Sports

Black Power Activist to Sell Gold Medal: It ‘Ruined His Life’

Black Power Activist to Sell Gold Medal: It Ruined His Life

Tommie Smith is selling the Olympic gold medal that made his famous Black Power gesture possible.

The picture has become iconic. Tommie Smith, standing 0n the podium after winning 200 meter gold at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, holding up his fist in a Black Power salute.

But now, Smith is reportedly trying to distance himself from the event. According to MSNBC, the former San Jose State runner has put his gold medal and red-and-white Puma spikes up for auction at the New York-based M.I.T. Memorabilia. The bid starts at $250,000, and the sale on www.momentsintime.com is scheduled to close Nov. 4.

“He feels that what he did ruined his life in many ways, and he simply doesn’t want to put himself in the media spotlight,” M.I.T.’s Gary Zimet told the San Jose Mercury News. He also said Smith is selling for monetary reasons and to share the artifacts with the sports world.

Smith, who lives in Georgia, declined to comment to the Mercury News.

Following the gesture, Smith and fellow San Jose State sprinter John Carlos, who won the bronze medal, were banned from the Olympics. In his 2007 autobiography Silent Gesture, Smith described the ban and his treatment afterward as racist.

Comments (165)

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  • austingrandma
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:45am

    It’s amazing to me that someone whose life was “ruined” is just letting us know about it, after 42 years.

    Report Post »  
  • 123gone
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:44am

    The honor of being recognized by the world for out-standing athletic achievement is pretty special.
    Anybody (Black, White, Red or Green) who abuses this honor, in order to promote a racist statement, should have that recognition withdrawn immediately. These men (sic) brought dishonor upon themselves and the recognition (medal) they received.
    $250,000.00 ?? This medal is tainted with dishonor and should not be worth any more than a lump of gold ore.

    Report Post »  
  • adifftake
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:42am

    OK. Just so I got this straight. He is complaining about thier racism when they banned him from further competition, yet his gesture is not racist? HUH?

    Report Post »  
  • chazman
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:42am

    I can only hope no one bids on that crap …

    Report Post »  
  • Ronko
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:38am

    Why would it ruin his life his act was courageous and it probably helped to heal the country after Kings assassination. Now if he needed to sell the medal because he‘s low on money thats a different story but why should he get rid of something that’s brought great honor into his life

    Report Post »  
  • B50forever
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:33am

    sometimes we have huge regrets but we cannot stay there it will destroy first of all our God given potential and all He has planned for us. I pray he can move forward and give it to God.

    Report Post » B50forever  
  • CAmom
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:33am

    I hope nobody buys it.

    Report Post »  
  • stablepar
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:31am

    the only thing racist here was the fact that he wanted black power to rule the world. life would have been better for him that moment if he had a come to jesus moment. his black power philosophy will never bring peace on earth, seems too mean spirited. he can cry me a river but there will not be a pity party for him. boo hoo. he does deserve one more prayer for his soul however

    Report Post »  
  • OneGunther
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:26am

    Congratulations you are the one millionth person to cry racism this year! (bells, whistles)
    You’re allowed on the Olympic team to win gold but your actions afterward lead to criticism so now were racist! Sounds familiar, where did I hear a similar story? Oh yes I got it! You’re voted in by a majority of the country to be President of the United States but then your actions afterward lead to criticism so now most of the country is racist! I see the pattern here

    Report Post »  
  • slwolfgram
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:15am

    Poor Baby maybe the big bucks will make it all better

    Report Post »  
  • norcalart
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:15am

    Obummer might buy them. He ruined his life, not others. Taking responsibility for his own actions didn’t fit his game plan. Must be a Lib.

    Report Post »  
  • mtnclimberjim
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:15am

    Oh the good life before ebonics

    Report Post » mtnclimberjim  
  • Bluefish49
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:15am

    The Puma’s probably still have the Black Power smell to them.

    Report Post »  
  • Stupid Windmill
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:14am

    Yeah because during that time period he did that, people were totally not racist at all.

    No in fact, people are still racist now.

    And oh yeah, the Olympic Games are inherently political, to think otherwise is a form of forced idealism.

    Report Post » Stupid Windmill  
    • SLAPTHELEFT
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 6:16pm

      Man you must be a lefty, because you are so smart that none of us backwoods hillbillies can understand what the hell you’re saying. Keep it up.

      Report Post » SLAPTHELEFT  
    • Jackpine Savage
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 9:43pm

      Every village needs an idiot.

      It appears the windblown one is ours today.

      Report Post » Jackpine Savage  
  • therogermon
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:13am

    it was racist, him standing on the platform with a black leather glove on his hand held high,it wasn’t enough to be an american gold medal winner he wanted to be a black american,back then it wasn‘t african american it was black american and they say black people aren’t racist. they or somebody keeps changing their statue people of color, black american, african American when will they become American

    Report Post »  
  • Disabledvet
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:12am

    He probably needs the money for more Crack.

    Report Post »  
  • libertyordeath87
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:09am

    Who would want to buy a symbol of racism from a racist? The Games nor the medal ruined his life; being a communist, liberal, racist, ruined his life. Now if only he was smart enough to figure it out for himself.

    Report Post » libertyordeath87  
    • kwatch
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 2:44pm

      let’s see- Jesse Jackson- Al Sharpton- Van Jones- see but their trick is to use the tax payer money to buy it.

      Report Post »  
  • C. Schwehr
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:05am

    $250,000 for an olympic gold medal that has a stigma following it? And in this economy? Not going to happen!

    Report Post »  
    • drbage
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:37am

      Unfortunately, there will be many who will pony up. Imagine the bidding frenzy that would arise if OJ sold his Heisman or if Reggie Bush had decided to sell his. What is that sayin–there is honor among theives.

      Report Post »  
  • Indomitus
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:04am

    Can’t say as I blame them for their gesture, considering how blacks were being treated in America at that time, but I have to agree with Llatpoh, it just goes to show, if you answer hate with more hate, all you will reap is more of the same.

    Report Post »  
    • Jackpine Savage
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 9:39pm

      Actually, by 68 Jim crow was illegal, and besides it only happened in a handful of states.
      I grew up in the Detroit area in the 60s, and outside the ghetto areas (every city has one) Blacks lived and were treated no differently than anyone else. Detroit had such a large black population for the fact that the auto industry wasn’t racist, and they could earn their way right alongside the white man. The only segregation in the area was voluntary, there were no laws saying you coulldn’t live wherever you wanted to.

      I get tired of this “The USA was mean to black folks” meme. It was just in one region of the country, not nationwide. My family never owned slaves, I have nothing to repent for. Besides I’m only 1/2 white so only half of me has to worry bout white guilt. I’ll let the bottom half handle it. :op

      Report Post » Jackpine Savage  
  • bookofwisdom
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:01am

    As Glenn Beck would tell you; your every move, every stroke of your pen, every word from your mouth is watch by someone. You can make a difference in someone’s life; make sure it is for the better. I’m sorry you have suffered for one uneraseable moment, but as some others have stated: The Olympic Games should not be about politics, but about good sportsmanship. May God Bless.

    Report Post » bookofwisdom  
    • Stupid Windmill
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:26am

      Also as Glenn Beck would tell you.

      RAAArGH RAUUUF RUUUFF RUFF RUFF!

      Or

      GET OFF MY PHONE YOU…. LITTLE PIN HEAD!!

      Report Post » Stupid Windmill  
    • Patriot Mommy
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 11:30am

      Aren’t you just so funny Mr. StupidWindmill. God bless your rotten little heart. You have such intelligent things to say. (Sarcasm)

      Report Post »  
    • Prospero
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 11:43am

      Please, *don’t* feed the trolls….

      Report Post » Prospero  
    • starman70
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 1:51pm

      Bookofwisdom:

      You are absolutely correct. The Olympics ahould not be abour race, creed or national origin. They should be about athletes attaining their personal best while representing their countries with honor.. This incident, along with the slaughter of Israeli atheletes in Munich, Germany along with other political displays demeans both the Olympics and sports in general.

      Glenn said last night, be careful of what you put in print, think about it and the consequences which might ensue. The same goes for actions, especially on the world stage. Once they occur, they can’t be taken back.

      Report Post »  
    • walkwithme1966
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 2:18pm

      Nice post – http://wp.me/pYLB7-dX

      Report Post » walkwithme1966  
    • Caffeinated Texan
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 4:50pm

      Okay, I know this is kinda like Troll-feeding… But isn’t “Get off my phone, you dope!“ on the Sean Hannity radio show and ”Pinhead” a Bill O’Reilley thing?

      I just kind of found the way that neither thing related to Glenn Beck to be kind of funny… I’m weird that way.

      Report Post »  
    • M31Sailor
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:35pm

      “Get Off My Phone You Big Dope ” is Mark Levin
      Sailor

      Report Post » M31Sailor  
    • Caffeinated Texan
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 11:23pm

      Sailor, that makes sense. I think Hannity just replayed it because he thought it was funny. We don’t get Levin in my market, unfortunately.

      Report Post »  
  • cicero1776
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 9:53am

    I would not bid $1.00. If he is so contrite he should donate the items to charity; they can auction them!!!!!

    Report Post » cicero1776  
    • radioguru
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:19am

      Great Point… HE wants and needs the money. No gesture of kindness in selling your Gold Medal.

      Report Post »  
    • Prospero
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 11:42am

      It’s *his* medal. He earned it, not us. If he wants to sell it, more power to him. It‘s a godang sports thing for Christ’s sake, not a religious relic….

      Report Post » Prospero  
    • Caffeinated Texan
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 11:59am

      Ditto to that, Prospero. It may be sad that the medal would mean more to a sports fan than to the athlete who won it, but such is life. It’s his to sell if he so wishes.

      Report Post »  
  • LLATPOH
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 9:52am

    Moral of the story… If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.

    Report Post »  
    • Stupid Windmill
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:28am

      Seriously, you guys should be coming down on him so hard for criticizing the United States. You guys might come off as fascist or something.

      Report Post » Stupid Windmill  
    • Caffeinated Texan
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 11:38am

      Windmill: Your comment is unintelligible. How about a mulligan? I’ll make it easy on you.

      Are you trying to say:
      A. That we SHOULD be harder on him so that we will appear to be fascists,
      or
      B. That we SHOULD NOT be so hard on him because we appear to be fascists?

      Note: We don’t appear to be fascists because we are NOT fascists. So you won’t get what you want either way.

      Report Post »  
    • Prospero
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 11:43am

      Please don’t feed the troll…..

      Report Post » Prospero  
    • Jackpine Savage
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 9:28pm

      Careful Caffeinated, that much thinking and windmill’s head my implode.

      Report Post » Jackpine Savage  
  • redstick56
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 9:52am

    No, the medal didn’t ruin his life. His decision to make a political statement at the Olympic games was what did it. Some people think they are bigger than the games, and they just don’t get it. It’s not all about them. The Olympic games are no place for such political displays.

    Report Post » redstick56  
    • gobluebuckeye
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:02am

      Redstick, your 100% right. I love when people blame everyone around them for the problems in their life that they caused.

      Report Post » gobluebuckeye  
    • Stupid Windmill
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:22am

      Ahahah I saw the picture of Ayn Rand.

      I was all like “OH geez here we go, another person who thinks that blah is blah“ Then I was all like ”Blah is Blah is not an argument.

      Report Post » Stupid Windmill  
  • grandmaof5
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 9:51am

    Wisdom sometimes comes with age. While it is a shame he didn’t distance himself earlier in his life and avoid the obvious pain it caused him, I hope this will fill both the spiritual and monetary void he seeks. God bless.

    Report Post »  
  • RobertCA
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 9:49am

    Guess what , you’re in the spotlight again .

    Report Post » Robert-CA  
    • mizflame98
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 9:59am

      I’m confused. Did winning the medal ruin his life or throwing up the black power salute ruin his life?

      Report Post » mizflame98  
    • crnman38
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:17am

      Smith described the ban and his treatment afterward as racist…..and I guess the black power salute has absolutely nothing to do with being racists……..yea right

      Report Post » crnman38  
    • M31Sailor
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:19am

      Sounds like the story of the SUV running over the pedestrian For you libs, progs, socs, commies
      DEMOCRATS ALL, there had to be a driver in the SUV.
      Sailor

      Report Post » M31Sailor  
    • DrammyCoke
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:24am

      I have always thought those who bring up race are the racists.

      Report Post » DrammyCoke  
    • Gigantopithecus
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:35am

      Oh I see, it was the MEDAL that ruined his life – not the actions of a racist loser.

      Report Post »  
    • AmericanDogMan
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:48am

      Please stop. Stop speaking on race, White People PLEASE STOP. No where is the American Spirit more powerful than in the Black america. Not African/West Indian-American… But Black American(Descendant of Slave)…

      All we have ever wanted is to be left alone and that is what the fist is about. The reason you are losing your freedom now. (sorry not you but all Americans are losing our freedom) is because of your comments on race… You should be speaking to the black community taking the liberals power base away. This man didnt want welfare, he wanted to be left alone and to have people stop burning crosses in front of his families home and stop violating his freedom, which was occuring. This man wanted to be respected as a man.

      Blacks were always republicans and believers in limitied government and still are… The bond with democrats was born out of neccesity and preservation, White liberals weren’t physically trying to harm blacks, and now look what has happened. It’s a web so deep almost impossible to unwind and your comments dont help. Agree to disagree and move on. Explain to young black youth; as I am trying; that large gov’t is criminalizing them and destroying their chances at family and the American Dream.

      91% of blacks support Barrack Hussein Obama because he looks like them… They are not going to vote for him… as long as you dont make this about race…Support to us does not mean vote… We have to support him because he is embarrassing yet a representation. He has yet to speak to Black Americas needs… We dont benefit from welfare or healthcare or fed govt schools it only hurts us as a people. We are conservative and thats what we thought he was, this unholy alliance with liberals as destroyed our communities and we thought he was going to help. Speak and show love do not criticize on a time and a pain and an institutional curse that you have no idea on.

      Forgive the spelling.

      Report Post »  
    • BQI
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 11:01am

      AMERICANDOGMAN
      To a large degree, I agree with much of what you said. However, as a Black person, I do believe that many Blacks support Obama simply because he is Black. There certainly are other Blacks who like many Whites voted for him because they were fooled to believe that he was a moderate. How you got there with all of the evidence that existed before and during the election amazes me. Nonetheless, to continue to support him in the face of the mass destruction that he is doing to our economy and country is apalling. I am a former athlete, like Smith, I ran. In fact I ran around the period that he was running. During those times I must admit that America was a different country. But because of his bravery to show the level of frustration in the Black community he did suffer. Now, would I have done what he did, No. But the fact is that he wanted to see change made. I feel for him yet I understand that you live with your mistakes and don’t cry or complain when things do not go your way.

      Black Conservative Blog: http://www.blackquillandink.com

      Report Post » BQI  
    • M31Sailor
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 11:08am

      American dogman

      so 91 % of black Americans have huge ears? or 91% throw a ball like a *****? They should vote for this idiot because of the color of his skin. By those standards 91% of racist whiteys should vote for pale face.
      Nice try
      Sailor

      M31Sailor  
    • AmericanDogMan
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 11:26am

      To BQI
      I am Black 26 and in the streets now in NY and I hear you and will censor better.
      To
      Sailor…BQI

      Let me explain the 91%…91% support
      most support simply because of pain… Support does not mean vote to a large portion of blacks; ask how many will vote for re-election number will be less… That is my claim. And most that will vote is simply because he’s a democrat… Not because he is Black… However, turnout may be higher because he is Black and a Democrat… This is because blacks that dont vote realize; democrats do not share their values but cant bring themselves to vote for another party. Low information voters use feelings to vote… Seeing a balck face with his cadence of speech tells them that he may share his values.

      My point simply is White People STOP; stop Speaking on Race unless you will go and Explain to young black youth; as I am trying; that large gov’t is criminalizing them and destroying their chances at family and the American Dream.
      And that the TEA in TEA party will respect them as people and not tramp on their rights. Otherwise you are making the job of those of us who are trying; harder. Your lack of understanding shows lack of reasonableness. People without reason tried to kill black folks who were trying to mind their business. Conclusion for the Black Democrat is to big the lesser of two evils… Safety over Shared Values

      Report Post »  
    • BQI
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 11:58am

      AMERICANDOGMAN: I guess that I have to disagree. When you say that Blacks are conservative but that they vote Democrat because the latter share their values, that to me sir is a conflict in words. If you mean the Democrat party of Kennedy perhaps, but the Democrat party today is nothing like what existed in the 60′s. I use to be a Democrat but changed and voted Repub for the first time in voting for Reagan. I changed because the Dems no longer represented what I thought were the correct values of America. Yes they talked a good game but their deeds were in complete contradiction. This is where I really slam Blacks. The vast majority of Blacks think they are supporting the old Dem party. What they are actually supporting is an organization that supports abortion, even partial birth abortion, big government controlling the economy and peoples lives. Weakness on national security and on and on. I think it is important for Blacks to open their eyes, get educated, informed and not run to a “D” every time they enter the voting booth. I make no more excuses for Blacks. We have the means to be informed but look at what we put our focus on. I went to two prominent Black blog sites to engage people in these types of discussions and what did I find, a significant portion on the pages dedicated to rapper, hair and beauty products, movie stars and athletes. Yes there was a section for political discussion but I would venture to say the bulk of the site was heavy with nonsense, given the state of the country and in the Black community. Sad

      Black Conservative Blog: http://www.blackquillandink.com

      Report Post » BQI  
    • RealityCheck
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 12:19pm

      To the above comments about informing black youth,

      I would agree with your views except for the bringing up race. I honestly don‘t think it’s white people bringing up race for the most part. I also would like to point out that Morgan Freeman said it best when he despised the idea of Black History month. Those types of things do cause a divide. The Democrats are the only ones I hear screaming racist. I also feel that as you inform your youth you should also point out how the Government you are voting for is not helping you but the illegal immigrants, who are about to be given citizenship and college education. Something I personally would like to see stopped due to the large number of Americans (of all race) who’s family pay taxes are in dyer need of that College education.

      Report Post »  
    • ron the veteran
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 12:43pm

      it was being stupid that ruined his life. funny how he belives the way he is treated is racist yet his little black hitler salute isnt. we should all take a good look at ourselves before we call out another for being anything. youll find your just as bad as they are if you just look. im guilty of it too…

      Report Post »  
    • Capitalist Mama
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 3:52pm

      AmericanDogMan,

      “Please stop. Stop speaking on race, White People PLEASE STOP. No where is the American Spirit more powerful than in the Black america. Not African/West Indian-American… But Black American(Descendant of Slave)…”

      I have to ask: Why must we stop? Why can white americans not comment on race? Let me be clear: not racist comments, not derogitory commets. But why can white americans not be included in the real discussion of race in this country? It’s my country too. And we can debate all day long about who has American Spirit and who does not. But at this junction in time, why can we not all gather around as Americans? I am not a racist, I do not believe that white people are inherently better because of lighter skin. I do not believe the President is better or worse because of his darker skin.

      Why can I not say, in all honesty, that “this man, in raising his fist during the Olympics, was bringing race to the spotlight rather than his ability or his country”? Why is it that we can no longer comment on the ACTIONS of black people because we are white?

      I have discussed the history of race relations in this country, in middle Georgia, with people of every color and descended from many people (great-great-grandchildren of slaves, slaveholders, and plantation owners, and those with no family history attached to that time period in this country). We were able to have a civil debate about history and about the ramifications. Not once was I not allowed to join in with my observations and ideas. Never was I called a racist.

      My point is this: everyone should always be allowed to make informed comment, respectfully, about the issues in this nation regardless of personal experiences. You are shutting out an entire group of people on the basis of skin color and nothing else. Is that not the very definition of racism?

      Report Post »  
    • unionrockstar
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 4:43pm

      AmericanDogMan and Bqi

      I understand completely what you guys are trying to say. I also understand that we as whites treated you terribly for many many years. Please lets all of us try to put those days behind us. We cannot bring those days back. We can only live together as brothers and sisters from this day forward. From what I see in the younger generation; people are learning to exist together instead dwelling on the past. Can we please just see this President for what he is, without dwelling on the color of his skin? It doesn’t matter how you viewed him in 2008 but it does matter how you view his policies when 2012 gets here.
      God bless you
      as for me; I am sorry for the way you were treated

      Report Post »  
    • fluffychainsaw
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 5:10pm

      americandogman, this is coming from another black man. yes, their was slavery, yes, we were not treated as equals for many generations. but, the fact is race problems in the present are half black americas fault. we want to have equal rights, but we want to also be handed things because we are black ( scholorships, affirmative action) thats not equal. most blacks look at everything in a racist light. if something goes wrong….racist, if you didnt get what you want….. racist. half the problem is blacks cry wolf when there is no problem. yes, their are many racist whites out there, trust me i know. but we as a race are not helping a thing. we have the lowest graduation stats of any race, the highest crime rate, and it’s a miracle if a black woman with a child actually has a husband. we need to stop following people that make excuses and cry racism, and start following the people that experience it and push ahead to make the racist a fool, and to prove him wrong.

      Report Post » fluffychainsaw  
    • M31Sailor
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 5:27pm

      BQI
      I’m Wht 60 and played baseball for the New Haven Braves a black team . We traveled all thru the NE Usually playing in the inner city‘s field’s. Places white people were told not to go. After the games we would go back to the home teams bar, and never once did I have any probs It was a great time in my life
      Maybe thats why now I get so pissed when 91% of any “group” follow blindly and then make excuses like American dogman you sound like a good man
      Sailor
      To dogman
      you are 26, how much pain have you gone thru, hope you stayed in HS , and graduated then possibly went to college or got a job , maybe married a great woman,, had kids ,stayed home with your family, try to save money for a house,or condo, paid your bill’s, The alternative seems to be
      Barack Obamas vision of America.
      Time to think a little harder
      Sailor

      Report Post » M31Sailor  
    • SgtBarrett
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 5:44pm

      AmericanDogMan

      How many times can someone who claims to not be racist use the phrase, “Black America” or “Black American”? Don’t claim to not be a racist and then use racist language. Pinhead.

      Report Post » SgtBarrett  
    • Kaen
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:34pm

      Racism is alive and well in the United States but, not so much because people of one race hate people of another race but rather because…as long as people ask to be indentified differently, ask to be treated differently, (ie…African American, Asian American et cetera…) they will be. The common denominator is the “American” and until people accept the fact that they are “Americans” and quit trying to be “Special” because of racial/ethnic/religious type reasons…we will continue to have problems.

      In modern times, if someone isn’t successful…it’s not because someone “kept them down”, it‘s because they didn’t do enough to “Pick themselves up”.

      “…all men are created equal…”, what they do with that equality is up to them.

      Report Post » Kaen  
    • Compete or Lose
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 8:25pm

      .
      .
      .
      If there are no consequences, then there are no rules of behavior……

      When you choose to make a political statement at the Olympics then the consequences is that you are not invited to return–otherwise the Olympics would become a political venue instead of a venue for competition outside politics. Jimmy Carter made the mistake of believing his political statements were more important than non-political competition. Image if that had happend when Jesse Owens ran in the Berlin Olymipics against the “Master Race” and embarassed Hitler. Or what if the US Hockey team could not have played and beat the Russian national team because a politician wanted to boycott the Olympics to make a “statement”

      It is too bad he got bad advice.
      It is too bad he followed it.
      It is too bad he had a tough life.
      Other black athletes didn’t.
      I hoped he learned something valuable in his life.

      Good Luck

      RGS

      Report Post »  
    • Jezreel
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 9:00pm

      Remember Eldridge Cleaver, leader of the black panthers who lived in ten different communist countries when he had to leave the United States because of his crimes? Remember in change in heart and attitude when he come back to the United States. He said he would rather be in prison in the :United States rather than live in communist countries. He had a taste of reality. Also, he had a genuine encounter with Jesus Christ that removed the racism from his heart, yes rasicim Dogman. He was much like you.

      Report Post »  
    • uneedmorekoolaid
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:17pm

      I said many times prior to and after the 08 election that I understood why blacks voted for obama. I understand wanting to see a black man become president, totally understand that aspect. But with that same logic that is racist if they were voting for him because he was black. many times during the campaign I would forget he was black since I was so focused on the fact he is such a marxist, communist socialist whatever. I also thought that blacks in america would be really ashamed of him because yes he is the first black president but if he is a socialist or marxist and destroys the country we all love then that would make everyone question voting for a black person the next time a black person runs for president, which is also iguess racist.

      I wish that everyone myself included would see only the issues and what a person stands for man woman black white whatever.

      And please stop with the (whatever title) American, I don’t run around saying I am Italian, German, Irish, English American. I am an AMERICAN I was born here. If you were born here you are American plain and simple. If you immigraated here legally and are a citizen, sorry you too are an AMERICAN, welcome thanks for joining the party hope you are contributing to society in a positive way. Sorry we elected this guy but we all make mistakes. Were working on correcting it. hehehe a little humor people. Love this country!
      -b

      Report Post » uneedmorekoolaid  
    • AmericanDogMan
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:42pm

      to M31Sailor
      Please take time and read what i write. I dont make excuses I merely point out perception, your tone and seeming lack of understanding to the other viewpoints drives a wedge, you can and should filter what you say so that all ears can ear and feel your opinion. Your tone doesn’t do anything but help drive the wedge and lend excuses to those not courageous enough to take a step.
      I have felt pain at 26, northern and southern racism and have been a trailblazer in many a white institution in the late 90′s and early 2000, I graudated from an Engineering high school in a class of 700 in NYC with 3 black students and 8 minorities in total, I travelled public transportation an hour and half to get there each day(traffic) this after going to the first Middle School in NY with metal detectors and being involved in gang activitiy from the age of 8. I went to college to play football but on academic scholarship and was thought by all to be there including my position coach because of athletics alone (I am not an affirmative action baby; 1300 on my sats, taken directly after being driven from the ferry at 7 am from a night of clubbing high and drunk…(TESTIMONY imagine what it could’ve been)… I threw away my college education because of a girl I had sex with who turned out to be underage and had been drinking at our college party… I was 19 and she 15 and I sir arrested at 21(thank jesus formy plea bargain)… I came home got married and raised my family.
      I sir am a product of my enviroment and must admit that I didnot take full advantage of my oppurtunities, because of hate in my heart (thank God for the friend I have in jesus), My fault and my alone but I could not begin to tell you the horror in detail and the days and nights I was chased home from the south shore of staten island ny because I was black and alone pre-9.11.2001 before the beef up of police presence (SI NY where they recently killed a young black girl in the mid 2000′s for being black)

      Sir read and hear; I blame no one. But Hold you and myself to a higher standard, I want you to realize you can be a cleaning agent for America by filtering and be kinder when you speak.

      To Capitalist Mama
      I rephrase: White Folk please stop talking about race so harshly, it’s the only way to break the stranglehold the liberal/progressives have on minorities. Please forgive the spelling

      Report Post »  
    • AmericanDogMan
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:54pm

      Jezreel

      I am not a Racist but a realist sir. The comments of Compete or Lose were respectable because of his tone, this is my point. I dont agree with everythign he said but it’s respectable. I see the Black Panthers as hurt and misguided not evil and had the black panthers found the constitution and the founding fathers and recognized that there race and direct ancestors parents and grandparnets had huge contribution to this nation; his movement would’ve been justified. But I respect his tone. You sir just seem like a person who doesn’t want to hear the other side of the arguments. I want to end Race talk and live by the constitution but blanket statements like yours would scare a black man into voting democrat.

      Report Post »  
    • M31Sailor
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 5:19pm

      Dogman
      I make no apology for my tone. We have all made some poor decisions in our life , most we got away with, some not. The trick in life is to learn from our and others mistakes and to try not to repeat them.
      As far as the criminals that chased you or murdered this girl you spoke of they should be tried and convicted if found guilty. You sound like you want to let go of your unhappy past , see your pastor, (as long as he’s not Rev Wright, Rev Jackson, Rev Sharpton). I would suggest looking up one of the Black Robe Brigade from Glens 8/28 Rally which I was lucky enough to attend. Also, look up BQI ‘s
      site it’s inspiring
      Nice not to be called a racist
      Sailor

      Report Post » M31Sailor  
    • AmericanDogMan
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 7:59pm

      Thank you for your comments ‘brother sailor.” I am well adjusted in my faith and harbor no anger. All I want is to have living by the constitution be the default, the end of the progressive reign and to help to forge a path for America’s Restoration and living by the constitution. Then I can die happy and see myself children and grandchildren’s future brighter.

      But, Thank you. I pray that your message finds a way to be heard by all and your conservative dream realized, may no weapon formed against you prosper and kindness and love be your default tone.

      Report Post »  
    • cruisemates
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 9:52pm

      AmericanDogMan

      I am white, and I agree with you. This man made one gesture at the Olympics to show pride. I remember applauding him when he did it because it was a simple statement that he is proud of his race as well as what he had accomplished. Even if you thought the the gesture was wrong at the time – if you continued to react negatively to what you perceived he was saying you are no better.

      Anyone who treated him as a racist after the fact – burning crosses on his lawn, etc, is probably truly racist. They were saying “you got a little uppity and now you need a lesson.” Can you really ignore that part of this story?

      To any white people here are asking “Why can’t we discuss race?” Why couldn’t this athlete? That was all he did, was “speak” of race one time and it ruined his life. Accept the message of what this man is saying unless you have walked a mile in his shoes.

      The high road is ALWAYS the better one. Take Dogman’s advice. Embracing our fellow conservative African American patriots is one of the smartest things we conservatives can do.

      Report Post » cruisemates  
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