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Sen. Orrin Hatch Questions “Propaganda Posters” Featuring Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson at Labor Department HQ

May 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Trouble for Revs. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson? Sen. Orrin Hatch is calling for an investigation into Labor Department “propaganda” posters featuring the two so-called civil rights leaders. Um, really? He wants to know if Secretary Hilda Solis broke the law when she placed posters in elevators throughout the Labor Dept. headquarters in Washington D.C., the Daily Caller reported. Didn’t realize he was getting his talking points from Tucker Carlson and the Daily Caller.

Those posters featured a photo of Solis marching in protest alongside the Rev. Jesse Jackson and MSNBC television host Rev. Al Sharpton, among others. She was acting as an emissary of the Obama administration protesting against Alabama’s strict new law combating illegal immigration. Solis had her arms locked with Sharpton, and Jackson is a few feet away. The poster also carried a message for federal government employees — who are traditionally expected to be apolitical in the performance of their duties.

[...]

On Tuesday, Hatch wrote to the Labor Department’s Deputy Inspector General Daniel Petrole asking him to “investigate this matter thoroughly to determine whether the insertion of these posters violates any federal laws, including the Hatch Act, and whether the Secretary’s message has created a hostile work environment for any federal employees who might have differing political views.”

Hatch said Solis’ “poster campaign” conveys an “overtly political message.” Hatch said he thinks it’s “vital” to make sure “American taxpayers are not subsidizing partisan political messages, particularly during this contentious election season.” He said it’s also important to “ensure that federal government employees are not subjected [to] political propaganda in the workplace.” Source

Be that as it may, it’s time for Orrin Hatch to be put out to pasture. He has worn out his welcome in the U.S. Senate.

Here is how people feel about Orrin Hatch — He should be worried:

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Rev. Al Sharpton Faces Scathing Criticism on Twitter for Asking If America Has Changed Since Rodney King Beating

April 29, 2012 By 4 Comments

Rev. Al Sharpton faces scathing criticism on Twitter by the right wing for asking if America has changed in the 20 years since Rodney King beating in Los Angeles. Sharpton sent out a tweet:

Then the flood gates opened and a barrage of tweets from the right wing came with resounding force:

I could go on and on, but what’s the use? You get the message, right? I have long been critical of Revs. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson for the rhetoric they push, but to his credit, Al Sharpton has toned it down quite a bit. But I suppose old habits die hard. On a serious note, racism is still a seedy undercurrent in the American landscape, no matter how hard you try to state otherwise. Just saying….

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Rev. Al Sharpton Under Fire for Calling for Escalating Civil Disobedience in Trayvon Martin Murder Case

March 30, 2012 By 1 Comment
300px Al Sharpton by David Shankbone Rev. Al Sharpton Under Fire for Calling for Escalating Civil Disobedience in Trayvon Martin Murder Case

Rev. Al Sharpton Under Fire for Calling for Escalating Civil Disobedience in Trayvon Martin Murder Case (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Rev. Al Sharpton is taking the Trayvon Martin murder case to another level and it’s very ugly and just plain irresponsible, considering that he has a show on MSNBC. He said his National Action Network will ”move to the next level” if George Zimmerman is not arrested in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. He called for an escalation in a peaceful civil disobedience and economic sanctions, though he wouldn’t say what those sanctions would be.

Turner Clayton, the Seminole County chapter president of the NAACP, reacted immediately to Sharpton’s warning, saying, “We hope that the citizens of Sanford will govern themselves accordingly. We are not calling for any sanctions, against any business or anyone else. And, of course, what Rev. Sharpton does, that’s strictly the [National] Action Network.  We can’t condone that part of the conversation, if that’s what he said.” Source

When you have the NAACP condemning a call for civil disobedience, you know you have a serious problem. Doesn’t Rev. Sharpton realize that innocent people will suffer as a result of economic sanctions? Nationally syndicated radio host Todd Schnitt is calling for MSNBC to fire Rev. Al Sharpton for his attempt at inciting violence. He also called for his arrest if riots break out. Um, if they arrest Al Sharpton for calling for civil disobedience, shouldn’t people like Ann Coulter, Sean Hannity and Glenn Beck be behind bars for some better of the crazy things they have been advocating.

Rev. Al Sharpton Under Fire for Calling for Escalating Civil Disobedience in Trayvon Martin Murder Case
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Rev. Al Sharpton Slams Herman Cain Comments that "Unemployed & Poor Did it To Themselves," Saying He Should "Start with His Mama"

October 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Rev. Al Sharpton, professor debate the “blackness” of GOP presidential hopeful Herman Cain. Sharpton asks how could anyone in their right mind that grew up in the South and saw what they saw, “sat up there and act like everybody that is unemployed and not rich did it to themselves.” “Start with your Mama.”

Rev. Al Sharpton and a professor recently debated the “blackness” of GOP presidential hopeful Herman Cain. Sharpton tore into Cain, saying “how could anyone in their right mind that grew up in the South and saw what they saw, sat up there and act like everybody that is unemployed and not rich did it to themselves.” “Start with your Mama,” Sharpton said. Tough words coming from an ultra-liberal, but he is absolutely right.

You see, Herman Cain, grew up in the South at the height of the civil rights movement, so it’s quite obvious he knew exactly how blacks were denigrated and overtly discriminated against. He knew how economically repressed the black community was at that time. Kathryn Stockett’s book and movie, “The Help,” speaks to that dark period in our history in this country.

Cain also attended Morehouse College, where he excelled as a student, but more importantly, he attended a predominantly black school and he later married a black woman. So, this begs the question of what happened? How could he be so cold towards the poor and the unemployed? He said he could get the majority of the black vote if he went up against President Obama in the general election. Really? Um, when donkeys fly, particularly since he seems to loathe the poor and unemployed in this country. Sharpton is right, Herman Cain will not appeal to the African American community holding such views and positions on the issues concerning poverty and race.

Listen to the audio of Sharpton’s interview:

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Bev Smith, the Only Nationally Syndicated Black Female Radio Show Host, Says She’s Being Forced Off the Airwaves

October 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Legendary nationally black syndicated talk show host Bev Smith says she’s being forced off the air and not leaving due to health concerns.

bev+smith Bev Smith, the Only Nationally Syndicated Black Female Radio Show Host, Says Shes Being Forced Off the Airwaves

SHAME: Legendary black radio show host Bev Smith said she’s being forced off the air waves. Now this is a woman who has paid her dues, with a career spanning decades, in which she interviewed presidents, comedians, educators and many more. She was won more than 300 awards and has been repeatedly named as one of the 50 “top talkers” in the country, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. So, why is the only nationally syndicated black female talk show host being kicked to the curb as of October 28?

Contrary to rumors of ill health, Ms. Smith says she isn’t leaving of her own accord. Rather, she was told several weeks ago that “The Bev Smith Show” would no longer be offered to radio stations by American Urban Radio Networks, a Pittsburgh-based media company that produces news, entertainment, sports and information programming for urban radio audiences.

Officials at AURN say simple economics are behind the decision to pull the plug, but Ms. Smith says it’s not that simple.

“I see it as about being a certain age and gender,” she said in an interview Friday. “If you’ve ever listened to me, you’ll know I’m not afraid to tackle the truth. Is this something about black women’s voices? Because there are no other black women nationally doing what I’m doing.”

That may be true, but Jerry Lopes, president of program operations and affiliations at AURN, said that the decision to stop distribution of “The Bev Smith Show” was one of “several expense reductions made in response to declining ad revenues and a sputtering economy.”

Besides discontinuing the production of Ms. Smith’s show, which she started in 1998 in Maryland before moving back in 2001 to her hometown of Pittsburgh, AURN also terminated the company’s longtime director of news, Tene Croom, he said, noting that he’d hired both Ms. Smith and Ms. Croom, “so this decision has been especially painful for me.”

According to numbers supplied by Mr. Lopes, 88 percent of Ms. Smith’s audience on New York’s WWRL-AM is over 55, and 53 percent is over 65. At WVON-AM in Chicago, 86 percent of her audience is over 65 and at WAOK-AM in Atlanta, 62 percent are over 65. About a year ago, he added, he approached Ms. Smith, noting that her audience numbers were beyond the show’s target audience of listeners between age 25 and 54. Source

Well, Al Sharpton and Warren Ballentine better watch their backs. They could be next on the chopping block, since they appeal to a narrow demographic. We have no doubt Bev Smith will land on her feet and chart a new and equally successful course in whatever endeavor she chooses.

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New York Governor David Paterson Under Pressure from President Barack Obama to Pull Out of Governor’s Race, Let AG Andrew Cuomo Run Instead

September 20, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Gov. David Paterson is a dead man walking. It seems that President Barack Obama is meddling in the New York state governor’s race. The latest news to hit the airwaves is that POTUS had asked Governor David Paterson to withdraw from the 2010 race for fear that he cannot regroup from a series of political missteps. Hey, that has been my position for several months. But Paterson defied his critics, “I am running for office,” he told reporters at a Manhattan parade. “I’m not going to discuss confidential conversations,” he said, adding that he planned to continue focusing on matters related to the financial crisis. Whoa. Isn’t this the same guy who cried racism as the reason for his abysmal poll numbers several weeks ago? Er, Governor, you need to step aside and let Andrew Cuomo run instead. You are unpopular and people just don’t like you anymore. You are just downright ineffective and wouldn’t stand a chance against any serious contender from the Republican Party for the governorship.

david+paterson New York Governor David Paterson Under Pressure from President Barack Obama to Pull Out of Governors Race, Let AG Andrew Cuomo Run Instead

The New York Times reported on Sunday that the Obama administration is worried Paterson’s unpopularity could drag down New York’s Democratic members of Congress and the Democratic-controlled state legislature in November 2010 elections. Citing an administration official, the Times reported that Obama’s request that Paterson step aside was put forward by his political advisers, but approved by the president. The newspaper quoted another administration official as saying: “Is there concern about the situation in New York? Absolutely.” That official said the concern had “been conveyed to the governor.”

Paterson, who as lieutenant governor, became an “accidental governor”  last year after Governor Eliot Spitzer stepped down amid a sex scandal. Paterson has seen his approval rating in polls plummet for months after a series of political setbacks. Added to his terrible approval ratings is the global economic crisis that has hit New York hard, with the state struggling with budget shortfalls. The state Senate was gridlocked for nearly five weeks during June and July when both the Republicans and Democrats wrestled for control.

UPDATE#1: Gov. Paterson has outdone himself once again! He blamed President Obama for his current woes. Here are some of his remarks.

If you look at it from their perspective, they haven’t exactly been able to govern in the first year of their administration in the way that other administrations have, where you would have, theoretically, a period in which the new administration is allowed to pass the needed pieces of legislation. To read his entire statement, CLICK HERE.

The president’s request is unusual but is stemming from a serious concern that Paterson will not be elected as governor in any election. Obama’s request was conveyed to the governor by Rep. Gregory Meeks. While I don’t think President Obama should have involved himself with this, it may stem from the fact that Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who was appointed by Paterson to fill Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s senate seat, may be in jeopardy of losing her seat as well. New York Democrats are genuinely concerned that Paterson is toxic right now and may hurt their chances in 2010. So, he is being thrown under the bus by just about everyone, even Rev. Al Sharpton, who contacted the governor and the White House about his concerns.

Last week, a Marist College poll found 20 percent of New York voters approved of Paterson’s performance as governor, compared with 21 percent in June. Only 24 percent of Democrats felt he was doing well. Seventy percent of voters said Paterson isn’t a viable candidate for 2010, including 65 percent of Democrats. Cuomo, in comparison, had a job approval rating of 69%, with 67% of New Yorkers felt he should run for governor, including 77% of Democrats. So, with that said, Governor Paterson, this is your cue to exit the political stage, at least as governor.

President Obama’s strong-arm tactics have cast serious doubts on the ability of Paterson to get anything else done for the remainder of his term. He is the lamest of all lame ducks. For example, the state Senate, still trying to recover from the 31-day stalemate after the June 8 coup, was already reluctant to help the unpopular governor close the $2.1 billion budget gap. This latest no-confidence vote will undoubtedly create a great incentive not to meet the governor half way to resolve this problem. Further, there is a case in the court about the legality of his decision to appoint former Metropolitan Transportation Authority chairman Richard Ravitch as lieutenant governor.

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Phi Beta Sigma, Historically Black Fraternity, Inducts President Bill Clinton As Honorary Member

July 11, 2009 By Leave a Comment

bill+clinton Phi Beta Sigma, Historically Black Fraternity, Inducts President Bill Clinton As Honorary MemberWell, it seems that the black community and former President Bill Clinton have kissed and made up. Phi Beta Sigma has voted to induct Clinton as a honorary member. Paul Griffin Jr., president of the fraternity, said that Clinton is the first U.S. president to be inducted into a historically black fraternity. Clinton’s induction occurred at its 95th Anniversary Conclave in New Orleans. Stevie Wonder, Al Roker, Rev. Al Sharpton and jazz musician Ramsey Lewis are also honorary member of the fraternity. President Clinton, unlike Presidents George H. W. Bush and his son, George W. Bush, has used his time wisely since he left office. He has done a lot of humanitarian work that is highly commendable. He deserves every accolade possible for his tireless work.

President Clinton has been focusing on the activities of the William J. Clinton Foundation since he left the White House. He wanted the Clinton Foundation to address the areas where he could make the most difference as a private citizen. The Foundation has grown into a global non-governmental organization with more than 1,400 staff and volunteers in more than 40 countries and with offices in New York City, Little Rock, Ark., Boston, Mass., and other cities around the world. The Foundation, working in collaboration with governments and other partners, makes a significant impact in the lives of hundreds of millions of people around the world.

Phi Beta Sigma’s programs, including Bigger and Better Business, Social Action and Education are compatible with the mission of the Clinton Foundation. The Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a partnership between the Clinton Foundation and the American Heart Association to help combat childhood obesity, is in alignment with Phi Beta Sigma’s partnerships with the March of Dimes and the American Cancer Society. The Clinton HIV/Aids initiative is right on target with Phi Beta Sigma’s partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which provides awareness and prevention strategies through its Conversation Among Brothers Series (CABS). Clinton’s Economic Opportunity Initiative embraces the same values that have been core to Phi Beta Sigma’s Bigger and Better Business program since its inception in 1925.

Congressman John Lewis (D-GA), a long-time member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. responded, “I am so pleased and delighted that President Bill Clinton has accepted membership in my fraternity. As a true servant-leader it is fitting for him to join the ranks of civil rights activist and labor leader A. Philip Randolph, Atlanta businessman Herman Russell, former U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige, former NAACP Leader James Weldon Johnson and renowned scientist George Washington Carver. My heart is warmed today.” Source: PR Newswire

Phi Beta Sigma was founded in 1914 at Howard University in Washington, D.C. It has more than 150,000 alumni and college members in about 500 chapters throughout the U.S., Caribbean, Africa and Asia.

So, it’s safe to say, that the fallout from President Clinton’s comments about then-presidential candidate Barack Obama is water under the bridge. Bill, you’re back in the fold again!

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Rev. Al Sharpton in New Controversy Over Comments that Michael Jackson Paved Way for Barack Obama to Become President

July 8, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Here we go. Fallout from the Michael Jackson memorial service yesterday is being debated this morning. Rev. Al Sharpton said, during his speech, that Michael Jackson helped President Barack Obama to become the first African American president of the United States by breaking down racial barriers. Jackson didn’t seem interested in politics, but he was daring in music and broke down many barriers there. He raised the bar for entertainers very high and shattered them himself. There are no singers today who can duplicate the King of Pop. Jackson advocated self-improvement over organized action and was a tireless advocate for humanitarian causes such as anti-poverty, HIV/Aids and education programs. His only foray into race-based issues came when he called Sony Music chairman Tommy Mottola a racist, in 2002, and accusing the record industry of ripping off black artists.

“He wasn’t interested in electoral politics, but he was interested in causes in the black community. He contributed to a lot of charities and was close to the Rev. (Jesse) Jackson and to Rev. Sharpton,” says poet and essayist Ishmael Reed, who wrote about Jackson in “Mixing It Up,” an essay collection.

He has been in the company of three presidents, including Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and George H. Bush. Before his 2003 arrest on child molestation charges, of which he was acquitted, Republicans felt very safe to stand in his company. In 1984, President Reagan invited Jackson to the White House to thank him for supporting a campaign against drunk driving. “He is totally opposed to Drugs & Alcohol and is using his popularity to influence young people against them,” Reagan wrote in his diary at the time.

President H. W. Bush complimented Jackson, who appeared with him in the Rose Garden in 1990 and noted that Jackson had received a humanitarian award from the Capital Children’s Museum. “He does good work, what we call the ‘Points of Light’ concept,” said Bush, referring to his national volunteer program. “Glad you’re here, sir. Very pleased you’re here.”

Lastly, Jackson sang “Heal the World” at President Clinton’s first inaugural gala, in 1993. Nine years later, even after allegations had emerged of inappropriate behavior with children (child sexual abuse charges had been settled out of court in 1994), Jackson appeared at a New York fundraising concert for the Democratic National Committee.

So, it is safe to say that Michael Jackson embraced a vision of a post-racial America, but I cannot say that he is the reason why President Obama is in the White House. There are a myriad of reasons that led to his historic win and that is not solely attributable to Michael Jackson. I do understand Rev. Al Sharpton’s position, that Michael Jackson transcended race early in his career. He had millions of fans of different ethnic backgrounds and he personified that “it doesn’t matter if you are black or white.” You will recall that the president ran a campaign second to none and he is a transformational leader, who has the charisma of Ronald Reagan, the charm of Bill Clinton, a solid education and a deep conviction that we can overcome anything. He also personified what America should be about — unity and he was a meltingpot in his own rights. Lastly, the time had come for a serious and drastic change in America.

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Peter King, NY Congressman on Michael Jackson: "He Was a Pedophile" and We Should be Honoring People in the Military Instead

July 6, 2009 By Leave a Comment

UPDATE

Reeling from the nefarious comments by Rep. Peter King about the late Michael Jackson, ActBlue, a fundraising site has been set up by “A fan of Michael Jackson” titled “Michael Jackson Fans AGAINST Peter King.”

“Peter King ought to let Jackson rest in peace, and focus on the needs of his constituents. As we mourn the loss of an American legend, political grandstanding is not what we need right now!” the page reads. “Fans of Michael Jackson and his legacy stand united against Peter King’s hateful words. Please donate here to show Peter King that true MJ fans won’t stand for the smearing of a pop sensation!”

The fund is being set up to benefit the Democratic nominee for New York’s third congressional district, which has been a reliable Republican stronghold. The problem is that at this time, there is no Democratic nominee. Let’s see how far this will go. I hope a viable Democratic candidate enters the race to challenge Peter King.
I am appalled at recent comments made by Congressman Pete King (R-NY), who, according to TMZ, said “we should be honoring the men and women of the Armed Forces — and not a “pedophile” and “child molester” like Michael Jackson. Wait, am I missing something? Wasn’t Michael Jackson acquitted of these charges? What a moron. He called Michael Jackson a “low-life” as well as a “pervert.” He said that the media has disgraced itself in its coverage of Jackson. The media disgraced itself in the fact that it has been focusing mainly on the negative things about Michael Jackson and not the good that he has done. Funny, I don’t recall Peter King complaining when the media had a field day when Anna Nicole Smith died. Didn’t she have a questionable past as well?

King was reportedly standing in front of the American Legion in Wantagh, when he ripped into America’s celebration of the life of Michael Jackson — instead of the people who serve in the military. So, I am guessing that his constituents ought to remember his shameless and reprehensible dig against Jackson. I hope Rev. Al Sharpton hears about this, since he has been a tireless crusader for positive coverage for the late singer. I guess Peter King is oblivious to the literal implosion of his Republican Party and the hypocrisy that is being revealed as we speak.

For more celebrity news, visit Celebrity Circles

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Rev. Al Sharpton Gets His Groove on at Jackson Memorial at the Apollo Theater, Caught in "Risque" Dance Move

July 1, 2009 By Leave a Comment

sharpton+celebration Rev. Al Sharpton Gets His Groove on at Jackson Memorial at the Apollo Theater, Caught in "Risque" Dance MoveThe Drudge Report is featuring a “risque” picture of Rev. Al Sharpton getting his groove on at a celebration of the life of Michael Jackson held at the Apollo Theater earlier today. Sharpton seems to be grinding with a woman on the stage. Fans gathered at the historic theater, where the Jackson Five launched its career more than 40 years ago and introduced Michael Jackson to the world. Tuesday’s memorial, which began at 2 p.m., featured a eulogy by the Rev. Al Sharpton. A moment of silence was called at 5:26 p.m., the time East Coast fans learned that Jackson had died.

I guess the reverend is allowed, since he’s no longer married and he was just having some fun. Michael Jackson was last at the Apollo in 2002 when former President Bill Clinton invited him for a Democratic National Committee fundraiser.

Click here to see ico010x010interactive Rev. Al Sharpton Gets His Groove on at Jackson Memorial at the Apollo Theater, Caught in "Risque" Dance Move Click here to see Rev. Al Sharpton showing his dance moves at the Jackson Memorial!

pixel Rev. Al Sharpton Gets His Groove on at Jackson Memorial at the Apollo Theater, Caught in "Risque" Dance Move
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