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Robynmarie
Veteran Poster
Username: Robynmarie
Post Number: 721
Registered: 04-2006
Rating: 
Votes: 5 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 02, 2008 - 02:34 pm: | 
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Below is what Senator Obama said to black folks in Beaumont Texas last week.
Obama supporters do you think he would have said, "y'all need to keep your kids from eating tacos and refried beans for breakfast" in front of a Latino audience?
This is my biggest gripe against him. He talks one way around black people and another way around everybody else.
And black folks eat it (pardon the pun) up.
"I've got to talk about us a little bit," said Obama. "We can't keep on feeding our children junk all day long, giving them no exercise. They are overweight by the time they are 4 or 5 years old, and then we are surprised when they get sick."
Obama -- who exercises and is careful about what he eats -- said obese children need to improve their nutrition habits, invoking the name of a chain that makes delicious fried chicken.
"I know how hard it is to get kids to eat properly," Obama said. "But I also know that if folks letting our children drink eight sodas a day, which some parents do, or, you know, eat a bag of potato chips for lunch, or Popeyes for breakfast.
"Y'all have Popeyes out in Beaumont? I know some of y'all you got that cold Popeyes out for breakfast. I know. That's why y'all laughing. ... You can't do that. Children have to have proper nutrition. That affects also how they study, how they learn in school."
Obama has delivered "tough love'' messages before about personal responsibility, but he seemed to revel in his "truth-telling" while campaigning in Beaumont, on a day that also took him to Austin and Fort Worth in advance of Tuesday's crucial primaries.
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Urban_scribe
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Urban_scribe
Post Number: 673
Registered: 05-2006
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 02, 2008 - 03:56 pm: |
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I agree, Robynmarie, BO couldn't get away with saying something similar to Mexicans, Chinese, or anyone but Blacks - because most people consider him Black - so he gets a free pass.
At the same time, I don't have a problem with what he said. In fact, I think it's the first useful thing I've heard him say, and I'm glad he said it. I'll take it a step further and say, what BO expressed to that Black audience is something that many Whites don't want him to say to Blacks: If you feed your body garbage, your brain will be garbage. I believe there exists a large sector of Whites in this country who are truly pissed right about now that BO is trying to educate Black parents the importance of feeding their children healthy, wholesome, well-balanced meals. |
Enchanted
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Enchanted
Post Number: 1228
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 02, 2008 - 05:44 pm: |
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I love how Obama alway
chastizes blak men for
abandning thier children
he gets in blak mens ass over that issue
if mor blak men would speek out then
we women wouldnt hav to!
Im tired of yelling at blak men
theyr suppose to police eech other
Obama daddy left him at age 2
Robyn
I love his commnts about Popeyes Chiken
becaus ITS TRUE!
blak peeple need to stop being Fat Ass SLobs!
rais your chilren to exersize
these R the reasons I luv Obama! |
Nels
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Nels
Post Number: 1075
Registered: 07-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 03, 2008 - 12:38 am: |
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Obama's right; dead on target. Fat ass black folks and fried chicken are a bad combination. To hell with political correctness. Like Eddie Murphy said of Luther - loose the KFC. |
Robynmarie
Veteran Poster
Username: Robynmarie
Post Number: 722
Registered: 04-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 03, 2008 - 08:11 am: |
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Children of all races are fat. In fact 60% of all Americans are overweight or obese. Senator Obama needs to address his concerns about health to everyone. From what I can tell he only talks this stuff to black people.
But like I said black folks love it when he disses us. :rolleyes: |
Robynmarie
Veteran Poster
Username: Robynmarie
Post Number: 723
Registered: 04-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 03, 2008 - 08:19 am: |
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BTW, Urban_scribe, I have an idea for a story, I would like to run past you...
I really respect your knowledge and expertise. |
Yvettep
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Yvettep
Post Number: 2731
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 03, 2008 - 09:33 am: |
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Senator Obama needs to address his concerns about health to everyone.
Check out his website. He does address healthcare concerns, nutrition, prevention, etc. to everyone. I guess one man's/woman's "diss" is another man's/woman's "tough love." As Cynique might say, "And so it goes..."  |
Yvettep
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Yvettep
Post Number: 2732
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 03, 2008 - 09:42 am: |
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A much more important issue, IMO, is what any of the candidates are aiming to do to make sure that communities of color have as many quality grocery stores than Popeyes or KFC. Something like this is far more complicated, as it involves not only health initiatives, but business incentives, "Promise Neighborhoods," corporate responsibility to communities, and the like.
A fair critique in my eyes is not whether Obama (or any other candidate) is preaching responsibility to his/her own demographic and not others, but whether he/she is also telling big business about their responsibilities and what will be required of them. I have not heard this to any extent with Sen Obama. I also haven't heard this from any other candidate though, so I guess we all know what time it is as far as that is concerned... |
Robynmarie
Veteran Poster
Username: Robynmarie
Post Number: 724
Registered: 04-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 03, 2008 - 10:09 am: |
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More enlightening to hear what a candidate says on the stump that is broadcast to the world as opposed to what is written on his ever-changing website. And why is it black folks are always in the need of "tough love" when a problem effects the majority of society?
Ralph Nadar, when referring to candidates and their "corporate masters" makes a similar point that politicians rarely hold big business accountable for anything, because big business are the ones putting folks in office.
A pox on all their houses. LOL. |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 9982
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 03, 2008 - 10:30 am: |
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I believe Obama addresses the issue of big business via his advocating ethics and lobbying reforms. Big business don't give a dayam about social responsibility that doesn't positively impact its bottom line and/or sans government regulation. You've got to clean up political process of funding and enriching politicians to reap some positive developments. |
Yvettep
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Yvettep
Post Number: 2734
Registered: 01-2005
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 03, 2008 - 11:12 am: |
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And why is it black folks are always in the need of "tough love" when a problem effects the majority of society?
I agree. I have frequently talked here about reframing "Black problems" as "American problems." But the interesting thing is that when I take my college-educated talk about systemic bias and whatnot, what I am most likely to hear from Black folks "in the community" is talk of personal responsibility. People here in the Midway and who hang out on MLK Blvd are not trying to hear about government or corporate responsibility. In fact, they seem to mistrust the government and past attempts to "help" Us.
So maybe with this kind of talk in Black communities Sen Obama is shrewdly tapping into the zeitgeist...
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Yvettep
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Yvettep
Post Number: 2735
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 03, 2008 - 11:16 am: |
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when referring to candidates and their "corporate masters" makes a similar point that politicians rarely hold big business accountable for anything, because big business are the ones putting folks in office
Yes. And even more telling is what some have observed in terms of Black non-profits and Black leaders and their indebtedness to major corporations. Look at any "Black event" (e.g., State of Black Union, Black Expos, etc) and note who the "corporate sponsors" are--The same entities that should be held responsible for flooding Black neighborhoods with fatty foods, alcoholic beverages, prescription drugs that too many can't afford, etc.
A pox on all their houses.
LOL
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Ferociouskitty
Veteran Poster
Username: Ferociouskitty
Post Number: 121
Registered: 02-2008
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 03, 2008 - 11:19 am: |
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People here in the Midway and who hang out on MLK Blvd are not trying to hear about government or corporate responsibility. In fact, they seem to mistrust the government and past attempts to "help" Us.
Without personal responsibility and initiative, government intervention and corporate responsibility won't help.
But of course you and I have gone rounds about that chicken and that egg. ;-)
Macro-level solutions aren't a cure-all for micro/personal level problems. One-on-one life/whole family mentoring seems to me to be the key, and must co-exist with anything government or the private sector offers.
That said, I agree that black problems are indeed American problems.
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Savant
Regular Poster
Username: Savant
Post Number: 167
Registered: 09-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 03, 2008 - 12:18 pm: |
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Children of all races are fat but black children are even more disproportionately fat. Almost 24 percent of black children are obese with the rate of obesity among black children twice the rate of white children. Our children are at increasing risk for diabetes and other ills.
Frankly, when I see black youths, I am unnerved by the number of overweight and obese black children/adolescents/teens that I'm seeing, in contrast to the number I recall coming up in the late 60's/early 70's. So no, I don't take issue with Barack telling black folks to dispense with the Popeyes. lol |
Robynmarie
Veteran Poster
Username: Robynmarie
Post Number: 725
Registered: 04-2006
Rating: 
Votes: 4 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 03, 2008 - 12:45 pm: |
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It is not the content of what Senator Obama is saying, more the delivery. He would never speak this way in front of a Latino audience whose children are suffering too.
There is something inauthentic and patronizing about Senator Obama, in my opinion. Obviously, it is just me because nearly 90% of black people (those who vote Democratic anyway) support him. |
Enchanted
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Enchanted
Post Number: 1229
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: 
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 03, 2008 - 12:53 pm: |
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why woul he addrss latinos that way
when hes not latino?
he is HALF BLAK
he hasa right to speak to his peeple
about his concrns
he has been VERRY vocal abot
blak men abondng blak chilren
an blak health issues
he also shows public supprt of blak women
just like white men leader do white women
by affirmng blak women this biracial man
affirms ALL BLAKS
he knws why his father went back to Kenya woman
I luv him for that
hes a true leeder with African class
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Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 11763
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 03, 2008 - 12:59 pm: |
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Robynmarie, your lonely voice of dissent is always eloquent in raising legitmate concerns about Obama. You and Yvette and FK always bring intelligent perspective when discussing any issue. |
Jackie
Veteran Poster
Username: Jackie
Post Number: 602
Registered: 04-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 03, 2008 - 01:05 pm: |
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Robyn: "It is not the content of what Senator Obama is saying, more the delivery. He would never speak this way in front of a Latino audience whose children are suffering too."
Yeah, having worked in a predominantly Latino school district for years, Latino children are also overweight and suffering from Diabetes in record numbers ! The nurse told me this !
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Urban_scribe
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Urban_scribe
Post Number: 674
Registered: 05-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 03, 2008 - 02:33 pm: |
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OFF TOPIC:
Hey, RobynMarie, I'll be happy to have a look at it, but this is a tight week for me. I've deadlines to meet tomorrow and Friday, and I'm playing them real, real close. I'll be burning the midnight oil all this week, so I won't have an opportunity to view your proposal/outline before this weekend. If you still want to send it, feel free to hit me up: urbanscribe_ny@yahoo.com
ON TOPIC:
Childhood obesity has risen to alarming rates in this country among children of all backgrounds; children of poor and working-class families in particular. Yes, BO should address the detriments of childhood obesity, (and obesity in general), on a national level; however, I believe because he identifies himself as Black/AA, he may feel that's the community where he needs to start. Whatever his reasons, I can't find fault with him for speaking out on this. His tone may come across as condescending to some (many?), but I find in certain instances you must tear people down in order to build them up. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 11771
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 03, 2008 - 03:00 pm: |
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And of course, Urban-Scribe, I also appreciate your balanced contributions to board discussions. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 11774
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 03, 2008 - 03:46 pm: |
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You, too, Jackie! I am thrilled to discover that I am impressed with so many of the women who post on this board. |
Jackie
Veteran Poster
Username: Jackie
Post Number: 605
Registered: 04-2005
Rating:
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 03, 2008 - 04:46 pm: |
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Thanks Mama Cynique...altho I'm mostly a "two-$center" and proud lurker. LOL ! At any rate- your sense of humor, wit, and ability to play devil's advocate is phenomenal ! |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 9990
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 03, 2008 - 05:54 pm: |
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I'm an Obama supporter and all. But he gone 'bout miss me with his hatin' on Poyeyes.
Hell. I just HAD some Poyeyes.
*lickin'fingers* |
Tonya
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Tonya
Post Number: 6743
Registered: 07-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, March 04, 2008 - 08:47 pm: |
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The hundreds of Blacks who died in Katrina did so because the world considered them "thugs". And you know who told the world they were thugs? Blacks like Obama...in their books, their movies, their videos, ect, and run for public office. I agree Robyn. Tone and delivery do matter. And nobody knows this more than Obama.
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