Anybody Else See The Bullshit Of Linking Bernie Sanders To Cornell West ???

[WillyT]

http://www.salon.com/2015/06/24/bernie_sanders_cornel_west_the_radical_alliance_that_could_change_everything/

The author is Matthew Pulver... and while MOST pundits have a wikipedia history...

Pulver does not... why do you Suppose that is ?



BTW... I do not have some crusade against West...

Has he gone over the top... Maybe...

But I wonder why this just suddenly popped up.

[arcane1]

1. I've been seeing "West endorses Sanders, thus Sanders endorses West" bullshit here

But it was being called out for the bullshit that it was

[WillyT]

3. Good To Hear....

[bravenak]

2. Nobody wants Sanders to be linked with West. At all. Many think it is a terrible idea.

[Drunken Irishman]

4. Well except the 44 people who gave the thread a rec.

[bravenak]

6. Nobody that has sense anyway.

[haikugal]

10. Why is that?

I always thought West was one of the good guys?

I know nothing about the connection or lack of one, just wonder why it would be a bad thing. Thanks.

[bravenak]

15. Cornell West is all about Cornell west.

His outlandish diatribes over the years has made him unpopular in our community. We see him as the mouthpiece of white liberals used specifically as a cover; he is able to say nasty ignornt racist things about Obama and they can cosign without 'feeling' racist. He can call obama 'niggerized' and they can nod and agree and say, " I'm not racist! I agree with Cornell West!" He's white liberals' 'black' friend.

[haikugal]

19. An Uncle Tom?

I had no idea there was a conflict. Thanks for the clarity I appreciate it!

[bravenak]

22. I do not use such terms as a rule. A personal rule.

Uncle Tom was beaten to death for not telling on runaway slaves, so not really like Uncle Tom. More like drunk uncle at a wedding who won't shut up and then pisses in the cake.

[haikugal]

28. Ah, well that makes sense...

Back when, it meant something very different. Thanks!

I'll have to review my notion of Cornell West...I'm definitely behind.

[bravenak]

30. It's really been since the inaguration ball in 08. He changed.

[Kalidurga]

29. Oh snap I had no idea...

I remember him from way back. I didn't know he went off the rails.

[bravenak]

31. Only since Obama got elected has he been like this.

[MADem]

54. I think he thought he'd be allowed to leave a shaving kit in the Lincoln bedroom en suite.

And he was very disappointed when POTUS didn't warm to him--and he reacted accordingly. Tavis did the same thing.

Now, Tom Joyner, he doesn't demand anything--and POTUS calls him up on the phone!

[bravenak]

60. My sister hates Tavis Smiley, for what it's worth.

She always brings him up. She says he and Cornell are like a WWE wrestling tag team.

[MADem]

65. Your sister and I are in agreement.

Years ago, I watched Tavis a lot, but he turned into an angry crank. It's like he took it personally that Obama didn't kiss his ass, or something. Cornel seems to take the same view!

[Number23]

62. MAD, that is an awesome link. Thanks for posting that!

I think he thought he'd be allowed to leave a shaving kit in the Lincoln bedroom en suite.

You are soooooo bad.

[MADem]

64. I love Tom Joyner.

Hee hee on Cornel...he really did seem pissed that Obama didn't give him a spare key to 1600 Pennsylvania, and tell him "Drop on by anytime!"

[marym625]

55. The thing is that way back when

West supported Sanders. And Senator Sanders doesn't forget that kind of thing. Drunk uncle pissing in the cake or not.

(We must have the same uncle! )

[bravenak]

57. Lol! Yeah we must have the same uncle.

I just don't want him to be Bernie's Reverend Wright. And I agree with Reverend Wright on most issues and respect the hell out of him.

[marym625]

68. Same here

Agree with all of it..If it's not West, West, it will be someone else. Might as well be someone we know. .

[NanceGreggs]

32. "More like drunk uncle at a wedding ...

... who won't shut up and then pisses in the cake."

Thanks for that priceless analogy!

[bravenak]

59. He trips me out.

[MADem]

39. I always saw him as saying things they wanted to hear at Fauxsnooze!!!!

There's a video at this link of Cornel with his good friend Sean Hannity, talking about Ferguson and of course, Barack Obama (Cornel's favorite subject) and looking at a few ads and making "comments" (scare quotes deliberate) about them:

http://video.foxnews.com/v/3853954432001/exclusive-cornel-west-reacts-to-controversial-political-ads/?#sp=show-clips

I think, in that clip, he's giving cover to a FOX (not faux) RACIST. My skin crawls watching this.

[Number23]

13. !!

And folks not only rec'd that mess but some are unique and "special" enough to actually believe that Corny's recommendation will be a GOOD thing for Sanders among their circle of friends!1one And others demanded "proof" that black folks really dislike the man that said Obama "fears free black men" as if the 6 THOUSAND black academics, pundits, journalists, activists etc. that have come out and come out HARD against West were just figments of everybody's imagination.

Gotta love this place. Or not.

[bravenak]

16. I feel like Alice in Wonderland sometimes.

This shit is bizarre.

[haikugal]

25. I can see why you find it hilarious, I think.

Maybe you can recommend where a white woman outside the city can educate herself without being made to feel ridiculous?

First you say people act as though they know it all and don't ask then if they (I) ask it's humorous and I see I'm just too, too, what? Stupid? Ignorant?

Whatever, not the first time I've been a fool for asking, won't be the last.

On edit:

Sorry, you weren't talking to me...but the question stands. Thanks!

[Number23]

33. I'm not sure that I understand your post.

That was two different posters I was referring to. One who actually thought West endorsing Sanders was a good thing because of the "high" respect he gets among their circle of friends. I would strongly suggest that person widen their circle and get out more, but I don't think that suggestion would be appreciated.

As for getting "educated", are you wondering who many of the black academics, pundits etc. are that have slammed West's really deranged criticisms of Obama over the years? Here are a few:

Michael Eric Dyson who has been on Obama's butt more than once, was once great friends with Cornell and now still can't stand him - http://www.newrepublic.com/article/121550/cornel-wests-rise-fall-our-most-exciting-black-scholar-ghost

Story about Al Sharpton and MHP coming to rhetorical blows with Cornell http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/08/al-sharpton-melissa-harris-perry-cornel-west_n_1263522.html

Colbert King at Washington Post - http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/president-obama-viewed-through-a-racial-lens/2011/05/20/AFKy027G_story.html

From Ta-Nahesis Coates - http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2011/05/obamas-left-flank/239014/

There are TONS (literally TONS) more but I don't want to be here all day. Here is one that's alot more neutral http://nymag.com/news/features/cornel-west-2012-5/ I don't know if it's written by a black or white person. But even pieces of West that try to be flattering wind up noting what a self-centered fame hog he's become.

[haikugal]

49. Thanks.

[lovemydog]

37. I recommend this article

by Michael Eric Dyson in the New Republic. I think you'll enjoy it immensely.

http://www.newrepublic.com/article/121550/cornel-wests-rise-fall-our-most-exciting-black-scholar-ghost

The guardian has a list of recommended black history books. http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/feb/10/black-history-month-best-books-authors It's funny. When you google the subject a lot of the articles are like 'books every black person should read.' I think every white folk like us should read them too!

You can read and post in the wonderful African American group here at DU. Read the terms & conditions of the group first. http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1187

I know you didn't ask me either, but what the heck I thought I'd say hello and make some humble suggestions. Hope this helps a bit.

[haikugal]

53. Very much appreciate your suggestions! Thank you.

I'll look into the links and the AA group here at DU.

Hello back, I don't feel so alone now, silly as that sounds.

[lovemydog]

56. Your welcome haikugal.

It doesn't sound silly. I've learned & enjoyed so much in the AA group. We're welcome there and they can use respectful allies. White folks can help by listening & learning and being an ally here and offline. I love history and reading too, probably like you.

[WillyT]

5. My Question... Is Who Is Doing This ???

[bravenak]

8. People who want to use West as a prop.

Some think that he can get black votes for their preferred candidate because he is black. They do not realize that he is the left's Ben Carson; an intelligent person of similar ideology to them who is not well loved by his own community because of his big nasty mouth.

[haikugal]

14. Not loved by his own community because of his mouth?

Do you mean Obama?

I want to understand.

[bravenak]

17. Cornell 'Obama fears free black men' West.

[lovemydog]

69. A bad writer, a lazy editorial staff

of white people would be my first guess.

[NanceGreggs]

7. Actually ...

... quite a few posters weighed-in with what GREAT thing it would be for Sanders to get West's endorsement.

You might want to look at the threads in question - before certain posters realize how clueless they are in suggesting this would be a positive for Bernie and self-delete their replies.

[bravenak]

12. It's bizarre.

It's like they never even bother to ask us if we like the person they think will get our votes for them.
I saw it, but it seems like they can't hear me when I say that he is not well liked. Don't even want to hear me.

[m-lekktor]

18. what is bizarre is people who claim to speak for a whole community. nt

[bravenak]

20. And people who follow me to post the same complaints is also bizzare.

If you have a problem: Speak! Otherwise, whatchoowant?

[NanceGreggs]

23. "Don't even want to hear me."

Well, there IS that, isn't there?

[lovemydog]

38. No kidding. Over and over and over again.

Reading it, it's mind-blowing. I think a lot of people just read the headline of the first post and automatically start weighing in with their 'all-important opinions' on anything and everything. Regardless of who it is about or even what it is about. Not a great way to learn, roflmao.

[Number23]

21. I would suggest doing screen caps of all the folks high fiving that idiocy but I don't think that

a single one of them is a surprise to anyone so there's really no point.

[NanceGreggs]

34. Oh, no surprises at all.

It's just that I foresee a few self-deletes, followed by denials that they were ever stupid enough to have said what they did in the first place.

[Number23]

35. And so it begins! Rec list just went from 44 to 43!!!

[NanceGreggs]

36. OMG!

I just went back to that thread and noticed the same thing!!!

Maybe by this time tomorrow, that thread will have zero recs and zero responses!!!

[lovemydog]

40. I am laughing my ass off!

[lovemydog]

42. Do women go through this same type of horse shit?

Never mind. That was a rhetorical question. I'll delete the fucking post and pretend I never said it!

[Number23]

66. Back at 45!! Somehow that's even funnier (and much worse) than the numbers going down!

And I'm willing to bet everything in my pocket that it will be Sanders' alleged SUPPORTERS that will keep that rec count from hitting zero like it should.

[NanceGreggs]

67. Just saw that, too!

Looks like the "West endorsing Bernie is a GREAT idea!" folks are doubling-down!

[JI7]

9. so you don't think it would be a game changer ?

[pnwmom]

11. Did you see this?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=6898029

[merrily]

24. I hear another dog whistle. A twofer the price of one dog whistle.

Actually, this one is hitting many birds with one stone. Socialist, angry Jew Bernie and AngryBlackMan Cornell. Clearly, no hard working decent patriotic American should want anything to do with either of these Commies, much less want either one to be POTUS.

But, doncha know all Democratic Socialists are alike? Just like every member of the peace movement was interchangeable. Right? I mean, how much difference was there, really, when you get right down to it, between Martin Luther King, Jr. and Muhammed Ali and the Weathermen?



("When I say Obama, you say Ayers." Amy Poehler 2008)

You don't need a weathervane to know where this wind blew in from.

[AgingAmerican]

26. Strawman of the day

Every day a new strawman.

[lovemydog]

44. Well, you've got to admit it's pretty funny.

I'm an equal opportunity laugher.

[Starry Messenger]

27. Well, I looked at his list of publications at Salon and he loathes the Clintons, so...?

Maybe he's sincere.

[Cheese Sandwich]

41. Famed pornographer Larry Flynt endorsed Hillary. It's more offensive yet drew little attention.

[lovemydog]

43. Hey, how about Hillary The Hustler

as a campaign slogan.

(j/k)

[JI7]

45. because she didn't align with him, that OP was about sanders and west forming an alliance

and some thinking it's going to be a game changer and black people will suddenly support sanders as a result.

[Cheese Sandwich]

50. Who formed an alliance?

[JI7]

63. i'm telling you about what the OP was about and how people thought it would

be a good thing for Sanders.

[NanceGreggs]

46. You REALLY don't get it, do ya?

It's not a matter of who endorsed who - it's a matter of Bernie supporters actually thinking that an endorsement from West would make Bernie more appealing to black voters.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=6898029

You might want to check who "rec'd" that thread, and how many Bernie supporters believe West's endorsement would be a "great idea", a "game changer", etc.

But do it NOW - because the "undo recs" have already started.

[Cheese Sandwich]

58. Maybe they rec'd it because they actually just like Cornel West.

I like him too. I don't care what anybody says about him. Dr. West has put his body on the line fighting for justice and his book was pretty good.

Politically he's toxic because he says these wild insults against Obama to get attention. Bernie Sanders should probably stay away from him.

But on the issues, Dr. West is correct. He stands with the oppressed. He organized a nationwide movement against mass incarceration, before it was cool. That movement was in place and gave organizational strength that helped propel the black lives matter movement after Michael Brown was shot. Dr. West has been a leader in fighting stop-and-frisk in NYC.

He's been a powerful critic of Obama's bombing campaigns in the Middle East, and on many other issues. He's also helped raise money for grass-roots groups fighting for prison reform and police accountability. He's a leader in a way. I can't just ignore all his good work simply because he insults Obama.

I understand most Democrats don't like him, because he slings very over-the-top insults at Obama. I understand. But I figure he's doing it just to get attention, not just for himself but also for these causes.

[NanceGreggs]

61. Well, that's all very ...

... uh - interesting.

It still doesn't change the fact that there are Bernie supporters here who actually commented about how a West endorsement would be a great thing for Bernie - when it would be the exact opposite.

But clueless is as clueless posts.

[TM99]

70. I still like West

and I know I am in the minority here.

He was sadly dead on right about Obama in 2009. No one wanted to listen. Many still do not. Even as the TPP rushes through with bipartisan (haha!) support, some still don't want to see that Obama is not the liberal & progressive he claims to be. No wonder he cussed at West. If one is a narcissist, both surely are.

West was an inspiration to me when I went off to graduate school. He has been a strong advocate for many progressive causes from civil rights, to anti-war, to the two-state solution, to OWS. His support of economic justice AND social justice goes back decades.

I am not surprised the he would support Sanders. They have much in common. I really don't fear West becoming an albatross as Sanders is not creating the same type of 'brotherly' relationship with the man that Obama did with West or Reverend Wright. Obama has used a lot of people and abused a lot of trust. I am sorry if that is an unpopular opinion but it is true. Obama is a Rockefeller Republican even if West goes over the top in his emotional rhetoric due to his personal betrayal by candidate Obama.

[MADem]

51. You apparently are unaware that that "famed pornographer" is also one of America's most notable

free speech advocates? His Supreme Court 1st Amendment case was a Very Big Deal.

He was a voice of sanity, and much appreciated here at DU, during the Bush years.

You never saw The People vs. Larry Flynt?

It's not to my taste, but his line of work is not illegal.

[MADem]

47. Matthew Pulver has written several dozen articles for SALON.

I don't think you would object to the larger body of his work. In fact, I think you'd find much to like.

Have a look:

http://www.salon.com/writer/matthew_pulver/


Just because someone doesn't have a "wikipedia" page doesn't mean they aren't "somebody." I've found that to be not uncommon at all--maybe he just didn't bother to write his own (that's often how they get up there).

He has also written for a local Athens GA mag called Flagpole: http://flagpole.com/authors/view/37


He has a twitter account: https://twitter.com/mattpulver

He has a facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/matthew.pulver?fref=ts

Some of his stuff has been republished at alternet and other places. It's not like he doesn't have a readily available public profile on the web. He's even on LinkedIn.

[marym625]

48. my guess is drive people on du. nuts

i kid.



bounce:

[SamKnause]

52. I haven't thrown Dr. Cornel West under the bus.

I support Bernie Sanders. (96%, according to a survey I took). In reality I support him 100%.

If Dr. Cornel West supports Bernie as well, I don't have a problem with that.

P.S. Please do not bother posting links to videos or articles of Dr. Cornel West.

I have already watched the videos and read the articles.

I still will not throw him under the bus.

As a white female I can not possibly know why Dr. Cornel West feels

the way that he does. I can not put myself in his shoes.

I agree with him on most things.

As an Atheist he is one of the few (maybe the only) religious person I actually enjoy

listening to. He has a wonderful sense of humor.

I enjoy seeing him on Bill Maher.

I enjoy watching his lectures.

I enjoy watching his debates.

[B Calm]

71. Not until you posted it.