EYE am willing to forgive Mike Bloomberg but EYE can't forget what Mike Bloomberg did

This sample ballot is misleading and incorrect.

Cue in Aretha Franklin-Willing to Forgive 
"Because you really, really hurt me this time".  Someone EYE love was racially profiled in New York City under the Stop and Frisk policy so this is personal to me.  

The young man in question is the son of a very dear friend of mine. I've known him since he was an infant. His only crime was being a young black man between the ages of 18 and 24 years of age.

As my wise Daddy once told me, I will support and defend you when you are done wrong, but I won't support and defend you when you do wrong and there is no right way to do the wrong thing.

 EYE don't condone the decision of the Alabama Democratic Conference to endorse Mike Bloomberg and this morning EYE wake up to the news the endorsement will bite them in the Donkey, which EYE suspect was the plan all along.

THERE IS NO AMBIGUITY HERE. IF YOU VOTE FOR MICHAEL BLOOMBERG FOR PRESIDENT AND VOTE FOR “UNCOMMITTED” DELEGATES THINKING THAT THEY WILL SOMEHOW BE ASSIGNED TO HIM AFTER THE ELECTION, YOU ARE MISTAKEN.
Your vote for Bloomberg for President will count. Your vote for Uncommitted delegates will be ignored.
And yet, this the sample ballot distributed outside churches in Madison County today seems to indicate that you can vote for Bloomberg AND the ADC’s endorsed “Uncommitted” delegates. You can; the machine won’t reject your ballot. But it also won’t count the votes for the Uncommitted delegates.

There is a concerted effort to control African American voters in Alabama, and EYE guess we aren't supposed to notice we are fighting with each other while the DNC is standing on the sideline egging it on. 

Ironically Americans from across the nation converged on Selma, Alabama to re-enact Bloody Sunday but the struggle is not over. Then as now, we are struggling to vote.  Republicans suppress the Black vote, Democrats depress the black vote.  What to do and where to go?

RedEye tiptoeing away from the computer to go pray.

Alabama State Senator Paul Sandford's 2000 foot bill is a pile of #HypocrisyInAction

Let's recap:
State Senator Paul Sandford (R. Hypocrite HSV) sponsored SB 205,  making it illegal for poor women to have access to quality health care within 2000 feet of a public school in Alabama.  Why? Because it's more important  anti choice protesters have the right to exercise their first amendment rights within 2000 feet of a public school.  Sigh  

A state senator has filed legislation that would require north Alabama’s only abortion clinic to move, again.
Sen. Paul Sanford, R-Huntsville, filed the legislation today, saying he didn’t want a repeat of last year, when similar legislation passed the House but stalled in the Senate.

Senate Bill 205 would prohibit an abortion clinic from operating within 2,000 feet of a public school. Rep. Ed Henry, R-Hartselle, carried the bill in the House last year and has said he will again this year, but he hasn’t yet filed it. 

The Alabama Women’s Center for Reproductive Alternatives in Huntsville is across the street from Edward H. White Middle School. The clinic moved to that location in 2014 after being forced out of a building on Madison Street in downtown Huntsville — within sight of the Huntsville Hospital main emergency room — in order to comply with the 2013 Women’s Health and Safety Act and its regulations on building standards.

Mind you, this same Senator,  who is so concerned about children being exposed to anti choice protesters, isn't concerned at all about the health and safety of the children who will be exposed to Silica dust particles because their school is being re-located to a site less than half a mile from an active rock quarry, but EYE digress.

There is more than a whiff of hypocrisy.  H/T Left in Alabama

Children brought to protest in Huntsville, April 2016 – weeks before the 2,000 foot clinic bill passed the Legislature.

Child (with face blurred) accompanying his mother (and her graphic sign) to a Huntsville clinic protest in April 2016.

“We can put a restriction on whether a liquor store opens up across the street and make sure pedophiles stay away from schools,” Sanford said. “I just think having an abortion clinic that close to elementary-age school children that actually have to walk on the sidewalk past it is not the best thing.”

Protecting the children my Donkey. 

Psst!  Senator Sanford, how about passing a bill restricting public schools from being built less than half a mile from an active rock quarry if you really care about school age children.

This post is dedicated to the memory of # MartinLutherKing Jr., who was murdered in Memphis,Tn on this day in 1968

What you are reading on thise blog on this day.

Bummer, I'm Banned Again!

Awkward Anal's of American Politics on Labor Day

RedEyes version of how did we get here and where do we go from here.

What EYE am reading on this blog on this day.

A man who won't die for something is not fit to live.

Welcome to my world, a very personal diary

Ain't gonna let nobody turn  us around

#RestoreTheVRA

#MartinLutherKing

EYE Shall Return

RedEye Around #SweetHomeAlaBAMA

Alabama is rolling in cash.with Tide lifting all boats

What's up with Governor Robert Bentley's decision to neuter Luther Strange?

Why did Alabama Governor Robert Bentley last week remove authority to enforce gambling lawsfrom Attorney General Luther Strange?
That is the question of political intrigue that now envelops "The Heart of Dixie," which has been ranked as the sixth most corrupt state in country--and, with Bentley's help, is making a strong push for No. 1. Experience with Alabama politics tells us that a straightforward answer to our question probably is not forthcoming. So what's the real reason for Bentley's action last week, what is--to borrow a phrase from the late Paul Harvey--"the rest of the story"?

Psst Left in Alabama!  Do you want some cheese to go along with that whine?  Your non video synopsis of Saturday's ADP Yellowdog Presidential Luncheon  was one long whine. 

You didn't get to video.  You didn't get to take a picture with James Carville.  Brian Clemmons, the ADP Compliance Officer was the most memorable, but not in a good way. He talked about money and reporting. This guy was B-O-R-I-N-G, not really the subject, but his cadence reminded me of Ben Stein in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. The food was mediocre.  Nancy Worley was complimented on being the “best state chair in the USA.  

Um,  this is what happens when the majority of voters who show up to vote hate President Obama more than they love themselves. 

When Alabama Governor Robert Bentley refused to expand Medicaid with the Affordable Care Act, the state lost millions of dollars in federal revenue.  At the same time, hundreds, if not thousands of Alabamians lost access to medical care.

The police chief says Tasing and beating of a white Alabama student is a black (pun intended?) eye for the University of Alabama. 

  Now, if it had been black students, you probably wouldn't even know about it yet....you know, because the black kids would have been told, by the white population, to just obey, do what you're told and none of this would have happened.

Uh, who knew there is a mural depicting African Americans picking cotton on a plantation hanging in the Courthouse in Jefferson County, Alabama.  Psst!  You might want to check out the murals hanging on the walls of ALL Alabama Courthouses.  So much for Justice for all. 

So, the students, faculty joined the University of Missouri (Mizzo) football team and stood up to racism, bigotry, and discrimination, and the usual suspects are having a complete and total meltdown. 

The possible death of a Black #Mizzou student on a hunger strike did not move Wolfe to action but the threat of a $1M football fine did.

— Rahiel Tesfamariam (@RahielT) November 10, 2015

It's all about the Benjamin's 

Correction: Left in Alabama's "Migration to a New Blog Platform" is trying to erase THEIR history

Never let it be said EYE won't admit when EYE am wrong, or refuse to correct factually incorrect information EYE impart.  Previously EYE reported Left in Alabama's Blog Migration was an attempt  to erase me from their history, but actually they are trying to erase THEIR history, specifically their support of  Artur Davis before they didn't support Artur Davis.

Again:

Here's the rub...when you click on the link above to find out more about me and what EYE stand for from a historical perspective you get the following message:
Not found, error 404
The page you are looking for no longer exists. Perhaps you can return back to the site's homepage and see if you can find what you are looking for. Or, you can try finding it by using the search form below.
Just so you know, links from RedEyes Front Page to Left in Alabama will direct you to the sites homepage where "perhaps you can find what you're looking for". Snark 

Brian explains it best:

"What appears to have happens is the new blog handles comments differently and does not support direct links to comments and the broken links on your blog are links directly to a comment."

The way around this is to put the key words in the search engine and perhaps you can find what you are looking for.  EYE am in the process of repairing the broken links, but it's a long tedious process so bare with me.

Those who don't know history are destined to repeat It.~Edmund Burke

Update~ Left In Alabama's "Blog Migration" Erased Me From Their History Like EYE Never Existed

It's hard being a voice for the voiceless.  Once again Left in the Alabama, the progressive informed, blog of record where EYE was once a welcomed contributor, has found it fit to distance themselves from the content of their character.

Let's recap.

I didn't plan or want to start this blog. For three years years I had the privilege and honor of being a front pager at Left in Alabama. Friday, November 13,2009 was my unlucky day because my privileges were revoked. Prior to my privileges being revoked I was constantly being advised how to write, what to write, and finally informed if I wanted freedom of speech I needed to start my own blog.
I didn't leave Left in Alabama, Left in Alabama left me, literally. Despite sincere, begging and groveling I am not allowed to express my opinions there, and that's a pity since it's supposed to be the blog of record for progressive, informed, democrats, but the Righty's have more privileges.

If you want to know more about me, where I stand and what I stand for I invite you to read my writings at Left in Alabama for a historical perspective.

Here's the rub...when you click on the link above to find out more about me and what EYE stand for from a historical perspective  you get the following message:

Not found, error 404

The page you are looking for no longer exists. Perhaps you can return back to the site's homepage and see if you can find what you are looking for. Or, you can try finding it by using the search form below.

Just so you know,  links  from RedEyes Front Page to Left in Alabama will direct you to the sites homepage where "perhaps you can find what you're looking for".  Snark

Brian explains it best:

"What appears to have happens is the new blog handles comments differently and does not support direct links to comments and the broken links on your blog are links directly to a comment."

This is a blatant attempt to disown my views, which at the very least were progressive, and were presented in the spirit which the forum was created.   EYE find this conduct to be abhorrent, deplorable, dictatorial, egregious, and misdirected. This says more about the content of their character than it does mine.

 EYE have to question if Left In Alabama is the informed, progressive blog it claims to be.  Evidence suggests it's not a forum where public views can be expressed without censorship.

 There is an interesting parallel to this action and the closing of the DMV offices in predominately black counties.  Suppressing the vote, suppressing the voice.  What's the difference?

EYE tried to some of Y'all Congress Critter Terri Sewell was Artur Davis is Designer Pumps

Left in Alabama: Terrie Sewell It's a historic election because it's about you,not about me.

But did y'all listen?  Nope.  As a matter fact, some of y'all accused me of inventing a straw man, making sh*t up, and peddling hypocrisy (I'm not going to call any names but you know who you are), and banned me fromyour Blogs and List Serves for life, but EYE digress.

What EYE predicted has come to pass, 7th Congressional District Congress Critter Terri Sewell (DINO Hoover), has the dubious distinction of being ranked the worst black member of Congress.  

Black Agenda Report is once again publishing the annual CBC Monitor Report Card. The former all-time worst Black Congressman, David Scott of Georgia, has passed the torch to a new generation of corporate-bought politicians, represented by Alabama’s Terri Sewell – although Scott remains a close second.

 Are you happy now?

As a Democrat running in a D+18 district, Terri Sewell is without question the Alabama Democrat most likely to be elected to Congress tomorrow. If that happens Sewell will become Alabama's first African-American Congresswoman and the first woman elected to Congress from this state in a regular election. But, as the Birmingham News recently said when they endorsed her, that isn't the best reason to vote for her. The best reason to vote for Terri Sewell on Tuesday is the same as it was last spring ...she's simply the best candidate. From the early days of her campaign Sewell has maintained, "I'm the best candidate on the issues." On the eve of the general election, she still is!

What did the residents of the 7th district to do deserve this? 

My worst fear has come to past. Republicans, enabled by the media (again) and the neo liberals (again), bought and paid for the only African American seat in congress (again). I'm sure they are patting themselves on the back and high fiving their "victory" this morning, but this is wrong on so many levels. For one thing it proves it's not about the people, it's about the money, the power and the influence. It's proof the residents of the 7th district didn't get to decide who represents them in congress (again).

Again, this is what  happens when the white wing of the Alabama Democratic Party decides who should represent the black wing of the Alabama Democratic Party.  Say what you want to about 
the Alabama Democratic Conference, not to be confused with the Alabama Democratic Party, and Dr. Joe Reed, but they didn't endorse Terri Sewell or her predecessor.  The 7th district and had a perfectly capable and effective Congress Critter until the white wing replaced him with Artur Davis.  The residents of the 7th district had the chance to replace Davis with an effective, progressive/liberal representative, but again the white wing said no. 

If the Alabama democratic party were courageous, and I'm not saying they are, they would run a real democrat against Ms. Nine West Pumps in November. The residents of the 7th district deserve better. They are the most loyal voting block the state and national democratic party has, it's time to stop taking their loyalty for granted, and stop choosing who should represent them.

EYE hate being right.

Not.

A Personal Post On #BernieSanders #BlackLivesMatter #Sandernistas and #Censorship

Frequent contributor Chip said the following in response to this comment EYE made in response to A Personal Note on Bernie Sanders and BLM 

Hi RedEYE, No, I didn't take the writer's slam personally, but I did refute that as a Bernie supporter I am "embedded in a white savior ethos that discount black thought leadership as unintelligent and unworthy."

I don't think of Bernie as a "white savior." Generally, I agree with many of his positions, and disagree with a few others, but I don't expect to agree with all of any politician's positions. That's just unrealistic.
Nor do I think that Bernie discounts black thought leadership as unintelligent and unworthy. The writer doesn't provide any evidence of that; she just states it as if it is a fact.
Bernie does emphasize that there is a need to "stand together" against corruption and injustice.

Some supporters of any politician are ill-mannered. No candidate can be held accountable for the actions or inactions of their followers.

It's really very simple. If you don't support Bernie's positions, don't vote for him. No one is, or can, force you to do anything. I expect that some voters will prefer Hillary, some will prefer Bernie, and some will prefer other candidates. That's just politics.

EYE would like to say publicly how much EYE appreciate the tone and tenor of this comment.  It has always been my personal mantra tolerant people can agree to disagree without resorting to name calling, personal attacks, and insults.  It's political not personal.  EYE was afraid we were heading down the Left in Alabama (and others) road , where people who EYE thought were friends, banned me for life because they took a political disagreement personal.

This brings me to the actions of the #Sandernistas, and yes, EYE am holding Bernie Sanders accountable for the actions of his followers.

It was absurd, from the onset, that BLM activists had to take the stage and take the mike AT AN ALLEGED PROGRESSIVE SPACE to even initiate discussion of the genocide against Blacks by a militarized police force. That discussion should have already been ongoing, prominent and robust.
But having done so, the reaction of White sandernistas has been not solidarity with Black Americans, but a demand that Black Americans sit down, shut up, and demonstrate solidarity with THEM. “Bernie Sanders is your best hope. You need to support him and stop being disruptive.” This is the kind of thing that has been coming out of White Sandernista mouths. It’s not solidarity, it’s the liberal face of White supremacy.

In order to solve the problem you have to admit there is a problem. 

I could be wrong about that, but I don’t blame any person of color for having a lingering bad taste in their mouth from your shenanigans at this point.

The Black Lives Matter Movement now has a legislative agenda. 

Now, that the Black Lives Matter movement has an agenda, it must effectively push that agenda. It must demand that all local, state and federal governments adopt that agenda. They must pressure Democrats and Republicans to embrace that agenda. Before disrupting campaign rallies and other political gatherings, the Movement should make a diligent effort to meet with the candidates to discuss the agenda.

If the politicians fail to meet with the movement, the disruptions will be justified. By the way, when asked about meeting with Black Lives Matter, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker (R) called the idea "ridiculous." He has an earned a disruption or two. We must demand that both parties pass legislation to end racial profiling and police brutality.

This includes you Bernie Sanders. Sir.

The Power to Exercise #Racism in America

Once upon a time,  in a far away galaxy called Left in Alabama, I was trying to explain racism to their resident Righty,  Old Prosecutor.

I said then: I believe most of us can agree it takes power to exercise racism.  Meaning, a person can harbor racial prejudice against a certain group of people in their hearts and minds, but when they have the power/authority to act on those beliefs it's racism.

Exhibit A:  Washington GOP State Senator:  Colored People are more  likely to commit crimes. 

During a committee hearing last Thursday, Republicans in the Washington State Senate had a really hard time wrapping their heads around a proposal that would require the state to carry out racial impact statements on legislation when requested by lawmakers.
What's a racial impact statement? It's an assessment of whether something will affect all racial groups equally, or whether it will harm some groups more than others. (Like an environmental impact statement, except dealing with race.) For example, sentencing laws are much harsher on people dealing crack cocaine—more often people of color—than those dealing powder cocaine, even though the drugs are virtually identical. A racial impact statement on these laws would inform lawmakers of their disparate effects. (And, in an ideal world, would do this before the laws get voted upon.)

Exhibit B:  Judge Gets To Keep Job After Calling Black People Country N****rs

Judge Gerald Popeo will keep his job, even though he was heard openly using racist epithets against African American defendants. The Utica City, New York judge is accused of using the racial slur after a court session when he asked an African-American lawyer “do you know what New York City blacks call black people from upstate New York?”
The attorney just looked at him, apparently in shock that the judge would ask such an obviously problematic question. When the attorney had no response for the judge, Popeo answered: “country n*******.”
The judge thought his “joke”, apparently about a defendant, was hilarious. But the lawyer obviously did not.
For his part, Judge Popeo has vehemently denied making the racist “joke.”
But two separate lawyers claim to have heard this one-way exchange according to Syracuse.com.
Back in 2011, Popeo was caught referring to a prosecutor as a “cigar store Indian” …twice.

Exhibit C:  Justice Department Finds Pattern of Police Bias and Excessive Force in Ferguson

Police officers in Ferguson, Mo., have routinely violated the constitutional rights of the city’s black residents, the Justice Department has concluded in a scathing report that accuses the officers of using excessive force and making unjustified traffic stops for years.

Exhibit D:  Here is the racist Obama joke the Justice Department reportedly uncovered in it's Ferguson Investigation.

It seems the investigation also uncovered additional disturbing material that suggests a culture of racial bias among those who hold power in the city: according to the Associated Press, the report includes a 2008 message — which appears to be an attempt at humor — from a municipal email account that says President Obama wouldn't be in office long, because "what black man holds a steady job for four years."

There's more, but I think you get my drift.  Now can we have an open and honest dialogue about race in this country?

Eye tried tell some of y'all Terri Sewell was Artur Davis in Designer Pumps, can you hear me now #Leftinbama? #Vindicated

H/T Left in Alabama

Yes, this is another Eye tried to tell some of y'all Alabama's lone democratic (and I use that term loosely) Congresswoman was Artur Davis in designer pumps post.

Remember when Congress Critter Davis was the lone member of the Congressional Black Caucus to vote against the Affordable Health Care Act ?

Alabama Congressman Artur Davis, who is attempting to become that state’s first Black governor, was the lone Congressional Black Caucus member who voted against health care reform championed by President Barack Obama, sparking local and national criticism.
“He let us down,” state Rep. Mary Moore, a Birmingham Democrat, told BlackAmericaWeb.com. “You tell someone, ‘Vote for me, and I will look out for you,’ then they vote for his or her own agenda.”
She and about a dozen people gathered in front of Davis’ downtown Birmingham office around midnight Saturday.
“We prayed for a miracle. We prayed that God would change his heart because so many people in this country and in his district are hurting,” Moore said.
Davis says he couldn’t vote for the health care reform package because it’s too big.

If Sewell  thinks she's going to be governor some day, toadying up to the white folks (H/T RD), she might want to ask her predecessor how well that turned out for him.  But I digress.

BREAKING: ALABAMA'S 7TH US CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT DEMOCRATIC CONGRESSWOMAN, TERRI SEWELL, BREAKS WITH OTHER CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS MEMBERS, SAYS SHE WILL ATTEND ISRAELI PM BIBI NETANYAHU'S SPEECH. This action by Rep. Terri A. Sewell is an insult to President Barack Obama. (H/T ES)

“I don’t hold Netanyahu responsible,” Butterfield said. “I hold Speaker Boehner responsible, but I would hope that Mr. Netanyahu would not want to get involved. I personally think it is disrespectful.”
That was a word many members used: “It is very disrespectful to this president, and what concerns me more is that I think it’s a pattern that is starting to develop from this speaker that we’re getting more and more disrespectful of the office of the presidency,” said Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-La.). “I think it’s silly and petty.”

So, Why has Terri Sewell chosen to join the other side? Her recent votes surely indicate that her positions are far different than what her own constituents would expect.

 Friday, February 13, 2015, Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-Selma) issued a written statement after the Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2015 was reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. While supportive of the legislation’s intent, Congresswoman Sewell wants to see the legislation strengthened.

Sound familiar?

Last week, as President Barack Obama urged Congress to plow ahead even without support from Republicans, Davis said he was open to supporting a bill if certain major changes were made.
On Tuesday, he ruled that out.
"What's on the table now is a massive overhaul of the health care systems in this country," Davis said. "We can fix the problems without having to do a massive systems overhaul."

I pity the residents of the 7th district .

My worst fear has come to past. Republicans, enabled by the media (again) and the neo liberals (again) bought and paid for the only African American seat in congress (again). I'm sure they are patting themselves on the back and high fiving their "victory" this morning, but this is wrong on so many levels. For one thing it proves it's not about the people, it's about the money, the power and the influence. It's proof the residents of the 7th district didn't get to decide who represents them in congress (again).

I guess I can't blame Sewell for being afraid of losing her job..or worse...

Tea Party radio host Andrea Shea King argued recently that Democratic lawmakers — and specifically members of the Congressional Black Caucus — should be put to death by hanging if they boycotted Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Tuesday speech to Congress
“Obama doesn’t have to run for reelection again, a lot of these guys do,” King said in a clip of her radio show that was published by Right Wing Watch on Monday. “Listen, I would like to think that these guys could pay with their lives, hanging from a noose in front of the U.S. Capitol Building.”

Don't blame me, I supported Sheila Smoot.

From the Files of Stuck on Stoopid in #AmeriBama Tuesday Edition

Fist Dap Frank Matthews

How often does a newspaper fire a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter?

 As nonsensical as it sounds, al.com/The Birmingham News pulled off the unusual feat by ushering reporter Joey Kennedy out the door recently. Veronica Kennedy, Joey's wife, broke the news on her Facebook page and said he received no severance pay, just a final paycheck and notice that his insurance would end on February 28.

Left in Alabama, the Informed. Involved. Progressive. Blog of record, has the nerve to  blame the Alabama Democratic Party, and the Alabama Education Association for the Decline and Fall of the ADP and the AEA,  they enabled. 

In 2010, many Alabama Democratic candidates forgot their base, ran from their party, and failed to run on any issues that mattered to Alabama families.

Eye tried to tell some of Y'all, A party divided will NOT stand.  But did you listen?  Noooo.  That would have been too much like right(pun intended).

What Nancy Worley said all the damn way!

Worley said in a phone interview Monday it was unfortunate that Kennedy decided to resign and “take his toys and go home,” but she feels that people will return to the Alabama Democratic Party as they see the policies of the Republican super majority in the Legislature “taking care of the rich” and how those decisions affect them.
“We’re looking at a golden opportunity in the upcoming election in 2014, because quite frankly the Republicans have so many negative situations they have created for the state that I think people are going to feel the pinch in their pocketbook and they’re going to vote Democratic, like they once did,” she said.

Psst President Obama...please read this letter in preparation for your speech in #Selma on the anniversary of Bloody Sunday.

Dear President Obama,
This letter is in part to let you know that we are proud of you and your leadership. We are proud of the positive images you and your family provide for the nation in general and African Americans in particular.
However, we also write to share serious concerns voiced by many African Americans. We feel that an open letter will stimulate a broader dialogue.

Read On. Read Often.

What NOT to do if you're black and stopped by the police

Left in Alabama co-blogger in chief countrycat says " surprisingly people don't know their rights when it comes to interaction with the police", and proceeds to advise white people what their rights are when they are stopped by the police.  Yes, I said advise white people, because black people don't have the same rights.  They just don't, but this is what happens when there is a lack of diversity (for lack of a better word) at Alabama's Informed. Involved.  Progressive. blog of record.

More per countrycat:

This simple sentence: "I do not consent to this search," is one of the most important tools you have to protect your constitutional rights during a police stop. 

Now I'm not calling countrycat naive, but the only rights black folks have when it comes interacting with the Po Po is to stay black, and try and live through the interaction.  Politely telling the Po-Po you do not consent to this search is asking to be arrested (if you're lucky),  a mega beat down, or worse.  And the last thing you want to do is reach for your handy know your rights card because police might think you are reaching for a gun.

This really funny video by comedian Chris Rock tells black folks what to do when stopped by the police.  If you follow these easy tips you'll be fine.  Warning video contains raw but real language.

#leftinbama

Countdown Complete! It's RedEye's 5th Blog-O-Versary!

Real life responsibilities interfered with my my blogging life yesterday and I couldn't squeeze the time to post a diary celebrating my 5th Blog-O-Versary.  Better late than never!

Eye consider November 13th, 2009 the anniversary of RedEye's Blog because that was the day my front page privileges were revoked because of the content of my comments and other posts.tone of my post and some of my comments.  Translation: The content of you comments and other post made us uncomfortable.

After my front page privileges were revoked at LIA I saw the writing on the wall, and Eye knew it was only a matter of time before Eye was banned for life.  Prior to my front page privileges being revoked Eye was constantly being advised how to write, what to write, and finally informed if Eye wanted freedom of  speech  Eye should start my own blog, which Eye did, on January 17th 2010.  My debut post was RedEye's Random Thoughts.

Eye said then, and Eye say now, I am eternally grateful to LIA founder Mooncat for inviting me to be a contributor at Left in Alabama, and for encouraging me to blog. Although our association has ended, my gratitude and  sincere appreciation has not.  Eye HOPE to continue to be a voice for the voiceless.  Eye strive everyday to be the media Eye wish we had instead of the media we have.

So here we are guys and gals,  320,554 page views,  3243 comments, and 5 years later. Looking back over this blog,  Eye can honestly say, the more things change, the more they don't.

Why are we talking about the same issues in 2014 that we were talking about in 2010?

Eye submit it's because the white male dominated media are cowards when it comes to discussing issues of race.

What say you?

Thank you for another year of reading, lurking and commenting.  Your continued support is humbling.
RedEye

#TBT Re-post countdown to my 5th Blog-O-Versary #3

Here is installment 3 in my series of post leading up to the 5th anniversary of my being banned for life from Left in Alabama.  Today's re-post comes on the heels of Artur Davis' failed bid to become the first African American Governor of Sweet Home Alabama.  I thought about this post because it shows the pain the Cats and other Critters felt because black voters didn't fall for the Okey Doke and vote for Davis out of "racial pride".  They falsely assumed blacks voted for President Obama, who they tried to portray Artur Davis as his second coming, because of the color of his skin.  When I tried to tell them black voters don't vote based on the color of a candidates skin, we vote based on the content of their agenda/platform, I was banned.

Anyhoo, first read Artur Davis -Anatomy of a Loss (be sure and read the content of some of the comments), then read,  Back Away from the Catnip.

Para quoting Dr. Joe Reed (fellow enemy of the Cats and Critters at Left in Alabama for not being a Davis supporter);

Instead of applauding Senator Hank Sanders for applying the same standards to a black candidate as a white candidate, and judging candidates based upon the content of their character and not the color of their skin, your post condemned him as though he had some obligation to support Davis. Senator Hank Sanders is decried as a "power broker" because he endorsed Ron Sparks, but check out the Left in Alabama endorsements complete with color pictures and numerous post to extol the virtues of Artur Davis. Does that make Left in Alabama a "power broker" too?

Eye Report.  You Decide.

#ThrowbackThursday blast from the past re-post countdown to my BlogOversary #2

Regular readers know Friday, November 13, 2009, was indeed unlucky for me because it was the beginning of the end of my posting privileges at the  Informed. Involved. Progressive. democratic blog of record,  Left in Alabama,  supposedly because of the content of my comments and other posts.  EYE still think it was because of my non-support of a gubernatorial candidate (which EYE ended up being right about). So from now until November 13, 2014,  EYE will repost links to the posts EYE (pun intended) believe led to my being banned from Left in Alabama and let you decide.

Re-post #2 is a comment Eye made in response to this diary written by the founder and blog administrator, mooncat:  John Knight Backs Artur Davis

That's nice.  Seriously though, this statement made by Knight (no pun) exemplifies the quandary some black voters (moi included) and established African Americans organizations like the ADC face regarding Davis's candidacy;

Knight said he's also proud that he is alive at a time when the state has an opportunity to elect a black man to the office of governor.

"And he's not running because he's black," Knight said. "He's running because he's qualified."

On the one hand Knight says he' proud to be alive at a time when the state has an opportunity to elect a black man to the office of governor, but on the other hand he says "he's not running because he's black".  Davis does the same thing.  On the one hand he says the state has an opportunity to elect a black man as governor, but on the other hand he says it's not about race.

So what do black voters and African American political organizations do?  Do we vote for him out of racial loyalty?  Do we vote for him because he's qualified? Or,do we vote for him because he shares our political philosophy?

If black voters vote for him out of racial loyalty does that make us racist?  Should blacks vote for him because he's qualified or because he's more qualified than his opponent? Why would black voters vote against their self interest and for a candidate who doesn't share their political philosophy?

With all due respect to Representative John Knight, if you ask the average James (opposite of Joe) who John Knight is they wouldn't know.  If you ask the average James who the ADC is, they know.  Does that make the ADC a Kingmaker?  I don't know. But the ADC and voters like myself have to decide if we are going to back Artur Davis.  In a perfect world we could vote for the candidate who represents our self interest.

One thing I will say about Davis's candidacy, it is pitting democrat vs democrat, white vs black, conservative vs liberal, white progressives vs black progressives, pro choice vs anti choice, north AL vs south AL, rural voters vs urban voters.  And some call me "divisive"?  Go figure.

The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dreams shall never die.~Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D. MA)

So, tell me what was wrong with the content of that comment?

Re-Post countdown to my being banned from the pages of Left in Alabama in honor of my 5th Blog-O-versery

 

Regular readers know Friday, November 13, 2009 was indeed unlucky for me because it was the beginning of the end of my posting privileges at the  Informed. Involved. Progressive. democratic blog of record,  Left in Alabama,  supposedly because of the content of my comments and other posts.  EYE still think it was because of my non support of a gubernatorial candidate (which EYE ended up being right about). So from now until November 13, 2014,  EYE will re post links to the posts EYE (pun intended) believe led to my being banned from Left in Alabama and let you decide.

Blast from the Past Re-Post #1:  Cynthia Tucker Looks at the Alabama Governors Race

Artur Davis has to walk the fine line in this campaign: convince the big middle of the electorate to judge him on the issues -- he's a fairly moderate reformer with broad appeal -- without turning off voters who may have followed Joe Reed's advice in the past.  He needs to convince those voters to judge him on the issues instead of listening to Reed's advice. 
There's a generational power struggle going on in Alabama that has nothing to do with race.  It's all about whether the current gatekeepers and power brokers in the Democratic party can maintain their hold on the party -- and whether they get to exercise veto power over candidates.  Davis stands largely outside the current party structure and a win for him will signal diminished influence for the folks currently running the show. 
Gatekeepers like Reed and AEA Executive Secretary Paul Hubbert (both of whom are vice-chairs of the state party) probably don't have enough power to deny Davis the nomination outright, but they might have enough power to throw the general election to a Republican.  The November election will be that close and the rift between Davis and Reed appears deep enough that such extreme action is imaginable  -- check the examples of John Tyson or Patricia Todd if you don't believe it.  While denying Davis the governorship because he didn't come, hat in hand, to ask permissions and make deals would probably feel good for a few nanoseconds, it's squarely in the category of "cutting off your nose to spite your face."  The aftermath of such a strategy would certainly bring the Old Guard down in a wave of resentment. 

Be sure and read the comments (please excuse the typos and grammatical errors).

I respect Cynthia Tucker as a a Nobel prize winning journalist and Alabama native, but she doesn't know what she's talking about.  She is playing the old tried and true race baiting card from the bottom of the race deck of cards and saying what white folks say privately but can't say out loud.

RedEye Reports what You decide.

What looks like crazy on the left and the right on an ordinary day in Alabama Politics

 

Well, well, well.  Look what I stumbled upon on my morning Blog stroll...... those crazy republicans are trying to send crazy back to the attic.  That's right (pun intended), Radio Boy,  who enabled the birthers and crazy conspiracy theorists that have taken over the local Republican Party… is now trying to help a group called Republican Refresh defeat them at the ballot box.  Snicker

"Republican Refresh is a group Madison County residents tired of the embarrassing antics of the Madison County Republican Executive Party. We have decided to unify under the idea of getting new competent Republican Leadership on the Madison County Republican Executive Committee. For too long, us everyday Republicans have been embarrassed, ashamed, and confused by some of the current members of the Madison County Republican Executive Committee. The time for a refresh is now and starts with you voting on Tuesday June 3rd in the Republican Primary for new local leadership in the Republican Party."

RedEye's Translation:  It's time to send the crazy Aunts and Uncles who say out loud what we say behind closed doors back to the attic.  Uh...good luck with that.  Have you ever heard the saying you can't un ring a bell?

Happy Birthday Left in Alabama!

Speaking of un ringing a bell, lets mosey on over to slightly Left in Alabama, the Informed. Involved. Progressive. blog of record for Alabama politics, where Blogger Smedley  asks readers:

Talk to me.  Tell me what you like, or don't like, about the two Democratic candidates for governor this year, Parker Griffith and Kevin Bass. Parker Griffith I know is a Democrat  Republican Democrat who has served in the State Senate and the US House.  He has a history of right-wing votes. Kevin Bass I know is a former minor-league baseball player with no history of elected office.

And..

 What do you know about these two?  Why should a voter choose one over the other?  Are there reasons to vote for one of them, as opposed to against the other?

I've been giving that question a lot of thought and I'm glad Smedley posed that question, since I'm banned from Left in Alabama for life, allow me respond here in my own sandbox.  I believe in second chances, therefore I'm willing to forgive Parker Griffith for walking on the wild side, but I can't forget Parker Griffith walked on the wild side.  That said, we all make mistakes, ask former Governor George C.Wallace.  Griffith is talking the talk when it comes to jobs, health care, and education, I'm willing to give him the chance to walk the walk.  As my Daddy used to say... vote for the candidate with the smallest foot so when they kick you in your Donkey it won't hurt as bad. 

RedEye tiptoeing away from the computer keeping an Eye on the Reddest of the Red States....

RedEye's Monday Rundown

Regular postings are light because my real life collided with my blogging life. Please accept this blog stroll until  Jupitar aligns with Mars again.  Thanks to those who continue to read even when there is nothing new to read.  It continues to amaze and humble me.

The Myth Behind Public School  Failure

We’re now told, relentlessly, that bad-apple schoolteachers have wrecked K-12 education; that their unions keep legions of incompetent educators in classrooms; that part of the solution is more private charter schools; and that teachers as well as entire schools lack accountability, which can best be remedied by more and more standardized “bubble” tests.

The woman Civil Rights leaders threw under the bus.

Every year during Black History Month, Rosa Parks’ name rolls off the tongues of schoolchildren and educators around the nation as they discuss the civil rights movement of the 1950s and ’60s. Yet the lesser-known Claudette Colvin, whom media outlets have referred to as “The Other Rosa Parks,” still remains absent from any teachings. The historical amnesia that surrounds Colvin is indicting for its revelation of how much the white gaze did and still controls how we remember history and select our icons.

Mrs. Schnauzer, Carol Shuler remains under threat of arrest in Rob Riley's lawsuit.

In court papers Riley claims that Legal Schnauzer "purports to be a joint enterprise" between Roger and Carol Shuler. The blog, however, does nothing of the sort. It lists one author, Roger Shuler, and it lists no contributors or administrators because there aren't any.

Welcome to Left in Alabama Miranda Joseph Democratic Candidate for State Auditor!
Psst!  Do you think you could use your influence to get me (RedEye) reinstated as a front page contributor over there? If not, I understand. 

Not content to make unfounded allegations that found their way to the newspaper thanks to that pesky Open Meetings law (kudos to the reporter for sussing out the date/time of the special called meeting), Interim Chair Worley spent her Mother's Day evening trolling Facebook, where she posted on Miranda Joseph's page

"I am shocked that one who wants to be a candidate for public office does not support paying one's bills and living within one's means -- whether it's the ADP, personal debts, government spending or whatever. We Democrats criticize the Republicans for increasing the deficit and praise President Clinton for balancing the budget! Surely a candidate for auditor does not advocate running sway from one's debts!"

Eugene Robinson:  I'm Black, Don't Shoot Me.

Sometimes, when I'm in my car, I crank up the music pretty loud. All you Michael Dunns out there, please don't shoot me.
Please don't shoot my sons, either, or my brothers-in-law, nephews, nephews-in-law or other male relatives. I have quite a few friends and acquaintances who also happen to be black men, and I'd appreciate your not shooting them as well, even if the value you place on their lives is approximately zero.

I thought we were fighting them over there so we wouldn't have to fight them over here?What do want to bet if this were a members of The New Black Panther Party this would be all over the news?

Three members of a Georgia militia have been arrested and charged in federal court regarding a conspiracy to attack federal agencies with explosive devices. On February 15th two of the men attempted to obtain pipe bombs and thermite devices in order to carry out their attack on the TSA and FEMA and other agencies, according to the US Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia. The three men allegedly chatted online from January 23rd to February 15th regarding their plans to attack the Federal government.

You won't hear about this in the media or see it on TeeVee because it's not a bunch of Tea Party folks calling the first African American President of the United States a Kenyan born, Muslim, Sub human mongrel, Socialist, or worst.

On February 8th 2014 in Raleigh, North Carolina, the state capital, Moral Mondays and the left-wing HK on J Coalition staged the largest civil rights protest the South has seen since Selma in 1965.
It is not (yet) as large as the Occupy movement was just before the nationwide police crackdown in 2011, but it has a broader base: young and old, black and white, working and middle class, teachers, doctors,pro-abortion activists, etc. Church and labour leaders support it.

 I shall return.~RedEye