Which black moderates and black conservatives - pundit, activist, journalist, blogger (besides this blog's hostess), expert, Twitterer, Facebook armchair analyst, whomever - do you believe stood out this year and should be on the Top 25 list? Who made a special mark? Who do you believe should get special shine as 2009 Bookerista Of The Year?
Put your nominations in the comments thread below, or email them to bookerrising@yahoo.com.
Top 25 Bookeristas Of 2009
Baker's Dozen For Tiger? Bookerista Perspectives
The alleged mistress tally goes up to thirteen. Of course, a porn spoof - called "Tiger's Wood" - is in the works. I see at least one black person - porn star Tyler Knight - can now claim to have profited off this infidelity scandal LOL. I hope all these folks directly involved in Tiger Woods's scandal are getting tested for STDs. I don't think that Tiger Woods should give up his career to save his marriage (if the reports are true). That's just silly when (1) he's been playing golf all of his life, makes his living off it, and presumably loves to play the sport; and (2) it's highly dubious that he will remain faithful. And side-eye to Lloyd for not seeing how a man who doesn't see beauty in his own heritage (in this case, mainly black and Asian) is not problematic. Also, for comparing black critics of Tiger Woods to criminals (mobsters):
Robert A. George: "A Whiter Shade Of Fail"
The moderate-conservative Republican blogger in New York City highlight a satirical piece about the Woods scandal: "The Washington Post's Eugene Robinson made this point -- the unbearable whiteness of being a Tiger Woods 'ho -- in a serious and earnest manner. He thus failed miserably. On the other hand, this satirical outlet delivers with Onionesque accuracy. Best line: 'Sharpton, who has long championed taking black women as mistresses, said that today’s black athletes need to stop neglecting black women when it comes to extramarital affairs, and should follow the examples of positive black role models such as Jesse Jackson and Martin Luther King, Jr., both of whom cheated on their wives with black women.' This line also has a painful 'truth-in-comedy' aspect to it as well: 'Sharpton also stressed that cheating with African-American women would help the black community financially by giving black girls the chance to sell their stories to tabloids and gossip magazines.'"
Clifton B.: "Tiger Woods 'Ready To Quit' Golf To Save Marriage?"
Asks the conservative blogger in New Jersey, about news reports claiming such: "Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive. Tiger screwed up royally here. I still cannot figure out why a man who is married to a hot model would need to cheat on her with waitresses and so forth. To make the whole nutty scenario worse, some of the women are clearly less attractive than his wife (see slide show of 8 of the women here). Were these flings worth a marriage, all the endorsement and now his career. Talk about reckless."
Lloyd Marcus: "Tiger Likes White Women...So What?"
The conservative Republican entertainer in Florida takes issue with black critics of Tiger Woods' relationship choices: "Black liberal plantation overseers are notorious for claiming ownership of successful blacks, similar to the mob hitting up a business for 'their cut'. When Tiger first broke into the national spotlight, he was pressured, 'What are you going to do for the black community?' There was even a slight tug of war between the races over who could claim the most ownership of the multi-racial cash cow. Black overseers simply tolerated Tiger marrying a white woman. Interracial dating is pretty common today. When my white wife and I began dating thirty years ago, things were quite different. We experienced hate from both sides. A black maid told our potential landlord, 'Don't rent to them because any black man with a white woman is no good'. On one occasion, Mary and I were chased in our car by a car load of angry white men. Another incident happened while we were having dinner in a family restaurant, I was hit in the head with a bottle. Today, we don't even consider our being an interracial couple an issue."
He continues his commentary: "This may sound shocking to some, but what is wrong with Tiger preferring white women? As human beings, for whatever reasons, we have a multitude of varying tastes. In college, I had a 120 pound friend who would not give a woman a second look unless she weighed at least 300 pounds. I have known white men who exclusively date black women. Why is someone's (legal age) mating choices anyone's business? In typical liberal control freak fashion, black overseers are lamenting the fact that they cannot control with whom Tiger has affairs. Note, the black overseers have no sympathy for his betrayed 'white' wife; kind of reminds you of the O.J. trial. If a white group publicly disapproved of Tiger dating exclusively white women, the media would be all over them screaming racism. And rightly so. But racism from blacks is met with sympathy and understanding by the media."
Bookeristas In The News
USA: Rep. Artur Davis: "Time To Regulate Wall Street And Protect Consumers"
Rep. Artur Davis (D-Ala.) highlights why he cast a vote in support of the "Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2009", to create more transparency and stronger consumer protection laws. The moderate Democrat states: "Last year, under the threat of an economic collapse, Congress voted to spend vast sums of taxpayers' dollars to shore up our financial markets. The financial services markets had no reservations about government intervention then. In the last several weeks, they have spent millions to lobby against the creation of a new set of rules and a new watchdog to protect the interests of consumers. Fortunately, the majority in the House resisted the efforts to water down this legislation. If it becomes law, it will protect Americans from the kinds of predatory practices that wrecked the mortgage market; and will rein in the outrageous executive compensation schemes that have rewarded failure and distorted the capital markets. This legislation is an important safeguard against Wall Street returning to business as usual."
Biznovation minister Lord Drayson has announced that Britain is to get a central space agency along the same lines as USA's NASA, French CNES and German DLR. The nearest thing the UK has to a space agency is the British National Space Centre, a loose alliance of departments and research councils.
Adam Afriyie (pictured), who is a Member of Parliament and the Shadow Minister for Science and Innovation (i.e., will be Britain's tech minister if the Conservative Party wins next year's elections as expected), responds: "We welcome the creation of a British Space Agency but this announcement smacks of pre-election spin. Clearly the devil will be in the detail and we’ll be examining the proposals very closely...There is a clear case for improving space policy coordination and I hope a new agency and a new government can take the industry forward."
USA: Steele Stays Neutral In Florida Senate Primary
Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele appears to be backing away from his pledge to “come after” Republican stimulus supporters earlier this year. The moderate-conservative politico told ABC News last month that “candidates who live in moderate to slightly liberal districts have got to walk a little bit carefully here, because you do not want to put yourself in a position where you’re crossing that line on conservative principles, fiscal principles, because we’ll come after you.” Some people interpreted his remarks to be a warning to Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R), who supported the stimulus plan.
However, when recently asked about Gov. Crist, who’s facing a conservative opponent (Marco Rubio, former Speaker of the Florida House) in the GOP Senate primary, Mr. Steele seemed sympathetic. "People need to understand, being governor is not as simple as right or left or up or down,'' Steele told the St. Petersburg Times (Florida). "It's leadership and it takes a lot of hard work and you've got to balance a lot of things. I think Charlie Crist has spoken to the people of Florida about that and they get to judge it."
Going Rogue, Ghanaian Style: Part II
A few days ago, Booker Rising told you about Arthur Kobina Kennedy (pictured below), the center-right New Patriotic Party’s communications director for the 2008 presidential campaign, and his new and very controversial book. In Chasing The Elephant Into The Bush: The Politics Of Complacency, Mr. Kennedy analyzes campaign mistakes by the NPP - which lost the presidential election by less than 1% to the center-left National Democratic Congress after eight years in power, and whose symbol is the elephant - so it can run a better campaign in 2012. NPP activists have called Mr. Kennedy a "traitor" for what they perceive to be airing out dirty laundry, former President John Kufuor offered his constructive criticism, and Mr. Kennedy has taken to Ghanaian television, radio, and print to defend his book.
Nana Akomea, a member of the Ghanaian Parliament and NPP member, has joined other partymates in lashing out at Mr. Kennedy, saying that Mr. Kennedy's bid in 2007 to become the NPP's leader was borne out of "foolishness". Mr. Kennedy got only one vote in that bid (which featured 17 candidates), which Mr. Akomea states means that he is irrelevant to the NPP. Mr. Akomea argues that Mr. Kennedy didn't even deserve the one vote that he did get from a party delegate. However, others contend that Mr. Kennedy, a medical doctor by profession who is now based in USA, only got one vote because he didn't play the vote-buying game.
I love this title from a Ghanaian website, about Mr. Kennedy's book: "Bonking Caused NPP's Defeat". Apparently, Mr. Kennedy's book spills the beans about how unbridled womanizing at the expense of campaigning by some party leaders - among other issues - contributed to the NPP's defeat. Even NPP district chiefs were allegedly complaining about the leaders' womanizing.
Although NPP activists are claiming that Mr. Kennedy is "irrelevant", the amount of time that they've spent in print and over the airwaves arguing against the book shows that he's quite relevant. Not to mention that the communications go-to guy for a presidential campaign is never irrelevant. Confessional memoirs appear to be a new development on the Ghanaian political scene, which partly explains the outcry. However, as Ghana further strengthens its democratic institutions, these sort of books will increase and I'd argue that it's a good thing as rank-and-file Ghanaian hold party leaders to the fire for their actions.
"The Princess And The Frog": Pro & Con
The long-awaited movie hits theaters today. Bookeristas - one a mother with a daughter, and the other a teen girl - add their two cents about "The Princess And The Frog":
Attorneymom: "Anika Noni Rose On 'The View'"
The conservative blogger in Atlanta, Ga., writes about Anika Noni Rose (pictured), who is the voice behind the movie's main character (see video of Ms. Rose's appearance on "The View" here, and "The Princesss And The Frog" trailer here): "Sidebar: I love Anika Noni Rose. She has grace, class and dignity. I will be seeing the movie, purchasing the DVD and purchasing the doll - one for me and one for my daughter."
Adlyn Morrison: "The Princess And The Frog: An Opinion"
The 18-year-old conservative blogger in Chicago, Ill. has problems with the movie: "Here are my problems with the movie in my opinion:
1.) The Prince isn't Black. We all know why. Would [they] have done this with a white princess. Again we all know the answer to that.
2.) They used a European Folklore, meanwhile the other women of color (excluding Pocahontas, it was historical) has their ethnic folklore. Not this time.
3.) It's placed in the United States. I thought she was supposed to be a princess? America doesn't recognize any title of nobility. Why not make her a princess of an African country? Africa has had many princesses and Kings with large wealthy kingdoms.
There are other things that bother me about this movie, the black guy's the villain. Not that I have a problem with that. Just when Disney has a history to make characters of darker complexions the villain. They stepped in this one. We as Black people need to create ou[r] own media. It's obvious th[at] the only time the media wants a black m[a]n to be in a relationship with a black woman is if the relationship is dysfunctional. Never in a happy relationship. I'm truly disgusted. How sad they only had to avoid a few pitfalls and the movie would have been gold, but they shot themselves in the foot. Oh well. I'm not giving them my money I'm watching online. And I'll be squirming the entire time."
JUSTICE MALALA COMMENTARY: Search For Quality
The South African center-right columnist, on the effects of nationalization in his country: "The problem with looking forward to the New Year is that you start worrying that it will be a bit like January 2008. You know, rolling blackouts, denials that anything is wrong and, of course, one's neighbours quietly sneaking off to Australia. I mean, Eskom [South Africa's public electricity company] does not have a CEO. Well, it has, but he is the same guy as the chairman. This is good and bad: Mervyn King won't like it, but the ANC's Gwede Mantashe will. Mantashe likes to say that the 'general secretary of the ANC and the chairman of the SACP are in close consultation'. He, of course, luxuriates in both positions. One thing to admire about Eskom - and Telkom [wireless provider] and SAA [South African Airways] - is that their mere mention gets the blood of many a South African boiling. Maybe it is because they are nationalised. [African National Congress Youth League president and Marxist] Julius Malema, please note. But I think it is largely because they are inefficient."
He continues his commentary: "Economist Mike Schussler put it in more colourful language the other day at an electricity conference organised by trade union Solidarity. Now the economists I know like to be temperate and confuse people like President Jacob Zuma with graphs. Not Schussler. Plain language is his style. 'If Eskom did not give such huge discounts on some of its contracts, it would not need additional funding,' he said, decrying Eskom's 35% tariff-hike proposal. 'There is enough money...You don't need a f___g finance model.' He also could not understand why government needed to give free electricity to poor households. 'But government doesn't think that way, they want to be in this Marxist, socialist kak,' he vented."
Open Thread Friday
Thanks for that endorsement, Ripclawe. I'd add that the very spirited debates by my blog's readers - who range across the ideological spectrum - in the comments section is a key part of what makes Booker Rising what it is. Dear readers, what's on your mind?
12/10 News: Moderate U.S. Politicians
Race Barriers Remain In Post-Obama South As Davis Seeks To Become Alabama's First Black Governor
Rep. Artur Davis (D-Ala., pictured) is finding potential landmines in Dixie as he tries to fashion an Obama-style cross-racial coalition in his bid to become Alabama’s first black governor and the South's first black governor. Never a favorite of Alabama's Democratic establishment, the moderate Democrat has come under fierce attack from Joe Reed — for years the most influential African-American in Alabama politics — for being the only black House member to oppose government-run health care legislation. Mr. Reed savaged Rep. Davis as a political opportunist who opposed the bill to curry favor with the state’s conservative-leaning white majority. Rep. Davis shot back this week that Mr. Reed “believes that a public official’s race matters more than his capacity for independent judgment.” Mr. Reed, noting that he had helped create the black-majority district that Rep. Davis represents, retorted that he was in the mix “when Congressman Davis was making mud cakes under the shade tree.”
Running in a state where just 10 percent of white voters supported Barack Obama's presidential bid, Rep. Davis needs at least 38 percent of the white vote to win a general election. Rep. Davis won’t say so directly, but the sniping he’s getting from old guard black leaders could bolster him next year among both blacks and whites, in the same way that President Obama was helped by distancing himself from traditional African-American leaders. Yet when he takes steps to distance himself from the White House and his national party, he will be given no quarter from the likes of Mr. Reed, which could dampen enthusiasm for Rep. Davis among some black voters that he needs to turn out in high numbers to have a chance to win.
Senate Moderates Uneasy With Medicare Plan
U.S. Senate moderates who are the linchpin to passing a health care reform bill raised fresh worries today about a proposed Medicare expansion, complicating Majority Leader Harry Reid’s hopes of putting together a filibuster-proof majority for the legislation in the coming days. Two days ago, the Medicare proposal appeared to be the elusive bridge between liberals, who were being forced to give up a public health insurance option, and moderates, who said they couldn’t vote for a bill that included one. But the shine has dimmed, as senators grew restless over a lack of information and declined to commit their vote until they could review the legislative language and the Congressional Budget Office cost estimate. Republicans also stepped up their criticism of the plan.
The three moderates — Sens. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) and Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), whose votes could make or break health reform this year — expressed varying degrees of resistance. Sen. Snowe said the Medicare expansion exacerbates an “already-serious problem,” with the low government reimbursement rates for doctors and hospitals that serve Medicare patients. It could force her to vote no, she said. Sen. Lieberman indicated that he was growing “increasingly concerned” about the proposal. Sen. Nelson said allowing people between ages 55 and 64 to purchase Medicare coverage could simply be an intermediate step on the way to an entirely government-run health care system — “which I do not like.”
The Government & Black Folks: Bookerista Perspectives
Two bloggers weigh in on the issue. In relation to Ms. Ochieng's piece, I want to highlight that a Pew Research Center study shows that 69% of black Americans favor a bigger government providing more services. Meanwhile, 21% of black Americans support a limited government framework (the other 10% were unsure).
Juliette Ochieng: "Why Black Americans Think That The Federal Government Is Our Friend"
The conservative Republican blogger in Los Angeles, Calif. writes: "While hanging out yesterday at Ace's yesterday as he was flogging racists, I happened to mention that many if not most black Americans view the federal government as beneficial and friendly. Some other commenters were surprised and I was surprised at their surprise, because it isn't difficult to figure out why this is. Whether it's the Emancipation or the desegregation of the Armed Forces or Brown v. Board or the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts, the federal government for the most part had seemed to be on the side of the black American as his constitutional rights were being oppressed by state or local governments. What needs to be spelled, however is what the federal government did in the above-mentioned areas: it legally removed obstacles to the life, liberty and pursuit of happiness of Americans who are black. And that i[s] what it was supposed to do."
She continues her commentary: "The present problem in my unlearned opinion is this: the federal government began overstepping its bounds during the Great Depression and did so most infamously in the late sixties via the Great Society programs. Doing more that getting local racists out of the way, the federal government sought to and succeeded in making itself the suppliers of life, liberty and, putatively, the happiness of many black Americans. (Try telling a senior of any race that Social Security is sending the country to financial ruin. You'll get an earful about her 'rights'.) And even many black Americans who do not rely on the federal government still view the fed as our friend because of that history. What's needed in order to change this perception is obvious: education -- not a new education but the old one, one which contains an objective explanation of the role of government. Simply put, the role of the American government is to remove obstacles to liberty of the People -- even when that obstacle is American government itself. Supplying all of one's needs is not government's role. That's God's purview."DarkStar: "CBC Vs. Obama: Ain't Nuthin' New"
The moderate Republican in Maryland asserts that the growing rift between the Congressional Black Caucus and President Obama over his economic recovery plan is no shocker: "Some are pointing out the disagreement between the CBC and Obama concerning how much is 'being done for Blacks' with the CBC saying there are not enough specific plans 'for' Blacks while Obama is saying, essentially, what is good for America is good for Blacks since a rising tide lifts all boats. So, what's new about disagreement between Black Democrats? Only demagogues or the politically ignorant would say this is something that doesn't happen in Black politics."
DarkStar continues his commentary: "When [Marion] Barry was running for mayor of D.C., at the core of his campaign was what he 'would do' for Blacks in D.C. and not afraid of calling Blacks who didn't agree with him Uncle Tom. The same has happened in Baltimore and Camden mayoral races. Let's not forget that half of the CBC supported Hillary Clinton and half supported Obama. So what makes anyone think they would be of one accord? Oh. Wait. That's right. All Blacks think alike and so believe those who even say that Black Republicans show that all Blacks don't think alike. Think about it."
Michelle Obama Should Start A Cease Corps
Slyram, a moderate Democratic blogger in Georgia has a proposal for the U.S. First Lady: "Those people waiting for President Obama to make things easier for struggling Americans will be waiting awhile. He did not run on that platform; his message was facilitating a climate in which those who want to strive can do just that. Naturally, others will continue their struggle and wonder why. They keep biting off more than you can chew; putting too much on your plate or digging deep holes. In south Georgia, we say that the first thing you need to do when you find yourself in a hole is stop dig[ging]. If you think about it, struggl[ing] people actually work hard for years and years in a desperate effort to stay above water or above the ground."
He continues his commentary: " Can far-right conservatives inadvertently be good for our community? Absolutely, we would then understand that the government is not designed to pull us from holes that we personally dug. President Obama and the Blue Dog Democrats mean well but the far-left create a false sense of security. The next important movement could come when we openly discuss encouraging people to turn inward before looking to the government for assistance and hope. Let’s be honest: the jobs lost in the last five years are not coming back. Companies and industries are functioning with more technology, leaner operations and fewer workers. We simply don’t have enough jobs for the growing number of people in this nation and this world. Since no kind person wants to see homeless people, hungry children or suffering senior citizens, we must discover a way to ethically cajole people to have children when and if they are prepared."
More commentary from Slyram: "The dilemma is that people who are not wise fail to see this logic and accusations of genocide quickly follow. If Michelle Obama made solving this dilemma her life’s work, she could be one of the ten most important Americans of all time. Since we have the Peace Corps, we could call it the Cease Corps and the central mission will be breaking the cycle of American families struggling by addressing the root causes in a preemptive matter. In my community, some people are proud that their family is strong enough to face tons of adversity. Other families are proud that they function in a deliberate and calculating matter — avoiding adversity and living smoothly."
Doping Our Kids
Armstrong Williams, a conservative Republican commentator, opines: "I was horrified to read that it is increasingly commonplace in California to treat children diagnosed with deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, with marijuana. California voters passed a law allowing doctors to recommend medical marijuana to their patients, including those under the age of 18. The law allows doctors to recommend marijuana 'for any…illness for which marijuana provides relief.' Under that broad umbrella, doctors are pushing pot to treat all kinds of maladies, including ADHD. Truly, this is horrifying. ADHD is described as a neurological disorder that prevents children from focusing on a specific task. In essence, people with ADHD have difficulty with self-regulation and self-motivation, due to problems with distractibility, organization, and prioritization. Notably, these are the same functions that are most impaired by marijuana use. Get it? Pot actually exacerbates the problems with attention, memory and concentration that you want a treatment for ADHD to alleviate. That’s why Stephen Hinshaw, Chairman of the Psychology Department at the University of California, Berkeley, called prescribing marijuana to treat ADHD 'one of the worst ideas of all time.'"
He continues: "At very least, using marijuana to treat adolescents with A.D.H.D. is wildly irresponsible. First of all, the FDA has never conducted an approval process on marijuana and few institutions are willing to fund studies to show the effects of using marijuana as a remedy for ADHD. Consequently, there are no reliable studies to show how the drug may affect ADHD. That means that all of the so-called evidence in support of prescribing marijuana to children is anecdotal; it is based completely on self-selecting and self-reporting. Translation: there is no reliable scientific basis for drugging these children into complacency. Nonetheless, doctors, school counselors and misinformed parents are increasingly pushing marijuana to kids. Even the validity of the ADHD diagnosis is questionable. It is worth noting that there exists no scientific method for diagnosing this ailment. Simply, if a child is observed to be acting bored, distracted and/or boisterous in the classroom, he is often believed to be suffering from ADHD. Notably, these are the same symptoms of another condition that afflicts millions of children – childhood."
Tiger Woods Drama: Bookerista Perspectives
Gregory Kane: "Tiger, Don't Use The Coolidge Effect Defense"
Asserts the conservative Republican columnist in Baltimore, Md.: "For those of you wondering just what this 'Coolidge Effect' thing is, an explanation is in order. It's named for none other than President Coolidge, good ol' Silent Cal himself, the 30th chief executive of the United States. The 'Coolidge Effect' legend started as an anecdote that goes something like this: It seems the Silent One and the missus were taking separate tours of a farm. (Some accounts say it was a government farm, but that's not really germane to our account.) The farmer showed Mrs. Coolidge his prize rooster, which he proudly claimed copulated 10 to 12 times a day. Now, based on this story, we can assume Silent Cal wasn't exactly the Wizard of Whoopee. Apparently he came from the 'make love to the old battle-ax two times a year and be done with it' school of amour. Because, on hearing of the rooster's prowess, Mrs. Coolidge told the farmer, 'Be sure to tell that to Mr. Coolidge.' When the farmer showed the president the rooster, he repeated the story about the critter's sexual prowess, along with Mrs. Coolidge's observation. 'Oh really?' the president said. 'Same hen every time?' 'Oh no,' the farmer answered. 'It's a different hen every time.' 'Be sure to tell that to Mrs. Coolidge,' the president replied."
He discusses a conversation from last week: "I chimed in that as embarrassing as Tiger's situation was, it paled in comparison to the one former heavyweight boxing champ Muhammad Ali got himself into back in 1975. Remember that fiasco? For years I've played a comic scenario in my head of how Ali's real wife at the time, Khalilah Ali, reacted when she heard Ali was in the Philippines with his wife. 'Oh, he took his wife with him to the Philippines. Isn't that nice? His wife? Wait a minute! That's me!' Khalilah Ali's reaction was to hop on a jet and head straight to the Philippines. According to one source, her goal was to do precisely what I mentioned above: hand out a thumping to somebody. Muhammad Ali was hardly unique among boxers. Sugar Ray Robinson had his problem with that commandment about adultery, as did Joe Louis. (The late Abe Sherman, who for years ran a famous Baltimore bookstore, once told me that Louis' propensity for women, as much as his storied struggle with back taxes, led to his financial ruin.) Other professional athletes are no better. Whether or not the 'Coolidge Effect' is fact or fiction will be argued for years. But Woods had best consider another famous line these days. You know, the one that goes 'it's cheaper to keep her.'"
Shamara Riley: "As Woods' Scandal Grows So Do Its Financial Complications"
I pen a piece for theGrio, where I discuss role of racial stereotypes and the free-market issues of the Tiger Woods scandal: "While Woods' case reinforces one racial stereotype [of high-profile black men feeling that they haven't "arrived" unless they marry and/or bed white women], another one has possibly been turned on its head. Black American women - who Woods has long avoided, along with women from his mother's Asian heritage - have historically been stereotyped as materialistic gold diggers, sexually aggressive, and possessing attitude. On the flip side, we've heard some high-profile black men claim that white women are 'easy to get along with', more supportive, and concerned about family more than money. Yet in Woods's saga it is white women who exhibit the stereotypes associated with black women. Allegedly, one of Elin Nordegren's first demands after the infidelity scandal broke was a wealth redistribution scheme: she demanded that Tiger immediately transfer $5 million to an account that she controls and to renegotiate the pre-nuptial agreement where she stands to gain an additional $55 million. An increasing number of Woods' alleged mistresses are accessing the free market via going to the U.S. - and even British - tabloids to sell their story. Some of the alleged mistresses are even upset that they weren't the only mistress, taking financial retribution in their own way. They are selling 'products' - voice mails, text messages, etc., featuring Tiger Woods - to the highest bidder and increasing their net worth off Woods' name, due to his unfaithfulness."
I continue my commentary about Tiger Woods's situation: "Whether Woods decides to cut his losses and end his marriage because he can't remain faithful or to work things through, hopefully he will re-evaluate his concept of self-value. Also, to see value in others, including his family (on whom he was so willing to risk everything for affairs) and alter his perceptions about the perceived market value of various women based on their race."
Duane Brayboy: "So I Guess What Happens In The Bedroom DOES Matter" The conservative blogger in metro Atlanta, Ga. responds to a move to honor Tiger Woods with the Congressional Gold Model that has now been abandoned: "'The bill states, 'To provide for the award of a gold medal on behalf of the Congress to Tiger Woods, in recognition of his service to the Nation in promoting excellence and good sportsmanship, and in breaking barriers with grace and dignity by showing that golf is a sport for all people.’' (excerpt from a bill that is now being dumped in light of the Tiger Woods saga). Don’t worry, someone will resurrect this bill either when Tiger is a very old man or after he is dead and gone. Isn’t that how we typically bestow honor to exceptional individuals who have jacked up personal lives?"
John McWhorter: "Tigergate Isn't A Black Thing -- Despite What Some Would Prefer" The moderate-liberal pundit disagrees with folks who argue that there's a racial narrative to the story: "That is, Woods long ago declared himself to be 'Cablinasian' to Oprah, and
Mr. McWhorter continues his commentary about the scandal: "According to this 'narrative,' for example, the media are so interested in Tiger’s extramarital sex life because all of his mistresses have been white. Supposedly if he had been sleeping with black women
Larry Elder: "The Lessons Of Tiger Woods"The libertarian Republican commentator takes issue with folks who argue that the golfer's public image is permanently damaged: "Woods is a golfer. He is neither politician nor pastor. As he struggles to deal with his apparent inner demons/self-loathing/shame/embarrassment/dishonor, he can still golf. The curiosity factor alone means stratospheric ratings for his next tournament, especially if he's still contending on the final day. People unable to spell 'golf' will tune in for his next event. As bad as all of this is -- especially for his wife -- Woods hasn't killed anybody, at least that we know of. The more bizarre things become -- the growing number of alleged mistresses, his mother-in-law's hospitalization, the recklessness of his behavior -- new revelations may start producing diminishing returns in shock value. People will wonder whether he's a really rotten guy with a phony stage-managed image or a really sick guy who 'needs help.'"
After arguing that former President Bill Clinton, Rev. Jesse Jackson, and even former President Richard Nixon to a lesser degree bounced back from scandal, he continues: "As for Woods, he once had a favorable rating of nearly 85 percent. A recent poll still gave him a favorable rating of 60 percent. And Woods conceivably could even turn public opinion in his favor if he continues to excel on the golf course. 'My, what an ability to focus!' etc. There are many lessons here. There is the silliness of considering celebrities, about whom we really know very little, to be 'role models.' There is the envy, sometimes, of the lives of others when very little is as it seems."
WALAA IDRIS COMMENTARY: Obama And Britain: A Not-So-Warm Relationship...
The Conservative Party activist in London opines: "Nile Gardner, the director of the Marg[a]ret Thatcher Centre for Freedom at the Heritage Foundation in Washington DC, wrote an interesting piece in the Daily Mail about the special relationship (or the lack of) between the US and Britain since Obama came to office. It covered a number of incidents that separately might amount to very little but when stacked together they painted a decline and deterioration in the historic relationship between the two great allies. To prove his argument he [c]ited evidence and occasions to back his claim. The first evidence was, the president ordering that a bust of Sir Winston Churchill to be removed from the Oval [O]ffice just days after he was sworn into office. The bust was a gift from the British people to the US after the 9/11 atrocities. Then came the 25 DVD set gift and the snubbing of Mr. Brown when he was in Washington and the list went on, the latest indication of this decline was a few days ago when the president failed to mention Britain or the British Troops and their efforts in the Afghanistan War in his 40 minute speech at Point West."
She continues: "Gardiner thinks that Obama seems to be oblivious to the debt of gratitude he and the US owe our country. And that the president needs to be made to open his eyes, woken up and reminded of that gratitude! There is no doubt that both countries need each other and there is little doubt that Obama is ignorant of that fact or the effect and impact his actions have on the relationship. But Obama is a man on a mission a man with a dream; he wants to create a New World Order centred on socialist ideology and dogma, where he is the sole leader. His world will be the playground of the left, and the newly emerging markets, economies and powers (who are naturally left leaning), because he thinks that he is their saviour."
More: "Britain as it is today is not left (socialist) leaning enough for him plus it is showing signs of moving further to the right (with the anticipation of a Conservative government after the next general election). Germany, France and most of Europe will fit much better within his system of belief and views, and in time they will emerge as the closer preferred partners not Britain. In the coming future we will see more and more corporations, partnerships and alignment between the US and the new economic powers such as China, India and some South America countries. President Obama will slowly try to suppress any of the old traditional powers, allies and all those who do not follow or fall in line with his doctrine to achieve his dream."
Bookeristas In The News
USA: DeMint Endorses Williams For U.S. Senate In Texas
Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), chairman of the Senate Republican Steering Committee, is looking to bring more conservatives to the Senate. Sen. DeMint today endorsed Texas Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams (pictured) in the crowded Texas Republican Senate primary. Mr. Williams is the fourth conservative whom DeMint, chairman of the Senate Conservatives Fund, has endorsed in a Republican primary.
"Michael Williams is the Democrat Party's worst nightmare," DeMint said in a statement, because he'll oppose "massive spending, bailouts and takeovers." Sen. DeMint said Mr. Williams "has just been very clear and winsome with what he stands for....That's what we desperately need." Mr. Williams, who said he wants to join Sen. DeMint in "cutting the slouch towards European-style socialism," hailed the endorsement.
USA: Does Sen. John McCain Hate Ryan Frazier?
Asks the Colorado Independent, a liberal website. Aurora City Council (Colo.) member Ryan Frazier (pictured) was touted by the local and national media as an excellent libertarian-conservative Republican nominee against incumbent Democrat Michael Bennet for the U.S. Senate. In September, Sen. McCain called former Lt Governor and state McCain presidential campaign supporter Jane Norton and told her to run for Sen. Bennet’s seat. Ms. Norton announced she was running and has stacked her donor list and campaign team with McCaininites. Mr. Frazier's ambitions were put on hold.
In October, Mr. Frazier announced he would be challenging incumbent Rep. Ed Perlmutter to represent Colorado’s 7th U.S. House district. Local conservative analysts again seemed to like the idea. Then this week John McCain reportedly recruited former Democrat and McCain staffer Lang Sias to run in the 7th District race, against Mr. Frazier, who is now the GOP frontrunner.
Ghana: NPP: "President Mills Must Not Shield Bribe Givers"The center-right New Patriotic Party says it is dismayed by the revelation that center-left President John Evans Atta-Mills is refusing to expose people who have attempted to offer him bribes. “If people have become so emboldened that they are able to walk up to the highest office of the land and seek to offer bribe to the President of the Republic, then we are losing the fight against corruption,” said the NPP's press statement. Last Monday, Kwame Pianim, an economist and leading NPP member, vouched for the integrity and cleanliness of President Mills related to corruption. Mr. Pianim claimed that on at least two occasions, he personally witnessed the president reject bribes.
The NPP added in its statement: “It would appear that President Mills and the NDC [National Democratic Congress] government he presides over have an unhealthy interest in protecting such criminals. It is to defuse such an impression that the President needs to stop shielding them and offer them to the law without further delay.”
USA: Ward Connerly: "Privatize The University Of California System"The University of California system raised fees by 32 percent for Autumn 2010 admissions, which has some students up in arms. Ward Connerly, the libertarian-conservative head of the American Civil Rights Institute and a former University of California regent, argues that the financial crisis gives California a chance to reexamine the value of a UC education (here's more info on his market-based position): "Let elite UC campuses like Berkeley and UCLA charge market rates," he says. "Students who go there would be high achievers who could afford it. Others would go to the other campuses or CSU or community college for two years. We've created the impression that you have to go to the UC system to be successful."
Shelly O: "Special Day In Oslo"
Here is how Booker Rising imagines today went, through the eyes of U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama as President Barack Obama received his Nobel Peace Prize (compliments of Daylife):
We arrive at Oslo International Airport. For you fashionistas, I'm wearing a custom-made lavender wool coat by Narciso Rodriguez.
The Nobel Peace Prize signing ceremony at Oslo City Hall. I teased Barack, asking, "You writing a book there?", as he wrote a long passage. "Yeah," he said. When Barack finished, the Nobel permanent secretary invited me to sign too. "Mine won't be as long," I said. Barack turned to Nobel committee members and reporters and, noting that my words will also be part of history, said: "She will resist writing something sarcastic." In the book, Barack thanked the committee for highlighting peace and giving "voice to the voiceless and the oppressed."
Here I am getting the dust off my man's suit, while Norwegian King Harald looks on, at the Royal Castle. Barack and the Norwegian Queen Sonja also had an exchange about the U.S. media. Fashionista heads up: my gold velvet coat is by Calvin Klein.
Greenpeace's welcome sign for us outside Oslo City Hall.
Arriving at Oslo City Hall, where the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony was held. FYI, my dress is by Calvin Klein, while the cardigan is by Nina Ricci.
Shay is wondering why Barack's body language is so tight-lipped in this photo, when a Nobel laureate would normally be beaming with smiles...
And actually frowning while trying to smile. He does genuinely smile in this photo though.
Closeup of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Shot of the ceremony.
Trumpeters from the Norwegian Royal Guard.
The Norwegians even made sure to include America's classical musical tradition - jazz - in the ceremony. That's Esperanza Spalding doing her thing.
Barack - Mr. President to you all - giving his Nobel Lecture after receiving the Prize.
Yes, that's actor Will Smith with his daughter Willow at the end of the Prize ceremony. My husband and my celebrity crush in the same room - too much for a gal to take!
Some of the attendees at the torch parade that was held near our hotel. Apparently, 10,000 people were in attendance at the parade before the Grand Hotel.
Here we are enjoying the torch parade from a balcony. Don't worry! The balcony is protected by bulletproof glass, so that's why you see those black bars.
Arriving for the Nobel Peace Prize banquet. I think I've changed clothes more times today than a Diana Ross concert! Whew! By the way, my lovely dress is by Azzedine Alaia.
Although this isn't directly part of the Oslo ceremony, a statue of Barack as a boy was erected today in Jakarta, Indonesia. The statue - which mentions his Nobel prize - seeks to inspire kids in Indonesia, where Barack spent part of his childhood.
Obama Awarded Nobel Peace Prize: Bookerista Perspectives
Clifton B.: "Obama Accepts His Peace Prize"
The conservative blogger in New Jersey opines about today's ceremony in Oslo, Norway (see video link here): "I am glad to see that the Nobel Prize committee has complete egg on their faces now that Obama has sent 30,000 troops to Afghanistan and has completely dissed the people of Norway by canceling many of the Peace Prize events, including lunch with the King. This is what you get when you try to make political snubs instead of awarding true achievement."
He continues his commentary about the honor: "CNN has a poll out showing 19% of Americans believe Obama deserves the prize. Yet 7 out of 10 believe he should accept it. I think he should have accepted too, but for someone more deserving. I would have accepted the prize on behalf of the American [s]oldier who has actually brought peace to many nations of the world. Not only would that have made Obama look like a bigger person, it would have been the perfect slap in the face of the Nobel Prize committee for their foolishness."
Mr. Grey Ghost: "'War President' Barack Obama To Note 'Irony' In Accepting Nobel Peace Prize"
The conservative Democratic blogger in New York City takes issue with Ben Rhodes, one of President Obama's speechwriters and national security aides, who states that the president feels a great responsibility has been placed on him: "'Responsibility'?!? More like guilt for having to accept an award Barry knows full damn well he doesn't deserve one iota. Heck, guilt is the real reason Barry wants no part of the 3-day Nobel prize ceremonies. Forget the fact that Barry only won the award for not being George W. Bush, even a louse like Barry has a conscious [sic]. A conscious [sic] that must make it hard sleep knowing that you're gonna accept some lame, leftwing peace prize a week after you just sent 30,000 troops overseas to war. In respect to the troops the better option would've been to run the award down and not to go to Norway at all, but Barry's narcissism wouldn't let him do such a noble thing like that."
Ripclawe: "Norwegians Upset President Obama Not In The Full Nobel Peace Prize Mode"
The conservative Republican blogger in Florida writes: "Welcome to Obama's treat allies/friends like garbage while kissing up to enemies list, Norway. But just to point out Obama's problem, most people feel he doesn't deserve the prize and he knows damn well people will get on him if he goes into Obama arrogant god mode in public over this, so he has to downplay what Norway considers normal protocol accepting the peace prize."
Sandra Rose: "Obama Receives Nobel Peace Prize After Ordering 30,000 More Troops To War"
The conservative in metro Atlanta.: "The Nobel prize committee displayed hypocrisy at its highest today when presenting US [P]resident Barack Obama with his Nobel [P]eace [P]rize. Obama accepted the peace prize a week after ordering 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan to fight a war that nobody cares about."
Tony Campbell: "Does President Obama Really Want A 'Just War'?"
Asks the moderate Republican in Maryland, about a phrase in President Obama's award speech: "Having read the transcript of the President’s Nobel Peace Prize, and his mentioning of his rationale for Just War in Afghanistan, I wonder if the President looked up the true origin of the phrase. The meaning of Just War comes from the Old Testament, specifically the Book of Deuteronomy. In the 20th chapter, scripture reads: If they refuse to make peace and they engage you in battle, lay siege to that city. When the LORD your God delivers it into your hand, put to the sword all the men in it. As for the women, the children, the livestock and everything else in the city, you may take these as plunder for yourselves. And you may use the plunder the LORD your God gives you from your enemies. This is how you are to treat all the cities that are at a distance from you and do not belong to the nations nearby. Too often, people including our President, use words in their remarks while misusing their meaning. I seriously doubt anyone would follow such rules of warfare today…and the [L]eft was appalled when former President Bush used the word 'crusade.' Just Wars are brutal, nasty and don’t last for eight plus years. President Obama might want to find other words to use in the future."
Kenneth Durden: "Obama Nobel Speech"
The libertarian-conservative blogger opines about the Nobel Lecture given by President Obama: "Watching excerpts from President Obama's Nobel acceptance speech surprised me. I haven't had chance to review the entire speech but from what I saw on Wolf Blitzer (yeah I know), Mr. Obama spoke eloquently about the rare necessity of war. Finally, on the international scene, he acknowledged how America has served as the world['s] great defender of freedom. Despite Jeremiah Wright and many on the [L]eft might say, America is not evil. America is not an empire. We don't own or control South Korea, Germany or Japan and we won't own Iraq or Afghanistan. Every nation where we have had a successful military outcome and an ongoing presence is free and, for the most part, very prosperous."
More: "Mr. Obama had to go to the well again with the whole 'we have made mistakes.' Get over it. Instead of saying 'I'm not George W. Bush', Obama could have just as easily said 'We're not France.' This is where I have a huge disconnect with the so-called peace protesters. It's hard how these people can look through the course of history and think it's possible to end armed conflict. No sane person wants war. No sane person rejects it out of hand either. For the sane among us, there remains the debate about what constitutes necessity. That debate is worthwhile."
AfroCity: "Political Holiday Wish List: That Feminists Would Know What A Feminist Looks Like"
The moderate-conservative Republican blogger in Chicago, Ill. writes about mainstream feminism's intolerance of conservatism: "Growing up during the 1970’s persuaded me to swallow the huge bitter slow time released pill of feminism. Housewife bad. Career woman good. Armed with birth control pills and college degrees as women, we marched in step the women’s liberation movement. By the time I was a teenager, something shifted. A good woman could now balance everything – work and family. Drive a Land Rover to her corporate job in New York City while making Juicy Juice popsicles for her artificially inseminated triplets. Magazines such as Working Mother went into circulation. Nannies, the Today sponge, Wonder Bras, Monica Lewinsky, Hillary Clinton, Sarah Palin…Yes Sarah Palin."
She continues her commentary: "How does feminism solve a problem like Sarah Palin??? A conservative, gun toting candidate for the 2008 vice presidency. She is pro-life, Alaskan governor, five kids, former beauty queen. Has a gorgeous husband who loves her. Mother of a special needs child… What is there not for feminists to like. By all accounts, Sarah Palin is a remarkable woman, living the feminist dream. Or so one would think…Sarah’s view of her duties as a politician is surprisingly free of snobbery. Moreover she has the rare ability to actually blend in with her constituents in a way that makes you feel she understands your needs because she has been there. So why did feminism throw Sarah under the bus for Barack Obama? Because she is conservative that is why. Remember this is the same movement that took sides with Bill Clinton during the Monica Lewinsky. Ultimately what is most important to feminists is supporting a leftist agenda and not the true rights of women. How can women be treated as equals among men when the very movement that claims to support us does not see Republican and conservative women as equals among women? In the end, we all lose as women."
News: Activism
USA: Tea Party Conservatives Gear Up To Affect 2010 Elections
The energized “tea party” movement, which upended this year's political debate with noisy anti-Big-Government protests in Washington, D.C. and at town hall meetings on health care reform, is preparing to shake up the 2010 elections by channeling money and supporters to conservative candidates set to challenge both Democrats and establishment Republicans.
“It's time to take control,” conservative activist Eric Odom declares on the Web site of his new political action committee, Liberty First PAC. Mr. Odom, who played a central role in organizing the first tea party protests this spring, says the PAC will not support incumbents of either party. Smart Girl Politics, a conservative women's group active in getting people to tea party protests, may form a PAC to steer its 23,000 members to help conservative candidates. Erick Erickson of RedState.com plans to encourage donations to conservative challengers such as GOP Senate candidate Pat Toomey, who hopes to win the Pennsylvania seat held by Republican-turned-Democrat Arlen Specter. FreedomWorks, an advocacy group chaired by former House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-Tex.) that helped organize many major tea party protests, will raise millions of dollars through a reorganized PAC targeting its 500,000 registered members.
Afghan Women Lead Protest Against Government Corruption
In an unusual display of female political activism, several hundred demonstrators - many holding pictures of relatives killed by drug lords or Taliban militants - today held a loud but nonviolent street protest, demanding that President Hamid Karzai purge from his government anyone connected to corruption, war crimes or the Taliban. (hat tip: Black & Right). "These women are being very brave," said the protest leader, her face hidden by a burka. "To be a woman in Afghanistan and an activist can mean death. We want justice for our loved ones!"
The protest group, under the banner Social Assn. of Afghan Justice Seekers, said that "our people have gone into a nightmare of unbelieving" because of the disputed presidential election and the fact that "the culture of impunity" still exists despite President Karzai's vow to eliminate it. While the women took the lead in the protest, about 500 men followed them in support, an unusual display in Afghan culture of men allowing women to take a leadership role. Although it was not a major focus of the protest, the group was also critical of U.S. President Barack Obama's decision to send additional troops to Afghanistan.
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