"I don't think I'm going to vote. I'm caught in the middle. I come from a family of Democrats who need my vote. But I have Republican money. So, I'm kinda stuck." - Clinton Portis
The above quote was uttered by Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis. I was a bit surprised that he made the comment. Everybody knows that I'm for Obama. I don't begrudge those of you who want to vote for mcshame and pale-lynn. It's your choice. I just find it irresponsible for a black man who does NOT vote. I don't need to give you a history lesson on what voting means to our people. Well...maybe I should give a lesson to Clinton Portis.
He may have "Republican money" but he didn't come from wealth. This year, Portis will make more that 7 million dollars from playing football for the Washington Redskins. Obama's tax plans would hit him in his pockets harder than it would for us. However, Portis may have forgotten about how his decision NOT to vote may hurt his kids or his grandchildren. People fought and died for his right to vote. Maybe somebody should tell him that.
This election has brought out some heavy hitters. We've seen athletes and entertainers donate their money to their political candidate. Just a few weeks ago, NBA superstar LeBron James was seen at a rally for Obama in Ohio. Entertainers like Mary J Blige, Big Boi from Outkast, and Jay Z have publicly backed Obama as well. Recently, the Cleveland Browns head coach, Romeo Crennel (who is black), banned all political talk from the team's locker room because it had gotten intense between players.
Something tells me that Portis is not alone in his thoughts about not voting. His political affiliation...just like mine...is nobody's business. However, he opened his mouth and now I got something to say about it. I think you have to vote. I don't care who you vote for or how much money you make. I don't care if he wrote his OWN name in for president and made Flavor Flav his VP. Just vote. Jay Z has a whole lot more money than Portis but he's gonna vote. I think you'd be a fool NOT to vote.
Your thoughts. Do you really care about your favorite athlete or entertainer's political view?
Hollatchaboi!!!!
You know normally I would say that I don't care about my favorite athlete or entertainer's political viewoint, but I do..I'm only human.
ReplyDeleteIt won't change my mind on who I'm voting for..but I know that it can sway others. I'm very disapointed at Clinton Portis..Somebody tell him that he's a torn ACL away from losing that Republican Money.
Clinton should no better, especially growing up in Gainesville, FL. Ain't none of his folks made of money. They may be paid now because of him, but what about the rest of the people in his former community. He can't afford to think about himself. Hell, if it wasn't for poor folks (coaches, teachers, community people) pouring into his life he wouldn't be in a position to "worry" about his pockets.
ReplyDeleteOh, btw -- FIRST!
got dang that Keith.
ReplyDeleteHey Kyle...It's a madhouse up here in Philly..The Phils just beat the Dodgers and are going to the World Series...People are out in the streets actin a damn fool....I'm choosing to stay in the house, where it's safe..I had my day with that.lolol.
ReplyDelete@ Keith
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way. I was disappointed when I read that. It's not that I care about his candidate of choice but the fact that he's not gonna vote. That's crazy to me
You are dead on point with that one. One injury and he's looking for a "regular" job
@ Rich
Another great point. Like most athletes, he had a lotta help along the way from "common folk"
@ Rich
LMAO!!!
@ Keith
Congrats fam! I saw the last 3 innings. I know Philly is going crazy right now. It's gotta feel good to be playing in the World Series.
While it serves as great entertainment to hear different celebrities opinions on their candidate, my choice isn't based on their opinions and I think that is a mistake a lot of people are making. Rather than research the candidates and their views themselves, the take the lazy route and follow someone elses choice. This election is far too important to base your vote on how someone else is going to vote. And this elections is far to important to avoid.
ReplyDeleteShame on him!
Oh my! This must be the post of the week. I posted about Joe yesterday.
ReplyDeleteNow I don't know who this Clinton Portis is (I will google later) but he should be ashamed of himself. A Black man in America should be the first one at the polls.But this is why we as a people don't move forward as a whole. And why until Obama ran other parties did not cater to us, in the eyes of politicians we were only interested in getting $$ and complaining.
I'm spent on this non-voting celeb trend. Know your history dummy!
I think Clinton Portis is an idiot. I don't care about his political view but it is ignorant of him to say he's not gonna vote.
ReplyDeleteBesides that is a dumb reason not to vote. I can see if you are torn between the issues each candidate represents but because your family are Democrats and your wallet is Republican? Somebody needs to shake him until he gets some sense.
Hey Brother!
ReplyDeleteI've said this before...politics has never been an interest of mine..BUT..I've always voted on principle alone....over the last few months some of my blog family members have sparked my interest in politics and I've been playing more attention this time around...I say this to say...I can't trip on someone for not being interested in politics or even being ignorant (lacking information) around it...BUT I will say that this dude's statement sounds a bit foolish wrapped in pride.....I just pray that he checks himself...because pride comes before the fall...and it would be a shame if "a fall" leads him back to where he came from...a place where "Republican Money" didn't exist.
Who much is given.... much is required...I think people who have followers should think before they speak and act...because young eyes are watching...and young ears are listening....teach our children to do the right thing ...make a difference through action outside of the sound booth, basketball court, or football field...And we know that voting is the right thing to do....on principle alone!
i they just dont understand because they have money and they think that this jacked economy will not affect them.
ReplyDeletei mean it is just plain stupid to not vote!!!!
he may have the republican money....but all his people prob are in the democrat status.
ReplyDeleteThe song isn't about him!!! Thats disturbing.
Lots of people dont think like our forefathers did...for the future.
In the words of Rick James on Dave Chappelle..." They shouldnt of never gave niggas money!!!"
What up Mr. 12. Actually, I don't really care a whole hell of a lot about their choice. You know - at the very end of it...you know, the basis, the core - we're all people. I just hope that they do decide to vote. You make a valid point. Voting really is no longer just about it - but it's more about the future of our families and generations!
ReplyDeleteAnd Keith is so right - one torn ACL and it's back to Democratic money - lol.
Celebrities or public figures do not influence my vote AT ALL. However, I do like to know where they stand politically.
ReplyDelete@ Mika
ReplyDeleteExcellent point, sis! I couldn't have said it better
@ The F$%k It List
If you don't vote then you have no right to complain. I agree with you. Maybe he doesn't know his history
@ Boredntalkative
I want to do more than shake him right now. This dude doesn't have a clue about how each candidate's economic plans will affect him. He doesn't know that his "Republican money" might not stop his son or cousins from being drafted into a war.
@ Keisha the Kitten
Amen! What he doesn't realize is that "fall" is a harsh reality.
@ Dreamy
Not only is it stupid but it's ignorant.
@ Big O
LMAO!!! Classic from Chappelle
@ Darius
You're right. Voting is not just about him. It's for him, his kids, his community, and the future generations
@ BGG
I commend them for letting folks know where they stand publically. They don't have to. I just think it's irresponsible not to vote.
They don't influence my vote, but I do like to hear their POVs. Depending on the extent to which we disagree will determine whether or not I think they are deserving of my support in other areas (i.e. buying their music, movies, etc.).
ReplyDeleteWhat Clinton Portis fails to realize is, his "Republican Money" isn't true wealth...as Chris Rock would say, he is rich, but he isn't wealthy...its new money. It can be here today but gone tomorrow (i.e. other celebrities/sport players that shall remain nameless), so it is imperative that he follows what is going on to vote and make the right decision...with that, then maybe he can help turn his "new money" into "old money" for his generations to come.
It is just my opinion...but he should have kept that ish to himself. I think it is irresponsible and cowardly to not vote. I guess he thought he was being diplomatic by not taking a side. But...really he just sounded ignorant.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Portis isn't the only person that is thinking this way. I wish folks would think about the masses and not just themselves. The masses aren't rich. Most that are rich now weren't always rich. Most that are trying to get rich (250k + annually) won't make the threshold. If I were to get rich, my family wouldn't be rich. What am I doing to them?
ReplyDelete@keith - good point...a torn ACL away from not having that Republican Money. Especially if he isn't financially savy or have someone in his camp that is.
WAAAAAAAAAAAKE UUUUUUUUUP! School Daze, circa 1988
I don't really care how other people vote, let alone celebrities. All I know is that we definitely need a change...I mean, just as Bush is leaving office (which I think he sabatoged in his last term, but thats another story) the world is coming apart, and its up to the next Prez to fix it. I mean, we cuold elect McComplain to the office, but he brings the same exact thing to the table as Bush did, except he brings a tickle me elmo disguised at Palin in tow. Thats why we need Obama in office...to make fundamental changes this country needs.
ReplyDeleteAnd Clinton Portis is an asshole for that. You know how many people died so that his 'come from nothing to something' ass could vote? That irks me that people suffered and died so you can have this right, and you scoff at it. Probably why his sorry ass team lost last Sunday...
FCK him if he is confused and thinks he should vote for CoCain and Bore-Ah PainLin. He is one out of a bazillion folks that are Barackin hard!....I just read how the late great Eazy E's son which is 24 has a movement going...
ReplyDeletecheck it out ya'll
http://blackcelebkids.com/2008/10/16/the-big-kids-fileeazy-es-son-helps-register-voters/
I have never associated wealth to political parties, I know people from both parties have money, and will spend mega bucks to get what they want. Its where you put your money that counts. I would not take the position of not voting because of money issues. If you want to keep or increase you money, I would suggest ‘invest wise’ . And please don’t base your choice on celebrities and their opinions. Your vote for president should be more of principle issues. I respect everybody's choice, Im not voting for different reasons. So hey im with you.
ReplyDeleteno
ReplyDeletewhy care about the view of some one who does not READ or think america a democracy when its a republic. besides, as i told some one earlier, the way things are going with the economy, debate aside, I would not be surprised if the next stop will be martial law.
While I do not care about who my favorite entertainer votes for.
ReplyDeleteIt does kind of open your eyes to their mentality based on who they say they are supporting or voting for. It one of those "hmmm" moments. Know what I mean?
I do however care that everyone votes, I agree with you Kyle.
Black folk must vote!! Its a respect thing, a right thing, a remember that our people died thing, a matter of being proud that you made a choice thing.
If you dont vote, then dont complain about the issues of the world, because you didnt make a choice either way for the candidate that could have changed the issues of our world.
I always tell people... Always keep in mind that your one vote could have been the last vote that made the difference for your candidate, that changed the numbers in favor of your candidate.
Dont under estimate your power as an individual.
NO DOUBT... OBAMA WILL WIN IN NOVEMBER, but even if you doubt that. Remember that WE'VE ALREADY WON !!
I usually don't care what celebs or athletes believe politically as long as I don't know what it is. But like you, once they offer it up you'd better believe I'm gonna react to it.
ReplyDeleteLike if John Cusack said he believed Roe V Wade should be overturned, it would be SO OVER between us. Just 25 years of wedded bliss down the drain.
And if Boris Kodjoe was like, "Close all the borders NOW and keep these damn immigrants from taking our jobs" I'd write him a "Dear Boris" letter.
And if Slash ever used the N word in anger (which I know he wouldn't because his momma is black) I'd b*tch slap him, throw my drink in his face and scream "WE'RE THROUGH!" before storming out.
but that's just me...
and LMAO@ Keith's comment... dude betta recognize that as fast as his money came, that's how fast it will go...
ReplyDeletePortis is ignorant. Republicans don't have Oprah's money and she's one of Obama's biggest supporters.
ReplyDeleteI don't care about athletes' or entertainers' political views. They're like a$$holes, everybody has one.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree with you more on this. History shows that voting was a right for white Americans, but is a earned privilege for blacks. Therefore, like you said I don't care who black people vote for as long as they vote. Our people were enslaved, beaten, and killed so that we could go to the polls and cast or vote, let alone be on the ticket for President!!! Ignorance kills lol
ReplyDeleteYeah I do care what my favorite entertainers political views are. While I understand they should be allowed privacy on certain levels just as everyone else, but with fame and money comes the desire of regular people to want to be all up and thru their bidness.
ReplyDeleteNow I'm not certain that my view of said favorite entertainers would change because of their political views. But where voting is concerened, I agree with you in that as African Americans we owe it to our ancestors to vote. Too many lives were lost to ensure we have the right to vote, so we should feel a sense of obligation and vote.
And I'm gonna rock my vote come Nov 4.......no absentee vote here I'm heading to the polls in person!
Just STUPID what he said. Some folks just don't know there history and can care less about their future.SMH! I loved this post though 12kyle...u on it doggone it!
ReplyDeleteHaving come from a Democratic black family with limited means, I could not in good conscience even think about voting Republican. This kind of thinking is obsurd, because he is a torn ACL away from loosing his contract.
ReplyDeleteI would make sure to give back to the community, making sure all the "good" people got the help they deserve. As a very spiritual person, I realize that it is better to give than to receive. It a person gives of themselves, whatever that is, they will get twice back as what was given. I totally believe that.
Helping others and the community as a whole is what it is all about, if someone from the black community that comes into some "new money" does everything they can to help others he will be well respected and loked by his family, if he keeps his good fortune to himself, he will be shunned and despised.
It is not a tough call, help the brothers and sisters out!
What is Mr. Portis thinking?
@ Beautifully.Conjured.Up
ReplyDeleteThis is true! There is a huge difference between being rich and being wealthy. He's rich but the dude who owns the football team is wealthy
@ LRenee
He probably should have kept his mouth shut
@ bombshell
We have to wake up! That mentality has to be broken...sooner than later
@ Sexxy Luv
Haaaaaaa! You used to like him!
@ Charles
I agree. We have ancestors that gave the ultimate sacrifice of their life. The right to vote is not to be taken lightly
@ Poca
Thanks for the link. I like to see stuff like this
@ Rawdawgbuffalo
ReplyDeletegood point, bruh
@ Trish
Victory! It's already there. Let's claim it now
@ Jaded Santana
What am I gonna do with you and John Cusack? Haaaaa
@ *Coop*
Oprah has REAL money. And she's been behind Barack since day 1
@ Ieisha
LMAO!!! This is true
@ Ms. Jones
ReplyDeleteIgnorance is bliss. That's sad.
@ laughing808
I feel you. I was considering voting early but I'm not. I wanna be there on Nov 4
@ TravelDiva
I knew that he'd make the Joker of the Week list! LOL
@ Miz
Thanks! 'Preciate the luv as always
@ Somebodies Friend
Excellent points. I don't think Portis was thinking. I had to read it twice b/c I wasn't sure if my eyes were deceiving me.
I am a bit surprised at this comment myself....it doesnt matter what money you have or background...it is who you think would better fit you as a person...
ReplyDeletewho would be the best president for me and my family......
i am not going to say that i care, but i am always curious to see how money has changed them. it is so disappointing to see when someone in a position to influence young folks says some ignorant nonsense like this.
ReplyDeleteWE sometimes disappoint me