Surprise CNN: Ya' done good!

It's so funny. Despite a reasonable effort to promote what it thought was a valuable program, CNN had no idea it had discovered a gold mine. I am speaking about the recent broadcast of 'Black in America.' More, later, on the content.

My take, is that with the real prospect of Barack Obama being elected president, the station figured it ought to introduce White America to how Black folks survive this madness. Execs gave Soledad O'Brien the go ahead.

At the conclusion of the broadcast, I don't know who noticed that the station promised panel discussions with reactions for its Morning Show broadcast–at 6 a.m. the next day. FRIDAY MORNING AT 6 A.M. FOR REVIEW OF YOUR LANDMARK BROADCAST? WHO WAS SUPPOSED TO WATCH? Talk about your lip service.

Imagine the overwhelming surprise when CNN was bombarded with response from every nook and cranny. At least, programming execs had the good sense to reshuffle the lineup to re-broadcast the shows several times during the following weekend. Kudos.

Now, for content. Although well-intended, I don't think this program was aimed at American Blacks. Even though, we are the ones who responded. We know what our problems are. The segment on men was significantly better than the first.

The landslide response points out just how starved Blacks are for some network news indication that we exist. Are you listening ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX.......?

Will the real Barack stand up?

Headline sounds like an attack. It isn't. Merely, recognition.

Senator Obama has locked up the Democratic Party nomination for president by sounding more like statesman than politician. His vision for the possibilities of America are intriguing and refreshing. For that he has my vote.

But politics is dirty business with a rule book all it's own. Everything is 'Deal or No Deal' and who has what information about the other. I have already accepted that in order to win, Obama is going to have to compromise. He's going to have to agree to a lot of things he disagrees with. OK. Understood!

The question is just how far will he go to win? Winning, too, has a life of it's own. I can't imagine the pressure he's under to maintain his stated vision, while keeping his election hopes alive.

I have no answers. Hopefully, he will–publicly–remain statesman enough to keep my vote.
Good luck, sir!

Sad Bell ruling rings of injustice

My most fascinating romantic relationship was with a woman who had a driving need to be dominated. Psychologically, it related somehow to her father. For me, it was the most intense acting I've ever done. I played the role to the hilt. And, I enjoyed it.

From the moment we added 'the role play.' I realized that I could never be wrong--and she could never be right. It was awkward, only at first. Then I adopted and adapted it to our every interaction. She was in heaven. I eventually succumbed to my natural yearning for a partner rather than a slave.

Interestingly, the reason for this public confession is to make a point about race relations in America. Under no circumstances can Blacks or African-Americans win at the game of United States society. The game is permanently rigged. It is fixed.

Are you listening, Mr. Obama?

Paraphrasing my previous example, Blacks can never be right. We might win small victories, but justice, fairness and a level-playing field will always elude us here–good intentions, aside.

One need only look at the recent ruling in the Sean Bell case to prove my point. An innocent man celebrating his bachelor party is gunned down in the street by New York City Police with more than 50 shots. The cops were never threatened, regardless of their mistaken misgivings.

Yet, not one of the involved officers was convicted of anything.

Why? The case was lost in the venue. It was to be decided by one judge, no jury. Fair trial? Come on!

All spin aside, what judge, with any career aspirations, would or could convict and sentence cops?

And, to this day, White folks don't understand the OJ Simpson celebrations.