EFILE
This is the area we have set aside for you to read what viewers, like you, had to say about the show or segments contained in the show.

Comments:
Mr. Cosby has the guts to "tell it like it is" and not be like many other
African Americans who don't bother to tell the truth about the State of
Black America for fear of hurting someone's feelings.  I'm glad he is
airing our dirty laundry and want him to keep on doing it until it sinks
in.  We have reverted back to slavery which was forced upon us; but we are
no longer under the slave master, why are we acting like this--domestic
violence, baggy pants, disrespecting the ladies in rap, etc.  Keep on
keeping on Mr. Cosby.

Comments:
Bill Cosby is a very brilliant man. He speaks nothing but the truth. I
admire what he has been saying over the years about humanity. He is like a
urban sociologist. Bill Cosby is deinatly a modern day philosopher and
everyone in America should listen to what he has to say. I mean that. If I
had a big enough voice I would be right beside him. His words are far more
worth listening too than this popular music they shove into everyones
ears. He proves to me that there is brains left in this world that hope to
make a logical change. It is obvious something is wrong in the world, but
it seems everyone just avoids that and goes about their business, but not
Bill Cosby. Thank You, Mr. Cosby. You Are GREAT!

Comments:
Hello!
I just finished watching Art Fennell's interview of Bill Cosby.
His book is something that has been needed for a long time.
Personal experiences within my lifetime have shown me distinct differences
among groups of people.  I am not black.  However, I have volunteered at
an inner-city Philadelphia school as a student teacher.
I was shocked and slightly amazed at some of the things I found.  I grew
up as the child of a single mother who did everything in her power to
educate me.  We were within the welfare system, so I cannot believe an
excuse that education is out of a person's grasp.  When I was a child, we
visited science and art museums (each museum in Philadelphia has specific
dates where rates are reduced or are by donation) and we spent a lot of
time traveling the city and just being outdoors; meeting new people.  We
were the only two white people at African dance classes, and I was
probably the only girl I knew in my class who had black people in her
family.  My mother brought books home to teach me about different cultural
customs.  One thing was steadfast: to be educated always took first
priority in our household, no matter what we could afford.
However, to my dismay, when I volunteered in an inner-city Philadelphia
school, I polled my sixth grade classroom with the question "what do you
want to be doing when you graduate from high school?"
My entire class was black.  I would say (and this is from memory, so I
could be wrong) that 85% of the boys wanted to be basketball players and
85% of the girls wanted to be hairstylists.
One thing I can tell you, for sure, is that not ONE child mentioned going
to college.
When I mentioned the option of going to college, the children all pushed
the idea away, saying "we can't afford it" or "we have to take care of our
families".
None of them were aware of government programs for financial aid or even
the fact that they could get money from an outside source instead of
having to pay cash.
I may have been lucky in my experience, but my family is not wealthy.  I
do not have a trust fund.  I paid for my own schooling and have graduated
with an associate's degree and two bachelor's degrees (but also a ton of
debt, which I will eventually work my way out of).
However, one thing I believe to be true:  I knew about going to college
because of my parents and my teachers.  My mother was ALWAYS at parent
teacher meetings and always took an interest in my future.  If parents
want better things for their children, they must present them as something
that is achievable. They must take an active role in their children's

lives and they must give them the tools to become more than what they come
from.
I was recently told about a movie that I think is a great story which ties
into what Bill Cosby tried to say and what I have come to believe.  I plan
to see it soon.  It is called "War/Dance" and tells the story of three
children who survived the war in Northern Uganda, but saw their families
and people slaughtered, tortured, and raped. Children who saw their
mothers forced to kill their fathers and bury them.
However, these children want to be known as more than the victims and
orphans of war.  They trained, and trained, and trained to enter a dance
competition within their country because they wanted to be known as the
best dancers, not victims.
CHILDREN are teaching us this mentality.
Bill Cosby has been trying to teach this mentality for decades.
I applaud him and all his efforts.  He spoke at my mother's college
graduation at Temple University (she was almost thirty and worked for
years, but it was better late than never :-)), and it is one thing I
deeply regret missing, even though I was ten.
The one thing I can say about Bill Cosby is, agree with him or not, he is
OUT THERE, DOING SOMETHING about what he believes in.  Which is more than I can say for most.  I have a very deep respect for him, and I thank you
for spending your air time putting a positive message on the airwaves,
rather than reporting about more of the ugliness that exists in this
world.
He is a light that many should follow.
Thank you for your effort in putting his message out there.
With utmost respect,
Kimberly

Comments:
Dr. Cosby's career and body of work, from his current children's
educational programming to his family oriented sit-coms, has always
focused on bettering people's lives in America. I'm in my 40's and even I
can remember as a child Bill Cosby appearing on the "Captain Kangaroo
Show" with his "Picture Pages" segment. What he is attempting to do now
with his book, is to wake up the current generation of young people, to
help save the next generation. Dr. Cosby is a national treasure.
Christopher
Dartmouth, MA

Comments:
What do I think about Bill Cosby?  I think he is absolutely right on many
of these matters.  I think exactly the same way.  I only wish that more of
us could feel this way.  I wish my nearly 16 year old daughter was able
to listen to him, hopefully she will realize that I am not crazy after
all.  She is not a bad kid, it could definitely be worse, but she could do
better.  I think the kids today are very much attracted to anything that
is corrupt and negative, and his is on to the whole thing.
P.S. what does it matter what he wears, he's delivering a message. People
are again losing focus.
Thanks,
Stella

Comments:
HI,
Bill Cosby has unfortunately become guilty of verbalizing what many black
Americans already think. My fellow classmates and I have frequent
discussions about the degradation of black society through the media, in
particular the music industry. Growing up in an underclass African
American neighborhood, I can attest to the fact that many of the children
view the rap community as much more than just entertainment. In fact, it
has become a lifestyle. It is a lifestyle through which kids reject knowledge
and wisdom and instead embrace violence and ignorance. In today’s
society, the Black man has become his largest stumbling block.

Comments:
Good interview w/Dr. Cosby.  The man has passion for our people and our
future.  This passion affects the way he delivers his message; he comes
off as frustrated and overly critical of a group of our people that he
perhaps doesn't have much contact with (anymore?).  Honestly, I more AGREE
with him than disagree.
My only concern is when whites voice their criticisms of our people, and
then say, "Well, I'm just saying what Cosby's saying." I've had to tell
white people not to comment on my race b/c it's not their place and what
Dr. Cosby is saying has nothing to do with them.  whites should address
the issues--and there are PLENTY--among their own before/instead of
regressing into their historical criticisms/denigrations of our race.
And, as Dr. Cosby says, we MUST address our issues.

Comments:
Art's commentary on his Cosby interview totally missed the mark for me.
Black Americans don't think of Cosby as a "TV Dad".   We are not an
ignorant group that develop our view based on TV.    The conflict some
people of color have is their failure to appreciate the candid comments
about the lack of responsibility in the community.  Cosby is speaking of
responsibility for actions that young men should responsibility a get an
education and not father children they cannot take care.  For young women
it means  taking responsibility for their actions and control over their
body and their education.   Actions and Accountability are key to a
successful life.    These communities that feel Cosby's words are too hard
don't want to be accountable for their actions.  They rather blame social
issues around them, and not be socially responsible.

Comments:
Dear Mr. Fennell:
    THANK YOU, THANK YOU THANK!! For your interview with Bill Cosby! I
can't describe much I believe in the importance of what he's saying.
First, let me say this HE'S SPEAKING THE TRUTH every word! And that's what
has upset people black and white. To be concerned about what he wears or
whether or not he's grown a beard is absolutely ludicrous and a perfect
example of attempts to distract people from his message. I think its
amazing the level of outcry against this man who is speaking truths that
we can see on any street corner in any urban community in the country.
    Folks need to ask themselves why the media is so quick to chastise or
broadcast and discuss any disagreement some "black folks" may have with
the truth Cosby speaks and yet somehow neglects to   mention a word about
the black organizations, black individuals and entities,  who have spoken
out against that nitwit Miss New York and her even more insane mother two
black women who are exactly what Mr. Cosby is trying to keep our
daughters, children from becoming.
    I’d like to say thank you to Mr. Cosby for all of his brilliant
insightful words and this important book. I would also like to know if
there are any plans to bring the 'Cosby Town Meeting’ to New Haven, CT.
Lastly, I just want to say God Bless Mr. Cosby for all of his work, and
the passion and love he’s shown for our children. Please know we love you
as well and you are not out there alone some of us, granted not enough are
fighting the good fight with you.
Sincerely,
Gerene

Comments:
Bill Cosby is so right. I understand where he is coming from, Because I have live threw alot of the things he has talk about in his book.
Just living on is so important and understanding the way you walk threw your life and he just telling the true

Comments:
I LOVE BILL COSBY.  HIS PHILOSOPHIES ARE RIGHT ON TARGET, HE SPEAKS HIS
MIND WITH FULL HONESTY AND MORE PEOPLE SHOULD LIVE LIFE WITH AS MUCH
OUTSPOKEN HONESTY AS HE DOES.  I GREW UP IN THE 50'S AND 60'S WHEN THERE
WAS NO SUCH THING AS CHILD ABUSE AND WAS BEATEN ALMOST EVERY DAY BY MY
FATHER.  I ALSO, UNFORTUNATELY AM A PARENT WHO BURIED MY CHILD AFTER HE
WAS MURDERED, SO I RELATE TO HIM ON THAT LEVEL.  MY CHILDREN HAVE ALWAYS
BEEN MY LIFE AND AM TRULY BLESSED FOR THE WAY THEY TURNED OUT.  KEEP BEING
REAL MR. COSBY, IT WILL HAVE MORE OF AN INFLUENCE THAN YOU REALIZE.
SINCERELY,
MARIANNE

Comments:
I would like to comment on the Bill Cosby interview.
*First of all we need to understand that the drugs/drug culture is a
"function of the symptom" of institutional racism and the culture of
poverty.
*It is difficult for people to change when they have lived generationally
below the poverty line.  What are the resources available to make the
change? It is about survival, "by any means necessary".
*The destruction of our young Black males in the edu system has been
documented.  It is not designed to support them, and the "teachers of
color" are to accultrated in the system to challenge the system. It is not
an "issue" for the European teachers.
*The No Child Left Behind is leaving all of our children behind. Folks
don't understand that the "ballot" is the only thing that can change that.
Dr. Kunjufu has given the formiula as to how to overcome this "conspiracy
to destory our black boys" .
*Mr. Cosby talks about the need for mental health clinicians of color in
the jail system.  The system does not support HABILITATION or
Rehabilitation.  It is not designed to do either.
It is my hope that this book, "Come on People" is more functional than the
"Covenant" was.  I will get it from the library.  I would love to
participate in a round table discussion about this topic.  I have lots to
say ! This is not the forum. Thank you.
Katurah

Comments:
Was watching your show today regarding Mr. Cosby.  Mr. Cosby has been such
an inspration to me through out my life.  I am 53 years old and his
therary on today's society is right on target.  he takes his own personal
time to help our kids and families in need.  I couldn't say enough nor the
right words about Mr. Cosby!!

Comments:
Bill Cosby is the most respected
African-American leader today.

Comments:
Thanks Art Fennell I just saw some of Bill Cosby on the show . At the risk
of sounding like I know something, I know what mr. cosby is saying,
feeling and whats missing in his understanding. You know the parts that
will bring peace and understanding to him and others.God is still the best
knower.His twelve step program is the final answer for us all. The
understanding that surpasses all understanding has been made clear. Its
here for those that want to know. Its not for those that need it it for
those that want to know Gods will for us.

Comments:
I'm responding to your show that is on now featuring the famous and always
timely, Dr.Cosby.
I can't say enough about how much I agree with his perspectives, it is
time for us all to WAKE UP!
I am currently attempting to put into the works a system where the
growing, able-bodied population that is now getting older to coordinate
their walks around our school kids bus and walk routes.
There is far too much apathy that is occurring in our society and a lot of
it is by design.  It is extremely important for our children to feel safe
in their world, and it wouldn't cost anything to have a MONTORING body of
humans walking along the walk/bus routes that our children take to school
every day.
I'm hopeful that Bill Cosby will be taken seriously, because I, too, am
serious about this proposition I have and I would like to see more
involvement from the general public regarding the welfare of our children
first, and of course our growing elderly population.
There was a Miss America who also brought this to our attention recently,
since she too was bullied and frightened simply by going to school.
There is more money in the public school system now than ever before, but
the arts, music appreciation, and other things such as sports get cut out.
Now, who's watching how the money is being spent?

Comments:
You asked:What do you think of Bill Cosby?
WELL,I happened to meet him at a very nice N.Y.C. restaurant.  How?  I
walked up to him after he finished dining w/ his family.
I said, rather politely: "Thank you for all that you have done."
He turned to look at me and said, equally as simply and politely:"Well, I
have washed plenty of windows along the way, too."
I understood immediately his apparent ability to be humble and attentive
to a fan  who happened to love watching him as an OB/GYN, as a fab father
and husband. A role model for sure.
Jean

COMMENTS?
EMAIL ART

PLAYING WITH MURDER
Is the Manhunt 2 video game for Nintendo's Wii dangerous and irresponsible, or just a game? AFR tackled the issue by talking to a child psychologist who said the game can be dangerous in the wrong hands. You weighed in on the topic, here are your responses:

Comments:
I found your report on Manhunt disturbing. For one thing the Psychologist you had on your show said after she played a game about killing hookers with a car she said that when she got behind the wheel she thought about how many points she would get (in real life) if she ran over some hookers. I mean come on, is this the kind of people you want on your show? I am 35 and have been playing games for over 20 years and not once have I thought about killing hookers or anyone, and this lady is a professional.
My next comment is that you say no one under 17 should be playing this game, yet you have two little kids on your show playing this game. You contradict yourself by having these kids play this game. I have an 11, 4 and 1 year old at home and I would never let them play these games at home. I have many m rated games at home and would never let my kids play them and they know they are, are not aloud to play them because I install values in my children. One last thing I believe this game is also coming out for ps3 and the 360 which would not have the same controls as the Wii. Also if parents let their kids play these games they should have all their game consoles taken out of their homes.
Thank you an have a good day.
Bill

Comments:
I don't think its right for any person under the age of at least 18 to be buying or playing games like Manhunt. Although games are for entertainment purposes, some children are impulsive and have hard times controlling themselves in real life situations, but that responsibility should not fall on the shoulders of the people that make the games. The ratings are there for a reason just like Parental Advisory stickers on Music CD's.
Lastly, if a person is old enough to purchase the game, they should have the common sense to know the difference between a game and real life. Of course, some people that are of age can get away with it, but what can you do? Perform a Psych evaluation on people buying them? In my opinion, for people of our generation it is typical to feel this way, but they need to just grow a backbone.
Zach

Comments:
Manhunt 2 was originally banned in the U.K. and then the United States because of its Adults Only rating. Now, they heavily edited the game to now have a mature rating. The first Manhunt was a cult game that is just as bad as the 2nd, but because of Nintendo trying to censor entertainment that is for adults. That’s the point, it is for adults. Sony decided to follow what Nintendo did, and made Rockstar heavily edit their version as well. Sony released the first one, which like I said, the violence, language, etc. is no different. It’s the parents that should be blamed for what their children do. In the end do not blame this game on any type of child violence. If their parents by them the weapons because for some odd reason a 12 year has a collection of them, and buy them this game specifically for adults; seriously blame the parents, not the game.
Phil

Comments:
Seeing your report on Manhunt 2 tonight was really shocking...not because of the content of the video game, which has been well covered for many months. Watching your staff giving an adult-only rated game for your shysterism was astonishingly poor taste. The fact is, video games are a well established medium now that have developed for over 30 years and parents at this point ARE aware of them. If they choose to take materials created for adults, such as pornography or an adult video game, and give them to their children, that is the social breakdown; they know they are damaging their kids. The fact is, Manhunt is a sequel to a rather poor game that has less of the violent and explicit content of the original, and so much of the press about this sequel is because the ratings standards are stricter now than when the initial game was released. Why not focus on the fact the games industry has governed itself far more strictly than the film or music industries, and has had more success keeping adult materials out of children’s hands? The article reeked of uninformed reporting.
Richard in Lancaster, PA

Comments:
I do not believe that Manhunt 2 has gone too far. The game is clearly intended to be played by adults, not children. The clip you showed of a 9 year old playing the game was absolutely ridiculous and irresponsible. To condemn the game for its violent content and then allow a child to play it for the sake of shocking parents that tune in to the show is a terrible thing. Rockstar has every right to produce adult themed content if they choose and it should be no one else's decision whether or not it's appropriate for an adult. We are capable of making our own decisions about what we can and cannot see or play. It's the parent's responsibility to make sure their children don't play M rated games, not the game company's. It's okay when an arcade game has guns you use to shoot at the bad guys, but it's not okay when you use the remote to stab? What's the difference? Both are real life means of ending someone's life, both are bad, so why is it okay for a game to have guns? You act like violent entertainment is a new thing. What about the Romans? They had real life blood sports for entertainment! What video games did Hitler play that made him go crazy and commit so many horrible atrocities? Violence has always and will always exist in our society, no form of art or entertainment is to blame. Video games are harmless. No one is hurt. The child behavior specialist you had on needs to get a firmer grip on modern teenagers as well. After playing Grand Theft Auto I felt no need to run over a prostitute. She doesn't give people enough credit. It takes much more than a few games and movies to destroy someone's value of human life. The children and teens that "go over the deep end" obviously didn't have a very good set of parents to instill in them a basic set of morals and principles. If these parents spent half as much time raising their kids as they do protesting games and movies, maybe they would have realized that their child was mentally disturbed and sought some help or counseling. It's not any game or movie's fault, if someone is going to snap, anything could set them off. What would you report on your show if someone committed a school shooting after watching The Lion King? What convenient scapegoat would you talk about?
Mike

RACISM IN AMERICA
Recently, AFR tok on the topic of Racism in America. Are the citizens of the United State Racist? Can minorities live an equal life as their White counterparts? You weighed in, here are your comments.

Comments:
When a school teacher is talking about a situation that happened in school and she says "she or he is black " which has no relevance to the situation this is a very racial comment and I'm sure her thoughts are passed on to the children she teaches sublely but it is definitely racisim. The news media also is to blaim for keeping racism in our country alive. When reporting a story it is reported "a black man/woman, or a spanish man/woman or an asian man/woman" when no pictures are shown it is not clarified that the person is white that commited the crime. Racism is alive and scary in America.
Tani

Comments:
Racism in America:
No, racism is not a major problem in America. If it were, those Arab hi-jackers wouldn't have made it past security at Logan Airport. Black vs White is a thing of the past. Now it's Middle East/Muslims vs Rest of the World. I don't see that ending anytime soon.
-Melanie in NJ

Comments:
Racism is alive and well in America. Back in my grand parents' days, the Klan used to hide behind sheets, now they just do what they want to people of color. The laws are made to keep people of color down and let other people do what they want to do. If you watch a white person commit a crime, he or she gets a smack on their hand, but if a person of color commits a crime, America destroys them. You can say what you want to say, but the bottom line is that America was founded on racism and the powers that control this country would rather blow this country up before sharing it with people of color. We need to get rid of all of our so called leaders (black,white or whatever) and put people in place that really care about all PEOPLE.
Martin


Comments:
Regarding racism is America: My life experiences have shown me that a much higher percentage of blacks are racists than are whites. Why is this part of the problem never discussed?
Dennis

BLACK ENOUGH?
Recently, AFR took on the hot topic surrounding the democratic campaign for President... is Barack Obama "black enough"? In the course of this debate, Senator Hillary Clinton's new "Invisible" Campaign Ad was brough to the forefront, and Art anf AFR's Washington Insider, April Ryan, went head to head on both issues... Is Obama black enough... and does Clinton's new ad actually make minorities invisible? Here are your comments on the debate.


Comments:
You did a piece about Presidential candidate Obama. The whole,"Is he black enough," question is irrelevant to the actual issue. Is he qualified to lead the country? The white men and women who have run for president or vice president have never been "too white". The only issue was would they balance the good of each group with the good of the country? Whites have helped and hurt us in the past and that is just how it is. We should look at what he stands for, not what shade he is. Personally, I have seen whites with tans who are darker than he is now. That does not make them any more black or qualified for the job.
Sonya

Comments:
About Obama, "not being black enough"? Why can't we just vote a person and close our eyes? Too much enphasis on what color we are. Get on with it!
Mary from Maryland.

Comments:
I agree with you Art regarding the Hillary Clinton commercial in Iowa; it should have been more inclusive.
Terri

Comments:
I was just watching your show about the Clinton commercial and strongly disagree with your comment about racial diversity. Politics is about playing the game which Hillary is doing to win the election. If you target a specific area that is predominately one race, then why not target them. Obviously if she were doing a commercial in DC or Philly then it would target different races. We were not meant to see the Iowa commercial and this is the reason. You can't make everyone happy.
Carl

Comments:
I've just watched some of your show. You had April on and speaking about who is running for president... O.K., nobody is perfect but, it's not about race it's who is better for the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.................. JUST INCASE PEOPLE FORGOT!
Larry

Comments:
I think it is critically important to tailor a commercial to one's audience. I live in a city environment and expect and enjoy diversity in every aspect of my life. I will respond best to commercials with multi-ethnic, multi-racial, multi-age, etc. presentations. I know people, however, that live in a homogeneous small town and feel that companies or agencies from "the city" doesn't understand the way country folks think. It is likely that a commercial that looks like it targets "the city" would be ignored as not being relevant to them. It might even give the impression that country folk are "invisible" and only the city folk matter. It seems the challenge is to have a diversity of commercials without looking like one is shallowly targetting audience. A candidate must let everyone know that he/who is one who will listen to and serve ALL.
Crystal

Comments:
I've followed the "not black enough" discussion, but I'm sure what this means. Has anyone offered a definition and who said they're right?
I've never thought of whether I'm white enuough. With so many variables for whites how does one decide what "whiteness" actually is? Educated, white-trailer trash, blonde, beach lovers, etc. etc? And, who decides? Does any white person actually speak with authority about what it means to be white? And, what if I don't fit their description?
Therefore, I would ask the same of blacks? And, what does it mean that "Oprah isn't black enough"? And who made this hip hop chump the authority?
One of my concerns about being "enough" of something is that blacks are pressured to be something that someone else decides they should be? Why can't blacks just be what they want to be?
Some believe that being black means pimpin', hos, dog fighting, poor, disdaining education, womanizers, loud-n-bitchy, shaking of head, etc.etc. If I do those things, being white, am I therefore, "black enough"?
thanx,
donallover

Comments:
That was incredible that you read my e-mail about Obama on the air this morning. Are you going to play it again tonight or some other times? Art, you did such a good job expressing my thought as I saw it.
Thank you. You are Superb.
Joseph

Comments:
About Hillary's add Invisible... She is invisible to the black vote in her commercial, Iowa or no Iowa Mrs.
Clinton should be including all of the United States. She obviously miss the boat with that ad.
Tim

Comments:
I don't think any campaigns should be directed at any one race, we are all americans. As far as people of color go, if you look at the republican party you will see more people of color in top jobs than you have ever seen in a democratic administration. Like they used to say, " the proof is in the pudding".
Tommy

Comments:
Art, your show about Hillary Clinton’s commercial, I found to very offensive. You are correct; in 2007 Americans should not be looking at color or race. The commercial should have been made to covers all Americans.
I was equally offended by April’s comment about the music being quilting music! I am a quilter and I do not listen to this type of music. Here we go with the preconceived or assumed categorization!
Linda

Comments:
Art, I absolutely agree with your view of Hillary Clinton's commercial. What is your colleague thinking? No commercial of that nature should be race specific. How could she state that a NY commercial would have been different? In her research she states that the Hispanic race is the fastest growing race in Iowa...How come there is only one child in the commercial? She's not even of voting age!
They touched on our soldiers in Iraq...Are there only white solidiers there? This is America, the commercial should absolutely reflect the people of the country.
Your colleague should be ashamed as a minority herself to not see that this commercial entitled "Invisible" makes only white America visible.
Margaret

Comments:
Arthur, I agree with your assessment of the Clinton commercial. It was either a bad mistake or a purposeful appeal to the demogrpahics of Iowa.
Either way it alienates someone. She is not electable!
Al

Comments:
Reacting to your discussion last night regarding whether Barack Obama is "black enough", I find this both offensive and enraging. I view Barack Obama as an honest man of impressive intellect, who displays an understanding and concern for ordinary Americans and wants to restore America's reputation and place in the world. His father is black; his mother is white. Is his mother somewhat less than his father? What enrages me about this discussion is that it can singlehandedly destroy his chance of becoming president. The country needs to feel that he is a man for all the people. Black, white, asian, hispanic - we all share a common humanity. Whatever happened to the rainbow coalition?
Carolyn

Comments:
Dear Art, When I was a little girl growing up, Mother Africa (anyone who is African American) would welcome all of her children in, no matter what the mixture. If you had just a drop of African American blood you were surrounded with love and nurture.
I am outraged that over 40 years later African Americans have forgoten their heritage by asking questions like whether BARACK OBAMA is black enough.
I challenge every African American who asked that question to read up on Jim Crow. ( the man who originated distinction between light skinned blacks and dark skinned blacks.)
I am glad that this mentality of people were not around when Adam Clayton Powell was running for a seat in Washington. He made many positive changes for African Americans. Thank God for men who have the same boldness and candor.
I am also very proud of Barack Obama's wife for speaking up as she did. She's right. "what kind of message are we sending our children"
In this information age we need to bring back the love,care, and concern that we had for one another. because as the famous saying goes (Together we stand but divided we fall.)
Jazz

Comments:
Hi , my word of the day is bull all of this president run is a bunch of nothing there is more people in the U.S. in need of all thing's like health care the elderly good houseing and lot's more not more military money all that is a bunch of wasted money immagration is why no U.S.A. job so you see there is many thing's not if someone is black enough!!!!!
William

Comments:
I saw your commentary on Barack Obama...let & behold that I wasn't even sure how to write his name & had to wake my husband up. I tried on the internet and this is what they supplied.....borack, barrack, barack, borrock, etc.My hubby wans't happy I woke him up for this question.ANYWAY.my question is this man is intelligent. It doesn't matter if he is black or white.He doesn't have to play the FIELD.His field is his knowledge on GLOBAL affairs.Let any color of any people of any race choose whom they want on what their beliefs are.Don't act black in black states or white in white states. Be WHO you are and what you truley feel and FIGHT for it & you'll win.I think he is handsome. Also, he has a WONDERFUL background. Don't ruin it by playing the color scheme DUDE!AND NO I AM NOT YOUR MAMA!?I am just a little white woman from PA with 3 white boys with a REPUBLICAN dad and afraid they'll have to go to war w/o an opt.
BLOW UP MID EAST & get babies out first then resettle. GO answer???????????????
Leigh

Comments:
I am a black man and I am ashamed to see black people saying that Obama is not black enough in support of Hillary Clinton. Is she black enough.
I am supporting Obama because before the war he was the only person talking about how America is going to be trapped in sectarian violence between the Sunnis and the Shites. That's exactly what happened. That meant the man did his homework before the rest of the pack. It's not a question of having a couple of years of experience and targeting the presidency from the start, it a question of smarts and common sense. I think Barrack has more of it than many of these experienced folks.
Black folks ought to understand this fact, except when Barrack said he would be attacking this northern region of Pakistan. That had me worried, however, Bush has quickly stolen his idea and there is a big fight going on at that very place right now.
Joseph

THE GREAT DEBATE: FAITH VS. SCIENCE
Recently, AFR tackled the Great Debate as we let a Bishop and a Scientist talk about creation, miracles, and The Bible. Here are your responses to that show.

Comments:
Dear Art,
Just read your e-mails on Faith vs. Science.. We humans are so silly. Who came first the chicken or the egg? Does it matter? As long as we know that both exist - each intregal to the other. Impossible not to have one without the other --- Science tells us we use only 5% of our brains in our conscious state. The Bible tells us that the spirit of God indwells in us and as we meditate and pray - miracles can happen. Science gives us the 5% answers and Faith gives us hope.
Does God cross doctrinal lines? It is our hearts that God seeks, not our 5% conscious state brains.
We in the United States have many freedoms; one of them is the right to vote and have a voice in the political process. With freedom comes responsibility to be an informed not just a biased citizen.
As for now, we need to be good stewards of the things God has given us in our lives. We are to a loving people; to be a help to others, and to be good stewards of the environment we live in. (I think our environment needs extra help this go round)
Mary

Comments:
Art,
I just watched your program about faith vs. science. I am a born again Christian and believe in the God of the bible as Bishop Aiken spoke of. I believe the bible to be the infallible word of God and that all the events happened or will happen as God said in His word. That being said I don't think we should try to always put God against science. God does miracles and in my opinion in some instances uses natural events to carry out His plan and purpose. It is easy to explain these away as coincidence or just a natural occurrence, but look around and you see God's work in every part of life. The biggest miracle would be our existence without God. Again, I think Christians and scientists should work together to see the hand of God in creation instead of trying to prove each other wrong.
Jonathan

Comments:
"Science vs. The Bible" Why do they always have to be against each other? Who is to say that Creationists AND Evolutionists aren't both right? If God is the Supreme Being that controls all, who are we to say how He, for one created the earth, and two works miracles? Since God created the earth, did he not also create science? He made blocks right into nature to disprove that creation was mere coincidence. Have an evolutionist explain how irreducible complexity fits into evolution. It doesn’t. Evolution says that change happened gradually, over time and that any good changed stayed while the bad ones didn't. Irreducible complexity, on the other hand, is a structure that, without any one of its many parts it would not be able to function. Some examples of irreducible complexity are the bacterial flagellum, the eye, and the mousetrap.
So again, who is to say that you couldn't run a report with the title "Science and the Bible" because no one really seems to look at the other side of the story. Why does science have to be against the Bible?
I hope some of what I have said resonates within you.
God Bless,
Matt
16 - New Hampshire

Comments:
Hi Art, I saw your "Holla" segment from 7-18-07 in Reading, PA.
While I was happy to see the topic of Religion vs. Science, and that many people still have faith in a "Master Architect" I was a little disappointed that no one who believed in Science rather than religion was featured.
I had also hoped that someone would have been able to interview someone outside the Christian Mindset. Spots like this reinforce the idea that "Rural" Pennsylvania is 100% Christian, when a Popular Witches Networking site lists 148 covens and groups in PA, and a few of those being in Reading proper.
Perhaps the crew can try a little harder next time to get a wider base of people, rather than only expressing one set of beliefs.
Click here for FAQs about Wicca and Witch Craft:
Witches Heal,
-Rev. Amy

Comments:
Art,
A few nights ago, you had a minister and a technology professor discussing the general issue of how God is related to our lives. Let me say up front my current beliefs are in line with the professor's. However, what bothered me about the discussion is that each simply stated their bottom line repeatedly without trying to state reasons to refute the other person. As such, I feel you were 'part of the problem' by not intervening to get each participant to counter the argument of the other person. For example, the professor should have asked the minister to answer the question of what he considers the fate - after death - of the billions of people who have either not been exposed to Christ or those, like the Jews, who simply state that he was not the Son of God. This is an important issue in American politics, hence I hope you have another session on this topic where you will have, if necessary, key questions to ask the participants AND make sure that they answer those questions.
Thanks.
Ted

Comments:
I was watching your report with the Bishop and the Scientist. I enjoyed it mainly because it didn't turn into an argument. I wasn't able to catch it all, but my understanding was that science can prove miracles. In order to do that I think we need to find some miracles. Documented miracles: I'll give you a couple of websites who claim to have documented miracles such as limbs growing back, miracle weight loss, hair growing back, gold teeth and gold dust appearing. Even other things such as money appearing and water turning to wine.
These links might provide some interesting stories for you.
The Glory Zone
Extreme Prophetic
Bethel Church
I hope you can use some of this info.
take care,
Wilmer

Comments:I was just watching your show about the new energy drink blow. I was appalled that a father would think that was an appropriate way to market a product. No, I definitely would not buy it. I'm by no means a prude but I do have two young children & I think products like this are ridiculous.
Dorothy

Comments:
In regards to 7/16 show segment on the product "Blow"; it is socially irresponsible for the makers of "Blow". The man responsible for the product, to quote him the product is "hip and cool". I missed something, what makes doing a complete 100% mimic of drug use "hip and cool", the sexual content on the product is over the top too, as well as being proud of using a porn start to do the companies message. I really hope and pray this company hits rock bottom overnight. I also feel as though legal action should be taken and our government should step in and put the brakes on this. Seriously, its one thing to want a piece of the pie, and it's another to influence a whole generation into a negative lifestyle. All he is doing is promoting drug use and hurting our society in a huge way. Let's take him off the market. Who cares if the energy drink is good or not, there is something terribly wrong with what he's doing and he knows it. Do American's have a foundation of morals and values anymore?
Are money and material things really more important over a humans and society's well being? Let's get real America and stop people like this. I am greatly concerned, society has enough problems to deal with this just makes it harder to solve our problems because it supports a illegal and negative lifestyle. He said there are "more important issues" and these people "need to get a life", this is an important issue and this is life!
I really hope you show has an effect on society and society pulls this guy and his company down!!!!!!!!!!!
Suzanne

Comments:
I saw the show about the "Blow" energy drink. I'm 27, and I would never buy this crap. This is obviously made to apeal to kids. Me personally if I want an energy drink I go into the store and buy one out of the fridge.
Why would anyone go in and buy a drink that they have to make? How many people play a sport and pull a box that looks like cocaine out and start to mix a drink that looks like drugs? I don't get it, but I guess that's cause like most people I have common sense.
Jack

Comments:
I'm 15 and I can even see how wrong the "Blow" product is. Why can't a grown man realize he's only making our world worse? Its people like him that like to ruin things for others!
Sean

Comments:
Hi Art,
We watch your rerun every morning since we both work in the evenings. We just saw the segment on "Blow". We would like to know what happened to the FDA? How could such a product be allowed to even hit the shelves not that we tried it nor would we! God save us all.
Good Job,
Robin and Antonio

Comments:
In response to your interview with Blow Creator Logan Gola I have to say that Blow Energy Powder is the best energy supplement on the market. It works better than Rockstar, Red Bull, etc. and tastes better to boot! While I do not support illegal drugs, I believe that children should be educated to know the difference between a tongue-in-cheek joke and an illegal drug.
Also, to the adults who are taking this out of proportion, get a sense of humor and realize that such references are surrounding us in movies, music, and the celebrities we see on the news.
Max

Comments:
Dear Mr. Fennell,
I watched your interview with the founder of BLOW Energy Drink and I was a little disturbed. I found your cutesy, degrading, however very polite interview disrespectful.
I don’t know you, but you appear a highly intellectual person, yet you equate imitation to be the actual real thing. If we were to believe the concepts behind your interview then every horror picture thats on the market is a training film for serial killers.
Here is a guy, develops a concept, enter a highly competitive marketplace with a novel idea, that’s only marketing to a certain “segment” of the population, not to every child in America.
You say you ask the tough questions, well guess what, thanks to you, there won’t be anymore interviews like yours. It’s one thing to give a tough interview, it’s quite another to disrespect and mock the product under the guise that its part of the illegal drug trade.
You finished the interview by calling the “BLOW” vial a crack vial, and you know that a crack vial is much, much smaller than that what you showed on your program. Its almost like you were trying to transform the product into a illegal thing by calling it so to the minds of your viewers.
That’s despicable, because you try to bring this product and the guy down, and for what purpose, to show your viewers that you are tough on drugs.
Here’s some information, manufacturing and selling a product in America is a legal activity. There obviously, is no firestorm of protest on this product because, I know you would have used that against him.
To say that the product was marginal, man, you a mean dude. You the kind of broadcaster that strikes fears in anybody that comes under your scope.
The guy is employing Americans, paying taxes, buying equipment, paying rent and salaries, and he doesn’t merit one ounce of respect from you.
I got to tell you I wasn’t impressed by your “tough” interview, on the contrary, I thought it was a mean-spirited, wrong-headed attack on an imaginary demon, which only worked to show that there are a few delusional concepts behind the production of your show.
Please re-examine your methods and procedures I feel that you could be a world class journalist, but right now, in my view, you’re a mean, delusional journalistic menace to his audience, who, in addition to needing treatment, should have his juvenile butt spanked. Word.
Daryl

Comments:
I am a ten year old from PA and I was absolutely outraged at the way Blow's marketing campaign was viewed by Logan.  Drug vials? Come on. Kids my age are well aware of that term and I believe that it is very disgusting to promote such vulgar ideas.  Blow has terrible marketing views and they are promoting the wrong message. Logan was very hypocritical in his interview, and as a father you would not expect such influences.
J

Comments:
On "Blow" - It is so obvious that children are up against such a strong pull from negative pressures to be and to do much that is likely against their parents training and belief systems.  It is further compounded with the fact that most parents need to work a 40 hour work week or more to afford the bare necessities and so as a consequence, the parents' voice, unfortunately, is likely not the loudest voice of influence in the children's lives.  As a community of people we should each feel a responsibility to help instill sound moral values so that our communities and subsequently our world will be a better place.  There is always a ripple effect... Shame on the creators and supporters of this product that glamorizes a lifestyle of death and deadly practices... but again, there is always a ripple effect; I will be protesting it... It is that important.
Lynette

Comments:
OH MY GOODNESS!!!  IS HE FOR REAL!?!  As a parent I am floored that a product such as that would be allowed to be marketed to ANYONE. There is no way he can say he doesn't believe that will encourage drug use. How much money does our country spend fighting the effects of drug addiction?
I mean really, what's next pot like lettuce leaves to encourage vegetable consumption???  Unbelievable!! 
Rhonda in PA  

Comments:
"Blow" is simply another sad commentary on the lack of responsible action on the part of business and a statement on their "anything goes" mentality in the search for profits at any cost.
Rick

Comments:
Hey, I just saw the little bit on that new energy drink "Blow", and I must say, I'm not at all offended or shocked that a company would do that...it REALLY doesn't strike me as wrong. It may be because I feel that it's the Parent's obligation to educate their child NOT to do drugs (which this is obviously connected to), and that if people DO decide to do drugs, it's their body, their choice.
This reminds me a LOT of the energy drink "Cocaine" that was banned by the FDA on May 5th, 2007.
Here's the warning letter sent to Redux Beverages from the FDA.
Basically what I'm saying, the appearance that company's are going for is the "cool" novelty of it. People think "Hey, this is LEGAL and it makes me COOL", or it's at least glorified as such.
Chris

Comments:  
Art,
This is a response to the product Blow. As a teenager myself, I believe that this product would attract me, not because of the fact that it looks like cocaine, but because I love energy drinks. I, myself, have never tried or experimented with illegal drugs, and have promised myself to never use drugs. I believe that this energy drink is a great idea, and should only be given to people who can realize the dangers of drugs and who accept the fact that it is not right to do drugs.

Comments:  
I'd like to comment on your report about the energy drink Blow. 
Wouldn't the vials used for the energy drink be considered drug paraphernalia.  I can just see it now that some cocaine addict will try to tell a judge that the cops didn't find him with crack vials but with "blow" vials. This product reminds me of candy cigarettes. I remember mimicking a smoker when I was little. The same thing will happen with Blow. Kids will use it and might lead them to buying cocaine.  You'd think for the reason of Public Health and Safety that something could be done to make the makers of Blow use another means of packaging their product.  What will they do next- Create and Energy Drink Powder that you can smoke with rolling paper?
Jose

Comments:  
Mr. Fennell,
I think "Blow" is a terrible idea. It is just plain un ethical. This country already has a problem with underage drinking, teenage pregnancies and drug Abuse. This product is just adding to that life style. This product deserves to be outlawed, and the creator should be sued. I am 15 years old, and I find this very outrageous.
Nick

Comments:  
I can't describe to you how upset and shocked I am about this ridiculous drink" called Blow.
We spend Billions of dollars and spend countless hours trying to keep our kids away from drugs and this guy goes and glorifies drugs and drug dealers! Glorifying the "lifestyle" he said. Great lifestyle, you lose all your money, family, and eventually your life. Unbelievable! Trying to cash in on the "controversy sells" chip. How about the "do the right thing" chip or "come up with a different idea" chip! Please follow up with this story and let everyone know of any retailers that may carry it.
Thanks
Darrin
Marlton, NJ

Comments: 
Dear Mr. Fennell,
I think the way you treated your guest was shameless and unwarranted from a reporter's stance.  Blow energy drink is a fantastic, eye-catching marketing ploy.  In the burgeoning field of energy drinks, competitors to red bull must do everything they can to stake their share of the market.  If customers like you seem hesitant, then they should grab the drink next to Blow (Energy Shot, Liquid Cocaine, Mach - or the original, Red Bull).  As an executive in strategic marketing, I applaud your guest for his customer captivating idea.  Marketed to the right crowd - this drink should do more than make a TV show's brain numb.
Cheers,
Adam

Comments: 
I think it is outrageous that he is even allowed to market such a thing.  I am not sure, but are candy
cigarettes still around????? And to say he thinks this is "hip and cool" ... to mimic the gestures of
what it takes to do cocaine is absolutely irresponsible.  Regardless of what the taste of the powder drink would be,
even if it were delicious...I would not buy it--EVER!!!
Penny

Comments: 
Art,
Love your show but please don't waste our time (& yours) with Bottom Dwellers like Logan Gola!
Stephanie

Comments:
Art,
You were much too easy on Mr. Logan Gola of Blow Energy Drink. I am a Sales & Marketing
professional for a Fortune 500 company and was appalled by his sleazy excuse for marketing.
Our company is guided by Our Credo which holds us responsible to our customers, employees &
the communities in which live & do business. It is apparent that Mr. Gola is not socially
responsible at all! No matter what industry you're in, you should know right from wrong.
Renee

Comments:  
The Blow founder on your show was correct about personal responsibility, but it's wrong to market a product that promotes the drug culture to children. Does anyone remember those candy cigarettes?
Adam

<back>