"CLEVELAND - The state NAACP has withdrawn a convention speaking invitation to U.S. Education Secretary Rod Paige at the request of the group's national office."

It is so sad when an organization such as the NAACP can be so small that it cannot see beyond partisian issues and at least listen to a man such as Rod Paige whose credentials speak for him so loudly. I guess they fear that someone may change his/her mind if they listen.

There has never been a time in our history when we have had so many black folk at such a high level in our nation as at this time. Look at the list: Secretary of State Colin Powell, National Security Advisor Condelezza Rice, Education Secretary Rod Paige and Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. All of these except Justice Thomas are the BEST qualified for their positions. Not the best qualified black but the best wualified. We don't have to apologize for their behavior; not a hint of scandal among them.

The time will come when we will wish that we had given them their "props". God forbid, if Kerry is elected there will not be one black in such high level positions. Thomas will remain because his appointment by President Bush I is lifetime. Note that all four were appointed by Republicians.

Be Blessed

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2004

Answers

Rev. Paris, why would you copy the first two lines of an article and not present the facts. President Bush was invited to the state convention and then opted to send Dr. Paige. I know it is getting close to election time, but at least be honest when reporting what happened with the NAACP. Let the forum read the ENTIRE ARTICLE and allow readers to form their own opinion before you insert your commentary.

HERE IS THE ARTICLE. CLEVELAND - The Ohio NAACP has withdrawn a convention speaking invitation to U.S. Education Secretary Rod Paige at the request of the group's national office. Ohio NAACP President Sybil Edwards-McNabb said Thursday that national National Association for the Advancement of Colored People leaders told her there was an "imbalance" in her slate of convention speakers. She said she had invited President Bush and the Democratic nominee for president, Sen. John Kerry.

She said Bush agreed to send Paige, a former Houston school superintendent, who was slated to discuss education reform.

The Rev. Al Sharpton, who spoke at Friday's opening session, represented the Kerry campaign, said Brendon Cull, spokesman for the campaign in Ohio.

The NAACP national president, Kweisi Mfume, said Friday night he was unaware of who in the national office might have sent a directive to withdraw the Paige invitation.

-- Anonymous, September 11, 2004

Rev. Rogers, You are absolutely correct and I apologize to you and the members of the forum. Since I did not copy the article, I should have either provided a link to the article or sufficient information so that the members of the forum would have access to the article. On another board (http://www.trparis.net/my_say/) I linked to an article in the Houston Post which covered the same situation (Dr. Paige was the Superintendent of the Houston ISD, where many of his ideas stood the test of time restoring that District to its present position. That is also where he caught the eye of President Bush, then governor of Texas.

I qouted the first line as a "teaser" but then I failed to link or provide sufficient information.

It seems to me that President Bush is not given the credit he deserves from the American Black community. We lauded President Clinton, even gave him quasi African-American membership, while his cabinet was lily-white and all of the black Americans he tried to appoint had fatal flaws.

Be Blessed

-- Anonymous, September 11, 2004

Rev. Paris you have been quite clear about your love for President Bush and I would rather that my vote speak for my beliefs regarding who is fit to be President of this country.

Please know God is in control of all elections.

My prayers are that we will encourage our young people to register and vote. I would much rather discuss how can get young people to register and vote their conscience.

-- Anonymous, September 11, 2004

I really don't love President Bush any more than I love any Christian including Senator John Kerry. In Christian Love, I love them both. I support President Bush because he is closer to my views on the issues that are most important to me. For example, the President would like to see Rove vs. Wade overturned and so would I and the AME Church also; He and Education Secretary supported School Vouchers as a means of improving Education for our children and I agree. I supported the Tax Cut as a means of stimulating Economic development; The president supports the Defense of Marriage Act as does the AME Church and I also. Being from Texas, I have had the opportunity to see first hand President Bush, as Managing Partner of the Texas Rangers Baseball Club, as a two term Governor of Texas and now as President. In all of these positions I have watched how he interacted with blacks and other groups and I can truly say he does judge all by the content of their character and not by the color of their skin. He is also loyal to those in his camp regardless of the color of their skin. Michael Williams (http://www.michaellwilliams.com/) is currently serving as Railroad Commissioner in Texas is protegee of President Bush. As a matter of fact, he was Mr. Williams campaign manager 25 years ago in Midland Tx. Then gov Bush appointed him to an unexpired term on the railroad commission and then supported him in getting elected and reelected. General Daniel James, the son of General Daniel (Chappie) James was Commander of the Texas National Guard by then Gov. Bush. After the 2000 election General James (http://www.af.mil/bios/bio.asp?bioID=5929) was promoted to his present position: " Lt. Gen. Daniel James III is Director, Air National Guard, Arlington, Va. The general is responsible for formulating, developing and coordinating all policies, plans and programs affecting more than 104,000 Guard members in more than 88 flying units and 200 geographically separated units throughout the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands." This is a qoute from his bio. The complete bio is available from the link above. Read his qualifications and you will know that he is exceptionally qualified to handle his position. That is some of the reasons I support the president. He is doing things that no other president has done, not for politics but on a best-qualified basis.

sorry about the long post. Be Blessed

-- Anonymous, September 11, 2004

Pastor Paris:

This post is not meant to criticize your position on Roe V Wade in any way. I certainly understand your position, but how did the AME church come out for an overturning of Roe v. Wade. Was there an amendment at the general conference?

Thank you

-- Anonymous, September 18, 2004

I don't beleive the AME Church has taken a position on the law itself. But if you read the Articles of Religion and What we believe, the AME Church certainly would be Pro-Life which would be against Abortion on demand. It would be very difficult for me to be a member of a church that was not Pro-Life.

Be Blessed

-- Anonymous, September 18, 2004