I have long since stopped listening to Tavis Smiley. I respect some of what he does, but I find him arrogant and overbearing. I tolerated him on the Tom Joyner Morning Show, up until he went on a rampage against Carol Moseley Braun because she announced that she was quitting the presidential race in 2004 on another network instead of when she was on his show; and Tavis said that just proved the old saying that "n*ggas ain't sh**." That was more than I could stomach from Mr. Uplifting Black people.
Now, Barack Obama is his new target because Obama declined an invitation to attend the State of the Black Union forum this year due to his schedule on the campaign trail. Senator Clinton will be in attendance (likely because she has seen her support in the black community plummet after her campaign's race baiting tactics). Tavis has been on a tirade the last couple of weeks because presidential candidates would dare decline his invitation. Tavis even pulled out his "Covenant with Black America" and started reading from it as if it were the Constitution for African Americans. He's so friggin' arrogant! Tavis is not my elected leader and he does not speak for me!
I believe Obama has to address African American issues, as we comprise a significant part of his base. But he also has to address issues applicable to all Americans. So the fact that he's not making a Tavis' sponsored event does not make me believe Obama is turning his back on "us." Tavis needs to get off that particular soapbox. Thoughts?
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18 comments:
i love your blog
i think you touch on issues that are important to us (even though you ignore me sometimes)
i know that obama is ducking the state of the black union because he's trying to get in good with the white voters
and i know that sometimes he can be a little outspoken and sometimes downright arrogant
but the covenant was a good thing
the first black book in the history of the bestseller list
you gotta give him props for that
he could have easily gave it to a white publisher
all so called black leaders have their squabbles
now i do have a problem because he rarely if ever bring the afrocentrists on his cspan show
he has had akbar and farrakhan on their but how about francis cress or dr. afrika or asa hilliard (sorry if you don't know any of these people)
This does not surprise me at all. Tavis Smiley took a cheap shot at Senator Obama last year at the State of the Black Union because Senator Obama could not attend the event. I guess Senator Obama had other things to do, Hater Smiley. He was announcing his candidacy for president of the United State of America. However, Smiley had an attitude because the announcement took place on the same day as his event. Smiley is self righteous and is appearing more and more self serving every minute or at least every time he has a microphone in his hands and a stage nearby. He's always talking about how we need to do things to uplift our people, but he's hatin' on Senator Obama while at the same time having his television program sponsored by Wal-Mart!!! Oh my bad!! I guess getting the world's largest employer to provide health insurance to their employees can't uplift anyone, Mr. Tavis "Covenant" Smiley.
i meant the first black book to ever go first on the bestseller list
i like tavis
i think he has a good heart
i think he's just going through some hard times
To James: Thanks for the compliment (even though you got a little dig in there...). LOL. I think Barack is ducking the address because if he goes he'll be labeled the black candidate. If Hillary says pro-black stuff there, nobody will pay attention. But if Barack goes there and sounds a little too far to the left, they'll be all over it. So strategically, I think it's the right move.
I don't dispute that Tavis has done well and has done some positive things. But I agree with Anthony that I believe now that a lot of times it's more about Tavis's ego than the issues he's on the soapbox for.
i don't know what a "little dig" is but it sounds a lot like something else
i hope that wasn't a surruptious insult
to james:
By "little dig" I meant that in the midst of your compliment, you gave a playful swipe at me "even though you ignore me sometimes."
Nothing more.
i've emailed tavis smiley about his little tantrum...i am highly disappointed that he fails to recognize that not all black people have all the time in the world for all things black. furthermore, how ridiculous he go on a tirade to blast obama's judgment...er, last time i checked, he's in the middle of running a campaign against one of the ________ women ever...so uh, excuse us ignorant black people who forgot to lick your boots.
Totally agree PCD!
that's funny
still could be used to imply something else
women are so creative
To James--So I see where your mind is. LOL.
Speak your mind Annoyed Delaware!
just so you know it's not little at all
James I'm not going to ignore you. So I'll just say no comment. LOL
I hesistate to call Smiley a "hater" but he certainly is doing enough to support the theory isn't he?
I agree with Mr. Tubman that the covenant is a good thing but Smiley, and no one else for that matter, has said anything about what we can do to fulfill the covenant. Basically where do we go from here?
I have seen Smiley speak at several different events and he talks a good game, but it is time for some action.
I'm not saying we need to revolt like Nat Turner, I'm saying he needs to stop being an armchair activist and start doing something for a change.
Just my $.02.
I do believe Tavis got it wrong.
Senator Obama is in the fight of his life. Since he already has the African American vote at an overwhelming percentage he and his campaign know he needs to put all efforts into Texas and Ohio. There's no net gain for him by attending the Stae of Black America event
Obama has been polled as the underdog in these states and can't afford to be distracted. He runs a very discipled campaign and must stay focused. There'll be enough time later for a lovefest with us after he wraps up the presidency.
Tavis and the black community have to stop feeling slighted when it doesn't go the way we think it should...Renew Your Mind Tavis. This is bigger than your agenda.
I live in northern VA and already thinking about seeing Obama and his family walk down PA Ave on their way to the White House. I want to get a glimsp of Michelle Obama. What will she wear?
Will she sport a hat?...smile...I'll be there and every black person in American will try to get there too...So much for the million man march...Fay
Both Tavis and Barack are well respected guys whom sometimes disagree. Life goes on!
Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!
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