Conversations With Christelyn Karazin

History has shown that whenever a social justice movement becomes successful, there’s often an incoming rush of latecomers who run in with the sole purpose of profiting from that movement’s success. This is what has happened with the Black Women’s Empowerment social justice movement. There’s been a crowd of latecomers who want to wrap themselves in the BWE banner, yet refuse to practice BWE values.

I believe Christelyn Karazin is one such individual. Up to now, I’ve remained publicly silent in my reactions to her inappropriate behavior. I strongly disliked the idea of taking up space with this type of thing at my other blog, The Sojourner's Passport. Unfortunately, Christelyn seemingly has taken my public silence as an invitation to continue engaging in inappropriate behavior. This is why I’m finally speaking out about this. And why I'm speaking about it here. Enough is enough.

Christelyn has done a number of inappropriate things to various BWE bloggers, but I’ll only focus on what she’s done in terms of me. And since---unlike Christelyn---I don’t publish other people’s private emails without their permission, I’ll only publish my reply emails in response to the hysterical emails Christelyn sent me. Christelyn has also chosen to misrepresent and try to "spin" what has been happening behind the scenes.

Here’s what has actually been going on:

Christelyn Karazin engaged in a pattern and practice of sitting back and passively allowing BWE opponents to use her forum to denigrate BWE bloggers’s work. Here's one of several examples of this.

If you’re going to let people use your forum to snipe at BWE bloggers behind their backs, don’t call yourself a BWE "sister." Letting BWE opponents use your platform to denigrate BWE bloggers is contrary to the core BWE values of reciprocity and solidarity with Black women’s interests.

Christelyn seemingly didn’t (and doesn't) care about BWE bloggers being denigrated on her forum. But she does care--a lot--if she sees anything that could possibly be construed as criticism of her actions.

Christelyn was apparently very upset about a comment I made at my own blog expressing my displeasure with her choice to let individuals use her forum to backbite BWE bloggers. I was also not pleased about the segment of BWE readers who are happy to reap the benefits of BWE bloggers’ work, but were comfortable silently watching while BWE opponents denigrate BWE bloggers. I said the following to one such commenter (who was vigorously arguing in defense of a White male blogger, but had said nothing during at least one conversation at Christelyn’s house when BWE bloggers were being denigrated),

". . . Well...now that you've brought it up...I don't recall you defending any of the BW bloggers who were being trashed at one particular conversation over at Christelyn's house. Certainly not the way you're actively jumping to Jonathan's defense here, and trying to scold me with the Word of Allah (I could be wrong about the attempted scolding angle, but that's what it feels like).

And all because I'm not inclined to take seriously the "never get a job and live your dream" preachings from 20-somethings who fit into the category I described in my initial earlier comment about them. You're entitled to defend him against what you feel is an attack if you wish (I'll get to that angle later in this reply). That's fine. None of that changes my views about his "live your dreams" preaching. Which is also fine.

I'm just fascinated by the marked contrast between what you're doing here for Jonathan and what you did during that other conversation.

You know...the conversation in which you were a participant where Christelyn passively sat back and---without saying anything in response---allowed individuals to use her forum as a platform for denigrating her BW blogger colleagues. The same BW colleagues who actively helped her (out front and behind the scenes) with her NWNW campaign. Once it was brought to my attention, I found all of that quite fascinating to watch.

Let me emphasize that this is NOT about agreement. I'm NOT looking for agreement---I'm interested in reciprocity. There were a couple of readers during that conversation who demonstrated reciprocity by noting the benefit they got from some of the BW bloggers who were being trashed. That's all I'm talking about.

When somebody benefits and helps ME in some way, then I don't let anybody denigrate that person in MY presence without at least speaking the truth about how that person helped ME. That doesn't mean that whatever criticism of the person who helped me is necessarily wrong or incorrect.

It just means that I'm going to add my truthful, positive testimony to the conversation about that person. So that the picture being painted during that conversation of the person who helped me is full and complete. As opposed to lopsided and distorted because the benefit that person brought to me was never mentioned when they were under attack.

Anyhoo, that's all I'm going to say about that little episode at this point.]… This conversation is the one I had in mind. And I recall thanking [another reader] in particular at the time for the decency and reciprocity she (and some other readers) demonstrated during that particular conversation. I’ve heard about people being allowed to use that platform to launch attacks on Evia during another conversation at that same blog, but I hadn’t read that particular conversation. If you did as you described during that conversation, then I applaud and commend you for demonstrating decency and reciprocity.

Bottom line: The cowardly snipers who launch their backbiting attacks while hiding behind the shield of another blog host’s forum need to find the courage to take their gripes directly to the bloggers they’re angry with.

I only linked to the conversation above because you said that you didn’t know what conversation I was talking about. At this point, I’m done with talking about any of that—I’m not going to make any further comments about that during this conversation. Expect Success!"

This is the point at which Christelyn started sending me hysterical emails. She claimed not to comprehend why any BWE blogger would take issue with her pattern of letting BWE opponents use her blog to take potshots at BWE bloggers. She also claimed not to understand why I was not interested in producing written content for use in her ongoing self-promotion projects. This is what I finally told her:

"Christelyn,

I thought it was clear from our previous communications that I don't want any further involvement with you. As far as I'm concerned, you're an unprincipled, self-promoting opportunist who's looking to pimp the BWE social justice movement for your own financial gain.

You got over on BWE before. You previously used many of the BWE bloggers and our support of your NWNW campaign when it was convenient. And then later on, when it was convenient, you passively allowed individuals to use your blog to denigrate and take verbal potshots at BWE bloggers---without challenge or comment from you. You apparently think that sort of behavior on your part is okay. And now, you're asking me and others to do your homework (i.e. answer a series of questions and contact Evia on your behalf) as if I have nothing better to do and with less than two weeks notice at that. Homework that is in active support of your ongoing self-promotion.

Since it apparently didn't register with you the first time, let me repeat what I told you the last time you emailed me:

'Christelyn,

Did Dr. King allow people to publicly use his microphone . . .

at his pulpit . . .

in his church . . .

to denigrate his colleagues in the SCLC?

Or to denigrate his colleagues in the struggle in the NAACP Legal Defense Fund?

Or to denigrate any of his colleagues in the overall civil rights struggle?

That's exactly what you did as far as I'm concerned. And since you apparently feel that this sort of behavior would have been/is appropriate, it's not my place to try to dissuade you from it. It's not my place to try to tell other people how to run their pulpits/blogs.

Furthermore, I don't have to know the intimate details of a dispute to take a principled stand with commenters who have gripes against other BWE bloggers. I'm not talking about so-called "taking sides," or fighting other BWE bloggers' battles. I simply tell the commenters who have gripes with So & So Blogger to take their gripe to So & So Blogger. I won't let people use my microphone, at my pulpit, in my "church" to launch attacks against my BWE colleagues. They need to create their own platform for that, or better yet find the courage to take their problem to that particular blogger.

I'm not a rapper who's involved in some petty "beef" with anybody. I'm involved in a social justice movement in support of African-American women. Perhaps you don't see BWE blogs as being part of a social justice movement. But I do. However you see it, with all due respect, you're not a neutral bystander in terms of what you allow to go on at your pulpit in your "church." What you let happen without challenge in your pulpit and "church" IS an endorsement of that behavior. Similar to how people are responsible for what they knowingly permit to go on in their houses.

And since in front of your thousands of readers---you let people publicly use your pulpit to launch public sniper attacks against women I (perhaps mistakenly) thought you saw as colleagues in the BWE struggle, then it's perfectly appropriate for the reaction (whatever it might be) to also be in public.

You let them use your forum as a launching pad for attacks against BWE bloggers in the context of a public conversation, so the reaction should also be in the context of a public conversation. It's all about reciprocity.

. . . This is my final rotation with you about this, because obviously you don't get it and you believe that sort of behavior is appropriate. I don't.

You're trying to reframe the issue as being about "criticism." That's not what I'm talking about. I don't care about that.

My issue is your betrayal of some people who helped you. The betrayal by your choice to freely allow others to use your platform/resources to take sniper shots at some of the people who helped you---without comment or challenge. People who are engaged in a social justice movement (BWE) that you purport to be in solidarity with. However mild those sniper shots may be is not the point for me.

The point for me is you freely allowing people to use your resources to make those attacks in the first place. As far as I'm concerned, that's unprincipled behavior on several levels. It's unprincipled in the context of a solidarity with a social justice movement. And it's unprincipled on a personal level.

I don't let folks use my platform or resources to take shots at people who are colleagues in a struggle that I'm participating in. I haven't let people use my platform to take shots at you---no matter whether those shots were mild or harsh. Correct or incorrect. Because that's not the point for me. The point is about solidarity and reciprocity. Reciprocity means that I don't let people borrow my resources to attack colleagues in a struggle. I also don't let folks freely use my platform or resources to take sniper shots at anybody who has helped me in the past.

That doesn't mean that I automatically engage in some debate or conflict with the wanna-be snipers. Many times I simply tell them to take their issue/gripe directly to the person they're upset with. And to stop trying to use my platform or resources to work through their gripe with somebody else. I believe that this is common courtesy for: (1) the people I'm in solidarity with; and (2) the people who have helped me. But if you don't feel that way, you just don't feel that way. And like I said before, it's not my place or assignment to try to dissuade you from behavior that you think is appropriate.'

Christelyn, I have neither time nor interest in dealing with someone who continues to demonstrate a lack of reciprocity. I thought I had already made myself clear the last time we had this issue of reciprocity. Obviously, you still do not understand and that is fine, just don't bother me with your requests.

Sincerely,
Khadija Nassif"

This was the point at which Christelyn went into emotional overdrive and had a series of public tantrums. Without my permission, she published a highly-edited (edited by her) portion of my private reply email. I got reports that she was whining about me on various social media. Throughout her public whinings, Christelyn chose to misrepresent what had actually happened. Nevertheless, I said nothing in public. Faith ultimately had to respond to Christelyn’s series of destructive antics with this post.

Christelyn never apologized for publishing edited portions of my private reply email without my consent. And she only took down that particular post because several of her readers told her to do so.

Recently, Christelyn went into emotional overdrive--yet again--in reaction to this post at Halima’s blog. She sent in a hysterical comment in response to this conversation over there. Then Christelyn started bombarding me (along with some other BWE bloggers) with a series of unwelcome, hysterical emails. I replied as follows:

"Christelyn,

You are irrational. And you're engaging in revisionist history. I would suggest that you seek professional counseling. Because your public (and private) hissy fits demonstrate an extreme lack of emotional discipline.

You seem to have forgotten about how you published a portion---a portion that was highly edited by you---of a private email conversation we had. And you did this without my consent. You never apologized for that utterly inappropriate behavior on your part. And you only took down that post after some of your readers told you to do so. This episode was after you had engaged in a pattern and practice of allowing BWE opponents to use your comment section to denigrate various BWE bloggers. We had a private email conversation about how your choice to let trolls use your forum to denigrate other BW bloggers---accompanied by silence from you---demonstrated a lack of solidarity and lack of reciprocity on your part. You blew off the concerns I raised about this behavior of yours---talking to you directly did not help---at all.

All of the above-described behavior on your part (plus your attempts at recruiting various BWE bloggers to produce written content to promote your personal projects and interests) is what Faith responded to. And this behavior pattern of yours speaks to another long-term problem with what you've been doing: You want to wrap yourself in the BWE banner when it's obvious that you have zero comprehension of core BWE values. And you refuse to honor BWE values.

What you did when you chose to let trolls use your blog to denigrate other BW bloggers showed that you don't understand the concept of reciprocity. Your little tantrum over at Halima's house about Red Tails being so-called just a movie shows that you don't understand the concept of putting BW's interests first and foremost. That flick was so-called "just a movie" in the same sense that it was "just a seat on a bus" that Rosa Parks got arrested over.

And any Black person who continued to finance that bus system after Ms. Parks was arrested was not acting in any kind of solidarity, sisterhood, or anything else positive with other Black folks. Any BW who financially supports the erasure of BW from their own history (the latest example being Red Tails) is not acting in any kind of solidarity, sisterhood, or anything else positive with BW's interests. These basic concepts of reciprocity and putting BW's interests first are not rocket science.

You presume too much. I don't care about you; and I'm indifferent to the fate of your projects. I noticed that your tantrum-comment over at Halima's house centered around your personal projects and prospects; and not about furthering the BWE movement. As I told you before, I would prefer not to receive any future communication from you. However, I do care about the BWE social justice movement. I don't like to see it being sabotaged from within by individuals who want to wrap themselves in the BWE banner (mostly for personal financial gain) while refusing to practice BWE values. Good riddance to bad trash."

I truly hope Christelyn will cease and desist from seeking to involve me in her drama. I’ve repeatedly told her that I don’t want to receive any future communications from her. I’ve also told her that I don’t want any involvement with her. Enough, already.

The Sojourner's Passport Site Has Launched!

I'm delighted to announce that The Sojourner's Passport site has launched! You can visit it at http://www.sojournerspassport.com/.

Everyone, I can't thank you enough for your ongoing encouragement and support; I truly appreciate it. Your support is what made this possible. And here's a special shout-out to my web designers at Educo Web Design. They're nice people to deal with, and they do outstanding work!

Peace and blessings,
Khadija Nassif

Watch the Book Trailer, Buy the Book!

I'm delighted to announce that the book and its book trailer are finally out! You can watch the book trailer here and buy the book here

Everyone, I can't thank you enough for your ongoing encouragement and support; I truly appreciate it. Your support is what made this possible. And here's a special shout-out to my web designers at Educo Web Design. They're nice people to deal with, and they do outstanding work!

Once the new blog site is up and running (which will be soon, hopefully), it will have a special, downloadable excerpt from my next book exclusively for readers who have bought The Sojourner's Passport. I can't wait!

A View From Across The Ocean: A Reader's Money Quote From JaliliMaster

The Reader's Money Quote is a statement that is of such insight and importance that it merits frequent and loud repetition. These Reader's Money Quotes are from an astute UK-based African reader named JaliliMaster (actually, I think of her as one of the international "news correspondents" that this blog has been blessed to have). She said the following in response to the From the "I Told You So" Department-Pres. Obama Watch Division post (my responses are in bold italics):

I agree re: the extended readers money quote regarding dominance. Other ethnicities are doing it and excluding blacks. This is not unique to America, so folks should not think that if they go to another country, they won't face this same type of discrimination. This is the same attitude that allowed these other 'ethnics' to trick AA's in the first place. They thought that other people of colour would have solidarity with them when it came to whites. Turns out, they will stand with you as far as you are needed then you get dropped. [Khadija: This phrase, "they will stand with you as far as you are needed then you get dropped," should be painted on most African-Americans' foreheads. Starting with our gullible, idiotic (mis)leaders.]

In the UK, a Tamil man was taken to court for racially-motivated firing of black employees. Now if anyone knows about the Tamils, they are Sri-Lankan minorities who have been at war for years and are at the bottom of the country socially, economically etc. Yet, he got to britain and used all his money to buy a petrol station service shop. The first thing he did was to fire the employees one-by-one, who were all black Africans, then he hired new supervisors, all Tamil. [Khadija: It's normal human nature to take care of folks in this order: self, family, clan, ethnic group. With many people in many countries, "nation" isn't even on that list. With most people across the board, outsiders are almost NEVER on the "take care of them" list. People who are in touch with reality understand this; and are therefore not depending on others to so-called "do right by them" by taking care of them.]

This man was then taken to court by the employees. He was ordered by the judge to re-employ them or face fines. He chose to pay compensation to these employees than have them working for him. [Khadija: Right, that's to be expected. It's very difficult to bumrush your way onto somebody else's "take care of them" list.]

He was asked how he could be so okay with his racism, he felt there was nothing wrong with it as it was his business. [Khadija: To even ask that question is show how naive one is. {shaking my head}] The man who was interviewing him is some black actor(or other personality) who was doing a documentary. He was the kumbaya type of negro, questioning why people of colour cannot just 'work together'. [Khadija: Oh, puh-leeze.]

I remember he went into Asian communities(Pakistani, Indian etc), and exposed the entrenched racism towards blacks. [Khadija: Then I'm sure this foolish Negro got an earful from those South Asians. From what I've observed of them in the US, they discriminate among themselves based on color. The (arranged) marriage ads that Indians and Pakistanis put in "Muslim" publications openly state that the parent placing the ad is looking to marry their child to persons with "fair complexions." They're certainly not interested in cuddling up with folks who are of African descent and therefore "officially" Black.]

This silly negro started pontificating on camera, even as one Indian man boasted and even mocked that if blacks are so good, how come all the businesses in black communities are owned by Asians?! This negro started wailing that the Asians should be 'fair' and hire blacks. [Khadija: {chuckling}] It never occured to him to question why blacks: (1)Refuse to open their businesses AND manage it properly, and (2) why negroes would rather patronise any other business than a black-owned one!

On a final note, the whole kool-aid(I hate using that term) drunk by black folks in relation to Obama is symptomatic of how blacks, and in particular AA's, refuse to properly vet those that claim to represent them. I've seen many AA's talk about thier 'African Brothers' and 'hang' with them in solidarity, but never make any effort to engage in economic and other financial projects that could be to their benefit. They'd stand by as these African negroes do business with whites, and the whites exclude them(AA's) from being able to partake, in many cases, with the Africans knowledge. No offense, but AA's need to stop being fools. Alot of you seem to have this view that these African 'leaders/reps' would always have your backs, when they don't even have the backs of their fellow country men. [Khadija: JaliliMaster, THANK YOU for the courtesy of telling THE TRUTH. And doing so in the spirit of seeing African-Americans wake up and do better. You already know this, but let me point this out to my fellow African-Americans: We have the deadly mental habit of assuming that other people view the world the same way we do, and that they think the same way we do. They DON'T.

For one of many examples, most African-Americans have the "take care of them" list backwards compared to every other group of people. We put outsiders first and put ourselves last. African-American women put themselves DEAD LAST on the "must be taken care of" list. Nobody else thinks like this.]

The same thing is done with AA leaders, where having the black skin is enough. I've noticed the British governments habits (and the American too), of sending black faces to represent them in African countries when it comes to political issues (say negotiations in Zimbabwe, Sudan etc), because they think they would be better able to trick them with a black face, but then send white faces when it comes to financial issues, because they don't want black folks to be the link to their source of income. Folks need to understand that money is always going to be made, it's all about who makes it. With the recession, it is the smartest that will come out ontop, get with it!

Okay, I tried posting my comments, but it was too long so I'll break them down:

Obama is weak. That is the plain truth. In the case of Bush, only a select few were allowed to speak. With Obama, he allows many to air their views, but only takes the views of a select few into account. What he doesn't realise is that that is no different from Bush. I'm surprised that many could not see Obamas weakness till now. [Khadija: From what I observe, most African-Americans still can't see Obama's weakness. As a friend mentioned to me earlier this morning, most African-Americans will hypnotically cling to (and fall with) Obama to the bitter end. Even after it's all over, they still won't understand what happened, or why.]

Ignoring the fact that alot of the criticism from the right is racially motivated, there are some instances where he should listen. Him bowing to foreign leaders is one of them. Obama seems pretty convinced that he is this all-knowing, world-travelled man, because he lived in God knows where when he was a child. He thinks that he knows more than anybody else about other cultures. That is why he insists on doing nonsense like bowing to other heads of state. In these countries, bowing (or kneeling/bending the knee etc) is used as a sign of respect. But thats where Obamas knowledge stops. It is used as a sign of respect to those who one considers to be above them. [In Obama's case, since he's not actually African-American--he's half continental African and half-White---this is a case of him succumbing to the general (ignorant) American assumption that other people think the way Americans do. In this case, believing that other people subscribe to the "people are people, and people are the same all over, and everybody is as informal as Americans" nonsense. Umm . . . NO.

People are NOT just people in other places. Many other cultures have much more rigidly observed hierarchies. This is reflected in many languages even by "little" things, such as using much more formal forms of address when speaking to people who are in any way "above" you (more educated, older, wealthier, etc.). In many other cultures, everybody has a commonly understood and accepted "place."]

It is the reason the when Laura Bush met the Queen of England, rather than curtsying, she only gave a very slight tip of the head. Why? Her husband was the head of state. She assumes his same level. Therefore, all heads of state are of the same level. The Queen is the head of state, and secondly, Laura is not a British subject, and therefore doesn't bow. [Khadija: That's right.]

I don't know whether or not Michelle had the common sense to do the same thing, although reports said that when they first met, away from cameras, she gave a little curtsey. Try paying attention to foreign media for once, one would see a difference between that and what passes for 'news' in this part of the world. I remember when he went to Saudi Arabia, the moment he bowed, the entire Saudi media went ecstatic, because they felt he was 'submitting'. [Khadija: That's right. Obama was silly enough to think that he was ingratiating himself with these people by doing that. Instead, he was inviting them to hold him in contempt.] That had NEVER been done by any American president before. Now, wherever he goes, this president, supposedly the most powerful man in the world, is actually expected to bow and 'submit'. They expected it in China, they got it. He did the same in other places. It's not lost on me that it is this first 'black' president that is expected to 'submit'. [Khadija: This is a disgrace.]

On the issue of his political appointments, part of the reason that there have been quite a few social faux pas is because the person responsible for 'updating' the president on such issues is the Chief protocol officer. Guess who she is. A die-hard Shrillary nut. She was appointed by Clinton as the post is under the State Department, but she is situated in the white house. Although she is supposed to, she doesn't fly with the president and her office was moved to the State department (from what I understand, that had something to do with Michelle, as she didn't trust the woman when it came to loyalty). [Khadija: A small bit of common sense.]

She had good reason not to, as this woman was a very active member of the PUMA lot, who were virulently anti-Obama. This is another reason why I think giving Clinton the SOS role was a mistake. She insisted that she should have the power to hire and fire as she pleased, a power which should solely belong to the president. Now she stuffed the state department full with her cronies. [Khadija: That's to be expected from everybody except naive, gullible Obama. But then again, Obama doesn't have any cronies of his own--for the reasons that I've covered in previous posts.]

I'm also amused when I see people talking about Hillary running in 2012. People forget that she is inexperienced. There is a reason why all of a sudden, the secretary of states responsibilities have been carved up, with envoys to various regions(Iraq, N. Korea etc) that do not report to Clinton. Being married to the president does not count as experience, especially as up to the point of being given the secretary of state job, she, like Obama, had very little to show for her political career. The silly mistakes she has made with Russia and the Israel/Palestinian issue (too long to go into now) are just one of the many signs that she is a lightweight. [Khadija: Yes, but as we saw with Bush, the actual quality of one's performance is not what matters. What matters is how one's performance is "spun" and marketed.]

Another problem with her is that she seems to reward people (e.g with jobs/political appointments) because of loyalty as opposed to whether or not they are actually capable. This can be seen in alot of the people she had running her failed campaign (start with patty solis doyle).

On the whole Latino issue, the only black folks that can still be deceived with such BS are the ones that are negroes! I've seen many of the 'solutions' that have been put forward to counter the racial discrimination of these Latinos, the most common being to learn spanish. As always happens, the necessary qualifications keep on shifting as black folks meet the mark. After you learn spanish, you find out it's 'native speakers only'. The problem is that black folks are only able to see solutions to problems through the lens of how others can help. [Khadija: African-Americans have been indoctrinated into believing that everybody--except White men--is our "friend."] Instead of trying to figure out how to get these folks to 'do right' by blacks, think of how to make it for yourself. [Khadija: YES!]

I remember during the campaign, when Obama said that parents should make their kids learn other languages. I though..yeah, they should. He then added, "especially spanish". Latinos got so happy. Black folks couldn't see the implications of this. Latinos would not dare openly discriminate against whites, but you know they are more than happy to tell blacks to their face where to stick it. I know this will sound harsh, but people should stop patronising the non-black owned businesses. Whenever one says it, 'they' accuse you of racism, ignoring the fact that they themselves (be it whites, latinos, asians) don't patronise black-owned business. Also, if you are going to support a black owned business, make sure that it supports you. I don't think I need to explain what I mean by that. [Khadija: No, you shouldn't have to explain this, but reciprocity is still a mysterious concept for most African-Americans.]

JaliliMaster, thank you for providing these essential Reader's Money Quotes!

From the "I Told You So" Department-Pres. Obama Watch Division

I'm breaking my online semi-silence (until the new site launches) to give another warning and heads-up to those who will hear.

From the "I Told You So" Department-Pres. Obama Watch Division:

Those of you who have staked your futures on Pres. Obama and the “change” he promised, need to figure out what your Plan B will be when Pres. Obama completes the process of becoming a lame duck for the rest of this term. And also figure out what you'll do when he most likely fails to win reelection for a second term.

In “The Change That Never Came, Part 2,” I warned you about Pres. Obama in particular, and the general dangers inherent with Crossover Black politicians.
Here.

In “Machiavelli’s ‘The Prince’ Versus Pres. Obama’s ‘Team of Rivals’ Cabinet,” I warned about the indications of Pres. Obama’s naïveté.

In short, I warned you not to stake your survival on Pres. Obama:

“Don't stake your (and your loved ones') survival on anything that Pres. Obama might do. First of all, there's no way of knowing whether or not his economic proposals will actually work. Second, there are MANY other parties that don't want any of his proposals to succeed. Including many individuals that are nominally on his "side."

Pres. Obama Does NOT Have His Own Posse. Nobody is Watching His Back. This Means That Anything He Does WILL Be Sabotaged. From the Inside-Out.

I can see that the masses of our people will be devastated (in many different ways) when various factions from within as well as outside the Democratic Party finally pull down the Obama-ssiah.

It doesn't matter how much Pres. Obama tries to appease these factions. The problem is that these various factions cannot be appeased. This is because they don't want to be appeased. What they want is to make sure that whatever efforts the Obama-ssiah makes fail, and he gets ALL of the blame, while they position themselves to reign. . . err, rule. . . err, govern. . . once he's been politically destroyed.

This illustrates another problem with most Black folks' concept of politics. We don't understand that the "ruler" is only as strong as his infrastructure (aka "posse"). In Chicago terms, his political "machine." Does Pres. Obama actually have a loyal, faithful, strong posse of his own? Or is he somebody who was loaned the use of other people's posses? We know the answer to this.

It looks like he didn't understand that these various "retainers" are only loyal to the people who actually own and created them. They are loyal to the individuals who loaned them to him. NOT to him. He didn't create any of these people. This is one of the unspoken consequences of Pres. Obama being a crossover candidate who did not come from any sort of organized Black movement or infrastructure.

Black voters simply hopped on the Obama-ssiah bandwagon after they saw that Whites in Iowa were willing to vote for him. Pres. Obama did not come from us. Not that our infrastructure or organizations are particularly solid, but Pres. Obama has NOTHING but thin air under his feet.

Pres. Obama's recent blindsided stumbles with several cabinet nominees should be a signal to you. The manner in which all of that went down made it quite apparent to me that he doesn't have anybody who is actually watching his back. He doesn't even have an old-school, Chicago political "machine" to watch his back. That's his own fault for being naive.

Machiavelli warned about the dangers of a prince being dependent upon mercenaries. Especially foreign ones. They have a nasty habit of abruptly abandoning the prince (at the worst possible moment) in favor of the highest bidder, and/or their previous employers.

For the love of God, don't rely on this one (naive) man for your survival.”

And now, with this recent election for Ted Kennedy's former Senate seat (and its most likely repercussions), you're beginning to see all of these things come to a head.

It should be clear to those who have been counting on them, that the Democratic leadership will continue to roll over and try to placate everybody except their core constituencies. African-Americans (along with gays and lesbians) will continue to be among the first core constituencies thrown under the bus by the Democratic leadership. The Democrats will keep trying to placate people who are implacable; namely, Republicans and their supporters.

It’s time for those folks who are politically-inclined to begin the long-term project of building a viable third party, and related infrastructure (think tanks and media outlets that will support a progressive platform).

**Addendum** A helpful reader sent me the following link It's a good recap of how many (if not most) African-Americans focus on symbols instead of substance. Which is why all it takes is to have "Black faces in high places" (Black people in prominent, visible places) to pacify us.

A Standing Ovation For Rainebeaux's Work As a Guest Blogger At "Black Women Deserve Better"

Various BWE (Black Women Empowerment) bloggers have been hosting ongoing, transformational conversations in support of abundant life for Black women. I'm always pleased to see African-American women add their voices to these conversations. I'm delighted whenever other Black women step out of the bystander role, and actively support this message by preaching the truth.

It can be intimidating to step up to the soapbox. That's why relatively few people do it. We often feel that we're not ready to preach the truth unless and until we feel as if we've "arrived." Meanwhile, a life's journey is never truly complete until death.

Rainebeaux's contributions have greatly added to the already-outstanding work that CW (blog host of Black Women Deserve Better) has been doing. So here's a standing ovation for Rainebeaux, who has been guestblogging over at Black Women Deserve Better. If you haven't already seen some of her posts, take a look at http://thecwexperience.wordpress.com/

"Every Shut Eye Ain't Sleep; Every Goodbye Ain't Gone," Part 1

Hello, everyone! Happy New Year!

I'm delighted to announce the impending publication of the book of blog essays, along with the impending launch of a new site that will take the conversation forward regarding lifestyle optimization for African-American women. We've already covered the basic survival issues here, it's time to take it to the next level.

At the new site, I'm moving forward from covering basic survival issues into detailed discussions of optimal living. In fact, there’s a science to lifestyle optimization that I’ll discuss at length at the new site. Many of the tips and techniques that I’ll discuss come from the relatively new field of positive psychology. Positive psychology is the scientific study of what enables individuals and communities to thrive.

Because I believe that Black women need new visions in support of sane and serene living, this new site will also focus on writing and the publishing industry. I know that many of you have at least one good book inside you, waiting to be born.

Black women need new visions. We need to hear new voices. We need to hear your voice in your own creative works. With the new site, I’m also dedicating myself to helping other African-American writers through what I’ve learned—and what I’m still learning—about writing and publishing during my adventures as a new author. I’ll let you look over my shoulder, and have the benefit of “hindsight in advance.” The benefit of learning through my ongoing experiences.

Let me give you a small sneak preview. The very first post (the sample post) for the new site is 5 Elements of Money-Making Nonfiction Books. It explains some of the details of why nonfiction writers who want to earn a good living for themselves and their families don’t need to have their books on the best-sellers lists.

Entrepreneurial nonfiction authors know the real money does not come from book sales. Instead, the real money comes from “back-end” sales of other products (audio programs, newsletters, videos, special reports, teleseminars, boot camps, speaking engagements, personal coaching) mentioned in the books.

There are still a few things to be worked out with the new site and the book isn't out yet, but I think you'll be pleasantly surprised when it's all ready. I hope to have everything ready by the end of January 2010. I'll put up another announcement here when the new site and book have launched. In the meantime, you can bookmark the following link: http://www.sojournerspassport.com/

See you soon!

Peace and blessings,
Khadija

One Year Blog Anniversary, Farewell, and My Heartfelt Thanks

I've said all along that there was a deadline with this blog, and that I wasn't going to do it indefinitely. Well, I've reached that point after a year of blogging. To manage the blog in the manner that I prefer to do so takes up a significant amount of time. Time that I now need to invest into other endeavors. And since I don't like to do "half-stepping," I've decided that now would be a good time to shut down the blog.

The conversations that we've had, and the mini-community that we've formed during this time, have greatly enriched my life. I've gained new ideas, insights and information that I wouldn't have gained otherwise. I've even gained some new goals (writing a novel) as a result of these conversations and your input. I can't possibly thank all of you enough for that. THANK YOU.

Peace and God's blessings be upon you,
Khadija

P.S. I hope that our various arks cross paths, and that I see you around on the high seas! LOL!

How Old Is Too Old? by Tom Kavala

A resume client recently said to me, “Yeah, but I’m too old.”

I wanted to grab him by his lapels and shake some sense into him.

I’m here to tell you …

If there’s something you’ve always wanted to do – but have been putting off – now would be a good time to do it.

A woman once walked up to well-known author and inspirational speaker Wally (Famous) Amos, after a seminar he had given and said, “If I go to law school at my age, I’ll be 55 when I graduate.” Amos asked her, “How old will you be if you don’t go?”

So let me ask you a question, “If not now, when?”

Too Old For What?

Just what is it we’re supposed to be too old for anyway?

People will tell you that advancing age results in lower energy levels and diminished capacity for getting things done.

Really? Consider the following, courtesy of the UC Berkley Wellness Letter:

Verdi composed his “Ave Maria” at age 85.

Harlan Sanders started Kentucky Fried Chicken at the tender age of 65 and became a multi-millionaire.

Grandma Moses – the renowned American folk artist – didn’t start painting until she was in her 70s and didn’t achieve success until she was in her 80s.

Michelangelo was carving the Pieta when he was 89.

Martha Graham – one of the foremost pioneers of modern dance – performed until she was 75 and choreographed her 180th work at age 95.

Marion Hart, sportswoman and author, learned to fly at age 54 and made seven nonstop solo flights across the Atlantic, the last time in 1975 when she was 83.

John Kelley finished his sixtieth Boston Marathon at the age of 83.

Jack LaLanne, at age 62, swam the length of the Golden Gate Bridge underwater, against treacherous tides, towing a 2,000-pound boat. At age 65, he was swimming in Lake Ashinoko, Japan, handcuffed, shackled and towing sixty-five boats loaded with 6,500 pounds of Louisiana wood pulp! At age 70, once again handcuffed and shackled, and fighting blustery winds and currents, LaLanne hit the water and succeeded in pulling seventy boats and seventy people – one person per boat – an astonishing one and one-half miles.

The remarkable accomplishments of these people are not just personal triumphs; rather they are triumphs of the human spirit. They demonstrate that whether you start early or late in life, you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. Whatever you can conceive, you can achieve – regardless of age.

Forget Those Who Say You Can’t

I wonder why so few people feel their age is “just right.”

Being “too old” is just an excuse – an excuse that has closed the door of opportunity to thousands of individuals. They think they are the wrong age, so they don’t even try.

I hear all kinds of people saying you reach a point where starting over, or starting a new endeavor, just isn’t practical anymore.

Let me tell you something – people who know the least, know it the loudest.

The person who is fond of saying, “It can’t be done,” is invariably interrupted by the person who just did it.

When I was a corporate sales trainer, an older salesperson – who should have known better – told me that I didn’t understand the circumstances he was under.

I asked him, “The circumstances you’re under? What are you doing under there? Get out from under there! Who told you to go under there in the first place?”

There are no circumstances you can’t handle. There are only challenges to be met. Every challenge contains within it an opportunity for you to excel.

Start Where You Are

However old you are – you are. So look at your age positively.

A friend of mine, who just turned 70, confided to me that he hated the thought of getting old. I told him it was a lot better than the alternative. If you’re not getting older, you’re dead. I’ll take old over dead any day of the week.

Instead of thinking, “I’m already too old,” think, “I’m still young.” Look forward to new horizons and gain enthusiasm for new things.

Invest time in doing what you really want to do. Whether you’re 29 or 69, it’s never too late. So stop thinking, “I should have started years ago.” You’re here now, so start now. Your best years are ahead of you.

Just ask our own Shelby Beckett. The newest addition to AWAI’s Wall of Fame, Shelby didn’t start copy writing until she was 71. In fact, if you check out the Wall of Fame, you’ll see a lot of gray hair there.

Think about how much productive time you have left.

If your life was an hourglass and you could see the sand passing through it, what would you do today?

The cemetery is full of unwritten books, unsung songs, great deeds left undone, and discoveries never made. Most people die with their dreams still in them. Don’t let the “too old” excuse keep you from living the life you’ve always wanted.

"For of all sad words, of tongues or pen, the saddest are these: I might have been . . ."

This article appears courtesy of American Writers & Artists Inc.’s (AWAI) Spare_Time Biz Success, a free newsletter that gives you information on the hottest work_at_home opportunities that allow you to make extra money in your spare time and enjoy the financial benefits of a full_time career. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.awaionline.com/signup/spare_time_business/.

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Khadija speaking: This article is for the "grown folks" in the house who are feeling the "melancholy setting sun." You know, the feeling that sets in when you figure that you've got more life behind you than left ahead of you. And that you've already squandered whatever opportunities were available to you in your youth.

I'm saying: So what? At this point, what does it really matter what came before? As the essay author said, "You're here now." I believe that this is all that actually matters NOW. You're blessed to be here now. There are a lot of folks who aren't here now. They're already dead. I know people my age who are already dead. I'm sure you also have some peers who are dead. Dead is dead. I have no interest in being dead before I'm officially dead.

I feel that this entire essay needs to be posted on a lot of folks' refrigerators and doors, but I especially liked the point the author made about "the circumstances that we're under." He's right: If you're operating under some circumstances that are hindering your attainment of abundant life, then you need to get OUT from under those circumstances! It will definitely take effort, and it might take longer than you want, but you need to get OUT from under there!

I don't know about you, but I would prefer to have Col. Sanders' wealth when I'm elderly as opposed to not having it. When I'm elderly, I would prefer to be as fit as Jack LaLanne is.

I would prefer to enjoy my very own "New World" of abundant life for however many years I have left. Wouldn't you?