Hello Monday

Goodbye to March. Goodbye, for now, to Women's History Month (although we won't stop following women who make history, we promise ... even if it happens in May). Goodbye to winter, hello to spring. Goodbye (almost) to basketball, hello baseball.

I mentioned on Friday that we are tracking the controversy over Fitna, the film by Dutch parliamentarian Geert Wilders that some are calling a provocative stance for free speech, and others a gratuitous insult to Islam and Muslims around the world. We followed reaction to the film over the weekend and found there to be very little. We're still following and debating.

We note that Morning Edition covered the controversy Friday morning with an interview with the Dutch Ambassador to the U.S.

... But, obviously, we would do this differently. We've been thinking about a journalists' conversation on whether to air, or not to air this film. But we're still not sure if it's all a tempest in a teapot -- deliberate provocation designed just to hurt or offend, and/or legitimate news. Still debating.

And, in our weekly visit to the pages of the Washington Post Magazine, we talked about travel. I am not going to use the word "exotic" to describe the travel highlights because anything's "exotic" if it's new to you, right?

Check it out for yourself.

And, just in time for our last day of Women's History Month, a new book in timeline form about some of the many women who had an impact on U.S. history -- everybody from diplomats to native American scholars, to confederate spies to formerly enslaved Africans who fought for freedom (their own and others'). Plus, learn about scientists and artists. The book is very readable and runs the gamut. Madeleine Albright wrote the forward to the book.

And special bonus: if you want to know how Albright gets her groove on, we can tell you.

Onward ...

Michel Martin

4:49 PM ET | 03-31-2008 | permalink | comments (1) | e-mail post

From One High-Powered Week to the Next ...

Thank you again to all of you who took the time to get in touch with us this week. We're still receiving a lot of comments about my Can I Just Tell You? commentary on the Rev. Jeremiah Wright and Sen. Barack Obama controversy. It's been creeping up NPR's most e-mailed stories list. Thanks for sharing it.

(Of course, now I am thinking of all the other examples I could have cited of fake media self righteousness, like ... No. Never mind. I won't go there. Let me get my pressure back down.)

Here's what we're debating for next week's conversations:

There's a new short film by a Dutch parliamentarian making its rounds on Internet. It recounts the atrocities committed by Islamic extremists and makes the case that Islamic fundamentalists are waging a war on western culture and freedom.

Some say it's a provocative stand for free speech, others a gratuitous and irresponsible assault on a worldwide religious community.

Remember the cartoons published in a Danish newspaper that depicted the prophet Muhammad in a negative light, touching off worldwide protests in 2006? Will this have the same effect? So far, no. But this comes in the face of existing threats by Al Qaeda leaders against western targets.

We'll keep watching the story.

And, the big elections in Zimbabwe are Saturday. We hope we'll be able to offer some results, along with analysis, by Monday.

We're also working on stories for you about Women's History Month. Although March is coming to a close, our interest in women's history is not. We still have a few more stories to tell.

And ...

The 40th anniversary of the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., is next week.

I have an ambivalent relationship with anniversaries. On a practical level, they really are unavoidable because they are also news pegs. On a human level, they are unavoidable, too, it seems.

I am not a psychiatrist, but it seems to me that anniversaries mark us even when we are not trying to be conscious of them. ... I can honestly tell you that the first week of May is always a difficult time in my family. We lost a beloved family member during that time under tragic circumstances. It's interesting that we all become "blue" around that week. We "remember" unconsciously, even if we don't decide to remember.

So, perhaps, it is better to decide to remember, if that makes sense. I guess there is a reason why many of the world's religions commemorate the deaths of their key figures, as well as their lives. ... And why many offer rituals to acknowledge deaths of loved ones, however long past.

On the other hand, there is the "let sleeping dogs lie" school, which asks, if we continue to pick at the source of the pain will it ever go away?

Have a great weekend...

Michel Martin

4:02 PM ET | 03-28-2008 | permalink | comments (1) | e-mail post

Michel's Rules for Racial Dialogue

iStock

People, people, people. Thanks so much for weighing in on my commentary yesterday. I appreciate the kudos, and the occasional brickbat.

But some of you folks just make me go, huh?

Let's go back to Michel's Rules for Racial Dialogue ...

RULE 1: When black people mention race, it does NOT mean they are calling all white people racist, or some white people racist ... or even any particular person racist. (Now, some people are racist. Can we all just admit that?) But the point is that race sometimes has implications and effects that are unconscious, or unintentional, but which are, nevertheless, deeply rooted and ongoing. And those effects have consequences for some people that they might need or want to talk about.

Think of it this way: breast cancer attacks people of different races at different rates, and the mortality rates are different. Does it mean that cancer is racist? Does it mean that all blacks who get cancer are victims of racism? More to the point, it's a question and it's a problem. So one wants to ask, what's going on to cause these different outcomes?

The fact that folks might wish to consider race as an issue does not mean they are drawing a conclusion, but often, rather, raising a question. Do we have to get so defensive?

... Which speaks to the next rule.

RULE 2: White people belong to a race, too, which means that white people should be included in conversations about race. They are allowed to notice things. They have a right to their perceptions, and their perceptions are relevant.

I know it's a source of irritation, and perhaps pain, to many minorities that for most whites in this country "the race conversation" feels optional, and minorities don't feel they have that "luxury." But, that's another issue. It is what it is. You can't become what you can't abide, which is someone who is deaf to other people's reality.

RULE 3: A fact is a fact, and an opinion is an opinion. Know the difference, and own your own stuff. This means if something's your opinion, you're entitled to it. But not your own facts.

RULE 4: Sometimes we don't know what we don't know, which means there are aspects of other people's life experience that we are not always going to understand.

Let's do each other the honor of asking and the favor of listening.

RULE 5: Civility always works. Need I say more?

Speaking of facts, there's an intriguing piece in The Washington Post that caught my eye. It offers an explanation of why blacks and whites so often see race issues differently. It suggests that whites tend to have a much rosier picture of the circumstances of blacks than blacks do, but when whites are presented with more information their point of view changes. It also cites research showing that whites and blacks tend to use different yardsticks to measure racial equality, but when they are asked to use the same yardstick they arrive at similar conclusions.

So, that's what I have to say, thanks for letting me know what you have to say.

Continue reading "Michel's Rules for Racial Dialogue" »

Michel Martin

4:23 PM ET | 03-27-2008 | permalink | comments (8) | e-mail post

Weighing in on the Obama-Wright Furor

Sen. Barack Obama (left) and the Rev. Jeremiah Wright

AP

Lee, here ...

First, if you haven't already, have a listen to Michel Martin's commentary today. She weighs in on the furor surrounding Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama's relationship with the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, his former pastor in Chicago. Many say they would've "walked out" on the pastor and his more confrontational sermons (Sen. Hillary Clinton, Obama's rival, added to the tensions yesterday).

Whether you agree or disagree, we'd like to know your thoughts.

And speaking of the race for the White House, some are disputing the role of race (regarding ethnicity, that is) in this election. We talked about this today.

Now, we put the question to you: has the focus on race (and gender) in this election overstayed its welcome?

In the absence of historic times (when both a woman and a black man have an actual shot at the presidency, for example), when are these matters looked at and studied so closely? ... When else would they have such room to breath?

But, again, I ask ... do you feel smothered by these talks, or freed by them?

Let us know.

Finally, switching gears completely to offer you news you can use (which agitated me), it looks like a growing number of commercial airlines will now charge customers for checking more than one bag. A steady increase in fuel prices is being blamed for the new fees.

I must tell you, I defy the (unfair) stereotypes of most men in that I am not known to pack lightly, so I'm less than thrilled at this decision.

Guess I'll have to change my ways.

Lee Hill

4:50 PM ET | 03-26-2008 | permalink | comments (56) | e-mail post

The Kilpatrick Indictment

A booking photo released by the Wayne County Sheriff's Department (taken March 24, 2008) shows Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick after being recently charged with multiple felony counts, including perjury.

AP

Singer Ricardo Lemvo (second from right) pauses for a photo with TMM Intern Tyrone Martin (left), Producer Teshima Walker and NPR Newscasts Producer Trina Williams.

Jon Palmer Claridge

We were preparing for our editorial meeting yesterday when the televisions in our work area (usually muted) began flashing with news that felony charges were being filed against Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick in connection with his testimony in a lawsuit filed by two former city employees.

For whatever reason, this does not surprise me; it just seemed the writing was on the wall. Nevertheless, I have to admit it was shocking. I can't say exactly why, but it was shocking to hear Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy reciting a list of eight charges against Kilpatrick, and seven against his former Chief of Staff Christine Beatty.

Later, just as we were preparing to hear from Mayor Kilpatrick and Dan Webb, his attorney, the cable goes out! (YIKES, YIKES, YIKES!) So, I shoot off an "news all-staff" e-mail asking, what do I do? ... Whose TV is working?

(Of course, some smarty pants had to ask me why I'm not satisfied with audio. Excuse me; I came from television, okay?)

Thankfully, one of our engineers directed me to streaming video online offered by one of Detroit's local news stations, which turned out to be the best possible doption (thanks, Dennis!). Not only did they carry the press conference live, but they stayed with the story long enough to hear reaction from Detroit voters, something the national outlets were not going to do.

Sadly, it was deja vu.

I remember being in Washington when former Mayor Marion Barry was captured on videotape in a sting operation with a onetime girlfriend. I don't remember the exact details, but I do remember crack was involved. I also remember the complicated feelings ...

As a citizen: shock, anger, embarrassment, outrage (not always sure at whom; the partisans emerge to defend the prosecution, and the defendant). As a journalist: you're thinking, what an incredible story? ... What happens now?

Anyway, been there, done that ... which is maybe why there was no question about whether we would pursue this story for today's program. We were happy to get Kilpatrick's attorney to talk to us about defending the mayor (he made it clear he will not be doing many interviews). And, for a fuller picture, we heard from Washington, D.C., attorney Stanley Brand.

And, the Mochas on kids and lying. It just so happened that we planned the conversation for today. Total coincidence, really.

Finally, we were glad to bring you the story -- and music -- of singer Ricardo Lemvo. Check out the photo (above) of Lemvo, pictured with TMM Senior Supervising Producer Teshima Walker and Intern Tyrone Martin.

I guess I'm lucky Teshima and Tyrone came back to work, huh? As much fun as they were having ...

Michel Martin

3:05 PM ET | 03-25-2008 | permalink | comments (0) | e-mail post

The Day After

Absolutely true story:

Was attending Easter services yesterday and the minister -- who happens to be white -- was preaching on the subject of the controversy over Rev. Jeremiah Wright's ministry and world view and how depressing this all was to him. He wondered why so few had so little interest in the totality of Wright's message and ministry. Race is relevant to the story because the minister went on to preach about how he had previously pastored a predominately black church (and when he said predominately he meant that the only other white person in the congregation was married to him) and how uncomfortable this was at times for everyone -- how his congregation had looked to the church as a place that was "theirs," one of the few places they could own, lead, and relax without fear of being judged or diminished by the rest of the world -- and that accepting him as pastor meant for some, a loss of this. And as for him, he reported that he was often on eggshells, worrying if something he said unwittingly caused offense, or if his own life experiences did not offer the kind of framework his members needed and desired for spiritual sustenance.

His point: that change, even good change, causes discomfort, fear, and anxiety. Jesus, even upon his Resurrection, had to urge his followers not to be afraid. Even this marvelous rebirth, this miracle, caused such fear along with joy.

And then this happened ...

In the middle of the sermon ... a commotion in the choir. Even though we are only a few rows from the front we cannot see what is going on ... the minister stops his sermon to ask for a doctor.

A young African American woman wearing dreadlocks rushes to offer aid ... an older middle aged, balding white man soon follows to help the woman, an elderly white woman who has fainted or collapsed. Together they discretely spirit her to the back as the congregation offers prayers for her and for those who are attending to her.

It occurs to me only later ... a young African American woman, a middle aged white man, an elderly white woman ... who would have thought they would all come together in this way, in this hour, for this purpose, in this place?

They say that 11 am Sunday morning is the most segregated hour of the week in this country ... and that's probably still true ... (we go to early service, but you take my point) ... but sometimes change happens ...

Know that I am not preaching, proselytizing, or anything of that sort ... but in the wake of all we discussed last week ...

PS... Douglas here, Tell Me More producer (sitting in for Lee) ...

If you haven't already, check out our show today. We have an update on the racially-charged stories we've been following in Jena, Tx., and Baltimore, Md.

Washington Post Magazine writer Gene Weingarten tells us why he spent 24 hours watching pundits ... on 6 televisions, 2 radios and his laptop!

American Library Association President Loriene Roy recommends books for Women's History Month.

We hear from an opponent of the reduction in crack cocaine sentences. The minister explains why he believes his community will suffer.

And Minnesota Congressman Jim Ramstad tells us how his personal experience with addiction led him to sponsor a bill that would increase access to mental health care.

- Douglas

Michel Martin

1:48 PM ET | 03-24-2008 | permalink | comments (2) | e-mail post

Understanding Wright's Roots

Talk about trying to fit 50 lbs of information into a 10 lb sack. That was our political chat -- and we still didn't make it.

While we were sleeping -- two State department contract workers were fired and a third disciplined for inappropriately looking at the passport file of Sen. Barack Obama. Were they just nosy or was this a dirty trick in the making?

Remember this happened to Bill Clinton during his 1992 campaign against George W. Bush's father, George H.W. Bush?

Just human nature ... can't help yourself? ... or does it raise questions of a campaign of dirty tricks by folks connected with this political family?

But we didn't get to it! We had so much else ... the delegate fight, the Bear Sterns meltdown, the big Obama speech ... and The Clinton first lady schedule ... and the Bill Richardson endorsement of Obama.

We need a second hour ... NPR are you listening?

If you have a minute, love to get your thoughts on this week's faith matters. Two prominent African American religious thinkers give their take on Rev. Jeremiah Wright. I predict some will say they are apologists. I confess we debated whether to get another voice outside Wright's religious tradition ... but then I thought that last week, when we talked about how the evangelical movement is reinventing itself and reconsidering its tactics and message, we went to two evangelical voices ... so I thought why not describe this movement on its own terms ... inside out, not outside in ... who else would you like to hear from?

Happy Easter to those who observe ... and Purim ... and Parsi New Year ...

If you have not heard the Kitchen Sisters' piece on Parsi New Year (celebrated the first day of spring) ... you're missing a treat. Here it is.

Michel Martin

10:47 AM ET | 03-21-2008 | permalink | comments (8) | e-mail post

Pundits, Voters Talk about Obama, Faith and Politics

I am not even going to try to tell you about the morning drama -- which of our guests unexpectedly had construction going on outside her door, which of our guests was almost too sick to do the show (but made it anyway! Thank you!) -- which of our guests got stuck in traffic -- which of our guests was a late save who came to our rescue ... not even going to go there except to say ... THANKS EVERYBODY! And IS IT FRIDAY YET? NO? Okay, well ...

We wanted to continue the conversation that began Tuesday about ... The Speech. In political circles, I don't even need to say what speech ... but The Speech ... Sen. Barack Obama's 37 minute address about race and faith and politics.

Here's a link to a web publication that tracks the doings of minority journalists and issues, it provides a great summary of some of the opinion pieces that have been published.

http://www.maynardije.org/columns/dickprince

We wanted to have our own conversation and we wanted to figure out both how to survey the landscape AND to give you a sense of the potential political consequences. To do that we essentially split the show in two. The first was the sort of political professionals panel -- two journalists, two strategists (one Democrat, one Republican). And the second was a panel of Pennsylvania voters -- all white as it happens -- because we felt that many of the pundits seem to agree that that's the group to which Obama's speech was really directed.

Let us now what you think ... and let us know what other conversations you want to have around this issue.

Michel Martin

11:29 AM ET | 03-20-2008 | permalink | comments (10) | e-mail post

Obama, Iraq ... Iraq, Obama

A really, really, tough call on story selection today.

Today is, as you most certainly know, the fifth anniversary of the start of the Iraq war. And, yesterday, a major speech by Barack Obama. Some speechwriters we know have called it the most important political speech of a generation. At a speaking engagement on the subject of juveniles and crime last night (a conference of judges from the different courts in D.C., I moderated a discussion that was as heartbreaking as it was stimulating -- this being D.C., where stories of young men being gunned down is everyday fare), the Obama speech was all anyone was talking about. Folks had been e-mailing the text to each other all day.

But if a big part of our mission is to cover the voices that are not being heard, does Iraq count? Many feel that the cost of this war is not being borne equally -- that it is all but forgotten, except by those most directly affected.

Of course, many disagree.

It's a totally subjective question, after all. But in an "all voluntary" military structure, it's not a secret that people from minority groups, folks from rural areas and small towns, are disproportionately represented in the services. Ask yourself: do you personally know anyone serving overseas? Is there someone in your life who cringes when the phone rings in the middle of the night? Who holds his or her breath when a man in a uniform appears at her door?

We have tried on this program to make sure that story does NOT disappear. We've tried to look for stories that you are not getting elsewhere. Not a criticism of anybody else, but just to offer you a sense of our commitment to get voices on the air that are not being heard elsewhere. We've talked to a former Iraqi minister who has a very different view of how to reconstruct the country. She left after two attempts on her life, but has continued to press the case for restoring dignity to daily life and getting the basics in order, like water, electricity and sanitation. We talked to an Iraqi emergency room physician who bore witness to the daily carnage of civilians being decimated by suicide bombers. And, we've talked to Iraqis who've fled to Syria about their lives as refugees. ... We've talked to people working to resettle Iraqis.

Anyway, it is a story to which we are committed, and we feel a mission to offer an opportunity to hear that story.

But back to today.

Obama, Iraq. Iraq, Obama. What's the right call? Especially since we arranged for conversations with so many people who do not normally do this -- a small town mayor, three service members, two parents -- to disrupt their lives to talk to us.

We'll get back to Obama tomorrow. We have a great roundtable planned.

Did we do the "right" thing? I have no idea. But we did our best.

You can let us know??????

One thing I do know. We need two hours, not one, for broadcast.

... Are you listening NPR?

ADDENDUM: Two others stories we've covered have had significant developments this week.

Remember the Baltimore bus beating incident? A group of black students allegedly jumped a white woman on a city bus. It got a lot of attention in the blogosphere. Some compared it to the Jena 6 case. Some asked why hadn't this issue gotten more attention? ... Why it is okay for a group of kids to whale on a person on a city bus and get away with it. ... Others ask why this is a racial issue, and not just bad behavior by a group of teens. We talked about this on the program. You might be interested to know that there's been a development.

And, the D.C. gun ban. The Supreme Court heard arguments yesterday on DC's handgun control law. Three city residents are challenging the law, one of the toughest, if not THE toughest, in the nation. And the issue of gun control is not just locally important. The case marks the first time the Supreme Court has taken up the issue of the meaning of the Second Amendment in some 39 years. We have covered this issue also. We've actually had people on BOTH sides of the issue, who BOTH lost family members to gun violence.

ALL I can say is, ARGGGH!!

I need another hour!!!

We're doing our best. That's all I can say.

Michel Martin

3:19 PM ET | 03-19-2008 | permalink | comments (5) | e-mail post

Barack Obama, Jeremiah Wright and the Black Church

As I write this, I am watching Sen. Barack Obama's speech. He's talking about his relationship with the Rev. Jeremiah Wright and the preaching that has now become an issue in his campaign. But Obama is also talking about who he is and what his unique racial legacy means.

We need to decide if we want to revise, or somehow revisit, the conversation we had this morning about what constitutes proper speech in a religious context, and how much political leaders need to be held accountable for what their spiritual advisers may say or preach.

Our guests this morning, if I say so myself, are some of they key leaders in contemporary religious thought: the Rev. Jim Wallis, the founder of Sojourners; Bishop Harry Jackson, Jr., of Hope Christian Church (you recently heard both of them on this program talk about how the evangelical movement can refresh itself), the Rev. Renita Weems, a blogger and a major voice among progressive religious leaders, especially among African American women, and Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld of the National Synagogue, here in Washington, D.C. (you have also heard before on this program talking about whether baseball should have "religion" days, and modern matchmaking services).

We debated all weekend about how to respond to the Jeremiah Wright story. We were troubled that so much of the conversation we were hearing seemed not to understand or acknowledge traditions of the black church. And yet, one must recognize that a presidential campaign is not a private affair, and all relationships and contexts in which these candidates operate will be scrutinized.

Our question: what's legitimate speech? ... What's not? ... What crosses the line?

And, who gets to decide?

I think we'll let the conversation stand.

I also hope you'll enjoy the conversation with newsmaker U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow. The Democrat is the first woman elected to the Senate from Michigan. We spoke with her in honor of Women's History Month, and her own accomplishments.

Plus, another woman making history Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. A new documentary tells the story of her first year in office.

... I'm still listening to the Obama speech. Tell us more about what you think.

And, tomorrow, we'll start talking about the 5th anniversary of the beginning of the Iraq war. We have stories for you ...

Michel Martin

3:35 PM ET | 03-18-2008 | permalink | comments (12) | e-mail post

'St. Patrick Eats Bagels'

Happy St. Patrick's Day, everybody!

I was talking to one of our Mocha Moms, Jolene Ivey, who is in her spare time (!) a state representative to the Maryland legislature. I told her how much I enjoyed St. Patrick's Day when I covered the legislature, years ago. Everybody had their own twist on it. One state senator handed out buttons saying "St. Patrick Eats Bagels." Another used to put a piece of lettuce in his jacket pocket, like a pocket square (okay, maybe you had to be there for that one).

It made me wonder whether other holidays that now feel very ethnically specific, like Cinco de Mayo or Juneteenth, will one day become just like St. Pat's, or even Columbus Day -- a day to dip into another culture without apology or regret (not even Columbus Day does that because, let's face it, for many Native Americans, it's a day of mourning, the beginning of the end of their cultures as they knew them).

A rocky start to the morning

Why lie? We were kicked out of our regular studio, 4B, because of technical problems (now fixed). We had to do the show from 3A -- not my usual spot. If I sound a little different -- and not just because I'm getting over a cold -- that might be why. Different mics really do generate a different sound.

This morning was also rocky because we expected to have a second guest for our conversation about the alternative school in Atlanta, APS-CEP Partnership School (Atlanta Public Schools-Community Education Partners, for short). Apparently, many parents are complaining that the school does a poor job of educating students who have been moved out of regular schools because of behavior problems. We talked to a parent, whose son is enrolled at the school, and a lawyer for the ACLU, which is representing the parents in a class action lawsuit against both the school and the Atlanta school district. The school is publicly funded, but privately operated (one reason we were interested: "privatization" is one tool school districts have been employing to try to bring more innovative solutions to ongoing education challenges).

The questions here are: is Atlanta getting its money's worth, and are the standards and practices acceptable?

Some of the parents strongly suggest the answer to both questions is no.

Anyway, we thought we would have both sides on the program; apparently there was a miscommunication about time because the school spokesman was not where we needed him to be when we planned to talk to him, but we did get a statement from CEP with talking points. We'll figure out whether, or how, we can get a representative from CEP on the show later this week.

A crowded week

The fifth anniversary of the start of the Iraq war, most notably. As with many of our NPR programs, we will have more to say on that subject later this week.

Other stories we are working on: a conversation about Sen. Barack Obama's relationship with the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, a prominent African-American minister out of Chicago, who is retiring from his prominent pulpit. But not before having words from one of his more incendiary sermons become an issue. We hope to talk with clergy of various backgrounds about how they are reacting to this controversy; we also expect to have a couple of visits with newsmakers, past and present.

And, one more thing: Margaret Seltzer, author of the fake gang memoir Love and Consequences. We're still trying to piece together that puzzle, so we reached out to someone Seltzer mentioned in her interview with us. The Rev. James Jones, Jr., talked to Margaret as her book was coming out. SHE told me that he kind of gave her a blessing in writing the book, but Jones says he had no idea who she really was.

There's a lesson in all this, but I think we're still piecing together exactly what the lesson is. More on that soon, we hope.

And, thanks to those who have been writing to add your piece to the puzzle.

Michel Martin

4:25 PM ET | 03-17-2008 | permalink | comments (0) | e-mail post

International Switcheroo

Normally, we like to focus on international news on Thursdays, but yesterday we shifted the top of the program's focus to the fallout from New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer's alleged involvement in a prostitution ring.

Since Spitzer resigned on Wednesday, two days after the big story broke, we really felt we had to go there. We had on two big names from New York -- former New York City Mayor David Dinkins and the State Sen. Minority Leader Malcolm Smith, a Democrat -- to tell us about Spitzer's successor former Lt. Gov. David Paterson. He is, as you of course know by now, not only the first African American governor of the state, but also only the third African American governor in the U.S. since Reconstruction. Paterson is also legally blind, and part of one of New York's most prominent African American political families. He, apparently, has a wicked sense of humor, and unlike Spitzer, he's extremely well liked by his now former colleagues in the legislature. It's no small feat in the ongoing going barroom brawl that is state politics in New York.

Which of Paterson's attributes will help him? ... Which will hurt him?

Which will most shape the next three years?

Can't wait to see. It's a fascinating story.

Anyway, that's why today, instead of doing our regular Friday political chat, we brought you the conversation we originally planned for yesterday -- about the diplomatic crisis sparked by a cross border incursion by Columbia into Ecuador. Columbian forces located a FARC encampment (FARC being the anti-government rebels who've tried to topple a generation of Columbian governments ... the U.S. considers FARC a terrorist group).

So excited to have Juan Forero back with us. He covers the Andes for NPR and we haven't had him on our air since our podcast days (Remember when? Sniff!). And, a new voice for us Cynthia Arnson of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Thanks.

We were also excited about having two leading voices in evangelicalism to talk about faith and politics. It was a provocative conversation from the authors of two new books -- Personal Faith, Public Policy and The Great Awakening -- that aim to revisit the role evangelicals should play in politics

And the Barbershop guys, what can I say?

As for me, I am still rebelling against the fashionistas! As much as I loved Agnes Cammock of Essence and Najwa Moses of Styleaholics (from yesterday's spring fashion conversation), I woke up this morning with the adolescent need to rebel against their STRONG admonition against capris and the color peach.

In their honor, I am wearing both capris AND peach today (I am cold, but I think I am cute).

Fight the power!

Have a great weekend.

Michel Martin

4:58 PM ET | 03-14-2008 | permalink | comments (3) | e-mail post

The Faith Vote ... and Tension in South Africa

As Lee mentioned earlier, whirlwind day yesterday. And another one today.

Yesterday, I moderated a discussion at the National Press Club, tied to a new book by leading evangelical leaders Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, and Bishop Harry Jackson, Jr., a pastor and frequent commentator on public policy issues. You will have heard both of these men on many news outlets, including this one. They have teamed up to write Personal Faith, Public Policy. The book takes a fresh look at some of the leading public policy issues, and calls evangelical Christians to recommit to values and to look at values issues more broadly. It makes the argument that Christians may have allowed themselves to become too closely identified with one political party, and have not embraced the full gamut of issues that Christians should be concerned with.

My question to them: are you saying your failings were in areas of public relations (failing to be understood), or of works (failing to do justice by focusing too narrowly on a narrow set of issues)?

Anyway, deep discussion. We were joined at the event by David Brody of the Christian Broadcasting Network, the Rev. Jim Wallis, the internationally known author of God's Politics and author of a new book, The Great Awakening, and the Rev. Sam Rodriguez, leader of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (you would have heard him on this program before).

Tomorrow, we'll try to bring you a reprise, or a condensed version, of the conversation.

Just below is the video we talked about in our roundtable of South African students. If you are a sensitive person, it takes a strong stomach to watch. Just be warned. And, it's in Afrikaans so you have to infer what is being said (unless, of course you speak Afrikaans).

Finally, did you love our fashionistas. But how about that whole thing with giving up your Capri pants and boot cut jeans? I am so mad.

And peach is out? Harumph.

I am wearing a peach sweater today in protest. But the capris? ... They've made me think twice.

Michel Martin

4:55 PM ET | 03-13-2008 | permalink | comments (4) | e-mail post

Tuesday in a Flash

Lee, here ...

Can't tell you how CRAZY yesterday was. First, a program that was kicking with quite a few powerful elements -- Latinos seeking U.S. citizenship in time for the November presidential elections, a detailed look at the state of black women in America ... and pearls of wisdom from the trailblazing former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.

Then, Michel Martin, myself and our intern (Tyrone Martin) rushed off to the National Press Club for a panel (moderated by Michel) on faith, politics, and the evangelical vote. We hope to bring you more from that conversation in tomorrow's Faith Matters.

... All while Eliot Spitzer (we have more on this today) announced that he would relinquish power and resign from his post as governor of New York ... which also signaled another new chapter in history with the appointment of David Paterson.

Whew!

Michel will be up in a little minute with her thoughts from today's show (now in the works).

Lee Hill

9:19 AM ET | 03-13-2008 | permalink | comments (2) | e-mail post

Eliot Spitzer.

Gov. Eliot Spitzer (D-NY)

Getty Images

Lt. Gov. David Paterson

AP

Two words: Eliot Spitzer

One word: STUPID

I'm sorry, I find I need to say that again: STOO-OO-PID.

Actually, it's more of a question: just how stupid could he be?

I am sure we'll cover some aspect of this scandal in the coming days, but if you've been on a spiritual retreat, or disengaged from the news for some reason and have no idea what I am talking about, NY Governor Eliot Spitzer, former Attorney General with a crime fighting Elliot Ness-like reputation -- elected in a landslide just over a year ago -- has been connected to a prostitution ring just busted up by the feds. It does appear that, as "Client 9," Spitzer had at least one paid encounter with at least one woman. The story broke yesterday afternoon, but I don't think this compromises anything (to be real about it), does it? Might as well put it out there.

I don't know what our angle on this story might be ...

New York might get its first African American Governor, David Paterson, who is currently the Lieutenant Governor of New York. Paterson, former Minority Leader of the State Senate, also has an amazing back story -- he is legally blind from infancy and a grad of top college and law schools. Also, he's made some really interesting career moves. Paterson gave up his seat in the state senate to become lieutenant governor.

There also might be more to say about risk-taking behavior. Remember, Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is in hot water because of his sexual affair with his chief of staff, which they both appear to have lied about under oath. The affair was revealed in thousands of text messages exchanged between the two on city pagers.

Or, maybe we'll decide we have nothing to add to what you might already be hearing on NPR's All Things Considered or Morning Edition, in which case, we'll pass.

We'll see.

Now that we've gotten that out of the way, I am going to immerse myself in loftier matters and finish Madeleine Albright's book Memo to the President Elect. We plan to bring you a conversation with the former Secretary of State tomorrow.

Hey! Maybe Albright should add an epilogue. Memo to the Current Governors/Future Presidents: Stay Away from Prostitutes, No Matter how Expensive They Are ... You Can't Afford it No Way.

Michel Martin

5:41 PM ET | 03-11-2008 | permalink | comments (1) | e-mail post

Ruling Allows Early Prison Release, but Then What?

How interested are you in how the sausage gets made?

A lot? Not too much? A show of hands ...

OK, so I'll compromise.

Short version: suffice it to say, the show we planned at 11 p.m. yesterday bares only a slight resemblance to the show you heard today. Let's just say that one guest's travel plans changed unexpectedly, another became SICK AS A DOG (you don't want to know, trust me) ... and, just as we were coming in today, we learned of new developments (which came Friday evening) in a story we've been following. It was a tiny bulletin in the stream of national news, but an important development, nonetheless. We felt we should bring you, but did not reach the right person until early this morning ...

(Sigh. Never a dull moment. That's why we're in the news business. As I say all the time, it'll either keep us young, or make us prematurely gray.)

I am particularly interested in your comments about the early release of folks convicted for crack cocaine offenses.

We've been following this. For years, activists have been complaining that the sentences for crack offenses were way too severe, compared to those for powdered cocaine. The U.S. Sentencing Commission finally agreed and lowered the sentences for some nonviolent offenses retroactively. As a consequence, about 1600 incarcerated persons were immediately eligible to have their sentences reduced; up to 20,000 could be released.

For many, this is a rare victory of common sense over ideology. It is so easy to pretend to be "tough on crime" by ratcheting sentences up, whether it makes a difference or not.

But does it make a difference?

Have these harsh sentences contributed to safer streets? And now that there seems to be a burgeoning agreement that this is unfair, what happens next? What do these folks face when they go home? Are their communities ready to welcome them, or are there mixed feelings about the devastation to which they contributed?

This is the territory we want to explore. Any ideas, comments are appreciated. And, if you are willing, we might put you on the air. So please let us know if you are game for that.

Michel Martin

5:39 PM ET | 03-10-2008 | permalink | comments (3) | e-mail post

Watching Clinton ... and Favre

Lee, here ...

Wrapping it up here. By all accounts, this has been a long week.

As discussed in today's Barbershop, it was a solid week for Democratic Sen. Hillary Clinton. Faced with dire alternatives if things had gone the other way, she was able to stop Sen. Barack Obama's winning streak. He hadn't lost a race since Super Tuesday. (As of yesterday, however, Obama was a frontrunner in the Texas caucuses, part of the state's special Democratic "two-step" process.)

We thought you might enjoy a visual (if you haven't seen it already) of the popular Clinton ad that was also talked about in the shop. Some say it should be partially credited with her success this week. Others think the intimidating voice of the narrarator, and the "big" music, say far more than what's required in a campaign message. You decide ...

Finally, we also discussed the retirement of NFL star quarterback Brett Favre from the Green Bay Packers. In addition to his distinguish skill on the field, many might recall Favre's hands-on approach in matters outside of the game, including his charity work. The Gulfport, Miss., native became familiar to non-sports fans following Hurricane Katrina. Favre's foundation helped offer relief to those affected by the storm, which included his own family.

As another Friday blog visual aid, here's an emotional Favre announcing his NFL retirement, as covered by Adam Johnson of the Wall Street Journal:

And, this is Lee signing off for the weekend.

We hope to meet you back here on Monday ...

Lee Hill

4:52 PM ET | 03- 7-2008 | permalink | comments (1) | e-mail post

A Look at Mauritania

Our foreign desk e-mailed a week or so ago to say there were some visitors coming to town. They asked if we would like to meet them. They had been working in Mauritania on political reconciliation efforts there. We did a little reporting and said, yes, we would.

(My only connection to Mauritania had been a friend, a former Peace Corp volunteer, who brought back some of the loveliest brilliantly colored tie-dyed cloth. That, and the campaign of forced expulsions by former President Maaouya Ould Sid Ahmed Taya, who had seized power in a coup in 1984 and ruled with a heavy fist for the next 20 years.)

This is a story we have seen many times throughout history -- a group decided, for whatever reason, to expel fellow citizens; those they consider the "other," or rivals, for power or resources. But unusually, in the case of Mauritania, a new regime has tried to reverse that trend.

Independent candidate Sidi Mohamed Ould Cheikh Abdallahi was inaugurated in April 2007 as Mauritania's first freely and fairly elected president. One of the goals of his administration is to overcome the legacy of past ethnic divisions, including the forced banishment of tens of thousands of so-called Afro-Mauritanians and the continuation of the tradition of enslavement. This is a story I don't think we have heard a great deal about, and in the context of so many recent clashes over ethnic division, I think an important one.

There are a number of other international stories that caught our eye today.

And ...

Sorry, we can't help ourselves, FASHION. You know you want to know the latest styles. You know you do, ok? The great thing about radio: no one needs to see you listen. So it's okay to be interested in hearing a conversation about fashion.

Key tip for the day: boat shoes.

Ladies, we have you covered next week. I promise.

Michel Martin

5:21 PM ET | 03- 6-2008 | permalink | comments (1) | e-mail post

After the Two-Step ...

Lee, here ...

This is going to be quick. A few of us are running off to a fancy dinner this evening, honoring the contributions of famous African Americans to the media arts landscape.

But, we wanted to get your feedback on last night's primary presidential elections contests in Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas and Vermont. NPR offered extensive coverage of what was being unoficially branded as the Junior Super Tuesday, so if you haven't yet been caught up to speed on the results, you can find them here.

After last night's sweeping wins, it's now safe to presume that Arizona GOP Sen. John McCain is in position to receive his party's nomination. Not much of a surprise there.

But, on the Democratic side, Sen. Hillary Clinton, once again, became the mighty comeback kid (her first comeback moment during primary season was her New Hampshire win, after losing sorely to Sen. Barack Obama at the Iowa caucuses), winning Ohio, Rhode Isand and Texas. However, according to most recent reports, Obama seemed to be winning the Texas Democratic caucuses. (The state has this system, perplexing to many outside the state, called the "Texas Two-Step." I won't even try to explain it, but you can read more about how it works -- and the frustration it seems to be causing since last night -- here.)

Are you in Texas, or Ohio? The campaigns there were pretty rigourous. What's your take on the Democratic results? Any surprises?

And, as always, if your state has yet to participate in a primary elections process, we also want to hear how/if the proceeding contests are shaping your vote ...

Lee Hill

4:27 PM ET | 03- 5-2008 | permalink | comments (2) | e-mail post

More on 'Love and Consequences' ...

I am driving to work this morning at the crack of dawn (late, not trying to lie about it ... visits every three hours from small people with demands for more milk, for an escort to the potty, will do that to you), when the phone rings. It's production associate Arwa Gunja informing me that the book we planned to talk about today, Love and Consequences, by Margaret B. Jones, a book she and I both devoured and adored, is a complete lie.

Huh?

Front page of The New York Times?

Huh?

I shake off the cobwebs and ask, "did you call her? ... What did she say? ... I know it's early in the morning (before 7 a.m.), but we have her phone number, so let's use it. Ask her what all this is about?"

Margaret does not answer. No surprise.

When I get to the office, my jaw drops even further as I read that Margaret, whom I'd interviewed last week, is a complete liar. She is not half-white, half-Native American, as she claims. She was never in foster care. She never lived in South Central Los Angeles.

Her real name is Margaret Seltzer, and she was raised in the Sherman Oaks area of Los Angeles (where the Jackson Five moved after leaving Gary, Ind.). And while she claimed the book was based on her knowledge of the lives of friends in gangs, it is most certainly not her personal story.

She never even graduated from the University of Oregon.

The book (we received an advanced copy) was just published. It turns out that a lifestyle piece in The New York Times, not the original rave review a week earlier, was her undoing. Her "real" sister saw it and blew the whistle.

I noticed that a lot of people are pursuing interviews with people connected to the publisher, but I am more interested in her. Why did she do it? How did she think she could get away with it? Did she think her biological family would never tell? ... That they would disown her? ... Adopt her lie as their own?

I also want to tell you how utterly convincing she was. How she completely inhabited this character she obviously created, and how she even explained her composite characters to me. For example, a scene in the convenience store she told me about "Niecy."

Is this mental illness? ... Ambition?

I have no idea, but I do know that she is right about one thing. If she had called this the novel it is, I would never have talked to her. I just would not have. In fact, I received a publisher pitch from another woman who wrote a novel "based" on her experiences in an inner-city neighborhood. I passed on it, in part, because I feel there are too many "real" stories that are not being told.

So, you'll note that we brought you our interview with Jimmy Breslin this morning. We'd planned to air it next week, as part of a complement of stories about gang life.

Jimmy is beloved in New York, where I am from. I think his work stands up over time. His book, The Good Rat, is based heavily on court records, so I don't have any fears about this one.

On the Scouts ...

We had different views about Boys Scouts and Girls Scouts expressed this morning. I want to point out a book written by Texas Gov. Rick Perry that defends the Scouts position opposing gay troop leaders. Check out his book and an interview with him a week or so ago in The New York Times.

I need coffee now. My head hurts thinking about all the talented people who have been undone by big lies -- James Frey (A Million Little Pieces earned the wrath of Oprah for presenting his fake memoir as true), Jayson Blair (New York Times reporter fired in disgrace for plagiarism), Stephen Glass (formerly of the New Republic, fired for fabrication), David Brock (former conservative attack dog journalist, now dedicated to liberal causes), Janet Cook (the former Washington Post reporter forced the paper to give back a Pulitzer Prize for fabricating a story), Misha Defonseca (her Holocaust Memoir was shown to be a hoax).

There's really only one question: why?

Will we ever know?

Michel Martin

6:49 PM ET | 03- 4-2008 | permalink | comments (28) | e-mail post

Free Your Mind

I traveled to Houston this weekend for a conversation about politics and the presidential campaign, held at Windsor Village United Methodist Church's Power Center.

Why did I go (since I am always complaining about not getting enough sleep, or having enough time)?

Well, let's go back to August 2005 and one of the five deadliest storms in U.S. history. I went to Houston, where the city was housing evacuees at the Houston Astrodome/Reliant Park complex. One of the greatest stories we covered was not about what government agencies did (or did not do), but what individuals did -- people who got into their cars, drove over to the Houston Astrodome, rolled up their sleeves and pitched in. These are people who sat up throughout the night -- sorting clothes, preparing food -- and called relatives in distant states to help those whose contact information had been washed away in dirty water ...

And, most remarkable, many of these are people who gathered up whole families and brought them into their own homes to get them out of crowded (clean, safe and well run, but still crowded and not very private) conditions at the Astrodome.

Many of the people I met came from Windsor Village United Methodist Church.

Certainly, thousands of people did this. Someday, someone will tell that story the way it deserves to be told. But, working at Nightline at the time, I could only tell one. ... I got to tell about Miss Grace and her family, who gathered no less than five people (whom she had never met) and brought them to her home. She was a member of Windsor Village's congregation.

We were able to stop by the church for services, where I met I don't know how many other people who were doing the same thing, not to mention family members who were sheltering 25-30 relatives in their homes.

So, when Roland Martin called to say Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell's folks were having this forum and asked could I come help out, what do you think I would say?

I do have more to share about what we talked about at the forum, and I will admit I was brain frozen on a question about the economic stimulus plans offered by the candidates.

(Why should I lie? I generally master subjects by doing stories about them (this is one we plan to get to this week. Now you know why I am never running for anything political, and why I don't play poker. ... I am great at Trivial Pursuit, though. And Scrabble. Don't try to play me. Not bragging, just a fact.)

Another issue I want to talk about from the event was a question that pained me all weekend. It's from someone who worried that if Sen. Barack Obama becomes President and does not succeed in the role, it will make life worse for African Americans by stimulating racism.

I still stand by my answer because this is something we have to stop. We have to stop permitting ourselves to be trapped by this notion that as minorities, we all have to be accountable for everything that one of us does -- good or bad.

But, what I wish I had said -- and what I did not have time to say -- is that there is a reason people feel that way:

Years ago, when I was a young journalist starting out at The Washington Post,

Continue reading "Free Your Mind" »

Michel Martin

6:19 PM ET | 03- 3-2008 | permalink | comments (1) | e-mail post