Shirley Sherrod was treated like a person with leprosy and yet, did not have any of the symptoms that indicated she in fact had the aforementioned. Andrew Breibeart and Fox duped the NAACP, the media and President Obama into thinking that Ms. Sherrod was a racist by carefully editing a video she appeared in. Oh yes! The NAACP, the media and President Obama were duped, pure and simple.
The media is quick to run with any kind of “juicy” story they believe will garner great ratings. The NAACP will attack anything that has a stench of racism without first checking the source. Finally, I believe President Obama and his administration were overzealous and “acted foolishly” in removing Ms. Sherrod.
Mr. Obama is a brilliant individual who thinks very deeply before making a decision and his calm, cool demeanor is the type of leadership America requires from its president during this time of crisis and uncertainty. However, in having Shirley Sherrod removed from her post in the USDA President Obama made a totally irrational, simple-minded and knee jerk decision that is unbecoming for a man of his stature.
Andrew Breibeart edited a tape of Shirley Sherrod making her remarks in helping a Caucasian farmer keep his land sound more like David Duke at a KKK rally and peddled it to Fox News. Many Americans unquestionably already know that Fox is “deathly” allergic to fact checking. Consequently, the President of the United States and his administration were "punked" into making a poorly hastened decision that resulted in Ms. Sherrod losing her job. This is a woman that has donated her entire adult life to serving people of “every” ethnicity and it concerns me greatly of just who in the hell is leading the Republic.
Anthony P. Johnson
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Sunday, July 18, 2010
“Dear President Lincoln.”
Dear President Lincoln,
History will someday write that you rose to become the greatest President the Republic has ever had. One reason historians will shower you with such plaudits Mr. President is for emancipating the slaves who up until 1863 were "property" to other humans for 400 years and during these four centuries of captivity, slaves were instrumental in building America into the empire it is today.
Yet, Mr. President, citizens like former Tea Party member and racist Mark Williams, believes the newly freed slave would rather remain in bondage and thereby, keep his perverted ideology of the "natural order" intact. Mark Williams thinks that the institution of slavery was a good fit for the "Colored people"
President Lincoln, you once said an individual should have an opportunity to go as far as their talents take them. Unfortunately, Mr. Williams and some of the ilk in the tea party believe that your philosophy doesn’t include minorities.
Fortunately, most Americans of various backgrounds do not subscribe to this white supremacist, bigoted and narrow-minded tunnel vision of Mark Williams. They too, Mr. Lincoln believe that an individual no matter their ethnicity should have the "opportunity" to achieve economic stability and be a valuable asset to the United States of America.
Consequently, Mr. President, I applaud you for preserving the country during a time when citizens, north, south, east and west were tearing America apart. Individuals like Mark Williams hearken for a time when white supremacists sat at the seat of government and created policies that trampled on the most basic civil rights of minorities with lynchings and “separate and unequal laws,” but for many in the Republic, it was a nightmare that became a horrific reality. Mr. President, we can never again allow individuals with a belief system such as Mark Williams to ever have a voice at the seat of government at any level because they “dream” of a deeply divided America that is based upon bigotry, hate and fear.
Mr. President, the most dangerous person to himself and to the Republic is a person that is filled with self-hatred.
Respectfully Yours,
Anthony P. Johnson
History will someday write that you rose to become the greatest President the Republic has ever had. One reason historians will shower you with such plaudits Mr. President is for emancipating the slaves who up until 1863 were "property" to other humans for 400 years and during these four centuries of captivity, slaves were instrumental in building America into the empire it is today.
Yet, Mr. President, citizens like former Tea Party member and racist Mark Williams, believes the newly freed slave would rather remain in bondage and thereby, keep his perverted ideology of the "natural order" intact. Mark Williams thinks that the institution of slavery was a good fit for the "Colored people"
President Lincoln, you once said an individual should have an opportunity to go as far as their talents take them. Unfortunately, Mr. Williams and some of the ilk in the tea party believe that your philosophy doesn’t include minorities.
Fortunately, most Americans of various backgrounds do not subscribe to this white supremacist, bigoted and narrow-minded tunnel vision of Mark Williams. They too, Mr. Lincoln believe that an individual no matter their ethnicity should have the "opportunity" to achieve economic stability and be a valuable asset to the United States of America.
Consequently, Mr. President, I applaud you for preserving the country during a time when citizens, north, south, east and west were tearing America apart. Individuals like Mark Williams hearken for a time when white supremacists sat at the seat of government and created policies that trampled on the most basic civil rights of minorities with lynchings and “separate and unequal laws,” but for many in the Republic, it was a nightmare that became a horrific reality. Mr. President, we can never again allow individuals with a belief system such as Mark Williams to ever have a voice at the seat of government at any level because they “dream” of a deeply divided America that is based upon bigotry, hate and fear.
Mr. President, the most dangerous person to himself and to the Republic is a person that is filled with self-hatred.
Respectfully Yours,
Anthony P. Johnson
Friday, July 16, 2010
“Mr. Vento.....There is a Difference between Cheese Steaks and Policy-Making.”
Geno’s Steaks owner Joey Vento is the classic case of a “mindless buffoon” rallying the mindless buffoons. He supports and is raising funds for the Arizona Immigration Law scheduled to be enacted on July 29, 2010 that will tread on the liberties of law abiding American citizens in the hopes that the law will halt illegal immigration.
Mr. Vento hasn’t presented any type of intelligent and/or fair-minded policies that would address those that are already here illegally and so, he resorts to fear and hate-bating instead.
In the future Mr. Vento, stick to something that you know like making cheese steaks and leave policy-making to individuals that seek a clear and insightful resolution to illegal immigration.
Anthony P. Johnson
Mr. Vento hasn’t presented any type of intelligent and/or fair-minded policies that would address those that are already here illegally and so, he resorts to fear and hate-bating instead.
In the future Mr. Vento, stick to something that you know like making cheese steaks and leave policy-making to individuals that seek a clear and insightful resolution to illegal immigration.
Anthony P. Johnson
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
“Wonder Twin Powers of the Republican Party and Michael Steele…Activate”
There has probably been some ineffective RNC Chairpersons over the years, but make no mistake--current RNC Chair Michael Steele is far and away the absolute worst.
His lack of intelligence, lack of ingenuity, lack of brevity, and lack of effective leadership, coupled within his brethren that continue to vote “no” to extend unemployment benefits for Americans so they can feed their families, has doomed the Republican Party for next 20 years and maybe more.
What a waste.
Superman had Bazzaro, and just like the "Man of Steel," President Obama has Michael Steele and the Republican Party as his alter ego.
Anthony P. Johnson
His lack of intelligence, lack of ingenuity, lack of brevity, and lack of effective leadership, coupled within his brethren that continue to vote “no” to extend unemployment benefits for Americans so they can feed their families, has doomed the Republican Party for next 20 years and maybe more.
What a waste.
Superman had Bazzaro, and just like the "Man of Steel," President Obama has Michael Steele and the Republican Party as his alter ego.
Anthony P. Johnson
Monday, June 28, 2010
“May I Suggest a New Profession?”
President Lincoln had General McClellan, President Truman had General MacArthur and President Obama had General McChrystal What do the Generals have in common? They were all fired for their arrogant, brazen public display of insubordination against the Commander-in-Chief.
I guess neither one of the aforementioned Generals got the memo which is ”when the President of the United States, i.e. the Commander-in-Chief give a clear and objective directive it is to be followed or seek a new profession.”
Anthony P. Johnson
I guess neither one of the aforementioned Generals got the memo which is ”when the President of the United States, i.e. the Commander-in-Chief give a clear and objective directive it is to be followed or seek a new profession.”
Anthony P. Johnson
Monday, June 21, 2010
"My Dear BP"
My Dear BP,
I want to apologize for the citizens whining and those that are demanding that they be financially compensated for lost revenue as a result of the oil spill in the Gulf. I further want to express my sincerest apology to you for the President of the U.S. shaking you down for $20 billion dollars because of this catastrophic incident. The nerve of these folks!
Okay! You're responsible for the deaths of 11 former employees of your company and the worst environmental and ecological disaster in American history. But it’s not completely you're fault, and I for one forgive you.
Whether you're right or wrong I will always stand by your side BP. I am committed to you, not my constituents.
Your servant always,
Rep. Joe Barton.
Anthony P. Johnson
I want to apologize for the citizens whining and those that are demanding that they be financially compensated for lost revenue as a result of the oil spill in the Gulf. I further want to express my sincerest apology to you for the President of the U.S. shaking you down for $20 billion dollars because of this catastrophic incident. The nerve of these folks!
Okay! You're responsible for the deaths of 11 former employees of your company and the worst environmental and ecological disaster in American history. But it’s not completely you're fault, and I for one forgive you.
Whether you're right or wrong I will always stand by your side BP. I am committed to you, not my constituents.
Your servant always,
Rep. Joe Barton.
Anthony P. Johnson
Friday, June 18, 2010
The Optimist and Idealist.
I sadly read Hector Lugardo’s accusations against community activist Anthony Johnson and his new organization, The180 Watchdog Coalition. Regardless of the personal or political dynamics, I can only speak on behalf of the efforts of Mr. Johnson and would like to clarify some of the accusations made against him.
If Mr. Johnson could be accused of anything, it is of political naivety. He has never been involved in politics, and truly believed in the concept of every person having an equal opportunity to do good for his community. As the person who originally sat with Mr. Johnson to discuss his running for State Representative, I knew that all of his intentions were most honorable. He was frustrated by the lack of services provided for his community. As a human services professional, he wanted to make a difference. He believed that if he had access to the government channels, he would be able to provide the resources his district so desperately needed.
Actually, when I discussed the obstacles facing of him such as being an African American running in a primarily Latino district or the fact that he didn’t have any political connections or pull, he looked at me innocently and asked why that would matter. Once again—the never-ending optimist and idealist.
Anthony Johnson is a self-made man. He truly believed in his heart that he could run a “grass-roots” campaign based on the needs of the people. He also believed that the people of the community would see beyond the color of his skin and culture even if it was different than theirs because they all held the same values—a better life for their families and especially the children. He was in personal pain over the loss of opportunities for the residents due to crime, violence, drugs, and joblessness in this community. He feared the future of the children would even more bleak than their parents. He believed that if he could speak on behalf of those who have been forgotten and neglected by those who claim to “represent the best interests” of his neighbors, he could find justice and services to revive his community.
I personally encouraged Mr. Johnson to continue in spite of the obstacles put in his way. Did I think he would win? No, of course not. Was he worthy of winning? Of course. But you see, I know human nature much better than he does. I’m 20 years older than he is. I’ve learned through my own disillusionment as a former activist that you can’t beat the system that is built on the manipulations of people who are self-serving and politically savvy. These are people who wheel and deal to promote themselves and not the needs of those whom they serve. This is not who Mr. Johnson is. He’s a community activist who believes in making positive changes and then does whatever he can to make sure it happens. He doesn’t need fanfare or publicity—he bases his life on teaching, setting an example of being a positive role model, and finding solutions to problems that really make a difference in people’s lives.
When the election didn’t work out, I encouraged him to start the 180 Watchdog Coalition. I explained that elected officials need to be responsible to those whom they represent. I believed he would be far more effective organizing the community to demand that its representatives provide what they promised.
You see, elected officials depend on the apathy, helplessness, and hopelessness of those they represent. They thrive off the fact that one person complaining can be dismissed. But a whole community complaining? No, that is something they can’t ignore.
You see, Mr. Johnson may not be an “elected leader,” but he is far more of a leader than anyone in his community who has been elected. He has a track record of action with proven results. Each day in his position as an instructor in a career college, he teaches people how to become effective life changers by teaching Human Services. His love for humanity as a whole exemplifies who he is—not what he isn’t. Mr. Johnson does not look at a person through color, culture, or religion—but rather through humanity.
The truth is, Mr. Johnson is not cut out to be a politician. But he does exemplify the best of the best as far as leadership in the community. If the self-appointed leaders of his community feel the need to knock him down, maybe it’s because they fear him. You see, in the end, cream always rises to the top, and Mr. Johnson is the best of the best. I hope that his efforts to gather community support to watch those whose intentions are far less honorable become a real grass-roots movement.
Bonnie Kaye, M.Ed.
If Mr. Johnson could be accused of anything, it is of political naivety. He has never been involved in politics, and truly believed in the concept of every person having an equal opportunity to do good for his community. As the person who originally sat with Mr. Johnson to discuss his running for State Representative, I knew that all of his intentions were most honorable. He was frustrated by the lack of services provided for his community. As a human services professional, he wanted to make a difference. He believed that if he had access to the government channels, he would be able to provide the resources his district so desperately needed.
Actually, when I discussed the obstacles facing of him such as being an African American running in a primarily Latino district or the fact that he didn’t have any political connections or pull, he looked at me innocently and asked why that would matter. Once again—the never-ending optimist and idealist.
Anthony Johnson is a self-made man. He truly believed in his heart that he could run a “grass-roots” campaign based on the needs of the people. He also believed that the people of the community would see beyond the color of his skin and culture even if it was different than theirs because they all held the same values—a better life for their families and especially the children. He was in personal pain over the loss of opportunities for the residents due to crime, violence, drugs, and joblessness in this community. He feared the future of the children would even more bleak than their parents. He believed that if he could speak on behalf of those who have been forgotten and neglected by those who claim to “represent the best interests” of his neighbors, he could find justice and services to revive his community.
I personally encouraged Mr. Johnson to continue in spite of the obstacles put in his way. Did I think he would win? No, of course not. Was he worthy of winning? Of course. But you see, I know human nature much better than he does. I’m 20 years older than he is. I’ve learned through my own disillusionment as a former activist that you can’t beat the system that is built on the manipulations of people who are self-serving and politically savvy. These are people who wheel and deal to promote themselves and not the needs of those whom they serve. This is not who Mr. Johnson is. He’s a community activist who believes in making positive changes and then does whatever he can to make sure it happens. He doesn’t need fanfare or publicity—he bases his life on teaching, setting an example of being a positive role model, and finding solutions to problems that really make a difference in people’s lives.
When the election didn’t work out, I encouraged him to start the 180 Watchdog Coalition. I explained that elected officials need to be responsible to those whom they represent. I believed he would be far more effective organizing the community to demand that its representatives provide what they promised.
You see, elected officials depend on the apathy, helplessness, and hopelessness of those they represent. They thrive off the fact that one person complaining can be dismissed. But a whole community complaining? No, that is something they can’t ignore.
You see, Mr. Johnson may not be an “elected leader,” but he is far more of a leader than anyone in his community who has been elected. He has a track record of action with proven results. Each day in his position as an instructor in a career college, he teaches people how to become effective life changers by teaching Human Services. His love for humanity as a whole exemplifies who he is—not what he isn’t. Mr. Johnson does not look at a person through color, culture, or religion—but rather through humanity.
The truth is, Mr. Johnson is not cut out to be a politician. But he does exemplify the best of the best as far as leadership in the community. If the self-appointed leaders of his community feel the need to knock him down, maybe it’s because they fear him. You see, in the end, cream always rises to the top, and Mr. Johnson is the best of the best. I hope that his efforts to gather community support to watch those whose intentions are far less honorable become a real grass-roots movement.
Bonnie Kaye, M.Ed.
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