Through These Brown Eyes- I Saw Obama

I watched Barack Obama from a VIP seat inside the downtown Fort Worth Convention Center, up close, about as good as it gets. I need no re-broadcast of the nightly news on ABC, NBC, CBS, or FOX. I don’t have to read some shoddy report from the local Star-Telegram newspaper. The mass media can kiss off Eddie Griffin, because I saw it all for myself.

(Photo Thanks to Aretha B. Hall, Fort Worth)





I was amazed first how constrained he was about referring to his opponents. Never once did he mention his opponent, Hillary Clinton, and only once did he mention the name of John McCain, except in tying him to George Bush and the War in Iraq.

Over 10,000 people moved effortlessly into the convention center, as smooth as silk. The Obama Team on the ground was ready for the crowd, and well organized. That was something else that amazed me- how well organized was Obama’s people.

The day that the volunteers trained for the convention center assignment more than 300 people showed up. People coming into our Obama field office on Evans and Rosedale were turned away. Joe Boswell would say to the would-be volunteers, “We have too many volunteers already.”

We did. We had put an army on the ground in three days, rallied nearly 60,000 early votes and hailed a capacity crowd at the downtown convention center.

Wouldn’t you know it? The first person on the platform to kick of the rally was, none other than, Joe Boswell, looking like he had gone three-days without a shower, living solely on McDonald’s. I worked beside him, and he is a man absolutely focused.

This morning, I gave Joe a “brother hug”, a white boy working his butt off to get Barack Obama, the first African-American elected president. He calls himself a “white slave” for Obama. I hope people like Joe Boswell make it to the Whitehouse.

The March 4 primaries are on Tuesday. Today is Friday, February 29, 2008, and counting down.

I cannot name all the volunteers from my email network of 970 people, but there were people there that I never expected to see. And, there was not an empty seat under the dome.

They started playing my song: “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now”, and suddenly, I was into it. Around and around and around, the crowd’s wave swept across the auditorium like a rolling tide. In the meantime, all the television networks were turned off. They wanted only a 30-second blurb for the news, and the newspapers wanted 1,500 words or less.

And, what they didn’t see was Joe, and hundreds of volunteers like Joe.

The mass media has been making a big deal about demographics- race, age, and gender. I sat next to a 9-year old white boy, whose dad brought him to the rally. They were my fellow VIP-seat observers. When Obama hit home the point about bringing our children back from Iraq, the white father gave me a high-five. He has another son, fighting in his third tour of duty in Iraq, where he has been stationed for the last two-years.

Yeah! It was emotional, I admit. But then what’s wrong with a tear in the eye every now and then. But the mass media did not show close-up of the tears in people’s eyes.

Where was Race? Where was Age? Where was Gender? I didn’t see any. I saw people caught up on Cloud-9, hoping, wishing this moment never end.

It surprised me how alienated we are from each other. Very few people made eye-to-eye contact. They were mostly members of families, personal friends, clubs, churches, and so on, all in their own little worlds. But one thing we had in common that drew us together in mutual affections was the man: Barack Obama.

"Afrosphere" or "Blackroots"? Two Synonymous Names for the Same Movement.

By Francis L. Holland, Esq.
AfroSpear Member

Dear Kinfolk:

With the advent of the term "blackroots", there has been some confusion as to what difference, if any, exist between the terms "blackroots" and the "afrosphere," both of which terms describe a portion of the Blacks who participate in blogging. In fact, the terms are synonymous, as is explained and documented in this article.

As I observed at my blog back on June 13, 2007, in a comprehensive article entitled, "An Essay on AfroSpear Nomenclature: What We Call Ourselves and Why":

(2) The "AfroSphere" on the other hand, is the term that we have developed over the last few months to mean "Blacks on the internet, at Black blogs and websites, working for Black cultural, political and social self-determination, renewal and advancement and sharing generally similar goals, even if they do NOT know one another and and have NOT become part of an organization to pursue these goals in unity and collaboration. Being part of the Afrosphere reflects a choice to pursue the goals of Black self-deterimination, but without necessarily hav[ing] joined any particular group to do so as part of a collaborative. "An Essay on AfroSpear Nomenclature: What We Call Ourselves and Why," June 13, 2007.

Now, compare that definition to the discussion and definition of the term "blackroots" that is offered by BlackProf.Com's "professor and [Black] blogger Spencer Overton, as discussed and quoted in YahooNews on February 14, 2008:

Spencer Overton analyzed the rise of the Blackroots in a prescient post last May: While the "grassroots" are romanticized, in the past couple of decades Black politics has been hierarchical and limited by orthodoxy that constrains debate. An MLK/Malcolm model has defined the leadership styles and political philosophy of Black elected officials, non-elected figures like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, organizations like the NAACP, and neo-Black Nationalist commentators and figures. Those not with the program essentially had the option of becoming Black Republicans. Older Black folks often complain about complacent black youth who don't vote, march, or otherwise live up to their model. Black blogs offer not only an opportunity to break from old orthodoxy, but to do so in a way that is flatter, and allows for more engagement through comments from readers (which are often more provocative than the posts)....

He cited the successful Fox News campaign as a "significant development" that fit into a larger effort to advance wired collaboration and force "transparency [to] hold Black elected officials more accountable." During the Fox fight in April, Afro-Netizen blogger Chris Rabb questioned how the CBC could cut deals and take contributions from Fox while neglecting its own constituency:

Do these [CBC] folks know what the "netroots" is? Do they think it's just made up of by young, white college-educated geeks far removed from their own congressional districts? Do they know that the vast majority of Black voters who elected them are accounted for in the much larger population of African Americans who regularly access the Internet, approximately 20 million strong? Will they come to understand that the Black netroots community is presently a slumbering giant who, it seems, only the likes of a Fox News Channel can begin to awaken? Yahoo.Com

When you look at the definition of "Blackroots" offered by Professor Overton, as well as the groups, activities and political perspectives that he says comprise the "Blackroots", it is seems clear to me that "blackroots" and "afrosphere" are synonymous. In fact, Professor Overton says at the blackroots' BlackProf blog, in an article entitled, "A Significant Development for the Blackroots":

The past couple of months have produced a significant development among Black blogs. Many are working together to challenge conventional Black leadership. ( . . . )

Afro-Netizen and Jack & Jill Politics, for example, separately criticized Jesse Jackson for speaking out against the Fox/CBC debate, and then deferring to the CBC the next week. Jack & Jill Politics disclosed to its audience that from 2003 to 2005, Fox News gave the CBC Foundation between $47,000 and $99,000, with 2006 numbers unavailable.

( . . . )

3) The Power of Collaboration: Despite the interactive and collaborative nature of the Internet, many Black blogs have remained relatively autonomous. We've provided links to occassional posts on other sites and included other black blog sites on our blogrolls, but our interaction has been limited, at least with regard to action. And autonomy is important--the wisdom of crowds comes not through parroting, but through autonomous decisionmaking. And we all have different interests. But the CBC/Fox Issue is an important step in the evolution of network effects--the power of a broad, flat, and well-connected blackosphere. Professor Spencer Overton, "A Significant Development for the Blackroots", BlackProf, May 1 2007.

By looking at who comprises the "blackroots" and the "afrosphere," -- what our perspectives are and what we are doing -- it becomes apparent that these are but two synonymous terms for the very same "loosely organized" but "well-connected" "network" or "sphere" of people, perspective and activities. The term "afrosphere" derives from the term "blogosphere" (the "afro" part of the blogosphere) and gains its meaning in juxtaposition to the term "whitosphere". Meanwhile, the term "blackroots" is derived from the term "netroots", and its meaning is best understood in juxtaposition to the term "whiteroots", a term whose first published usage may have been by John Stodder at Althouse, on September 27, 2007.

Based on my first-hand knowledge of the history and usage of the term "afrosphere", and after having quickly reviewed the usage and definition of the term "blackroots", it is evident to me that"Blackroots" and "afrosphere" are two different names for the same loosely and informally organized sphere of online Black people, perspectives and activities.

Going forward, blackroots/afrosphere members may choose to agree to select one of the two of these terms to signify this concept, if only to facilitate the understanding of the news media, the public and government officials, as well as our own members. In the earliest days of the AfroSpear, we agreed to use the term "afrosphere" for this concept rather than "blackosphere" because many members believed that a term such as "blackosphere", derived from the term "Black" defined us only by our skin color. In comparison, the believed that, by adopting the term "afrosphere", we define ourselves in terms of our commitment to African-descendent-oriented people, politics, culture and history. In that sense, the terms "blackroots" and "afrosphere" differ in the same ethereal way that the terms "Black" and "African-American" differ.

For my part, Field Negro, Exodus Mentality and Asabagna convinced me that the term "afrosphere" and AfroSpear were preferable for our self-definition based on the argument above, and based on the need to select one term that all of us would use uniformly. Once having agreed with them on this point, I have always been happy with the term "afrosphere" and have never looked back. I am a member of the "loosely-organized" afrosphere as well as of the political blogger member group, governed and managed daily by consensus of the members, that is called the AfroSpear.

(3) The "AfroSpear" is our international, consciously and purposefully organized collaborative of Black bloggers and websites who develop online and offline organizations, forums, newspapers, messaging groups, chat rooms and other media to organize and mobilize the international Black Diaspora to pursue goals that will enhance and further our well-being, in all of the cities, towns, countries and continents where we live, throughout the world.

Being part of the "AfroSpear" requires that one have both adopted the goal of Black self-determination AND have decided to participate actively in this particular group to pursue these goals. Becuase the term AfroSpear has a very precise meaning, it necessarily includes substantive criteria for membership and its definition also requires that some people can only be non-members, because their views, advocacy and/or societal and cultural position simply have nothing to do with or are clearly adverse and contrary to the goals of Black poltiical, cultural and economic self-determination. An Essay on AfroSpear Nomenclature: What We Call Ourselves and Why, Francis L. Holland Blog, June 13, 2007.

To help distinguish between the term "afrosphere" and the group called the "The AfroSpear," and because "AfroSpear" is the name of a formal organization while "afrosphere" is not, therefore AfroSpear members have decided NOT to capitalize the word "afrosphere."

For those Black self-determination bloggers who have been blogging for at least three months and who wish to participate in a tightly-knit Afro-descendant Black bloggers' group, with over 130 duly admitted members from half a dozen countries and four continents, with daily e-mailing, press releases, a unified and automatically updating AfroSpear blog-list, and group organs such as AfroSpear in the News and AfroSpear Freedom Technology Christmas, I encourage you to consider applying for membership in the AfroSpear: http://groups.google.com/group/the-afrosphere/about

Sincerely,

Francis L. Holland, Esq.
The Truth About John McCain Blog
"One Love, One Nation Under an AfroSpear"

Hillary Clinton and Liberal Paternalism

I resolved at a very young age that I'd been blessed and that I was called by my faith and by my upbringing to do what I could to give others the same opportunities and blessings that I took for granted. That's what gets me up in the morning. That's what motivates me in this campaign... I am Hillary Clinton and I approve this ad.

“… to give others the same opportunities and blessing that I took for granted.”

Eddie Griffin does not want anything that someone else “took for granted”. Sounds too much like leftovers. I want something they hold as precious, not the stuff taken for granted. There is already too much stuff taken for granted. Can Hillary Clinton give me more “take-it-for-granted” stuff that I don't already have?

Enough with the handouts- where’s the beef?

As for “giving opportunities and blessings”, Mrs. Clinton has no power to hand out “blessings”. Excuse men, "All blessings come from above". Therefore, she overstates her powers, as if she has some kind of “divine calling” (by her “faith”, by her “upbringing”, by her delusion) “to give others”, what others could get for themselves with real leadership, instead of hand-me-down favors, and promises of more social welfare upon which comes dependency.

If that is what motivates Hillary Clinton to "get up in the morning", then more power to her, just as long as she don’t feel like she is doing some great favor for “the poorest of the poor”.

Call it ungrateful or whatever. I am just tired of the liberal pap, from which poor people are forced to drink and become hopelessly addicted thereto.

And CBNnews calls this “Hillary Shining Moment”. Shh!

The Debate is Over

The debate is over. When Barack Obama says that he will not let lobbyists run his administration, he distanced himself from the K-Street bribers and corrupters- more than any other candidate in the race- something akin to political suicide without a strong grassroots campaign.

But Barack Obama is a nice guy and will say nothing bad or negative about anybody... not so, with Eddie Griffin. I hate political corruption more than anything. The scandal of Jack Abramoff made me sick to my stomach. It was not because of political party that I condemned representatives Bob Ney and Duke Cummingham. Because I also lambasted William Jefferson, a black Democrat in the House, I gained the dubious reputation as an “equal opportunity hater”.

As a journalist, I was warned not to condemn Tom DeLay until he is convicted of something. And, I guess the same holds true for Representative Rick Renzi. But I don’t have to nitpick about the details because it is obvious that there is widespread political corruption in Washington, D.C.

Barack Obama probably understands this more than anyone else. And, I believe, this is why he has stepped out of the box and refused PAC money to finance his campaign.

It is a sad commentary on national politics, when some voters forget the near past and try to vote the same corporate candidates back into office with their K-Street connections.

The debate at the top of the ticket is over with. The choice is clear: Obama, Clinton, or McCain.

Challenge Aimed At Rep. John Lewis, Georgia

I have not yet begun to fight... John Paul Jones

We predicted that it was just a matter of time before Civil Rights icons in Congress would fall out of favor with their constituency. Now this:

“Hutchins to seek Lewis' seat” by Jim Galloway, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

For the first time in nearly a decade, U.S. Rep. John Lewis of Atlanta will have opposition to his re-election to Congress.

Markel Hutchins, an Atlanta minister who took up the cause of a 92-year-old woman killed in a botched police raid, announced this week that he will challenge the 11-term congressman and civil rights icon in the Democratic primary.

“Now is the time for us to move beyond the nostalgia of the civil rights era,” Hutchins said.

Hutchins, 30, said Lewis' October endorsement of Hillary Clinton in the Democratic presidential race, while the 5th District largely supported Barack Obama, was a factor in his decision to challenge Lewis.

“That presented some problems for many of us,” Hutchins said… Lewis declared he was ready for the fight… “Leadership cannot be given. It has to be earned with respect and integrity,” the congressman said in a statement.

Glory Hallelujah! The incumbent docile members of the Congressional Black Caucus are put on notice.

How about being black and unemployed?

Excuse Me, Excuse Me, Excuse Me

This little old lady named Opal Lee is an 81-year old Fort Worth community activist. She is a tenacious senior activist, who elbowed her way through the crowd of 15,000 people inside Dallas Reunion Arena, excusing herself as she went, just to look Barack Obama in the eyes and, alas, drop a little note in his pocket.

I am still trying to figure out what the note said.

Eddie Griffin once ran Opal Lee's community-based computer school, which is now converted to an Obama field office... my war room. On Tuesday, we will formerly open the office.

Barack Obama will be in Fort Worth on Thursday evening.

Time: TBA
Location: TBA


IN THE MEANTIME:

Bill Clinton Comes to Fort Worth on Tuesday

All Saints Catholic Church
Tuesday February 26, 2008 at 5:30 p.m.
Marine Park across from All Saints Catholic Church
Northside of Fort Worth

Echo Lake Park
Bill Clinton will be there at 4:00 p.m.
Exit Ripy at I-35W and turn East
Turn North on the access road
Echo Lake Park is on the right at the bottom of the hill.
Worth Heights Community Center is across the street.

CHANGING POLITICAL FORECAST – Part 2

Eddie Griffin Endorses Mike Huckabee

Monday, February 25, 2008

Barack Obama is my first choice on the Democratic side of the ballot. Now I endorse Mike Huckabee for the Republican side. A thorough examination of the characters of both Obama and Huckabee show two men untarnished by political corruption, two honest men from different parties. This cannot be said of their opponents, Hillary Clinton and John McCain.


“Allen Saxe wants John McCain to be the next president. That’s why he voted for Hillary Clinton on Wednesday.” So writes Aman Batheja of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram in her opening lines to “Some are Republicans try to help party by faking left, going right” (Sunday, 02/24/08). “She’ll be easier to defeat,” said Dr. Saxe.

How ingenious!

Before Republicans, jump parties and flock over to Hillary Clinton’s side, this may leave the door open for a Huckabee miraculous comeback insurgency.

Therefore, Eddie Griffin, having endorse Barack Obama for the Democratic Party presidency, hereby endorse Mike Huckabee for the Republican Party.

WHY?

Barack Obama declared, “Lobbyists will not run my administration.” he declared.

What are you saying Barack- that there are lobbyists already running presidential and presidential-hopeful administrations?

There is no doubt how far up the administrative ladder lobbyists Jack Abramoff reached. Just look at all the administrative underlings and congressmen that fell with him- Bob Ney and Tom DeLay. Ney is on his way to prison, while DeLay awaits prosecution. (Now we know why his last name is DeLay, K-Street corruption scandal).

Obama said, “If there is going to be real change in this country, then we’ve got to clean up Washington, first.” He could have easily said, “Clean up the culture of corruption.”

A lobbyist for John McCain hangs on him like a mistress, though not romantically. The adultery is political. Will John McCain get in the bed with lobbyists again once he is in the Whitehouse?

Shew fly! Don’t bother me, says McCain.

But America is deeply bothered by lobbyists like Jack Abramoff running the country.

Moreover, I am bothered because the interest of the rich is voted in, by bribery and graft, while the interest of the poor is summarily voted out. No matter how much the poor plead for justice and equality, their arguments fall on the deaf ears of those representatives who votes have already been bought.

Tell me that former representative Duke Cunningham did not plunder the government like so many others and rob the confidence of his constituencies in accepting bribes and graft.

If that is not enough, now we got representative Rick Renzi has been indicted. Isn’t he one of John McCain’s national campaign managers?

Money will buy almost anybody. Look at another representative, William Jefferson, stuffing $100,000 into a freezer. That kind of money belongs in the bank, not in a freezer. The problem here is trying to explain and lie about where the money came from. It was a bribe sting, entrapment like a rat-on-cheese, caught on tape.

This is the problem today in Washington, D.C., that K-Street has usurped the power of the American people through briberies and grafts. This is not unusual in the history of any society, and all societies before us.

Is there an honest man among?

We would hope so. But look at the nine honest federal prosecutors who were fired because they pursued investigations into political corruption.

Washington, D.C. is out of hand and out of control. This is why the majority of the people in the United States and around the world want to put Barack Obama into the Whitehouse. He is a man that comes without baggage, and not a scent of corruption, though faultfinders search high and low.

Everyone is entitled to vote his or her conscious. If my dear professor, Dr. Allen Saxe votes his conscious, then he is also without excuse of being ignorant of the facts.