A good piece in today's
Washington Post discusses a few issues that
Barack Obama has been highlighting on the campaign trail:
Sen. Barack Obama is delivering pointed critiques of the African American community as he campaigns for its votes, lamenting that many of his generation are "disenfranchising" themselves because they don't vote, taking rappers to task for their language, and decrying "anti-intellectualism" in the black community, including black children telling peers who get good grades that they are "acting white."
The achievement gap between races is a major, major issue for our country, and one that isn't being adequately addressed by any other current candidate. Of course, race itself is one reason why. Can you imagine the outcry if
Rudy Giuliani or
Bill Richardson approached this matter as directly as Obama while standing at the pulpit of a black church? Not everybody in the African American community, however, is thrilled to hear Obama's thesis.
The gap is "not because black 7-year-olds are holding back other black 7-year-olds," said Melissa V. Harris-Lacewell, a professor of African American studies at Princeton University. "This black pathology argument is appealing, but I think he's wrong empirically."
But Obama's call for self-examination is, by and large, being very well received as he travels the country. It's no wonder, really, given the disparity of
incarceration and
infant mortality rates between blacks and whites, that people want change and have grown weary of waiting for others to give it to them. In fact, more than a century after slavery, nearly every
economic,
educational, and
physical health indicator puts African Americans at a marked disadvantage. As Obama puts it, "There's an old saying that if America has a cold, we have pneumonia." What I like about Obama is that when he speaks he doesn't seem much like an actor at all.
Reader Comments ( Page 3 of 7)
31. yes i agree that he is not running to be the black president for black people...i think he is a breathe of fresh air in the black community and they should be over whelmed that a person with his intelect is even considering running for president of all the people and for the people..i don't think he needs to promise 40 acres a a muhle...
m anstadt at 8:44PM on May 3rd 2007
32. Obama is the only person,notice I did not say Black,African American,colored or white, Person that I would be willing to consider voting for. I think he needs a little more time in the senate before he is ready. However for some reason Govenors seem to be experienced enough and do get elected. Really, we need to forget the color of a persons skin. Can he/she do the job the American people elect them to do. If yes then you or I should vote for them. Let's move on an elect the person we feel comfortable with regardles of skin color.
A.W. Lee at 8:46PM on May 3rd 2007
33. hmm obama has only 2 years experience in the senate lets see him run a state first before you elect him to run all 50 of them. besides a nice person cant be a good president except for clinton ,kenedy they all become corrupted when they enter the oval office obama seems like a genuine good man. and those idiots in washington dont want honesty
tony at 10:57PM on May 4th 2007
34. Think Ric Hopkins said it like it is, and that is why i can not vote for Mr Obama. It seems he is making it just about the black people and that to shows that he may not be up to doing the job. Dolores Ferrer
Dolores Ferrer at 9:43PM on May 3rd 2007
35. Why can't things go back the way they were in 2000, when no one cared what you looked like. Seriously I cannot recall one racist incident or any spite from 2000 - the end of 2001. Now I think everyone equally hates each other, I think it is because of low morale.
JohnHandcock at 9:49PM on May 3rd 2007
36. I am a veteran and a black man who did very well in school. I'm is college for the second time! I feel like it is about time someone said what we all have been thinking someone being a presidential canidate
like Obama or any of the other Democracts running. We as black people don't seem to care about anyone but ourselves and even then we don't do that well.Our
children fight and curse each other and disrespect their parents and other adults and when they are called to pay for their actions we hear they are being picked on because they are black "that is a bunch of Bull!" We need to teach them respect of self and others and it is okay to been smart. Obama keep
saying what you are saying we need to have strong
black men representing us in Washington as well as in
the media and the world. The other so called black leaders are to busy trying to get the illegal people
health care,citizenship,and whatever else they want
insted of make sure those who breah the law pay the consequences for their actions.Black people have been
paying for our crimes for as long as we have been in America and some times for crimes we didn't commit !
So keep Up The Talk OBAMA I SAY WE NEED TO HEAR IT LOUD AND FORCIBLY CLEAR THE WE IS BLACK FOLKS AND THE REST OF AMERICA111
reynolds rapley jr at 12:54AM on May 4th 2007
37. Barack Obama is appears to be an extremely viable candidate for the presidency. He is intelligent, served in the Senate, demonstrates strong values, is a man of faith and principles and no doubt has a number of other strong attributes. The fact that Obama is black seems to overshadow or be on the forefront of the media, internet blogs, topics of conversation. Barack is not a "clarence Thomas" styled individual. Unlike C.T. Mr. Obama is not caught up in self hatred, denial of the struggles and sacrafices of his ancestery and I feel confident Mr. Obama will do all he can to uplift and improve the quality of life for ALL people and the nation. He is a good strong candidate and yes, I would vote for him and work to secure his nomination. Can anyone give reason(s) (without a reference to his color) why Mr. Obama would not make a good president?
janis vaughn at 10:10PM on May 3rd 2007
38. Who says this country is not ready for a BLACK AMERICAN to be president.. stupid comment...BUT i wish we would forget about the black canditate thing.. What we need in this country is someone to stand up for what is right, face the issues and move on..#1 issue in the next elections should be the immigration thing..Send all illegals back and only allow those who qualify to come in,,,#2,,we need to shut down our borders for a few years...#3, stop industry from moving out of this country,,fine the heck out of them....OBAMA, are you listening...show us what you can do,,,thanks --Lorena
Lorena at 10:35PM on May 3rd 2007
39. Dolores,
I just went to Mr. Obama's official campaign site. It does not seem to be focused on Blacks. It appears some bloggers and news sources may be focusing on anything he mentions that is related to Blacks, but what I see on the website appears to focused on All Americans. It really doesn't make sense that his Black half could be race-focused and his White half not be. Many different groups will want to hear his thoughts about their particular needs, and when he speaks specifically to them, I don't think we should feel like the rest of us are being excluded. To me, he appears very fair and open-minded in his thoughts about what's the best route for the country as a whole. The link to his website is included if you would like to read more.
Cary at 10:48PM on May 3rd 2007
40. Dolores, here's the link.
http://www.barackobama.com
Cary at 10:51PM on May 3rd 2007
41. I am a white 40ish female and I am both excited and scared about the possibilities of Barack Obama becoming President. What scares me the most is that someone, anyone, will have so much hate in their hearts that they will end the life of this brilliant, vibrant man. Barack represents the people of this country....all the people. Everything is not always a black/white issue. It is about the dignity of people, and getting the respect we deserve from Officials whom WE elect. It's about making this country a better country not financially or with a stronger military but morally. I think Barack is the one to lead us in the right direction.
Gail at 11:00PM on May 3rd 2007
42. I have been privileged to be present twice when Barack Obama visited our city. I have also read his
first book, DREAMS FROM MY FATHER, written in 1995.
I am so impressed with this man who has searched his
soul to come to a place of healing. I am eager to
vote for a person who has left his baggage behind. I feel excited knowing I will be voting for a man who
is informed, intelligent, sensitive and healed.
OBAMA '08 YES!!!!!!!!!!
Dorene at 11:07PM on May 3rd 2007
43. I believe the ultra conservative Republicans are getting very concern about Obama popularity with the middle-class, who they have been trying to weed out of society. So they are trying to ridicule him anyway they can. Looking everywhere to try to find some dirt on him.
washingu at 11:19PM on May 3rd 2007
44. Obama is an astute gentleman. I admire his intelligence and analysis of many issues. However, he is just starting out - only 2 years in the Senate. Would love to see him president - next time, once he has had more experience. Maybe someone will be smart enough to have him as VP.
Michele at 11:20PM on May 3rd 2007
45. Obama was right on target when he addressed the black community. That's what I call a leader. We need more role models like Senate Obama. We have so MANY IRRESPONSIBLE BLACK PARENTS.
I do belive that this country is ready for a black president. This world is GOD'S private domain, and I believe he will allow the right person to be elected as president.
I agreed, Obama needs protection, Hillary has protection, why not him?
We, in Miami, Florida love Obama; he has our vote.
Mitty at 11:25PM on May 3rd 2007