2010 Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient - Maya Angelou

[SitcomStudios]

An extraordinary woman, I love her voice.

[DGA66]

Outstanding thoughts from an extraordinary woman and citizen of my country. I have served in both the U.S. Marines and the U.S Air Force. I did so to defend our country against those who would destroy us and our way of life. That includes my vigorous support of all rights to which all of our citizens are entitled. May we listen well to Dr. Angelou's words. And learn. And grow.

[iknewitalready]

"How wonderful it is to be an American."

you say whatever we tell you to say....that is why we pay you for..

Act white or get lynched

Act Christian or get called terrorist

Act white or get discriminated

Act white or get segregated

slave then...slave now.

[iknewitalready]

"What I thought first is this money actually....how wonderful it is to be an American!"

money talks. just Amazing!

people don't mean what they say, especially whenever they are paid to say certain things...

Maya Angelou had to be paid to say all these great things about AmeriKKKa.

I am trying to be a christian....AmeriKKKa only for Christians

slave then...slave now still.

[05HK09]

"this is not a rehearsal, this is your life"

[socdaal]

May Allah guide Dr Maya Angelous to the right path which is Islam aameen...

[clevermedia]

@socdaal It sounds arrogant to say Dr Angelou is on the wrong path. I don't have the problem of deciding which way as I don't believe in God or any faith

[MrBlue630]

beautiful



[smarang100]

Beautiful! So profound!!

[JovyVallarCompagnon]

good to see honoring a remarkable person like them. I adore people who has a good heart and no matter how big or small a person like them can do doesnt matter.

[DavidEdwardSchnell]

I love you MIA!

[6leoncito]

Good going

[SIOMER]

How can I submit my unique ideas to create jobs immediately, without costing

taxpayers a dime, tried so hard to contact the whitehouse , but failed and failed.

America needs new ideas and creativity to overcome the existing problems.

I AM GOING TO POST THIS REQUEST IN EACH AND EVERY WHIITE HOUSE VIDEO TILL SOMEBODY CONNECT ME WITH THE WHITEHOUSE !

siomery@yahoo.com

I have a magic solution to the unemploument problem , which will improve the

economy.

[sparkyj99]

~~> I LOVE a Sermon on the Mounter... Chirstian...  Christ-Like... What a beautiful soul... "This is not a rehearsal ~~> This is your LIFE"... Gives me chills...

[Junkay2]

Here's an American treasure! She shows how amazing she is in this video by laying down a lifetime of wisdom in two and a half minutes!

[Wolfiemouse]

What a beautiful lady with such a beautiful mind.  Treat each other like we want to be treated ourselves. So simple yet so deep.

[bsharker]

A WH video w/o having to listen to Obummer is like a breath of fresh air. This woman is more qualified to lead than he is.

[InternetRock]

Remarkable words from a Remarkable Human.

[cymonebreathe]

I love Maya Angelou.

[ColinBurnside]

You must have ,and still love going to Church on a Sunday singing in the choir. Pity some people turn their back on real values. My Gran read the Bible from cover to cover and if she was stuck with a problem the answer was there. Thanx

[wideawake123]

I could just copy-paste my comment from the previous video...I got my answer. No, All of Obama's honoress are politically motivated and demographically targeted. The behavior of this administration is reprehensible and divisive. I guess you don't Have to be black or "Latino" to be singled out for your contributions to society...but it sure helps in the Obama Whitehouse. What next? A Black Athelete?

[cymonebreathe]

@wideawake123 Yes, you're right. In fact, George Bush senior, who is included as an honoree in this series, is the black athlete you predicted. Your prophetic abilities are astounding.

[wideawake123]

@cymonebreathe Actually Bill Russell was also honored, check it out. You know...for all That. I do believe he was in fact a Black athlete...so...yeah, I guess they are.

[wideawake123]

@cymonebreathe and yeah...G.H.W. Bush's nomination...Also politically motivated. It seems like not a one his honorees is a garden variety European American who might have donated houses to wounded vets, or a cop or fireman who sacrificed his life, or some guy who fed the poor or built bridges for the poor in Kenya. Lotsa "wise people of color" though. I did see a holocaust survivor snuck in there, but he needs someone to offset the upcoming UN Security Council disavowal of Israel.

[cymonebreathe]

The nomination of the world famous cello player was yet another politically motivated stunt. Seriously, you can't have it both ways. Your original statement suggested that ONLY people of color were nominated and all for political reasons. Based on the actual selection of people, your argument doesn't stand. What's this about a 'garden variety European American'? This is an honor for professionals who have impacted the WORLD, not the local community. There have been other awards 4 that.

[wideawake123]

@cymone ...So then Yo-Yo-Ma is white? Re-read my 1st comment: "I guess you don't Have to be black or "Latino" to be singled out for your contributions to society...but it sure helps in the Obama Whitehouse."

"ONLY"?

Not only do I stand by my original comment, this administration is proving me out. Maybe you could explain how Stan Musial "impacted the WORLD" better yet, how many Americans even know who he was, or what he did? Bill Russell and Maya Angelou "impacted the WORLD"? Gimmie a break.

[cymonebreathe]

@wideawake123 You still didn't explain your 'garden European' concept. Yo-Yo Ma is not white. He is not black or Latino. He is Asian. Your original comment does not include him and the others who are not black or latino. You fail.

My comment abt the world implies that the intention of this award is to acknowledge the contributions of those who have shared their abilities beyond the local, community scale that you highlighted as criticism.

[wideawake123]

Robbins...how's he for an example of a "garden variety european american"? I realize the tangible contribution of feeding Millions of people a year throughtout the world, building bridges over dangerous waterways in Kenya for the poor of that nation, or building free houses for our combat wounded doesnt measure up to the intangible inspiration Angelou's poetry gives the thousands of of African-American Studies students, or the faculty at NYU...but what do you expect from white european racists?

[wideawake123]

@cymonebreathe Apparently, the comment where I mentioned Tony Robbin's "lnternational Basket brigade", which fed over 3 million people last year with a goal of feeding 4 million a year. didn't post. Every year this man feeds millions in the 3rd world. There were more examples, but I feel I'm whistling down a well with you, so why bother. As I said before, The Obama administration today, is ready to attack Israel in the UN Security Council, preparing to vote Yes on a Resolution condemning them.

[cymonebreathe]

@wideawake123 What does the UN Security Council have to do with this award?! Omg, the illogical stream of your comments suggest you don't have mental stability.

Based on the demographic, interests and other diversity factors of those selected for the award, there is no basis whatsoever to claim political or racial motivation, your original statement.

There are countless other well accomplished ppl who qualify for recognition. Your example and analysis is light.

[wideawake123]

@cymonebreathe Wow...you shifted right into adhominem with nary a ripple...good for You. Think it will distract attention away from my obviously valid points? What better way to distract Obama's liberal jewish constituents away from his throwing the Jewish State under the bus in t Security Council than to put Gerda Wiess up there? I can see why you switched over to the personal attacks, you weren't doing very well here. If you wish, we'll continue after you apologize. A "light" one will be fine.

[wideawake123]

BTW...Outside of Leftist Academia, Black Racists(of which Obama is one), and Hollywood/Manhattan Liberal Elitists, one would be hard pressed to find someone who even know Angelou or what her claim to fame is(racially inspired poetry). Anthony Robbins', International Basket Brigade last year fed over 3 million people. His goal is 4 million. How many did Angelou feed? Do 4 million people even know who she is? Robbins does this every year. Meanwhile the liberal elite honour themselves for Nothing.

[cymonebreathe]

@wideawake123 So basically you personally dislike some of those selected for the award. Ok.

Your point about the political motivation and racial strategy employed when selecting these awardees continues to hold no weight.

[wideawake123]

@cymone I have no personal dislike for Any of them. I even Like most of them. To sit there and say my statement that race and politics holds no weight is intellectual dishonest. I just cited several examples, most importantly, the inclusion of a Holocaust Survivor, the day before voting on a UN Security Council Resolution to Condemn Israel, which is unprecidented. So you're wrong on Both counts. Do I think Angelou deserves to be honored as an American Hero for Afro-centric Poetry? You Tell me.

[cymonebreathe]

@wideawake123 The awardees were named November 17th of last year. The posting today and the UN decision on Israel are not necessarily related.

The awardees as a bunch come from many different backgrounds. As a unit with divergent interests, accomplishments and possibly political opinions, they do not represent any particular political message.

[cymonebreathe]

@wideawake123 The award is "presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors". Whether you agree with her work, its content, or the scale of her impact (which can be backed up by numbers regardless of what you say), she fits this definition for the award.

[wideawake123]

@cymonebreathe Not by any definition, even that loose web you just wove does Maya Angelou qualify as a "Hero". Does David Duke? Aside from the fact that his hater is directed towards Balcks and Jews, they are the same...her hatred however veiled in purple prose is directed at "White" America. shame you you don't see that...and I'm still waiting for that apology.

[cymonebreathe]

@wideawake123 SO basically, you personally don't think Maya Angelou deserves this award. In your opinion she doesn't fit the criteria.

Those selected as awardees prove that this award has nothing to do with a political or racially motivated strategy on behalf of this administration. This was the original point. The legitimacy of Afro-centrism, a term you've placed on Angelou's work has nothing to do with this.

[wideawake123]

@cymonebreathe How can you say that considering All her work, All her writing shows she views the world through the narrow prism of race? Most everything this president has done has had the same racial and political undertones, if not overt biases. He appointed the Vice President of LaRaza as his "Diversity Czarina". Van Jones as his "green jobs czar"? Cass Sunstien? Do you people think we aren't watching? The American people don't see this? eg, Tony Robbins helps Millions-Angelou helps herself.

[cymonebreathe]

@wideawake123 Again, you personally don't agree that Maya Angelou deserves this award.

Talking about race does not make someone or the content of their actions racist. I don't want to side-track too much, however. The original point of contention was that you said this award is politically and racially motivated. That argument remains weightless.

I'd also like to point out that your comment makes a distinction between "you people" and "us Americans". cont..

[wideawake123]

@cymonebreathe Dude...we're talking about the same woman right?

To top that nonsense you your brilliant retorts to my assertions are "Is NOT!" / "Are NOT!".

Why don't you admit the truth of it. Look at the list and admit I'm right. I could go down it person by person and detail the particular way in which they were chosen, what qualities were really at the heart of their selection...at least in Many cases. I'm still baffled by Yo-Yo-Ma though. He sticks out like a sore cello.

[cymonebreathe]

@wideawake123 You are merely speculating the background intentions and motivations of the administration, all of which cannot be evidenced, ESPECIALLY when using an award ceremony for the humanities and humanitarians as the foundational compenent. This is what makes u a conspiracy theorist, arguing from fear and suspicion than any shred of evidence.

[cymonebreathe]

@wideawake123 Also, ur argument also assumes that all the examples u give of minorities appointed are necessarily racially motivated. However, earlier you mentioned the lack of 'garden European' examples in the awardee selection. Clearly, white appointments can be racialized actions/strategies as well, most definitely from a historical standpoint, but more concretely from your own arguments.

[wideawake123]

@cmon No, and that's the difference. The enormously vast majority of judeo-christian, white Americans don't view things in terms of race. We only take exception when those of color do, or when we become victims of reverse discrimination. Shall I cite multiple examples of such reverse discrimination in the Obama WH, Justice Dept. State Dept. Etc..? Or are you willing to stipulate that The DOJ under direction of the WH, refuses to prosecute voter fraud and intimidation cases against minorities?

[cymonebreathe]

You mentioned 'garden Europeans' after I proved that the awardees was a multiracial group, specifically after I offered George Bush senior as an awardee example. By your own definition, you mentioned race w/o evidence of reverse discrimination. This is inconsistent and irrelevant to the original point.

Again, your highlight of these issues is unrelated to this award or awardees. You are conflating connections based on fear, suspicion and potentially anger. This is conspiracy theory.

[cymonebreathe]

@wideawake123 These awardees were named some time before the important political action you mentioned happened. This video was just recently posted. These two events are not related.

I'm not switching the framing of my argument. I'm seeing youyr argument for what it is: barebones of hatred and ignorance, not rationality.

[wideawake123]

@cymonebreathe C'mon...just say it...you want to... Let me help you with your "argument" Rrr, Rrr-A, Rrr-Ace, Rrrr-Ace-Ist. Rrracist. "Racist!". There. Feel better? While the opaqueness of this administration is confounding to the American People, the transparency of your adhominem is amusingly refreshing. Shall I assumed you are a WH employeee? Now...since I gave you the courtesy of polite discouse, which President Obama has called for, don't you think it's time you reciprocated? Apologize.

[cymonebreathe]

@wideawake123 Your recent reply was very creative, but your point is not clear. You are arguing something like a conspiracy? This award ceremony is an integral part to understanding this administration's political and racially motivated strategies?

You've assumed that I support this admin, unwaveringly it sounds. My first comment on this post was that I loved Maya Angelou. I am here commenting on your opinion of this award and Maya. You are making larger unrelated claims.

[wideawake123]

@cymonebreathe Oh...so now I'm a "conspirisy theorist" And a "Rrr-Racist"...even better than apologizing for being such a DICK, you came up with another pathway into my "twisted soul"...much better than apologizing for personally insulting someone. Heap more insults upon them. It makes you look...somehow more evolved than the rest of us, who have to see the world as it is...through the prism of reality. Though Maya eyes we see that even in racist America, the Black experience is superior. "HERO"

[cymonebreathe]

@wideawake123 I called you a conspiracy theorist because you are connecting unrelated events to explain the motivations and larger negative schemes plotted against you personally and those identities and institutions you are connected to. I made this clear with your Israel condemnation argument and with your undue weight given to this award more generally.

Point specifically to where I say or suggest the 'black experience' is 'superior".

[wideawake123]

@cymonebreathe What?! Now you're just making shit up. Point to the instance where I relate Any of this Stuff to "Me Personally". Which "...identities and institutions" am I "connected to"? I'm a non-practicing catholic from NJ. Do you see anything up there where I say "he dissed the Italians"? Then, once you clear the wreckage of this attempt at (Yet Another) personal insult, please explain how "Through Maya eyes we see..." translates to "You" "suggesting" Anything? Put up... or shut up.

[cymonebreathe]

@wideawake123 I gave the criteria for the awardees. She fits the definition. You responded that she is no "Hero". That is a personal opinion outside the realm of the official definition for the award.

Quote specifically where I say "Maya's eyes" and then directly relate it to a comment I responded. Your half quotes with incomplete analysis don't offer substantive commentary. I'll need more in order to answer your explanation request.

[wideawake123]

"Point specifically to where I say or suggest the 'black experience' is 'superior"."--You

That comment is directly below the comment where I say "Through Maya's eyes we see that even in racist America, the Black experience is superior."

If you're having trouble reading the thread, just stop. Think. "wait...did I just call this guy a racist and a conspirisy theorist for having an opinion?" Then, apologize, stop stepping on your dick and start over...or just quit, you look ridiculous.

[cymonebreathe]

That's why it's so important to give full quotes and actual analysis. Your wording for that sentence made no sense.

Also, I never called you a racist.

Also, when I said identities and institutions you are connected to that you feel are under threat, I was referring to whatever you were referring to when you say ""us Americans", as distinguished from "you people".

Your opinion is not based on the official definition for the award and it is largely unconnected. This is conspiracy

[wideawake123]

...and BTW, my point was a crystal clear as an azure sky on May morning...Apologize for your adhominem. If you are incapable of recognizing your ignorant, hostile, personal insults directed at me and offering an UNQUALIFIED apology for your action, then there's really no point in continuing. So, there's that, or there's nothing further we need to discuss.

How's that for clarity?

[cymonebreathe]

You only clarified your desire for an apology. You did not clarify your argument as asked.

I clarified why I called you a conspiracy theorist and why I said you are personally unimpressed with Angelou's work.

Ironically, in the same breath you list insults against me. I don't want to focus on the insults. I want to focus on the (lack of) content of your arguments. Please clarify the distinction u make btw "you people" and "us Americans" and the racial motivation of "garden Europeans".

[wideawake123]

@cifer I said you were being a "DICK". That's hardly innacurate and in any case, it's not a personal insult. Notice how besides asking if you worked for the WH, I made no assumptions about you, nor did I direct insults at you. I stated my case, you insulted me when you ran out of arguments...which was early. Either you "man-up" and apologize, or fade away. You aren't mature enough to discuss this with the kid at the drive-through at McD's, much less the WH VLOG. Apologize for lying about me.

[cymonebreathe]

@wideawake123 I'm not focusing on your insults. I'm focusing on your arguments. I said that in the same comment you're referring to.

I explained why I called you a conspiracy theorist. Instead of countering that explanation, you merely reiterated your disgust with my point. Based on the definition given, I stand by my comment. You are a conspiracy theorist.

You haven't offered anything new. Im still waiting for additional commentary.

[wideawake123]

The reason you're not "focused on my insults" is because I haven't insulted you. I tried to have a conversation with you. I gave you the respect you refused me. From your 2nd comment you've been making up lies and attributing statements to me, that I never made. I call that wasting my time. You arent man(or woman) enough to admit what you did and said, or how insulting your tone has been throughout, from your 1st attack and apologize. You need to stop squirming around wasting my time.

[cymonebreathe]

@wideawake123 There was very little analytical substance in this comment for me to respond to.

I never called you a racist. You failed to acknowledge that in this statement. I called you a conspiracy theorist and backed up my claim. You failed to provide substantial logic otherwise. I stand by what I said.

You've reduced this conversation to 1 about insults rather than the heart of the issue: whether this award is politically and racially motivated. I've proven it isn't. You haven't.