Conservative Radio Host Says It Was Absolutely “Torture”

For those who believe that I have an ax to grind with Conservatives and/or the Republican Party, please allow me to make this statement as clearly as possible. I do not have a problem with individuals who choose to be Conservatives even those who have issues with me being Liberal. I respect your embrace of conservatism, just as I appreciate those who respect my embrace of moderate liberalism (isn’t that just as oxymoranic as compassionate conservative).

It’s not those who are Conservatives that I have the issue with. It’s not even those who are true Republicans I have issue with. I believe many of the few True Republicans or should I say the Moderate Republicans do not like the extreme the GOP has gone and continues to go either. It’s not necessarily the Republican Party I have the issue with, but the extreme, exclusionist element that has hijacked the GOP is the problem. Now I do not pretend that the Democratic Party is perfect either, but I’m sure someone will accuse me of suggesting such.

Now I’ve said all that I believe I need to say in regards to the issue of torture, which includes waterboarding. I’m still amazed by those who feel the need to defend the use of torture. I’ve personally given up seeking common ground with these individuals in hopes they will some day realize their error and join the rest of us, both Liberals and Conservatives in our collective outrage on the use and endorcement of torture by the Bush/CHENEY Administration.

I give Eric “Man Cow” Muller, an extreme right-wing radio talk show host from Chicago credit for actually doing what so many who agreed with him (at least before this incident) in regarding waterboarding wouldn’t do, such as Sean Hannity. Mr. Muller didn’t believe waterboarding was torture and has repeatedly told his radio audience such among many other things for awhile. Since so many refuse to listen to the reasoning of Liberals or Moderate Conservatives, perhaps they will consider the words of one of their own.

Thank You Mr. Muller for having the courage to stand by your claims and test to see if waterboarding is torture.

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The Race Factor

Meanwhile back at the Justice League…

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) suggested over the weekend that race was a factor in Roland Burris being seated by the U.S. Senate. (Source)

Well Duh. Didn’t I already say this two months ago? I was originally crafted so that it would include or at least have the elements of race could be argued one way or the other by Former Gov. Blagojevich. I even gave him credit for his shrewdness of the move. That’s what Rod Blagojevich was banking on, but of course he wouldn’t say it or admit it. What politician worth the seat he/she is seated would?

The Problem

The fact that there is only one (1) Black Senator is embarrassing and telling enough. It’s embarrassing because it highlights the overwhelming opposition towards diversity in the U.S. Senate. How many Black, Latino, Asian, and Native American & Women do you have in the U.S. Senate?

I’ll help you answer that question, but I will broaden that beyond the current Senate to the history of the Senate. Don’t worry it’s a quick read.

• Minorities Senators

• Women Senators

This story is not confined to one political party either, but all of them have done a poor job of attracting Non-White Male Senate candidates. They all are worried either about the next election, how many votes they will have in Congress or the racial make-up of the congressional district the senate seat would represent.

The Question

We keep hearing the same ole tired argument that a “White Person will not vote for a Black Candidate”. Just think about that for a minute. If everyone else has had no problem voting for a White Male regardless of political party, why do you think Whites will have problems voting for someone who isn’t White?

If this is true, one would have to assume that the ‘colorblind’ argument we often hear is disingenuous at the core of its substance. You also would have to conclude that your assumptions are discriminatory, because it precludes that a race of people are bound to an ideology that ties their political interests to their racial interests which is the opposite of being colorblind.

This is not uncommon, but often few are willing to say what they do in order to get you to do what they say.

Roland Burris is Black

A few months ago Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) brought the fact of race into the public discussion when he made his comments that were reported on by the media and sited in previous posts on this blog about this subject.

Roland Burris is Black. I don’t think there was much confusion over this fact. Anyone with eyesight could determine his race. What differences does it make in whether he’s qualified or not and why should it be a factor in his qualifications as Senator?

Every Brother Ain’t a Brother Cause of Color

This is basically the answer to the previous question. The reason why race is often mentioned to subliminally signal whether you can trust this person or not depending on which line you sit on.

Many Black Republicans are instantly demonized among Black people because of their political affiliation. I being a Black Democrat have actually found myself defending my political play cousins from other Democrats. Do I always agree with them politically? NO. The times we are in agreement, is it because of race? NO. The thing that many people don’t understand is that although we may share similar heritages it doesn’t mean that we as a people are the same. This goes for any race of people. All White people are not like what you see on TV, nor are Blacks, Latinos, Asians and Native Americans.

Senate Conclusion

The U.S. Senate has long been desegregated, but how long will it take for its overwhelming psyche to desegregate.

The United States is not just a collection of White People, Black People, Brown People & Yellow people, but it’s a collection of People. A people diverse in our opinions, culture and hues of pigmentation.

We often hear the genuine sentiment of the words ‘post-racial’ or even ‘colorblind’, but fail to own up to what’s disingenuous about the expressions. There’s nothing wrong with being who you are and being honoring your heritage or culture as long as you can do the same for all.

Race is a fact of life. Some may not be reminded daily that they are who they are whether directly, indirectly or subliminal, but we see color. Recognize it, Respect it, Embrace it and move on.

References & Inspirations

U.S. Senate “Women in the Senate”

U.S. Senate “Ethnic Diversity in the Senate”

CBS News – 03/02/09 “Durban: Race a Factor in Burris Being Seated”

UPI – 03/02/09 “Senate Considered Burris’ Race”

Associated Press – 03/01/09 “Burris Says He’s Working Hard to Represent IL”

WBBM News Radio 780 – 03/02/09 “Gov. Quinn Defends Himself vs. African-American Criticism”

Roland Burris: What have had happen was…

This one may get some may get me some praise and criticism for my opinion, but what’s new. The brown skin that I’m in is tough, so I can take it. Some may be wondering why I even mentioned the color of my skin, but perhaps you’ll understand it better after you read what I have to say.

Regardless if you agree with me politically or not you have to agree that you thought the whole Blagojevich Senate Seat Soap Opera was over when the Illinois House & Senate impeached the governor. I honestly thought that I was finished thinking, listening & talking about “the junior senator from Illinois”, but here we go again.

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Come on dude. You sound like a husband who’s trying to explain why he smells like perfume and coming home late.

The next you’re going to say is, “What is the definition of is?” (References to President Clinton’s question to impeachment investigators)

I have a few things to say about this one.

1. Sen. Burris as a fellow Democrat I’m asking you not to bring in the Republicans on this in efforts to deflect a question. The Republicans has nothing to do with this one. The party itself has actually been fairly respectful on this manner. So return the gesture by leaving their name out of it.
2. I love this, because it is a test to see if Black Democrats like me are willing to speak out honestly and respectfully against a Black Democrat who is hiding something. If we want true equality we must stand for true equality at all times.
3. Democrats, I say once again. Please do not be afraid to speak truthfully about this. Just because Roland Burris is the ONLY Black U.S. Senator doesn’t not mean he must hold this seat if he is not qualified. If you want to be racially sensitive and promote fairness you would not promote any form of tokenism. He’s the ‘junior senator from Illinois’ not the ‘junior senator for Black Illinois’.
4. If the Illinois GOP was really smart they would put someone that isn’t Alan Keys up to run for this seat. What would be politically crafty would be if you placed a non-White woman or minority to run. I usually will not give the GOP any good ideas, but this is ridiculous. Now if you do something crazy and prop Alan Keys up you’ve lost already.
5. If the Illinois Democrats was smart they would start preparing someone like “Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr.” to run for this seat in 2010. That’s just one name of a person that could do it.

I get the technicalities of your explanation and answer. I personally love that. By-the-way I give you credit for standing strong in your defense. I agree with one point you made. If the media reports it correctly there will be no story.

You’re correct, that’s what they are trying to do. It’s obvious that the story is over; we’re just waiting for you to step down. If you would have heed the words of others instructing you not to accept this bag of crap Rod Blagojevich is trying to hand you, you would not be in this mess today. But you started to smell yourself and thought you were finally going to fulfill some destiny. It’s cool that you want to be a Senator and I’m sure you love your state, but let’s obtain the seat under skies clear of the clouds of suspicion.

Good Luck.

(Um, Can you pass me the popcorn?)

Governor Gangstojevich

Alex: Can you give me a living definition of a gangsta? Not gangster, but gangsta.

Tim: What is Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich?

Alex: That is correct!

After his media expose the past few days the embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich finally appeared before senators in his impeachment trial for the first time. I was waiting for him to appear with a blue pinstriped suite with a white carnation in his lapel with a cat sitting on his lap while he addressed the senate chamber.

The Governor actually said that he has done “absolutely nothing wrong.” :O

For Real Dude, is that your final answer?

Let’s think this through. It’s easy, trust me.

Now you’re going to sit here and tell me that you did nothing wrong. Well How The Hell Did The Lamp Break? (Oops wrong story. Childhood Flashback)

Take Two:

Now you’re going to sit here and tell me that you did nothing wrong when we’ve sat here a listened to you curse us out. What The Hell is Your Problem Man? I guess that was the tooth fairy cussing on those taped. Oh, I guess O.J. was framed; he didn’t break into that hotel room. I guess R. Kelly didn’t… well let me stick to this case.

My fellow citizens, if you ever wanted to know the definition of a “Gangsta”, this is it.

If you try to sell a Senate Seat you must impeach.

Now yesterday the Governor asked the IL Senate President (John Cullerton) if he could speak before the chamber. Since he wouldn’t be testifying, but delivering closing arguments the chamber members would not be able to question him. Gangsta.

All week you’ve been talking all types of trash against this trial on talk shows. Again, we got you on tape calling these preceding unfair and saying it sets a dangerous precedent. Dude, you’ve ignored trial deadlines and presented no evidence in your defense. And all you have to say is, “I didn’t do anything wrong.”

What color is the sky in your world?

I will give you credit for one thing, nerve. I thought Dick Cheney was one of the biggest political gangsta, but I think he has some competition now.

I do have one warning for you Gov. Blagojevich. You said that you channeled Dr. Martin Luther King, Gandhi, Mandela during arrest. The difference is that these distinguished me of history did not compromised their moral values for material or monetary gain.

You’ve been criticized for this statement and I’ll take you at your word when you say that you’re not comparing myself to Dr. King or Nelson Mandela or Mahatma Gandhi, but what value does your word carry now that you’ve traded it for a piece of coal.

I don’t know what to tell you. I would advise you to get your personal business in order, because you’re going to be out of commission for awhile. Good Luck. Maybe Karl Rove will be joining you soon. J

References & Inspirations:

CNN – 01/29/09 “Blagojevich pleads his case at Impeachment Trial”

Time – 01/26/09 “The Rod Blagojevich Circus Comes to the State Senate”

CNN – 01/27/09 “Blagojevich takes his case to TV Circuit”

The Junior Senator from Illinois

In regards to Rod Blagovejech’s appointment of Roland Burris and Rep. Bobby Rush’s comments injecting race into this situation I give this statement.

First, I want to say that I actually like and respect Rep. Bobby Rush. But no one is trying to politically lynch this appointment because Roland Burris is Black. The disagreement or validity with the appointment isn’t because of the appointee, but the appointer. Rod Blagovejech’s intentions are derived out of his own political selfishness and benefit.

The U.S. Senate Democrats are not trying to prevent Mr. Burris from becoming the next “Junior Senator from Illinois” because he’s Black. This time race is not the issue and is the wrong fight to wage. Rod Blagovejech is a shrewd man, because he’s playing “The Race Card” and hoping enough Black people who are not paying attention to the details will buy into this argument. It appears that some already have.

If we want equality, freedom and justice for all it has to be mutual. I want a Black man to replace a Black man. You don’t want to be the token Black, so why should you push for the U.S. Senate to be for tokenism.

Yes, there is racism, even in politics and the U.S. Senate and Democratic Party is not immune to it. In this case the U.S. Senate and the Democratic Party is not denying Mr. Burris based on the content of his character, nor are they denying Mr. Burris based on the color of his skin. They are opposing this appointment, because is suspicious.

Yes, Blagovejech still legal has the right to appoint whomever to the vacant Senate seat, but given his dishonesty surrounding the appointment why would anyone accept an appointment from him. Why would you want a job where you’re looked at with suspicion? A great example is the selection of George W. Bush in 2000. There are many people who still look at him with suspicion.

I look at George W. Bush with great suspicion, but that’s a different story.

A few days ago I referenced a mythical character called “The Magic Negro”. What still amazes me is to see not the benefit of a “Magic Negro”, but the Negroes themselves who blindly, but faithfully continue to come to aid of the one in trouble who means him no good.

As a Black man I can say it’s good to see someone who looks like me in a position of power, because it’s rare and often difficult to obtain. But power demands respect, the respect comes from how they obtain that power. That’s the content of their character Dr. Martin Luther King referenced in his speech commonly known as “I Have a Dream”. Regardless of you race, religion, disability, gender or sexual orientation your nobility is measured not by how far or high you may go in life, but how you get there.

With all due respect to Mr. Roland Burris, Rep. Bobby Rush and those who support this appointment, I must disagree.

References & Inspiration:

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – 08/28/1963 “I Have a Dream”

USA Today – 01/06/09 “Half Say Burris should be blocked from Sen. Seat”

Chicago Tribune – 01/06/09 “Roland Burris is turned away at Senate”

ABC News – 12/30/08 “Outrage Greets Blagojevich Power Play”

Associated Press – 01/06/09 “Burris Refused Seat in US Senate”

Blagojevich’s Ace of Spades

What I believe many people may not see what the Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich (D) has done is found himself a Magic Negro.

Now by my use of the term “Magic Negro” I do not have any intentions of offending Illinois Attorney General Ronald Burris (71). Mr. Burris, an African-American is well qualified to do the job and has appeared to not come to the immediate defense of Gov. Blagojevich. My comments are not directed at Mr. Burris nor should be considered as a criticism of his credentials as a professional, statesmen or candidate for the U.S. Senate. My comments are exclusively directed at Mr. Blagojevich.

As a Democrat I want to give the Republicans some advice here. I would advise the Republican Party not to say a word. Sit back and enjoy the Democratic case of Blagojevich vs. The Democratic Party. I’m sure this will be Must See TV.

What Rod Blagojevich is doing is testing the Democratic Party and President Obama on the validity of their words.

Be happy that I’m not President, because I would handle this one with an iron fist.

What he’s doing is seeing if the first elected Black President is going to side with the Senate, an government institution that currently has No Black Senators since Obama and Adam Clayton Powell many decades before that.

Blagojevich has essentially pulled his “Ace of Spades” in this political poker game. Why do you think he selected this Black man instead of any other person? Homeboy is all about leverage. What is he going to get out of it? Now that he’s gotten himself in hot water and figured out that the Democrats are going to let him fry, he’s decided to add some seasoning into the mix by making the Democrats appear to be siding with the Old White Power Structure of the U.S. Senate.

What he’s trying to do is cause a division within the Democratic Party, President Obama and the Black community.

Lets’ briefly look further into what Blagojevich is doing. Ron Burris has previous ran for public offices in IL, and has ran against Rod Blagojevich himself and lost. Before Burris lost during the 2002 Illinois Democratic Gubernatorial Primaries a few years ago guess who endorsed Ron Burris, you guessed it the man who’s seat Blagojevich appointed him to replace.

I admit it’s a smooth move. I give him credit. That’s a pimp move, but the people of Illinois are the one getting… screwed, not to mention Mr. Burris. Essentially Rod Blagojevich is playing his party out to be some… The question is will the President and the Senate Democrats allow themselves to be turned out.

Now I know I’m playing around with some harsh language, but I figured that’s the only language Rod Blagojevich understands if you’ve listened to the wire tapped conversations he had.

Stay tuned next week for another exciting adventure of “Who Wants to Be a Senator?”

Reference & Inspiration

Chicago Breaking News – 12/31/08 “Blagojevich”

Politico – 12/30/08 “Bobby Rush: Don’t Hang or Lynch Burris”

I Got Five On It: Gov. Rod Blagojevich Edition

Straight from the What in the Hell were you thinking file: Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D-IL) was arrested on World Anti-Corruption Day.

It’s a bizarre development for someone who was originally seen as a reformer.

Rod Blagojevich was a little-known member of Congress, was elected in 2002 by promising to shake up Springfield after George Ryan’s corrupt term and years of Republican control.

During his first year in office, Blagojevich helped pass ethics legislation adding new inspectors to investigate corruption, restricting gifts from lobbyists and limiting taxpayer-funded public service announcements that feature politicians.

OK, Here’s my question for the Governor. Isn’t it apart of your job as governor to appoint a replacement if a senator vacates the office? So why should you expect any more money than what you’re already getting paid. You’re the state’s executive-in-chief, not auctioneer-in-chief.

Then your language towards the man who’s previous position you are required to fill is uncalled for. Yes Mr. Governor the President-Elect doesn’t owe you anything. Let me say it once again, “IT’S YOUR JOB DUDE”. That’s like a firefighter asking for money to put out the fire at your house.

Is there something in the water that some of these governors are desperate for attention, money or booty. In the past few years we’ve seen the Governor of NJ exposed his relationship with another man. Who can forget the Governor of NY, he just wanted some… at least he used his own money. I want even start with Governor of Alaska and now we have Illinois.

We elected you and pay you to conduct state business, not your own shady one at our expense. I’ve never heard of someone wanting go get paid in addition to their salary for something they are required to do in the first place. If getting to the Senate was as easy as paying for it, then I got five on it.

Additional References:

LA Times – 12/09/08 “More Political Corruption Cases in History“

Chicago Tribune – 12/09/08 “IL Governor: From Reformer to Defendant“

Reuters – 12/09/08 “Obama Seen Untouched by IL Gov. Charges“

CNN – 12/09/08 “Blagojevich made name as Friend to the Common Man“