The Socio-Political Network

It was all a publicity stunt. So I just went and saw the movie “The Social Network”. I must say that it was a very exciting and interesting look into the startup of one of the internet’s most visited sites. The story line was very catching and really kept the viewers on the edge of your seats. I certainly give the movie two thumbs up. However there is a deeper issue with this movie here.

 I would like to create a scenario. A scenario where a young billionaire with an image to uphold in the public had his rags to riches story made into a not so image friendly tell all movie. Also in this scenario is a Mayor. Not just any Mayor, The Mayor of one of the largest cities in the country. Need i also add has over a million twitter followers, but rarely uses FB. And within this Mayors city there are many problems. One being…oh let’s just say a failing school system and nothing to show for heavy spending. The Mayor is in the shitter because his city is…, let’s just say flat broke. And realistically he is not the most popular person in town. And to add to it, Mr. Mayor has future political aspirations which might include…, let’s just say Governor or even state senate. Hell, why not even President of the United States. Also within this interesting scenario there is a Governor.  The Governor in the scenario has been slashing aid to School systems in his state and ruling with an iron fist. But somewhere along the line someone forgot to tell him prior to dropping the 400million dollar education ball, what goes around comes around.

Put together a random education initiative, the terms matching funds, and the Oprah Winfrey Show and you have one hell of a made for TV movie. But this is no movie. Such is New Jersey Politics.

Newark Mayor Cory Booker On The Move

Recently re-elected Mayor of Newark, NJ, Cory Booker is not wasting any with his education agenda within the City. This past week, the City received a hefty check from an unusual, however popular source. The co- founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckeburg officially pledged $100 million to revamp Newark schools — and launched a campaign to raise $100 million more. In the City of Newark, the lights are really shining bright. I really don’t want to play devil’s advocate here, but I think it is very important that the citizens of Newark pay close attention to this one and see how it plays out. I have met the mayor and personally think wonders of him. I think that he has great ideas and generally wants the best for the city of Newark. I’m just anxious to see what comes of this wonder team with Chris Christie and Cory Booker. Talk about the odd couple……

The Wolf in Preachers Clothing

This past week the Black Church has been rocked by the accusations of sexual cohesion and misconduct by Atlanta based Pastor Bishop Eddie Long. The accusations are beginning uncover even deeper and darker revelations of cohesion, lavish spending, and possible cover-ups by New Birth Baptist Church officials. One must ask if accusations like those against Bishop Long are more common than we think in the black community. The fourth accuser of Eddie Long, a Charlotte, NC native and former member of Eddie Long’s Church to date has been the only accuser to publicly comment on the alleged abuse by Eddie Long. The young man now in his twenty’s cites trips, gifts and other benefits all handed out by Long in return for sexual favors.

What does this mean for the Christian faith in Urban America? One of the most notable names in ministry has been accused of sexual abuse and misconduct. Do these accusations discredit the Christian faith among African American Church goers? How do these accusations, true or not affect your view of Pastors with the power and resources to facilitate this type of behavior alleged by Eddy Long? In the Catholic Church, this type of behavior has been brushed under the rug for years. Are the same types of behavior being facilitated and covered up within the highest ranks of the Black Church?

We must ask ourselves these questions because the black church has been the cornerstone of the urban communities where African Americans dominate in population. These allegations have the potential to discredit one of the oldest institutions among African Americans, and what is now the Mega Church. It is important to note, Bishop Long has yet to publicly deny any of the allegations against him. In fact his responses to the accusations have been classic “Church”. You must give the man credit for sticking to the script. The usage of words and phrases like “I’m going to run on…” meaning to continue to be the person that I am in spite of the demonic forces that are fighting against me. And according to his rights, he should. Bishop Long is innocent until proven guilty. However the fact still remains that there are many questions yet to be answered by the Bishop. Having not made and strong declarative refuting the accusations against him makes us wonder. Could a man of Bishop Long’s status just be, a Wolf in Preachers Clothing?