I guess they didn't check their popularity ratings in America, or they might have held off on that very stupid ploy, because by and large, most Americans have been holding this Rep-ugh-blican-lead congress in "contempt" for quite some time. It's apparent that they have nothing but contempt for Americans due to the fact that they have not implemented the "jobs now" initiative President Obama requested during his State of the Union Address; the fact that they are trying to double the interest rate on Student Loans; the fact that they actually had the audacity to try to have the Health Care Plan rendered unconstitutional - as though Americans did not deserve to have decent, affordable and comprehensive health care - the same that the Congress receives and provides for their families; the fact that they can pocket all the money they want from public/private interest groups under the guise of campaign funds, while at the same time making it illegal for locally based non-profit organizations to do the same. This is the same contemptible Congress who are trying to hold Eric Holder in contempt!!

Get real. We, the voters, see through that cellophane effort very clearly - as did the Congressional Black Caucus, who walked out of the hearings in protest of the bogus measure; and made it very plain that their political posturings did not fool them at all.

Now, however, it's time for Black Americans - Americans in general, and other individuals who are concerned about the future of this country, to act and act decisively. Not all of us recognize racism when it's couched in legaleze, and hidden behind law books. In fact, as a result we are getting increased requests for voter registration forms - I guess people realize that it will take their active participation in November to STOP THE MADNESS.

But, since not all of us get it, especially when the people who are being escoriated are "higher ups". We sometimes don't recognize what that means for the rest of us - i.e. regardless of the job title and the locale, at the end of the day, ERIC HOLDER IS A BLACK MAN, facing a white redneck "lynch" mob, that goes under the guise of the Rep-ugh-blican branch of the U.S. Congress. So in the interest of making sure we don't miss the lesson, let me spell it out for you. Hopefully, once you understand, I won't have to be riding on a bus somewhere in Brooklyn and hear some misinformed miscreant say something stupid about Attorney General Eric Holder.

President Barack Obama is the first Black President of the United States of America. He is doing a fantastic job, despite the obstacles thrown in his way and the very real attempts to undermine him. There are people who are so racist - elected officials included - that they would rather see this country go down in the dust than to see this Black man succeed. And they will literally stop at nothing to destroy the good he does.

Eric Holder is the first Black Attorney general of the United States of America. He is doing a fantastic job, despite the obstacles thrown in his way, and the very real attempts to undermine him. There are people so racist - elected officials included - that they would rather see this country go down in the dust than to see this Black man succeed. And they will literally stop at nothing to destroy the good he does.

These two men are at the top of the "food chain" and the Rep-ughblicans want them gone. They want to go back to bad business as usual, where the top 1% of the white racists rule over the 99% - who are Black, white, Latino, Asian - i.e. the rainbow that really make up this country. They got caught with their hands in the til. They are behind the economic down turn that Obama has been turning around, despite their efforts to block him. They are very much afraid of the investigations that Holder has launched to get to who really is to blame for the millions of homes that underwent massive foreclosure; who is to blame for the drugs being flooded into the communities; who is to blame for business practices that are now coming to light that have literally left us bankrupt, while their banking cronies and other perpetrators go free.

The so called "fast and furious" hearings are a tip of the iceberg for the most egregious racist congress of modern times.

Make no mistake about it, though - it's up to us to stop this crap in its tracks. We in New York have already heard the call, and this past June 26 we made absolutely sure we did not lose one seat to the Republicans, but we now have to do the same across this nation.

That said, I am not being naive when I also state that during the so call contempt hearing there were 17 Democrats who crossed the line and voted with the repughblicans, including one from Oklahoma. They were Jason Altmire (Pa.), John Barrow (Ga.), Dan Boren (Okla.), Leonard Boswell (Iowa), Ben Chandler (Ky.), Mark Critz (Pa.), Joe Donnelly (Ind.), *Kathy Hochul (N.Y.), Ron Kind (Wis.), Larry Kissell (N.C.), Jim Matheson (Utah), Mike McIntyre (N.C.), *Bill Owens (N.Y.), Collin Peterson (Minn.), Nick Rahall (W.Va.), Mike Ross (Ark.) and Tim Walz (Minn.)
NOTE: Rarely has any pro-gun-rights Democrat representing a rural and Southern district broken with the NRA’s position on key votes, especially in an election year. However, there are two New York Dems who voted for censureship - you might want to be wary of them for future reference.

On the other hand at least two Repughblicans voted against contempt measures, they were: Steve LaTourette (Ohio) and Scott Rigell (Va.). Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-Ill.) was the only "present" vote from either party.

Note, however that there were 108 Democrats who didn't cast votes in this debacle, primarily a combination of members from the Congressional Black Caucus and those who sided with them. They actually walked out of the proceedings, protesting the fact that the House GOP was even holding the vote, which was racist and pretentious in nature.

According to the Associated Press, "The contempt vote was met with outrage from Democrats. The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), joined by Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and many other Democrats, staged a walkout during the vote as Democrats charged the GOP with staging a witch hunt against Holder that demeans the lower chamber."

Pelosi said during the debate that she would join the walkout, and told Democrats it's up to them whether to stay and vote against the resolution, or leave: "So now I say to those who have a doubt about how they want to proceed, that instead of doing what I said before -- which was just to come and to treat this as a bill before the Congress and express my 'no' -- listening to the unconscionable presentation, I want to join my CBC colleagues in boycotting the vote when we have the walkout after we have the debate," she said. Democrats charged Republicans with using the hearings as a veiled political ploy against the Obama administration to help them in the upcoming November elections.

"When the history of this despicable proceeding is recorded, it will be said that your actions were politically motivated to discredit and defeat a president who has worked so hard over the past three years," Rep. G.K. Butterfield (D-N.C.) declared on the House floor during debate on the rule.

Guess what, folks, we don't have to wait for history, we can see it now. It's not only obvious, it's interesting that they are so oblivious to the potential Black lash, that they really think they can make this madness stick.

Meanwhile, Nancy Pelosi stated Republicans were targeting Holder because he is fighting their efforts to suppress voter turnout in November. Rep. John Larson, D-Connecticut, chastised Republicans for pushing ahead on the contempt vote as part of a strategy to prevent economic progress and harm Obama’s re-election chances in November. He stated, and rightly so: “This is just all part of a continuing plan, and whether it’s suppressing the vote or suppressing the economy — this obstructionist regime that we see that continues to block because they think they would rather see President Obama fail than the nation succeed.”

To illustrate how far the rep-ugh-blicans would go to discredit and undermine both the President and the Attorney General, according to the Associated Press, a video was released Tuesday by Democrats on Issa’s panel showing the chairman making past allegations of White House links to Fast and Furious, juxtaposed with Issa saying as recently as Sunday, June 24, that there was no evidence of a White House cover-up whatsoever. What happened? Was there an about-face? No. Issa, though towing the party line, even had to admit the speciousness of the so-called hearings. Must be difficult to live in a duplicitous system where your membership relies on lies and deceit.

Circling back to my original statement, the Rep-ugh-blicans are trying to lynch Attorney General Holder. Our job is to make sure that each and every person, if they voted for his contempt of Congress, and if they are running for anything this fall or in the coming years, that they are not only not re-elected, but are defeated and replaced by someone who supports us, who are the 99%, President Obama, and Eric Holder as he moves to bring justice and fairness to the country's judicial system. The congressional record has the names of all those who voted against Holder. It's easy to access via: www.congressonrecord.com - it not only tells you who said what about the Contempt motion, but who voted, how they voted, and where they're from. So if you have relatives in any of those states where they voted to hold Holder in "contempt", you can make it your business to reach out to them and let them know who in their state voted "yes" or "no".

While under ordinary circumstances, most of us would shrug our collective shoulders, suck our teeth and say it's just how racists are; we cannot afford to do that in this case. THIS IS AN ALL OUT WAR PERPETRATED AGAINST US. We are the targets via President Obama and Attorney General Holder. They are taking the hits for us. We have to fight back. There can be no one on neutral ground - no matter where you live. Battleground or Blue State. We have to realize that all of this is to make sure that Mitt (the s--t head) Romney is selected President, and the rest of us go to poverty, marginalism, and defeat.

I think I've given you enough fuel for action. However, I am also enclosing a copy of Attorney General Holder's response to the Congress's Hearing, below:



Department of Justice
Office of Public Affairs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Statement of Attorney General Eric Holder on the U.S. House of Representatives Vote
Attorney General Eric Holder issued the following statement today:
 
“Today’s vote is the regrettable culmination of what became a misguided – and politically motivated – investigation during an election year.   By advancing it over the past year and a half, Congressman Issa and others have focused on politics over public safety.   Instead of trying to correct the problems that led to a series of flawed law enforcement operations, and instead of helping us find ways to better protect the brave law enforcement officers, like Agent Brian Terry, who keep us safe – they have led us to this unnecessary and unwarranted outcome.
 
“During this time, the men and women of the Department of Justice – and I – have remained focused on wha

t should and must be our government’s top priority: protecting the American people.
 
“When concerns about Operation Fast and Furious first came to light, I took action – and ordered an independent investigation into what happened.   We learned that the flawed tactics used in this operation began in the previous administration – but I made sure that they ended under this one.   I also made sure that agents and prosecutors around the country knew that such tactics must never be used again.   I put in place new policies, new safeguards, and new leadership to make certain of this – and took extraordinary steps to facilitate robust congressional oversight.   Let me be very clear – that was my response to Operation Fast and Furious.   Any suggestion to the contrary simply ignores the facts.
 
“I had hoped that Congressional leaders would be good-faith partners in this work.   Some have.   Others, however, have devoted their time and attention to making reckless charges – unsupported by fact – and to advancing truly absurd conspiracy theories.   Unfortunately, these same members of Congress were nowhere to be found when the Justice Department and others invited them to help look for real solutions to the terrible problem of violence on both sides of our Southwest Border.   That’s tragic, and it’s irresponsible.  The problem of drugs and weapons trafficking across this border is a real and significant public safety threat – and it deserves the attention of every leader in Washington.
 
“In the face of these and other challenges, the Justice Department has continued to move forward in fulfilling its critical law enforcement responsibilities. Whether it is with regard to prosecuting financial and health care fraud, achieving a record mortgage settlement, taking aggressive action in protecting the most vulnerable among us, or challenging proposed voting changes and redistricting maps that could disenfranchise millions of voters – this Department of Justice has not been afraid to act.
 
“Some of these enforcement decisions were not politically popular and help to explain the action taken today by the House.   As Attorney General, I do not look to do that which is politically expedient – on behalf of the American people whom I am privileged to serve, I seek justice.  
 
“In recent weeks, the Justice Department secured its seventh conviction in the most serious terrorist plot our nation has faced since 9/11.   And just two days ago, the Department awarded more than $100 million in grants to save or create law enforcement jobs, including more than 600 jobs for recent veterans.  
 
“This is the kind of work that leaders in Washington should be striving together to advance.   At a time when so many Americans are in need of our help, I refuse to be deterred from it.   And I will not let election-year politics and gamesmanship stand in the way of continued progress.  
 
“Today’s vote may make for good political theater in the minds of some, but it is – at base – both a crass effort and a grave disservice to the American people.   They expect – and deserve – far better.
 
“As a result of the action taken today by the House, an unnecessary court conflict will ensue.   My efforts to resolve this matter short of such a battle were rebuffed by Congressman Issa and his supporters.  It’s clear that they were not interested in bringing an end to this dispute or obtaining the information they claimed to seek.  Ultimately, their goal was the vote that – with the help of special interests – they now have engineered.
 
“Whatever the path that this matter will now follow, it will not distract me or the men and women of the Department of Justice from the important tasks that are our responsibility.   A great deal of work for the American people remains to be done – I’m getting back to it.   I suggest that those who orchestrated today’s vote do the same." Attorney General Eric Holder (gdw)


Of course, make no mistake about it, we New Yorkers could not be prouder or more supportive of Brother Eric Holder, and realize that these are the kinds of challenges that make us stronger in the long run. We stand solidly with Eric Holder and President Obama, and will continue to take care of the business of making sure they have four more years.

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

The Today Show Kicks Curry to the Curb

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

You know, I used to watch the Today Show religiously every morning before going to work – but then there was something to watch – Bryant Gumble was the host and he made it come alive for me and my children. In fact, they grew up on the Today Show, and learned a great deal during those days.

I even continued to watch when they brought on Katy Couric. But, truth be told, when Bryant Gumble left, so did I. I haven't checked in to the show since then, unless there was an announcement that someone special would be featured.

Likewise, I had begun to be a devotee of Good Morning America, with Robin Roberts, until she humiliated Chris Brown on national TV. From that point on I've not really bothered with the good morning talking heads, chatterbox genre. I actually resent the fact that the shows start at 4:00 AM and continue, ad nauseum, until 10:00. I call it cheap network programming.

However, that does not mean that I was not aware of, and cognizant of who the anchors were; just wasn't interested in them. Matt Lauer, to me, was an interloper who had had the great good fortune of becoming a staple on the show by default of the fact that Gumble was no longer there.

So when the flack arose about Ann Curry, I was totally puzzled at what could have possibly generated such negativity. I've watched her over the years, and she's a credible journalist, with a pleasant personality. And while she may not pander to some of the inanities that are employed to keep people engaged in the show, she certainly has always been a professional in her own right. Her stepping in to the shoes of Meredith Viera, however, on the Today Show, was kind of like arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic, as far as I was concerned, since the show was already sinking.

What I did not appreciate was the fact that Lauer and crew have tried to make the ratings her fault. She actually apologized for “dropping the ball!” What! The sister has fifteen years in that show. She has done the yeoman's job of reporting from remote places, and under circumstances that I long ago decided I did not want to be involved in as a journalist (which is probably why I'm not on the show – too much work).

This morning's farewell was the first time I have watched the show in nearly 10 years. And I felt as though she was being scape goated by the rest of the cast and crew for their shortcomings. And people, I was not pleased!

Who the Sam Hill is it that has the audacity to blame her for not floating an anvil? And where does Ann get off co-signing that drivel? In any other situation, she is one of the top journalists on TV, bar none. She doesn't have to take heat (or hatred) from anyone. If anything, they need to change the format of that tired old dinosaur, and come up with some thing more relevant than talking heads.

She stated, "For all of you who saw me as a groundbreaker, I am sorry I could not carry the ball across the finish line," and then she started to cry. I hope her kids weren't watching that madness. I actually had hoped her husband would have been there to stand up for her. These people were trying to crucify this woman on national TV!!

The only other bright spot on that show is Al Roker, who gave her words of encouragement. But for the most part, there seemed to be some sort of tacit lynchmob concensus that Ann Curry should leave the show, because she couldn't cut it. Realllllllllllllyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy????????

According to the posts on Yahoo, there are many fans who feel that she has been an asset to the show, but that Matt Lauer was apparently outclassed, and this is the “lack of chemistry” they keep alluding to:

"The ball" Curry referred to was code for ratings. As media reporters have suggested, Curry' journalistic disposition hadn't won over as many morning show viewers' hearts as did Meredith Vieira, who she replaced on "the couch" last year. Complaints over her lack of "chemistry" with Lauer were jockeyed around enough that part of her departing speech included the implied protestation: "Matt and I have had great on-air chemistry for 14 years."

Overall, Curry's been lauded by colleagues and critics for handling her departure with "class." The Huffington Post's media blog backed Curry up, pointing the finger at NBC on Twitter: "Meredith Vieira got a two-hour farewell. Ann Curry was given 5 minutes after 15 years on the show."

As it stands, Curry is rumored to be replaced by Savannah Guthrie, a woman more than a decade younger than her, who is believed to have more "chemistry" with Lauer. Should an esteemed, accomplished journalist really apologize for not winning what seems like a sexist, unfair, and unjust race? Not according to an outpouring of fans commenting on her farewell speech posted to Yahoo's homepage this morning”.

Their nearest rival, Kathie Lee and Hoda, neither of whom are journalists, are apparently getting over in the AM genre, with morning cocktails and very little in the way of real news or public affairs.

Curry, who according to all the online bio's is Japanese, American Indian, with just a hint of French, Irish and something else, apparently does not wear her skirt too short or her blouse too low, leaving her looking like the hopeless professional she is. It's also rumored that she has been “demoted” from her anchor position, and has a “new title” - wonder what it is?

The ratings game has been around for eons, and is supposedly a measure how well liked the show is in the polls. Then should check out the producer and program director. However, as one individual stated, "It's all about entertainment and ratings," wrote one commenter. "There was a time when the Today Show was really about news, [but] not anymore. More power to Ms. Curry, she is the only one on there who is truly a journalist anyway."

The only thing I can say is that with Ms. Curry being pushed off the show, there is an additional reason that I no longer watch the Today Show. Sorry Al.

To Ann, good luck and God Bless. The $10 million severance pay you received should at least lessen the blow. Goodness, I wish I had your agent.

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson


Here's My Obamaism for the Day: President Obama is to be congratulated and commended for having won powerful support from the Supreme Court in his effort to keep America Healthy. Kudos to our president - GDW

June 26 2012 - A DAY OF VICTORY FOR NEW YORK - A TIME OF VIGILANCE FOR AMERICA

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Wednesday, June 27, 2012

June 26 2012 - A DAY OF VICTORY FOR NEW YORK & A TIME OF VIGILANCE FOR AMERICA
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

If June wasn't already an event-laden month, June 26th may well have been the zenith of a period that many felt would either make or break the New York Political realm for all times.

Of course,there were many of us who predicted that there was nothing to worry about - that the candidates who were stacked against the incumbents didn't have a snowball's chance in hell of unseating them. And we were absolutely right:

Congressman Charles Rangel held his seat in Manhattan, with a 56% lead at the time of this writing. No surprise when you figure there were so many running against him it easily split the votes.

Congresswoman Yvette Clarke will be returning to DC in Brooklyn, despite efforts to totally decimate her congressional district through the most heinous redistricting ever. At her victory party, held at Tropical Paradise in Brooklyn, she thanked her supporters, including Ms. Andrea Dawes, who had volunteered in every way possible; her mother, former City Council member Una S.T. Clarke, Mary Bishop, Latrice Walker and others, for making sure that she was able to conduct a campaign and maintain her responsibilities of representing her constituents in Washington. "We had a 'scrunching' of the opponent!" she stated enthusiastically, as her many well wishers toasted her victory. Scrunch or no scrunch, anyone following the Congresswoman's activities wonders what could her opponent have been thinking - no game, no track record, she was hopelessly out matched by Ms. Clarke across the board.

Congressman Gregory Meeks likewise prevailed in Queens; while Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez returns as well.

However, the most watched race, and what almost turned out to be the most acrimonious contest was that between City Councilman Charles Barron and New York State Assemblymember Hakeem Jeffries for the congressional seat recently vacated by Congressman Edolphus Towns.

What started out as a three way contest between Town, Jeffries and Barron, was turned into a two-way battle after the congressman announced that he was not going to seek re-election, after having served 27 years in Congress in Brooklyn's 10th Congressional District.

The announcement came as a shock to many who had supported Congressman Towns, and were now left with the dilemma of who to throw their support behind. The decision came so closely after fellow Congressman Donald Payne (D. Newark, NJ) had so suddenly succumbed to cancer, many speculated this may have played into Town's sudden decision to retire. The two had served together in Congress for more than a quarter of a century, each ably representing their constituencies, and simultaneously supporting each other in important legislation.

That said, the field was now narrowed down to two contenders. Both Barron and Jeffries had great track records in their service and devotion to their constituencies. Both have been known to go to the wall when necessary to ensure their districts had what they needed. So, to say the least, it was a perplexing problem, both inside and outside the Black community.

VIDA, the Vanguard Independent Democratic Association of Central Brooklyn had apparently decided to support Jeffries long before Congressman Towns backed out of the race. Under the leadership of State Democratic District Leader Robert E. Cornegy, Jr., who was recently elected President of the organization, they led a vigorous campaign to get the rest of the community on board. Still, with new lines drawn, and with the decimation of the old 10th Congressional District, reaching out to bring a new and diverse community together to coalesce behind Jeffries was no easy task.

Couple that with the fact that few, if any, of the Brooklyn voting population were aware that June 26th was substituting for the regular New York Primary that had traditionally been held in September; and you had what could have been the making of a political disaster.

Two weeks prior to the election, Barron had received the blessing and support of Congressman Towns, and it looked as if those who had supported him in the past may have followed suit as well. There were, however, others who were not persuaded that this was a good fit for Brooklyn, owing to the fiery nature of Barron, whose militancy and clarity has been known to rub more moderate political figures the wrong way.

So, while the voter turn out was "predictably low", the percentages were sufficient for a landslide in Jeffries' favor. Garnering 73% of the votes, more than enough to send him to Congress in 2013, it was clear that the voters of Brooklyn had spoken.

At his victory celebration, Jeffries thanked his staff and his campaign leaders, and pledged to continue to represent the poor, the middle class, the seniors, and those in his district who had been pushed out as a result of unaffordable living conditions, unemployment and other negative conditions. On hand to congratulate him were Assembly members Annette M. Robinson, Karim Camara, State Senator Kevin Parker, former Assembly members Roger Green and Clarence Norman, Elizabeth Holtzman, Public Advocate Bill DeBlasio, Professor Leonard Jeffries and his wife, Roslyn Jeffries (Hakeem Jeffries' aunt and uncle); 2013 Mayoral candidate Bill Thompson, and others too numerous to mention.

In looking across the room packed full of well wishers, it was obvious Jeffries had drawn support from practically every quarter of Brooklyn. Amazingly so, when the new maps themselves had actually not been completely finalized until just days before, leaving many in a quandry as to where they actually were supposed to be as of the day of the primary.

In closing Jeffries pledged to now focus his attention on the re-election of President Barack Obama. Our congratulations to him for having secured the victory as our new Congressional Representative in DC.

This is the point that I now remind everyone that, as in Brooklyn, and everywhere else, your vote absolutely counts!!! If you did not participate in this primary, if you have not registered to vote, make sure you do so before the September statewide primary. And most definitely before the Presidential election.

We've still got so much more to do to secure the future of our country from the hands of those who would roll back the clock to pre-civil rights and voting rights days.

I truly hope, as well, that now that this phase of the elections are behind us, those who were contenders will begin to work with the victors to move forward and make sure that we New Yorkers continue to move forward as well.
We've got to re-elect President Barack Hussein Obama. And with battle ground states surrounding us, and the combined rep-ugh-blican tactics of voter nullification and re-districting, as well as the Supreme Court bogus "Citizen's United rule" giving big business the right to buy elections wholesale, we had best be uniting across the boards to hold the lines and save democracy - or end up in a fascist version of the US that will make other repressive governments look like a cakewalk by comparison. **

So celebrate a great victory, New York. Pat yourselves on the back. But be very afraid, because states like Florida, South Carolina, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Arizona, are still trying to exert racist, repressive, revisionist, control over our rights.

And we absolutely cannot allow that to happen.

**(Just a foot note to this - We know that so-called Citizen's United and the Tea Baggers are pouring millions of dollars into trying to prevent Obama from being re-elected. So there are many in the meanstream media that try to convince us that Mitt Romney is getting bigger contributions. That may well be the case in quantity. However, while we may not have thousands to contribute, we do have thousands of us who can each give $3.00; $5.00; $7.00 or $10.00 to help in the campaign. If we each give $3.00 per week, President Obama will be able to continue with his campaign, while continuing the great job he is doing as Our President. You can either contribute online or via the many campaign headquarters in your area. For those of you outside New York, particularly those of you in the Battleground states, if you need to find a way of getting your contribution to the President, log on to www.Obama2012.com, and they will reach back out you.)

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

WAKE UP BROOKLYN! TUESDAY JUNE 26 VOTE OR DIE

by Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Just in case you didn't get the memo; just in case you haven't been keeping up with time it is, I am going to take the opportunity to say WAKE UP BROOKLYN - Your lives are on the line - Literally.

Perhaps the most pivotal date, prior to the actual general election, will take place on Tuesday, June 26, which is the day we vote for our new congressman - either Charles Barron or Hakeem Jeffries; and re-elect our congresswoman Yvette Diane Clarke.

By the way, gone are the 9th, 10th, and 11th Congressional districts you are accustomed to. Now that the lines have been redrawn, you may find that you're in completely different districts, with completely different congressional candidates to vote for - so check to see if you are in the 7th, 8th or 9th. Manhattan check for the 13th, which combines several districts. Make sure you check out who is running in your community, so that you don't pull the lever for the wrong candidate, or end up at the wrong polling place.

With the Rep-ugh-blicans trying to institute voter nullification, you have to do your own due diligence to make sure you're not a victim instead of a victor.

This is no time for a day at the beach; this is no time for sleeping in, or going about business as usual. Yes we can still celebrate Black Music Month, Caribbean Heritage Month, and all the other good stuff.

But we also have to remember we have a job to do and we can't be weighed in the balance and found wanting AGAIN!!

You need to get to those poles as though you are voting to re-elect President Obama, because this is a precursor to his re-election on November 7, 2012. You have to vote as though your very lives depend on it, because, in point of fact, it absolutely, positively does.

Don't get it twisted - EVERYTHING WE DO FROM THIS POINT FORWARD COUNTS AND MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN WHAT HAPPENS IN THE FUTURE OF BROOKLYN, OF NEW YORK CITY, AND IN THE FUTURE OF THE UNITED STATES. Make no mistake about it.

And if you think it doesn't matter, just look at what happened as a result of the lack of cooperation during the 2010 Census. The very real effects of losing a whole seat in Congress, budgetary cutbacks, and a string of other negative consequences are because we sat back and did not take care of business.

Look at what happened when we didn't show up at the polls for the Mayoral Election!

I know you folks don't like to hear this; I know it's easy to point fingers of blame at everybody else. But we are the largest borough, with the largest Black population. We have a big responsibility to not let each other down. The thing to do now is learn from this harsh lesson, go forward and not let it happen again on our watch.

So ministers - this Sunday in your churches, make sure in your sermons you tell your congregation to get out and vote; community leaders, make sure you're going door to door to make sure those who need help can get to the polls. Seniors, if you need assistance, call your local center, or your Assemblymember or your City Council Representative.

This is no time to stand on ceremony. This is absolutely imperative that everybody who is breathing votes.

And for you first time voters, 18 and over, you are pivotal in this upcoming election. Make it your business to show up and make your vote count.

For those of you old enough to remember, it's only been since 1965 that Black people had the right to vote in many parts of the US. There were actually people who fought and died to make sure you had the right. You have absolutely a responsibility to make sure they did not sacrifice their lives in vain for you.

For you newly minted citizens, who have had the good sense to register to vote, don't be shy about asking where the polling places are, and getting your neighbors to assist you.

Not only is this a wake up call for BROOKLYN, but for all the boroughs - for the nation. While this message is aimed toward Black people and people of color, I am also urging all American citizens not to leave your right to a country that works for all of us on the table. Democracy is under siege, and if we don't stand up, we get what we deserve.

I am patently partisan in my stand - totally on the Democratic line, so don't even ask me who the Rep-ugh-blican candidates are. We don't have the luxury of equivocating. We've already had the bitter taste of what it's like to do otherwise. They've pretty much put the brakes on the good that President Obama is trying to do.

College students especially should be making sure that a Democrat majority is in congress, now that the Rep-ugh-blicans have tried to hi-jack your financial aid and your right to a decent education. The fact that they are trying to keep you from voting in the community where you attend college should indicate that they mean you absolutely no good whatsoever.

If there are other primaries in other states where you have relatives, friends, acquaintances, please make sure you reach out to them and insist they get up and that they take the time to vote.

We've got too much at stake.

Below are a list of the candidates running on the Democratic party line for the State of New York:

OFFICE: REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
NOTE: ALL OFFICES ARE FOR CONGRESS UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED
PARTY: DEMOCRATIC
NOTE: ALL CANDIDATES ARE DEMOCRATS UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED

DISTRICT: Part of Nassau and Part of Queens
CANDIDATES: GREGORY MEEKS – St. Albans,NY 11427
Other Candidates:
Allan W. Jennings, Jr.
Joseph R. Marthone
Mike Skala


DISTRICT: 6th
COUNTIES: Part of Queens
CANDITATES:
Rory I. Lancman
Robert Mittman
Grace Meng
Elizabeth Crowley

DISTRICT 7th
COUNTIES: PART OF KINGS, PART OF NEW YORK & PART OF QUEENS
CANDIDATES:
DANIEL J. O'CONNOR – NEW YORK 10022
GEORGE MARTINEZ - BROOKLYN 11233
NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ – BROOKLYN 11231
ERIK MARTIN DILAN – BROOKLYN 11207

DISTRICT 8th
COUNTIES: PART OF KINGS AND PART OF QUEENS
CANDIDATES:
HAKEEM S. JEFFRIES - BROOKLYN 11238
CHARLES BARRON – BROOKLYN 11207

OFFICE: REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
DISTRICT 9TH
COUNTIES: PART OF KINGS
YVETTE D. CLARKE - BROOKLYN 11225
SYLVIA G. KINARD – BROOKLYN 11230


DISTRICT 13TH
COUNTIES: PART OF BRONX & PART OF NEW YORK
CANDIDATES:
CHARLES B. RANGEL
JOYCE S. JOHNSON
CRAIG SCHLEY
CLYDE EDWARD WILLIAMS, JR.
ADRIANO ESPAILLAT

OFFICE: REPRENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
DISTRICT 16TH
COUNTIES: PART OF BRONX & PART OF WESTCHESTER
CANDIATES:
ELLIOT L. ENGEL
ANIELLO GRIMALDI


DISTRICT 18TH
COUNTIES: ORANGE, PUTNAM, PART OF DUTCHESS & PART OF WESTCHESTER
CANDIDATES:
SEAN PATRICK MAHONEY
DUANE JACKSON
RICHARD H. BECKER
MATTHEW C. ALEXANDER
THOMAS WILSON

DISTRICT 19TH
COUNTIES: COLUMBIA, DELAWARE, GREENE, OTSEGO, SCHOHARI
SULLIVAN, ULSTER, PART OF BROOME, PART OF DUTCHESS, PART OF
MONTGOMERY, & PART OF RENSSALAER
CANDIDATES:
JULIAN SCHRIEBMAN
JOEL TYNER

DISTRICT 23RD
COUNTIES: ALLEGHENY, CATTARAUGUS, CHATAUQUA, CHEMUNG,
SCHUYLER, SENECA, STEUBEN, TOMPKINS, YATES, PART OF ONTARIO
& PART OF TIOGA
CANDIDATES:
NATE SHINAGAWA
MELISSA K. DOBSON
LESLIE DANKS BURKE

The Above Candidates were certified by the Board of Elections as of May 22, 2012

New York is the tail that wags the dog; we are the financial, cultural and intellectual capital of the world. We, however, have let ourselves be hijacked by deep pocket, fast talking, megalomaniacal despots, instead of standing up for what we know is right.

Time to draw that line in the sand and make sure we emerge victorious - so when the smoke clears we've gotten our state and community back.

See you at the polls, TUESDAY, JUNE 26 - DON'T KEEP THIS INFO TO YOURSELVES. PASS IT ON. MAKE IT VIRAL.
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Rodney Glenn King: Human, Hero, and now Heavenbound

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Somewhere back in the late 80's, Joan Rivers hosted a daytime TV talk show where the subject was about how ordinary people where thrust into life altering situations that affected the entire nation. One of the guests on the show was Rosa Parks. I had the privilege of escorting Ms. Parks to the show, and doing a post interview with both Ms. Parks and Joan Rivers. The "little act of sitting down" according to Rivers changed for ever the entire landscape of the Civil Rights Movement and justice in America."

Well you might say that Rodney Glenn King was likewise one whose simple, ordinary life completely changed the course of history and put a city and a country's racist behavior into the living room of millions of households in a way no public relations genius never could. And most likely in a manner that Mr. King would have cheerfully avoided, if he could - because he was beaten in the most vicious, vile hostile manner. Had he been a lesser man, he would have been dead.

Rodney King did not start out to be a catalyst for policing change. He definitely did not start out to be a martyr; nor did he start out to be an alcoholic. Like many African American youth, he was already marginalized by the time he was twelve years old, and "obsolete" by the time he was sixteen (as so eloquently outlined in Haki Madhubuti's book Black Men: Obsolete, Single, Dangerous?"). Not that Rodney didn't have a loving, stable family life as a child - because he did. Not that he didn't have a fairly decent education, though he had a learning disability - because he did. Not that he came from the ghetto - because he didn't. Altadena, California is a beautiful, nearly suburban community nestled in the foothills of the Angeles National Forest, where most of the homes are well kept - not expensive, but attractive; and most of the residents are (were?) Black, close-knit and supportive. I know because I was Town Council Representative for Altadena. We moved there for a better life and raise our children in a safe environment.

But, because Rodney King, like many of our youth, back in the day, had gotten involved in frivolous, dumb stuff - activities that were more self destructive in nature, than a menace to society - he was an ongoing target. Having already had his brush with the law, having spent some time incarcerated, and he was looking to complete his parole and build a better life. Mr. King was definitely not in a mode to have any additional brushes with the law enforcement community of California. He had already "paid his debt to society" and wasn't looking to open up any more "accounts." Uhfortunately, like most African American youth, particularly those on the "left coast" Rodney King was profiled before anyone had a name for profiling.

The night CHiPs (California Highway Patrol-you remember the show, don't you?) pulled him over for allegedly speeding in excess of 100MPH was March 3, 1991. Having moved out of Altadena, he was within feet of his home, which is no doubt where he was trying to get to when he got pulled over. He was probably frightened out of his mind that night at the potentiality for being arrested, so he panicked and made several mistakes. Mistakes that, had he been white, would probably meant no more than a slap on the wrist.

But for Rodney King, who was driving while Black, and who refused to "bow" to their demands, the fear very nearly cost him his life. And when you look at it in retrospect - considering at all that he has gone through since that fateful evening, to his final death two days ago - it actually did. In point of fact, Rodney's life, any semblance of quality. or any dream he may have ever had for peace, tranquility, a family, fun - was dashed forever that night; and later trampled to death under the feet of Black brothers and sisters, who understandably responded to the travesty fostered by the gross miscarriage of justice in a lilly white Simi Valley community, by trying to tear LA apart. Now when I say "trampled" I'm not blaming the brothers and sisters for their reaction. Somebody needed to get their attention. And they definitely had to put them on notice that they were "Mad as hell, and weren't going to take it any more!" I am referring to the obvious vendetta the LAPD and CHiPs have had against Rodney King ever since.

While we are clear that we would have preferred not have had a riot happen, to try to give Rodney King credit or blame for the reaction of the Black community clearly indicates that the meanstream and the judicial system is still clueless when it comes to Black people's individual and collective lack of tolerance for their racist, abusive b.s. ("Don't push me 'cause I'm close to the edge - I'm trying not to lose my head - ah huh huh! It's like a jungle out there; some time I wonder how I keep from going under!" - you remember that one, don't you?)

The 20th anniversary of the acquittal was April 29, 1992. LA exploded for three days. Some mention may have been made in the meanstream media about the significance of the date, but by and large, most of us in the greater African American communities of the US pretty much overlooked the date completely. And perhaps that was as it should have been. It appeared that Rodney King may have moved on and life was actually beginning to be kind of normal. I mean now you could hear some comedic reference to his tearful plea, "Can't we all just get along?" and kind of laugh. We all got the joke - the answer in the main even now is "no" not really. But we understood the context of the joke. So we'd laugh and continue doing whatever we were doing.

But the headlines that flashed across our collective computer screens on Fathers's Day, caught all of us off guard. I could hear the Black community yell out collectively "Oh Hellllll No!" What the heck could have happened? The rest of the report slowly scrawled across the screen, "found in the bottom of his pool by his fiancee...waiting for autopsy to determine if there was foul play."

I was stunned, but not so much that I didn't surmise that even if they found him bound and gagged with bricks around his feet, the real foul play did not begin there, but had been present in his life for quite some time - and at the very least, from the night those officers beat, kicked, punched and tasered that brother - thinking that no one was observing their behavior.

And had it not been for George Holliday's digital camera documenting their depravity so all the world coudl see that we were not just imagining the hostility, racism and unfairness on the part of the so call reps of "law and order," it is doubtful that Rodney would have come forth, pressed charges, or even been compensated the paltry sum he received from the City of Los(t) Angeles. No one would have believed that it is real and continues to take the lives of African American and African youth across this nation. Even then a "Black man in California had no rights that a white man was bound to respect (a'la Plessy v. Ferguson - 1854), was indelibly driven home by their actions. And if we haven't erected a monument in honor of Mr. Holliday, we should.

As the news of Rodney King's death continues to trickle in, there have been some fairly hostile commentaries posted on *Yahoo (see below), and other websites, deriding him, the Black community, even President Obama. Some make reference to his mysterious and untimely death -no doubt ignorant whites, who had absolutely viewed Rodney King as a threat to their racist way of life; others who had no idea who Rodney King was; just that he was Black. It was evident their mindset is no different from the mindset of those racist cops when they beat the living daylights out of Rodney for allegedly running a stop sign, and for allegedly being drunk - none of which was ever proven; and certainly none of which warranted their brutal behavior.

The Rodney King that I met ten years ago, was this soft spoken, polite, mannerable, and very handsome young man. You could see that he was truly the same one who made the tearful plea for all of us to "just get along" . That genteel spirit and good heart were still there, ten years later. His ordeal of being beaten by deranged cops had done little to change that. Though he had been thrust into the limelight he had neither become egotistical nor bitter. He had a bright, genuine smile. And he looked you in the eyes when he talked to you - at least he did that night.

The fact that Rodney King was found dead almost 20 years to the day of the LA riots, which were precipitated by a racist, all white jury doing what they do best - letting the perpetrators go scott-free - is puzzling to many of us. It just doesn't make sense. There are many of us who are concerned that he was somehow the victim of fowl play - again.

You see, even though the federal government stepped in, prosecuted and incarcerated the perpetrators, Rodney King has never seen a moment of peace since March 3. *He subsequently suffered repeated "arrests" over and over and over again - can you spell police harassment, boys and girls? Many of us feel this was more the residual of police brutality being visited upon him because their fellow rogue cops served prison time, than because of any real criminal behavior on his part.

Rodney really was "dead" when they incarcerated him for being a "thug". He was most assuredly the victim of the assassination of his soul, brought on by post-traumatic stress syndrome for having been beaten severely within an inch of his life He did not hit anyone. He did not have a weapon. He was not running from the scene of a crime. His self pride, unfortunately, would not allow him to "bow" before those rednecks who wore badges and considered themselves representatives of the "law." (okay it was three white cops and a latino - close enough).

As Min. Farrakhan often says, "They meant if for evil, but God meant it for good!" Had it not been for that video, which was played throughout the world, catapulting Rodney on the national and international scene, in a way no one could have ever predicted, he might have really ended up just another victim. But Rodney King became the poster boy for all Black males who have been suffering the heinous egregious miscarriage of justice at the hands of white racists for centuries.

Rodney really should have sued the city big time for what happened to him. He should have been able to collect "big time," triple the paltry $3.8 million he received - most of which was eaten up in legal and medical bills; and a shyster lawyer who ripped him off. They should have paid for a lifetime of therapy for the pain, suffering, flashbacks and harassment that have ensued since that horrible night.

At least that's what I told him when I met him ten years ago, in 2002, when he was honored by Jimi Holloway at his annual MLK Event at the Grand Hyatt in New York City. You see, Rodney, was a former constituent of mine. As I mentioned earler, I was town council representative for his district in Altadena, until I moved back to New York in 1984. And while I didn't know Rodney personally, he certainly remembered me because of the impact I had on that unincorporated community, which at the time, had nearly become a waste and sewage dumpsite for Pasadena. I was able to stop that and reinstate Lincoln Park, the only recreational center in the predominantly Black community, and make it available to the youth. According to Rodney, he and his friends used to come to play at the center; while his parents attended my monthly community action meetings.

At the time I was not aware of the tie-in, and was trying to conduct an interview with him after he received the award from Jimi. But, instead, he interviewed me!! He asked me why I left Altadena. When I told him that I was homesick for New York, he stated, emphatically: "But you did so much for us. We had a lot of fun. We need you back; they don't do anything for the kids anymore." I was totally flattered. I told him that if there had been any way that I could have brought Altadena back with me to New York, I would have done so. But I also had to admit that I really had no love for California - especially in light of the way he had been beaten and brutalized. I had seen far too many African American youth forced to lay face down in the middle of LA street, with white cops standing over them. The fear of that same thing that happened to him happening to my own son was the other reason that I moved back to New York City. I also explained that I had to bring my three children back to New York City where they would get a decent education. I was afraid my son would end up being marginalized in much the same way so many Black youth have been systematically done there. He gave me a big hug, and promised to stay in touch with me (he didn't have a computer and was not internet savvy at the time). That, however was our first, last and only conversation.

Though I'm cognizant of the fact that what he had suffered there was not the exclusive province of California's police department, our youth get shot in the back here as well, I always felt I had a better fighting chance in New York of making sure my children had the advantage of better educational opportunities and programs than they had there. And, I was right.

The years has done little to erase the nightmare of having been severely attacked by rabid red necks. Over those past ten years, he said, he had tried to adjust, but sometimes, "I get those flashbacks, you know. And then I pray them away," he said in a half-joking/half-serious manner. Rodney was touched that we in New York thought he was a hero. He said he never thought people in New York cared about people in California. I assured him that Black people cared about Black people no matter where they lived - even in California.

Rodney had body guards around him who, it turned out later, were his cousins trying to make sure they were there for him and nothing else bad happened to him, stated that he was so excited when he got the invitation to come to New York. He was afraid that we wouldn't know what to say, or that the people wouldn't like him. As it turned out, at least for that evening, he got the hero's welcome he deserved.

He was brutalized for what would have been a slap on the wrist had he been white!! I know, it's a cliche` we use frequently in the Black community. Unfortunately it is also the truth. The ugly truth. The level of condemnation from the comments on Yahoo show me that there are still truly some Ugly Americans out there who are part and parcel of what makes this the most racist, backwards country on the planet. Some of the more disgusting comments are listed below.

I assume that most of the writers are caucasian. The sad thing is that there are few, if any, comments from Black people. And I think Rodney deserves some kind words spoken in his behalf. I think we definitely should be more aware of what's being spewed out over the internet in reference to us - and not just relegate our attention Facebook and Twitter. By the way, if you feel moved to do so, please do comment on, or respond to these vicious posts (my comments are in parentheses).

As an addendum, I have also included headlines from the Los Angeles Times which I think show that there was an ongoing pattern of harassment perpetrated against Rodney King to make his life a living hell! If you can't access them in your browser, you may be able to cut and paste the to cut and paste them.

Catherine777 • San Diego, California • wrote: He was an addict then & he died an addict. No great loss to this world. (was this ever verified. I don't ever remember him using heavy drugs) possession of PCP was a misdemeanor.
LibYahoouser • wrote: One parasite bites the dust....at the bottom of the pool. Good riddance..Obama is next .back to Kenya!! (President Obama is an American born citizen. By the way I'm forwarding this to the Secret Service as a threat against the President's life - you twit.)
Whowouldathunkit... • Canton, Ohio •If I were black and 80 cops beat me to death I wouldn't want Sharptongue in the same city as my rotting corpse, unless the cops promised to beat him to death as well. (it's obvious from your ignorant statement that you are of the same redneck tribe as those who beat Mr. King. If you had been "Black" you'd be more than grateful to have had Rev; Sharpton's sharp tongue speaking in your behalf).

Gramma Joanie • El Paso, Texas OK and I got a ABC breaking news on my cell phone about his death??? This is Breaking news? NOT who freaking cares? (coming from a redneck right wing community such as El Paso, I over understand your major maladjustment. Since it is clear that you neither value or respect one of God's creatures, I totally understand how it would escape your understanding that each and every life on this planet - Black, blue, white, green or purple - is precious and sacred. You can turn in your human suit at the door. You've officially stepped into the rank of the inhumane -gramma joanie - I hope your grandkids didn't inherit your warped genes.)
Craig Tucker • Sure black people had the right to be mad, but that doesnt give room for a few dozen idiots to go run a muck. I feel bad for the other black people who have to associate themselves even with race to such morons who sparked the LA Riots because it gives them all a bad name. (FYI the "morons" who sparked the LA Riots were the redneck racist jurors, who acquitted the racist white cops and the judge who backed them up by letting them go free as though it was all completely hunky dorey now that justice had been mis-served. Not the Black men and women who stood up to show their displeasure. Only a moron such as yourself would say such a thing. When you say "run amuck" how would you characterize the behavior of the cops with nightsticks beating a man who is already on the ground in a fetal position? Civilized? And while I am not in favor of riots, especially when they destroy our neighborhoods, instead of the neighbhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.giforhood of the perpetrators, I think the Black people of California are to be applauded for making it patently clear that they were not going to stand idly by while these miscreants hiding behind badges were allowed to walk.
Paul (response):more than a few dozen. there were a few dozen killed during those riots. all blacks should condemn actions like those.(and remember, that whites should have condemned the actions of those cops, as well - it works both ways, n'est ce pas?)
Platano • Rodney King didn't ask any one to do riots....on the contrary, he came up on TV to ask people to get alone (ALONG)....remember? (0ne the few intelligent comments, and the response to his statement was negative because he wrote "alone" instead of "along")

Whowouldathunkit... • Canton, Ohio • "Through all that he had gone through with his beating and personal demons, he was never one to not call for reconciliation and for his people to overcome and forgive," the Rev. Al Sharpton said in a statement on Sunday. Strange that those particular words are coming out of Sharptongue, because during his years in the spot light he has NEVER preached them in his diatribes and rantings. In fact Rev Al generally oozes hatred and racism. (NOT SO, YOU LIAR!! BUT I GUESS IT SERVES THE PURPOSE OF THE RACIST TO TRY TO POINT THE FINGER OF BLAME AWAY FROM HIS OWN BEHAVIOR.)
Anyhow, RIP Rodney, you paid your dues, and left us with probably one of the more profound yet simple reminders of who we are, "... can we all get along? Can we get along?" You also left with a serious reminder of how terrible of a place LA really is..."Come to L.A. where we treat you like a king...Rodney King." (That may well be the most intelligent thing you've said thus far.) Now the police and press need to find someone new to beat up!" (As much as I dislike the derogatory remarks this person made, there is also a ring of truth in what he said about the overall tenor of LAPD - let's don't forget how they also tried to frame OJ Simpson).
tv girl • Rohnert Park, California • RIP Mr. King - (she was one of a very few who gave his passing the respect it deserved.)

In an article entltled, "Rodney King seen as catalyst for policing change" AP's Linda Deutsch, wrote: "Rodney King, who died Sunday after a troubled life, never meant to change the Los Angeles Police Department — but that's what he ended up doing."

I concur, Rodney King was an "accidental hero" who changed the very course of law enforcement in racist, redneck California, and had broad rippling effects on policing in general throughout the US for years to come. Had it not been for the "coincidental" purchase of a digital camera by George Holliday, and the resulting video capture of the heinous beating of Mr. King by the LAPD, this entire incidence would no doubt have gone unnoticed, been conveniently swept under a rug, or written away with the bureaucratic b.s. they have gotten away with for decades. But not so in this case. Played out over television screen after television screen, in household after household, the brutality tinsel town tried to hide under the panache of stardom, better known as Hollywierd, broke through in a way no horror movie, or civil right movement could ever have portrayed.

As Deutsch correctly stated, "The mention of King's name will always recall painful video images of his 1991 beating and the following year's Los Angeles riots." And now we have an even bigger tragedy looming, now that Rodney King, just a few scant weeks from the 20th anniversary of the horrific experience, is found dead in his home, at the bottom of his pool by his fiancee. And there are many of us on both coasts who want to know what the hell happened?

The beatings precipitated overdue reforms in the LAPD. Police chief Darryl Gates was fired; and a commission headed by Warren Christopher - later President Bill Clinton's secretary of state — recommended a number of reforms. They put an end to the "lifetime chief." From the 50's to that date a police could remain in place for decades. William Parker, for whom Parker Center - LA's police headquarters - is named, was there for decades. The virtual lifetime tenure meant that a lot of stuff was glossed over. According to the LA Times, Los Angeles was only 60% white, but they still occupied the communities treating Blacks largely as though they were on a plantation, and the police were the overseers. The police were out of control.

The Christopher Commission ushered in eight years of federal oversight of the LAPD, after long pattern of abuses. Many of the reforms proposed by the Christopher commission were mandated by the federal consent decree.Under police Chief William Bratton in the 2000s, the department focused on community policing, hired more minority officers and worked to resolve tensions between officers and minority communities who continued to complain about racial profiling and excessive use of force. It became more perilous to pull someone over for driving while black without true probable cause.

Further, King has become a national symbol of civil rights and for the anti-police brutality and anti-racial-profiling movement, the Rev. Al Sharpton said. "It was his beating that made America focus on the presence of profiling and police misconduct," he said.

The city's current police chief, Charlie Beck, agreed that King's beating served as a catalyst for reform. "What happened on that cool March night over two decades ago forever changed me and the organization I love," he said in a statement. "His legacy should not be the struggles and troubles of his personal life but the immensely positive change his existence wrought on this city and its police department.In those days, you might have claimed excessive force but there would have been no way to prove it," he said. "Now, you see case after case with videos. People watch their conduct because everyone has a cellphone and can take a video. But it was unusual then."

Below are chronological headlines and excerpts from the Los Angeles Times about Rodney King over the past 20 years. See if you pick up a pattern of harassment here as well:

Crisis In The LAPD: The Rodney King Case: April, 1991: The March 3 videotaped beating of motorist Rodney G. King prompted calls for Los Angeles Police Chief Daryl F. Gates' resignation. chief's comments: "One incident doesn't indict an entire department."
L.A. Police to Experiment With Use of Video Camera in Patrol Car April 4, 1991 |A patrol car-mounted video camera that could be used to record the behavior of suspects, or the behavior of police officials and proposed after Los Angeles officers beating of motorist Rodney G. King.
CHP Officers Face Discipline in King Beating April 23, 1991 |- A California Highway Patrol lieutenant has been recommended for demotion, and a captain and sergeant who work with him face suspensions without pay for failing to investigate the Rodney G. King beating quickly enough, The Times has learned.

King Is Issued Warning After New Traffic Stop: May 17, 1991 | Altadena motorist Rodney G. King was stopped by a Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy over the weekend and warned for driving a car with an expired registration, tinted windows and failure to have a driver's license in his possession, authorities said Thursday.
Catalyst to Investigation: The Rodney King Case - July 10, 1991 A beating by police stirs a furor: Just after midnight on March 3, a man with a home video camera captured the Rodney G. King beating on videotape, above, unleashing charges of rampant police brutality and demands that the LAPD be investigated. The incident involving King precipitated the formation of the Christopher Commission.
Driver Charged in Crash That Killed King Witness July 9, 1991 The driver of the car in which a witness in the Rodney G. King case was killed last month was charged Monday with vehicular manslaughter and drunk driving, Deputy Dist. Atty. David R. Disco said. Robert Gilliam, 26, of Altadena will be arraigned July 29 in Pasadena Municipal Court on charges stemming from the deaths of Freddie Helms and Bobbie Dixon, both 20-year-old Altadena residents and passengers in Gilliam's car when it crashed.

Recovery Is Slow for Rodney King, His Lawyer Says: December 31, 1991 | Ten months after his videotaped image under the repeated blows of police batons and boots was captured for all time, Rodney G. King continues to live in a world of doctors, psychologists and a fear of the police, his attorney says. King has moved out of his (Altadena) home to a secluded apartment in Los Angeles, where he spends long afternoons watching nature films on television. He rarely goes out, and never without a bodyguard.

Rodney King Arrested on Drunk Driving Charge in Orange County July 17, 1992 |Rodney G. King,was arrested early Thursday in a restaurant parking lot on suspicion of drunk driving, the California Highway Patrol reported. Officers said they had followed another traffic violator into a restaurant parking lot about 1:40 a.m. when they noticed a vehicle back out of a parking space in an "erratic manner" before skidding to a stop and hitting a concrete block, said Officer Angel Johnson, a CHP spokeswoman.

LOS ANGELES : Rodney King Told to Visit His Parole Officer Weekly: July 30, 1992 Rodney G. King was ordered to visit his parole officer weekly instead of twice a month because of his latest arrest for investigation of drunken driving, officials said. It was the third time King had been arrested after being beaten on March 3, 1991, 27, was on parole for armed robbery at the time he was beaten and was being required to see his parole officer twice a month.

LOS ANGELES : Council to Hire Lawyer for Claim Linked to King Case, September 3, 1992 The Los Angeles City Council agreed Wednesday to hire an outside attorney to represent the city in a claim filed by a police officer, Paul Gebhart, who witnessed the Rodney G. King beating. Los Angeles Police Officer Paul Gebhart, who is listed as a defendant in King's civil lawsuit against the city, filed a workers' compensation claim, allegedly for stress.

Doctor Says Fall, Not Baton Blow, Left Sand Grain in King's Face March 31, 1993 APA single grain of sand removed from Rodney G. King's face months after his beating was seized upon by the defense in the trial of four police officers Tuesday to show that King's injuries were caused by a fall. Dr. Dallas Long III, an emergency room physician from Irvine who did not treat King, said he examined medical records and found that on May 15, 1991, King had some scar tissue removed from his face. During the procedure, he said, a particle of sand was found embedded in a scar.

Profile: Rodney G. King - April 19, 1993 Rodney King did "not want to see the pain and the destruction after the verdict that took place last May and April." --Attorney Milton Grimes, when asked what his client had said before Saturday's verdicts in the federal trial were announced. Rodney G. King, the central figure in the trials of the four LAPD officers charged with beating him, has kept a low profile since Saturday's verdict

Koon Criticizes Briseno as 'Traitor' Out to Save Himself April 20, 1993 – Convicted LA Police Stacey C. Koon, in the Rodney G. King civil rights trial, said that acquitted co-defendant Theodore J. Briseno - who said his colleagues were out of control when they beat King - was a "coward," a "rat" and a "traitor." Officer Laurence M. Powell was also convicted.
Get Involved to Bring Change, Blacks Told : Race relations: Now that Rodney G. King federal civil rights trial is over, panel tries to plot a course for African-Americans wondering, 'Where do we go from here?' April 25, 1993 | The black community in Orange County should get more involved in sparking change and pushing for social, economic and religious equality following the verdicts of four Los Angeles police officers accused of beating Rodney King, a panel of African-American leaders said Saturday. "The verdicts are over and the decision has been made," said Pastor Isaac L. Patrick, who organized the forum at the Gospel Light Church of God in Christ in Santa Ana. "My concern is: Where do we go from here?"
Tearful Briseno Insists He Tried to Stop Beating : Courts: 'Is it only me that's admitted something wrong happened out there?' he says in testimony at trial of Rodney G. King's civil case. April 27, 1994 | A former police officer tearfully testified Tuesday that he tried to stop th e beating of Rodney G. King and implored fellow officers in the courtroom: "Is it only me that's admitted something wrong happened out there?" Theodore J. Briseno, who broke ranks with his Los Angeles Police Department colleagues early on and called the beating unjustified, choked with emotion as he blurted out his feelings about being considered a pariah by some police officers.

Koon Again Testifies That King Beating Was Justified April 27, 1994 | Dressed in a blue prison uniform and wearing plastic sandals, former Los Angeles Police Sgt. Stacey C. Koon testified again Tuesday that the beating of Rodney G. King was justified. It was the third trial in which Koon, who was the senior officer at the Lake View Terrace beating scene on March 3, 1991, had testified that neither he nor the officers under his command had violated Los Angeles Police Department policy in subduing King.
City Offers to Pay Damages in Rodney King Beating February 25, 1994 - Los Angeles, in an effort to put the Rodney G. King beating case behind it, offered Thursday to admit liability for the motorist's beating and pay "actual damages" for King's injuries--a settlement a federal judge indicated he will accept. But U.S. District Judge John Davies said the proposal, which he called "unusual and imaginative," probably won't save the city from a lengthy civil trial in which the now-familiar issues of the police beating are replayed through the testimony of witnesses.
Los ANGELES : Judge to Review Order That King Pay School District September 20, 1994 A federal judge agreed Monday to reconsider his order that Rodney G. King pay nearly $238,000 in legal fees to the Los Angeles Unified School District, which was ultimately dropped from the civil lawsuit stemming from his beating by Los Angeles police. On Aug. 11, U.S. District Judge John G.
Rodney King Is Charged With Drunk Driving in Pennsylvania May 23, 1995 - Rodney G. King was charged with drunk driving here after he refused to take a blood-alcohol test, police said. Officers stopped King about 11:30 p.m. Sunday after he was involved in a one-car accident and tried to make a U-turn near New Castle, according to the Union Township police report.

Decision Delayed on Filing Charges Against Rodney King August 17, 1995 Rodney G. King showed up in Alhambra Municipal Court on Wednesday as ordered on his domestic violence arrest last month, but a judge released him after prosecutors said they have yet to file charges.

Fete Planned for Former Officer Powell : Benefit: Politicians hope to raise $25,000 for policeman convicted in Rodney G. King beating. October 28, 1995 - The evening after former Los Angeles Police Officer Laurence M. Powell--convicted in the videotaped beating of Rodney G. King--is to be released from a halfway house, he will be honored at a "homecoming welcome" fund-raiser hosted by an array of conservative politicians. The dinner, scheduled for Dec. 1995.
San Gabriel Valley : Trial Set for Rodney King in Assault, Spousal Abuse Case - January 26, 1996 - Rodney G. King is scheduled to face a jury trial April 1 in Alhambra Municipal Court on misdemeanor assault and spousal abuse charges for allegedly striking his estranged wife with his car during an argument last summer.

Rodney King Acquitted in Pennsylvania DUI Case - March 30, 1996 -A Pennsylvania jury Friday acquitted Rodney G. King on a charge of drunk driving, after a distant relative claimed that it was he, and not King, who was driving a rental car that ran off the road last May in rural Lawrence County.

King Files Malpractice Suit Against Former Attorney August 13, 1996 - Rodney G. King has sued his former attorney for malpractice, contending that lawyer Steven Lerman misappropriated money won in a civil suit against the city of Los Angeles stemming from King's 1991 beating by police. In the suit, filed in Superior Court on Friday, King alleges that Lerman has failed to comply with repeated requests to fully account for money awarded to King. In April 1994, a jury awarded King $3.8 Million

Rodney King Serving 90 Days for Hit-and-Run August 22, 1996 - Rodney G. King is serving a 90-day jail term for a hit-and-run incident involving his estranged wife, lost an appeal of his 1996 conviction for the Alhambra incident. King reported to the Los Angeles County Men's Central Jail on Aug. 4 and is serving his sentence separated from the general population "due to his notoriety or celebrity . . .
Rodney King in Legal Quagmire - August 16, 2000 - Nearly a decade after he was brutally beaten by Los Angeles police, Rodney G. King says he is still taking a beating--from his lawyers. He says they have made more money on his case than he has and, by his reckoning, have cheated him out of more than $1 million. "I feel like this," King testified last year in a deposition in a civil lawsuit against some of them. "I feel like first I took an awful beating from the police, and now my own lawyers are beating up on me."
Drug Charge Filed Against Rodney King - August 31, 2001 - Rodney G. King was charged Thursday with being under the influence of the drug PCP a misdemeanor charge. King, 36, was arrested Tuesday in nearby Claremont after a motel clerk called police to say that a man appeared to be intoxicated or on drugs (really?). The Altadena resident was freed on his own recognizance and ordered to appear for a hearing on Oct. happened there also in 1991.
Rodney King Sentenced to Year in Drug Center: October 27, 2001 | From Times Staff Reports - Rodney G. King was sentenced Friday to one year in a drug treatment center after pleading guilty to misdemeanor charges in three cases, to three counts of being under the influence of PCP and one count of indecent exposure to one year at the American Recovery Center in Pomona.
Ron Paul's racist link: December 21, 2011 - In 1992, Ron Paul, now a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination, published a newsletter called the "Ron Paul Political Report. " That year, the report published a special edition on "racial terrorism," a favorite theme. It included an observation about the Los Angeles riots, which erupted after a Ventura County jury acquitted four police officers charged with beating Rodney G. King. "Order was only restored in L.A.," the publication opined, "when it came time for the blacks to pick up their welfare checks.

According to this most recent editon of the LA Times:"King was found dead in his backyard pool early Sunday morning. Police found no alcohol or drug paraphernalia near the pool and said foul play wasn't suspected.

Author Lou Cannon said. in his book, "Official Negligence: How Rodney King and the Riots Changed Los Angeles and the LAPD."the real tragedy of Rodney King was that he never got the help he needed, King clearly had neurological problems and addiction issues, and learning difficulties as a child which were never addressed."He wasn't a bad person. He just didn't know how to behave."

I truly hope Rodney King will be remembered lovingly as the young man who stood up for himself and all of ucs. He made mistakes that all humans do; but he was moving forward with his life. Spread the word that Rodney G. King was an absolutely our hero, and we celebrate him, now and forever. Condolences to his family and the African American community.

STAY BLESSED &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

EVENT ALERTS: Fulton Art Fair in Brooklyn,; The Fabulous Josephine Baker fundraiser for African Voices, June 28; Bill Thompson at Greater New York

BY Gloria Dulan-Wilson

The Fulton Arts Fair is a venerable event that has been around now longer than most of Brooklyn's residents - celebrating 54 years and counting. It's full of wonderful, creative work from time honored and new artists – local and national. Interestingly enough, with June also being Black Music Month and Caribbean Heritage Month, there is a cross section of cultures converging on this tiny, yet highly signficant little part in Bed-Stuy – on Fulton between Lewis and Marcus Garvey Boulevards.
Starting every Saturday and Sunday, from 12:00 until 6:00 PM, there wil be paintings, sculptures, photograpy, collages, stained glass creations, as well as entertainment – Jazz artist, R& B and Gospel performers, dancers, poets – you name it, they'll be there. And, according to the weather report the days will be beautiful, balmy, perfect for getting out and about – hanging with your friends, sampling the savory food, and of course, purchasing some of the original, one of a kind art work that you'll find no where else on the planet.

Those artists interested in exhibiting at the upcoming FULTON ART FAIR should contact them at 347-661-7258; or go online at www.fultonartfair.com. Those interested in becoming members, or volunteering to make this undertaking and even greater success can likewise contact them via the same information. Member benefits include broadenig your networking base, with greater access to the public; free exhibition space at the annual Fulton Art Fair; elgibility for juried awards and prizes; referrals to other art venues; and being prominently listed in the annual FAF Brochure and on the Website.
So mark your calendars for the next three week-ends in June, starting today: Saturday, June 16; Sunday, June 17; Saturday June 23, Sunday, June 24; Saturday June 30; Sunday July 1 – and of course the following week end is theAFRICAN STREET FESTIVAL at Commodore Barry Park. That should keep you busy for at least a New York minute or two.

The Sensational Josephine Baker, a triumphant tour de force on the life and times of Diva and toast of Paris, Josephine Baker, will be performed at the Beckett Theatre,410 W. 42nd St (bet. 9 & 10 Ave.); will do a benefit performance in honor of African Voices Magazine, which recently celebrated its 20th Anniversary. This wonderful historical play about the life and times of LaBaker, was written and performed by Cheryl Howard, taking us from her early life in St. Louis, MO, to becoming the toast of Paris, and an activist and advocate for her people. The show starts at 6:00PM, Tix are $50.00, and will go to support and expand the wonderful work African Voices does in support of Black writers and Black literati. For additional information contact African Voices at (212) 865-2982; or log on to www.africanvoices.com.

There are a ton of Junteenth Activities coming up, but to me, as a New Yorker, this one is the most important of them all – so try not to miss it:

MAYORAL DECISION: 2013 - Party and Politics
With Former NYC Comptroller Bill Thompson - Candidate for Mayor of the City of New York. The Greater New York Chamber of Commerce will showcase, along with NDD Chairs Thomas Acosta and Howard Teich,  an opportunity to meet, hear and have conversation with all the NYC mayoral candidates, as well as network with other business and professional New Yorkers.  It's called Party and Politics. We are particularly proud to have Former NYC Comptroller Bill Thompson special guest in this second in the series. Tuesday, June 19, 2012
6:00 - 7:30 PM; TAMMANY HALL TAVERN - 218 East 53rd Street (betw. 2nd&3rd Ave.)
Cash Bar.   A festive time for all. Please note: All Member Contributions will made payable to NY Chamber PAC will help fund candidates running for elected office . Friends $20; VIP $100; Sponsors $250. RSVP TO: jaffe@chamber.com

 Personally, just so you know, I'm backing Bill Thompson, and I truly hope that New Yorkers have learned their lesson this time around and will go all out to make sure there are no more slip ups in securing a mayor for all New Yorkers, not just the elite, well heeled sychophants who have managed to continue grinding the rest of the city under their heels.

Chet Whye, head of Harlem for Obama, is bringing EMERGING YOUNG WOMEN to The Apollo Soundstage this Tuesday June 19 at 6:30PM.  The actual title is, "The State of Women in Politics - Emerging Women Speak" and includes  Michaela angela Davis as moderator, with speakers Esther Armah, Glynda Carr, Tamika Mallory and L. Joy Williams.   According to Chet: “ We were examining the true status of women in the political landscape when we came to this realization: Enterprising young women in New York and right here in Harlem run businesses, civic organizations, non-profits and institutions.  Yet, there is a profound underrepresentation of women running for elected office. In this time of major transition and as we make decisions that will affect our community for generations, we need to break down any barriers perceptual and structural to our best and brightest taking the reins in elected office.  event is ticketed to cover costs.” The ticketed event will include a networking reception (complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres). Contact (646) 593-7911 or log on to: www.emergingwomen.eventbrite.com.

Tuesday, June 26: VOTE, VOTE, VOTE, VOTE – I am unabashedly saying to all my fellow New Yorkers, as well as those in other states who may have primaries coming up on this, or any other, date – don't allow this time to slip by. Vote, make sure your neighbors, friends, associates, vote. And make sure you vote Democrat so that President Obama will have the support he needs when he is re-elected. Let's not allow any opportunity to secure our base to pass us by. The last two years should have taught us something about taking things for granted, and for allowing the elections to be determined by dollars and yellow journalism. A great deal of ground was lost because we didn't do our job and support those candidates President Obama needed to help get important legislation passed. Our majority went from Democrat to Republican, and the rest has been constant harangue to get the Rep-ugh-blican to pass just simple humanity oriented legislations. I strongly suggest that, unless you are a raving masochist, you don't let thishappen again on your watch.

Additionally, if you have relatives, friends, associates in those states that are hostile to the President, make it your business, as a committee of one, to send them ongoing updates of the good things the President is doing, and why it's important for them to make sure they vote for him. No doubt, the information is not getting to them, and we can't leave anything to chance. The Koch brothers and the red-neck tea baggers are hoping that we will, and that they will have enough money to buy the election from under the American people. I'm betting that we won't get fooled by their garbage.

We have lot at stake here in New York. Not only do we have to re-elect Yvette Clarke, of the llth CD in Brooklyn, but Congressman Edolphus Towns, who is retiring this year, has two equally competent brothers vying for his seat: New York State Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries, and New York City Councilman Charles Barron. I know, like and respect both of these Black men. Both have strong track records, both have large favorable, positive followings. But unfortunately, only one can be sent to DC. And because I consider them both friends, I am only going to say that either way you chose, you can't go wrong. And whoever emerges victorious from this, I truly expect the other will give complete and full backing and support for the other.

Speaking of support – President Barack Obama has endorsed Yvette Clarke for re-election to Congress. President Barack Obama Endorses Caribbean-American Congresswoman, Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY) for Brooklyn's redrawn 9th Congressional District.

The President said: “Rep. Yvette Clarke has stood by my side as we tried to create an economy where everyone has an opportunity to own a home, support their family, and look forward to a secure retirement. For over a decade Rep. Yvette Clarke has been working to give a voice to the voiceless, whether it was improving educational opportunity for children, expanding access to healthcare for women in need, or helping small businesses expand and add new jobs. Rep. Clarke is a true public servant and we need her back in Congress, to continue to fight for residents of Central Brooklyn and for our nation.”

Congresswoman Clarke graciously accepted the President's endorsement, stating: “I want to thank President Obama for his endorsement, and I look forward to going back to Washington to work with him and to fight for the people of Central Brooklyn.” said Congresswoman Clarke, who was first elected to Congress in 2006. Rep. Clarke is a champion on immigration, small business and homeland security issues; and sits on the Homeland Security and Small Business Committees. She also serves as Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus and Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. Normally our primary is held in September, but this year's New York Congressional Primary election is June 26. You don't want to miss or overlook it – if you do, you'll blow it. And remember, because of low participation in the 2010 Census, Brooklyn's lines have been redrawin, which is why we have a new “9th” district. Congresswoman Clarke is being challenged by Sylvia Kinard, who is a resident of Flatbush. I am, of course, backing Congresswoman Clarke.

So tell your friends, relatives, neighbors, etc., to make sure they get out and vote on Tuesday, June 26 – the community they save will definitely be their own.

As promised, I am writing an OBAMA-A-DAY to keep the stupids away:
President Obama drew a sharp contrast between his presidency and what it would be like if America somehow slips up and Romney gets in. Can you say total reversal of fortune boys and girls? That's what it would constitute – jobs, health, education, affordable housing – all would be swept out the door, and the rest of America could possibly end up living on the sidewalk should you allow Romney to become president. Be Afraid – very Afraid – and make sure you use the greatest weapon you have at your disposal: YOUR VOTE.

After speaking in Ceveland, Ohio, President and First Lady Obama flew to New York – first visiting the World Trade Center, which has now 104 stories nearly completed. Obama inscribed on the beam, "We remember we rebuild we come back stronger!" followed by his signature. After complimenting the 50 workers on doing a great job, the President and the First Lady went on to attend two New York fundraisers - The first at the home of Sex and the City star, Sarah Jessica Parker; the second at the home of Pop-Diva Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon, and their adorable little twins. While the fundraisers were considered “high powered” the President provided opportunity for those whose pockets were not quite so deep to win the honor of also attending the event via a drawing. Those who contribute as little as $3.00 toward his campaign are eligible to win an all expenses paid trip to where ever the fundraiser is being held. In addition to being a great incentive, it also keeps voters mindful that everyone can and should contribute something, no matter how modest your means. What would you ask the President, if you had the chance? Make a donation today to be automatically entered to win dinner with President Obama, along with a guest of your choice and four other supporters. You can make a contribution by logging on to www.barackobama.com and hitting that button. Find your nearest local campaign headquarters and volunter to help with the upcoming camaign; get involved, and get the rest of your family and friends involved as well. No job is too big or small; all contributions count, and your vote is the most important thing you have to ensure this country continues upward towards healing, not downwards deprivation.

If you have something positive you want to share about President or First Lady Obama, Vice President Biden, or any of the others in his camp or campaign, please feel free to email me at gloriadulanwilson@gmail.com. I am also urging my fellow bloggers, journalists, writers, radio and TV personalities to make it their business to keep the positive, good news about our President in front of America. It's our job. We are the front line to the truth about our President, not the meanstream press, the hostile Koch brothers, the tea baggers, Romney or anyone else.

Remember:
An OBAMA-A-DAY keeps the stupids away.

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson