Volume 6 Issue 7…Dedicated to the Dialogue on Race…February 21, 2003

Comte Joseph Arthur de Gobineau (1816-82)

Scion of an aristocratic family, writer, diplomat, historian and racial theorist, Comte Joseph Arthur de Gobineau was born on July 14, 1816 at Ville d'Avray, a suburb of Paris. Son of the commander of Louis 18th's Imperial Guards, young de Gobineau attended military school until the outbreak of the second French revolution (July 1830). With his family fortunes radically altered, the young man was forced to leave military school and seek refuge in Germany and Switzerland.

After the revolution, Gobineau returned to Paris. He worked as a journalist, while studying ancient civilizations. Following the February 1848 revolt, which ended France's monarchy, Gobineau became an associate of Alexis de Tocqueville, the French foreign minister and author of La Démocratie en Amérique (Democracy in America, 1835-1840). During his brief 1848 tenure, Tocqueville appointed Gobineau his chef de cabinet. This appointment launched Gobineau's diplomatic career.

Gobineau's diplomatic assignments included tours in Bern, Hanover and Frankfurt. From 1854-1858, he served as first secretary of the French mission and then as France's Charge d'Affaires at the court of Nassur ul'Din shah Qajar of Iran (Persia). Following his return to France, Gobineau published his 1859 memoirs Trois Ans En Asie (Three Years in Asia).

After a mission to Newfoundland, Emperor Napoleon III sent Gobineau back to Iran (1861). In 1864, he moved to Athens and in 1868 to Rio de Janeiro. During the war of 1870-71, Gobineau was in France. His final diplomatic post was Stockholm (1872-77). Forced into retirement, he left Sweden for Rome, where he spent his final days writing and sculpting. Comte Joseph Arthur de Gobineau died on October 13, 1882.

Gobineau wrote extensively. His works range widely from essays and short stories to large volumes on ethnology and history. Although The Renaissance, a series of historical sketches on Savonarola, Caesar Borgia, Julius II, Leo X and Michelangelo is considered his masterpiece, Gobineau's best known work is Essai sur l'Inégalité des races humaines (1853-55).

Gobineau's doctrine held that the different races are innately unequal in talent, value and ability. Only the white or "Aryan" race, "the creator of civilization," was capable of absorbing and creating culture. In its purest form, only the white race possessed the supreme human virtues of honor, love of freedom, etc. Other races could only change their innately inferior character through racial intermingling. Along with the notion that "all men are capable of an equal degree of perfection," Gobineau dismissed environmental conditions in shaping humans. Gobineau's racial views greatly influenced Germans, particularly Richard Wagner and Adolf Hitler. (Sources: Encyclopedia Britannica, http://home.c2i.net/monsalvat/biogs.htm and www.vohuman.org) Bit of History Homepage

Hood Notes

UN: Body for World Peace

According to Article 4, Chapter 2 of the UN Charter, "Membership in the United Nations is open to all peace-loving states which accept the obligations of the Charter and, in the judgement of the Organization, are willing and able to carry out these obligations."

The United Nations is composed of 191 member states. It is the largest and most important organization of sovereign states in existence. Neither the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) nor the European Union (EU) can compare with its size and clot, yet some EU states and NATO, which totals less than 30 nations, are preparing for war against Iraq, a UN member. The United States has indicated a willingness to go to war without UN backing. This preemptive action could do irreparable harm and render the organization useless for maintaining peace, the reason for its establishment. Hood Notes Homepage

Defining "X"

By John Burl Smith

During the 1980's, a chilled wind of frosty criticism blew from the "baby boom" generation, which dismissed any potential benefit from their children. Withdrawing the comforting warmth and soothing adoration offspring expect, particularly in the US, baby boomers turned cold. Children became targets, as "boomers" took pleasure in disparaging any and everything about young people.

"Boomers" demanded young people conform to the pseudo-Christian, Anglo-Saxon, red neck American heritage or be marginalized. Hypocritically, like reciting the pledge of allegiance, children had to mouth principles of freedom, justice and equality, while supporting institutionalized racism and discrimination. Decrying youthful expressions of independence, creativity and idealism, frightened anxious parents tried to build walls to protect imaginary childhood innocence.

Less sympathetic compassionate conservative "boomers" dubbed their offspring Generation "X." Not reflecting the desired image, "boomers" characterized and certified "Gen-Xers" losers. Then as now, children were expected to be "little adults." The offspring of boomers could never be granted the right to exercise the freedoms their "flower power" parents took to the streets to demand. Gray today, "boomers" have traded it all for a false sense of security and an illusion of peace. Baptized in corporate greed, deception and arrogance, "Gen-Xers" learned that values are convenient baggage rehearsed on Sunday, then stored in closets for special occasions. More precisely, values are not everyday suits worn to the office, and "Gen-Xers" are quick studies.

Coming into their own, today's young people define "X" as a conscious philosophy called "hip-hop." Waging desperate battles against incredible odds, hip-hoppers are using their audacious intuition, imagination and creativity to turn their curiosities into productive enterprises. Unlike Gen-Xers, hip-hoppers do not accept America's past as the mirror of their future. They have conjured their own definition to fit the reality they see. The hip-hop generation is totally committed to the "war of words" declared by Poets for Peace. Conscious hip-hoppers reject war, death and destruction, as the means to secure their future. Their conscious movement is built on caring for and sharing in earth's bounty. Opposed to globalism that facilitates powerful nations hoarding the Earth's resources by exploiting poor weaker nations and polluting the environment, hip-hoppers are developing innovative concepts as solutions.

Hip-hoppers say to their "Gen-X" parents "get over it." Wake up, the world has changed. Defining "X", hip-hoppers insist, coming out of high school measured by today's standards, they are intelligent. Hip-hoppers believe they have the ability to run the world, at least as badly as their parents. Even teenage hip-hoppers know, war has only down sides and is population control designed to keep "old white men" in power. Feeding Iraqi and American children to Bush's war machine is tantamount to infanticide. Other Essays by John Burl Smith

Disgruntled wants to know: The US Declaration of Independence declared "all men are created equal," but the US Constitution negated that document's principles to embrace white supremacy. The philosophy of racial superiority that condoned slavery and other inhumane acts against blacks is alive today in the war on terror and the prospective Iraq attack. With impunity, the US can carpet bomb an Islamic state to effect regime change, but would the international community allow the US to kill an untold number of white Europeans?

Disgruntled says: The terror alert went from yellow to orange and Homeland Director Tom Ridge advised us to maintain emergency kits that included plastic sheeting and duct tape. These items disappeared rapidly from store shelves. Ironically, one brand's label read "Duck" instead of "Duct." A security measure just as effective was employed after the US dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. School students were drilled in the art of ducking as preparation for a nuclear attack. Basically, with butts in the air and heads tucked, children ducking under their desks were just as protected against attacks as we will be today with plastic and "duct" tape.

Disgruntled feels: Material breeches! Acknowledging Iraq is in material breech of UN resolutions, millions of people around the world marched for peace. No UN resolution authorizes the US and UK no-fly zones and their undeclared war against Iraq. Israel has weapons of mass destruction, is killing its neighbors, illegally occupying their land and is in material breech of more UN resolutions than any other nation. Neither the US nor the UK advocates war to force Israeli compliance. So, this material breech is a non sequitur. Disgruntled Homepage

Hip-Hopping a Six Spot

By John Burl Smith

On Sunday, February 9, 2003, the NBA and the Atlanta Hawks climaxed All-Star Week by bidding Michael Jordan, the most prolific basketball player ever, a fond adieu. No longer an afternoon affair for lovers of basketball, now it is a prime time "event" for lovers of the "game." Chosen for its famous southern hospitality and historical significance, according to Commissioner David Stern, "Atlanta is an ideal host city for us to celebrate today's greatest players while we honor the NBA's storied past." Fans worldwide converged on the Mecca.

Dazing the world with giants like Yao Ming, Shaquille O'Neal, Kevin Garnett, Jermaine O'Neal and Ben Wallace on court, while blowing up ten spots like Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Shoops and Tina Thompson in the stands, the biggest story this weekend was a tiny gamer named Jamia Simone Nash. On Saturday before the Rookie Challenge and Rising Stars Slam-Dunk Contest, she stole the show singing the national anthem.

In the spotlight at Philips Arena before two sold-out crowds, Jamia's tiny statue awed the frenzied throng into silence. Barely three feet high and little more than a dot from the upper levels of this cavernous structure, instantly she tugged the crowds' heartstrings in anticipation of the fledgling's fall. Then, like a soft bell's chimes, Jamia's voice rang clearly and sonorously, filling the arena with such volume it was as though you were standing next to the tiny soloist. Amazed that such a powerful sound with such well enunciated syllables emanated from such a small package, the building erupted in thunderous applause to Jamia's crescendos. However, the most startling and surprising facts of all are, Jamia at just six years old, sang a cappella.

A six spot, Jamia Simone Nash unseats "Lil' Bow Wow" as hip-hop's youngest artist. Upstaging Mariah Carey, the weekend headliner, Jamia overshadowed Miz Alex as the entertainment surprise of the weekend. For those in attendance, Jamia's performance of the national anthem ranks with those of Jimi Hendrix, Whitney Houston and Marian Anderson. The product of a devoutly religious family, her father says, "Jamia is God's gift to the world, and we were blessed to be chosen to be a part of God's plan for Jamia." Amen!

About Me: The DISH echoes her father's sentiments. It is an honor to tell the world of such a treasure. Jamia has been singing since the age of 2. An exceptional reader, she loves to sing, dance and act. She has performed on ShowTime at the Apollo, appeared on Tonight with Jay Leno and shared the stage with a host of noted artists. Jamia Simone Nash is a rare talent. For more about this little songbird, log onto the World Wide Web; the keywords are Jamia Simone Nash. Other Artists in the Venue Essays by John Burl Smith

On Discount Enablers!

By Dot

In an economy characterized by monopolies, businesses rarely lower prices, even during downturns. Rather than reduce prices, manufacturers and/or sellers offer consumer rebates. These "discounts" will fool uninformed consumers into believing they are getting a bargain. So, rebates do sometimes help businesses sell more products. An illusion, prices are often raised just before the discount is applied, so even with the rebate consumers pay roughly the same price. When the economy recovers, prices rise higher and faster, because they were never lowered during the downturn.

In a similar manner, enablers pay lip service to change. They talk a good game, but their primary function is to ensure things remain the same. Enablers, especially black ones, can be seen in the media primarily when there is a hot button "black" issue or when a black face lends credibility to some unsavory topic or amoral practice. Probably the best contemporary example of the latter situation is the pending Iraqi war and the black enablers selling it-- Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice.

Like puppets, enablers are placed out front to do the selling. Afraid to "meet the press," their master pulls the strings behind the scenes. Sometimes, enablers get upstaged. Following UN weapons inspector Hans Blix’s report, the French diplomat addressed the Security Council. Uncharacteristically, his eloquent address was greeted with applause. Clearly rattled, Colin Powell was downright shrill in trying to sell his master’s war rhetoric; yet he could not counter the Frenchman’s eloquence. In bed with Bush, Powell and Rice lack credibility like the press imbedded with the military. Seen as enablers, intelligent observers, like savvy consumers, discount their views as puppetry gibberish. DISHing It Up Hot! Homepage

Hiroshima Again

The object of an international manhunt, Deep Cover Operative (DCO) "Peep City Barnabus" has stayed one step ahead of detection since slipping into and out of a "top secret" Iraq war strategy briefing. According to "Peep City," the proposal under discussion presented several scenarios to reduce the burden on American occupation forces following the war. The nexus of the problem is how to facilitate or enhance a 500,000-man force's ability to control roughly 5 million Iraqis in Baghdad and other large population centers.

Barnabus reported that a consensus developed around some form of population reduction process. A majority of defense planners leaned toward carpet-bombing population centers using B-52s at high altitudes. The Defense Department cover claim would be, Iraqi war plans call for troops to hide among civilians to attack Americans after hostilities ended. Consequently, the US will save American lives by bombing Iraqi civilians to kill Iraqi soldiers. War planners believe such massive loss of life would numb the population and break their will to resist in the face of such overwhelming force.

Disappearing hurriedly to avoid capture, "Peep City" warned that the plans are laid and the orders have been given. The only question remaining is how many millions of innocent Iraqis will die before this oil madness ends? But then, we may never be given civilian casualty figures, since we still do not know how many civilians were killed when the US "liberated" Afghanistan.

Phantom Scribbler Homepage

Email www.nytimes.com The Pentagon's Iraqi war plan calls for dropping 3,000 precision-guided bombs and missiles in the first 48 hours of the opening air campaign to isolate the Iraqi military and pave the way for a ground attack. Special Operations forces will infiltrate Iraq to designate targets, destroy Scud missiles, jam communications, disrupt Iraqi military operations and block or destroy storage areas holding weapons of mass destruction. Unlike the 39 days of bombing before the 1991 ground war, military officials predict this air campaign could be over in less than a week.

Email www.csmonitor.com Preempting preemptive action by Daniel Schorr (1/03/03)..The Bush doctrine of preemptive action against the "catastrophic" danger of rogue states with weapons of mass destruction faced its first test in North Korea, and seems to have flunked. The National Security Strategy statement calls preemptive action, if necessary, to forestall a hostile act. Faced with North Korea, which may have nuclear weapons and plans more, the administration is going to great lengths to assure the world that the US is not contemplating military action. How to account for this mild treatment of a rogue state that expels inspectors even while Saddam Hussein welcomes them? Watch for the next edition of the administration's strategy statement - preemptive action against a rogue state, unless it is too late for preemption.

Email www.cnn.com Two white police officers, facing criminal charges in the videotaped beating of a handcuffed 16-year-old Donovan Jackson, sued the city of Inglewood, California claiming they are victims of racial discrimination. In the lawsuit, the officers contend they were treated more harshly than a black officer involved in the case. Officers Jeremy Morse, who was fired in October for allegedly assaulting Jackson, and Bijan Darvish, who was suspended, allege their colleague, Antoine Crook, was "simply suspended for four days without pay." A bystander's videotape showed Morse lifting a handcuffed Jackson to his feet, slamming his head on a squad car and punching and choking him. Morse faces criminal assault charges, while Darvish is charged with filing a false police report.

Email OKQuincy@aol.com Long before the British Empire on which the sun never set, there were the Roman Empire, the Ottoman Empire, etc. Empires come; empires go! It is like the circle of life! The US Empire will come to pass. Empires/superpowers are often at their most vulnerable just when they start developing an aura of invincibility. The US Empire is already showing signs of its impending demise. Its economy is in the doldrums; the juggernaut needs a war with Iraq to stimulate the economy! War is good for the economy! Following a protracted war with Iraq, all the expended arms will need to be replaced. A revitalized military industrial complex will in turn stimulate all other sectors of the economy. With Saddam out of the way, the world will become saturated with cheap oil, making it easier for Americans to drive their SUVs and other vehicles. The thousands of Iraqi civilians that will be killed must be considered as unavoidable collateral damage in a war in which the means will undoubtedly justify the end. This is wrong; it is time to stop the war! More Mailbox

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