Free Republic

On April 27, The New York Times reported that the percentage of black Americans who believe race relations in America are generally good has doubled since July. This statistic forces me to ask: Why are African-Americans feeling so good about our country in a time of economic crisis and international conflict? It is not just the fact of a black president. Instead, with everyone analyzing the 100-day mark of Barack Obama's administration, I think the answer lies in understanding this historic moment through a black cultural lens. I believe African-Americans are feeling racially optimistic because they respect how our first...

<p>In a little more than a week, the Iraq crisis will come to a head. On Jan. 27, U.N. weapons inspectors will deliver what is likely to be an inconclusive report on their progress so far in Iraq, and the president then will have to decide his endgame: whether to send the more than 150,000 U.S. troops in the region to topple Saddam Hussein, or accede to the demands of many nations that he give the inspectors more time.</p>