EYE #FeltTheBurn and it was HOT! HOT! HOT!

The parallels between the white moderates whom Dr. Martin Luther King criticized in 1963 and certain white progressives whom many Black activists are criticizing in 2015 couldn't be clearer.

Let me see if EYE have this right (pun intended), EYE am supposed to support a candidate whose fans calls #BlackLivesMatter Activist everything but a child of God because he marched with Martin Luther King, Jr., and because these same supporters say he is the best candidate to address our issues?  Nah.  That's not going to work for me.

When black women interrupt your candidate, don't call them "thugs." And when protesters hijack your hero's microphone to have their story heard, it doesn't mean they're paid provocateurs in some elaborate plot involving George Soros and Hillary Clinton. You know who else propagates wild conspiracy theories about George Soros funding left-wing protesters? Glenn Beck and Allen West. So congratulations, white progressives – your fanaticism for Bernie has turned you into the thing you hate. - 

EYE would like to thank the Black Lives Matter Activist for speaking truth to power, and in the process exposing the large white crowds attending Bernie Sanders events for who, and what, they really are. 

Bernie's supporters need to realize that Bernie Sanders is not the leader of this political revolution. We all are. Let the revolution unfold – Bernie is welcome to join if he's ready. -

What you accuse others of doing is what you are doing yourself. The accusation/allegations the Black Lives Matters Movement is a George Soros/Hilary Clinton, Sarah Palin, Outside Agitator front group, could be a cover for republicans masquerading as progressive/liberals/Bernie Supporters. 

Eye Am Just Saying...

Black Lives Matter—which has challenged and called out respectability politics and the ties that Black politicians have to a structurally racist political system—has engaged in a backlash against Jackson, Rev. Al Sharpton and the civil rights establishment. This comes as young Black men were being dismissed by elders such as Bill Cosby and the old guard civil rights groups, often lectured to, and told to pull their pants up rather than provided with any guidance or assistance. As a result, Alicia Garza, a co-founder of #BlackLivesMatter, said, “Ferguson marked the first time in my lifetime‚ in which the Reverends Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson were begged to leave the scene of a civil rights crime.”

It's a new day and there is a new way. Bernie Sanders has ripped his drawers with me, thanks to his supporters. 

"there can be no unity when you demonstrate that you care more about order than justice."

Know Justice.  Know Peace. 

Update ~ EYE want my Daggum Democratic Party Back! Can EYE Rant?

H/T ca democrat via Daily Kos

One Pissed Off Liberal writes:

I'm a Tom Joad democrat, a prison reform democrat, an anti-poverty democrat and a pro-justice democrat - so the party left me a long time ago...and they never looked back as they went chasing after the fat checkbook crowd. The few indisputably good things the party has done, such as the war on poverty and support for the civil rights movement, recede into the distant past as a brave new world emerges in which we are left to wonder just what IS the difference between neocons and neolibs, and whether democrats bombing the world in an unending war orgy is any better than repubs doing the exact same thing.

Today's democrats are yesterday's republicans.

 Democrats (not all of them of course, but enough of them) enabled the Bush administration in some of the worst crimes against humanity in modern history: the illegal invasion of Iraq, the shameful atrocities at Abu Ghraib, Bagram, Guantanamo and elsewhere, kidnappings, torture, murders, assassinations, double-taps such as that shown in the Chelsea Manning video and on and on.

Justice delayed is justice denied.

My judgment is especially harsh for the Democratic Party because the whole world looked to them for justice and were denied. Justice is what we owed the world. JUSTICE!
The prospect of a Republican freak out is no excuse for Democrats not pursuing justice. We're always crowing about what a great nation we are – but we can't even manage to bring our own worst and most public in-your-face criminals to justice.

EYE said it once, and EYE say it again.  The Democratic party has been infiltrated by reactionary/New Dems/Blue Dogs/ Centrist/Conservadems/Moderates, and hell knows who/what else to promote neo liberal (aka conservative) ideas.

In addition to conservative infiltrators the democratic party has so called "moderates, centrist, center" who try and walk a thin line down the middle of the party. We don't know if they are pro choice or anti choice. We don't know if they are pro civil rights or anti civil rights. We don't know what the heck they stand for. They are in the middle whatever the heck that means. My daddy says the only thing down the middle of the road is a yellow line. Moderates are afraid to take a position one way or another because they don't know what side of the road they are on.

The definition of insanity, doing the same thing over and over again,  hoping for a different result.

We’re “absolutely unified on three essential messages going forward: It’s middle class, middle class, middle class,” said Rep. Steve Israel (D-N.Y.), who had just surveyed 90 Democratic members about what they want to see in 2016. “Everybody agreed that it has to be about the middle.”

Who the heck is "Everybody" Rep. Steve Isreal, Sir?  Blue Dogs and New Dems who vote with the republicans and have no connection to the traditional democratic base?  The traditional democratic base they use to get elected, then throw under the bus?

 Davis panders to the right, who are wrong about everything, to the detriment of the, as he calls them,  democratic base(women,minorities,labor,public school teachers,civil rights leaders,African American political organizations). You know, the traditional democratic base that marched, bleed and died to change Alabama. The traditional democratic base that made it possible for him to be the sitting Congressman from the 7th district (which includes the black belt) of Alabama.

Enough.  It's time for real Democrats to stand their ground, and for those who don't support the Democratic platform 100% to go.  Those who believe a half an A$$ is better than no A$$ need to find another party.  Just because someone say's they are a democrat , doesn't mean they are democrat.

Real democrats are pro equal, civil, and human rights.  Real democrats support a woman's right to choose to have a safe legal abortion.  Real democrats support public education, public school teachers, and labor.  Real democrats support equal rights for LBGT citizens.  Real democrats are proud, unashamed, Birkenstock wearing, Hybrid car driving, tree hugging, anti war, anti poverty, card carrying, flag waving,  LIBERALS.

What do our opponents mean when they apply to us the label "Liberal?" If by "Liberal" they mean, as they want people to believe, someone who is soft in his policies abroad, who is against local government, and who is unconcerned with the taxpayer's dollar, then the record of this party and its members demonstrate that we are not that kind of "Liberal." But if by a "Liberal" they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people -- their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights, and their civil liberties -- someone who believes we can break through the stalemate and suspicions that grip us in our policies abroad, if that is what they mean by a "Liberal," then I'm proud to say I'm a "Liberal."

If you can't support all of the above, you are with them, and against us.

  Independents are really republicans who are ashamed to call themselves republicans.

I'm sick and tired of cowardly Dems.

RedEye Rant Over and Out.  For now.

This isn't the first time President Obama's used #Selma to divide us *Sigh*

H/T Media Matters for America

Let's recap.

The White House announced President Obama would be coming to Selma for a photo op, I mean to commemorate the anniversary of Bloody Sunday on Friday instead of Sunday, blindsiding march organizers, black elected officials, community activist, and foot soldiers.

Black elected officials called a press conference asking President Obama to participate in the annual Sunday march because any attempt to hold two marches, one on March 7 and one on March 8, would be "divisive," and would send the wrong signals to the world.   Ya think?

Let's go back in time to SUNDAY (not to be confused with Saturday) March 4, 2007, and the infamous battle for the hearts and minds of black voters at the annual Bridge Crossing.

SELMA, Alabama (CNN) -- The top two Democratic presidential contenders fought Sunday for the support of African-American voters in a place infamous for a bloody clash between voting rights protesters and police.
Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama spoke at events marking the 42nd anniversary of the 1965 Selma voting rights march, a turning point in the civil rights movement that led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act.

How well I remember having to choose between standing in a mile long line to hear Hillary Clinton, or, standing in an even longer line to hear  Barack Obama, give dueling speeches at two churches just a block apart.

 Selma officials say they cannot remember a time where competing presidential candidates showed up at the same time for the event. The presence of both candidates shows just how competitive the race has gotten when it comes to the African-American vote — a key Democratic constituency.

So, candidate Obama came to Alabama on Bloody Sunday, but President Obama is coming to Selma on Saturday?  I wonder why?  I'm just speculating, but I think THIS is the reason President Obama chose not to participate in the Bloody SUNDAY march.

Alabama black leaders invited the Rev. Jesse Jackson to speak out regarding Bloody Sunday during today's press conference, as he was in town discussing voting rights.
Jackson said the Voting Rights Act is eroding in the South since the Supreme Court struck down Section 4.
This section of the act required Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia to get clearance from the federal government or federal court before changing its voting laws.
"The Voting Rights Act is under assault," he said.
That's why the 50^th anniversary of Bloody Sunday -- the march from Selma to Montgomery that led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act -- can't be seen as just a celebration, but as a protest for the unprotected, Jackson said.

Again, I'm speculating, but it seems like to me our President wants to commemorate the anniversary of Bloody SUNDAY on Saturday with style, not substance.  We can't have the first African American President of the United States marching in a protest for the unprotected can we?  Snark

Right on cue, every time black elected officials dare criticize President Obama's actions, the media can be counted on to find a black face (yes I said it) to co-sign the division. 

While some black leaders in Alabama are speaking out against President Barack Obama's plans to visit on the actual anniversary date of the Bloody Sunday march, others are simply excited about his return to Selma, no matter the day.
"The President is coming to commemorate the 50th anniversary of this historic event and we are excited that he is coming to this area," Senate Minority Leader Quinton T. Ross Jr. (D-Montgomery) said in a written statement.

I don't know who the unnamed others are, but the majority of Alabamians agree with Alabama State Senator Hank Sanders (D. Selma) .  There is also the rumor the group Faith and Politics unilaterally decided to move the Bloody SUNDAY commemoration from Saturday to Sunday in order to have a celebration on Sunday in Montgomery at the same time the Bloody Sunday event takes place. 

unilaterally decided to move the Bloody Sunday commemoration from Sunday to Saturday in order to have a celebration in Montgomery on Sunday at the time the Bloody Sunday March always takes place. - See more at: http://www.blackpressusa.com/an-open-letter-to-president-barack-obama-from-alabama-state-senator-hank-sanders/#sthash.PcJr3rlr.dpuf

President Obama, the moment was sacred because blood was shed. The moment was sacred because the blood was shed on Sunday, a holy day for so many. The moment was sacred because the day, the blood and the struggle came together in that time and space. Bloody Sunday is sacred. - See more at: http://www.blackpressusa.com/an-open-letter-to-president-barack-obama-from-alabama-state-senator-hank-sanders/#sthash.PcJr3rlr.dpuf

President Obama, the moment was sacred because blood was shed. The moment was sacred because the blood was shed on Sunday, a holy day for so many. The moment was sacred because the day, the blood and the struggle came together in that time and space. Bloody Sunday is sacred. - See more at: http://www.blackpressusa.com/an-open-letter-to-president-barack-obama-from-alabama-state-senator-hank-sanders/#sthash.PcJr3rlr.dpuf

Don't get me wrong, I love President Obama, but it's not about him, it's about the blood, sweat, tears, and sacrifice of the men, women, and children who were on the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Bloody SUNDAY.

Candidate Obama came to Selma on Bloody SUNDAY.

President Obama should come to Selma on Bloody SUNDAY too.

B-I-N-G-O Q&A

You know, I'm really beginning to resent being banned from Left in Alabama, because Legal Contributor, and resident republican, Old Prosecutor posed a variety of questions related to the acquittal of all the defendents  in the infamous Alabama Bingo Trial  I would love to answer on the pages of Left in Alabama.  But since I'm one of three people in America not allowed to post at LIA,  this forum will have to do.

Although I am not welcome in the LiA kitty, I mean sand box, LiA readers are more than welcome to respond here.  Choices can open a mind, a dialogue.

Q.  "Why did the Feds jump so quick in this matter"?    


A.  Because the Feds were after people, not crimes.

Q.  "When does politics as usual cross into being a crime?" 


A.  When the Feds go after people not crimes.

Q. " Why would a democratic Attorney General approve this"?


A.  Because of Alabama's two republican United States Senators.

Q.  "Can't we drop this tar-baby of a case, so we will put on a minimum case so we can get back Washington?"

A.Remember,  the jury in the first trial was deadlocked. Prosecutors were granted a retrial.


Q.  "Scott Beason-how dumb is this guy?"

A.  Dumb enough to make a racial slur for everybody to hear.

"When all the fingers on the hand work together they form a mighty fist"

I am wondering how long the Alabama LapDog Press is going to continue to ignore the upcoming  Selma to Montgomery March, which organizers predict will be bigger than the original march, due to Alabama's ongoing slide back to the days of Jim Crow and Slavery.   One thing they can't ignore is the revenue (money), and the attention it's bringing to Sweet Home Alabama.

Five fingers pointing the blame don’t amount to nothin. But together they make a mighty fist which can strike a mighty blow.~ Mother Jo from the movie Soul Food

Hosts

Faya Rose Toure and Senator Hank Sanders

National Union Officers

Arlene Holt Baker and Liz Shuler, AFL-CIO; Randi Weingarten, AFT; Tom Buffenbarger, IAM; Bob King, UAW; Lee Saunders, AFSCME; Mary Kay Henry, Eliseo Medina & Gerald Hudson, SEIU; Bill Lucy, CBTU; Cecil Roberts, UMWA.

National Coalitions

Benjamin Jealous, NAACP; Rev. Al Sharpton, NAN; Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rainbow-Push; Deepak Bhargava, CCC; Janet Murguia, La Raza.

Congressional Delegation

Congressman John Lewis will lead a delegation of members of Congress that will participate in the Selma-to-Montgomery activities.

Student Delegations

Administration, Faculty, and Students at Alabama State University and Tuskegee University will mobilize the campuses to participate in the week of activities, including teach-ins.

Bus Operations

AFL-CIO Central Labor Councils, along with Community Services Liaisons, in Memphis, Nashville, Atlanta, Mobile, Birmingham and Jackson, Miss. have set up bus operations working with local unions and community partners. These buses will attend the March 9th rally at the State Capitol. In addition, there are buses being organized by AFGE, SEIU, UMWA, USW, UAW, CBTU, and our Coalition partners. If you are interested in bus operations, please contact them directly:

Denise Mays: 404-525-3559
Janine Brown: 404-527-7417
Michael Allen: 615-780-2413
Pat Rabbeitt: 251-431-0101
Casel Jones: 901-299-5261
Terry Davis: 205-903-1568
Jim Evans: 601-209-2928

Schedule of Events
March 4
Brown Chapel AME Church services 7 a.m.
Rally and March across Bridge 1:30 p.m.
March 5-9
March each day starts at 9 a.m.
Evening community events at 6 p.m.
March 9
Alabama State University event 9 a.m.
Rally at State Capitol 11:30 a.m.

Now is the time for all good Americans to work together to form a mighty fist and fight take our country back from the right (wrong) wingers.  I will be there.  Will you?