Barack Obama

With regard to Tavis Smiley's grand display of intellectual masturbation called "The State of the Black Union" it is time to stop talking and start formulating sustainable solutions to the systemic problems we still face as a race and nation in particular. Smiley, along with Drs. Cornel West and Eddie Glaude compiled a book called The Covenant and so Smiley's efforts should be focused there. Hold not only presidential candidates accountable but also governors, mayors, city/ward councilmen/women, etc. Help to foment the localized change that is the foundation of any movement.

I grow so tired of the same talking heads every year on C-SPAN along with their representative "mini-me's" who pontificate and postulate "tales told by an idiot...full of sound an fury signifying nothing." Despite my Shakespearean reference I do hope my point is understood. We do not need "Amen corners" that serve as opiates of the masses the way that some of us attend church to get our weekly dosage of the "the word" and never ponder how to make the gospel relevant beyond self. You feel good and go home...warmed by a "hot" song and a "good sermon" never thinking of the true revolutionary foundation of our spirituality. Smiley's "forums" are no different.

Brother Tavis needs to understand that it is NOT about him and that it is about the people, the American people. His pettiness is embarrassing and his grand standing is at the very least dishonorable at such a critical juncture in Obama's campaign. This so-called controversy is just another way that Willie Lynch's tactics for oppression are still helping to steal away our righteous minds. May God help us all.