Barack Obama was not an outlier but the norm when it comes to the tokens who are paraded by Democrats to represent faux-progress and counterfeit diversity and Kamala Harris is the next in line, says Teodrose Fikre of the Ghion Journal.
By Teodrose Fikre
Ghion Journal
Growing up, one of my biggest heroes and the person I wanted to emulate when I got older was Malcolm X. This was during my time of militancy and youthful rebellion, when I thought the only way to arrive at justice was through a revolution. The insurgent within me was captivated by Malcolm X’s take no prisoner approach and the way he spoke harsh truths to the status quo.
It was not until I matured and learned through hardship and indigence that I realized Malcolm X’s power was not his fiery rhetoric but his unifying message after returning from Mecca. However, as much as I’ve become an admirer of El Hajj Malik El Shabazz’s latter days, there are still aspects of his earlier reflections that ring true given the times we live in.
What I’m referring to are not his blistering speeches where he would call “white” people devils or his addresses where he echoed the teachings of Elijah Muhammad—Malcolm X himself walked away from that type of demagoguery. Rather, what intrigued me the most was his dissection of the political and social dynamics that kept “black” folks subjugated.
To this day, one of the most compelling arguments that Malcolm X made about the evils of both political parties is found in a speech he gave about the political and economic state of “black” America. He brilliantly exposed the false-distinction between Democrats and Republicans as a choice between the lesser of the same evil.
Malcom X’s last speech after Feb. 1965 firebombing of his home https://vimeo.com/192326332
“Foxes and wolves usually are of the same breed. They belong to the same family—I think it’s called canine. And the difference is that the wolf when he shows you his teeth, you know that he’s your enemy; and the fox, when he shows you his teeth, he appears to be smiling. But no matter which of them you go with, you end up in the dog house.”
It took a mean mugging by reality—one that shook me out of cognitive dissonance—for me to realize that Democrats are no different than Republicans. They differ in their methods, but in the end they feast on us regardless of their gang affiliation. Both parties are subsidiaries of corporations and oligarchs; our entire political system is based on two factions bamboozling their respective bases while manufacturing dissension on all sides.
Gone When They Get Your Vote
Now that I’ve shed my political blinders, I see how this game is played. I’ll be honest here and admit that Democrats irritate me more than Republicans for this one simple reason. I’ve come to expect Republicans to be malicious—there is honesty in their advertisement. However, it’s the Democrats who smile like foxes as they pretend to be our allies only to stab us in our backs the minute they get elected. They have maintained power for decades by successfully treading on the pains of marginalized groups as they concurrently enact legislation and regulations that inflame the very injustices they rail against.
If there is one group that has been leveraged the most by Democrats, it’s the descendants of slaves and “black” diaspora as a whole. For generations, supposed liberals—who now call themselves progressives—have cunningly used the pains of “African-Americans” to further their own agendas. The Democrat’s most loyal voting bloc have time and time again been taken advantage of only to be tossed to the side as soon as Democrats gain power. They talk a good game and pretend to be for us right up until election day, soon as the last ballot is counted, they are nowhere to be found.
It’s on this front that another observation by Malcolm X comes into clear focus. One of the things that really grabbed my attention while I was reading his autobiography is the way Malcolm described the dynamic between the impoverished masses and the black bourgeoisie during the Civil Rights Era.
“There are two types of Negroes in this country. There’s the bourgeois type who blinds himself to the condition of his people, and who is satisfied with token solutions. He’s in the minority. He’s a handful. He’s usually the hand-picked Negro who benefits from token integration. But [it’s the] masses of Black people who really suffer the brunt of brutality and the conditions that exist in this country.”
King and Malcolm X meet March 26, 1964 at Senate debate on the Civil Rights Act. It is their only known meeting that lasted one minute. (Wikimedia Commons/ US News & World Report)
What Malcolm X was describing was the class hierarchy within the construct of race. He railed against the select few “negroes” who willingly stepped on their own people in order to advance their own selfish ambitions. Malcolm X was against integration for this reason; he realized that a modification of a racist system that benefits a fraction of society while keeping the majority repressed was morally bankrupt. This same realization eventually dawned on Martin Luther King Jr when he confided to his closest advisers that he might have “integrated his people into a burning house.”
Fast forward fifty years and it’s evident that the bourgeoisie “negroes” who Malcolm X talked about have been unleashed by the establishment to work against the interests of their people. As the majority of “African-Americans” suffer economic inequalities and are burdened by financial uncertainties, black politicians, pundits and so-called “activists” are enriching themselves while they pretend to be fighting injustice.
Forget Plymouth Rock, the biggest hoodwink of them all that landed on us was a boulder named Barack. After losing a Congressional primary to Bobby Rush in 2000, Obama’s inner circle realized that he was not embraced by “African-Americans” in Chicago because many did not see him as one of them. He quickly adapted and learned the art of duplicity; Obama perfected his ability to talk eloquently about our issues and suffering as a means to an end. The end was his unabated ego. After he scaled the heights of politics, he ended up enacting policies that exacerbated the wealth gap. For his brazen act of betrayal, Obama was rewarded handsomely.
The Audacity of Trope
Obama at NAACP Convention in Philadelphia, July 14, 2015.
(White House Photo by Pete Souza)
Barack Obama was not an outlier but the norm when it comes to the tokens who are paraded by Democrats to represent faux-progress and counterfeit diversity. Kamala Harris is the next black bourgeoisie in line who is hoping to use the plight of African-Americans and the tribulations of “black” folk to win the White House. After spending a career locking up brown and “black” folk with impunity and resurrecting the ugly legacy of penal slavery, she is now shamelessly pretending to be the next coming of Sojourner Truth—hers is the audacity of trope.
Given the fact that too many are conditioned to think in binary fashion, I must take a pause here to clarify one thing. This is in no way to excuse the pernicious nature of Republicans and the vile racism of Donald Trump. After all, not only are Republicans insidious when it comes to the way they treat “African-Americans” and minorities as a whole, the party of Trump uses the same playbook of feigned concern to dupe their respective side. However, the more I observe the rank opportunism of the Democrat front-runners, the more I appreciate the sagacity of Malcolm X.
Obama signs bill in May 2013 designating Congressional Gold Medal to commemorate lives of four girls killed in Birmingham’s the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing of 1963. (White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)
It’s not only politicians like Barack Obama and Kamala Harris who traffic in this most insincere form of paternalism, there is a whole cottage industry of black opinion leaders and gate-keepers who actively work against our interests while passively speaking against injustice. They abound on TV, in the press and throughout social media; the surest way to make a name for oneself is to be a part of the “woke” intelligentsia who lull their people into collective comas.
Adding insult to injury is the fact that these same bourgeoisie mouthpieces are not only using the pains of the oppressed to advance themselves, they are now employing the injuries of the masses to deflect well-deserved criticism. Identity has been weaponized, instead of addressing the structural nature of racism and sexism, folks like Kamala Harris, Hillary Clinton and identity politics shysters across the political spectrum are turning the victims of systematic oppression into human shields to intimidate anyone who dares to question their record. Enough is enough!
The Talented Tenth
There is a broader problem beyond these two-faced grifters. The truth is that the “black” community has become bifurcated; the bourgeoisie class feeling the blessings of capitalism and enterprise while the vast majority are burdened by consumerism and debt. DuBois once talked about the “talented tenth”, an educated sector of blacks leading the bottom 90% out of bondage. Sadly, the talented tenth has been convinced to seek self-enrichment and forget about collective wellness.
What is true of “African-Americans” is true of society as a whole. In this richest nation, there exists a breathtaking chasm between the few who have much and the many who have little. Keeping this dynamic in place is a pyramid scheme that transfers wealth upward being kept by the greed of politicians and the indifference of the proletariat. We are being swindled by hustlers to keep this most depraved system intact.
I don’t expect leaders to be perfect, very few of us are guilt free when it comes to the iniquities of the status quo. We all have have our battles as we vacillate between our better angels and the allure of our desires. All we can do in life is seek to do better; after all, Malcolm X’s very narrative is one of mistakes followed by atonement. My aim is not to be pious nor pretend purity from people, I have way too many planks in my eyes to demand others act blameless. However, there is a vast difference between those who perpetrate infringements by commission versus the rest of us who transgress through omission.
As California attorney general Harris met with foreclosed home owners in San Francisco, Nov. 2011. (Office of the Attorney General)
I would be the first person to applaud Harris, Obama, Trump or any politician who sincerely admit their mistakes and try to make amends. Far from doing so, these con artists pretend to do the right thing as they pour fuel on the fire. There is a reason why hypocrisy is the most egregious sin; it’s hard to be forgiven when the offender is lying about his penance.
Malcolm X is painted by many in mainstream media and academia as a firebrand who preached from the pulpit of exclusion. But those who know his history understand very well that who he was when his journey concluded was vastly different than the caricature of Malcolm X that is presented by the institutions of power he spoke against. It never fails, first kill the messengers then co-opt their message. The truth is that he changed his approach, disavowed divisive rhetoric and embraced inclusive justice.
These were the words uttered by Malcolm X as he spoke against the system of inequality that shackles billions around our planet into lives of servitude and bondage. His decision to pivot from friction and instead seek the light of universal justice is the reason why he was silenced, the status quo rewards charlatans but has a way of killing off unifying voices.
On this front, the status quo has succeeded beyond its wildest imagination. We are now being led by a procession of overseers who pretend to be Moses. This hustle will not work too much longer however, more and more people are waking up to their deception and refusing to be doormats of Democrats, Republicans or anyone else. If we are to find redemption, it will not be from the top nor will the revolution be televised.
As I noted earlier, I’ve come a long way from my days of would-be revolutionary. Malcolm X had an eye-awakening moment in Mecca upon seeing a broad sea of humanity praying in unison. I had my mecca moment by way of shelters and homeless missions and observing a diverse dissection of Americans made invisible by the malice of the gentry and the indifference of society. It’s for this reason that I disavow sectional movements and pray for a day where all of us unite beyond our trivial differences. We have more that unites us than the issues that divide us; when we realize this is the day we will get the change we all have been waiting for. The revolution that matters is not the one of the gun but the one our hearts.
Teodrose Fikre is the editor and founder of the Ghion Journal. A published author and prolific writer, a once defense consultant was profoundly changed by a two year journey of hardship and struggle. Going from a life of upper-middle class privilege to a time spent with the huddled masses taught Teodrose a valuable lesson in the essence of togetherness and the need to speak against injustice. Originally from Ethiopia with roots to Atse Tewodros II, Teodrose is a former community organizer whose writing was incorporated into Barack Obama’s South Carolina primary victory speech in 2008. He pivoted away from politics and decided to stand for collective justice after experiencing the reality of the forgotten masses.
I am really happy to have stumbled across this article and your writing. You must have a ton of great work that I am now going to seek out.
Right on. Exactly correct.
If you think this is a skin issue ask a white dreadlock in what form they also received this same marginalization in the same way for the same ends. Lies and oppression sink fangs into any meat regardless of it’s color. To be divided is to stay on the menu.
Cmon really? I’d challenge the author to take three seats. I’m so over this fake black woke movement where in order to be with something you have to be against something else. I find it incredibly disgraceful for whoever this author is to take a shot at Barack Obama . Really? Really? I don’t have to agree with him however it’s this kind of dialogue that actually makes us a mockery of ourselves. I read this article twice looking for some actual depth behind these cheap shots and didn’t find any. Dislike party politics ? Well go do something about it. Dislike the status quo? Step off Facebook and get to actually getting in the street and from behind your computer . Stop complaining start doing . I’ll take a well intentioned DOER Democrat over a talker any day . And be careful what you ask for putting Republicans and Democrats in the same pot. Those chickens might come to roost and then the high horse you’re on may get swept back into slavery along with your right to complain about it.
“Turns out I’m really good at killing people.” Nobel Peace Prize winner- Barack Obama
BTW- Citigroup chose his cabinet for him in 2008. Yeah, Obama was a real “man of the people”.
With democrats like him, who needs Republicans?
Another fact we would not know without WikiLeaks #FreeAssange
I may be an old White Republican but Malcom X and James Baldwin have been two of my favorite truth and justice seekers for many years.
As were Robert Parry, Gary Webb and Charles Bowden.
Excellent article.
This article is absolutely amazing! Great work. I wish it would be promoted on more news sites. I couldn’t agree more with you and I’m only 25% African, but raised by a Caribbean family that would tell me to watch out for both sides. They area all frauds that want money and power. Financial freedom is our only salvation, so vote for a pro competition party because they don’t have a care about race just money and will allow you to make your money which in turn will allow you to make the changes you would like to impose.
I believe Trump is President because of racism, but not in the same way that is parroted endlessly by our Corporate Media.
Clinton received 90% of the Black votes during the primaries; this is an indisputable fact. Blacks absolutely crushed any hopes of a Sanders Presidency. Sanders is not perfect, but he was undoubtedly the lesser of 3 evils by a large margin. I believe Blacks decided not to vote for Sanders, because of what he is, not who he is. For me, this was the most disheartening part of the 2016 election.
The world needs a lot more black intellectuals like Mr. Fikre and another an I greatly admire who also saw through Obama’s phoniness, Dr. Cornell West. No group has experienced racism at the same level of Blacks and discussions on racism are not almost universal, unlike in the time of Dr. King or Malcom X day, where they had to pay for it with their lives.
The microphone is yours, now what will you do with it?
This is a telling story of a very weak mind who continue to try to bring Black people to a divide When we learn we can not hide behind white people We will Learn to protect out own stop bring them down an stop needing a white people to leader as
Thank you for the insightful essay my brother. Wolves and foxes abound. Still.
One quick comment. What the “elite” black people, ie, Obama and now Harris, do to others of their race is also done to poor whites by their Captains of fate. I think that in these matters it is a matter of financial status that matters most. The rich stick together to fleece those financially “beneath” them. Racial prejudice is an entirely different animal.
So what solutions or righteous leaders are put forth in the article? I shy away from fingerpointers and rogue demagoguery that doesn’t propose a better plan or show what is “good”. While I agree with many of the concerns raised, I left the reading feeling ill and angry from the bad vibe that oozed from the piece. That icky feeling increased after reading the writer is an ex Obama writer who found this “new voice and view” after a personal fall from middle class comfort.
There is not a single “rogue demagoguery” contained in this insightful and brilliant article. You are just upset with hearing the truth. Everything he said is demonstrably true. I challenge you to give me one example of falsity in this article. He went through a profound and sincere transformation and for you to be dismissive of this as mere bitterness from losing his privilege is both offensive and disrespectful. You need to open your eyes widely to see the country in which we all live. Maybe you are too privileged to care or understand. Gore Vidal said of the Democrats and Republicans, two wings of the same party – two right wings actually.
Only through understanding the difference between the gifts of providence that belong to all humanity regardless of race , greed or religion and wealth created by man can we hope to relieve the current inequities of wealth distribution. This siphoning of the commonwealth is what drives most of the people into grinding poverty and a small section into depression anxiety and fear of want.
I believe that Malcolm X was starting to see that the problem is not one of race but of inequities built into the system that rewards the collection of the economic rents created by a communities very existence and leaves the productive working poor in grinding poverty.
If we harness these economic rents or the commons upon which the creator gave to us all no person shall ever need to be saddled with the burden of wanting for any needs to be meet. This is a simple and universal truth that has been hidden from mainstream knowledge to allow a few to usurp the wealth of the community.
Great article which highlights the lengths that the few will go to keep the a simple but powerful truth hidden to the detriment of all humanity in the end.
Malcolm X remained committed to Black nationalism even after his trip to Mecca (Hajj).
Here is a caveat: in the U.S. one cannot ignore the Black Question. As it’s empirically observable, Blacks are integrated into U.S. society as workers but are segregated at the bottom of the economic ladder as a whole. Also, in America, race and class do not completely overlap, according to government’s own data. In other words, race defines class to some degree. The deep-seated hatred of Black people in this country manifests itself in a myriad of ways – concentrated poverty, police murders with impunity, mass incarceration, despair in the ghettos, residential segregation, sentencing disparity between crack cocaine and powder cocaine. 100 oz. of powder is equal to 1 oz of crack for sentencing purposes. There is also rampant discrimination against Black people in housing, employment, access to healthcare, education and they are targeted for arrest. Further, the racist ruling class has and continues to use race as a wedge issue to divide black and white workers. Given all this, one cannot say let’s treat everyone as a worker. The black worker faces special issues that his white counterpart does not face in this society.
Adwoa Oni, the “Black Question” seems to get more and more complex as we gain more discovery/understanding through shared research and discussion, doesn’t it?
You talk about the black tenth who have so called elevated themselves out into stratospheric wealth.
Who do nothing for the rest of blacks.
The same white tenth do nothing for their race either.
The sad truth is even if the world was one shade the powers of evil would have us believe that some are lesser than others.
Sep 3, 2012 Malcolm X: Black Democrats are “Traitors”
The second from the Malcolm X series. Although I do not agree with his early philosophy, he sets the record straight and reveals the Truth about the Democratic Party!!
https://youtu.be/5NDZ4DG-DmE
Malcolm X was one of the greatest persons in U.S. history: thinker, speaker, leader, role model. RIP.
Divide et impera was how the Romans put it, and our ruling class certainly succeeds with sectionalizing us.
Your blog post brought a few things to mind. The other day I ran across this – a scientific study shows that we (all humans) are more alike than we perceive: https://www.bath.ac.uk/announcements/more-unites-us-than-divides-us-say-researchers/?fbclid=IwAR1Rd6rkiZQMx03o2_uZLPf8pWIOU078cP1CA8wx6Xn0n_gBsw6UAr1LNDI
But, also I was reminded of this.. a true fox (from your analogy) wielding sectionality: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/democratic-bot-network-sally-albright_us_5aa2f548e4b07047bec68023
which starts from a tweet saying that Sanders’ and other Democratic Socialists’ plan for free college was racist because it wasn’t only going to benefit women and minorities, but then it’s revealed that this is a bot network working for the Democratic Party.
I don’t think that particular idea snagged anyone, but I think people feel it in the air.. every progressive idea being accused of being racist and sexist.. by people who clearly have no concern over that, but just don’t want to see progressive ideas succeed.
Often it is done through proxies, witting or unwitting, which makes it harder to spot.
The thing is, I think they’re accidentally doing the rest of us a favor. We do need to ensure that such policies aren’t inadvertently or deliberately racist or sexist, so it’s worth the time to examine that. And, in doing so, develop the argument against the bomb throwers, or against the policy.
Anyhow, I enjoyed your post!
I don’t know much if anything about Kamala Harris’s views and positions on US foreign policy, the military, and economics. These are the areas where the POTUS has either total responsibility (military), or major influence (foreign policy, economics). To be honest, what effect can the POTUS have on laws regarding law enforcement, imprisonment, etc..? Not much.
The candidate I think makes the most sense and would make the world a safer place is Tulsi Gabbard.
Is the author claiming that because she is (apparently) black (whatever that means at this point) that she is property of “black” people and owes something to them – more than the “white” politicians.
She served as atorney general – did she not do her job.
Is author saying that she is politian who misleads and exagerates and strives to engratiate herself with voters based on pretenses?
I think MX was wise to point out beware of those who pretend to speak for you.
When I look at Kamalla I see one hot babe with intellect and beautiful skin and smile. But sadly I cannot vote for her, have my I on other hot babe. I think shes white but havent heard results of dna. But shes also very bright. Shes my Kim Possible!
I dont vote, so I have no complaint about what either side is doing. I respect Malcom and his works, but Malcom had to walk his own path, just as you and I are walking ours. And my path tells me not to waste my time with politics, but try to evolve me, while at the same to trying to wake them from this delirium. But I’m not going to remove myself from my path in order that I try to be the champion for people who do not know, a d li e their lives in accordance with the dictates of social media!!!
Yes he did. What is that government schools do again other than steal from citizens?
Sep 3, 2012 Malcolm X: Black Democrats are “Traitors”
The second from the Malcolm X series. Although I do not agree with his early philosophy, he sets the record straight and reveals the Truth about the Democratic Party!!
https://youtu.be/5NDZ4DG-DmE
One of the finest articles I’ve read in a very long time. A message from the heart…. all plain unvarnished truth.
One of the reasons that the little people have so little influence is that they squabble so much about less important differences. We have a lot in common we are ale being screwed.
The author is saying dont follow that false and self serving prophet. Follow me.
Imagine that populism is a perjorative.
Our democracy has the peculiar feature of favoring the corporate class, and can fall into patronage and corruption in the political classes. Nothing to be done about either, will occur outside of the system. When Theodore Roosevelt, and Howard Taft battled against the corruption of Tammany hall, and the monopolistic Corporate classes to give labor unions, and working class voters more favorable laws, they did so from within the system. They became the crusaders and the reformers. I salute Obama for suiting up, and making a run to enact penal reforms, DOJ reforms, equal pay for women, equal treatment for the LBGT community, all during a historical collapse of the economy. I did not consider him a lackey, even if he could not make a tectonic shift in society. Such shifts take many crusaders in a succession over many years. Your disdain for those who fight within the system, is evidence of your continuing need to evolve.
Amen brother. One may smile and smile but be a villain
I see you points. I get that the kind of change you speak of will require a long journey. So what are some steps that an everyday person can take, especially in terms of voting, to begin the journey?
Thank you for this bit of brilliant commentary. I can’t say I agree with everything you say. But I agree with much of it. The real enemy here is capitalism and the oligarchy that seems to control both political parties. It really does appear that we are approaching the point at which Marx predicted a revolution of the proletariat. I only hope it will be bloodless. I agree with you that many of our “mainstream” politicians — black, white or whatever — have been co-opted and are nothing but mouthpieces for a vicious and unfair system. I hope we can overcome this system, but I worry that too much power and capital are in too few hands for a revolution to succeed. Time will tell, as it always does.
For what it’s worth, here’s one old white male who thinks you’re exactly right. It’s not Left v Right, or Race V Race, it’s Top V Bottom – class v class. The rest is just a smokescreen.
I had never heard of this author before, but I must say he makes a powerful and eloquent statement about the “care and handling” of blacks by the Democratic Party in American politics. And his contention that Barack Obama fit the mold of the “house negro” is dead on true, as he made things worse when president, not only for his fellow blacks domestically but for everyone not a member of the aristocracy with his foreign policy. But, what the hey, Malia gets to drive a Porsche and cavort in high society with her upper crust white boyfriend. See, Barack did deliver SOME change to be counted on. The Obama’s “earned” their rewards from the top 1%. Now the Democratic rank and file are scheduled to be fooled again with the same shopworn cons by Kamala Harris. As the author might add in an aside: none of this absolves Trump’s insensitivity to “the blacks” with whom he believes he has a “great” relationship.
This brother hits all the points that I have talked to people about. (1) Democratics and Republicans, (2) Barrack Obama (Thr only thing that stands out with him to me is the cocaine and crack sentence leveling). (3) Wirking together because if that happens we become dangerous. That is the major reason Dr. King was murdered.
I believe Dr. King signed his own death warrant when he made a speech in 1967 stating that the” United States was the biggest purveyor of violence in the world.” This was in regards to the Vietnam War which was seemingly never going to end. After this, he was a threat to the NATIONAL SECURITY STRUCTURE. In any event, thank you for your post Julius Miles, all the great young progressive leaders of the 1960’s met the same fate of Dr. King.
where you come from never heard of you, and from what I’ve read you speak negative vibes toward Black people I’ve been around 77 yrs and never heard things like this.
A little too early to plan the seeds of distrust towards our potential leaders, don’t you think? You’re nothing more than a crab-in-a-bucket a$$ ni***. You didn’t post a single piece of evidence or hard facts on her policies to validate your outrageous insinuation that she’s just another sellout. Newsflash: there won’t be another Malcolm, at least not one that would survive in the current political landscape. So what? Let’s just sit on our hands come November 2020 and wait for the second coming? What are the alternatives in 2020? You’ve never offered them and only aired out your unfounded emotions perhaps with the intention of disincentivizing us to vote for her. Maybe you prefer that we squander our votes for another Jill Stein loser and give Trump another 4 years. You on Elizabeth Warren’s payroll?
Joe…. did you hear of Tulsi Gabbard ? Harris as AG of Calif. gave too many walks to the worst of some “White Collar ” criminals. Pay attention to backgrounds of candidates as actions speak louder then words.
I agree to certain extent but I have serious disagreements with this narrative. In my opinion it is largely the 90% that have sold out. They have traded struggle, networking, and hard work in exchange for government programs, grants, food stamps, and welfare. How many of our people profess to be pro-self yet go begging to the government for money? How many black businesses get support from black people?
Malcolm X wanted our people off welfare. He epitomized self-improvement and self-reliance.
True.
Hmmm, notably put.
Loved the article bruh??
Started writing a comment the length of this article. I only got to the talented tenth. It seems like you are misunderstanding quite a bit. You do get some phrases and ideas right and then it seems like you completely miss the finish line.
Made it close to reading about a dozen comments and they are all over the place. Some of them are even close to the finish line just like the article, then they somehow seem to miss it just like the article.
Because of this, I cant just write a simple comment. This article is actually somewhat of a disservice as it really represents how a good amount of the population actually thinks.
And I actually was somewhat against Obama and will be against harris. Not because they are the foxes instead of the conservative Republican wolves. They are more like a representation of the slow tranquility drug of change or a favor a negative peace. Something like that.
Just say no to Kamala side-piece Harris. She never has said she is black.
What color is a person of mixed parentage? If the offspring appear to be white, people see them as white. If the offspring are black, they are considered black. Yet, in both examples the offspring are both black and white. I have four grandchildren who are of mixed race, three look white and the fourth looks Hispanic. I never hear any of them refer to themselves as black or white. Obama’s father was black and his mother was as white as any white, yet, he was referred to as black. Unfortunately for the blacks who were fooled by the color of his skin, he acted as white as any other white politician.
Kamala Harris is the offspring of an African American and of a Tamil Indian. Is she black or brown or both? Does it really matter? Should Kamala Harris refer to herself as black when in reality she is a mixture? Should she call herself Indian if she could get away with it? Would she be fooling people if she did?
Should my grandchildren call themselves white or black? Should the three white-looking call themselves white while the fourth call himself black? The past paradigms of color no longer apply. There should be no reason for anyone to proclaim themselves as white, black, brown, or yellow, especially when the ancestry of all of us is unknown.
When do we just become people? Blacks, Browns and Whites are exploited. What all of these exploited peoples have in common is that they are poor. So what this author states is very true — it is all about class.
I would never vote for Kamala Harris not because she is black or brown, but because she is disingenuous and a and part of the elite system of exploiters and phony politicians.
Teodrose Fikre has captured the true essence of Malcolm El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz message to the grassroots.
Only part of it.
Brilliant piece on Malcolm X ‘s analysis on the greedy scum opportunists posing as our representatives. His message is more relevant today. Thank you!
Hillary Clinton + Barack Obama = Kamala Harris
She’s just more of the same from the mass incarceration state.
https://opensociet.org/2019/01/31/bernie-sanders-vs-kamala-harris-the-jailer-her-corporate-backers/
Contra Teodrose Fikre, Barack Obama was no “token”. He was POTUS for eight years.
Obama was no more (or less) a “token” than Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, LBJ, etc. were tokens. Like the rest of the modern (if not all) Dem presidents, Obama was/is an ambitious man who shared or internalized the values required of a POTUS. If he hadn’t done so he wouldn’t been a US Senator let alone POTUS.
To call Obama and Harris tokens betrays both ignorance and a racist mindset.
Malcolm X was controversial not as much because of what he said but that what he said, whatever it was , was creative and contrarian and did not fit official narrative about society that was institutionalized and hence defended as vital institutional interest not as much on its merits but on its instrumentality and institutional objectives and legacy that had to be defended.
Malcolm X life long conversation was mainly dialog with himself in a Plato literary style as other people stayed safely entrenched in they’re dogmas refused to engage in a painful creative process of revolutionary social thought searching for unity and peace.
Excellent article Sir!
The many topics more than answered the many questions which were very much related to non-progress despite existing Civil Rights laws and the poverty existing in many states (Southern antebellum, especially) where have-nots remain socially burdened in achieving potential.
I have often said that political schemes deliver “crumbs” placate conditions controlling conditions of African Americans. And what is seemingly obvious is that those seated in position intentionally keep the majority repressed.
One would think after 60 years, the historical lessons would serve to exact solutions for antiquated laws and social issues trending today.
1. Very well written. You’re spot on in most of the points you’re making.
2. The Original People have indeed been tricked on so many planes and from so many angles it’s scary.
3. This means you too brother.
You don’t yet understand the reality of The Honorable Elijah Muhammad and you haven’t done as much research as you thought on Malcolm X (who was given His name LONG before he went to Mecca by his Teacher).
And Good sir, there is one voice that has yet to compromise the message, his principles, and neither his people who is still sounding the call for true Freedom, Justice and Equality… Minister Louis Farrakhan.
Your most powerful point was this: regardless of your positions/opinions we have too many points of unity to be divided over the few.
If you’re here for the rise of humanity under the banner of Truth, Freedom, Justice and Equality I’m with you.
Bull crappie. I sick of these know it all crazy people with thrsr wild conspiracies. I am a black womam who experienced racisy ally life in the south. Barack snf Kamala are smart and dedicated people of color eho have and arealing a differenc. I am certain Malcom and Martin would be proud.
Interested in learning more!
Great piece. Thanks for the perspective
A myopic opinion piece that ignores and omits simple facts related to actual criminal behavior, and then labels black achievers as “Bourgeois”. As if to imply that doing well in America is a bad thing? Other than that, a very well written piece offering some interesting thoughts.
Eric “Wall street” Holder allowed the too big to JAIL banks go free and now works for those same banks…
Lorretta Lynch allowed the HSBC criminal drug laundering bank to walk while the prisons fill with Black people….
Whether you choose to recognize it or not, Obama’s actions in Libya and Syria were actual war crimes. He also shut down Iraq War investigations of Cheney/Bush.
I dont think Mr. Fikre is the one who should be concerned about myopia issues.
Yeah, but Malcolm did like Adam Clayton Powell! We have to hold everyone accountable, including ourselves. As for me, I’m learning more about Artists Against Racism. As a journalist, I’m focusing on critical theory, sustainable development, climate change, miseducation, and threats in genetically modified foods and nano technology.
Wow. Go for it! But as someone who turns 70 this summer, I’d like to give some friendly advice.
1) Artists are not going to solve anything—much less racism. Find better avenues for your passions.
2) Journalism is dead! I am not merely talking about failing newspapers and no jobs, but the very idea that we will pay for someone to tell us what we just saw is insane. Yes Craigslist did in papers but the real culprit is the really neat cameras everyone carries with them all the time. MOST of the great stories of the past decade were taken by iPhones. IF professional observers are needed, they won’t get that way in a journalism school. Writing like a news reporter takes about three weeks to learn. Having something worth saying takes a lifetime of careful observation. IF you still want to be a useful observer, study almost anything but journalism. The most important is history—historical illiterates spend most of their lives embarrassing themselves. But a close second is technology. It usually only takes a few minutes to determine if someone knows enough chemistry to make an informed opinion on greenhouse gasses. So if you want to write about climate change, at least know high school chemistry. Know how the technological umbilical cord that sustains our lives actually works.
3) Writing itself is mostly dead. I just got a video set-up running—LED lights, commercial sound capture, 4k cameras and edit capabilities, for less than $500. That’s about what it cost to get a good typewriter (IBM Selectric) when I went off to college in 1967. If you want to communicate your thoughts, you must become graceful with video. It’s the new literacy.
Of course, most of your stated pursuits are only time-wasters. The exception is so-called critical theory. That belief set actually causes brain damage. I could do about tens hours on this subject without notes. But look at CT yourself and if you are careful, you will notice that there is nothing there that would lead to a more sustainable future. Some smart people are saying we only have 12 years left—don’t waste your time with intellectual detours that can only lead to that black hole of utter ignorance.
Larson, I am a reader not a writer.
Should I quit reading?
Will to believe makes a bed for the lie.
It’s warm and familiar, and friendly to dreams
When wakening comes, vague memory seems
An apology spared for the hopes they imply.
Maybe once seated, the prince will emerge,
The throne may impart, gifted courage may pose,
The rite may embolden the one the crowds chose
Then duty to honor and place might converge.
Promises offered seem always undone,
Sweet dreams beguiled, intentions diffused.
When the gravest neglect becomes power unused,
Its abuse is compounded before it’s begun.
The masses beguiled, betrayed, introverted,
Then turn on themselves, any trait may find form,
Will to believe makes conviction the norm,
Any pretense conveyed becomes truth once asserted.
Consensus, not truth, is what power most fears:
Puppets are placed by a popular voice.
Results lend belief to illusions of choice,
Promises fade, but the hope perseveres.
Puppets compete for a seat on the throne.
Rewards offer much in the way of prestige,
So paying lip service to noblesse oblige
Is a skill puppet masters must carefully hone.
Will to believe sets the stage for the play:
We know there are strings, but we choose to applaud.
Surrendering doubt we encourage the fraud,
A plot that’s been scripted won’t change if we pray.
False hopes and hatreds are carefully brewed,
Preserved with a passion, and ardently stewed,
Our interests in common they hope are eschewed-
Cuz that’s how they keep us all royally screwed!
Yow!
F.G.,
Your best yet, I swear! Thanks.
[side note from a manuscript reader: in the fifth verse, leave out “the” before “hope.” In the last, leave out “all” before “royally.” Cadence, you know. RR]
Love Teodrose’s work! One of the mistakes people make is assuming just because a person is of color, the person is “progressive.”
As Obama clearly illustrates, in his own words, “I am a New Democrat. Nixon is more liberal than I am.” Black people were broker after Obama than they were before his term.
Kamala Harris is the same. She locked black people up for a living as a prosecutor. She’s not a friend of black people in general. Oakland and Tupac and “keeping it real” is a marketing strategy for her identity politics “brand.” It is not authentic.
https://opensociet.org/2019/01/14/kamala-harris-political-memoir-is-an-uneasy-fit-for-the-digital-era/
Very well said, especially that it takes an epiphany or revelation after choosing to educate ones self about history and the current conditions and statistics in the country and world we are living in. Where I disagree is that the sins of omission lived out by the masses seem to be far more detrimental than the policy makers. We are the ones consuming not producing, waiting on not being proactive, neglecting (family, property, stewardship) The chains on our brains and pyche are very thick; maybe generations thick but we need a PLAN B, to keep our families together, our physical health, our morality and integrity from within ourselves and passed down the proper truths to our children. Got to fulfill the Book as Marley said but I remain hopeful and faithful, working on the man in the mirror
Malcolm x, in my opinion is nothing but a racist asshole and trouble maker. Has a street named after him. What a joke! He hates white people and say whatever he wants. Blacks always call white folk racist, but will tell you that blacks are as racist if not more than some whites. Know this for a fact lived it. Could tell you stories of what our family went thru. No pity here
You obviously know close to nothing about Malcolm X. Shame on people like you who fail to study history then condemn a historical figure without knowing the facts. We need more people in this world like Malcolm X. This was a man who had the courage to admit he had been wrong—a man who had the courage to publicly change his mind about his views on white people, interracial marriage, and many other topics. A man who admitted that he had been racist and then completely denounced all forms of racism, including against whites. A man who died preaching unity and the brotherhood of all men. A man who criticized both sides—who criticized wrong no matter who did it or what color they were. Any person who has the capacity to grow and evolve the way Malcolm X did deserved the utmost respect from humanity. Most people don’t even possess 1% of the courage Malcolm X had.
Why not tell us the stories that your family went through? At least there would be a few facts to support your assertions and you might be a little more believable.
Welcome to Consortium Teodrose! What a wonderful addition to the site. I love your work!
Hood article
This was a great article. Keep up the great work.
Great article! I hope Mr. Fikre becomes a regular contributor here at CN.
Bro. Teodrose, very good article, with valid points and opinions. What would it take to not sell out, help empower our community without being put in a position to have to acomodate the ruling powers that be?
I suppose, to be independent and network with like minded individuals, in terms of helping to empower the masses in every aspect.
Obama is a cult leader for the Democrats. His followers focus on the beauty of his words and ignore whatever heinous war crime he orchestrates.
Even with all the indepth CNs coverage of his crimes, some are still caught up in the purity of Obama.
The people that are allowed to run our country are ALL very dangerous.
Dr Claud Anderson material would be a great source of reference. Hopefully you take joy and recognizing that; there are those of us who understand your goals and objectives.
Great. Now can we dispense wth demonizing foxes and wolves? Malcolm’s canid rhetoric is caricature, utterly ignorant of canid biology/behavior. It is a language reflective of a perspective used by the U.S. government to kill hundreds of thousands of carnivores every year – https://biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_releases/2019/wyoming-wildlife-services-01-29-2019.php – the same language/perspective that has been used demonize and oppress African Americans for centuries.
Peace be unto you, with all due respect, apparently you’ve missed something concerning Malcolm, or refused to write it. First of all, Malcolm’s power was in the truth that he spoke of what he was taught by The Honorable Elijah Muhammad during his stay in The NOI, & after he left., and he didn’t walk away from Elijah Muhammad’s demagoguery. When he left, he said that he felt that he could best teach Muhammad’s message outside of the ranks of the NOI., ( there were undercover agents inside The NOI who worked, successfully, to cause confusion & animosity among the ranks that caused Malcolm to leave). Second, if you’re referring to Malcolm’s eye awakening experience of seeing caucasians, ( and other races), of muslims praying., Malcolm had already been to Arabia representing The Honorable Elijah Muhammad and had seen muslims who were caucasians, and other races. Third, I would like to point out, Malcolm realized that he had wronged The Honorable Elijah Muhammad, and made an audio tape admitting that he was wrong and apologized to him on tape. He was planning to present the audio tape to The Honorable Elijah Muhammad at Saviours’ Day, but was assassinated days before. He wanted to come back to The Nation of Islam. So even after he left The NOI, Malcolm continued to teach the truth that he was taught from The Honorable Elijah Muhammad, even while speaking untruths of his former teacher. Your article has some very good points, but I felt that it was very necessary to make other [key] points that were missed or omitted. Peace be unto you.
I would also like to add that there are many who praise Malcolm while, unsuccessfully, trying to dismiss the man who taught Malcolm. The Honorable Elijah Muhammad cannot be dismissed because Malcolm didn’t teach himself.
Your information is incorrect and misleading. I have read Malcolm X’s FBI files, his travel diary, listened to all available speeches and interviews he did the last year of his life, have read about 25 books on him, and have watched the interviews of persons who knew him in the last days. That tape you speak of apologizing to Elijah Muhammad was made BEFORE he went to Mecca. The things you mention occurred during that short time frame between announcing his split with the Nation of Islam and going to Mecca (March 8, 1964 – April 13, 1964). Go listen to his interviews just 3 days before his death, including his Stan Bernard interview. Go read his Gordon Parks interview from two days before his death. Go listen to what his half-sister, Ella, and his nephew have to say about their last conversation with him the night before his assassination. He completely rejected Elijah Muhammad’s doctrine, denounced him as a religious faker, called him out for being “immoral”, and stated that he’d wasted 12 years of his life in the Nation of Islam. These are words he spoke right up to his death. These are the facts.
And yes, he saw white Muslims when he was in the Middle East in 1959, but his heart hadn’t yet made the connections to embrace the beliefs he later adopted. It took many conversations with Arab Sunni Muslim students and white students at universities as well as conversations with Shawarbi and seeing the brotherhood of humanity in Mecca for his heart to finally connect the dots of what his mind already knew.
It’s ironic that people who wallow in their ancestors slavery should turn to Islam and the Middle East where it’s still perfectly ok to have slaves. Perhaps a closer comprehension of history would enlighten their trapped minds. They might even come to realise that not only Africans were enslaved (you can buy yourself an African slave in the slave markets of Libya today, now that Obama and Clinton “liberated” them from Gadaffi). They might even learn about how Africans sold African slaves to the slave traders at the coast, about the Arab slavers who trekked through Africa picking up their cargoes of human misery, and how the pirates of the Mediterranean and Europe raided villages all around Europe to collect cargo for the slave markets in Constantinople. You can still buy yourself a slave today in the Middle East, and not just African slaves.
http://www.awdnews.com/index/picture-shows-isis-yazidi-sex-slaves-sold-horrifying-auctions-saudi-arabia/
For the record I’m descended from an ancestor who was sent to Barbados as slaves, from Ireland.
Just more whining about victimhood and identity politics. It’s the “Man” that’s got you down but turning a blind eye about the failing black “culture”. 72% of black children are raised in single parent homes. All the news is focused on police killing blacks but the overwhelming majority of blacks are killed by other blacks. African immigrants economically do better than American born blacks. Just a call for more free stuff or preferential treatment instead of instilling the love of education and a work ethic into their children.
Fuck off, Chet, you ignorant shit.
“African immigrants economically do better than American born blacks.“
There is a lot of historical context that you’re missing here.
Malcolm X epitomized self-determination, self-reliance, self-help, and moral reformation. He even declared an all out war on crime in Harlem in July 1964 at an OAAU meeting. He pushed for us to be educated and to learn to be independent. He wanted black people off of welfare. He told black people to stop hurting each other. He told black men to take responsibility for their children and he spoke out against having children out of wedlock. So I’m not sure if you are directing your comment to the blogger, but I can assure you, if he’s a follower of Malcolm X, then it’s not free stuff he wants and he already believes in education, self-improvement, and self-determination.
At the same time, black people ARE victims and the corrupt government does oppress and exploit. Brother Malcolm believed in exposing the wrongs on all sides. The responsibility, he said, falls on us to better ourselves and get educated and fix our own problems AND the government to stop the exploitation and oppression.
Blacks are in a political quandry. To have any effect as a voting bloc they must all vote the same. Obama received 95% of the 13% Black population, and 43% of the 75% white population in 2008. Simplistically he received 12.35 + 32.25 or 44.6 “unit votes” and McCain received 4% and 55% respectively = (0.5 +41.2 or 41.7 “unit votes”). Hispanics (9%) and Asians (2%) voted 60-65% for Obama which boosted his margin. The problem is that Democrats take these Black votes for granted. (Hillary actually complained about fewer Blacks voting and ‘only’ 88% of the bloc.)
It has been amazing to watch the Democrats shift from supporting Blacks, the poor and Labor to now support illegal aliens (which, as a population of 20 million, and with a NY judge ruling against the citizenship question on the Census, which apportions the 435 voting Representatives across the states, will result in effectively enfranchising “illegal aliens” by extra Representatives in high illegal alien population states: NY, California, Texas and Florida being highest). There are over 300,000 Americans in jail for misdemeanors; our “foxy” politicians have complained about the (actually much better) incarceration conditions of illegal aliens who have avoided border control, and the treatment of illegal alien families and their children (compare to the 400,000 American children in foster care, a good many children of incarcerated Americans.) One would expect the incarceration and foster care for Americans would be good enough, no better or worse, for illegal aliens (particularly those asylum seekers fleeing violence, not just economic migrants). If not, reform the jails/ prisons for Americans and the foster care for their children, illegal aliens will benefit. Democrats are largely responsible for the highest incarceration rates in the world (one in three Black males becomes a felon). Democrats previously opposed illegal immigration, since it hurt their poor, Black and working class constituencies with wage competition, often without paying required taxes and insurance. Now their donors still want cheap, exploitable labor, and the Democrats also see the advantage of the “no citizenship” Census for voting Representatives.
With the white population shrinking, we will likely see emergence of a white voting bloc, probably not as vast a separation as the Black 88% voting bloc, but possibly in the range of 60-65% as with Hispanic and Asians blocs (Trump won whites 58 to 37%, almost identical to Romney vs Obama). It is long past time for Blacks to align themselves with all other Poor (mostly white) and working people, setting aside differences (stoked by identity politics), to form more powerful voting blocs and recover some of the wages lost under Reagan, the Bushes, Clinton and Obama, and fight the rapid transfer of all wealth to the Rich. Politics should reflect economic interests; that is all the Duopoly’s donors care about.
Teodrose Fikre, I thank you for your insight and this reflection that has enabled me to recognize that there are individuals who see the devastation of our nation brought about by politicians of both parties for the past 40 years or more.
Americans must wake up and realize that both Democrata and Republicans are concerned only for themselves. Their message sounds great, but they are not concerned in the least for the marginalized masses of society. Barack Obama did nothing for us as a people, although the majority of African Americans rushed to vote for him. I was guilty of voting in his first election, but began paying close attention to his words and actions. I did not vote for him in 2012. It is my hope we will all awaken from slumber and unite so that we can reclaim and rebuild our nation. As it stands now, we are in a pitiful state.
Glad to see that I am not the only one who saw the massive ego in Obama from the first day—from hin Inauguration. That was when I first saw it, in his attitude, his face as he walked through the hallway of the Capitol to greet his “subjects.” What a fraud. On that day I resolved to be happy for a day! Even hopeful!
But he had already named a number of his cabinet picks, and the fix was, obviously, in.
I think Obama set back the cause of true equality for black Americans by . . . well, I will leave it to the more clued in to diagnose. Obama also deeply harmed the Democratic Party, because his natural critics were self-muzzled by loyalty to him as the first black president.
If Hillary had won the nomination in 2008, it is an interesting hypothetical to speculate as to whether Obama would have formed a truly progressive caucus or nucleus of some kind within the party. I very much doubt it. I think he would have quietly disappeared into the world of foundations, or corporate philanthropy, or something. Or perhaps a diplomatic post.
Litchfield,
There is a difference between ego and confidence. A man of color walking with confidence among those who hoped he would fail is ta man to be respected. Obama walks like a baller who hit that 3-pointer and won the championship. Is that ego? Man, that’s street confidence. Every day Obama had to be the bigger person among those who criticized and did not support him, lied about him, hated him just because. I wonder if you would be able to keep it moving forward with confidence under those circumstances. “When they go low; you go high.”
Wish more of us would wake up brother and stop being the “lamb chop “.
You can not praise Malcom without praising his Teacher Elijah Muhammad! Without Elijah there is no Malcom. Malcom also said many years after he returned from Mecca that he also faced racism there too! In his last days, he said the white Muslim was on top in the Economic and political structure and in the religion itself. In one of his speeches he said “Wherever the black- white dynamic in a muslim country exsited, thte Whiteman was always on top and the blackman was always on the bottom” So its obvious that your article is trying to separate the teacher from the student. Malcom said a lot of things after is separation from the nation. America hated Malcom alive and they still hate him dead. The Nation’s legacy lives on and has rehabilitated more black men than any other organization especially our incarcerated black men.
Yup. Before 1968 the black upper-class lived among other blacks and did business with other blacks. Prosperity and jobs were spreading naturally by self-contained capitalism. After 1968 the black upper-class switched to running “civil rights” NGOs that absorbed Federal subsidies and enriched the NGO managers. The working-class blacks then had the choice of working for white corporations or going on welfare. Not coincidentally, the government expanded welfare to encourage the latter choice.
The 1940 Census gave a clear picture of the old arrangement, as I tried to summarize here:
http://polistrasmill.blogspot.com/2014/01/class-had-different-meaning.html
Mr. Fikre, you may have had a Reawakening, BUT it was Far from Enough. You lodge tired old Complaints, without suggesting SOLUTIONS !!! You deride Bill Clinton, (the 1st accepted “Black” President, and OBAMA , the REAL 1st Black President, and dismiss their Efforts on behalf of “Blacks”. And worse refer to him as an “Uncle Tom”. That is Ignorant on your Part. One of Your Readers was on the Right path, when he said Low -Middle Class BLACKS & WHITES Must UNITE. Unless you Identify this proposed Peaceful, or otherwise Revolution as CLASS WARFARE , and Continue to Fight Your Little Special Interest IDENTITY POLITICS battles, The Elites did Not Have to DIVIDE and CONQUER, you are doing their Work for Them. !!!! Look to BERNIE SAUNDERS, ELIZABETH WARREN, KAMILA HARRIS, ALEXANDRIA OCASIO-CORTEZ are the ones to be Listening to. The MAIN FIGHT is an ECONOMIC BATTLE to LIFT The ECONOMIC Status of EVERYONE. !!!!!! All this other jabbering is senseless prattle. !!!!
Excellent…!!!!!thanks for sharing;;;;
I love Malcolm but i never understood why he left the NOI after saying the honorable elijah Muhammad had wives but he went to Mecca n found out that muslims could have more than 1 wife. He got away from the messenger n some of that spiritual protection left from him.
According to Malcolm X, Elijah Muhammad exploited those women. They weren’t really his wives. He isolated them and accused them of adultery after fathering their children and then refused to claim responsibility for fathering their children. In Sunni Islam, while you are allowed to have 4 wives, you are required to love them equally and treat them with the greatest respect. If you can’t do that, you are advised not to marry more than one. Elijah Muhammad had more than 4, claimed he was a divine messenger of God, and treated the women like dirt. This is why Malcolm X rejected him.
A couple of things ring true here, but: aren’t you mostly saying that the few rich blacks first of all feel solidarity with their class? And that Republicans play with very same games with poor whites? Why then continue to play the enemy’s race wars? Even after you’ve essentially figured out that it’s all a shell game of divide and conquer?
In certain corners of the internet, Americans are habitually called “stupid”. But the American establishment did something much more effective than the usual recipe of putting leftists in camps: they locked up the Left in the mental prison of culture wars and identity politics. The practice of “diversity” is toothless bickering between muslims and gays, muslims and jews, legal vs illegal immigrants, etc. Oh and feminists against everybody else I guess. You’re never going to be able to stand up to the rich this way; the system was designed to make sure of that.
Great post. As a student of history and TMHEM, Bro. SHABAZZ RIP did not find fault with the truth conveyed by TMHEM. Agreed his perception of Islam did change after El Hajj. Its interesting that you present the faults of Bro. Hussain Obama and Sister Harris. Almost like a buyer’s beware notice. Reminder to the audience societal change starts within. The importance of unity is understated.
Lastly, choose and hold accountable the lesser of 2 evils. That’s the best political solution UNTIL a true Soldier (male or female) makes it through the primaries and has an opportunity to serve with oppressed people as the focus of their campaign. Big business will take care of its self. We need to vote wisely. Understanding that’s only a small part of the work needed to change the world. Peace.
Voting in a putrid system that’s on the payroll of the Koch Bro’s, Sagan’s and Soro’s etc is about as pointless as driving a wedge into the “black” & “white” vision of society.
If you’re happy to accept the lesser of “2 evils”, you’re still accepting evil, but given some if not many of the “elite” are probably satanists anyway it’s not a surprising result.
There isn’t anything that you can sat about Barack Obama that could change my admiral and love for him. Mmalclm X will forever be my hero. Why dont you run for office and show us what you can do to make America great for our people.
Great points Sister.
the fox and the wolf
– I think of the Dems and Repubs as playing the old good cop/bad cop routine: sure it’s a relief when the guy that was throwing you against the wall and screaming threats two inches from your face leaves the room, and the guy that gives you a cup of coffee and speaks calmly and reassuringly comes in. But they’re both on the same side, and it’s not yours.
Truth be told.
This is a very thoughtful and poweful message. Unfortunately too few will see this. I voted for Barack twice, he had the biggest stick as most powerful black man in the world. He did nothing for the group of people who looked like and supported him. Thank you for this message.
With the factions that control the legislature there is only one thing that the electorate should constantly hold in mind. These representatives represent themselves not you. They plan their own careers not yours. They need money to win election. The Supreme Court has put money for election under the control of the big capitalists, so they need bid capitalist support to win. That means adopting their financier’s agenda not yours.
There is only one way to recover democracy and that’s the throw the factions out of the legislature and restore law making to representatives of the people. Now the money’s leaking away the time approaches when the people can recover their voice.
“It took an ‘outsider’ however, to trigger what the Washington Post wryly accepted, was the most telling moment at Davos Forum this year – ‘telling’, simply because it was so blindingly obvious: At a panel on how global orders fail, Fang Xinghai, the vice chairman of the Chinese government’s main securities regulator, simply reminded the audience of the shadow side to the western global monetary steamroller: “You have to realize that democracy is not working very well. You need political reforms in your countries.” He added that he meant this “with sincerity.” Ouch! It took a Chinese official to say the unsayable…”
Full article:
https://www.strategic-culture.org/news/2019/01/28/progressive-artifice-democratic-impotence-world-finally-gets-it.html
The writer’s philosophy of a revolution that is “not the one of the gun but the one our hearts” will never “throw the factions out of the legislature and restore law making to representatives of the people.” A major transformation first needs its MLK philosophy to achieve acceptability and to recruit a following, but it must eventually operate in parallel with methods of force to succeed.
Strong words
Terrific article, nailing the current MSM rush to crown Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee and stifle any review of her political record.
I think it was Uptown St Clair who said that our American Republican & Democrat parties are but two wings of the same bird, and I agree with him.
Mr Fikre, don’t feel too bad about the 10th Black or a minority congressperson whom seems to have forgot from where they came from, or too who they represent. This ignorance by these spoiled politicians of the voter is everywhere. These scoundrel pay to play politicians have only their love of money for them to respect. You, I, and the rest of the herd don’t count except on Election Day when our built up hopes from them wearing us down with their same old same old rhetoric is when they need us the most. Time and time again we voters get used and abused for the politicians further gain. So please don’t just beat up on the Black but beat up on them all… but I do see your point of such politicians just using their minority status to get ahead.
The mainstream narrative on Macolm X is being constantly reinvented to suit the higher establishments agenda. Just as they have done with MLK and over stressing King’s extramarital affairs (not) or JFK’s womanizing is more important then trumpeting these find leaders accomplishments and ambitions for a better world.
Great article Teodrose Fikre. Until money is taken out of the system nothing can or will change. Think of how big a problem that is for the USA, and then think of how even great a big of a task that is that lies before us. Just don’t give up.
Agreed.
Great article. Thanks. Continuing down the “two party” path will make lemmings of us all.
Malcolm remains a hero to a good many of my generation (born in 1952) who watched and listened to his courage and passion in real time. Dr. King and Malcolm existed as important counterpoints to each other during the height of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s. The establishment politicians could chose to deal with MLK’s mass, non-violent, civil disobedience and willingly act to make the necessary societal changes, or, they could deal with Malcolm’s fierce “any means necessary” message as the alternative to the endless stonewalling of social change. It is not hard to imagine how elites decided that Malcolm simply had to die.
One can’t help but wonder how this nation might be different today if our completely amoral and reactionary deep state hadn’t assassinated John, Malcolm, Martin and Bobby in a short five year period of the 1960’s. If instead all had lived to be elder statesmen working for social progress and peace for all these years, perhaps the normalized military madness and institutionalized racism that characterizes American society today would not exist in its now terminally malignant current form.
I became an admirer of Malcolm X after reading his autobiography.
He was one who went where the truth led.
Our world, and country, would be very different if these men had not been eliminated.
Re the racial struggle of the sixties, don’t forget the importance of Stokely Carmichael, who I believe was the first to bring the message of black power into the picture.
If he had not fled to Africa probably he would also have died a violent death here in the USA.
Mr. Weglarz, often I have wondered how in a five year period that five progressive minded individuals could be gunned downed, murdered, beginning in June 1963 and ending in June 1968. These wonderful, capable leaders were Medgar Evers, President Kennedy, Malcom X, Dr. King and Senator Robert Kennedy. There is a common thread here and that is they a stood for something that was far greater, something that has been missing since 1968. Our country will never see the likes of these capable individuals again. It is all over I’m afraid, AMERICA is finished.
Awesome article with a well-thought response to the depraved 2-system politics we are all shackled with. We all need to understand that black and whites have so much more in common today than anyone of us with the upper class. the establishment elites. We all suffer the same. And we all hate it! The issues are not about black vs white as the mainstream news continually tells us. Identity politics is politics of divide and conquer. Only when we unite will we ever have a chance against the “powers that be.”
Teodrose is an eloquent voice, and his critique of DEMS – and The Game in general – is spot-on. We all get duped! Regarding the missing details about Harris, a few revealing articles:
Kamala Harris destroyed Black Lives
https://blackagendareport.com/freedom-rider-kamala-harris-destroyed-black-lives
Kamala Harris dons progressive mantle in public; in private courts Israel Lobby
https://www.mintpressnews.com/new-wh-candidate-harris-dons-progressive-mantle-in-public-strips-it-off-in-private-as-she-courts-israel-lobby
Kamala Harris has an Israel problem
https://original.antiwar.com/Michael_Byrne/2019/01/24/kamala-harris-has-an-israel-problem-that-is-a-deal-breaker-for-me/
Right on. Thank you for this clarifying article.
“They get a Negro and hire him and make him a big shot—so he’s a voice of the community—and then he tells all of them to come on in and join the organization with us, and they take it over. Then they give him peace prizes and medals and things.”
http://malcolmxfiles.blogspot.com/2013/07/at-audubon-ballroom-dec-13-1964.html
The above is part of a description of Moise Tshombe, DC’s man in Congo around 1963-64, but could just as well describe Barack Obama. This speech is also an insightful look at the role of the press in “perception management,” that also reverberates into the now absurd state of today’s press.
Yet another demonstration of why Malcolm’s absence is so keenly felt now.
Profound and beautifully written. I’m left wondering about what may be incidental, but why do you put quotation marks around “black”—sometimes but not all the time—and around “African American”? I know that the skin color associated with race can vanish in a single generation, but I think of “Black” as a distinct culture. Sometimes I get the urge to use expressive Black language, but don’t because it’s not mine, and it would seem like cultural appropriation.
To answer your question as to why I use quotes around the words black and African-American, in lieu of a drawn our response, I submit this video below that I put together:
https://youtu.be/eqajrXYfGfg
Thank you everyone who responded and the great discussion taking place here, it is truly an honor to be included on the website of the late, great Robert Parry.
Teodrose Fikre
To answer your question as to why I use quotes around the words black and African-American, in lieu of a drawn our response, I submit this video below that I put together:
https://youtu.be/eqajrXYfGfg
Thank you everyone who responded and the great discussion taking place here, it is truly an honor to be included on the website of the late, great Robert Parry.
Teodrose Fikre
Thank you for posting this link as well. I hope to see more of you here at CN.
Seconded.
The same goes for all the new commenters who have appeared.
The u s government is guilty of killing our black leaders from the big name leader to small name.i am calling for j Edgar Hoover name be removed from every building or street is on for these atrocities that he committed this is reason for Republicans and Democrats are bought and paid for by the military bill up and the never ending war after War.what we have to do is make jobs for for the prisoners it that’s getting out after 35 years , developed the work ethic in our youth. the debate between the e w b DuBois and Booker T Washington that we need to be training are self in these field because Booker t Washington has won that debate between the two black leader education is good to have but it won’t feed you or pay the bill in the robotics era that is coming physical therapist nurses the medical field
in electricians ,plumbers ,Carpenters as we head into the robotic Workforce that is coming this is what we need to get ready for.
He us is RIGHT..
There is no difference in the parties, and, there is no schism for the furtherence of the political objectives these represent. Possibly, whenever the hammer hits and we can get rid of this race token with understanding it is a species we all represent, the light bulb will come on and somehow the realization that the problems are alway’s economic and with that the deviciveness of our whore politicians will be understood to be what they are selling. A corporate fascist state stalking the populace with the propaganda of devicivness and we the wage slaves of this corporatism allow this with our consent. They have spent years manufacturing it with this patronizing nonsense of democrate or republican with race tokenism, while selling the country down the drain. A constant refrain of a business leader is whats needed to run this country, I hear it all over the place. Well, we’ve got that, salesmen conmen. As long as thee two parties if you call them that, are allowed to run the politics, we will be witness to the last gasps of this dying empire and die it will because of them. The guy got the points down, Malcolm X had the points down. What I thought was the dream of the 60s has turned into the nightmare of the 21st century.
There is only one true solution between BlackMan and Whiteman here in America as taught By The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad ( Who taught Malcolm x ) and that is Separation. The History of the so-called american negro and the american whiteman justifies this fact which is truth
An awful lot of semi literate emotional commentary here in response to a very excellent emotional presentation.
I’m afraid I cannot see religious zeal as a possible solution however, to the dilemma of people deceiving and taking advantage of their fellows. It is the exclusiveness inherent in all the Abrahamic religions that allows and promotes disregard for anyone not aligned.
Well I agree I read a lot on Malcom X . I agree with a lot he states. I liked his great courage. I am white .I did not vote for Obama I did research on him. That was enough for me. I knew he played the Black Race, which is a shame. I am not a democrat . Nor a repulican.but I do vote repulican . I will never vote for an Estsblishment . I regret voting for a few president both bushs.I love Regaen.And I do like TRump . I honestly have haters for the democrats they have use the black race for nesrlyn70 yrs . Both parties definitely are not good. Again I will always say the Dems are the worse If you no the history of both parties you know the black race was with the Lincoln party . It’s dirty politics. I despisze Louis Farrakhan he talks out of both sides of his mouth. I watch the riots in Milwaukee I am
Glad I had a mom who taught me to not ever be to be prejudice .My mom explained to me. And the way that white people behaved was shameful
Beyond . Malcom X explained the perversion of the Islamist Muslim Muhammad .pute petvetsion
Excellent! The author leaves nary a stone unturned in his critique of the political establishment. To this I can add nothing. It’s never pleasant to be reminded of our fake democracy and the insignificant effect we have as voters to influence domestic or foreign policy. However, I was delighted by his frequent praise of Malcolm X, whose autobiography should be required reading in every school and university. I searched out that marvelous book several years ago and could hardly put it down as I watched a gifted man lift himself out of the slavery of drug addiction and criminality to the heights of wisdom and statesmanship.
It is telling that his views were profoundly altered after his journey to Mecca. Not to discount the spiritual significance, I would imagine that looking back from a foreign land he was finally able to see the US in all its ugliness, as he experienced what “brotherhood” really feels like, and shared counsel with other wise men of the world. In the end, the establishment could handle a ‘divisive’ Malcolm, but a ‘unifying’ Malcolm was much too dangerous for the status quo.
Thank you for writing this piece. You have nailed the issues beautifully.
“Barack Obama was not an outlier but the norm when it comes to the tokens who are paraded by Democrats to represent faux-progress and counterfeit diversity and Kamala Harris is the next in line”
A perfect summary.
Another way of looking at her is a Macron with a tinge of blackness.
Excellent article. Inclusion, yet people vote for exclusion and divisive politicians.
Wow! Incredible writing! My “awakening” has come late in life but I am now all in. Seriously this is some of the most powerful and articulate commentary I have ever come across. Outstanding job Teodrose!
I agree that Obama was a huge disappointment. I voted Green the second time he ran because I was so angry at his signing the NDAA which gave away the most important articles of our Constitution. And I’m leery of Harris, but the author didn’t point out any actual facts or deeds that make him think she is a Fox. She may well be, but she has said she is for Medicare for all, Green New Deal, upping the minimum wage, and making college affordable to young people as well as evening up the tax system. It may well be that she is just mouthing words, but I see nothing in this article that point out actions that would belie her words. Some solid facts please!
I think the most revealing bit of evidence of her “fox” status is the fact that the corporate media are beginning to spruik her credentials as a POTUS candidate (in the same way they spruiked Obama) and slagging the likes of Tulsi Gabbard who seems the most sane of those putting themselves forward.
Great insight we need new activist for the masses.Like Macolm today
Indeed, we must stop trying to “integrate” marginalized people (now the majority of Americans) into a system that promotes and protects itself by marginalizing others. Instead, we must creatively imagine what a society would look like that treats all people justly and set about building that, starting with a foundation of full and equal participation by all.
I enjoyed reading this piece and heard your convictions come through. Thank you for it. Though one criticism I have is that citing your own opinions and writings is not convincing. I suggest listing independent third party citations instead.
You speaketh the truth Carnal. We Chicanos have the same virus in our group, we call them “Vendidos and Veneno.”
It’s kind of awesome to see the new Black white alliances popping up and all outside the mainstream party structure, just the rise of pro second amendment Black gun clubs has got to have the reactionaries shaking in their boots, the natural alliance between these groups and libertarians it’s just so manifestly organic it leaves one to wonder why the hell hasn’t this happened before. Whatever the reasons and there are many collectively all of our fannies are in the fire and we had better hang together or we shall all most definitely hang separately.
I was inspired by your eloquent article. As I age, I see minimum differences between the Republican and Democratic parties. Both parties are puppets of corporations and white supremacy. I wish people of all faiths and ethnicity would come together and demand a government for the people, by the people, of the people. When you have a few processing the majority of wealth – there lies the problem.
So Trump wanting to help working class people of all colors get jobs, and trying to reform the prison system so dark skinned kids can get out of jail is your idea of racism? Or is it because he wants to keep hordes of brown skinned criminals, with their drugs and kidnapped women and children, out of our country?
I agree that most oligarchs are selfish and evil, but I also think many capitalists provide most of the jobs, and thus the standard of living, most ordinary people wouldn’t have a clue as to how to do. It’s easy to devalue something you’ve never done.
And I don’t believe in collectivism but I do believe in individual justice.
Hi Kathy, first off I agree with 95% of what you’re saying but I don’t think the author necessarily meant to single out trump, he certainly criticized Barack Obama not to mention the upcoming charlatan Ms. Harris quite a bit more and for good reason, that being said and just a quick disclaimer I think we all dodged a bullet when we missed out on Hillary Clinton becoming our next president but Donald Trump is still a reactionary creep with no discernible backbone.
If Trump wanted to seriously fight against inner city crime he would work to and the war on drugs and float a national conversation on ending welfare, affirmative action not to mention all of the other cartel like regulatory agencies that have completely gamed the US economy, let’s face it welfare kills and statistically Black families are now worse off now then pre-depression era families in terms of Family unity not to mention a prison industrial complex that would cease to exist if it were not for the steady stream of victims the criminal justice system feeds it.
Many people wanted to give Trump a chance and who knows maybe he will somehow be able to turn this thing around but judging from the Company he’s keeping I’m just not going to hold my breath.
As far as the wall goes, don’t you think it’s a little ironic trumps allowing of the neocons to Target Venezuela for regime change, it’s kind of like a self licking ice cream cone don’t you think? The more we interfere with Latin American economies as we try to grab their resources not to mention the drug war and the phony war on terrorism or communism take your pick, the more there will be an immigration problem while a wall maybe a very expensive Band-Aid we could put on that problem, ending the drug war and the intervention in Latin America would certainly do a lot more not to mention we would be creating opportunities for Americans abroad in that Latin America would not be the political and economic basket case that it is now and there would likely be many more job opportunities running in the opposite direction.
K.Mayes, What are you doing here at C.N.? An inquisitive person wouldn’t have the Uncle Tom: “thank you for the job, master”; “I know you are trying to help and make things better master” attitude and convictions. Watch out Kathy troll there’s a Russian speaking Mexican lurking in your neighborhood.
The common people that buy products are the true job creators.
Swallowing the idea that Trump cares about working and poor people is no more naive thanking Clinton, Obama, Harris, or Booker do.
But it’s no LESS naive.
Mr Fikre’s piece is as good as anything I can imagine in giving us a sane perspective. Trying to sell Trump as sincerely concerned with helping the have-nots and oppressed is absurd. He has no such intentions nor ideas about how to do so we’re he serious.
All these mainstream folks are trying to preserve a system that depends on blind faith: that some “Big Daddy” – in DC and/or in heaven – will reward you for your passivity and gullibility. Don’t try to sell that snake oil here, Ms Mayes.
It is great to hear an independent thinker. Also great to remember the next time I am tempted to support the “lesser evil” which is the main rational for keeping the public ruled by the rich con artist Corporate War profiteers and politicians.
Great Read! I could not agree with you more. For demographic purposes I am White, 71, Anarchist, and Rich enough. I hope to see the day we all truly come together.
its easy to talk about what others has done or not done. Im glad they did something..what have you done. Anybody can write about it..
Now you make a difference so they can write about you..Dr. King, Malculm X and other black leaders gave their lives for what they believe…will you do the same?
I would rather have Obama now then what we have.. we are always hating on each other. That is why we stayed Slaves for so lo g. RC…
Mr. Conrad,
Your attempt to invalidate some quite obvious points
failed miserably. You missed the point entirely which is owed to your obvious dependence upon maintaining the status quo lasting some 70 plus years. The notion of “hating on someone “ as to the great length/cause of the “peculiar institution “(slavery) is the invalidation sitting squarely upon your shoulder for your erring commentary. Prayers for your awakening! Salute!
Pure black racism and hatred toward whites and all they have shared.
You say that you don’t support Tepublicans but if it wasn’t for them we would not have the 13th, 14th or 15th amendment. The Democrats opposed all of them. Remember all blacks were Republicans. The party was created by blacks and white to fight to free the slaves. Not one Republican ever owned a slave. They got lynched by the Democratic Kkk just like we did. Trump has done more for the black community in two years then Obama did in his entire term. That races rhetoric they the Democrats feed blacks about him is a lie. Trump has been helping black folk since the 80s. All the rappers rapped about him and now all of a sudden he’s a racist? I’ll support a party that supported me any day. I could go on and on about the evil of the Demoncratic party, but I would be here all day. They are responsible for every injustice done to blacks.
” Trump has done more for the black community in two years then Obama did in his entire term.” A wee example could help, I can’t recall anything like that. My favorite quite of Donald Trump: “Black guys counting my money! I hate it. The only kind of people I want counting my money are short guys that wear yarmulkes every day. Those are the kind of people I want counting my money. No one else.”
You should look at the Department of Labor statistics instead of spouting urban myths and deep state propaganda. You’ve confused Trump with B. and H. Clinton who actually were racist with their black incarceration policies, her “black youth predators” comment, and her racist campaign slurs against Obama to name a few.
It must be nice to live in your delusional world where Republicans treat black and brown people better than Democrats. Perhaps you missed Fikre’s message – that both parties are awful and the Republicans are MORE awful. I think he’s pretty qualified to know that.
And your historic references leave out the fact that the racist Democrats, otherwise known as the Dixiecrats, all defected to the Republican Party after Democrats passed the civil rights laws. I believe it was Johnson who did that and then proclaimed that we’ve lost the South for a generation as a result. And sure enough, along comes Nixon and his “southern strategy” which was built on appealing to racist white people, something the Republican Party has been doing ever since. And that includes Trump, who attracts racists the way poop attracts flies.
As far as the jobs data you refer to, you leave out the fact that wages have stagnated for decades and continue to stagnate for the lower 90%, a fact that continues to harm black workers and white workers.
I guess you have been brainwashed just like all other Demoncrats. LB Johnson said “I’ll have the nights viting Democrat for 200 years”. You are sadly mistaken because I left three years ago after I woke up and right now there are two movements leaving the plantation of the Democratic Party. #walkaway and #Blexit (black exit) from the Democratic Party.
Malcolm didn’t walk away from nothing dummy . He was too embarrassed to return after he apologized to the Messenger for carrying out the way he did .
Everything he told you are what the Messenger of Allah Elijah Muhammad taught him to tell us . He didn’t do nothing the next one doesn’t do which is Restrictive Law of Islam (No lying, speak truth regardless of the circumstances). We don’t engage in politics and that is what the Messenger taught us including Malcolm.
Great points in your article here. I’m one that does not trust our political system as far as who is promoted, we all know that corporations and banks run this oligarchy that we mistakenly consider as a representative democracy. I do vote democrat, but don’t care much more for their establishment than republicans, so I call myself an independent. Speaking of Malcolm X though … I am a white male … and at 63 years old, I have been a fan of Malcolm X for decades. Why? … because when I listen to the man, I feel that what he says applies to the needs of all Americans today … all can learn something from him, especially the working classes like myself, regardless of him being a self proclaimed black nationalist. He is a favourite of mine, he gets straight to the point. – – “Politically Depressed” the Ranch Chimp Journal
Amen Thomas. Neither the Republicans or Democrats are for the working class. Republicans are for rich people and corporations. Democrats pretend to be for the working class – liars. I have been a Democrat all my life. I will no longer give Democrats my vote. The urban areas across the United States have continued to decay regardless of which party is in office. Many Americans are worried about Hispanics coming across the border. Have any of you noticed how many Indians and other Asians are replacing Americans in IT and Engineering industries?
Man, you are still brainwashed dude, It’s not about color it’s about money and power
You have read Malcom X, now go read about the Bank of International settlements.
THEY want US divided so we are not a threat. If you don’t wake up soon those in power
will replace you with a new color that is willing and able to settle for less. (see new abortion laws)
Us poor white people need you guys just as much as you need us. Stop listening to the MSM for once,
open you eyes, look for the (Human beings) who are suffering, try to find common ground so we can fight TOGETHER!
Those “ELITE” people always laughed at Trump, They HATE him and they have convinced you to HATE him too.
Think for yourself! let go of those preconceived ideas and notions. THEY fear us coming together THEY want us divided.
LOOK for yourself, THINK for yourself, stop letting the TV and internet think for you.
Or you could just go on hating whitey, but it doesn’t seemed to have worked after all these years has it?
Maybe you think the media shitting on white people is progress? No man it’s the same ol’ division tactics.
Divided we are WEAK only TOGETHER are we strong.
L:ove is wise hate is foolish.
Bob Marley understood this, why don’t you?
This was a wonderfully welcomed article, Mr. Fikre. Rarely is so much insight expressed in such a fashion as to both educate and enlighten – with truth that is unquestionable. Kamala Harris is indeed a “faux-progress[ive]” using “counterfeit diversity” to whatever extreme deemed necessary (announcing her candidacy on MLK Day, for example). Moreover, without a doubt, she is the (secretly) “chosen one” of the overall Establishment. From now, and through the Primaries, just watch as she is (somehow) promoted to the forefront over every other candidate. Few, of prominence, will question the hidden hand. But, an untold many will eventually wonder: “Was this a foregone conclusion before it even began, forced at any cost, as with Hillary Clinton?” What is needed now more than ever is the triumph of Truth to Power, unyielding to any Front. What we will be allowed to see, instead, will be more scripted, staged, and acted than ever presented before.
A simply beautiful piece. How deeply fortunate I feel to discover the Ghion Journal today.
Many thanks to CN for publishing the piece here, and of course to Teodrose for the powerful reflections.
Trying to convince Democrats that they are essentially the same as Republicans is like screaming at a wall. I try and try, but they don’t believe it, changing the subject every time I destroy their arguments. Thank you for writing a good piece on this.