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Two black panthers were blocking the doorway at a polling place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Rick Levanthal of Fox News is reporting live.
One of the panthers said "the black man was going to win the White House no matter what."
Brandishing a night stick, and swinging it menacingly, the police were called - one of the black panthers and his night stick were moved.
Do you think little old white ladies would want to walk past the black panther with a night stick.
In response from numerous requests from individual's seeking information on the "New Black Panthers," the Dr. Huey P. Newton Foundation issues this public statement to correct the distorted record being made in the media by a small band of African Americans calling themselves the New Black Panthers. As guardian of the true history of the Black Panther Party, the Foundation, which includes former leading members of the Party, denounces this group's exploitation of the Party's name and history. Failing to find its own legitimacy in the black community, this band would graft the Party's name upon itself, which we condemn.
The Ten Point Plan
1. WE WANT FREEDOM. WE WANT POWER TO DETERMINE THE DESTINY OF OUR BLACK AND OPPRESSED COMMUNITIES.
We believe that Black and oppressed people will not be free until we are able to determine our destinies in our own communities ourselves, by fully controlling all the institutions which exist in our communities.
2. WE WANT FULL EMPLOYMENT FOR OUR PEOPLE.
We believe that the federal government is responsible and obligated to give every person employment or a guaranteed income. We believe that if the American businessmen will not give full employment, then the technology and means of production should be taken from the businessmen and placed in the community so that the people of the community can organize and employ all of its people and give a high standard of living.
3. WE WANT AN END TO THE ROBBERY BY THE CAPITALISTS OF OUR BLACK AND OPPRESSED COMMUNITIES.
We believe that this racist government has robbed us and now we are demanding the overdue debt of forty acres and two mules. Forty acres and two mules were promised 100 years ago as restitution for slave labor and mass murder of Black people. We will accept the payment in currency which will be distributed to our many communities. The American racist has taken part in the slaughter of our fifty million Black people. Therefore, we feel this is a modest demand that we make.
4. WE WANT DECENT HOUSING, FIT FOR THE SHELTER OF HUMAN BEINGS.
We believe that if the landlords will not give decent housing to our Black and oppressed communities, then housing and the land should be made into cooperatives so that the people in our communities, with government aid, can build and make decent housing for the people.
5. WE WANT DECENT EDUCATION FOR OUR PEOPLE THAT EXPOSES THE TRUE NATURE OF THIS DECADENT AMERICAN SOCIETY. WE WANT EDUCATION THAT TEACHES US OUR TRUE HISTORY AND OUR ROLE IN THE PRESENT-DAY SOCIETY.
We believe in an educational system that will give to our people a knowledge of the self. If you do not have knowledge of yourself and your position in the society and in the world, then you will have little chance to know anything else.
6. WE WANT COMPLETELY FREE HEALTH CARE FOR All BLACK AND OPPRESSED PEOPLE.
We believe that the government must provide, free of charge, for the people, health facilities which will not only treat our illnesses, most of which have come about as a result of our oppression, but which will also develop preventive medical programs to guarantee our future survival. We believe that mass health education and research programs must be developed to give all Black and oppressed people access to advanced scientific and medical information, so we may provide our selves with proper medical attention and care.
7. WE WANT AN IMMEDIATE END TO POLICE BRUTALITY AND MURDER OF BLACK PEOPLE, OTHER PEOPLE OF COLOR, All OPPRESSED PEOPLE INSIDE THE UNITED STATES.
We believe that the racist and fascist government of the United States uses its domestic enforcement agencies to carry out its program of oppression against black people, other people of color and poor people inside the united States. We believe it is our right, therefore, to defend ourselves against such armed forces and that all Black and oppressed people should be armed for self defense of our homes and communities against these fascist police forces.
8. WE WANT AN IMMEDIATE END TO ALL WARS OF AGGRESSION.
We believe that the various conflicts which exist around the world stem directly from the aggressive desire of the United States ruling circle and government to force its domination upon the oppressed people of the world. We believe that if the United States government or its lackeys do not cease these aggressive wars it is the right of the people to defend themselves by any means necessary against their aggressors.
9. WE WANT FREEDOM FOR ALL BLACK AND OPPRESSED PEOPLE NOW HELD IN U. S. FEDERAL, STATE, COUNTY, CITY AND MILITARY PRISONS AND JAILS. WE WANT TRIALS BY A JURY OF PEERS FOR All PERSONS CHARGED WITH SO-CALLED CRIMES UNDER THE LAWS OF THIS COUNTRY.
We believe that the many Black and poor oppressed people now held in United States prisons and jails have not received fair and impartial trials under a racist and fascist judicial system and should be free from incarceration. We believe in the ultimate elimination of all wretched, inhuman penal institutions, because the masses of men and women imprisoned inside the United States or by the United States military are the victims of oppressive conditions which are the real cause of their imprisonment. We believe that when persons are brought to trial they must be guaranteed, by the United States, juries of their peers, attorneys of their choice and freedom from imprisonment while awaiting trial.
10. WE WANT LAND, BREAD, HOUSING, EDUCATION, CLOTHING, JUSTICE, PEACE AND PEOPLE'S COMMUNITY CONTROL OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY.
When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bonds which have connected them with another, and to assume, among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
Originally posted by KSPigpen
I don't think that Blacks are the only 'oppressed' people in America. I DO like some of the goals outlined in the 'Points', but some of them are a bit of a stretch to me.
What I found odd when reading this, was that some of these things seem to be happening right now. I imagine the Ten Points is pretty old.
So what do you think? Do you think the ideals expressed here are Socialist? Communist? A hybrid? Are they an entirely different system unrelated to any other?
Because I'm thinking I like some of these ideas. Would that make ME a socialist? I Don't agree that it's the government's job to supply me with either a job, or fixed income, but freedom sounds pretty good.
One more question...take a look at the first point again.
Does this sound like segregation to anyone else? Segregation was 'bad,' right?
I don't want to get into any arguments about race, I want to examine the Ten Points and have feedback on those and how they are being played out today. I'd just like to understand.
The issues don't seem any different today than they were when this concept (The Ten Point Plan) was created, but some say the conditions that the black people in America must endure today are worse than they were in the 60's.
Do you think there is any significance to the NUMBER of points?
...seemed a little like claiming some sort of entitlement. I'm not so sure that is so wrong, as I am certainly not qualified as a judge, it just seems to really advocate a welfare state.
We believe that the federal government is responsible and obligated to give every person employment or a guaranteed income.
They demand restitution, which they were obviously promised, for being totally oppressed. Natives were afforded this, although they were ripped off.
What they really demand is to be recognized and fully integrated into American society.
...it made me think that the goal wasn't so much 'integration' as it was segregation; 'compartmentalizing' races under their own autonomous management. I guess when I read it, it made me picture a completely separate nation of black people. Again, I'll really need to find out why I think the way I do, but I truly appreciate your interpretation.
We believe that Black and oppressed people will not be free until we are able to determine our destinies in our own communities ourselves, by fully controlling all the institutions which exist in our communities.
Whats so bad about having some socialist tendencies? Is it really so bad that the rich of our country would have to suffer a minor hit to reimbursments so our poor can be healthy and live half-ass comfortably? Ask France about it, if you don't believe me.
Communism doesn't have all the answers, but extremist capitalism leads to an oppressed, enslaved caste system.
JFK said when people can't find a job after trying, it's the governments duty to realize and solve the problem. These people are obviously asking for help finding employment. If that doesn't work, they demand unemployment.
No, it sounds like they feel they are being segregated. I would say a lot of this document has to do with people living in ghettos, which are massively black majority communities. I don't know the scope of how business' are run in these areas, but these people obviously see the individuals running their resources are 'not of the community' or "not of their communities' interests".
I would say things are relatively the same - at least in modern times. Tupac and BIG talked about it in the early 90s - so did puff, but he went soft after you know what. Immortal Technique, KRSOne, Breeze talk about it now. Just a few out of many examples of informed individuals.
I don't know about the 60's, but since then we have, definitely, procured coc aine from South America and, likely, poppies from the ME.
I would say the segregatorial aspects, which definitely appear racist, are just a product of their feelings of being oppressed. I honestly don't blame them. That's exactly what happens when a government that wants to be in control doesn't take care of it's subjects.
My opinion: Really, America is lucky the hard points of our country are so caught up in the daily struggle. Lucky they are fighting themselves, lucky the general poor population is lobotomized with crack (and likely heroine) and lucky mainstream rap is about sex, drugs, violence.
Then again, luck can also be just a fool's perception of manipulation.
If the ghettos realized what they were, a revolution would ensue. A bloody one, at that. Our government better hope Tupac is dead, imo.
Originally posted by KSPigpen
The healthcare seems to be on the way to working itself out, and I certainly can't blame anyone for wanting access to healthcare,
I suppose I often buy into the fantasy that a knight on a white horse, or a tall, dark stranger will come rescue the country from the mess we've created, but it just never works out that way.
I guess when I read it, it made me picture a completely separate nation of black people. Again, I'll really need to find out why I think the way I do, but I truly appreciate your interpretation.
So, not to offend, just to learn...are you advocating a mix of ideals?
Do you think that the 'unemployment' system we have in individual states now is Socialist?
Maybe thinking like that is why people live under bridges.
I really see a strong parallel here between these Ten Points and the efforts of the founding fathers to rid themselves of the burdens imposed by the Bankers in England.
I can't help but wonder if it has the same result though, or if the folks present more of the appearance of self-service than of community involvement and support.
When a people is oppressed, does racism become more prevalent? is it always there, just 'triggered' by external stimuli?
Don't rightly know what to say about that. I guess what I gather from your comment is that for the most part, the vices of the poor have kept them occupied and not concentrating on how bad they really have it.
To me, that would seem to be by design. It almost seems to me that they are being drugged on purpose, to take them out of the equation.
Do you think that the 'unemployment' system we have in individual states now is Socialist?
Well, philosophically, it is. A pure capitalistic society would pay-as-you-earn. These payments HAVE to come out of somewhere. And it does, it comes out of taxes - which is a socialist concept in and of itself. It isn't oh I made that, it's mine. This will go to state roads, military spending, bailouts, e When the gov starts stealing those tax dollars, it basically becomes fascist.
If you mean the system as status quo, then I really have to disagree. There will be a revolution by 2020 if this stuff isn't fixed. Fact is, costs are climbing. Fact is, costs won't stop climbing. Competition brings down costs and adds opportunity for all consumers.
Sad, in my eyes, that the public option is going. This was the socialism I like to advocate. Not all people without coverage are exploiters. Doctors won't let a sick man die. Doctors will always get paid, in full, at the expense of anyone. It's already all socialist.
See the way I see it is this movement aims to get them out of the state they are living in now.
Anything they say that seems to be demanding something, to me, is just a facade. I mean, no one wants to admit they are powerless. No one wants to beg for help. And this is exactly what I see this declaration as. Nothing to be ashamed of, imo, it's not their fault... but I aint in their shoes. I have been through similar situations, as Im sure we all have if we think about it - likely, nothing near as hard - but, I'd be a liar if I said I didn't react the same.
I would put money on the idea that if they were afforded the ability to fair education, fair health care, fair employment opportunity that they would be more than willing to drop the act and get along with the rest of us.
The sad part about this is that people always die trying to achieve this goal.
Anyway, if they try to take over America after this... well, you can about imagine the results - so can they, they ain't dumb.
I wont even begin to say I know all the answers. But, from where I stand, yes.
You can't be a humanitarian and be anything but socialist. Medicare, medicaid, hospices (well, not typically) are all socialist. When you give aide to starving kids, you are being socialist.
And most of us are, at least, a little pro-human rights.
Well, philosophically, it is. A pure capitalistic society would pay-as-you-earn. These payments HAVE to come out of somewhere. And it does, it comes out of taxes - which is a socialist concept in and of itself. It isn't oh I made that, it's mine. This will go to state roads, military spending, bailouts, e When the gov starts stealing those tax dollars, it basically becomes fascist.
MOST people really don't have even the slightest clue as to how these parts of their country work.
I'd love to see the vast majority walk through South Central Los Angelas. I can see their reaction now to the bang bang, "OMG RUN!" or "these people need help." Sadly, they'd probably just forget about it within hours.
Is it always there? No. Just picture yourself as living in absolutely terrible conditions. No guaranteed food. No guaranteed clean water. No guaranteed job to get these basic needs. Poor shelter. No electricity. And every third day - in some places, never - you see one person of a different skin color living in the same conditions as you. Then you see, or usually hear about, the other color boss-type hasseling your buddy's dad for payment.
Or you hear about predominantly (insert different color here) American government makin profits by slangin drugs on your street corners - effectively holding their "class" down.
Wait til they find out that is intentional and they are using it to scare Middle America. Just wait til Middle America learns about it. Actually, Middle America probably won't believe it. lol
Your tax cash goes to things such as bailouts, war funding, and things like roads. Even if you don't want to pay CEOs, support the war, or drive an automobile. You are paying for another's benefit. Socialism.
Originally posted by KSPigpen
At the same time, I understand that 'action' in a direction that this document implies would be fraught with much death and suffering.
It often surprises me how so many people will throw that label around like it is such a dangerous or evil way to be...
all things in moderations, I suppose.
I believe that there has to be some balance somewhere. Feed the kids, help those that need it, but encourage self-sufficiency to a certain extent.
Not, isolationism, just equal contribution....or as close to it as we could get.
So, given your observation, would I be correct in my assumption that you see some fascist direction in our current situation?
That seems like a word that even has a much more 'evil' connotation, and I suppose rightfully so, if it implies the government misappropriating tax revenue.
I think so many would argue that they already have as 'fair' of access to these things as anyone else these days, but A lot of people, myself included, have a hard time seeing things through someone els'e eyes.
Stereotyping is what many of us do best. It's hard to accept that a person cannot change their circumstances if they try. If they live in poverty, they must be at fault...they must have done something wrong. It's not a common idea expressed among other ethnic groups that ghettos are that way because of the government.
It seems to me like, it's not much different than taking a bunch of people and dumping them on an island and forgetting about them.
What is the motivation in keeping the public from knowing what is going on there?
You've been incredibly helpful and I am in your debt.