Hillary Dismisses Calls to Drop Out While Raising Assassination Issue
read more | digg story
This particular democratic race is becoming more and more contentious as the days go by. Read the entry below. View the video by clicking on the topic and tell me what you think. IS this good or bad for the Clinton campaign and any hopes she may have in the future?
HILLARY RAISES ASSASSINATION ISSUE
>
> By Geoff Earle
>
> May 23, 2008 -- New York Post
>
> Hillary Clinton today brought up the assassination of Sen. Robert
Kennedy while defending her decision to stay in the race against
Barack Obama.
>
> "My husband did not wrap up the nomination in 1992 until he won the
California primary somewhere in the middle of June, right? We all
remember Bobby Kennedy was assassinated in June in California. I don't
understand it," she said, dismissing calls to drop out.
>
>
> Clinton made her comments at a meeting with the Sioux Falls
Argus-Leader' s editorial board while campaigning in South Dakota,
where she complained that, "People have been trying to push me out of
this ever since Iowa."
>
> Obama, the first African-American to advance so far in the race for
the White House, has faced threats, sources have said.
>
> Robert Kennedy, the younger brother of President John F. Kennedy,
was gunned down in 1968 after winning the California primary. He had
been a hero on the left for his civil rights agenda and calls to end
the war in Vietnam.
>
> Barack Obama, who leads Clinton by nearly 200 delegates and has
already secured a majority of pledged delegates, has been the subject
of threats. Early in the campaign, the Secret Service gave him a
security detail at the request of Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Illinois) .
>
> Clinton criticized an "urgency" to end the campaign prematurely,
saying, "Historically, that makes no sense."
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Open Letter to Juanita Bynum
I received this in an email from one of my friends and I felt the need to share it with you all. So read it and tell me what you think. I personally think the person made some interesting points.
Dear Juanita Bynum:
My theology causes me to align with those on the underside of a society. As Matthew 25 teaches, wherever we can identify the poor, the abused, the marginalized, and those living under the weight of structural and systemic injustice, we can find God working on behalf of the "least of these." This is why my heart goes out to you. Credible reports corroborate your story of being a victim of domestic violence. And, if this is true, you have experienced a heinous act that all too many women are forced to live with and endure on a daily basis.
Having said this, I now must express my concern. I am scared that your actions in recent weeks are rendering you about as credible to the cause of fighting domestic violence as O.J. Simpson. Let's begin with your, er, umm, performance on TBN. While I can appreciate the efficacious dimensions of prayer and praise, there is also a time for well thought action and spiritual sobriety.
For instance, I did not understand your illogical and irresponsible assertions such as "on that ground that night I slipped into my purpose." You were a victim of domestic violence, period! There was nothing atoning or redemptive about what happened to you. And all that rhetorical jargon about not breaking the covenant with your husband and being spiritually submissive only recirculates the very notions of power and abuse that fosters domestic violence in the first place. Rather than doing the "Harlem Shake" to Byron Cage that night, why didn't you use your platform to present the phone numbers to domestic abuse hotlines and women's shelters? Or how about providing resources for women who currently find themselves in violent relationships. Say what you will about Bishop Jakes' response, or lack thereof, to your situation, at least he didn't turn tragedy into a praise-a-thon.
But to be fair, I know you may have gotten caught up in the moment. It was a highly emotional time for you. But this is why you need to be careful. There are real forces that seek to dismiss the issue of domestic violence in the church in general and discredit you in particular. You should know this. So wouldn't you think that making statements such as "Juanita Bynum will be for domestic violence what Martin Luther King, Jr. was to civil rights," just might come across as a little self-serving and solipsistic? Moreover, what is up with not being able to discuss your story during an interview on Tom Joyner last week because you had already sold the exclusive rights to Essence magazine? These sorts of comments and actions only add fuel to the flames of skepticism for those who already believe that you are more of a Profiteer than a Prophetess.
But all is not lost, Sister Bynum. Not yet at least. There is still hope that you won't have to go out like Britney Spears. So allow me to offer a few suggestions that may help you regain both your focus and perspective: First, rethink your desire to be the "new face of domestic violence." You say this with pride as if you are on a season of America's Next Top Model. This is neither a popularity contest nor a time to exploit the situation. Rather, this is a time that you can use your status to introduce America to the almost one million women that are victimized annually who cannot hold a press conference at posh hotels nor recover from their wounds with a deluxe spa package. Lift them up. Tell their story.
You missed what could have been a powerful, informative and educational moment on TBN. What if you had told the story of a 35 year old Haitian immigrant that was beaten, raped and sodomized along with her son in the Dunbar Housing Projects of Miami while neighbors closed their windows to her screams for help? This is the face that America needs to see in order to indict us concerning our culpability and complicit silence. Or try lending your support to the case of Megan Williams in West Virginia that was senselessly raped, tortured and maimed by six white supremacists earlier this month. While we have googled you and Bishop Weeks to keep up with your drama, these are the stories that need to be discussed and written about. So shame on us for being all too consumed with you. And shame on you for not redirecting our attention to the suffering of others.
Second, suspend your mentoring class and go get mentored yourself. If you are sincere about your interest in being a victim's advocate, obtain real anti-violence and awareness training from specialists in the field. Learn the litigation procedures that are already in place and even the appropriate language that should be used. There is no need for you to call your own session of Congress to introduce the Juanita bill, when you can sign your name and support legislation that advocates are already pushing forward. Moreover, to be frank, your hyper-spiritual cliché phrases and homiletic tropes that "move the crowd" on TBN may prove contradictory and quixotic outside of the very insular world of televangelism. I would hate to see you on Oprah trying to jump up and get your whoop on because the "anointing got so' thick up in here." And if you are going to be a credible domestic violence counselor, you can't encourage women by tel! ling th em that you got "beat down to get your breakthrough." If you are going to extend your influence Juanita, you are going to have to do better than falling back to your familiar.
Finally, take a sabbatical from the media. We know that you are a gifted televangelist. And we know that you are trying to make ground on Paula White (trust me, I am cheering for you). But everything in your life does not have to play out in front of a microphone. You have twisted, flipped and spun this event in every way possible. Your credibility and integrity are both on the line, my dear sister. And times like these call for decorum and tact not a whoop and a homily. Be still and know that God is still God. And if you handle yourself accordingly, others will rise up to fight your battles in public. There are too many who find what happened to you horrible and despicable. And, more importantly, there are too many who realized long before your unfortunate occurrence that domestic violence just can't be talked about, it must be fought against.
Be blessed, Juanita.
One Luv,
JLW
P.S. Please scrap the book idea!
Dear Juanita Bynum:
My theology causes me to align with those on the underside of a society. As Matthew 25 teaches, wherever we can identify the poor, the abused, the marginalized, and those living under the weight of structural and systemic injustice, we can find God working on behalf of the "least of these." This is why my heart goes out to you. Credible reports corroborate your story of being a victim of domestic violence. And, if this is true, you have experienced a heinous act that all too many women are forced to live with and endure on a daily basis.
Having said this, I now must express my concern. I am scared that your actions in recent weeks are rendering you about as credible to the cause of fighting domestic violence as O.J. Simpson. Let's begin with your, er, umm, performance on TBN. While I can appreciate the efficacious dimensions of prayer and praise, there is also a time for well thought action and spiritual sobriety.
For instance, I did not understand your illogical and irresponsible assertions such as "on that ground that night I slipped into my purpose." You were a victim of domestic violence, period! There was nothing atoning or redemptive about what happened to you. And all that rhetorical jargon about not breaking the covenant with your husband and being spiritually submissive only recirculates the very notions of power and abuse that fosters domestic violence in the first place. Rather than doing the "Harlem Shake" to Byron Cage that night, why didn't you use your platform to present the phone numbers to domestic abuse hotlines and women's shelters? Or how about providing resources for women who currently find themselves in violent relationships. Say what you will about Bishop Jakes' response, or lack thereof, to your situation, at least he didn't turn tragedy into a praise-a-thon.
But to be fair, I know you may have gotten caught up in the moment. It was a highly emotional time for you. But this is why you need to be careful. There are real forces that seek to dismiss the issue of domestic violence in the church in general and discredit you in particular. You should know this. So wouldn't you think that making statements such as "Juanita Bynum will be for domestic violence what Martin Luther King, Jr. was to civil rights," just might come across as a little self-serving and solipsistic? Moreover, what is up with not being able to discuss your story during an interview on Tom Joyner last week because you had already sold the exclusive rights to Essence magazine? These sorts of comments and actions only add fuel to the flames of skepticism for those who already believe that you are more of a Profiteer than a Prophetess.
But all is not lost, Sister Bynum. Not yet at least. There is still hope that you won't have to go out like Britney Spears. So allow me to offer a few suggestions that may help you regain both your focus and perspective: First, rethink your desire to be the "new face of domestic violence." You say this with pride as if you are on a season of America's Next Top Model. This is neither a popularity contest nor a time to exploit the situation. Rather, this is a time that you can use your status to introduce America to the almost one million women that are victimized annually who cannot hold a press conference at posh hotels nor recover from their wounds with a deluxe spa package. Lift them up. Tell their story.
You missed what could have been a powerful, informative and educational moment on TBN. What if you had told the story of a 35 year old Haitian immigrant that was beaten, raped and sodomized along with her son in the Dunbar Housing Projects of Miami while neighbors closed their windows to her screams for help? This is the face that America needs to see in order to indict us concerning our culpability and complicit silence. Or try lending your support to the case of Megan Williams in West Virginia that was senselessly raped, tortured and maimed by six white supremacists earlier this month. While we have googled you and Bishop Weeks to keep up with your drama, these are the stories that need to be discussed and written about. So shame on us for being all too consumed with you. And shame on you for not redirecting our attention to the suffering of others.
Second, suspend your mentoring class and go get mentored yourself. If you are sincere about your interest in being a victim's advocate, obtain real anti-violence and awareness training from specialists in the field. Learn the litigation procedures that are already in place and even the appropriate language that should be used. There is no need for you to call your own session of Congress to introduce the Juanita bill, when you can sign your name and support legislation that advocates are already pushing forward. Moreover, to be frank, your hyper-spiritual cliché phrases and homiletic tropes that "move the crowd" on TBN may prove contradictory and quixotic outside of the very insular world of televangelism. I would hate to see you on Oprah trying to jump up and get your whoop on because the "anointing got so' thick up in here." And if you are going to be a credible domestic violence counselor, you can't encourage women by tel! ling th em that you got "beat down to get your breakthrough." If you are going to extend your influence Juanita, you are going to have to do better than falling back to your familiar.
Finally, take a sabbatical from the media. We know that you are a gifted televangelist. And we know that you are trying to make ground on Paula White (trust me, I am cheering for you). But everything in your life does not have to play out in front of a microphone. You have twisted, flipped and spun this event in every way possible. Your credibility and integrity are both on the line, my dear sister. And times like these call for decorum and tact not a whoop and a homily. Be still and know that God is still God. And if you handle yourself accordingly, others will rise up to fight your battles in public. There are too many who find what happened to you horrible and despicable. And, more importantly, there are too many who realized long before your unfortunate occurrence that domestic violence just can't be talked about, it must be fought against.
Be blessed, Juanita.
One Luv,
JLW
P.S. Please scrap the book idea!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Everyday Is Mother's Day with APOOO Book Club
The experience of childbirth made me grow up a lot. After my son was born, it was my mother who brought him to me. I took one look at him, just as I did his brother years later, and began to consider what type of life they would lead. I thought about whom they were and who they would become. I dreamed for them. I hoped for them. I held them in my arms and I visualized the life they would live and the lives they would touch. Would they become doctors, lawyers, teachers? Or would they be dropouts living on welfare. When I looked at them, I counted more than fingers and toes, I counted the people they would become some day.
I realized that everything concerning them depended on the sermon that my life would preach. Each scripture would be written by the words I spoke, the experiences I encountered, and the circumstances I overcame. As each chapter unfolded I was determined it would have a happy ending. Their births were the Genesis and if Revelation was to end triumphantly, I needed to be their savior here on Earth.
During the birth of my sons, as always my mother was right there. Curled up in the corner of the room I could see her face from the corner of my eye. It was wrinkled up like a prune as she stood grunting with each grueling push that I made.
We made eye contact, but we never said a word. We didn’t have to. Her face said it all. Her calling to the ministry of motherhood had come full circle. Her baby was now having a baby. Her display of love on this day was like a sermon. It’s title, unconditional love. This message would stay with me all the days of my life.
My mother has always been a special person. She remarried when I was seven years old, but she always took full responsibility for my sister and me. The thing I love most about her is her faith in God. I loved sitting beside her and listening to her tell stories about her childhood and the Bible when I was a little girl. I know most of them by heart. When she tells a story she always has a captive audience. It’s at these moments her strength and faith are at their best. Through her, I learned of her life struggles and disappointments. I learned why she believed God no matter what. Her faith is the foundation I stood on when I became a mother. It is the foundation I stand on now. My Mama’s faith is the weapon that I have learned to use. I cling to it when life gets hard. Without faith and my Mama, who knows where I’d be.
I realized that everything concerning them depended on the sermon that my life would preach. Each scripture would be written by the words I spoke, the experiences I encountered, and the circumstances I overcame. As each chapter unfolded I was determined it would have a happy ending. Their births were the Genesis and if Revelation was to end triumphantly, I needed to be their savior here on Earth.
During the birth of my sons, as always my mother was right there. Curled up in the corner of the room I could see her face from the corner of my eye. It was wrinkled up like a prune as she stood grunting with each grueling push that I made.
We made eye contact, but we never said a word. We didn’t have to. Her face said it all. Her calling to the ministry of motherhood had come full circle. Her baby was now having a baby. Her display of love on this day was like a sermon. It’s title, unconditional love. This message would stay with me all the days of my life.
My mother has always been a special person. She remarried when I was seven years old, but she always took full responsibility for my sister and me. The thing I love most about her is her faith in God. I loved sitting beside her and listening to her tell stories about her childhood and the Bible when I was a little girl. I know most of them by heart. When she tells a story she always has a captive audience. It’s at these moments her strength and faith are at their best. Through her, I learned of her life struggles and disappointments. I learned why she believed God no matter what. Her faith is the foundation I stood on when I became a mother. It is the foundation I stand on now. My Mama’s faith is the weapon that I have learned to use. I cling to it when life gets hard. Without faith and my Mama, who knows where I’d be.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Will He Ever Propose?
I moved in with my boyfriend shortly after we started dating. I thought we'd be engaged and married very soon after that. I was wrong. Instead, we lived together for over four years, without ever getting married. He told me that he was comfortable with our arrangement and lost his burning desire to put that ring on my finger because he had everything a marriage brings, except no piece of paper or ring between us. I finally broke up with him, because I knew he'd never marry me. It was difficult, but I think if we had not lived together, things might have worked out differently.
We hate to say it ladies, but we all know someone who has lived with a man for several years with the promise of marriage only to learn that the man has no intentions of marriage. To make matters worse, our friends meet up with their former man a few months later and he reports he is either married or getting married. What's wrong with this picture? Women what the hell are you thinking?
Grandmama used to say, "Why should he buy the cow if the milk is free?" Good question.
Ladies we teach people how to treat us. We must learn to set boundaries in our relationships. If we always do what we've always done, then we'll always get what we've always got.
Honor and respect yourselves. Stop living with these men that have no intention of marrying you now or ever. At least set some ground rules for the relationship. You can do bad all by yourself. It's not the end of the world to be alone.
We hate to say it ladies, but we all know someone who has lived with a man for several years with the promise of marriage only to learn that the man has no intentions of marriage. To make matters worse, our friends meet up with their former man a few months later and he reports he is either married or getting married. What's wrong with this picture? Women what the hell are you thinking?
Grandmama used to say, "Why should he buy the cow if the milk is free?" Good question.
Ladies we teach people how to treat us. We must learn to set boundaries in our relationships. If we always do what we've always done, then we'll always get what we've always got.
Honor and respect yourselves. Stop living with these men that have no intention of marrying you now or ever. At least set some ground rules for the relationship. You can do bad all by yourself. It's not the end of the world to be alone.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)