(TriceEdneyWire.com) – I have always suspected that racists didn’t like being called out for their racism. Now I have proof.

When I told MSNBC’s Thomas Roberts on May 14th that the Tea Party was “the Taliban wing of American politics”, a firestorm erupted.

Arguing the IRS was correct to target them for extra scrutiny, I also said, “Here are a group of people who are admittedly racist, who are overtly political” and therefore worthy of IRS concern.

I was not prepared for the slew of angry emails, including two from self-identified Black people (your worst nightmare, one said) I received.

Many of them suggested I leave the country, reminiscent of the “Go back to Africa” chants racist crowds of Whites shouted at Black protestors in my youth.

One said my advanced age – I am 73 – meant I would not be around to make such mischief much longer, and I should prepare for that quick eventuality.

A few suggested my employer fire me, not knowing that I retired from that job a year ago. Several of the messages were badly written with misspelled words, including one from a relative by marriage – you can’t choose your in-laws – reading “Your calling folks Talabans borders on Traitorism.”

This same correspondent noted I had been “head of the most classic Racist group in our country,” referring to the NAACP, whose board I chaired for eleven years. Others characterized the NAACP, the nation’s oldest civil rights group, interracial in membership and dedicated to racial integration since 1909, in the same way.

After an exchange of messages with some of them, trying to convince them that while I opposed it, I didn’t condemn every member of the Tea Party, the interactions became more civil and less hostile. Some even wished me well.

But to a person they rejected the labels “racism” and “racist”, even as I thought I had proved that the Tea Party has had racist, anti-Semitic and nativist elements from its beginning until today.

One source is a study conducted for the NAACP by the Institute for Research and Education for Human Rights.

Their study, called “Tea Party Nationalism”, found “Tea Party ranks to be permeated with concerns about race and national identify and other so-called social issues. In these ranks, an abiding obsession with Barack Obama’s birth certificate is often a stand-in for the belief that the first black president of the United States s not a “real American.”

It says Tea Party organizations have given platforms to anti-Semites, racists and bigots and “hard-core white nationalists have been attracted” to Tea Party protests.

The link between the Tea Party and the Taliban was made by a prominent Republican office holder.

In 2008, the Washington Post reported that former Chairman of the Republican Congressional Committee and present day Congressman Pete Sessions likened the GOP House minority to the Taliban, saying, “Insurgency, we understand perhaps a bit more because of the Taliban.”

Just as my arguments failed to convince my correspondents, so apparently does the actual evidence: Not the ugly racist signs and placards displayed at Tea Party rallies, not the shouts of the “n” word aimed at members of the Congressional Black Caucus, not the spittle hurled at civil rights icon and Congressman John Lewis, not the racists expelled from the Tea Party for their venom, not the association of many members with the Council of Conservative Citizens, a lineal descendant of the White Citizen Council, not the anti-gay slurs aimed at former Congressman Barney Frank, not the members whose racism, anti-Semitism and xenophobia should be an embarrassment – not all or any of this could get them to acknowledge the label “racist.”

My Black correspondents even claimed that their race prohibited them from being racists, as if skin color was a proscription against ignorance. And many of my presumably non-Black correspondents accused me of being a racist, so my race apparently offered me no protection from this evil.

What is the lesson here? That the label “racist” has become so toxic that almost everyone rejects it? That the toxicity makes the label unacceptable but its actual practice is still tolerable for many? Or that it is a defense against itself? As the relative-I-try-not-to-claim wrote, “I don’t know any White people who hate Blacks like you advocate Blacks should hate whites.” Or only that while the United States has made much progress in race relations, we still have a long, long way to go?

Julian Bond is Chairman Emeritus of the NAACP and a Professor at American University in Washington.

CHICAGO, IL – Illinois State Senator Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago 13^th) spoke about public safety and social media as the governor signed legislation he sponsored to crack down on criminal “flash mobs” and other mob actions. Senate Bill 1005, which became law on Saturday, allows a court to impose an extended sentence on a person who uses electronic means such as Twitter, Facebook, email or texting to commit criminal mob action or invite others to participate.

Clergy deliver 50,000 petitions to Quinn on “Advocacy Day”

By Chinta Strausberg

Saying they are tired of going to funerals, a multi-racial coalition of anti-violence organizations Thursday held a rally in Springfield urging lawmakers to pass the commonsense gun bill with Father Michael L. Pfleger vowing to vote against those who oppose this reform legislation.

Referring to several lawmakers who refused to meet with him, Pfleger, who brought two busloads of supporters wearing blue shirts that said, “Standing Together for Common Sense Gun Laws! Illinois Advocacy Day,” said, “I knew they wouldn’t see us because they don’t ever want to face those who challenge them.”

Referring to Republican House Minority Leader Tom Cross, Pfleger said, “He was in the office, and he said he was going to come out and then he would not come out. That’s what they do. They hide because there is no way in the world they can justify not registering guns and not banning assault weapons. They don’t want to talk.

“But, Cross and all the others who are fighting against us have to understand they are fighting against 95 percent of the people of Illinois, and if they’re not going to vote for us, we’re going to make sure nobody votes for them,” vowed Father Pfleger.

But before leaving Chicago, two busses pulled up to Saint Sabina Church where Pfleger had Pastor Ira Acree, from Greater St. John Bible Church on the West Side minister, to lead supporters in prayer. Saint Sabina partnered with several groups including the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence (ICAHV) headed by executive director Colleen Daley who organized the rally.

His supporters arrived in Springfield armed with signs that read, “Connecticut protected their children, what will Illinois Do”? and “Legislators Protect Our Children! Pass Responsible Gun Laws.” Some were in wheelchairs or walkers.

Father Pfleger who was flanked by Gov. Pat Quinn, State Senator Jacqueline Collins (D-16^th), clergy and a number of elected officials, spoke at a press conference held on the steps of the State Capitol.

Placing two boxes of signed petitions in front of the podium, Father Pfleger recalled a recent news report about an elephant that was shot in a drive-by in Mississippi. “It was a federal offense, and it was a $16,000 reward to see who shot the elephant….

“A child was killed last night in Chicago and another one wounded on 112^th and it’s not a federal offense and there is no strong gun legislation and nobody knows yet how the other child is doing,”

Pfleger said presenting more than 50,000 petitions to Gov. Quinn. However, Pfleger made it clear that the 50,000 petitions but were “a piece of the 95 percent of Illinois residents who want background checks, 82 percent who support registering guns, titling guns like cars…. These are just a small percentage of what all Illinois want.”

Referring to Newtown, Connecticut shooting where Adam Lanza, 20, massacred 20 children at the Sandy Hook Elementary School and 6 adults, Pfleger said, “Connecticut responded when their children got killed.” He said they want the legislature to support Gov. Quinn in his push to get commonsense gun legislation passed.

Included in the coalition were, Gov. Quinn, Bishop Christopher Epting, the assisting bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, Pastor Acree, Rev. B. Herbert Martin, Rev. Larry Martin, Hope Church Chicago, Marcinia Richards, executive director of the Peace Coalition Against Violence at Saint Sabina, State Senator Jacqueline Collins (D-16^th), Senator Napoleon Harris (D-15^th), Senator Dan Kotowski (D-33), Senator Don Harmon (D-39^th), State Rep. Esther Golar (D-6^th), Ald. Lona Lane (18^th), Pam Bosley, from Purpose Over Pain, activist Camiella D. Williams, representatives from The Voices of the Surviving Siblings, and others appealed to those lawmakers who are opposed to the legislation “to do the right thing” and pass the commonsense gun bill.

In giving the invocation, Pastor Acree sent a message to the lawmakers, “We know they have the power of the pen to put in some commonsense gun legislation. We pray that you will make Illinois a model for the rest of the country as we end this epidemic of senseless violence.”

Addressing the crowd, Gov. Quinn turned and looked at the statue of Abraham Lincoln quoting the president remarks he gave in Gettysburg, Penn. on November 19, 1863. “Abraham Lincoln believed in the power of petitions, the power of every day people….” Quinn said the petitions he received “come from the hearts of the people of Illinois” and that there are many “devoted legislators who are committed to the cause of gun safety” like Senator Collins and Senator Harmon.

“What we have to do in the best tradition of Abraham Lincoln’s democracy is to listen to what people are saying all over our state, all over our country that it’s time for gun safety legislation,” Quinn bellowed.

Holding up one of the bills, Quinn said, “We have to make sure we limit high capacity ammunition magazines.”

Quinn told of one mother who lost her son in the Newtown shooting. “She said the killer had 300 bullets. He fired 154 shots in four-minutes because he had a high capacity magazine.” “If you save one life, you save the whole world….” “We’re tired of going to funerals.”

Kotowski told the crowd: “This is the last unregulated consumer industry in the United States of America. Teddy Bears are more regulated than guns. Teddy Bears are tested for sharp edges…. How many children died from Teddy Bears last year? He said the government took steps to protect the children and asked why can’t they do the same thing with guns.

Bishop Epting said more than 3300 people have been killed in the U.S. by gun violence. Hoping that the senators would pass one of the strongest bills in the nation. “We ought to limit guns in places like schools, stadiums, government building and public transportation.

“We must balance the Second Amendment with the rights we have to live in peace and free fear of another life lost to gun violence,” Bishop Epting said.

Representing the Voices of the Surviving Siblings, Victor Velante, 21, whose brother was murdered at the age of 17 at a party, said, “I demand that concealed weapons be banned at public places like casinos” and places that serve alcohol. Others like Debbie Velazquez, 13, in his group told of how her friend was killed when she was 7-years-old. One brother was killed at a gas station when she was 7-years. She wants weapons banned on the CTA.

Holding a sign that said, “Loose guns equals lost lives,” Sandy Baksys said she stands in solidarity with those who have been shot. “I’ve been more upset after every massacre, and I finally couldn’t take it after Newtown, Connecticut…. People have to be heard. There is a silent majority…. This is a public safety issue….” Ted Gieto, a consulting engineer in Springfield, held a sign that said, “Love thy neighbor, not thy gun.”

The crowd shouted, “We deserve a future” prompting Senator Don Harmon (D-39^th) to say, “Oak Park has a long and proud tradition for standing for commonsense gun safety laws, and we’re not ready to back down.” He said the focus should be making the children and the community’s safe.

ICAHV Director Daley said commonsense gun laws saves lives, and Rep. Golar, who introduced the commonsense gun bill, sang a song of victory predicting her peers will pass the legislation.

Senator Collins said, “We know every 30-minutes a child or a teen is shot by gun violence, and every 3-hours a child or youth dies from gun violence. We have lost in Chicago more kids to gun violence than soldiers in Iraq. It’s time now to say stop the violence….”

“If America and Illinois can’t stand up for our children, black, white and brown, they don’t stand for anything,” Collins said.

Senator Harris said, “Too many of our children are being gunned down in our streets in our neighborhoods and someone has to take charge and take a stand to protect our children.”

Senator Harris acknowledged “Moms Demand Action” and the many signs of protest. “The time is now for legislators to make a change. Enough is enough. We don’t want our streets to be like the war zones in Iraq or Afghanistan…. We want our streets safe, and we want to stop going to funerals and start going to more graduations. We demand it…,” Senator Harris said.

Rev. B. Herbert Martin, pastor of the Progressive Community Center Church and a member of the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago, said, in Bronzeville where his church is located “we have seen too much death and dying of children. Too many mothers and fathers following caskets to the cemeteries. It should be in reverse. Children should bury their parents….”

Rev. Martin referred to a similar fight in Washington where the Senate voted 68-31 to begin debating on a gun bill that will include background checks. The filibuster has ended and the debates are now beginning.

In the interim, Mary Long, one of the mothers at the Springfield rally who lost her son, Eric Williams, 25, on March 12, 2012 as he came out of Shark’s Chicken at 79^th and Ingleside, wants the bill passed.

Her son was shot seven times. “The case has not been solved yet. I want the lawmakers to know that we’re not going to stand for them not representing them. I don’t understand what’s hard about commonsense….”

On Father Pfleger’s busses supporters passed out talking points and instructions on lobbying legislators who are opposed to commonsense gun laws.

Referring to the December 2012 7^th Circuit Court of Appellate ruling giving the Illinois General Assembly 180-days to implement some form of concealed carry legislation, the Illinois Council on Handgun Against Violence (ICHV) joined Pfleger in his fight to lobby lawmakers to do the right thing and pass a bill he hopes will reduce violence and homicides in Chicago.

Pfleger and ICHV are demanding that any legislation proposed should allow local law enforcement to control who gets a permit, better known as a “May” issue. They also want included in the bill a provision asking the applicant to provide a “good cause” for wanting a gun.

Other provisions sought by Pfleger and the commonsense advocates include: universal background checks on all gun purchases and transfers, reporting of lost or stolen firearms to law enforcement and titling guns like cars.

But they also are demanding that any legislation include the banning of guns in the following places: stadiums, casinos, public transportation college campuses and all schools, at festivals and street fairs and places that serve alcohol.

They are also demanding that there be no reciprocity of carry permits with other states. A recent polls show that 95 percent of Illinois voters support a background check on the sale of every gun, 93 percent support mandatory reporting of lost or stolen guns, 82 percent support registering guns and 78 percent agree those wanting a gun permit should have a good cause.

Photo: Chinta Strausberg

Chinta Strausberg is a Journalist of more than 33-years, a former political reporter and a current PCC Network talk show host. You can e-mail Strausberg at: Chintabernie@aol.com. 

Thousands credit author/coach with strengthening relationships, improving health, boosting careers/earning power and transforming their lives

CHICAGO, IL  (MelodyPR) - A young black man who went from the depths of despair to the highest peak of happiness credits his transformation to lessons learned that he shares in his book, Black Men Rock – 10 Keys to Empower Black Men to Live Extraordinary Lives.

Coach Michael Taylor, author, motivational speaker, radio and television host and life coach, was on a path to self-destruction after being divorced, in debt, homeless, bankrupt and experiencing depression. But, thanks to the strategies and tips contained in the book, he is now enjoying a fulfilling life, a rewarding ten-year marriage, excellent health, a promising career and prosperity. At the urging of thousands of men he’s guided to go from “victims to victors,” Taylor – better known as Coach Michael – is now sharing his secrets in the book.

Black Men Rock – 10 Keys to Empower Black Men to Live Extraordinary Lives is available online at www.blackmenrock.net, a resource that also contains inspiring messages and snippets from the book.

Told with clarity, candor, love, passion, humility and with raw honesty, Taylor shares his compelling story and the lessons he’s learned. He is a high school dropout who refused to succumb to the negative allure of street life. As a result of hard work and determination, he climbed the corporate ladder and became a successful mid-level manager for a multi-million dollar corporation at age 23. After his six-year marriage collapsed, his quest to achieve the American Dream came crashing down. The divorce upended his life: he lost everything and sank into a deep state of depression. Determined to reclaim his life, he spent 15 years in deep self-introspection and transformation. The self-taught Taylor mastered valuable lessons on this journey and achieved what is now an extraordinary life.

Eager to help other men become empowered, Coach Taylor shares valuable tips on how men can enjoy fulfilling relationships, robust physical health, rewarding careers and can manage the money that their newfound happiness brings them.

Coach Taylor says the book’s principles apply to all men, but especially to Black men because they face greater hurdles: “The book and website are designed specifically to address the unique emotional and psychological makeup of black men,” he says.

“This book provides a step-by-step blueprint on how black men can achieve their dream lives, ” he declares. He adds that in sharing his insights, he’s sparing other men from enduring the same pain and making the same mistakes.

He also praises and celebrates black men.

“Contrary to the negative media stereotypes,” observes Taylor, “black men are capable of being loving husbands and caring fathers. They are intelligent, thoughtful and insightful who, like all men, simply want to love and be loved and feel that their lives matter. As the title suggests, “Black Men Rock!”

He predicts the book will inspire Black men to “embrace challenges” as a way of building character.

Among the thousands whose lives have been transformed through Coach Michael Taylor’s counsel is an engineer from Seattle, Washington, who was on the hit list to lose his job. “Instead,” he declares, “Coach Michael Taylor gave me some valuable career tips that not only helped me save my job but led to me being promoted within six months.” He adds that the money-management advice the Coach has given has helped him attain financial stability because of his greater earnings.

Similarly, a Chicago construction worker lamented that his health was deteriorating until he talked to Coach Michael. “Through a few shifts in my lifestyle and attitude, I am now in the best physical shape I’ve ever been in!” he exclaims.

Even women hail Coach Michael. A teacher from Houston said her marriage was on the brink of divorce until her husband began communicating with Coach Michael Taylor. The outcome, she says, is nothing short of a miracle. “Today, the marriage is strong, happy and has created a healthy environment that has made our children happier. This renewed commitment has had a carryover effect into other aspects of their lives.”

The book is winning acclaim from a wide spectrum of critics. Melissa Brown Levine of the Independent Professional Book Reviewers has high praise for Black Men Rock… and for Taylor’s mission. “This book,” she says, “challenges the concept of traditional manhood in the African American community by encouraging black men to step outside of the box society has placed them in, and allow themselves to grow into the loving and productive people they are capable of being.”

Sportswriter and author Ahmard Vital sees it as a game changer and conversation starter. “Many of the issues concerning Black men are addressed within its pages. Michael Taylor has done the research and illustrates where Black men, and society as a whole, can utilize 10 key principles that will support men in living extraordinary lives and will bring about a global shift that will bring humans together in harmony. There will come a time when this will be the dominant conversation. Taylor is leading the charge.”

Coach Michael says the book is more than a resource, but the start of a “revolution.”

“My intention in sharing the lessons within its pages is to do my part in supporting black men. This book can be the spark in a revolution that challenges them to take 100% responsibility for their lives and to know that it is possible for them to live extraordinary lives.”

Having empowered thousands through his lectures and seminars, he is now committed to reaching a broader global audience through his website www.blackmenrock.net, online radio show (www.blogtalkradio.com/ancwm) and his recently-launched television program that airs on Houston Public Television (www.anewconversationwithmen.com).

With the release of Black Men Rock – 10 Keys to Empower Black Men to Live Extraordinary Lives, he says Black men have a permanent resource to turn to for lessons that will enhance their lives and help them attain success.

For more information, contact:

Melody M. McDowell
MELODY’service
773-660-2001 – Office
312-371-8917 – cell
melody@melodyservice.com

 By Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.

Editor’s Note: “The State of Equality and Justice in America” is a 20-part series of columns written by an all-star list of contributors to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. The contributors include: U. S. Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) LCCRUL 50th Anniversary Grand Marshal; Ms. Barbara Arnwine, President and Executive Director, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (LCCRUL); Mr. Charles Ogletree, Professor, Harvard University Law School/Director, Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice; the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr., President/CEO, Rainbow/PUSH Coalition; the Rev. Joseph Lowery, Co-founder, Southern Christian Leadership Conference; U. S. Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.); and 14 additional thought leaders and national advocates for equal justice.

 Day of action planned to dramatize demands

Reflecting growing discontent in some quarters with President Obama’s failure to directly address issues of vital concern to Black people, a group of social justice, drug policy and criminal justice reform advocates are poised to intensify the call for an end to the War on Drugs and demand increased government investment in jobs, economic development and social programs to combat what is being called a “State of Emergency” in the “dark ghettos” of Black America.

Led by the Institute of the Black World 21^st Century, under the leadership of Dr. Ron Daniels, the group will outline a basic agenda for change and announce plans for a Day of Direct Action to back its demands at a Press Conference, Thursday, April 4^th at the National Press Club in Washington D.C.

 The Press Conference is being convened on the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s 1967 speech at the Riverside Church in New York where he expressed his opposition to the War in Vietnam and challenged the government to invest in aiding poor communities in this country. April 4^th is also the memorial of King’s assassination in Memphis a year later in 1968 as he was preparing to launch a Poor People’s Campaign.

The Press Conference will be held April 4, 2013 at 12:30 p.m., in the Zenger Room of the National Press Club, 529 14^th Street, N.W. 13^TH Floor, in Washington, D.C.

Key Participants are Dr. Ron Daniels, President, IBW, Distinguished Lecturer, York College, City University of New York, former Executive Director, Center for Constitutional Rights – New York City; Rev. Dr. Willie Wilson, Senior Pastor, Union Temple Baptist Church, Coordinator, Millions More Movement — Washington, D.C; Dr. Divine Pryor, Executive Director, Center for NuLeadership on Urban Solutions, the nation’s only Think Tank led by formerly incarcerated persons – New York City; Courtney Stewart, Chairman, The Reentry Network for Returning Citizens, Washington, D.C.; and, Charles Thornton, Director Mayor’s Office on Returning Citizen Affairs, Washington, D.C.

The press conference is Convened by the Institute of the Black World 21^st Century [www.ibw21.org]

For further information or interviews:  Carolyn McClair Public Relations – 917.686.0854.

“It is better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one than to have an opportunity and not be prepared.” - Whitney M. Young

In 1963, more than a quarter-million people gathered in Washington, DC to march for jobs and equality. The Great March for Jobs and Freedom was a watershed moment in American history – birthing now-iconic speeches that voiced the hardships facing blacks as they sought a fair shot at an elusive dream.