Studies have shown that in predominatly black areas that 20% or less of murders are solved, whereas in predominatly white areas 60%+ are solved. And the reason for this is that people in white communities are willing to come forward rather then have a killer go free. Whereas the black communities are more worried about "not being a snitch" and selling out their brothers to the "man". And they wonder why black on black crime is such a problem.

"...the holistic moral and ethical values of the America people..."

Wow. What it seems so many hardcore religous people don't get is that not everyone in America shares your views. Not everyone wants a president "to lead... in a godly fashion." Not everyone wants a president who rules according to "every law of god." Not everyone is a "god-fearing Christian voter."

You may find this appalling, but so too do I find appalling the notion that pure logic and reason aren't sufficient to inform government policy - that we must invoke religion (specifically, in this case Christianity) at every opportunity.

"The American people need to stop being lead about as sheep and start thinking for him/her self..."

Funny you should say that. Allow me to quote from John, chapter 10 (http://scriptures.lds.org/john/10):

John 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
John 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

"Brian if you read up on this topic you would know that since research has been done on DNA – it has been confirmed by the justice system – that many errors by so call Qualified Justice System employees have been carried out. It has been proven many times since that many have been sentenced to death who are INNOCENT of any crime! "

Since you're the self-proclaimed expert... EXACTLY how many of the 1.4 million african-american men in jail have been vindicated by DNA testing?

And has DNA testing ONLY vindicated black males? Or does DNA also possibly help white, hispanic, asians?

You're just like Hillary... take an anomaly (less than 1/10th of 1%) and attempt to turn it into a national issue.

But I do hope Hillary continues to keep spouting that why 1.4 million black men are in jail is simply RACISM!

What an idiot!

"The plight of 1.4 million CRIMINALS who BROKE THE LAW. Yeah ok, I feel reallllll bad for them. That’s ridiculous. That’s like saying I should feel bad for a serial killer who raped and tortured to death numerous people cause he was molested as a kid or something similar."

BRIAN – HILLARY SAID "it was time for America to have a national conversation about the plight of 1.4 million men of color who are in the nation’s prison system.”

Brian if you read up on this topic you would know that since research has been done on DNA – it has been confirmed by the justice system – that many errors by so call Qualified Justice System employees have been carried out. It has been proven many times since that many have been sentenced to death who are INNOCENT of any crime! The DNA testing was performed incorrectly, lackadazically, by so called qualified personnel who were completely indifferent to the fact that their lack of testing expertise and ability made the difference of whether one lived or died! AND guess what??? Black Convicts seemingly for some unknown reason had a much more difficult time getting an acquittal even when the DNA test proved inaccurate than a White Man did! Strange don't ya think?

No one I expect would feel sorry for a serial killer or rapist that had been PROVEN guilty. YOU missed the whole context of Hillary's Comment. READ about these issues before you hop on the egg and stone band wagon.

My aging mother recently asked me about the situation. She pondered why, if Hillary was running for President, didn't the rest of the "goons" drop out and let her have it. Realizing that this is not the way the American political system works, I responded with understanding, and stated simply: "Because the rest of the goons don't really want what's best for this country".

Rest assured that this southern born & bred, 39 year old married, white man with a Masters Degree in Higher Education from a midwestern school will support Hillary until Hillary is no longer an option. Why? Because it's the right thing to do and it's what's best for this country.

I cannot find any other specie on the face of the earth where there conjugal relations with the same sex, which is not simply a spiritual but moral as well as biological issue, which has nothing whatsoever to do with mental or physical health and well-being. Pure and simple it is an abomination against every law of God, nature or simply physical well-being. No truly honest Jewish, Christian and or Islamic individual can or should support such an atrocity or presidential, congressional or candidate for public office. Those candidates that do so openly reject the holistic moral and ethical values of the America people regardless of his/her ethnicity.

Jim Davis’ article: ‘Obama’s Church: Cauldron of Division’ should not surprise anyone much less the Christian community, which should speak out while a strong distaste for any form of racism especially as related to the Word of God. Therefore, I would invite Obama to read ‘The Decimation of America by its own hand’, ISBN 0-9761112-8-4, which I would be more than willing to send him a free copy. Moreover, I question Obama’s capability to lead a unified diverse country in a godly fashion and to be associated with a radical misdirected form of Christianity merely supports not simply my concerns but those of any god-fearing Christian voter. In terms of church attendance I would strongly suggest that Obama, if he truly believes in Jesus Christ to find himself a bible-teaching church, the Bible is neither Afro centric or Eurocentric. The fear then becomes Obama’s using a form of Christianity as a stepping stone towards personal gratification and does not truly believe in the triune God of Christian faith. Additionally, while this is no reflection on Obama, any true Christian knows that regularly church attendance does not demonstrate belief or faith in God because the Christian knows that even the devil goes to church regularly. In terms of Oprah’s endorsing Obama after having watched a brief portion of one of her shows this should be of no surprise based on the mind-manipulation existing primarily on the notion of having a so-called African-American as president, which is nothing more than another trick of the enemy. Can Barack Obama lead a diverse nation? No, I would believe not based on a number of factors notwithstanding his controversial church attendance but that of his failure to demonstrate truth, honor and integrity in terms of his questionable background Are his concerns for the whole of the American people and can Barack Obama or even Hilary Clinton fulfill the needs of America without surrendering his/her already questionable Christian beliefs? If, the American people were to look deeply into the reality of that related to these individuals will either portray the dignity necessary towards turning this country back into a leading representative to the whole world or will he/she lead America even further into the depths of world anarchy? Moreover, one should realize that this no longer has anything to do with the Bush Administration but everything to do with moving forward out of the pits of depraved indifference, which is the present-day state of America. Moving away from but keeping Obama in mind. What caused the Clinton’s not to move back to Arkansas? What was the Clinton agenda from the very beginning? Was there intent to manipulate the people of the State of New York for the fulfillment of the Clinton agenda? There too is a lack of truth, honor and integrity reflective of positive leadership. The American people need to stop being lead about as sheep and start thinking for him/her self and people of color need to start researching as oppose to acting based solely on color. [jlh1rrisr@verizon.net]

I had to read this twice to make sure I got it right. So, let's get this straight. I care about immigrants from Mexico, Eastern Europe, Asia, etc. So that makes me Mexican, Romanian, Bulgarian, Latvian, Asian, etc.? Come on.

Also, being married to someone doesn't make you that person. I'm only ASSUMING Hillary Clinton has a REAL plan and position on issues, because she certainly hasn't presented them in the debates, she merely professes to care about every single American (especially lobbyists). But I can confidently say that she doesn't take her "positions" based on what Bill used to do. In fact, I believe she has split from a couple things he did, i.e. NAFTA.

The plight of 1.4 million CRIMINALS who BROKE THE LAW. Yeah ok, I feel reallllll bad for them. That's ridiculous. That's like saying I should feel bad for a serial killer who raped and tortured to death numerous people cause he was molested as a kid or something similar. Sorry, but that's not how it works. If you do not have self control, and prove that you are incapable of living in our society, you get arrested when you break the laws! It's that simple. These aren't poor mistreated black men, these are gang bangers and thugs who thought they could get away with breaking the law.

If being black is imporant to them, then why did they invite all candidates?

They are making this a racial issue, not the average Americans. I would highly encourage all black Americans to overthrow these institutions as they are keeping us in 1960. Most white Americans don't care anymore, it's these organizations that want you to feel sorry for them.

She's black, she's white, she's a new yorker, she's southern, she's a woman, she's a man, she's a dove, she's a hawk, she's a PANDERER!

Hillary stands for nothing but Hillary.

She's been in the Senate for 10 years, why hasn't she pursued any of these 'great' plans of hers there?

I am appalled at the black leaders who asked this question. You act like your still being persecuted after decades. ITS OVER!!! If anything the african american community is getting MORE than other races. Affirmative action? Its sad that 4.0 GPA intellectuals are being denied good colleges, while 10 or so seats are always reserved for new black people, just for being black. So I say now and forever, trust me, your interest are more than met. She is "black enough" just like everyone else. Get over it.

And the same applies for feminists. You have your equality too. So dont think for a second youll get even more if hilary gets in office. Such an act would be more unconstitutional than bush's war.

"...and the death of Chauncey Bailey, the Oakland Post editor who was gunned down last week, allegedly by followers of a group he was investigating."

A "group"?

What was that "group"?

Who was it composed of?

What was/is its mission?

Seems to me, the question that should have asked of said "group", was: "Was Chauncey Baily black enough for you"?

Regarding the question to Sen. Clinton:

Skin color (all hues) should be considered a mere physical feature. Like ear shape, or right/left handedness.
Not a state of mind.

Until everybody embraces the above concept , we'll continue to be subjected to endless inanities like Ms. Malveaux's question.

Do you also think David Vitter's wife should leave her lying, philandering husband?

And, to young E. Caldwell in Philly(?), I would encourage you to review that stormy period of American history when "peace on the streets" became an effective strategy for achieving social goals. I must also add that if we can't find peace on the streets in America, I seriously doubt our ability to spread or impose "freedom and democracy" in other parts of the world.

It is well-past time to ask candidates whether they can assume or at least understand the perspectives of all the constituents they represent, and particularly the consituents who have historically been disenfranchised. I'm encouraged to hear candidates who are willing to risk engagement in such frank and candid discussions of race and culture and, yes, (assuming the ability to engage in serious, critical discourse) religion. That, rather than the machinery and politics of consumption is, after all, the "stuff" of our country and our daily lives.

These people are politicians...and the media harps on them in any way they can. JUST as Mitt Romney has to appease different groups with the republican party, Hillary has to do the same...so STOP ATTRIBUTING "PANDERING" ONLY TO LIBERALS! EVERY Politician does it; stop exaggerating it. And if media outlets stop making things up, such as when Hillary was in the South, and it was reported she was using a fake accent, it doesn't help. WATCH THE CLIP..She's speaking normally, then for a short reading, she used inflection, then switched back to her usual dialect. Geez people. Where's the truth?

Clinton will get the nomination and win the election because she is the most qualified out of all of the candidates of any party to run this country. What is sad is that race and gender still matter so much to so many people. We are truly a backward nation when it comes to progress on racial and gender equality and it is up to each one of us to make a change, not our politicians and not our institutions. Be the change you want to see.

Dumbocrats: To whom are we hearing from now?

A bunch of garbage on today’s network news broadcast when involving the political arena. When will these 2008 democratic candidates, start too listen up from the people and get the message? Democrat’s! Whom? Let the US give it a shot; too define that term democrat? I get it! You huge, flat headed, large eared, thick skinned, almost hairless, big footed mammals; a person who believes in and upholds government by the people (has fell into the Demo cracks); Advocate of rule by the majority; Our majority that is only now at a maximum of approximately 28% due too our failing education systems in our country with most of our children do not learn dick. With now a white American minority populist out of 262 plus or minus counties leading in the nation is drowning our economy by illegal immigration labor force is taking over by 51%. A person who believes in and practices the principle of equality of rights, opportunity, and treatment is absolutely absurd. You people call your selves the Democratic Party. More liken too an agouti, gouty and might as well be speaking with Afrikaans language when addressing the real issues and the people. When will the people hear you speak of finding solutions to the real pressing important issues that face our nation at present?

RA Las Vegas, NV

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(Nice Name)

You can have Giuliani I don't think there's anyone that will give you a cat fight over him! Not even his TWO Previous Wifes!

"Republicans are targeting the main issues people care about" Huh?

I don't recall reading that the majority of voters were FOR THE IRAQ WAR? I do recall reading the Majority of Voters are for SENDING TROOPS HOME.
I don't recall reading much on a positive not regarding the current administration except the AMerican's Pleas for Impeachment.

So I don't think the Republicans care about the Main Issues. But I do feel they'd have a chance at receiving higher ratings if they did!

Why is it that 1.4 million "men of color" are in prison? Surely it has NOTHING to do with the fact that they were convicted of BREAKING THE LAW?

I'll assume that these convicts were and still are "black enough" to know the difference between abiding by the law and engaging in criminal misconduct.

Yes, please do call me a racist. I believe in the human race. Do you?

So many it appears have to rely on one point to discredit Hillary Clinton's Character, her marriage. So, I Say that proves she must be a Great Lady when the only fault her nay sayers can seem to find are 1)her husband, and 2)her acceptance of him! Not a bad record I would say!

In my HO, it takes but a weak soul and a quick jerk to turn heel and run when a marriage has problems. There are many of those people in our socities, hence the large divorce ratings!

To have the courage to stay steadfast, to have the fortitude to work out problems, to have enough faith to believe that hard work will bring success, to have the strength it requires to forgive, to have the humility it requires to admit that you too are not perfect and every one deserves another chance, to have the level of Love and Responsibility required to put your child not yourself first, in my assessment, describes A GREAT HUMAN BEING. And that Great Human Being and Lady is Hillary Rodham Clinton.

If she had opted to run vs. stay and rectify her marriage problems I wouldn't have an ounce of admiration for the woman. She is not weak or at fault for staying, contrary to the other nay sayers here. She has exemplified her Strength, Courage, and Determination to face problems head on and Win! I think those qualities are what makes a Great Leader not what justifies criticism! Giuliani walked out on two women and his children and in the process treated them with complete hostility and disrespect. He is a man I could never respect in any office, state, room or alley.

GO HILLARY! You are to be admired not citicized. Few men could have ever walked where you feared not to tread!

She may as well be black. And it seems to irk people that there is little doubt that Clinton will get the majority of the black vote, the majority of the female vote, and the vote of many of those who are tired of Republican B.S., many of whom just happen to be black.

Take the likes of P. Anderson posting above,

"but it seems to be the black community who is creating their own division from the rest of America."

It's just this kind of denial, this kind of, "Well, why can't black people see that they're part of us?", kind of denial that rings so false even on the ears of the speakers that keep the racial dimensions of the upcoming presidential election alive.

I am a black man who is proud of not being a racist, closet or otherwise. But I'm not a blind man. I see the stark polarization of our society in the ghetto-ization of our major cities across the country. I see the disparity in jobs, housing, health care, education, income, and overall quality of life. P. Anderson sees it too.

The Republicans and other front-runners of the white-flight movement haven't looked back since Reconstruction. They don't see the blight their concerted policies have left in their wake. They've had it their own way and only were aware of and attentive to their high-flying lifestyles, and the urgent necessity to maintain their distance from the rest of the world, meaning to maintain the status-quo.

Now with Clinton and Obama starkly in their faces as a formidable force, it is they who most feel betrayed by the fact that despite all their back-room machinations, somehow a Female and a Black are sitting on the clubhouse veranda. How could it have happened? Again, call it surfeit of B.S.

Well, despite all this ugly unmasking of deep-seated insecurities, Clinton and Obama are weathering the storm of racist backlash with decorous aplomb.

The funny thing is that it won't be those moaners who will bring the Democrats, whether Clinton or Obama, or Clinton/Obama, to the White House, but,collectively, the American people, white, black and otherwise.

I doubt, because of the historical racist undercurrents in this country, if Obama can win the White House alone. I know Clinton will win, with or without Obama. Clinton/Obama will be formidable, an impregnable force driven by the will of the people, especially those who will contend, "Hillary's black enough for me."

http://www.BarackObama.com