Saturday, September 29, 2007

What Bill O'Reilly Really Told Me:Black Writer Speaks Out

Imagine that your predominate perception of African Americans is from the "gangsta culture" rappers, as well as other mass entertainment stereotypes. Then a major TV white TV personality points out how wrong those stereotypes are, based on his actual experience.



This busting of stereotypes would be a good thing, right? Wrong--not if you're Bill O'Reilly of Fox News, and not if the liberal side of the media, plus the purveyors of professional racial victimology, have their way. O'Reilly instead was dragged over flaming coals for presenting a positive viewpoint of just one experience with non-gangsta, non-stereotyped blacks.

Even worse, the man he said these positive things to is a noted black author, Juan Williams, whose credentials also include NPR. Williams says that their conversation was taken out of context--and the liberal lynch mob next falls on him, dismissing him contemptuously as a "Happy Negro."

Did O'Reilly, in looking back, not speak perfectly, so that every phrase, every sentence, could be dissected, parsed, and criticized? Sure thing. Instead of speaking like a well-oiled PR machine, he was speaking informally with someone he was comfortable with--a black author, let it be noted. And he was using his own grandmother as an example of how stereotypes, if not combated, lead to misunderstandings. O'Reilly clearly was, it seems, a thug, hell-bent on saying "wake up, black Americans are not all gangsta's or other negative stereotypes!"

And so it goes. Like Bill Cosby, these two men were attacked for, frankly, not hewing some sort of PC line. JoelleRose takes on this issue and others in the far left smear campaigns that this week unraveled when it was proven that they didn't have enough facts to even tat up a decent length of lint.

Williams' blistering editorial is worth a read, if only to hear what a black American male, the one who was part of the conversation, takes away from this experience. Hint: when it comes to the religion of victimology and far left mud-slinging, things aren't quite as black and white as they seem.


So imagine how totally astounded I was when I heard O'Reilly was attacked on the basis of that radio conversation as a "racist." He was slammed for saying he went to a restaurant in Harlem and had a good time. He was slammed for saying the audience at the concert was nicely dressed. The suggestion was that O'Reilly had racist preconceptions about the restaurant and the concert crowd.


That twisted assumption led me to say publicly that the attacks on O'Reilly amounted to an effort to take what he said totally out of context in an attempt to brand him a racist by a liberal group that disagrees with much of his politics. But the out-of-context attacks on O'Reilly picked up speed and ended up on CNN, where one commentator branded me a "Happy Negro" for allowing O'Reilly to get by with making racist comments without objection.


This is so far from the truth of the conversation on the radio that it is beyond a matter of words being taken out of context. This is a pathetic cowardly, personal attack against me intended to damage my credibility and invalidate any support I offer to O'Reilly against the charges that he is a racist.


For the record, I am a black man who lives in a black neighborhood in a mostly black city, and is married to a black woman. I am also the author of several books and documentaries on the civil rights movement. And any viewer of the O'Reilly TV show knows that O'Reilly and I respect, even like, each other but are frequently at loud, finger-pointing odds over politics and people.


But this is an attempt to take down O'Reilly and dismiss anyone offering him support — me. This is along the lines of telling anyone who calls attention to the excesses of hip-hop culture a "self-hating" black man and skewering anyone who dares to say there is a crisis in black America because of the high dropout rates, high crime rates and high out-of-wedlock birth rates.That is what happened to another well-known Bill, Bill Cosby, after he spoke out about the self-destructive images and behavior in the black community.



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Iran Officially Labels U.S. Army, CIA as "Terrorist" Organizations

Ah yes, the big show of friendly Ahmadinejad is over now, having been given the stage and freedom to speak at Columbia University. Now the puppeteers behind the stage reveal the next hidden ploy: naming your family member serving in the U.S. Army as a terrorist.




As the saying goes, "the devil is in the details."


Iran's parliament on Saturday approved a nonbinding resolution labeling the CIA and the U.S. Army "terrorist organizations," in apparent response to a Senate resolution seeking to give a similar designation to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.


The hard-line dominated parliament cited U.S. involvement in dropping nuclear bombs in Japan in World War II, using depleted uranium munitions in the Balkans, Afghanistan and Iraq, supporting the killings of Palestinians by Israel, bombing and killing Iraqi civilians, and torturing terror suspects in prisons.



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No Newt in the 2008 Pond: Gingrich Won't Run

Newt says "nope."


Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich will not run for president in 2008 after determining he could not legally explore a bid and remain as head of his tax-exempt political organization, a spokesman said Saturday.


"Newt is not running," spokesman Rick Tyler said. "It is legally impermissible for him to continue on as chairman of American Solutions (for Winning the Future) and to explore a campaign for president."



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The Saffron Olympics:Dhina's Bloody Fist

The Washington Post scores with this accurate editorial about China's bloody oppression of other peoples and nations. As is being shown in the military slaughter in Myanmar, just as it was earlier demonstrated in Tibet, China intends to hammer other peoples into submission while using them to reap profits from international markets.



Between dangerous goods marketed to the United States and other nations and the drive to control and suppress the freedoms and cultures of others, China, in my view, is inherently unfit to host the Olympics.


BY NOW China's Communist rulers must have realized that one unintended consequence of hosting the 2008 Olympics is unprecedented global scrutiny of Beijing's retrograde foreign policy. For decades, one pillar of that policy has been the cynical political and economic exploitation of rogue states that most of the rest of the world shuns -- notably North Korea, Zimbabwe, Sudan and Burma. Under growing international pressure, and with the looming threat of a besmirched Olympics, Chinese policy is slowly changing. But not fast enough, as this week's events in Burma demonstrate.


In the past three days, Burma's ruling junta has carried out a bloody and criminal crackdown on a peaceful protest movement led by thousands of Buddhist monks. The regime admits that 10 people have died in the volleys of gunfire and the baton charges its soldiers have directed at demonstrators. More likely is that the death toll is in the scores. Hundreds of monks and democratic opposition activists have been rounded up at night and trucked away to unknown fates; troops have occupied and ransacked monasteries.



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21.7 million pounds of beef products recalled for E.Coli

With yet another instance of E Coli contamination in food supplies, it's time to ask how sub-standard processing facilities are allowed to continue.


The Topps Meat Co. on Saturday vastly expanded its recall of frozen hamburger patties that may be contaminated with E. coli after federal inspectors discovered inadequate safety measures at its plant.


The company said it's recalling 21.7 million pounds of ground beef products, up from 332,000 pounds of ground beef initially recalled on Tuesday.


Investigators think 25 people may have been sickened in eight states, including Florida.


The recall represents all Topps products with either a "sell by date" or "best if used by date" between Sept. 25 this year and Sept. 25, 2008. The company said this information could be found on a package's back panel.



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Military Mayhem: On-The-Scene Reports from Myanmar

Despite the government crackdown on outside communication, Al-Jazeera's un-named correspondent in Myanmar continues to get news out.


He wore a Manchester United football shirt and had only two front teeth. He was 72 years of age and said his name was Ny and a former teacher.


"Government bad," he told me "people good".


"Soldiers?" I asked him, "Very bad" he replied and smiled - the kind of gentle smile that people in Myanmar smile.


But these are not 'people', not the ones who demonstrate.


According to state media they are agitators bent on destroying the country's stability and infrastructure.



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Friday, September 28, 2007

"Not Afraid to Die": On-The-Scene Reports From Myanmar

This is gutsy journalism--something that's become an Al-Jazeera trademark. Despite the crackdown on media, Internet access, bloggers, journalists, and the fatak shooting of a Japanese news photographer, Al-Jazeera has managed to embed an un-named correspondent between the civil battle lines in Myanmar.


He had a craggy face, a limp, he was 60 years of age and had a resolve that underlined Myanmar's new drive for democracy.


"I am not afraid to die," he told me in halting English. "They will only kill flesh and bones. Spirit cannot be destroyed, so in the end we will win."



Al Jazeera exclusive from inside Myanmar


Then he walked to the head of several thousand protesters in downtown Yangon and advanced towards the waiting soldiers, stern faced, fingers on the triggers of their weapons.


He raised his hand and stood there in a gesture of defiance.


It met with applause from the protestors and people who watched the unfolding drama from their windows and balconies.


The soldiers did nothing – but it was only temporary. Minutes later they acted.


Two army units closed both ends of the street in a pincer movement that trapped hundreds of civilians.


They poured out of their trucks, with guns and batons. Men in civilian clothes joined them with large bamboo sticks.


They waded into the protestors, beating and slashing. I saw people on the ground being beaten and pounded and kicked, blood pouring from head wounds.


Others were dragged off to a row of waiting buses.


Soldiers grabbed me. "Tourist!" I explained. They didn't believe me.


IN VIDEO: Al Jazeera exclusive from inside Myanmar


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Senior Al Qaeda in Iraq Leader Killed by U.S. Forces

U.S.-led forces have killed one of the most important leaders of Al Qaeda in Iraq, a Tunisian believed connected to the kidnapping and killings last summer of American soldiers, a top commander said Friday.


Brig. Gen. Joseph Anderson said the death of the terrorist in a U.S. airstrike Tuesday south of Baghdad, and recent similar operations against Al Qaeda, have left the organization in Iraq fractured.


"Abu Usama al-Tunisi was one of the most senior leaders ... the emir of foreign terrorists in Iraq and part of the inner leadership circle," Anderson said.



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Thursday, September 27, 2007

Faux Pas? Obama Staff Downplays Michelle Obama's Statement

The tone, tenor, and timing of political campaigns are crucial elements. Now Barack Obama's campaign staff has a touchy problem: soothing over an honest statement from Michelle Obama that apparently wasn't quite spin-saavy enough.


The campaign of Democrat Barack Obama moved quickly Thursday to dampen any expectations raised by Michelle Obama who said this week that her husband has to win Iowa.


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Most polls in Iowa show the Illinois senator in a tight race with Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and John Edwards. During a visit Wednesday to Davenport, Iowa, Michelle Obama commented on the importance of a strong showing in the caucuses.


"Iowa will make the difference," she said. "If Barack doesn't win Iowa, it is just a dream. If we win Iowa then we can move to the world as it should be. And we need your help in making that happen."



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#1 on Billobard: Reba McEntire's New Album

The little cowgirl from Oklahoma, Reba McEntire, hits #1 on Billboard charts with her 3lst album, zooming to that position on release.The sweet-voiced, sassy singer and actress again proves not only the value of talent and hard work, but that you can, as the Beatles said, "get by with a little help from my friends."



Adding noted Oklahoma singer-songwriter Vince Gill to the list of artists performing on "Reba's Duets," Reba blends a robust mix of contemporary and classic country. Carole King brings in the moody songwriter touich, with the twangy fun of Rascal Flatts for contrast.

With the success of her sitcom "Reba", her work for Habitat for Humanity, her clothing line and home decor line, Reba is as much executive and philanthropist as she is entertainer. It's been a long ride for the small-town Oklahoma girl, who got her big break at a rodeo.

Reba sang the national anthem at the National Rodeo Finals in Oklahoma City while still a college student. Her voice wowed the audience, which included singer Red Steagall. He pointed Reba to Nashville, where the famed Mercury Rercords lassoed her.

Equally at home on a horse as much as in the glitzy gear of onstage performance, Reba projects a warm, earthy, funny personality that is as authentic as the Oklahoma red dirt. Fans love her, as do critics and those bestowing her numerous awards.

The winner of more than seven dozen major awards, Billboard Magazine named Reba "Woman of the Year" in 2007.




Reba McEntire's "Reba Duets" has debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's 200 Top Albums, her best first-week showing on the chart.


"I am beyond thrilled to have my biggest sales week ever with my 31st album," the 52-year-old country singer said in a statement Wednesday. "To get to share it with all my friends on this duets project is icing on the cake."


The album's guests include Kenny Chesney, Kelly Clarkson, Ronnie Dunn (of Brooks & Dunn), Vince Gill, Don Henley, Faith Hill, Carole King, Rascal Flatts, LeAnn Rimes, Justin Timberlake and Trisha Yearwood.


Released Sept. 18, "Reba Duets" sold more t



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Oil companies plan NAFTA suit over research demands

Big oil, NAFTA, and government are proving to be a risky mix as two giant oil companies defy requirements to fund local research and development. As Exxon Mobil and Murphy Oil demand $50 million each from governments, the power of NAFTA agreements may be at stake.




Two U.S. oil companies drilling oil off Newfoundland are planning a lawsuit under the North American Free Trade Agreement over demands that they spend money on research in the area.


The Globe and Mail reported Thursday that Exxon Mobil Corp. and Murphy Oil Corp. are seeking about $50 million in damages from the federal government, challenging how the Hibernia and Terra Nova offshore oil projects are structured.



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Wednesday, September 26, 2007

109-Year-Old Woman Dies in Atlanta

Born in the late 1800's, Emma Rucker survived being widowed at 33, raising 9 children and 2 grandchildren by herself, two World Wars, and the Great Depression. She moved from horse-and-buggy days into the space age. .


Emma Rucker endured a life of sorrow. She never let it show.


"She always taught us things you can't change, don't worry. But, we did worry, and I know she did, too," said her daughter Bertina Clemons of Atlanta.


Emma Rucker was a widow at 33 with nine children to raise. She knew much sorrow in her life, but taught her family, "things you can't change, don't worry," says daughter Bertina Clemons.



"She didn't stop. She kept going. She couldn't bring them back."


Mrs. Rucker found joy in her nine children, 21 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and 20 great-great-grandchildren, despite tragedy in every generation.


She found joy in cooking. "She always had enough for one more," Mrs. Clemons said. "My nephew said Big Mama could cook you a whole meal in about five minutes."


She found joy in her garden and grew some vegetables just to share.


She did not talk about becoming a widow at 33 and rearing her five girls and four boys and two grandchildren alone.



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GM-UAW reach tentative deal; strike ends

The UAW and General Motors (GM) reached a tentative agreement this morning on a new, landmark contract for 74,000 autoworkers, ending the union's first nationwide strike against the automaker in 37 years.



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Nepal Closer to Abolishing Centuries-Old Monarchy

The government came a step closer to abolishing the monarchy that has ruled this Himalayan nation for centuries on Wednesday when the leading party announced its support for declaring Nepal a republic, officials said.


Leaders of Nepal's largest political party, the Nepali Congress, passed a resolution calling for the special assembly, which is expected to be elected in November, to order the world's last Hindu king to give up his throne, a key demand of former communist rebels, said Sushil Koirala, acting president of the Nepali Congress.



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Slow down in fundraising hits Clinton, Obama

Interesting story, but why does it fail to mention totals for other candidates, including Republicans? Also, why does it fail to look into the possibility that the scandal over Norman Hsu might have impacted fund-raising for Clinton and Obama?


The torrid fundraising pace set by Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton is cooling faster than the housing market, with both camps claiming to raise millions less over the last three months than in previous quarters.


Obama is expected to pull in between $18 million and $19 million during the July-September reporting period, according to spokeswoman Jen Psaki -- $14 million to $15 million less than his $33 million second-quarter haul. Another Obama supporter, speaking on condition of anonymity, predicted that number could be somewhat higher, "in the low 20s."


Clinton will take in between $17 million and $19 million over the last three months, according to a person familiar with her fundraising.





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Vietnam Bridge Collapse Kills More Than 50

This is a developing story.


A section of a bridge under construction in southern Vietnam collapsed Wednesday, killing at least 52 workers and injuring 97 others, officials said.


The bridge was being built across the Hau River, a branch of the Mekong River, in the southern city of Can Tho. It is part of a heavily used route linking the Mekong Delta and Ho Chi Minh City.



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Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Marines Barred From Filming Commercial on Streets of San Francisco

They're the strong and the proud, but the Marines aren't free to stand on the streets of San Francisco.


The Silent Drill Platoon of the U.S. Marine Corps wasn't allowed to be filmed Sept. 11 on California Street in San Francisco for a segment of its new advertising campaign, a Marine spokesman told FOXNews.com.



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