Color Instead of Character

At the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston, Sen. Barack Obama said, “. . . There is not a black America and a white America and Latino America and Asian America—there is the United States of America.”

Those were welcome and commendable words. Unfortunately, they appear to be only words. Since then, Obama has divided us along race and class lines more than any modern president.

From the comments on the World ZCommunity website:

CAL THOMAS wrote: “The question ought to be this: Are African-Americans, indeed, are all Americans, better off than they were when Barack Obama took office?”

Joel Mark (in post #5) replied:

“Better off” is a rather subjective term, and often quite narcissistic or self-centered. Ever since we have been asking that question (and I must respectfully criticize Reagan’s 1980 campaign theme here), too many Americans have been presuming that it is the role of gov’t to make us “better off.” I understand that Reagan did not seek to make that a primary gov’t role, but still, the presumption has grown since then that it is.

There are better questions to ask, like…

* Are Americans more legitimately free and is the rule of law being applied more justly across the board?

* Is America being protected sufficiently with peace here and abroad as our legitimate goal (a goal that may include just military action)?

* Are we closer to our “E Pluribus Unum” ideal or have our leaders divided us up into factions balkanizing us for political gain?

* Are decent and faithful Constitution-respecting justices being appointed to the nation’s benches?

* Will human life be more respected under this administration?

* Will the nuclear family be more respected than various political constituent groups (racial, sexual, behavioral or class-based groups)?

"Let’s deal with just our blackness and pride—and loyalty... I’m not afraid or ashamed to say that as black people, we should do it because he’s a black man.”

Change one single adjective in that statement, and it could be greeted with cheers at a Klu Klux Klan rally in the 1920s.

When are you getting fitted for your hood, Tom Joyner?

Joel Mark has over thought the process. The point in asking the question is to get a self centered answer.

As to your response, I would argue that most will not put that fine a point on the question.

If they think, they will consider a broad context that may or may not evaluate some or all the excellent points you made. The answer for most will be based on emotion backed by a few personal experiences of a broad nature. In effect, an enhanced gut feeling.

In my view, the question is asked not necessarily about “the Government”, but about the leadership provided. In that context, the question is proper and seeks a valid answer. The average person has a sense, a feeling if you will, of well being, that can be personally measured as a function of Presidential leadership.

To ask the question is OK. I learned on TV that a good lawyer never asks a question to which the answer is not known. If the question is asked knowing the response will be “I am worse off”, the question reinforces the answer. The answerer will feel better off knowing he was asked.

Good commentary by Cal Thomas. However, I don't know where he gets his conclusion: “What the slide in Obama’s support in the African-American community demonstrates is that increasing numbers of black people are beginning to understand they have been played for suckers by the Democratic Party.”

I don't see that happening at all. There is some minor disenchantment with Obama, but I don't think it reaches out to affect their strong attachment to the Democrat Party. Where else are they to go? The Left with the help of the MSM, has so successfully portrayed the Republican Party as being filled with bigots that Blacks believe it regardless of the evidence to the contrary.

FTA:

The Rev. Al Sharpton, who also has a radio show and a gig on MSNBC, admonished blacks who have been critical of the president, “I’m not telling you to shut up. I’m telling you: Don’t make some of us have to speak up.”

I read this quote from Sharpton the other day, and it confuses me. You think you need to "speak up" in order to make me "shut up?" Well, go right on ahead, Al. I'm for more discussion, not less. I fail to see how I should self-censor, just to keep you from "speaking up." I WANT you to speak up. I really do!

See why I'm confused? And I'm white.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.