Also at The SuperSpade.
This union may never be perfect, but generation after generation has shown that it can always be perfected.
Barack Obama gave a speech on race this morning in Philadelphia that many consider to be his most direct campaign speech dealing with the "issue." Given the pretext of the speech, the talk seems to be one that was forced into necessity more by the media, Obama's supporters, and detractors than by Obama's desired to address race Blackness in this campaign and in this country head-on. I have always felt that had this been something that Obama wanted to do out of his own volition, he would have done so long ago, thus pre-empting the ignorant racial undertones of attacks made against him, and laying a foundation for healing in this nation that started with race and class, and grew to overcome the entire of spectrum of challenges this nation and this world face.
Nevertheless, the time has come for this conversation between Barack Obama and the Democratic American electorate. In this speech Barack Obama succeeded in opening the door to a legitimate, meaningful, and potentially productive dialogue of understanding, empathy, and unity among people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. By Barack Obama actually publicly acknowledging that not only is there a race issue, but one that must be dealt with, he is responsibly using his position and status and recognition to create an atmosphere of abundant possibility and environment of empirical hope that builds much needed problem-solving momentum in all areas that change must occur.
During this election cycle, I've seen the candidates I've supported strongly fall by the wayside for various reasons. I contributed money to both the Kucinich and Edwards campaigns, as I saw those candidates as the two that most closely exemplified my brand of Progressive, populist politics. I have done work on behalf of the Obama campaign, building websites to organize supporters for him in South Carolina, New Hampshire, and Iowa out of respect and admiration for Obama and his supporters, many of whom are friends of mine. This, however, is the first bit of hope I've gleaned from Obama. My challenge to him and others who support him to take ownership how race is framed and use this opportunity as a stepping stone to reconciliation, to actual, effective, visibile change in the hearts, minds, lives of everyday people, and to a brighter future for all to enjoy.
Late is better than never.
Matt -
I was a member of Rev. Wright's congregation for several years when I lived in Chicago. I can tell you that I was uplifted and inspired every time I left one of his services. He isn't a racist, he isn't anti-American. It's unfortunate that you didn't listen to Obama's speech yesterday. Rev. Wright spoke several times of deep-rooted injustices that Black people face in America. The mission of the church is one of unity among black people before their can be unity with others. Not unlike civil rights leaders of the 60s - which is the era in which Rev. Wright came up. It's unfortunate that Wright wasn't more cautious of his newly appointed position. That his church and sermons would be held under a spotlight once appointed to Obama's campaign, but is this really an issue?
Get a grip. This is a swift boating. This is a Lewinsky moment. There's a Democratic Presidency at stake.