What do many Republicans, the spokesmen for NRA and Tavis Smiley have in common? Once they start down a road, no matter how dangerous or ridiculously wrong it is, they won’t turn back.
Tavis’s commentary on CBS News Sunday Morning was both, a tribute to his hero Dr. King and a slam at his nemesis President Barack Obama. This is nothing new. In the words of the great Sunshine Anderson, “Heard it All Before.” Except this time, he took it a bit further.
And I quote: “The president wants to channel King so badly that he’s decided to use Dr. King’s Bible at the inauguration ceremony tomorrow.
Obama is a politician, and a pretty good one, but King was a prophet. And while I can appreciate the president’s fascination with King’s legacy of unarmed truth and unconditional love, I’m feeling some sort of way about King being used symbolically for public pomp and circumstance, but disregarded substantively when it comes to public policy.”
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Nice response Tom J! You’ve just won yourself another interview with the President and I’m sure your ratings will soar, SMH. Black radio hosts are shameless in their Pavlovian response to anyone that questions King Obama. Obama can make a mockery of King all he wants, but that won’t erase his crappy record on poverty and war.
Every time I think of Tavis and Cornell West I think about Willie Lynch and Armstrong Williams.
TOO ALL THE NEG; WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO MAKE THINGS BETTER, IF TALK IS ALL YOU HAVE THEN SHUT THE HELL-UP, LIKE (TRAVIS & SMILEY,) YELLING OUT FOR ATTENTION AGAINST THE FORCE THAT IS NEEDED TO START CHANGE, WHY NOT BECOME WORKERS TO MOVE THAT FORCE TO HELP CHANGE THAT WHICH IS WRONG, YET BOTH ARE YELLING OUT AGAINST THE FORCE AT HAND, HERE IS THE DOOR NEEDED TO MOVE FORWOULD AND DISTRACTION IS ALL WE GET FROM THE VOICES OF WELL NONE WORKERS WASTING AWAY. WE ALL NOW HATE,RACISM IS THERE, WHY NOT WORK WITH, FOR THE BETTER?? THIS IS THE TIME TO GROW-UP AND SHOW WE CAN?
my co-worker’s mother makes $76/hr on the computer. She has been out of work for 6 months but last month her paycheck was $18289 just working on the computer for a few hours. Read more on this site… http://www.huffingtonpost.com.qr.net/j6Ca
I don’t understand the problem Tavis Smley and Cornell West have with what the President is trying to do for the country. Instead of working against the President, why don’t they all find common ground and work together for the good of black america. Compromise is always better than tearing each other down because we don’t agree on the same thing. For the good of black america, please, come together. As for Mr. Joyner, I respect your restraint for not getting into the tit for tat game with Mr. Smiley and Mr. West.
We need to stop acting like crabs in a barrel, let agree to disagree and then unite under the banner of the human family. Our problems are caused mostly by the unrighteous behavior of this world, when we start living the do unto others as we would like done unto ourselves then we will find love, peace, and happiness. Every day above ground is a blessed day if you can breathe and so ask yourself what are you doing with THIS DAY THAT YOU ARE IN!
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I believe if MLK were alive today, he would ask the President why has so much money been spent on a fake war vs. money being spent on the poor. If you know your MLK history – you would know this was a major issue for him, and Obama would have no real sincere answer to offer.
K……What are you smoking? Dr. King would know that President Obama was “Ending” a War…which he did….How does that effort look bad in the eyes of Dr. King? Although we face many of the same challenges as Dr. King the times are definitely different.
Blind supporters of Obama do not understand that MLK would not be happy with the choices the President has made. MLK stood for non violence. Check Obama’s record, he will go down in history as the President who committed the most terrorist killings and is responsible for the killing of thousands of innocent women and children who by our govenment standards are considered to be collateral damage. This is not what MLK stood for. Using his bible what wrong.
Kelly, you have it wrong. Dr. King would be absolutely proud of President Obama. He would be proud of his ability to pass healthcare reform legislation. He would be proud of his ability to pass the Lily Ledbetter Act and the Jobs Act…..etc. He would also be proud that President Obama has in one term been able to end the War in Iraq, Kill the most wanted terrorist in our history and get this country’s economy on track to being healthy again. Dr. King stood for non-violence….and civil rights so he looked for ways to get social change using this method. Certainly times has changed drastically over the past 45 years since his death. War to protect America is what it is….you have to ask yourself would you rather fight those wars on our soil or theirs. There will always be collateral damage (unintended victims) in war. You cannot tell me how to avoid it while in the theatre of war. What do you call the more than 3,000 Americans who lost their lives during the attack on the twin towers in New York???? Don’t over simplify Dr. King’s intentions nor his intellect on this matter. President Obama has and is doing what’s right for this country and he’s doing it with everyone in mind.
Hi Calvin. I don’t believe I am over simplifhing Dr. King’s intellect. I believe I am helping to preserve what I believe he stood for. Of course times are different, but growing up, I was always told, “the game don’t change, only the players.” In 1967 MLK said the US was the “greatest purveyor of voilence in the world.” Today in 2013, his words still ring true. Vietnam is no different than Iraq. We should not have got into Vietnam, same as we should not have got into Iraq. What most Americans don’t understand, is that there is no longer any real threat of terrorist voilence against the US, especially on our soil. Yes 9/11 did happen, and it was awful, and I was affected by the events. So my heart still weeps. But it is now years later, and where is the threat of this happening again? I now live in Detroit, where I am surrounded by these “terrorist” type people everyday. Their population is mad crazy! They own our grocery stores, party stores, gas stations, car repair shops etc. These people are in our neighborhoods fighting the good fight with us. We break bread everyday and have healthy relationships with these people. Truth be told, they are more afraid of us than we are of them. The sad part is, more often they are a victim of our crimes than we are of theirs. Our government has spent billions and billions and billions on this war. How can it be justified that that much money is spent to destroy (on someone’s soil) but not preserve (on our own soil). Go research yourself and see how much the Obama administration spent to “end this war”. Then go research our country’s use of drones, and effect that use now has on the world. It is devasting. Yet, while Detroit and other major US cities are in dire straits, people are not educated, people are not working, therefore people are not eating. Our government has a resposiblity to address these situations. The government has simply not done enough to help its own. This administration may have created some jobs, but not enough. Yet this administration along with the Bush administration has spent upwards, close to a zillion dollars on a war. As a homeowner, if my home is broken into, I will spend money to secure the premise and try to possibly prevent another break in. But once that is done, I must move on with my life. If I continued to spend all of my money on security alone, or else none of my other bills would get paid. I can not let one event scare me forever, because I refuse to live my life in fear. And the US has put a giant cloak of fear over our country. I’m sorry , it doesn’t matter what year it is…1967 or 2013…MLK would not be proud of the voilence we continue to engage ourselves in. But hey this is just my opinion. You are entitled to yours. IJS
K,
The irony here is that I agree with 90% of what you are saying. The only exception I have is that President Obama didn’t start the war(s) we are in. He is working very hard to stop them in a responsible way. There is a lot at stake not just here in America but around the world. As a world leader we have to think about our interest (allies) and their safety as well. President Obama is but one person (happens to be the most powerful position in the world) and we must work together to hold our other elected officials accountable for ending the war(s) we face. Whether it’s the war on poverty, the war on education, the war on the African American male or the war against terrorism we have to work together to end them. That means standing up and speaking out against those who support those things that hurt us. Dr. King is one of my all time Heroes and what he has accomplished will never be surpassed. The method he chose to use i.e. non-violence…while being beat down by violence was one that took an amount of courage that probably won’t be displayed again for generations.
From our discussion I can tell that I like you….your passion and your zest for what you believe in is very strong, as is mine. So, if we are to agree to disagree on anything let it be that we see our approaches to resolving our issues a little differently. In that vain….although we have minor disagreements let’s use the 90% we agree on to find resolve in the 10% we disagree on and work together to become a stronger people and support our own who support our own.
I also say this to all who has engaged in this debate. In using one of Dr. King’s phrases and I quote “A Man Who Stands For Nothing Will Fall For Anything”. Stand up….not just here at the computer but in your community, in your neighborhoods and in your Town. Speak out against the many things that are hurting our people. Make a difference.
Our President is not perfect.. but who among us is.
I’m Out.
Please don’t get me wrong when I’m about to make my next statement but in about 6 years Black America is going to really wish and be of thier defense of President Obama’s neutrality regarding proverty. Tavis and Cornell will seem like prophets and I commend them for falling on the virtual sword. Why? Because in about 6 years Poor People will be more than vocal of the the newly elected President for his/her none caring of thier issues. And that President will say – Well we have the same policys during Obama’s administration and no one complained while he was in office.
At which time Cornell and Tavis will have more people that were in thier corner than are admitting today. So we need Cornell and Tavis to clearly define that ‘ALL of us were not giving Obama a pass on proverty’. Healthcare should be enough of a reason to give him a pass. But there are a lot of employers out there that have reduced thier employees hours to under 32 hrs a week to prevent what they call the Obama Healthcare Tax.
What Cornell and Tavis get – and a lot of us don’t get is that – Poor people are losing an important platform. Because the next Administration will say – ‘Well we are doing more than Obama’s administration did and you are giving us grief? Why are you willing to give Obama’s adminstration a pass and not ours?
And what will our response be????????
I’m just glad that Tom has finally came to his senses and dropped this clown…It just shows that he can admitt when he’s wrong and has the heart to do something about it. Smiley is stuck in the quicksand and just won’t stop wiggling. I’m surprised PBS hasn’t dropped him. But it’s like Isaac hayes said, “The more you wiggle, The deeper you sink”. And Smiley’s 15 minutes is just about up.
I believe Tavis is obsessed with the president because he believes he should be in Obama’s place. He thought he was doing such a great job setting a standard and laying the plan for his entrance into public office, and then BOOM, Barack Hussein Obama came out of nowhere and stole the spotlight from him.
It appears to me that the only way Tavis or Dr. Cornell West can get column inches on anything is to slam Obama. How they will be remembered is already set in stone. All the work they have done most of their lives is gone up the smoke of their ulitmate hatred that someone else not THEM is seen as a national leader.
Tavis the jigaboo and cornel the lawn jockey get your noses out of Newt’s butthole!!!!
We all need to take inventory and ask “What are we doing?” Now, we all need to get off our BA and get involved to make a difference.
Tavis is ridiculous and so is West. I am a senior citizen and was around when there were ‘some blk folk’ who bashed MLK, BUT NOT IN WHITE MEDIA! I don’t know what the problem is with those ‘negroes’ but they should be on Fox. What have Smiley/West DONE for the black community?????
I support Tom’s causes (been on 9 Fantastic Voyage cruises). For everyone who continue to say/think that Tavis and Cornell have done nothing; “Please do your research.” When you complete your research, be man/woman enough and come back and tell us what you found and don’t forget how much was done with Tom. I support almost every cause and effort made by and continue to be made by ANY Black person who’s committed to making life better for our community. I’m not concerned about their opinions about hands on bibles, because I can assure you that Tavis and Cornell voted for Obama. Please please please keep one other thing in mind folks, Tom, Tavis, Cornell, Jeff, Al and others use to tour this country together fighting the very same things that Tavis and Cornell continue to fight “no matter who was in the white house.” We are tax payers and we should not DEMAND less “no matter who is in the white house.”
WHOA!! HOLD YOUR HORSES CORTEZ!! TOM JOYNER CERTAINLY HAS ANSWERED THE PLIGHT OF THE POOR! “THURSDAY MORNING MOM” “REAL FATHERS, REAL MEN” “CHRISTMAS ONCE A WEEK “THE TJMS FANTASTIC VOYAGE RAISING MONEY TO KEEP BLACK STUDENTS IN BLACK COLLEGES” IF THAT’S NOT PROMOTING THE PLIGHT OF THE POOR, THEN WHAT IS? GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT SWEETIE! I HAVE NOT HEARD NOT ONE THING TAVIS HAS DONE TO BRING POSITIVE CHANGE TO HELP OUR PEOPLE. HAS HE COME TO THE PRESIDENT WITH ANY SOLUTIONS TO HELP WITH UNEMPLOYMENT? EDUCATION? NO! ALL I HEAR IS HIM TEARING HIM DOWN. EVER SINCE THE PRESIDENT WAS NOT ABLE TO ATTEND HIS CONFERENCE DUE TO HIM BEING ON THE CAMPAGIN TRAIL, TAVIS HAS HAD A STICK UP HIS BUTT!
I totally respect the altruism of Mr Joyner and his causes of philanthropic activities. Howveer, let’s put this in perspective, I support our President, but I don’t do it blindly as Tom would want us to. Unless the President is perfect, then Tom is all knowing and all correct on everything concerning the President, but since the President is not perfect has their been any criticsim levied by any of the Black talk show hosts Al Sharpton, Steve Harvey, or Tom Joyner as they have the ears and eyes of 16 million viewers and listeners and that translates into votes from Black America, so they are a convenience for the Presidents bidding, Tom, Steve and the Reverend Al are sheep as well as those who Blindly follow, especially when you raise no critique of the President’s killing of innocent children being killed by drones in far away lands that never get any news attention here imagine Newtown 30 times a year if you will. What they do have in common is access to the President which I am sure that gives them a high level of esteem, congratulations to them all. However, does that make Tavis’ point and critique any less valid? May I ask, during the inauguaration were the plight of the Presidents largest voting Block of 98% of its voters spoken too? I heard gays, women, and our immigrant brothers and sisters spoken to, but maybe I missed it. The point being is the recognition of the poor has been left out the dialogue and any policy measure of our Brother the president, and even if Tavis and Cornel are full of envy that doesn’t make their contention less TRUE!!! Addressing the poor directly is the Presidents “Achilles heel” and if for no more than exploitation, this is a point that is immutable.
I agree with Tom. In Historical Africa there was always a group of leaders, not only did the King make the final decision- but he also consulted with elders and men of wisdom. In America we had Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Dubous at odds always… and looking back they were both right to some degree. Tavis is sorely wrong in his way of trying to ‘out’ the POTUS. It doesn’t matter the subject, Obama is Beloved by many and all. There is a better road Tavis and West -try that different pathway, but remember, you have already left a bitter taste in my heart..so it just may fall on deaf ears.
I listen to Tom’s show in the morning, I watch Tavis on PBS – hmm I never hear Tavis or Cornell bashing or trying to turn public sentiment against Tom. To imply that Tavis’s motives are self serving is disengenuious. For years Tavis has been an activist bringing attention to issues concerning African Americans. Now he and Cornell have taken up the issue of poverty on a broader scale; as well they should. There seems to be no room in the black community for apposing opinions.
Perhaps Tavis didn’t want to see black folks marginalized. Unfortunately as a voting block who supported the president’s election by (95%), African Americans demanded nothing and got nothing. Hispanics for their (67%) got an executive order to stop deportation of illegal immigrants who meet certain criteria. President Obama has a strained relationship with the Back Caucus, has not addressed the NAACP except by video, but he’s addressed hispanic groups. Obama being the first black President has nothing to do with it. He is the President, this is politics, power concedes nothing without a demand.
Unfortunately Tom, I don’t tink their is a treatment for what you have.
While I do not always agree with the tenor and tone of everything said by Smiley and West concerning the president, I stand with them in their critique of President Obama’s first term. Black people like Tom Joyner who seem to worship Obama are exasperating for me. Obama is a politician accountable to the people not a flawless deity worthy of worship.
People who I consider blind Obama worshipers love to rail against Tavis and proclaim TS’s personal disdain for the president. In my estimation you all need to turn that mirror on yourselves. I feel for Tavis and the way he is so personally castigated by black folks like Tom Joyner.
In this article Joyner chides Smiley for wanting to be like King, for wanting to be remembered like King as if that’s a bad thing. Is not Dr. King the quintessential role model? Joyner says Tavis is afraid of what will be said about him (in death) and that is driving Tavis crazy according to Joyner. I would ask Mr. Joyner isn’t that the way we all should be living? Shouldn’t we all be living with a consciousness of the legacy we will leave behind? Shouldn’t we all be living with a sense of mission to make a difference with our lives? Because it’s Tavis Joyner has to twist Tavis’ impulse to do good into something negative.
I remember reading/hearing an interview with JFK, Jr. and he was asked what he feared most. He said his greatest fear (paraphrasing) was not accomplishing everything he’s capable of accomplishing with his life. I see your attempt to slam Tavis’ desire to make a difference in this same vein. It’s seems your blind allegiance to Obama skews your perception on anything concerning Tavis.
Do you Obama is the fulfillment of Dr. King’s dream? I would say you don’t get it if you do.
Hello Tom,
I have been a fan of Tavis for many years. He and Dr. West have always made very good sense especially when talking about the issues that face blacks in America. I love the President, however, I am not a complete fan of all of his policies. Does that make me wrong? I belive that Tavis, is being called out becuase he doesnt agree with everything that the President does. If Barack was the same person he is but white, and Tavis called him out, everyone would agree with Tavis. Its the race card played backwards. As far as the MLK thing, when I first heard that the inaguaration was to be on the same day as the observance of MLK, I too felt a little way. What MLK has done is something special in its own right..and what the president has done is totally different..special yes, but different and I am not so sure I want the two compared, because its like comparing apples to oranges. Tavis is correct in saying the President is a politician. That is something in itself. Now again, dont misunderstand, I love the Pres, but I do not compare him to MLK.. the two is uncomparable. There are still a lot of issues that are happening in the black community that is not being touched by the current administration. I beleive that Tavis, as well as Dr. West feel that the President should still be accountable.. even if he is black!
Is Obama the president for black america or all america! I don’t remember a poor people bus tour when Clinton or Bush for that matter was in office.
No one critized Clinton – because he was our ‘First Black Presdient’ – remember but when Bush got critized – he stated – you did do that to Clinton.
Both. President Obama is the president of America which also includes Black America. Much like LBJ was the president of Black America when he signed Civil Rights legislation. Just because President Obama is (half) black doesn’t excuse him from dealing with issues that should be addressed in our community.
I have been a loyal listener of the TJMS show for more than 13 years and I had an opportunity to witness Tavis’ demeanor on one of the earlier Fantastic Cruises and more recently at a dinner where I sat at his (Tavis’) table. Both times, Tavis was remote, unapproachable and detached from the people who were in his immediate presence. I was introduced to him and his handshake was cold and he never looked me in the eye. A key speaker at the dinner brought up the discourse (in a friendly way) that Tavis has with the president (he tried to laugh it off), but you could see he was not pleased). Tavis is irrelevant and I have long lost respect for him. Instead of him trying to see what assistance he can offer the President, he has let his ego get in the way and is out done because Barack Obama stepped up as a leader and is so well received. It’s sad and I know that it was hard for Tom to finally speak on it. But it was time. I completely agree with you Tom.
Good job Tom. Tavis and Mr. West needs to sit down and shut up. Trying to make themselves relevent today. The are mean, nasty little men who can’t accept another strong brother doing good things for the country. They will never be called Mr. President.
I lost repect for Tavis four years ago, after watching the sunday news show, my mouth was hanging open, he’s ridiculous.
Would someone please get Tavis Smiley some help! He is lost.
Now I don’t want to suggest that Tavis Smiley doesn’t need help. To some degree we probably all need some level of professional help. But you seem to be suggesting that because his ideas are different than yours, he needs his head examined. Just because he is critical of the president on certain issues and you adore everything about the president means he should be locked up? I can appreciate you believing your ideas are superior, but you seem to have zero tolerance for opposing views. That verges on being tyranical and Hitleresque.
I wished Tavis & West would have spoke out and started a movement when Bush was trashing the world economy!
Actually, Tavis did start a movement when Bush was in office. It stemmed from the conversations he had at the State of the Black Union meetings he had every year. The movement was called “The Black Agenda’” It was designed to make sure whoever became president after Bush would be accountable to issues that were relevant to the Black Community. The Covenent With Black America book outlined those issues that were most important to us. The idea was that no political candidate would receive the full support of the black community until they agreed to address those issues. Tom Joyner, Al Sharpton, Michael Eric Dyson, Jesse Jackson and a lot of other promenent black people signed on to this idea.
Then came Barack Obama. He announced his run for president and Tom and Al feel head over heels in love with him. They both jumped the broom with Obama and didn’t care about signing the pre-nup. They turned their backs on the idea of the black agenda because they were ashamed to confront Obama with all that black stuff. They found it easier just to villify Tavis than to stand up for what they originally agreed to.
My point is lets not pretend as if Smiley just got started to get under Obama’s skin. He’s been on the job long before Obama.
You are 100 percent correct. I’ve asked people to do their research before they post comments on this subject. You did, and your facts are the most accurate than I’ve seen from anyone. I can remember the shows, conversations, meetings and the tour as if it was yesterday. Tavis has challenged each president since Clinton
Obama is hardly new to the game. He was a community organizer while in Chicago. As for the Black State of the Union, what action steps were taken beyond criticism. I used to fully support it at the time and listen to both on TJMS while I was a single mom traveling back in forth in my raggedy car on the way to school. I soon realized though that all of this talk, forums, and so on were not helping me as a poor person.
When they were in the White House, no one ever said that: Ronald Reagan, George Herbert Walker Bush, Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, Richard Nixon and George W. Bush were the President for “ALL AMERICANS”. Wasn’t necessary because it was understood. The notion of the black community as a whole goose-stepping behind the philosophy of Tom Joyner and others like him has played out. What will the black community have to show for itself after 8 years of President Obama? Time to value substance over symbolism. And the beloved MLK get dusted off every January , his ” I Have a Dream” speech gets played ad nauseam then the beloved MLK is put back into the closet like Christmas decorations until next year. 45 years later, black folks still in the desert, no where near the “promised land”.
If Tavis and the dusty looking one Dr. West want to be President then run for office. If not block or get the hell out of the way.
Under eight years of presidents Bush, the unemployment rate never got above 5.2 percent. It will never get that low under Obama after eight years, and for blacks their unemployment is even higher under Obama. The truth is the average black democrat would rather see this country in a deep depression with a black man in the white house than prosperity and good jobs for everyone and a zero unemployment for everyone with a white replublican in office, amazing,…….. truly amazing.
Stan do your research! Everything we are going through now comes from Bush. It would have been worst if it wasn’t for Obama. Where have you been!
Every African American does not worship this President but see him and respect him as the President of the USA. If we stopped and opened our eyes and look at what the President has done, you might not be pleased.(I know that this is not possible) The world will not end when the President leaves office in four years. We as Africian Americans will have to get back in the race. Having a black face in the white house is not enough for me. Tavis has more supporters that you think; good always prevails over bad and right always prevail over wrong. I like the President but it is the blind supporters who drive me crazy.
Tavis is a poor excuse for a Black man and is his own worst enemy. He will never be the Man that Barack Obama is, never! He has had it in for the President from day one, even before Barack was elected. You don’t hear the Republicans, White people, Hispancis, etc. calling out their leaders during an election, only Black folks. Tavis is cut from the same cloth as Clarence Thomas, Herman Cain, Michael Steel etc., What has happened to our people in today’s society? We supported each other during Slavery, the Civil Rights Movement and any othe movement back in the day. The times may have changed but there is still more work to be done in the Black community. We need to have Each Others Back!
I have lost respect for Dr. West, but never did care for Tavis. How could they possible think that the swearing in of first black president on MLK day. He fulfilled on of Dr. King’s dream. Do think he is supposed to help only blacks? I am starting to question their intelligence.
So do you think every white person supported Mitt Romney or John McCain? Did every woman support Hillary Clinton? Did every gay support Barney Frank? Your assessment is flawed. Just because Obama is black I’m supposed to co-sign on everything he does? If he announces tomorrow he wants to drop an a-bomb on Nigeria I’m supposed to have his back on that? SMH! Just because he’s black I have no room to acknowledge what’s right and whats wrong? We need to learn to analyze and think for ourselves.
I agree with Tom Joyner. Tavis is always talking about boycotting something let boycot his show. What have you done for African Americans Tavis? Why is it our race that always pull each other down when we are doing something good. All I see is hate Tavis not a good look. Go back when you were little and do what your mother told you, if you have nothing nice to say then don’t say nothing.
Let’s be real. You probably never watch his show anyway. You probably don’t even know when it comes on. What difference would it make if you boycotted it. The sad thing is you want to get Tavis off the air for having a political affairs and arts and entertainment program just because he has some critical things to say about the president, but you have never spoken out to get Love and HipHop or Real Housewives of Atlanta off the air.
I dont get it, Tavis takes the president to task for ignoring black america and the conditions in our community and he is the hater? Other than being black what has this president done for your community?
since Tavis is so worried for poor people, what has he done?
He started a multi city tour to specifically bring attention to the plight of the poor. Many black folks laughed at, mocked and condemned his efforts. Yet black folks disproportionately suffer from poverty. He also asked that the president make poverty a priority during his second term. But he is largely dismissed by black folks as a hater for speaking out. Go figure.
And so it goes, What exactly did you or Tavis want the President to do? What did the President do for any other culture or community? Please be specific and keep in mind that he’s the President for “ALL AMERICANS” whether they agree to it or not. So again, What did you expect, and what has he done for others that he didn’t do for you. Now one more important question; What have you been doing for yourself “BEFORE” 2008 and most importantly; What have you been doing for yourself since 2008? I hope you didn’t sit back and wait for a “POLITICIAN”, tv show host, commentator or even one your the elected officials you voted for to do something in your favor….
Who do you think Obama-care is for? People who cannot afford medical insurance, and who do you think many of those people are? Black People! Who is the jobs bill for? People who need work, and who do you think many of those people are- Black People! Open your eyes and see what his man is doing against all the push-back from the haters. Obama is making a difference for the middle class and the poor in health and jobs, and many of those people are Black People!!
Tavis Smiley wants to be relevent, but he isnot. Tom Joyner and Michael Baisden have done much more not only for the Black community but also for those minorities that don’t feel as if they had a voice. Those two guys actions speak much louder than a show on pbs. Kudos to Tom Joyner, for just walking away from this crab mentality of Tavis Smiley.
So how does Joyner get kudos for walking away when he’s the one commenting on Tavis? I haven’t heard Tavis make one (public) comment about Tom Joyner since he left his show. Yet Joyner continues to write these negative articles and talk about the brotha on his show. Tavis has moved on. He is on CBS talking and Joyner just has to have something negative to say. Actually, Joyner is being Tavis Smiley’s crab.
I saw Tavis’ commentary this morning and I could feel the hate. I have lost all respect for Travis. He is nothing Moore than an echo chamber for three right wing to justify their racist hate for Obama. If Tavis says then it must be okay for then to say it. It may seem commendable that Tavis is “pushing” president Obama. But Travis bet all his chips on Hillary Clinton winning and when Obama sat down at the table and then won, all bets were off and Tavis lost. To make matters worse Hillary got a job in Obama’s cabinet and Travis had been left out. I’ve got a feeling that this will be a big topic on tomorrow’s show.
I don’t understand a lot of your post. Are you suggesting white conservatives get their que from Tavis Smiley to know when to criticize the president? Also, what stake are you suggesting that Smiley had in the election of Hillary Clinton other than having the sensative ear of the president? And please, only reply with facts you can prove.
Back in 2008 I got a good look at what Tavis Smiley was becoming and here we are in 2013 seeing what he’s become. Somehow, affixed in Tavis’ mind there was/is room for only one African American leader. He mistakenly believes that African America is a monolithic group of people who need someone to decide what they should think. When he walked out the door of the TJMS, in a hissy fit because folks pushed back on the views he was forming (in reality he was pissed because the eleventh hour invite to his talk fest was not received as he expected), he expected hoards of people would trail behind him, begging him to stay. When few did, he had no choice with his ego and pride but to keep walking. Bad move. To continue down the path of an obsessive hater-esque jealousy, pinning himself to the notion that he was somehow the victim, did nothing to improve the opinion of him and Cornell as well, as little more than two small men behaving as crabs in a barrel. It does not speak well for their images today, that Walmart and Wells Fargo — both former current members of ALEC (an organization you should know about) — funds both men and that their real goals are no different from Glenn Beck, Ann Coulter and Sarah Palin: hawking their books for bigger sales through controversy. I find it most telling that Dr. King’s family asked President Obama to sign his Bible after the ceremony. We need as many good black leaders as we can acquire. Men and women willing to move on a local, state and national level to insure that our communities make informed decisions and know what they need to be proactive about, i.e., that the charter schools are being used to form private public schools that YOUR children won’t be allowed to attend. It’s already happening in Indiana Tennessee and Georgia. Wake up. Leave Tavis to himself to be a small, faint comma in our history. We’ve got work to do.
My father used to say never trust a white man with a beard, and never trust a black man without one.
For those who imply that Tom has a “problem” with Tavis…..or that he has an “ego” I whole heartedly disagree. I believe that if it weren’t for Tom Joyner and the TJMS, Tavis would not have a “name” or a voice in the media. Tom gave Tavis his best shot at having a voice for and in Black America. President Obama is from my home town of Chicago, he was my State and US Senator. President Obama has always been a man of action in our community. He has always put his actions on the ground and rolled up his sleeves to work in the best interest of us all. I used to believe that Tavis was an advocate for Black America because of his voice on the TJMS. However, since President Obama’s first election Tavis has spewed nothing but HATE. I didn’t hear the same criticism during either of the two Bush Presidencies that I hear about President Obama. That tells me that it’s about more than keeping them honest and holding the Presidency accountable. Tavis Smiley has an agenda against the first Black President of these United States because he is simply a HATER and is trying to achieve financial gain as a result. There are many examples of his behaviors in our past and none of them succeeded at bringing down their targets. Mr. Joyner, keep doing what you are doing. You are an honest voice for Black America who puts his time and money in helping to make the lives of those you touch better. Everyone should be as giving as you and President Obama. Can anyone say the same for Tavis and Cornell?
Sadly, I wish that Tom and Tavis can work out their differences. We as a culture must stand together, and with 2 strong people in the limelight, it hurts to see the disconnect. I pray for peace between the both of them.
United we Stand and Dividied we Fall as a race we need to start building the black community ourselves by purchasing home in the communities, stores, teacher the children their history, and chastise the child accordingly, and we need to get on One Accord. We are the most DIVIDIED RACE in AMERICIA.-STOP LETTING OTHER RACES collectively do it.
Was nevera Tavis Smiley fan, and this makes me even less of a fan. The man has always seemed to be a bit to arogant for me. I agree and believe also that he got it wrong. That the bibles used, both MLK’s and Lincolns were symbolic of how far we’ve come because of them, and in spite of everything else. I don’t think it was used to make a political statement, Obama has had no problem making political statements without props. So Tavis, I think this time, like many others, you got this wrong.
Tavis appears to be the “socio-political” version of Spike Lee. There’s a difference between constructive and destructive criticism. He and Lee seem to, more often than not, lean toward destructive criticism of people who they perceive as “threats” to their “popularity”. The irony is that both think much more highly of themselves than they ought. If either of them ever picked up a Bible, they’d know (and do) better.
Agreed Mr. Joyner. It is a dangerous thing when one does not take the time to reflect on the process of one’s journey to where he/she believes he/she would like to end. Tavis has crossed a line that is bigger than Black Man on Black Man.
Well I just wish that Tom and Tavis can get it together. President Obama and Dr.King are different people and their views on certain things do differ.Think about it…Dr.King was about peace and anti-war..he would have been upset about the drone attacks and the killing of innocent women and children, then President Obama puts his hand on Dr.King’s bible…it is a little strange. I think Tavis is doing a good thing by pushing the president, we are just so happy our president is black we give him a pass. I think Tavis has courage because he could just sit back and shut up and make everyone happy but he is standing his ground.
I agree with Tom.
Regardless of what we think about, the President, Tavis or Tom Joyner. It is never ok for a Black man/person to Black Slam another black man. It’s time to stop airing our dirty laundry out there for everyone to see. The Republicans do enough slamming for all of us. Peace,
I saw Tavis on the CBS Sunday Morning Show and came away with one feeling about Mr. Smiley. He is a very small man with a crab mentality. A lot of talk with an agenda to hurt President Obama.
Look, I appreciate the discipline that Tom has exercised thus far in not blasting Tavis earlier. I was seething after I saw how Tavis “Tommed” on that Sunday Morning show. i feel like He and Cornell have made an enterprise of being the “blacks against Obama” and I am furious about it. Could it be that Tavis is mad because Obama beat him to the Presidency? After all, he was widely regarded after his book and about the same time that Obama came to the political forefront. I know that as an educated woman, I no longer support or watch Tavis Smiley.
Tom I know it is difficult for you to write this about Tavis and I sympathize, however he make it possible. He was all up Clinton behind & did nothing but enrich himself & got the balls to act like he speak for the King family?
He must have written lies in his book ” What I know for sure” cause he has yet to exhibit what he said his parents told him about knowing when not to do dumb stuff.The NAACP, Urban League, et. al. got the POTUS ear & are putting concrete policies to address the AA concern yet you don’t see them acting like fools for the press.
Tom, you couldn’t be more correct in your assessment of Tavis Smiley. Tavis has been obsessed since then Sen Obama could not attend the so-called State of the Black Union because he was running for President. So, he sent Michelle Obama instead and Tavis would not accept that. It has been downhill ever since with Tavis.
I would respect Tavis so much more if he really fought for the poor. But has he suggested one piece of legislation that would eradicate poverty? Has he suggested one piece of changes in policy that would begin to eliminate poverty? All we get our poverty tours and cspan specials.
Tom, you are so right because Tavis is clearly transparent in the accolades he wants coming his way. If Tavis was smart, he could complement the President by providing information he could use towards a policy on poverty. Instead, he went the other way and he has been ostracized. I appreciated what you and Tavis did, but he has disappointed me so much because he is clearly jealous and envious of the President.
I think there is still time for Tavis to exit off the road and make a u-turn. Hopefully he will take it. Thanks.
Darnell
PB3 and all Tavis supporters, it is intellectually lazy to think that the president has done nothing for African Americans and the poor. President Obama’s first act as president was the Lilly Ledbetter fair pay act that immediately helped women and many working single mothers, a large chunk of which are African Americans. He then bet his entire presidency and re-election on Obamacare… African Americans will benefit tremendously from this.There is work to be done and right now i don’t see Tavis or Cornell West as helping.
BTW, the King family asked the president to use Dr King’s bible…I bet Tavis didn’t tell you that. Why would he?
I completely agree with Tom Joyner.
Reading is fundamental. I never said the president’s programs would not benefit Black americans. My problem with this conversation is that many Black americans thinks we should NEVER do what every tax paying voting bloc does… “Make your political officers ACCOUNTABLE.” (period) We should not beat up the people who have taken up that cause. Tavis has always championed our political ACCOUNTABILITY pulse, why should that change because the president is Black.
Tom, it is well documented that you have a huge problem with Tavis and we all know why and what it festers from. The problem I have with your continued problem with Tavis is that you have a problem with Tavis and Obama can do NOTHING, NOTHING, NOTHING, NOTHING wrong. I don’t have a problem with Obama, you or Tavis because individually each of you has a different role in the African American Community. It’s Tavis’ job to champion the disenfranchised and the poor and keep every president in the white house on our points. It is your job to keep us informed without bias and entertained the way you do. It is the president’s job to serve us as a voting bloc and a tax base. There is one thing each and every last one of you guys has…AN EGO. So please stop getting Tavis’ ego confused with his cause and focus… you guys used to be inseparable, then Tavis kept his historic position and relentless pressure on the white house (no matter who was in office) then your ego and none pressured approached elected to cut Tavis off simply because he kept his focus. Tom, all three of you guys have four years to get it right while Obama is in the white house or at least one person just might come away saying…see, I told you so.
U are mistaken. Tom does not appear to have a problem with Tavis. Often he speaks up for his friend on the TJMS. Black America has a problem with Tavis and Cornell West. He left the TJMS because the listeners insisted. Our first black POTUS and this power hungry clown starts a national hate campaign. Just as with MLK & Malcolm X, Obama’s enemies look more like him than not. Tavis has screwed up so bad this time, he might as well forget any political hopes he may have had.
Agree
Thk u pb3. I constantly wonder am I the only Tavis/ west supporter. Your assessment was totally on point. Everyone needs to rude in thier own lane. We need all of them. Collectively their a force. When at odds their a hinderance to our progress
PB3 has intelligently spoken to the case with due accuracy. I often wonder of the crazed fascination that Tom has with the president, as if he has done everything right and nothing wrong??? He clearly hasn’t! Tom Joyner, Al Sharpton, nor Steve Harvey have not promoted the idea of the plight of the poor via their media venues. What most angers me of the Black entertainment popular radio and TV host they all have in common is they all have a front seat with the President and are those who are close to him and coincidentally, are those who “the President can use as an outlet medium to get “Votes”! None of these rich people Black people on black radio and television and have never said one critical thing about the President. “Oh how important I must be if the President comes on my show and I get an invite to the White-house!” When the masses of Black people are suffering, I support this President, and I support Tavis, I have been an avid listener to Mr. Joyner for more than 30 years, but Tom is heavily biased an a is terrible when it comes to political commentary and Whoa-fully insufficient, I cringed whenever I hear Tom and J Anthony speak about Political issues and unfortunately Sybil is not much better. Black people are constantly guided by their emotions and rarely by reality and intellect, that is how we ended up on boats on a far trip to a land like these shores!
I think we need to realize that the TJMS and their crew are not political commentators, nor have they ever professed to be. And, as listeners we certainly shouldn’t be taking our positions based solely on the ideologies of radio personalities. We need to be more thorough and smarter than that.
It seems to me that Tavis, though he has an obvious distaste for this president, has truly done himself a disservice by ostracizing those who helped to make him recognizable in the first place. We want our commentators to have their own opinions and exercise them based on the facts and research, not on their popularity. And again, unfortunately Tavis has refocused his agenda to ousting the president. Yes, have your own opinions, but stay true to who you are as a journalist.
It’s unfortunate that Tom and Tavis have allowed this discord to break down the obvious bond they once shared. However, people come into our lives for a season, and sometimes those seasons send people on their way – out of our lives.
What we, as listeners, voters, thought leaders, need to take note of, is that we have to take the information that is provided to us and do our research. Don’t just believe everything you hear, because you like the person who said it. DO YOUR RESEARCH or suffer he consequences of ignorance.
Great assessment PB3. Tom’s adoration of Obama borders on creepy. His actions say a lot about his character. President Obama will be out of office in less than four years. He will be less relevant with each passing day. Joyner has squandered his connection to allies that could have been instrumental to real progress in the black community he claims to love all for a chicken dinner at the white house. He chose one man over the good of the people. Just goes to show he wan’t serious in the first place.