@closet republican. I've had the conversation with blacks before (black vs, AA.), and know there's no uniform answer. My point is that if we all think of ourselves as Americans rather than part of some subgroup, it draws us together rather than push us apart. Notice that when the US Olympic team is in action, we rout for the USA, not the black guy, or white guy, or hispanic guy. And no, I didn't know some Native Americans are OK with the term 'Indians'. If Burris is seated it WILL be because of the race card, and his seat would rightly be labelled the Senate's 'black seta', because he would be there solely foor racial reasons. I'm hearing a lot of the same arguments from women's groups in NY over selecting Caroline Kennedy to fill Clinton's Senate seat, as if it were a desigmnated 'woman's seat'. What happened to selecting the best person?

duh

I am AA but I can tell you guys you may have worn a battle but will loose the war. Angling on racism for the seat vacated by Obama whose victory rests squarely on diversity and non affirmative action is bull.

In any case whose said a Black would not have been appointed at the appropriate time when Blago matters are dwelt with?

Shame on you BC its the high time you lived in the 21st America where character and integrity must be supreme. Burr is tainted for giving Blago cover and accepting the appointment in a shoddy way to frog jump other potential candidates

Observation: this woman needs another hair-do. That looks like something from Sesame Street Big Bird's tail.

as long as there is a black caucus, racism is still alive…right Maxine…

Hey People!

We would not need a Congressional Black Caucus if the United States senate reflected the enthic makeup of this country. Most of you are right, this is not a race issue; but the race card got played in this dirty arena of "good ole boy" politics. Get over it. Our goverment officials need to LOOK like all Americans…and you better believe the Hispanics, Asians, etc will be there soon too. The tide needs to turn.

Mike in Syracuse…
@Isaac, I have to agree with Matt. Slavery of blacks by other blacks existed in Africa long before there was a US. Most blacks sold into slavery were sold by other blacks.

@Bridgette-PA. I'm not throwing AA's under the bus. I'm throwing the Black Caucus under the bus.
—————————————————————————–

THAT IS THE DUMBEST ARGUMENT IN THE HISTORY OF ARGUMENT… Please note… what Aricans did to other Africans DOES NOT ABSOVLVE AMERICA OF ITS ORIGINAL SIN…

Obviously 'not' being African American, you will NEVER see the need for a minority group organization. Very simply, there is power in number. I am sure even you understand that.

ok…. we now return you to Mike in Syracuse's regularly scheduled nasty comments…..

Everyone who is calling the Black Caucus truely don't know what it stands for. There is a White Caucus….Its called Congress….Owning this country for 400 years is not enough for you guys….you want to control everything and everyone….Kind of reminds me of slavery.
You want to say America is a free country and you can be what you want to be. What you don't say is that as long as its being controlled by caucasians. With that being said,

Burris has every LEGAL right to be seated. I may not like it and you may not like it but Blago. hasn't been indicted on any charges so he can do whatever he wants at this point. I personally dont think he is qualified, but if Blago wants to seat Bugs Bunny in the Senate we have no right to argue with that selection.

Wait a minute…

Is this the "same" Barbara Lee that was the "only" member of the House who voted against the Authorization for the Use of Military Force, and when asked why she voted against Congress recognizing the President's primary duty stated, "it gives the executive too much power."?

LOL

Un-freakin'-be-leavable.

Dems are so stupid.

Is there a Congressional White Caucus?

He's tainted by the Democrat Culture of Corruption. He should have refused to accept.

@ TIRED OF WHINING LIBERALS………….. Whose whining??? I am a Catholic woman, a Liberal, I am not whining nor do I know any other liberal who is whining.

I THANK GOD, have never taken a dime from the government. Are you saying its wrong to get help when one needs it????

How about ALL the FAT CATS on Wall Street that Bush & Paulson bailed out? IS IT OKAY TO GIVE GOVERNMENT MONEY TO THEM?

And…… 54% of Catholics voted for Barack Obama, are we whiners too?

I was waiting for the CBC to step in and decry this whole situation and take Burris down a peg for being unethical and ungraceful enough to accept the appointment, even if they can't call him out on legal grounds.

So much for that idea. They had an opportunity to destroy every piece of race politics Blagojevich threw into this mess, and they just tossed that opportunity aside by doing this.

Frankly, our officials in Congress and the Senate are supposed to be a voice for the People. For the most part they haven't been, not for a long time, and this proves it: I think the people have made it pretty evident that they feel that Burris should do the decent thing and step back from the appointment until Blagojevich's verdict comes back. Flinging open the door for him because they have to, legally, is one thing; rolling out a welcome mat is quite another.

Since when does race supercede every other factor of qualification? Urgh.

The unbiased Congressional Black Caucus unanimously supporting this opportunistic, arrogant stooge??? Has this report been thoroughly researched and re-evaluted? Wow, just didn't see this indorsement coming! By the way, after reviewing the Constitution recently I couldn't find which amendment allowed for the establishment of this racist glee club either, can anyone else?

Regardless of whether he is black, white, or purple, Burris has been appointed by the Governor of Illinois. The Senate has to seat him. When his seat is up for re-election, let the citizens of Illinois sort this out.

@ BLACK OBSERVER……… BRAVO, WELL SAID!

@Mike, Syracuse NY

Given that I'm not from Africa, I just consider myself black. It's one of those PC things that has yet to really be decided. Alot of Native Americans are ok with being called Indians. Did you know that?

@ Black Observer

"Many have sacrificed their lives for this day."

Yeah. Want to tell me the ratio of white to black people who have died to protect and secure the freedoms that allowed our country to eventually do the growing necessary that we now have a black president? I voted for Obama, but I'm not going to sit here silently and listen to someone spout off at the mouth as though nothing has changed or will ever change. At some point, everyone has to admit that both sides continuing to blabber about race only perpetuates the problem and stagnates our growth. It's time to move on, not cling.

I am originally from Illinois and currently reside in Arizona. I voted more than once for Burris. I happen to like him. However, I am sick and tired of the race card being played in order for any black person to get what they want. Is Burris qualified, sure, more than Caroline Kennedy, which I am also sick of her name being used to get what they want. Perhpas if America could just once get someone in office who does not have a gripe or agenda we could "change" government. Obama played the race card (even though he denies it) so I do not see him as a person of change either.

Wrong! Obama DID play the race card. In the primaries, every time someone said something he didn't like, he turned around and questioned their views on race. He made innuendo about the opponent being racist.

Why is there even a Black Caucus around anymore? Is it necessary? My guess is that black people want to use this crutch to fall back on when it suits them.

Burris is an opportunist who hit the jackpot. He couldn't win the election on his own, so he had to sneak in through the back door. Rod Blagojevich is laughing his head off. He's smarter than everyone gives him credit for.

I can't figure out why it's so difficult to tell a black man no. Right and wrong have nothing to do with his color. I'm black and I disagree with Barack, the black Caucus and Reid on this one. That man should have been sent home packing and if anyone thinks it's racist, so be it.

I AM BLACK AND THINK THE BLACK CAUCUS HAS OUT LIVED IT'S USEFULNESS.

I AM TIRED OF RACE RACE RACE!!

Wow, big surprise that the Congressional Black Caucus is in favor of Burris – HUGE news item.

I agree one hundred percent with Senate Democrats. It is not that Roland Burris is the problem, it is Blagojevich. If they let Roland Burris take that seat, the Republicans are going to target it extensively for 2010, and they will win it. Due to all the controversey, the Republicans will win that seat. The people didn't get to pick Burris, Blagojevich did, and thats the case they will make against him. Also the guy is 71 years old, I mean some of the greatest senators ever have all been above 70, but couldn't Blagojecich pick somebody just as qualified 20 years younger? The Republicans will throw some young, charismatic hopeful at that seat, and they will win it. If Roland Burris is seated it should only be for two years so the Democrats have an honest shot at holding on to the seat.

If they have such a thing as a "Black Causcus", I think we need to get Tiger Woods off the courses!

Here's a solution: Seat Burris but tell him he can only vote 'present' until 2010.

Barrack said "it's a senate matter and I will work with Burris if seated". Isn't that like voting present?

The Democrats certainly do not have the balls or the finesse of the Republicans. They screwed up this whole Burris thing. And now a conservative group is suing Congress to seat Burris! Talk about using an opportunity to shame the Democrats and make them look like a bunch of idiotic racists!

How could they have been so S-T-U-P-I-D???? Harry Reid should be thrown out!!!

God help poor Obama if these are the idiots that he'll have to depend on to change this country around!!!!

OH PLEASE………. as a black woman may I say the the CBC shut up….. this has nothing to do with his race and none of us in the public will stand with you on this… BURRIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A REAL MAN AND SAID THANKS BUT NO THANKS…. HE COMMENETED ON THE SCANDAL AND THEN ACCEPTS THE POSITION… IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH RACE BUT WITH JUDGEMENT………….

To Black Observer:

Shut up. That song and dance is tired.

coming from a black woman….THIS IS CRAP!

@Isaac, I have to agree with Matt. Slavery of blacks by other blacks existed in Africa long before there was a US. Most blacks sold into slavery were sold by other blacks.

@Bridgette-PA. I'm not throwing AA's under the bus. I'm throwing the Black Caucus under the bus. Big difference. It seems that most self-identified AA's commenting here are embarrased by the vote, which is good. It does show the large gap with the black 'leadership' in Congress. By the way, why is the term AA's? My grandparents were from Poland, but I'm not Polish-American, I'm American. Why do African Americans need the modifier? Want to be treated the same, stop acting different. George Carlin's line comes to mind: "just happens to be…" How about Americans who just happen to be black?

I am laughing in the face of every leftist on this forum. The CBC is your constituency. Enjoy!

You deserve each other.

The Senate should properly response with an emphatic "No Way!"

Now isn't this sooooo transparent? Please do not treat us differently because of our skin color, but please allow us to break the law and give us preferential treatment and jobs because of our skin color???? It's time to stop the hand-outs – what is good and right for one color person is good and right for all – no more freebies!!!

It is amazing how one criminal mind can touch everyone. We were taught in childhood that our actions have consequences that touch everyone. There truly is six degrees of seperation between us all. Blagos antics are snowballing right through the government and media. He has set off a domino effect with his malfeasance and forced the hands and reputations of our truly elected officials in the Senate. It is sad that he would use a 71 year old man as one of his pawns. Evil, ingnorance and injustice always have a direct line to power.

Folks, this is an excerpt from an interview with Wolf Blitzer

Wolf Blitzer: …have you been in touch with the Illinois secretary of state[Jesse White] and asked that that certificate be signed?

Burris: Oh, well, yes, I talked with the secretary of state beforehand. He advised that because of his commitment to the people that he had said he would not sign it. And so I certainly respect his position though I disagree with his position. And we are hoping then that the supreme court will cause that matter to take place.

Folks this is NOT a racial issue. The CBC's support doesn't make it so… How ludicrous is it that after everything this country has been through in terms of race and inequality, you could even question relevance of the CBC, NAACP, or any group that supports the end of any overt or covert injustice of any racial or social group?

CBC, NAACP and all those racist organizations need to be banned. The only thing they are good for is creating racism. Get over it. Anytime one of these groups don't get their way, it's always about race. Come on!!! This is nonsense

Oh nooo CBC. You should keep sleeping like a baby on this one. This is a simple legal issue that some feather-mouth guys blow out of proportion. Keep sleeping CBC.

I'm black and think this is utterly stupid. Congress made it clear to Blago not to seat anyone. In Blago's case, he must think he's above the government with the Burris pick (hence trying to sell the seat). And for Burris, he knew there was an investigation going on with the appointee. So why would you get yourself involved? And then immediately make it a racial issue. This doesn't make any sense!! I'm ashamed this has become a raceissue.

It is about race. Now to be white or anti Obama is the same as being a nazi

I'm black and think Burris should not be seated. He should be ashamed of himself for allowing that creep to use him as a pawn in his silly little game.

Race over ethics…

TNB in its finest.

It is not because something is in your favor why you should approve it despite that it violates justice. Remember we make the law. “The law is made for man, but not man for the law". A law that was enacted upon an honest society becomes inefficient as the society grows dishonest; it becomes weak and offers opportunity for fraud, corruption and injustice. Therefore, such a law must be reconsidered or dissolved. In this case, should Burris be seated? Yes and NO. Yes if Blagojevich will be impeached; and NO if he will keep his post and he should be stripped of his governor's privilege to appoint anyone. But we should not both reject Burris and impeach Blagojevich, which would be to kill two birds with one stone.

The person who made the comment about the new president "looking out for whites", like many, is still ignorant to the fact that he is of mixed race–his mother white and and his biological father a black African.

Also, you need to be reminded if you don't already know it , that Illinois Sec'y of State Jesse White IS BLACK! and it is HIS signature that is needed to make this thing official. Sec'y White himself is not FOR Burris making the junior senator.

Sen. Durbin said himaself today in a press conference that this is NOT a racial. The CBC's job is to make certain that it is not.

Senators Reid and Durbin both said that think favorably about Burris and will make ceratin that protocol is followed and that no wrong doing was behind Burris' appointment.

Since when does the House of Representatives have a say in an internal matter of the Senate? What business is it of theirs?

Hitler appoints Burris, black caucus says Burris should be seated

Its always about race….. geez, when will the African American Community get over it? You are Americans. One of you is about to be our president. Its time to put an end to this contrived talk, which is itself racist. Sick of it all. And by the way, we are a nation of laws… the Senate has rules, and Harry Reid is actually following them by not seating Burress yet. We should break the rule because someone is black?

Disgusted…………..

Leah DiMarco, Texas January 7th, 2009 4:03 pm ET

Why is there a Congressional BLACK caucus?
If there was a Congressional WHITE caucus people would be up in arms!
————————————
FYI: There IS a Congressional White Caucus.
It's called CONGRESS!

It's interstering how everyone who do not want Mr. Burris seated has a negative opinion, " KNOW THE LAW," it's very CLEAR he has every right to be seated as the Jr. Senator. There is no way to stop him!!!!!!!!

Glovigh is still in office as Govoner doing business and still signing bills into law, and who's stopping him, NOBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mike, Syracuse NY January 7th, 2009 2:35 pm ET
Mike, Syracuse NY January 7th, 2009 2:35 pm ET
Obviously you never study black history; it would be hard for you to understand what it means to be black in America. Before coming to this blog or any blog for that matter, I suggest you educate yourself and maybe read about blacks struggle in America (if you want to comment about black matters). White people own everything in America, even black as some point. We have been fighting for equality and justice for ever. Today we have a black elected as president and will be president within a few weeks. It's not by miracle my friend it all hard work. Many have sacrificed their lives for this day. Instead is of criticizing the concept of a black caucus, why don't you ask yourself why do we need a black caucus. Do a little research and get back to us. In the mean time, as we continue to fight, people like yourself are afraid to see us organizing because you have seen the fruit of such organization. You have 100 senators, how many of them are blacks? Why is that? Oh yeah the concept of a black caucus is more racist than you folks upstate. Get real

Simple solution that makes everyone happy; Illinois goes without a Jr. Senator till Blago is impeached and removed from office, then the Lieutenant Governor takes over the job, and appoints Jesse Jackson Jr., who was cleared of wrongdoing in the scandal. The Senate gets a black senator, Blagojevich doesn't get to make a mockery of the rule of law, and Illinois gets a Senator free of the shadow of ethical taint.

I want to hear where Fitzpatrick is in all this! He hasn't said one way or the other if there was any wrong doing on Burris' part w/Blago.

Let's see if CNN is fair and balanced and allows this post —-

Lilli,,,,,,"And Pres-Elect Obama NEVER played the race card but the Media did!"

Are you that brainwashed that you can't remember your chosen one saying " they are going to try and scare you and say he doesn't look like we do"

Was that not Obama playing the race card. I look forward to your response of hypocrisy.

How is the Black Caucus supporting a Black man appointed to the Senate playing the race card?

It seems like whenever Black people support one another, the outsiders say we're being "racist"…..nevermind that we've been voting for and supporting white people in this country for centuries. And built the economy of this country by providing free labor……

ban the black caucus, the white caucus, the hispanic caucus, the asian caucus and legalise the american caucus.

Are there any white people in the " Black Caucus" ? if not , isn't that discrimination? Didn't Cohen try to apply and get refused?

This caucus group needs to be dissolved.

What DOES it do besides perpetuate racism?

@ Isaac

Check your history. Most of those Africans were sold to white slavers by their fellow Africans, not "stolen." Don't believe me? Check out how they're still treating each other in places like the Congo and Darfur while the rest of the world ignores it so we can play war games in the Middle East. Obviously this makes none of it right, but you're mischaracterizing it in order to be more inflammatory.

i support buress,s seating or if there are not enough seats his standing…. i just have one question whats the use of the white caucus? the black caucus and the hispanic caucus are all congress people not supposed to exercise power in the name of the american people? whats the use of these caucuses…

Why is there a Congressional BLACK caucus?
If there was a Congressional WHITE caucus people would be up in arms!

Surprise, surprise…

Why is it that people seem to think that something called the "Congressional Black Caucus" is okay but there'd be howls of racism! if someone started a corresponding "Congressional White Caucus?"

Really. Why is the CBC involved in this issue??? Regardless of the legality or illegality of Burris's appointment to BO's seat, this is a legal issue that has, until the CBC opened its mouth, had anything to do with race. Why does the CBC have to complicate this any further? Harry Reid has already suggested that Burris will be accepted as a bona fide member of the Senate once he gets clearance from the proper authorities, e.g., the IL Secretary of State, or Burris testifies in the Blagojevich investigation. This is not a case where the Senate is trying to "keep a black man" out of power. When is this nonsense going to end??? Let's keep it clean.

Why do people want this to be about race, isn't there enough of that oout there already? Did the CBC really have to get involved?

Like it or not, Burris will be seated as he was 'legally' appointed. The present tone of Reid and Durbin dictates this also.

Also FYI, the AG of IL signing of Burris paperwork is purely ceremonial. The AG of IL has no power to veto or block Blago's pick. If u don't like the rules change it. It is not necessary for AG to legitimize Burris. Reid and the Senate overstepped their bounds and once again looks like complete idiots who think they are above the law.

If they (the DEMS) did not want Blago to make the pick, the Dems in Springfield IL. could have removed the power fr Blago and called a special election. They did not because the Dems in Springfield IL wanted to keep that seat in their hands. The Dems in Sprinfield IL did not want to risk the seat going to a Repubs. In view of the Blago scandal. That is the reason why we have this mess.

But I'm sure somewhere this is Bush's fault! U can count on hearing that for the next 10 yrs!

Lilli,,,,,, "And Pres-Elect Obama NEVER played the race card but the Media did!"

You defintely are a blue blooded liberal,,, you have so easily forgotten Obama saying " they're going to try to scare you because He doesn't look like we do"

You're obviously brainwashed and can't think for yourself or you would have never shown your ignorance by stating such an obvious lie.

All Burris needs is a stamp from the Illinois SoS on his form and he's legally a US Senator…

Just because Blogo got caught with his hand in the cookie jar… doesn't mean he isn't allowed to perform the duties of his office. Now if he's under indictment or impeached from office that would be a diff story. But so far, his prosecution has been all talk and no action.

By law, he's innocent until proven guilty just like any of us are. Either put him in jail, impeach him, or let him do his job..

Why is this a Black issue?

whatever they need to stop making this about color please!

Can we now get rid of the "black causcu" and the NAACP and all of these other race groups???? Can we now just move along as Americans??? If not how about……a "white caucus" and a NAAWP and other race groups that will make sure that white people get a fair shake.

I hope that our president-elec is going to be looking out of "whites" like all the white presidents have. I'm tired of "black privilege"….

"Race" was NOT an issue until Harry Reid and Blago made it one in their conversation about what candidates (Jackson, Jones, Davis) should not be selected as the IL Senate.

Wake up people! Race will always be an issue in this country. It should not define or limit ones ability to achieve success in life.

In this case, Burris should be seated — given the Democrats miss handled this situation. Harry Reid need to let the ego go…. GET THIS MESS OVER. We have bigger problem to solve in this country.

How can race not play a role in USA, when USA supported the kidnapings of African people and sold to slavery for centuries. With that history, race will always play a role USA. So get used to it racist people. Even though we have a black president, white people still owe a lot to black people.

Burris is an opportunist. No respectable person would have accepted an appointment from Blago. Color isn't the issue, its a question of character. HE SHOULD NOT BE SEATED.

Everyone must stick together…….

Congressional Black Caucus says Burris should be seated.

Congessional Black Causcus Be Stupid!

This is issue is sooo yesterday. Seat the man already.

I DNT THINK THIS IS ALL ABT RACE AMERICA , IT IS NOT BUT I ALSO BELIEVE THAT IF HE WAS WHITE SENATOR REID WOULD HAVE BEEN A LITTLE BIT LENIENT IN HIS WORDS AND ACTIONS.

We need to know what the Congressional White/Other Caucus has to say…..

THERE IS NO WRONG DOING ON HIS PART. SO WHAT IS THE PROBLEM.

Why is it that everything has to come down to race? Why can't we just say a person any person is qualified and let us place them on thier merits? Why do we have a divide like a black caucus or any other one race party? Why can't there be just a caucus that says hey this person should get this becuase he or she deserves it. I'm tired of the race card aren't you?

daniel cabrera….oh, please. Obama won his presidency fair and square. Absolutely NO fraud involved. I didn't see Captain Crunch show up to vote, did you?
When will you sore losers stop whining?

As much as I think the Governor of Illinois is a scum bag, and should be removed from office, there is no reason not to sit Burris. He himself has done nothing improper to attain this seat and therefore as far as I can tell he has all the legal leverage on his side and the Senate will have no choice at some point to seat him. The democrats right now are just making themselves look foolish by refusing to sit this honorable man.

Blagojevic has not been indicted or impeached and he hasn't resigned. Whether you like it or not he LEGALLY can appoint anyone he likes. His name is still on the door in the Govenor's office. He goes to work everyday and continues to perform the duties that he was elected to do. He continues to sign bills. He continues to pardon prisoners. He just signed a bill stating when the primary elections will be held in the state. No one is saying anything about all the other duties that he is continuing to perform. You cannot pick and choose what he can LEGALLY do as the govenor because you don't think he SHOULD. Like him or not he's still the govenor and until he is LEGALLY removed from office or resigns he can continue performing the duties of his office including appointing a Senator of his choosing to represent the citizens of his state. He was LEGALLY bound to do it and he DID.

America going backward… What happen's in 2012…. A white-Man is Elected… Blacks will shout: "Racism"…. What is this Mr Obama….; Black America????

I'm black and I think the Black Caucus is wrong. This is not a cause to rally around–Blago is an idiot and anyone who supports what he wants is an idiot. Wrong move Black Caucus. Rod is making you look like fools.

The Congressional Black Caucus needs to be DISMANTLED, since it does not accept "elected" officials who are not black and represent minority black districts.

Mike…I do believe this is the first time I've agreed w. you!

Burris is an opportunist. He just wants the seat and will do whatever it takes (inc. playing the race card) to get it, regardless of how the people of IL feel about the whole thing.
Whatever happened to judging a man by his character and not the color of his skin? His willingness to accept the position from Blago doesn't say a whole lot about his character…

Since Burris himself said this was not a racial issue, why is the black caucus saying anything.

Blagoboy is laughing his head off, while Congress is running around with their heads chopped off.

Stop being idiots, stop talking to the press, just accept this guy or not but SHUT UP about. You look like fools, which is exactly what Blagojevich wants. He's smarter than you guys. Just shut the heck up. You're making a mockery of the Congress. SHUT UP.

@ daniel cabrera

"So, by that line of reasoning…"

—

Clearly, you adhere to a loose definition of reason.

Totally agree with comments made by Chicago GOP, Paul Denman and Tired of Whinning Liberals….by the way, why do we even have Black and Hispanic caucuses in our Congress, seems like they only draw racial and ethnic lines in our Congress. Hmmm, I wonder how peope would feel if someone tried to create a White Caucus…people would be calling them racists and White Supremists in a heart beat. It's time our Congress stopped being afraid to take positions without worrying about stepping on the toes of the black and hispanic caucus.

Honestly, Daniel, I am curious what era in American politics do you consider decent.

So, while I am ashamed of all the white people on this board for using this board as a scape goat to spout their true feeling about black people, I am honestly not surprised. It is funny when you see people type messages suggesting the idea of the "CBC" is inherently racist…clearly they are ignoring the reason for its creation (in the first place)

Despite the antics, I must say, as a YOUNGER educated black male (mid 20's), that I too do not agree with Buress' attempt to politicize this issue. I am also surprised that the CBC unanimously voted to support his pseudo-campaign to take this seat "by any means necessary" (lol…sorry…I get cynical sometimes). It makes me wonder if there are members of the CBC who do not truly believe he deserves the seat and just lack the backbone necessary to stand up to the older (and often very archaic) black members of congress…or rather…if all the members of the CBC maintain that myopic a perspective of what they deem is fair politics. This should neither be about getting whatever we can take nor about this process being ok b/c Buress is black. Clearly, if he was white the CBC would not stand unanimously in support of him (heck…the rhetorical question of the century should be would they support another candidate under the same conditions if he was not black).

Sometimes, we, as black people (and especially our representatives) need to take a look in the mirror and not only reflect on how far we have come, but notice that we are engaging in the same kind of historical politics that we supposedly abhor.

I guess, for now, my only hope is for Barack to be boisterous in his opposition to this senate choice….clearly Burress, who everyone can tell is savoring at the mouth b/c he can smell the ambrosia, is willing to compromise his morals…b/c technically "he has done nothing wrong"…LOL!

@ Empty People

Actually, just to be clear, Feinstein has been dead wrong. She cannot simultaneously argue that Blago technically has the authority to appoint Burris while ignoring the FACT that the Sec. of the Senate technically had no authority to accept the appointment without White;s signature. She's trying to have it both ways because she's a rabble-rousing moron who is angry about not getting the appointment to which she felt entitled.

Burris was appointed by the Governor therefore it was legal and he therefore should be seated. We seem to forget that in America one is innocent untill proven guilty. The Governor, although charged has not been convicted of the crime upon which he has been charged and is currently STILL the GOVERNOR. The Black Caucus has nothing to do with it.

As long as he sits in the back.

Obama inititally voted against it, now he is just voting present.

Why is a black caucus even tolerated? Oh, right…

As Gomer Pile said, Surprise, Surprise.

Did they add in any of the disgusting rhetoric that Bobby Rush spouted out?

So, while I am ashamed of all the white people on this board for using this board as a scape goat to spout their true feeling about black people, I am honestly not surprised. It is funny when you see people type messages suggesting the idea of the "CBC" is inherently racist…clearly they are ignoring the reason for its creation (in the first place)

Despite the antics, I must say, as a YOUNGER educated black male (mid 20's), that I too do not agree with Buress' attempt to politicize this issue. I am also surprised that the CBC unanimously voted to support his pseudo-campaign to take this seat "by any means necessary" (lol…sorry…I get cynical sometimes). It makes me wonder if there are members of the CBC who do not truly believe he deserves the seat and just lack the backbone necessary to stand up to the older (and often very archaic black members of congress)…or rather…if all the members of the CBC maintain that myopic a perspective of what they deem is fair politics. This should neither be about getting whatever we can take nor about this process being ok b/c Buress is black. Clearly, if he was white the CBC would not stand unanimously in support of him (heck…the rhetorical question of the century should be would they support another candidate under the same conditions if he was not black).

Sometimes, we, as black people (and especially our representatives) need to take a look in the mirror and not only reflect on how far we have come, but notice that we are engaging in the same kind of historical politics that we supposedly abhor.

I guess, for now, my only hope is for Barack to be boisterous in his opposition to this senate choice….clearly Burress, who everyone can tell is savoring at the mouth b/c he can smell the ambrosia, is willing to compromise his moral…b/c technically "he has done nothing wrong"…LOL!

Bah! if all goes as I expect, Al Franken will get the place, for he is using the SAME PRACTICE AS OBAMA DID FOR WIINNIG ELECTIONS,..FRAUD,CORRUPTION, MORE FRAUD AND MORE CORRUPTION,…etc, and others goodies

Quite frankly, lately, America sucks!,…WE HAVE TO GO BACK TO DECENCY,….STILL HOPE!

Oh!, and about Mr Burris?

Well, the good man should be inside, since 'BY TECHNICALITY OF LAW' all is alright.

However Reid fundaments his 'NO', on the basis of the apointee is coming 'tainted'.
Ok, is understandable, 'tainted' is the comon denominator for CHICAGO-CORRUPTED POLITICAL SPECTRUM.

So, by that line of reasoning, people from there are not to be accepted.But here is the dilema, Obama IS PRODUCT OF THAT CORRUPTED POLITICAL ATMOSPHERE, AND YET, YOU COCOZOIDS, WACKADOOS AND GOOFBALLS DEMOCRATS ARE ACCEPTING HIM FOR PRESIDENCY.

So, where the blazes are your brains(if any)?

Is a MASTER MYSTERY, LIFE LATELY .
Ok, take it from there.
sincerely,
Daniel Cabrera
Merrillville, Indiana

Of course they feel that he should be seated. They are attempting to turn a non-racially motivated issue into a racial problem

If Burriss was white, how would the Black Caucus have voted. Or, would they have bothered to vote

@ Ghost

Like it or not, the Dems went by the book. Once Burris gets his court order forcing White to sign and White signs, they will have to seat him or legitimately be characterized as doing something wrong. As of now, they've done nothing wrong.

Wonderful job of turning this into a black vs white issue. It's all about right vs wrong. Trustworthy vs corrupt.

I'm so very tired of the race card being used everywhere I turn. A year ago, I didn't care what color someone was – now, it's ALL I hear.

Gotta love how the NEGATIVE CHANGE is affecting right and wrong.

Soon, I'll be wrong for even breathing – I'm a white, widowed, Catholic woman who's never taken a dime from the government, oh, and I'm under 40.

I need a goverment bail out for $35.037.59. do you think this is possible??

I'm Black and have to argee with Mike. I think race is too much of an issue in US politics. If it's not Hispanic, it's Black, it's this and that. Also, CNN places toooooo much focus on race in its reporting. Please unite the country and divide. Racism is a reality and will not go away, but please, just deal with people's credentials and get the job done!

This is not a racial issue. This has nothing to do with race and to suggest so is ridiculous. There are no black senators or latino senators but you can't necessarily blame that all on racism either; even though racism is alive and well in America. The Black Caucus needs to stop making a mountain out of a mole hill and pulling the race card. Its divisive and does nothing for race relations. We blacks shouldn't get things because we are black. Obama proved that you can be black and appeal to more than just blacks if you have the credentials. Everytime a black person is denied something, some ambitious "civil rights leader" or spokes person for the black community calls it race and fuels the fires of mistrust between the races. Burris was either stupid or incredibly naive for accepting the job in the first place. He knew the climate surrounding the illinois governor so race has nothing to do with it.

This is the only way Burris will ever get to be any US Representative of the great state of IL. Ever time he has run for a national office he has lost and will again in 2010. The great people of IL do not want him representing them. He does not get it nor does the Gov.

Yeah, I have lost alot of respect for the CBC. This was one issue that they could've been silent on.

However, I see some black folk on here with issues with Burress. the man hasn't done much except be rather ambitious. What the CBC MIGHT be looking at is how Reid didn't seem to like any of the candidates, who all happened to be black.

The point here is that it seems that the Dems have no real leg(al) to stand on.

Taking a page out of Sharpton's book: make it about race instead of the real underlying issue (the law) and nobody can say boo.

What, other than race, could possibly be their rationale for this? This is not about supporting another black man. It's about doing what's right, and seating him is not what's right.

Congratulations on making it about race instead of the legal realities of the situation. Kudos for changing the subject.

TCM pleeez!! The Black Caucus voted for Pres. Clinton…..and yes, 100%!! In your world, is former Pres Clinton white or black???

And Pres-Elect Obama NEVER played the race card but the Media did!

Wake the hell up people!!!
This does NOT have anything to do with race. Stop playing the race card every single time a black person is within shouting distance. It is ridiculous and is only adding fuel.

This is about Blago and his corruption. how can they possibly accept a nominee from a guy who tried to sell the seat to the highest bidder?

The people of Illinois should stand up and shout from the top of their lungs that he is not their representative and DEMAND a vote.

Burris shouldn't have even accepted the appointment out of principle. Legally, yes, he is entitled to the senate seat but with so much scandal surrounding Blago Burris should have known better. Now it just looks like Burris is only concerned with his political advancement. He's supposedly appauled by what Blago is accused of but not appauled enough to refuse the senate seat.

Empty suit uh uh has an empty brain

When all the senators & republican house caucus meets, they don't have to call it white because they all are.
It's not racism until u suffer at the hands of another race. Until you have experienced it you speak from ignorance.
Blacks have always voted for white politicans and u say nothing. When whites vote for other whites for 200 years u say nothing
Speaking up now says a lot!

Just because the "Black Caucus" says that Burris should be seated doesn't mean that he should. You’re missing the point. Get "RACE" out of your head. There are several non AA's that are saying the same thing. Again, if Blagojevich had the authority as governor to appoint anyone, then it should stand. If he doesn't, then it shouldn't. Let's not feed into this being about race. That's what the media and other people want. They want non AA'S to keep typing negative things about African Americans. It's not right nor is it fair. AA's shouldn't say that Burris should be seated because there isn't another AA in the senate or if Burris was white, he would be appointed.
"Mike, Syracuse NY" and "tired of corporate politics" – You are throwing AA's under the bus. Why? EVERYONE should say "WAS THIS LEGAL OR NOT?"

the Black Caucus wants Burris seated……duh….stop talking about this thing—the deal was made last month—Blago appoints a black and then Obama pardons him down the road—-

Get it? This is how Chicago politics works. Just watch it happen.
Burris has been "IN" all along.

The Black Caucus is a joke. And for the record.. A vast majority of them supported Hillary Clinton in the primary, NOT President Obama.

I'm a black man who feels Burris should NOT be seated.

How desperate is he that he's willing to take THIS path to the Senate???

THIS IS NOT A BLACK OR WHITE DECISION, IT IS WHAT IS BEST FOR THE COUNTRY…. I DON'T CARE HOW MANY BLACKS ARE IN CONGRESS…STOP MAKING EVERYTHING AN IGNORANT RACE ISSUE. THIS GOVERNOR HAS NO RIGHTS AND WHY IN GOD'S NAME HE IS STILL THERE IS BEYOND ME AND ANY CONSTITUTION I EVER LEARNED. BURRIS HAS BEEN TAINTED BY THE GOVERNOR. IT IS TOO BAD BUT IT HAPPENED. LET BURRIS TAKE IT LIKE A MAN AND STEP DOWN AND LET THE SYSTEM WORK TO GET THAT PIG BAGNOJAVICH IN JAIL. STOP COVERING THE BUTTS OF THE CONGRESS WHO ARE CORRUPT! TIRED OF FALLING BACK ON RACIAL BULL. IF YOU ARE TOO BLACK TO DO THINGS FOR THE WHOLE OF THE COUNTRY THAN YOU DO NOT BELONG THERE EITHER!!!!!!
PIGS COME IN ALL COLORS………. STOP CLAIMING ONLY BLACKS ARE SUPPRESSED IN THIS COUNTRY !!!!!

SAME GOES FOR THE INDIAN TRIBES….

Senator Burris was legally appointed and all this theater and drama created by Harry Reid is ridiculous……SEAT BURRIS!

Well what else are they going to say?

@"tired"..Obama never played the race card..the media did…deal with it…

The very concept that you just wrote what you wrote I guess shows that your racist. I'm not sure what is going to happen with either Obama or Burriss, but I can just feel the hate.

I am a black woman and Burris should not be seated. I suggest to anyone who thinks he should be seated, he will be swimming with the sharks and it will not serve anyone well.

Roland Burris has done nothing wrong, but is being treated as if he is the one under investigation by the press and politicians. His civil rights have been violated by a secretary of state using politics for his own advantage and a press corp hungry for Paris Hilton type nonsense. The U.S. Senate should be doing everything it can to make sure that this legal appointment is certified and Mr. Burris seated as soon as possible.

I'M SO SORRY!!! THIS IS NOT A PROUD MOMENT IN BLACK HISTORY!!!

Mike , Syracuse NY stop whining. It is What it is. Dont you feel powerless Ha Ha Ha. Get use to this and stop complaining .

who cares? This isn't a race issue…until it can be used as such for someone's benefit.

As a black man I am ashamed that race is even being brought up in this situation. Burris is a clown for accepting the job.

Has the Black Caucus ever heard of the story about the boy who cried wolf. If you keep on claiming racism when racism is not present, its becomes hard to call racism when it is actually present.

This is ridiculous.

They should support him and so should everyone else. The fact remains Larry Craig was arrested in an airport bathroom and later pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct, but he got to keep his seat and focus on his job. Ted Stevens was arrested on corruption charges, was tried and convicted, but he was still able to carry out his official duties. Blago has not had any of his powers removed therefore Burris is in. I bet Harry "Stinky" is really pissed at this one.

I think Burris was foolish to expect his Certificate of Appointment to be accepted by the Senate when it lacks any form of legal acknowledgment, not even a Notary Public's signature in lieu of the normally used Secretary of State's signature. Without any official certifying the Governor's signature, it is clearly not a legal instrument.

The concept of a "Black Caucus" is not racist. It's necessary. Organizations such as the Black Caucus were originated in order to combat racism, something that blacks have endured to a great extent here in the US. In the case of Burris, I'm not so sure that race has anything to do with it, but could be a contributing factor. There are NO black or Latino or Asian senators…does this not sound a bgit biased to you???

Gee….blacks demanding a black….that's a surprise….I wonder if all the members of the black caucus would've voted for Obama if he had been white….hmmm…very racist..indeed

Keep it up Dumocrats, this is better than anything on TV and the "selected one" has not even taken office yet……

Richardson, Gov Bloggy, Reid telling Bloggy NOT to name a black man, Feinstein speaking the truth, Eric Holder……..

Your reign will be a short one thanks to infighting, greed and the stupidity of "selecting" an unproven empty suit based on uh, uh, uh teleprompted words written by a speech writer and NOTHING ELSE.

Bush was a dolt who couldn't speak, what is the uh, uh, uh, uh difference.

Maybe I can "you know" ask um , um, Princess Caroline.

"Mike", I agree with you.
And "tired", Obama never played the "race card". The media did.

Would the Congressional Black Caucus be involved if Burris was white? Give me a break. This has nothing to do with being black, it has to do with the guy that chose him is under investigation for selling that same seat. Burris just doesn't get it and we have enough people in congress who are out of touch, we dont need one more.

The Congressional Black Caucus would seat Idi Amin if he were the one appointed. These folks don't care what the issues are, its all about race.

Of course they do…

But race has nothing to do with it, right? Bet the vote would have been 100% against if he were white. The very concept of a 'Black Caucus' is racist, and they've just proved it.

Emboldened by Obama's use of the race card to avoid hard critisism, other politicians will follow his lead.

The rules are now clear – the race card trumps the DNC power broker card.

Wouldn't it honor the AA heritiage in this country to have AA politicians who have actual strength and character, instead of whining and posturing and threatening?