Student Mentors Teach Game Design

In the “Be The Game” program, high school students mentor peers and use game design as a tool for teaching Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), and the program’s high tech bus travels to locations where tech facilities are not available.

Click on the link to see the video made by the George Lucas Educational Foundation Edutopia which shows a dramatic alternative to traditional education.

http://www.edutopia.org/digital-generation-game-design-video

Wii Sports on the Technology Motorcoach

For more information about the “Be The Game” Motorcoach contact Gary Johnson, Program Manager at helpdesk@homeworkhelppge.com.

Michael Jackson Dead At 50

Michael Jackson is dead.  The sensationally gifted singer and dancer who emerged from childhood stardom to become the entertainment world’s most influential singer and dancer was 50 years old.

The circumstances of his death were not immediately clear.  According to media reports Jackson was not breathing when Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to a call at his Los Angeles home about 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2009.

In addition to his talent and fame, Jackson had enormous legal and financial troubles.

As the tributes pour I clearly understand Jackson’s iconic status in American popular culture.  He was more than just a singer.  He made monumental business moves that catapulted him to the star the likes of which we will probably never see again in our lifetime.  Michael Jackson was a mega star on numerous fronts.  I get all of that.  What I don’t get are some of the people being shown on television who are not able to function since the news of his death.  People who apparently cannot function and go to work, people camping out all night at the hospital, Neverland Ranch, the Apollo Theater and Michael’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  What does that say about those people?  What does that say about me?  What does that say about Michael Jackson?

On Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on Friday, June 26, 2009, the House of Representatives held a moment of silence for Jackson.  Many people seem to be temporarily paralyzed by Jackson’s death.  It appears that almost every corner of the world has been affected by Jackson’s death.  I guess that speaks to his “reach” and his ability to connect with people.

I am the same age as Michael Jackson. I saw him perform several times as the lead singer of The Jackson 5 and as a solo artist.  He was magic when he performed on stage.  Much will be made of Michael Jackson’s death for years and years to come.  For now people are choosing to pay tribute to a troubled man who grew larger than life.  His controversies have been placed on the back burner as people choose to remember the show-stopping entertainer.  I guess that’s the way it should be (at least for now).

What are your memories of Michael Jackson?  How would you characterize the life of Michael Jackson?

This article was written by G. A. Johnson.

Clarence Thomas Casts Lone Vote Against Voting Rights Act

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas

“The extensive pattern of discrimination that led the court to previously uphold Section 5 as enforcing the 15th Amendment [right to vote] no longer exists. Covered jurisdictions are not now engaged in a systematic campaign to deny Black citizens access to the ballot through intimidation and violence.”  So says Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.  If you translate or breakdown Justice Thomas’ quote, he is saying that Black voters no longer need voting protections.

Oh really! Hmmm.

The Supreme Court could have gutted the Voting Rights Act by overturning a provision that is used for enforcement.  However, the remaining justices disagreed with Thomas and  voted to preserve that provision.  The act allows states to apply to a court for an end to Justice Department oversight of the state’s voting rules. The justices said that bailout option must also be available to smaller jurisdictions.

Author and political analyst Earl Ofari Hutchinson has a commentary worth reading with our friends at The Daily Voice.com.  Click here to check out Mr. Hutchinson’s commentary.

So what do you think?  Is Clarence Thomas trying to establish himself as an independent voter?  Do you think he believes there is no need to protect black voters from intimidation?

No doubt that conditions for black people have improved dramatically over the past 5 decades.  However, it wasn’t that long ago when Jena, Louisiana black students wanted to hang out in the Whites Only section of the school playground and were greeted with nooses hanging from the tree.  Where I come from that’s called INTIMIDATION.

What do you think about Clarence Thomas’ position on the Voting Rights Act

The History of Father’s Day

Samuel H. Johnson (1932-2009)

Tomorrow is Father’s Day 2009.  This will be my first Father’s Day without my father, who passed away earlier this year in February.  For some reason I wanted to know about the history of Father’s Day.  I grew up believing that Father’s Day was invented by the greeting card companies.  I conducted some research and learned that the first Father’s Day was observed on June 19, 1910 in Spokane, WA, when Mrs. John B. Dodd first proposed the idea of a “Father’s Day” a year earlier.  At that time there were no Father’s Day cards.

Mrs. Dodd wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart, a Civil War veteran, was widowed when his wife (Mrs. Dodd’s mother) died in childbirth with their sixth child. Mr. Smart was left to raise the newborn and his other five children by himself.  It was after Mrs. Dodd became an adult that she reflected and appreciated how strong and giving her father was when it came to raising his children as a single parent.

At about the same time in various towns and cities across American other people were beginning to celebrate a “Father’s Day.”  In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father’s Day.  In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father’s Day.

Over the decades Father’s Day has become a day to not only honor your father, but all men who act as a father figure including stepfathers, uncles, grandfathers, and adult male friends.

If you were fortunate like me to have a good relationship with your father or any man that positively influenced your life, celebrate them and their memory.  Find a way that is meaningful and personal for you.

My father, Samuel H. Johnson, lived a full life.  Despite his unbelievably tragic upbringing and not having a father in his life, he managed to be a wonderful father.  As a young adult, he had men in his life who taught him how to be respectful and trusting of others, when he lived in a world where very few people could be trusted.

Somehow my Dad managed to make his children feel safe and loved in a world that did not provide those things to him.  He had a lot of help from my mother, but my focus is on Dad today.  Toward the end of his life, I have some very powerful and treasured memories of my father.  We spent a lot of quality time together during the last year of his life.  We laughed and shared a few heart-felt moments that help me put life in perspective.

If your father is living and you have a relationship with him, don’t take it lightly.  In your own special way, try to make every day “Father’s Day.”  Respecting, loving, forgiving and appreciating you father is no easy task, but it is worth it in the end.

I miss my Dad.  A few days before he passed away, my Dad told me there would be aspects of my life that would change when he passed.  In short, he warned that I would have some difficult days in front of me.  My life was pretty good.  I didn’t understand what he was talking about then, but here I am four months after his death and I’m beginning to understand what he was trying to tell me, which makes me appreciate him more.

Watching my Dad’s health decline to a point where he depended upon others to do for him was tough.  In helping to care for him, I believe I was setting the best example for his prize possessions—his two grandsons.  My sons had a front row seat for what it takes to care for a loved one in who can’t care for themselves.  You must be patient, caring and have a heart-felt desire to give the patient the best quality of life.

My father was a good man who overcame obstacles in life that would have ruined most people.  I promised my father that I would follow in his footsteps and be a father to my sons that he was to me.

So on this day, and every day, I remember my Dad.  To all the men who have stepped up to the plate and handled their business and other people’s business when it comes to fatherhood–Happy Father’s Day!

Gary Johnson is the Founder & Publisher of Black Men In America.com a popular online magazine on the Internet and the Black Men In America.com Blog. Gary is also the author of the new book“25 Things That Really Matter In Life.”

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Gary A. Johnson, Author of “25 Things That Really Matter In Life”

By Joey Pinkney

25 Things That Really Matter In Life will help you identify your natural gifts and how to use them to feel better about yourself. Gary Johnson uses worksheets to outline the principles of Life Mastery to cleanse your mind of all the dysfunctional thoughts that have accumulated over the years.

Practicing Life Mastery will allow you to develop yourself to be the best “you” that you can be for yourself, family and friends. Control the quality of your life by making 25 Things That Really Matter In Life a part of your daily living. This book was written for people who have some sense of needing to make changes in their life but do not know how to do it.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write 25 Things That Really Matter in Life?

Gary Johnson: I wrote this book at one of the lowest points in my life. My businesses were heavily in debt . Although I continued to function every day, there were times when I did not feel good about myself. Through it all, I continued to try to affect the lives of others through my training seminars and speeches.

I also went out of my way to make sure I was an active dad for my sons. On a Friday night, in September 2006, I decided to write down the things that really mattered to me. I stopped the list at twenty-five and shelved the project for another year.

Putting pen to paper was a measure of accountability. Thirteen months later I was ready to be accountable and make a change in my life. Writing my thoughts on paper was therapeutic and gave me a sense of relief. This process was a “freeing” experience that helped me to feel good again.

JP: What sets 25 Things That Really Matter in Life apart from other motivational books?

GJ: This book is universal in that it is easy to read and understand and appeals to men and women of all races and culture. The book has worksheets that help examine your life in a way that perhaps you haven’t done before.

Looking at your life and the choices you’ve made in an open and honest way can be an emotional and gut-wrenching experience. As you rewind your mental tapes, you are likely to see a pattern of decision-making that is self-defeating or sabotaging. This book wastes no time helping you to help yourself.

Click here to read the rest of Joey’s exclusive interview with Gary Johnson.

Joey Pinkney is a passionate book reviewer whose goal is to give authors extra exposure.  He is the founder of JoeyPinkney.com a web site about books and authors.  Joey’s “5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…” author interview series features self-published authors and best-selling authors.  The popular interview series gives readers an often rare glimpse into the author’s mind as he/she shares insights about their book.

COACH BUTCH McADAMS: HE NEVER CRIED FOUL!

By Harold Bell

Coach Butch McAdams

Butch McAdams is a native Washingtonian.  He lived and grew up at the corner of 14^th and T Streets NW right in the middle of the historical U and 14^th Street corridors.  He was raised in the Catholic faith and educated at St. Augustine and Mackin High Schools in NW Washington, DC.

Priest and Co-Pastors of St. Augustine were Fathers Raymond Kemp and Andre Bouchard.  In 1967 I was working as a Roving Leader for the DC Department of Recreation and one of my assigned work sites was Harrison Playground.  The Rectory was located at 14^th and V Streets, NW and the playground was one block away.  My travels often brought me to the front doorsteps of the Rectory of St. Paul and Augustine Church.  Fathers Kemp and Bouchard were icons in the community and I usually stopped by and kissed their rings when I was in the neighborhood (smile).

The historical landmarks in Butch’s community were all in walking distance of his home.  The landmarks were the Bohemian Caverns, 12^TH Street YMCA and the Dunbar Hotel.  The Lincoln and Republic theatres were the community’s main movie outlets.  The live entertainment seen at the Howard Theatre and Turners Arena was off the charts.  Black Washington dined and hung out at the Florida Ave Grill, Keys, Hollywood, Faces and Cecilia’s Restaurants and last but not least, Ben’s Chilli Bowl.

There are some landmarks still standing and others are long gone.  The neighborhood has changed and so have the people, for better or worst is all in the eye of the beholder.  There were other landmarks like Cardozo High School, Harrison Playground, Harrison Elementary and the Hillcrest Children’s Center Saturday Program.  They helped shape Butch McAdam’s life and connected the two of us.

Harrison playground was where most of the neighborhood playground basketball legends gathered in the evenings after work and on the weekends.  Harrison was the home playground of the Scott family.  Rip and Bo Scott were basketball legends.  Butch was one of the many young spectators who watched and learned from the legends of Harrison Playground.

I have spent the last decade writing and talking about the benefactors of Kids In Trouble, Inc., and Inside Sports who have forgotten.  I had completely overlooked the ONE who had not.  This is one of the best examples; “Not being able to see the forest for the trees.”

On Friday June 5, 2009, Maret High School will host a retirement party for Butch.  He is retiring after thirty-one years as a teacher of Physical Education and the school’s Head Basketball Coach.

Growing up in the U and 14^th Street corridors helped prepare him as a coach and teacher.  He has touched thousands of young people in his thirty-one years at Maret.  His most important lesson had nothing to do with sports.  He taught his students the most important game being played in the world today:  “The Game Called Life.”

My experiences as a Roving Leader and the founder of Hillcrest Children’s Center Saturday Program caused me many “Excedrin” headaches.  Butch was never a headache or Kid In Trouble.  Thanks to his parents and St. Paul & Augustine he was always a little gentleman.  He understood early it was okay to be seen and not heard.

In 1992, he became a one of a kind radio sports talk show personality at WOL Radio.  Unlike others in the media who became experts on the black community after getting their own talk shows or newspaper columns, Butch brought community credentials with him (U Street, Harrison Playground, Hillcrest Children Center Saturday Program, Kids In Trouble, Inc. etc).  He used his radio talk show to broaden his community base to help make children First.

The lessons learned at St. Paul & Augustine, Harrison and Hillcrest were helpful when he became an all in one teacher, coach and radio talk show host.  Butch understood the importance of role models. First they came from the home.  He never forgot hearing NBA Legend Spencer Haywood say “If you have got to look beyond your dinner table for your heroes and role models you are in trouble.”

Butch never gave it a second thought when sporting personalities visited the Saturday Program like Spencer, Larry Brown, Roy Jefferson, Harold McLinton, Ted Vactor, Dave Bing, Jim Brown, Red Auerbach, Earl Monroe, Fatty Taylor, John Thompson, Sugar Ray Leonard, Chuck Hinton, Fred Valentine, Willie Wood, Petey Greene, Bill Raspberry and a host of others.

I remember Butch asking me after he became a well known radio personality, “Harold where and how did you come up with the saying ‘Every black face you see is not your brother and every white face you see is not your enemy?’ This was a popular phrase I used to close my sports talk show ‘Inside Sports.’ I had to take him back to the Hillcrest Children’s Center Saturday program.  I reminded him of the 1968 riots and when I first opened the doors to the Saturday Program.  I tried to recruit black students at Howard University to volunteer and take a 10 minute walk from the campus to Hillcrest to tutor elementary school students.  There were none to be found.

The Director of Hillcrest Children’s Center Dr. Nicholas Long introduced me to the Principal of the Seven Day Adventist School in Takoma Park, Maryland.  The rest is community history.  On Saturdays a group of white teenagers were bussed into the inner-city to tutor black children (joining Redskins Larry Brown, Roy Jefferson, Harold McLinton and Ted Vactor).  Today all over America college students are given credits for volunteering.  I also reminded him of my unique relationship with NBA Legendary coach Red Auerbach and the benefactors of Kids In Trouble and Inside Sports all who were black.  They all forgot who they were and where they came from.  They inspired the phrase, “Every black face I see is not my brother and every white face I see is not my enemy.”

Butch would often close his show with my phrase and remind everyone that I coined it.  This is unheard of in this business where everyone takes someone else’s idea and uses it as if it were theirs (Inside Sports).  It reminds me of the story of Christopher Columbus discovering America with Native Indians already occupying the land.

Butch is very unique.  There were times when I would question his response and observations as it related to his sports talk show.  He never took it personal.  A very unique quality not often found in Black Men in America.  We take everything personal and when we do take a stand it is usually for all the wrong reasons.  Butch McAdams, you are a unique COACH in “The Game Called Life.”

More @ www.HBSportsLegends.com, www.BlackMenInAmerica.com/talkback.htm and www.Studiovee.com/HaroldBellInside Sports.com.

Justice Sotomayer

Justice Sotomayer

She is going to get confirmed and she is going to become our next Supreme Court justice. I don’t think this because she is qualified, which she is, but because Americans don’t generally care about the Supreme Court. The ability of the Republican Party to rally the troops in a supreme court battle are limited by the American peoples lack of understanding of how important the court is. Although they have specialized in placing conservatives in to the courts system, which led to their victory in 2000, they won’t be able to stop Sotomayer from being confirmed.

The more important thing to consider is whether Sotomayer is on the right side of the abortion debate. If we do not want Roe vs. Wade to be overturned, it may be important to know where she stands on the continuation of a woman’s right to choose.

Pat Buchanan

The Sotomayer debate has allowed Pat to speak out, once again, on the plight of White Males. For some reason people keep inviting him on television. Pat makes arguments that I disagree with, but that’s not why I’m confused that he’s being tapped in the debate over Sotomayer’s appointment. I can’t figure out why someone who is as easily flustered and incoherent as Pat Buchanan is constantly asked for his opinion. He comes across like someone’s angry southern Grandfather. Pat Buchanan has all the negative qualities of Clint Eastwood’s character from Grand Torino and none of his redeeming traits. It’s never going to be 1950 again Pat.

Senator Al Franken

The Republican Party is not going to regain power by being obstructionists. Americans can be slow to react, but we’re not stupid. We believe, at least north of the mason Dixon line, in Democracy. Stalling because you’ve lost an election is unacceptable and Al Franken should have been seated a long time ago. Hopefully, the Republicans come to their senses and Minnesota changes their election laws to prevent this from ever happening again.

Brandon Whitney is the creator of Homelandcolors.blogspot.com a blog that focuses on issues that affect the African American community. He is also a frequent guest on News and Notes’ Blogger Roundtable. Brandon has political experience as an Outreach Director for the Democratic Party and is passionate about being a positive force in his community regarding African American issues.  He is also a frequent guest on News and Notes’ Blogger Roundtable. You can read more of Brandon’s work at Homeland Colors.

Money Matters: It’s Time To Fight Back

By Gary A. Johnson

I don’t know about you, but I’ve had enough of the banks and credit card companies taking advantage of hardworking consumers and people who consistently pay their bills on time.  Not all of the people struggling to pay their bills and meet their financial obligations used to have good credit, but have fallen prey to the revolving credit card industry and/or hard times.

The current downturn in the economy has made life “tough” for millions of Americans.  “Tough” is a relative term, in that “tough” for some people is cutting back on their Latté’s and the housekeeper.  “Tough” for others means they have no savings and are about to lose their home.

I own and operate a small business.  I’ve tried to grow my business and like millions of others businesses, the economic downturn has negatively impacted my company.  In fact, the terrorist attack on our country that occurred on September 11, 2001 was the beginning of the loss of revenue for the company.

As a result of trying to hold on to the business I used my sterling credit rating in the form of credit lines to fund and eventually restructure the business.  I’ve had a 30-year relationship with the American Express company.  As a result I was able to secure a business line of credit via both gold and platinum corporate cards.  I selected American Express because they offered services that were supportive of small businesses.

Imagine my surprise when I received a letter from American Express informing me “that after a thorough review” of my credit profile they have placed a spending limit on my account.  My first reaction was OK, times are difficult and many banks and companies are tightening their credit and lending practices.  As I continued to read the letter, I was informed that my credit had been drastically reduced.  I went from a six-figure credit line to a low four-figure limit. In fact, the limit is so low that I cannot run my business with the new limit.

Let me put my situation in perspective.  My company has no history of late payments or outstanding balances. In fact, my last month’s statement had a surplus balance.  American Express showed their appreciation by crippling my ability to run my business.  Their actions clearly indicate that they no longer wanted to be a business partner with my company. Thank you American Express.  When it’s all said and done, I think I will reflect on this situation and realize that this was a turning point in my company’s financial independence.

I would not dare compare what’s happening to American consumers to “mafia-like” tactics.  That would be an insult to the mob.  However, I can’t help but wonder if consumers would be better off if their accounts were managed by organized crime.  Many of these banks, were forced to take tax pay dollars.  Some of the banks needed the money to survive and others did not.  American consumers were misled.  Through a series of press releases and announcements, consumers were led to believe that some of the financial institutions who took the money were going to help consumers with their debt.  Many of these banks took our tax dollars and wiped the books clean of their debt and mismanagement and proceeded to make more money by screwing consumers with tricky fees and raising interest rates without warning or on a seemingly ad-hoc basis putting their customers deeper in debt.

The Obama administration says they recognize that what’s happening to consumers is not fair.  They tout the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act that outlaws several of these credit card policies that have sparked consumer outrage including retroactive rate increases on existing balances for cardholders who are in good standing.  Other deceitful tricks, albeit legal, include hiking rates for new charges without at least 45 days’ notice; “double-cycle billing,” which allows fees to be charged for balances that were already paid off; and “universal default,” which applies rate hikes if a customer is late with payments on unrelated bills.

Sounds good doesn’t it?  I wouldn’t pop any champagne just yet.

The new law amends the Truth in Lending Act, which only governs consumer loans.  It does not apply to corporate cards.  Say what?

What this means is limited liability corporations and other companies that use traditional corporate cards, the same old rules will continue to apply.  Let me translate this in a more vernacular kind of way:  Some of the credit card companies will continue to have the legal authority to insert a golf umbrella in your rectum.  Other companies will try and open the umbrella.

It is time to fight back.  I’ve decided to use all of my business adversity to motivate me to do better.  To work harder, be smarter and do what I can to help others who have it worse than me.

I can’t quit.  I have faith that I will not be down for long and I will emerge from this downturn stronger than ever.

American Express’ decision to reduce my spending limit has crippled by ability to conduct business.  I was upset.  I only allowed myself to stay upset for about 30 minutes.  My net move was to fight back.  I decided to fight back strategically by terminating my relationship with the company.  Consumer advocates tell you NOT to close your accounts immediately because this action can impact your credit score in a negative way.  I have enough credit lines and alternatives.  I’m willing to take that risk.

I called American Express and when the Customer Service Representative (CSR) came on the line she announced her name and asked some identifying information to confirm that I was the cardholder.  Her next question was:  “How can I help you today?”  Before I could answer, the CSR replied, “Oh, I think I know why you’re calling.  You received a letter about your spending limit.”

I wanted to make sure that my call was being recorded for accuracy.  Once confirmed I calmly asked the rep if my account was in good standing.  She acknowledged that it was.  I then asked if I had a history of late payments or outstanding balances.  She she acknowledged that this was not the case.  I asked why my spending limit had been reduced.  She explained that my credit report reflected high balances on some other accounts.  She then suggested that I get a copy of my credit report and work to reduce my card balances with the other lending institutions.  The rep also was sure to let me know that American Express would re-evaluate my situation at a later date.

I explained to her that I was aware of the contents of my credit report and that I have no history of late or delinquent payments.  I am in good standing with all of my creditors.  I advised the representative that American Express has their method for dealing with customers and I have mine.  My method involved dealing with companies based on how they dealt with me.  As a result, I don’t like how I’ve been treated and advised her that I wanted to close my account.  The credit card companies don’t want to lose your business, but every action has a consequence.  I’ve decided that it was time for me to part ways with American Express Corporate Gold Business card.  During my company’s heyday, I would generate $5000 to $10,000 dollars a month in charges.  The company would get their money within 30-days.  Those days are over.  By their actions American Express has told me that they no longer want to be a partner as they have been in past years.  I’m sure they want more of my money, however, when business gets better, I will give my business to a company that demonstrates that they want to work with me during both good and bad times.

I am in the process of getting a pay off balance, cancelling my account and moving forward to reduce my debt to credit ratio to become less dependent upon the banks and credit card companies.

I really feel good about this action.  This was my way of staying empowered.  If more people took small steps like this, we would send a message to the predatory bank and lending institutions.

I am not an economist, but I believe this country would have been far better off if every citizen’s debt was reduced by 50%.  We would not need a Stimulus package, recovery money and all of the other programs, many of which will result in waste and fraud, again costing the taxpayer more money.

The president of the American Bankers Association says the legislation “changes the entire business model of credit cards.  “Edward Yingling says it restricts the ability to price credit for risk — in other words, to charge more for those more likely not to repay their debts.

Lots of people pay off their credit cards in full each month to avoid finance charges.  This is not good enough for some credit card companies.  Some industry experts say credit card providers might start charging new fees for their cardholders and could raise their interest rates.

Don’t get mad people, get strategic.  Consumers need to find a way to fight back against the credit card companies and lending institutions in a manner that will allow them to stay empowered and be whole.  This philosophy has worked for me.  This is how I maintain my sanity.  Folks, I’m one of the most blessed people on earth.  I have a loving family which serves as my support structure.  How do the folks who don’t have a support structure surviving?

I would suggest that everyone in need assess your skills and abilities and look for opportunities to prosper, even during these terrible economic times.  Times aren’t bad for everyone.  Many people and business have not been affected by the economy and others are thriving.  Come on people!  Let’s get started!

The Isley Brothers had a song out years ago called “Fight The Power.”  Fight it!  Fight the power!

Gary Johnson is the Founder & Publisher of Black Men In America.com a popular online magazine on the Internet and the Black Men In America.com Blog. Gary is also the author of the new book“25 Things That Really Matter In Life.”

Comedian Michael Steele

By Gary A. Johnson

May 19, 2009

Comedian Michael Steele gave a much anticipated speech today at the National Harbor Complex in Oxon Hill, MD, where he tried to steady the sinking ship also known as his “leadership” of the Republican National Committee (RNC). If you’ve followed this man’s career, it is hard to take him seriously.  This is why I refer to him as comedian Michael Steele.

In his one-man show in the form of a speech today, comedian Steele promised the that “the era of apology for Republican mistakes of the past is officially over,” declared that “we’re going to take the president head-on” and boasted that the Republican comeback is already under way.

Oh really?

Steele is shaking in his boots that he doesn’t upset another entertainer—Rush Limbaugh, because that will mean Steele would have to apologize to Limbaugh (again).

Absent from the comedian’s remarks were new ideas.  He said nothing new and nothing of substance.  This dude is really obsessed with President Barack Obama.  I don’t know what the President ever said or did to him, but comedian Steele never misses an opportunity to try and “diss” President Obama.  Comedian Steele repeatedly argued that President Obama was making our lives worse by increasing federal spending.  He never mentioned any Republican plan to help families and small businesses.

I bet leaders in the Republican Party are sorry they ever elected this dude as the front man for their party.

Why do I say this?

For starters he appears to be in over his head.  He doesn’t know where he stands on an issue and some of his positions are not consistent with the party line.  I don’t care what HE says, comedian Michael Steele appears very much to be a figurehead for the organization and he knows it.  What is beginning to bother him is that WE know it!

Comedian Steele addressing reports that the RNC is seeking to reduce his funding authority told FOX News that part of his job is to “manage the money” and suggested that if committee members strip him of that authority he’ll step aside.  Think about it.  The RNC elects a black chairman to run the party and now they’re looking to implement ways to restrict his ability to manage the money.  Yeah, that’s a vote of confidence.

The Republican Party is treating comedian Michael Steele like a baby wearing “Pull Ups.” They just don’t think he’s ready for “big boy” pants.  Real power in politics comes with MONEY! If you can’t control the money, you have no power.  The Republican Party is sending the comedian Michael Steele a “warning shot” in the form of a message by threatening to mess with his money.

“They can contemplate all they want to, but the reality is if they want a figurehead chairman you can have a figurehead chairman, but it won’t be Michael Steele,” the comedian said.

If ever there was an “empty suit” it is comedian Michael Steele.  His party lost the presidency and control of Congress in the last two major national elections and national polls show more Americans are moving away from the Republican Party.

Under Steele’s leadership the big debate on the agenda today is whether to refer to the Democratic Party as “socialist.”  Is this leadership?

And you wanted to know why I refer to this guy as a comedian.  He’s funny and not to be taken seriously—that’s why.

Gary Johnson is the Founder & Publisher of Black Men In America.com a popular online magazine on the Internet and the Black Men In America.com Blog. Gary is also the author of the new book “25 Things That Really Matter In Life.”

Dumb or Misguided?: NFL Player Decides To Skip Invitation To The White House and Meet Obama

By Gary Johnson

I wish I didn’t feel the need to write this commentary.  I don’t like putting people on “blast.”  However, if your actions warrant that you need to be taken to the woodshed, then let’s go and get it over with.

While watching the news yesterday my attention was drawn to a segment where James Harris of the Pittsburgh Steelers refused an invitation to visit the White House and meet with President Obama. Harrison says he does not believe the invitation is all that special.  “I don’t feel the need to go, actually,” Harrison told Pittsburgh station WTAE-TV. “I don’t feel like it’s that big a deal to me.”

Hey, that’s his choice.  Harrison is consistent on this issue.  He skipped his visit to the White House in 2006 when the Steelers were invited by President George W. Bush. Seems like he hasn’t learned much in two years.  Perhaps, James Harrison is a very deep thinking, introspective guy who really sees no value in accepting an invitation to the White House to meet the President of the United States.  It’s possible!

Teammates describe James Harrison as an “individualist.”  If you read the papers, most people think he’s a “dumb ass” with no sense of history.  I really don’t understand why the media continues to put a microphone in the face of athletes, particularly the ones who have proven that they don’t know a damn thing about current events or history.  At this point, I don’t know if he’s a “dumb ass.”  He appears to be pretty ignorant.  I feel more comfortable saying that Harrison is probably terribly misguided.

I’m sure Harrison is well compensated for being the NFL Defensive Player of the Year. However, his actions and statements prove that no amount of money can buy “common sense” and respect.  Harrison may be a “smart” guy on the football field, but he also appears to be short-sighted and uninformed.

Barack Obama is a historical figure in our history.  Forget the fact that he is the first black President—he is the President of the United States of America.  Where is your sense of history?

I remember when I was asked to work at the White House.  I was 23 years old and asked my mother if I should take the job.  My mother looked at me and replied with a question.  “How many times do you think you will have this opportunity?”  Enough said.  I took the job.

Let me be clear.  Harrison has every right to pass on his invitation to visit the White House and meet the President.  And I have every right to think that he is misguided to the point of being a dumb ass.  The dude “doesn’t know what he doesn’t know.”  I believe that years from now he may look back on this decision and try and kick his own ass.

Having worked inside the White House, I can tell you, politics aside; it is an honor and a privilege to be invited to meet the President of the United States regardless of who he or she is.

Look, if the dude doesn’t want to go to the White House to meet President Obama leave him alone.  Let him stay home.  James Harrison is out to prove a point.  There’s something to be said about being your own man and making your own decisions, even if they go against the grain.  I’m not sure if it’s the point that he wants to prove.  The only thing Harrison has proven to me is that having a high IQ on the football field, doesn’t always translate to having a high IQ off of the field.

Gary Johnson is the Founder & Publisher of Black Men In America.com a popular online magazine on the Internet and the Black Men In America.com Blog. Gary is also the author of the new book “25 Things That Really Matter In Life.”