More often than not, and as a matter of fact - systematically, the relevant stories about what is really going on in America are intentionally left out of the mainstream media. This is particularly true when it comes to the issues, causes and stories of African Americans. In particular, I wanted to share what I consider to be a relevant story that speaks to the magnitude of the fallout as the result of the ignorance of Joe Wilson.
The Joe Wilson outburst has lead to a boycott by the Black Newspaper Publishers to cancel their mid-winter conference in South Carolina.
In response to Rep. Joe Wilson and his "You Lie!" outburst during President Barack Obama's health care address to a joint session Wednesday night, at least one group has decided to make the congressman's entire state pay the price.
"The National Newspaper Publisher’s Association (NNPA) announced in a press release Thursday that it will not hold its January 2010 mid-winter conference in South Carolina, and is joining the NAACP economic boycott of the state that has been in effect since July 1999 when the South Carolina NAACP called for it as a protest of the flag atop the State House and inside the House and Senate chambers.
As African-American newspaper publishers we stand in solidarity with the NAACP and fully support the economic boycott of South Carolina," stated NNPA Chairman Danny J. Bakewell Sr. "Rep. Wilson’s remarks were racist, disrespectful, and a disingenuous violation--not only of President Obama--but to the institution of the presidency and only solidified our position and the importance in not spending Black dollars where Black people are not respected.
"The continued public and blatant disrespect of President Barack Obama by members of Congress will not be rewarded with our dollars nor will a state that continues to uphold America’s shameful past by flying the Confederate flag."
The original NAACP economic boycott of South Carolina calls on groups and individuals to avoid traveling to the state for business or pleasure and discouraged residents from visiting South Carolina beaches or patronizing restaurants and motels.
The National Newspaper Publishers Association is a 69-year-old federation of more than 200 black community newspapers from across the United States. www.nnpa.org