ASK ROLAND ANYTHING
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Roland Martin goes on-air each Sunday on Washington Watch, but he’s online every day so send him questions about whatever it is you want to know. Want to discuss politics? President Obama? Race? Here’s the place to do it and don’t be surprised if your comment ends up ON-AIR.
Fill out the comment section below to leave your thoughts. And don’t forget to let us know where your from (city/state).
I would like see President Obama to show some back bone. He should be passed his honeymoon period. I do expect him to now lead. Stop playing mr.nice guy. Your charge is to now clean up the mess that was passed on to you. It is amazing to me that people have forgotten what has happened in the last 8 years. All do respect Mr. President now is the time to stop playing president and to be the president that I had a part in electing. There is alot of waiste in govement programs, one example section eight is a joke, over-sight is lacking. Section doesn’t checks on it clients one a year for renewal of a housing contact or if there is a reported problem. I see you women that are on section 8, move in boy friends, children may on live with them at the time of yearly inspection. Food Stamps another issue. People are choosing to be poor, because the systems haven’t placed a time limit of services. The new poor are people like me that believed working and being honest was the way to retirement. Eight years of bad choices, took a toll on economy. Okla
Roland first of all let me tell you I like the way you stand up for our people, it is a blessing to see a black man a man of God. now for my comment, I listened when you spoke about your parents anniversary, well my husband & I have been married for 50 years on Sept.23, we eloped when I was 17 & have had a wonderful & blessed marriage, it has not always been smooth but 99% of the time it has been, & the best part of it is we are still in love with each other & love being together. Our 4 children gave us a beautiful anniversary renewal cermony & reception,God blessed us with 4 children,8 grandchildren & 2 great grand children. I wished we would have known about the marriage summit because I know we can help couples see how & why the should stay together. Thanks Roland & God bless you and those you love.
Carol Gilmore
Thanks for your perspective on the need for stronger marriages in our communities. Our children deserve two loving parents raising them. When we have strong loving families we’ll have stronger communities. – That’s my perspective!
Hello Roland, I caught you on the Rickey Smiley Show and plus I had been following CNN during the campaign. I love Foriegn affairs. Your comments on Afghanistan and the Middle East made me hungry. I was wondering if you had any publication out on the subject. Any publication ok ? Thank You for all that you do.
Roland, Would You Please Stop Cursing on TVONE? You donot do that on CNN, so don’t do it here.
Like I tell my students, there are millions of words in the English Language, so use them please.
It is okay to be intelligent, dignified and Black. That is our heritage.
Hello Roland, I wanted to comment on your segment today on marriage. Being a single mother, I find that some want to blame the plight of gangs etc. on single mothers, which is simply biased. Marriage is nearly dead in the black community not because of the woman as suggested in your show today but partly because black men are not interested in marriage mostly anymore let alone date exclusively. I recently heard on a radio show (Ballantyne) that many (black) men don’t want to get married for fear of child support when the marriage ends; this to me just plain spells irresponsible. I think black women should be commended for being the strong women they are instead of as the congressional representative eluded to today as “.. give me health care, give me food stamps, give me a job…” I mean come on. that is so unfair; the game has changed and black men are no longer engaged. Why don’t you focus on the irresponsibility of the men in our communities instead of tearing down the black female. I am sure the rep’s constituents are some single black women in DC too. I hope she knows that. Also the 39.6 figure also includes not just “never married” women but divorced women and widowed women; a lot of black men ARE IN PRISON TOO! so where is the outrage of them leaving their children to go to jail leaving these, for lack of a better word, bad black single mothers alone to do the best they can. I just feel that in the black community, the idea of marriage is no longer the norm but the abnormal mindset of black men, which is sad. And let me tell you that because of attitudes like this and the bias of some towards single mothers as seemingly held by your guest today, I, for one, do not intend to have another child period but I can tell you this I will not marry a man who will make my life miserable.
I’m really glad you have your own show. I’m pleased to see tvone step up to give our perspective on things.I say if you have to curse frm time to time say what you feel. I get so sick of people trying to be so “politically correct” that nothing gets said and nothing gets done.We have some very serious issues going on out here. People tell me I should be a politican, I tell them im to honest and would have to cuss someone out every now and then. I also feel as far as cnn and msnbc who have round the clock news. They have only a handful of shows that are really worth watching. In this day and age people need a reality check, Until we address poverty with some real solutions we will continue to see crime destroy our nieghborhoods and act as an assembly line to the prison system. Do what you do, Roland. We must take back or gain control of the political and economical power we do ignorantly give away.
Hello Mr. Martin,
I am just wondering if anyone is talking about the rise of HIV in the african american population in Washington,DC? I went to a conference in Savannah, GA organized by Morehouse Medical School and I found out that one out of every 25 African Americans in DC is HIV positive.
Thanks for listening.
Roland
Can your show provide:
Much more Tara Wall (smart and well spoken) and much less or NO April (Urban radio). April is loud and rude and does not know what she is talking about.
Clarence is good
Hello roland and how are you my brother. I appreciate Ms. Tara Wall on her show. She is very intelligent, well spoken and beautiful to say the least. It is good to see and hear a conserative black women explain her position in a positive and understanding way. As for Mr. Obama, he should have not been awarded The Nobel Peace Prize. He has not done enough to warrant it. In my estimation of Pres. Obama, he has to have a backbone & have some true grit. He is weak and feminized. It is sad to see that in a black man. I hope you much sucess brother roland with this show and please have Tara Wall back on the show as well other sisters who are intelligent. As for the brothers bring on some who are not feminized. I would recommend checking out this brothers website http://www.johnecoleman.org This man knows how to deal with the African-American male.
Roland the show is excellent!I’ve been in your corner since your WVON show. Keep up the good work, and keep both ladies on as much as possible.
Roland,
Thank You for a great show! I love it!It is very informative and thought provoking. I wanted to make a comment regarding Gay people and their HEALTH CONCERNS. I think they should have rights only because they are human beings. I don’t think they should have rights because they are GAY. No one should have rights because of their SEXUAL PREFERENCES!
The debate over illegal immigration shows a fundamental misunderstanding of what’s at stake: The nation itself!…..A few fundamental principles define a nation (1)existence of government, which is there to define and execute law (2)culture…the glue that holds a nation together is its common language, culture and ideals!…..Without common values, the political and moral fiber of a nation frays!……(3) but first in importance is the establishment of borders!…..We identify a country on a map by where its borders lie!…..The truth is the main reason illegal immigration hasn’t been curbed is that the government doesn’t respect its own laws enough to enforce them!…..President Roosevelt said: “Either a man is an American and nothng else, or he is not an American at all!……President Adams said:”Cast off the European skin, never to resume it!…..How do we let a another culture come into our country and just take over?……I ride down the streets of my town and see Mexican flags outside of businesses and plus the businesses are all in are all in Spanish!…..We worry about the war, health care, s.s., etc. and about our children not having the future of America!……But look around…..The war on America is in America with another culture eating it up and nobody is doing a damn thing!
I watched you throughout the Presidential campaign and you were wonderful. Congratulations on your new show. Please do a feature on New York State Governor David A. Paterson. He is a powerful role model for many people. He has a difficult job particularly during very trying economic times and he gets negative media coverage. I believe that the media coverage is biased with clear racial stereotyping and bias related to his disability (blindness). Governor Paterson’s life story is compelling and he is brilliant. Thank you.
Roland: I appreciate your program and your interest in looking at issues often ignored by some other cable channels, and when covered by others are done so with bias. I would like to see more discussion about immigration issues and, in particular, the contributions of non-European immigrants to the United States. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke touched briefly on this but there was not enough time to get into details. She mentioned the diversity of her constituents as heavily Caribbean/West Indian. Like you, I was at the Congressional Black Caucus 2009 Dinner/Awards. Interesetingly, four of the awardees had Caribbean roots – what I term, recent immigrants roots. That is a testament to contributions of non-European immigrants, in these cases of the African/Caribbean Diaspora, but is just a small example.
Roland, your show is great. I appreciate TVOne for giving you this great opportunity. I wish your show would air on Sunday morning in same time slot as This Week, CNN, and David Gregory’s show. It’s refreshing to get political, social, and economic points of views from people of color-who also contribute greatly to our society and who makes a difference. We need more of this type diversity shown to the American people. Too bad, CNN couldn’t use you in this way.
Thanks for bringing the spotlight to Senator Burris-a brilliant, intelligent politician. His short explanation on the public option was so simple and understandable. Too bad mainstream political media only wants to showcase Mr. Burris if it’s negativity involved. He definitely has something to say on the subject of politics.
I love this show. I used to be a Sunday morning news show junkie but stopped when they became less about news and more about being controversial. Deborah Mathis is fantastic. Thank you so much for this program.
I loved the show as usual today. Senator Roland Burris was awesome and I love how strongly he feels about his job and his beliefs. I’m glad that he chose to focus on the issues and the impact his votes can have as a Senator instead of spending his last months in office campaigning and raising money. I think he made a very wise choice. The panel was very interesting and informative as well. As to the hip-hop representative, I would have preferred to hear from Common, Kanye, Nas, Professor Griff or KRS-1 instead of Ludacris, but he wasn’t bad. Some of his lyrics just bother me, and Ludacris hasn’t seemed to realize the damage of those types of lyrics yet. I commend him for his efforts through his charitable foundation and hope that he “sees the light” some day soon as it relates to those woman-demeaning lyrics of his.
Mr. Martin,
When will you co a show about the “Birth of Humanity and CIVILIZATION”? All of the research proves that HUMANITY began in Africa. African Men and Women did love,respect and work with each other for survival. Africa men were there for their families, wirhout their support we would not have the HUMANITY we have today. This research also proves that there is only one HUMAN RACE. This research also proves that CIVILIZATION all began in Africa. Mr. Martin our people need to learn the truth. We need to learn that Black Men ruled the World until about 2000 years ago.
ASE’
Roland it would be informative to get someone from HUD in to give us information on what HUD is doing to monitor the banks that got taxpayer money and are denying us mondification attempts without valid reason. I would like to see more teeth in the program because Bank of America isn’t complying
Hello Mr Martin Thanks for the news you are doing a wonderful job. I can not wait to see you put M Steele in his place on Sunday he what can I say He sounds so craazy how can he side with those re. that are haters why can t the world pull together. this country belongs to everybody blacks whites mixes what ever color you claim . The president needs to stay on track and not give fox news the time of day fox news people are white niggers meaning they are innarant that is why I hate it when black folks call each other that word if they looked it up in the dict. they would stop calling each other that
Hello Mr Martin Thanks for the news you are doing a wonderful job. I can not wait to see you put M Steele in his place on Sunday he what can I say He sounds so crazy how can he side with those re. that are haters why can t the world pull together. this country belongs to everybody blacks whites mixes what ever color you claim . The president needs to stay on track and not give fox news the time of day fox news people are white niggers meaning they are innarant that is why I hate it when black folks call each other that word if they looked it up in the dict. they would stop calling each other that
Dear Mr. Martin:
I am seeking community support for my cousin and her teen daughter in Tumwater, Washington (Olympia area) regarding a race issue. On Monday,her daughter and a causcian female had a verbal arguement at school. The causcian female struck first, and her daughter defendented herself. While detained her daughter was the only teen handcuffed and read miranda rights without a parent present or contacted. The school suspended her for 45 days, not the other student. Furthermore, she requested the presence of her mother on 3 sepearate occassions in the presence of the vice principal, and the police department. As a result, she refused to comment until her mother was contacted.
For she had previously reported racial harrasement,in which a teacher phoned to apologize for the other students harrasment. Phrases such as “Go back and pick cotton; big booty Ho”,and the school continued to ignore her complaints. This event occured on November 2, which was her 16th birthday, she spent in a juvenille detention center. She had no contact with her parents for over 24 hrs. On this day she was taught by the school administration and police department that racial inequality exist within society. You are guilty until proven innocent.
I would like to know if you can bring someone in from the Whitehouse to look at investigating why these banks such as Bank of America, who took our taxpayer dollars, are not helpinmg to bail their customers out? I would like to see reps from the banks on your show to answer why they are failing to pass on bailout!!
I watched the show you did with Republican Michael Steele. If and political candidates want to win the votes of the Barrack followers I recommend that they advertise in a way that tell voters how their work/position relates to fulfilling the work of Barrack. Most folk don’t understand the role that the candidate’s position plays into the big picture. They need to express to the people how a vote for them will help continue the work of our president and actually show us how the (2) positions tie into each other.
Just my thoughts,
Latasha
I have observed and heard many individuals including your guests refer to the President as “Mr.” and not “President”. It stings as a clear sign of dis-respect as though he is still running for the office. Your thoughts.
Congresswoman Lee should have left the loud, distracting bracelets at home. The sound of the bracelets were so loud,it overshadowed what she had to say.
I heard Roland say to Michael Steel (who at times is a real joke as a leader-but that’s another story)that Republicans have been invited onto his show but have not accepted. I ask you Roland, do you really think White Republicans would legalimize your show by making an appearance? By the way, I saw Michael Steel on This Week this morning-which was not pre-taped and there was a contrast in his political rheortic tune compared to how he presented on Roland’s show. He was more courteous, polite, and politically tolerant than he was on George’s show. Michael was down right rude and disrectful to Gov. Kane. George did a poor job of moderating. Because, Michael should have been made to shut-up when Gov. Kane spoke.
Connie, this issue you are addressing should be aggressively presented to mainstream media (CNN, MSNBC, Good Morning America) but more importantly to the US Attorney General’s office-Eric Holder. These are issues Holder’s office has got to begin addressing in our judicial system. Of course, you need to reach Rev. Sharpton. But, don’t leave out Michael Baisden and Tom Joyner-to bring awareness to this ever occurring issue in our communities and judicial, so-called justice system. My prayers are with your family but more importantly, the action of justice needs to be on your family’s side at this time. Where is your local NAACP? I know they mostly respond in the media when someone is called a nigger-but maybe they can make an appearance to help out.
Hello Roland
On the issue of unemployment from what I have witness with my on two eyes it seem that hard core Republicans that I have work with in the constrution business have been willing to fire and lay people off to make the president look bad. And in the process bring suffering to themself and there family. How can we connect with these people and begin the healing process afther the eletion of The PRISDENT OBAMA.
Hello Mr. Martin,
I really enjoy your show and I am glad to see a politcal talk show that is in the interests of black people. I would only like to know what will it take to get your show to air not only on Sundays but everyday.
Hello Roland,
Congrats on getting this program. I stopped watching the other news programs because I couldn’t tolerate the slanted, ignorant views toward our president. Your program is refreshing to watch and gives an intelligent view to the yay and nay side of the topics. I was very disappointed with your guest Mr. Dyson. He is to be referred to as Mr. Dyson that is his title despite you calling him Dr. Dyson by showing him respect. However, Mr. Dyson repeatedly referred to our President as Mr. Obama. This is the same disrespect that he receives from the main stream media. What was even more disrespectful was that you and your guests didn’t bother to correct him on this. He was permitted to call him Mr. Obama. As you said the President is not a prophet but the President but he doesn’t own a magic wand to wave to correct all the ills of this country in 10 months or 4 years.
Mr. Martin,
I am your #1 fan from Shawnee,KS. My alarm is set for 5AM Monday morning to catch what I have missed. While others were watching Obama, I was watching you. My heart went out to you during the Obama campaign. Your humility and love for your people was highly demonstrated on the night of Obama’s election. Love, Grandma 63
Mr. Martin, I enjoyed your show but this Sunday’s show was kind of upsetting to my wife and me. We are Senior Citizens who lives a quiet life in retirement.
We are Seniors who watched the rise of our President for some time now. It was hard watching you and Dyson take whacks at the President on your new show. You and Dyson behaved like Tea-Baggers.
I categorically disagree that President Obama should address issues of race without specific provocatio. We never had an African American male Commander in Chief, cut him some deserved slack. Republicans are doing enough to President Obama.
Mr. Martin, I want to congratulate you on your new show. This Sunday my husband and I watched your show. However, this was my very first time watching your show and the reason is I stayed home from church.
It was not pleasing to my ears of what I heard you and Dyson said about President Obama. First, i want to say you allowed Dyson to continue calling President Obama (Mr. Obama) That’s not nice. Give the man respect. He earned it, the hard way, but he made it and I applauded him.
It seem as though you and Dyson expect President Obama to solve, racism, proverty, and other ills within ten months.
Rep Barbara Lee was very professional. She explained to the audience about the Laws that President Obama has passed within ten months. When she finished her statement you didnot commment. You went straight to Dyson and continued to ridicule President Obama. Dyson stated that President Obama is not a Prophet but yet you want President Obama to do the work of a Prophet.
Let’s even up the playing field. Do not become Tea-Baggers.
Educate our people on the good things President Obama has done. Please leave the negative comments to the Republicans. Senior Citizen
My question to you roland, in your estimation how will the economy fare in 2010? I presume you know gold is at $1200 an ounce & the dollar is falling at a rapid rate? Have you thought about advising black folks to invest in precious metals from your show? Also, let Ms. Tara Wall know she is the most beautiful woman on TV.
Roland, I enjoy your show for the most part. However, at times the interaction between your self, and the panel gets too wild. It seems everyone wants to out talk other panel members. They(the panel) need to be more respectful to each other. Discussions at times are out of control. You should brief them to smoothout and control their emotions.
Roland,
Two questions—
#1 – What is the difference between the Public Option, which will be government-run, and the present Medicaid? and
#2 – What exactly does the CBC do because the only member I have ever seen do anything is Maxine Waters. The plight of Black folks has remained the same or become worse. What I call “the new plantations” (prisons) are cropping up everywhere and the populations are overwhelmingly Black and Hispanic. So, what do they do?
Roland, I love your show, but i wish black people would stop repeating what comes out white peoples mouth and use their own brain.
Roland
Your show is getting better—thanks. I appreciated your final comments on Chairman Steele and agree that it would be foolish to think one party represents one group of people, African Americans, like any group, should not be ridiculed for selecting a particular party
On a previous note, I asked you why April gets her clothes provided on your show when she is supposedly a member of the working media. This seems like a clear compromise and makes her less credible. It does not appear that any other panelist accept free clothes from your show or its sponsors What’s up with that?
Roland, i love your show. It remined me of the old Lead Story on BET. Were are u on health care? and why do u think the party in charge now will pay if health care is not past. Dont u think that it is the republicans who are going to pay a price.
Hi Roland,
I grew up watching Lead Story on Sunday mornings. I couldn’t wait to see who George Curry had on the panel from week to week and what interesting topics they would discuss. Today I have the same feeling about Washington Watch!
Thanks also for providing a platform where African American journalists can have intelligent, spirited discussions about issues of importance to our community.
Keep up the great work!
Carla Tyler Chase
Pikesville, MD
Love the show Roland and it’s about time. Do you mind if I send a email to CSPAN to have the Washington Watch in their Sunday political line up.
roland what is
Roland what is your take on Obama bowing to the Japanese leader? Also, what is your take on former Gov. Sarah Palin media tour so far? I know Oprah was thrilled to see her lol?
Roland, I love your show and the fact that you have different people instead of the same ones like most political shows. My question is, just what is it specifically people think the President should do to create jobs? I’m confused. Manufacturing jobs have gone to China and other foreign countries because the owners of those companies decided that paying people a decent wage, abiding by the safety regulations and laws of the US, and the cost of paying benefits can be deeply reduced to locate their businesess elsewhere. Now, I’ve always thought that the main thing to a business owner is their bottom line. So what policy do people really expect the government to be able to do that’s going to create long lasting jobs for the US. Seems to me unless they put a ban on moving a business overseas, what do people expect? Instead why aren’t more people taking the plunge into opening their own businesses and creating jobs, since they seem to think it’s so easy?
Roland, since President Obama has been President black men have been catching hell. They want to put all of them in prision give them time like 10 to 20 years even for something they did not do. I know several people that’s here in the state of Kansas they are doing this way. My son is one he have been serving time for 5 months for driving a car that wasn’t his car. The police beat him while he was handcuffed and shackeled, they put holes in his head they would have killed him but witness was observing. He filed charges on the officer now he was suppose to come home but now they are trying to put a robbery charge on him knowing that he didn’t rob anyone even the appointed attorney said she know that he didn’t rob anyone but that the judge wants him to do 10 years anyway. his trial date is set for December 07,2009 not giving him anytime to get another attorney. They have video that shows that my son didn’t rob anyone but they still want him to do 10 years. This isn’t right but they do this all the time to our black men just send them off to prison for 10 to 20 years knowing that they are not guilty. Again since obama has been president black i know here in Kansas have been catching noting but prison time for things they have not done. We still have invisible chains and we are still slaves to the white man I guess we will be this way until God call us home. But President Obama should be aware of this terrible thing that the police,and judges are doing here in the state of Kansas, if only he would check into this situation witness said when they was beating my son policeman told him this is for Obama Nigger!
Roland,
the majority of AA are hard working, law abiding, patriotic citizens. Our ancestors (some still alive) are still waiting for the full protection of the constitution and bill of rights to extend to our communities, as well. For white american to truly accept AA as viable and as valuable as themselves. It appears to me there are still clear class, economic, educational divisions systemic of the main culprit racism. Do you think a National Summit addressing racism in America spear-headed by the white house is finally in due?
Roland,
You are such a great news commentator and we love your show. I just saw the comment about the New York State Gov. I completely agree. News coverage about this man has been skewed beyond belief. Please get the right information out. People need to see who David Paterson really is and what he stands for. Much love.
KFP
This letter is to inform you of a grave injustice and criminal activities being conducted in the state of Texas. For over thirty years there have been oil, gas, and timber companies engaging in business transactions on properties in Texas without the consent of its owners. Two years ago this injustice was brought to the attention of my family and has since then implicated several families.
When my family was notified in the fall of 2007 by a company interested in building gas pipelines we were to say the least pleasantly surprised. After additional information was brought to our attention concerning heir ship it was further discovered that several transactions had taken place throughout the years of which our family was never notified nor given any compensation.
We have contacted state and federal regulatory and investigative agencies to identify the proper procedures to be compensated for our rights as owners of the property and have been met with several obstructions. Specifically, in Cass County Texas where the property resides there have been several documents discovered to be forged and or altered.
In addition to contacting government agencies we also hired a private attorney practicing in Texas who also presented us with obstructions and appeared to be conspiring with the entities that have been profiting from these business transactions.
My family is prepared to produce documentation of heir ship, copies of lease agreements, abstracts, and other legal documents to prove our standing as owners. Additionally, there are relatives on the property to provide historical account of companies that have been involved.
We feel as a family our last recourse is to raise awareness through media attention in efforts to hold these companies accountable for their actions and reach an agreement to compensate these families.
Hello Mr.Roland Martin if you refer to The Honorable Melody Barnes question from our family then that will brief you to my first question.Secondly it is refreshing to see a well versed intelligent,educated brother covering world news and the presidency in such a positive truthful approach.God will continue to bless your path and we will continue to pray for you and your family.You are a rare person keep up the great commentaries.Thank You In Advance for reviewing African American Land Loss In Virginia and all over the world at 90% we will be completely landless soon. If nothing is done.The Freeman Farm started in 1918 in the questionable amount of 6-800 acres of land.Our great great grandfather’s remains lay on this property 2 graveyards 3 fires on 3 seperate properties .The Freeman family needs intervention in this convoluted case.Mary Wheeler couldn’t have worded our story better it’s tha same kind of behavior.
Roland , Love the show.
You mention Pres Oboma needed to connect with black media that helped him get into the Whitehouse, have you formally invited him on your show to share his health care plan and the job status? What was the response?
Your show on Dec. 13 made me cringe. How dare all of you blame the President. Do your job Maxine Waters. she has been in office for years and now its the Presidents fault. Shame on you all. Mr. Martin stop feeding all the Rush LImbaugh’s of the world. Thats all you did yesterday. Washington watch. who are you watching it for?
I feel some of America is putting too much unnessasary pressure on Obama in such a short period of time; he is not a genie, who can just wave a magic wand and everything will be good in 11 months. You all have to remember, he has to clean up a lot of “Bush’s Bull” and thats not going to happen overnight! As far as Obama not doing enough to help black folks; the question is what are we doing to help ourselves? We cannot depend on him to help us be better parents, spouses, teachers and better community organizers. A lot of the issues black folks face have a lot to do with what we are doing wrong to ourselves. I think we need to give him some time to get all of these important issues sorted out. Black folks seem to forget that instead of becoming a wall street millionaire, Obama chose to keep it 100 and gave his time and support to help educate black folks in the southside of Chicago. Political move? Maybe; but that was how his mother raised him; to help people. At the end of the day, I dont think he will abandon us. But, he is not willing to hold our hand, and he shouldn’t. I also want to add that we shouldn’t always depend on politicians and/or white folks to spoon feed us. We are not idiots! We have to fight for whats ours and demand that we are not forgotten like we always are, but we have to take back our own community and make it pop. Voting at every election is a huge start! Not just cause there is a black man running for office. Our ancestors found tooth and nail to be allowed the right to vote and some of us are too ignorant to keep the torch burning and pass it on to the next generation. The 2010 Census is coming; dont forget to participate so that we can get as much money for our community and resources as possible. This can help keep our kids off of the street, more job training programs, housing, black owned businesses, rehab centers for our brothers and sisters who may have lost their way and got on drugs, transportation, public works to keep our streets clean, medical centers cause we are dying from every damn thing under the sun and maybe better schools if we show up to the school board meetings more often. It all starts with us as a people, not Washington.
Dear Roland, While Obama builds the nation let us rebuild Chicago for Blacks. Remember 43rd. st.; 47th st.;63rdrd st.; 79th st.; 83rd st.; and 87th st.; — they were lined with BLACK BUSINESSES. Where is our power??? We have you, Jackson, and Sharp – Where is your POWER. We need to build a great citY for ourselves and show our talents as Businessmen. We must compete in this Nation. If we do this in Chicago, we can do this anywhere. LET’S GET BUSY. We can get STIMULUS GRANTS to rebuild our businesses.
Hello Roland, merry christmas & happy new year. I see obama wants to still pass this depraved health care bill. It will just devalued the dolalr even more. The demoncrats will have their heads serve on a platter in november 2010 for their madness with this socilaist agenda. obama will probably not win re-election in 2012. white america will lead the way in seeing him be out of office in 2012.
Roland
What is this obsession with President Obama coming to do something for Black people? Think about it; before President Obama we were doing what we were supposed to do as Black people. Certainly oppression and racism is alive and well; and many of our relatives made it up and out less a Black president. I love and support President Obama for what he does for America. As for me and my blackness, I know who my savior is: PERIOD.
Hello Roland Martin. Love your show; so informative towards discussing issues that pertains to the Black community with sincerity. With all of the talks about the financial infrastructure of our nation thru this $700 billion stimulus package, that does not support Black people (as it has been pointed out on your show). I was wondering whether you knew about a book called “Blueprint for Black Power” by Amos Wilson. Where there is a chapter titled “Foundations and Think Tanks: The Selling of Newt Gingrich and the Republican Party 1994″ that reveals how the stage was being set for the $700 billion bailout plan of 2008. I was wondering what’s up with that?
Hello Roland,
Love the show. Rush home from early service to see it each Sunday morning.
Two observations, please don’t be offended. I want to help you. Everyone of your panelist has something very important that your viewers want to hear. That’s why you bring them on.
I, as well as your other loyal viewers want to hear the views of them all during their time allotment. Please see to it as the host that we hear ALL viewpoints as they are made. Other panelist may cut off another. Even you may cut off another person who is speaking. I realize time is short but if everyone is heard during his time allotment then we as the viewers can take in more info to be impowered with. But if everyone is talking at the same time or cutting off one person before their point is made or before they can share the info/insight they have, then it defeats the purpose of the show.
Secondly, even if you don’t like, respect or disagree with April Ryan, it is incumbent upon you to allow her to make her point. Today is Sunday, Dec 27th and for the last two Sundays you have come accross as if you don’t like her or don’t want to hear what she has to say. You almost attack her after she speaks two or three words. You come across to your viewers as if you don’t like/respect her/her views. Even if you don’t, you don’t want to give those vibes across the airwaves. It doesn’t look good. And most importantly, it defeats the purpose of having her on. At least give her a chance to make her point and us, your viewers a chance to hear her. We might disagree with her also but we won’t know if she is not allowed to make her point.
Thank you for reading my comment.
Your soror and sister in Christ,
Eva,
Baton Rouge, La.
Roland & TV One: Bravo to speaking truth to power and for having panelist with a point of view often missing in the general media broadcasts. I love President Obama also and if he believes (as I do) in his faith in Jesus, he should not hesitate when it comes to using his power to help “the least of these” our sisters and brothers. Why should there be a stigma attached when it comes to helping those who suffer the most as it relates to finance, education, jobs and our prisons?
Roland I am so proud you I loved your show today and I hope you keep up the good work.
Hi Roland,
First became acquainted with your style at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis,TN. I really enjoyed your topic this morning and start calling people telling them to listen to your show. You had a dynamic group of guest and I truly enjoyed the education revealed amongst your guest and was proud that I understood and understand what they are saying. I am saying the same thing here Memphis. I Chair the Lorraine Civil Rights Museum Community Oversight Committee and provide platforms for those to express themselves but no one is willing to go farther. I live in a Jim Crow city and I can’t stand it. Politics are a joke because all of our government officials have been arrested in what was called the TN Waltz. I must ask are you married? You are most handsome and even though I saw a ring on your finger I did not want to assume that you are married. I wear a ring when I go out lately because I draw a lot of questions and one being are you married? Nerve wrecking when you know its game. Hit me back or check me out on my FaceBook, nothing much there but a picture. Look up Delia Koen.
Roland I’m one of the blacks who want to make a difference in my community.I live in Brooklyn in the projects,my hood is small.There’s no hope,peace,unity or love.WE have two beautiful churches that’s been in our community for years,And no-one goes,everyone wants to go.But they don’t…I want to help change my community& I need help…starting with my two sons.they are so much more then they believe.I’m starting my life over&I’m doing it in GOD’s will.So I need help.peace&love
Why does divide and conquer still work on BLACKS!!!!!!!????????????
WILL WILL EITHER RISE TOGETHER OR WE WILL FALL TOGETHER
Roland – Put LIsa in contact with some N.Y. connections of yours. This sister needs help in her life and organizing her community.
Nagadef? Habari gani?
The Black Power discussion you african americans held on Dec. 27,2009 proved that you are wooden assimilationists! I am an Afrikan born in amerikkka! As such, I represent us Afrikan Women who bore us slaves, am the first equal opportunity officer to strive to integrate my Afrikan ethnicity @ work, have no illusion of inclusion in white society after their supreme court denied my advocates and me equal protection, and am writing books about this hatred! You and your panelists’ slave names, language, wardrobes, and yearning for civil rights betrays our quest for Hueman rights! On Jan. 1,1863–Jubilee Day–we merely shifted from being chattel slaves to eviction chattel! Mindful of this, we must untwist from Eurocentric cultural values, turn back to our Supreme Being who made us Afrikans, and restore our Afrikan-centered cultural values as the Chosen People in order to achieve real Black Power! That’s r/evolution, not assimilation!
Odabo
Roland Martin with Washington Watch
Show Airing Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009
How can I get a full copy of your progran on a DVD? The program on Black Power in the Twenty First Century.
Thannk you
Great show Roland. I’ve been watching since the beginning. It’s great to have an hour show about politics from a black perspective. However lately you and your guest are getting into a shouting match and sometimes you shut April Ryan out. I’d like to hear from all your guest even the black conservatives. Let them speak April is on the inside and she could tell us things we’d never hear on main stream media.
Keep up the good work and let’s see this show become an daily show and be one of many!!!THANK YOU TV ONE!!
Tony If april wants to keep her job she will NOT tell us what we want to hear, that is what’s wrong with the media they tell us what they want us to know but roland did a very good job on sunday Dec.27, 2009
Roland have you always had medical insurance since you were an adult? If you have you’ve been very Blessed. Your views on the health care bill gives our President a failing grade if this doesn’t pass. After being unemployed for over a year now, I took advantage of the corporate COBRA subsidy, unlike many others who didn’t have this as an option. I say THANK YOU PRESIDENT OBAMA for caring. WE must, I choose to support him. Your comments on today’s Washington Watch, January 3,2010 are heard in many communities. What is it that is said about the power of the tongue? His efforts are more notable than the previous (7) Presidents. This is TV One, not FOX TV or CNN correct?
After watching your the show this morning and reading comments. I understand this generation’s need to be piblic with complaints to the first Black president. When I was police officer in DC, the administration was white. Black officers fussed, and mumbled, but never went to the press about racism in the department. I did and I got a trip to Aspen to the white house conference on youth. when the first black chief was appointed(Turner), now everyone is in the press fussing about this first black chief as if he is not still black. Just because white folks elected Obama does not mean he is not still black. He is in need of our support as he attempts to find a way to deal with white run DC. Wake up. We as a race have not arrived yet, and, we don’t have the luxury of fussing in public about each other. White America uses the fact that we as a race never stick together. Look how the republicans stick together no matter how much they sound crazy, they support each other in public. When are we going to learn that going to school with whites does not make us equal. How can Obama concentrate on black needs in his first year without first handling the economy? The problems of the economy impact us too. Whatever he does will impact our community. The problems that confront out communities will not be solved by Washington. When are we going to wake up? We seem to always want hand-outs. When are black women going to see themselves as more than a “B” and understand that lying down with every boy in the community is not going to make you feel better about yourselves as you put the children you already have at risk by allowing any and everybody into your life? How do we use Obama’s popularity to influence young men to feel better about themselves and stop demeaning themselves with earrings, hanging pants, hair braided like a women? But yet they want people to treat them like men? Obama is not the answer to our community. We are the answer when we change oue view of self!!!!
Roland, I agree with some of your concerns pertaining to President Obama. It seems some of the comments are like old family members. If we like someone, we don’t want anyone to talk about them, if we don’t like someone it doesn’t matter whats being said. We should be able to praise when necessary and hold the praise when we feel its not earned. Yes, people should constantly let our President know what we do not like and keep it in the mix until something is done about it. That’s our right as American citizens. The underground railroad would have never been as powerful if Ms Tubman and others had given up. Don’t give up and don’t give in. Lets stick together.
Yes, the President’s staff, in my opinion, either is not qualified, don’t care or both. Do you need Ivy League education to do what they are doing. There are people on his staff that I fear is do not have his best interest at heart. Is he trusting so-called friends. I have always said the white house is enemy infested. He need someone who maybe doesn’t have so much schooling but common sense and care about the person they are protecting. This include protectin his Wife and children. Remember your friend may be my enemy.
Roland: I am all for accountability, but it is both unfair & unrealistic for anyone to expect the current administration (of less than a year) to be held accountable for the “mess” left behind by the previous administration of 8 years. Where were the cries for accountability then?
Roland,
I love your show.I know you want to give your comments on the questions you ask your guest but…..give them a chance to answer please.
I really want to hear their thoughts. I know this is difficult since you are so informed about that which you speak. This is an interview show so….interview.
I can think of no one who deserves a show more than you.
God Bless
are you scared of the reaction of white america?get angela davis on your show and have a 40year recap!washing up in the dirty water of devils want bring clean thoughts!!!we know the truth!there writing his story and we will be the culture that will be left out!fear of the segregationist shows that black people don’t have voices!!!do you respect our history in america only if the white man tell you his side!!!stop nut’in up and make our nation proud not sorry!!!!this generation of blacks or selfish and don’t want to fight only there brother!aids has a grip on our culture but no black clinics to see if there doing biological warfare and testing there theory!why blacks or first too get it and first to die!!!!they got our leaders speaking and not thinking on the fight against hiv!!!!!
I’m glad to see a show that is finally from the black perspective of polotics. The concern I have is how the main stream media is not reporting to job situation accurately. The reason that the job loss have gone done is because of the fact there are no more jobs out here in which to make a decent living and the majority of the Industrial based jobs from 2000 to 2008 have left this country and went overseas. From 2000 – 2008 companies were given a tax break by the Bush Administration to move theses jobs overseas under the cover of competeing with the global market when in fact it was all about cheaper labor. My question is our current President campaigned on doing something about NAFT, a policy that this counrty can not afford to have, and if jobs are going to come about to help the working poor and the middle class when is he going to start working on some of the unfair trade deals that don’t benifit us as Americans?
Raleigh, North Carolina
I suspect that one of the reasons that Mrs. Obama is not taking the lead in making policy statements is that she has two small children as her first priority. I believe the second reason is the lesson of histoy. The first lady is elected to make policy for the White House not for the nation. Hillary got into trouble because the Clintons did not undersand this limitation. She can be seen to support the presidents policies, but she cannot be seen to be making policy.
I heard on “Washington Watch” that the word Negro is being used on the 2010 Census. I am a 55 year old Black woman and really don’t have an objection to the word. It is really outdated and I don’t expect to be called this. I feel it is equivalent to Caucasian. Why is there always name changes for Blacks and who makes these decisions on whats acceptable? In my life I have heard colored, Negro, Black and African American which our race is suppose to approve of as acceptable. What I don’t like is the African American name tag. I feel this is a way of saying you do not belong to the North America continent. Why aren’t whites given a name to connect them to the continent their ancestors/descendants are from?
I saw Census Ads on BET. Has TV ONE gotten ads for the 2010 Census. TV ONE is the true Black owned cable station. We deserve that advertising money.
Dear Denise,
The term “Negro” is not equivalent to the term “Caucasian” as you wrote. The term “negro” is the Spanish word for “Black.” Therefore, the equivalent term for “White” in Spanish is “Blanco,” or the feminine “Blanca.”
The term “Caucasian” is used to designate peoples whose history is traced to the Caucus Mountains in Western Asian,i.e., Europe, or Europeans.
The term African-American is appropriately used to describe people whose primary ancestry is is traced to the continent o Africa. However, because of historical and present day propaganda (brainwashing) campaigns, which have obviously been successful, some descendants of of Africa have internalized(come to believe in) the brainwashing and are ashamed of their ancestry. They express their ashameness in several defined ways. One is the way you did, by claiming that the term “African-American” implies that you do not “belong on the North American continent.” Nothing could be farther from the truth. Notice how you have totally ignored the fact that the term “American” in “African-American” totally designates you as belonging on the “North American continent.” Since this is the case, one can only suspect that your problem with the term “African” lies within an explanation other than the one you provided.
I was told the other day by a friend that even the hate monger, Glen Beck, has gotten drunk again and started meddling in what African-Americans are called. Keep in mind that the problem people like him have is that they didn’t give us that name. They think that we are their children, and therefore, reserve all rights to naming us for themselves. If he had his way, we know what our names would be, it would begin with an “N” but it wouldn’t be “Negro.” (Please don’t respond about the rappers say, this and that. They are simply saying what the likes of Beck pay them to say.)
As an African-American, I am proud of my African heritage, and all other Blacks would be too if they take the time to study the great contributions Africa has given to World Civilization (the propaganda notwithstanding). I have full knowledge of my history and its greatness. I use the terms “African” and “BLack” interchangeably. The difference is one “African” connects one to a historical land base and history, and the other, “Black,” does not. All peoples who MATTER in the context of human affairs, must be connected to a historical land base and history. Hence, “Asian-Americans”; “Irish-Americans”; “polish-Americans,” etc. You never hear these peoples complaining about their heritage. They are proud of it! Because they know its importance in the context of human affairs.
For that very reason, unlike all the other terms used to describe us, the term African gives us the most respect, contrary to what you may believe, and the propaganda that shapes your belief. For example, a few days ago I was listening to an NPR radio broadcast wherein Africans who migrated to “North America” in the early 1960s were relating their experiences. Many said they were advised by their white hosts to always wear their African clothes when venturing out and about. That way, they said they were told, they would not be discrimated against by being mistaken for one of us. You see, at that time, we were still being called “Negroes.” Who respects that? Where is Negro Land on the world map? But Africa is on the map. Isn’t it?
We have not always been enslaved. We have a history that pre-dates our enslavement. We have never been slaves. We were enslaved. We have a glorious history long before our enslavement! We are an African people! Yet, we are deserving of our full rights in this country we built in North America for free.
So to Glen Beck I say, the next time you get drunk, please meddle in someone else’s business and leave ours along.
Have a happy new year, Denise. With much love!
My name is Prof. John J. Womble, Sr., Senior Citizen and Korean conflict Veteran. I currently live in Trenton, NJ. I enjoyed your program that aired on 1-10-10; I hope to see more in the coming months.
My most pressing questions are: How long are the Voters/Main Street/ the Unemployed going to wait for the kind of relief/support that President Obama has given those responsible for the economic crisis that we’re experiencing now (Banks/Wall Street/Auto industry)?
When will the campaign promises made by Pres Obama to the American Voters become more than Political Promises to win the votes needed to achieve his Political Ambitions and why the first two “African Americans” (Drs Bunche/King) who sweated blood for years to receive their Peace Prizes while Pres Obama only made Political Promises to win a Nobel Peace Prize”?
I like so many “Others” need these question answered ASAP.
Signed,
Prof, John J Womble, Sr.
What makes sick is to hear blacks folks running around calling their selfs americans when animals get treated better then we do.
I mean animals has rights and we don’t
Professor Womble,
I’m not Roland, but I’d like to add my two cents if I may.
First, I agree with you totally! The only problem with your observation, as I see it, is in regards to African Americans, there were never any promises made. Robert Gibbs revealed the campaign’s strategy in a television interview during the fall of 2008. He said they went to every group in the country and learned what their issues of interest were, and promised to address those issues if elected. Then he added, “we knew we didn’t have to promise the Blacks anything, because they would just Be PROUD.” How insulting is that? As if we’re talking about Michael Jackson, or Venus and Serena Williams, etc., and not POLITICS, where decisions are made on the ALLOCATION of RESOURCES and the MAKING of LAWS.
So there you have it! That’s why all Blacks got during the campaign were condescending insults, e.g., our children don’t learn in school, not because of a lack of educational resources, but because their no good parents feed them too much “fried Chicken,” etc.,etc. That comment is, as you know, a racist stereotype–Blacks, fried chicken, and watermelon. Many whites were very impressed, as was the intent. And, as Dr. Boyce Watkins has pointed out, there is the continuing stereotypical insult against Black men as being “lazy” and “irresponsible” (remember Ronald Reagan’s “welfare queens”?). When the focus should be on during something on a PUBLIC POLICY level about the over 50% unemployment rate among Black men, many of them possessing advanced university degrees (New YORK Times 12/1/09).
Therefore, if your comments include African-Americans, sorry, many are indeed getting what they wanted as they were wiled into. They are proud! Although poverty among Black children has increased from 1 in 5 (20%) over the past year to about 2.5 in 5 (about 50%), according to people who study those things; the Blacks are proud. Although unemployment has nearly doubled for Blacks in the last year, and is projected to get worse(mostly for Blacks) they are proud. Although home foreclosures have hit Blacks harder than any other group, they are proud. Some have even accepted the “signifying” and “dozens playing” as a true representation of themselves (as long as it’s not a white person saying it on a WORLD STAGE). Note their responses to criticism of their favorite celebrity, they repeat the insults–”these old black folks need to do some-in fo’ they self, an’ stop depending on handouts”, etc. Many of the ones talking like that haven’t lost their jobs YET, you see. As you know, such behavior; accepting insults, and agreeing to be neglected and denied basic rights in the false belief that they are benefiting from the neglect is a sign of severe brainwashing. In this case, the tragic belief that the acceptance of a self-object means acceptance of the self. In fact, upon analysis, neither is true.
So, I’m sorry. But nothing will change until the hypnosis wears off. The good news is, there are signs of a return to sanity every where.
I know you didn’t ask me, but that’s my two cents worth anyway.
Roland,
Why is the major media so easily manipulated by Conservative Republicans?
How can so-called “journalists” allow liars like Rudy Guiliani to say that there were no terrorist attacks during the Bush years and not be challenged immediately?
There is no such thing as “liberal media.” Either these folks are closet conservatives, or they are zombie idiots whose job I could do a whole lot better!
I’d also like to respond to Prof. Womble’s question (How long will it take for Pres. Obama to provide economic relief to main street Americans?)
It took EIGHT years of Conservative Republican leadership to take us from a surplus to a deficit and get us into the economic quagmire we’re in. Yet we expect Obama to work economic miracles in less than two years.
If you think Republicans will come to our economic rescue, you’re deluded. The poverty rate grew dramatically under Bush, especially for Black folks. It’s clear that Republicans care less about fixing the economy than rooting for its failure so they can regain power in the House and Senate.
As long as African-Americans remain complacent, as long as we don’t vote in off-year elections, as long as we don’t write and call our Congresspeople and Senators and hold them accountable to our needs, as long as we allow right-wing tea party fanatics to dominate town meetings (and the national conversation on the economy and healthcare), we can’t complain about Obama or any other politician.
Alana, I agree with your observations about “Conservative Republican leadership.” However, the problem is,the logical structure in which you’ve placed your argument is unsound. Plain and simple; the Republicans have not been in charge over the last year when the poverty rate for Black children has increased from 20% to 50% (not in eight years, but one). And it continues to rise!In fact, Republicans have not been in control of Congress for the past four years.
If you’ve read my previous comments, then you would know that I’m not a Republican of any kind. In fact, I think party labels are for suckers. For example, in recent health care debates on the House floor, it was widely reported that both Republicans and Democrats were reading the same speeches, both pro and con. Then it was discovered that insurance company agents had written the speeches for both parties. That’s where Professor Womble’s keen insight is coming from.
Read his comments again. I think we all would be better off if we stop celebrating and start thinking. Become informed! This is a thinking person’s world. A MIND IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE.
Hello Roland Martin I really enjoy your show. I think there should be more talk on diversity and race relations.
Chesterfield, VA
The Haitia people are suffering from PTS, and shock!!!!! How long are they to walk the streets day and night???? This is disgusting. There is a private island resort they can be evacuated to , or bring cruise ships to evacuate the people so they can rest, bath, care for themselves,and children. Women need special care as well as children. Why are we allowing this?????
there should be freedom for for not just all men, but all peoples.
1/18/10
Did the President use AirForce One and taxpayers money to fly to MA to contribute and rally for the Dem candidate:? If so how will the American people be remeiburse? Wasn’t it a derlection of duty to the American people? Especially, the people of California.
Thank you, Barbara Smith, Democrat
Please let me know if the President used taxpayers dollars to support his candidate MA? I am Dem but against taxpayer dollars being used for politics.
AIR FORCE ONE belongs to the PRESIDENT for four years. GET OVER IT!!! This is for security reasons and part of the Presidential package. All Presidents traveled this way. Why shouldn’t OBAMA?
Mr.Martin, I just finished viewing your show w/ Pres. Obama. I think you dropped the ball while he spoke about education. His daughters attend a private school yet he rescinded scholarships/funding for primarily black children in the DC area to seek educational opportunities outside the public schools. Could that be because he owes allegiance to the Teachers Union? On another subject-he campaigned under a transparent admistration yet he tries to push through a health care policy that most voters are against. I wish he would stand strong & freeze spending on a federal level. He’s proving to be just another lying politician.
ROLAND – YOUR PROGRAM WITH OBAMA WAS GREAT!!!!!!!
To see the two of you in dialogue is definately monumental. The WHITE HOUSE has opened the doors because of President Obama.
It is not necessary to agree – it is about validation.
TV ONE is to be commended for this type of programming. THANKYOU
Will “Living the Dream” be aired again? Thanks.
ROLAND:
The UNCF Institutions can provide the modern BLACK INFRASTRUCTURE. The BLACK CHURCH has dropped the ball.
The UNCF educational system can provide:
DAY CARE
PRE K
CHARTER/ACADEMY SCHOOLS K-12
ENTRPRENEURIAL FOCUSED CURRICULUM FOR HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE
This focus can provide a VILLAGE for our young and an environment for success for the future. Our young people can be the beginning of the BLACK POWER BASE in America.
The City, State, Federal, and Private funding should not be a problem for this vision.
I am almost 60 years old. I have a Bachelors Degree and an M.B.A.. I would like to see Blacks organize a power base and I see Education as an avenue to accomplish this.
Brother Roland,
Can we expect a country that is controlled by the Wall Street financial institutions, oil cartel, insurance industry, healthcare industry, special interest groups and all the other large corporate comglomerates to recommend changes to the government to assist and help the middle class when all they have done is crush them? The government is allowed by the corporations to have local control over policies but in reality the government has grown powerless to help the people. We the people have fed these corporate giants until they are so powerful and uncontrollable. Change from the present policies is under great resistance because the status quo is enjoying life as it is. Change to provide others with opportunity does not sit well with greedy immoral people. Democrat or Republican when it comes to the special interest they will band together to protect their own interest not those that they exploit. Roland your are absolutely correct when you stated the Democrats cannot get anything done because they are so divided and mostly due to the fact that some Democrats and Republicans are being paid by the same corporations and special interest. The devil is busy and you canot expect immoral unrighteous people to do the right thing. That is insane thinking.
Hi Roland! and thanks again for a great show. However, I would like to ask the question as to why everyone thinks it’s Obama’s job to create jobs? Every state has a local government and a state legislature. I believe that it is the job of the those entities to either create or solicit jobs for their cities. Unfortunately, they were not thinking about these things when they were turning their heads to illegal immigration, which has allowed employers to hire people at lower wages, which in turn lowers our standard of living. Where were the questions and, what policies were being put into place when American companies were fleeing to open businesses overseas, trying to avoid what they considered as cumbersome policies and too expensive operation costs? Someone who had forward thinking, would have looked into these issues and saw what was coming down the road. But as usual, when money is involved, the right thing is never done. Now we have a society, where the education system has all but crumbled because we were too busy trying to allow illegal aliens children to feel accepted in our schools so we dumbed them down, now our education system as a whole is not equipping our children with the type of education they need to fill the types of jobs that we need going into the future. You are not going to be able to live comfortably and buy a house or raise a family being the Fryer at McDonald’s, it’s just not going to happen without a struggle. If companies are not willing to accept the pains that go with operating a business in America for the greater good, then we will never have enough of the types of jobs that people are going to need. And the thing that bothers me is, if you are working at a company, you see before anybody else, what’s going on in that company, so! If there is talk of a layoff, why do people wait until it happens to be concerned. If you see the company taking a different direction, shouldn’t you start looking into your options and possibly start getting the training for your next job or career? I am just not one to blame Obama for not doing all he can. He is one person, and I said it when he was saying his speeches, that people were not going to roll up their sleeves and do all they can, this society has become nothing but a blame game. No one looks into the mirror and says ok! Today is a new day, and what did I do yesterday to help better anything, either for themselves or someone else? We have got to stop looking and saying is he doing all he can do? or is he doing enough? The question is what are we doing to help him? He said it in his campaign, and Michelle mentioned it as well. We all need to take an active part and stop blaming. Millions of us couldn’t even keep our own financial houses in order and the nerve to try to bash someone who is trying to improve things for everyone. No President in my time as an adult has hit the ground running trying to do things to better the common man, and it really bothers me that people are not backing Obama. If he was sitting and twiddling his thumbs, I would say maybe it’s warranted, but he’s not. If I can stand behind him and I’m a registered Republican, who voted for George Bush twice and yes! I still like George Bush, even with his faults, I see know reason why the rest of you can’t see in the heart of Obama, that his intentions really are focused on helping all of us to move forward as a country.
Roland, Invite some of the Republicans to come on your show. (Announce to us in advance) Invite some of the congressman as well. Ask questions of them straight up. Ask them about the horrible work they are doing holding up bills that need to be passed for the American people. Ask them about the horrible comments being made by them and why. How can they contribute to the improvement of the condition of our country? If they are not able to improve our country they need to resign. The American people need help, jobs, homes, health care and a stable America. At this time they are not able to help us, they are holding up progress and the American people cannot move forward. They need to move on to another job, instead of using up the citizens of America’s money. We all know that money is the bottom line; Is money also the reason why Democratics are devided too? Thank you. Linda
To whom it may concern
I Joseph Dewayne Westbrook am a small business owner in Utah, in addition to the struggles of owning a business in this harsh economy we are currently the only minority service-disabled veteran owned business in the state in our field. Westbrook Enterprises LLC (WBE) is a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) company; we are currently the DME provider for the Salt Lake Veterans Affairs Medical Center (SLVAMC). When we were awarded this contract I felt like I had accomplished the American dream, my dream soon turned into the American nightmare. In addition, to the racism that we have endured with working with the SLVAMC, the Salt Lake VA has constantly treated me and my staff like second hand citizens. Well, you see being in the military was a very proud thing for me, as a child some dreamed of being doctors or lawyers, where I dreamed of serving my Country. I was raised with core values that were one and the same of those instilled by Air Force; my tour was cut short due to a life changing accident I suffered in training which resulted in back surgery, shoulder surgery, and a life time of pain and PTSD. Although, I could no longer serve my country I started a DME company which allowed me to service other veterans and allowed me to continue my vision of serving my Country. You see being an American is an honor; I love my Country, and have made many sacrifices for this great country for freedom is not free. Working with the SLVAMC has been horrendous, for example,
• WBE is continuously being railroaded by the VA
• The VA continues to deliberately divert business away from WBE
• The VA does not adhere to policies and procedures mandated by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Acquisitions
• Outstanding payments
• Not adhering to the contract
• No response to issues
• Verbal agreements not followed through
• Contractual obligations not being met
• A complete lack of professional courtesy
• Racism
• Constantly working against WBE to resolve issues, with no explanation
As proud as I am being an American, it is sad that in this great country there are many injustices that are overlooked, I can’t fathom how the Salt Lake Veterans Affairs can conduct business so unethical and be allowed to continue this injustice. For the past 2 years, I have tried resolving these issues with the SLVAMC with no headway, I am pleading for help, not just for me but for the next person, if anybody can be of assistance please help; my contact information is below. Thank You
Joseph Dewayne Westbrook
Westbrook ENT. LLC 8415 South 700 West Unit 10, Sandy, UT 8407 Office 801-568-6800 or 801-568-6800 Cell 970-988-1005
Hi Roland,
I watched your show today none of the guest or your panel mentioned the foreclosure crisis in America. When you think about why people are no longer are engaged you can not forget to mention this crisis that is eliminating the black middle class. We are losing our homes in massive number. African-Americans feel let down because Pres. Obama won’t even come to our community to talk to us, to feel our pain. The President needs to issue a moratorium on foreclosure. I watch the President go to Ohio 4-5 times talking about his economic message but you have a city like Detroit which is deserted and impoverished and he doesn’t go. For many African-Americans we feel that change has not come in the form of a listening ear to our concerns and needs in order to make our community viable again.
In regards to healthcare, what the President needs to do, is pay for the healthcare reform different. I wrote the President months ago and told him that the best way to pay for healthcare reform was to have a consumption tax on fast food, alcohol,and soda. Americans want affordable healthcare without the burden of a higher deficit. We still can put this movement forward, this will force the Republicans to vote on a bill that is cost effective, it will add no money to the decifit and it will not raise taxes on the rich or the poor and there will be no need to penalize cadillac plans. Everyone would be happy, and if the Republicans still say no the American people are smart enough to see that they are not willing to help us achieve a solution to the healthcare crisis. We want a fiscally responsible healthcare reform strategy.
Please have the CBC and NAACP on your show to talk about the STIMULUS FUNDS. How many BLACK organizations have applied for/ getting these funds. How many Jobs were created for BLACKS.
I love your show Mr. Martin and would love to see you on for more than just an hour on Sunday. We need more show like yours that actually inform the black community. Who do I need to contact @ TV One to get this?
I woul dlike to see more BLACK NEWS programs on TV ONE
I sometimes like your show Washington Watch with Roland Martin, however there are times when I do not like your panel discussions, as well as some of your remarks, and how you and the panel always criticizing the President. The President cannot do it all and what you need to do is tell your viewers the importance of VOTING on the local level. I don’t think a lot of people realize the importance of voting locally. If there is one thing you and your panel should know, “nothing happens overnight” and that President Obama is the President of the United States for all the people and not just for the African Americans in the US. Please stop all of the criticism because we need to be more positive and stop acting like donkeys. Let’s show our children that no matter our differences and opinions we still can be supportive of each other. There are times when you all are arguing that I have to turn the channel. Let’s dream the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King. Thanks
The fact that Chris Matthews even mentioned that the president is African-American means that America is NOT POST RACIAL!!! What upsets me over all of this is the fact that no one will simply stand up and say what the problem is. This is ALL about Race. Jimmy Carter said it, we all know it, but we are afraid to say it because it will be considered and “excuse”. In my estimation, the Republicans and some Democrats for that matter will wait until the next White President..male or especially female comes into office, and then they will pass Healthcare and then that person will be credited with finally passing healthcare. If you really think about it, it seems that the democrats are supporting this. Just looking at the Mass. election, the dems just GAVE THE SEAT and THE MAJORITY AND THE ABILITY TO GET ANYTHING DONE away. It was an important seat, and they acted like it didn’t matter until it was already done. If a white president were in office, they would not have let the most important seat in the senate go!!! I would like the President to say..It is horrible that not one republican will break rank and vote for this healthcare bill.
Mark G
San Jose, CA
Hi Roland : glad to see you today on your own show congratulations.President Obama State Of The Union address was great. He has a lot of problems though jobs , the economy , housing and the insurance this is a truckload . One thing is for sure these problems has existed for a long time like many years . The republicans was in office for ten years and did’nt solve the insurance problem and now that the President is trying to solve it they don’t want to cooperate based on what i see the republicans would love nothing more but to make the president take their plan so that they can have all the credit it seems that the republicans are not willing to compromise. Also I think the president was right to let us know what the supreme court has done . I mean is this fair to the people to let corporations have such a huge advantage over the people it’s no way i believe that the people can compete with the massive amount of monies that will be used to sway voters in their favor is a corporation considered to be a people ?
Mr. Martin:
I have watched you on many political forums. I just saw your show “Washington Watch” tonight, and was very impressed. I would like to agree with Mr. Armstrong about President Obama doing something about FORECLOSURES. As Mr. Armstrong said if we don’t have a “roof over our heads” then nothing else really matters…not health care, the wars, or nothing else. It’s then about survival. I was one of President Obama’s biggest fans…signed youth up to vote at my son’s college(Syracuse University) and encouraged family members to vote that doesn’t normally vote.
My husband lost his job with Adcomm Digital in February of 2008 (2 years ago) and has been seeking jobs from janitorial to white collar, but to no avail. I’m totally and permanently disabled due to an on-the-job auto accident while working with the Postal Service in March of 1995. This was an accident where someone else ran a red light and as a result I’m disabled. We have 3 boys (One is a Syracuse Univ. student/athlete graduate, one attending college, and a 2 1/2 year old). My benefits with OWCP was halted 9 months ago due to a claims examiner not performing her job, and as a result we basically lost both incomes. We’ve been struggling to keep our mortgage current that was on a home in the construction phase (95% complete now). We were homeless for 2 years until a couple weeks ago. We’ve been “from pillow to post”…living in hotels, motels, with friends & relatives and sometimes sleeping in places I prefer not to disclose. To say the least I feel like President Obama has failed not only my family, but other middle class families such as mine. When campaigning for President he kept saying he was going to freeze FORECLOSURES and send families huge STIMULUS checks. NEWS FLASH… He hasn’t done either. I’m devastated. Why can’t the President Freeze Foreclosures at least until jobs are more available and the unemployment rate is lower. Simple Question: What are families suppose to use for money to pay mortgages and rent when they have no jobs, and unemployment benefits has run out or is not enough. These are questions most African-American families are faced with… not so much health care, education, and war. Not that we aren’t concerned, but it’s about survival and trying to figure out where your next roof or meal is going to come from. It’s about begging and getting up early in the morning running over town to non-profits to get food and rental assistance if available.
I think you sort of shrugged off the comment Mr. Armstrong made about Foreclousres, because you’re not in that situation. You don’t have to worry about your home, but many of us do, and we want to be heard. Why has the State of California (Republican Governor) been able to mandate a freeze on Foreclosures and the President has his head buried in the dirt. All I heard in his “State of the Union Address” was that of helping Middle Class…guess what there is no Middle Class anymore…It now called POOR & HOMELESS. He’s losing ground with many African-Americans and I’m one of them. I feel like you are not addressing the REAL issues of the recession with regards to FORECLOSURES. Do you understand that this is not only destroying peoples’ lives by taking away their homes, but also it’s breaking up families, destroying BLACK marriages, and then we have other issues steming from this of no father in homes, mothers working two jobs and no longer there to nurture children and teach (education). Please have a forum with Main Street American as my family that has been devastated by what President Obama is simply not doing…FREEZING FORECLOSURES AND SENDING OUT STIMULUS CHECKS. He’s given billions to the banks, and my mortgage company received 23 million dollars, but still won’t modify/restructure my loan. I don’t fit into the “Makinghomesaffordable”, and lots of homeowners don’t. You have to have a loan serviced by FHA to qualify. Mr. Martin, Please look beyond your situation, and listen to the voices that’s not being heard.
Thanks
2-07-10 China! Very good show! Content & direction were relevant. Black people should correspond with China on an economic trade & learning level. Their city models were fabulous, hence I did not see any planned urban blight.
And let me say Roland, I love the layout of your show, the set design, sitting arrangements, colors and pictures are on point and condusive to this progressive news show. I like that you stand for most of it which translates into an inquiring yet aggressive straight up business approach. You and your interviewees even stood up on a commuting train in China, taking every opportunity and second of time to bring a story, a format seldom if ever seen on news shows today. It was a sense of informative well planned urgency.Rignt On! Keep it coming.
The Tea Party and Palin keep saying:”We want our country back” I would like to ask : Want it back from who? We are all Americans…Besides I think the Native Americans have rights to a request like that before any other nationality… And everytime I see a clip on the television I see mostly white people.
Please bring this to the attention of many who might not be listening…After a while background noises get on my nerves…
I think there are many that are angry we have a African American President but the reality is he is doing a good job given the set of circumstances he had to overcome (gigantic deficit and two wars)…He deserves a break for trying to help average everyday people not just those with money.
Does it seem peculiar that the pictures of the Alabama shooting victims who are people of color have not been widely released, in light of the fact the shooter was White.
Yes, it does seem peculiar, yet not surprising. The media has really demonized horrific news when the perpetrator is Black – airing the name and face repeatedly AND referring to our people under 18 as “men and women,” not boys, girls and teens, but referring to 20-something O’Keefe who wiretapped a Senator’s office, brought up false allegations that resulted in Acorn being defunded by the Congress as a kid, and his crimes as pranks because he is White.
The media loses credibility always playing down anything and everything negative White people do from politics to homicides to hate crimes against Blacks. It proves to me that racism is alive and well.
2-14-2010 11:00
I wanted to comment on Sarah Phylin and her critizism of the Democratic and Liberal parties.I do not think it comes as any suprise that Mrs.Phylin has is using a television show to voice her personal opinions against all the people who didnot accept her while she was a Republican VP canidate.She is using the show to gain the support of americans for future political positions in Washington.I donot think it matters what angle she uses to accomplish her political goals including having double standards when using the word retard.She will never be a Hillary Clinton !
Mr. Martin
My husband and I watched you on Feb 14 2010 and we are interested in purchasing the dvd on Black’s in the Military in honor of Black History month 2010 but the title wasn’t given and we can’t find it in the events listed for today. It was advertised as available in Walmart but they had no knowledge of it. Thanks You and may God’s Grace continue to order your steps as you journey thru his will for your life
david and lisa this shows segregation and slap on the wrist justice!the ala. lady killed her brother and the small town rosco p coaltrain let her go!These devils show you everyday there justice is looking who’s in the courtroom to convict! I’m making my last comments simply because it’s like voodoo when people talk about racism and segregation in america!washing up in dirty water and believe n that white america will change is making there freedom game stay the same!believe n rights sats you free in a racist country is there tool too keep you from freedom!They’ve moved the goal post every generation and we believe voting helps our freedom from suffering!they commit treason and not one person stands up and point them out! I’m stopping because our leaders are afraid to unmask klanmen and women and segregationist of there generation!It’s like taking a test and the other side has the answers and there telling you there smarter then you!but,want give answers to solve our problems! to:roland; black political soldiers don’t bow down or make soft shoe political points!All i see is a news commentator watching his talk!the white pundits got you walking on banana pills and egg shells!I haven’t seen any real offense you’ve put too segregationist america!there’z a tresure chess full of facts that never get talked about are put to light!You catz keep playing in there backyards so you can go in there house to be notice!malcoln x,stokey carmicheal,bobby seal,hughie,angela davis, and the minster louis farrakahn make real political arugments!Do your homework!What we see now is what they saw then!those who are alive makes black politics what it is!stop hate n and talk to your real brotha’s and sista’s and stop soft shoe n for white american punditz!!!!!peace and love !!!!fight the power!!!
also ,i put my commentz in blocks for a reason!Our blocks or not structured do too ignorance and obitunist leaders black and white!PEACE AND LOVE!!!!!
1 last thing!It was ronold reagan that made it possible to tri terror suspects in federal courts!stop being a follower of gop political games!research the truth and smack them back with facts not talk!PEACE AND LOVE!!!!my last blogs on this site!!!!!!fight the power!!!!!!!
Just curious….why didn’t the same delegation who went to China concerning economic relationships with Black businesses and Black folks in U.S. also do the same thing with various countries on the continent of Africa?
Additionally, if Chinese businesses do decide to set up shop in the U.S. what type of work environments will these businesses contain? As a person who’s worked in automobile manufacturing for close to 14 years at Honda, I am very aware of how good the prospect of new jobs sounds but I am also equally aware of the many unpleasant realities existent within this type of employment. In Honda’s case, the strong lack of consideration concerning work/life balance, the lack of diversity and the non-union shop approach. These by-products have proved to be very detrimental to many workers and their overall longevity with the company. I’ve also noticed how Honda, in particular, usually locates their manufacturing sites in small, off-the-beaten-track rural locales as opposed to larger urban areas and I do remember the Black delegations’ desire to bring businesses to urban areas in particular.
Dear Mr. Martin: Please if you can. I would like to see some Rep. from The House, Senate, ect come on your show, and do some explaining why we have this gridlock!!.(Even though we already know the answer.)
Roland iam trying to understand how can black peoples who was born in america be call african american I thought a person would have to be born in africa and become a american citizen to be a african american
I wanted to know the name of the brother representing the Black Farmers that appeared on Washington Watch on Feb. 21. I wanted to send his message out to my email buddies to help spread the word.
Roland I here peoples talk about a man being addict to sex Iam a 68 year old man I dont believe its such a thing as sex addiction I thank mens use sex addiction trying to justify a bad behavior
I think you were spot on in your perspective about Tiger Woods speech regarding his marital infidelities. The media seems to have shut out most peoples opinion about this situation. Most people I know, especially golfers don’t care and are only concerned about when he will get back on the golf course. However there seems to be a media backlash that wants to critic his sincerity of his apology. Is this because they think there is more of a public interest if the decency & morality of the speech are undermined with the accusation of insincerity? I saw most polls indicated people felt comfortable with him speaking to the public at all, as well as there were polls with a significant number of people who felt that situation was between he and his family and admired him for taking the steps of doing what was best for his family first and then dealing with his public image. I think the media is upset about how he handled this situation and not addressing this when THEY wanted him too. So now begins the cycle of was he sincere? Could there be a resentment in the media management newsrooms because this Black man stood up in front of the world when he wanted too and then expressed an apology towards his wife, children, mother, and then fans while also addressing his continuation too better himself and his relationship with his wife? As opposed too Gov. Mark Sanford who not only cheated on his wife, but lied about his whereabouts while on tax payers money, as well as , when he finally did address the world publically, HE PROFESSED HIS LOVE FOR HIS MISTRESS, and then he claimed in a later press conference too be working things out with his wife. Wheres’ that outrage?
Tea Party ” AKA ” KKK wants us to go back to the original constitution when we had 13 colonies. That document only pertained to white males only. Blacks and all other minorities couldn’t vote or had the same rights of our white brothers had. We can start from 1965 and work from there. Just because the hood isn’t there doesn’t mean the person has changed his racist views.
have you considered asking Star Parker or Rev.Wayne Perryman to appear on your show?
although he doesn’t identify hisself as a black man……could the mainstream media want to keep this story alive because all of women are white?
Thank you Roland for being you. When I read through the comments, I see as I hear from time to time, Blacks complaining of what the President have not done or what he should be doing. Let’s take accountablility for oneself and asked what are you doing for the Blacks? It began with yourself, your family, your community, your city, and your state. Spineless, I think not. He cannot go in there becoming street, that is what the white Republicans hope for, or every opportunity he get, he bring the “race card”. That would be suicide!He was voted for not only for Blacks, for all races. He has to be for the people, if not there will be a tear!I watched several interviews with Wesley Snipes and when asked about his memories or thoughts on the legendary Michael Jackson who got him on the map, always negative! But, then that has been Wesley since he felt he has arrived. No respect for Black women and now another Black icon, negative comments. This is sad and talk about “spineless”!
There are Blacks in position within programs to help the trouble youths in America that existed before President Obama arrival to the White House, so who can we fault for that? They are able to work hand on with the youths and use the programs to pass them on to gain monies for the programs and feel that it not their problems or that why help to give the kids structure, that it is a waste and do not care and employ employees with the same outlook. We have to take accountability for our own actions! President Obama is not God. And if the Republicans get back into the White House, you will be praying a many days that President Obama serving as President, he will be gone too soon! The men who sit around and complains are the ones that lack being a real man. A real man would roll up his sleeve and make a different and would try to help find a solution. There is plenty of work to do!
I’m Back!!!!!!Having made comments about segregationist in america did’t make you change the soft shoe arguments!Facts don’t make a diffence to a segregationist!They only see a black face.Attacking the sons and daughters of the true people that had crimes against humanity put upon them still too this day!!! Has a history that can show a timeline of seperation by white america.Politics is a simple civics lesson for real americans to be engaged in the process!We The People!Following dixiecrats robo talking points are not real revolutionary counter arguments!Showing there lack of concern about inner cities in every city is treason too america!Don’t you think?Do the stats!From 1963 to 2008 government and private bussiness have abused americans that are brown and chocolate carmel!!Half stepping the fight with a platform is suspect!!!!!
Politics is simple!!!Using admendments and laws too follow up your timelines!!Having each day made bright will bring change!From 1863 to 1865 Texas owes african slave desendants two years of overtime!Black farmers or undercut!From that time to now land have been taken and kept away from african slave desendants!Who are in america!That’s only oneway too show!Show government contracts from 1963 to 2008 and see how tax dollars only went to white ameicans!The race started in 1863 they do owe our people and the red nation!
How do you put that together on a hour show?
Simple! Have a reparation segment!!
also,Look at the Mighty, Mighty,O’Jay’s video Ship Ahoy!Make your way with facts and the real political landscape of today!Show, what it is ,is what it was!!!Sound the drums and the red and black nation will listen!Constutional facts are up too fight!Have a segment jim crowe law!See how our political system attacked and lied for americans!I love my country but my country has not loved me!
I am american i’ve never been too Africa but,government contracts see me as minorities and whites or american so they get 85% to 90% of all major government contracts all that ever been writing!!!!Peace and Love!
How come there is not alot of coverage on the “monkey” reference towards our First Lady? A local author here, in Lexington KY, has four books with depictions of monkey references of black children men and women. She is dying to talk to you. Please call Rosetta Quisenberry at 859-299-7258. Check out here website a www. sagaof the black man.com
@ S. Carol Coleman,
When I was an adolescent, I would spend every summer with my paternal grandmother in Alabama. My siblings and I called her “Big Mama.” She was filled with knowledge and wisdom, although her academic antecedence did not exceed 3rd grade. I learned from her a lesson I’d like to share with you.
She said: “Never let nobody make you feel bad and get you all ‘riled up’ by claiming you look like this or that. When folks call you names, ‘they be talkin’ ’bout they self.”
Subsequently, I learned in school that Charles Darwin posited a theory called “Survival of the Fittest and Evolution,” wherein he claims all humans evolved from lower species like apes and monkeys. Now there are some who disagree, they hold to a theory that they call “Intelligent Design.” Generally, they claim that humans exist today as they always have, based on the ‘Seven-day/Genesis model.” However, their position, unlike Darwin’s model, is not considered scientific. Those holding the “Intelligent Design” position are mostly the right-wing nuts and their zealot followers. The very ones who like to call African Americans such names as you describe.
Anyway, I later learned that the field of “dynamic psychology” supports Big Mama’s position that when people say, or think, things about other people, they are often expressing how they feel about themselves. It is called the “defense mechanism” of “PROJECTION.” It is mostly an unconscious thing, but sometimes it is conscious. Either way, it’s always ascribing ones own thoughts and feelings unto others.
Now do this: Google “Rheus Monkey.” And then decide for yourself whether it looks more like our beautiful First Lady, or the one(s) who is/are circulating the pictures.
After that, let’s get back to the serious business at hand. We need POLICIES to address the economic distress in our commmunities.
I don’t know you, but I love your spirit.