Amadou Bailo Diallo (September 2, 1975 - February 4, 1999) was a 23-year-old immigrant to the United States from Guinea, who was shot and killed on February 4, 1999, by four New York City Police Department plain-clothed officers: Sean Carroll, Richard Murphy, Edward McMellon and Kenneth Boss. The four men fired a total of 41 rounds. Diallo was unarmed at the time of the shooting, and a firestorm of controversy erupted subsequent to the event as the circumstances of the shooting prompted outrage both within and outside New York City. Issues such as police brutality, racial profiling, and contagious shooting were central to the ensuing controversy.

The shooting took place at 1157 Wheeler Avenue in the Soundview section of The Bronx. The four officers involved were part of the now-defunct Street Crimes Unit. All of the officers were exonerated by jury trial of any wrongdoing.

Phillip Pannell was an African American teenager killed by Police Officer Gary Spath in Teaneck, New Jersey on April 10, 1990. Pannell was fleeing police when he was shot; Spath was later charged and acquitted on charges of manslaughter[1]. The case created controversy over the issues racial profiling and police brutality.

Rodney Glen King (born April 2, 1965 in Sacramento, California) is an African-American motorist driver who, in 1991 was stopped and then beaten by Los Angeles Police Department officers (Laurence Powell, Timothy Wind, Theodore Briseno and Sergeant Stacey Koon) after being chased for speeding. A bystander, George Holliday, videotaped much of the event from a distance. Part of the video was broadcast around the world and shows four LA police officers restraining and repeatedly striking a black man, while four to six other officers stand by.^[1] There is no part of the tape that shows Mr. King attacking the officers, as some have claimed.^[2]

The resulting public outrage raised tensions between the black community and the LAPD, and increased anger over police brutality and issues such as unemployment, racial tension, and poverty in the black community of South Central Los Angeles. The four officers were tried in a state court for using excessive force, but were acquitted. The annoucement of the acquittals sparked the 1992 Los Angeles riots

(from Wikipedia.com)

Leon A. Walker- leonwalker@cox.net

April 15, 2008

Lately I have been entertaining myself laughing at the national media and the Clinton Campaign. They are languishing in confusion over why Senator Barack Obama is destined to win the Democratic Party nomination for President of the United States. The analysis continues fail at predictions and the negative political tactics just won’t stick. They are absolutely dumbfounded. I will start by stating simply, that they are just too institutionally conditioned. The media pundits and traditional politicians who claim to have their finger on the political pulse of America have totally missed the mark. Totally!

The first massive mistake that the media and the Clintons have made is that they are convinced that on some level this contest can be negatively influenced by injecting race. In fact, the opposite is true. The one thing this contest has already clearly told us is that Senator Obama’s voters “are determined not to permit this to be about race”. Why? Because they absolutely do not see it that way. Many Black and White Americans just don’t see things thorough such a simplistic black and white lens anymore. The media and the Clinton’s cannot understand or accept this because they are locked in a myopic world and mindset that says this cannot be. You see they understand the racism, what they don’t understand is the absence of racism. The truth is, I only just figured this out myself. Being African American I started thinking about who Senator Barack Obama represents to me, and I believe many other Americans, regardless of their race.

In 1967 there was an award winning movie called “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” released, staring Sidney Poitier, Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. Poitier and Eleanor Parker (I believe) a White actress were a dating couple of different races and Tracy was her father. The movie was considered extremely controversial as Blacks and Whites lived for the most part, worlds apart socially in America at that time. There was racial separatism that would be unfathomable today. Fast forward to 2008 and consider these names: Derrick Jeeter, Mariah Carey, James Blake, Halley Barry, Tiger Woods and yes, Barack Obama. These names are intended to represent a miniscule number of examples of something that has taken on mammoth proportions in these United States of America. Just consider that all of the aforementioned are in their thirties and forties, meaning their parents are “Baby Boomers” and meaning also that those I have named have, or certainly could have children of their own. People of blended ethnicity are everywhere! I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio but currently live in a relatively small town of sixty thousand people in Northwest Florida. Even here, you can scarcely go anywhere without encountering an inter-racial couple or a child of blended ethnicity.

Let’s take this one step further. Men and women of different races have been marrying and having children of blended ethnicity “in significant numbers” over the past forty years and at all socioeconomic levels. It follows then that they, and their children (now adults) have friends, peers, associates, coworkers and relatives of various races that admire, respect and love them. And now the third generation has arrived. There are kids adolescents and adults who look like Barack Obama all over the place. We have kids who look like Barack Obama at our Christmas and Thanksgiving gatherings, on our children’s, soccer and tee-ball teams and at their birthday parties and in classrooms and in our churches. Some are our children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren and they don’t look anything like us. America is undergoing a sweeping social change as the races blend and many of our artistic, intellectual and sports icons, across a broad spectrum are representative. Senator Obama is no exception.

Much of White America is voting for Senator Obama simply because they think he is a magnificent candidate. And I am convinced that his being Black has no bearing as it is just simply not of consequence due to education and the experiences and attitudes of obviously a great many White Americans today. This is a tremendous dynamic that transcends politics because there is no existing political model. These are uncharted waters politically and also dangerous waters for the traditionalist. First, they don’t see what is happening so they don’t understand why the cause and effect of injecting race is failing. Secondly, they don’t understand that you apparently can’t exploit a qualified person of blended ethnicity racially in politics today. It simply can’t be done without (in the case of Senator Obama) receiving the wrath of both sides of his ethnic voting blocks. His largest base includes blocks of young and older educated Whites that not only have close personal and professional associations with Blacks but who more importantly, just don’t see race through any demeaning or uncomfortable lens. The “race card” represents an insult or personal affront to them and they are intelligent enough to see and understand overt and covert negative politics versus reality.

Then there is the Black Community which essentially has two voting segments in my view. Those that support Senator Obama because he is a stellar candidate of tremendous achievement and impeccable credentials and of whom they are very proud. I absolutely do not believe there are significant of those who support him simply because he is Black or it’s finally our turn. Senator Obama does not fit that mold. Remember this is the guy that some said was not Black enough. That ploy failed as well. I do believe there is a very small segment of those who do not support him because he is not White (sad but true) or because they are envious or self serving. There may also be one or two Black Clinton supporters on the planet somewhere. There is one other very significant dynamic related to the Black Community social growth equation. They too are being more intensely exposed to White American culture in growing numbers. Particularly in the middle class and they share many of the same aforementioned attitudes and values. So the same relations, attitudes and associations that I addressed about Whites above, have also taken a comfortable hold in many Black families and communities. Additionally, with each new generation, (mixed ethnicity) is now becoming more of a comfortably normal byproduct of modern America. Most American Blacks have White bloodlines which (for many) represent a stain of oppression and slavery, and creates a basis for identifying exclusively with their African roots as the basis of our ethnic definition and proud culture. Many also grapple with this in the “mixed or biracial discussion”. Nonetheless, Senator Obama has unquestionably shown himself to be on solid and ethnic ground both internally and externally and has always been embraced by Black voters and the Black Community. A positive indicator of his prowess as a uniter.

I want to make it clear that I am not attempting to have a discussion about racism or civil rights. There are still Blacks and Whites and those of other ethnicities who remain rigid and disapproving simply on the basis of race. And there are those who are stuck in the same racial rut to the point that they can’t see the positive when it presents itself. And yes, there are still areas of racial disparity that require attention. There can be no question of that.

The opinion I am providing herein is not about the “race factor” in politics or this specific Democratic campaign. It is very pointedly about the lack thereof. Americans are interacting, changing, blending and becoming parts of White, Black and other ethnic families and communities and therefore having a visible positive impact on each other. Direct and personal impacts on a beneficial emotional and intellectual level. Change in this country has been significant in the past forty years and we the American people are now discernibly living our lives across cultural lines. This political season has produced a litmus test that no one intended but the results of which are undeniable.

What Senator Obama has accomplished in this political campaign says much about the man that he is. But more importantly, what Senator Obama has accomplished in this campaign speaks volumes about America! America is evolving and Americans wants change. The people have transcended race and united in support of the candidate of their choice. These same people are appalled at the condition of this nation and are galvanized in demanding change.

There is no media analysis that could have predicted or altered this, not even with a zillion broadcasts or video loops. There is nothing in the traditional political bag of tricks that can impact or manipulate this. For ratings and votes, they were determined that at some point they would be able to make it about race. But the American people created the perfect storm and the Clintons and the media never saw it coming.

Somebody send Hillary and Bill a DVD of “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner”.

L. A. Walker

© Leon A. Walker, April 15, 2008

While Hillary is fighting to become the first woman president, Tamar Manasseh is fighting just as hard to break another barrier for her race and her sex. She is studying to become one of the nations first black female Rabbis.

Ladies and Gentlemen of America… please stop allowing yourselves to be fooled. There is an immediate and dangerous terrorist plot unfolding before your very eyes. America is being set up to be destroyed. All that you hold true and dear is about to be taken away in a flash of fire and agony.

There’s a half-negro attempting to take over the White House.

He will bring terrorists from all Muslim countries onto our shores for the sole purpose of destroying the America our forefathers built, toiled and died for. Don’t be fooled. He is no Martin Luther King. He will not follow what we prescribe him to do. He’s dangerous and needs to be stopped. If you believe in America… stop Barack Obama.

As strange as it seems for this to be written, this is exactly what Anderson Cooper, Bill and Hillary Clinton, John McCain, Lou Dobbs and just about every reporter, media correspondent, political pundit, shoot, just about every person in control of our airwaves want you to believe.

If that weren’t true, why are we attacking Sen. Obama for telling the truth? As shown in CNN’s recent programming, though Sen. Obama clearly and confidently answered all of the questions put forth to him his orator continued to SHOW her frustration at the fact he would not crack under her belligerent questions.

Why are they still reporting that he “lost” Texas? Why are they still talking about a retired pastors statements? Why America? Why are we allowing the media to sway our feelings toward fear? What are they truly afraid of?

Sen. Hillary Clinton had the absolute audacity to call Sen. Obama elitist for stating the truth about small town America, where poverty is ever-increasing. Where jobs are being lost at alarming rates; where health care is impossible, wages are shrinking but food, gas and all other amenities are becoming increasingly more expensive? In a world that is watching all of its medical and educational funding being cut to kill our children in a war WE SHOULD NOT BE IN.

Are main concern is that the “Tiger Woods of Politics” is trying to blackface the White House.

Of course this is just a ploy to take our hearts and minds away from the important facts of this election, and America’s future. The status quo is not working. Period. The presidency is supposed to be of the people, by the people. Sen. Clinton, ex-President Clinton, Sen. McCain, FOX news, and all other media outlets want us to realize one fact. The people mean rich white people. Not US people, not the United States of American People, their kind of people. The big business, oil-producing, Yale and Princeton affording, 2.5 million-dollar home purchasing people, where excellent health care and excellent education affordability is of no concern.

Why else do they continue to raise the color flag every time Sen. Obama is addressed. The media believes they are being fair and impartial, but to whom? It has been highlighted and documented the inaccuracies of Sen. Clintons claims of experience. The down-right exaggerations of seeing battle, the omissions of just how intricate she was in democratic processes overseas have been shown, and yet we continue to allow her to control our airwaves with her nonsense. During the course of her campaign the great respect this writer once had for her has been thoroughly obliterated.

There is something bigger happening here. Race issues that have not been spoken of in 20 years are now all we hear. Even hip hop music message boards are splitting into race wars based on the fear and misunderstanding that we NEVER TRULY HEALED AS A COUNTRY. And for Pat Buchanan to say Black Americans should be grateful for slavery is like saying Jewish Americans should be praising Hitler for the holocaust. To us it IS that serious.

And yet, there is nothing spoken about that madness, but Rev. Wright is all over the news for his comments. Right or wrong, he is allowed free speech and though some may not like his comments because they truly don’t know that the other side understands his words, whether they are mad because his truths hit too close to home and allow for dialogue America truly isn’t ready for, or if they just don’t like him, matters not,. If Buchanan can say what he says, why can’t Wright?

Fear campaigning my people, fear mongering, and fear tactics are what’s separating us from seeing the truth.

What is the truth, simple. Whether we like it or not, America is changing. Americans are not the reflection of what they were 20-30 years ago. To elect a person to lead us who cannot see the change is to say we don’t respect the change. We are archaic in our decision-making and we do not want to truly come together as a united country, all of its people together.

I am not an “Obamaite” or any nifty colloquialism you can ascertain to dismiss these writings. I am a husband, a father and a person struggling within this economic system that is crippling my loved ones. I am an ex Army Sergeant with friends and family still caught up in a war we should not be in. I am black, and I am America.

Are you America? If so, tell these people controlling our airwaves to STICK TO THE TRUTH. WE ARE NOT IN A COMMUNIST DICTATORSHIP WHERE WE ARE TOLD HOW TO THINK. ALLOW US TO VOTE CLEARLY FOR OUR COUNTRY’S FUTURE.

If not, we will have 100 years of more of the same. That is not what I want for my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Do you?

My Brothers and Sisters,

The “editorial opinion” below was taken from the below link on craigslist.org. Apparently, though skewed opinion is floating around the internet and it is truly appalling to me. Being a black man married to a beautiful Nigerian woman of dark complexion and one who has been raised by a beautiful black American single mother and he who has 2 beautiful sisters find this testimonial to be false and extremely crass.

Unfortunately, due to the immense proportion of our sistren in the adult industry, the amount of single mothers in our culture and the amount of our brethren who date “outside” our culture, could there be any truth to this madness?

Here is the link and the quote. Please let me know what you think.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/rnr/642308315.html

“There are very few attractive black women to begin with. I am talking about truly black, not red bone or Dalmatians. I mean 90% of the women are bald, have skin issues, have chicken legs with cottage cheese thighs. Very few black women actually look good with a fat ass. The average black woman has to work 10 times harder to look presentable. Otherwise they look like they got dipped into Crisco and just woke up. There is nothing special about a black woman, unless you have a fetish for them.
It may sound racist but even their own males don’t find them attractive. The common answer to that is well black woman are strong and don’t put up with shit. No the real answer is that black women are just not attractive to males, of any race.”

Leon A. Walker- leonwalker@cox.net

April 12, 2008

“We the neglected children of American politics, in the sincere hope, that we will someday be embraced by this Union”. 

I made that up following an inexplicable urge to scan some of this nation’s founding documents yesterday.  In doing so, I again read the following from our Declaration of Independence, the document that is the cornerstone of American freedom. 

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”. .

There is no escaping the beauty, passion and eloquence of Thomas Jefferson’s words.  My man Jefferson could run it down now… but apparently he was not talking about everybody.  There were, and amazingly still are, Americans who are better described by my far less eloquent opening statement.
The exclusively White representatives that shaped the original thirteen United States were incredible visionaries.  I believe that they understood that the fledgling nation they had laid the foundation for would flourish and grow.  I also believe that they imagined that Blacks (then primarily but not exclusively a population of slaves) and women, would someday be granted the power of the vote.  These rights were not provided for in our original founding documents or laws.  It must be pointed out then, that even from the very beginning the influential few, orchestrated governmental inequities counter to their claims.  And thus, were born of this wonderful document, the first “neglected children of American politics” to be victimized by the privileged.  Women, for social reasons and slaves for economic and political reasons.

I do not believe anyone could have seen or predicted the might and majesty of this country or the socially complex jigsaw puzzle that America has become two hundred thirty two years beyond that historic signing day in 1776.  So I am sometimes compelled to consider “ideally” what America was, or is intended to be from the words “We hold these truths to be self-evident”.  We?  Then there is the Constitution of the United States.  As a gentle reminder to those of you who have not considered this topic lately (and in consideration of the www) it (the Constitution) is our nation’s legal guidance document.  The rules the Executive and Legislative Branches of our government (President and Congress) are supposed to apply and uphold.  The Constitution begins in its preamble, with the words “We the people”.  Oh!  There’s that word again “we”.  Now I ask you, exactly who are the American “we” of today?

I think that in large part Americans understand the rules, but “we” (politicians and power brokers) have become habitual benders and offenders of the rules.  I suppose having drawn on the example of the founding fathers.  It follows therefore, that there are still “neglected children of American politics”.  Massive numbers of our citizens who are being treated unfairly.  In fact there are few of us that are not in some way being victimized by political system as orchestrated by “our own” elected representatives.   There is not a single problem in American Society that politicians have not created or mismanaged to the detriment of the average American taxpayer and citizen.  Not the war in Iraq, corporate graft and greed, not gun control, dependency on foreign oil, the environment, not drugs, not illiteracy, not poverty, not immigration nor or struggling economy You name it!  All roads lead to Washington, the Office of the President and the Congress.  This nation’s capitol has become a very “dirty sandbox” where the powerful, the privileged and the politicians go to play.  A seat of power wrought with lies, distrust and mangled rules.  You see for me all that is required are two things.  First, that our elected officials follow the rules (apply the law) as clearly spelled out in our Constitution. And secondly and most importantly, serve at the pleasure of and on behalf or their constituents with sincerity and a modicum of decency and integrity.  What a concept!   

This is a great nation of people, all capable of mistakes.  But within the goodness and greatness of this nation today there is a rampant political plague.  Greed has a strangle hold on good governance and propriety has been nearly eradicated by reckless pride.  I don’t believe there is a ridged blueprint for any American dream but there seems to be a new blueprint for the new American nightmare that far too many are living.  I don’t believe that we are all the same in our ideology, dreams or desires.  Not even close, and that’s ok.  The fact that our citizens are so incredibly diverse adds to the flavor and intrigue of this country.  All most people here want is to be welcomed by the same equitable opportunity and treatment standards, and to thrive comfortably within this nation’s massive wealth.  Yet somehow “we” can’t even get that right. 

The media provides such an excellent vision of the canditates as they speak of America as if they really know what America is, or is intended to be in “glowing definitive terms”.  They even speak of Americans as if all of our citizens would (given their abysmal records) be convinced that they have a plan for solving all of our problems.  This of course leaves me wondering what they have been doing.  Two of the remaining three Presidential candidates have been hanging around Washington for decades individually and more than a lifetime in combined years.  So exactly how are they to be excused from their contribution to this nation’s current condition?

I believe the words “Public Service” and Public Office” represent actions and positions intended to benefit our citizens through proud sacrifice.  It should never be accepted, intended or understood that such service or office become a vehicle for excessive wealth, while those you supposedly serve languish in any measure of governmental neglect.   I also believe that there is a pretty good set of rules laid out for us in our founding documents.  I just simply wish the preverbal “we” would follow them.  I’m thinking that would be a very good starting point for any measure of positive change in America.  Just follow the rules!  Then possibly the words: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” would become a  true reality.  Even among the least of our many. 

Ironically, the first “neglected children of American politics” (women and Blacks) have their first viable candidates for the Democratic Party nomination and the Presidency of these United States.  And should this come to pass, as a representative in the lineage of those once intentionally deprived of their political voice, may the truth of our founding fathers words begin to take shape.  I will remain hopeful that of this providence will emerge a leader of judgment, prudence and propriety.  That they might contribute their weight of compassionate service upon the scales of citizenship which remain so dreadfully unbalanced by power and privilege.  And with this first giant step, that today’s “neglected children of American politics” are energized to speak out with the “voice of the vote” and continue the tide of change throughout Washington that this historic event would seemingly enable and command.  You see “we the neglected children of American politics” have to power to change this nation.   We must never, “never” forget that!  And we must be bound by an unwavering belief in that!        

As for me the following questions remain.  Why are our political leaders, like the founding fathers, facilitating the continued inequity being suffered by today’s “neglected children of American politics”?  And when are we going to do something about it?

As it stands, “we” are getting rich and “the people” are getting screwed!!! 

L. A. Walker

© Leon A. Walker, April 14, 2008

Leon A. Walker-leonwalker@cox.net

April 11, 2008

Former President Clinton’s recent remark about his wife being sixty and suggesting that those of that age can be expected to sometimes forget things leaves me in uncomfortable hysterics. I am only laughing about this most recent Clinton gaff because the content and context of the comments are really of no consequence. The reason I am somewhat uncomfortable is because the only plausible explanation for such a ridiculous statement is that the former President has actually started inhaling this time.

How is it possible for a surrogate (who happens to be your husband and a former President) to call his wife (a candidate for President) old, senile and then to again breathe life in the biggest lie she has told in her campaign (hopefully in her life). Never mind who is going to answer the phone. It already is beginning to look like the inmates have taken over at the asylum! I had no idea how old Senator Clinton was nor did I care prior to yesterday and I doubt that anyone in America really cares. Although I am not a supporter of Senator Clinton and whatever else I think of her and her politics, I would have to characterize her as an amazingly, bright, accomplished and vibrant woman. That said, I’m not seeing much in the way of leadership and experience from Senator Clinton in managing her campaign. Additionally and perhaps most importantly, she is faced with a political and personal problem in her husband that may have consequences beyond any she might have ever imagined. He is now a “prime time” political nightmare!

In consideration of the aforementioned I have to begin to ask some questions that have begun to haunt me. Exactly what does Bill Clinton fail to understand about the terms: “World Wide Web” and “Mass Media”? Exactly why does he continue to stand before crowds and reporters and wag his finger (oh god, the finger) and embellish and lie as if we will all consider that it is coming from the burning bush? How in the world will Senator Clinton’s Campaign remain credible in light of his continuing smorgasbord of embarrassments? Has anyone on their staff realized that he has now become a walking, talking reminder of every deception and scandal that were the hallmarks of the first Clinton Administration? Does anyone else see that right before our eyes, “Slick Willy”

has become “Silly Willy”?

I am convinced that former President Clinton has made and can continue to make a significant contribution to the Senator’s campaign behind the scenes. But as a front man, he has definitely lost his touch. The sad thing is Senator Clinton may not have figured it out yet. I can tell you this; she is going to have a good many people on her staff pointing it out to her in the very near future. That is when things will get interesting. Hillary is going to have to fire Bill and when that happens, many Democrats will be reminded to ask themselves this more serious question. Are we really comfortable with the idea of another Clinton Administration? Particularly one with the former President, a man of influence and connections wandering around making statements and working deals that may well run counter to administration policy. Ok, alright, let’s try another question. Does anyone really believe that Hillary can keep him on a short leash politically, ethically or otherwise? Go ahead, you can say it. Absolutely not!

Thankfully, I do not believe that we will be faced with another dysfunctional Clinton White House. I feel confident that as the primary process continues to unfold she will lose herself this contest due to unsavory tactics and the embarrassing baggage that she has to tote along with her. This is to say nothing of the earnings and business dealings that are beginning to surface and face severe scrutiny. I predict it is all far worse than it may currently appear.

Unfortunately, the impacts of this campaign fiasco may impact her political future beyond what I believe will be a failed run for the Presidency. This could get so messy that after her term I the U. S. Senate, Senator Clinton may just have to put a robe on Bill and shrink from public life.

I like to think that history will record that she had a storied life through age sixty. Even if she is a well… “old” sixty.

L. A. Walker

Here’s a sad commentary on the state of today’s family…Denver’s Channel 7 News reports the story of a young hispanic man and black woman who had a fight over what gang their 4 year old son should belong to. Maybe they should have just had a shootout to decide…

Leon A. Walker-April 9, 2008
leonwalker@cox.net

“The Clinton Campaign Is another Clinton Whitehouse”

Senator Hillary Clinton’s Presidential Campaign has descended beyond embarrassment into a historic abomination. Interestingly, a look back at the White House under the first Clinton Administration provides the best vision of the ineptitude, impropriety and immorality that are the Clinton trademarks as campaigning continues.

No doubt those that continue to manage Senator Clinton’s campaign are feeling some relief as Mark Penn shrinks from the main stage. Unfortunately, it leaves them with many challenges. There is a very real possibility of defeat that must certainly be fueling internal consternation. There is also a continuing damage control problem that is not only of Mr. Penn’s making but also as presented by exposed inaccuracies, lies and deceptions contributed by both Hillary and Bill Clinton.

I have to consider however briefly, the potential reality of a new nightmare in another Clinton White House. I am among the growing throngs of “ex-Clinton Supporters” who are aware of having remained loyal through the many embarrassing scandals during the Bill Clinton Presidency. Understanding that Senator Clinton was not fully or singularly at fault for much of what transpired during those frequently dark days, she insists that she was directly often involved and cites this as a basis for being “Ready on Day One”. In fully considering what that statement is intended to mean, I am extremely uncomfortable with another such Administration.

One does not have to examine the Presidential Campaign of Senator Clinton particularly closely to capture a glimpse of the seedy (no pun intended) tenure of the first Clinton Administration. Neither can one examine her current campaign without noticing many visible signs that ineptitude, impropriety and immorality that exist therein. The campaign made poor strategic decisions by ignoring the importance of smaller states and caucuses. The campaign has linked itself to impropriety through Mark Penn’s activities, public comments and media that are suggestively based in racial and religious scare tactics. The Candidate herself has repeatedly lied about, manipulated or completely fabricated personal stories of danger, sacrifice and even death with cold and calculated precision. And Senator Clinton has essentially threatened and attempted to blackmail the Democratic Party Leadership. This has already become a delicately blended “New Clinton Nightmare” and we have not even gotten through the primary elections yet!

I am compelled to restate my belief that the nomination of the Democratic Party will be decided immediately after the Pennsylvania contest. What I will add to that prediction is that Pennsylvania will be much closer than many originally imagined or that Senator Obama has a chance to actually will it by a small margin. I believe that even with only two weeks to go to Pennsylvania; there is still a remote chance she might get short sheeted by the Super Delegates before then.

Senator either refuses to look at the handwriting on the wall or she is simply a dangerously ambitious opportunist. She and the former President are shamelessly making the Democratic Party appear in the poorest possible light to America and around the world. This is for me a clear impression of poor judgment and unwillingness to make sacrifices and also to make reasonable informed decisions.

If Senator Clinton will be “Ready on Day One”, I can only respond by saying: “Ready for what?” Is her current presidential campaign any indication of her ability to manage money or run a business? Is her campaign is an indication of her ability to lead people? Is her current campaign is an indication of her willingness to be truthful to the America? Is her current campaign is an indication of her understanding of ethics or propriety? And sadly, is her marriage to Bill Clinton of any benefit to her nomination or to this nation. Already the former President has made money from questionable sources arousing skepticism. He has also now become tied to receiving finances in a Columbian Trade proposal that she publicly opposes. Do they talk to each other? Has anyone ever actually seen their “Marriage Certificate”?

If anyone is wondering what he would do when back in the White House, let me spell it out for you. He is going to create havoc and stick his finger down the throat of everyone in America. Senator Clinton will be up at 3:00 AM alright. Crying…

The “Clinton Circus” is back in town! Last stop Pennsylvania, and I don’t mean avenue.

L. A. Walker

© Leon A. Walker, April 9, 2008

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Roland Martin gives a very well articulated opinion on why Obama should have been in Memphis for the 40th Anniversary of King’s assassination, and as I have written before, I do not agree with this idea, but he has some very solid points…

I thought Obama should have been in Memphis because the nation’s attention was focused on that day, and not Indiana, where he was. Had Obama been there he could have used the opportunity to further present himself in the image of King, someone who wasn’t willing to shy away from the tough fights and stay focused on his work in the pulpit. To have Obama stand on that balcony would have meant that they may have killed the dreamer, but a potential Obama presidency represented the continuing of that dream. Had Obama been there he could have used the moment to make plain to America that King was not just a black man fighting for black rights, but someone who ended up freeing white Americans from their own racial prisons and forced them to truly embrace the U.S. Constitution they so dearly loved. Had Obama been there he could have met with the 18 black sanitation workers who are still on the job in Memphis because they don’t have any city pensions. Yes, those men must still work because the racism in 1968 continues to affect their lives in 2008.

My only issue with his argument is that earlier in the article he talks about not getting stuck in the past, but then he talks about Barack painting himself in the image of King. We have to understand that Barack has a different mission than King right now. His mission is a political one, not one primarily of Social Justice. We have to understand that once he becomes President, a title he will never lose, we will have a very powerful force for social justice in the future. However, right now he may have to limit his calls for Social Justice, in order to ultimately win the war. King understood this when he led his “symbolic” march to the Selma bridge on March 9th 1965, but did not try to cross and complete his march to the capital. You see, a southern judge who was somewhat sympathetic to their cause, blocked the march for that particular day, and King did not want to defy the court order and lose the Judge’s possible support in the future. King understood that sometimes you have to live to fight another day, and on March 25th 1965, he got his victory, crossing that bridge, and continuing on to the capital Montgomery under Federal protection.

p.cash