THIS WEEK ON WASHINGTON WATCH: 9/28
This week on Washington Watch Roland will be focusing on President Obama’s fight for health care reform and the Chicago beating death of 16-year-old Derrion Albert.
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Mr. Martin,
As a mother, I hurt for the parents of Derrion Albert, and Spelman student, Jasmine Lynn, whose life was taken by a stray bullet in Atlanta. I grieve for the dreams that died with their children.
The viciousness inflicted upon Derrion Albert causes me to despise how I feel. I’m so angry about it that I can’t find compassion in my heart for his attackers. Intellectually, I understand that there had to have been circumstances that lead those kids to exhibit that level of rage, but emotionally, I feel no sympathy for their parents’ loss.
I’ve grown fed up with people who selfishly bring children into the world, yet don’t care for them, don’t take time to teach them anything of value, don’t keep up with their whereabouts and activities, don’t make them go to school every weekday or do homework every weeknight…don’t make their children a priority. More than likely, those mothers and fathers don’t know how to parent because they grew up under the same conditions. But, many seem unwilling to learn how to do better. If someone were to suggest to them that they should wait to have children and employ some preventive measures, they’re quick to tell them to butt out, because they can do as they wish. They want the world to provide them resources when they run into trouble, yet they’re often unwilling to accept advice for practical things they can do to help their children.
This is going to sound extremely harsh, but some people should not be allowed to procreate. Once it is determined that people have drug addictions, they should be given one chance to clean up their act, or be sterilized. I imagine that methamphetamines are equally destructive for people of trailer park communities. But crack seems to be the drug of choice for poor black communities, and it has managed to do over three decades what centuries of slavery and racial discrimination couldn’t accomplish: make mothers and fathers abandon their children, physically and emotionally.
However, every parent who isn’t doing their job is not on drugs. Some just don’t have a concern for their children’s welfare and prospects for their future. Too often, I see black children – who are old enough to have homework – out playing on weeknights, or roaming the streets, sometimes after dark. Black children are trailing even immigrants, educationally. Yet, it seems that the majority of our people remain unalarmed by that. If every person who has a child would parent his or her own children…allow parental concern to guide their decisions, then the need for the village to raise the child would dissipate.
Our people act out too many destructive behaviors that defy survival. AIDS? Blacks dominate the number of new cases. Prison inmates? Black men dominate that population. Unwed pregnancies? Black women. Single-parents households? Black children. Yet, when people like Bill Cosby tries to sound the alarm and grab black people by the shoulders and shake them, he’s criticized for it. Apparently, some people only want to hear from people who are doing no better than they are.
How many senseless young deaths is required for our people to realize that we have some critical problems that only we can solve individually? What is it going to take for African-Americans to wake up and proactively take action, our impending extinction as a race of people?
Ursula
Dallas, TX
MY COMMENT IS, PRESIDENT-OBAMA, HAS BEEN IN OFFICE 9 MONTHS, WHAT? MIRACLES- DO YOU COMMENTATORS EXPECT THIS MAN TO PERFORM, REGARDING ALL THE ISSUES HE HAS TO ADDRESS. AND WHO? ARE ANY OF YOU TO PREDICT OR DETERMINE, WHAT HE SHOULD OR SHOULD NOT BE DOING BY THIS TIME, IN MY OPINION DURING HIS CAMPAIGN, MOST OF YOU WERE SUPPORTIVE IN ORDER TO GAIN YOUR FEW MINUTES OF AIR-TIME, NOW ALL OF A SUDDEN YOU ALL WANT TO BE SO CRITICAL OF THE PRESIDENTS EVERY MOVE, HOW EVER, I WILL SAY THIS. THE PRESIDENT IS DOING A FASCINATING JOB FOR WHAT HE HAS HAD TO CLEAN UP, AND I AM MORE PROUD OF HIM NOW THAN EVER BEFORE, I WOULD LOVE TO SEE WHAT ANY OF YOU WANNA-BE JOURNALIST COULD DO HAD YOU BEEN APPOINTED TO OFFICE, TRULY I DO NOT THINK ANY OF YOU, INCLUDING YOU MR. MARTIN HAVE THE GUTS OR THE STAYING POWER TO DO IT. WHERE? WERE THE QUESTIONS WHEN PRESIDENT; BUSH, BULLIED AND STOLE HIS WAY INTO THE PRESIDENCY, TWICE. WHERE WERE THE QUESTIONS WHEN MR.BUSH, LIED HIS WAY INTO AN, UNESCESARY WAR, WHERE WERE THE QUESTIONS WHEN HE,CARED LESS ABOUT NEW ORLEANS, WHERE WERE THE QUESTIONS, WHEN HE INITIATED THIS FINANCIAL DISASTER, AND MR. MARTIN WHERE? WERE YOU AND TAVIS SMILEY, WHEN WE REALLY NEEDED TO MAKE GEORGE W.BUSH, ACCOUNTABLE, WHERE WAS THE SO-CALLED STATE OF EMERGENCY- THEN. ALL OF YOU ARE JUST A BUNCH OF GOSSIPING ASS MEN. WHO DO NOT HAVE A CLUE ONE WAY OR ANOTHER. INSTEAD OF CRTICIZING,THE PRESIDENT, TRY BEING SUPPORTIVE.
i appreciate programs or news report giving the black prospective on current events and issues that effect as well as others.in respect to president Obama, he definitely needs our support whether it pro or con. a friend told me they were shocked of all the negative things that r being said about r president. i simply responded, “i’m not this how america treats all people of color. when we speak of racism yes, it still continues today as it did in the past and since th MAYFLOWER landed here.
inrespect to healthcare reform,i have a question.Was public option part of healthcare in the early 70s or before? when i started my job 30 years ago i seem to recall having a choice of at least 4-5 choices of heath providers at a decent price, to cover my whole family. as the years moved on suddenly prices of healthcare skyrocketed and very few options.What happened? Was American GREED?
Viewed your show this morning & thoroughly enjoyed it. It was thought provoking and refreshing to view a news program which focused on issues that are important to many African Americans. As a viewer for many years of other news shows, I have been frustrated that most of them focus very little on issues that impact urban American in general, and even less on issues that impact people of color. I watched you closed during the last presidential primaries and am thrilled that you now have your own show. Kudos to TV One for recognizing that there are many of us in the African American community who strive to keep informed about serious issues and bringing to fruition your excellent new show. Wishing you much success. Keep up the great work!
I watched the program today. Interesting,yet incomplete due to the audiances inabiloityto interact, or at least questions answered tat are postedt otis site, or a site.
Anyway, I don’t expect any changes.
The term “snitch” is a street term developed by the monkeys in the street, stealing, terrotizing the
Black Comm. Why in the hell do people accept that term as a definition of a person that ain’t going for their punk ass culture. I’ve been broken inio twice. I”m not a snitch to get the cops to get the n’s that broke into my house. I have no respect for punks that prey on their community and peoples. If anyone is a ’snitch, punk, monkey, or anything else “they” can come with, It’s THEM.
Don’t let the punk, monkeys define you or what you represent. WE represent Truth, Honesty, and all the things that they don’t possess. Snitch my ass, you punk n’s.
Please excuse my expressions. I have to use the right words so “they”, understand it.
I enjoyed watching the views on the Black Community and your prospective on the numbers of African Americans having children without marriage. Yes, it should be encouraged for people to have children raised in a marriage. Parenting should be planned and carefully examined socially, as well as economically. It should not matter wheter you have a salary of two incomes alone. The child should still have a life that is balanced and nutured by his/her mother and father. I wouldn’t encourage people to have children if their mind set isn’t in the right prospective. Marriage should be on a level of maturity and willingness to accept full responsibility of the role of a parent, to give a child a good and healthy life. This will help us on the statistic of education in our community and health issues that need to be reformed and lower our numbers in fatality.
Thank your Roland,
Roland Martin: I don’t know if I should address my issues to you or TvOne, well anyway I will say it like this that African Americans are improving and we have come along way, but still there is room for more work to be done.
What has happened to that honored student in chicago was truly heartbreaking, how savagely these children attacked that young mans life. what is this saying about Us ( African Americans)? These are our children.
The Chicago incident should not be taken lightly or be ignored, I recommend that every one that was involved should be fully responsible and charged for manslaughter in the first degree and NO bail should be set. They all should be in the same one cell together for the rest of their time. Their is no REDEMPTION or FORGIVENESS for their action this is pure cold blooded MURDER!! an example should be made so this will NEVER happen again.
I’m a black woman speaking out!!!
My heart and prayers go out to the family. May (GOD) continually strengthen them in the days ahead. (ENVY) is the evil, that disunites (Black) people and (Black) people need to be mindful of these scriptures. [MATTHEW 27:18] For he knew very well that the Jewish leaders had arrested (JESUS) out of (envy) because of his popularity with the people. [THE LIVING BIBLE PARAPHRASED] What does (crucified) mean?
Congradulation Mr. Martin, Anna & I were looking for ya on CNN recently, but we delighted someone else sought out your talent & professionalism. Now that you’re back in the saddle, I’d like to address a issue;(1) Roland, the people, media, and alike adore you for who you are, you look at both sides of topic & you gether commentators to voice their opinion, that’s good, this is how it’s
done. Be careful how you interject too much of your personal feeling about sensity issues, you know how we are- we can be senisity people about senseless things or issues and get an attitude. We want everyone to support your show regardless of the isses, your opinion, or your guest opinions. We want to you to continue doing your thing, be professional, allow your guest to do the loud talking and you, well just chill and be neutral but Heard. I am not an experb, just a proud viewer and fan. T & A Caldwell, Tacoma, WA
Roland , concerning health Care: Anna and I need some help Now! Let me explain. We’re retired Air Force couple in WA, we have used the military hospital mostly for the past 20 years. Anna was diagnosed with several ortho conditions (such as ,carpol tunnel, hip pain, rotator cuff tear), chronic stomach pain since 1991,cancer, chronic/prolapse bladder pain & discomfort,heart disease/stents, diabetes, low vision condition,GERD,HBP and the list goes on. She is 50 yrs young, she have been prescribe over 25 assorted pills daily over 10 ten yrs to include recently hydrocodone & hyromorphone, she’s suffered with these and other medical conditions for over a decade, needlessly. We have carried two health care ins for the past 6 years to cover expenses,such as operations/procedures, we have visited/admitted in over a dozen major hospitals and clinics, ERs,over the last past 8 yrs, with only 15% of these issues properly addressed. Because the problems orginated at the military source, most civilians hospitals refuse to address her condition head on. Instead, we have been railroaded from facility to facility and as a result. Anna health have dereriorated, so have our quality of life, our family bond, relationships, community services, our finanace, everything, has deterioarated. I have written the media, complaint to the facilities, contact local representatives,etc. One other thing, we did filed a claim, then a lawsuit against the military facility in 2002 and we believe it’s one of the main reason Anna medical needs haven’t been properly and directly addressed intentionally for over a decade. I am tried of fighting alone. Health care reform is needed, its vital to middle America, poor America,even rich America, and for the world economy to survive, even the Republican knows that, but they will not ever admit it! T & A Caldwell, Tacoma, WA
Mr. Martinl
Concerning the 700 billion stimulus package money, I feel that instead of giving this money to the banks and automobile dealerships,etc., that we would have been more productive if we set up a program to give every working us family one million dollars. I know this idea has been criticized but if structured correctly such as for example, issuing the money out in increments of $100,000 dollars at the end of each year for each working household for a period of ten years, I really believe it would solve our problem with the banks, auto industry, unemployment, as well as healthcare. When people have money to spend the economy picks up. Jobs will increase and those without jobs will seek to be employed to receive the $100,000 at the end of each year. I believe there are approx 330 million people in this country and if I’m wrong, I know we definitely dont have 700 billion. I really believe this would solve all of our problems with the exception of the war. Please tell my your opinion on this idea.
Thanks
Mr. Martin,
Sometimes I wander if my people and I have ever done anything worthy of mention for this great Country of ours…and this is how I summarize it.
I AM AN ITALIAN-AMERICAN
I am an Italian-American. My roots are deep in an ancient soil, drenched by the Mediterranean sun, and watered by pure streams from snow capped mountains. I am enriched by thousands of years of culture, my hands are those of the mason, the artist, the man of the soil.
My thoughts have been recounted in the annals of Rome, the poetry of Virgil, the creations of Dante and the Philosophy of Benedetto Croce. I am an Italian American, and from my ancient world, I first spanned the seas of the new world. I am Cristoforo Colombo.
I am Giovanni Caboto, known in American History as John Cabot, discoverer of the mainland of north America. I am Amerigo Vespucci, who gave my name to the new world, America.
First to sail on the Great Lakes in 1679, founder of the territory that became the State of Illinois, colonizer of Louisiana and Arkansas, I am Enrico Tonti.
I am Filippo Mazzei, friend of Thomas Jefferson, and my thesis on the equality of men was written into the Bill of Rights.
In am William Paca, signer of the Declaration of Independence.
I am an Italian-American, I financed the Northwest Expedition of George Rogers Clark and accompanied him through the lands that would become Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan, I am Colonel Francesco Vigo.
I mapped the Pacific from Mexico to Alaska and to the Philippines, I am Alessandro Malaspina.
I am Giacomo Belinimi, discoverer of the source of the Mississippi River in 1823.
I created the Dome of the United States Capital. They call me the Michelangelo of America, I am Constantino Brumidi.
In 1904, I founded in San Francisco, the Bank of Italy, now known as the Bank of America, the largest Financial Institution in the world, I am A. P. Giannini. I am Enrico Fermi, father of nuclear science in America.
First enlisted man to earn the Medal of Honor in World War II, I am John Basilone of New Jersey.
I am an Italian-American. I am the million strong who served in America’s Armies and the tens of thousands whose names are enshrined in Military Cemeteries from Guadalcanal to the Rhine.
I am the steel maker in Pittsburgh, the grower in the Imperial Valley of California, the textile designer in Manhattan, the movie maker in Hollywood, the homemaker and the breadwinner in 10,000 communities.
I am an American without stint or reservation, loving this land as only one who understands History, its agonies and its triumphs can love and serve it.
I will not be told that my contribution is any less nor my role not as worthy of any other American.
I will stand in support of this nation’s freedom and protect against all foes, my heritage has dedicated me to this Nation.
I am proud of my heritage, and I shall remain worthy of it.
I am an Italian-American.
Today I watched your program “This Week in Washington” The panelists were opinionated and animated at the same time. I enjoyed the pros and cons viewpoints. But, of major concern, President Obama should be given his just due as our leader. I live in a small county 60 miles north of Los Angeles. The City I live in, Thousand Oaks is less than 1% Black. It has it’s drawbacks Church is one. Politics is another. Even in my city, the local newspaper’s Letters to the Editor, the citizens are upset about how the media banters around the name Obama. Please ask your guests, speakers or whatever to address him properly. “Barack” is inappropriate as well as Obama. The white majority have already basterized his name,let us not be so disrespectful. in reards to the topics, I believe, President Obama is deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize. It sends a message to the World, we are not the Nation of “My way or no way”. We must learn to share this planet. Additionally, while I am a registered Democrat, I am not always happy with my Party. The Healthcare Reform should not be a partisan event. Both parties should be concerned about the insurance companies and the litigiousness of the society. Does it “really” cost as much as the insurance companies charge? Are the high costs due to lining the attorney’s pockets for frivolous lawsuits? Have the physicians lost sight of the importance of their duties, oaths to help the infirmed? The corporate czars of our Nation seem to have a “I want mine (wealth) but you aren’t entilted mentality. By the way, I work for a National Insurance Company. There is “plenty” of lining of the pockets at the V.P and Executive Vice President levels and above. While I am one of the fortunate to still have a job, I’m considered a “little person” and the likelihood of remaining on payroll is tenuous on a daily basis.Federal regulations are greatly needed.
Roland, I’m a divorced single African American mom and I have NO PROBLEMS with my 15 year old son. I do not think kids need PROGRAMS or JOBS, children need PARENTS and EDUCATION. We don’t have a CHILDREN PROBLEM we have a PARENTING PROBLEM. If we can TEACH our parents LOVE, RESPECT, VALUES, MORALS and STANDARDS, then our children will grow up learning what’s important! We don’t even how to leave our home to learn this. We need to learn how to LOVE OURSELVES first. Then secondly learn to have LOVE for one another. We need to know how important we are respect and protect each other. Individually you have to search what has VALUE to you, whether it’s your family, education, virginity, being drug . Having morals means what you will or will not do, are you going to choose not to sell drugs or commit crimes. Standards are deciding who and what you would allow to become a part of your life even if that means turning your back on your family if they are negative and surrounding yourself with family and fiends who were POSITIVE. It’s EASY…aint nothing hard about but to do it and stick to it!
Mr. Martin, I love your show. The first time I heard you I was impressed. I like the way you realistically address an issue. So many times people try and look at things as if they have the answer. I love the way you put things in perspective when someone says something out of line. You force them to think outside of their own opinion. Keep up the good work. The beating in Chicago really upsets me. The cops, neighborhoods, schools, and parents are going to have to work together to end this violence. Of all the things to be “Zero” tolerance, it should be Gang Violence. I was born in Mississippi during segregation, and we as Blacks did not go around shooting and beating up up each other we had the Klan for that. So these kids do not have any reason to do these senseless things to destroy lives and communities. I’m tired of hearing about the fatherless homes, the parents on drugs etc… Our people have suffered and overcome many things far worse than these kids will ever have to imagine. We as adults need to just stand up to them and start demanding the respect and stop allowing them to get away with this mess. Please publish any information you have on this Chicago beating as to what the community, government etc… is planning on doing. We need to make this a national effort.