Accusations against Eddie Long have been flooding the airwaves for about a week now. Four men have filed lawsuits against him for sexual misconduct. The men say that they were groomed for a sexual relationship while enrolled in LongFellow Youth Academy. The program is designed to teach teens how to conduct themselves financially and sexually. The optimistic side of my sOul hopes that the accusations aren't true but I wouldn't be surprised if they were. On Sunday, September 26, 2010, he stood before a packed sanctuary (that seats 10,000) and promised to fight the allegations in the court of law. Even though he compared himself to David against Goliath, he never denied the accusations. His dramatic performance mocking a scene from the famous comedy Coming to America (literally and figuratively) left me puzzled. In an article published by Errin Haines (Associated Press) it was stated that a young man in the second service wearing a blue shirt stood and abruptly shouted: "We want to know the truth, man!" and he was quickly escorted out.
Everything about his statement seemed arrogant to me. He didn't deny the accusations nor did he ask anyone to believe that he wasn't guilty. The only relevant thing he said was that he is not the man that they are making him out to be on television. I don't know what it is about black men in power that have money, power and influence that makes them think that they can get away with such filth. The fact that he is a popular rich black man in the United States makes him a target. The media and the United States has a history of attempting to destroy our people. For example , look at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mayor Marion Berry and Chris Brown. Dr. King is almost discredited for his work and sacrifice because of his affairs. The media tried to destroy Marrion Berry in his 1990 drug charges. Chris Brown lost endorsements and fans due to domestic dispute with Rihanna. Situations like this happen in the white community ALL OF THE TIME! If it makes the news, they aren't treated as harsh as black people in similar situations. My question is, "What makes Eddie Long think he was going to get away with this?"
The Accusers
Laugh.Out.Loud.!!! The men claim that the sexual misconduct took place when they were 17/18. Hold UP!!! Any normal 17/18 year old knows what is right and wrong when it comes to sexual behavior. Unless Eddie Long forced himself on them, they're just as silly as he is. There is no way in hell a person who reads the Bible for themself could be manipulated into engaging in anything that they don't want to do for "spiritual purposes." Even if the Bible did say something as ridiculous as that, what SANE person would actually abide by it?! If this is a "get rich scheme" these men have planned, I hope they get the money they desire. It takes some bold people to say they were having a sexual relationship with another man at 17/18. It is hard for me to sympathize with the accusers. If they were 11/12 it would be a different story.
I predict that this story will result in some kind of monetary settlement. I don't know what the future holds for Eddie Long. I don't care if Eddie Long is homosexual or committing adultery. That is between him, God and his wife. But if these accusations are true I will have a major problem with him manipulating the word to trick people into his desires.
Salaam Devin! I didn't know you had a blog... I e-mailed you copies of each complaint from the 4 young men. Very interesting reading and just plain nasty if indeed it happened as they say. The acts at the apartment on their church campus sounds like some secret society ritual initiation stuff.
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