[Article Comment]Obama My Brother The President, Again!

[Robot]

...Read the full article.

[Rose]

Facebook did a poll asking if Obama should be killed, but I'm sure his administration will continue to state it has nothing to do with race whatsoever.

The disrespect he has shown to Gov. Paterson is something he'd never hand to the beleaguered Gov. Corzine because he knows it wouldn't go down well with whites. I'm glad the scales are beginning to fall where BO is concerned but treachery seems to come natural to him when it comes to dealing with people of African descent.

[Bill Carson]

Facebook did a poll asking if Obama should be killed, but I'm sure his administration will continue to state it has nothing to do with race whatsoever.

The disrespect he has shown to Gov. Paterson is something he'd never hand to the beleaguered Gov. Corzine because he knows it wouldn't go down well with whites. I'm glad the scales are beginning to fall where BO is concerned but treachery seems to come natural to him when it comes to dealing with people of African descent.

Rose,

Calm down for BO, the man is a Politician…….. with all Politician the world over, survival is the most important characteristics regardless of who is crushed in the process…... Gov. Paterson is just a component in the overall collateral damage wagon that will see BO safely into second term in office…..

[Rose]

Rose,

Calm down for BO, the man is a Politician…….. with all Politician the world over, survival is the most important characteristics regardless of who is crushed in the process…... Gov. Paterson is just a component in the overall collateral damage wagon that will see BO safely into second term in office…..

That remains to be seen. What he did was reprehensible and will be used against him in ways you can't imagine.

[I Love Nigeria]

Bill Carson The thing here is Brother Obama a.k.a Barack Obama's selective application of your here stated theory.

Governor Corzine is also, currently being seen as politically damaged goods for Democrats... wherefore, there is no love lost for Democrats in New Jersey and the Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie, surpasses Corzine in public opinion polls and may succeed in dislodging the Democrats from government house, come November.

Your theory and rationale for Brother Obama would apply to any underlines with political baggage and liability? That should include Corzine and not just Governor Patterson and former Special Adviser on Green Matters/Environmental Issues to Brother Obama, Mr. Jones!

There is an emerging pattern of a double standard and selective application of your enunciated theory... as applied so far by our brother the president!

[Rose]

@ILN, just as I thought...

Obama’s big Paterson blunder
Marcelo Ballve
28 2009 - 11:14 am

The White House stepped in it when it began to pressure New York Gov. David Paterson, a Democrat, to bow out of the 2010 governor’s race. As of now, Gov. Paterson’s decision to stick with his re-election plans creates a daily embarrassment for the White House, and a schism for Republicans to exploit. Last night, a panel on the Sean Hannity Show used the flap to play up Obama’s machiavellian streak and lack of party loyalty.

More than any other political incident of Obama’s first year, his betrayal of Gov. Paterson takes the mask off on the president’s claim to a higher ethical and moral standard in politics. The mistaken political calculus behind this has nothing to do with Gov. Paterson’s ethnicity or the fact he’s legally blind. It’s simply foolish for the Obama administration to let go one of its own when there’s so much partisan battling going on nationally.

In fact, trying to nudge aside Paterson, New York’s first black governor, may have already backfired politically within the Empire State. A poll of New Yorkers cited by David Gregory on Sunday’s “Meet the Press” found 62 percent of New Yorkers disagree with the White House decision to intervene. Not only that, but Rep. Charlie Rangel of Harlem also lashed back: “The whole thing to me was not presidential,” Rangel said to the Daily News. “It wasn’t good for the President, and it wasn’t good for the governor.”

With Democrats divided, Republicans will find it easier to retake this key governorship next year. If Paterson does ultimately step aside in favor of Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, the new candidate will have a hard time finding his footing with political blood on the floor.

It’s true Paterson faces abysmally low poll numbers. But he took the reins of the state’s governorship after former Gov. Eliot Spitzer resigned in the prostitution scandal, and just as New York’s economy tumbled into the abyss. Not only that, but Gov. Paterson faced an in-house mutiny in the state legislature. None of this is Paterson’s fault.

An economic recovery next year could have easily resuscitated his poll numbers. But now, New York’s fickle voters already have watched Obama hypocritically call Paterson a “wonderful man,” even after having signed off on his political death sentence. Next year, New Yorkers may turn aside from all the Democrats– Obama, Cuomo, even Paterson– in disgust.

http://trueslant.com/eliemystal/2009...tick-together/

Sep. 23 2009
Black on Black Crime: African-American Politicians No Longer Have to Stick Together

[I Love Nigeria]

Rose Thanks a million!

The writer's analyses is right on points! And identical to mine. It gladdens my heart that it is not just me... as some here in NVS would like to think or rather believe!

I have no bile! I spill just the facts!

In fact, trying to nudge aside Paterson, New York’s first black governor, may have already backfired politically within the Empire State. A poll of New Yorkers cited by David Gregory on Sunday’s “Meet the Press” found 62 percent of New Yorkers disagree with the White House decision to intervene. Not only that, but Rep. Charlie Rangel of Harlem also lashed back: “The whole thing to me was not presidential,” Rangel said to the Daily News. “It wasn’t good for the President, and it wasn’t good for the governor.”

It’s true Paterson faces abysmally low poll numbers. But he took the reins of the state’s governorship after former Gov. Eliot Spitzer resigned in the prostitution scandal, and just as New York’s economy tumbled into the abyss. Not only that, but Gov. Paterson faced an in-house mutiny in the state legislature. None of this is Paterson’s fault.

An economic recovery next year could have easily resuscitated his poll numbers. But now, New York’s fickle voters already have watched Obama hypocritically call Paterson a “wonderful man,” even after having signed off on his political death sentence. Next year, New Yorkers may turn aside from all the Democrats– Obama, Cuomo, even Paterson– in disgust.

The writer, and I, have this uncannily identical resemblance even in expressing our identical opinions .... from "None of this Paterson's fault to presidential disapproval ... death sentence or nail on the coffin etc!

I think that sooner than later, more and more persons would discern Brother Obama's emerging pattern.

Thanks again, Rose!

[M. Akosa]

Ah.... Bros Paul Adujie,


Please leave this man alone. Don't you know that first and foremost he is a politician and also a lawyer.

Of course, it seems natural to him to off load baggages, every now and again, shed damaged goods along the way.

Is he a Mother Theresa? that will do all things saintly, sin not, and stand by all needy and weaklings.

[Rose]

Ah.... Bros Paul Adujie,


Please leave this man alone. Don't you know that first and foremost he is a politician and also a lawyer.

Of course, it seems natural to him to off load baggages, every now and again, shed damaged goods along the way.

Is he a Mother Theresa? that will do all things saintly, sin not, and stand by all needy and weaklings.

Please read up on this weakling he's been campaigning for and ask "what's the difference?"

Corruption arrests in N.J. hurt Gov. Corzine's re-election bid, thrill GOP
New York Daily News ^ | July 25, 2009 | David Saltonstall

Posted on Saturday, July 25, 2009 8:25:20 AM by Zakeet

New Jersey Republicans tried to hide their glee on Friday over a corruption probe that could send many Democrats to jail - and GOPer Chris Christie to the governor's office.

Christie, a former U.S. attorney running a strong challenge to Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine, wasted little time putting up a new TV ad touting his suddenly spot-on law-and-order background.

"I put corrupt public officials in jail - Republicans and Democrats," Christie said in the ad. "As governor, I'll make the same tough, independent decisions."

Left unmentioned was that Christie, who left his Justice Department post seven months ago, initiated the probe that led to bribery charges against dozens of political insiders, most of them Democrats.

The sweep is unquestionably bad news for Corzine, who was not implicated, but will have to explain how such wide-ranging corruption was allowed to flourish on his watch, experts said.

"It is huge," said Steve Adubato, Jr., a Jersey political analyst and co-host of a popular public affairs show, "Inside Trenton." "It now frames the governor's race very clearly around the issue of political corruption."

[Auspicious]

+

I bet that the Author of this article hardly gives a damn about Governor David A. Paterson - at least not enough to stick his neck out on his (Paterson's) behalf. If you interview this Author, there is the strong likelihood that he is about as informed about Governor Paterson's performance in office as the Chief Executive of the State of New York as any freelance hang-about is on the streets of Manhattan.

The point is that there is a heck of a good chance that this piece was motivated by no less a desire than the need to capitulate on a topic as inflammable as the one at hand, as it is with other noted instances by him, where he conveniently exploits popular themes as race issues or delves into to his usual anti-western psychobabble - all in a bid to boost his profile as an 'informed writer' on sundry issues.

The President of the United States, in this case Barack H. Obama (a Democrat), is the de-facto leader of the country's Democratic Party of the United States. Although he is not as involved in the day to day running of the Party, his support is nevertheless crucial - crucial enough for party members aspiring for elective posts to crave his indulgence at events as fundraising or campaigns and other events across the country.

In the case of a popular President as Obama, many hang-on to his coat-tails to make it through with the voters. Where his schedule permits, and the aspiring politician has enough of political capital to remain a fairly strong contender (amongst other important considerations), the President will come through with his strong support for such candidate. But where a candidatate may be a liability on the rest of the party (or the Prez himself), maybe not.

Such is the case with David Paterson. I doubt if there is a single Governor in the entire United States with an approval rating hovering at an incredibly low level of 17% - yes, seventeen percent! With a politically sensitive electorate as Americans, or New Yorkers for that matter, that is a huge drag on anyone - including whomever comes to town to campaign for such a person. And when New York has such at the head of the ticket come 2010 elections, incombent democracts should be prepared for surprises.

Mr. Paterson is a gentleman - a personable and nice man with a witty side to him. He knows, just as the White House knows, that it is up to him to stay on and fight to build on the extremely low points. The White House egg-heads, being the pragmatics that they are, do not want to take chances and have the Republicans make inroads into the Empire State. Hence their advice (and that's all it is!) for Paterson to step down so the far more popular Attorney-General Andrew Cuomo can head the ticket.

Every rational person out there understands and respects Mr. Paterson's insistence on remaining on the ticket in the race for Governor. It is entirely his right and everyone hopes he won't regret it. Alas, there are a small crowd who don't see it this way. On the one hand, we have people like this Author who desperately want to be seen as informed public persons with a grasp of everything under the sun, spurning out articles at a dozen-a-dime on everything that they have little knowledge about.

Then there is the other group - like that self-defeating minority within a minority of African-Americans to which Rose belongs. For them, anything involving a black man (or woman) naturally triggers a knee-jerk defense. It doesn't matter that public opinion of David Paterson's performance is at an embarrassingly low 17% - no! For them, it is simply a case of "we gotta help a brother (give us more of the same low performance)", forgetting that doing so only encourage low standards within the black community.

David Paterson still has his chance either to stay in the race or quit while he is 'ahead'. Eitherway, those of us who like him (just as much as the Roses of this world do) will still support him. What came from the White House was more of an advice than an order, which Mr. Paterson is totally entitled to accept or reject. There is very little need for the misplaced hullabaloo or the fake speechifications of a Nigerian Lover who loved to tell us that Olusegun Obasanjo was the best thing in Nigeria since Roasted Corn. Even Mr. Paterson isn't catching a hiffy over it, as the interviews below reveal!

Auspicious.

[I Love Nigeria]

Auspicious You can rant and rage all you want.

If nothing else, I live in New York... besides, tons of people more intelligent, prominent and high profile insiders, within and and outside the state of New York and even members of other political parties have had cause to wonder about Brother Obama's choice in this chicanery regarding Governor Paterson.

The White House think Paterson expendable, but you see, it will be up to the electorate in the state of New York and not some inanimate carpetbagger and urchin such as Auspicious!

Governor Patterson is a fine gentleman, he has chosen to occupy the moral high ground. Patterson diplomacy should not be mistaken for a lack of panache.

Governor Paterson is sanguine in his assessment and his decision to remain in the race... if he persists, my prediction/forecast is that we New Yorkers will buck the trend against Democratic Party leader, Brother Obama, and re-elect Governor Paterson. I know however that the pressure on Paterson is great and that the presidential bad-mouthing of Paterson does no favors to him... as his detractors will be liable to point to the presidential disapproval etc.

[Auspicious]

Auspicious You can rant and rage all you want..

Your little retort reads full of rant and rage than anything I submitted. So you live in New York, and? Of course everybody on Planet Earth should know you live in New York, not with you advertizing yourself as "New York-based (Obasanjo arze-leeka)". Being a resident of New York isn't a passport to rationality.

Again, if you were deaf the last time you heard it: what came from the White House was an admnotion - an advice, not the kind of Decree that your old Demigod of Otta (Olusegun Obasanjo) was in the habit unilaterally issuing while you hailed his moves all the way from your New York comforts.

Paterson is a fine man, and so are all the gentlepeople who have so far recommended what he has acknowledged but rejected - something he is absolutely entitiled to do. But he (and the vast majority of New Yorkers) don't need opportunists crying more than the bereaved.

Your opinion means nothing especially when they are recycled ones from those who can read the political temperature better than you can do in your wildest dreams. We Hope, We Pray, We Believe, that whatever happens, the State of New York remains nevertheless democratic. And, quite frankly, that is ALL that matters.

M'out of this stinking cocoon of shameless patronization.

Auspicious.

[Rose]

Auspy, so what about the Governor's disappointing numbers...he shouldn't turn tail and run (like you would most-likely). Let him lose fairely and squarely in the primaries if folks are so sure he has no chance. Besides... Judas has his hands full as it is so why put his dishonorable nature on glaring display?

[I Love Nigeria]

Auspicous numb-skull knucklehead! wrote:

.... what came from the White House was an admnotion - an advice, not the kind of Decree...

A not quite presidential admonition/advice which have been roundly condemned by all and sundry! It was tactless and distasteful and undignified.

Reasonableness and savvy, required that the White House maintained outward neutrality, at minimum, at the very minimum... instead of the flippancy, humiliation, disrespect and very public effort to undermine Governor Paterson

Auspicious In your ranting and rage... you also completely missed the comparative analysis of the public opinion poll numbers of Governor Paterson and Governor Corzine? And the disparity/dichotomy of reactions from the White House? You apparently have reading comprehension problem!

[M. Akosa]

We Hope, We Pray, We Believe, that whatever happens, the State of New York remains nevertheless democratic. And, quite frankly, that is ALL that matters.

Auspicious.

Thank you, thank you. That's all that matters indeed. Nothing personal. Any democrat in control of New York state, is good enough for me.

Big thanks, Auspy. You've said it all.

[Auspicious]

Auspy, so what about the Governor's disappointing numbers...he shouldn't turn tail and run (like you would most-likely).

Let him lose fairely and squarely in the primaries if folks are so sure he has no chance. Besides... Judas has his hands full as it is so why put his dishonorable nature on glaring display?

Another Selfish Black Woman.

Who would rather the absolute blindness of her race-suffused worldview numb her better judgment - as usual, as always.

We thank God the likes of people who think like this are in the absolute minority in black communities across the United States.

Others say let's ensure we can make it ashore by allowing a healthier Captain steer the Ship, but they talk of "turn(ing)-tail and run(ning)"

They NEVER got it, and would NEVER get it, blinded by the very same insecure obstinacy that always left them at the ladder's rung.

Judas is not he who continues to exhort his own (by example) to dream beyond the stereotyped limitations - not on your life, Oh Black Rose!

On the other hand, Judas is that voice in your soul, that continues to make you doubt every good thing that isn't of your own type.

Auspicious.

[Auspicious]

Thank you, thank you. That's all that matters indeed. Nothing personal. Any democrat in control of New York state, is good enough for me.

Big thanks, Auspy. You've said it all.

Thanks to You too, M.Akosa.

Might I add: "Any SMART, INTELLIGENT & VIABLE democrat.

We don't want to be like those who want black for black's sake.

Auspicious.

[I Love Nigeria]

Auspicious Again, you completely miss the point

Your presumption that Governor Paterson is incompetent is not based on the facts or based in reality.

Even Mr. Obama would agree that Mr. Paterson inherited an abysmal and dismal state of affairs... as far as the economy in the state of New York is concerned.

Our great state happens to be the epicenter of all the seismic and cataclysmic economic meltdown... New York as the Financial Capital, of the the United States and of the World, NYS, took the brunt of the shocks of corporate failures on Wall Street... and so, no tax base/tax revenues for the state of New York... and then, huge numbers in unemployment. .. it is more than 10% in New York and it is more than 15% among African Americans... everyone who knows anything about these things... would tell the ignoramus Auspicious that Governor Paterson did not foist these on the state of New York!

AIG is in New York, Lehman Brothers, Goldman Sachs, Bears Sterns etc were/are all New York based... as they are teething... they are not hiring or paying taxes!

Just as corporate failures of automobile companies in Detroit, Michigan, has ensured higher rate of unemployment in the state of Michigan... all these, are matters of public knowledge! Why would any sane person blame Paterson for these or presume his incompetence based on these happenstances for which Paterson or anyone cannot control?

[nijalaw]

Nna man!!! all this Yankee biz no concern me for now. ILN, Auspy, Bill Carson, M.Akosa & Rose what's the take on the upcoming governship election in Anambra state coming 2010.
Is Peter Obi's approval rating too low & can he stand on the APGA ticket with all the controversy? Will Soludo be the PDP flag bearer. Will PDP snatch Anambra or will PPA make a suprise show. Will the Appeal court throw the spanner in the works by installing Governor in waiting Dr. Ubah? Will the state erupt in massive violence.

[Rose]

Nna man!!! all this Yankee biz no concern me for now. ILN, Auspy, Bill Carson, M.Akosa & Rose what's the take on the upcoming governship election in Anambra state coming 2010.
Is Peter Obi's approval rating too low & can he stand on the APGA ticket with all the controversy? Will Soludo be the PDP flag bearer. Will PDP snatch Anambra or will PPA make a suprise show. Will the Appeal court throw the spanner in the works by installing Governor in waiting Dr. Ubah? Will the state erupt in massive violence.

nijalaw, all of the above!

[I Love Nigeria]

Auspicious wrote, among other things, that Rose is just

Another Selfish Black Woman.

Who would rather the absolute blindness of her race-suffused worldview numb her better judgment - as usual, as always.

Unfair charges by Auspicious against Rose... Rose is thoroughly familiar with the indelible marks of damage which have been wrought upon our people through the structural lopsidedness of the American society, and quite unlike Auspicious who has eyes but does not see, and has ears but does not hear!


Auspicious, only daft dense dunce would not know or refuse to acknowledge the structural defects from which America suffers. Defects mostly motivated by race or color of skin.

I believe that race and skin color remains a major factor in how life is lived in America, in fact the entire world. If you believe otherwise, could you explain why Mr. Obama is celebrated even in the inequity of one out of forty-four? And could you also explain why Governor Paterson is the first governor of the state of New York after 500 years of African Americans presence in the state in huge number and a good chunk of the electoral demographic?

Could you further tell me why African Americans are 15% of the unemployed population right now?

Rose knows of these structural defects which I speak about and that is why, she, quite unlike Auspicious, is unwilling to look the other way, when anyone, including our brother president, seem to act and speak as if everything is FINE!

Naijalaw, you see, I am a universal/global citizen, I live and work in the State of New York in the United States and pay taxes etc.

I think it socially responsible and my civic duty to participate in every facets of life as is lived here… And I recommend that Nigerians worldwide do the same. Look, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger arrived in New York as a muscular body-builder, and then movie actor and now, the governor of California, the fifth largest economy in the world, and the most populated state in the United States with more than thirty-five million people.

I have more formal education than Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. And I have more American “accent” and would say, “ I will be back” clearer than he can. There are so many Nigerians in California and elsewhere in America, Europe and Asia, with ten times more education than Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Nigerians worldwide should “shine our eyes”!!!!

Nigerians should stop being insular and isolationists… splendidly uninterested in the community where they may be mere economic refugees.

As for Anambra state, my Anambra, our Anambra? She has unfortunately become Nigeria’s theater center for political experimentation of the voyeuristic type. What with Okija Shrine visits by our men of timber without caliber? I did not like Dr. Chris Ngege’s pact with his Godfathers. Peter Obi at inception appeared “clean-un-beholden and un-mortgaged, but we now know about business interests and unsavory deals which have been linked to Mr. Obi. How about Chris and Andy Uba conglomerates of factors?

How about Mrs. Etiaba and sons? How about the recent professorial addition to the race with all the money that is fit to print from the Central Bank of Nigeria by the best dressed of them all? Solid Soludo Solutions for Anambra state? Remains to be seen! Public opinion polls, what public opinion polls? I want some Onitsha Bread please!

[Rose]

Thanks, ILN, you said it all. Auspy memorizes information by rote but doesn't quite understand (and has no desire to learn) how to apply it. I know he's a big windbag but hope my consistency will cause him to reexamine his stance. I must admit this dude would make a helluva standup comedian tho.

It galls me that Obama is so blatant in his undermining of our struggling politicians...yet he wanted all Black hands on deck during his time of need. I'm on a crusade to bring all his deeds to light before the next election. Did you hear Gov. Wilder rejected Obama's advise on supporting a Democrat in the Virginia gubernatorial race? I believe he's peeved at what he's noticing as well but won't fully articulate the reasons behind his decision. Deval Patrick betta watch his arse too!

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com...nt-back-deeds/

September 24, 2009
Despite pressure from Obama, Wilder won't back Deeds
Posted: September 24th, 2009

WASHINGTON (CNN) – Despite a personal phone call from President Obama urging him to do so, former Virginia governor Douglas Wilder said Thursday he will not endorse his fellow Democrat Creigh Deeds in this year's gubernatorial race.

Mayor Bloomberg didn't endorse or support Obama, yet he's signaling support for Bloomberg over Bill Thompson the same as he did for Cuomo last week. Why is he so afraid of being seen as "even-handed" when it comes to Black politicians? However, I'm pleased just about everyone is now taking note of his deceitfulness and it definitely snowballing.

Seems he given the go-ahead to "pile on" as far as dashing the aspirations of Bill Thompson for mayor.

Dems stay away from Thompson in droves

Bill Thompson is a lonely man. New York City's comptroller won his party's nomination for mayor, but Democratic big wigs are not rushing to help him win.

The holdouts start with President Obama, who found time to try to nudge Gov. Paterson out of next year's race, but hasn't endorsed Thompson and may not, his office says. In a trip to the city, Obama hailed incumbent Republican Michael Bloomberg as an "outstanding mayor."

Former Veep Al Gore went further, showing up at an environmental event with Bloomberg in what was an endorsement in all but name. Bloomy promptly turned the appearance into an ad.

Finally, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, who is close to Bloomberg and has her own mayoral dream, has not backed anyone.

It would be nice to credit this wave of reluctance to a Democratic epiphany on the need for bipartisanship. No such luck.

More likely, it reflects that Bloomberg has governed as a liberal Democrat. He has feathered the nest of unions, and some policies, such as paying kids to go to school, are more radical than anything mainstream Dems favor.

Bloomberg also has a 16-point lead, and few pols want to get on the wrong side of the richest man in New York, especially if he is going to win. Obama aides reportedly said he would help Thompson only if the gap closed to low single digits.

That's a strange stance for a man who once trailed Hillary Rodham Clinton by 30 points. Then again, all politics is personal.

[I Love Nigeria]

Rose, I thank you as well.

There is a welter of support for the beleaguered Governor Paterson of the state of New York. And more and more of our people are beginning to verbalize and show discernment about our brother president.

Here is a debate on the Black Agent Report... A Journal of African American Political Thought and Action

White House vs. Gov Paterson: Is That Any Way to Treat a Brother?
Submitted by Glen Ford on Tue, 09/22/2009 - 20:42
http://www.blackagendareport.com/?q=...-treat-brother
* Black role models
* Obamarama
* Race loyal voting


David Paterson by BAR executive editor Glen Ford
People who remember the days when Black elected officials were scarce and low-ranked, might conclude that last week's spectacle is a good problem to have: A Black president carrying out the “political execution” of a Black state governor. But what does this episode say about Black voting strategies and the value of role models?

White House vs. Gov Paterson: Is That Any Way to Treat a Brother?
by BAR executive editor Glen Ford

“Race loyalty without reciprocity isn’t much of a deal.”
The nation’s First Black President has made it abundantly clear that he wants New York’s First Black Governor to forgo election next year.

In choreographed leaks to the press, the White House threw its weight to David Paterson’s most prominent Democratic challenger, state attorney general Andrew Cuomo, who maintains close ties to the Administration and has raised twice as much campaign money as the incumbent. (Then Lt. Gov. Paterson assumed the top spot when Gov. Eliot Spitzer resigned amid a sex scandal in 2008.)

BAR has no favorite in this dispute, since Paterson and Obama are ideologically indistinguishable. Rather, the president’s unprecedented bullying of Paterson should represent a challenge to those African Americans that supported Obama because, in the words of crusading New York City councilman Charles Barron, “I just want to give a brother a shot.” Now, the only “shot” that “brother” Paterson will get at election in his own right is the coup de grace to his temple administered by President Obama.

When the white people have left the room, most African Americans on the Left, Right and in-between will confess that their support for Obama is rooted in race – a default position that has become dysfunctional with the advent of Obama and a whole crop of corporate-friendly Black politicos.In the past, race-based electoral loyalty served Black people rather well – when it was reciprocal. But Barack Obama harbors no such loyalties; Paterson was deemed a weak candidate, so he had to go.

“Race-loyal electoral politics has become dysfunctional with the advent of Obama and a whole crop of corporate-friendly Black politicos.”

No doubt there were strong hints to Paterson from on-high that he should bow out of the 2010 primary race, but they apparently didn’t register. So the White House sent an operative to transmit the president’s demand, and then delegated anonymous politicians to inform the press. It was an exercise in sheer political brutality. The New York Times gave the following version of the White House operative’s ultimatum to the governor:

“He said, ‘I am here at the direction of the president, and we have lost confidence in your ability to run for re-election and win, and we would strongly like you to reconsider. And if you decide to go ahead, you will not have our support.’”

Another rendition of the political execution went: “We want you to stand down. There is no path to success.”

Race Men and Women might ask, “Is that any way to treat a brother?”
Of course, Obama is like the character played by cable TV’s Stephen Colbert: he doesn’t see race. The point is, most of his Black supporters certainly do. Race loyalty without reciprocity isn’t much of a deal.

“Role model” politics is a variation on the racial loyalty theme. Black kids, the rational goes, need to see Black faces in high places – like governor and president – so their aspirations will soar. Paterson is not only Black, but legally blind, and thus doubly inspirational.

No matter. As far as the Obama White House is concerned, the president is Black role model enough. The rest are extraneous. Just ask Van Jones, and now, David Paterson, and other jettisoned “role models.”
“It was an exercise in sheer political brutality.”

It appears Black role modeling is in triage mode, with some role models being sacrificed for the sake of the uber-model in the White House.

Since role modeling is all about hierarchy – that is, Black upward mobility in various hierarchies – it is beyond question that higher-ranking role models are inherently more valuable than models of lower rank. That makes things simpler, since there is no discernible political difference between Gov. Paterson and President Obama.

Both can be counted on to buttress the Right at critical junctures, and seem to share an antipathy to the Left. In Paterson’s case, this tendency was most dramatically observed in his appointment of upstate Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand, the most right-wing member of the New York congressional delegation, to fill Hillary Clinton’s senate seat. That was a jaw-dropper, seemingly inexplicable and politically unnecessary – unless one was aware that the Obama White House had exercised its muscles to discouraged other Democrats from actively vying for the seat.

So, the two brothers came together to elevate – a right-wing white woman! Somehow, the role model/race loyalty chemistry isn’t working well, these days. Certainly not for David Paterson. Probably not for most African Americans.

No one that has grown up Black in American can fail to appreciate the internal logic of electoral race loyalty and the potential potency of racial role-modeling. The problem is, Barack Obama does not play by these rules. It is, for him, a one-sided game in which he takes, but never gives.

[Rose]

And here's the bottomline! Obama is doing what comes natural to him and "his". He is only comfortable extending respect and support to people who are not of African descent which I spotted during his campaign.

Race loyalty without reciprocity isn’t much of a deal.

No one that has grown up Black in American can fail to appreciate the internal logic of electoral race loyalty and the potential potency of racial role-modeling. The problem is, Barack Obama does not play by these rules. It is, for him, a one-sided game in which he takes, but never gives.

Prior to the election, Obama reached out to endorse a Georgia blue dog democratic over a more qualified Black woman...State Senator Regina Thomas.

http://www.salon.com/opinion/greenwa...8/06/19/obama/

As noted yesterday, Blue Dog Rep. John Barrow of Georgia has been one of the most enthusiastic enablers of the radical and lawless policies of the Bush administration. When running for re-election, he ran ads accusing his own party of wanting to "cut and run in Iraq," and was one of the 21 Blue Dogs to send a letter to Nancy Pelosi demanding that they be allowed to vote for the Rockefeller/Cheney Senate bill to give warrantless eavesdropping powers to the President and amnesty to lawbreaking telecoms.

As a result of all of that, Barrow faces a serious primary challenge in July from State Senator Regina Thomas, who decided to run against Barrow due to -- as she told Howie Klein when she announced -- "Barrow's failure to support his constituents against the encroachments of powerful Big Business interests." As Klein noted yesterday, Thomas' positions on both foreign and domestic policy are firmly in line with Barack Obama's views and with the Democratic base in that district, while Barrow has continuously supported the most extremist Bush policies, as he himself proudly boasts.

What makes this even more amazing is that, as the article notes, Barrow cynically waited until after Obama's sweeping primary victory in Georgia to endorse him. He did so only once he saw that Obama would likely be the nominee and obviously with the hope of having Obama encourage Barrow's sizable African-American constituency to support him. And now Obama turns around and intervenes in a Democratic primary on behalf of one of the worst Bush enablers in Congress -- not in order to help Barrow defeat an even-worse Republican, but to defeat a far better and plainly credible Democratic challenger.

[M. Akosa]

I always pray daily that God please should resist the temptation for me to fall for self defeating ideologies or into a box, in my way of thinking, perceptions and sense of judgement.

I now remember the words of Martin Luther King (Jnr) "I have a dream..... when people shall not be judged for the colors of their skin, but by the contents of their character."

I wonder why on earth anyone would choose to slander or blackmail President Obama, for not siding / blindly supporting Gov. Paterson, of New York State, even though it is obvious now by all political calculations so far, that he is weakest link?

Up till now, some (black) people are still finding it difficult to swallow Obama's predispositions, or natural tendencies and preferences of doing things. Forgeting that he is a career politician and a lawyer. He is not a social worker or humanitarian expert.

If he chooses to shed extra baggages that happens to be fellow black brothers and sisters, what is wrong with that?

I don't wish to be cynical, but, if it happens that David Paterson, loses his current job, with just only one term in office, so be it.
It is the will of God.
In sha' Allah.

[I Love Nigeria]

M. Akosa… We all wish that the America and even the entire world is color-blind and post-racial.

We all wish that nobody, Black or White is judged by color or mere pigment of skin. But, if you are really paying attention to the debate here… what we are saying is that Governor Paterson is faultless regarding the economy of the state of New York.

There are attempts against Governor Paterson right to run for re-election, and this is not on the facts, on the evidence nor on the merit of what he has done or the economic circumstances which he inherited.

Governor Paterson is being hounded and denigrated, because of THE COLOR of his skin and because of his disability (both of these are discriminatory)!

Governor Paterson unpopularity or lag in the public opinion polls, are not based on his acts or omission!

Governor Paterson is the first African American or person of African descent to be governor of New York and he was not directly elected, it should give you pause, whether his color and his “accidental route” to governorship, plays roles in why he is being hounded by those who thinks he does not belong there!

Governor Paterson is a lawyer just like President Obama … whatever the value of that is!

You and I, and all rational persons, want color-blind, post-racial world (America)! But we are not there yet.

You and President Obama should wonder why Obama himself is being treated with disrespect, disdain by the coagulated and ossified racial elements in America, throughout this summer… these elements who keep insisting that Obama is not an American, that Obama should have no right to give a pep-talk to American school children and that he is a communist for wanting to reform the dysfunctional health care system.

You must have heard of the “Birthers” and Glen Beck, Rush Limbaugh, Lou Dobbs, the Tea Baggers (Tea Party) and their followers of particular hue?

We cannot be ostriches with buried head in the sands. We cannot wish away the realities of racism. No need to pretend.

Are you aware that President Jimmy Carter and President Bill Clinton during the past few weeks have directly and pointedly addressed the racism by the radical and extreme rightwing of America attackers of President Obama?

So where is this color-blind and post-racial Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. society to be had?

President Obama and Governor Paterson are often viewed by their attackers, from jaundiced racial lenses!

All this, should make you want to ask, where is the much talked about color-blind society, post-racial society?

[M. Akosa]

M. Akosa…

So where is this color-blind and post-racial Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. society to be had?

President Obama and Governor Paterson are often viewed by their attackers, from jaundiced racial lenses!

All this, should make you want to ask, where is the much talked about color-blind society, post-racial society?

Big Bros Paul,

I know the world, even the the US is not color blind or post racial yet, but please let us (me & you) blind fold ourselves and ask, what is Gov. Paterson's popularity rating? What was Obama's popularity rating before he was elected as the president?

Sure, Gov. Paterson came in at a very bad time, when the economy of his state was in in a mess, but so far, what has he done to prove exceptional capacity? or that he can do better than his opponents?

Believe me, I am more than passionate about the redistribution of wealth and equal opportunity. I would dream that the Vatican be relocated to Onitsha.

But, please let us deal with reality here. I think President Obama is more than highly capable of making the right political calculations and choices.

I know Gov. Paterson will be hurt, just like so many others, who still continue to find themselves at loss in this supposedly post racial 21st century.

[Eja]

Rose, it warmed my heart to read you at #21 and #23. For a while, I had thought you were going over to join the pied piper klans who are still whistling songs of praise (out of every orfice) on behalf of the demonic askari named Barry Obama....

Why some still find it so hard to do simple joined up thinking is something that continues to baffle me. They will fulminate against Nigerian, Iranian, and Zimbabwean hypocrites and anti-human elements while they continue heaping praises on a man who is now certain to be the precursor to the next phase of entrenched corporate-fascism in the allegedly 'greatest country on Earth'.

They will condemn rigged elections and undue interference in regional governments by the center when it happens in places like Nigeria but will ignore the same events in Afghanistan and the good ol' USA.

Why I wonder....(not really, I already know why...)

[Rose]

Big Bros Paul,

I know the world, even the the US is not color blind or post racial yet, but please let us (me & you) blind fold ourselves and ask, what is Gov. Paterson's popularity rating? What was Obama's popularity rating before he was elected as the president?

Sure, Gov. Paterson came in at a very bad time, when the economy of his state was in in a mess, but so far, what has he done to prove exceptional capacity? or that he can do better than his opponents?

Believe me, I am more than passionate about the redistribution of wealth and equal opportunity. I would dream that the Vatican be relocated to Onitsha.

But, please let us deal with reality here. I think President Obama is more than highly capable of making the right political calculations and choices.

I know Gov. Paterson will be hurt, just like so many others, who still continue to find themselves at loss in this supposedly post racial 21st century.

M. Akosa,

You're also overlooking the fact that Obama is openly campaigning and angling for support for white governors who are lagging in the polls. Since he won't do the same for Paterson he should never have humiliated him in such a public fashion as it invites others to pile on as we are seeing today. You don't kick someone in your own party when they are down as the former Republican governor has stated. Obama has actually split the party because Blacks are mobilizing to reject Obama's pick at this time when it could have been a natural migration towards him had he won the primaries over Paterson. Last week's spectacle was straight up demoralizing, and he's also pissed in the face of those who have actually paid their dues in NY politics and the country as a whole. I feel Obama has also insulted Paterson's father (Basil) who worked tirelessly for the state and Blacks long before anyone ever heard of Obama. I have my personal beliefs about the roots and ease of Obama's particular brand of treachery towards Blacks but we aren't the only ones who realize what he did was patently wrong and I hope the favor is returned in due time.

Obama is deathly afraid to exhibit any signs of concern for people of African descent but other ethnic groups aren't bound by that logic and do not follow that example where their own are concerned because they understand there's strength in numbers. Obama's example also gives free rein to others who can now use him as their new poster boy/model. The only good thing to come out of this situation is he has shown his hand and heart early enough for it to truly sink in by the next go round. IMO Obama is going all out to allay the fears of whites by proving he will not be fair and balanced towards Blacks. I cannot express the depths of my feelings for this man at this juncture. Now won't it be interesting if the party has to ask Obama not to run for a second term so his challenger has a better shot at beating a Republican rival?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil_Paterson

Paterson became involved in Democratic politics in Harlem in the 1950s and 1960s. Along with former New York Mayor David Dinkins, former Manhattan Borough President Percy Sutton, and Congressman Charles Rangel, Paterson is a leader of the "Harlem Clubhouse," which has dominated Harlem politics since the 1960s.

In 1965, Paterson was elected to the New York State Senate representing the Upper West Side of New York City and Harlem.[8] He gave up his Senate seat in 1970 to run for Lieutenant Governor of New York, as the running mate of former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Arthur Goldberg. The Goldberg/Paterson ticket lost to the Republican ticket of incumbent Gov. Nelson Rockefeller and Lt. Gov. Malcolm Wilson.

In 1978, Paterson was appointed as a Deputy Mayor of New York City by then Mayor Ed Koch. He stepped down as deputy mayor in 1979 to become Secretary of State of New York, the first black person in the post, and served until the end of the Hugh Carey administration in 1982.

Currently, Paterson is a member of the law firm of Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, P.C., where he is co-chair of the firm's labor practice.[9]

Paterson is the father of New York Governor David Paterson, who was elected Lieutenant Governor in 2006 on a ticket with Gov. Eliot Spitzer. David Paterson succeeded to the governor's office upon Spitzer's resignation on March 17, 2008. When his son became lieutenant governor, Basil Paterson said that fact may actually "get in the way" of his livelihood as a negotiator and lawyer for the Hospital Workers and Teamsters unions.[10]

[Auspicious]

..Sure, Gov. Paterson came in at a very bad time, when the economy of his state was in in a mess, but so far, what has he done to prove exceptional capacity?

BINGO!

That is the common-sense question that every sincere commentator on the issue concerning Governor Paterson's low-ratings should be asking.

But nuh-uhn, rather than doing anything like that, an ignoreable proportion of people out there continue to fight shadows about race and things.

The daftest person out there knows that race remains a big issue in America - that the society is hardly close to where the society really need be at.

Alas, only a foolhardly resident of this country would ignore the history and how far the society has come from the era of slave-trading till today.

The ones who view everything from the purview of racism like Rose will continue to deny themselves of the best that they are entitled to.

And the ones who exploit the real imbalances present in today's world for personal ratings will continue to be exposed for the quacks that they are.

In the meantime, those who matter and know what they are doing will continue doing what they are doing to the best of their individual abilities.

Paterson and Obama are both intelligent individuals with opinions, neither of whom need apologists or folks with racism-hangover to advice them.

If Paterson wins, we'd celebrate and hope to God the rest of his tenure in Albany will improve the lot of the people of the Great State of New York.

In the meantime, fingers crossed. Let those who have inherited the very hatred of those who persecuted their forebears continue their marination in hatred.

We know already that the only thing that informs their dogged stance as far as Barack H. Obama is concerned is nothing but his bi-racial heritage.

And, to make it worse, the other half of those who sired him is straight out Kenya - not 'their' prefered direct descendant of those shipped across the seas.

As if that makes any difference, really.

The anger of people who think like this will continue to box them into a tight-corner, while others who have freed themselves of the emotional chain rise like Obama.

As for the Author, he is a joke to be ignored, really.

Auspicious.