Obama and the African American Vote
I had the pleasure of participating in a discussion regarding Barack Obama and the African American vote. It aired on NPR's Talk of the Nation and I hope you'll check it out. I think the issues in the discussion will be a factor throughout the general election.
May 30, 2008 | Permalink
Comments
Regaring Obama and the Black vote. We in the Black community must not forget that Barack is running for the president of the United States, not the president of the Black commuity. Personally, I am voting for him because I really do believe he is the best candidate. His being black is just icing on the cake, and make no mistake about it, his being president will advance race relatons and raise the hopes of young blacks like no other nominee can. As a Black president, I don't expect him to champion any particular black issue, just don't let me get screwed will be enought. I'm reminded of the time that I was stationed in Korea. I was responsible for the day to day operaton of a military installation. I had heard that Korean businessman would often attempt to bribe people who were in a position to show them favor. So, when the cable TV operator invited me to his home for dinner, I was suspicious of his motive and prepared myself for a possible bribery attempt. Unless you want to call the dinner and liquor that he plied me with a bribe, it didn't happen. Instead, he wanted (this is my interpretaton of the events) simply to show me that he was a real person with a real family to feed, not simply that Korean cable guy. He was a simple man who, in this way, provided for his family. He asked for no special favors or considerations. Durng the dinner, and before we had too much to drink, he quieted the table and looked at me solemnly and humbly he asked: "When the officials at the installation are considering the renewal of his contract, please ensure that he is treated fairly." This is all we can ask of Barack, to make sure that we, in all of our needs, are treated fairly along side all other interest groups. This is all we have ever wanted from any president, but we never really expected to get it. Now, we realistically can.
Posted by: Rufus | Jun 7, 2008 6:09:46 PM
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