By Jerome Hudson

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, rapper Kanye West used the widely-broadcast “Concert for Hurricane Relief” to tell an international audience that “George Bush doesn’t care about black people.” 

Might West have the same perception today, as black America crumbles under the leadership of the first black president?  

Speaking to DailyCaller.com, chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II, (D-Missouri), said: 

“[…] If we had anybody else in the White House, with this level of unemployment, that you know, you would see a lot more African-Americans, African-American organizations and retro organizations speaking out against it […] “But because he is revered, you know, he gets I guess the benefit of, you know, understanding that the situation was terrible when he came in. So, we’re not doing that.” 

Really? 

Conventional wisdom (oxymoron?) on the Left is to blame anything and everything on race. Therefore, if Obama were white (which half of him technically is) and Republican, surely Cleaver would be blaming Obama’s abysmal failures on some deep, hidden racism, seething within him. Or, as it would seem, Obama’s skin color gives him a pass. 

Indeed, under Obama’s watch, vast swaths of wealth have eroded among black families. The recession that plagued the general population was a depression in many black households. Tragically, the devastation among blacks — who supported Mr. Obama’s campaign by a margin of 95 percent — has created a poverty of spirit as well as financial calamity. 

Obama’s plans of hope and change have utterly failed his most ardent constituency. Today, the wreckage is overwhelming: 

*  When Mr. Obama was inaugurated black unemployment was 12.6%. 36 months later, it is at a depression era level 15.8%. 

*  Black teenage unemployment is a jaw dropping 42.3 percent.  

* In October 2010, blacks accounted for 22.6 percent of the then 40.5 million Americans who received food stamp benefits each month. That figure was projected to rise in 2011. Mark Rank of Washington University suggests a whopping 90 percent of black children may eventually live in households that need food stamps. 

*  In 2007, before Obama took office, white households had a median net worth of $134,280, compared with $13,450 for black households. By the end of 2009, the median net worth for white households plummeted 24% to $97,860. But for black households, it dropped 83% to $2,170. The Chicago Sun-Times called it, “The Disappearing Black Middle Class.” 

Worst still, Researchers at the University of California at Berkeley Labor Center claim, according to their report, Black unemployment rates are higher now than they were at the official end of the recession in June 2009. 

Given this lousy track record, where is Kanye now? Obama senior adviser Valerie Jarrett faults the GOP. (No surprise there).  

But it’s hard for Jarrett to defend her boss’s Jekyll and Hyde presidency. As black family budgets dwindled, Obama played over 90 rounds of golf. While he derided “millionaires and billionaires,” Obama eagerly took millions from Hollywood elites. As Americans struggle with rising gas prices, Obama blocked the Keystone pipeline.  

Surely the NAACP or perhaps the Congressional Black Caucus would be foaming over Obama’s schizophrenic lack of empathy for struggling blacks were he of the same political mind as it’s only Republican member Representative Allen West (R-FL). 

But sadly, they are all silent.  

Yet, while President Bush seems to have done more for black American uplift, President Obama’s bungling remains unchallenged simply by virtue of his race.  

And so it goes, like the looming insolvency of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, faith in President Obama is not to be questioned or scrutinized. The White House Press Corp., a.k.a., the media, will likely continue to ignore the overwhelming evidence that Obama, his clique of advisors and the mountains of spending and new regulations they endorse have not eased the pain of his most loyal constituency. Although, in this support, it seems a growing number of blacks are beginning to bifurcate. 

Sadder still, Obama—while ceaselessly augmenting the unfailing inefficiencies of government planning—has refused to address the root cause of American declinism: that over one-third of American children – and 70 percent of black children – are born to unmarried mothers. And thus the fading edifice of the family fosters a poverty that hits children the hardest.   

For three years President Obama has endorsed a political agenda that breeds societal brokenness. Obama has Balkanized neighbors. He has pitted the blue collar VS the white collar. Blacks VS whites. The one percent VS the 99 percent.  

In his state of the union address, the president failed to try something new and progressive. Instead, President Obama again, embraced the internationally failed model of bigger government, subsidized by a shrinking tax base.  

The agenda all Americans need now is one built on families and free markets.

Jerome Hudson is a 26-year-old student of history, majoring in broadcast journalism, in Tallahassee, FL. He was born and raised in Savannah, GA by two wonderful parents. Jerome is a proud member of Project 21 The National Leadership Network of Black Conservatives and co-hosts a weekly radio segment: Project 21 Speaks.

Jerome Hudson can be reached at jeromehudsonspeaks@gmail.com

Facebook: Jerome Hudson

Twitter: @jeromeehudson

There are many wonderful natural immune boosters. There is vitamin C, bittermelon, vitamin E, N-acetylcysteine, licorice extract, Astralgus, vitamin A, B and E complex. I will expound on the most common one, that most of us are familiar with and hopefully are not intimidated by, vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and  (poly ascorbate) .

 Here are the myriad benefits of this vitamin.

It is an immune booster and a powerful anti-oxidant. It helps in the treatment of scurvy, helps in the prevention of colds and shortens the life of a cold. Vitamin C possibly prevents and possibly reverses the effects of the aging process.

When vitamin C (magnesium ascorbyl phosphate) is applied topically promotes the formation of collagen and lightens age spots and clarifies uneven pigmentation in the skin. Vitamin C, E, Selenium, Glutathione work as powerhouses synergistically.

Quercetin should also be included in the equation because it increases the life of Mr. C or Ms. C inside the body. Every cell in our body is attacked ten thousand times a day! What are you doing to counteract that? Are you thinking healthy?

That’s it? Folks, life is real and your body needs certain healthy, necessary food,nutrients, thoughts, and a positive and truthful environment in order to function to it’s fullest capacity.

Who wants to look forty at age 40? and in the inside feel like you are seventy because your organs have aged exponentially and you have all these aches and pains in your articulations, called degenerative diseases. Who wants to look sixty at age 60?

Wouldn’t you rather look much younger and function at a higher level and still be able to do what you did at twenty years of age? That is possible, by  contributing richly by the lifestyle you choose and live. You can fool others, but you can’t fool your body and your face. Whatever you give it, it will give back to you.

Martin Martinez is the  new health contributor to HHR blog. He is a  popular New York City  fitness trainer and the owner and founder of  Brolick Fitness.

It was the summer of 1988 when fans of hip hop, the musical industry, and the nation as a whole were introduced to the five man rap group named NWA.

NWA’s debut album “Straight Outta Carolina” was an album laced with raw and vulgar expressions and story telling never heard before in hip hop or in music as a whole. The LA based group shook the industry with their unabashed message of being anti-law enforcement, anti-America, and most of all exposing the lifestyle of a “gangsta”. One who takes no for answer and gets what he wants, no matter how right or wrong the method.

Hip Hop began in 1988 as it always did, New York based rappers delivering rap songs that expressed the life of New Yorkers. None of these rappers messages were clean enough to perform before a Sunday church crowd, however, there was some biting of the lip in regarding their expression. Public Enemy frontman Chuck D was as anti-establishment and raw as they came, yet he never articulated the need and desire to use violence as a primary way of life. With their angry and no holdsbar attitude,NWA forever changed hip hop.

This brings me to last Saturday’s GOP primary winner Newt Gingrich.  Newt Gingrich is much like NWA. No he isn’t new to the political fold, however his style and mannerisms are uncharacteristic of any of his GOP opponents. He’s all telling and unwavering regarding to his principals and positions. Ron Paul, Rick Santorum, and especially Mitt Romeny are those east coast rappers who do deliever their message, however, its done with care and ease. Sometimes even apologetic, not Speaker Gingrich.

Lead candidate Mitt Romeny is the embodiment of the pre NWA New York rap scene. New York rap before NWA did showcase the hardships of growing up in drug filled impoverished neighborhoods, however there was little to no embracing and certainly no glorifying the hardships and what it took to overcome it.

Mitt Romeny over the past several months has stayed away from expressing and standing firm on key components of conservatism. He has done this to not offend and anger the media, GOP establishment, and even other potential opponents, both President Obama and GOP candidates.

Gingrich has consistently, and none more than his performance in the January 19 debate, of articulating his position but doing so with emotional passion and the delivery of confidence. A confidence which in aggreance or not, affirms to all his insurance conservatism and a Republican is not the best choice, but only choice to right the wrong in this country.

In 1988 and going into the 1990′s, many critics of NWA thought for sure the LA “Gangsta” image would fade and serve no place among the great rappers of the east. Critics since his campaign was in total shambles in the spring of 2011, has said Gingrich has no staying powering and will fade.

At the time of this publication, Gingrich is currently soaring in the polls. A showing this his style of campaigning and debating, his former personal social behaviors, and lack of funding and establishment support isn’t turning off republican voters nationwide.

Also at the time of this publication “TM:103: Hustlerz Ambition” by Atlanta based “gangsta” rapper “Young Jeezy” is currently the number one rap album in the country.

Looks as if people have a taste for those who have a liking to being bold and expressive.

About the Author: Trae Lewis is currently the president of the Baltimore Area Young Republicans and serves as the Nationalcommittee Man for the Maryland Young Republicans, lifelong conservative and registered Republican since 2006, the same year he graduated from Howard University with a BA in political science. In 2010 he served as the field coordinator for the “Ehrlich for Baltimore City” gubernatorial campaign. Since 2010 he has appeared and been featured in numerous Baltimore area print, radio, and television media outlets speaking on the cause of the Republican Party and conservatism as a whole.

Reading through it all, an old saying spontaneous jumped to mind:”50% of succeeding in show business is showing up”

Now that little kernal of wisdom came from The Simpsons’ character Krusty the Clown–and perhaps, by the logic of some of the editorials,  his opinion won’t count either, since he’s technically yellow and therefore probably somehow a racist, too.

I came down to cover the event from Canada. And for anything you may have heard of Canada’s (well earned) reputation for tolerance, diversity and friendliness, nothing could have prepared me for the hospitality and graciousness I’ve had the joy of experiencing in Charleston–including and especially from the delegates and staffers of the GOP.

To label such people as racists simply because more African Americans didn’t attend the debates or show up to the convention is not only misdirected and mean spirited, but it also diminishes true impact of real racism by turning it into a catchphrase to throw at anyone who’s politics you disagree with. Racism is too destructive and too evil to allow it to become a political weapon.

The fact that more minorities aren’t involved as should be is obvious. But much of the reason for that comes from proponents of welfare reform being labelled as being “racists” – as if it wasn’t more racist to ignore the fact that, in raw numbers, more whites use welfare than blacks, and that, more importantly, our goal as a nation should be to provide hand-ups over hand-outs. When Republicans bring up wanting school choice to escape the devastating impact failed schools can have on communities and inter-generational poverty, it is somehow transformed into the first step towards reinstitutionalizing educational segregation.

At a time when unemployment in Detroit among African American men is reaching 50%, the Ethiopian immigrant community in Detroit is experiencing and explosion of entrepreneurship and upward social mobility. Nigerian Africans remain, per capita, one of the number one holders of PhDs in America–much more likely to have a doctorate than their white, asian or indian counterparts.

An emphasis on strong families, the critical importance of the pursuit not just of a university education, but of an education that makes you competitive for 21st century jobs (Interesting how few successful african immigrants seem to have graduated with degrees in African Studies) and cementing a culture that actively engages all sides of the political discussion to generate genuine dialogue and real solutions is the only way to turn things around.

When I say that, as a black man, to black colleagues, no one disagrees. But, somehow, when Rick Santorum emphasizes the economic and community value in building stronger families, or Newt stresses the need for entrepreneurial and academic empowerment, the same comments become racist hellfire coming out the mouths of white devils. Naturally, after doing everything they can to convince that ugly lie to the black community, they then blame the very same smeared candidates for the hesitation for minorities to get involved in the gop.

The people involved in the gop aren’t cartoons–they’re dedicated people with genuine beliefs in the power of their message to improve the livelihoods of all ethnic demographics. When commentators start wanting to have a real discussion about ideas rather than name calling and demonization, I believe that more and more members of the African American community will be willing to do the same.

The people I met were anxious to share their ideas and aspirations with anyone willing to come to the table and listen. They were hungry to hear new voices to expand the discussion. If you want to start seeing some new faces at the table, all you’ve got to do is pull up a chair.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about Charleston hospitality, it’s that there’s always room for one more.

About the Author: Andrew Simon is a young black Canadian  conservative and former Vice President 2004-2006 of the Campus Conservatives at the University of Calgary in Calgary, Alta. He has worked and volunteered for Lee Richardson, a Member of Parliament Calgary, Alta. Between 2002-2005 Andrew organized a program focused on underprivileged communities in which, in exchange for volunteering to share a skill, tutor, or mentor, low income adults and their children were eligible to go to lessons taught from any other member of the initiative at no cost.

                     2012 Black GOP Candidates

This 2012 Black GOP Candidates list is  from Republicans for Black Empowerment. This information is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement . This information is provided for informational purposes only.

NOTE: Click on image to go to campaign site.

Rove also haughtily noted “a small membership committee does not govern the process. No group of power brokers can pressure others into uniting behind one candidate. Millions of primary voters and caucus-goers will select the GOP’s nominee.”   Well a truer word was never said. Despite all the liberal media’s wishful thinking and the likes of Rove and rest of the Republican establishment, South Carolina voters spoke and voted overwhelmingly for Newt Gingrich 40% compared to 27% for Romney. This was a landslide victory for Gingrich.

What a reversal of fortune this past week was for Romney. Rick Santorum was declared the winner of Iowa after a recount revealed he won more votes than Romney. Romney won New Hampshire. Then Newt took South Carolina. Three primaries so far with three different winners and Mitt Romney didn’t make history.

I’ve said repeatedly that conservative voters would decide who their GOP presidential nominee would be rather than abdicating the decision to  Republican establishment. Newt won South Carolina because voters aren’t stupid and debates matter. From the start Newt was a deft debater. Before his PAC received an infusion of cash from Sheldon Adelson, Newt dominated debates with brains and bold ideas to defend America at home and abroad.

There was never a question where Newt stood on the issues then Newt’s PAC Winning the Future got more money to combat Romney’s negative ads against him in Iowa and the game changed. Suddenly, what was good for Newt wasn’t good for Romney. Newt’s PAC ran a negative ad on Romney’s tenure at Bain and voters started questioning plastic Romney’s electability with more intensity.

Apart from these negative ads, it was Newt’s performance in the last two debates that sealed the deal for him with South Carolina voters. In an exchange with Ron Paul during the Fox News debate Monday, Newt showed he wouldn’t flinch over foreign policy issues. Newt disagreed with Paul that our enemies like Osama bin laden should be treated like a Chinese dissident and given shelter, adding bin laden was a terrorist and enemy combatant and should be treated as such and killing him was a good thing.

Newt also tore into Fox News Juan Williams, who as the only black moderator that night tried to play the race card, asked if Newt felt it was insulting to black Americans when he said blacks should demand jobs not food stamps and poor kids should perform janitorial jobs in their schools. Newt said  if poor kids worked in their schools, “they would be getting money, which is a good thing if you’re poor.”

Williams followed up with another racially charged question designed to make Newt look anti-black and asked Newt if he thought it was “belittling” to refer to our first black president as “the food stamp president.” Williams implied because Obama’s black he should be held to a gentler standard than white presidents and it’s somehow inappropriate to reference Obama and food stamps in the same sentence perhaps because more blacks per capita are on food stamps compared to the white population. Newt fiercely responded to rousing applause that he wasn’t going to play the politically correct game and said “the fact is more people have been put on food stamps by Barack Obama than any president in history.”

Then there was CNN’s John King, who opened last Thursday’s debate with more Newt bashing. (Do you see a theme here?) King asked Newt if he wanted to address an ABC News tabloid interview with his ex-wife Marianne in which she alleged Newt asked for an open marriage. Newt paused, smiled, stared at King and said “No but I will,” to thunderous applause. “I am appalled you would begin a presidential debate on a topic like that,” he continued to which the crowd applauded more and gave him a standing ovation.

As Newt pointed out, for CNN to ask that question two days before the South Carolina primary was “despicable,” and appeared to be done to with the intent to tank Gingrich’s chances in South Carolina. But it didn’t work! Despite all the efforts made by the mainstream liberal media and the Republican establishment to prop up Mitt Romney, Gingrich is resonating with conservative voters of all types because his convictions on the issues shine through.

While the GOP party lords believe Romney is the safe bet, many conservatives don’t see him as the winning bet. During the last two debates he’s stammered and fumbled on releasing his taxes and defending his record at Bain Capital. Romney is looking and sounding less and less presidential and electable.

In winning South Carolina, Newt demonstrated he could appeal to women, men and the states broad voter base of social conservatives, fiscal conservatives, Tea Party supporters, and moderates. Exit polls also found South Carolina voters believed Gingrich was more electable than Romney. One thing is for certain, Newt changed the game and the people will decide who their nominee will be not a small club.

 About the Author:  Crystal Wright is a black conservative woman living in Washington, DC. Some would say she is a triple minority: woman, black and a Republican living in a Democrat dominated city. She’s contemplating moving back to her home state of Virginia, where her vote would count for something. By day, Crystal is a communications consultant and editor and publisher of the new website  www.conservativeblackchick.com . Crystal earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Georgetown University and holds a Masters of Fine Arts in Theatre from Virginia Commonwealth University

Any candidate who believes he will get elected president of the USA by increasing the rancor about the rich as if they didn’t earn it honestly or in putting down minorities is sadly mistaken.                

When the Obama Administration designs a stimulus plan which neglects the least of those among our citizens featuring no empowerment zones or more academic performance grants rather than loans or sets a goal for our children of college when 30-40% of minorities aren’t making it out of high school or even makes Supreme Court appointees neglecting the one group of females who gave over 95% of their votes without question—African Americans, once more the democratic diss is on.

If Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorium or others can stand forth in South Carolina and exude platitudes on what the black community needs without having engaged with this population, they don’t get it.

While on their Congressional watch they did very little to help and prevent the unemployment being bantered about while now offering often draconian solutions or entitlement cuts which will pull the rug out from the very ones who may need help most.                                           

Though Ron Paul articulated many of the concerns of the African American population which is disproportionately represented in the incarcerated class or in previous wars drew casualties exceeding those of other groups, the question is what has he done to apply the calming balm of Gilead?
 
The unfounded attacks on immigrants lumping and clumping all with a broad brush leaving Mexicans feeling singled out is just wrong.  Given the fact that estimates place the Hispanic population of Texas at 55%, what are people thinking in not trying to develop strategies to make sure that people who are here have done so legally and that their rights as citizens are protected. 
 
Why are cuts in entitlements being proposed first to programs like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Services, etc. instead of the regulations which facilitate continued bail outs for private banks and businesses?  Why not start with FreddieMac and FannieMae which courtesy of democratic inspired legislation brought us the housing debacle? 
 
As Huntsman said about trust, I believe it is more about attitude where many believe some are more deserving than others.  Not only do we need a new president, we need an attitude adjustment.
 
When Republicans take on people who have created jobs and somehow make them seem evil or demand a standard in running for office which is not required by the Federal Elections Committee, that is sad.  The Obama Administration has helped paint Wall Street as evil while undercover continuing to beg them to fund their campaign. 

Romney should release his tax information which is private and available to the FEC when Obama releases his original birth certificate as constitutional proof of his qualification for that office, social security number from his state of birth and federal financial aid information and other documents which have been protected from public view but about which no verification has been seen of his brilliance for his education likely financed on the public dime.
 
When all come to the table with clean hands and uncloistered documents, maybe, just maybe we can get to the issues at hand including how to fix the economy, move this nation forward without increasing our burdensome national debt and developing a strategy to promote energy independence while conserving natural resources.
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Ada M. Fisher is a PHYSICIAN, licensed teacher for secondary education in mathematics and science, previously elected school board member, AUTHOR and IS THE nc rEPUBLICAN nATIONAL cOMMITTEEWOMAN.  Contact her at P. O. Box 777; Salisbury, NC 28145; DrFisher@DrAdaMFisher.COM

Pending Publication, Fisher’s book Common Sense Conservative PRescriptions solutions for what ails us, book 1 published by Amazon.com should be available in the near future between February and March 2012.

 After watching a clip from the  January 16, 2012 MSNBC’s “Now with Alex Wagner” show, which discussed a gesture by Mitt Romney in giving an unemployed  black elderly woman fifty-dollars to assist with her needs as being perhaps racist, we find ourselves again being hit with the issue of race in America and more specifically within the GOP.

 I would rather not blog again on this topic. However, unfortunately this is not an issue which has been fully addressed and laid to rest. Because of this, it keeps crawling out of the coffin.
 
America’s history is one of racial oppression – slavery lasting over two hundred years, only to recreate itself through Jim Crow laws. This is certainly something that cannot be denied or dealt with by simply saying that it happened in the past, so get over it.

 When you enslave and then legally oppress a people for this long, there is bound to still be some residual effects passed down to the next generations – especially since it has only been less than fifty years since the end of segregation. Undeniably this is America’s history.

Sometimes there are those who do not wish to hear it. Nevertheless, it is etched into the foundation of America’s history and cannot be hidden or denied and until we teach it and understand it, there is going to be a problem with black-white racial relationships.
 
There is a powerful lesson that can be learned from our history. Unfortunately, it is seldom or gingerly taught in most schools. Realizing this, my Harvard graduate daughter (indulge a mother’s moment of pride) and I created curriculum that includes a series of lectures on The Children of the Civil Rights Movement, which we use to educate African-American youth.

 We do this to get them to become aware of their history, not so they can hate whites, but in hopes that they will cherish the opportunities they now have and take full advantage of every opportunity that is out there to get a good education or skill and to enjoy economic freedom.

 We do it also so that they will know the story, know the struggle and hand it down to their children and to their lineage. This is powerful. From it, we have seen lives literally transformed and kids, who otherwise would not have gone to college, take advantage of educational opportunities.

This includes those who are the first of their generation to go to college, those at risk, and those in gangs. The finished product are students that are motivated and determined to turn their lives around and accept nothing less than success and their best.
 
We make sure they understand that no one can enslave their minds, without the willingness and consent of the individual acquiescing. Therefore, if the mindset of an individual is free, then so is the person. I know it seems I have strayed from the discussion of whether Mitt Romney is racist, but as one of my UTK law school professors would say, “Give me a moment and I will connect it up”.
 
It is not just blacks that need to be transformed by history – whites also need to know and understand, so that they can realize just how devastating this period was for those of African descent. But the problem arises when you suggest that America needs to take that part of its history out of the closet and put it on display as a learning lesson taken from our past.

 For some whites they believe to hear about slavery, segregation and the civil rights era is to play the “race card”. Yet this is America’s history – it is a part of the history and legislative intent behind the Constitution. You cannot uphold and teach the Constitution without dealing with the impact African Americans had in the framing of it – the denial of basic rights of blacks prompted many of its amendments and subsequent pieces of legislation that afforded some of the basic rights we now cherish.
 
It also has to be conceded that not everything that is labeled as racist is indeed racist, and sometimes there is the occasional crying wolf when there is no wolf. But to think that the demons of racism have “left the building” is to be a little naïve.

There are still racists whites in America and there are still those who believe blacks are inferior to whites. The demon did not cease to exist just because of civil rights legislation. Demons don’t die – they just hide or redesign themselves.

It probably is safe to say that they are in the minority, as open racism is no longer socially or legally acceptable and tolerated.   However, because of the stereotypes that we as a race have allowed to depict us negatively are being played out in our music, on television and even in some cases in real life, it helps to reinforce the belief that blacks are inferior.
 
Ms. LaShunda and I when talking to students about the era of student protest, we go to great length to point out the dress, demeanor, speech, intelligence and self-control of those students who sat at all white lunch counters – being spat on, called a nigger and in some cases being verbally as well as physically accosted – yet they retained their pride, dignity and maintained self-control.

This is what caught the eyes of the northern press and caused them to begin to cast those in the Civil Rights Movement in a different light. Before then, they were portrayed as heathens, like beasts who were sub-human who should not be considered equal to whites. But now the whole country saw a different Negro – one who withstood the fire hoses, being beaten bloody, and being brutally and senselessly killed as in the case of 14 year old Emmitt Till.

 It was only then, that southern racists rightfully were seen as being the ones who were less than humane, uncivilized, cold hearted and cruel. From this, whites whose consciences were pricked arose and stood side-by-side with blacks to march and protect – white freedom riders joined blacks and even were willing to risk their lives and some actually were killed. Why? Because they could see the injustices done to blacks and it became hard to just sit back, say and do nothing.
 
The difference now is that there is no longer a pricking of the conscience. Instead, what is now seen are justifications for black inferiority such as: black-on-black crime; black males being imprisoned disproportionately to that of any other race; rap music that depicts black women as bitches; television and movies which show only the negative lifestyles; the English language replaced by Ebonics and improper grammar; and many other negative images of blacks.

Unfortunately and not rightfully so, instead of realizing that not all blacks are like this, all blacks get lumped together, and from it the entire race becomes stereotyped. This gives those who are racists, now the ammunition to justify slavery and segregation.

 But it also causes those whites who are not racist to wonder why? Why now that we do have equal rights and are no longer slaves or subject to Jim Crow, have we not progressed further than where we are today. Why we are not actively involved in changing the negative perception of young blacks? Why we are silent on these issues and will only react when we believe someone has made a racial comment or gesture?     
 
So what all of this boils down to are two things.
 
One – As a race, African Americans have to “fess-up” that we have failed this generation of blacks. As parents, educators, the church and as a race, we have a lot of work to do. We have to rescue the younger generation of blacks by teaching them their history and the tremendous price that was paid for our freedom, instilling in them the pride that past generations of slaves and those under segregation and discrimination had as a race and as a people; putting an end to some of the destructive behavior that demeans us as a race. And until we do this, there will be very little sympathy from whites or pricking of heart and conscience.
 
Two – As white Americans, there has to be an awareness of the destructive and lasting impact that slavery, segregation and discrimination has had on blacks. It cannot and should not be denied. It needs to be taught in the public schools – for if the history is told, it will cause all races to understand why it was wrong and should never be repeated. Whites also have to stand and denounce any remnants of racism.

Especially those who profess to have a spiritual responsibility to do what is right. Last, there has to be a realization that not all blacks are poor, uneducated, on public assistance, in jail, committing crimes and should not be placed within this stereotypical casting. 
 
So to answer the question of whether Mitt Romney is a racist?  Certainly this incident does not support a racist claim against him. But should his action in giving this black woman fifty-dollars be viewed as racist? We think not.

(Perhaps a little cheap in light of his worth – but not racist.)

 It appears he was a man moved with compassion after interacting with an American citizen who happened to be black, who like millions of other Americans are experiencing financial despair. In being so moved, he took out the fifty-dollars to give to her. For both those who are black and white, why make this racial?
 
This points to the unresolved discussion of race in America – one that is so sensitive that whenever anything happens, we reopen the wound. This is something that has to be addressed openly, if we are to move on and allow what happened in our past to be history that is overcome by the present bridges we have built to accommodate and welcome racial reconciliation. 
   
Dr. Jean Howard-Hill is the author of Black Eyes Shut, White Lips Sealed.  She has taught full time as an adjunct Professor of  American Government at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, and was voted 2006 Outstanding Professor of the year. Additionally, from 1976 to 1979, she designed and directed the “Democracy In Action” Program, which was a civics program taught in the local school systems. Howard-Hill also is a local political commentator and holds a law degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville College of Law. She also is ordained clergy and heads The Healing Place Ministries International, overseeing 47 ministries throughout Africa.

Jean Howard-Hill
423-544-9696 cell 
423-521-4292 NRAAC office
nraachowardhill@gmail.com
Jean.howard.hill@gmail.com

Join Us

Contact Us

What’s happening?

http://nytm.org/sos/

I am stunned by all the controversy surrounding presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s time at Bain Capital (the private investment company that he founded). What’s even more amazing is that the controversy was started by Republicans running against him for the presidential nomination.

These Republican candidates have accused Romney of buying several businesses and then laying off or firing employees so he could reduce costs and then turn around and sell the businesses for a profit. Wow, imagine that—a businessman who wants to make a profit.

Now, radical liberals like Al Sharpton and Larwrence O’Donnell, etc. are having a field-day with this issue. The first question you should ask radicals like them is, “how many private sector jobs have you ever created?” I think we all know the answer to this question—none, zero, nada!

Their arguments have absolutely no intellectual underpinning whatsoever. So, allow me to give these radicals a simple lesson in economics. Last year two friends of mine became engaged to be married and ultimately did get married. They both owned their own home. They couldn’t afford to keep both houses, two sets of furniture, etc. So, they decided to sell one of the homes and combined all the items from both houses and got rid of the duplicate or unnecessary furniture (to reduce costs).

So, when companies like Romney’s decides to buy a company, in most cases they have determined that there are inefficiencies that need to be eradicated. Thus, tough, but necessary, decisions have to be made. Why are they necessary, you might ask?

Again, to the radical liberals who have never created a job, lesson two in economics. The first responsibility (legally and morally) of a business owner is to the shareholders or investors; not to the employees! Now, every smart business-owner knows and understands that having happy employees are the keys to making money; therefore no business owner takes joy in having to reduce his workforce. But, in order to provide jobs for the many, you sometimes have to cut jobs for the few.

An entrepreneur starts a business, not to create jobs, but to make money. Every business owner hopes he will have to hire employees. That means there is a growing demand for his product or service; but that is not his raison d’être—making money is.

Legally, management can be taken to court for mismanagement if they do not safeguard the capital of investors. So, be weary of those who think that creating jobs are the reason people start businesses. Here is something else to think about. Have you ever wondered why companies agreed to sell to Romney’s firm (Bain Capital)? This may come as a surprise—but to make a profit!

Romney has absolutely nothing to be ashamed of and there is no need for him to justify his desire to make a profit in his deal-making. If anything, Romney’s experience at Bain Capital proves he is able to make tough decisions without allowing emotions to cloud his judgment. This is a great quality for any strong leader to possess.

This controversy provides a sharp contrast in the fundamental difference between Republicans and Democrats in how they view capitalism. Republicans believe that increasing shareholder value is the primary goal of business ownership. Democrats believe that increasing employee value (i.e. giving them a job) is the primary goal of business ownership.
When you decide to become an employee, you necessarily also decide to put your future in the hands of your employer. There is never any security in anything that you don’t own.

If you are on any government program, they decide the rules of engagement. If you are on welfare, they can mandate you taking a drug test. If your parents allow you to borrow the family car, they can decide what time you have to return the car. If you join the Catholic Church, they decide what your belief system is.

Republicans understand that there is no fundamental right for an employee to have a job; Democrats believe that people have a constitutional right to a job. If Obama and Democrats want this to be one of the key issues during this presidential race; then I say bring it on. Republicans will win this debate any day of the week.

There are many liberals in Congress who want to put restrictions on the buying and selling of private enterprises. To them I say, “this is a Capitol offense.”

Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a D.C.-public relations/government affairs firm. He is a contributing editor for ExcellStyle Magazine (www.excellstyle.com). For those who use skype (www.skype.com), please add him.  The name there is:  raynard jackson

 I’ve never made it a secret that I really like Jon Huntsman for the GOP Presidential Nomination.

 I like the former Utah governor’s record as a solid Republican that had more moderate to liberal social opinions.

The search for liberty is simply part of the greater search for a world where respect for the rule of law and human rights is universal—a world free of dictators, terrorists, warmongers and fanatics, where men and women of all nationalities, races, traditions and creeds can coexist in the culture of freedom, where borders give way to bridges that people cross

~ Mario Vargas Llosa

By Cleo Brown

There is much that I do not approve of in the newly released documentary by Director Christina Heller named Libertopia.

I do not approve of the legalization of Marijuana and other drugs. Although our drug laws have, as did Prohibition during the Twentieth Century, spawned the growth of Black Market violence and crime, it is the duty of our Government to protect us from drug use and abuse by regulating our use of drugs.

I also, being the mother of six beautiful children ( who are all Adults now) do not support abortion but especially am against Partial Birth Abortions. I do believe, however, that Government, somes due to politics, sometimes necessity, has grown to be an awkward and mammoth entity. 

Having said all of this, I want to tell you how much I liked Libertopia. In Libertopia, the Libertarian Movement encourages twenty thousand people to move to New Hampshire where the participants, through the exercise of their Liberty, experience a higher degree of Freedom than elsewhere in The United States.

 The Project called The Free State Project, began in 2003 and has seduced Doctors, Attorneys, Artists, Musicians, Professors, and Politicians with its message. While I don’t agree with these people , I do support their right to move to New Hampshire to practice their way of life.

I also admire Director Christina Heller’s gift as a storyteller. In Libertopia she crafts the experiences of several key figures in the New Hampshire Libertarian Movement by interweaving their stories to inform her audience of the what, why, when, where, and how of the Movement.

An attorney from West Virginia, a budding and youthful politician from California, A College Professor from Buffalo, New York, and an Oregon Native who walks all of the way to New Hampshire to participate in the Project, are central to Heller’s production.

 I recommend this Documentary to all students of History, Political Science, and Sociology as well as to anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of our basic inalienable rights . Most important, however, is that Libertopia is provocative enough to provoke thought.

 On a scale of from one to twelve I give to Libertopia an entire bouquet of twelve roses.

Libertopia | Official Movie Site & Trailer | Feature Documentary

About The Author: Cleo E. Brown has a Master’s Degree in Contemporary African-American History from The University of California at Davis in Davis, California. She also has a B.A. Minor Degree in Political-Science and has completed course work towards a Ph.D. in Education from The University of San Francisco in San Francisco, California.

Mayor Mia Love formally launched her bid for Congress on Thursday, promising to cut taxes, balance the budget and ensure children today have a shot at the American dream.  To do that, Love said she would draw on her experience as mayor, where she erased a $3.5 million budget shortfall, saving the city of some 18,000 residents from bankruptcy — experience she said sets her apart from other Republican contenders.

And, she said, she believes she is the candidate with the best shot to force Democratic Rep. Jim Matheson into retirement.

“We are no longer going to allow politicians to kick the can down the road,” she said. “We are no longer going to allow this out-of-control spending. We are no longer going to stand for it.”

Read More: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/53241981-90/love-budget-mayor-rep.html.csp

Campaign Site: http://www.love4utah.com/

You’ve got to get it organized,” quipped Romney about Gingrich’s Virginia fiasco. For once I agree with Mitt Romney. The “only failed system” is the Gingrich campaign’s incompetence, not Virginia’s law, which has been in place since 1970.

As a person who has written favorably about Gingrich as being the most qualified candidate on the GOP presidential stump, I was shocked by the turn of events in Virginia and offer the candidate some constructive criticism.

If both Romney and Congressman Ron Paul could muster the minimum requirement of 10,000 signatures from 11 Congressional districts throughout the state of Virginia, clearly the task of getting on Virginia’s ballot can be met. It’s called following the rules! When you are running for president, excuses like the “dog ate my homework” frankly won’t do.

Moreover, what message does it send to your supporters and those weighing support for you that you would want to be President of the United States but can’t even pass the simple test of getting on a large state’s primary ballot? As Larry Sabato, of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia, said “It also sends a message to voters in Iowa and New Hampshire that his campaign isn’t serious.”

It wasn’t bad enough Gingrich totally blew it in Virginia, particularly since he leads Romney by 5% points among Republican voters, but his campaign made an awful PR move by casting blame at everything under the sun but the campaign’s lack of organization.  First, Gingrich and his campaign manager Michael Krull blamed it on Virginia’s 1970 law calling it “a failed system” instead of taking responsibility for not scoring the goal.

Making Gingrich and his campaign look even more arrogant, like he was above the law and somehow exempt from following the states rules, Krull pledged it  would organize an aggressive write in campaign without bothering to read Virginia’s election law which expressly prohibits write-ins during primary voting. Comparisons made by the campaign to this being its Pearl Harbor moment were also beyond ridiculous and unhelpful.

Christmas Eve, Gingrich made a move in the right direction, admitting it was “our fault” not qualifying for Virginia’s primary ballot. But this was undercut by his insistence the campaign would try to get Virginia’s legislature to change the election law to allow for write in votes.

 This is zany talk and makes the Gingrich campaign look silly and not serious for two reasons. One, there is no time for such action to occur when the General Assembly reconvenes July 11, 2012.

Two, it would negate the hard work of the Romney and Paul campaigns who followed the rules and got the job done. Virginia House Speaker William J. Howell noted: “It’s the law. I like Gingrich, personally. I just don’t think you’re going to see a majority change the law to benefit one person.”

I like Gingrich too and think he’s the best man standing to tackle Obama in 2012. But Gingrich needs to abandon his Field of Dreams in getting on Virginia’s ballot, own up to his gross mistake, prove he seriously wants to be POTUS, and not make of fool of himself or his loyal supporters a second time.

 About the Author:  Crystal Wright is a black conservative woman living in Washington, DC. Some would say she is a triple minority: woman, black and a Republican living in a Democrat dominated city. She’s contemplating moving back to her home state of Virginia, where her vote would count for something. By day, Crystal is a communications consultant and editor and publisher of the new website  www.conservativeblackchick.com . Crystal earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Georgetown University and holds a Masters of Fine Arts in Theatre from Virginia Commonwealth University

 Where is this Michele Bachmann who knows adversity because of the divorce of her parents? Where is that Michele Bachmann who tells of her mother’s financial struggles and having to sell off things of the heart to just survive? Where is this woman with this testimony of dependence upon GOD?

Where is this ordinary woman who has overcome adversity to become who she is today? Why isn’t the compassion she so clearly exuded on Sunday seen? Why is she not presented as one who shares the common interests of women and many Americans who have seen adversity and have survived it to become better people? Where is this admirable woman I just finished listening to?
 
Back in November 2011, I was among the headline speakers at the 2011 GOP GoPink Project Conference in Washington, D. C. along with the wives of the Republican presidential candidates and other distinguished women that included former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and several female GOP members of Congress.

 This would have been a perfect forum for Congresswoman Bachmann to have shown us her “sister” side. Unfortunately she was not there to address us.
 
Since I have failed to really see this side of Michele Bachmann on the campaign trail, as a woman who heads and has headed local, national and international women’s groups and certainly have had my share of women’s retreats and addressing women’s issues, I thought I would respectfully give my Sister Michele some advice. Perhaps this will help other women to see what I now see.
 
Michele, let us see more of your maternal and compassionate side. Women as single heads of household, single period – as in not having been married, divorced or widowed – widowed and dedicated parent are now concerned with the fate of their children and their own personal and familial survival. So they need to know you can identify with them.

They need to hear that you have had some anxious moments financially and some unsettling and unstable family issues – even if they were while you were growing up and during the time when your parents divorced, women need to know and hear this.
 
We want you to show us your wealth of intelligence, but most of all show us more of the wealth of wisdom you possess. We need to hear wisdom in how you will handle national dilemmas as a national leader and not just your intellect.
 
And it is okay to let them see you sweating – sweating just means you are human. Don’t forget, the other candidates sweat too! Just do your sweating gracefully.
 
Women are encouraged to see you stand strong and still have a compassionate side. We like that you are reminding us that being President or Vice President of the United States is not just a man’s job.
 
Last, keep talking about your faith – there are more out there who are having to live each day by faith and are coming to know the value of having GOD in their lives. So do not under estimate the value of being strong and having a relationship with GOD. But do not allow the “God and Country” hypocrisy of talking it and not living it, or using it only to get elected, cause you to stumble. Not saying that this is something you would do. Never forget that JESUS was relational. He hung out with the masses of the people – walked among them daily – even fed those who were hungry. Because of the economic hardship of that time, He healed those who were sick and could not afford healthcare. He forgave sins as well as encouraged lenders to be merciful and patient with those who had fallen on hard times and could not repay what they owed – even asked some who could afford to do so, to forgive debts. So one’s faith is important and useful even in politics. 
 
Thank you for being a lady and a stateswoman on the campaign trail.
 
For what it is worth, I hope this bit of advice coming from a “Sister” to a “Sister” helps.

 
Dr. Jean Howard-Hill is the author of Black Eyes Shut, White Lips Sealed.  She has taught full time as an adjunct Professor of  American Government at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, and was voted 2006 Outstanding Professor of the year. Additionally, from 1976 to 1979, she designed and directed the “Democracy In Action” Program, which was a civics program taught in the local school systems. Howard-Hill also is a local political commentator and holds a law degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville College of Law. She also is ordained clergy and heads The Healing Place Ministries International, overseeing 47 ministries throughout Africa.

Jean Howard-Hill
423-544-9696 cell 
423-702-5622  NRAAC office
nraachowardhill@gmail.com
Jean.howard.hill@gmail.com