Sundiata Answers!

[nattyreb]

Just got a response from Bro. Sundiata on the 1st question:

Bro. Jalili: What's your view on this whole Presidential fiasco?

Bro. Sundiata: Well, first i wonder why you call it a fiasco (meaning a "complete failure")?
Also a fiasco for who? For Black people? For Obama? The Clintons? McCain, the u.s. or who?
Any way, i assume you're asking for my view on "this whole BLACK Presidential thing?" and
if so, then i think it's a normal progression (or next step) in the struggle for power between Blacks
and other oppressed people, and our enemy.

Most political people are familiar with neo-colonialism (Black mask/White skin) and know that
our enemy needs Obama to present a Black face to the world to help White imperialist and their
allies hold on to world power a little longer.

But that in no way changes the fact that the Black masses fervently want Obama to win, and
so do a lot of other nationalities (especially youths) here and abroad. Nor does it change the fact
that Blacks see Obama (or a Black President) as a concrete symbol of progress, hope and success in our long
struggle for freedom, equality and justice in the u.s.

So now i guess you're also asking what do i want to see happen? i want to see Obama win. Not
that i think he's going to "part the waters" for Blacks or do much that's different from what any other
White politician would/could do. And frankly, some of his positions stated in his AIPAC and other
speeches scare me to death.

But mainly, i think his Presidency would serve to push the Black masses (and others oppressed)
past their long held belief that a "Black President" means we've achieved freedom. If Obama
wins i think his tenure will eventually show Blacks (and others oppressed) in a positive way that
"color really doesn't matter," that a Black (or non-White) President in itself makes no difference, that
the system itself must be changed and the only way that's going to happen is that we, the oppressed,
band together to change this racist imperialistic system ourselves.

Now if Obama doesn't win (due to foul deed or not) it's going to anger and radicalize a lot of Blacks
and other oppressed people and move them beyond relying on conventional politics alone as a means
to bring about real change.

So my view on the whole matter is that it's generally a win-win position for Black and oppressed
people. Whether Obama wins or loses, it will eventually push us forward and unite us for real change.
But that also means our greatest challenge, as oppressed peoples, will be to overcome the deluge
of sinister divisive tactics that the enemy has in store for us in attempt to continue his rule over us.

Struggle.

Sundiata

[Jalili]

Nattyreb like you said before....BROTHER SUNDIATA IS A GENIUS

[QueenWarriorNefertari]

I love, respect and honor Baba Sundiata so!

Give thanks for sharing this Mama Natty. It is a breath of fresh air for my soul's lungs. The knowledge, wisdom and understanding of elders keeps me lifted.

Bless.

[nattyreb]

Asante sana for y'alls responses, now i'm gonna send him the next question from the other thread which Bro. Sourakhata so graciously broke down: "What do you think of French & European predatory neo-imperialism in Afrika?"

Now, Bro. Sundiata is asking me to send him any responses to his writing so if y'all can elaborate just a tad bit more on what you felt about what he wrote (just a lil bit) i'll send it in him, too. He would truly love to read from you! i'm thinking it may help him stay motivated to keep on writing.

Plus i need to also put in this thread, of course, that anyone at all can/should write him directly, he'd love that also!

So ... Anything more on the 1st response? Holla, y'all.

[DreadedBliss]

Originally Posted by nattyreb

Asante sana for y'alls responses, now i'm gonna send him the next question from the other thread which Bro. Sourakhata so graciously broke down: "What do you think of French & European predatory neo-imperialism in Afrika?"

Now, Bro. Sundiata is asking me to send him any responses to his writing so if y'all can elaborate just a tad bit more on what you felt about what he wrote (just a lil bit) i'll send it in him, too. He would truly love to read from you! i'm thinking it may help him stay motivated to keep on writing.

Plus i need to also put in this thread, of course, that anyone at all can/should write him directly, he'd love that also!

So ... Anything more on the 1st response? Holla, y'all.

Gotta get back to the grind but BBL...

[Elisa Keisha]

oooooh! Im so amazed by Sundiata's answer. Thank you, thank you! gracias! asante!
There we were thinkin it was a loose-loose situation and here comes Mr. Acoli to put some positive light to it.
And i must recognize he has made some great points. genious!!

I think his conclusion comes from the belief, from the faith on the people's intelligence. He doesnt think we will be fooled by a Black face forever, for you can fool some peoples sometimes but you cant fool everybody forever. So some poeople, i hope everybody, will eventually see the trick and even gain a whole new understanding of politics!
On the other side, i also think "fantasy" is not always bad, fantasy makes children believe they can do anything, and cant they? So providing them of the image of a Black man "ruling" a country aint such a bad idea. We all know what low expectations can do to our children.

On the other hand... i know im being negative here, im only 23, and i should be idealistic but, from my experience, it seems to me that people in the world are growing more tolerant to situations that once could have light a bonfire.
This is what i have seen in my country, like when our former president decided to go to war in Irak and act a fool in front of us all, the police beated our behinds like they had not since dictatorship, and youth invaded and looted supermarkets....and then after a few weeks everything calmed down and everybody is back into their daily non political lifes.

and what about the reaction people had after Katrina in the states? what about the jena 6?

I know there were a lot of movements and demostrations, but i wonder how would people have reacted to a Katrina in the 60's-70's.
what have changed?

But i hope he's right!

[nattyreb]

Thank YOU Sista, that's just what he wants to read, in fact he is telling me to include a bunch of feedblack, good or bad (he is not thin-skinned) for him to review b4 he will even respond to the 2nd question.

So, Bro. Jalili and anyone else, please share more substantive thoughts on what he's written, that's what he's really asking me to send him, he's as eager to read your words as you are to read his! OK?

Originally Posted by Elisa Keisha

oooooh! Im so amazed by Sundiata's answer. Thank you, thank you! gracias! asante!
There we were thinkin it was a loose-loose situation and here comes Mr. Acoli to put some positive light to it.
And i must recognize he has made some great points. genious!!

I think his conclusion comes from the belief, from the faith on the people's intelligence. He doesnt think we will be fooled by a Black face forever, for you can fool some peoples sometimes but you cant fool everybody forever. So some poeople, i hope everybody, will eventually see the trick and even gain a whole new understanding of politics!
On the other side, i also think "fantasy" is not always bad, fantasy makes children believe they can do anything, and cant they? So providing them of the image of a Black man "ruling" a country aint such a bad idea. We all know what low expectations can do to our children.

On the other hand... i know im being negative here, im only 23, and i should be idealistic but, from my experience, it seems to me that people in the world are growing more tolerant to situations that once could have light a bonfire.
This is what i have seen in my country, like when our former president decided to go to war in Irak and act a fool in front of us all, the police beated our behinds like they had not since dictatorship, and youth invaded and looted supermarkets....and then after a few weeks everything calmed down and everybody is back into their daily non political lifes.

and what about the reaction people had after Katrina in the states? what about the jena 6?

I know there were a lot of movements and demostrations, but i wonder how would people have reacted to a Katrina in the 60's-70's.
what have changed?

But i hope he's right!

[Elisa Keisha]

this is exciting!!!!!

Asante Sana Nattyreb for making it possible.

[Majadi]

I am in full agreement, we win if he "wins" as dissident Pan-Afrikan Nationalists because we can use his presidency as "proof" that a Black Presidency is similar to Joseph in the Biblical concept, he sat and ate in the enemy's house, and ran the enemies granaries but still did not have the actual "throne" of power! If he loses it is further proof that Afrikans must do for self, period! Asante Sana, Elder Acoli, your brilliance is that of one billion suns, I am glad you are with us! Wow!

[Jalili]

Originally Posted by nattyreb

Just got a response from Bro. Sundiata on the 1st question:

Bro. Jalili: What's your view on this whole Presidential fiasco?

Bro. Sundiata: Well, first i wonder why you call it a fiasco (meaning a "complete failure")?
Also a fiasco for who? For Black people? For Obama? The Clintons? McCain, the u.s. or who?
Any way, i assume you're asking for my view on "this whole BLACK Presidential thing?" and
if so, then i think it's a normal progression (or next step) in the struggle for power between Blacks
and other oppressed people, and our enemy.

Most political people are familiar with neo-colonialism (Black mask/White skin) and know that
our enemy needs Obama to present a Black face to the world to help White imperialist and their
allies hold on to world power a little longer.

But that in no way changes the fact that the Black masses fervently want Obama to win, and
so do a lot of other nationalities (especially youths) here and abroad. Nor does it change the fact
that Blacks see Obama (or a Black President) as a concrete symbol of progress, hope and success in our long
struggle for freedom, equality and justice in the u.s.

So now i guess you're also asking what do i want to see happen? i want to see Obama win. Not
that i think he's going to "part the waters" for Blacks or do much that's different from what any other
White politician would/could do. And frankly, some of his positions stated in his AIPAC and other
speeches scare me to death.

But mainly, i think his Presidency would serve to push the Black masses (and others oppressed)
past their long held belief that a "Black President" means we've achieved freedom. If Obama
wins i think his tenure will eventually show Blacks (and others oppressed) in a positive way that
"color really doesn't matter," that a Black (or non-White) President in itself makes no difference, that
the system itself must be changed and the only way that's going to happen is that we, the oppressed,
band together to change this racist imperialistic system ourselves.

Now if Obama doesn't win (due to foul deed or not) it's going to anger and radicalize a lot of Blacks
and other oppressed people and move them beyond relying on conventional politics alone as a means
to bring about real change.

So my view on the whole matter is that it's generally a win-win position for Black and oppressed
people. Whether Obama wins or loses, it will eventually push us forward and unite us for real change.
But that also means our greatest challenge, as oppressed peoples, will be to overcome the deluge
of sinister divisive tactics that the enemy has in store for us in attempt to continue his rule over us.

Struggle.

Sundiata

Bro. Sundiata

I have a question based on a article I say in the New York Times this past Sunday.

They has a big cover story in one of the little extra things they have in newspapers (a paper within a paper) The cover in big bold lettering

"Is Obama the end of Black politics?"

I say know but I look at the way many of our people think and they are putting all their hopes behind this one man *again*. When you said that the whole black president thing could be a win win for our people, that though crossed my mind when reading that title. I wish I had time to read into the article and when I get time I will get the gist of it but the principle idea is craziness to me, but may not be to many people just waiting for a Saviour and not ready to save your themselves.

How do you feel about the title of that article? If I can find it online I will send a copy your.

Peace and Blessings
JA

[nattyreb]

Ona move, Strong Bro. Jalili,

Do you mind copying and pasting your question over on the "Ask Sundiata" post? The only way i can think to send him the questions is to ask them in the order they were given. Also, at this point i don't know if Bro. Sundiata will want to further dialogue on the responses to the first question, so i want to leave this strictly for responses unless/until we figure out some other way to do it.

What i'd really like you (and anyone else) to do is to give a few more sentences of what you thought about his initial response, pro or con, that's what he wants, more of a dialogue type thing.

Furthermore, and this is strictly just a suggestion cuz you can ask whatever you want, but why not read the article you're referencing first so that you can ask something less broad but more specifically related to the ideas expressed within it. We appreciate your participation so, so much!

Originally Posted by Jalili

Bro. Sundiata

I have a question based on a article I say in the New York Times this past Sunday.

They has a big cover story in one of the little extra things they have in newspapers (a paper within a paper) The cover in big bold lettering

"Is Obama the end of Black politics?"

I say know but I look at the way many of our people think and they are putting all their hopes behind this one man *again*. When you said that the whole black president thing could be a win win for our people, that though crossed my mind when reading that title. I wish I had time to read into the article and when I get time I will get the gist of it but the principle idea is craziness to me, but may not be to many people just waiting for a Saviour and not ready to save your themselves.

How do you feel about the title of that article? If I can find it online I will send a copy your.

Peace and Blessings
JA

[Jalili]

Originally Posted by nattyreb

Ona move, Strong Bro. Jalili,

Do you mind copying and pasting your question over on the "Ask Sundiata" post? The only way i can think to send him the questions is to ask them in the order they were given. Also, at this point i don't know if Bro. Sundiata will want to further dialogue on the responses to the first question, so i want to leave this strictly for responses unless/until we figure out some other way to do it.

What i'd really like you (and anyone else) to do is to give a few more sentences of what you thought about his initial response, pro or con, that's what he wants, more of a dialogue type thing.

Furthermore, and this is strictly just a suggestion cuz you can ask whatever you want, but why not read the article you're referencing first so that you can ask something less broad but more specifically related to the ideas expressed within it. We appreciate your participation so, so much!

OK I just need to pick it up tomorrow (I forgot about it)

[DreadedBliss]

Brother Sundiata, much respect, much love. As I read your response I found myself nodding my head in agreement. For a while now I've been thinking that if Obama wins it will lull our people into more of a complacent state and those seeking to eradicate us would be able to cry "Now how can you say all this racism still exists?" and I just kind of thought on that point and didn't go much further with it.

So maybe this will be a wake up call either way. At least I can see that as more of a possibilty. I'm hoping, I'm hoping. From what I see on a daily basis there is just complete disconnect. Maybe we're too far down the rabbit hole to see what's really going on. Like Elisa Keisha was saying, we get riled up for a minute then go back to our indifferent, unfeeling, blind states. Some of the things I see make my mind go *twitch*.

I don't know, I don't know. Something's in the air that's for sure. I guess we're about to see how things are going to start shaping up. Maybe I'm just too jaded at barely 30 but so many of us have just given up more or less. Are we ready, really ready to do the work that needs to be done? It's either that or perish. Maybe our people will start to see that?

ETA: I was thinking more on this before bed and one of the things that worries me is that maybe we're having such a hard time seeing what's going on because we already think we're free! Well, more or less . Nevermind pesky little things like Black neighborhoods having no water decades after the whites in town did. Well, you know, things like Katrina happen, that's just how it is. Nothing we could've done about Sean Bell, that's just how it is (not saying that's really how it is, I'm talking our mindsets).

We think that because we can go to school with whites, and spend our money at their restaurants, and buy houses in their neighborhoods and, and, and, that this means equality. Whose looking at the bigger picture here? Where's the focus? So, what, because your foot lifted just that tiniest bit off my neck we're supposed to be cool? You're now using that foot to kick me in the face!

[nattyreb]

It's here: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/10/ma...tics-t.html?hp

Originally Posted by Jalili

OK I just need to pick it up tomorrow (I forgot about it)

[nattyreb]

Asante sana, dear Sista, he will very much appreciate reading from you! i'm getting mail together for tomorrow so i'll be sure to include your response for him to chew on, he's really looking forward to receiving as many of them as possible in order to proceed with this activity in the way in which he visualizes it.

Originally Posted by DreadedBliss

Brother Sundiata, much respect, much love. As I read your response I found myself nodding my head in agreement. For a while now I've been thinking that if Obama wins it will lull our people into more of a complacent state and those seeking to eradicate us would be able to cry "Now how can you say all this racism still exists?" and I just kind of thought on that point and didn't go much further with it.

So maybe this will be a wake up call either way. At least I can see that as more of a possibilty. I'm hoping, I'm hoping. From what I see on a daily basis there is just complete disconnect. Maybe we're too far down the rabbit hole to see what's really going on. Like Elisa Keisha was saying, we get riled up for a minute then go back to our indifferent, unfeeling, blind states. Some of the things I see make my mind go *twitch*.

I don't know, I don't know. Something's in the air that's for sure. I guess we're about to see how things are going to start shaping up. Maybe I'm just too jaded at barely 30 but so many of us have just given up more or less. Are we ready, really ready to do the work that needs to be done? It's either that or perish. Maybe our people will start to see that?

ETA: I was thinking more on this before bed and one of the things that worries me is that maybe we're having such a hard time seeing what's going on because we already think we're free! Well, more or less . Nevermind pesky little things like Black neighborhoods having no water decades after the whites in town did. Well, you know, things like Katrina happen, that's just how it is. Nothing we could've done about Sean Bell, that's just how it is (not saying that's really how it is, I'm talking our mindsets).

We think that because we can go to school with whites, and spend our money at their restaurants, and buy houses in their neighborhoods and, and, and, that this means equality. Whose looking at the bigger picture here? Where's the focus? So, what, because your foot lifted just that tiniest bit off my neck we're supposed to be cool? You're now using that foot to kick me in the face!