Don't Let Your Love For Obama Prevent You From Seeking Accountability
I've been struggling to find the words to explain why I think too many Black people are not critically assessing the implications of his candidacy on Black America. Maybe it's because the fawning White media are trying to tell Black people who there leaders should be. Maybe it's because I worry whenever conservatives like Bill Bennett and Bill Kristol have good things to say about a Black man; given their histories, one can only wonder what's up. Anyway, listen to this while I continue to find the right words. It's thought provoking (if thinking is your thing). I was particularly interested to learn that Iowa, for all the hype given its role in launching Obama's candidacy, is the fifth whitest state in the nation but leads the nation in Black incarceration (per capita). What's up with that??
January 27, 2008 | Permalink
Comments
With all due respect for Tavis Smiley, I think his words show an ignorance of racial politics in America. If black folks want to know whether or not Barack Obama is going to be accountable to them, I think it would be wiser to judge the man based on his past record rather than forcing him into a discussion about race in the middle of a presidential election. For a black candidate this will definitely be the death nail to his candidacy. Thats because their is a clear double standard in American politics. White candidates like Hillary Clinton and John Edwards can talk about racism in very forceful terms. However, the moment Barack Obama even begins to move down that road he becomes the angry black candidate. I personally think that black people should critically examine Barack Obama, but as tactical matter, I think this examination can be done outside of public scruitny. My suggestion would be for black leaders, including Tavis Smiley, to have conversations without Barack Obama in private. On the other hand, those of us who dont have private access to candidate should critically examine what he has done with his life in the past. However, any sort of open debate about race in a attempt to prove how "down" he is, is a loosing proposition and is the exact place where the Clintons have being trying to push him.
Posted by: AngryMan | Jan 28, 2008 11:10:33 AM
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