Andres Otero/WENN.com

I had the opportunity to listen to Jay-Z’s “Open Letter” yesterday, and I definitely enjoyed many aspects of it. The beat was dope, the lyrics were witty, and as a hip-hop fan, I found it to be a pretty entertaining response to his critics, which are increasing. They, of course, spent the week on the rapper and Beyoncé’s case for celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary in Cuba with family.

But when he dropped lines like,

Boy from the hood, but got White House clearance

Obama said chill, you gon’ get me impeached/You don’t need this s**t anyway, go chill with me on the beach,”

I thought to myself, “This isn’t going to end well.” A day later, the White House felt the need to make it clear that they had nothing, especially President Obama, to do with the Carters getting clearance from the Treasury Department to vacay in Cuba. There was no conversation about possible impeachment, not even a joke about it–so basically, don’t look at President Obama, because his name is Bennett, and he ain’t in it.

While I could only imagine how amazing it would be to be able to say you are good friends with the President of the United States, it’s becoming clear that it’s not easy. Ever since Jay-Z and Beyoncé started pushing hard for the re-election of President Obama, and the First Family made clear that they were supporters of the couple, they’ve become closer and closer. The Carters hosted an event to raise millions for the Obama re-election campaign late last year, and they definitely did that. Jay-Z performed at a campaign event for the president the day before the election. Beyoncé could be seen all over her Instagram stanning for the president, wearing Obama earrings, Obama shirts and even showing us her early vote through her profile (bad idea). And when you show that kind of support, make it clear in your lyrics that you have “Obama on the text,” and that you take exclusive trips to the White House, a new type of critic is bound to come out that is much worse than folks on “urban” blogs and people who just aren’t fans. They’re like the boogie man, and they’re the Right-Wing nut-jobs searching for a conspiracy in every single thing to make you a target. And that’s what they’ve made Jay and Bey, when five or so years ago, they were just simple entertainers. From the backlash over her lip-synching performance of the “Star Spangled Banner” at the inauguration, to Donald Trump criticizing her performance at the Super Bowl, conservative haters going in about her outfit, Rush Limbaugh trying to mock “support” her song “Bow Down” by tying misogny to it, and now, this Cuba mess, the Carters have a new troll on their backs. We all know a rap song as a response might not be enough to hold them back.

On the other side of the fence, Jigga’s response and the couple’s trip as a whole has already become something of a small annoyance for the president and the White House, with people investigating two grown a** people’s decision to go to Cuba for the purpose of trying to see if the President had something to do with it. His song only made things worse, to the point that a statement had to be made about it all to prove that, look, Barack Obama has more important things to focus on and worry about. Gun control? North Korea anyone?

Who the president associates himself with has always been a target, dating back to Obama needing to separate himself from Rev. Jeremiah Wright when he was vying for a first term, and they were even closer at one time. And Jay doesn’t have a spotless background, what with a past in selling drugs, some episodes of violence, and some very provocative lyrics over the years. Hell, when Bey told “b***hes” to “Bow Down,” even people at my job were wondering if that would reflect well upon the president, because all of a sudden, everything the couple says and does can now affect the Obamas. What’s up with that?? It makes no sense to us, but for the critics, it does.

So while I enjoyed “Open Letter,” for what it was worth, I think it’s best that Jay-Z and Beyoncé go back to doing what they do best–ignoring the criticism like they had done for years, because I can’t say that responding and calling folks in high places out makes things better at this point. And in reality, this is just the beginning. For uber-conservative folks still pissy about Mitt Romney losing last November and making that eight years that Republicans will not have the highest position, the President and anybody that is close to him have become fair game for their bull. So as a man who said, “I Got 99 Problems But Mitt Ain’t One,” and his lady who exclaimed “Take that Mitches” after President Obama’s win on loose-leaf paper, things will probably get worse. But I just hope Jay will do the President a favor and relax on all the name dropping he does of him in his lyrics and in everyday life to prove that he’s come further than anybody ever expected. We get it. You’re cool. No need to gloat about your connections, nor to drag his name in on diss tracks and leave the president and his people trying to fend off all the press that comes with that. Let’s leave him far, far away from that.

Continue doing you, and be ready for whatever lies and drama uber-conseratives, the folks who don’t listen to your music, try to throw your way–ready to “brush your shoulders off” that is. Because that’s just what comes with having a friend who’s the leader of the free world.

Source: WENN

I hope you all already know the big news, but if not, our President is still black!

Most of you were probably still up when CNN and MSNBC called the election last night around 11pm, announcing that President Barack Obama once again won out with his message of hope, change, and progression. But by the time Romney got the hint that it was time to concede and President Obama actually got a chance to actually accept the presidency you might have been passed out. If that’s the case, check out Obama’s full acceptance speech below as he speaks on the goals he has for the next four years and assures the crowd “the best is yet to come.” The president also gives a beautiful shot out to Michelle Obama that will make any girl’s heart melt.

Check out the video and tell us what you did when you heard the news last night.

Source:Washingtonpost.com

Just a short while ago news broke that Barack Obama just made another heroic first as president: He became the first seated Commander-in-Chief of the country to openly support gay marriage. The announcement came via an interview President Obama did with ABC’s Robin Roberts in which he made a clear declaration that he believes homosexual Americans should have the same right to marry as heterosexuals. He stated:

“I have to tell you that over the course of several years as I have talked to friends and family and neighbors when I think about members of my own staff who are in incredibly committed monogamous relationships, same-sex relationships, who are raising kids together, when I think about those soldiers or airmen or marines or sailors who are out there fighting on my behalf and yet feel constrained, even now that Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is gone, because they are not able to commit themselves in a marriage, at a certain point I’ve just concluded that for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same sex couples should be able to get married.”

The president’s “I do” to gay marriage rattled through the Internet with several celebrities—both gay and straight—sending out resounding support and thanks to the president for taking such a bold stance. But regardless of President Obama’s seemingly altruistic goal of wanting to support same-sex couples and families, making the announcement was certainly a gamble, and a decision that definitely wasn’t made without thoroughly assessing the risk-benefit ratio.

The thing is gay marriage is nearly as polar an issue as capital punishment or abortion. You’re either starkly for it or against it and the ramifications can be great. The homosexual population has grown as a powerful entity in society and it makes sense that the president would want to openly align his candidacy with the belief gay couples should be allowed to marry, because although his position does nothing to affect state legislature regarding marriage laws, it does potentially boost his vote with the gay population. On the other hand, it could wreck his stance with those who do not have such liberal views on gay marriage. Already there have been comments on news and blog boards from past supporters of Obama saying he has now lost their vote. They hardly feel his declaration is bold, but rather a cowardly buckling to pressure from the homosexual community.

As far as conservatives go, there likely wasn’t much Obama could do to change their minds to vote for him anyway, and though some believe this issue will now be one of the main points of contention in the coming race, it wouldn’t be wise for Republicans to openly bash the president’s support of gay marriage knowing how many votes ride on that. Besides, the president believes this is no longer a bi-partisan issue but rather a generational one. He told Robin:

 “You know when I go to college campuses, sometimes I talk to college Republicans who think that I have terrible policies on the economy, on foreign policy, but are very clear that when it comes to same sex equality or, you know, believe in equality. They are much more comfortable with it. You know, Malia and Sasha, they have friends whose parents are same-sex couples. There have been times where Michelle and I have been sitting around the dinner table and we’re talking about their friends and their parents and Malia and Sasha, it wouldn’t dawn on them that somehow their friends’ parents would be treated differently. It doesn’t make sense to them and frankly, that’s the kind of thing that prompts a change in perspective.”

President Obama has clearly laid his perspective out on the line and it will be a few months before we see the full ramifications of that choice. Beyond the gay-straight divide he’s crossed, many are curious as to how this open acceptance of same-sex couples will affect the president’s relationship with the black and Latino communities which across the board are thought to not be as on-board with gay marriage. Many have felt the president has the black vote in his back pocket but this could potentially change the game.

Do you think Obama just sealed his fate as the president for the next four years by supporting gay marriage or will he lose support for standing for this controversial right?

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

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Beyonce took a little time out of relaxing on the beach during her St. Barts vacation to pen a short note to Michelle Obama. On her website, she posted the letter below, singing the praises of The First Lady and thanking her for being a role model that her daughter, Blue Ivy, can look up to.

Beyonce is usually the one on the receiving end of compliments like this so it’s nice to see her recognize such an important African American figure like Mrs. Obama. Bey’s been a fierce supporter of President Obama’s re-election campaign and Michelle’s right-hand entertainment woman for her “Let’s Move” campaign so perhaps basking under the tropical sun with her husband, away from (most of) the paparazzi got her thinking about how difficult it must be for the Obamas to remain cool under pressure.

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

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(New York Times) – President Obama raised $47 million for his re-election campaign in the three-month period that ended June 30, his aides said on Wednesday, far outpacing the Republican candidates who hope to replace him.  Mr. Obama also raised about $38 million for the Democratic National Committee, using a series of joint fund-raisers this spring to fill party coffers and begin building a field operation for the general election. The total haul — about $86 million — broke the record for joint fund-raising between a president and his national party committee in any quarter of a nonelection year, reflecting the significant powers of an incumbent president to raise money and the progress Mr. Obama’s campaign has made recently to rebuild the donor network that helped him to victory in 2008.

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By Charlotte Young

As the 2012 presidential election season draws closer, teachers are stepping out of the classroom and stepping into political action.

On Monday the National Education Association, the nation’s largest teacher union, met in Chicago and voted yes on a proposal to endorse Barack Obama’s re-election. Though the endorsement passed, the Washington Post reports that many teachers are voting for Obama “with reluctance,” disillusioned by the lack of progress on the public education agenda.

Some teachers complained that they had hoped standardized testing, which seems to control public education, would be minimized in the Obama administration. Now they see cases where poor test scores are often used to fire teachers.

They are also wary of Obama’s support of public charter schools, traditional public schools’ rival, and the praise his school reform has won from some Republicans.

But they can’t condemn all of Obama’s public school efforts. Teachers do acknowledge the billions of dollars given to schools after the 2008 financial meltdown which was used to save so many teachers’ jobs.

Others are not opposed to supporting Obama, they simply want to be sure that their endorsement is not taken for granted.

To make their concerns heard, teachers and parents are planning a “Save Our Schools” rally outside the White House on July 30.

In the midst of the political debate on the endorsement, Dean Vogel, president of the California NEA affiliate, says that the disillusionment and frustration many teachers feel isn’t because of the president’s actions, but rather a reflection of anger felt against the Education Department.

(News One) – Just about everyone likes Charlie Rangel. Republicans pump his hand, Democrats put their arms around his shoulders and women of all political persuasions give him pecks on the cheek. Spend some time with the 80-year-old congressman from New York City who’s been striding the Capitol’s halls for four decades on behalf of residents of Harlem, and there’s little evidence he’s become someone to avoid because of an ethics cloud that’s more likely than not going to darken in days to come.

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