****
Maryl1
As a white person, I know many people use the #AllLivesMatter hashtag as a way to dismiss and dis-empower the deeply felt #BlackLivesMatter tag. It seems obvious on its face that using #BlackLivesMatter is a heart-cry response to what is going on at this very moment, not some subversive attempt to deny any other group their humanity. I also believe that some white people, especially at firs, used it in the sense of “We are all important. We support and include you”.
Now, that is naive. It is pie-in-the-sky, everything-will-be-okay-if-we-just-join-hands-and-sing naivety that does not acknowledge life as some people have to live it. There are sometimes good intentions. But we all know where good intentions lead us.
My point is this: even when you truly believe “AllLivesMatter” is a supportive thing to say, when the people you are trying to support tell you clearly, “No. It. Isn’t”, you have to listen. When they say “This is hurtful and dismissive”, you have to listen. When the people you are trying to support say, “This is how you support us: “BlackLivesMatter”, you have to listen. When your feelings are hurt because your support was not accepted the way you thought it would be, you have to LISTEN. You have to LISTEN and ACCEPT that they know their own lives better than you do, that their experiences are different and true. That no matter how much you wish it weren’t that way and no matter how much you want it to be different, you have to LISTEN and ACCEPT and APOLOGIZE and BE HUMBLE in the face of your ignorance.
I respect Bernie Sanders for marching for Civil Rights in the 50s and 60s. I’m sure he did it out of a deep belief in the cause. Since then he has served an almost all white community. It’s not enough for him and his supporters to look back 50 years and rest on those laurels. It’s not okay for him to determine the battle was won because he is not aware of it any more. And when you are tone deaf enough, and so far out of touch that you can say things like “Racism is over” and ” Black people need to stop voting their color”, you need to LISTEN when the people whose support you need say “No! Wait! It’s hurtful and wrong!”. And then you need to reassess and humble yourself and say, “I’m sorry. I was wrong. Tell me what I need to know and I’ll listen.” Sanders doesn’t seem to have the slightest ability to do that and that is what worries me in his candidacy. I don’t expect a perfect candidate, I don’t expect any of them to measure up to PBO (well Joe Biden if he runs!), but I do expect a candidate who can learn, respond to new information, and most of all treat EVERYONE with respect and dignity. I think racial injustice, legal injustice, and economic injustice are three self-reinforcing evils at the root of our society. Sanders is obsessed with one at the expense of the others. It’s not good enough. I will vote for him if he is the candidate, but it will make me very sad.
As a white person, I feel that the biggest role we can play is to listen, learn, and reflect that learning to other people, and allow everyone the dignity of their own experience.
****
****
MadameSoph
The “All lives matter” thing has always seemed so passive-aggressively hostile to me. Of course “all lives matter”! Any true liberal is a liberal because we believe, as PBO has quoted many times that, “I am my brother’s keeper” and that we rise and fall together. PBO himself is an example of someone who truly cares about all of humanity, no matter the shade, sexual orientation or circumstances.
But those who say “All lives matter” in response to “Black lives matter” are clearly, in my mind and to my heart, retorting rather than responding. There is an inherent negation of “Black lives matter” by responding with “All lives matter” and, to me, whether those who use the “All lives matter” retort realize it consciously or not, they are being defensive. Why do you feel the need to get defensive if you are not subconsciously or secretly separating yourself out from your brothers and sisters of different shades? And for the politicians, such as HRC and BS (BS… perfect, huh?), using “All lives matter” when speaking before supporters is an obvious “Don’t worry, I’m one of you.” signal to those frightened or angered by “Black lives Matter”
To me, if all lives really did matter to these people, they would SEE what is so blatantly before them; they wouldn’t need it explained to them. If they truly felt value in all lives, they would understand the need for and reason for “Black lives Matter.”
****
Message: especially to some Bernie supporters
Dear White Politicians
You marching with MLK doesn't give you a leg up because
1. You should have
2. So did Black people.
—
Bandeaux Calrissian (@NaniCoolJ) July 19, 2025Like really, what you're trying to say but can't is "I'm a White person who marched with MLK" and that doesn't make you special.
—
Bandeaux Calrissian (@NaniCoolJ) July 19, 2025****
To me it's like a step above "my family never owned slaves" and a half a step above "I voted for Obama."
—
Bandeaux Calrissian (@NaniCoolJ) July 19, 2025Stop acting like treating Black people like people makes you a saint. We're people. We deserve that in the first fucking place.
—
Bandeaux Calrissian (@NaniCoolJ) July 19, 2025
White House.gov
Sono qui!
IN_DEED!!!
TODers Maryl1 and MadameSoph rise to the occasion as insightful mentors!!
Exactly what one expects thanks to the Community that Chips created and, along with NW, nurtures Every Day!
AMENN
I really appreciate what they wrote as I am learning all the time from so many people here how to handle my #white privilege.
As am I, Betsy, as am I!
You are way ahead of me.
Thank you for your service, Bernie …..
NOT SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
so, bs’ only action as a senator is to defend the gun nuts?
And, slobber all over the place in the process …….
yup, your typical calculative pol.
NOTHING MORE …. and that is what he makes ever more obvious each passing minute ….
All the while, I had NO DOUBT that @TheObamaDiary would emerge as a cogent, empathetic voice for #TruthAndReconciliation.
This thread PROVES that thesis.
Thank you NW and Chips!
#FORWARD Together
At 4pm, I met jojo at baskin-robins for ice cream. By the time we parted, it began to rain. As I drove from Pasadena thru Arcadia, it began to pour down, by the time I drove into Monrovia the rain was coming down sideways. I got to my complex and a river was running in front of the entrance. I got hit with rain, front, back& sides, almost lost my sandals in the water to my apartment door. What a downpour!
GGail, I am coming to So Cal last week of August. I would love to meet everyone who would like to meet. Chips has my email. My brother and sister in law are celebrating their 50th so we want to come down. I can meet on a Saturday or Sunday morning. The 22cd or the 23rd.
Wonderful Marilyn, give Chips permission to send me your email and I’ll help to get us together with you!!
Will do.
This. Does. Not. Happen. In. July
LL, it was unreal ☔️☔️
Loved it!!!! Even though I got wet 😀☔️☔️💦
ice cream on a rainy day?
living dangerously, are we?
#nationalicecreamday ..USA! USA! USA!
I knew somehow the kenyan & co are behind this.
That’s us - wild and spontaneous 🍦
I know unohoo is responsible for this audacity.
We have hope for tomorrow 😊
#toolate
Never too late!
what next? spicy indian curry on a hot noon outdoors?
wimminz/smh
There’s a Tandoori restaurant that I LIVE at that’s right up the street from my home. That will be tomorrow’s dinner. Thanks amk for the suggestion!😀
LUNCH…. I said lunch.
You expect ME to follow your instructions???😀😀
It’s HOT and MUGGY now after that nice ran and high wind……what the hell?
Tony! Toni! Toné! lied then. They said It Never Rains In Southern California.
Reserved, thoughtful, dedicated, wise and humorous - the new US charge d’affaires in Havana, Jeffrey DeLaurentis, is all of the above, according to his former boss Vicki Huddleston.
And those will be much-needed assets in the coming months and years if the US and Cuba want to succeed in rebuilding diplomatic relationships, which have been broken for more than 50 years.
Jeffrey DeLaurentis was named head of mission in August last year. It is his third stint in Cuba.
He first served here as a consular officer between 1991 and 1992. He then returned as head of the political-economic section from 1999 to 2002.
“He knows Cuba, he can provide wise guidance to the state department and to the president, because he has a solid relationship with the Cubans,” says Ms Huddleston, who was herself head of mission between 1999 and 2002.
“They know Jeff respects them and they trust him.”
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-33555305
#TrustBarack
I know, I know ….
But, it is a cute photo ….
BTW, she outranks him
And, it’s an interesting way to stick it to Trump which I’m sure is the point ….
lol.
😀
Cindy managed a tad of nuance that I had no idea she (or any McCain) had in their tool box ……..
Decided she earned a bit of well-meaning praise ….
Where’s the clue that she outranks him? Several people in the TL mentioned it.
She has TWO bars on her cap. She’s a captain (03) . He has one bar on his cap he’s a Lieutenant. I cannot tell what color his bar is but 2nd Lt is gold (often referred to as butterballs - cause they are lowest on food chain) and 1st LT (02) is silver. But, I gotta add something else.
I don’t think they are both in same branch of service which complicates things and voids my above statement.
After review of photo he is in US Navy and She is in US Army. Since that be the case their ranks might be equal because Navy ranks are not same as US Army - sort of not…. I think he is a Lt. Commander. That would equal Army Captain.
Help me out Navy guys… I’m a US ARMY VETERAN.
My bad she’s in Air-force so previous rank comment doesn’t apply.
I think he’s a us navy lieutenant commander and she’s a us air force captain so they are both 03’s right? Thus equal ranks. Had longer explanation but I think its in moderation.
Happy Birthday LL. Hope you have had a great day and now a great meal!!!!
It’s not that he doesn’t know how to run a campaign, but that he’s clueless - and possibly doesn’t care - about people of color. At least, that’s how it seems.
World Cup quality play on display….
I have endless admiration for Mr James!!
Thank you, LP!
GE, Bob! …as do I.
To think he went straight from high school with all the hype/$$$ that surrounded him and not once since that time has he done anything to sully his reputation on or off the court….kind of amazing when you think of all the lesser professional athletes these days that flame out in one form or another.
YUP!
Happy Birthday LL!
So happy I currently live in Indy…smh
Keep in mind we have casinos and the lottery….ok, time to go watch True Detective, Ballers & The Strain!
“All Lives Matter” as a retort to “Black Lives Matter” is the same as the cops wearing t-shirts saying “I Can Breath” as a retort to the “I Can’t Breath” t-shirts. Both responses come from the same place. A place of white privilege and racist hate. One must question the mentality that requires the creation of the “All Lives Matter” slogan. It is an example of white folks attempting to hijack a serious movement by African-Americans and make a joke of it, minimize it. And for what purpose? What about Black people protesting against police brutality offends them so much that they felt a need to create their own retort? I can understand the defensiveness of the cops, but what are these leftists defending? Sanders has been race baiting since the start of his candidacy. It is clear to me that Sanders is a White supremacist and his candidacy attracts the white folks on the left who were/are not “ready” for a Black president (I am not naïve enough to think all this bullshit is a coincidence). The fact that Sanders chose to run against PBO, not the GOP tells me where he and his supporters are coming from. I don’t give a shit about what he may or may not have done 50 years ago (who knows what his motives were for marching at that time, and a person’s views can evolve over 50 years). There are a lot of folks who had second thoughts about civil rights for Black folks when Black people started to show themselves as the equal (and often times the superior) to his or her white counterparts. Any Black person whose house, car or education is better than that of a white “friend” knows what I am talking about (you are accepted so long as you stay in your “place”, but once they see you as a threat, all bets are off). The Dems who covet the vote of whites who left the party in protest of civil rights embrace the “All Lives Matter” slogan because it is a way of demonstrating that they don’t have to “kowtow” to the concerns of Black voters. If you don’t have the guts to use the “Black Lives Matter” slogan, you definitely won’t fight hard for issues important to the AA community. This is the signal these candidates are sending to the “Reagan Democrats”. They and their supporters get really mad when Black folks point out the game being played.
The fact that Sanders chose to run against PBO, not the GOP tells me where he and his supporters are coming from.
egg.sack.lee.
egg.sack.lee.
bravo and thank you for this
Thank you Maryl.
Thank you, Mme Soph.
Now if we can get your message out!
I’m trying, ‘oh quiet one’!!
Just wish I had a more robust amplifier …. for real!!!
We each do what we can with what we have. In retrospect I’m pleased that I *dared* and signed on to twitter because despite its problems, it’s a good and useful amplifier in many instances.
Same for me, VC. Had Chips not pushed, I probably would have not taken the plunge into #OceanTwitter
It was *her* that pulled me in too! The things that woman is responsible for!!!!
‘her’ is a force, never to be trifled ….
/so glad you didn’t point out the shocking overall grammar in that first sentence. you’re a man of class like SoS Kerry./
Always gentle with my friends, dear VC
I’m touched…..(and not in the head).
Your ‘head’ is way beyond ‘touched,’ dear!!
😀 😀
http://extratv.com/2015/06/26/first-lady-michelle-obama-to-open-2015-special-olympics-in-los-angles/
First Lady to attend 2015 Special Olympics in L.A., July 25, 2015.
BOOM.
Boom Indeed!!!
Translated - SYFM Bibi cuz we, The United States of America, are the ONLY folk on the planet willing to protect your unworthy butt …
THIS
I honestly feel that this is where PBO is going (to continue to elevate the citizen consciousness) after he leaves the WH; at least for a while. Part of me is envisioning him calling on his supporters, and leading the way himself, to hold all kind of pols accountable, and I can envision 1000s upon hundred 1000s of them responding.
Ran across this Meta and thought of you….
thoughts?
Hmmm, interesting. I’m trying to imagine how it works. It seems more like a vehicle for Food52 to deliver recipes and it require an iPad…..Not sure if it’s a thing anyone really needs. I really like my plain old scale!
Thank you MadameSoph and Maryl1 for your thoughtful statements. TOD is a refuge from meanness and indifference, a truly caring community. Thanks to all of you for making this place so special.
lotsa bedwetting over at bj ‘cos BERNIE.
best comment by david koch.
So Billmon likes #Occupy tactics until they’re applied to his Messiah.
#golf-clap
///
your typical libruls.
BRAVO ‘david koch’ !!!!!!!!!!
another zing from jayjaybear
Funny how supportive we white Democrats are until black people actually get angry at the fact that we don’t really pay much attention to the things that matter to them. Then the tone policing starts. And the disappointed, condescending faces that are just so puzzled that black Democrats would do such a thing as impolitely protest against people who are supposed to be their allies.
Yinz have a bunch of privilege issues to work through here.
YUP X 10000000000000000000000000000000 ………… to infinity ………
Amen!
Triple bottom line …..
And then AL accused him of working for either Jeb or Frank Luntz. I’m still scratching my head on that.
yup. saw that. al, bc - they make passive aggressive posts about PBO trying to downplay his achievements all the time.
There is so much criticism of PBO but that is never characterized as assisting the Republicans. This was ridiculous, though. Democrats have the chance to learn, evolve in our thinking, and change our behavior because of constant challenge and demands for accountability and fairness.
http://w2.vatican.va/content/dam/francesco/pdf/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si_en.pdf
I am actually, no joke, breathless ….
WHOA, dude!!
I.can’t.Breath …. meta … truly ………….
WOW
We need to figure out a way to make it happen. Maybe you need to send this tweet to Brian Grazer.
Or Brad Pitt.
If he was on Twitter, I’d certainly send it to him, meta!!!
Gave it my best (only) shot, meta
Magic.
Thank you for the recommendation, meta!!!
We Are Community!
Fantastic!
^ 5, Bfr!
High praise, dear VC. High praise. Thank you!!
GO BOB!!! ^5!
I’m hyperventilating at just the idea of such awesomeness! ❤ ❤ ❤
Can I get an AMEN
AMEN
AMEN X 10000000000000000, MomSense …. but, what makes our @POTUS so magnificent is that he would never tolerate denigrating the tradition and principle that our First Great President, George Washington, memorialized!
Oh I know. I’m just enjoying every single day he is our President. I do think that he is planning some extraordinary things for his post-presidency and I’m excited to see what he and Michelle will do with their library and foundation. The big question is what each of us will do as I think his supporters are as much a part of his legacy and post-presidency as he is. We have learned so much from two campaigns and from all the work we have done as advocates for our shared agenda. We can’t let all that knowledge and experience go to waste when there is still so much to be done.
MomSense x 2!
I so see the Obamas using their Library and Foundation to educate and mobilize us into being even more committed and involved voters - at least for a few years.
Amen, Amen and AAAAA-MEN!
http://gph.is/14ngvVS
http://gph.is/14ngvVS?tc=1
bbl …. sup prep …..
GE TODville.
Have to say that @mattdpearce rt’s some pretty funny tweets:
P.S. - looks like a hedgehog to me. Wish we had those in SoCal.
Speaking of SoCal, when it rains it pours:
From yesterday…
New post.
http://theobamadiary.com/2015/07/19/tweets-of-the-day-31/
Dear Nerdy Wonka,
When I saw the headline it thought, “that looks familiar”. When I saw my name under it I nearly had a heart attack. I am so honored that you put my words (my rant really) at the top of a post! And I am honored to be there with Madame Soph. After I wrote it and hit ‘post comment’ I had multiple misgivings that I really had no business doing that. You have made my day, week, month, year! Truly, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for being Chip’s right hand tyrant and for both of you keeping this a sane and safe place for us to learn and discuss.
Loved what you and Madame Soph wrote, maryl1! Well done Ladies! Brava!
Coming in late Dudette. Thank you so much! (and for the rolling on the floor laughs from the tweets you posted on the Chat away thread!)
Nerdy, thank you so much for highlighting what I wrote; I am so honored!
and thank you Mary for your insightful words!
I guess I’m out of the loop. First I’ m surprised that McCain’s son Jack married a black woman but the icing on the cake is that Speaker Bohner’s daughter married a black Jamaican.
Mr. Dominic Lakhan Speaker Boehner’s son in law.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2324023/The-moment-proud-father-John-Boehner-watched-daughter-say-I-Do-dreadlocked-Jamaican-born-love.html
McCain’s son weds black
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/reliable-source/wp/2013/06/02/jack-mccain-son-of-sen-john-mccain-weds-renee-swift-in-san-francisco/
Which begs to ask why then is the Republican party so damn racist? The leaders are forward looking by appearance anyway.