Regarding The Tom Joyner Morning Show
There is no way to put into words the love and respect that Tom Joyner and I have for each other, or the love affair that I've had with TJMS listeners for almost 12 years now.
Due to the overwhelming amount of phone calls and emails I have received from listeners and other media, I wanted to briefly clarify a few issues that I will address more fully in my regular TJMS commentary on Tuesday morning, April 15, at 8:20 a.m. ET.
I did not "quit" the Tom Joyner Morning Show effective immediately. In July I will celebrate my 12th anniversary with the show, and as I discussed with Tom, it is my intention to take on the issues of the day in my commentary twice every week with the same energy, passion and commitment until the end of June.
Contrary to what has been suggested, I have decided to clear some things off my plate so that I can devote my time and attention to some exciting and empowering projects that The Smiley Group, Inc. and other divisions of my company have underway this summer, this fall and beyond.
I look forward to continuing the dialogue on Tuesday and in the coming months.
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I listen to TJMS most everyday and Tavis and Al Sharpton are a big part of the reason why,and early on I could tell Tavis was a Clinton supporter ,his commentary is sponsored by Wal-Mart ,I cool with that , l just happen to back Obama. A lot of blacks with clout talk about support your own and when we get a chance .... they turn, but like I said "l just happen to back Obama" and if it takes my vote to get him in the White House, Michelle can start ordering the drapes.
I watched some of the symposium and one of my favorite people, Dick Gregory, got up and gave some pretty heated rhetoric. I can just imagine what FOX News and the Clinton campaign would have done if Obama showed up. We'd see Dick Gregory's comments edited so that they sounded super negative. We'd see a picture of Obama listening to him and then we'd get Sean Hannity and Bill O'Reilly playing the loop over and over again lambasting Obama for being a part of that scene. Pretty soon Hillary would be asking Obama to denounce Gregory and Wolfson and Bill Clinton would be on the phone to all the superdelegates telling them that Obama is damaged goods and can't win the election.
Obama has been walking a fine line. He hasn't denied his identification as an African American nor has he denounced his Pastor. He's been courageous in the face of the Clinton camp trying to paint him as only a black candidate. He's been working to make sure that he speaks on behalf of all the people he wants to lead including Whites, Hispanics, Blacks, Jews, Asians, and Arabs. This is not an easy balancing act in a racially charged society such as ours but Obama has been doing a good job.
I think Tavis should acknowledge this fact and start cutting the man some slack.
Tavis is balancing a few things too. How do you serve and love a people who disparage you for seeking out strong communities? Does Obama need to acknowledge that?
Tavis is a grown a** man. He should do what he needs to do to find his balance.
Why should Tavis have to acknowledge the fact that Obama is straddling the fence? For that matter, why should Tavis not call Obama to the carpet for straddling the fence?
Do you think Sean Hannity or Bill O'Reilly need a reason to point out the fact that Obama is black? Do you even believe they needed Pastor Wright's video clip to scare white people? Have you read the blogs where they think Obama is a Muslim (even though Wright was in a United Church of Christ church?), separatist who is going to support jihad in W.H.? Did these people need any facts to support their fears?
How could Obama refuse his blackness in a race for the White House? His skin complexion announces that reality before he truly ever speaks. Why should the SOBU agenda take a sideline for another black first?
Genna,
If you are an example of T. Smiley's enlightened and supportive base...I hope this guy doesn't get another minute on air.
Genna,
Word don't come to express the pain of your words. I hope one day we as Blacks will stop bringing each other down when we are hurt and disappointed by not feeling heard. I hope that we can look at the bigger picture and unite and lift each other up. I hope we won't have to straddle any more fences or prove our Blackness to each other. I pray that God will soften our hearts toward each other and we can love unconditionally no matter our candidate choices, our party affiliations or our backgrounds.
Charles Drew is not great because he invented blood plasma for Black people, nor did he choose a black forum to announce his discovery. Oprah Winfrey does not have the most popular talk show on the air because it is a talk show directed toward Black people only. Garrett Morgan did not invent the traffic light for Black people. And Barack Obama is not running for the presidency of Black people. So why should the SOBU have any place in his candidacy? What previous presidential candidate was demonized for not attending a State of the Black Union forum? Did the Pope chastise Kennedy for not making the Catholic Church a vital part of his candidacy? Did the Skull and Bones Fraternity hate on Bush or Kerry for not making that organization a part of their candidacies? Just the fact that he wants to reverse some of the injustices in the government says he will not neglect the interest of blacks as well as Latinos as well as anyone who is disproportionately oppressed by the injustices of this government. So Tavis, you have made your point. You don't like Obama. We have heard you loud and clear. You can, by the very act of shutting up now, contribute to the presidency of someone who is going to bring about real change in this country for the first time since JFK. Forget for the moment that Obama is Black, just focus on the fact that he is awesome, and you'll do fine.
The problem with what you've said is that barack isn't running for civil rights leader or president of black America, he's running for POTUS. That means he addresses the issues of every american. The problem with the state of black america forum is that basically, it's a dog and pony show sponsored by corporate america to show their diversity chops. It does not create any changes not to talk of lasting changes. Forums like that maintain the status quo. Same ole hussle with a different cast. Barack obama is for real change. He has worked with people who are disenfrancised and a large proportion of them happen to be blacks. He's seen the root causes of the issues and that's what he's willing to address.
I support affirmative action in the short term, but it's not sustainable for the long-term. Barack understands this and is willing to prep black america to be competitive by providing the same first class education that white suburbia kids recieve to kids in the inner cities, barrios and rural america. Those are real transformative changes. Enough of these dog and pony shows that are nothing mre than scams and hussles
Jazzman,
I am a white middle class white lady the same age as Hillary and I watch the SOBU and enjoy it so much. I raised four wonderful adopted Black children and they are fine young adults now in their 30's. I am so proud of them and do my best to be a good fair minded person... Why can't we rejoice in our country and the fine man that Barack Obama is and just be happy that this man wants to be our president. I am so dissapointed in Tavis and not just because of color... It is his ego about this that disturbs me... you certainly came up with some good points. Who doesn't enjoy the honest approach that Dick Gregory can gie but again I can see that loop being played and you know it. THis is not just a black issue... this is an American issue and it would hae been used against Barack... !!
We can, we must, We will ... sorry for Tavis that he is willing to let this become bigger then just him.
Refusal to assimilate guarantees bias. Just be an American, Dude. It's time.
Amen. Time to address the problems of all disenfranchised citizens.
What does this have to do with this article?
Thank you for your post Tavis.
I appreciate and will contiue to enjoy your fine work.
OC
Bye Travis...I'm sure Clinton has a spot for you on the Titanic.
Amen!
If you're going to insult someone you should at the very least get their name right, knuckleheadguy.
For too long the African American community has been saddled with "leaders" not of their own choosing. For years individuals were given the title of "black leader" while doing very little leading and with very little following from the community. Now, when it's necessary for them to demonstrate their power and influence over the community, no one follows. These leaders are no more powerful than the Wizard of Oz. Tavis had no power or influence in our community. Never had and never will.
Not everyone is power mad.Tavis Smiley is one of the nicest,warmest,most respected African American in this country.I never miss his evening show on PBS,He always has enteresting guests and is incredibly honest and kind.These are the character traits that I,and millions of other American citizens value in a television host.Tavis is An American Citizen,and as such has the right to his own opinions and choices.I,for one respect that right.Your comments are racist and disgusting.Not everyone will"use their power and influence over the community", for selfish reasons.That is not who Tavis Smiley is.Looking forward to many,many more years of the Tavis Smiley Show.
I agree with Cincigal but for the racist part.
Where is the racism.
I think AAs have been saddled with self appointed leaders who don't look out for the entire community. Tavis isn't one of them. In fact, he has made it his business to showcase the entire diverse group of black leaders.
Tavis is seeing that his efforts are not appreciated. I hope the hate he is experiencing now leads him to protect himself and his family. In order to be truly free to say what he wants, he is going to have to make sure he takes care of home first.
Remember Coretta Scott chose to stand with her husband in face of all the threats. Give your family a heads up so you can stay strong too. Now you too see that going against the herd will cause a similar backlash.
Cincigal,
The girls are out for old Tavis...Tavis is a mediocre talent, but with few blacks on television with their own show, he pulls a large black audience. He has guests, but he doesn't demonstrate any intellectual rigor. I find him a real bore...but cincigal and genna have his back...
I sure hope you plan to explain why Michelle Obama wasn't 'good enough'. I'm sure Bill Clinton would have been deemed a 'suitable' replacement if the tables were turned. Not good enough? That was the last straw, for me. I wish you well in your other work - hopefully you're not joining the FoxNews ObamaHate team. What else is there for the pro-Hillary, pro-McCain crowd?
Since you (Denni) seem to be such an authority on all things wonderful and good -- I'd like to know where/what group(s) are Hillary-Love team(s), and I'll join them! Go, Hillary!
NO ONE CAN SAY ANYTHING NEGATIVE ABOUT OBAMA, OR THERE VILLANIZED. OBAMA, WHO DID NOTHING FOR THE BLACKS IN AMERICA EXCEPT USE THEM, HAS TOTAL RESPECT OF THE BLACKS. WHAT A SORRY STATE THIS IS. CLINTON, THAT DID MORE FOR MINORITIES, THEY HATE. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE.
Please tell me what Bill Clinton did for Blacks, other than imitate their music and create jobs for all americans. I would really like to know. Obama did work for everyone...not just blacks - its about time you and your like recognize this.
As I recall, Obama turned down high paying jobs from top law firms as one gets when you are at the top of Harvard Law School. Worked as community organizer in the poorest parts of town and as aa Lawyer mainly worked on only civil /employee rights cases.....
Hillary after Law School ( "C" average, failed the Bar first time) worked ion business cases, was on Wal-Marts Board... nothing wrong with any of that... but then you are the one saying Obama has done nothing for the poor or Blacks... Of course he is almost 20 years younger than HRC.. so he should have shorter resume....
Regards...
I will vote for Obama in my state primary and if he's the nominee, in the general election. But, even I dont agree with him skipping the State of the Black Union. For whatever reasons, he has distanced himself from these kinds of issues but to be realistic. Racial issues are valid domestic policy issues and he needs to be aware that he can't have credibility on foreign policy if he doesn't tackle the tough domestic racial inequalities that still exist. He can only move so far from the very civil rights arena that gave him his prominence. I was disappointed that he did not attend the Smiley forum because the forum has done a great deal for not only African Americans but all racial groups.
VINCIE, I DO SO VERY MUCH agree with you....and yet we wonder why we are where we are, when our condition is in so many ways the consequence of our decisions and actions.
Blacks are the most "desperate" group on the American horizon, and this desperation leads to blindness and wishing thinking....in the process burning the bridges we've crossed, that have served us well, and that we may very well need to cross back over.
I am not running for POTUS, so I need not censure my words.
I am old enough to know that you are so wrong Vincie.. Name what the Clintons have done and I will come back with what Obama has done.
I'd like to advise all my fellow Obama supporters to stop engaging with Hillary supporters. They don't get the Obama campaign. Perhaps they don't understand how well linked this campaign is to straight-up community organizing. Or how empowering it can be. Or how it has the potential to fundamentally change the status quo. Whatever it is, by now it is clear that the folks who comment on this and other blogs are not going to change their minds about it.
Instead, let's use the energy to volunteer for the campaign. Let's always speak of Senator Clinton with respect even in times like now, when she has decided to attack Senator Obama for saying something that is true. She is trying to win with her own style.
Let's spend the energy on McCain. I think he is the real concern at this point.
Thank you. That is what I have been saying for a while.
Also, how are we so sure that people who say they are Hillary supporters are actually supporting Hillary? Same for Obama supporters.
People are trolling the boards looking to further stir things up. And many Dems on both sides are falling for it, hook line and sinker.
Papasalas,
I am so glad that I continued to scroll down and got to read your post. I have never thought about it before. I always had a nasty come back for Hillary supporters. You are right,they have the right to support and say good things about their candidate. I will never seek to hurt or disrespect Hillary or her supporters again.
Thanks for the post Papasalas!!
Denni - for God's sake - Smiley invited the candidates to address the group, not their wives. It is not that "she is not good enough", as you say. It is because she is not running for president. Did any other candidate's wife show up? How you can possibly speculate that Bill Clinton would have been acceptable and then be angry at the results of your own speculation is beyond me.
Er, I wish you'd reconsider the statement you just made. Seriously. BTW, to those below, read something every once in a while, will ya'!?!??!
http://blogs.suntimes.com/mitchell/2008/02/sen_barack_obamas_letter_to_ta_1.html
http://essence.typepad.com/news/2008/02/tavis-says-no-t.html
Smiley being the brilliant man he is suppose to be should have had enough sense to realize what Obama was up against, he is an unknown unlike Clinton and needed to make use of his time getting people to know him. That alone should have given Travis a hint as to how important is was for Obama to be at his scheduled events. If Tavis was so hurt, why did he not reschedule his event around Obama's campaign schedule? Because he wanted Hillary to seem as if she is the one for black people, that's why and he wanted it to appear that Obama doesn't care about the people in Louisania. He had his motives and that is why people began to turn away from Tavis.
Obama was busy Presto.. you got that! Why is it that AA have to come to every black event. Darn!!
I for one am glad to see Tavis go. His 15 minutes of fame have lasted far too long. His "blacker-than-thou" attitude and lack of respect for people who don't agree with him are tiring. Thank goodness Tom is sucking the poison called "Tavis" from his show. I say bring on Roland Martin.....
Dam right! Roland is that beast! He speaks the truth and is not going to sit back and watch while others fabricate and lie on issues. I love that Roland Martin; have since the first time reading his writing. CNN adding him to their show is one of the best things they've done in a long time. Now they need to remove that jackass bigot, Lou Dobbs, and replace him with Roland Martin.
And PBS needs to suck their poison out too by shoving Tavis' ass under the rug.
Love the show Tavis, please keep up your good work.
This shows you how voracious Obama's supporters are. You'd better support their guy or else.
It's scary to me...
shut up.
-a voracious Obama supporter
Really, that scares you, after almost 8 years of Bush crime, this scares you, well you scare me.
Precisely AFTER 8 years of Bushmania, one SHOULD be scared of ANY other mania that is not based on logic, rationale, and facts....but just on "I believe" and "feel good!"
Yes the groupthink pack mentality is ALWAYS scary.
Better America
Not asking for people to support Obama...but we are telling Tavis he ought to be prepared to GET as good as he can give. It is his people who seem astounded that folks jump back at you when you get in their face.
So, loyalty voting doesn't scare you. I find it repulsive that people who loved Bill are required to transfer love and loyalty to his wife, or be attacked as traitors or "Judas." The presidency is non-transferable, support and loyalty are also non-transferable.
This is for all the people out there who haven't heard Tavis's bi-weekly tirades against Obama, but feel they must defend him because he implicitly supports HRC.
Now black folk don't have a problem with Mr. Smiley criticizing Obama sometimes. But when the brotha dedicates more time hating on Obama than he does on all Republicans collectively, he's gonna get compaints. This man NEVER criticizes HRC, only flacidly condemned Bill for his SC antics, and finds any opportunity to swipe at Obama. Ninety percent of Tavis's audience is at least sympathetic to Obama, so Tavis pissed off the majority of his listeners.
Now it's a free country, and Tavis is entitled to his opinions. But he needs to find an audience that's receptive to his ideas. Perhaps the Clintons can set him up with either the Hallmark or Lifetime networks.
PRECISELY!
Funny...The only Black commentator that back's Hillary is being vilified by the Black's.
Forgot, I'm an Obama supporter!
Tavis is one of the classiest acts out there. I miss him from my local NPR station. I wish there were more people like him speaking on the radio so that more bridges between all of us would be created. If you want to learn more...find Tavis on the Net, the Radio, T.V., etc. Learn to be united. As a typical white guy, he speaks to me darn loud and clear.
Tavis was excellent on NPR, especially his commentary with Connie Rice.
vos he speaks to me loud and clear... a gift from one supporter to another
www.tavistalks.com use that to find the info. good luck
I disagree. Travis is an undereducated black man who thinks that he can decide who is allowed to run for president and who is not.
As if "higher education" is a measure of ones worth, let alone intellect. Give me a break you arrogant slag.
Anybody who doesn't speak to his momma for 2 years because she made him forfeit being Class President because his grades were slipping (normal parental behavior;I'm sure he was warned) -and still lived under her roof and eating her food-I just gotta wonder about 'em. Can't take the heat? Can't take the hate? Sounds like Smiley got clotheslined by being in the minority on Obama (no pun intended)...
Tavis, I like you, but I really don't care if Obama comes on your show. The country and constitution are under attack. The economy is falling apart. The treasury has been raided by Bush's "have mores". Torture is our new pastime. The VP wants to nuke anyone that doesn't look like him. Halliburton and Blackwater are auditioning to put U.S. citizens in prison camps. These issues are here. They are bigger than black issues, gay issues or feminist issues. They aren't going away. Get used to them.
Tavis, you should be joining Obama's show to help save our country.
"I'm aware of the press reports about what (Bill Maher) said. I have not seen the actual transcript of the show itself. But assuming the press reports are right, it's a terrible thing to say, and it's unfortunate. And that's why—there was an earlier question about has the President said anything to people in his own party—they're reminders to all Americans that they need to watch what they say, watch what they do. This is not a time for remarks like that; there never is."
Press Secretary Ari Fleischer
WATCH WHAT YOU SAY, MR. SMILEY.
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