Jackson Free Press

The whole thing about Obama's birth certificate got on my nerves because I was sick of hearing about it ad nauseum, but in the video below, the speaker discusses the issue with an angle I haven't considered. Was there more to the controversy than meets the eye? Does race play a role in the birth certificate issue coming up again, and Obama's college transcripts as well? I hope not.

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I realize that some may not like this post, but as a black woman, where I hear comments like this, I start to wonder if there is something to the message. Is there another president that had to prove his legitimacy this much?

Previous Comments

ID

163376

Comment

I thought the EXACT SAME THING when I first heard the "he needs to show his birth certificate" controversy. In the south, especially in MISSISSIPPI, black persons walking the streets had to "show papers" or else they would be arrested for Vagrancy (not having a job and supporting one's self through crime) and could be forced to work in construction or farm work for a White person. This was up through the 1964! Mr. President has the MOST PRESTIGIOUS job in the COUNTRY, and is STILL being asked to show his papers!

Author

ZeeDubb

Date

2011-05-05T15:58:19-06:00

ID

163377

Comment

What the problem Latasha? Aren't Colored or "the Blacks" dishonest anyway as demonstrated from slavery to now by stealing food from massa to refusing to work nowadays in lieu of welfare. Massa Trump knows you have to check everythang on the coloreds. And I object to how President Obama put his feet in Massa Trump's behind at the journalism or press dinner last week. Obama is a crude man because it looked like to me he was twisting and trying to shelve his feet even further into Mr. Tramp rump after it was clear he was severely injured. Excuse me I meant Mr. Trump. If I were the teabaggers and GOP I would force Obama to show the evidence of Bin Laden being killed and buried. Obama could be lying just to look heroic and get re-elected. Lord knows neither the coloreds or anyone else needs to see him continue after this term.

Author

Walt

Date

2011-05-05T16:57:22-06:00

ID

163382

Comment

I agree. This is all SO wrong. I don't remember any other president having to prove everything (or anything). Prove you're a citizen! Prove your college history! Prove you really got bin Laden! What he is proving is that he can do what he says he is going to do. Obama has kept promise after promise he made in his campaign (including when he said in the 2008 debates, "If we have Osama bin Laden in our sights and the Pakistani government is unable or unwilling to take them out, then I think that we have to act, and we will take them out. We will kill bin Laden. We will crush al Qaeda. That has to be our biggest national security priority.") and still gets treated like an untrustworthy traitor. Of course it's about race! They can deny it all they want, but I know the truth.

Author

Tre

Date

2011-05-06T07:55:14-06:00

ID

163384

Comment

I am being honest and shooting from the hip on this topic. In all honesty you/I would like to steer away from the race topic, but how can you when certain signals keep popping up? For example, after the brith certificate was produced, then more questions followed - why did it take so long? Well is his transcript from Harvard real? Unless your an entertainer, no one really questions anything? But you look at sports, politics, the corporate world, me and Bryann definately disagree on this, but you look at coaching, management and certain sports athletic positions - case in example, quarterback in pro football - the ridicule and screening process, for black males, is very stringent. People and I say that in general, because I've seen and black, white and other races, who just do not like to see a brotha come up in the corporate, political world and that's just keeping it real!

Author

Duan C.

Date

2011-05-06T11:48:39-06:00

ID

163389

Comment

Thanks for recognizing Lorenzen. Obama looks shady to me as is a common feature for his type and kind. It's plain and simple for many of us. The birthers saw it, and now the deathers do too and are rightfully questioning whether Osama was really found and murdered by Obama and team although unarmed and apparently not fighting back or resisting. The Blacks are always trying to do things and go places their credentials, work ethnic and actual capabilities can't merit or take them. Then if they make it, they can't wait to rub it in your faces. Take the NFL for instance. When it was an all-white game, you didn't have all the dancing and celebrating in the end zone after a touchdown. Nowadays when they run over or pass a linebackers or defensive back unlike them they can't wait to celebrate. The game was faster, better played and more appealing to most of us before they were allowed to play. Obama couldn't wait to celebrate finding and doing away with Osama. President Bush and Cheney wouldn't have done all the celebrating Obama is doing. Bush probably would have done something unpretentious and small like saying mission is accomplished. Must I go on? When the National Basketball Association was all white you didn't have all the slam-dunking, spinning, grinning, dribbling between the legs and high-fivings the Blacks bought to the game. Most people liked the games better before all of this. Must I go on and point out the obvious like the great Mississippians, the Honorable Senator Trent Lott, did? The story is too well known to be repeated. As ought to be obvious to everyone nowadays the country is beyond race. Didn't we elect a black president and first lady? What else the Blacks need to see? I understand Mr. Trump. Without proof you can never know for sure. Fact or fiction? You be the judge.

Author

Walt

Date

2011-05-06T16:41:09-06:00

ID

163396

Comment

Duan C., I am not going to hijack this tread but when you call me out. I have to respond. I understand you questioning how Cam Newton was treated but you seem to overlook Jake Locker. If Locker had come out of Washington last year he was considered to be a top three pick. Locker stayed his senior season and many draft experts questioned him going in the top three rounds. Locker was just as scrutinized as Newton but I don't hear you screaming how unfair the treatment him was. Why don't we be fair and mention that Steve McNair was not widely scrutinized, neither was Micheal Vick or JaMarcus Russell. I did not hear yelling and screaming from you when Blaine Gabbert went from the top pick to answering questions about arm strength and playing in a spread offense. There are questions about Newton and they should be asked. That does not mean anyone doesn't think he can be a great NFL quarterback. I have questions about Newton and his past. I watch the Jon Gruden special on ESPN when he could not even name one Auburn play. That does not mean it was not edited to make him look badly. I have watched film on Newton and his accuracy comes and goes. Auburn offense was very simple. That does not mean Cam cannot pick up an NFL offense but how long will take him since an NFL offense is more involved than the one he was used to in college. Every quarterback in this draft class was looked at very hard. I, myself, only saw on potential immediate starter in this whole draft class. You should question anything about a guy your going to give 60 million in guaranteed money. You might not remember but Peyton Manning had questions going into the draft. Drew Bress lasted into the 2nd round. Tom Brady lasted until the 6th round. Where was your outrage for these quarterbacks?

Author

Bryan Flynn

Date

2011-05-09T13:17:50-06:00

ID

163425

Comment

@ Bryan Let me try this again. Bryan I merely used our debate as an example. So it wasn't like I was trying to call you out, just because I am trying to pick at you. But there are serious fundamental difference between the way you and I view ridicule, in regards to black and whites at the QB position, which is a leadership position. I don't take you to be a bigot or racists, but you some of your argument, I feel, is viewed through rose colored glasses. When you bring up names like Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Blaine Gabbert, Jake Locker, Andy Dalton, Tim Tebow, Tim Couch, Ryan Leif - they were only called out for the lack of "physical" gifts such as arm strength, footwork, field vision, not coming from a winnning program - but the one thing you NEVER heard them questioned for their intelligence and their understanding of the game, or for their character. But all of them were giving high ceilings for the ABILITY to learn a playbook and their INTELLIGENCE. Did you know that Tim Couch, while the QB at Kentucky, under Hal Mumme's spread offense, was drwaing up plays in the grass? They didn't even have a playbook @ Kentucky and he still went number one to the Browns in 1999 draft, because the pundits, coaches, analysts, felt like he was smart enough to learn a playbook. I will say this again, after looking at the kind of ridicule/scrutiny Barack Obama and Cam Newton have both recieved in the past year or so, only reinforces my opinion that a fair amount of people - black, white or whatever - just do not like seeing black males in leadership postions - whether political, business or in certain sports.

Author

Duan C.

Date

2011-05-10T08:35:44-06:00

ID

163439

Comment

So people questioned Ryan Mallett's character because he's...black? Several draft experts and NFL scouts opined that Mallett was the most talented thrower in the 2011 draft, and yet he fell to the 3rd round, mostly because of concerns over his attitude, maturity, and judgment.

Author

Mark Geoffriau

Date

2011-05-10T11:18:53-06:00

ID

163442

Comment

@ Mark "So people questioned Ryan Mallett's character because he's...black" Ha, thanks for making that point! But he fell because he acted "urban"! The only other white QB that had that "urban" stigma was Ben Roethlisberger - he went in the first, but he was the 11th pick. Good point Mark, but Mallett was quite the exception to the rule. Due to playing in Bobby Patrino's pro-style offense, if Mallett wasn't so "urban" - he would have went in the first round. But that shouldn't have been a reason for him to fall to the third round, just because he's a white fella that spoke with an "urban" accent or acts "urban". Which leads to another point, if you are a caucasian male - with a little soul - folks really don't wanna see you come up! lol!!!

Author

Duan C.

Date

2011-05-10T11:50:10-06:00

ID

163443

Comment

So, we're all in agreement, even when a white quarterback falls in the draft because of character concerns, the real reason is anti-black racism.

Author

Mark Geoffriau

Date

2011-05-10T12:33:37-06:00

ID

163447

Comment

I can pretty much agree to that Mark.

Author

Duan C.

Date

2011-05-10T12:49:43-06:00

ID

163448

Comment

@Mark, @Duan C., Explain to me why Aaron Rodgers fell from the first pick in the draft to 24th to the Green Bay Packers???? Questions about Mallett using drugs and having an alcohol problems caused him to fall. Do not forget, Mallett also left Michigan and never really said why. Leads to questions. Roethlisberger fell because of questions he partied to hard and whispers about things he did with women. Huh, never heard that before about Big Ben.

Author

Bryan Flynn

Date

2011-05-10T13:08:58-06:00

ID

163450

Comment

@ Bryan I can tell you why Aaron Rodgers fell - arm strength and durability concerns. Which was an honest and fair assesment, however. Never once was he questioned for his intelligence and/or work ethic. Roethlisberger fell because of things you mentioned, plus for that stigma I mentioned earlier as well. But yet, with damn near every black quarterback that has been drafted, there always seems to be a overwhelming point to question their ability to learn playbooks and systems (intelligence), character issues, and/or to point out, their just "athletes" playing quarterback and need to be converted to HB/WR or something else. How many white quarterbacks in the past 10 years been converted to positions other than QB coming out of college? I can name two Eric Crouch and Matt Jones. How many Black college QB's, just to name a few, - here we go Randle El, WR (Indiana), Brad Smith, WR (Missouri), Josh Cribbs, WR (Kent State), Michael Robinson, RB (Penn State), Joe Webb, WR/QB (UAB)[it's a fact, for him to keep a roster spot - he will be converting to WR] Basically, in my honest opinion - I just don't see black quarterbacks coming out of college receiving the benefit of the doubt or the infamous "can't miss" draft brand. 99% of them are considered long term projects, future busts, or need to be moved to a more athletic, non-thinking position? Bryan if you can't see that, then it goes back to what I said to you in my rebuttal to your previous post - your seeing things through rosed colored glasses in regards to this topic. You know whats funny? Right now I'm having to prove to you just how skewed the system really is, but for some odd reason, you're having a hard time believing what I am trying to explain to you. LOL!

Author

Duan C.

Date

2011-05-10T14:00:01-06:00

ID

163451

Comment

Wait a second -- it's racist conspiracy that the overwhelming majority of white quarterbacks are not athletic enough to play any other position? You mention all the black QB's who got shifted to other positions as if that is a disadvantage, when in fact, the white QB's who didn't pan out just had to move on and get jobs selling real estate or insurance. They weren't given the option of trying out at WR or safety. But no, I'm sure it's a racist conspiracy.

Author

Mark Geoffriau

Date

2011-05-10T14:17:44-06:00

ID

163480

Comment

@ Mark your last post, I can understand where your coming from - I just hope your trying to understand my perspective as well it's racist conspiracy that the overwhelming majority of white quarterbacks are not athletic enough to play any other position? I don't want to start a Area 51 conspiracy in regards to the quarterback position, but it is the most important position and it is the one that gives the highest reward, financial and publicity, as well. With that said, only a select few have been allowed to particpate in that "club" and it hasn't been a very diverse club at that, which is a very well known fact. So I don't want to rest my laurels on just racism, but I would feel more comfortable with institutionalized discrimination. You mention all the black QB's who got shifted to other positions as if that is a disadvantage, when in fact, the white QB's who didn't pan out just had to move on and get jobs selling real estate or insurance. They weren't given the option of trying out at WR or safety. Great point, but just because a black guy converts from quarterback to HB/WR and given the opportunity to still play pro-football, doesn't mean he should just have to settle? I think it's unfair you don't see more white players who do not pan out at QB converted to cornerbacks, running backs, or other positions. But when you limit opportunities in one area, but for only a select few - it affects everyone trying to get in the door, down the road.

Author

Duan C.

Date

2011-05-11T09:38:47-06:00

ID

163550

Comment

Mr. Tramp aka the Donald decided today not to run for POTUS arguing if Obama would put his foot in his rear like that at the press dinner recently, it ain't no telling what he'll do to hold the most covetous position in the USA. It turns out the Donald is a punk and prefers jumping on drunks/dope addicts, self-destructive and desperate people on his television show to fighting a real man. Huckabee punked out too. Who is next? What no one wants a piece of the Michael Jordan of the Democratic party?

Author

Walt

Date

2011-05-16T21:33:48-06:00

ID

163559

Comment

Now I'm hearing the Arnold, ex governor of California, has fathered a child out of wedlock. To have family values Republicans throw more rod than a country fisherman. Bubba why y'all can't keep your snakes locked up at the zoo? Donald Trump was overheard by one of the contestants on his show saying he had an elephant standing on its hind legs in his closet and all Obama had to do was open the door and watch the elephant fall or run out, and this is the real reason he decided not to run for POTUS.

Author

Walt

Date

2011-05-17T18:52:32-06:00

ID

163560

Comment

And Bubba what's up with someone throwing glitter or trash on Gingrish last night? I guess the person didn't have time to take off their musty shoes but wanted to make sure all the trash in the room was situated together. If Newt can represent y'all, why not run Palin or Michelle Backward? Y'all are sad, Bubba, and I extend you an olive branch to join up with us. Barry ain't got spit to worry about with y'all next year as NewGin is already dead in the water. I think he should return full time to sodom and gomorrah (sic), where he is the unofficial leader or head of the republican party and where all immorality is celebrated, lauded and accepted as the official platform for the GOP.

Author

Walt

Date

2011-05-18T06:20:03-06:00