1. clifton harrison wrote:

first, i think it’s whack that the news media is concentrating on a mixtape song from a hip hop artist and his opinion and not on Obama and McCain’s message and plans to lead the country.

Secondly, Obama having to “denounce” a song personally seems like a sucka move. So will Obama have to “denounce” and “reject” every single opinion a hip hop artist has? or a celebrity for that matter?

As for the song, is it the new theme song for Obama’s campaign? No, so if you don’t agree with the lyrics of the song, or Ludacris’s opinion, that’s cool. But trying to state Obama as a black radical because of Luda’s song is reaching (to say the least).

2. Blaxx wrote:

I’m just waiting for the Obama diss track that’s sure to be coming.

3. Cézsar wrote:

LOL! Songs like these really aint gonna be helping Hannity’s and O’Reilly’s sleeping patterns much Their worst fears are being depicted with impunity hahaha! I just find it funny.

Not too sure where moves such as this one sit politically but then again that depends on what an individual’s yardstick for good politicking is. If it is to carry on the [Black] tradition of assuaging and appeasing [even when they know they've done nothing wrong] then I suppose this would not be seen as cool.

I sense another yardstick in the air though…even Michael Eric Dyson cant resist the urge to “let it be known”.

My opinion? “What will be will be. Aint NOTHING in this world ready, willing or able to stop an IDEA whose time has come, NOTHING!” Everything else is superfluous to the argument in the face of that fact.

P.S. Y’all check out H.RES.194 [House Resolution 194] passed 2 days ago in Congress. The path is being cleared as we speak.

4. wouldn't you love to know? wrote:

i am kinda sick of this brotha “denouncing” every fuckin’ thing…

5. Max wrote:

Yo I’d denounce that shit too if they put a slow mo split mirror screen shot in the video of me dribbling a basketball behind my back. Lol @ Blaxx

6. thall wrote:

It was cute. Something to make young black people interested

7. Blaxx wrote:

Obama’s getting his Rick Ross on. Deny. Deny. Deny.

You know he pumping all these “Yes, We Can” mixtapes in his campaign bus. He probably has a pair of Obama Air Force Ones too.

8. thall wrote:

lol at Blaxx

9. Logic wrote:

Why can’t fools shut the FU** up until AFTER Obama gets into office. This stuff just amplifies fears that white folks already have. Lets use some strategy instead of doing what feels good for the moment, then maybe we will get somewhere.

10. Clifton Harrison wrote:

Logic, i hear you, but the thing about hip-hop, in it’s true form (not the corporate promtoional exploitation shit that’s on radio/mtv) spoke the truth. You can’t blame Luda for speaking what the people are saying…

How about lets stop blaming our people and telling the media to pay attention to the shit that matters

11. Logic wrote:

I can dig it, but the truth will be the truth come November. Until then Luda needs to keep a lid on it. Strategy! If cats can’t understand that then, I don’t know.

12. Logic wrote:

As far as the media is concerned, you control what you can control and operate within the current conditions.
Luda knew that his song would cause some controversy. It hurt Obama more than helped him.

13. Nubian King wrote:

This is one of the Republican strategies: keep marching various well-known (and hopefully controversial) blacks up before the world and call for Obama to “denounce” them with the hope of driving a wedge between him and his race as well as make him look bad in the eyes of whites if he fails to make the “denouncements”…. I agree with WYLTK (post #4). If Shaq gives a shoutout to Barrack in his next freestyle diss of Kobe, will he denounce him also? Where will it end?

14. Tanya wrote:

Nubian King,

I think the ONLY reason Obama had to denounce this song is b/c Luda is requesting a pardon in it!!! That’s all!

And I don’t think McCain or any other Republican paid or coerced Luda to do this song.

So why would you think they are, “marching various well-known (and hopefully controversial) blacks up before the world and call for Obama to “denounce” them with the hope of driving a wedge between him and his race as well as make him look bad in the eyes of whites if he fails to make the ‘denouncements’”???

15. Tanya wrote:

Regarding the song:

I think it’s WHACK!!!!

The beat didn’t move me, the lyrics weren’t original, and the video looked like some teenager did the editing in his basement.

BUT….

Who knew O-breezie had a nasty behind the back dribble??? I guess the man scores on all courts!!!!

OB in 08!

16. John wrote:

Nubian King … it wouldn’t be a very viable strategy if people like Ludacris didn’t write songs that made it possible.

Of course, it says far more about Ludacris than it does Obama. But it does put the candidate in a difficult spot. Does he really want to be associated with someone who calls a U.S. senator a “bitch” and says another senator should wind up paralyzed in a wheel chair?

17. ChgoSista wrote:

COUNTDOWN TO ARMAGEDDON…

CHGOSISTA AGREES WITH TANYA (IN POST #15)

Y’ALL BETTA GET ‘RIGHT’!!!!

LOL!!!

18. Tanya wrote:

LOL!!!

19. Tanya wrote:

I meant – BO in 08! (#15)

20. Clifton harrison wrote:

So i’m think i’m missing why this should be Obama’s “issue” to address.

Is the problem with Ludacris’s song the actual lyrics and Ludacris’s opinion, and the only reason Obama is linked to this is because he said ludacris has talent?

21. Nubian King wrote:

John & Tanya,
Is Luda up for a cabinet spot???? He has absolutely no association with the Obama campaign. As in my example about the possibility of Shaq mentioning Obama in a freestyle, would Obama denounce Shaq? Last I checked, O’Neil is not apart of the Obama campaign team or Administrative team….Tanya, I am not suggesting that the republicans or anyone put Luda up to this. My point is that everytime a person of color says or does anything “in the name of Obama” (even if they are not associated with his campaign) they are going to be placed in the center of an invented controversy. Luda’s lyrics have absolutely no barring on Obama’s politics. Last I checked, Luda was a rapper not a democratic official.

22. wouldn't you love to know? wrote:

my sentiments exactly Nubian King….

i could careless about the damn song….

23. Tanya wrote:

Nubian King,

I think you missed it…

Luda said:

“… I’m [Luda] one of his favorite rappers, well give Luda a special pardon if I’m ever in the slammer.”

I said in #14:

“I think the ONLY reason Obama had to denounce this song is b/c Luda is requesting a pardon in it!!! That’s all!”

Obama was not denouncing Luda (or hip-hop, or black people), he was simply denouncing this ONE song, particularly b/c Luda is asking for a pardon in it.

It doesn’t matter whether “Luda up for a cabinet spot” or not!

If Obama didn’t denounce this one song, people (crazy, sick, foolish people) would say: “If Obama gets into office, he will pardon any and all rappers that get into trouble.”

You know how evil, foolish people try devilishly hard to spin any and everything remotely close to the people they are intimidated by.

Obama HAD to, it was IMPERATIVELY CRUCIAL, for him to DENOUNCE this song!!!!!

BTW – I can’t think of any “person of color” who was placed in the center of an “invented controversy” simply for supporting Obama! Can you???

However, I do agree that “invented controversy” will surround Obama’s campaign, from now until eternity, though!

24. jazzy wrote:

What’s up with people saying that black folks need to keep quiet or behave until Obama’s in office? What random black people say is not a reflection of Obama simply because they mention his name. Is McCain apologizing for the white people who say they are voting for him because Obama has a funny name? Did McCain apologize when Huckabee joked about a Obama ducking from a gunmen? Instead of putting the burden on us to “act right” until Obama is in office, we (and Obama!) need to challenge them for putting him in that position.

25. jazzy wrote:

Furthermore, I haven’t listen to the whole song but the quotes that I’ve seen from the song are not worse then the things that political commentators have said about Hillary, Dubya, and Jesse Jackson. Male commentators have joked about closing their legs when Hillary is around and Luda is not the first person to call Bush dumb.

26. Clifton harrison wrote:

i feel that jazzy

27. Tanya wrote:

Jazzy,

Luda calling Bush dumb, or taking hits at other officials is NOT the issue.

The fact that Obama publically stated that he listens to Ludacris and called Ludacris his favorite rapper, provides a proverbial link between Luda and Obama.

So if you understand, through Obama’s own words, that Obama likes Luda, then when Luda releases a song asking Obama for a PARDON, it does loosely present an issue.

Nubian King said:

“Luda’s lyrics have absolutely no barring on Obama’s politics.”

But they arguable might; if Obama stated publically that he likes Luda, and Luda says to Obama “give me a pardon”, some might think Obama would be inclined to do so. The type of crimes one issues pardons for and the people one may issue a pardon to, are indeed, one’s politics.

In order to prevent people (like those who think he’s a Muslim) from thinking he would free all black people from jail when he becomes President, he HAD to denounce this song. It’s called a preemptive strike, being pro-active, an offensive-defense.

Anyone with sense knows Obama is not going to be passing out pardons to criminals and rappers like free t-shirts at a campaign event. But there are malicious haters who would try to spin this song as proof that he would, and there are dummies who would believe it.

He had to denounce this song!

28. Clifton harrison wrote:

He didn’t have to denounce it, he just is beginning to fold under any pressure and playing not to lose won’t get your the victory.

When will it stop? Will he have to denounce any and everything that isn’t in total agreement with his views if the media can find any connection or link between Obama and whatever they are complaining about?

Obama stated that Luda was very talented. He also stated that alot of the lyrics in rap songs he doesn’t condone…he shouldn’t have to “denounce” an artists expression (especially since it was not an official campaigning song/statement/etc that was approved by Obama).

29. jazzy wrote:

Tanya, that proverbial link is real weak. The Luda-Obama-Pardon request for a crime that hasn’t been committed is not an issue. Note even a loose one. Anyone who is supsicious of Obama because of that wont vote for him anyway. Trust. Besides if Obama said that he listened to Amy Winehouse do you really think that people would get on him about her behavior?

However, I’m not totally against Obama making a statement disagreeing with the song (although I believed the statement that his spokesperson put out about this song was over the top). Tanya, I do understand that it is smart for him to play it safe and make it know that he doesn’t approve of the things Luda said. BUT Obama needs to show a little backbone and and call out folks for making these bogus connections especially since these connections are not being made with McCain.

30. jay wrote:

I agree with Logic #9. WE do need to shut the F*%$ up! There is already a band wagon of haters daily on Obama, do we need to add to it? Let’s keep it real, McCain supporters HATE Obama because he is “The Man” right now, actually they hate him because he’s a BLACK MAN and you better believe they are going to continue to come at him hard and even harder in the coming months. Let US just be mindful about what WE say. I’m not saying shouldn’t have an opinion and not to speak OUR mind but when the SH@* is whack (like Luda’s song) let’s not give Luda a pardon!

P.S. What’s really sad is that LUDA has way more talent than that song…he had an opportunity to really SAY SOMETHING! I’m not trying to knock the man’s hustle but is that how we repay those that give us compliments?

31. Tanya wrote:

Jazzy,

That proverbial link, itself, is real weak!!!

Just like the proverbial link between Obama and Islam is, itself, real weak.

But people still believe Obama is a Muslim!!! And that’s the whole point. Obama is now trying to protect his number of supporters.

I’m sure Obama never thought it would be an issue for him to visit a foreign country and dress in their traditional garb, out of respect.

“The Luda-Obama-Pardon request for a crime that hasn’t been committed is not an issue.”

Well, I’m not aware if Luda has a criminal history or any criminal matters pending or not, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he did. If he does have a criminal history or matters pending, then a pardon would be a relevant issue, and it would still be a relevant issue even if he didn’t, b/c everyone has the propensity to commit a crime and stating in a song to a “buddy” in high places, “give me a pardon” raises an ethical concern.

Your Amy Winehouse analogy is extremely hollow. If he stated he liked Amy’s songs no one would link him to crack b/c of it. But if he said, “Amy is my favorite singer”, and Amy then came out with a song saying, “since I’m your favorite singer help free my jailbird husband”, Obama would have to denounce the song, b/c not denouncing it may lead people to believe that he might do something (backhanded at that) to help free her jailbird husband.

I think Obama did show backbone when he previously made that bold speech about “they’re going to tell you this, that, and oh yeah, he’s black….” But that caused backlash for him as well.

Bottom-line, the man has a right to make it clear what he agrees with and what he disagrees with. If he wants to denounce the purple dress his Aide had on yesterday, for whatever reason, that’s his prerogative. I just don’t see why people get upset about HIS decision to denounce something. Can he live???

32. Tanya wrote:

PS – I consign on Logic’s #9 as well!!!

I think Luda is horrible. ALL of his songs are whack. He’s whack, any way you look at him – WHACK. I think Luda is talentless!

Barack only said Luda is his favorite rapper, b/c his assistant Reggie is a huge Luda fan and Reggie overloads Barack’s ipod with Luda.

That damn Reggie!

33. levigate wrote:

lol..calling Chris Rock..Chris Rock, yo please have a convo with Luda..you know palliate that m/fo..Break it Down..1-2-3 or A-B-C, so he really gets it, record it, then play it for any N#$%*zs that contemplate clothes-lining Obama during or after this election..lol

Obama needs to focus on tightening his position paper on issues that really matter to MOST Americans, not this. Fools are like weeds…

34. Cézsar wrote:

On this issue:

“I do think that Black politicians are called on to disavow people more than white politicians, in this country, and I think…we can question whether that’s really a valid question.” – Jane Hall [Fox News Contributor (oh and she's white by the way)]

Hmmm.

35. wouldn't you love to know? wrote:

LMAO @ Tanya “that damn reggie”

i agree, the song is whack as hell, and i’m not too fond of the lyrics. although, i am an advocate for free expression, it’s a time and a place for everything. i feel Luda should’ve known better, but unfortunately he didn’t. so i feel Logic, Tanya, and, Jay’s sentiments, but my thing is, why does he have to “denounce” everything that somebody says about him?

we’re at a point in time, where we may have our first Black President, so you could understand the excitement in “our” people. Our People, have been oppressed for over 400 years, so you can imagine, how many people, that have an opinion about this election, and when i say people i mean BLACK PEOPLE…

People are interested, and have things to say, and yes sometimes, it’s all the way left field. why do that brotha have to “denounce” every little opinion, that the masses view as a “threat”??? all he has to do, is say he “disagree with the song, and it’s context, but this is america, the land of the “free”, and people are free to express how they feel”…simple. would that have hurt his candidacy? sure, probably would, but what’s more important, your candidacy, or your integrity?…

hey, nobody said being president, was going to be a walk in the park. he has to be ready for this kind of stuff, because after all, he is BLACK. he can’t keep shying away from, the things that are bothering us. No matter what, he has to deal with this shit, because after all, he chose to run. so that leads me to ask, why are you running for president Mr. Obama??? What are your true intentions???

Me personally, i love the buzz he’s stirring in my community, and my people as a whole. call me selfish, but that’s all i ever wanted from the brotha, because like i’ve said, No politician, can be a leader, at least not mine….

i can’t stand politics, but it’s the best “reality” shit on the tube right now…can’t lie

i’m going on record to say, McCain is not winning this shit, so everyone can loosen their drawers please.

peace.

36. Cézsar wrote:

Wyltk – “Me personally, i love the buzz he’s stirring in my community, and my people as a whole. call me selfish, but that’s all i ever wanted from the brotha, because like i’ve said, No politician, can be a leader, at least not mine….”

^You’re not being selfish. Obama has already done all he can ever do for Black people as a whole, and that’s INSPIRE. I have known that from the start…and it’s the truth. His presidency can only be about being the best president ever period, especially because he’s Black. And that ambition has to be colour blind in practice. It is what it is.

37. Tanya wrote:

WYLTK,

“why does he have to “denounce” everything that somebody says about him?”

“why do that brotha have to “denounce” every little [***]opinion[***], that the masses view as a “threat”???”

He doesn’t, and he hasn’t!!!

(Luda’s pardon request isn’t an ***opinion***, it’s a request. Luda asked Barack a question, and Barack responded to the request, and answered that question.)

I just can’t think of too many things he denounced, or was “forced” to denounce. So why do you think he has to denounce EVERYTHING somebody says. I can’t think of more than 4 things/people (including this Luda thing) that he denounced. Can you???

I don’t think he’s denouncing everything. He denounced what HE felt was necessary, and I support the brother on that!!!!

BO in 08!

38. Miriam wrote:

First, to the comment, “Luda’s lyrics have absolutely no baring on Obama’s politics. Last I checked, Luda was a rapper not a democratic official,” I think sometimes we forget about the politics of messaging- who is doing the speaking is just as important as who is being spoken to, who is being spoken for, and who is listening. It is important for us to look at all the elements of coded message (especially when it comes to mainstream politics, that is, politics entrenched by mass media).

Media and politics play off of each other and intersect in very powerful ways (in fact, I am glad that communications studies exist!) Just because a rapper occupies the world of “artistic license” does not mean that he does not touch the world of democratic politics. In fact, as it stands, rap artists from the 1980s until now (particularly those who have made it their prerogative to speak out against the conservative political established and its arm of “sound-bite ammunition,” the conservative media establishment) have been held under a high level of scrutiny by this conservative media establishment who vigilantly seeks to use the imagery of “black male violence” (depicted simply as innate, pathological) and racial profiling to places fear into the minds of the voters “that matter greatly” read: white conservatives.

As absurd as it seems, it is the old politics of the South (history is truly circular).

Unfortunately, like others have said in their posts, minority rappers do affect how minority politicians are VIEWED, not simply because the media is not very complex, but because race imagery, whether in religion, questions of nationhood, rap songs, food, movies is deeply entrenched in the pysche of all Americans (whether they participate in perpetuating negative stereotypes or not).

It’s not about rap vs. politics, but rather the race relations connects the 2 worlds that makes ludacris’s song matter not only to politicians (the reality Obama is responding to that he did not create, but also to listeners (ONE person mentioned that he is reaching out to young black people, this is very important, who we perceive as audience is very important).

I for one, believe Ludacris is asking young black people to vote (particularly men) and he is doing this by appealing to the sensibilities of anger and frustration that many young black men feel in America. I don’t agree with many things that were said in the song (and I think Obama was right to denounce the messaging, not Ludacris, because it was not wholly representative of his views and inclinations). There are plenty of songs out there that he has not denounced (like the one by WillIam).

Sometimes, it’s not about resistance versus complicity in an unjust system, sometimes it is about redefining the language with which we speak power to truth.

39. Janet wrote:

Ludacris does not have a past criminal record nor does he have actions pending against him.

From what I read he denouced the song becuase of the insensitive remarks made about Senator Clinton (calling her a BYTCH), Rev Jesse Jackson, and John McCain (indicating he should be in a wheel chair paralyzed).

Where did he say that he denouced the song becuase of a pardon? I missed that press conference. To denounce a song becuase a lyric says grant me a pardon seems rather LUDACRIS.

40. Cézsar wrote:

In fact, the actual denouncement was:

“Ludacris is a talented individual but he should be ashamed of these lyrics…As Barack Obama has said many, many times in the past, rap lyrics today too often perpetuate misogyny, materialism, and degrading images that he doesn’t want his daughters or any children exposed to.” – Bill Burton [Obama's Spokesman]

^Which was a bit over the top in my opinion. “Ludacris speaks for himself, and is obviously in no way associated with the Obama campaign. Nothing further to say.” would have sufficed. This is not a referendum on Hip-Hop/Rap.

“I do think that Black politicians are called on to disavow people more than white politicians, in this country, and I think…we can question whether that’s really a valid question.” – Jane Hall [Fox News Contributor (oh and she’s white by the way)]

^And what makes it worse is that they [Obama] actually respond to those calls.

41. Tanya wrote:

Janet,

“But he gives props to Sen. Barack Obama, whom he asks to make him his vice president or give him “a special pardon if I’m ever in the slammer.”
– The Dish Rag by Elizabeth Snead

Micheals recaps and highlights these lyrics in his article:

“Said I handle my biz and I’m one of his favourite rappers,
Well give Luda a special pardon if I’m ever in the slammer,
Better yet put me in office, make me your vice-president!”

“‘While Ludacris is a talented individual, he should be ashamed of these lyrics,’ Burton responded. So we take it that Ludacris is not a serious contender for vice-president, then.”
– Sean Michaels of guardian [dot] co [dot] uk

“However, things have taken a turn for the worse. Obama wasn’t as crazy about Ludacris’ single as I was. He formally REJECTED Luda’s delicately put-together song. I’m crushed. According to Ludacris, Obama would’ve even give him a ‘special pardon if [he’s] ever in the slammer.’”

“Barack! You’re going to pardon him for a future drive-by or shoot up of a club, but you won’t accept his praising lyrics? Ludicrous.”
– Melanie – Northeastern University of College Candy [dot] com

“Ludacris calls President George W. Bush “mentally handicapped” and says that he is “the worst of all 43 presidents”. He also asks Obama to make him the vice president or give him “a special pardon he’s ever in the slammer”.”
– Transworldnews [dot] com

Notice everyone is mentioning the PARDON request?!?!?!?!?!

If Obama DIDN’T denounce this song, no one would focus on Luda calling Hill a b*tch or Bush dumb. How many countless, millions of people have called Hill a b*tch and Bush dumb????

The focus would be on Luda asking for a PARDON and the fact that Obama said “LUDA IS MY FAVORITE RAPPER”!!!

It’s called foresight…..

The press conference may not be the only thing you missed out on.

Miriam, I’m glad Communications is a study as well!!!

42. Ian wrote:

I think the Obama Camp handled this latest incident quite well. They did not attack Ludacris personally, they said he (Ludacris) is a very talented person, but that he should be ashamed of his lyrics.

If Ludacris truly wants to help the Obama Campaign perhaps he should just be quiet, otherwise other less intelligent people may assume Obama is in agreement with the sentiments expressed by Ludacris. He could be doing more harm than good, in other words he could cost Obama votes. If his goal has to do with record sales and self-promotion, then I totally understand.

43. econwhat wrote:

Chris Rock time ya’ll…”Black people vs N-zs” So very sad really. Free speech, hell’va thing, right!

44. Nubian King wrote:

Tanya, you said:
“I can’t think of any “person of color” who was placed in the center of an “invented controversy” simply for supporting Obama! Can you???”

How about the Jesse Jackson (and in some ways – Rev. Wright) invented controversy?!? Jesse Jackson making a statement about Obama’s nuts has no barring on the issue that really matter.

45. Nubian King wrote:

Let’s not make our love affair with Obama make us not hold him accountable and beyond crticism.

46. happy Martin wrote:

Go luda tell them all how you feel.Its really time for a change I do believe that TOGATHER WE CANGATHER.

47. happy Martin wrote:

GO LUDA TELL THEM ALL HOW YOU FELL.ITS REALLY TIME FOR CHANGE .I DO BELIEVE THAT TOGATHER WE CAN.

48. Clifton harrison wrote:

true true nubian king…

49. Regkam2 wrote:

How do u hold a presidential candidate accountable? Have the people ever in the history of the US held Presidents accountable? If so, how and what methods/means did they use?

50. carisma wrote:

First off, why is Ludacris relevant in a presidential race campaign? He is an entertainer and he has the freedom of speech to say whatever he feels.

This just shows that white people really do fear black people becoming powerful. Why do white people act surprised to know that black people are proud to have the first black president? Why aren’t they happy for us? Because they fear it. There is fear of retaliation supplanted in the white mind about black people getting revenge. White people are guilty of their ancestral wrong doings and fear that black people (and other minorities) will retaliate or take away their power. They are using Ludacris, Rev. Wright, William Ayers, and Louis Farrakhan as scapegoats as their sources for distrusting Obama by bringing up his past/present associations.

In closing,
F*** O’Reilly, Hannity, McCain, Bush, the government, and the Pope.

51. Tanya wrote:

Econwhat, Hear, Hear homie, Hear, Hear!

Ian, cosign.

52. Tanya wrote:

Nubian King,

Maybe I misunderstood what you meant by “invented controversy”. But I understood it as – not real, a non-issue, or something small manipulated and transformed into a controversy and something big.

Maybe I misunderstood what you meant by “simply supporting Obama”. But I understood it as, someone simply saying, “I support Obama”, and then being attacked.

I would not classify JJ or Rev. Wright as “invented controversy”. JJ called Obama a “nigger” and said he wanted to “cut his balls off”. JJ is not only an elder, but a “peace-making doer of justice”. For him to use these words, and describe such a violent act, is indeed controversial.

Rev. Wright, although I agree with almost everything Wright said, I would definitely classify it as controversial.

JJ and Wright were not “invented controversies”, they were actual controversies. And no one ‘attacked’ them for “simply supporting Obama”, they were under scrutiny for their “violent” statements.

So I don’t think your examples qualify.

Do you have another one?????

53. Tanya wrote:

carisma,

LOL

Damn girl, why did you have to go so hard at the POPE!?!?!?!?

I am not Catholic (I’m Episcopalian), and I do have major qualms with the Catholic Church, but I would never go hard at the Pope like that! What did he do to you???

BTW – Hannity is a cool dude! What’s your beef with him???

54. carisma wrote:

Tanya,

The Pope is evil. He is the beast talked about in the Book of Revelation. I know whats hidden behind all those robes. He cant fool me. They treat that dude like he is the God Supreme, he has too much power over people, like the beast.

Sean Hannity is a white supremist and a hypocrite. He is blasting Obama for his associations, but Hannity was a known friend to Hal Turner, a neo nazi, that would call into Hannity’s radio show and say racist comments. Hannity would laugh at the comments as if he agreed. So, before you decide to take up for Hannity, know he is a racist. Don’t believe me? Go to youtube and search the names and watch Malik Zulu Shabazz call Hannity out on it.. Priceless!!!

55. Carrie wrote:

It seems to me that some of the potential fallout Obama’s camp might have worried about is strongly related to the seeming inability of much of the American public to digest and process modes of speech that employ degrees of satire/exaggeration/metaphor to make a point.

When I heard the “pardon” lyric, no part of my brain was inclined to interpret it literally. It just sounded like a guy using vivid language and hyperbole to indicate that he’s excited that a man who understands and empathizes with parts of the African American experience in a new way could end up in a position of power.

The same thing crossed my mind during the New Yorker cover flap: that in there amongst all the other issues at stake seemed to be either an unwillingness or an inability for many Americans to engage with ideas presented in the form of satire/hyperbole/etc.

Full disclosure–I’m all kinds of white and live in GA.

56. wouldn't you love to know? wrote:

and thank you Carrie. where’s the rest of the girls?

all i’m saying is, if Obama became president, and i were locked-up for no reason, his Black ass better “pardon” me….and i wish he would “denounce” me. i’d “pronounce” my foot, straight up his ass….

57. wouldn't you love to know? wrote:

ps – FUCK THE POPE!!

58. Ann wrote:

I like Ludacris! And thats all I got to say…

~ANN~

59. Cézsar wrote:

“Where did he say that he denouced the song becuase of a pardon? I missed that press conference.” – Janet

^Janet, to be sure, you didn’t miss anything because no such press conference ever happened. And yes I agree, “To denounce a song becuase a lyric says grant me a pardon seems rather LUDACRIS.”. The actual denouncement can be read in post #39.

Ann, me too. Luda’s cool, just doing his thing like everybody else.

Oh and the pope is cool too…if you also believe that slavery was cool

60. Brian Beach wrote:

Dr. Hill, I appreciate you making the rounds on Fox News channel. But you noticed that Fox News never made such as fuss when Ted Nugent told Obama and Clinton to suck his guns! I am so angry with the tactics that Fox News, Sean Hannity, Bill O’Reilly, Rush Limbaugh and talk radio do to distract Americans with petty nonsense. I am aware that Ludacris had “bad timing” upon the leaking of this song, and the YouTube nation does it for the purpose of making viewers. I am aware that Fox News will stop at nothing to defeat Obama. They are blatantly do this to show that the Republicans is still in the room. And if you get the time, I do videos on YouTube praising you but slamming your network for allowing the race-baiting and “Uncle Juan” Williams types to derail the Black community.

See my videos on http://youtube.com/LILVOKA

Thanks for reading.

61. Cézsar wrote:

On a slightly different note…

I find it a lot curious, perhaps even a bit suspect, that NO ONE, not even Marc, has mentioned one iota about the [weak] slavery apology that took place last week in congress [House Resolution 194]. Is it that y’all just dont know? I know the media buried the story [something I find even more curious] but still. Aint nobody have anything to say about it?

62. Nubian King wrote:

We can keep playing on words but JJ calling Obama names and Rev. Wright making violent statements have nothing to do with health care, the price of gas, the middle east, and home foreclosures, etc. To ME, these are invented controversies. Luda’s lyrics = invented controveries. Invented Controversies = arguments and claims that have no relevance one way or the other.

Question, despite JJ’s criticism of Obama, who do you think he will cast his ballot for? Who do you think he is supporting? Rev. Wright and all of his “violent” statements. When he gets in the voting booth, who do you think he will vote for?

Don’t confuse “drama” with “controversy”.

63. wouldn't you like to know? wrote:

“I think i’m in looooooove again, N. King, you are the prototype.” lol…..GOOD POINT.

peace.