Remember Tavis Smiley's rejection of Senator Obama's offer to have his wife Michelle speak at the "State Of Black America" conference? Well, it's now upset readers of "Essence", the well-known magazine for Black Women.
Here's some of the comments readers left:
Comments
Tavis is wrong! This is NOT a DNC sanctioned debate or official candidate forum, but a forum where all voices from the African American Community are supposed to be welcome to discuss issues that matter to us. Michelle is now a prominent member of the community, so why can't she lend her voice? Tavis says otherwise, but there is not a doubt in my mind that if Bill Clinton asked to attend that he would be welcomed!
Posted by: Dee of VA | February 14, 2008 at 09:01 AM
Does Mr.Smiley realize he is shuning the wife of our next Presidential Elect? Michelle Obama is in every essence just as qualified as former first lady Hillary Clinton to appear in representation of Presidnet Elect Barrack Obama. It appears that Tavis is going off message at a crucial time when Barrack Obama needs to continue to reach out and stay on focus. We are looking for his support here in Texas and need to pull these votes together. It would have probably have been a better idea to hold the State of the Black Union in the state of Texas. This was the last state in which black found out they were free. It would be just as befitting to bring the the address that would capitalize on the black vote and bring out votes to the polls. Just my opinion.
Posted by: Dietrich | February 14, 2008 at 09:10 AM
Talk about CLASS!!! I love michelle's response to Tavis snubbing her as Barack's replacement for the event. I beleive maintaining a high road posture by Barack, as it relates to addressing all those trying to derail his campaign, is the best strategy. I am relieved to see that this is shared by his wife as well. yu go girl!!!
Posted by: calvin | February 14, 2008 at 09:31 AM
I respect Mr. Smiley but I could not disagree with him more on this issue. Barack Obama should continue to stay out and reach for new voters. Quite frankly this is not the time to for this issue. I attended the state of the Black union when it was in Flordia and it is the same today as it was that day. It is up to us the people to change. Mr. Smiley's thought process on this is very short sighted and comes across as someone who thinks he is now bigger than the rest of us. Let's stay on point people we may never see a black man that is on top of his game be in this position in our life time!
Peace
Faye Davis
Posted by: Faye Davis | February 14, 2008 at 09:38 AM
Tavis' insistence on Obama falling in step with his program is counterproductive. I am so disappointed in Tavis right now.
I could have added more of them. Only one was supportive of Tavis, and even then not 100 percent so. Tavis really should appologize to Barack and Michelle Obama.
BLACK FOLKS WHEN WILL WE LEARN!! DO NOT ALLOW THE MEDIA TO DIVIDE AND CONCOR US YET AGAIN.
ReplyDeleteIt is obvious that in order for Barak Obama to assimilate and ascend to the throne, any credible Black public figure who will question him (Tavis) must be neutralized (eliminated) Tavis has the respect of BLACK AND WHITE FOLKS FOR THE WORK THAT HE HAS COMMITTED HIS LIFE TO, AND WE HAVE KNOWN TAVIS TO PUT OUR ISSUES OUT ON THE TABLE FAR LONGER THAN WE HAVE KNOWN THE NAME BARRACK OBAMA. Tavis is not doing anything in regards to Obama that he has not done to any other political figure BLACK OR WHITE…..ASKING A POLITITION TO SPEAK TO BLACK PEOPLE REGARDING OUR ISSUES. . OBAMA wants to be treated just like any other candidate, EXCEPT to be questioned by Black people about Black (URBAN) issues. WHEN HE DOES THAT HE IS THE ONE WHO IS MAKING RACE THE ISSUE. NOT TAVIS. But if you recall, when he was the underdog he was giving speeches in Black Churches and OBAMA did not have a problem speaking to Tavis before white people started voting for him. He is using Black people just like every other politician has, to get elected.
DON’T YOU FEEL JUST A LITTLE SILLY CRITISIZING A BLACK MAN FOR ASKING A BLACK PRESIDENTAL CANDIDATE TO SPEAK ABOUT VIEWS ON BLACK ISSUES? WAKE UP!!! YOU ARE BUYING IN TO THE PROPOGANDA. You are being made into the “crab in the barrel” not Tavis he is doing what we have praised him for and can always count on him to do ASK THE RIGHT QUESTION, TO THE RIGHT PERSON, AT THE RIGHT TIME, whether we like the answer or not.. You are the ones tearing black people down and keeping us from uniting by taking a side. , TAKE A TIP FROM OBAMA- JUST STAY NUTRAL. And don’t fall so in love with “Hope” that you throw out reason or FAITH in our people. Faith is the SUBSTANCE of things HOPED for. Tavis has shown us substance, what can you tell me about OBAMA?
Tavis should be ashamed of himself! He should not speak against Obama at such a crucial time. Tavis will get no respect if he speaks against Obama! Mr. Smiley is about to ruin his career!
ReplyDeleteGo against your own and your own will go against you!