Tavis and West: ‘The Christ Who Care’?
[Beneath The Spin]
The Rev. Anthony Evans, President of the National Black Church Initiative, says the following regarding those who criticize Tavis Smiley and Cornel West:
“I am ashamed of my people that they will go after one of ours – Tavis and Cornel – as they defend the dignity of black people. When I heard that black people and some black women have threatened Tavis’ life I stopped being ashamed and was horrified of the way that we have begun to treat one another. The Black Church will have none of this in our community. The person who threatens and criticizes Tavis and Cornel is morally wrong and should be condemned. Beloved, Tavis Smiley and Cornel West are defenders of dignity and what is good and honorable in the black community. They are not political opportunist who will kick these brothers and misrepresent their thoughts in the media and especially in the black press. Shame on anyone who will harm these brothers by words or action. These two brothers represent the Christ who cared and loved the poor. The church according to our Lord and savior must defend the poor—NBCI speaks for the poor-this is our job.”
Rev. Evans,
In response to your letter I’d like to say, without any equivocation, that Tavis Smiley and Cornel West, your representatives of “The Christ,” are quintessential frauds.
West has a vested interest in promoting controversy, regardless to what he has to say to do it. He’s a part of the Tavis Smiley “gin mill” for controversy that includes television production companies, a book publishing company, a speakers bureau – which pays West $30,000 per speech – and a radio production company. They’re very livelihood DEPENDS on stirring up controversy. Without it, they’re out of business.
And if you’ll notice, West has never uttered a word of moral indignation about Tavis Smiley’s involvement in the Wells Fargo “Ghetto Loan” scam, which victimized over 30,000 poor minorities. Wells Fargo Bank settled in court for $175 million and the Justice Department said was the second largest housing discrimination case in the history of the nation.
Cornel West is the quintessential phony – both he and Tavis Smiley. And further, have you ever heard either of them utter one word of criticism regarding the abusive business practices of Walmart or any of their other ALEC- related corporate associates? Not a word! So take a minute to ask yourself, why?
Rev. Evans, you said, “These two brothers represent the Christ who cared and loved the poor. The church according to our Lord and savior must defend the poor—NBCI speaks for the poor-this is our job.”
I have two things to say in that regard.
First, I doubt very seriously that Smiley and West represent “The Christ,” because from what I was taught about “The Christ,” he’s not in the habit of employing poverty pimps and hustlers. And secondly, if you support Tavis Smiley and claim to speak for the poor, you might want to ask Smiley, on behalf of the poor, to give them their money back. After all, he is Mr. Accountability, right?
And finally, Reverend, get over yourself, and stop running around trying to lecture the Black community like you’re the Lord’s Chief of Staff, because you’re not.
You’re a preacher, period – and based on your letter – and your seeming propensity to jump out front on an issue before investigating the facts – you’re one with very poor judgment.
