Black Bloggers Gain Influence In Washington.DC

Well it looks like black bloggers are gaining  opportunities for conversations at the highest levels of government in Washington, D.C.  OK, let me re-state in a different way: "Black bloggers who conditionally or unconditionally support the Obama administration are gaining DNC and White House conversation." First there was the meeting of black bloggers with DNC Chairman Kaine (which I attended), then there was there was a  "black online summit" at the White House Monday as part of an outreach to African American journalists and bloggers before the midterm elections.  According to reports from the Maynard Institute, even President Obama stopped by a "black online summit" at the White House Monday as part of an outreach to African American journalists and bloggers before the midterm elections, an effort that includes the Democratic National Committee spending what it calls an unprecedented $3 million to reach the most loyal part of Obama's base, African American voters. "I thought the meeting was great in that it showed that President Obama and his administration are taking black new media and our growing influence seriously," David A. Wilson, managing editor of theGrio.com, told Journal-isms via e-mail. "They outlined how the administration's policies have had a positive effect on the African-American community and they invited us to make suggestions on how they could work better with us and provide us with more access to the White House. However, Leutisha Stills, who blogs at Jack & Jill Politics, cautioned, "The summit was a good one and very comprehensive, but we made it known that if we really have 'influence,' we are going to test drive it and see how many more invites we get from the White House." The Columbus Day session lasted from 9:15 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., with senior adviser Valerie Jarrett present along with specialists from various parts of the administration, including the first lady's office. Among the 20 African Americans working on the Web were representatives of theRoot.com, Black Entertainment Television, Essence, Jack & Jill Politics, City Limits, Concrete Loop, AOL Black Voices, Black America Web and even the gossipy MediaTakeOut. Monday's session is to be followed Friday by a presidential meeting with 10 members of the Trotter Group of African American columnists. Moreover, six or seven African American bloggers were credentialed for Obama's rally in Philadelphia last Sunday, although invitations were extended to about 20. AAP says:  I was one of the 20 African American bloggers who was extended an invitation to be  credentialed for Obama's rally in Philadelphia last Sunday, unfortunately because of schedule conflicts, I was not able to attend the President's rally.  The DNC and White House outreach effort with African American bloggers are noteworthy. The folks at Jack and Jill Politics in partnership with Kevin S. Lewis , director, African American media for the White House is awesome. The work of senior DNC staffers, including Clyde E. Williams, Political Director for the DNC, along with Derrick L. Plummer, Regional Press Secretary,  and Jamiah Adams, New Media Constituency Manager at the DNC is equally as noteworthy. I can only wonder out loud if this effort is to just gain black blogger support for the mid-terms only? I understand this is a political town. Is the White House and the DNC reading the content of black blogger concerns regarding our economy and the need for the Obama administration to aggressively enforce of Federal contracting requirements, while establishing new programs in the Department of Commerce, and labor to address the need for job training and small business/micro business "grants" not loans, for low-income urban dwellers? I hope the DNC and The White House will continue to expand the working group to other progressive African American bloggers, such as  Afro-Netizen, Black Commentator, Black Agenda Report, Field Negro, Faye Anderson, Oliver Willis, Prometheus 6, Republic of T, Skeptical Brotha, and so many others, who may have other observations and thoughts regarding what the administration can do to "really" address issues like jobs, the economy, health care, education, community capacity-building, and investment in our communities. I'm hopeful that the DNC and the White House is not, what some may consider the pimping the growing influence of black bloggers Only smart work and full engagement on the part of all parties, and time will tell...  As a black Independent voter and blogger, I remain cautiously hopeful. Cross posted on African American Pundit

The Spotlight Makes Celebrities Easier Targets

The line that divides an “enthusiastic fan” from an “obsessive stalker” is thin. It doesn’t take much to erase it entirely; one small step in the wrong direction and it fades like a chalk outline on the sidewalk in the rain. This time, the creepy sad-ass doofus making headlines is an ex-firefighter named Robert Linhart who was busted at Madonna's Central Park West pad carrying a homemade, 7-1/2-inch ice pick. "I won't stop until I actually meet Madonna," Linhart told cops after his arrest. "I am going to go right back there and do it again." When Shaquille O’Neal once said that he sometimes fantasized about being able to walk in a shopping mall and not be recognized, it’s spooky incidents like this that make me believe him. Although it’s easy to scoff when celebrities try to explain to disbelieving audiences how difficult it is being rich and famous, it’s only when nutjobs like Mr. Linhart cross the line that you begin to understand what it’s like living in the spotlight. Being a celebrity means you’re giving permission for people to look at you, listen to you, pay attention to you. Hey! Stop what you’re doing right now! I’m over here! If the celebrity is famous just for being famous, then it’s not an equitable relationship; it’s just annoying and intrusive. But if the celebrity is famous because of their talent, then we’ll happily and willingly turn ourselves into a loyal audience. We’ll buy the CD, see the movie, watch the TV show every week, go to the concerts, and join the fan club. Usually, it’s a fair trade. The celebrity’s talent enriches our lives and, in return, we make them rich. People pay more attention to celebrities than to politicians. A Nobel-prize winning scientist could hold a press conference explaining how he built a time machine and I’ll guarantee you that he wouldn’t even get five lousy minutes on the 6 o’clock evening news if Brad announced he was leaving Angelina to go back to Jen. There’s always lots of people willing to drink the Kool-Aid to join the Cult of Personality. If you’re not careful, it’s very easy to become mesmerized by their charisma. Don’t forget, it’s their job, and they’re good at it. There’s a scene in The Rocketeer, a fun but dumb adventure flick set during WWII, that points this out. Jennifer Connelly discovers that her idol, Timothy Dalton (happily twirling his mustache), is a Nazi spy. “You lied,“ Jennifer gasps in horror. “You lied to me about everything.“ Sneering at her, Timothy replies, “No, my dear, I was acting.“ The bottom line is, movie stars are just a better-looking species of used car salesmen, and they’re trying damned hard to sell you something. But let’s flip this coin, shall we? The bad news is the spotlight follows the celebrity everywhere now, which means there’s fewer places to hide. So, if the celebrity is smart, they will hire bodyguards. They will isolate themselves by living in luxurious golden cages far, far away from their adoring fans. And they’ll desperately hope that the mistakes they made years ago when they were young, stupid, and blessedly anonymous doesn’t show up on YouTube. But it can get worse. When a defiant Madonna claimed that she’s not worried about Linhart, I don’t believe it. Madonna has lived in the spotlight most of her professional career, and she’s too smart to not understand what happens when a stalker goes too far. Just ask Yoko Ono.

Bugf*ck

Ewwwwww. I’ll admit it, the first time I saw these bizarre photographs, I imagined an ad posted in the "Casual Encounters" section on craigslist: "Hi! I'm a bisexual, radioactively-enhanced Arachnid-American stud looking for freaky but open-minded humans. Let's have some hot 'n' sexy interspecies fun!" From doing further research I learned they're posters for a safe sex campaign. (No, not in the United States, silly; it's in France. What's the chances of something this controversial and overtly sexual getting a green light here?) The subtext, of course, is: Be careful choosing your sexual partners because you never know what vermin you might pick up. Ewwwwww. O.K., it's not subtle, but it's clever and I think it's necessary because, unfortunately, too many people are still stupid, callous, and irresponsible: DARMSTADT, Germany (AFP) – An HIV-positive pop star who infected a former sex partner with the virus walked free Thursday after a German court handed her a two-year suspended sentence. The court in Darmstadt, western Germany, convicted 28-year-old Nadja Benaissa, a member of girl group No Angels, on one count of grievous bodily harm and two counts of attempted bodily harm. The singer had confessed to having unprotected sex and keeping her virus secret but denied intending to infect anyone during a trial that has sparked a media frenzy in Germany. The glamorous half-Moroccan singer made an emotional apology during closing arguments, telling the court: "I am sorry from the bottom of my heart. I would love to turn back the clock, but I can't." Benaissa was charged with grievous bodily harm, which could have led to up to 10 years behind bars, but both the prosecutors and the defence argued for a suspended sentence as she had admitted to the crime and said sorry. Medical experts determined she had almost certainly infected one of her ex-boyfriends with the HIV virus, as they both had a strain of the virus that is relatively rare in Germany. The case prompted a debate about trial by media and presumption of innocence in a country that partly for historical reasons is highly sensitive about privacy. Respected news magazine Spiegel described the trial as a "witch hunt" and AIDS organisations expressed their concern that HIV carriers would feel pressured to take sole responsibility for safe sex. Maybe I'm wrong, but if I know that I'm HIV+ and I make the decision to have unsafe sex anyway, then I'm a murderer. It's playing Russian Roulette with a loaded gun and pretending it's not dangerous. However, as reprehensible as this woman's behavior was, it's not uncommon. That's why I think these controversial posters aren't a bad idea. It might educate some people, even if it's accidental. Sure, the vulgar imagery is offensive; I'll admit that. Still, it's not as offensive as willingly infecting your partner with a disease because you have the moral values of a cockroach.

DNC Chairman Meets with Black Political and Social Action Bloggers

9.16.10 - Today I attended a DNC meeting with Black Political and Social Action Bloggers and DNC Chairman, Gov.Tim Kaine. This is a 180 degree change from the days of black bloggers concerned about a lack of access within the DNC. I'm reminded about a post a number of years ago, by Liza at the culture Kitchen when she wrote: "These are the 20 liberal bloggers that met with Bill Clinton in Harlem.  As you can see, not one of them - black... It was great to see bloggers like Leutisha Stills aka "The Christian Progressive Liberal from Jack and Jill Politics, Black Snob's Danielle.Belton, Blogger Jeneba Jalloh "JJ" Ghatt, and a number of other bloggers at the meeting with the DNC Chairman. "The conversation  revolved around the DNC’s efforts to inform, engage and empower voters – especially African American voters- to participate in the upcoming elections.  The DNC senior staff have said if President Obama is to continue moving our country forward our community has to be informed.  Moreover, he needs allies in Congress and in order for him to have allies in Congress we need people to come to the polls and vote. The conversation with Chairman Kaine took place today at the DNC headquarters in Washington, DC with a conference call-in number for black bloggers who were not be able to attend in person.  Bloggers like Villager publisher of Electronic Village attended via teleconference.  There were background discussions with senior DNC staffers, including Clyde E. Williams, Political Director for the DNC, along with Derrick L. Plummer, Regional Press Secretary,  and Jamiah Adams, New Media Constituency Manager at the DNC.   Bloggers in attendance got a real opportunity to discuss the DNC’s detailed plan to engage voters and how the DNC can be a resource to members of the African American Political blogger community.  This meeting in many ways appeared to serve as a DNC coordinated follow-up to an earlier high level meeting between black bloggers and the Obama administration. As reported by Casey Gane-McCalla over at NewsOne,  President Obama's staff has been reaching out to an array of new black opinion-makers ---- black political bloggers and Pundits.   As reported by Casey Gane-McCalla, the White House meeting was brokered by Cheryl Contee of the blog Jack & Jill Politics, and was several months in the making. As reported by NewsOne, It also offered the bloggers a chance to connect with the administration and find ways to gain more White House access. Over 60 bloggers met in June with Jesse Lee, director of the White House’s Online Programs, and Corey Ealons, White House director of African American Media, while in the DC for Blogging While Brown conference. More HERE Regarding the meeting with the DNC Chairman Kaine it was organized by DNC Regional Press  Secretary Derrick L. Plummer, along with Jamiah Adams, New Media Constituency Manager with the DNC.    During the meeting we learned from the DNC Chairman that the DNC will provide an unprecedented amount of resources with a special emphasis on base turnout — youth, African-Americans, Latinos and first-time voters. I found the DNC Chairman to be thoughtful, candid, and willing to listen to ways to improve DNC communication to African American voters and African American bloggers. Advertising on black political blogs websites This Pundit asked whether there would be any special emphasis for the DNC to advertise on black political blogs. Something that has been a concern of mine and other black bloggers for some time. We will be asking that question again, and will inform our readers of the final answer. Show me the money! As I said back in 2007, more black voters will be reading these black bloggers views and opinions. There are progressive black political bloggers such Jack and Jill Politics, Afro-Netizen,Black Commentator, Black Agenda Report, Black Races, BlackProf, BrownFemiPower, Black electorate, Field Negro, Mirror on America, Negro Please, NegroPhile, Oliver Willis, Prometheus 6, Republic of T, Skeptical Brotha,Where Is The Outrage?,Francis Holland, and so many others, (don’t forget the Angry Indian – Voice of a Native Son) who just may be interested in advertising and the DNC's advertising dollar. Future Black blogger - DNC Coordination During the discussion with DNC Chairman,  Tim Kaine the former Virginia governor says given all the challenges his party's faced since the 2008 election, and despite the poll numbers, he's believes the Democrats can pull off victories in some races that will surprise people.  He pointed out Democrats need help from all segments to inform, engage and empower voters – especially African American voters- to participate in the upcoming elections.  AAP says: "I know I want my President to be successful. Do you? It's about rebuilding our nation, our communities our neighborhoods. Although I am not a Democrat, I believe it's time to rally with the President and his party around issues we agree upon. I believe progressive black political bloggers should support the President and the DNC... even when we disagree. Just remember to hold the DNC and the President accountable, if they don't address issues like high unemployment, poverty reduction and other issues important to our communities."

Nadja, Ken, and Michael.

"All I can say, pretty looks isn't all" ~ Heptones~ It's not, and it can sure get you killed. I bet some of Nadja Benaissa's partners are hoping that it doesn't get them killed. Seems they swung some eps with my girl and she failed to mention that she was....well, HIV positive. Oh ohh, yes fellows, that can be a little problematic. "The one-time pop star was tried in juvenile court because the sexual encounters began when she was 17, which is also the age she was when she learned she had HIV after a pregnancy test." Memo to all you players out there, never leave your jimmies at home. It could save your life. [Story] Speaking of failing to mention something: So let me get this straight; you mean to tell me that all those years Ken Mehlman was leading the republican hit parade against Gays and leftist, he was a closeted Gay man ,himself? Oh my. You just never know where those skeletons will come from. "The unity of the Republican Party's electoral coalition may have been dealt a setback this week when longtime top party official Ken Mehlman walked out of the closet. Many Washington insiders long had suspected that Mr. Mehlman, a former Republican National Committee chairman who ran President George W. Bush's 2004 re-election campaign, is gay, but the public admission - and Mr. Mehlman's promise to work actively for legalizing same-sex marriages - clash for many with the party's message on social values. 'I could care less if Ken is a gay; it is a private matter. But gay marriage is not,' said Indiana Republican National Committee member Jim Bopp Jr.. Mr. Bopp, a constitutional lawyer who has argued cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, co-founded the first formal conservative caucus within the RNC." "Marriage is NOT a private matter"? Mr. Bopp (I love that name) you have got to be kidding me. The honest truth is this: the sooner you republicans get into the 21st Century the easier life will be for you. Twisting yourselves up like a pretzel in order to make sense of your twisted positions is starting to make you folks look really stupid. "Earlier this year, an informal private agreement was reached among some social, religious and fiscal conservatives and Republican officials to emphasize fiscal issues in the midterm elections and to downplay issues like abortion, same-sex marriage and stem-cell research." Of course. Now it all makes perfect sense. Why do I get the feeling that the rise of the tea party folks and wingnuts is causing more stuff like this to happen here in A-merry-ca. Still, I am going to leave this one alone. I need some new Air R's before I can go chasing my man racism, he has gotten way too fast for me. Where is Glenn Beck when you need him to bring peace and racial harmony to a troubled country? Oh yes, he will be in D.C. this weekend. I can't wait. Unfortunately for Michael Enright he won't be there.- Although I know he would love to be. It seems my man has been taking his cues from Glenn lately. Hey Michael, cab drivers piss me off sometimes, too, but I don't go around pretending that they are a Thanksgiving turkey just to make a point.