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Right On Tom J. Tavis has lost his mind.
Obama '08

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I started listening to Joyner and his crew some months back (stopped listening due to the critical fashion in which they would sometimes address callers - then I realized that they were all over 50 and suffering from weight problems, which might help to explain their impatience or lack of tolerance for some) but, I do believe his take on this situation was correct.

I've always respected Tavis S. and his accomplishments but was severely disappointed the first time I realized he was speaking so negatively concerning Sen. Obama. Chances are great, that he wished he could do this all over again and re-think how he wants to address the public regarding his personal political opinions.

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We as a people are learning to stand together; like every other race does. I could understand Tavis not supporting Obama, what I couldn't understand was the words to hurt him. You may not help me but please don't hurt me. Doesn't he know that as soon as the media took one picture of Obama shaking hands with Jesse, laughing with Sharpton, esteeming civil right and so forth; they would have made like Obama was about to start a race war. Obama is using wisdom. He wants to be the president of the USA, not blue states or red states but the United States. Let's support him, let him do it his way, stop being so critical. All Tavis had to do was what Tavis was called to do. Thats it and thats all.

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Tavis has a very brilliant mind which makes his comments regarding Obama so hard to believe. Everyone has an opinon and everyone is not interested in hearing it. I think this time Tavis should have held his opinon since he knew it would stir controversy. I wish Tavis well in all that he does.

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Tavis Smiley said NOTHING wrong. For some reason some people expect Tavis to walk in "lockstep" with the Obama myth. ANY criticism of Obama is considered treachery. I am disappointed in the attitudes expressed toward Tavis... Too many people have disparaged him based on their rabid Obama loyalty and not on the truth of the criticism. Obama is not perfect. The truth. Obama needs to be taken to task on certain issues. The truth. Obama should listen to all voices and not the ones who agree with him. The truth. This should make Obama a better person, candidate, and President if elected. The truth. Trashing Tavis Smiley, or the Clintons, or whomever goes against the Obama's stated goal of bringing people together. The truth. Practice what you preach.

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yes he should have weather the storm chicken,hey j how can i get a copy of all your hits

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I was very dismayed when I learned that Tavis Smiley was "offended" about Barack Obama not coming to the annual "State of the Black Union." It was evident that Tavis took it personally and then decided he would go on the attack. I just wanted to say, with all hope that Tavis or someone who is on his payroll reads this, that Tavis Smiley needs to get over himself. I have recently come to think that Tavis is narcissitically involved with Tavis. And the fact that he would stomp off mad and quit the Tom Joyner show really reveals his level of immaturity. You know, unfortunately its kind of easy for an eloquent black man with a reasonable and impassioned point of view to stand out and become a "leader" in the black community. Looking at drop out rates and incarceration rates of black men-- we really have a leadership vacuum. These days the media (yes I'm aware I'm in the media) will look to any articulate black man if it looks like he's doing good things-- look at Michael Baisden. Baisden built his radio ratings juggernaut "Love, Lust and Lies" on the back of morally bereft topics like-- 'does your dad creep out on your mom with other men? And-- black couples who swing' But now, ever since Jena when Mr. Baisden was all over cable news it seems he realized he could be on the front lines of the National conversation. Now he's discussing Obama and Clinton and doing shows about urban politics. I laughed when he announced on air last week that he was in Memphis for his FIRST King rememberance. Thats sure proof he's new to the movement-- He's been black all his life and an adult for at least 2 decades and its his FIRST trip to the Civil Right museum for the anniversary of King's assassination... Don't get me wrong, I'm happy he's taking the message to a demographic of folk that otherwise would be happy listening to him talk about adulterous sexcapades.. but come on, he's not the guy who I want to see on CNN as some sort of authority about anything. Anyway, I digress-- but only slightly. Tavis, while obviously more educated than Baisden, is the same kind of self-aggrandizing dude who is intent on being relevant. And when Barack Obama did not grant him the relevance he felt was due him by appearing at his "State of the Black Union" he acted like a child . I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge that Tavis often has insightful observaations about Black America-- but again, he needs to get over himself.

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I agree Tavis is a disgrace. Goodbye Tavis. Obama 08
http://executees.net

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I love Tavis Smiley, but if you don't use your power to empower others then you life becomes rather meaningless. The work Tavis did with Tom to help the Black State of the Union is tremendous. The problem is Tavis limited the pool of participation to the established players and that kept the conversation from growing. Where is the vision in the Black Community? Who is setting the agenda and raising the bar? We aren't getting credit where credit is due. To get power, we must speak directly to power. Who built the bridges to the powers that be to bring us to Obama and Hillary? Was this person invited to the debate? Who challenged the NAACP when they were right and wrong? You can't pick your fight if you want to get it right. Who asked for Black representation in the Senate? Who used the media to begin this Youth Movement in the Democratic Party? Who challenged Oprah to use her power for good? Who helped Obama when he was nothing politically? Who has the guts to invite someone currently not recognized by the establishment to the table of leadership? Tavis had a chance, but he didn't do it. Tavis doesn't care enough to clear his e-mail. Tavis is a good man, but he can do better. Tom and Tavis are friends for life. We need more voices at the party.

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I believe you hit the nail right on the head Nickberry. I too agreed wholeheartedly with Tavis's position to take Obama to task, as he has taken both Clinton and McCain to task on their opinions and stance. This is the most important job in the free world and I want to know what you plan to do when you get in the job before I vote for you. Boarding the Obama train ride without a clear direction, does not pay my bills nor does it give me any ease when I don't make commissions because it is so much harder to do my job. When I don't make my commissions my bills, my family and my ability to keep a healthy perspective and outlook on life all suffer. I love Obama but I will not give him a pass just because he's a brother trying to go where no other has been before, let's face it people this is real life not Star Trek, I don't get starry eyed because Ophrah said so. She's been wrong before and for all our sakes black, brown, white, yellow and red, I hope she's not wrong now.

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