Earl Ofari Hutchinson is a noted author of nine books about the African American experience in America and political analyst. His numerous published articles appear in newspapers and magazines across the country as well as some of the most popular web sites on the Internet. He is a radio host and TV commentator. He has received several awards for his writings. He is the publisher of The Hutchinson Report Newsletter and conducts a Weekly Roundtable every Saturday morning, visit: earlofarihutchinson.blogspot.com

The Tiger Beatdown

Beat em' when they're down and beat em' again for good measure before they can get up. The beat down supposedly is not the American way of dealing with those who are down. The ground rules radically changed the moment Tiger Woods did life threatening damage to a tree and a fire hydrant. With that the beat down started with a vengeance. No matter that the only body damage done was to Woods. There was no allegation or hint of drugs or alcohol. No matter that the law did not compel Woods to talk to police just to provide his license, registration and proof on insurance. No matter that he publicly accepted responsibility for whatever damage he caused, called the gossip “malicious,” and pleaded for the media and public to respect his privacy.
None of this has mattered. It’s irrelevant not because a sex, celebrity gossip, rumor and innuendo starved and obsessed mainstream media salivates at the prospect of scandal and titillation at the mishaps of celebrities. Nor have Woods’ pleadings that the accident is a non-issue been sloughed off because he is one of the sports world’s most bankable, best known noblesse oblige goody two shoes role model for the sporting world. . .....click here to continue article

Dr. Anthony Asadullah Samad is an author, scholar and co-founder, Managing Director and Host of the Urban Issues Forum. Dr. Samad has written four books, including his upcoming book entitled, REAL EYEZ: Race, Reality and Politics in 21st Century Popular Culture.His national column can be read in newspapers and cyber-sites nationwide. His weekly writings can be read at www.blackcommentator.com. For more information about Dr. Samad, go to www.AnthonySamad.com

LAPD's New Police Chief, Charlie Beck: Reformer or Redeemer?

The Los Angeles City Council confirmed the Los Angeles Police Department's (LAPD) newest police chief this week. Deputy Chief, Charlie Beck, will soon be sworn in as the 55th Chief of Police of the nation's controversial police department. Beck was viewed by many as a long shot (ranking third in the police commission's recommendation), given he had to jump over two more "hands-on" assistant chiefs, but was among the quite favorites mentioned early in the selection process by the former chief, William Bratton. Yet he emerged in the top three candidates as the one most likely to keep morale high and receive the support of the rank and file. Those are often code words used to mean acceptance by the Police Protective League (PPL) that pretty much the red stamp one needs to be Chief of Police these days. That fact that he was heavily lobbied for internally, but ranked last externally, raises some conflictions as to how Mayor Villaraigosa--a big fan of Bratton's--came to his decision.. .....click here to continue article