BMORENEWS.com

From the heights of Harford County to the waters of Maryland’s Eastern Shore – from the mountains in Western Maryland to the farmlands of Prince George’s County – a resounding question permeates my brain on the eve of the 2010 election year: Who will lead Maryland’s most loyal Democratic demographic.

In a 30% black state where people of the darker hue typically vote for the likes of a President Bill Clinton, a Governor Martin O’Malley and a President Barack Obama – I can’t help but wonder what ploys Maryland’s Republicans will come up with next year as the state elects or re-elects individuals to serve in the State House and Congress.

One Obama critic is former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele, who is now the chair of the Republican National Committee. Steele, who is black, could be considered Obama’s arch nemesis. At minimum, he could even be dubbed as the “Republican response” to Obama, America’s first black president.  

Before I proceed, let me preface my next comments with the following: On a statewide level in Maryland, I was a huge supporter of Michael Steele.

What happens if Baltimore City Mayor Sheila Dixon is convicted? Who will, God forbid an indictment should happen, appoint her replacement?

Personally, I think it is a valid question. And while issues of race and party affiliation have been raised this week, this question deserves an appropriately intelligent response.

Background: A rumor had been put out there on Frank Conaway’s WOLB News Talk Radio Show that suggested that two people not of the majority community were being considered by Gov. Martin O’Malley to replace Mayor Sheila Dixon if she were convicted. Former Baltimore City Solicitor Neal Janey was asked about the procedure for succeeding a convicted mayor in office in Baltimore City.

They are both at the top of their games: dynamic, appealing, charismatic and determined beyond reason. They both know of the challenges facing young people – and older people, too, for that matter – in a city like Baltimore.

Nonetheless, they insist on putting their permanent imprint on Charm City in the most positive way. Both young men have foundations with similar missions: to help empower young people.

In a majority black city where it is easier for young black men to go to jail than to Melo’s Syracuse … in a majority white country where black males alone comprise some 44% of America’s prison population – especially considering that blacks at-large comprise some 15-20% of the US population – NBA superstar Carmelo Anthony and R&B powerhouse Mario apparently understand their day-role.
 

Yesterday was one for the record books. 'Twas a day to make most Baltimoreans smile, and maybe even shed a tear or two. And those would be tears of joy, I might add.

Let me explain. First, you gotta give it to Carmelo Anthony. The man loves his city and unselfishly gives back to it time and time again. He is one of the most philanthropic people hailing from our beloved East Coast city and has never lost sight of what's important ... like the children.
 

I had someone ask me a deceptively simple question the other day that, after scrutiny, was quite complex. The question: How do you know when you have become a man?

What makes the question far more complex than it appears on the surface is that quite often definitions of manhood are culturally authenticated and differ in societies around the globe. There are however, despite this globalization of the concept, some consistencies in defining what makes a male a man. And I guess one should start with that difference, male vs. man.

Sen. Edward Kennedy passed last night. He will be forever missed. Although I never met him, I feel I'm a prime beneficiary of his expansive body of legislative work on behalf of the people. He will be remembered as a man who looked out for the little guy, who was not afraid to take one to task, and who did his best to do the right thing.

The model Democrat and second most senior member of the US Senate was a member of America's quintessential and iconic political family.

Consequently, history suggests he knew triumph and disaster all too well.

What I will most remember him for is his support of now-President Barack Obama, a black man - even when the Clinton's were truly hoping for his support.

Well, over the past couple weeks, yours truly has been in the media hot seat. Questions about our mayor, Sheila Dixon, have been posed. Questions about racial profiling and gangs in Baltimore, too. And at some point, one asks oneself, ‘Am I on point?’

Mr. Butchie always tells me, “Doni, as long as you’re thinking, you’re still in the game!”

D. Bell always says to follow my heart.

I have been in the Middle East and subject to kidnapping and terror attacks, if not worse. I have been in so-called Third World nations where violence and anarchy are but a breath away. I have been asked by local TV stations to answer some terribly heart-wrenching questions about the personal lives of politicians and even their outward shenanigans. I have visited some of the meanest prisons, including the Maryland State Penitentiary and the Jessup House of Corrections. I have been in morgues and seen countless bodies of the deceased, including babies.

Despite all of these awkward and uncomfortable scenarios, nothing is more uncomfortable than attempting to interview a mother who has lost a child … particularly to gun violence.

One thing I didn’t get to say on TV yesterday is that I don’t find some of the Commissioner’s latest comments on the news all that endearing. I believe the word he used in one story a couple of weeks ago was “knuckleheads.”

Yesterday, the term was “idiots.”

I find both terms derogatory and think he needs to take a class on Public Relations.