AUDIO: Roland S. Martin: Tom Joyner Morning Show Commentary, 02.24.10

Roland, your comments and those of “outraged” Sharpton are ridiculous. So NOWWWWWw you have a problem with talking. since when? Your boy tom Joyner just had a talkfezt with Chris Matthews and you didnt have a problem with it. Stop hiding behind words. You have a problem with Tavis becuase tavis has a problem with Obama. I dont see where it is REQUIRED in the black community for us all to think alike, act alike, talk alike, and if you don't then you are some kind of horrible, out of touch evil person.I agree that ALL of our leaders need to be held accountable, not just Obama, but Reid, Boehner, Cantor and Pelosi as well those nine justices. But the people who deserve to be held accountable the most are media personalities with agendas!

Right on point Roland. Talk is talk, So often in the past unfortunately that's all we do. We never take action as a people.

I heard your excellent “Too much talk, not enough action” piece on Tom Joyner's show this morning. I wonder if Tavis Smiley did? (sarcasm intended).

Thank you Roland, I am a federal employee who was out every Saturday at the local farmers markets to get signatures to send to our legislatures to sign on for a public option in healthcare reform. I have health insurance the same one that our legislatures have, I did it for my children, my neighbors and fellow americans who don't, when I asked some of these people who don't have to help I was met with a resounding no. We are good for photo ops at local marches and events but when it comes to the work no one wants to jump into the trenches, but I will do whatever it takes to make my president and his agenda successful.

Bravo!! Just had this discussion this morning with my spouse…Fellow Salemite…let's mobilize and take action. Where's the plan?

Hallelujah, Roland right, right right!!!!

You better preach!

I, HEARD THAT ! I also agree with you, when black folk stop all trying to be the leader and instead become the powerful force behind the leaders that we can be as I remember from the 60's things can be made to happen.

I am a greatgrand mother and an Obamacan,christian,pro lifer. I heardyour message on tj show I just happen to be in my car early…I was just carried away about so much truth you spoke.however I wish that you would have left out some of the zingers that u used like A PRESIDENT IN THE WHITE HOUSE WHO THINKS HE IS BLACK. I just don't think that was appropiate for you after you gave such great speech. We need to learn also how to express oursevles without zingers and sarcasmes. your zinger cause your listens to listen to the zinger instead of the great statements you made at first. I have a small school for boys and I teach against zingers sarcasmes. I love you mr martin and we need your words. Please help me to teach my boys the Godly way to express themselves.

Well said.

I agree with Roland. We do not need need another meeting about the state of black america. We can all agree these are challenging times for us. As Roland said, it is time we get off our
butts and do something; protest, picket or whatever it takes. President Obama is not our saviour and he never promised us that he would look out for our interest only. While I do agree we must hold him accountable, it is time for all of us to do something. Roland is right. Black American stop talking and complaining and get to work.

Roland, I am glad you are talking about our lack of action. Too bad I'll be in my car at 7:15 am tomorrow but I'll catch it later.
GeniusDeferred, I really hope you are using gun as a metaphor for action.
Let's take the dream back and take responsibility for the change we desire to see.
Let's “Meet, Mobilize and ACT. Nuf said

Blacks folks please wake up and get busy . Have we become so consumed in our comforts,our egos and selfishness that we have forgotten that there is a struggle still left to be won. Right on Brother Roland,keep the word up.

MR. MARTIN IM A BLACK MAN 35 YEARS OF AGE FROM DETROIT AND EVERYTIME I HERE YOUR COMMENTARY YOU ALWAYS BE RIGHT ON POINT. YOU ARE A GREAT SPEAKER AND YOU “GET IT”. ITS SAD THAT SO MANY OF US MISS THE POINT. I LOVE WHEN YOU SPOKE ON BARRACK FORMER PASTOR AND DIDNT ATTACK HIM. LIKE SO MANY DID. J M JUST SPOKE THE TRUTH AND WHITE FOLKS TOOK OFFENDED JM WAS NOT HATING ON AMERICA BUT THE HATE IN AMERICA.. .

Roland, Thanks for telling it like it is! Thx, from Chi-town

Zak,

The thing is, Roland is not out there trying to appoint himself as the corporate sponsored leader of black america. Moreover, he doesnt throw a hissy fit at some imagined slight when an event occurs to which he isn't invited. If Tavis has a problem with Obama we have yet to hear what it is other than Obama not giving him his undivided attention. When is Mr Smiley going to be a critic over something more substantial than who does or does not attend his forums? Black leadership isn't something bestowed on someone for their celebrity status, book sales or connections with the black intelligensia. It is earned by spending years in the trenches and getting results. Roland is a journalist and I don't see him trying to wedge his way into a leadership positon through self promotion. If anything, he is encouraging every one of us to step up and follow through without the need for endless symposiums of pundits mostly preaching to the choir.

On behalf of myself and many others doing the work in the trenches, I'm grateful that Roland has spoken on this.

I agree with you Peach about the specifics about Tavis. I guess my larger point was not about him in reality. It was more about us not taking sides for or agisnt either of these two, but rather directing our energies towards looking at the issues and looking beyond the personalities. I would argue that roland doesnt self promote, but I cant begrudge him for that. All I want is objectivity from the media and so called “journalist” and of course from We the People when it regards ANY politician or person of influence. But with that said, Im sure we both will keep up the good fight.

I agree with Roland on his comment about there are to many town hall meeting, books, black men and women events on African American issues. Parenting is the root of most of our problems. Good or bad parents, it is how we are raising our children.

[...] new – Roland Martin’s TJMS Response HERE [...]