I noticed a brief clip on TV referring to several black college students whose college expenses were being paid by Bill Cosby. Isn't it interesting that the news media practically ignored that news. I also noticed that the "black leaders" who were quick to take Cosby to task had nothing to say either. Let's face it, the "Coz" walks the talk and is qualified to speak!

Be Blessed al paris

-- Anonymous, August 20, 2004

Answers

Yes, the college is one of my former employers, Hampton University. Hampton is also Jazzman's alma mater. You're right Cosby walks the talk and is qualified to say anything critical he so deems fit. QED

-- Anonymous, August 20, 2004

Which black leaders took Dr. Cosby to task?

-- Anonymous, August 20, 2004

Julian Bond and most of the NAACP had very harsh words for Mr. Cosby. There wre also others but I don't have names right now.

Be Blessed al paris

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2004

Rev. Paris:

I never heard what Julian Bond had to say, but I never heard the NAACP leadership bash Dr. Cosby either. In fact, I read several articles where they agreed with what he had to say.

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2004

I haven't heard anything negative coming from these leaders. There is a preacher in Indy who has a radio and television, gives Bill Cosby is props for speaking out the truth. This is the type of message I have heard from black clergy.

I don't have a problem with what Cosby said. And after hearing him defend his statement (not that he had to), I give him respect. You can blame the media for how this was brought to our attention. The media has a way of doing that. I heard Cosby myself admit what he should have said was not all, but the media can be blamed for making it sound like he was bashing.

Preachers are continuing the message and bringing it home in their congregations. It was a wake up call, not a bashing.

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2004

Now really what critical remarks can Jesse Jackson, Sr., Julian Bond and Mfume direct to "America's Dad"? Cosby is a major donor to the NAACP and most importantly to HBCUs. As Rev. Paris correctly points out, some black leaders have indeed openly criticized Cosby's poingant observations regarding black dysfunctional behavior, namely- Theodore Shaw, Director of the NAACP-Legal Defense Fund, Political Gadfly Rev. Al Sharpton, and Hip-Hop mogul Russell Simmons. The left-leaning African American intelligentsia has also been unforgiving to Cosby as well. Both the message and the messenger have recieved cool receptions in some black circles. QED

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2004

Did the Coz shame us? Did he simply say in public what we say in our back rooms, sunday school classes, and on the hellaphone?

Why are we so afraid to talk about what's wrong with US in public? there has to be a good reason.

even though, I am not a fan of the FOX Network and its political pundits however Bill O'Reilly hits home with me when he talks about his Culture War --especially the Culture War in our community. O'Reilly opines that he does not understand why black political and religious leadership will not speak out about gangsta rap, these videos, and the like. O'Reilly has done his homework--he showed a comparison of black SAT scores and rap music over the years. how the music sales grew and the SAT scores decreased--maybe it was a stretch, maybe he did some "spinning" but folks the numbers were there and there has to be some inextricable linkage going on somewhere.

I don't know but I would love to hear the opinions of this august body about it.

by the way, you ask the average teacher in an inner city school about Bill Cosby's opinion, you might be surprised to find that The COZ hits the ole proverbial nail on the ole proverbial head. :-)

Be Blessed, kc

-- Anonymous, August 27, 2004

You know Bill Cosby does walk the walk and talks the talk when helping in our community.

There are little known facts about Cosby that our community is not aware of that were brought to light last summer in a Philadelphia Newspaper, 'The Philadelphia Inquirer.' Neither Bill Cosby or his wife are Christian. Mrs. Cosby stated she believes in some type of force or whatever, and Bill Cosby uses a seer to handle his business. They have taken some bizarre turns in their spiritual lives since the death of their son.

I am most grateful to the Cosbys for what they have done for the "community" but be careful whom you place on a pedestal.

-- Anonymous, August 27, 2004