BLACK TELEVISION NETWORK

By Erin M. Giddens

Finally an alternative to BET! J.C. Watts has recently announced that he will be launching BTNC(Black Television News Channel) in 2009, the nations only African American news network.It will be a 24/7 cable news network dedicated to providing news programming from an African American viewpoint.Whether you agree with J.C. Watt's political beliefs or not, you have to admit that this is a much needed step for the Black community. I hope this network will display the intelligence and creativity of our people and help destroy negative stereotypes. Yes America, Black folks can do more than rap,drop it like its hot, and catch a football.

As entertaining as BET has been for me growing up (hahaha), it has failed to inform our people on important social and political issues; over the past couple years it has really given into ignorance and mainstream, which is quite disappointing.80% of BET is music videos and shows geared towards the age group of 15-25, while older adults tune into TVOne.I would love to see BTNC create programs that inform the Black community on issues and events that we always hear about @ last minute (ex: Sean Bell case). It would also be great to see programs dedicated to every age group in order to be balanced and well rounded. If it was my network I would definitely encourage educational programs for children after morning news, talk shows geared towards teens and young adults(something like Teen Summit;that was when BET was good) in the noontime, and news in the afternoon for adults. Of course entertainment programs would only be a plus. Im really excited about this.Oh how I would love to intern for BTNC. :)

50 SHOTS??!

By Erin M. Giddens

50 shots? So it takes 50 shots to stop unarmed black men? I heard about the Sean Bell case from BET.com and 106th & Park;it made me sick to my stomach. A young black man is now dead because of the stupidity of 3 policemen. The most hurtful thing about this case is that justice was not served;the 3 officers were found not guilty. Issues like these need to make the front headlines of newspapers. Why are we always hearing about these injustices til after the fact? I believe in the justice system but when I hear about stories like this, it pains me.

I see clips of Al Sharpton stepping up and trying to speak on this issue. Although he is probably right on this case, no one outside the Black community will listen to him because of his past. He is known for being loud and radical (which seems to no longer get a response out of white people), rather than exposing the injustice affectively.Black leaders need to step up and address issues like these earlier;expose the injustice in a way where it will have an affect on the rest of [white] America.

What is it going to take for the government to do something about this?! We rarely,if not at all, hear about young black men going after police (if we did it would be all over the news), but through the grapevine we hear cases all the time where police try to use their power to justify
unnecessary actions against young Black men. Is it going to take the Black community to riot against the police in order for them to do something about this? I'm sure if there was a period where white police officers were being killed by young black men there would be an immedate response.

Now see, I believe in the law but I know when something is not right. This Sean Bell case is not right! I pray for his family,kids and fiance that he was getting ready to marry the next day.Black Republicans want a way to reach our communities? Here it is! There are no if's, ands, or buts about it, this young man was brutally murdered and the 3 officers that are responsible did not receive the rightful punishment.We need real leaders speaking on this issue! Stand up and take a voice because Black people are not going to take this any longer. The law should be protecting our communities as well; there was no reason for this to happen.Rest In Peace Sean Bell.

ILLEGAL,ILLEGAL,ILLEGAL.

By Erin M. Giddens

Am I the only one that has been shocked by how much America,more so Liberals, caters to illegals? In the 2008 Presidential Election, Illegal immigration is one of the biggest issues that the President will have to deal with. The American people, from both parties, have strongly stated that this is something that needs a "sooner but later" solution. Of course, Democrats and Republicans have different plans but as long as they are addressing it gives us Americans some hope.My take on the issue is that there should be some MAJOR restrictions on how illegals can come over to America. I'm all for people of other countries coming to America to make a better life for themselves && their families,BUT I do not agree with the ILLEGAL way its been going down. I have family friends who came here the PROPER && respectable way and they are now American citizens. They went threw the process and have now assimilated to American ways, without throwing away their heritage. Its not fair to them and others like them if we just let people come over here without rules and regulations. I believe that illegals that have been staying in America for 5 + years but have yet to take the right steps to become a citizen have no intentions of becoming one. When one is over here for 10+ years and still cant speak English that says a lot about their motives. It looks to me that they just want the American benefits without becoming citizens. Not only is that disrespectful, but its not fair to the tax paying citizens!!Why are we giving free healthcare to people who dont belong to us? They are plenty of Americans who should be receiving that healthcare && many other benefits that we toss to illegals.I dont want to see my tax money going to illegals when we should be focusing on our own people first.

Living in San Diego I've seen Mexican Americans as well as Mexican illegals riot and burn the American flag as if its OUR fault their country is so corrupt. I'm not picking on Mexicans, this is just an example of what I've experienced in my own backyard(directly && indirectly). && the fact that some of the illegals believe that WE owe THEM something just cooks my grits(LoL). Why are we being blamed for their country's problems? Everyone says we should mind our own business when it comes to the War in Iraq, but when it comes to illegal immigrantion we should just help everybody right? How does that make sense? Allowing illegals to come over here the same way they have for the past 10+ years opens doors for terrorism and other things that can harm the U.S. and its rightful CITIZENS. Its way too easy for illegals to come across the border, I have lived 10-15 minutes away from the border my WHOLE LIFE && have seen the affects it has had on the communities around me. Crime is a major issue,crap happens all the time && of course it goes unsolved because suspects will just flee across the border && we have no record of them.Too many stories of kidnappings..murders..gang violence.etc.They also take jobs that belong to American citizens..and the list goes ooon.Maybe this is such a big issue for me because I've experienced the effects illegal immigration has had on my community and others around me. If we dont do something about it SOON it will only get worse and all of San Diego and other cities that have felt the most affect from it will be saying "I told ya so."

Samsphere Chicago '08

A few bloggers from the "Samsphere" conservative blogger's conference

I had the real honor last weekend to be invited to the inaugural Samspshere conservative blogger's conference in Chicago. Conservative blogger's from Maine to Washington state - and from everywhere in between - met to make new friendships, share experiences, and share ideas to utilize the Blogosphere's enormous potential to affect real change in the political arena. We even had a few "celebrity" bloggers like Eric Erickson from redstate.com attend and give us their wisdom.

Redstate.com founder Erick Erickson

The conference was sponsored by the Sam Adams Alliance, a Chicago based Libertarian leaning 501c3, that was formed in 2006 to "hold politicians and bureaucrats accountable without trying to take their place."

From the organization's website:

"America needs a political network that stands outside of the partisan struggle for power; a network of effective leaders and citizen watchdogs who can The Sam Adams Alliance was formed to connect and support these citizen leaders across the country."

WSJ Columnist John Fund

On Friday night, we were treated to an insightful keynote address from Wall Street Journal columnist and author John Fund. The single most important nugget that I took from Mr. Fund's speech was his candid admission that blogger's are journalists. He also reminded us not to hold our breaths waiting for respect from the mainstream print media. "They're in a dying medium and they're just trying to survive."

The rest of the weekend was devoted to breakout sessions discussing tools and ideas we can use to counteract the mainstream media's biases, and the influence of the left side of the blogosphere. So far, the left has been much more effective in using the blogosphere to get there message disseminated, but with conferences like these - and with the support of the Sam Adams Alliance - the left should start looking in their rear view mirrors.

Please click here to see my conference pictures.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

By Erin M. Giddens


I can count on ONE hand how many YOUNG, BLACK REPUBLICANS I've met in my lifetime.I find that very disappointing. I believe that there has been failure in Conservatives reaching the Black community. It seems as though we need to do a better job with communicating with the younger generation since we will be the future leaders. There are MANY ignorant misconceptions to being a Black Conservative with some thanks to the media.Sources like BET discriminate against Blacks who clearly have different political and social opinions. Also hip hop music is in much support of government help,as we hear in many songs that promote the same ole "The [white]MAN is holding us back" theme that is just soooo overly used.I'm proud of the fact that I dont think the same way as 90% of Black America; many can tell I am not one of "them" by just observing me. However, what can WE do to help spread the message of Conservatism to the younger black folks?


Of course it is NOT entirely the media's fault for how MOST of the Black community views Black Republicans and/or Conservatives. However, when am I going to hear a mainstream song where they are encouraging SELF-HELP rather than relying on the government? We, Black Republicans, NEED to start reaching out to younger, black voters..the time is NOW. We can use the excuse that they do not respond to us but most of the time it is because they THINk we can not relate to them. Because of the many misconceptions we are stereoyped @ as people who only want to help the "other man" or labeled as stuck up. Older Conservatives somewhat frown upon the new fades and styles of the new generation. However, that is the best way to reach them. Personally, I dont believe tattoos, piercings, and/or having the "hip hop" style determines whether someone is Conservative or not. I am aware that some can go a bit overboard with the new fades && styles,but as long as they keep themselves presentable and approachable then I see nothing wrong with it. If we want to reach the black youth we have to understand our message would best be sent through their interests: fashion, music, sports..etc.


There's plenty of young, black Republican voters like myself that have been faced with the same obstacles as most black people;we've been pulled over because of DWB, followed in stores, and stereotyped. We listen to the same music, wear the same clothing, etc.Personally I enjoy hip hop artists like Talib Kweli, Common, and Mos Def;I may not always agree with their statements but @ least they are saying more than "Girl shake that a$$." I also enjoy fashion..being in style always makes me feel good. Of course I do not dress inappropiate but you wont find me in a sweater and skirt down to my ankles. Instead of coming with them like we are too professional && too sidity, we need to come at them in a way we know will reach them. They are unaware that we speak "their" language and have more in common than just the color of our skin.Were "down with the struggle" too, we just have a different way of facing and handling the so called "struggle." This is something that I've observed over the years being young, black, && Conservative (which seems twice as hard sometimes.lol.)


Personally, its an issue because I am around black college students everyday and being Republican equals "white-washed". I plan on having the same influence that Jay-Z and P.Diddy have over the Black community except I am going to be a Political/Social leader. We need more young people standing up and trying to get our message out.The time for change is NOW( && I'm NOT talking about that Obama type change), because America is in for a RUDE AWAKENING!! =0

Is America Ready For a BLACK President?

** I know the photo is a little irrelevent but this is one of my favorite photos.
By Erin M. Giddens

Is America ready for a BLACK President?
I know this is an old issue but I have just now found the time to address it.
Personally, I believe that is an ignorant question and I can't stand when people have the nerve to ask that.
It really sounds like they are implying that Black people are incapable of holding the Presidential spot.
It boggles my mind that even BLACK people would question that.

Are we not Americans?
Did we not [help] build this country?

I believe the REAL question is if WHITE liberals are going to accept a Black President.
Obviously many of 'THEM' appear willing since Barack Obama is head 2 head with Hiliary Clinton.
HOWEVER,politics is a GAME;they may not like him and many Liberals probably HATE the fact that he is black, but they will stand behind Barack Hussein Obama as long as they WIN.
Many Blacks,[or African Americans if you're soooo politically correct], have proven ourselves not only to be just as good, but BETTER than the White person we so often have to compete against.We also attend the finest schools,receive high-respected jobs, && make millions of dollars.

So what's the problem?
I'm really just looking for an intelligent response..
So MY question is: Why wouldn't America be ready for a BLACK President?

A New Look for Black People

By Erin M. Giddens

William Jelani Cobb wrote an interesting article on why BLACK folks should take a look @ voting for McCain.Even though I am NOT the biggest fan of McCain, I found it enlightening. Cobb believes that the Democratic party is taking advantage of the BLACK vote. Democrats KNOW that they can mistreat the interests of black people && still get their votes because about 95% of Black people in America are Democrats(I really don't understand why,tradition I guess).

I really believe Black people are going to start looking towards the Republican party.We, as a people, have been voting Democrat for WAY too long && STILL have not seen progress.We are still complaining!! Why not try something new? In the article it says "Carter G. Woodson once remarked that any race that consistently gives its vote to one political party is asking to be taken advantage of." Black folks are still hollering for their 40 acres and a mule.How about getting on "ya grind" && getting it yourself?

We complain that the Republicans will not do anything for us but the truth is, politics is nothing but a GAME. Politicians are going to "take care" of the people that vote for them; why would Republicans put the black community first on their priority list when we won't even vote for them? Then again, the majority of Blacks vote Democrat and we yet we still fail to see drastic change;for the past 50+ years we have been placing our faith in people that have not done ANYTHING for us.Of course I do not believe we should be voting for "A Savior".We should NEVER rely on the government to help "US".Liberals LOVE keeping the "minorities" under their wing.Black people THINK they are trying to HELP us, but white Democrats are some of thee biggest RACISTS.They believe Black people are unable to rise up for themselves.The more you let the government aide you, the more they will try to control you.NOTHING in this country is free.

......7, 8, 9, 10. Your Out! Clinton Close to Nomination Knockout?

The above video is a great visual demonstration of the current woes of the Clinton Campaign. The American flags falling down behind her after her session with reporters, is symbolic of her sputtering campaign; a campaign that is experiencing an almost daily mutiny of African American super delegates to the Obama camp.

Clinton remarked that the reason the flags fell was due to the "bases not being weighted enough." How Ironic! Kind of similar to what is happening to your campaign Senator.

40 years later and aint a damn thing changed!

By: Dominique Huff

It’s 2008 and this year, we will be remembering the 40th anniversary in which an assassin’s bullet claimed the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Each January, we always enjoy that day off from work with pay or a free day from classes.


When I drive on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Atlanta and any other major city I am not impressed with what I see. What do I see? I see niggers (yes, I said it—that’s what those people are) hanging out on street corners, trash thrown everywhere, business erosion, bad government schools, lack of representation on the city council, county commission and state level, lack of community pride and respect.


Is this what Dr. King took those damn bullets for back in 1968?


To see black people with no sense of decency or standards on a street named in his honor. It’s more funny to me that Atlanta has had several years of do nothing black mayoral leadership. The same blacks that cry and constantly remind us about the civil rights struggle but yet do nothing to uplift and repair our broken communities. The black community does not need another governmental program or any more government funding. What we need is for someone to finally start speaking and telling the truth. We need for some tough love and to cut the bullshitting. We need to stop worshiping the losers, having children out of wedlock in fatherless homes and start snitching. Many people mourned the death of the two officers in Dekalb County but yet nearly someone dies everyday in Dekalb County. Where is the mourning for them? Where is the 100 police officer search party seeking out their killers? Dekalb County police like Atlanta police and city government are not interested because we as citizens are not interested. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson should not have to come and rally for you to stand up and say something. A white racist liberal should not have to get you agitated for shits and giggles.


Yet, what I am saying is probably being labled as harsh, insensitive and cruel. Well, it has to be said. We live in an information society where information is at our fingertips via the World Wide Web. We have cellular phones with text messaging capabilities, an abundance of places to get our news from. Bottom line, there is no excuse for not being informed and in the know. We live in a country where you can be anything that you want to be.


However, this is a country where you can be your own stumbling block. We always make excuses about “I can’t”, “It’s hard”, “Life is tough”, well make it happen. We can pool money together to get someone out of the Fulton County Jail but don’t want to finance a legitimate business venture; we can have the latest fashions, get our hands and feet done (ladies) but still have shit being cut off because we already three months behind. We can make a way to get to the club, probate show, a booty call and other frivolous stuff but we can’t do that for our job or business contacts. We have black books full of people who we dated or fucked but only one or two professional contacts. We can and must do better.


Back in the day, Dr. King and the other unsung heroes stood up and suffered so we can have it easier today. We are able to live anywhere we want to, attend any college we want to and seek out employment anywhere we please. But yet, many of us do not take advantage of these opportunities. It’s much easier to blame the system and collect a government check. It is also easier to go to jail and eat that good ass pasta on Wednesday nights at Fulton County Jail. Speaking of that, why do so many niggers know about meal selection at the county jail? These same folks can tell you about all the city and county ordinance violations—from fines and sentencing and even know all of the judges at the courthouse by name but yet won’t use this street legal education and become a lawyer to help bring about the changes that we need to see.


What can we do?


What is my solutions and remedies? Here we goLadies, please stop thinking your vaginal cavity is the “be all, end all” when it comes to men. This “I want a solider” attitude and mentality is the reason why you are so damn angry. Comb your hair, put on a bra and a pair of panties and be a lady. You want respect; well you must give it and look the part. You are not as independent and strong as you think you are. Especially, when you are cashing government and child support checks. These same ladies who always cry about wanting a leader but won’t let a real man run your house. And, this comes from the same ladies who are in church each and every Sunday. Get your “girls” out of your decisions and live your life for you. Try to stimulate a man with your mind and conversation not just your body. We like it when you sit there and look pretty but we want some substance also. Get out of settling just for a baby daddy and get a loving husband.


Fellas, for starters lets have more than tims, jerseys and baggy jeans in our wardrobes. Every man needs at least one good suit and several nice shirts and khakis. Acting like a nigger only attracts ghetto bitches not a real woman. Fronting like you are from the hood when you are from suburbia aint cool either. We are the leaders of our homes and families and we need to start acting like it. Our women and children are relying on us to provide courage, strength and leadership during turbulent times. We need to pick out our dates and future wives better. Relationships are supposed to be filled with drama. Don’t be afraid to take risks that could better your professional career.


As April 2008 approaches, how will you proceed? The baton has been handed to us and soon we will pass it on to our children. Let’s make progress this year as we remember MLK rather sitting back making the usual tired excuses and watching tired black politicians sit back and drop crocodile tears during the ceremonies.

"Talk to Me" about black talk radio

By: Dominique Huff

Why is talk radio so boring these days?

Well, things did not used to be this way.

The great, late Ralph Waldo "Petey" Greene actually set the standard that very few hosts tried to meet. He is entertaining, thought provoking, and most importantly says what needs to be said.Many talkers fall into the usual categories-political pundits, anti black male-pro black woman, and non-stop Washington gossip. The stereotype for typical hosts is true; overweight, face truly made for radio, whiny, and just plain boring.

When one watches "Talk to Me," Greene tells his listeners he is just like them; a regular person. Armed with an eighth grade education and a PhD from the streets; he battled with anyone. In fact, his knowledge is probably more superior to these losers who race to be out of school in four years. As the rap group Arrested Development said in the 1990's, some of you all go to school for four years and still come out confused. Talk show hosts are supposed to inform while entertaining at the same time.

They are supposed to add something to the conversation and provide you with material that is thought provoking. This material should be so compelling that it should make for good lunchtime or water cooler conversation. When was the last time anybody on WSB or WAOK made you do that? It seems like either these people are either muzzled or simply afraid to talk a position that would be deemed controversial.

Greene had the benefit of a program director, Dewey Hughes, who took a chance and put him behind the microphone. Most program directors today wouldn't dare do such a thing. Like print media, it's easier to just pick between syndicated materials and call it a day. The irony comes in when the program director and station management wonder why the station is failing in the ratings.

When it comes to black talk radio, 99 percent of these hosts cannot even come near the effect of Greene. Unlike Greene, these hosts whine, fill their shows with a bunch of guests, take an overload of calls and do not offer their take on the matter. One host, Warren Ballentine goes, as far to say the callers are the stars of his show. Mind you, the show is called "The Warren Ballentine show" not "Warren and the Callers show."For that same reason is why many think blacks cannot do talk radio.

Just listen to any of these shows and it all the same---George W. Bush this; white folks this; poor me; and so on. Who wants to listen to people whine all day? Better yet, who wants to listen to an overgrown man whine all day? "Talk to Me" is necessary see for those who like talk radio or desire to work in this industry. All aspects of media are in turmoil now but with the right people with vision, foresight and possess an ability to think, things can turnaround. Greene and Hughes saved a struggling radio station by thinking outside of the box.

This movie also sends a call to action for all talk show hosts to say what needs to be said and more importantly, put the listener first again. What a concept! A talk show host with an opinion, their own material, and entertaining. No talking points, abundance of calls or irrelevant guests needed. Greene and Hughes did it so it can be done again. The time has come for us to face the reality of the failure we call talk radio and pay attention to Ralph Waldo "Petey" Greene, a real PhD.

I encourage everyone to rent the movie "Talk to Me" from your local video stores and lets save black talk radio. Of course, you can check out yours truly on the Exceptional Radio Network every Tuesday and Thursday night at 8pm EST on http://www.exceptionalradio.com/.