Driving in to work today I tuned in to "Hot Talk with Andy Barnett" (don't ask me why!). The discussion turned to the existence of an African American Chamber of Commerce. In typical fashion, Andy and co-host Don Lyons were incensed that such an organization would exist given the "Fact" (they claimed) that there were not any "Caucasian" chambers of commerce. Now, before giving such a broad statement, you would think that these two geniuses would do even the most basic of research. Good Job Guys!
"Caucasian Chambers of Commerce"
German American Chamber of Commerce
- "As a member, you will be connected to our wide network of members and business partners in the German-American business community through all of the services and benefits we provide."
- "To promote the interests of Italian American businessmen, and in particular, our own members."
- "A total of 25 men representing Finnish paper, pulp, plywood, prefab houses, furniture and a number of other export industries and banking, travel promotion, army surplus purchasing and consular services, gathered at newly opened Finland House Restaurant on June 7, 1948, and founded the Finnish Businessmen’s Luncheon Club in New York."
These are but a few of the different "ethnic" chambers of commerce in existence in the United States. So, what does it say about Mr. Barnett that he would pick the African American Chamber of Commerce as the organization to be opposed to? Is he opposed to ALL ethnic chambers or just this one? Shouldn't he think or research before he speaks? You be the judge...
Do you two have any credibility with which to speak on issues or do you just get to spout off without facts and hope your listeners are too stupid to know the difference?
1 Response to "Andy Barnett: Do Some Research!"
The point we were making, is quite simple. We were suggesting (and I will still suggest) that the existence of an organization that singles out anyone by the color of their skin is racist. You suggested we didn't do our homework but I will counter by saying that we did. There is no "National White Chamber of Commerce" while there is a "National Black Chamber of Commerce". You suggest that because there exists German-American and Italian-American Chambers that we are discredited. I beg to differ! These are chambers based on race and national origin, not on skin color. You missed the point of our discussion, I'm sad to say.