Monday, October 20, 2008

Bsi 1,430.01 +36.71 +2.57%

Despite losses (Rudy Ray Moore), the Index gains ground behind an important endorsement.

Now there are those who say that Powell's endorsement is coming down along racial lines.  Funny, they never say that when someone white endorses John McCain.  And if you're looking for racialized politics...

This, clearly, was a set up.  Analysts here believe in freedom of speech and association and all that good stuff.  We don't shout down black Republicans and conservatives just because of their party affiliations.  We're even moderately uncomfortable with the fact that 88% of African-Americans voted Democrat in the last Presidential election because of host of consequences it creates.

Van Damm... it's hard to be a free thinking black voter.

But then you look at the other party.  The guys that now propose all these black people are voting Obama... not Democrat (again... 88% last election).  What they're really saying is too many black voters are registering and that math doesn't tip in their favor.  And they're scared of losing.  So they're trying to scare the public at large...

Making this campaign much more about race and identity than it ever needed to be.  That is why we can't support them.  Even if you believe in small government or low taxes or what have you.

C'mon, girl... you know better.

This, of course, means black are, in a way, given fewer choices at the ballot box.  But what else is new.  The good news, is that we're not alone.

Yeah, Log Cabin Republicans, I'm calling you out.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Bsi 1,294.1 -14.56 -1.11%

The market responds nervously in anticipation of news due Wednesday.

It'll be an upset if Korto pulls Project Runway out.  Good luck, though.

BUY

Three modern classics of "Black" cinema.

Analysts here are confident that had any or all of these films been directed by African-American directors they would have had the potential to usher in a new wave of black filmmakers.

Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai

George Washington

Half Nelson

The directors, though, are white, but that shouldn't exclude these works from any conversation on black film as these three pictures feature fearless, atypical roles for African-American actors.*

SELL

The Race Card

Critics have cried foul on Democratic Representative John Lewis for linking recent McCain-Palin strategy to the rhetoric of segregationist George Wallace, going so far as to say that Lewis played "the race card".  Here, though, we see the comment for what it is: a political exaggeration made during an election year.  We also see claims that someone is "playing the race card" for what it is, as well:...

Got a lot of issues with Jesse, but this is just wrong.

...an attempt to undercut the real issues of racial inequality and white privilege.

A race flag, however... we may have something there.

*Yes, we're quite aware that making this statement puts us dangerously close to a "Toni Morrison moment" -- still, we stand by it.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Bsi 1,308.66 -9.65 -.73%

A a general sense of fatigue sets in, sending the Index lower.

Yeah, brother, we're with you.  Won't this election just get here already?

Monday, September 29, 2008

Bsi 1,370.59 +24.56 +1.79%

A bad week for John McCain and questions about his ties to gambling lift the Index.

I obviously can't see anything wrong with gambling... look at my V.P. pick. (rimshot!)

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Bsi 1,393.64 +16.91 +1.20%

The Index all but makes up the previous days losses as election talking points turn from Sarah Palin to the economy.

What does politics come down to?  C.R.E.A.M.

BUY

TV on the Radio

It's not 'Wolf Like Me', but the new TVotR single is catchy and has a video that reminds analysts of adventurists artists of years past.

Kate Bush is the truth people.  For real.

SELL

Homophobia

While certainly not the only homophobes out there (see: The Daily Show's 'Rapper or Republican) no one wears it like a badge quite like hip-hop culture.

Vote 'no' on California Proposition 8 in November.

Of all people, black folk should know enough to be on the right side of civil rights issues.  Enough already.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Bsi 1,406.29 -51.36 -3.52%

The Index tumbles on new poll data which indicates that perhaps John McCain's bet may be paying off.

I can't believe this shit could work... P.T. Barnum was right about Americans.

BUY

Chameleon Street

Wendell B. Harris' 1989 film about a black con-artist still bristles with originality and harkens back to a day when black independent cinema wasn't the exclusive domain of a certain cross-dressing producer of melodrama.

SELL

The Current Play of Black Quarterbacks in the NFL

Right now there are six starting black quarterbacks and only ONE legit elite talent -- Donovan McNabb.

The first week of the NFL season saw A LOT of poor play from quarterbacks of color.  And while the overall fortunes of some of the younger players, like Vince Young and JaMarcus Russell, have yet to be played out, the lack of bonafide successes is both a concern and a step in the right direction.

Analysts here are used to the idea that black athletes in overwhelmingly white sports or positions have to be significantly better than their white counterparts (see here: Warren Moon, Tiger Woods and Venus and Serena Williams).  The fact that so many of the black quarterbacks have played average, or worse, means we may be getting somewhere.  We just wouldn't suggest rushing out and drafting these young men on your fantasy football team.

Where did it all go wrong?... Oh yeah.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Bsi 1,323.46 +47.00 +3.55%

The Index moves 47 points on Barack Obama's 47th birthday.

Hmmm, are they wishing for Ohio or Florida?

And there's optimism among analysts that this time next year this date will be included among the BSI holidays along with MLK Day, Juneteenth and Kwanzaa.  Unless, of course, this man gets his way.

Oh... Martin LUTHER King Holiday.  My bad.

We really do need a new birthday song... what's T-Pain up to?