C-SPAN: State of Black America panel discussion

[oasis]

Tavis Smiley host. Jesse Jackson,Al Sharpton, Conyers, Farrakhan among guest speakers.

[wndycty]

1. This is an annual highlight. . .

. . .those weak of heart should not watch, Tavis and group keep it real. And trust me Democrats are going to get spanked worse than Republicans, because we don't expect shit from the GOP, but we do expect some respect from the DNC.

[oasis]

3. These discussions let the chips fall where they may. If DUers would tape

this and review it, I'm sure we wouldn't have to answer so many dumb questions concerning the black community.

[wndycty]

4. Yeah, but a lot of DUers. . .might get too uncomfortable watching. . .

:kick:

[oasis]

6. Yup, it's like the Rev. Lowery just said "The difference between Democrats

and Republicans is, one takes us for granted and one just takes us".

[wndycty]

8. Yup he hit it on the head. . .

:kick:

[kentuck]

12. I always watch it....

I look to the black leaders for leadership of this country. I always learn from these meetings.

The one point that I wish someone would make is that the Democratic Party is not a "white man's" Party like the Republican Party is... In fact, the Democratic Party is the black man's Party. Just because there may be more whites than blacks in the Party does not mean it is the Party of "white" people. Until someone recognizes that there is no other political Party for blacks, then blacks will only lose political leverage by permitting themselves to be divided by the rhetoric of the Republicans. The Democratic Party may not be perfect but it is our best chance. Don't throw it away.

[wndycty]

15. Fewer Blacks in DNC leadership than in 40 years?

Wow. . .

[kentuck]

18. That has to be corrected.

But going to the Republican Party will not solve the needs of the black community. The Democratic Party is the black people's Party. We just have to demand our seat at the table.

[wndycty]

20. Agreed, however. . .

. . .if there is no sincere threat to leave why will the DNC do anything for us.

[kentuck]

24. Because if you take the heart out of the Democratic Party....

it will die....and we will all be at the mercy of the corporations and the money lenders.

[oasis]

2. Tavis intends to come out of this conference with a contract of some sort

for Dems and Rethugs to follow in order to get the black vote in the future.

[ultraist]

5. watch it online here!

http://www.c-span.org/watch/cspan_rm.asp?Cat=TV&Code=CS

[oasis]

7. Thanks. It is important to have these discussions long before Nov. 2006.

[wndycty]

9. Damn Patricia Ford is on fire!

When she said we got one party that is trying to get our vote and one party that needs to do what they can to keep our vote.

And then she talked about how the lengths we went to, to protect the Iraqis to vote and had they done that in Ohio it might have turned out differently.

[oasis]

10. Tavis lightly scolds her "this is not about Republicans vs Democrats."

Tavis, you know she's talking right.

[wndycty]

11. The key word is lightly. . .LOL

:kick:

[CatWoman]

13. watching

and Rev Al never disappoints!! :D

[wndycty]

14. Fewer Blacks in the Democratic leadership than in 40 years. . .

. . .Dr. Dean what say you?

[CatWoman]

16. Rev. Al just took me to church

*AMEN* :D

[wndycty]

19. Sure did. . .

:kick:

[oasis]

17. The panel will not allow any tiptoeing around issues.

[politicasista]

21. Sometimes Tavis can be over the top

(and he was during the campaign) but this panel is pretty good. Rev. Al and Rev. Lowery are the truth. Hope Doc Dean is watching.

[wndycty]

22. Farrakhan is on fire now. . .

. . .yikes.

[wndycty]

23. Oh oh he just dropped some science!

:kick:

[oasis]

25. He's stirring up the crowd something fierce.

[wndycty]

26. Brutal honesty

:kick:

[kentuck]

27. And that is what the Democratic Party needs...

We are in the same Party.

[wndycty]

28. To hell with the Democrats and to hell with the Republicans. . .

. . .as a die hard Democrat I applaud the shit out of that statement!

[kentuck]

32. I disagree with the honorable Minister....

What Party would he suggest black people join? None? Without any political power at all, where will it really lead? The money of a small percentage of wealthy blacks will not save the black people or the Democratic Party. We cannot separate ourselves from our nation or from reality.

[wndycty]

33. I understand that and I agree with you to an extent. . .

. . .but look at what happened with Dean, his supporters basically told the DNC give us power or we walk. And guess what, they got it. How come Blacks can't do the same, are we second class citizens? There are fewer Blacks in DNC leadership and we are just supposed to fall in line?

[kentuck]

43. We don't have to fall in line but....

this is our Party. No other Party even comes close to speaking up for our interests. Whatever shortcomings, it is our Party - not "their" Party. We have to fix it. We cannot depend on Louis Farrakhan or any wealthy blacks to lead us to the promised land. We have to be united. If black folks can unite into a political Party, totally independent of either Party, do you think that would actually benefit the majority of black people in this country. It's idealistic but not realistic, in my opinion.

[blm]

62. I don't trust one word out of Farrakhan. He allied with Moon years ago

and during that time he always preaches as if there is no difference between Republicans and Democrats, a meme we all know was crafted to hurt the Dem party.

Farrakhan and Moon are as closeasthis. To trust him is to trust Moon.

[politicasista]

34. Does he suggest we join the Green, or another third party?

:shrug:

[wndycty]

35. I dunno. . .where would Dean's supporters have gone had he not . . .

. . .been named head of the DNC?

[oasis]

37. After a time, the black leaders will hammer out a covenant/contract. Dems

will have to sign on. No more, "we'll have to put your issues on the back burner" bullshit. It'll be time to fish or cut bait.

[independentchristian]

38. Two parties is only one more than a dictatorship

We need more than two parties in this country anyway.

No party is "entitled" to a vote. If the "parties" realized that, they might get a clue.

[oasis]

41. The contract/covenant will test the two party system."Same ol'" won't fly

[kentuck]

44. So we divide the black vote between Dems and Repubs...?

and that will be the answer? I think that is falling for the oldest trick in the book - divide and conquer.

[oasis]

We'll have to wait and see who adheres to the contract. Tavis has

already indicated that he would take odds on which party he thought would respond.

[wndycty]

48. Well its going to take more than an agreement. . .

. . .its going to take action.

[kentuck]

51. 90% of black people claim the Democratic Party as their own....

It is the black person's Party. I can understand the confusion from within because of the selection of Chair and DNC leadership, but black people should appreciate that we have enough people in "their" Party to create a majority when we are together. If we permit ourselves to be divided, we will be weaker - not stronger.

[independentchristian]

69. It's not about a stupid party with me

It is about the debate and the issues. That's why we need more parties than just two. Two parties is only one more than a dictatorship, and not enough "opinions" are included in the debate.

The elites only want "two" parties, because it's easily manageable and it makes people easy to manage.

[kentuck]

71. That would be great with proportional representation...

otherwise, if you lose, you are left with nothing - not even a voice. Personally, I would like to see more political parties but we would need the guarantee of proportional representation.

[independentchristian]

64. Screw the contract/covenant. I'm talking about the freaking country, duh

Two parties is only one more than a dictatorship.

[Sapphire Blue]

68. A new political party....

The Progressive Party.... and it won't be only blacks joining. We need a political party that encompasses our progressive issues & values. If the Democratic Party continues it's move to the 'center', we will all be left behind.

[oasis]

29. "To hell with the Democrats and....(pause) Republicans"Farrakan gets a

Gets a standing ovation.He's going to have to be included in future Tavis Smiley panels.

[wndycty]

30. Its true. . .

. . .I love my party, but my party has not always loved me.

[politicasista]

31. Sometimes I agree.

:nopity:

[ultraist]

36. I agree

Dean, Kerry, and the rest of them need to be held accountable. Democratic leaders are not living up to our core values. The Democratic party also needs to "take back the moral high ground."

When we have, in the year 2004, 24% of Blacks in poverty (compared to only 8% of whites in poverty) as well as other glaring discrepancies, we have a serious problem.

I also think whites in general should have their toes held to the fire. This is not just about Blacks, it's a moral issue. I'm white and have an African American son and a white daughter, both of whom should not have to inherit a racist society.

It wont be easy though. People don't willingly give up their power. From where I'm standing, this is why leaders like Farrakhan are so important.

[politicasista]

39. Should Clinton still be held accountable?

Even though he has been out of office for five years? I feel we have to demand the Dems that our voices be heard, we can't wait until next year or 2008 to do so.

[ultraist]

40. I think you're right to demand your voices be heard

But I'm not sure what you mean, "should Clinton be held accountable." I think it's more of an issue of looking forward and making demands of current leaders, but I may be misinterpreting your question.

[politicasista]

42. Since Clinton is a Dem and the last legitimately elected president

But you mean current leaders. I agree.

[wndycty]

45. Sharpton closed strong. . .

. . .:kick:

[oasis]

47. He was great. Julianne Malveaux, Jesse,many others on next panel.

[kentuck]

46. It's great!

Brian Lamb ain't all bad... :)

[oasis]

49. Lamb's not even watching. He's on the 16th hole as we speak. Brian

will be in the clubhouse in a few minutes to toss down a few with his GOP buddies.

[kentuck]

52. But he is the owner of C-SPAN...

He didn't have to allow this to be shown....

[oasis]

53. True, but I'll bet he had no idea what the discussion would be. "Just

a bunch of dis-emporwered "negroes" chewing the fat." He thinks.;-)

[kentuck]

59. I think he knows Tavis very well...

and he probably knows everything about what is going to be on C-SPAN would be my guess. :)

[oasis]

50. Michael Eric Dyson up next to speak out against US sanctioned torture.

[oasis]

54. Donna Brazille rolling her eyes at Dyson as if she's offended.

[politicasista]

55. Interesting

Didn't she have a dinner date with the Doughboy once?

[wndycty]

56. Hey I'm a Donna fan. . .

. . .

[politicasista]

57. I hope I didn't offend you

She is okay with me. She gets hated on here at DU from time to time.

[wndycty]

58. No offense. . .

. . .I think she gets beat up unnecessarily.

[CatWoman]

60. That asshole who hosted the forum, the leader of the New Birth church

Bishop Long -- I hope he was listening when the issue was brought up about Rove using gay marriage to distract and divide.

He fell into it. Big time.

[politicasista]

63. He sure did.

[oasis]

61. Donna's okay. She helped Landreau to be re-elected to her senate seat.

That was huge.

[oasis]

65. AARP President Marie Smith. She's strong on protecting Social Security.

[oasis]

66. "NO crisis in Social Security". The most succcessful social program in

seventy years.

[wndycty]

67. Yup. . .

. . .was she the president of AARP when they sided with Bush on Medicare?

[oasis]

70. It was AARP CEO Bill Novelli that steered them to Bush's scheme. Smith

was elected president not that long go.

[politicasista]

72. I wonder does Jesse or Rev. Al still talk to Kerry

Just curious.

[oasis]

74. If they did, it is of little use these days.

[Catherine Vincent]

73. I notice that JJ doesn't have his wedding ring on.

[wndycty]

75. I could care less

:kick:

[oasis]

76. Sooooooooo.??????

[kentuck]

77. I hadn't noticed ??

Is that another one of those differences between men and women? :)

[Catherine Vincent]

78. Well I just wonder if he is divorced.

That's all.

[oasis]

79. Trust me, we would know. O'Rielly would have the divorce file papers

plastered all over America's television screens for his lead story.