Summary
Republican and Democratic politicians have voiced dismay over [Harry Belafonte] expressing his unpopular opinion while the country is at war and have dismissed him as an irresponsible, crotchety old guy. Similarly, media pundits have questioned the timing of Belafonte's criticism of President Bush while abroad in his capacity as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador. In this context, they cite Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's cozy relationship with a sworn American enemy, Cuba's Fidel Castro. In a perfect world, these protests would have merit, but in 2006 America they come across as politically correct patriotic pandering. So, setting aside all political bias, the fundamental question that the American public needs to address and answer is whether Harry Belafonte's characterization of President Bush is fair?
In this regard, it's reasonable to wonder why after Harry's contributions to the Black freedom cause, no recognized Black American leader has defended him during this trying time of his long and committed life. Why hasn't any other notable Black American leader openly embraced Harry Belafonte and joined him in condemning President [George W. Bush]'s unchecked unilateral extremism?It's been said that there's strength in numbers and in a multitude of counsel there's safety. I'm disappointed by how the established crop of Black American leaders have remained silent. One day Black Americans will understand the value in sticking together. Jesse, nothing; Al, nada; Louis, zippo; Bill, who was so vocal about Black youth not long ago, zero; Cornel and Danny, who were traveling with Harry, dead silence; billionaire Bob, zilch; Mayor Dave, nyet; Floyd and the other political pastors, quiet as church mice; Oprah, a no-show; Russell and the rapper generation, not a mumblin' word.See the full content of this document
Extract
Wild About Harry
Longtime civil rights activist and entertainer Harry Belafonte set off a firestorm on his recent trip to South America when he met with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez on January 7, 2005, and referred to President George W. Bush as "The greatest terrorist in the world."
While this characterization may be extreme, close...See the full content of this document
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