Roland, your Washington Watch show is great. You are doing a really good job. Washington Watch has been a breath of fresh air. I love the debates and the guest. Thanks TV1 too!

Who are these folks that are appearing on Glenn Beck today?

My comment is, black people in the media don’t have a opinion they repeat what comes out white folks mouth

Dear Vice President Biden in c/o Roland Martin:
I believe that the two things that would do the most to bring “inner city” Americans (whether or not they are also pursuing vocational or academic degrees) into the loop of upward mobility into middle class accomplishment are: 1) A computer with a full range of Microsoft programs in every home; and 2) Internet access: Both high-cost, luxury items for the 70% of ghetto households headed by single black working mothers. Can you implement a program that would provide these goodies to mothers as an incentive to lose weight and exercise? (Obesity and chronic major disease being
a major problem too)? And/or can you increase free public library access to computers / the internet FOR ALL like that already offered (on a very limited and financially strapped basis) by all branches of our wonderful Louisville Free Public Library? THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

Roland, your show is a smashing success. It is sad to see the lack of minority voices on the critical issues of the day. Silence means for many that we are on the fringes of many of these debates, if in the room at all. I love the breadth of perspectives and the credentials of many of your guests. It also is refreshing, your ‘moderation of debate’ style, and how you allow for debate on contentious issues. Most encouraging is often your panel’s refusal to give Obama a pass and explaining their reasoning —- Finally, its as if since we have a black president — everyone is biting their tongue and pointing fingers at Bush, yet Obama has definitely not been nearly as tough as I thought he would be. Our communities continue to experience upwards of 15.8% unemployment, and this phenomenon is reaching the college and advanced degreed crowd as well. Obamas cautioned, reasoned, professorial demeanor and tone in many of these debates I am finding ridiculous. Obama needs to grab the mantle on this one (healthcare, deficit, immigration) and not be afraid to take risk by using political capital. He needs to call out Republicans and Democrats (Lieberman) where they fall short and refuse to compromise on his core-tenants (public option, no opt out). I am a political junkie. I watch WashingtonWatch religiously and it has become a staple of my routine. As a young African-American male (x>25) working on Capitol Hill it would be nice if in addition to your bi-partisan guests, you had more:

1. Young Black Conservatives, Moderates, Republicans on your show

see Bookerrising.com
hiphoprepublican.com

2. Highlighted black officials throughout the country on the up and up and making government work (communities better) Perhaps a special segment of each show dedicated to their challenge, plan, and the result.

3. Possibly a podcast version of the show where you answer additional questions?

4. Make a greater effort to bring Republican lawmakers on the show who are sensitive to concerns affecting our communities

5. Please Please PLEASE say something about Alabama governor Barbour’s proposed consolidation plan for many of the HBCUs in the state. Better yet, invite him on the show to get grilled and explain his rationale. If not stick it to him in his absence.

6. Challenge the great monolith known as the ‘black community’ to step their game up — if we are not engaged and active in the political process, from calling our representatives to voting — we can expect what we have now — complete disrespect by BOTH parties. We are no longer the ‘flavor of the month’ I encourage everyone to check out the latest census bureau statistics to attest to this fact.

Keep up the good work.

I look forward to tuning in Sunday.

The black community needs to wake up and step their game up. If we are not engaged and active in the political process, from calling our representatives to voting — how can we complain about the economy and health care? We must show our representatives that our vote counts and right now we are being completely disrespected by BOTH parties. We must hold our local and state representatives accountable. Obama cannot do anything without their support and if we(the black community) do not hold them accountable how can we hold Obama accountable. Greensboro NC lost our first female black mayor after only one term. The winner said he only focused on districts that vote consistently. Those in the black community have not heard of him and black community leaders were out reminding the community to vote. Can we blame Obama for that? Most of these representatives have been in office long before Obama took office and have had a say on the economy for the past eight years.

Wake up Black America, hold ALL accountable.

Roland,

Do not interrupt your guests. Allow them to talk, and keep your mouth shut.

You might want to tone down your arrogance, and work on your diction…and the depth of your questions. Employ more critical thought.

It may seem that I do not appreciate you, I do very much. However, at this point, there is much work to be done.

Additionally, everyone can see that you are black…please just do the good work!…your insecurities glare.

mj moore

Why are we killing Karp(fsh) in chicago. We pay to kill the food that the hungry could eat. Pay fishermen to catch the fish and feed the hungry. Is there something wrong with this decision?

i like what your doing but kick it up a couple of levels!don’t follow there weak political shows and expose a segregationisteach weak!malcom said”why pay taxes when there’s still racism from sea to sea!!!!!!!!!!

I think Washington Watch provides needed political information through commentary and discussion. Thanks for allowing your guest to complete their comments without being cut off or talking over each other.
The Nia-Malika Henderson comments are wonderful.
My son, DuBois, is an Alpha. We are keeping the faith in Atlanta, Ga.

Washington Watch is my “must see TV” on Sundays if I miss the 11:00 because of church I am so glad there is a 5:00 program. Finally a news/politics show from a positive Black point of view that tells it like it is and not trying to always point negative ideas constantly. I am so greatful for Washington Watch and you are wonderful Roland. It’s sad that CNN didn’t give you a spot then you could cover both stations because CNN has truly become to negative for me. I enjoy how you speak to the point and honestly. You have been a blessing to both stations. I absolutely do not like what the Black Caucus are tryng to do. Where were they with all the other Presidents. Why is it when a Black President steps into office BLACK officials have to step up and make a what is the President going to do for us how about us doing what we are responsible for how about walking on the steps of all the resources that are provided to help the Black communities?????? How about walking on the steps of the Governors in each of their states, how about asking the Black representatives what are they doing in each of their states. How about walking into each of the schools in every neighborhood in their states and demand what they are doing. We need President Obama to be the President for all people and we need our elected officials at the local level to become accountable and use their resources wisely rather than pointing the finger -someone once said while you are pointing your finger know that there is a finger pointing back to you. When can we as Black look at ourselves and hold ourselves accountable. That what about me just feeds into the White thing of see how the Blacks have to have their hand held out. How often do you see the Mexican Americans group with the what about us. Black Caucus stop being a gotta be in the spotlight and do something within the cities you claim you are representing.

I DO NOT LIKE YOUR COMMENTATARY, I DO NOT LIKE YOUR SHOW. I THOUGHT YOU WOULD BE A REAL JOURNALIST, BUT REAL JOURNALIST ARE IMPARTIAL. YOUR TRUE COLORS ARE SHOWING NOW!!! YOUR JEALOUS OF THE PRESIDENT.

I am in the process of watching the Christmas special. I just want to know why you found it necessary to make those ignorant and condescending statements after the African song. You didn’t say make any statements like that after all those BORING Christmas songs they sung in English. It very dismaying to see that you had nothing to say when our people got up there singing in a style that is not related to out culture and you had nothing derogatory to say, yet, when they finally do something relevant, you get up there say something utterly STUPID!!!!!!!!!! yOU may have thought it was funny, but I thought your behavior was reprehensible and you TOTALLY detracted from what I thought was the ONLY entertaining segment of the program. As a matter of fact, for that program to have aired on a Black station, I was appalled at the fact that ALL of the songs were SO white oriented. Is there NO ONE who planned that program who is aware that Christmas carols CAN be sung with A LOT of soul? Maybe you should try listening to the Temptations Christmas album, or ANY Black artists album for that matter. The program was SO BORING that I went into the other room and watched “River’s Edge” rather than watch a bunch of Black people sing in a manner in which I could have just watched a white Christmas special. I mean, if your artists were just going to get up there and sing like white people, what would be the point in watching them? Hellooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Turn it on!!!!!!!!!!!

segregationist were never confronted they got a government bail out too move too the suburbs and small towns!go get some tapes of dr.king and malcolm x at the beginning and see the truth!you were on the side of history or hate!!!!!research! stop piggy backing on the spoiled politics!!!!2 men were giving money to survive 1 was giving a million dollars the other 1 thousand to take care of there family!how is that’s fair!!!!when both of there money ran out who is ahead and who dead!look at the facts of the last 40years for white america and black america and see who came up and who didn’t!we payed segregationist not to hate but didn’t take care of the abused!!!!!

HAPPY KWANZAA TO ALL. I supported Colin Powell and Condoleeza Rice. They are both brilliant. I am not a REPUBLICAN , and I disagreed with some of their policies. However, Politics is the name of the game. Blacks have to learn to participate in the political arena. We did not create this system.. But, we must gain POWER within the system or continue to live like second class citizens. Obama is participating in the political system as our President. We asked for it -now we have it. Who else Roland – do you think would do a better job – YOU ??????? Roland please move to New Orleans, they need a smart brother like you to rebuild the city. What happened to the Defender Paper in Chicago???? Did you not get support from your people???? Are you bitter????? Please think about our people and the long road we have ahead of us – WE MUST TRAVEL TOGETHER.

I agree that Roaland is not a good moderator, and he talks too fast. he needs to practice enunciating his words , clearer and slower. He like to hear himself talk. He is too opinionate and should be allowing his gueat to talk. He spends too much of the time talking. Let your guest speak ,you are the moderator!

Hi Roland,

Just watched your program and very much enjoyed your thoughts as it relates to the black politians etc.. However I believe we need to step up as a people to do what we can as well. I am part of a group of woman who stood on the corners of Baltimore Labor Day 2007 to pray for our city. We meet and pray and are working toward a youth village in Baltimore. It’s time to get on board and get busy for God or we will continue to lose these children to the streets. Please view our web-site. I agree we need to move and we have been, and I know with God all things are possible, so we don’t need polititians, we need servants!!

Since the Bankers have Bonuses to reward their employees that means they have profits to pay

I want to know if every department in Washington DC is working on the same issues at once. Yes, I understand its the health issue, its the war issues and its the what are you going to do for us issues. Is there any department actually looking out for the small things that’s eating up every dime the non-rich people have. Is the FCC is operating, because someone need to check the contents of these sorry, profanity and sex driven garbage mouth people taking up the air. We need to have someone focusing on the so-call little things that will become very big. The President of color will be responsibile for the filth in the long run. As far as his dissenters are concern.

Good Day Sir Roland:

I just learned of Tavis Smiley not performing his Black State of the Union for 2010. How will we enjoy the polished academic minds that we look for each year, other than you show? I enjoy the Black State of the Union and all the comments that Dr. Cornel West, Michael Eric Dyson, and Congresswoman Maxine Waters have to say. What now?

It appears banks that borrowed money were able to recoup quite quickly and repay the money but I would like to see them exposed as to how they were able to get the money back so quickly.
I feel it came from excessively charging customers for bank fees and foreclosing on houses they were able to get large profits on. They didn’t try very hard to work with customers to do modifications.What about this topic for one of your segments Roland?

Love your show! I’ve been a long time viewer of the Sunday news shows and yours is currently the best –most balanced and informative.

Greetings Roland! I love your show and have not been able to watch it as much as I would like to. Howeve I watch every chance I get. My issue is, among so many other things, this latest “so called terroist act” with the young Black man,Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, who supposedly was attempting to blow up the plane that was about to land in Detroit. First of all, nobody is questioning the security breaches when he boarded the plane in Nigeria and then again from Amsterdam to Detroit. Do they need to assume any responsibility? Exactly what is this “explosive device” that they are speaking of and how effective would it have been had it been activiated? Why have we not seen this young man being questioned and his father’s so called testimony pleading with authorities not to let him enter the country blasted all over the tv screen? Isn’t there supposed to be a presumption of innocence in this country? Throughout history, too many men to count have been innocent, yet spent all of their youth and sometimes their entire lives incarerated and even executed to later ben found innocent! This is the DC Sniper story all over again. The U.S. just executued another innocent man when they killed John Muhammad. Lee Malvo is, from what I understand, rotting away in some jail cell for something that he never did. Why wouldn’t the government allow Lee Malvo’s mother into the country when she was trying to come and see her child? There is no way that a man can lie in the trunk of a car and shoot a many 6 feet tall in the head. The D.C. victims were killed by a sharp shooter! Plain and simple! I can’t believe how naive the american people are! “W” and his war mongers did a number on this country in continuing to perpetuate a clmate of fear that started many yearss ago and has escalated to it’s present state. We question nothing and accept anything because it’s on the news! What ever happened to common sense? Isn’t a man or woman innocent until proven guilty anymore? Or is a man or woman guilty until proven innocent which is more often the case than not. Now they want to railroad another young Black man into prison and possibly death! America has so much blood on it’s hands and until she atones, she cannot prosper. You CANNOT continue to bomb innocent countries and people and expect to prosper. The causes you put out are the effects you will get iin return. Karma is real and misses no one! God sent us a righteous man in the person of Presiden Barack Hussein Obama who knows how to get it right and even his own party is fighting him! I/we who love him, and there are millions keep him, Queen Sister First Lady Michelle Obama, and the Fist Daughters, Malia and Sasha and all of his family in our prayers constantly. It would behoove the wicked to submit and allow this man to do the work that he was sent to do and work to get this country on track so that God will some day truly bless america! The question becomes, do we have the heart and faith to support and stand with this dedidcated and sincere leader, or will we coward down and allow it to be business as usual! Now that all the glitz and glamour of the election is over? Will the real men/women/soldiers get a spine and stand up!? God bless you Roland, you’re doing a great job despite the haters!

Is President Obama Doing Enough for the African Americans Communities?

I am sounding off on some of the views and statements I have read and heard on news networks and newspapers. This is no longer the J. F. Kennedy and Martin L. King Jr. era this is now the President Barack Obama era, his road to the White House was built on their foundation. This is a new generation with new hopes, ideas and dreams. The U.S. economy has gone straight to global distress; high gas prices, jobs are lost, foreclosure are high and states and localities are at a revenue short fall. It is no longer only based on racism, it is now the have and the have not. Yes, African Americans are suffering the most, but haven’t we for the last 300 to 400 years, but progress has been made.
Bill Clinton sold our souls to the devil with the North America Free Trade Agreement and U.S. jobs started going south; welcome to Wally World. African Americans were losing high paying manufacturing jobs at an alarming rate. In the Clinton era no health care reform bill even materialized because of controversies and litigation. This was the time when democratic leaders and African Americans should have been marching and sounding off for health care reform in 1993, but instead Bill Clinton was called the black president. Now is the time to back our president and politicians to get the health care reform bill passed in 2010.
No one complained in the George Busch era when the republicans opened up the flood gates for anything goes in the investment markets and a large number of African Americans were given unscrupulous home loans. Once again our souls were sold to the devil; this was the time when we should have cried foul.
Now that we have an African American president some of our black leaders, black politicians and others are complaining that our President is not doing enough for the African American communities. They should ask the question are we as African Americans doing enough. President Obama said it in his speeches “Your Destiny Is In Your Hand” and “A More Perfect Union”. How can we hold the first African American President feet to the fire and ask him to single out the African American communities social oppressions and economics disparities? Should there be a bill called the African Americans bail out? Barack Obama said in his speech at the 2004 Democratic Convention; “Out of many one E Pluribus Unum”. Yes, African Americans did vote in records numbers but we did not get him in the white house by ourselves. The highest numbers of voters were also the youth and other ethnic groups that are struggling in the same social and economics disparities. The White House is now the people’s house again and we have the keys to start opening some doors.

I am not offended by the word Negro. There is a Negro-League Baseball Museum. Should we change the name, and if so to what? I find it amazing that the word Negro offends people, but not the word Black! I’m not black my skin is Brown! Let it Gooo!

Roland, the only wife you can concern yourself with is yours. The PRESIDENT NOR HIS WIFE needs your input. Obviously they are in the White House. The First Lady has an agenda – her family, volunteerism , and gardening.

If all women got into the community and planted flowers and vegetables in the community with their children our communities would improve.

If all women would volunteer in the schools and read to the children , our schools would improve.

If all women made their husbands their first priority our men would be happier.

If all women made their children important, the children would feel loved and validated.

Roland – you take one step forward, and two steps backward. The FIRST LADY does not need your two cents!!!!!

Roland I am pleased that you will be meeting with our great President. Our educational system is in ruins, especially for the African American inner city child. Can you get this attached memo into the hands of Pres. Obama. Please feel free to read as well, it would be a great discussion for your show. Thanking you in advance.
January 18, 2010

President Obama

Our educational system is in crisis!!
I’ve been trying to find a venue to make sure this real concern gets into your hands.
I realize that your time is valuable, so this concern/message will be direct.

I have just returned from my 12th trip to our neighboring Caribbean islands. You rarely see young people hanging in the streets during school hours with pants hanging to their knees possessing the gang or thug-like mentality.

Why?
• Education is compulsory on most of these islands
• Students must wear uniforms (even throughout high school)
• Parents are notified and fined when children are not in school during school hours (physician appointments are an exception)

Why isn’t education mandatory (enforced) here in the United States. If small islands with a fraction of our means can do it–what is our excuse? Immigration continues to ‘thrive’ because industries claim that the United States does not have the brain power or occupational skills pool from which to pull. This is unacceptable!!

Immigrants come into this country and continue to thrive both financially and intellectually. Why? They are employed in these high paying positions, build their own businesses, stores, churches, housing developments, temples, and schools. Educational excellence is required. We give them this opportunity; and our own children are not excelling, they’re suffering.

States continue to ask for additional educational funding; why can we make an enforceable ‘compulsory educational clause’ a part of the continued funding component?
Education is key! It is something that cannot be taken away. We must force our children to get a solid running start; and we must make parents responsible in this drive.

As you drive through most of the Caribbean islands, there are handmade signs almost everywhere reading: ‘Education is Key’. Let’s help the American educational system become strong again especially for those you are most at risk. If our small neighboring islands where many households bring home an average of $25,000 a year can do it, why can’t the U.S.?

Please pass this message on to Eric Duncan, Secretary of Education. We must mobilize grassroots people who are compassionate about educating our youths and restoring our educational greatness. We must also have people involved who will not be afraid to address the damaging role that drug use has played in the educational arena, and that these children will have ongoing special needs.

Jacqueline L. Johnson
Jacqueline L. Johnson, M.A.
jjacquie_johnson@yahoo.com
510.387.2366

Roland
I would like to see Tavis Smiley, Tom Joyner, Clin Powell, and Condoleeza Rice on your panel. The topic is the BLACK INFRASTRUCTURE – COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATIONS.

During slavery the Church was our infrastructure. In 2010 the Black Church is our only meeting place. However, the church holds no power as our infrastructure.

Capitalists are the interests groups in Washington. Do we have a Black Interest Group with CAPITAL???

We want to be part of the club by default. We do not have the Capital to participate equally so we use our color as an excuse.

The race issue is BLACKS AGAINST BLACKS.
We have to organize community based organizations with power and capital to support our interests and concerns. Without BLACK POWER AND CAPITAL we will always be on the outside lookiing in.

Didn’t know where to submit my question?
Roland…do you see this Supreme Court decision as a set up for Republicans to steal back the White House again??

I agree with Armstrong, we are still in the bases of the Bush Adminstration in trying to eliminate the two plan page. The Obama Administration has to uphold not only what he has promised, but what he has not done as well such as too many promises for healthcare, troops not home and jobs. There is always programs to be created, but what about the ones that are not working. As a college student, will the educational program work when funding has been cut for our university.

I understand and agree with what is being said about jobs. What I don’t want to continue happening is blaming the President for everything when the Republicans plan before he was even sworn in, not to work and agree with him on anything for their own benefit. It was mentioned by Specter on a program that was the Republican plan. The Republican on that program said “is not that we don’t want to work with him we just wanted to break his momentum” that means the same thing to me. We need to see what they are doing, call them out, and not buy into it about the President. Yes, he could do better, but he is doing the best with what he has and what was handed over to him. The old men are still operating as they did in the 50’s and 60’s. We know what that is. It took 8 years to get where we are, so I don’t expect it to take 8 months without adding to the deficit to clean up the mess. Let’s not be unfair, give him more time and hold the Republicans responsible too. All they do is lie about they part in the state of the country.

SUCCESS IN EDUCATION

Do not throw out tachers – TRAIN THEM. Let successful teachers earn more money by training low performance teachers. Teachers should attend SUMMER SCHOOL just like the children. FAILING TEACHERS should be given a chance to learn successful practices in the classroom.

CLONE THE SUCCESSFUL TEACHERS by giving them incentives to share their classroom practices with less effective teachers.

DID YOU KNOW AMERICAN INDIANS WERE NOT AMERICAN CITIZENS UNTIL 1924?????

THAT IS SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

ROLAND – THE SHOW WAS GREAT

I would like to see TV ONE get funding for a BLACK NEWS CHANNEL. CNN for black issues.

BLACKS NEED TO DEVOTE A LOT OF TIME ON RESEARCH AND NEWS AFFECTING OUR COMMUNITIES.

Heyward,

What a great comment! The subject you raised is very critical. It is one that should be discussed, agreed upon, and an outcomes based implementation put into operation as soon as possible.

But don’t expect it to come from Arne Duncan. He is instead trying to “corporatize” the National Public Education system, like people in the know say he did with the Chicago Public School system. According to a current lawsuit(see Black Agenda Report.com),his efforts resulted in the wholesale firing of Black teachers and replaced them with young, inexperienced, whites. As a result, young Blacks have no guidance in the schools. They are taught only limited things about how to pass tests. And small infractions of school rules, which once meant detention after school for an hour or two, now means being arrested and given a criminal record for Black students as young as five years old. So, without guidance (such as could be provided by Black male teachers), these youngsters are left to the whims of the prevailing youth culture: The corporate created and sponsored so-called “Gangsta Rappers.” Then, to ensure that the environment would support the fratricidal violence, the students were assigned by Duncan to schools out of their neighborhoods to rival gang areas.

The first step in getting the necessary quality education in the Public Schools, is to get a qualified person over the school system itself. This man only has a BA degree in sociology. What happened to those African American men with PhD degrees in Education Administration, etc.? Instead, Mr. BA degree runs around telling people that “education is the great equalizer.” This is a lie that is manifested in his very appointment as Secretary of Education. Not to mention that if his claims were true, then Blacks and other groups with the same education attainments would have an equal chance at being hired, and would earn equal salaries once hired. But the data inform us that is not the case. Instead, Blacks earn less than any other group in the country in all categories of employment, regardless of education and training. IT WOULD BE BETTER TO SIMPLY TELL THE TRUTH: EDUCATION IS A GREAT “NECCESSITY.” But it is not an EQUALIZER.

There are all kinds of ways, according to educational experts(of which he is NOT one), to improve educational outcomes, other than destroying the Public Education System. One would be to ensure that Public Schools attended by African American students have the same resources as all other schools. But quality education is not the aim of Mr. Ba degree, and it never was.

Mr Martin,

I wondered if we could raise money for a healthcare fund for people who don’t have access to healthcare.Is it possible that we, especially blacks can come together and raise money to help ourselves just like we raised money for President Obama and like we’re doing now for Haiti.mybe we could have a list of all the best health insurance companies and let the people chose which health insurance they need.I have no idea how one would do this, but, Is this possible at all. Please let me know. My husband is in the middle of open inrollment for healthcare at his job. My husbands company switched from Blue Cross with family coverage of over 500.00 pay, to Aetna with family coverage of over a $1000.00 a pay. Most people at this company don’t make $1000.00 a pay.

Thanks,

Kimara

What was the name of your guest last week? who made a documentary of the History of the Black Soldier – it was mentioned you could find the dvd @ Wallmart – unfortunately that was wrong? In the menatime please keep up the good work – black perspectives – Love it!

Roland, I was watching your show today and it was excellent, it’s about time black folks start standing on their own two feet and stop standing on white folks. keep up the good work.

ROLAND, I SAW SARAH PALIN’S CHEAT SHEET. I THOUGHT KIDS STOPPED THAT IN THE 5TH GRADE. SHE SHOULD BE ON THE SHOW “ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER”. OR BETTER YET, SHE SHOULD GET HER OWN SHOW- “THE BIGGEST DUMMY”

Dear Roland,
Congratulations on a terrific show with a variety of thought provoking intellgent guest. God Bless!
Annette

ROLAND – Why would not you and the other BLCK JOURNALISTS thank TVONE for hiring us and providing a channel for our views. BET said that BLACKS DID NOT WATCH THE NEWS and it was a waste of time. HOWEVER, BET started tavis smiley on TV., jackie, and other BLACK REPORTERS. I WATCHED bet news programs

WHY did not you and the brother join forces and investors to promote your own news on TVONE. Iwould like to see a TVONE -ALL DAY NEWS like CNN.

I DO NOT WANT THE WHITES TO HIRE MORE WHITEWASHED blacks. I want BLACKS to compete and invest in themselves. DO you not feel inferior begging whites for a job? WHITES are not begging you for a job. MY TWO BROTHAS need to be warriors.

I watch the WORLD NEWS programs for a better perspective of awareness. ISN’T white news glossed over propoganda – slanted to appeal to a white ruling class society? WHITES would not let BLACKS work as equals anyway. HAS ANYTHING CHANGED THAT I AM UNAWARE OF?

SOME OF MY BEST FRIENDS ARE WHITE. however, I married BLACK and my children are BLACK. I prefer to having BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES than to work for a WHITE BUSINESS that did not want me there as an equal

STOP, STOP, STOP letting our young people hear us beg the WHITES.

TVONE has a wonderful agenda. let us put our resources together and be thabkul and BUILD OUR COMPANY to be a main competitor.

I appreciate a political program from a black perspective, however,I think that the show would be greatly improved if Mr. Martin was less opinioned. I personally watch the program to educate myself by listening to experts and the perspective of others.On many ocassions I do not think he listens to his guest, he already has made up his mind on a position. I think one should certainly hold a veiw of their own, however, as a responsible host, there is a duty to help educate your audience by raising critical points and helping the audience to better understand the issue. We in the Black Community do not always read and research for ourselves. We rely heavily on media as our source…I know a little scary, however, that makes it even more critical that Mr. Martin consider how he interviews his guest and facilitates his panel discussions. This is not about strong opinions it is about the education of our people. His opinioned approach does not allow for knowledge,it limits the dialogue of his guest therefore, provides limited insight into the issues.

Roland You are doing a great job. I first noticed you during the recent elections when you were on CNN. You should have a show on CNN with full editorial freedom to cover and present a story as you wish. You can expect to hear more from me in the coming days. I too have a career in the media, particularly as a publisher and author.

WE SUPPORT TVONE. KATHY is not begging – SHE IS COMPETING IN THE MARKETPLACE.

ROLAND- the next time you are on CNN beg those WHITE FOLKS to give you more jobs. AS MAN TO MAN adress those whites why they have all the money/power and you BROTHAS do not have any. SAY PLEASE MR WHITE MAN GIVE US SOME JOBS.

DO NOT USE TVONE AS YOUR BEGGING FORMAT. THIS BLACK CABLE CHANNEL CAN STAND EYE TO EYE – TOE TO TOE WITH OTHER CHANNELS FOR VIEWERS.

I WANT TO KNOW HOW YOU WOULD FEEL ON NATIONAL TV WITH YOUR HEAD DOWN BEGGING.

I WATCH YOU BECAUSE OF TVONE. I DO NOT WATCH TVONE BECAUSE OF YOU. DO NOT GET IT TWISTED.

AS A MAN – SHOW YOURSELF AS A WARRIOR. DO NOT GIVE ANOTHER MAN AND HIS RACE POWER OVER YOU.

Good morning Mr. Roland. My name is Lahiny Pierre. I am the new Haitian writer, yes siree:-). My novel/fiction/thriller General Authority is a fresh read for book lovers world wide. I am including a list of the themes below. One of our greatest defect has come from our best quality. It is that place of emotion, where a simple hymn becomes a chant for lament, a basketball transforms into art, and what we wear transcends as current.

Communication does not come easily with the black community. For so long we’ve screamed needlessly, talked and no one listened so when a valid platform becomes available, reality is confounded.

I want to share my views on the current situation facing Haiti as it is now factual United States are only interested in the following: Number one, use Haiti relief money to booster this crippled economy by fueling fund raising money to big “friend of the family” contractors. Number two, to monitor all activities on the coast of Haiti for the purposes of controlling drugs cartels and the friend-emies of Latin America.

I am happy our former President is back to form but he must understand the following message from the Haitian mass. He says Haiti is his love and close to his heart. That heart gave away. He must recognize Haitian sovereignty. The mass of Haiti is not without consciousness. Ignoring our rights to self govern will not lead to a Haiti for Haitians but to occupation. United Nations Development Program paying Haitians 75c. an hour does not work with the Haitian mass vision for a new Haiti. We thank the former President but Haiti declared autonomy hundreds of years ago. We should not have to dispute seniority here.

In the context of creating a new Haiti, the old Haiti will return. The old Haiti that was declared an enemy of western civilizations and values. The enemy that proclaimed Black Power to the world as the POWER of RESISTANCE. The power of influence to liberate Latin America and propel abolitionists world wide.

In the haste to rebuild a new Haiti, let’s become aware of the following:
Haiti will not become a model of western democracy. Haitian value system and life mode is communal. The new Haiti will not function as dictated by Haitian scholars who represent western ideologies. There’s a lot of “big talk” using “big words” but the new Haiti will not be influenced by those concepts because they do not fit our make up. The outside views that Haitians are incapable need to be immediately abolished. It is important to reshape the scope of evaluation for Haiti because change is coming reguardless.

Is it so wise to pin point Haitian failure on every attempt? I live in a country where nothing works for the poor. The poor pays taxes and gets zero representation to influence. The politicians and government lie, steal, plot, extort, bribe, conspire, invade, kill, torment, torture, denigrate… yet, we do not insist on their ineffectiveness and poor judgment. Haitians always say, “Dan pouri gin fos sou bannan mi” “Rotten teeth show strength with bananas”.

Who are the people who have been enjoying Haiti and its beauty? It is not the massive poor Haitians. More than 45 thousand international personnel along with well to do Haitians enjoy the best plot of land, housing, the best hotels, the beaches, the delicacies, an the resources. In this case Haiti has been functioning well! It has managed to uplift the rich and privileged while downing the massive poor. This is in perfect alliance with western ideology. The massive poor Haitian says no to this arrangement and it is best to listen and adhere.

So one cannot blame anyone for the state of Haiti because I am part a society where one does not cast blames. We do not take ownership for ill doings, only accept the awards and the bravado.

Haitians are responsible for allowing the enemy to infiltrate our systems. It is Haitians who have sold over the country, it will have to be Haitians who take charge of its renewal. We should forget the international sanctions, we should forget the importation of 30 yr old frozen goods New Yorkers wouldn’t even feed their rats. We should forget the destruction of the black pigs, our rice fields, or coffee, cocoa, sugar, molasses, the avocados and mangoes. Let us also forget that while we have been under major international debts, the nations that owe us reparation are primary in the list of the nations stiffing our growth.

How can one expect Haiti to mimic the organization of any other state, especially the super powers, when the ideals grounding the formation of Haiti are based on maintaining A FREE BLACK NATION.

The demise of Haiti has been the struggle to maintain a free state and the influence of our most prominent western educated scholars who are obviously regurgitating “massa” language and law. In the presence of chaos, hunger, illiteracy, political upheavals, floods, cyclones, earthquakes, when one lands on Haiti soil it is love at first breath. Why? For most folks it is the first time they breathe freedom air (what is left of it). Ask any Haitian and they will say, stepping off that plane into Haiti soil, all the bills and the stress of a democratic nation go AWAY.

Debates are wonderful but they commit to no actualization of work that leads to progress. “Min anpil chay pa lou. Pise krapo enkouraje la rivye desann. Nan pami diri ti roche goute gres.” The proverbial messages make up our foundation and should dictate to anyone the philosophies guiding Haitian life style. “Many hands make the cargo light. Even the frog’s piss encourages the river’s flow. Among the rice, little rocks are sure to taste grease.”
In the community of life one is as strong as the next being.

So all of a sudden CNN updates us on drug trafficking in Haiti, DR and the rest of Latin America. Absurd! This recent news update only reinforces the fact that US intention to deliver aid to Haiti is tinted with outside motives. That is why about 22,000 troops are off the coast of Haiti. 900 UN troops inside the country not to mentions US troops inside and OMG we cannot forget Brazilian troops et al…

So what if all these personnel and military folks were to really focus on relief, to focus on providing relief to the massive poor? The result would be different but they would not play into the master plan.

What is the master plan? The master plan has always been the same when it comes to providing Haitians in Haiti with international aid. “We let them starve till they riot. That only gives us more ground to stay down there and monitor the Latin American drug trade.” LP

This book illustrates themes of the struggle of migration, loss, and coming to terms with one’s history; exile by choice because of economic circumstances; assimilation – cause and effect; the myth of the American dream, an idea held by people worldwide; cultural alienation; socialization of the immigrant; leaving home; learning new experiences; adapting to a new life; speaking a new language; the reuniting of old friends; friendship; male bonding; spirituality; African Deities; Haitian Culture; Voodoo; facing the past; nationalism; community building; cultural awareness; music and dance in the Haitian culture; political unrest; murder; vengeance; and civic duties.

Lahiny Pierre,

I’d like to know when your book will be out. Where can it be purchased? Seems like a great read!

The Jewish communities want all monies for israel to fight Iran!CNN spells(nazi)NNC backwards!I say this only too show you that only Jews and whites controll cnn,fox,and (make sure no black commentatorz)Msnbc!Bet and Tvone need politicz and newz 24 7!Again,90 to 95% of news commentators are born under segregation!why do you think there making balanced argumentz?why don’t you see more about the racist that ran into that building in Austin!They were taught attack black and white is always right!Balance for white america and everybody else is foreighn!Get the chainz off your brain’z!!!!!Peace and Love!!!!!!

Hello, the show is great and it’s good to get the black perspective, I would like to suggest that you reduce the number guest to allow more time to the guest you have invited.

Thank you.

I am so disappointed that Ms Desiree Rogers is resigning. She has done a magnificent job diversifying the events agenda. I was so proud of her when she was given the position as Social Secy. What a lost. I am sure she will be fine but as an event planner who admired her, I will miss her grace and elegance and the class and quality of her events for the country.

Roland,

As always I love the show and I try to watch it everytime I get (if I don’t make it to church). My comment or question to you and the staff at TV ONE is this, why can’t we have the show last for more than just one hour? With the amount of quests you have on the show one hour is just not enough time for you to get into a deep conversation. I would love to see the show extended beyond an hour or have less quests per week so that you can delve deeper into your topics. If possible having the show on more than once a week would be terrific too.

With that said, continue to keep up the great work you’re doing. Thank you for your time and for the show.

06!

Djphoenix,

What a great comment your post made. It is precisely what I’ve been saying, but perhaps not as eloquently as you.

Your explanation of the fundamentals of politics was well stated: “Politics is simply the struggle over power and resources.” Clearly, failure to understand that that is what the democratic systems of governance in this country is about,as well as all other official systems of governance every where, has been the greatest impediment to African Americans taking advantage of the historic reality of having an African American heading the Executive Branch of government in this country. This failure is manifested in the belief that since African Americans have been denied the opportunity to represent the country in that capacity, we should settle for just that reality alone, and not expect, nor demand, anything other than feel good moments of pride. That outcome is based partly on natural and common cultural reactions to the gravity of the event, which some social-anthropologists describe as “making events intelligible and significant,” in their explaining of the roles and aspects of culture. It has also resulted in part from the lack of the 2007-2008 campaign’s efforts to engender such an understanding. There were no specific mentions of note to African Americans’ issues, or the necessary political education, to produce an African American constituency ready to benefit politically from could have been its most greatest victory. Unlike other groups, who,as you pointed out, have specific policy implementations tailored to their needs and interests. The reason is these groups (and I agree that they should not be faulted for it) have an internal sophistication in understanding what politics are, which is why they have received the external respect from the Executive and Legislative Branches.

Right now, at this very critical point when a coming of political age in the Black community is so very necessary, there appears to be bellicose attempts to prevent discussions that could serve to educate people on the fundamentally of politics. I oppose any attempt to filibuster open and honest discussions about the meaning of politics and agree with your definition of politics. Without such an understanding of politics, there can be no benefiting from politics.

I also agree with your position on the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). Indeed, no one has been more critical of the CBC than I have been. But they are to be applauded for their present courageous stand on demanding more resources for their constituency. They, as you stated, have an elected obligation to legislate that way. They have proposed in the House and helped passed on Dec. 16, 2009, by a vote of 217 to 212, a jobs bill of $154 billion; $500 million, for youth summer jobs; $1 billion, for affordable housing; and $27.7 billion, for state and local governments to maintain public service jobs where many African Americans work. Being an official piece official House legislation, it was not called or known to be the “African American Bill.” (So I don’t know where that excuse for nonsupport is coming from.) Although it would certainly help far more African Americans than the $85 billion dollar senate’s version (less than half even being earmarked for jobs, the rest in perks for Republicans), which was, according to press reports, originally supported by the senate’s leadership and the Executive Branch, but was restructured down to $15 billion and passed by the senate on February 24, 2010 by a 70 to 28 vote. Given the primary focus of the senate’s bill; 6.2% tax credits for new hires (an additional $1,000 for workers retained for one year), and billions for highway and construction projects. It is difficult to see how such measures would impact the African American Community. Any kind of collective African American benefits from the Employer Tax credits is highly unlikely if the historical and present day experience of the matter is considered. Most of African Americans’ current deprivation of access to the jobs market is due more to racial discrimination, than a company’s unwillingness to hire due to the lack of a tax credit. It is much deeper than that for African Americans. I like to use the article :”In Job Hunt, College Degree Can’t Close Racial Gap,” published online (New york Times, Dec.24, 2009) as a good source for illustrating that fact. An approach far more imaginative and yet realistic, in terms of targeting, is needed. The same is true on the part of the recently passed senate bill that allocates $20 billion for extending highway and mass transportation jobs. We know that Black representation in that industry, those who received employment as a result of the $150 billion highway and construction funding from the $862 billion Stimulus Bill of 2009 is virtually zero. In fact, a recent study released by the Transportation Equity Network (TEN), an organization of more than 300 community groups in 22 states, clearly and definitively concludes that the percentage of Department of Transportation (DOT) contracts Blacks received from the $150 billion is actually “ZERO.”

Now wonder then, the African American unemployment rate is more than double that for others, standing officially (as of February 27,2010) at nearly 17%, compared to an overall national rate of 9.7%. Many observers more accurately place the Black unemployment rate at over 50%.

I think often times too many people fail to actually conceptualize, given the flawed understanding of politics, the results that policy decisions have on the lives of real every day people. For example, how many more youths will get into trouble this upcoming summer, who would probably not get into trouble if they had jobs? How many families that will not be able to make it, that would have made it if they could have benefited from the stimulus money that was spread about every direction except theirs? It’s as if Blacks don’t pay taxes, and as if that money isn’t tax money!

African Americans have a right to be proud. No one has the right to contend otherwise, and any such contention is, as a matter of course, without social-anthropological context. That is, any other outcome is unlikely given its cultural nature. However, any such pride, that rejects the fundamentals of politics, that is, again, the struggle for power to allocate resources into the lives of African Americans in terms of rightfully deserved tangible policies that meet the specific social-economic needs of the group, and simply advocate from the perspective of a pride response being the only appropriate response, is equally unrealistic and incorrect. And no one has the right to advocate that either, whether directly or indirectly.

Finally, those of us who follow closely these matters, are acutely aware of the attacks on the CBC recently by various interest groups and a few Black writers. It is unfair for some self-serving Blacks to attack that legislative group, in the way you accurately described. Neither are the recent attacks from others on the CBC plausible. As I’m sure you are aware, some apologists claim some CBC members supported who ever in the primaries of the 2008 presidential campaign. To make that argument with any legitimacy, the bellicose attacks will also have to begin explaining why campaign opponents have such high places in the Executive Branch, including Sec. of State (the actual opponent being in the cabinet), and Chief of Staff (a major supporter of the opposing candidate’s)running legislation and controlling access to the Executive Branch.

The objective of such balanceless attacks, of course, is to intimidate these elected representatives of African Americans into abandoning their responsibilities to their constituents
by manipulating the confusion and failure of these constituents about what the CBC’s true role and the true role of politics are. The CBC however, would do well not to take the bait. For already, along with these baseless attacks, the hustlers are also claiming the CBC has done nothing to alleviate the people’s suffering. As long as that remains a lie, the hustlers will eventually have to point to where the problem resides. For the people can not, and will not, remain confused for ever.

I want the video of Mario Van Peebles and guest from Sunday February 28, 2010

Hi Roland:

I wanted to say that I think your show is informative and thoroughly interesting. However, I do have a question. In looking at the state of the healthcare debate, I always hear the media making the issue of the healthcare reform debate. Many always mention the polls and what the American people don’t want. Who orchestrate these polls, and where do I find a questionnaire? Rather than to have someone speak for me, I would appreciate it if I am allowed to speak for myself. I want healthcare reform, as many of my friends. However, we are unsure of the where to go to allow our voices to be heard through polling. I think it is a shame that the media will report a poll of what they believe all of Americans want, yet not ask all the Americans. Can you inform us of where to go to answer the polling surveys?

A viewer

I recently watched the show on Mar.7,2010.
It was somewhat helpful,the subject(3/7/10) was senatorial votes regarding student aid. There was a rep. there from usstudents.org. I visited that site. The question I like to ask is.Would you direct us to a bank?
Which offers student loans w/ the student best interest in mind.. We have applied and been turned down by many (w/credit worthy cosigners).
One bank/org appr’d $20k but the school
took their balance($9 k) & sent the rest back.My son(3rd yr)needed the remained for the next semester. Is it legal for the univ. to take their balance then send it back? The school rep. claimed students are only allowed so much aid. It was not aid. It was a loan that we were obligated to pay back. There was also a Credit Union that approved a loan. Of course the same rep told the bank my son was 6 tenths short of credits so no go again. When the student advisor told him to drop a course. I feel this school has blocked and continues to set my son up for failure. The dean of the school doesn’t respond to my cries. The football coaches are of no help at all & they recruited him soo much. Now a days nothing from them,even after a family friend donated to the team. Please give your insight as well as direct us towards a lender that approves w/ students best interest. Thank you in advance.

Roland,

Please do not have any so-called Black Conservatives on your show. We get enough of that ignorant mess on the other talk shows. While they only make up about 5% of the African American population, they constitute at least 95% of the pundits. I wonder why!!!

For about 40 years (ever since “Soul City”) these mindless zealots have been blocking for racism like an offensive linesman blocking for a quarterback in a football game. For money and other rewards, they help to manipulate the self-hatred of Blacks that results from centuries of brainwashing,e.g.,everything that has happened to Blacks is the Blacks own fault due to a lack of “personal responsibility”(which is a direct contradiction to Black history and reality). And then there’s the other fallacy hustle: “there is no racism causing the Blacks’ condition–society is colorblind,” or the latest shameless con –”post racial”(translation: Blacks are inferior) and other such delirium based gauche. Still other BRAINWASHED MINDS claim that “Blacks have babies for welfare checks,” and other sheer NUT-WING trash they’ve learned from Reagan, Limbaugh, Beck, Hannity, Patrick Buchanan (even using the same fake stats w/o source of the data) and their senile imitator Bill Cosby, the SELF-TAUGHT sociologist.

Moreover, because some people who like to blog have an aversion to studying, they don’t know that the US Census Bureau has changed its methodology specific to how “single-parent” is defined for the 2010 count. Also, there is no credible evidence anywhere that Black parents put their children on “drugs” for government checks, as some IDIOTS have recently claimed. I think perhaps the idiocy’s cause is rooted in both poor reading comprehension and self-hatred. For example, in an article entitled “Black Hole of Special Education,” special ed. teacher, Linda Schrock Taylor (12-5-02), articulated how school administrators keep children in special education classes for educational and medicaid money for schools–NOT PARENTS! In fact, her advice to parents was “become aware” of what’s going on, not that parents are the ones doing it. But when one is brainwashed to believe that anything negative said about Blacks must be true, that individual– just like a racist–will take it on face value as true without checking it out. An analogy would be all-white juries that convict Blacks just because the Black person has been accused. While I pity the fool, when the fool starts lying on my beloved African Americans, then I must challenge the fool.

In these times, one of several foci should be on educating African Americans about the fundamentals of politics so those unfortunate among us who continue to confuse politics with celebrity worship (and make incoherent claims against those who know better) will wake-up before its too late.

There is nothing a so-called “Black Conservative” or other morons can offer to such an intelligent high level discussion. Particularly, since most of us at least know better than follow their idols–the right nut-wing hate mongers. Or preach self-hatred like Uncle Ruckus on the BoonDocks cartoon, regardless of ideology or hustle.

I think it is just great that Blacks in the entertainment industry are winning awards for their contributions as actors, writers, etc., but why in acceptance speeches, do they continue to emphasize winning these awards as if we were just freed from slavery.

jwill, they know there’z black racism in the 21st century!my case , i retired and every black and white social worker that helps me try to give me garbage care when i have the top insurance in the country!look at social behavior of a spook at the door!
They make all walks of life fell like trash and not wanted!They make sure this happen to those who they believe shouldn’t be at the door of freedom!
Self hate has lasted since slavery and that’s one elephant in the room king tutz{Tokenz & Uncle Tomz} use for there advantage to be liked!Not caring about how they dislike real stand up blackmen and women!washing up in dirty water is learned thru segregationist teaching!To not confront history and racism is why shows like this don’t make no change!tvone will be another bet if they don’t take informing black and real americans the real black perspective without watering it down!My grandmother always said”Too not make white and other races respect or leaders or history will destroy our race”!We didn’t indict judges,cops ,our city official,that they new what the constution met!freedom for all!!until we make them see that elephant in the room and confront them with strong arguments of crimes against humanities all there going too do is put blinders on and make attacks on black people like they didn’t have nothing to do with it!
They show every generation they only worry about white americans not all americans!Segregation did it’s job by making advancement for one group and destruction for the others!
Our leaders need to make the 21st century reparations act!Making 20th century suffering as a guide!ALL of our leaders and educated men in women were harrassed and in some cases not even giving a chance!I still say Dr. Charles Drew death was murder by racism and segregation!Thousands of stories of the 20th century hate!