When the covenant book came out, I remember battling self proclaimed Black conservatives about the book. I stated that I read the book and wondered how Tavis can be criticized by them for saying Black voters needed to hold ALL politicians accountable. Every “solution” given touched on that. I didn’t agree and still don’t agree, that all “solutions” are politically based, but there is no way I could disagree with the accountability line.
In fact, I wrote a letter to John McWhorter, questioning him writing that he read Tavis’ book when his, McWhorter’s, opinion piece indicated he didn’t do so.
So, forgive me, if I find it funny that people are now pointing out West’s and Smiley’s criticism as saying they are right, when he is saying nothing new and the same people criticized Smiley, before. And I don’t understand the criticism against Smiley when he is being consistent.
Anonymous
“So, forgive me, if I find it funny that people are now pointing out West’s and Smiley’s criticism as saying they are right, when he is saying nothing new and the same people criticized Smiley, before. ”
Help me to understand this part. Are you talking about me here? Because I do not know of anybody right now who is saying that both Tavis’ and West’s criticisms of Obama are correct. If not me, who exactly are you talking about?
DarkStar
Because I do not know of anybody right now who is saying that both Tavis’ and West’s criticisms of Obama are correct.
There are some on the right who are saying Smiley’s criticism of Obama concerning unemployment of Blacks is correct and that his comments about holding Obama accountable is correct. I know of none on the right who are saying West is correct. I would have a Fred Sanford moment if that happened.
My comment is general.
Anonymous
Tavis right now is being treated like a Black bastard by most Blacks on the left who are online for the very same reasons he outlined in the video. As far as Black folks on the right, I have only heard Larry Elder challenge him on some things he has said in the past. Rush Limbaugh also criticized his poverty tour. Other than that, I have not seen much agreement with Tavis (or acknowledge him) on anything from either side since he started challenging Black folks to treat him just like any other president. So I guess that is why I’m still curious on who on right you have seen who is actually agreeing with Tavis.
Tdb7297
When I watched this video, I thought of a conversation I had with my father when I was a senior in high school. Quick background…I was born in Los Angeles, but my parents moved to Ventura County (60 miles north of LA) when I was one. I grew up solidly middle class,often as one of a small group of “black kids” at school and such. I loved my childhood and wouldn’t change a thing.
Back to the story…I was almost 18 and out of high school when I asked my dad why he and my mom made the decision to get out of LA in the early 70s. Without missing a beat he said, “To get away from black people”. I laughed at it then, but now in 2011, I really understand exactly what he meant. He wanted to get away from the groupthink mentality.
It’s sad we can’t have these types of discussions without people getting so emotional. I hate to see what the history books will say in 20 years (shoot, in 5 years!).
DarkStar
“Group think” mentality?
Ron Paul is an EXCELLENT current example of how conservatives engage in “group think” mentality. Across the board, the conservative elite are saying Ron Paul is nuts, when he’s just a libertarian.
“Group think” mentality?
Look up “Tim Wise” and notice how many times “white guilt” is thrown at him, despite Wise giving evidence to support his view.
“Group think” mentality?
George Bush didn’t face serious criticism from conservatives until year 6. At that point, even Rush Limbaugh said he was “free” to criticize Bush.
DarkStar
Let me clarify because I don’t think you understand.
Tavis has been saying that Black people need to hold Obama accountable for things like the high Black unemployment rate. I’ve heard Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh and Laura Ingram say the same thing. Tavis also has said Obama is not above criticism from Blacks and at least those three have agreed with Tavis on that point.
I’m not saying anything about the so-called poverty tour and no one has said anything about agreeing with West.
Anonymous
But that still brings me back to my original question: who is it that is now acknowledging Tavis? Yes, the people you mentioned do talk about holding government responsible all the time, so that is nothing new. Okay, they are all saying the same thing…uhh, okay. But who exactly is it who is NOW publically acknowledging Tavis (specifically) on his points as accurate? What people? Because I do not know of anybody on the left or right that is giving Tavis any dap for his criticisms of Obama.
“So, forgive me, if I find it funny that people are now pointing out West’s and Smiley’s criticism as saying they are right, when he is saying nothing new and the same people criticized Smiley, before. And I don’t understand the criticism against Smiley when he is being consistent.”
DarkStar
But who exactly is it who is NOW publically acknowledging Tavis
(specifically) on his points as accurate? What people? Because I do not
know of anybody on the left or right that is giving Tavis any dap for
his criticisms of Obama.
Again, I heard Rush Limbaugh, Laura Ingram, and Shaun Hannity say that Tavis was right in saying Blacks need to hold Obama accountable on the economy.
Anonymous
I don’t get it. Both are saying the same thing–right talking heads acknowledge him (a lefty) for saying what he is saying, and…. Never mind. I mean, this is hardly a one-way occurrence, so I regret to say I just do not get your point. And Lawd, I tried.
