Obama & Congress reach debt ceiling deal: The deals highlights

Okay all this is a breaking story and it's moving quickly.Keep in mind that the deal still requires congressional approval. Here are some highlights of what is included in the Obama / Congress debt ceiling deal:

*The proposed deal would extend the debt limit through 2012 beyond the presidential election.

* The debt ceiling would rise about 1 trillion and would be offset by 1 trillion in cuts

*Deal would reduce defecit by 1 trillion dollars over 10 years.

*The agreement would require both chambers of Congress to vote on a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

*No revenue increases ( No tax increases )

*No extension of unemployment benefits

*A Committee often referred to as a "Super Congress" will make recomendations for more deficit cuts by November. These recomedations will be voted on by the US Senate and the House with an up or down vote. Failure to pass these recommenadtion could lead to cuts in medicaid and defense spending.

George Cook AAreports.com. Author of the Kindle book Let's Talk Honestly: One Black Man's Thoughts $1.50

Failing Students: Is it more the schools or the parents?

How much does parent participation impacts a child's education? Now there is no doubt that those kids who have involved parents on average do much better. But then there are some kids who do well without much parental involvement. That has lead me to ask who has more of an impact on a child's education, the parents or the school.




George Cook AAreports.com. Author of the Kindle book Let's Talk Honestly: One Black Man's Thoughts $1.50

Allen West blast the Tea Party as Schizophrenic

Tea Party leaders announced that they will mount primary challenges against four freshmen Republicans who support John Boehner's debt ceiling plan. Allen West is one of those four and he doesn't like being labeled a “Tea Party defector.” West addressed the accusations on Laura Ingraham's radio show. Listen to the interview below:

Harry Belafonte says Obama lacks moral courage & moral vision

Harry Belafonte, the iconic African-American entertainer and activist, says President Barack Obama has failed because he's lacked both "moral vision" and "moral courage."

Belafonte, 84, who has long been a prominent figure in the American civil rights movement, says that Obama's slogan during his first run for the presidency, "Yes We Can," was "politically clever" but that Obama never really made it clear as to yes we can do what. Thus, Belafonte says, "So we were all disappointed."

He asks, "What has happened to moral truth?" as well as "moral courage." Politics without moral purpose, Belafonte says, ultimately ends up as tyranny.

Read more Iconic African-American Entertainer and Activist Harry Belafonte Says Obama Has Failed Because He's Lacked 'Moral Vision' and 'Moral Courage'

Museum literature depicts King Tut as white?

Les Lester the communications director of the Saint Paul Minnesota brought this story to my attention. A local St. Paul is presenting a exhibit about King Tut. While in the actual exhibit King Tut is portrayed accurately as a dark skinned man it appears that in the museums literature he is portrayed as white. Read more below. George Cook AAreports.com. Author of the Kindle book Let's Talk Honestly: One Black Man's Thoughts $1.50



Reader questions King Tut image Wednesday, 27 July 2011 11:51 Rev. Les Lester - Communications Chair, Saint Paul, Minn. – NAACP

I visited the "Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Pharaohs" exhibit a short time ago, in St. Paul, and what I beheld was out of character for the great North Star state. King Tut, a black pharaoh, is depicted in the National Geographic (the convener of the exhibit) promotional materials as Caucasian.

King Tut image used in museum literature

As a state institution, the Science Museum of Minnesota is a “steward of the public trust” and in that capacity it is expected that you (the institution) give the public the best for its tax dollars. Instead, your relationship with National Geographic magazine and the National Geographic Society constitutes “institutional complicity,” in the racial context.

I just returned from a visit to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Egypt and visited King Tut’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, Upper Egypt. And the depictions of the source material present him as he was, a black African.

While amongst black intellectuals it has long been settled that indeed the progenitors of ancient Egypt were black folk, there seems to be a retrenchment among some corners of the mainstream community wishing to cling onto the pre-1970s paradigms of ancient Egypt—lily white pharaohs.

Today, however, one can simply type "ancient Egyptians" into their Internet search engines and clearly see that they were black folk. The King Tut depiction bandied in exhibition brochures and the Rameses the Great depiction featured in the Omnitheater film production, at the museum, are indeed an atavistic nightmare for many African Americans and Africans throughout the Diaspora.

And to make matters worse, a simple Internet search, now, of King Tut brings up a slew of pictures of the National Geographic depiction due to its ubiquitous press releases around the globe. In fact, it takes a lot of digging to find true likenesses of the pharaoh—one has to search for "tomb wall paintings" or such.

Someone pointed out once the curious reality that “those who put blinders on the people turn around and chastise them for not being able to see.” Let that not be said about Minnesotans.

Meanwhile, your replica display of the tomb wall painting, of Tutankhamun, which was accurate, ironically leads me to believe that indeed no malice was intended on the Minnesota Science Museum’s part. I suspect you've taken the easy way out, however, and capitulated to National Geographic's status quo renderings. A Caucasian pharaoh on the brochures juxtaposed with an African pharaoh on the wall painting is contradictory and needs to be redressed in a very real way.

Given the current achievement gap in our city and nation between black students and white students, it is imperative that we utilize teaching opportunities outside of the schools and traditional learning venues. We at the NAACP propose that the remainder of your advertising segmentation be dedicated to information depicting King Tut in his true likeness. The tomb wall painting of King Tut and the picture of him on his throne, with his wife Ankhesenamun, will work to educate youth and the general public in one well swath, via billboards and television. As an institution that receives public tax dollars we feel it is incumbent on the Minnesota Science Museum to initiate this corrective measure as a remedy to the current misinformation that is being depicted daily via the Omnitheater movie and the National Geographic derived King Tut.

We trust that your intentions are honorable. However, the result of the current misinformation is contributing to the continued miseducation of masses of people.

http://www.naacp-stpaul.org/Communications

Trailer for new movie about The Tuskegee Airmen: Red Tails

On Jan, 20, 2012 20th Century Fox will release a new movie about the legendary Tuskegee Airmen. The movie stars Cuba Gooding, Jr., Terrence Howard, Nate Parker, David Oyelowo and Tristan Wilds. Get a first look at the movie Red Tails directed by Anthony Heminway and produced by George Lucas below:

Conservatives angry over Pell Grant funding in Boehner debt bill

House conservatives who have stalled legislation to raise the national debt limit are angry that it includes $17 billion in supplemental spending for Pell Grants, which some compare to welfare.

Legislation crafted by House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) to raise the debt limit by $900 billion would directly appropriate $9 billion for Pell Grants in 2012 and another $8 billion in 2013.

This has shocked some conservative House freshmen who say they were elected to cut spending, not increase it. Some House Republicans think of it as being akin to welfare.

Read more here Conservatives angry over Pell Grant funding in Boehner debt bill

Sharpton’s Comcast ties raise questions about him getting a show on MSNBC

Al Sharpton’s Comcast connection raises questionsJuly 28, 2011
Categories:MSNBC.Al Sharpton’s Comcast connection raises questions
Two stories out last night raise questions about Al Sharpton’s role in lobbying for the NBC Universal —Comcast merger, now that it looks like he’s about to get his own 6 p.m. show on MSNBC.

Longtime Sharpton watcher Wayne Barrett, writing at the Daily Beast, wonders if the show may be a reward for Sharpton having been the first major black leader to endorse parent company’s merger with Comcast.

Read more here Al Sharpton’s Comcast connection raises questions

John McCain: Tea Party freshman making foolish demands In debt ceiling debate

In a sign that maybe the GOP adults in the room are getting tired of the Tea Party freshman's BS Senator John McCain let them know that their ( Tea Party freshman ) demands are foolish. watch the video below:

The disappearing Black middle class

Millions of Americans endured financial calamities in the recession. But for many in the Black community, job loss has knocked them out of the middle class and back into poverty. And some experts warn of a historic reversal of hard-won economic gains that took Black people decades to achieve.

“History is going to say the Black middle class was decimated” over the past few years, said Maya Wiley, director of the Center for Social Inclusion. “But we’re not done writing history.”

Algernon Austin, director of the Economic Policy Institute’s Program on Race, Ethnicity and the Economy adds, “The recession is not over for Black folks.”

In 2004, the median net worth of White households was $134,280, compared with $13,450 for Black households, according to an analysis of Federal Reserve data by the Economic Policy Institute. By 2009, the median net worth for White households had fallen 24 percent to $97,860; the median net worth for Black households had fallen 83 percent to $2,170, according to the institute.

Read more here The disappearing Black middle class

NAACP ask South Carolina's Gov. Haley to remove confedrate flag from statehouse

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The NAACP's top officer is calling on South Carolina's first governor of color to bring down the Confederate flag that flies a stone's throw from her Statehouse office.

NAACP president Benjamin Jealous called Gov. Nikki Haley a contradiction in his keynote speech for the civil rights organization's annual convention in Los Angeles on Monday.

Jealous compared slavery and segregation to oppression in India under colonial British rule and said Haley should ask what Gandhi would do. Haley's parents are from India. She was born in Bamberg.

Haley's spokesman did not immediately respond to messages Tuesday. Haley has said there is not enough support to move the flag. A 2000 compromise moved the flag from the Statehouse dome and legislative chambers to a monument on the grounds.

Michelle Obama rules out a career in politics

Here's proof to back up what I always thought. That being that Michelle Obama was always a lot smarter than her husband. She has said that under no circumstances will she ever run for office. I can write that because I'm am idiot that holds public office. Read more below. George Cook AAreports.com. Author of the Kindle book Let's Talk Honestly: One Black Man's Thoughts $1.50


Michelle Obama rules out career in politics

The first lady also admitted that she has struggled to cope with her public role and "sharing my husband with the world".

When asked whether she would consider entering front line politics herself, Mrs Obama said: "The answer is N-O. Period. Dot."

"What I've learned as a woman growing up, getting older, is you've got to know who you are. And a politician – it's never been who I was or wanted to be."

She said she often felt "selfish", with her husband having such as high profile role. "You get a little selfish sometimes," she said. "But every time I get irritated or feel lonely or tired, I just think, 'this is our duty'."

Read more here Michelle Obama rules out career in politics

Boehner debt ceiling plan may not avoid downgrade of US credit rating

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Many on the GOP side of the debt ceiling debate have claimed that President Obama's wish for a "grand bargain " has more to do with the 2012 elections than with the debt ceiling itself. Problem is that may not be true. Credit agencies at Standard and Poor may lower the nation's credit rating if a "grand bargain" is not reached.

While at the end of the day Boehner understands what is about to happen I don't think that he can get his GOP/Tea Party Caucus to go along. The Tea Party freshman and the stupid pledges they signed are going to be a huge problem. Why would you sign something that hurts your ability to do your job. It would be like a surgeon signing a pledge not to use a scalpel or a mechanic siging on not to use a certain type of wrench.

[ From the Huffington Post ] According to Wall Street sources for CNN's Erin Burnett the newest Republican plan would not satisfy the credit rating agencies, which have soured on the idea of a short-term solution to the debt ceiling debate. Rather, it was Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's approach (padded by counting the savings from the drawdown of troops from Afghanistan and Iraq) that would calm their nerves.

"I think it is important to emphasize that most people think both of the plans are really Band-Aids and don't deal in any significant way with the spending and cost issues in the country," Burnett said. "The issue was that Speaker Boehner's plan does not cut enough spending right away. Harry Reid's plan would cut about $2.7 trillion. Just because it is bigger than Speaker Boehner's plan is really the reason the Boehner plan may still trigger a downgrade."

"Really interesting this afternoon, when I was talking to an investor who had met with the ratings agencies at Standard & Poor, talking about the potential of a downgrade -- which by the way could raise interest rates the same way a potential default could -- and they said the Boehner plan probably wouldn't hit the hurdle to prevent a downgrade," she added. "Even if that deal was reached, you could still get a downgrade. It is unclear whether that would happen for sure, but that would be a real possibility. Whereas the Reid plan, even though a lot of the parts of that are seen by many as gimmicks, probably would pass that hurdle and you wouldn't get that immediate downgrade. That's an interesting distinction."

Could this be a major factor in ongoing negotiations? In a sane world it would have to be but with the Tea Party freshman you just never know. Let's hope that the adults in the room Boehner/Cantor can talk some sense into them. George Cook AAreports.com

Video: Black Tea Party's protest against the NAACP

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During the NAACP convention in L.A. members of the South Central Los Angeles Tea Party led by Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson let the NAACP's leaders know how little they think of their agenda, priorities and rhetoric. Watch the video below:

Obama Weekly Address: A Bipartisan Approach to Strengthening the Economy

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A much more restrained President Obama than we saw on Friday 07/22/11 discusses the urgency of Democrats and Republicans coming together to take a balanced approach to cutting the deficit to strengthen our economy and secure our future. Watch the video below:

Severe Drought Conditions, Famine Endanger Somalia

Tweet While we have been focused on the economy and the debt ceiling here in the US ( and rightfully so )a human crisis is taking place in Somalia. Millions are in danger of dying due to drought and famine. The US and UN are reaching out but more help is needed. Read more about this horrible situation below. George Cook AAreports.com. Author of the Kindle book Let's Talk Honestly: One Black Man's Thoughts $1.50

Severe Drought Conditions, Famine Endanger Somalia





Somalia is in desperate need of aid. Voice of America reports the country is in the middle of a severe drought that has led to a lack of food and clean water. The famine is only expected to get worse. Aid organizations have leaped into action in an effort to save lives, but their efforts are hampered by militant groups that are refusing to allow aid workers in and are not distributing aid to those who need it most.

11 million: The number of people in the Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia area in significant danger from lack of food, shelter and clean water.

1 million: The number of people estimated to be starving in southern Somalia.

50 percent: The percentage of the 3.7 million people who are affected by the famine and, as a result, malnutrition in Somalia. It is estimated that the death toll for this famine is over 10,000 and will likely grow significantly if aid does not reach those who are affected.

Read more here Severe Drought Conditions, Famine Endanger Somalia

KKK targets black pastor for supporting white sheriff candidate in Mississippi

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[ SOURCE ] A black Mississippi pastor says his home was peppered with gunshots in a racist '60s flashback over his support of a white candidate for sheriff.

"People lived and died for our right to vote, and now I can't support the candidate of my choice without being terrorized?" the Rev. Willie Jones said to the Jackson Clarion Ledger.

Hours after Jones joined candidate John Goza at a Democratic Party fund-raiser, he found his front window and big-screen TV damaged by the shots - along with pockmarks on his home's brick interior.

"We could have been killed," said Jones, a pastor for the last 40 years.

Goza, who is challenging incumbent Sheriff Harold Jones, had his campaign signs sprayed with racist graffiti. "KKK" was scrawled across three of his signs - all near Jones' home.

"It's 2011," Goza told the Clarion Journal. "I would have thought we would have moved beyond threats and fear tactics."

Authorities believe the shooting and the vandalism are likely related. No arrests were yet made in the Wednesday incidents.

The Mississippi FBI said it was willing to assist in the probe, while the NAACP is encouraging local officials to treat the incidents as hate crimes.

"This is cowardly and inexcusable," Jones said. "Nobody has come to complain to me, but then they resort to this."




George Cook AAreports.com. Author of the Kindle book Let's Talk Honestly: One Black Man's Thoughts $1.50

Black leaders discuss job, budget cuts with Obama

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Leaders of the largest and oldest black civil rights groups said they urged President Barack Obama in a White House meeting Thursday to resist deep cuts to programs that benefit urban communities — with some of the highest unemployment rates — as he negotiates the nation's debt limit.

Read more here Black leaders discuss job, budget cuts with Obama

The Deficit and What It Means to Black America

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The Congressional Black Caucus has put out an e-alert message to help explain to African Americans what the deficit means to Black America. Read that message below:

The Deficit and What It Means to Black America

As our leadership in Washington, DC seeks common ground over the nation’s debt limit, there are some real consequences at stake for the black community. The debate on Capitol Hill is no longer philosophical, it’s real and the impact on African-Americans and the poor could be devastating. With significant cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid being discussed, our nation’s social safety net is being shred and the quality of life for many of our friends, family and neighbors will be severely impacted. Cuts to Social Security benefits will increase hardships on already stressed seniors, while $250 billion in proposed Medicare cuts will force retirees to make decisions about their health care that might affect their well-being. The poor, disabled and elderly, already the most vulnerable segment of our population, stand to be further disadvantaged if states are allowed to trim their Medicaid rolls through cutbacks to current levels of eligibility.

At $14 trillion, there is no denying the nation’s deficit must be addressed. However, it is unconscionable that the most disadvantaged Americans are being asked to shoulder the burden. Sadly though, we find ourselves in this predicament because too many of us ignore or dismiss important policy debates until it reaches a crisis state. Worse, somehow we have forgotten how we got in this mess and are on the verge of repeating the mistakes that put us in this predicament. Increasing tax cuts and the extension of those cuts, combined with spending on wars in Iraq and

Afghanistan have bankrupted our nation. The bill has now come due and those who have been hurt the most are being made scapegoats. Beyond raising the federal debt limit, we must raise the nation’s moral consciousness and restore fairness and balance to federal policymaking.

The bottom line – if we are not engaged in this debate, the responsibility for the nation’s deficit will fall upon the most vulnerable Americans.

Through our economic development initiatives, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation continues to advocate for job creation, small business development, home ownership, personal financial management and wealth generation – the keys to restoring our economy and securing America’s future. What can you do? Get involved, share your thoughts with your member of Congress and the White House and voice your opinion. When citizens are informed, engaged and active participants in moving the country in the right direction, our nation is that much stronger.

If you are interested in learning more about some of the issues addressed in this correspondence, follow CBCF’s CPAR (Center for Policy Analysis and Research) at the 41st Annual Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference (ALC), September 21 – 24 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. To lead, to serve, to listen to premier voices addressing critical issues facing African Americans, join us in Washington. To find out more and to register, visit us on line at www.ALC11.org or to find out more about CBCF, visit www.cbcfinc.org.

The E-Alert is a bi-weekly communiqué from the leadership of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation to inform, educate and call to action people who support the mission and vision of the CBCF. The CBCF, established in 1976, is a non-partisan, non-profit, public policy, research and educational institute created to broaden and elevate the influence of African Americans in the political, legislative and public policy arenas.

Why as a democrat I can respect Allen West but not Herman Cain

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Regular visitors to my blog know that I like much of the Black Community don't have much love for Herman Cain. I respect his business acumen and acknowledge his success in the business world.

But as a candidate for the 2012 presidential race I have no respect for him at all.

Now let me state this has nothing to do with him being a republican. He has the right to have whatever political beliefs he wants. I have nothing against black republicans.

I actually like Florida Congressman Allen West. Now I don't like his policies or his political leanings at all. What I like is that unlike Herman Cain he appears to be what he shows himself to be.

I believe that when Allen West speaks he believes what he says. I believe that Allen West actually lives his life by the principles he espouses. I believe that Allen West is a true republican and can respect him for being true to his beliefs as much as I disagree with them. I believe Allen West knows what he is doing as a congressman.

I don't get that sense with Herman Cain. I believe that he is using the Tea Party and the GOP to support his vanity project better known as his campaign for the republican nomination.

I don't think Cain believes half of what he says. He only says the controversial things he says to score cheap points with what he thinks is his "base". I don't think a man who says " I don't know the answer but I will get back to you when I do" more than he says hello can be president.

Herman Cain has shown that his only interest is not the United States but Herman Cain.

George Cook AAreports.com. Author of the Kindle book Let's Talk Honestly: One Black Man's Thoughts $1.50

Bachmann criticizes black farmer settlement

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Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann pointed to one program in particular Monday when talking about wasteful government spending: a multibillion dollar settlement paid to black farmers, who claim the federal government discriminated against them for decades in awarding loans and other aid.

The issue came up after Bachmann and Republican Rep. Steve King of Iowa toured flooded areas along the Missouri River. During a news conference, they fielded a question about whether farmers affected by the flooding also should be worried by proposed U.S. Department of Agriculture cuts.

The two responded by criticizing a 1999 settlement in what is known as the Pigford case, after the original plaintiff, North Carolina farmer Timothy Pigford. Late last year, President Barack Obama signed legislation authorizing a new, nearly $1.2 billion settlement for people who were denied payments in the earlier one because they missed deadlines for filing.

Read more here Bachmann criticizes black farmer settlement

Herman Cain is the biggest bigot in the race.

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Herman Cain is the biggest bigot in the race. By Alex Pareene

Herman Cain is a delightful character and the funniest person currently running for president. He is a former pizza mogul, which is very fun to make jokes about. He's also the biggest, most shameless bigot in the race, and we're talking about a Republican Party primary campaign.

Somehow, in a race featuring a woman whose entire pre-Tea Party political career was built on opposition to the existence of homosexuality, and a race that may soon feature a governor who proudly presides over the most racist capital punishment program in the nation, the black guy -- the Southern son of a domestic worker and a chauffeur, who worked his way to the top of corporate America before turning to public service -- has managed to be the most hateful, small-minded person running.

Read more here Herman Cain is the biggest bigot in the race.

Could Al Sharpton be getting 6PM slot at MSNBC?

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For the last two weeks Al Sharpton has been filling in at 6 PM on MSNBC Live for the regular host Cenk Uygur in the slot. It seems he has been doing a great job. The show is second only to Fox's and has been beating CNN and Headline news regularly.

Read more MSNBC Looking to Make a Change at 6pm

Missing Black children: A crisis of media neglect

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Ke’Shaun Vanderhorst, Jeanine Barnwell, Jaycee Dugard and Caylee Anthony.

All four individuals have something in common: their lives were ended or altered tragically.

Philadelphia natives Ke’Shaun and Jeanine, however, differ from Jaycee and Caylee in three ways— they’re both Black, still missing and didn’t receive any national coverage compared to Jaycee and Caylee.

Read more here Missing Black children: A crisis of media neglect

Interview with BOND, black tea party group going after NAACP

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Hi this is George Cook owner/writer of AAreports.com. I recently posted a story about a black tea party group ( BOND ) that was started by Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson. On July 24 BOND will hold a  rally against the NAACP. You can see that here: http://aareports.com/2011/07/black-tea-party-group-to-rally-against.html

The post has generated a lot of hits and interest. I wrote in my own response to the release

I now know what they are against but have no idea what they are for. Maybe if the posted something positive about themselves instead of going negative I would have an idea of what they are really about. This press release does not make me want to learn more about BOND.

I decided to reach out to BOND and see if the organization wants to get it's side of the story  and explain themselves.

Here are their responses through their Director of Public Relations Mr. Ermias Alemayehu. I would like to thank him for getting back to me in a timely fashion.

George Cook ( AAreports ) - What is the mission statement of BOND and why was it formed?

Ermias Alemayehu- BOND Action, BOND Action is a 501 (c) (4) nonprofit organization founded by Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson in 2008, and is the brother organization to BOND, the Brotherhood Organization of A New Destiny, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization Jesse founded in 1990. BOND Action was created to educate, motivate and rally Americans to greater involvement in the moral, cultural and political issues that threaten our great country. It was created to be the cultural and political activist companion to BOND.

George Cook ( AAreports )- In a press release about your July 24 rally against the NAACP BOND went after the NAACP very hard. Why? Personally it initially turned me off to BOND and I'm sure others felt the same.

Ermias Alemayehu- Because for decades the established liberal black leadership has gotten a free pass to operate and spew lies to the black community about the root cause of what's holding black Americans back. The NAACP in particular, has been a tool of the liberal wing of the Democratic Party and they have promoted policies and failed government programs that are destroying black families and creating dependency, i.e.: failing public schools, corrupt unions, government handouts, abortion on demand, same-sex marriage, etc. The NAACP is out of touch. They never address real problems and always offer the wrong solutions. For example, NAACP president Ben Jealous recently came out and scolded the networks and cable news for not having enough black anchors. The entire nation including white people know that there are far more serious issues like crime, unemployment, breakdown of the family plaguing the black community.

George Cook ( AAreports )- I'm sure BOND wants to increase the number of black republicans and conservatives. If so wouldn't it be better to tell black voters what's good about being conservative than to attack liberals, the NAACP, and democrats?

Ermias Alemayehu- In order to fix the problems we have to first expose both the problems and the people responsible for perpetuating it. In the black community, the NAACP and liberal Democrats are the ones responsible for most of the problems. We're not interested in reaching only black conservatives. The mission of BOND and BOND Action is to wake up all people, especially black Americans. Most people are afraid to tell blacks the truth for fear of a backlash, but real love is telling people the truth so that they can wake up and get on the right path. This is not a white vs. black thing, it's a spiritual battle between good vs. evil. Black people need to get beyond the race issue and work on rebuilding their lives by being responsible, getting married before having kids, starting businesses, etc.

George Cook ( AAreports )- How will BOND reach out to black voters? Will it use black media and blogs to do so?

Ermias Alemayehu- We'll get out our message through any outlets that are interested in getting the truth out to the people. Unfortunately, the mainstream media including black media only report the views and news coming from those they agree with which at this time happen to come from liberal Democrats. We encourage black Americans to expand their sources and start getting their information from Talk Radio, reliable sources on the Internet, and The Fox News Channel.

George Cook ( AAreports )- What can we expect from BOND as 2012 approaches?

Ermias Alemayehu - We have a growing national radio show. The Jesse Lee Peterson Radio Show--heard around the world by everybody and their mama! The program airs Mon-Fri 6-9 a.m. PT / 9-12 Noon ET. The show deals with current events, politics, relationships, and faith like no other show on the air! We have many projects in the works including a BOND Academy, a school to help parents who are sick and tired of failing public schools and for those who want their kids to get a real education without any political agenda. We recently launched the South Central Tea Party to let Americans know that the Tea Party movement is not racist; it's about freedom, limited government, and the pursuit of happiness. For more information people should visit www.bondaction.org and www.bondinfo.org


That's our interview. You make up your own mind about BOND. Again I thank Mr. Ermias Alemayehu for getting back to me so quickly.

George Cook AAreports.com. Author of the Kindle book Let's Talk Honestly: One Black Man's Thoughts $1.50

AKA Sorority reaches out to school kids

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In a sea of pink and green, dozens of sorority members pitched in to help hundreds of metro Atlanta children get a head start on school supplies.

Decked in their signature colors, the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. visited the Adamsville Recreation Center in southwest Atlanta on Friday and distributed more than 700 bags filled with pencils, paper, calculators and other classroom necessities to local kids.

Read more here:
AKA Sorority reaches out to school kids

If debt ceiling is not raised by Aug. 2 is it Obama's fault

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Although August 2, 2011 has not passed yet many are already trying to place blame for a failure to raise the debt ceiling. Who do you think should get the blame, President Obama, Boehner, Cantor, Tea Party, Reid, or everybody? Give your answer and your opinion below:

Black Tea Party Group to Rally Against NAACP

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Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson

UPDATE 07/15/11. Click here to AAreports interview with BOND's public relations diretor about BOND's issues with the NAACP

The newly formed black led South Central L.A. Tea Party group will hold a major rally to expose the lies and misinformation of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) during its102nd annual convention in Los Angeles on July 24. The purpose of the rally is to bring attention to the failed liberal big government agenda of the NAACP and to expose their lies and hypocrisy on race issues.

Who: South Central L.A. Tea Party
What: Rally to expose the failed big government agenda and lies of the NAACP
When: Sunday, July 24, 2011, from 2-4 p.m.
Where:1201 S Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90015 (Outside the L.A. Convention Center- West Hall).

"The NAACP is a tool of the Obama administration," said founding member and President of BOND ( Brotherhood Organization of A New Destiny ) Action, Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson. He added, "For decades, this group has supported left-wing policies which have created dependency, destroyed black families, and hurt race relations." Rev. Peterson cited the following examples:

NAACP spreading lies about the Tea Party movement. NAACP has made numerous false allegations of 'racism' against the Tea Party movement, but has yet to provide a shred of evidence backing up their baseless claims.

Support for failing public schools and unions. The NAACP has aligned itself with the United Federation of Teachers to block 22 of the worst performing schools in New York City from being shut down. This has put them at odds with thousands of black parents in Harlem who support replacing these failing public schools with charter schools.

NAACP's hypocrisy on crime and race. The NAACP has remained silent while black thugs attack white Americans and commit crimes in flash mobs across the country -- but
NAACP President Benjamin Jealous says he's "deeply concerned” with the lack of black news anchors on Television.

The NAACP supports black genocide. As an ally of Planned Parenthood and abortion on demand, the NAACP has aided and abetted in the death of some 15 million black babies since the Supreme Court's 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling legalizing abortion.

This event is open to all Tea Party supporters and like-minded patriots of all races. For more information call (323) 556-2623, or visit http://www.bondaction.org/content/home

UPDATE 07/15/11. Click here to read AAreports interview with BOND's public relations diretor about BOND's issues with the NAACP

Great News! Eric LeGrand stands!

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Great news! Eric LeGrand the Rutgers football player who was paralyzed during a game can now stand with the aid of a machine. He also has tweeted that he is now moving his arms and feeling twitches throughout his body. Way to go big guy. Keep it up and you will be leading the Rutgers Football team onto the field before you know it. Check out the picture below:



George Cook AAreports.com. Author of the Kindle book Let's Talk Honestly: One Black Man's Thoughts $1.50

Obama & Congress should not be paid until debt ceiling issue is resolved

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Obama & congress should not be paid until they resolve the debt ceiling issue. By George Cook AAreports.com



Let's keep it real here. No matter if you are a democrat or republican none of us can be happy with our elected officials in Washington DC right now.

A sitting President of the United States had to go on national TV and tell seniors and disabled veterans that they might now get their social security checks on August 3.

That's an embarrassment to us all.

I believe that if those seniors and disabled veterans wont be getting their checks then neither should President Obama or Congress.

They should not be paid from this day on until they resolve this debt ceiling issue. I don't mean payment should be delayed or put in some escrow fund until they resolve it. I mean for each day this goes unresolved they get nothing, nada, zero until they resolve it.

If you are I go to our job and not work we don't get paid or get fired.

It should be the same for our officials in Washington DC.

I wonder how many of them will sign a pledge to do that?

Woman gives birth to 16 pound baby boy

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Janet Johnson of Longview Texas has given birth to a 16 pound baby. Let's all say hello to the big boy AKA JaMichael Brown

President Obama cannot guarantee Social Security checks will go out on Aug. 3

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During an interview with CBS News President Obama on Tuesday said he cannot guarantee that retirees will receive their Social Security checks August 3 if Democrats and Republicans in Washington do not reach an agreement on reducing the deficit in the coming weeks. Watch the clip below

Conservatives are the new Borg: They will assimilate you!

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Hey all I know some of you are asking what the hell is George talking about know and others are shocked that a black man knows who the "Borg" are. Just between you and me America there are black sci-fi fans. Oh there are a few thousand of us but we do our best to blend in. We don't go to conventions. We don't dress like our favorite characters. And we don't buy special edidtion DVDs of sh** we have already seen. To paraphrase Herman Cain,"African Americans can't afford to sci fi"

Now back to the point at hand. after posting a piece about Herman Cain many conservatives attacked me for using the term African American and somehow dividing the country. ( Who knew it was the term African American that caused all the race issues in this country? )

That's when it hit me. Conservatives want everyone to assimilate and become "American ". They want no hyphenated names at all. No Irish-Americans, Italian Americans, or Chinese Americans. Don't you see? Conservatives are really Borg. When they say American it's code for "Borg"

In the Star Trek fictional universe, assimilation is the process by which the Borg integrate beings and cultures into their collective while saying, ""You will be assimilated". See video evidence below:




They want to assimilate us all! They want us all to think a like and kill all individualism. They want us all walking around in khakis with a Oxford Shirt ( preferably blue ), and wearing penny loafers.

They got me once. Here is my before picture:




Here is my after picture:





Thankfully during my indoctrination the combined shrillness of Ann Coulter's and Sarah Palin's voices snapped me out of the borg trance and I was able to escape.

But if we don't stop this new conservaborg menace we may all be assimilated.

I have done my part and warned you all. Now it's up to you. Don't let them assimilate us. Resistance is not futile!

George Cook AAreports.com. Author of the Kindle book Let's Talk Honestly: One Black Man's Thoughts $1.50

Writers of the Marriage Vow remove slavery reference

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After what to them had to be an unexpected back lash a conservative group called The Family Leader has removed controversial language in it's Marriage Vow. The controversial language referred to black children and slavery. It read:

"Slavery had a disastrous impact on African-American families, yet sadly a child born into slavery in 1860 was more likely to be raised by his mother and father in a two-parent household than was an African-American baby born after the election of the USA's first African-American President,"

Bob Vander Plaats, head of The Family Leader has apologized abut that statement by issuing the statement below:

“After careful deliberation and wise insight and input from valued colleagues we deeply respect, we agree that the statement referencing children born into slavery can be misconstrued, and such misconstruction can detract from the core message of the Marriage Vow: that ALL of us must work to strengthen and support families and marriages between one woman and one man," said Bob Vander Plaats, head of The Family Leader.


"We sincerely apologize for any negative feelings this has caused, and have removed the language from the vow, " added Vander Plaats.

Of course this could have all been avoided if they had a more diverse membership. If that were the case someone of color would have alerted them to the fact that this would not have gone over well. But then again I'm assuming anyone in the group cares what people of color think.

George Cook AAreports.com. Author of the Kindle book Let's Talk Honestly: One Black Man's Thoughts $1.50

Debt ceiling: It's time for President Obama to man up and actually be a "prick"

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Let me start of by saying that I fully support President Obama and will do everything in my power to get him re-elected. But I would be lying if I said it didn't piss me off every time he bends over and takes it from the House Republicans.

Mr. President it's time to stop being a nice guy in this fight and to put on your big boy pants. It's time to make MSNBC's Mark Halperin's words true and actually become a prick.

You are in the negotition room trying to fight by the rules and with honor. You can't do that with a bunch of people who would actually let the economy fail for their own political gain. You can't do that with a group of people so idealogically driven that they refuse to hear you.

STOP IT! Sorry for yelling there but it's time to put your foot down. In this game of chicken it's time not only for you to stay on course but to hit the gas. Dare the republicans to not raise the debt ceiling, fight to protect social security and medicaid, and fight for tax increases.

I hate taxes just as much as the next guy/gal but we know that tax increases during  a  slowly recovering economy no matter how unwanted actually work. They worked when President Reagan did it in 1982 and under President Clinton in 1993. The economy rebounded nicely both times so let's stop with the BS.

Mr. President I urge you to fight. Whil I may support you after this fight there are many that may bail on you if you show a lack of backbone here. Fight Mr. President and fight like your political life depends on it. Because sir it does.

George Cook AAreports.com. Author of the Kindle book Let's Talk Honestly: One Black Man's Thoughts $1.50

Does Michele Bachmann really believe that black kids were better off under slavery?

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Not only has Michelle Bachmann signed the Marriage Vow but she was the first to do it. In The Marriage Vow statement it states that while slavery was horrible it was better for black children than Obama's Presidency because at least black families were together.

You can read that BS right here The Marriage Vow

Now let's just all take it for granted that Mrs. Bachmann can read. That means that either she didn't read the document and signed it or that she believes that slavery was better for black children.

Now what are the chances that a congressman/woman did not read something before signing it? I know in Mrs. Bachmann's case those chances are a little higher than others but I believe that she knew what she was signing.

That makes her and the writers of The Marriage Vow full of sh**. How are we going to blame President Obama who has been in office for two and a half years for something that literally took decades to happen. President Obama can't be held responsible for the condition of the Black Family today?

It's sad that conservatives would try to blame one man for this problem. But what's sadder is that many of them believe it.

George Cook AAreports.com