10/31 International News

Abdullah Plans Runoff Boycott To Delay Afghan Vote

President Hamid Karzai's challenger plans to call for a boycott of next weekend's runoff election in an attempt to force the vote's postponement until spring — a move that would dim U.S. hopes for a stable Afghan government for months. President Karzai rejected Abdullah Abdullah's conditions for next Saturday's vote, including removing top election officials whom the challenger accused of involvement in cheating in the first-round balloting in August. A clouded electoral picture would further complicate the Obama administration's efforts to decide whether to send tens of thousands more troops to Afghanistan to battle the Taliban and its al-Qaida allies. The White House has been waiting for a new government in Kabul to announce a decision, but the war has intensified in the meantime. October was the deadliest month of the war for U.S. forces with at least 57 American deaths.

Nigeria Space Agency Is No Joke

The West African nation’s National Space Research and Development Agency is already celebrating its 10th anniversary. It has been launching satellites since 2003 (which have helped the country identify illegal tankers trying to steal Nigeria's oil supplies; the agency has also sold 1,000 of its satellite images). It wants to send a Nigerian up into space by 2015, making it home to the first black African astronaut. Gerald Okeke, 28, is one of 27 Nigerian engineers being trained how to design and build an earth observation satellite in the U.K., at private British company Surrey Satellites Technology. He said it would be an honor to be picked as Africa’s first black space sailor — who must be aged 27 to 37 at the time of lift-off and whose selection will begin next year ahead of four years of training. Nigeria spends $20 million a year on its space program, in a country in which for every thousand children born, 137 will die before they are five years old. A collapse in the value of Nigeria's naira currency — in part attributable to the global downturn — has meant the costs of its payments in U.S. dollars have also rocketed by a third. South Africa, Algeria and Egypt are also marshaling their own satellite facilities.

'Michelle Obama Effect' Sees Black Barbie Doll Launched In UK

A new range of black and mixed-race figures with "fuller lips, a wider nose, more distinctive cheek bones and curlier hair" will appear in UK shops from next Easter. This will be the first time in 29 years that a black doll from the Mattel line will be sold in Britain. A black version of Barbie appeared in Britain in 1980 but was not a big seller and disappeared from the shelves.

Mattel's new dolls have raised eyebrows in the U.S. because it comes with a hairstyling set so girls can curl, straighten and style their dolls' hair, prompting concerns that it reinforces body image worries among young black girls who do not like their hair. However, the arrival in Britain was welcomed by Irene Shelley, editor of Black Beauty & Hair magazine, who said: "This is obviously part of the 'Michelle Obama effect' because there has been a lot of interest in her and the girls and that will make retailers rethink what they can sell." She said the straight hair of some of the girls in the range simply reflected current trends.

The Exit Of Dede Scozzafava: Bookerista Pro And Con

Dede Scozzafava, a moderate Republican nominee for a vacant U.S. House seat in upstate New York, unexpectedly withdrew from the race today. Three days before the election, she existed due to a revolt led by conservative activists that badly split the national GOP leadership and is likely to influence the shape of the party heading into next year's midterm elections. Polls show an ascendancy of Doug Hoffman's campaign under the Conservative Party banner, in his effort to deny Democrats a seat that has been in the Republican column for more than a century. Bookeristas weigh in on the race, which has drawn national attention:

Adrienne Ross: "Palin's Principles Prevail As Scozzafava Steps Aside"

Asserts the conservative blogger in New York state, who discusses the role of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin: "Dede Scozzafava, Republican Candidate for the NY 23rd Congressional District, has now withdrawn from the race, as reported first by Robert Stacy McCain. As you recall, Monday I posted an article called 'Sarah Palin: Principles Over Party? In a New York Minute!' I discussed the fact that Scozzafava was not a candidate representing true conservative values, which is why Sarah Palin endorsed Conservative-Party candidate Doug Hoffman. Governor Palin chose principles over party. Others, including Fred Thompson, Rick Santorum, and Tim Pawlenty also made that choice, while Newt Gingrich chose to endorse Scozzafava, offering lame excuses, and Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee chose to say nothing at all."

She continues her commentary: "Sarah has said time and again that Americans are tired of politics as usual. Conservatives are looking for people who will stand for something. We're seeking out those who don't sell out principles by endorsing someone who is the antithesis of what we are supposed to represent. And we are searching for leaders who don't go hide, refusing to say anything at all. We want people who will do what Governor Palin does: lay it all on the line and call it as she sees it. Once again, she was right. She had no way of knowing the outcome; she merely acted on principles."

More: "The race is not over. Election Day is Tuesday, and it'll be Hoffman vs. Owens. That still has to play out, but it was clear that Scozzafava was not going to win, so she pulled out, leaving a true conservative candidate in Hoffman. Sarah Palin's endorsement was one of a few important ones, but it seems to be the one that changed the face of the race. She created a shift for Hoffman -- in support and finances -- and she didn't wait until Hoffman had surpassed Scozzafava to do it or wait until Scozzafava backed out. Compare that to Newt Gingrich and Mike Huckabee who have now, just today, endorsed Hoffman. Some so-called 'experts' say Sarah Palin has no future in national politics and doesn't have the political savvy to be a serious force on the world stage. Well, for someone who's supposed to be the least of these, she sure is out in front, while people like Newt Gingrich and Mike Huckabee follow her lead."

Dennis Sanders: "Scozzafava Drops Out"

The moderate Republican blogger in Minnesota views the exit as capitulation to extreme right forces. He wonders if there's a future for him in the GOP: "It seems like the far right has got it[s] wish....I guess the message from all this is pretty simple: if one deviates one bit from the current Republican 'script' they are a RINO [Republican In Name Only] and must be driven out. Only the 'pure' can be accepted. The sad thing is that Hoffman doesn’t even know or care about issues affecting the district he is supposed represent should he win. Scozzafava knew her district, but because of her so-called liberal stances on gay marriage and abortion she is being drummed out of the party. How Scozzafava was treated makes me wonder how long I will keep the moniker of Republican. I consider myself a pragmatic conservative and will remain one. But I am increasingly finding it hard to stay in a party that does not want me even though I agree with them on more issues than I disagree with them. The party is headed towards destruction. I don’t know if I want to be there for the end."

Clifton B.: "This RINO Is Toast! Dede Scozzafava Quits NY-23 Race"

The conservative blogger is happy, and argues that movement conservatives sent a message to the GOP establishment: "Über RINO Dede Scozzafava has quit the race for the NY-23 congressional seat. She quit after the release of the Siena College poll this morning. Stacy McCain is reporting that Scozzafava will give her support to Doug Hoffman. The Siena College poll follows what the previous polls showed Owens with a one-point lead over Hoffman and Scozzafava behind by double digits. What is not clear now is where will her supporters go. Were her supporters really liberals who did not like Owens or were they Republicans with party loyalty? Whether Hoffman wins, loses or draws notice has been served to the GOP today. The conservative base has sent a clear message to the GOP, get back to your roots or else. This upset should boost Marco Rubio’s chances against mega RINO Charlie Crist in Florida. Will the GOP heed that message?"

ATL Mayor's Race: Black People Hate Republicans More Than We Hate Crime And Incompetent Governance

Asserts Constructive Feedback, a conservative blogger in Atlanta metro, Ga. He discusses the heated and officially non-partisan Atlanta race, where Mary Norwood could become the city's first white mayor since 1973: "I knew that the Atlanta Mayor's race would have a dramatic finish that draws upon the biases of people, having them to put aside their sensibilities. I have to admit that I had previously misjudged this once sleepy campaign as a dud. I knew that a 'final week surprise' was coming. I had failed to appreciate the mode of attack."

He continues his commentary: "In the first picture we have Democratic Senatorial Candidate Jim Martin in the December 2008 campaign. Martin was able to force Sen Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) into a runoff because of the heavy increase in Black voters who came to the poll in support of Barack Obama having also voted for the Democrat selection for Senator. Jim Martin knew that the December runoff would not have Obama on the ticket and thus he was not going to get the Black vote back out UNLESS he pulled out all of the guns that could appeal to Black folks. SO WHAT DID HE DO? He invited a:

• A man who used to [d]eal [d]rugs in the Black community and who now raps with the purpose of glorifying the game
• A convicted felon who now sits in jail
• Another potty mouthed rapper with several hit songs calling Black women out of their names who is attempting to become a political king pin

The politician, preacher and present Sheriff of Dekalb County pictured in the background had no fear that being photographed with this crew would damage their standing with BLACK FOLKS."

More: "In the second picture we see Atlanta mayoral candidate Mary Norwood attempting to be soiled by 3 people who she likely has never met:

• conservative radio talkshow host Rush Limbaugh - hated by Progressive Blacks
  
• former President Bush - hated by Progressive Blacks
  
• former governor Sarah Palin - hated by Progressive Blacks
  

The inference is that Black people HATE REPUBLICANS MORE THAN WE HATE CRIME INCOMPETENCE AND IGNORANCE in the City of Atlanta. THE BOLDNESS OF THE BLACK POLITICAL ESTABLISHMENT!!!!! The reason why I maintain my 'What Is Making Black People Cry On The News Today?' video series is because I realize the power that the Black Establishment has over the sentiments of Black people. Come election day too many Black people are able to remain focused. They open their front door and then the iron bars that protect their house while they are at work, walk past the problem schools and anemic business district, careful to look out for the thugs who might intimidate them as they walk to the voting precinct on election day. With laser-like focus too many of our people are able to block out the painful truth of the RESULTS that have been obtained from their past decisions and VOTE to 'Try Harder'."

Bookeristas In The News

USA: Senate Favorite Would Make History

Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams is emerging as a favorite to be named as Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison's (R-Texas) successor if she resigns to run for governor, where he could become the first black U.S. senator from Texas. If chosen by Texas Gov. Rick Perry, the conservative politico - who is part of a state regulatory body over the oil and natural gas industries, and no longer railroads - also would be the only black Republican in a Senate where the GOP is battling the nation's first black president on health care and global warming. The only other black senator is a Democrat from Illinois who was appointed to replace President Barack Obama. If appointed, Mr. Williams would be only the fifth black to serve in the Senate since Reconstruction. Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, a millionaire who could self-finance a special election, remains a strong contender for Gov. Perry's appointment, despite having announced for re-election. Gov. Perry could name himself as Sen. Hutchison's replacement, but that is believed to be highly unlikely.

Netherlands: Hirsi Ali: "Islamdebat Is Mislukt (The Islam Debate Failed)"

Ayaan Hirsi Ali makes her declaration as the fifth anniversary of Dutch filmmaker Theo van Gogh's death approaches on Monday. The Somali-born libertarian feminist and former Dutch parliamentarian collaborated with Mr. van Gogh on "Submission", a controversial film which analyzed how Islam oppresses women. A jihadist murdered Mr. van Gogh on an Amsterdam street and stabbed a death note addressed to Ms. Hirsi Ali into Mr. van Gogh's chest. Ms. Hirsi Ali, who lives in 24/7 protection in the United States (with the help of American individuals), argues that freedom of expression is not well-protected in the Netherlands and Dutch law has failed in reining in Muslim extremists (article in Dutch).

Ms. Hirsi Ali, who is a former-Muslim-turned-atheist, on Muslim extremists' death threats: ''It's an effective way to gag anyone. But I'm not the danger, but radical Muslims.'' She asserts that at the time of Mr. van Gogh's death, leaders of that time were about "diversity in the room and listening to the incumbent center parties, while continuing to cover up integration problems." She added, "What is going on, the civilization of Islam, is not addressed.''

Ellis Washington: "Hate-Crimes Law = Fascism"

Asserts the conservative Republican political science professor, who argues that the bill's extension to sexual orientation and gender identity is an attack on Christianity: "This hate-crimes bill should have been named the ACA – Anti-Christian Act – for this legislation in essence will put a muzzle on ministers and rabbis and forbid them from preaching against the homosexual, lesbian, bisexual and transgender lifestyles dominating our culture at pain of civil rights lawsuits, fines, arrests and even imprisonment. Are we living in America or in Communist Russia under Lenin and Stalin? Of the many constitutional problems with hate-crime laws, one of the most venal, surreptitious and reminiscent of George Orwell's '1984' is the fact that these fascist laws punish our very thoughts. It is not so much a hate-crimes law, but in reality a thought-crimes law, for (absent an invalidation by the Supreme Court) people, particularly Christians, will be severely punished for speaking out against what they consider to be immoral behavior expressly prohibited in the Bible."

He continues his commentary: "Once he has silenced ministers, rabbis and conservative media from speaking out against immorality, and once Obama passes the health-care reform bill and the Copenhagen Climate Change Treaty in December 2009, he will have de jure (legal) and de facto (unofficial) control over every American from cradle to grave. Remember, America's enduring symbol of the rule of law, Lady Justice, wears a blindfold. Why? To demonstrate that Lady Justice is no respecter of persons; Lady Justice cares nothing about wealth, race, creed, color, gender or sexual orientation. All that Lady Justice cares about is Veritas – truth. There can be no truth in law without morality. There can be no morality in the law without God and the Bible."

More: "Hate crimes or thought crimes? – Either answers amounts to fascism. The essence of Obama's fascist policies pushes America into the abyss of the New World Order or WORld Management System (WORMS). Obama and his dozens of czars believe in management by social engineers, rather than government based in Natural Law and a written Constitution. Only God and the Supreme Court can save us now. Will they act before it is too late for America?"

"This Is It": A Movie Review

Cleo Brown, a moderate Republican in California, gives a thumbs up to the new Michael Jackson movie: "Friday afternoon I watched the final performances by Michael Jackson in the classic documentary of The King of Pop’s last rehearsals for the This Is It Concert Tour. As the film unfolded there were many thoughts running through my mind including how attractive he had become as a mature adult. Not only does the real life Michael Jackson ooze sex appeal as he sings and dances as well as coaches and mentors everyone involved in the production of the This Is It Tour, but he was also obviously quite mentally and physically fit at the time of his death. I am struck by the fact that Michael Jackson grew up! In the footage to This Is It, which demonstrates many aspects of Michael Jackson’s personality, I am also struck by the professionalism with which Michael Jackson approaches his job. At first, at the movies’ opening, it would appear that the story of the Michael Jackson dancers involved in the production will make up for Jackson’s presence. This substitution, however, does not occur as we are treated to Jackson’s renditions of such Michael Jackson hits as 'Beat It', 'Man in the Mirror', 'Billie Jean', 'Thriller', 'I Can’t Stop Loving You', 'Shake Your Body' and many more.

More: "Given the mystery surrounding Michael Jackson’s untimely passing, and the tragic circumstances of the performer’s life, it is devastating to watch such a talented and an engaging perfectionist knowing that he will entertain us no more. Given the impact of M.J. on so many of us, it seems trite to rate this outstanding film, as well as him, at all. Directed and Produced by Kenny Ortega , with Randy Phillips and Paul Congaware as Associate Producers, This Is It is a rare treat. The film’s editing, by the way, is excellent."

10/30 Quote Of The Day

"For centuries, Arabs have been enjoying a free ride because the emphasis of human rights activists, policy-makers, historians and intellectuals has been on the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and the crimes white people committed against blacks and Africans. President Obama recently compared the Atlantic Slave trade to the Holocaust. What about the brutal TRANS-SAHARAN slave trade that brought inhuman suffering to Blacks between Senegal and Zanzibar? It is time to address the Arab crimes against blacks starting with the story of the biblical Hagar, the trans-Saharan slave trade, the Egyptian exploitation of Nubia, the rape of black women and the imposition of their light-skinned bastard children as religious and community leaders of black Africans, the conflict in Darfur and South Sudan, the maltreatment of the so-called illegal immigrants in Arab states, the marginalized black populace of Arabia, to all the injustices you can think of. We do not hate the Arabs. We love Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana for making a reconciliatory gesture towards the Arabs by marrying an Arab woman. We love late Arab film-maker Mustapha Akad, we love Arab filmmaker Jihan el-Tahri, we love Arab intellectual Professor Bassam Tibi and we love Arab expert Lydia Khalil of the Council on Foreign Relations as well as all the Arabs fighting for Human Rights and the Secularisation of Islam. We love the Holy Prophet Muhammed (SAW) for freeing Bilal, the First Black and the First Muslim to call to prayer in Mecca. We love Islam because it treats Black People as equals. But we must differentiate between Islam and Arab culture and reject that radical petro-dollar Sharia being imposed on Africans as it makes us Africans slaves of the Arabs in the name of religion. Our sister Ayann Hirsi Ali is right with her call for an enlightenment and the liberation of Islam from barbaric traditions and interpretations. In Islam a black person is free and equal. In Arab culture however, a black person is always a slave, regardless of his/her status. Even the dog of a white man has more rights than the house maid of a typical Middle Eastern household. How many black people occupy key positions of politics, business, social and cultural lives of the Arab League or Gulf member states?" — African Council for Arts & Culture, a Germany-based Pan African cultural group

Alan Keyes on The New Totalitarians

The conservative activist and America's Independent Party member opines: "To convince the public of the 'urgent need' for a comprehensive reorganization of administration and finance
in the health sector, the new totalitarians held up the plight of the 10 percent or so of Americans without health insurance. Though opponents of their totalitarian ideology frequently pointed out that as many as half of this 10 percent voluntarily forego health insurance, the Obama totalitarians went on acting as if such people didn't exist, or their existence didn't affect the urgent need for government action. It now becomes apparent that depriving these people of their liberty was all along the real aim of the exercise. They become the precedent for the transformation of government prerogative that represents the decisive imposition of totalitarian control. What begins with the pretense of government doing good for people ends in the reality of government forcing them to do what those who happen to wield government power decide is good for them."

He continues: "Once we stretch the meaning of the General Welfare and Interstate Commerce clauses of the Constitution to include forcing people to buy health insurance, what will prevent the same logic from being used to force women in these circumstances [too poor to afford a child, too burdened already to care for an additional child, too young to do so or too distressed by emotional and other difficulties, etc] to buy abortions? John Holdren, one of Obama's key White House appointees, has already 'argued in a college textbook that compulsory government-mandated 'green abortions' would be a constitutionally acceptable way to control population growth and prevent ecological disasters.' The supposedly compassionate pleas for access to health care were cover for the aim of forcing some people to buy health insurance they don't want, and others to pay for providers of health insurance they have chosen not to patronize. (That's the real effect of the language that allows states to 'opt out' of the government-controlled health scheme. People in the states that do will be taxed to pay for it anyway.) By the same token, will the supposedly compassionate pleas for access to abortion services provide cover for the aim of forcing women in certain circumstances to murder their children, and forcing all of us to pay for the government institutions that coerce them into doing so?"

More: "Of course, the so-called 'right' to murder our offspring is just the most controversial of the goods the new totalitarians mean to offer us. People have a right to a job so they can earn a living, which obviously implies the need for government institutions that coerce them to accept a job at whatever the government determines to be a living wage. People have the right to shelter, which obviously implies the need for government institutions that coerce them to accept shelter in what the government deems to be acceptable conditions. People have the right to nutrition, which obviously implies the need for government institutions that dictate a nutritional diet
and enforce healthy eating habits. People have the right to live in a world free of pollution and the threat of catastrophic climate change, so government must control business and economic activity to curtail their harmful effects on the ecosystem. People have the right to live in an emotional environment free of attitudes or words that imply disapproval of their sexual behavior, their rejection of God, their discomfort with outward displays of religious faith or worship, so the government must repress such thoughts, such behavior and such expressions of opinion."

Final thoughts from Mr. Keyes: "Given all the goods they offer us with their new understanding of 'rights', I suppose the next clause of the Constitution these new totalitarians will use to justify their power grab will be the one that speaks of securing the blessings of liberty. What they will fail to add of course is that, at the price of securing them, our liberty will be replaced by total government control. It's like that old saw about your cake. You can't have the blessings of liberty and keep it too. Only Americans get to do that."

Daniel Mitchell: "Politicians Fiddle While America's Corporate Tax System Burns"

The libertarian Cato Institute (USA) scholar: "KPMG has released its annual global survey of corporate tax systems. For the 10th consecutive year, the average corporate tax rate fell, and it is now down to 25.5 percent — and just 23.2 percent in the European Union! In the United States, unfortunately, the corporate tax rates remains stuck at about 40 percent. Only one developed nation, Japan, has a more punitive regime. That’s something to keep in mind the next time a politician complains that jobs are going to China, where the corporate tax rate is 25 percent."

RAYNARD JACKSON COMMENTARY: Republicans Need To Go Back To The Bush Leagues

Asserts the moderate Republican political analyst: "According to the dictionary, bush-league is a reference to anything that is of an 'inferior class or group; marked by a lack of sophistication or professionalism.' But, I have a slightly different take on this expression. When I speak of the need for Republicans to return to the 'Bush' leagues, I am referring to former president, George Herbert Walker Bush and his team of statesmen, former Secretary of State, James A. Baker, and former Secretary of Commerce, Robert A. Mosbacher. I have known the Bush family for more than two decades and make a point to continue to stay in touch with the family. I was fortunate enough to be asked to chair the former president’s campaign in St. Louis back in 1988. I will always cherish and be grateful to the Bush family for giving a recent college graduate such a prominent position in a presidential campaign. The Bush family is one of the most decent families you will ever meet. They are a very private family, with most of their good deeds going unnoticed by the public. For example, the public is very surprised to find out that the Bush family has been involved with the United Negro College Fund for over forty years and counting."

He continues his commentary: "These three wise men are what I call the Bush League. Even though they are Republicans, they all are well respected by Democrats. Not being able to have dinner or drinks with someone because they are a member of the opposite party is a foreign concept to them. They could not imagine being speaker of the [H]ouse and not having a relationship with the minority leader. Foreign policy, like politics, is mostly based on relationships. I will go so far as to say foreign policy is 90 percent personal relations and 10 percent policy. The Bush League could not imagine not using personal relations to advance America’s security interests throughout the world. When the younger Bush got mired down in his foreign policy initiatives, who did he call for help? You guessed it, Jim Baker. When the younger Bush was in the early stages of putting together his fundraising team, who did he seek out for advice? Yep, Bob Mosbacher. These three wise men are constantly being asked to represent our country in various capacities throughout the world. Even though they haven’t been in public office for almost two decades, they are viewed as true elder statesmen."

More: "Who is there within the Republican ranks that can fill these men’s shoes? Unfortunately, the obvious answer is no one. The dysfunction seen within this current Republican Party would never have been allowed under these three wise men. The relevant people would have been ushered into a private meeting and given a chance to air their views; then they would have been told what was going to happen and that they were expected to fall in line. End of discussion! The thought of a military official publically [sic] disagreeing with the elder Bush on policy is unthinkable. The unfortunate thing today is that the current leadership within the Republican Party barely even knows these three wise men. Michael Steele would be wise to have a private lunch with each of these gentlemen to seek their guidance and advice. Can you imagine Dick Cheney being a party 'wise man?' or Newt Gingrich? Or even the younger Bush? Not even remotely conceivable! The Republican Party is in dire need of some Bush Leaguers, but are they willing to associate themselves with the bush-leaguers currently running our party?"

Booker Rising response: Mr. Bush was vice persident under former President Reagan, Mr. Baker was his former chief of staff, and Mr. Mosbacher was key fundraising guru and later Secretary of Commerce under Bush pere. All three men came into prominence as statesmen due to the efforts of movement conservatism - two directly and one indirectly riding Mr. Reagan's coattails - and not movement moderatism. During his tenure, moderate Republicans and Democrats often considered President Reagan a "bush-leaguer" (let's not forget the 1980 Republican primary campaign). Ironically, the same movement conservatism that Mr. Jackson despises in this historical revisionistic tale. Give credit where due because it wasn't movement moderatism that engendered their rise. I wonder why Mr. Bush was a one-term president? However, I can't imagine Bush pere dithering for months while his military general - whom he picked to head up an effort - had made recommendations and is looking for a response.

The U.S. Economy: Bookerista Perspectives

Bookeristas appear to be skeptical about yesterday's news that the U.S. economy finally grew after many quarters of economic decline:

Ripclawe: "Economy Grows 3.5% On Government Spending. Joy!"

The conservative Republican blogger in Florida writes: "Any economy that grew based mostly on government spending of taxpayer money we don't have can't be hailed as anything but a farce. This is like a sugar rush and then comes the crash to normal. It is a stupid way to rebuild an economy but it was never about rebuilding just looking ahead for the 2010 elections."

Faye Anderson: "Recovery Trick Or Treat"

The moderate-liberal blogger writes: "The gross domestic product (GDP) grew 3.5 percent in the third quarter of this year. With that, the economic recession is 'officially' over. Try telling that to the 15 million Americans who are officially unemployed. Or to the nine million Americans who are involuntary part-time workers. And don’t even think about spreading the, er, good news to the 2.2 million Americans who have grown tired of looking and are 'marginally attached to the labor force.' Today, state reports on the number of jobs created or saved by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will be posted to Recovery.gov. But with tens of thousands of reports posted, data are still missing about whether the more than $200 billion in stimulus funds awarded to the states are being used to help those most in need."

News: Black Leadership

USA: King Daughter To Run Civil Rights Group

Well, yesterday's news report said that the results were getting announced next week but clearly not. The daughter of slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. has been elected president of a civil rights group co-founded by her father. Bernice King will be the first woman to lead the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, which her father headed until his murder in 1968.

After its foundation in 1957, the SCLC was for years one of the country's most influential civil rights groups with a reputation for organizing effective non-violent direct-action protests. Under Dr. King's leadership, the group played a key role in the passing of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which banned racial segregation. In recent years, the organization has suffered from infighting - with some members in Florida threatening to secede - and controversy brewing over the president of a branch in California backing gay marriage.

Ms. King, a motivational speaker and Baptist minister, said her bid was "a destiny call" and that the hand of God was leading her. She will be the third member of the King family to preside over the SCLC. Her brother, Martin Luther King III, was president from 1998 to 2003.

African Union Imposes Sanctions On Guinea Junta

The African Union is imposing immediate sanctions against the leaders of Guinea's ruling military junta, which took power in a coup last December after the death of veteran leader Lansana Conte. According to Lamamra Ramtane, AU commissioner for peace and security, the sanctions would include such measures as the freezing of bank accounts and travel visas rather than trade sanctions against the country. He said the measures would be directed against the leadership of the CNDD, the ruling junta in the West African country led by Captain Moussa Dadis Camara (pictured left). International pressure and internal dissent have grown in Guinea since live ammunition was used against anti-government protesters in a stadium a month ago, killing 157 people.

Haitian Senate Fires Prime Minister

Haiti's Senate voted 18-0 just after 12am today to dismiss Prime Minister Michele Pierre-Louis, following almost 10 hours of debate (hat tip: BlackElectorate.com). A number of senators who opposed the move to fire Prime Minister Pierre-Louis had left the Senate floor shortly before the vote, believing that they had successfully filibustered the attempt when the clock struck midnight. Senate President Kely Bastien, who is not allowed to cast a vote under Senate rules, said a letter will be sent to President René Préval notifying him of the Senate's decision. "There is nothing illegal about the vote,'' said Bastien, adding that Haiti "could have a new prime minister as early as today or Saturday.''

Senators have accused Prime Minister Pierre-Louis, a favorite of the international community, of not moving quickly to solve Haiti's crucial problems: high unemployment, lack of significant foreign investments and environmental deterioration. In office for a year, Prime Minister Pierre-Louis said she has spent much of her tenure getting international support for Haiti after four back-to-back storms devastated the country last year, and it is too soon to see the results of her work. Senators were not swayed.

French Court Stops African Embezzlement Probe

A French appeals court has stopped an investigation into claims three African leaders embezzled millions of dollars from their countries to buy luxury property and cars and open bank accounts in France. The plaintiffs say they will appeal the ruling. The embezzlement complaint targets President Teodoro Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea (pictured left), Congolese President Denis Sassou-Nguesso of Republic (pictured center), and the late Omar Bongo of Gabon (pictured right), and their relatives. It was lodged by the French chapter of corruption watchdog group Transparency International, along with another rights group called Sherpa. The groups will lodge an appeal to Cassation Curt, France's highest judicial body. If that is rejected, they may take their case to the European Court of Human Rights, in Strasbourg, France. All three leaders and/or their relatives deny the charges.

Society Website: Black And Missing But Not Forgotten

Black and Missing But Not Forgotten was started in July 2007 in effort to raise more awareness to missing black women, children and men in the United States. The blog writes: "It originally started because of missing woman, Stepha Henry. Stepha Henry went missing May of last year and by the time I heard of her, it had already been a month since her disappearance. So I went off to do a little research about her. I was surprised to only find a couple of articles on her and an outdated America’s Most Wanted profile. But what really set me off was this quote from Miami Herald’s Crime Scene blog: 'I’m livid. I agreed to conduct a last-minute interview with MSNBC about the case of missing Stepha Henry, the 22-year-old college grad who went missing May 29 from Miami-Dade. I rushed to MSNBC’s studio but a few minutes before the interview, I was told that it was off — Paris Hilton coverage was more important.' I could not believe that Stepha’s story was being pushed to the side to cover an heiress’s trip to jail. I was furious but instead of complaining about it, I decided to take action and create my own media." (hat tip: What About Our Daughters)

Harry Jackson Jr.: "Democracy Is Shrinking In D.C."

The conservative commentator and pastor opines about the gay marriage battle in Washington, D.C.: "This past week, DC city council member Jack Evans vehemently warned DC citizens that if they took their concerns about marriage to Capitol Hill there would be grave 'consequences.' Knowing that he and his colleagues have garnered the votes they need to pass a same-sex marriage law in DC, he thought that he would flex his political muscles. After repeating his threats in several different ways he summarized the essence of his warning, 'Proceed at your own peril.' What has Congress have to do with DC? The connection is that DC laws are in fact subject to approval by the US Congress. Evans’ comments exposed his concerns that a large number of complaints would come from DC residents, their families, and friends to both Republican and Democratic congressmen. He and his cronies do not want their plan for DC statehood to get derailed."

He continues his commentary: "Yet while we still are being denied a vote in the United States Congress, the council does not want the people to vote on same-sex marriage. Citizens have complained rightly at the injustice of being forced to pay taxes without being able to have a real congressional vote. Our license plates even go so far as to make a powerful declaration, 'No taxation without representation.' Hypocritically, the DC city council appears poised to deny the people their rights. By keeping the District’s power primarily in their hands, the council is acting like the District is an oligarchy --- or even worse, a plantation with slaves. The council’s job is to safeguard the rights of the people --- especially their right to vote. It should empower residents, not threaten them. Somehow their desire to be on the 'right side of history' has become so strong for council members that they are determined to advance the cause of gay rights (even if it abridges the rights of the majority of the citizens in the District). Our situation in DC is a classic example of how a special-interest group can receive extra special treatment, even favoritism, as a result of systematic and strategic work. The gay lobby has been so extensive that a majority of the city’s council members say that they arrived at their conviction to support same-sex marriage a couple of years ago. Therefore, when the groundwork was finally finished this spring, the council’s unity on such a difficult issue had been secured several years ago. As a result of this grassroots preparation, the people’s concerns on many additional issues will not be considered."

More commentary from Mr. Jackson Jr.: "It is ironic that the city’s most fundamental civil rights --- the right to vote --- is being hijacked in the name of giving one group its civil rights. My opponents in the marriage debate are correct --- the initiative is about civil rights--- voting rights. My father risked his life to allow blacks the privilege of voting. He taught my brother and I that we should vote at all cost because of the high price that had been paid for this privilege. While council members myopically attempt to play heroic roles in history, in reality they may become widely discussed villains of American democracy."

Booker Rising response: Government and voters shouldn't dictate the consensual lives of adults. Perhaps D.C. residents should put a lot more energy towards their 23% marriage rate. While I'm on the subject, Mr. Jackson Jr., is this the only topic of importance to you? Eight out the past 11 columns of yours that I've highlighted have been on this topic. This column will make it 9 out 12. Mix it up some! OK, I must be cranky today....

CNN: "Black Men In The Age Of Obama" - "It Has Changed The Way We Are Looked At"

Constructive Feedback: "We Need Less Symbolism, More Organic Change"

The conservative blogger in Atlanta metro, Ga., argues that the symbolism of U.S. President Barack Obama for black American men doesn't replace the need for on-the-ground work to improve black men's lives: "CNN Special - Black Men in the Age of President Obama Some time in the future books, research papers and plays will be written about this mythical time that we are living in. Some future historian will look back at this time that we are living in 'After Obama' and inspect how things have 'changed'. While the normal presidential historians will do the standard research - there will be motivation by social researchers and African-American studies researchers to focus upon the Black Community. I hope and pray that this blog and the daily headlines in the communities where we live are available for their research because the truth must be told. The truth is 'Obama is doing what a president can do.' This is separate and distinct from what is happening 'Within The Black Community'. This piece about CNN and all of the other Obama 'Magical Gravitational Pull By Induction' upon Black America is nothing more than the HOPES of Black America put into narrative form. There [are] far fewer defined processes regarding how all that is hoped to happen will happen than what can be justified by the anticipation. This first year in office has had a cooling effect among many."

He continues his commentary about the upcoming CNN show: "Since this CNN show i[s] focused upon Black men - the sad truth is that [what] is present when Bishop T.D. Jakes holds his 'MegaFest' in the Georgia Dome is true: The main people who we need to hear the 'gospel of Obama' are tuned out and are into their own world. The street pirates who were motivated on November 4th are back to assaulting people. The 'pirates in training' who are housed in the same classrooms with other students that are willing to learn did not get motivated by seeing Barack Obama as had been predicted. They are still 'confiscating instruction time' from them. Bottom line - While I really do appreciate the attention that CNN has bestowed upon Blacks and Latinos these 'good news' stories are not all that is needed to affect change."

He argues for a human resource management model to create organic change: "At present the powers that be which influence the Black community, in my opinion, have little interest in submitting themselves to such a structure and instruction. It is too clear that one fact is the case - In the presence of a d[y]sfunctional management structure those who can make emotional laden appeals, drawing upon their present favorable views by the people typically win the bulk of the benefit for their own interests. It is incumbent upon the Black Community to wrest control from those who have their selfish interests in place and who have proven via time that they seek to empower the centralized system rather than the individual people. Many of these people seek to place our community in the state of being 'In Receipt Of Benefit' rather than being conscious of the importance of having the attainment of goals of the people being put upon the backs of the masses. We gain proficiency and order by mobilizing the human resources that we have at our disposal in support of these macro goals."

Duane Brayboy: "Race Talk Friday"

The conservative blogger in Atlanta metro, Ga., discusses the CNN special: "While no one cannot deny the historical nature of his presidency (based on his race alone), he is still a politician. Black men are still Black men. Black women are still Black women. Black children are still Black children. We paid taxes before he was elected and we are definitely paying taxes now that he is President. I think it is important to point this out because there has been this ongoing trend in politics to seal the fate of the entire Black race in the envelope of politics. When Jewish, Irish, Italian, and politicians of other ethnic backgrounds are elected to office, how often to we see discussions on how that politician’s rise to power is going to uplift that particular race?"

He continues: "Now the Kennedys certainly were not the first Irish-American family to enter into politics, but they are the most famous. How often have we seen specials or discussions on how Irish American men feel provoked to now take care of their families? During the days of John and Robert Kennedy, were there any studies conducted claiming that the grades of Irish-American kids suddenly shot up alongside the Kennedy[s'] rise to prominence? You can take out 'Irish' and replace it with any other non-Black group you wish and you will see that Blacks as a whole are the only ones who are portrayed with an umbilical cord connected to elected officials. For us, the stakes are portrayed to be much higher for us: If the wrong person gets elected, Jim Crow, Willie Lynch, Bull Connor will all emerge from the grave and surround us like the corpses in Michael Jackson’s 'Thriller' video. If the right person is in office, forget the fact that unemployment is through the roof, forget the fact that we are fighting wars on two fronts, forget the fact that the economy is struggling – we’s gots our self-esteem, thanks to Obama."

New Alicia Keys Song

Here is the second single off her upcoming CD, The Element Of Freedom, which drops December 15. The single is called "Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart". I didn't know she had released the first single! Last night she and Jay-Z performed at the World Series.



I like Alicia Keys' music, but I'm not feeling this song. It's so generic R&B. Blah.

Actor Shares Passion For Booker T. Washington

Lou Myers may best be known as portraying Mr. Gaines on the television show "A Different World," appearing on Broadway and winning numerous awards. However, that's not what he talked about when he recently visited with a group of senior citizens at the Booker T. Washington Community Center. He spoke about his passion for Booker T. Washington and the legendary conservative Republican educator's ideas about economic advancement.

Both men have strong ties to West Virginia. Although Mr. Washington was born in Virginia, he spent several years in Malden, WV. Mr. Myers was born in Cabin Creek. He attended the former Booker T. Washington High School in London, WV. Mr. Washington's ideas about economics and business incubators should be revived here, Mr. Myers said. He has put those ideas into action. He is chairman and chief enlightenment officer for Global Business Incubation, a nonprofit incubator research and development organization that works in Los Angeles, New York and St. Louis. He often speaks on panels with professors and business experts around the world about new trends in business and urban community economic development. Tomorrow, Myers will combine his talents at a dinner and show to raise money for the Booker T. Washington Community Center.

Mr. Myers pointed out that Mr. Washington believed African Americans should build an economic network and allow that to be a catalyst for change and social improvement. In his 1895 Atlanta Compromise address, Mr. Washington made a statement that Mr. Myers referred to often: "In all things purely social we can be as separate as the fingers, yet one as the hand in all things essential to mutual progress. This is the way all corporations work," Mr. Myers said. Referring to an automaker, Mr. Myers said, "The people who make the glass don't know the people who make the rubber,...but they work separate as the fingers and one as the hand."

Mr. Washington, he said, didn't ask to receive. "He created," Mr. Myers said. "Andrew Carnegie once told Mr. Washington, 'Because I see you creating I'm going to give you $600,000 to finance your creativity.' That's capital," Mr. Myers said. "And that's what we've been trying to get around the country. I'm tired of people begging - it runs your blessings away."

Open Thread Friday

Mi thread casa es su thread casa. What's on your mind?

10/29 News: Black Leadership

MLK's Daughter In Running For SCLC Presidency

Rev. Bernice King is among two candidates being considered to head the civil rights organization co-founded by her father, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. (hat tip: The Root). The Southern Christian Leadership Conference will announce its choice for president sometime next week. The organization held a closed-door meeting today in Atlanta. General counsel Dexter Wimbish said ballots were tallied by an independent third party and were sealed. The candidates have not been notified of the results. If elected, Rev. King would be the first woman to head the group in its 52-year history. The other candidate is Judge Wendell Griffen of Little Rock, Ark. He was the first black attorney to work for a major Arkansas law firm and is an ordained minister and pastor of New Millennium Church.

Birmingham Mayor Guilty Of Bribery, Fraud

Birmingham, Ala. mayor Larry Langford was convicted in federal court yesterday on 60 counts of bribery and fraud during his term on the Jefferson County Commission. The liberal Democratic mayor faces a sentence of up to 805 years in prison. Federal prosecutors said that Langford accepted money and gifts totaling $230,000+ from a banker in exchange for $7 million+ in business on county bond deals.

Langford and several supporters questioned the jury’s verdict, some blaming the conviction on race. "In Alabama, black people will never get a fair trial," wife Melva Langford said. "There should be a total investigation of the Justice Department." Prosecutor George Martin said calling for such an investigation was "ridiculous," and he denied that race played a role in Langford's prosecution or the trial's outcome. "It was a diverse jury. It was because of the evidence, not the jury," he said. One of Langford's attorneys, Glennon Threatt, who is black, said he has done previous corruption cases with white defendants, and race was not a factor. The jury had blacks and nine whites. The case was tried in Tuscaloosa, 60 miles away, after Langford requested a change because of publicity.

Carole Smitherman, the president of the City Council, will serve as interim mayor until an election is held within three months.

Wisconsin Farmer Promotes 'Good-Food Revolution'

After years of tilling away in obscurity, Will Allen has found sudden fame as the face of the urban farming movement. In the year since he won a so-called genius grant from a Chicago foundation, the former pro basketball player has mingled with former President Bill Clinton, appeared in Oprah Winfrey's O magazine and spoken to scores of groups across the nation and overseas. "The thing that makes me happiest is that more people of color are joining the good-food revolution," said Mr. Allen. "Ten years ago, an African-American would say, this is slaves' work, why you doing this? Now we have more people of color at my talks. Before this I had never been interviewed by black media, and now I've had stories in seven or eight black magazines."

A former pro basketball player, Allen is the founder and chief executive of Growing Power Inc., a Milwaukee-based company that develops urban farming techniques and teaches young people how to grow food in poor, inner-city neighborhoods. His goal is to teach people how to grow nutritious foods anywhere, in any climate, and the publicity generated by the MacArthur Foundation grant may help him do that. Allen's work caught Mr. Clinton's eye, and he was invited to the Clinton Global Initiative in New York City last month. Mr. Clinton's global action group also committed to helping Growing Power raise $1.9 million to help Mr. Allen to teach his farming methods to women and children in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Mr. Allen said he's focusing on women because they're the primary farmers, and children because they suffer most from the lack of food. "It's about building sustainable food systems," Allen said of his mission, "creating a whole industry around local food systems that can improve communities. That can help end crime and create thousands of jobs. It's about working to make sure everyone has access to good food, to healthy food, high-quality, safe food."

AK'BAR SHABAZZ OP-ED: Competition, Not Government Intervention, The Right Prescription For Health Care

Asserts the conservative Republican, about health care reform in America: "There are conservatives who don’t believe there is anything wrong, but others have ideas. Some suggest changing laws to allow people to buy insurance across state lines. Others promote 'co-ops' that would allow smaller business to consolidate their buying power and give them the ability to purchase insurance at rates equivalent to larger corporations. This, however, doesn’t ensure policies get paid when needed or costs will stay manageable. Something needs to be done to ensure Americans actually get what they pay for. Based on examples such as the DMV and the Post Office, it’s unlikely the federal government can provide an efficient solution that Americans would be willing to pay for - if they get a choice. Most Americans also do not want 'welfare type' health insurance."

More: "How about promoting competition? This is America. Our country was built on the fundamental principle of supply and demand. There is no reason this cannot be applied in this case. With only a handful of companies truly in the American insurance market today, there is tremendous demand but no real supply-side competition. Let new players into the game. Allow international companies to get involved if necessary. If the government must be involved at all, let them simply set the ground rules and allow companies to compete in similar fashion to a standard bid contract. There is no need for federalizing our health care. When the most qualified and lowest bidder wins - so do Americans. People can keep their existing providers. Additional providers might provide new and possibly revolutionary means of coverage. Rates should drop tremendously due to these increased options. We should also allow Americans to purchase their health insurance a la carte for specific levels of coverage. Someone with a family history of diabetes can get that covered, while others with cancer in their family can get coverage specific to them. The young and healthy can choose a basic plan such as coverage only for accidents. Maintaining the status quo, however, is no solution. We need to protect Americans' lives and wallets by ensuring a multitude of options are available and consumer quality is ensured."

News: Crime & Punishment

Detroit Mosque Leader Killed In FBI Raid

The leader of a Detroit mosque who allegedly espoused violence and a separate state within the United States governed by sharia law was shot and killed today by the FBI in a gun battle at a Dearborn, Mich. warehouse. Luqman Ameen Abdullah, imam of the Masjid Al-Haqq mosque in Detroit, was being arrested on a raft of federal charges including conspiracy, receipt of stolen goods, and firearms offenses and allegedly opened fire first (hat tip: BlackElectorate.com). Charges were also filed against 11 of Abdullah's followers. Eight were in custody last night awaiting detention hearings today; three remained at large.

A federal complaint filed identified Abdullah, 53, also known as Christopher Thomas, as "a highly placed leader of a nationwide radical fundamentalist Sunni group." His black Muslim group calls itself "Ummah," or the brotherhood. "He regularly preaches anti-government and anti-law enforcement rhetoric," an FBI agent wrote in an affidavit. "Abdullah and his followers have trained regularly in the use of firearms, and continue to train in martial arts and sword fighting." The Ummah is headed nationally by Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin, formerly known as H. Rap Brown, who is serving a state sentence for the murder of two police officers in Georgia.

'Baggy Pants' Students Reach Agreement With Bar

Six black students from Washington University who say they were turned away from a Chicago bar said today they've reached an agreement with the business that will help them combat racial discrimination. The students claim a manager at Original Mother's bar in Chicago told them earlier this month their baggy jeans violated the bar's dress code; the students say a white student in the same baggy jeans (pictured at left inside the bar; one of the black students who was denied pictured at right outside the bar) was later admitted.

The students said at a news conference the bar has agreed to apologize, join them at a Chicago rally against discrimination in November, take part in four fundraisers for a worthy cause and provide sensitivity training to its managers. The students agreed not to file a lawsuit or seek money from the bar. "Discrimination and racial profiling still happen, and we need to have a larger dialogue about it," said Fernando Cutz, 21, the school's senior class president.

Brad Grayson, a lawyer representing the bar, said after the news conference the bar does not believe it discriminated against the students as it enforced its dress code policy. "There was no intention to admit white kids with baggy jeans and exclude black kids with baggy jeans," he said. But Mr. Grayson said the business will work with the students on efforts to combat discrimination and will apologize because they had a bad experience at Mother's.

News: Democrats & Health Care Reform

Pro-Life Democrats: "We've Got The Votes To Doom Health Care Bill If Taxpayer-Funded Abortion Language Isn't Removed"

Democrats For Life of America announced today that they have 40 votes that will vote against the U.S. House health care reform legislation if taxpayer-funded abortion language is not removed from the bill. "I want to be clear, pro-life Democrats want to help pass health care reform but our coalition can in no way support reform that includes taxpayer-funded abortions. If the leadership will remove that language, we feel confident that we can deliver enough votes to help put this much needed reform over the top in the House," said Kristen Day, Executive Director of Democrats For Life of America, in a statement that was emailed to Booker Rising.

At issue for the 40-vote coalition is the refusal of the House leadership to include language that would prevent abortions to be paid for in health care reform. The so- called "Hyde language" is the standard that both sides have agreed upon for decades, which would prevent taxpayer-funded abortions in appropriations bills. Several attempts to insert such language was rebuffed by House leadership throughout the committee and mark-up process in the House.

"We believe in a big-tent Democratic Party, but to not allow Hyde language to be included in health care reform would force some pro-choice and pro-life Democrats to vote against health care reform. If we add this language, we believe we can help Speaker Pelosi get the votes to pass this legislation," said Ms. Day.

Blue Dogs Seek Answers On Health Bill Cost Savings

Centrist House Democrats are questioning the cost savings and deficit assumptions that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) touted today in introducing a health care bill designed specifically to win their support. The four leaders of the fiscally moderate and conservative Blue Dog Coalition have drafted a letter to Congressional Budget Office Director Douglas Elmendorf. In the letter, they ask for additional calculations and explanations about whether the $1.055 billion House bill would reduce federal spending on health care and would reduce the deficit, as Speaker Pelosi has promised. This comes after Speaker Pelosi kept a more liberal version of a government-run health insurance option out of the bill, a necessary move to secure votes from some Blue Dogs.

Speaker Pelosi and Democratic leaders on today said the bill would cost $894 billion over 10 years and, as Speaker Pelosi said repeatedly, would not add “one dime” to the federal deficit. That number got Democrats below the $900 billion threshold laid down by President Barack Obama, but the CBO pegged the legislation’s full cost at $1.055 trillion in a report issued today after calculating more than just the bill’s health insurance “coverage” costs.

The Blue Dogs are also questioning the assumptions that the House bill would reduce federal spending on health care over the long term -- what’s generally referred to as “bending the cost curve” downward -- and have asked CBO to calculate how policy changes could further “bend the curve.” What’s more – and what may cause the biggest headache for Speaker Pelosi – is that the Blue Dog leaders said their ability to support the House bill is contingent upon CBO’s timely response, and possibly on what that response says.

President Obama & Afghanistan: Bookerista Perspectives

Most (not all) bookeristas are unhappy with U.S. President Barack Obama, who is taking his time to decide whether or not to send more troops into Afghanistan. I've been telling y'all, ain't nothing getting decided before that Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in early December...

Clifton B.: "More Dithering: Obama Seeks Province By Province Analysis Of Afghanistan"

The conservative blogger takes issue with U.S. President Barack Obama's request that his senior officials do a province-by-province analysis of Afghanistan to determine which regions are being managed effectively by local leaders and which require international help, which will guide his decision on whether and how many additional U.S. troops to send to the country: "Quite frankly this is crazy. Obama assigned [General Stanley] McChrystal to handle this region, now he is second guessing the guy all over the place. I don’t see how officials in Washington who never fought a war could possibly know better than the general who is actually on the ground. To make matters worse, counting on local provinces to do their own policing sounds like a sure fire [sic] way to completely lose control of the situation. I could understand Obama’s plan better if the US already had full control of the situation, but we don’t. So giving up control here and there seems like the best way to fracture our over all effort and makes it a whole lot easier for Al Q[a]eda to surge further by picking off one province at a time. Basically Obama is doing everything he can to avoid sending more troops, a move that is sure to anger his base further at a time he needs their support to get his health care agenda through. The whole thing is just a shame."

Sandra Rose: "OBAMA FAIL: Obama Wakes Early For Photo Op"

Asserts the conservative blogger in Atlanta metro, Ga.: "Barack Obama woke up early this morning to welcome home the bodies of 18 fallen U.S. soldiers who were killed fighting the war in Afghanistan. The photo shows Obama standing on a tarmac just before dawn and saluting as servicemen carry their fallen comrades off a transport plane. More soldiers are dying as Obama continues to drag his feet on making a decision to send more troops to Afghanistan. One high ranking military official quit this week in disgust. This from Kenny Soloman:

The commander-in-chief of the armed forces of The United States of America has welcomed home 18 of those under his command who have fallen. For that act, reading nothing into it, I say thank you, Sir.

However, I firmly believe the very same commander-in-chief of the armed forces of The United States of America is purposely working towards the defeat of the armed forces of The United States of America and thus the nation and her people.

It is also thoroughly abhorrent to me that the current commander-in-chief of the armed forces of The United States of America is attempting to project an understanding of the honor and gravity involved in what is taking place before him.

The Mudville Gazette noted that 'only one of the families allowed the president to use the occasion for his photo-op.' And Hermie added that George Bush never used such a solemn occasion for a photo op in his 8 years in office."

Africa In The News

East Africa: Inter-Regional Trade Grows 49%

Intra-regional trade within the East African Community region has grown by 49% in the last five years the Customs Union has been in force. Removing trade barriers has also earned the regional bloc other tangible benefits such as increased investments from outside. For instance, inflows of foreign direct investment almost tripled from US$692 million in 2002 to US$ 1.7 billion in 2007 with Tanzania and Uganda receiving the largest proportions. The protocol establishing the EAC Customs Union was signed in March 2004 by the heads of state of Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya and came into force in January the following year. Burundi and Rwanda, which joined the regional bloc in July 2007, became members of the EAC Customs Union last July.

China Invests US$6 Billion In Nigeria

Ken Ukaoha, the national president of National Association of Nigerian Traders said foreign direct investment from China to Nigeria has doubled from US$3 billion in 2003, to US$6 billion, with the share in oil and gas sector taking the lion share of 75%. He said that bilateral trade relations between Nigeria and China is underscored more by the economic relations between both countries. According to Mr. Ukaoha, trade between China and Nigeria is hinged on two basic fundamentals: Nigeria's deficiency in basic infrastructure, while China is a source of infrastructure provision to Nigeria, Secondly, Nigeria is a good source of crude oil and minerals needed by China in its fast growing manufacturing sector. Though formal trade between China and Nigeria did not begin until 38 years ago, he said Chinese traders and industrialists have had a foothold in Nigeria since 1960s.

Apart from South Africa, Nigeria is China's largest trading partner in Africa. The upsurge in China's influence in Africa, according to Mr. Ukaoha, is based on China's quest for resources, space and influence in global affairs as well as Africa's quest for better terms of trade, decreased resources and less interventionist and also a continually laden models of development.

News: The Economy

USA: Economy Grows But Jobless Number Still Soars

The nation's economic pulse is starting to beat more powerfully, but it's still too soon to crack open the champagne, President Barack Obama noted today after new numbers showed the economy grew in the third quarter. The gross domestic product grew at an annual rate of 3.5%, up from a 0.7% drop in the second quarter, and "the largest three-month gain we have seen in two years," the liberal Democratic president said at a small business event. "This is obviously welcome news and an affirmation that this recession is abating and the steps we've taken have made a difference", he said. However, persistently dismal jobless numbers still dampen any talk of a full recovery in the near future. The Labor Department reported today that weekly numbers for newly laid-off workers fell by 1,000 to a seasonally-adjusted 530,000, less than than the 521,000 government economists had expected.

Zambia: Economy Seen Growing 6.3% In 2009

The southern African country's economy is expected by grow by 6.3% in 2009, driven by strong growth in the agriculture, mining, construction and other sectors, the Central Statistical Office said today. The CSO also said in a statement that inflation slowed to 12.3% year-on-year in October from 13.0% in September, due to lower food prices. The Finance Ministry has projected growth of 4.3% for this year.

Feds Giveth Jobs & Cars, Then Taketh Away Again

Tad DeHaven, budget analyst for the libertarian Cato Institute, writes: "The bad news this morning on the impact of both the federal stimulus and the Cash for Clunkers program should not come as a surprise to anyone who has paid attention to the history of government intervention in the economy. New data that the jobs created by the stimulus have been overstated by thousands is compelling, but it’s really a secondary issue. The primary issue is that the government cannot 'create' anything without hurting something else. To 'create' jobs, the government must first extract wealth from the economy via taxation, or raise the money by issuing debt. Regardless of whether the burden is borne by present or future taxpayers, the result is the same: job creation and economic growth are inhibited."

He continues his commentary: "At the same time the government is taking undeserved credit for 'creating jobs', a new analysis of the Cash for Clunkers program by Edmunds.com shows that most cars bought with taxpayer help would have been purchased anyhow. The same analysis finds the post-Clunker car sales would have been higher in the absence of the program, which proves that the program merely altered the timing of auto purchases. Once again, the government claims to have 'created' economic growth, but the reality is that Cash for Clunkers had no positive long-term effect and actually destroyed wealth in the process."

More commentary from Mr. DeHaven: "Right now businesses and entrepreneurs are hesitant to make investments or add new workers because they’re worried about what Washington’s interventions could mean for their bottom lines. The potential for higher taxes, health care mandates, and costly climate change legislation are all being cited by businesspeople as reasons why further investment or hiring is on hold. Unless this 'regime uncertainty' subsides, the U.S. economy could be in for sluggish growth for a long time to come."

ATL Mayor's Race: Why The Obama Justice Department Doesn't Like Non-Partisan Elections

Constructive Feedback, a conservative blogger in Atlanta metro, Ga., opines about the heated mayoral race in Atlanta. Mary Norwood, who is leading the mayoral race, could become the city's first white mayor since 1973. Lisa Borders is in third place in local polls: "Labeling Mary Norwood A Republican: Democratic party’s entry into ATL mayoral race drawing mixed reviews The Lisa Borders campaign video above was by far the 'funniest' commercial seen to date in the campaign. It was also the most audacious. As a person who closely scrutinizes Atlanta elections and the forces at play within - it was clear to me why the lady said 'We need a DEMOCRAT'. Normally in the closing moments of a metro-Atlanta election (ie: Fulton County board) where there is some divide - the 'Black Establishment'/'Civil Rights Industrial Complex' lines up either John Lewis, Andy Young and/or the present (Black) mayor of Atlanta to run a commercial warning (Black) folks about the dangers of allowing the Republican (White) candidate to get into office. This commercial was Lisa Borders' attempt to do what 'works every time'."

He continues his commentary: "The city of Atlanta elections are officially non-partisan. There is an election and if the leading vote getter receives over 50% of the vote - they are the next mayor of Atlanta. Anything short of 50% triggers a run-off election with the second highest vote getter. The key tool that the Black Democratic Establishment has to attack a person - making them into a 'REPUBLICAN' - is thwarted by this non-partisan system."

Constructive Feedback zeroes in on the irony of the commercial: "The key point that will not be brought out in the commercial is that ALREADY THE CITY OF ATLANTA IS TOTALLY CONTROLLED BY DEMOCRATS!!!! How do the ladies logically claim frustration and fear about the PRESENT level of crime in Atlanta yet make the case that 'We need a DEMOCRAT', never making note of how many they already have? I have learned that I need to clarify myself based on the molestations of my intentions per my recent debates. SOME OF YOU just heard me say 'Vote Republican!!!'. I did no such thing. I only asked that the lady in the commercial - as scripted by the Lisa Borders' campaign - PROVE the linkage that she made that 'Democrats = Safety For The Community'. If we use the metaphor of the choice between two pharmaceutical prescriptions - the Black community has been told that we should take the 'Blue Pill' to insure our safety. We were told that the 'Red pill would kill us. Stay away from it'. I am not asking anyone to 'take the red pill'. I am ONLY asking that those physicians who told us that the 'Blue pill would cure us' to PROVE THE PHARMACOLOGICAL RESULTS of the pill or STOP prescribing it lest they make it any more clear that their goal is to get us addicted to the drug rather than to cure us. It is time for more organic cures to what ails us. We already have high dosages of the blue pill for us to make note that it has not worked as prescribed."

The NFL, Rush Limbaugh & Politics: Bookerista Perspectives

Yes, the controversy continues even though Mr. Limbaugh was bounced as a minority investor to bid for the St. Louis Rams. Yesterday on Capitol Hill, Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) blasted NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for blocking Mr. Limbaugh from joining the bid for the St. Louis Rams. I can't speak about the other sports folks in Elderado's piece, but Stephen A. Smith is a moderate, not a liberal. Thus, he does not qualify as a "sports-lefty".

Larry Elder: "When Sports-Lefties Go Political"

The libertarian Republican commentator in California argues that Mr. Limbaugh was penalized for exercising his free speech while sports folks who are liberal can say whatever they please: "We've now established that Rush Limbaugh cannot own an NFL team given his 'unacceptable' (read: conservative) political comments. What about sports figures, executives and commentators who offer their left-leaning political thoughts? Many of us turn to the sports pages before the news section. For just a moment, we can put aside worries about the economy, Iraq, Afghanistan, ObamaCare, the 'peril' of 'global warming,' government bailouts and the feds' borrowing and spending. In sports, we want to read or hear about who ran the fastest, scored the most points, defeated the opponent. In sports, there is an oasis -- until anti-GOP, anti-Bush, anti-conservative comments slap us. National Basketball Association Commissioner David Stern was asked whether Kobe Bryant should continue to play while being prosecuted for rape. Stern responded: 'Absolutely. We don't have a Patriot Act in the NBA. That means that you're innocent until proven guilty.' What does the Patriot Act --passed to fight terrorism -- have to do with the presumption of innocence or guilt? New York Times sports writer George Vecsey wrote about how the French handled the allegation that cyclist Lance Armstrong used performance-enhancing drugs. Vecsey wrote, 'Personally, I think the French have linked Armstrong with George W. Bush, surely a disservice to the cyclist.' Nice. Stephen A. Smith -- the usually insightful and entertaining ESPN analyst -- in an appearance on Chris Matthews' MSNBC show, said, '(Republican former New York Mayor Rudolph) Giuliani is a dictator.' Oh."

More: "John Salley, former NBA player and co-host of Fox Sports' 'Best Damn Sports Show Period,' said in an appearance on a podcast: 'I have a question: Do you hate Obama? Why are so many people -- who now hate him -- after just 266 days they loved him? (sic) All of white America. Not all of 'em but the majority.' So, opposition to policies equals 'hate.' New York Times sports columnist Selena Roberts, when it became increasingly clear that Duke lacrosse players were innocent of rape, channeled her inner Dan my-facts-are-wrong-but-my-point's-valid Rather: 'What happens if all the charges are dismissed? There is...the irrefutable culture of misogyny, racial animus and athlete entitlement that went unrestrained that night.' Hey, they were falsely accused, but, well, let's examine the big picture. Now then -- if it's not too much to ask -- how did the Yanks do last night?"

Gregory Kane: "Hypocrisy Reigns In NFL's Limbaugh Rebuff"

Asserts the conservative Republican columnist in Maryland: "Now back to Limbaugh, or, more specifically, [black liberal jouranlist George] Curry on Limbaugh: Curry said there exist a plethora of 'racist' comments no one can deny that Limbaugh made. A little full disclosure here: As editor of Emerge, Curry ran two notorious covers with Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas on them. One depicted Thomas with a handkerchief around his head; the second had him shining the shoes of Justice Antonin Scalia. For my money, those covers were just as despicable as anything Limbaugh has said, been accused of saying or ever will say. One of the more notorious Limbaugh quotes is this one: 'Look, let me put it to you this way: The NFL all too often looks like a game between the Bloods and the Crips without any weapons. There, I said it.' And NFL honchos have said it: 'No' to any Limbaugh ownership, in full or in part. But have their standards about racist owners, racist comments and racist actions always been so high? I think not."

Mr. Kane continues his commentary: "Let's go back 31 years, quite a while ago, but clearly after the era of the NFL's unofficial 'quota' policy that limited black players to seven per team. Running back Lydell Mitchell of the then-Baltimore Colts, one of the best in the league, demanded to be paid as such. The Colts general manager, Dick Szymanski, rebuffed the demand, claiming that the salary Mitchell demanded would make him the highest-paid black in the history of the club. At least that's what Mitchell and his agent claimed they heard. Szymanski said the word he used was 'back,' not 'black,' as if it were possible for two different sets of ears to hear the same word misspoken in precisely the same way. It didn't matter. By the end of this sorry episode, Mitchell was traded to the San Diego Chargers and then-Colts owner Robert Irsay uttered not one word about the matter. No apologies for any possible misunderstanding, no upbraiding of Szymanski. For my money, Szymanski spoke for Irsay. The episode forever stamped Irsay in my mind as a boor and a buffoon given to not only drunken tirades in public, but who also may have been a racist as well. Not one other NFL owner chided Irsay about the Mitchell affair. NFL honchos mumbled not a word, either. When, in early 1984, Irsay schlepped the team off to Indianapolis, there was similar silence from all those concerned. Now could this be the same league that doesn't want Limbaugh even as a part owner of a team? For heaven's sake, if league owners and executives put up with Irsay, they should be able to put up with anybody. Maybe Limbaugh should remind them of that."