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Title: Malcolm X's rap of Democrats
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URL Source: http://www.workers.org/2005/us/mumia_0217/
Published: Feb 13, 2005
Author: ww
Post Date: 2008-05-19 16:56:37 by Peppa
Ping List: *Obama Reality Check* Subscribe to *Obama Reality Check*
Keywords: Obama, Democrats
Views: 269
Comments: 21
Recently, this writer referenced the little-known and suppressed speech prepared by then-SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee) leader (now U.S. Congressman) John Lewis. Lewis was urged by civil rights leaders to "tone down" his speech, and he did so. At around the same time, another Black leader, fiery Black nationalist (and former Nation of Islam Minister) Malcolm X, was giving his own biting analysis and commentary on the duplicity of Democrats when it came to Blacks. In his historic 1964 "The Ballot or the Bullet" speech, Malcolm made crystal clear his view of Democratic betrayal of Black interests: "In the present administration they have in the House of Representatives 257 Democrats to only 177 Republicans. They control two-thirds of the House vote. ... In the Senate there are 67 Senators who are of the Democratic Party. Only 33 of them are Republicans. Why, the Democrats have got the government sewed up, and you're the one who sewed it up for them. And what have they given you for it? Four years in office, and just now getting around to some civil-rights legislation. Just now, after everything else is gone, out of the way, they're going to sit down and play with you all summer long--the same old giant con game that they call filibuster. ... "They get all the Negro vote, and after they get it, the Negro gets nothing in return. All they did when they got to Washington was give a few big Negroes big jobs. Those big Negroes didn't need big jobs, they already had jobs. That's camouflage, that's trickery, that's treachery, window-dressing. I'm not trying to knock out the Democrats for the Republicans, we'll get to them in a minute. But it's true--you put the Democrats first and the Democrats put you last. ... "The Democrats have never kicked the Dixiecrats out of the party. The Dixiecrats bolted themselves once [in 1948], but the Democrats didn't get them out. Imagine, these lowdown Southern segregationists put the Northern Democrats down. ... They have got a con game going on, a political con game, and you and I are in the middle. It's time for you and me to wake up and start looking at it like it is." Malcolm X reminds us all of the ongoing war at home. He reminds us that voting is but one (and that a minor) part of politics. That it is important to speak truth to power. That it is important, indeed vital, to dissent. That it is necessary, sometimes, to step outside of a thing to see it clearly. And that political organizations have different interests from those who vote for them. It has been exactly 40 years since Malcolm delivered his powerful speech, and, if it be admitted that--yes--things HAVE changed, we must also admit that some things have stood the test of time. The present Democratic Party "tolerates" Blacks, but is virtually racing to the right. It tried to out-Bush Bush, by posing as the "real war" party. This despite the fact that, according to polls, Blacks were the most anti-war segment of the population. It wasn't anti-war because of any soft, cottony reasons, but knew that young people would bear the brunt of a war, for a cause that certainly is questionable. It's been 40 years. How well have we learned Malcolm's lessons? Or have we been conned, once again, into thinking that the ballot box is the doorway to our true freedom? How long have we voted for people who have not voted for us? In virtually every state of the so-called Union, there are tens (if not hundreds!) of thousands of folks who have had their votes disregarded, trashed, uncounted, "lost," and even stolen! What kind of "democracy" tolerates such a thing? In truth, this isn't a democracy--it's a kleptocracy: a government of thieves. For who else profits from stolen items? In truth, democracy itself has been stolen by computerized paperless voting machines; by ambitious party functionaries; by a political process that has grown fat by feeding on social discontent. Let us learn from Malcolm's insights, and build political power independent of the two, major corporate parties.
Poster Comment: "How long have we voted for people who have not voted for us?" I'm not all that familiar with Malcom X. I notice Hollywood types like to wear a trucker cap with an X on it.. same as some like the Che Guevara shirt.. communicating something or other to someone or another.. Still, that quote is a good question for us all................... Why do we vote for those who don't vote for us? I say, toss out all the incumbents... all of them.
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#1. To: Peppa (#0)
Rent the movie by Spike Lee featuring Denzel Washington. Great flick.
Mark If America is destroyed, it may be by Americans who salute the flag, sing the national anthem, march in patriotic parades, cheer Fourth of July speakers - normally good Americans who fail to comprehend what is required to keep our country strong and free - Americans who have been lulled into a false security (April 1968).---Ezra Taft Benson, US Secretary of Agriculture 1953-1961 under Eisenhower
Many years ago I read a good bit about Malcolm. First he was a criminal. Then he was a rascist. Then he grew, and was killed because of it. If you get a chance read his writings after he took his journey to Mecca. He was one of the few prominent people who grew continuously throughout his life.
Thanks for the recommendation K, I'll do that.
He was one of the few prominent people who grew continuously throughout his life. No way. I'm used to just having one set way of thinking forever... ;) Nothing is ever so freeing than to remove ones own self made shackles. Thank you for your post R! Neverending homework..
great poster comments and interesting article. i don't know much about Malcolm X either. i think i'll rent the movie as Mark suggested to you.
It does sound interesting. Without knowing much about him at all, it really doesn't seem that people look beyond the superficial that is PRESENTED to us by a controlled media, etc. As with kids that wear the skull and crossbones on their chest, I don't think they have a clue, what they are 'promoting'.. as it is a fad, and they do not understand the full meaning. Now I wonder what the 'hang ten' T-shirts meant.. ;)
After his trip, he realized he was being used by his very own people and religion. He then was a threat to reveal the truth and try and deliver real change. We all know what happens when an individual represents real truth and change.
Mark If America is destroyed, it may be by Americans who salute the flag, sing the national anthem, march in patriotic parades, cheer Fourth of July speakers - normally good Americans who fail to comprehend what is required to keep our country strong and free - Americans who have been lulled into a false security (April 1968).---Ezra Taft Benson, US Secretary of Agriculture 1953-1961 under Eisenhower
My favorite quote from that speech is (using his vernacular) as follows: Why is it that you do and do for the Democrats and they don't do for you? I'll tell you why. Because yo is a chump!!
The Truth of 911 Shall Set You Free From The Lie
The future belongs to those who prepare for it today. You're not to be so blind with patriotism that you can't face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it or says it. Be peaceful, be courteous, obey the law, respect everyone; but if someone puts his hand on you, send him to the cemetery. Nobody can give you freedom. Nobody can give you equality or justice or anything. If you're a man, you take it. Power never takes a back step - only in the face of more power. Sitting at the table doesn't make you a diner, unless you eat some of what's on that plate. Being here in America doesn't make you an American. Being born here in America doesn't make you an American. Time is on the side of the oppressed today, it's against the oppressor. Truth is on the side of the oppressed today, it's against the oppressor. You don't need anything else. Usually when people are sad, they don't do anything. They just cry over their condition. But when they get angry, they bring about a change. You can't separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.
There's a lot to like about Red.
If you will go along with me we'll travel with the tide That's the truth.
cci-thepoisonpen.blogspot...ama-is-malcom-xs-son.html Tuesday, October 28, 2008 Barack Obama is Malcom X's son??? I know it sounds like a conspiracy theory, but take about 45 minutes to read, and watch the following link. YOUR MIND will have MORE questions--and yet--the dots get CONNECTED. Then re-read the few sentences concerning Obama's father in his book...and his reasons for going to Chicago to "find himself." READ BETWEEN THE LINES to what he is really saying, because remember, he is still hiding something--his true father's identity. There is something I can say about the article that is FACTUAL without looking it up. The atmosphere of Hawaii. In Hawaii, white people are STILL the minority. I wont tell you the slang word in it's true form as to how they are referred to, but it ends with "ha ole". I know this, because I lived there for 10 YEARS. And wow--I am white--with Polynesian children--BORN IN HAWAII. Look at these: YOUNG Malcolm X: YOUNG Obama JR: 3.bp.blogspot.com/_picvUk...o8/s320/obama+younger.bmp Malcolm X speaking: Obama Jr Now: LINK TO ARTICLE:
Is Obama the secret son of Malcolm X?
Mr. Potato Head bump
Malcolm X, May 19, 1925
#2. To: Peppa (#0)
#3. To: Kamala (#1)
Rent the movie by Spike Lee featuring Denzel Washington. Great flick.
#4. To: Ragin1 (#2)
Many years ago I read a good bit about Malcolm. First he was a criminal. Then he was a rascist. Then he grew, and was killed because of it. If you get a chance read his writings after he took his journey to Mecca. He was one of the few prominent people who grew continuously throughout his life.
#5. To: Peppa (#0)
#6. To: christine (#5)
great poster comments and interesting article. i don't know much about Malcolm X either. i think i'll rent the movie as Mark suggested to you.
#7. To: Ragin1 (#2)
If you get a chance read his writings after he took his journey to Mecca.
#8. To: Kamala, Robin, Chriatine, Ragin1, Peppa (#7)
#9. To: Horse (#8)
He was a great speaker. It took him so long to figure out that it wasn't racsism that was the root of the problem, but class warfare. Most people don't get anywhere near the level he did. Some here do, and frankly I'm suprised the assholes havn't started their racial bullshit on this thread. He coulda been a contender.
#10. To: Peppa (#0)
And I will always keep you on the sheltered side
#11. To: Horse (#8)
Why is it that you do and do for the Democrats and they don't do for you? I'll tell you why. Because yo is a chump!!
#12. To: Peppa (#0)
#13. To: Peppa (#0)
#14. To: Rotara (#13)
#15. To: TwentyTwelve (#12)
"If you love wealth more than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, depart from us in peace. We ask not your counsel nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you. May your chains rest lightly upon you and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen.”—Samuel Adams 
#16. To: TwentyTwelve (#13)
that's just creeping me out dude
"If you love wealth more than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, depart from us in peace. We ask not your counsel nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you. May your chains rest lightly upon you and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen.”—Samuel Adams
#17. To: TwentyTwelve (#14)
Is Obama the secret son of Malcolm X?
"If you love wealth more than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, depart from us in peace. We ask not your counsel nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you. May your chains rest lightly upon you and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen.”—Samuel Adams
#18. To: Rotara (#15)
Mr. Potato Head bump
#19. To: TwentyTwelve (#18)
"If you love wealth more than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, depart from us in peace. We ask not your counsel nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you. May your chains rest lightly upon you and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen.”—Samuel Adams
#20. To: Rotara (#19)
#21. To: Rotara (#19)
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