Thank You Mr. Obama!
“Race is an issue that I believe this nation cannot afford to ignore right now…We would be making the same mistake that Reverend Wright made in his offending sermons about America — to simplify and stereotype and amplify the negative to the point that it distorts reality.” Barak Obama
I’m not writing this as a political statement! I myself am an independent, and unsure of who I would vote for right now in the 2008 election. I would say that I like a lot of what Mr. Obama stands for, but am appalled in regards to his insensitivity for the unborn. With that said, I am elated to read Mr. Obama’s speech regarding race, and applaud its audacity and its veracity. The black world wants to blame, and the white world wants to sweep it away, but the LA riots and the words of Reverend Wright continually remind us that the truth can’t escape us. And that truth shows us there are divisions in this country in regards to race that affect us greatly! As a white person, I am frustrated with my white brother’s and sister’s who consistently deny this reality, and usually vilify anyone that brings up the subject. “White Guilt” is the evil epithet often applied to any white person that cares about race in America. After all, we are beyond the “Cosby Generation!” “Blacks have equal rights!” “Stop spouting that liberal rhetoric!”
I hope that this speech sparks a national debate that aims at some politics I can sink my teeth into. I am tired of the good ole’ boy network doing the same politicking , favoring his/her political careers, instead of diving in to real political problems at the risk of their careers. I think that last week, we found one candidate willing to do just that. I’m sure the pundits will toss this aside as another political ploy to re-right his sinking ship, but whether it was or not, it was refreshing and apropos! I know this election has focused mainly on health care, the economy and the war in Iraq; all worthwhile topics for sure, but our politicians hardly focus on cultural issues that are equally important such as race, and I believe that their (Our) ignorance on this important topic is paralyzing to our nation, and still marginalizes many people due to the stereotypes exhibited by Reverend Wright, and many whites that I have encountered over the years. The same ignorance fuels the fear on our borders (Which is another hot topic in this election), so maybe it’s time to take a long look at the latent racism in the hearts of Americans, white, black and brown! Oh, I forgot, I’ve been told many times that the minority cannot be racist. Then let’s rephrase it, It’s about time we take a long look at the latent HATRED and prejudice in the hearts of Americans white, black and brown!
“Can’t we all just get along?”
Maybe I’m missing something as I read this article. I work with all colors and creeds. I live in a complex with all colors and creeds. I get along with all of them. I have been out to dinner with many of them and had some of them over for dinner and vis versa.
I support three little boys through World Vision who are from Honduras, Ecuador, and the Philippines. Where am I being racist? Where am I showing hatred? I feel like I’m being lumped into some category that I can’t escape due to the unfortunate decisions of my ancestors, whom I never met. I barely knew my grandfather on my mother’s side, who came from Scotland.
I’ll be the first to admit I’m a sinner, but aren’t we all? God is working daily on my heart.
When will I be forgiven by man, for the sins of my fathers? I know God has forgiven me. He died for me on the cross. It’s getting a little old hearing that I don’t reach out in love. Tell that to the three little boys I help support. And countless other people I have helped in time of need because the Lord touched my heart to reach out to them. I didn’t stop and check their nationality first.
I can tell you what I do hate for sure. I hate being blamed for wrongs I didn’t commit. Blame me all day for my mistakes. I will throw myself at the foot of the cross and repent.
I don’t know Rev. Wright outside of the clips I’ve heard repeatedly on various talk shows, but I have heard Tony Evans, of the Urban Alternative many times, and I don’t hear anger at America from this black preacher. I hear a man who loves the Lord. I have learned a lot from Tony Evans about loving Christ. I have stepped back with great concern listening to Rev. Wright, knowing that he is the mentor to a man who is now running for the highest office in the most powerful country in the world.
I don’t like any of the candidates currently running. If I had my druthers Jesus would return this very moment and rule and reign forever, because frankly, He’s the only truly capable Leader. I’m getting alone with everyone, as best as I can. When do I get credit for that?
Cathy, what “Credit” are you looking for? I’m not sure I understand? What I do know is that this is the response of most white people on the subject of race, yet we still have race problems in our country, and those that are non-white keep telling us that something may be wrong, but all we can say is, “I love all people, it’s not me. I have a black friend…” I am not in any way condoning Mr. Wright’s comments , but I wrote a piece on Mr. Obama’s response, which I felt was refreshing for a politician. He didn’t condone Mr. Wright’s rhetoric either, but he used it as an opportunity to speak about race in America, which still has some gaping wholes if we are willing to truly examine our country and ourselves. And by the way, I too respect the teaching of Tony Evans, and have appreciated a lot of his insight into many biblical passages. Thanks for the post!