About asabagna
I go by the name of Asabagna Alatentou, "Asa" for short. I took this name as my African/Spiritual name when I went on a pilgrimage to West Africa in 1997. I visited Senegal, The Gambia and Ghana. "Asabagna" means "hunter" and I received that name during a naming ceremony when I visited a village in northern Ghana. "Alatentou" is Mandingo for "God is gracious" and I received that name from a village Griot in Senegal. I was born in England and my parents are of Jamaican heritage. I spent most of my formative years in Jamaica, but grew up primarily in Toronto Canada. I currently live in Ottawa, the national capital of Canada. I am professionally employed, married, 2 wonderful kids and regularly attend a Pentecostal church. I am a born-again Christian. I do not consider myself conservative or liberal, right-wing or left-wing, centrist etc., or any of the multiple categories that society likes to confine and define people by. However, I do have strong views, beliefs and opinions but I also consider myself open to listening and contemplating other viewpoints. I am a firm believer that "if you don't believe in something, you will fall for anything".
afrospear.wordpress.com 
Dr. Ben Carson delivered a wonderful speech, filled with insightful parables and a touch of humor. His comments about the importance of reading books and getting education were right on target. And he made some very important points about how we need people who can SOLVE PROBLEMS …rather than just argue about their own point of view. Dr. Carson is right….In order to get things done, we have to create plans and find the resources to do them.
His commitment to helping SCHOLARS, via his foundation is very commendable. We need more people offering these kinds of programs, services and scholarships that reward intellectual achievement.
I am so glad that you posted this speech in full…because there were some pundits on TV who were cherry picking parts of it ….and showing only selected comments that they thought boosted their political positions. However, Dr. Carson was really talking about an Eagle flying high because it had 2 wings. He pointed out how there are so many people who have one track minds…and only want to hear whatever supports their own ideology…or their own point of view.
In many circles, including in the BLACK COMMUNITY, we have some pundits and activists who are constantly criticizing our President Obama. And if you are an independent minded person (and just seek to be fair) don’t fall in line with them…or the “black power” advocates” or the “Obama haters” — you too may find yourself under attack from those “Obama haters.”
*** HERE IS AN EXAMPLE —
RE: The MEETING at the White House with African-American leaders and Pres. Obama… (Feb. 2013)
This meeting with the NAACP, NAN, and leaders of various organizations (re: THE BLACK AGENDA) was a positive sign that at least there is high level discussion of the many problems in the Black Community. They had intense discussions about various issues and how to solve problems in urban areas.
And of course, it was not long (not even a day) after this meeting took place…that the “negro Obama critics” started making snide, foul comments about this meeting…claiming “nothing got done.” It’s the same bunch that was ranting that…”Obama does not care about Black folks…” — and one of their leaders was at a forum yelping about…. “Obama does not deserve to put his hand on the MLK Bible.” But when you check to find out what those critics are doing to help anybody… the answer is: NOT MUCH…but blowing hot toxic air.
They say…. “The right people were not meeting with Pres. Obama.” Well, who are the “right people” and what ideas of proposals do they have that are better than those presented by THE URBAN LEAGUE, NAACP, NAN, etc? But we hardly ever hear any PROPOSED SOLUTIONS….only complaints, attacks, and often time outright slander.
And they also will get very upset with anyone who challenges the critics by asking them…WHAT PROPOSALS DO YOU HAVE THAT COULD SOLVE OUR PROBLEMS? They are so engrossed in complaining about the President that they neglected to prepare any alternative proposals. In some cases, they will then attack the parties that dare ask that.
Seldom a dirty word is said against the TEA-PUBLICANS and their foul actions against creating jobs or helping the poor. These ‘negro critics’ yelp about what Pres. Obama does or does not do for Blacks… while they are some of the biggest promoters of the foul antics of gold tooth rappers and celebrities who don’t do pooooo….to help anybody.
Pres. Obama’s commitment to fighting CLIMATE CHANGE is one possible avenue for job creation. As global warming is a major threat to our survival, we must seek solutions to this problem as well as our financial problems. There are people doing this now …and it would be relatively simple for the White House to change their spending and purchase “green” items, alternative fuels…and put solar panels on the WH and Gov’t property.
We also have to get some of our WEALTHY BLACK CELEBRITIES…the pro-athletes, rappers, preachers, etc. involved in putting some money into various non-profits, job training services, youth programs, etc. There are programs already doing good work…but they need some money. There are educators who offer seminars, books and materials…but they need to see more distribution of their goods into the schools, youth groups, etc.
In summary — Dr. Carson was saying that EDUCATION is a key to our success and to finding solutions to our problems. And he was saying that we need to use our enlightened creativity….to work together to help make this a better world.
* Suggested books = ‘JOINING HANDS’….. and …. ‘LIBERTY’S LEGACY’
and…. ‘GOLDEN GIFTS’ … (amazon.com)
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Super Sis makes some good points. Dr. Carson did offer some potential solutions…whether they are practical is up for discussion. But he did show that he is a man who seeks solutions to our problems. Unlike the other group of ‘negro critics’…. who offer mostly racist comments and biased nonsense against the President…. Dr. Carson’s comments were civil.
I have also seen some of the articles, websites, videos and other media where these “negro Obama critics” are making all sorts of accusations against Pres. Obama. In some cases, they are stating outright lies…such as: “Obama does not care about Black people.”
Some of them are promoting biased (one sided) comments on websites, on Facebook, etc….and they write articles, and speak at events making vile, untrue statements about Pres. Obama.
All you have to do is go to the WHITE HOUSE WEBSITE to see all the programs, services, proclamations, etc. he has on there re: AFRICAN AMERICANS….such as —
he has done many good things for most of the country and for AFRICAN-AMERICANS…such as –
* BLACK HISTORY MONTH Proclamation (every year)
…. also celebrations at the White House every February.
* Dedication of the NAT’L BLACK HISTORY MUSEUM
* EDUCATIONAL INITIATE (Urban League)
……and funds and resources for students.
* SLAVERY PREVENTION MONTH (Exec. Order)
* Anti-CHILD OBESITY Prog. (Ms. Obama – “Let’s Move”)
* Honored the TUSKEGEE AIRMEN
* FAIR SENTENCING LAW signed….* for drug offenders.
* Fighting for VOTER RIGHTS LAW and against those who try to block voting.
* Lilly Ledbetter Act (equal pay for women)
* GREEN JOBS… via the stimulus which helped employ urban youth.
* AFFORDABLE CARE ACT (Obamacare)
This is just a summary list…as there have also been workshops and times when Pres. Obama gave speeches at the NAACP, at Dr. King’s church in Atlanta…and the speech he gave in Chicago about “violence” recently.
It is time that we get some HONEST facts on the record about Pres. Obama. No man is perfect, but to falsely claim that he “does not care about Black folks” and to try to portray him as some kind of “enemy of Black people”…or that he is “not on our side” is absolutely outrageous and ridiculous.