THE DEADWILEY TRUTH

OP-ED COLUMN

IS AL SHARPTON CONNECTED TO ATTACKS ON DESSENTERS OF OBAMA?

By Eric M. Deadwiley

September 1, 2011

President Obama is using a risky strategy in his attempts to allure disenchanted black Voters back to him in 2012. Our President is utilizing the black media, specifically—High profile black radio hosts to bolster his re-election campaign. The President has granted—“highly sort-after” access to himself and members of his Cabinet to popular Radio Host like the Rev. Al Sharpton, Host of “Keeping it Real” (and recent Host of “Politics Nation” on MSNBC),” Steve Harvey, Host of “The Steve Harvey Show,” Tom Joyner, Host of “The Tom Joyner Morning Show" and Michael Baisden, Host of “The Michael Baisden Show.”  All of whom have “huge” following’s on their radio shows.


Although, this is a campaign strategy used by most politicians to reach the masses of black voters, President Obama is receiving assistance from these hosts that far exceed what some would characterize as a “a simple bias” towards the first black President. These hosts have been like “attack-dogs” towards anyone who has the audacity to criticize the President for his policies (or lack-of policies) as they pertain to black folk. The recent attacks on Tavis Smiley and Professor Cornel West for their open criticisms of the President’s policies towards the poor have been often distasteful if not bordering on “libelous.” 

Steve Harvey recently referred to Tavis Smiley and Professor West as “Uncle Toms.” Tom Joyner took it a step further by saying that Professor West was Tavis Smileys “Piece,” implying that Tavis Smiley and Professor West are involved in a homosexual relationship. Michael Baisden has taken a more “even” tone to the controversy.  There have been attacks on Minister Louis Farrakhan for his “open” criticism of the President and his support of embattled Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi. Columnist and Author Earl Ofari Hutchinson wrote a negative Column about Min. Farrakhan in “The Grio” which is a Columnist/Opinion website sponsored by MSNBC. Mr. Hutchinson “claims” that Minister Louis Farrakhan is supporting Moammar Gadhafi because of contributions made by the Libyan leader to the Nation of Islam in the past.

There appears to be a growing legion of black Columnist, Talk Show Host, Activist and Scholars who are connected to Al Sharpton and standing in line so they could have “access” to America’s first black President and all of the “gifts” and “privileges” it brings. In fact, most (if not all) of these people attacking anyone critical of the President’s policies towards black folk–have revenue sources which are connected to the others, and can all be traced back to one person–the Rev. Al Sharpton. Rev. Sharpton has an “unholy” alliance to President Obama, and it appears he’s being “paid well” for his allegiance. Rev. Sharpton has attended most (if not all) of the “Bill signing Ceremonies” and “social events” of the President. Rev. Sharpton has enjoyed “unprecedented” “access” to the President’s Cabinet member’s i.e. Arne Duncan U.S. (Secretary of Education) and Valerie Jarrett (Senior Advisor). Rev. Sharpton has a “syndicated” talk show on 1600 WWRL and 98.7 KISS FM, where Michael Baisden and Steve Harvey host shows. Rev. Sharpton’s National Action Network Sunday rallies are broadcast on 1190 WLIB–a “sister” station to 107.5 WBLS, where The Tom Joyner Morning Show is broadcast on weekday mornings. Earl Ofari Hutchinson writes for The Grio and often acts as a “contributor” to Rev. Sharpton’s show. While the “masses” of black and brown folk are suffering unacceptably high unemployment and foreclosures, President Obama is using “House-Negro” politics to divide black people.

The Deadwiley Truth in this story is that (unlike the black leadership of the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s) black leadership today can be “bought off.” Our “so called” leadership today goes against the interest of the black and brown community for their own selfish needs and desires much like the house Negro did in the times of Chattel Slavery. Civil Rights Leaders were never synonymous with “wealth.” The Rev. Al Sharpton has used the pains and struggles of the black and brown community to launch himself into the pinnacles of wealth and power. Maybe Dr. King was sending a message to black people and America when an “earthquake” cracked the Washington Monument (indefinitely closing the National Mall) and Hurricane Irene effectively shut down the King monument site for events scheduled by Rev. Sharpton and President Obama. Maybe Dr. King (from the grave) is telling us that these people do not represent him or what he stood for. Maybe we should all listen.   

Eric M. Deadwiley is a Freelance Op-Ed Columnist and Author

Contact:         Eric M. Deadwiley

Email               thedeadwileytruth@yahoo.com
Blog:               http://civildeathinnewyorkstate.blogspot.com/