Inspired by the thread in GD

[britisha]

http://clarke.house.gov/videogallery.shtml

http://clarke.house.gov/videogallery.shtml

http://clarke.house.gov/videogallery.shtml

If interested, follow the links..

Inspired by the thread in GD, since I didn't want to digress from the topic...borrowing a sentence or two from same...

For clarification; let me just say that in comparison to the Haitians, while language might serve as a unifying factor for them [and I went on to show that it is not germane to their group], it should not be construed that it might explain why Jamaicans "are having difficulty in unifying."

I took the liberty to look at the website of Yvette Clarke and have posted a link that anyone else who cares to can peek at, and came away with ambivalent feelings.

I know that she is the daughter of a Jamaican Una Clarke, and rode her coat tails on to Congress...fine...and I am not going to say unfavourable things about her, for the simple reason that *I* don't know much about her...The question becomes, why is she not as visible as say, Charlie Rangel, the Democratic Congressman from Harlem...? While she might be a Junior Congress person, isn't now the time to really "do one's thing, and become even more visible?"

What I do remember is, during the last Primary she was supporting Hillary Clinton over Barack Obama, to the chagrin of some in her constituency, who echoed that she was not representing their desires when it comes on to backing "their candidate"...that was coming from West Indians, some who even threatened to vote her out, come next election..

this could drag on again...

Remember when her mother Una Clarke was City Council member, the Abner Louima incident occurred, and she came on radio and cried it down, and rallied with the people, other than that...I haven't heard of her making any outright requests for "Jamaicans' well-being" in Brooklyn or even in Jamaica...and then again, you might be more privy to information about this, since you live in the borough..

so, in essence, what I am saying is, because of how the bureaucratic structure of the United States government is..the achievement of "power"...[and where else could it be higher than in government?]....an elected official in the USA, and any country for that matter cannot play favourites to any country, especially if it is the country of their birth, or of which they are a national..

... they cannot...notice she is talking about <span style="font-weight: bold">&quot;setting priorities for the American people and growth and development of &quot;&quot;the&quot; nation&quot;&quot;</span>

..nothing about Jamaica, of which she is a citizen by virtue of her mother's nationality, and nothing about the countries of the other citizens who voted for here. As for the comments on Haiti, did you notice she is talking to an empty room?...[people walking out and leaving?] What she is saying is something that any well thinking diplomatic congressperson would have said..

As for influencing &quot;foreign policy&quot; in Jamaica...did I get that right?...as for that, the very suggestion is saying that the people are unqualified to lead themselves and thereby have to resort to their countrymen in the Diaspora to offer aid in dealing with our social and economic crises...nothing is wrong with helping, but I don't think they would take too kindly to &quot;farrinas&quot; which they call us, coming to tell them how &quot;to run things.&quot;


Unfortunately that is the state of things from my perspective..

[britisha]

Re: Inspired by the thread in GD

Annieboddie heard from Ms. Clarke re the shooting of P/O Omar Edwards?


At least Rangel put his foot in his mouth..


Rangel Apologizes
June 1, 2009

Charlie Rangel is sorry he invoked the Obamas, but not racism, after a white officer shot and killed a black off-duty colleague in Harlem last week.

“The tragic shooting of Officer Omar Edwards highlights the need for additional training of our police officers, and I am pleased that Commissioner Kelly recognizes a racial factor is involved,” Rangel said in a statement this morning.

Rangel was widely criticized for <span style="font-weight: bold">joking Saturday that President Obama should “make certain he doesn’t run around in East Harlem unidentified” while Obama and Michelle were in the city to catch dinner and a show.</span>

“I am calling on Attorney General Eric Holder to review the problems in the New York City Police Department when black officers are killed by whites, which too often is the case,” Rangel said, before getting to his apology.

“It was entirely inappropriate to bring the President and his wife into this discussion during their visit to New York, and I hope my off-the-cuff comment did not cause embarrassment to anyone,” Rangel said.

Mayor Bloomberg and others were furious that Rangel suggested race was an issue in the shooting.

- Michael McAuliff

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dc/...HbaPIUDw&amp;C

[Dr.Dudd]

Re: Inspired by the thread in GD

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mayor Bloomberg and others were furious that Rangel suggested race was an issue in the shooting.</div></div>
Who the hell care if bloomberg is mad,, it's the truth. They socialize the whole society to see black men as criminals always.
They trumped up the case against the balck bouncer on the Boston girl. while she was a peroduct of the Med student style crime. as long as they get a black man, they will alwys get a guilty verdict.
Why plant the seed and now the fruits is affecting them and they don't want to admit it. Now if that black man was not a policwe officer,and although he is,they want to blame him. starting with the lies about shoutying police befiore the shots. You want to bet the witnesses who state it, will not be found for the trial. Then they follow that up with he turned around with gun in hand. How can he be shot in th eback when he is facing the cop that shot him?

[britisha]

Re: Inspired by the thread in GD

Okay, but mi a chry fi show seh wi noh hear from some a wi Congresspeople in times like these. Dass why some ppl tek wi fi pappy show...unlesss shi travelling, then her office coulda infaawm har and shi cudda even sen an e-mail whey dem cudda read.

It is in times like these that we need to feel the support of those we voted for, however shallow..but is aawrite, <span style="font-style: italic">annuh wan day monkie waan wife</span>...copied fram anodda boardie.

[Dr.Dudd]

Re: Inspired by the thread in GD

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: britisha</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Okay, but mi a chry fi show seh wi noh hear from some a wi Congresspeople in times like these. Dass why some ppl tek wi fi pappy show...unlesss shi travelling, then her office coulda infaawm har and shi cudda even sen an e-mail whey dem cudda read.

It is in times like these that we need to feel the support of those we voted for, however shallow..but is aawrite, <span style="font-style: italic">annuh wan day monkie waan wife</span>...copied fram anodda boardie. </div></div>You mean in time like these you need <span style="font-weight: bold">urgent action</span> from your reps. I time like these you should be demanding federal probe,although it won't solve much. since thi sproblem is systemic. The whole society is socialized to see black men as criminals worthy of being shot on site.
Shoot now and ask question safter. like how wil the bodyfit in th ebox.

[britisha]

Re: Inspired by the thread in GD

I don't know if you are following the story, but request for federal investigation is already done. It would be nice if Clarke would put in her voice as well, to give the request more weight...ain' nutt'n wrang wid dat....dat is di point.

[britisha]

Re: Inspired by the thread in GD

Now the Governor is weighing in proposing a commission to conduct further investigation.



Has one heard from the Congresswoman?

[Blackstar*]

Re: Inspired by the thread in GD

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: britisha</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><span style="font-style: italic">Rangel was widely criticized for <span style="font-weight: bold">joking Saturday that President Obama should “make certain he doesn’t run around in East Harlem unidentified” while Obama and Michelle were in the city to catch dinner and a show.</span></span> </div></div>Rangel raised a valid point and I don't think he should have apologized. :kissteet:

Anyway, to get back to your question, britisha, strictly speaking congress is supposed to propose and vote national/federal legislation and not get mixed up in local politics and events. In any case, there are so many cases nation-wide that Ms. Clarke would be well within her mandate to put forth some legislation ensuring better protection under the law for minorities who fall disproportionately victim to bad policing, prosecution, etc.

ETA: As to advocating for Jamaica, I don't see why not. Lieberman, et. al. openly and unashamedly lobby for Israel. The other point you raised about trying to tell Jcans back home what to do is a good one, but shouldn't rule out any advocacy.

[britisha]

Re: Inspired by the thread in GD

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BlackStar</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: britisha</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><span style="font-style: italic">Rangel was widely criticized for <span style="font-weight: bold">joking Saturday that President Obama should “make certain he doesn’t run around in East Harlem unidentified” while Obama and Michelle were in the city to catch dinner and a show.</span></span> </div></div>Rangel raised a valid point and I don't think he should have apologized. :kissteet:

Anyway, to get back to your question, britisha, strictly speaking congress is supposed to propose and vote national/federal legislation and not get mixed up in local politics and events. In any case, there are so many cases nation-wide that Ms. Clarke would be well within her mandate to put forth some legislation ensuring better protection under the law for minorities who fall disproportionately victim to bad policing, prosecution, etc.

ETA: As to advocating for Jamaica, I don't see why not. Lieberman, et. al. openly and unashamedly lobby for Israel. The other point you raised about trying to tell Jcans back home what to do is a good one, but shouldn't rule out any advocacy. </div></div>

Very well said BlackStar.

I understand Ms. Clarke's role from a Federal standpoint. However, when certain problems face a community, a problem of this magnitude, even if it's not in her Congressional District, it would have been very nice to hear from her, yay or nay. &quot;Little&quot; acts like these help to bring solace and comfort to the family, and voters don't forget these acts.

Problems that originate at the local level can and have in the past, escalated to the Federal level...after all, it could be argued that Omar's Civil Rights were violated.

Even the Governor is weighing in on this, and even made it his duty to visit the family...something that has NEVER happened in ANY police shooting case.

I admire Rangel even for his foot in the mouth statement, because only someone with a lot of guts would make the venture...and believe it or not, it gives more significance to how some &quot;black people think&quot; when these atrocities happen to &quot;us.&quot; It is not a rabble-rousing mindset, as &quot;they&quot; are inclined to believe..

It would be nice if we could keep tabs on how our politicians vote in Congress and the Senate, but it is a time consuming effort...but we need to know, arm ourselves with the knowledge and put them to the task, or get voted out come next election.

...and not only Lieberman, but Schumer as well. He gives the Jewish constituency the reassurance that they &quot;have a voice&quot; [for them] in the Senate.

Excellent point on the &quot;advocacy' suggestion as well.

[Blackstar*]

Re: Inspired by the thread in GD

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: britisha</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><span style="font-style: italic">I understand Ms. Clarke's role from a Federal standpoint. However, when certain problems face a community, a problem of this magnitude, even if it's not in her Congressional District, it would have been very nice to hear from her, yay or nay. &quot;Little&quot; acts like these help to bring solace and comfort to the family, and voters don't forget these acts. </span></div></div>
Clarke must be frightened to talk. Look how Rangel - many years her senior - take back his chat. Let's not forget Cynthia McKinney also. Black representatives and senators must devise some strategy and/or methods to discuss race w/o being &quot;smacked down&quot; so easily by the majority. Obama had the right approach when he gave his very first speech after the Rev. Wright videos came to light (even if I didn't agree 100% with the content, only 95% ). All that aside, Clarke could have had a word of consolation for the family and not mention the racist implications of the circumstances.

[britisha]

Re: Inspired by the thread in GD

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BlackStar</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Clarke must be frightened to talk. Look how Rangel - many years her senior - take back his chat. Let's not forget Cynthia McKinney also. Black representatives and senators must devise some strategy and/or methods to discuss race w/o being &quot;smacked down&quot; so easily by the majority.

Obama had the right approach when he gave his very first speech after the Rev. Wright videos came to light (even if I didn't agree 100% with the content, only 95% ). All that aside, Clarke could have had a word of consolation for the family and not mention the racist implications of the circumstances. </div></div>

I do agree, even one word of consolation would be tantamount to thousands at this difficult time.

As for Rangel,*chukkle* he was speaking from the heart.

It is said &quot;out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh...&quot; Obviously he was incensed over the killing of the young black officer and he said exactly how he felt at the time.

He had to apologise because indirectly he was saying that the life of even the President, a black man could be in jeopardy in Harlem...that is not so politically correct, even if true....he had already said what he said, offering an apology does not undo the deed...and that is what I loved about the whole thing. They already heard it.

Congress seems to be another cesspool where &quot;clique-ism&quot; reigns supreme {you scratch my back, I scratch yours] The blacks should and MUST align themselves to speak as &quot;one voice&quot; over matters concerning racism...but again. &quot;who will bell the cat?&quot;

[britisha]

Re: Inspired by the thread in GD

So I read today where she is sponsoring that Caribbean peeps bill in the Census or sinting like that...more to come.