The “assassination card”

By |

Bill and Hillary Clinton have been widely criticized for playing the “race card” in their relentless campaign to recapture the White House. And now they’ve ignited a media firestorm by playing the “assassination card.” On Washington Week, reporter Karen Tumulty said this isn’t the first time they’ve played it; and on the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, columnist Mark Shields said it was “absolutely reckless.”(1,2)
“We have seen an x-ray of a very dark soul,” wrote Michael Goodwin, a New York Daily News columnist. “One consumed by raw ambition to where the possible assassination of an opponent is something to ponder in a strategic way. Otherwise, why is murder on her mind?”(3)
Per an international Reuters report this is what she initially said:
“SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota. Continue Reading

The Speech

By |

I see in Barack Obama the potential and possibility of transformative leadership. When I listen to Barack Obama speak, I feel hopeful. Maybe we can renew our nation. Perhaps we can recommit ourselves to the noble values and grand purpose of America. He reminds me of the best energy of the 60s. Continue Reading

Many worlds

By |

I grew up as a man in white America. I had an unconscious assumption that everyone experienced life and saw the world as I did. Bettye taught me that there are many worlds—that each of us has a unique history and experience life in a singular way. I met Bettye when I was asked to lead a new 4,500 employee business unit in the company we worked for. I held meetings with employees and got to know Bettye. Continue Reading

Race, parenting and high school

By |

by Carla Bates

Yesterday was the 50th anniversary of the stand-off of the Little Rock 9 – a group of black teenagers who wanted to attend Little Rock Central High School – and the white middle class of Little Rock, Arkansas who were willing to resort to armed force to keep them out.

I listened to an interview with the Little Rock 9 on my way to work this morning and one woman discussed her absolute fear as she – a 14 year old – walked among the crowded streets up to the high school and how people she knew, adults, were spitting on her.

Continue Reading

El-Kati explores legacy in film at Golden Thyme monthly series

By |

September’s Old Black Movie Night features Within Our Gates on Friday, September 28 at Golden Thyme Coffee Café in St. Paul. At 7:00 pm Friday, April 27, 2007, I sat in a cushioned chair in the meeting room of Golden Thyme Coffee Café, 921 Selby Avenue in Saint Paul, and watched a 1930’s black-and-white movie featuring a black man as the main character with a white sidekick. I was amazed at the racial character set up for that time era. I kept watching and was intrigued by the whole film. Continue Reading