Clinton Whitewashed By Media Just Like African-Americans

[DreamfulOne]

Barbara Reynolds
TBWT Contributor

In a major tour de force former Bill Clinton delivered a speech at Georgetown University on November 7 that even had me agreeing that he really is the closet soul brother author Toni Morrison had labeled him.

Clinton went out on a limb that even some high-visible blacks have not followed in this era of patriotic flag-waving. Among the eyebrow-lifting statements he made in his 45-minute speech to the university's School of Foreign Service:

As a nation, we are still paying for how "this country once looked the other way when significant numbers of Native Americans were dispossessed and killed to get their land or the mineral rights or because they were thought of as less than human."


Here in the United States, "we were founded as a nation that practiced slavery and slaves were quite frequently killed even though they were thought of as less than fully human."


"In the first Crusade, when the Christian soldiers took Jerusalem, they first burned a synagogue with 300 Jews in it and proceeded to kill every woman and child who was a Muslim on the Temple Mount.... that story is still being told in the Middle East and we are still paying for it."
Pretty bold wasn't it? Well, most Americans never heard it or read about it because much of the American media either did not cover Clinton's speech, or if they covered it, they failed to include the statements addressing slavery or Native Americans, or distorted it.

CNN covered the speech. On its website, CNN lifted up Clinton's rhetoric about the world being in a "struggle for the soul of the 21st Century," and how there is a great need for a debate with the Muslim world over its values versus the values of the West. Yet there was not a word about what America has learned from its past terrorizing of African-Americans and people of color.

I was amazed to find that a speech of such magnitude given right under the nose of the liberal Washington Post was only given five lines at the bottom of a TV column, but no reporting on the event. The paper's ombudsman, Mike Getler, admitted in print on Nov. 16 that the paper should have covered it, but gave no explanation why it didn't. My phone call and e-mails requesting an explanation were summarily ignored.

The conservative Washington Times was one of the few newspapers in America to cover the speech and they covered it as Clinton was a soul brother like James Brown. The reporter made certain the readers knew Clinton was wearing an orange tie and arrived 45 minutes late. They did quote what Clinton said about people of color, but reminded everyone that while in office Clinton had lied, as if to suggest that he was probably lying now.

Why am I so bothered about this? When the media will censure a former president of the United States apparently because they don't like his history lesson, then we know they cannot be trusted to include African-Americans in their coverage unless we wrap ourselves in the flag and dance to Yankee Doodle Dandy.

All Clinton was saying is what many African-Americans and people of color feel but had no outlet to express. We are no strangers to terror. Slavery, lynching, land-grabs, the KKK have made terrorism against blacks and Hispanics an All-American past time.

In a much kinder and gentler way the Harlem-based ex-president brought to mind what Harlemite Malcolm X had said about "the chickens coming home to roost."

And when the chickens come home to roost they crap on everyone, the just and the unjust. So it seems to me all Americans should be invested in understanding what role our past foreign policy has played in our current dilemma.

In effect that was the message Bill Clinton tried to get across. Too bad the media don't want to hear it.

[Poplife]

First of all, let me say that I read about Clinton's little speech in the Times and the Post. I was on the train at the time, and everyone was looking at me like I had lost my mind. I guess I should have kept my laughing to a minimum.

Clinton was one of the most clever presidents of all time. He managed to pimp black people and not only did we not realize it, but we applauded him for doing it!

Ol' Bill acted like he loved some colored people...until it was time to give money and pass laws. White women and gays flourished under Clinton. However, name one civil rights bill that was passed during his reign as president. Black people did not gain much during his administration, but we sure did love him. Look, he's playing golf with some black people! Look he's eating at a black owned restaurant! Look, he appointed black people to some positions. Oh man, he must like us!

Uh, no, he's playing us. Sometimes black people can be so gullible! Can we please look at facts and not at song and dance, which is what Clinton did for us for 8 years? He appointed many blacks, but to what positions? Low level BS jobs. It's funny how a damn REPUBLICAN was the first president to appoint a BLACK FEMALE as national security advisor. He spent much time kissing black azz during his campaign, but what happened to all those sweet words once he got a cushy spot in the oval office?

My bestfriend actually said that she wished Bill was still in office during the whole bin Laden thing, because "Bush is stupid". Well, I'll admit, the man is not the most articulate fellow, but at least he is smart enough to surround himself with intelligent people. We cannot forget that the USA is a democracy. That means the power is SPREAD to various elected officials.

The Osama bin Laden thing STARTED when Clinton was in office. The WTC was bombed in 1993 when Clinton was in office. Two US embassies were bombed almost simultaneously when Clinton was in office (hmm does that technique seem familiar??). A US ship was attacked by terrorist during the Clinton administration. And what was done about it?? Nothing. No wonder bin Laden thought he could attack is and get away with it. He did it four times before.

Now he's at it again by claming that America is paying for the sins of the father. And if he's so smart, where the hell did he get the idea that African Slavery and the killing and abuse of Natives is on the same line as terrorist activities? Name one country that didn't have slavery or kill mass amounts of people. I'd like to know why is he comparing his own relatives to that of bin Laden. And if he liked us so much, then why didn't he help US the same way he did others?

Harlem-based? WTF? Was that not his SECOND choice from the million dollar complex in Manhattan he wanted. He couldn't get his wish so he decided to get a cheaper place and get in good with the negro's by moving to Harlem. And isn't white interest in Harlem that same reason many 3rd, 4th, and 5th generation families are being run out because they can no longer afford the rent?

To be frank, when are we going to stop swinging on Willie's willie? The man is not all that, never was, and never will be.

[DoggyStyle82]

POPLIFE

I don't understand your post one bit!!

In the past, you have gone on and on about Black Businesses. Black businesses, empowerments zones, and access to capital went up astronomically under Clinton. Black business ownership and home ownership skyrocketed under his administration.

You say Clinton didn't appoint any Blacks to any significant positions? The Sec of Agriculture has the largest budget and the most discetionary spending of all cabinet positions. Clinton appointed a Black man, Mike Epps, to that position, and the Republicans were so upset by that that they spent his entire 8yr term trying to get him on accepting a few thounsand dollars worth of gifts.

Codoleeza Rice? Yeah Bush appointed her, and what is the first thing she did? Deny her Blackness (in so many words) and say that there is no need for affirmative action. Colin Powell (whom I like), but when he had a chance to prove something to AAs, he decided to boycott the Racism Summitt. So are Bushes Black appointees doing us any good?

As far as Bin Laden, he was created by George Bushes Sr CIA. The Bush family still does business with the Bin Laden family through the Carlyle Group. Clinton bombed Bin Laden in 1998 after the embassy bombings. The heads of the CIA and FBI during Clinton's admin were holdovers from Bush Sr. What does that say?

Yeah, Harlem was his second choice, but it was his choice and he is there. Clinton will always be Slick Willie and he is not an "honarary" Black person, but lets not re-invent history.

One last thing, wasn't Clinton the best prez ever for gays and lesbians?

[Poplife]

Well, I'm sorry that you didn't understand my post.

Yes I go on and on, and it's really because Black people are going nowhere in the country. Everyone is surpassing us economicaly, socially, and politically. Hispanic people are working on making the system work for them and 30% of them don't speak English!

If you really did your reserch you would see that even though Black Business's did okay under Bill's era, it was not due to a direct action by him.

The republicans did not try and get Epps because he was black. They tried to get him because he was a democrat. They tried to get Clinton when they push for impeachment.

You need to stop thinking that every republican is a rascist. They are about money, plain and simple. They just nod and smile to the other stuff like abortion and affirmative action, but really all they care about is protecting their money. When you get onto a certain level, it's not about black and white. It's about green. However, if you have never been on that level then you would not realize this. Let me ask you this: Have you ever seen a poor black republican?

The new head of the Justice Department is a black republican...he is also a millionaire. The head of the Civil Rights division is the same. Most rich people in general are republicans. Shoot, if I was making 4 million a year you better bet that I'd be a damn republican, and I hate politics! But I do love money and I will vote what ever way I must in order to protect those dollars.

Many blacks believe there is no need for affirmative action. Why should every one black be for affirmative action? So what if she doesn't like it? The point is, she is the first black female security advisor and I'm thrilled! Did you really expect an Al Sharpton type to get the job? She's got her foot in the door for more blacks and that is what we need. Right now, beliefs are secondary.

I see it this way. My friend is the president of her sorority chapter and she's the shyt. She is also a 3rd generation member and her mom is the most known XYZ member in the town. But she insists that those facts have nothing to do with her being voted in as president. Does that make her any less of a member? She's doing a good job, isn't she? Who cares how she got there, right?

"One last thing, wasn't Clinton the best prez ever for gays and lesbians?"

Uh, I think I said that. But I care more about blacks than I do gays of any color. People still see a niccer when I walk down the street.

[AKAtude]

Originally posted by Poplife
People still see a niccer when I walk down the street.

Well, Bill couldn't help any of us in that department.

[DoggyStyle82]

POPLIFE

You have much to learn about life and political realities. All Republicans are not reach nor about the money. Many poor catholics and fundamentalists are Reps because of abortion, many to oppose affirmative action, many because they are pro-military, many because they are just plain conservative and anti-liberal, anti-gay, etc.

Any Black person in a prominent position is good? Not really my sister Sometimes they do the most harm, ex. Ward Connerly. Condoleeza Rice nor Colin Powell have cabinet positions where they can effect the lives or income potential of AAs directly, unlike Clinton's Black appointees.

To say that you would be a Rep if you had money is ridiculous. Does the amount of money you have in your wallet determines your values? If so, that is very shallow and seemingly incongrous with your frequent Black Nationalist, feminist rhetoric of previous posts. Thats where my confusion comes in. I did not know that your values were for sale.

[PositivelyAKA]

well said bruh, well said.

[Poplife]

I have much to learn about many things, but with my background Politics is not one of them. Trust me on that. It may seem that way to you, but what I believe and think comes from years of seeing and hearing things that can't always be read or seen in the Post, Times, Afro, ABC, PBS, or even CNN.

Yes, there are many poor, fundamentalist, Catholic Repub's. I went to high school AND college with that kind, I so know they exists. However, they are not the wheel and gears of the Republican party. The rich men are the ones making the rules. Just look at their biggest platform topics.

Republicans are all about big business. How well do you think a poor person does in the shadow of a major corporation? Republicans are also about little or no government assistance with things that people might depend on, such as affirmative action, welfare, Medicaid, unemployment, etc. How well do you think a poor person would fare under that idea?

Does my money compromise my values? No. But why do you assume I disagree with the Republican party? I might like their platform for all you know. And why do you think politics is what's driving me. I have strong political views, I can't help that. I was born into it.

And there are something's I like. Being that my father is a multiple business owner, he plans on leaving a good inheritance for my mother and sister, and the business's to me. Why would I let someone allow almost HALF of the money my mother depends on to get her by to be taken through taxing? He worked ALL HIS LIFE to accumulate what he did. And I feel that it's a spit in all out faces to just TAKE half as if he owed them something.

I just feel that if I bust my butt to get something, I should have the right to keep it. It's that simple. If you want to hand over your money to the feds to pay to immunize illegal aliens and allow people to drive BMW's while they collect welfare then that's fine.

If you don't realize that wealth is power than you too have a lot to learn. Money talks louder than protesting and even voting ever will. It's sad but true, but we do what we have to do. I have come to the conclusion the best way to help my own people is to become wealthy, get with those like me, and basically FORCE people to recognize that my people need to be recognized. Politicians are puppets. They will dance for whoever has the money to buy their strings. Sadly, those people are usually white men. But everyone else seems to know that having serious finances put you right into the game. Why do you think every Arab and Asian immigrant has some sort of business? They know what's up. Hispanics are even starting to play. So when are blacks going to make a move? Shoot, in 20 years I bet you financial status will out rank wealth. It seems to be heading that way.

But hey, like the songs says, "A change is gonna come."

Originally posted by DoggyStyle82
POPLIFE

You have much to learn about life and political realities. All Republicans are not reach nor about the money. Many poor catholics and fundamentalists are Reps because of abortion, many to oppose affirmative action, many because they are pro-military, many because they are just plain conservative and anti-liberal, anti-gay, etc.

Any Black person in a prominent position is good? Not really my sister Sometimes they do the most harm, ex. Ward Connerly. Condoleeza Rice nor Colin Powell have cabinet positions where they can effect the lives or income potential of AAs directly, unlike Clinton's Black appointees.

To say that you would be a Rep if you had money is ridiculous. Does the amount of money you have in your wallet determines your values? If so, that is very shallow and seemingly incongrous with your frequent Black Nationalist, feminist rhetoric of previous posts. Thats where my confusion comes in. I did not know that your values were for sale.

[AKAtude]

Well, then, maybe one day you'll consider running for office, and become a new kind of politician. Good luck.

[lovelyivy84]

Democrats have been conning the black community for decades!

They SAY they want to address our isssues, take our support for granted and then turn around once elected and do nada (and sometimes it bites them in the butt, look at how many blacks voted for Bloomberg in NYC).

Anyone look at the DNC and the RNC last year? Both looked the same to me- rich and white. The DNC just had better bands.

Poplife is absolutely right about one thing. Politics ain't about black or white, it's about green.

[DoggyStyle82]

POPLIFE

You are too funny, and your vision of politics is very elementary. Yes, money rules politics, plain and simple, but the game is what you do not recognize. What Black Republican do you know that has created wealth for anybody else. Once they have one of their white benefactors help them out of the barrel, they turn around and close the lid. Your post was exactly about what Reps are about : SELF. I'm going to get mine, hook or crook, make sure I keep it, keep others from the opportunity (Hispanics, Koreans, immigrants) and save affirmative action for only my kind (the power of inheritance). Non-rich people don't work hard, immigrants have no right to the American dream? You sound like Rush Limbaugh talking about welfare queens and such. Yeah Reps are about the bucks, but Bush won because poor and middle class people voted for him, not just the rich 10% who run things. Why, because Reps make the white man feel threatened by the exact things that you enumerated. Let me give you a real political reality check.

This war is not about Bin Laden. He provides a good cover. It is about opening up central asia for an oil pipeline that has to go from Russia thru Afghanistan. Why do you think Russia is so eager to partner with the U.S in ousting the Taliban?

What man and what company benefitted the most from Bush Sr's war with Iraq? Why, our very own V.P Dick Cheney. The Enron company spent millions to get Bush Jr. elected. Guess which company got the biggest tax break due to 9/11?

When the stock market crashed after 9/11, Bush changed the stock market rules to allow private stockholders to purchase larger shares than allowed under SEC rules. Of course they bought stock dirt cheap when the market reopened and viola', one month later when the market stabilized, the million shares they bought at $2 are now worth $40 a share.

Poplife, who has benefitted here? Yeah, we got our $300 tax rebate, yeah, they're rolling back affirmative action, yeah, they will dismantle welfare and cater to your hot buttons, but who is getting over like a fat rat, while you play the blame game that Rush Limbaugh has popularized. Look up the word "obfuscation" and you will realize that the Reps have hijacked yours and other working class Reps emotions and used them to line their pockets.

One last thing, the reason you have not seen Dick Cheney is because he's behind the scenes plotting the strategy that gets their Carlyle Group friends more money (real money).

[Poplife]

Originally posted by lovelyivy84
Democrats have been conning the black community for decades!

They SAY they want to address our isssues, take our support for granted and then turn around once elected and do nada (and sometimes it bites them in the butt, look at how many blacks voted for Bloomberg in NYC).

Anyone look at the DNC and the RNC last year? Both looked the same to me- rich and white. The DNC just had better bands.

Poplife is absolutely right about one thing. Politics ain't about black or white, it's about green.

LOL@the better bands.

Well I'm glad you understand some of my points. It's nice to know some people know the truth.

[Poplife]

Originally posted by AKAtude
Well, then, maybe one day you'll consider running for office, and become a new kind of politician.

My political philosophy may not be popular among blacks, but I assure you it's not new.

[AKAtude]

I wasn't referring to your philosophies, but the way you would go about doing business.

[Poplife]

Originally posted by AKAtude
I wasn't referring to your philosophies, but the way you would go about doing business.

Oh I see.

Still, that's not new. I've been inspired.