The Glover Report

Pres. Obama yesterday speaking at Georgetown University (3.30.11), Wash., D.C.

By Doni Morton Glover, www.bmorenews.com

(WASHINGTON – March 31, 2011) – First, a few thoughts. This being my second visit to Georgetown University, I felt sort of like a veteran tourist. The first time was because of the kindness of a great mentor, Mr. Charles Robinson. Charles had me do a backpack journalism workshop at a National Association of Black Journalists conference there a couple of years ago. To say the least, it was indeed an honor to grace such a profound campus – filled with some of America’s brightest minds.

Secondly, as I peered the walls at the McDonough Arena – I noticed a NCAA ’84 Champs banner among the many on the wall. That was a beautiful year for some folks I know, namely the Class of ‘83. And for those of us who were Dunbar basketball fans, it will forever be remembered when our beloved Reggie Williams helped lead Georgetown to the very top. 

Thirdly, given yesterday’s theme of “Winning the Future” – has Charlie Sheen’s “WINNING!” crept into the fold once again?   

Now, on to the substance of yesterday’s speech by the President at Georgetown on energy …

Going to see the President yesterday, in retrospect, was like going to the doctor to hear him tell you how long you’ve got left to live.

For instance, he noted that America consumes one-fourth of the world’s oil. He also mentioned India and China, both with a billion plus people, and what will happen when they start driving and becoming oil-dependent … like us. I’m no mathematician, although I do have a couple of years of good, ol’ Baltimore Polytechnic under my belt. Bottom line: Not pretty! … Unless we can develop alternative energy sources that are more friendly to the environment.

Electric cars, he suggested to the ever-attentive Georgetown University students, must become en vogue. Academic study of green industries is imperative to the future of business. Scientific study of how to best amass other sources of energy is more critical now than ever before.

The problem, clearly, is that America is addicted to oil. And, like an addict, we’ll ultimately do anything to soothe that Jones. Another problem: Like an addict, we then bring other people into the equation, like people who have oil a.k.a the dealers. And we cannot forget those other addicted nations, i.e. the UK, France.

Add in the nuclear holocaust creeping onto the international scene from Ground Zero in Japan and the fight for freedom all across the North African and Arab world … including Libya – and one might quickly conclude that being President of the United States is not the easiest thing in the world right now.

Here are some of the talking points from yesterday: Pres. Obama said that if we find solutions now, it will cost us less in the future. He said we must “cut what we don’t need to invest in what we do need.”

He said that China and Germany are now exporting energy, an area where the US once led back in the ’80s. Hence, since “we already have the technology,” now is the time to make technology work for America and for mankind.

As for electric cars, he said at issue is the creation of a lighter, safer battery. He also mentioned creating incentives for consumers to make electric cars more appealing. Electric cars, he said, require safer, more efficient ways to manage electricity. Pres. Obama’s goal: one million electric cars by 2015. This is where he pulled in students and encouraged them to boost the demand for green vehicles.

He praised Detroit, also. He pointed to the new combustion engine cars “coming off the assembly lines” that get some 50 miles per gallon.

He highlighted the need to review fuel standards for trucks coming this summer. He also noted that the fuel efficiency standards in this country haven’t changed in 3 decades. “That means 30 years of lost time,” he said. Last year, he proudly reported, new standards were made.

So, despite America’s voracious appetite for oil, the President suggested that it is time to look at renewable bio fuels, like those in Brazil (a country he recently visited). He also listed the need to safely explore natural gas reserves.

Still, he cautioned, “We can’t drill our way out of dependence.” At the end of the day, Obama encourages safe and responsible off shore drilling and more of a dependence on good, ‘ol fashioned “American ingenuity.”

In the midst of immediate dangers, the President nonetheless placed attention on the future as it relates to energy … and what we’re going to do. In short, ‘change we must or die we will.’ Die to what? Our own selfishness and greed. I mean, c’mon – we are a nation of 300 million and we consume one-fourth of the world’s oil. Hello! It doesn’t take a scholar to figure out that eventually, we’re going to be in a serious pickle.

Futuristic movies have stolen my attention for years. I think they provide a glimpse of what’s to come. Typically, there’s an underlying theme in them – like that man has used up all of the earth’s resources and has caused the sky to be blacked out. No water. No gasoline. Lawlessness. A class struggle that typically ends in violence.

‘If we ever needed’ leadership in this country before, Lord knows ‘we sure do need it now!’

Thank you, Mr. President, for keeping our challenges before us, but also helping to inspire and find solutions to those threats and dangers – foreign and domestic – immediate and future.

BTV Video Reports

Pres. Obama on Energy at Georgetown University, 3.30.11, Pt. 2:
Connecting the situations in Japan and the Middle East with our need for energy, oil. Impact of energy on everyday person, businesses, the country overall. “We have been down this road before!” $4/gallon for gas

Pres. Obama on Energy at Georgetown University, 3.30.11, Pt. 1:
America consumes 1/4th of the world’s oil: Fact!

BMORENEWS’ Doni Glover Reports on Pres. Obama’s Energy Speech, 3.30.11:
President spoke of American ingenuity at Georgetown University’s McDonough Arena, Washington, D.C. 

Doni Glover at White House, 7.13.10

Exactly 8 Weeks Until MD Primary

By Doni Glover, www.bmorenews.com

(BALTIMORE – July 20, 2010) – The Maryland primary election occurs in exactly 8 weeks. On that day, many politicians will either secure or re-secure their seats as Maryland is a 2-to-1 Democratic state. In Baltimore City, Democrats rule 9-to-1. Hence, the primary is the finish line in many races. Harford County, on the other hand, tends to go the other way. So, several Republicans can rest comfortably after Tuesday, September 14^th, knowing that they have 4 years to serve.

Yep, the battle for many politicians is in full swing. November, however, is when the big show goes down as the two titans, Democratic Gov. Martin O’Malley and former Republican Gov. Robert Ehrlich will square-off in what could be the biggest political re-match in Maryland history.

Before I go on, let me congratulate the Obama administration for its continued efforts to stem the rise of HIV/AIDS infections. After making my third visit to the White House last Tuesday regarding the issue, I am greatly pleased with this administration’s initiative. Despite the unexpected BP fiasco and its effects on the land and the people of the Gulf Coast, despite the opposition Pres. Barack Obama has faced in attempting to provide all Americans with health care (no matter how arduous the task), despite unprecedented corporate theft on Wall Street, and despite two wars he inherited from the previous administration, I think this president has exceeded expectations. One last thing on our president: I am always amazed at the Sunday morning news shows that feature people who have never been president and how ridiculous they sound playing Monday morning quarterback.

This morning, I found myself watching “We Were Soldiers.” It is a 2002 war drama featuring the ever-popular Mel Gibson, Madeliene Stowe, Sam Elliott, and Greg Kinnear. Gibson plays a lieutenant colonel whom is charged with leading 400 US troops against incredible odds: 2,000 North Vietnamese. The stage was in 1965. Interestingly for me, that is the year in which I was born.

As each Tuesday approaches, I am always in search of something inspirational to share with our listeners on our weekly news talk radio show on Radio One’s WOLB 1010 AM at 10 am.

After watching a spectacular performance by Gibson, I couldn’t help but relate the movie to what I see most often: the struggle in the African American community. While I will not attempt to recap the movie, I will share a couple of things that I got out of it.

Number one: Followers (soldiers) appreciate a leader who is on the ground with them. Number two: True leadership has character, sincerity, courage, and most of all – vision in the midst of fire.

As the election season ubiquitously surrounds all Marylanders, politicians who make generic spiels and empty promises should be put on point by the people. Don’t vote for them. Vote for those whom have a record – a true record of service. Voters should be already prepared when they get to the polls. They should know truth from fiction, real from phony, and the deliverables vs. the impossible.

My community, the 44^th legislative district, easily could be considered the most challenged in the state. I see the effects of blight and neglect everyday. I see new prisons coming and closed schools turn into training facilities for law enforcement, i.e. the former William Pinderhughes Elementary. I see dope lines daily, yet a hunger for drug treatment beds. I see boarded up houses and essentially little to no development over the past decade, including a barrage of barely-making it small businesses.

So, there is not too much a politician can say that I haven’t heard. There isn’t a promise they can make that I will really believe. There isn’t an iota of encouragement I really expect to hear; nothing but more of the same. I guess I’ve become cynical.

On the other hand, my favorite part of “We Were Soliders” was when the call was made for “Broken Arrow.” That term means that all lines of defense have been broken by the enemy. It also means that all attack planes are to respond to that area. The “Broken Arrow” call needs to be made for the 44^th and other impoverished communities in Baltimore City and Prince George’s County – the two areas dominated by African Americans in an otherwise 30% black state.

This means that pastors, politicians, Civil Rights leaders, business people, professionals, educators, parents, volunteers, healthcare workers – and everybody else must come together so as to fight the seemingly insurmountable odds that surround us. Everybody has a role to play. For instance, if the politician’s primary goal is to grow his or her own business, then they do not fully grasp the concept of public service. If the politician’s main focus, in another scenario, is to move up a notch to the next level – having not mastered the previous level, then voters might want to re-think their vote.

There was a time when there were soldiers in the black community. There was a time when leadership was ever-present. It seems, however, that the black community – and America as a whole, for that matter – has become consumed with selfishness. Tisk! Tisk!  

Pray, research the candidates, and be a part of the solution in your community. Be pro-active and help make a difference. Most of all, embrace the concept of service in your own life. 

Bernard "Jack" Young, Baltimore City Council President

“It’s nice to be important, but it’s important to be nice.”

By Doni Glover, www.bmorenews.com

(BALTIMORE – April 29, 2010) – Jack’s drawers and Sheila’s shoes; what’s the world a’coming to?

The City of Baltimore just got over one corruption bump in the road with our former mayor, Sheila Dixon. Most recall the general details, so I won’t belabor the point. Well, Jimmy Choo shoes and a shoe on the podium do come to mind. 

Now, Baltimore City Council President Bernard “Jack” Young, the same guy who asked reporters if they wanted to see his drawers, is in the hot seat.

When he was asked by WBAL TV-11’s Jane Miller where he actually lived, my understanding is that he didn’t do himself justice – at least from a PR perspective.

Jumping to the TV-11 headline story for the past two evenings, Miller has been reporting on what role the City Solicitor, George Nilson, plays in Young’s case.

According to TV-11, Young has paid back $12,000 for a Central Avenue house that was bought for his sister, who does not live there. Young says he lives there. Neighbors refute.

Further, earlier reports note that this house was purchased when Young was on the board of Historic East Baltimore Community Action Coaltion (HEBCAC). HEBCAC was originally organized as central East Baltimore’s Empowerment Zone village center. In other words, this was an initiative to help empower community residents who might not otherwise have the opportunity to become homeowners.

I am an unapologetically black advocate for the black community. However, right is right. Wrong is wrong. Black people of my generation and before were taught that we had to be twice as good as our white counterparts. Therefore, pulling the race card, crying victim and stating that “white people do it, too” just ain’t my cup of tea.

In my best estimation, it’s apparent that too many black politicians keep forgetting the whole concept of public service. If you want to be rich, do it before you go into office or after you come out. To use the public trust for personal gain is simply wrong. And it’s illegal and unethical.

Once again, City Hall seems to be home to greed, arrogance, and entitlement. No one else will respect us – especially if we don’t respect ourselves. Once again, corruption has raised its ugly head at City Hall, and … we have no one to blame but ourselves.

Doni Glover

Who will lead?

Radio Personality Darren Muhammad accuses BCPS CEO Dr. Andres Alonso of assault

Nobody is listening about the BCPS CEO Dr. Andres Alonso

By Donald Morton Glover, www.bmorenews.com

(BALTIMORE – March 4, 2010) – To not stand up as a man – let alone a journalist – and speak up for the children under the guise of the Baltimore City Public School (BCPS) system – out of which I am a proud product – and continue to raise the question about it’s leader, Dr. Andres Alonso, who is in charge – regardless of the political, economic, and/or social ramifications – is simply an act of cowardice.

In the perpetual words of DMX, “A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do.”

For weeks now, I have personally watched as Brother Darren Muhammad’s video views have soared beyond compare. He accuses Dr. Alonso of assault.

And, to date, there has been absolutely no recourse. For the record, to date there has been no response from the BCPS or from Dr. Andres Alonso. For the record, I sent a request to the communications department for a response via video, radio, or print. Mind you, this is all on camera. Check the tape.

Pardon my judgement, but something seems fundamentally wrong, especially when former Baltimore City Police Commissioner Kevin P. Clark was immediately ousted for an alleged domestic incident. How come nobody is asking any questions about Dr. Alonso?

He is in charge of our children’s education. Need I say more? Prompt any questions from you? I say, we need answers … now. Right now, the Baltimore City delegation in Annapolis could possibly call Dr. Alonso on the carpet.

Right now, the Baltimore City Council could also do the same. Darren Muhammad, for the record, is a passionate media personality who believes in what he is doing. Further, I have known Darren for 26 years and played football with him at our beloved Dunbar. He was a star running back, despite his size.

If Dr. Alonso assaulted him, my first question is what actually transpired? My next question, despite Darren’s tenacity on the radio and record for banging people in the head with his comments, is why no one is listening …. besides the children with whom we are charged … by God … to love?

Is Darren wrong?

Kweisi Mfume, Former US Congressman and former Pres. & CEO of the NAACP

(BALTIMORE – February 15, 2010) – Now that two blizzards and Love Day are behind us, a brand new week and a brand new era peeps its head up and out of the snow. What does the leadership at City Hall face now? It faces an angry or at least confused citizenry that, in many cases, is trying to find its way to the car … and then to an exit street.

To the City’s credit, many people have worked long and hard to help shovel Baltimore out of the Blizzard of the Century. At the same time, many citizens share a frustration beyond recompense. Many people I’ve talked to feel a certain insensitivity coming out of City Hall.

I’m curious to know how all this will play out – especially given that this is a statewide election year where there are still rumblings of a Wayne Curry (D) and Robert Ehrlich (R) challenge against incumbent Gov. Martin O’Malley. I’m particularly wondering how the new Baltimore City Council President, Bernard “Jack” Young, and the new Mayor, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, will get along.

After all, Mayor Rawlings-Blake seemed to have more of an affinity for City Councilman Bill Cole’s elevation to council president. In any event, this is sure to be something to watch, that is, between snow drops. Certainly, the time between now and next year’s citywide election will be full of reasons for people to vote one way or the other.

Speaking of next year’s citywide election, names to watch include Cole, Michael Sarbanes, and hometown favorite Kweisi Mfume.

This house in the 1100 block of N. Carrollton Ave. in Sandtown burned Saturday night. While nobody died, 7 people were displaced. The Red Cross has since assisted them. However, three other houses were burned as well. Why? Because unplowed snow prevented the city fire trucks from getting there in time.

NOTE: The following was my initial thought on how the City handled the 1st part of the blizzard and written Monday night. Bottom line: a lack of plowing. Since then, the City seems to have upped their game.  

TGR: The Blizzard of 2010: 1 Down, 1 to Go!

Welcome to Baltimore’s Katrina: “Nobody hears our cry!”

A state of emergency: National Guard in hummers In a city where citizens get taxed to death for everything from parking tickets to cell phones, where is the love? Like the songwriter sings, “Ain’t no love in the heart of the city!”

Oh, and get this: Another foot of snow on schedule for tomorrow.

Here’s the official line from City Hall: “As of 9:30am this morning more than 72% of secondary roads have been plowed once. 36% have been plowed two or more times.”

C’mon, man!

“Ironing boards, trash cans, stolen city cones, and chairs put out to save parking spaces. My question is anybody recording the acts of violence directly related to the Blizzard of 2010?”, asks WEAA radio talk show host David Brown.

He added, “It’s ridiculous!” 

The situation in Baltimore is a 9-1-1, despite what officials want us to believe. Crime is up! Anybody from Baltimore knows that you can do what you want to do when the police are at bay: Sell dope; loot; kill; steal; destroy!

Actually, tonight I saved 3 young black youths from getting the crap beat out of them from a small crowd of angry youth – pushed on by teenage drug dealers who insisted that violence is something normal and deserved to otherwise good kids who didn’t mean any harm to nobody.

I could not believe I was watching youngsters raised with my son who felt like they had an obligation to kill another without regard for law, mercy, grace, nor justice – just because they could.

This is a 9-1-1!

I believe that acts of violence in Baltimore have escalated during this storm because of a cornucopia of inter-related issues: violence; the recession; walking on snow while ducking cars who insist you have no right; taking parking spaces; and, oh – I cannot forget – no snow plows.

This morning, I attempted to ride the subway. Guess what, a multitude of delays. Said one man, “No snow trains.” What’s a snow train? It helps keep the lines warm during … a blizzard.

So, who is to blame?

Well, one thing I learned is that Baltimore and DC are not far apart in terms of transportation. They both got fed dollars around the same time: about the 60′s; while DC used theirs for subways, Baltimore put their dollars on highways.

Baltimore finally got a subway system around … ’83 … that went from downtown to the northwest (kinda like the highway to nowhere). And that was it. Race and class disaffected otherwise intelligent thinking and urban planning – going back to what one mentor calls “the Negro problem”.

Makes me think who really runs this place. Nonetheless, that racial serpitude that insists that blacks deserve this and others deserve that is so warped and spun, I think; such are the grounds, I would think, for a class action law suit for a multitude of inter-disciplinary changes in Baltimore – it’s transportation, education, housing, et al.

NY and Phillie, however, have transpo systems that are about a century old – along with Boston. Snow means literally nothing to them. It’s about … get this, people.

Yet, Atlanta began a transpo system not that long ago, before Baltimore. Instead of the one-legged approach to serve a certain area, theirs – no doubt due to progressive leadership – was built with a modicum of intelligence: an east-west rail; a north-south rail. Bottom line: logic. Democracy. Something for everybody, not just something for those who could do exactly what they wanted to do – like in Baltimore, a still otherwise racist, retarded, and tainted town; the place I call home.

Forgive me, Lord!     

So, all of this begs the question … to me: Who really loves Baltimore? Who really cares about its people? The politician, the social activist, the community organizer, the Civil Rights leader, the white guy, the black guy, the woman? Who understands the intricacies and ideosyncrasies and devaluations that have occured over the years? Who can truly put their finger on the pulse of the people with any semblance of a basic understanding of the landscape? Who can deliver? Who can put their own inner-circle at a distance so as to deserve with honor and distinction the true needs of the people? A Poly grad? A Dunbar grad? A City grad? A Western grad? Or, a person with a GED?

We’ve got more nuances, as a major city, than Willie Lynch. And I’m sick of it!

I don’t know about you, but for me … something has to really change in order for me to believe … in my hometown.

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Wednesday, 2.10.10 – 10 am – Snow plows are videotaped out and working.
http://www.bmorenews.com/video/baltimore-gets-plowed-21010.shtml

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Monday morning – it was like Katrina in the 1100 block of N. Carrollton Ave. in Sandtown – http://www.bmorenews.com/video/bmore-katrina-i-1100-north-carrollton-ave.shtml

Monday night, this video seemed to express the sentiments of many – black and white – http://www.bmorenews.com/video/baltimore-blizzard-2010-ms-shirley-speaks.shtml