2/28 Event Calendar

Monday, February 28, 7:00pm ET, Canada: Dambisa Moyo Appears On The CBC

The Zambian-born moderate-conservative economist concludes her Canadian tour (at least for now) with a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation interview. She will appear on Peter Mansbridge's "Lang & O'Leary Exchange" business news show.

Monday, February 28, 10:00pm ET, USA: Michael Williams Appears On Blog Talk Radio

The conservative Republican will appear on Kenneth McClenton's "The Exceptional Conservative" show to discuss his campaign to become Texas' representative in the U.S. Senate in 2012. If elected, the former Texas Railroad Commissioner would become the first Black Republican in the U.S. Senate since 1979. The call-in number is 714/464-4869. You can listen live here.

Discuss "2/28 Events" post here.

Clarence Thomas Fires Back At Critics

Justice Thomas & his wife

From Politico: "Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas – his impartiality under attack from liberals because of his attendance at a meeting of conservative donors sponsored by the Koch brothers and his wife’s tea party activism – struck a defiant tone in a Saturday night speech in Charlottesville, Va., telling a friendly audience that he and his wife 'believe in the same things' and 'are focused on defending liberty.'  Delivering the keynote speech at an annual symposium for conservative law students, Thomas spoke in vague, but ominous, terms about the direction of the country and urged his listeners to 'redouble your efforts to learn about our country so that you’re in a position to defend it.'"

More about the U.S. Supreme Court Justice's remarks: "He also lashed out at his critics, without naming them, asserting they 'seem bent on undermining' the High Court as an institution. Such criticism, Thomas warned, could erode the ability of American citizens to fend off threats to their way of life. 'You all are going to be, unfortunately, the recipients of the fallout from that – that there’s going to be a day when you need these institutions to be credible and to be fully functioning to protect your liberties,' he said, according to a partial recording of the speech provided to POLITICO by someone who was at the meeting. 'And that’s long after I’m gone, and that could be either a short or a long time, but you’re younger, and it’s still going to be a necessity to protect the liberties that you enjoy now in this country.'"

The article continues: "Thomas said his wife 'started her organization to give 24/7 every day in defense of liberty,' and said he shared her principles. 'We are equally yoked, and we love being with each other because we love the same things. We believe in the same things,' he said. 'So, with my wife, and with the people around me, what I see, I’m reinforced that we are focused on defending liberty. So, I admire her and I love her for that because it keeps me going.'"

Discuss "Clarence Thomas Fires Back At Critics" post here.

Britain: Christian Couple Barred From Being Foster Parents Because Of Their Views On Homosexuality

From the Daily Mail (Britain): "A Christian couple facing a foster parenting ban because of their views on homosexuality were told by a court yesterday that gay rights ‘should take precedence’ over their religious beliefs. Owen and Eunice Johns heard that their values could conflict with the local authority’s duty to ‘safeguard and promote the welfare’ of those in foster care. The grandparents have already fostered 15 children and were praised by social workers as ‘kind and hospitable people’ who ‘respond sensitively’ to youngsters."

More: "Outside court, Mr and Mrs Johns, aged 65 and 62, said they were ‘extremely distressed’ and had ‘only wanted to offer a loving home to a child in need’. They believe homosexuality is ‘against God’s law and morals’ – but said they are not homophobic and would ‘accept and love’ any child. The Pentecostal Christians, who have been carers since 1992, had applied to Derby City Council in 2007 to restart fostering after a break. But social workers raised concerns that their attitudes to homosexuality would conflict with the new Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007.

A Bookerista Responds

Samuel Gonzalez, a conservative Republican blogger in New York City, doesn't like the ruling: "It’s a sad thing in this post-modern world where cultural relativism is the rule, Christians are made to feel like they’re the outcasts."

Mr. Gonzalez wonders: where is the tolerance for Christian perspectives? "Tolerance, tolerance, tolerance, is the refrain Liberals love to throw around. However, as often is the case, it rings hollow because what they’re really saying, '....agree with us or else!' There’s nothing tolerant about that whatsoever. What we do here on earth is one thing. And it might be in vogue to act as if homosexuality is moral lifestyle. But, for those of us who believe in a higher authority, we beg to differ and stand on that truth."

Discuss "Foster Parents" post here.

SENTLETSE DIAKANYO OP-ED: The (No) Growth Path

The South African free-marketeer takes issue with the New Growth Path (NGP), which is being touted by South African President Jacob Zuma's administration as a blueprint for job creation and economic growth: "The NGP reveals the lack of foresight on part of our policymakers. Even after 16 years since the ANC has been in power, there has not been any long-term macro-economic policy that clearly outlines what the end-goal is; how the economy needs to be structured to achieve maximum growth. One would imagine that given the economic structure inherited from the past which was intended for the economic benefit of the white minority, the ANC would have had in 1994 an economic long-term strategy for the country. But none exists. Even the new Department of National Planning has not come up with any concrete proposals other than a Green Paper that simply outlines problems in the economy."

He continues his commentary: "Industrialisation is one of the objectives of NGP. It is a noble aim but the reality renders this futile as high labour costs would ordinarily impact negatively on the competitiveness of manufacturers. Our economic success unquestionably depends on our ability to develop productive capacity. BEE [Black Economic Empowerment program] has only served to recycle wealth and did not do enough to create new wealth by encouraging the emergence of new entrepreneurs and industrialists who establish their own empires without being parasites on white wealth. But before we get there we need to get the basics right."

More commentary from Mr. Diakanyo, about South Africa's economy: "While the mining and agricultural sectors have largely been those sectors that absorbed more unskilled and semi-skilled labour, a concerted effort needs to be made to overhaul the education system to ensure that the skills produced are matched to the economic demands. The quality of education in SA is appalling compared with other BRICS countries [Brazil, Russia, India, and China]."

Discuss "The (No) Growth Path" post here.

Charlie Sheen: Bookerista Perspectives

CBC has ceased production of "Two And A Half Men" (which paid Mr. Sheen $2 million per episode) due to his reported drug binges with multiple porn stars. He's also some fire for alleged anti-Semitism in his rant against Chuck Lorre, the show's creator (Mr. Sheen says he was referring to Mr. Lorre's real name). Mr. Sheen's response about CBS (see video here):  ""[We're] definitely at war. The war is that they are trying to destroy my family, trying to take all my money, leaving me with no means to support my family." Bookeristas opine:

USA: Attorneymom: "What If Charlie Sheen Was Black?"

The conservative blogger in metro Atlanta writes: "If addiction wasn't so serious and deadly, Charlie Sheen's tantrum and media blitz would be comical. But there isn't anything funny about addiction. Sheen, the father of 5, is obviously a man in great emotional and psychological distress and desperately needs an intervention. However, you can't help anyone who doesn't think he has a problem. When asked by a Good Morning America correspondent whether he had drugs in his house, Sheen responded, 'Not to my knowledge.' Blank stare. Perhaps what is even more sad is that if Sheen was a [r]apper or Black athlete, his house would have been raided and he would have been arrested on drug charges by now."

Britain: Cindy: "Charlie Sheen Is Being Cocky For A Reason"

The UK conservative comes to the actor's defense: "Sheen is a womanising, drug addicted and alcoholic man he probably makes Mel Gibson look like an upstanding citizen. However he never showed up to work late or missed work and the libertarian in me says that his choice to be those things. CBS have canceled the remaining season of '2 [A]nd [A] [H]alf [M]en' one can only assume this was done so as to allow Sheen to free himself of his demons. Sheen has in turn filed a lawsuit for $320 million against CBS and has said he'll honour the rest of his contract for an extra $1 million a show. Now this morning a few people have suggested this is far too much for him to demand from the studio who are making billions off of the back of this show."

She continues: "Here's the deal I don't think $3 million is a lot for that dude to ask for; Kelsey Grammer made $1.3 million per episode of 'Frasier' and the cast of F*R*I*E*N*D*S made $1 million each. Sheen is a talented guy and is clearly worth a lot more than $3 million since HBO is prepared to give in $5 million a show for their new venture. Maybe this doesn't sound too conservative but when the show executives are earning billions along with the studio $3 million sounds more than fair for Sheen's services. The dude can afford to be cocky and arrogant in his pay demands. Anyone else in his position would play hardball."

Discuss "Charlie Sheen: Bookerista Perspectives" post here.

Obama & Gay Marriage: Bookerista Perspectives

Bookeristas weigh in on U.S. President Barack Obama's recent announcement that his administration will no longer defend the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which limits marriage to one man and one woman:

Project 21: Obama Defends Gay Marriage Over Rule Of Law"

Assert members of the black conservative group, in a statement emailed to Booker Rising

Mychal Massie, conservative Republican and Project 21 chairman: "The pure arrogance of this man is incredible. We see a sitting American president functioning as a monarch juxtaposed to an elected representative of the people. Obama privately decided that he didn't like DOMA and — on the authority of his conscience and opinion alone — saw fit to disregard legislation that was drafted, passed overwhelmingly and signed into law by a preceding president of his own party."

Jerome Hudson, conservative in Florida: "At no time in the history of this nation has a president so openly shown such unabashed contempt for the Constitution and the rule of law. President Obama's decision to have the Justice Department ignore the Defense of Marriage Act removes all doubt that he has nothing less than a lack of respect and understanding for the founding principles of our nation. We are a nation of laws and not men."

Lisa Fritsch, conservative Republican in Texas: "If President Obama is concerned about the constitutionality of laws, he should start with his own health care plan which has been determined to be unconstitutional by 26 state attorneys general and ruled unconstitutional by two judges. President Obama — though he acts as God — does not have the judicial authority to make his opinion and political agenda lawful. His political agenda supersedes any regard for constitutional law, American values and recognition of true discrimination."

Read more »

"Black & Right" Show Coming To NBC

From ScreenRant: "NBC has picked up the comedy script, Black & Right, which reads like the most important and influential piece of media regarding race relations since C. Thomas Howell’s Soul Man. According to Variety, 'the pilot focuses on a young, hip liberal African-American couple who lose everything and are forced to move in with their die-hard Republican pundit mother and her white conservative husband.' In other words, let the thinly veiled stereotypes begin."

More: "While the concept sounds like it is simply courting controversy to garner initial viewers and subsequent ratings, it is reportedly based on writer Jennifer Rice-Genzuk’s real life. Whether the semi-autobiographical note will help Black & Right become something more than another All in the Family rip-off remains to be seen."

Black & Right Blog Ain't Amused

Bob Parks, a video producer and conservative Republican founder of the 10-year-old Black & Right blog, is weighing his legal options: "First NBC hijacked my copyrighted music production name of 'Parks & Recreation' and now they’re using the name of this near-ten year old website to racially mock conservative Republicans. Talk about frustrating."

Discuss "'Black & Right' Show Coming To NBC" post here.

The Victory Of Non-Violence: Egypt, Libya, Tunisia All Testify To Dr. Martin Luther King's Message

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Stanley Crouch, a moderate-liberal columnist in New York City, argues that folks who laughed at Dr. King's nonviolent tacts have been proven wrong: "Television was essential to the civil rights movement because the televised image of racist white agitators tore the veneer off the Southern way of life. That region, simultaneously so beautiful and so consistently scarred by the acid of bigotry, was seen as dominated by a morally corrupt people. When the South lost our second civil war, there was little bloodshed. In the end, the South screamed and kicked to no avail. Its time had passed, a new social sun was rising. As usual in American democracy, it was essentially disappointing because race baiters and hustlers seized on the chance, which is how we got from Dr. King to today's con artists, there to abuse national idealism with whatever scams might work."

More: "The people around the Middle East gathering to demonstrate against dictatorships have learned something they will never forget: how powerful nonviolence actually is if enough people take it seriously and don't cave in to fear. As The New York Times recently reported, the democratically minded protesters in the Middle East may well have been influenced by the ideas of the American political philosopher Gene Sharp, whose writings are read by disciples of Gandhi and Dr. King around the world. 'Political defiance, or nonviolent struggle, is the most powerful means available to those struggling for freedom,' Sharp writes. With a little help from Twitter and Facebook, the Middle East is getting it done. Just as nonviolence was fundamental to the victory of the civil rights movement, so it will be in the toppling of Middle Eastern dictators."

Discuss "The Victory Of Non-Violence" post here.

RAYNARD JACKSON OP-ED: The Media's Foreign Policy

The moderate Republican political consultant in D.C. doesn't like how the U.S. media is covering the Middle East protests: "The media does a grave injustice to their profession by attempting to give overly simplistic coverage to what are extremely complicated foreign policy issues. The upheaval that is going on in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, etc., has nothing to do with democracy. For the media to report such is totally irresponsible. Such reporting presupposes a universal definition of the meaning of democracy. The people of Iraq voted for a theocracy. Can a theocracy be a democracy? What happens if the people of Egypt vote in a member of the Muslim Brotherhood as president? Is that a democracy? The American media never goes deeper into the complexity of international issues. This is one of the major reasons why Americans, especially students, rank at the bottom of most things dealing with international issues."

More: "The thirst for freedom, not democracy (whatever that means), is the driving force behind this unrest. The older population has accepted their lives as it is — that’s all they know. But, the youth have envisioned that better life and nothing will stop them from getting it. What is transpiring in Northern Africa and the Middle East, will be visiting sub-Saharan Africa by the fall. Before cell phones and the internet, people in developing countries could only read about the American dream. But, now, through technology, they can see, hear, and live it in real time."

Mr. Jackson continues his commentary: "Sub-Saharan African [region] has a population of over 800 million people, with over half being under 18 years of age. This is a huge growth market for our future exports. This is why we tolerate despots around the world. We will tolerate Obiang in Equatorial Guinea (because of their oil), Mubarak in Egypt (he was a critical ally in the war on terror), etc. I would argue that over the next 25 years, sub-Saharan African [region] is going to be more vital to the U.S.’s national security than either China, India, Saudi Arabia, or even Israel. But, the media tries to cover these complicated stories in sound bites, even on their websites. Part of the responsibility of a journalist is to educate their audience. For their profession not to do so, I find a foreign policy."

Discuss "The Media's Foreign Policy" post here.

Anthony Mackie: "Black Hollywood Is Lazy Right Now. There's No Reason Why We Can't Produce Our Own Stories"

From theGrio.com: "Anthony Mackie, one of the stars of the new film The Adjustment Bureau, which opens in theaters next Friday, March 4, didn't hold back in a recent interview with theGrio. Mackie, who can be seen on the cover of Vanity Fair's annual 'Hollywood' issue, said all of the barriers in Hollywood for African-Americans have been broken. In this video, Mr. Mackie argues that "there's no reason why we shouldn't be able to tell the stories that we want to tell and portray ourselves the way we want to be portrayed":



Booker Rising response: Given that Black America has a $1 TRILLION economy, he's right.

Discuss "Black Hollywood Is Lazy Right Now" post here.

Union Label | Owned By China

Larry Walker Jr., a conservative accountant and America's Independent Party supporter in Georgia, writes: "Made in China wasn’t enough, now union minions want to be owned by China as well. But so far all I see is a bunch of snot-nosed, deficit financed, government slugs spewing nonsense, but not one drop of blood. Hey union guys, this isn’t 1945, except maybe in terms of the National Debt. Back in the day, American unions used to fight so-called greedy capitalists for higher pay, greater benefits, and better working conditions, but that was then, and this is now. Today, almost all union members are government employees. What’s up with that? Who are these guys fighting against? Can American taxpayers who pay your salaries really be equated to the so-called ‘robber barons’ of the past?"

He continues his commentary: "Back in 1945, almost 36% of American workers were represented by unions, but according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, that number had dwindled to just 11.9% by the end of 2010. Although there has been a noted increase in the number of public employee unions since the 1960s, the decline in private-sector union membership has been most telling. If union membership was worth its weight in dues, then most of the goods that America purchases today wouldn’t be stamped 'Made in China'."

More: "Today 36.2% of public workers are represented by unions while private sector union membership has plummeted to a mere 6.9%. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics most recent survey indicates that union membership in the U.S. has fallen to just 11.9% of the total work force. I'm sorry, but all of you public union slugs need to shut the hell up and accept what we decide. We don’t work for you; you work for us."

Discuss "Union Label | Owned By China" post here. 

Chicago Bulls Show "Bosh Spice" Who Is Boss!

The Miami Heat's Chris Bosh had such a miserable performance against the Chicago Bulls last night that he trended as "Bosh Spice" on Twitter. From SBNation.com: "Chris Bosh had himself a night to forget on Thursday in a 93-89 loss to the Chicago Bulls. With Joakim Noah in his hip pocket all night, Bosh was powerless on the offensive end, scoring just seven points on the night. While that may look bad, his shooting performance -- one of 18 from the field -- was worse. In fact, it was the worst shooting performance in the last quarter century."

And then there was his Oscar-winning performance during the second quarter:



Discuss  Chicago Bulls Show 'Bosh Spice' Who Is Boss!" post here.

South Africa: Inkatha Freedom Party Calls For Special Farm Attack Intelligence Unit

From The Times (South Africa), about the center-right Zulu nationalist party: "The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has sharply criticized the SAPS [South African Police Service]'s inability to curb the alarmingly high occurrence of farm attacks, which now totals over 1,486. The party said that authorities lack a substantive and pre-emptive strategy to address the high levels of farm attacks, which is evident in their reactive approach to the farm murder phenomenon. This emanates among other things, from the eroded capacity of SAPS, especially in rural areas."

The article continues: "Given the fact that farm attacks are in most instances executed with almost military precision, the IFP calls on government, and the SAPS in particular, to establish a specialist farm attack intelligence unit. 'It was interesting to note that the farm attack link on the SAPS website is virtually blank. The IFP believes what cannot be measured, cannot be managed,' said [IFP agriculture spokesman Henry] Combrinck."

Discuss "Special Farm Attack Intelligence Unit" post here.

Open Thread Friday

You know the rules: you can chill and discuss whatever you'd like, but stay within the blog rules. I'm sure that South African model Rosette Mogomotsi would agree.

Discuss "Open Thread Friday" post here.

Upcoming Events

Friday, February 25, 7:30pm ET, Canada: Dambisa Moyo Speaks In Ottawa

Carleton University's Faculty of Public Affairs and Institute of African Studies hosts Dr. Moyo's Ottawa tour stop for her new book, How the West Was Lost: Fifty Years of Economic Folly and the Stark Choices Ahead. This event is part of the Ottawa International Writers' Festival, and will be hosted by the CBC's Lucy van Oldenbarneveld. It takes place at Southminster United Church, 15 Alymer Ave. at Bank St.

Saturday, February 26, 11:30am ET, USA: Film About Zora Neale Hurston Shows In New York

"Jump At The Sun" traces the life of one of the first black American women to gain achievement in the literary world, which started with Their Eyes Were Watching God. Of course, Booker Rising readers also know that the late Ms. Hurston was an anthropologist and libertarian Republican. This event is part of the Spotlight On Black History Month film series. 240 East Avenue in Rochester, NY. $5.

Saturday, February 26, 7:15pm ET, USA: Alan Keyes Keynotes Lincoln-Reagan Dinner In Texas

The conservative activist and America's Independent Party member will be the featured speaker at the Denton County Republican Party (Texas)’s annual Lincoln-Reagan dinner at the Dallas-Ft. Worth Hyatt Regency Hotel. The gala banquet at 7:15pm will be emceed by Mark Davis, WBAP radio talk show host and Dallas Morning News columnist. The evening begins with the private Lincoln Cabinet reception followed by the VIP reception at 6:16pm which will provide the opportunity for guests to visit with Mr. Keyes as well as elected officials from across the state.

Individual tickets are $75, and VIP Reception tickets are $150. The DFW Hyatt Regency Hotel is located at 2334 International Parkway in Dallas. Call 940/321-2671 for more info, or visit the Denton County Republican Party's website.

Saturday, February 26, 9:30pm ET, Canada: Dambisa Moyo Appears On The CBC

The Zambian-born moderate-conservative economist concludes her Canadian tour (at least for now) with a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation interview. She will appear on Peter Mansbridge's "Manbridge One On One" show.

Discuss "Upcoming Events" post here.

MP Helen Grant: "Affirmative Action For Women In British Business Is A Good Thing"

Asserts the moderate-conservative Member of Parliament, in praising Lord Davies of Abersoch's new report, Women On Boards. She pens an op-ed in the Financial Times (UK): "My view is that he has got it just about right: seeking to accelerate previously glacial rates of change without causing global warming in the process. The British business community has, for now, avoided direct state intervention – but the sword of Damocles remains hanging by a horse hair. 'On balance the decision has been made not to recommend quotas. Government must reserve the right to introduce more prescriptive alternatives if the recommended business-led approach does not achieve significant change,' Lord Davies says. 'Business-led' includes a series of recommendations whereby chairmen and chief executives must set targets, implement policies and report outcomes. Recruitment processes must become less parochial and investors will now need to consider the gender balance."

The British parliamentarian continues her commentary: "While the political appetite for change is clear, the big hurdle is for business to straddle. Will the corporate sector buy into these recommendations? I believe it will: partly because the outcomes are likely to be positive for investors and employees, and partly because the proposals seem genuinely achievable. The 25 per cent 'women on boards' target for 2015 is significantly lower than the 40 per cent quotas adopted by Norway, France and Spain. Such relatively achievable targets may well encourage business to exceed these expectations. But in the longer term the strength of the proposals lies in sustainability, and managers will see that."

More: "This remedy is not about grafting a veneer of female board members on to an entrenched structure. Its real focus is on genuine promotion, the generation of succession within executive management, and the recruitment and training of a wider spectrum of candidates from outside the corporate sector. As Lord Davies writes, it is aimed at 'entrepreneurs, academics, civil servants and senior women with professional service backgrounds, for whom there are many fewer opportunities to take up corporate board positions'."

Discuss "Affirmative Action For Women In British Business" post here.

Bibi Makes Bestseller List....Again

Congrats to Dr. Dambisa Moyo, who is on a roll. As regular readers surely know, the Zambian-born moderate-conservative economist has a new book out called How the West Was Lost: Fifty Years of Economic Folly and the Stark Choices Ahead. Her tome has only been out in the U.S. since February 15th and it just debuted at #6 on The New York Times bestseller list.

She debuts at #9 on Publishers Weekly's bestseller list.

Longtime readers may recall that two years ago, our girl Bibi exploded on the international scene with Dead Aid, which critiqued foreign aid to Africa.

Discuss "Bibi Makes Bestseller List....Again" post here.

Rama Yade: "Débat Sur l’Islam En France: Pourquoi Débattre Là Où Il Faudrait Agir?"

Muslim prayers on the streets of Paris, due to lack of space

That title says "Islam Debate In France: Why Are We Debating Where We Should Be Acting?". Some context first: Muslims are increasingly praying on streets throughout France, due to lack of mosque space. Of course, the white supremacist National Front party — which is trying to rebrand itself as a nationalist conservative party for next year's presidential elections — has been in a tizzy over it. Marine Le Pen, the NF's leader, argues that Islam is threatening France's staunchly secular cultural values. She has compared it to the Nazi occupation. According to IFOP poll, 42% of French people consider Islam a threat to national identity. Thus enters Rama Yade, the French ambassador to UNESO, a moderate, and a secularist from a Senegalese Muslim background (original op-ed in French): "The debate on Islam, announced by [the center-right UMP parliamentary leader] Jean-Francois Cope, following the National Front's policy inquiry into street prayers, should not be a trial on Muslims. The slightest indication of a trial will weaken our country's unity, which is a value that I place above all others. Besides, if it's just a discussion, we don't see how it will solve the problem of street prayers street and curb NF's rise since that's the goal. of the FN since that is the goal. We may regret in this respect that the NF has broached the subject of street prayers before republicans have finally spoken up, while the reality of lack of worship space experienced by Muslims shouldn't long been dealt with."

More commentary from Ms. Yade, about the controversial street prayers: "Similarly, rather than engaging in a broad debate about Islam, I think we should limit ourselves to the street prayers issue. After all, why does an inquiry into street prayers lead to a debate about Islam, going well beyond the issue raised by the National Front? In short, rather than a UMP debate on Islam, I strongly prefer that the government act to resolve the street prayers problem."

Read more »

The 25 Greatest Motown Songs Of All Time

TheGrio.com's #1 pick

TheGrio.com has compiled a list: "Tonight, the Obamas will be paying tribute to the iconic music of Motown at a special Black History Month event at the White House. Besides being some of the most celebrated pop music of all time, Motown means a lot to the black community and has created some of its most enduring stars. While it's almost impossible to pick -- theGrio has compiled a list of the 25 best Motown songs. See if your favorites made our list...."

Booker Rising Response

TheGrio.com (for whom I am a contributing writer) has compiled a good list. However, I disagree with a few of the songs that made the list and quibble with some of the rankings:

Booker Rising's #1 pick

Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" is good, but not deserving of the #1 spot. The Temptations' "My Girl" wuz robbed, with a #3 ranking. That 1964 classic is not only the best Motown cut, it's the best damn soul song ever put out. Great lyrics, great harmony, David Ruffin's soulful crooning. Just stellar. I'd have ranked "What's Going On" in the mid-teens and ranked "Let's Get It On" (#12) at #2 or #3.

I'd have put Stevie Wonder's "I Wish" (#18) before both "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life" (#14) and "Superstition" (#4).

Why is any DeBarge cut — but especially "I Like It" (#22) — on this list?! Meanwhile, no solo Lionel Richie? "Truly" deserves to be on this list before "I Like It". And no Teena Marie? Why is her "Square Biz" (with its then-avant garde use of rap & soul) absent from this list while DeBarge made the cut? And "I Like It" is ranked higher than Mary Wells' "My Guy" (#23)?

"Ben" by Michael Jackson (#25) shouldn't even be on this list...

Discuss "The 25 Greatest Motown Songs Of All Time" post here.

The Black Pro-Life Billboard In New York City

The most controversial ad in New York City

Constructive Feedback, a conservative blogger in Atlanta metro, discusses the controversial billboard: "Note: I am technically 'Pro-Choice' because I do not believe that the GOVERNMENT should use its state powers to enforce an issue as intimate as reproduction. This ad campaign is in the proper place: NON-GOVERNMENT!!! They are using cultural admonition to bring CONSCIOUSNESS to this important subject."

He continues his commentary: "In the end, however, you can't make a people value their progeny enough that they implement an EFFECTIVE framework which promotes the ideal conditions of child-rearing and deal with the EXCEPTIONS as compassionately as possible. In their present condition the EXCEPTIONS are becoming the rule and in their present state of consciousness as promoted by the Secular Progressives they have been conditioned to look toward the government as the gateway for the greater society to EXPRESS THE VALUATION OF THEIR SEED. It appears that the greatest 'African cultural element' that was stolen from us is the old axiom that said:

"We Know Not Which Womb Holds The Future King"

UPDATE: The billboard has now been taken down in New York City. Apparently the billboard company received hundreds of complaints and employees at a restaurant below the billboard were harassed. The black pro-lifers involved in the ad vow to take their message to other American metropolises. They got what I assume they wanted, which was national media coverage for a local billboard. Personally, I think this incident shows intolerance of some New York pro-choicers. Pro-choicers (of which I'm one) should be willing to debate our points and why we disagree with this message, instead of trying to censor the message.

Discuss "The Black Pro-Life Billboard In New York City" post here.

Larry Elder: "Is ObamaCare The New N-Word?"

The libertarian-conservative Republican commentator in California addresses Re. Debbie Wasserman's (D-Fla.) contention that the term "ObamaCare" is "a disparaging reference to the President of the United States" and violates U.S. House rules. Some blogs have since called it akin to the N-word: "When did 'ObamaCare' become a slur? Proponents, after all, boast that President Barack Obama succeeded in signing 'universal care'' legislation when every Democratic president since Harry Truman failed to 'get it done.' Why isn't President Obama flattered to have his name attached to his signature achievement and a now-fulfilled campaign promise? Was there a hissy fit over 'HillaryCare' or the widely used 'RomneyCare'?"

More: "So, why do Democrats now find the term 'ObamaCare' so toxic? Simple. The bill remains unpopular -- and under siege. Democrats expected opposition to subside as Americans grew to appreciate its merit. But nearly a year after Obama signed the bill, a recent Rasmussen poll of likely voters shows that 56 percent want ObamaCare repealed. Twenty-six states filed lawsuits arguing that ObamaCare violates the Constitution, specifically the mandate that requires every American to purchase heath insurance. The now GOP-controlled House voted 245-189 to repeal it, with more voting for its repeal than voted for its passage."

Discuss "Is ObamaCare The New N-Word?" post here.

Events Calendar

Thursday, February 24, 6:00pm ET, Canada: Dambisa Moyo Speaks In Toronto

The Rotman School of Management's Initiative For Women In Business co-hosts the Zambian-born moderate-conservative economist's kickoff of her Canadian tour for her new book, How the West Was Lost: Fifty Years of Economic Folly and the Stark Choices Ahead. From 6pm-7pm ET, Dr. Moyo will speak about her book and do Q&A. A reception and book signing is from 7pm-8pm ET. This event takes place at Fleck Atrium, 105 St. George Street in Toronto. Cost: CAN$49 + tax. To register for this event, click here.

Thursday, February 24, 9:00pm ET, USA: Ryan Frazier Appears On "Hannity"

The libertarian-conservative Republican, who is a city councilman in Aurora, Colo. and former National Security Agency intelligence officer, will be a participant on the "Great American Panel" on Sean Hannity's show to discuss current topics. Of course, it's on the Fox News Channel.

Friday, February 25, 7:30pm ET, Canada: Dambisa Moyo Speaks In Ottawa

Carleton University's Faculty of Public Affairs and Institute of African Studies hosts Dr. Moyo's Ottawa stop. This event is part of the Ottawa International Writers' Festival, and will be hosted by the CBC's Lucy van Oldenbarneveld. It takes place at Southminster United Church, 15 Alymer Ave. at Bank St.

Discuss "Events Calendar" post here.

Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson: "Why Are American Christians Allowing Muslims To Worship In Their Churches?"

The conservative Republican pastor in California has issued a press release: "As reported on FoxNews.com, two Protestant U.S. churches are creating a stir by opening their church buildings to Muslims for worship. According to the report, Heartsong Church in Cordova, Tenn., let members of the Memphis Islamic Center hold Ramadan prayers there. And the Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Alexandria, Va., allows the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) to hold regular Friday prayers in their building. Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson, Founder and President of BOND, the Brotherhood Organization of A New Destiny, called this a dangerous and foolish trend being promoted by weak Christians."

He ain't feelin' Muslim services in churches: "This is an example of tolerance gone wild. I see many so-called 'Christians' misrepresenting Christianity as a timid and passive faith. The Bible says love thy neighbor, but it doesn't say anything about turning Christian sanctuaries over to Muslims. This is a dangerous and foolish trend", said Rev. Peterson. "ICNA, one of the groups using church buildings for worship, describes themselves as 'a leading American Muslim organization dedicated to the betterment of society through the promotion of Islamic values.' What 'Islamic values' are they referring to? Are they promoting Sharia? Is this group affiliated with the extremist Muslim Brotherhood? These are legitimate questions."

"Unless Christians in America wake up and recognize this domestic threat [of Muslims trying to conquer America from within], it's only a matter of time before America, like Europe, will be forced to make concessions to radical Muslims", said Rev. Peterson. "I can assure you that Muslims would not allow Christians to worship in their mosques. The threat of radical Islam is real both abroad and at home. God has given Christians the power and authority to overcome the darkness of this world, where is that authority today?"

Discuss "Worship" here.

So Much For "Civility"

Clifton Bazar, a conservative Republican blogger, writes: "Just last month the left was wringing their hands and wetting the bed over the need for civility in our political discourse. My, my, my what a difference a month makes. Today we have a lefty union guy swinging at a Tea Party girl.



Lefty protesters harassing black conservatives.



More lefty protesters calling white conservatives 'Bad Jew'.



Even Democrat politicians are getting into the act, saying 'you need to get a little bloody'. So what does all this mean? Not just the obvious that the left is populated by hypocrites of the first order, but also the left's call for civility is really just a big old 'shut up' in disguise. So the next time the left gets their panties in a bunch over 'civility', we should all smile knowingly and then collectively give them the finger!"

Discuss "So Much For 'Civility'" post here.

2/23 Quote Of The Day

"To highlight the offensiveness to liberty that democracy and majority rule is, just ask yourself how many decisions in your life would you like to be made democratically. How about what car you drive, where you live, whom you marry, whether you have turkey or ham for Thanksgiving dinner? If those decisions were made through a democratic process, the average person would see it as tyranny and not personal liberty. Is it no less tyranny for the democratic process to determine whether you purchase health insurance or set aside money for retirement? Both for ourselves, and our fellow man around the globe, we should be advocating liberty, not the democracy that we've become where a roguish Congress does anything upon which they can muster a majority vote." — Walter E. Williams, libertarian economics professor at George Mason University, on democracy vs. liberty

Discuss "2/23 Quote Of The Day" post here.

B.B. ROBINSON OP-ED: Blacks' Role In The U.S. Economy

The economist and director of BlackEconomics.org and member of black conservative group Project 21 writes about Black America's economic output: "Performing a few computations enabled me to prepare rough market price measures of the proportions of the value-added-by-industry produced by black Americans versus the proportion that was produced by the rest of the nation. I also prepared these measures on a real basis, taking price change into account. The measures that I prepared revealed that:

• On a current market price basis, blacks were responsible for about $1.3 trillion of the $14.4 trillion of 2008 GDP and were responsible for about $1.2 trillion of the $14.1 trillion of 2009 GDP.
  
  
• On a real basis (accounting for inflation), blacks were responsible for about $1.2 trillion of the $13.2 trillion of 2008 real GDP and were responsible for about $1.1 trillion of the $12.9 trillion of 2009 real GDP.
  
  
• The U.S. real GDP decline from 2008 to 2009 would have been 0.6 percentage point less had blacks not contributed to the economy.
  
  
• Inflation that occurred from 2008 to 2009 would have been reduced by 0.4 percentage point had blacks not participated in the economy.

He adds about Black America's economic output figures: "Stated somewhat differently, blacks accounted for about 8.9 percent and 8.6 percent of U.S. GDP at market prices during 2008 and 2009, respectively. Notably, black workers comprised 11 percent and 10.8 percent of all workers, respectively, for the two years. Keep in mind that blacks accounted for 12.8 percent of the U.S. population in 2008. In other words, blacks accounted for a significantly smaller share of GDP than their representation in the workforce and in the population."

Read more »

A Silent Milestone For Clarence Thomas

Justice Clarence Thomas

The Chicago Tribune notes that it's been five years since the U.S. Supreme Court justice and conservative Republican spoke during oral arguments. He's said the arguments are unnecessary to deciding a case: "Justice Clarence Thomas speaks in the court only on the few occasions each year when he reads a decision. He last spoke during oral arguments on Feb. 22, 2006, during a South Carolina murder case, and has since sat silently through more than 350 cases."

The article continues: "Thomas has said oral arguments are unnecessary to deciding a case and are perhaps even a sideshow. The justices rely on written briefs and lower court opinions in making their decisions, he says. He has also suggested that more of his colleagues should follow his example, rather than interrupt the lawyers making their arguments. 'So why do you beat up on people if you already know?' he told law students at the University of Alabama two years ago. 'I don't beat up on them. I refuse to participate. I don't like it, so I don't do it.'"

Discuss "A Silent Milestone For Clarence Thomas" post here.

Aw, Shucks. The Peeps Are Tryna Set It Off!

Cameroonian President Paul Biya & his wife

From the Financial Times (UK): "Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and now....Cameroon? Unrest has spread quickly across the Arabic-speaking countries of the Middle East and north Africa. But if it reaches south of the Sahara to the rest of Africa that will signal it has a resonance much stronger than previously thought. Opposition groups in the west African cocoa producer are planning their own 'Day of Rage' on Wednesday in a bid to end the 29-year rule of president Paul Biya (pictured with his wife), as CNN reports. Radio Netherlands Worldwide has this report of rising tensions on the streets of Yaoundé and other cities in the build-up to protests planned for Wednesday evening..."

And Senegal too: "In Senegal, a man set himself on fire in front of the presidential palace this week in a repeat of the act that triggered Tunisia’s revolution. Reuters has a story today looking at other potential flash-points in sub-Saharan Africa. Senegal’s population is about 95 per cent Muslim so emulation of events to the north might have been expected. But only about a fifth of Cameroonians are Muslim (with the rest sharing Christian and indigenous beliefs) so a copy-cat movement there could have broader significance. 'Mr. Biya should draw the lessons from the humiliation of Mr Mubarak’s departure,' Cameroonian opposition MP Jean-Michel Nintcheu told Reuters. 'Cameroonians live in worse conditions than Egyptians.'"

Activists in Gabon, Zimbabwe, and Mauritania are also trying to rise up. However, governments are responding: "The Committee to Protect Journalists reports that Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, and Zimbabwe have imposed 'total news blackouts' on the developments in the Middle East and North Africa in the countries's state-run media." Wouldn't want y'all coloreds to get any ideas...

Discuss "Aw, Shucks. The Peeps Are Tryna Set It Off!" post here.

Public Employees Unions Vs. Taxpayers: Bookerista Perspectives

Bookeristas continue to weigh in on the union protests here in the Midwest:

Armstrong Williams: "What Happened To The New Era Of Civility, Wisconsin?"

The conservative Republican pundit in D.C.opines: "The most glaring issue that these protests demonstrate is a classic case of 'good enough for thee but not for me.' Union members and their leaders don’t care if folks in the private sector are suffering from the bad economy. They don’t care if state and federal budgets are running major deficits and are at the tipping point of collapse. Nope, they just want the pensions and benefits to which they believe they are 'entitled'. No matter that their insanely great benefits will be downgraded to insanely good (still light-years better than you’ll find in the private sector)."

Clarence Page: "Wisconsin Gov. Walker Is Grabbing This Chance To Bust Up Unions"

Assert the moderate-liberal columnist for the Chicago Tribune: "His bill would end the right of most state union workers to bargain collectively for benefits and limit any wage increases to inflation, unless voters approve a larger raise in a referendum. Power is what both sides’ protests are really about. The governor says he doesn’t want to kill the unions, but without the right to collective bargaining, a union is little more than a social club."

Read more »

Clarence Thomas's Ex-Girlfriend Pens Sexually Graphic Memoir: "He's Fantastic In Bed. Clarence Had A Body Like Velvet-Covered Cement & Honey Kisses"

Lillian McEwen & Clarence Thomas

Yes, this is TMI but don't shoot the messenger. From The Washington Post, about the way-back-in-the-day ex-girlfriend of the U.S. Supreme Court justice and conservative Republican: "Four months after Lillian McEwen broke a two-decade silence about her longtime relationship with Clarence Thomas, the retired administrative law judge has written a book. And it is dirty. Really dirty."

The article continues: "McEwen's 'D.C. Unmasked & Undressed' starts off as memoir of childhood abuse but evolves into twin journeys of sexual discovery and Capitol Hill careerism. The Supreme Court justice is only one of many partners whose caresses McEwen graphically recalls in NC-17 prose -- he doesn't even show up until midway through -- but he's singled out for special reminiscence. The author swoons over the fit physique -- 'velvet-covered cement' -- she says that Thomas hid under baggy suits, and kisses that 'tasted like honey.' We're sparing you a lot of bodice-ripping details that go way beyond the family-newspaper zone. A spokesperson for Thomas's office said the justice will not comment on the book."

This must explain why all these women around our boy Clarence fight about him in the press: "Now, maybe we're reading between the heavy-breathing lines, but....sounds like Thomas ('a national treasure') was fantastic. 'He was the best!' McEwen replied, laughing. 'It's why I stayed with him for so many years! Not the only reason, but it's up there at the top.'"

Discuss "Clarence Thomas's Ex-Girlfriend Pens Sexually Graphic Memoir" post here.

Walaa Idris: "Libya Will Become The Middle East's Romania"

Asserts the Conservative Party activist in London, who was raised in neighboring Sudan: "Colonel Muammar Al-Gaddafi is a Bedouin who in his own mind believes he is a missionary – his mission is to lead Africa out of the shackles of the West and free her people from their tyranny. This might be crazy by most logics and understandings, but it is also what half the adult Libyan population believes and shares with him too. On the other hand the younger generation sees things in the exact opposite – and hence the total media blackout."

Ms. Idris continues her commentary about Libya: "If we cast our minds back to the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989 and what happened to Romania and the number of lives lost before Nicolae Ceauşescu was removed, sadly, Libyans today face the same fate and might have to pay a similar price for democracy and their freedom. So what can be done, first we need to look after our own and remove every Briton from Libya. Then focus on helping Libyans with supplies, medical support and any possible sanctions and measures the UN can deliver, to force Gaddafi’s supporters and army officers to drop their arms, and more diplomats, professionals and government officials side with the streets. To some that might probably not sound like much or proactive enough, but the more we (in the West) seem to intrude or interfere the harsher Gaddafi will punish his people because it will be seem as instigating and inciting. The Bedouin will not run and hide nor will he flee and set up camp elsewhere because he sees himself as a worrier [sic] not a coward and a missionary [thus] his mission isn’t yet finished!"

Discuss "Libya Will Become The Middle East's Romania" post here.

Rush Limbaugh Nails Public Sector Unions As Being Money Laundering Operations For The Democratic Party

Samuel Gonzalez, a conservative Republican blogger in New York City, gives a thumbs up to the conservative talk radio host's commentary: "Rush Limbaugh was brilliant today on his radio when he rightly pointed out an unholy alliance between the Democrat[ic] Party and public sector unions. Taxes are the sole revenue source cities, states and the feds collect to pay public sector union employees. However, with that taxpayer money, unions also double dips and collect union dues from each worker that winds up in the coffers of Democrat[ic] candidates running for public office. When these Democrats get into office, they negotiate very generous benefit packages with the same unions (return the favor for the campaign money) and it’s the taxpayers that funds this quid pro quo system that is detrimental fiscal stability of states that could no longer sustain the spending. What Democrats fear most is the end of the gravy train money supplied by union dues."

He argues about the true motive behind the union protests: "Don’t believe the smokescreen put out by the Left as this being a battle for workers rights or an assault on the unions, or the middle class. It’s the unions that are already assaulting the middle class through higher and higher taxes to feed the never ending appetite for bigger and bigger government. It’s the taxpayers that are the true bosses here. And they are saying enough is enough!"

Discuss "Public Sector Unions" post here.

Dambisa Moyo In The Media

Last night, the Zambian-born moderate-conservative economist appeared on Tavis Smiley's PBS show to discuss her new book, How the West Was Lost: Fifty Years of Economic Folly and the Stark Choices Ahead. She discussed how the Libyan uprising will impact global oil prices, and the risk of the U.S. becoming a socialist welfare state within decades:


Dr. Moyo also appeared on African American Conservatives' radio show last night to discuss her new book. You can listen to that interview here.

A little birdie also tells me that Ebony is interested in doing a feature piece on Dr. Moyo...

Discuss "Dambisa Moyo In The Media" post here.

Emanuel Built Multi-Racial Coalition To Become Chicago Mayor

Rahm Emanuel has fulfilled a longtime ambition: he has been elected as Chicago's first Jewish mayor. The moderate-liberal Democrat won 55% of the vote, preventing a runoof election. From the Chicago Tribune: "Chicago's new mayor-elect won on the strength of large numbers of African-American votes on the South and West sides in addition to the margins he rolled up among white voters, particularly along the lakefront and in Northwest Side wards he used to represent in Congress. And Emanuel held his own in Latino wards as two Hispanic contenders split the vote. It's a different path than the one Mayor Richard Daley followed in 1989. Back then, Daley won the mayor's office largely from white and Latino support and then worked to attract black community leaders and aldermen."

The article continues "Emanuel acknowledged his African-American support by thanking voters at the 95th Street stop on the CTA Red Line on Wednesday morning. It was his first public appearance since winning the election. Helping pave the way to victory was the poor showing of former U.S. Sen. Carol Moseley Braun. On New Year's Eve, Braun became the so-called consensus choice of African-American leaders, including the Rev. Jesse Jackson and U.S. Reps. Danny Davis and Bobby Rush. Braun failed to win a single ward, including those with significant African-American populations. Her highest total in any ward was 24 percent, in the 6th Ward, which Emanuel won with more than 58 percent of the vote."
 
Chuck Goudie of ABC Chicago notes Mr. Emanuel spent $42 per vote that he received, which was the lowest number of vote of any Chicago mayoral winner since 1919. However, yesterday's turnout (42%) wasn't the lowest turnout for a Chicago mayoral election though.

Chicago Magazine notes that in winning even the 90%+-black wards, Mr. Emanuel got more black support than all of the other candidates combined. In the end, Mr. Emanuel carried 40 of Chicago's 50 wards and 48% of the black vote in a six-candidate field. Former U.S. senator Carol Moseley Braun - the supposed "consensus black candidate" ordained by prominent blacks - received only 20% of the black vote.

Discuss "Emanuel Built Multi-Racial Coalition To Become Chicago Mayor" post here.

Abraham Lincoln Won The 1860 Presidential Election Due To Ohio's Black Republican Voters

Abraham Lincoln

From the Hudson Valley Press Online, about the 1860 election: "The 1860 Presidential election was a very close race in which President Lincoln did not even get a majority of the popular vote. By carrying the state of Ohio, Lincoln did, however, win a majority of the votes in the electoral college and therefore was declared the winner. As things turned out, the state of Ohio was one of the few states in the Union to allow free Blacks to vote in 1860. In the 1860 race for President in the swing state of Ohio there were 8,900 Black Republicans who voted in the general election in a state that Lincoln carried by 6,000 votes. The Ohio and Pennsylvania newspapers carried the story first saying that the Black vote was decisive in carrying the state for Lincoln. But the southern papers soon picked it up and started to call Lincoln a Black President. The Confederates used the information to spread racial hatred toward Lincoln and the Republican Party."

More: "There was also the issue of the Dred Scott Supreme Court decision that had established that Blacks - neither slave nor free - were recognized as citizens under the Constitution. The Confederates argued that in light of Dred Scott, it was illegal for Ohio to have permitted Blacks to vote; and therefore the Lincoln election should be declared null and void and Lincoln should not be allowed to take office. As a result, President Lincoln would take office inheriting a divided nation because several states, led by South Carolina, would meet in special session and vote for disunion. One by one these states in their widely circulated 'Causes of Secession ' cited Lincoln and the Republican Party’s hostility to slavery. They would come together in Montgomery, AL, to form the rebel republic that would be called the Confederate States of America. They would elect Jefferson Davis as their president, Robert E. Lee to head their rebel army, and set themselves on a course to declare war on the United States of America."

Discuss "Abraham Lincoln" post here.

The Rise Of The African Buppie: Growing African Middle Class Is Potential Source Of Political Stability

Buppies chillin' in Soweto, South Africa

From the Voice Of America: "The middle class has been at the forefront of demands for political change in Tunisia and Egypt. Now, a growing middle class south of the Sahara presents challenges for governments there, as well as a potential source of political stability. Political upheaval across North Africa is being driven, in part, by a growing middle class that wants more of a say in the way their countries are run."

The article continues about the growing African middle class: "Over the next 20 years, the World Bank estimates that there will be 43 million sub-Saharan Africans in the middle class, most in growing economies including South Africa, Zambia, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana. {Director of the Sustainable Economies Center of Innovation at the United States Institute of Peace Raymond] Gilpin says a better-educated and wealthier electorate is generally less prone to political manipulation and more vigilant about public finance. People in the middle class, as they grow in both influence and wealth, want to ensure that participation is assured so they can have a say in how their tax dollars are being spent, or they can have a say in the direction in which the country is going,' he added."

Discuss "Growing African Middle Class Is Potential Source Of Political Stability" post here.

Dambisa Moyo Talks Slick About The NFL....

As regular readers know, Dr. Moyo argues in her new book (How The West Was Lost) that there should be a special tax on "overpaid" sports stars in order to discourage Western youth from "unrealistic" aspirations that don't help society. Well, the issue came up again in an interview that the Zambian-born moderate-conservative did with  Olaf Storbeck of German business daily Handelsblatt:

Storbeck: Let’s focus on the sports argument for a second. There is a bunch of papers about obesity problems in the industrialized World. The problem is most severe among poor people with little education. Doctors are also complaining that young people don’t exercise enough. Frankly, this is [why] I think you’re making a highly simplified point [that high wages for sport stars are distorting incentives for youth].

Moyo: It’s an opinion based on looking on the trend in statistics in the U.S. and in Europe of people who are going to school and also the costs of children who are not going to school.

But if these kids really would try to become a sports star they would be fit and not fat.

That’s you saying that. Where is your data for this?

Well, there is a bunch of papers dealing with obesity issues….

Did you see the film 'The Blind Side' with Sandra Bullock? It was about a very fat child in the US who was playing football and ends up in the NFL. I don’t think there is necessarily a correlation between people playing American Football for example and being thin. In Amercia [sic] you can join NFL and be overweight very easily.

(I’m shaking my head)

You don’t think so? You think NFL football players are slim?

They are not slim like fashion models are but they are fit and full of muscles.

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Rep. Allen West on The Somali Pirate Killings

Side-eyeing the Somali pirates

The conservative Republican Congressman has issued a statement, and includes a quick history lesson: ""The situation that occurred off the coast of Somalia is nothing short of a brazen attack on our fellow countrymen by a group of terrorists. Piracy is nothing new in this region. One cannot forget the First Barbary War of 1801 between the U.S. and the North African Muslim states known as the Barbary States."

He continues his statement: "The disturbing trend of more frequent and violent attacks by Somali pirates in this current period of time is something that the free world must take seriously. This horrific tragedy is a reminder that the United States must continue funding and supporting a strong Naval-Maritime force to maintain open sea lanes of transit and ensure the safety of all ships that cross these routes. I pray for the those who were lost, and for comfort for their loved ones left behind."

Discuss "Rep. Allen West on The Somali Pirate Killings" post here.

Controversy Over Black Pro-Life Billboard In New York City

The most controversial ad in New York City

Some black New Yorkers don't like that the pro-life billboard is specifically aimed at African Americans (see video here). From NBC New York: "An anti-abortion billboard in Manhattan has a lot of people questioning whether the message belongs on the side of a city building. 'I find it a little troubling and offensive,' said Kerry Linder, who works in the area. The billboard, located at the corner of Watts Street and Sixth Avenue reads: 'The most dangerous place for an African-American is in the womb' and it directs pedestrians and motorists to visit the website thatsabortion.com."

More complaints in the Big Apple about the billboard: "'They don't have to single out African-American children. They could have said the most dangerous place for a child is in the womb,' said Byron Wright of Brooklyn. He first spotted the billboard from his fourth floor office window and immediately called the city's 311 hotline. Public Advocate Bill De Blasio demanded the billboard be taken down. 'This billboard simply doesn't belong in our city. The ad violates the values of New Yorkers and is grossly offensive to women and communities of color,' said De Blasio."

The article continues: "The anti-abortion nonprofit organization behind the billboard said its goal is to shock people and spark discussion. The spokesperson for Life Always, Marissa Gabrysch, said the group is trying to highlight its belief that Planned Parenthood targets minority neighborhoods with the 300,000 abortions it performs each year. 'There's a grave disparity and just a huge disproportion that African-Americans represent 13 percent of the U.S. population yet represent 36 percent of abortions in the United States,' said Gabrysch. Texas-based Life Always also claimed that twice as many black babies have died from abortion than from violent crimes, AIDS, cancer, heart disease and motor vehicle accidents combined."

Read more »

MP Mike Ocquaye: "Ghana Only Needs 3 Political Parties"

The center-right parliamentarian ain't feeling the proliferation of political parties in the West African nation. From GhanaWeb: "The Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Ocquaye says it is not in Ghana’s interest to have more than three main political parties. He said the country’s democratic system can manage just three main parties namely, the [center-right] New Patriotic Party (NPP), [center-left] National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the [Pan-African socialist] Convention People's Party (CPP). According to Prof Ocquaye, this system will help electorates decide which of them is responsible for their well being. The NPP MP for Dome-Kwabenya opines that the proliferation of several small political parties confuses the electorate during elections and prevents them from making the right choice."

The article continues: "Speaking to Citi News after delivering a lecture on the struggle for democracy in Ghana, organised as part of the William Ofori Atta centenary celebration, Prof. Ocquaye said the proliferation of political parties does not help in political stability. 'Look at America, two main parties, Britain - three parties and so on, it helps not only the political process but in terms of making it clear to the electorates who is who and who is saying what. So if we have a strong NPP, a strong NDC and a strong CPP I think it would be good for Ghana'."

Discuss "Ghana Only Needs 3 Political Parties" post here.

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, February 23, 6:00pm ET, USA: Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll Gives "African Americans In The Emerging Global Marketplace" Speech In Florida

From TCPalm.com, about the conservative Republican: "Florida Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll will serve as the keynote speaker for the 2011 Black History Month celebration at Indian River State College on Wednesday. Carroll will speak on the theme, 'African Americans in the Emerging Global Marketplace.' The free public event will also feature presentations by IRSC students and pre-collegiate students in the College Reach-Out program. It will begin at 6 p.m. at the college's Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex, at 4600 Kirby Loop Road, adjacent to the Main Campus in Fort Pierce. For more information about Black History Month at IRSC, call 772-462-7606."

Wednesday, February 23, 7:00pm ET, USA: Dambisa Moyo Speaks In Washington, D.C.

The Zambian-born moderate-conservative economist concludes her U.S. tour (at least for now) for her new book, How the West Was Lost: Fifty Years of Economic Folly and the Stark Choices Ahead. She makes a stop at Politics & Prose, 5015 Connecticut Avenue NW in D.C. Free and open to the public.

Wednesday, February 23, 7:00pm ET, USA: Afronerd Radio Does Mid-Week Broadcast

At 7:00pm ET, the moderate-conservative blogger will discuss the following topics: "...Keenan Cahill's struggles, Oak Bluffs' Black Historical legacy and Super Bowl commercial controversies...finally; a recent article posits whether the term Uncle Tom' still has meaning in today's society; the checkered history as to why so many African Americans bear 'Washington' as a surname; a WSJ article questions whether American men are suffering from a form of extended adolescence and lastly, it appears that President Obama's former chief of staff, Rahm Emmanuel has won the Chicago mayoral race (but you saw that coming, didn't you?)."

Drop a line "live" at 646/915-9620 (and via email/IM-afronerdradio@yahoo.com) or leave a comment in the chat room at afronerdradio.com.  

Thursday, February 24, 6:00pm ET, Canada: Dambisa Moyo Speaks In Toronto

The Rotman School of Management's Initiative For Women In Business co-hosts the Zambian-born moderate-conservative economist's kickoff of her Canadian tour for her new book. From 6pm-7pm ET, Dr. Moyo will speak about her book and do Q&A. A reception and book signing is from 7pm-8pm ET. This event takes place at Fleck Atrium, 105 St. George Street in Toronto. Cost: CAN$49 + tax. To register for this event, click here.

Discuss "Upcoming Events" post here.