Last Sunday, I wrote that I believe the color of President Barack Obama’s skin is at the heart of some of the deep hatred and particularly vicious vitriol aimed squarely at him. I do not believe it is true of all of his critics. I do not believe that everyone who is critical of President Obama’s policies and agenda are bigoted. But I do believe that which we name as racism is powerful, in abundance and being wielded as bluntly as a machete and as softly as a pin prick.
On Tuesday, former President Jimmy Carter stated that he believed “...an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he is a black man.” Despite powerful push-back from the far right and a cautious, measured reaction from the left, President Carter continued to speak his mind.
Today, over on “The Root”, Sherrilyn A. Ifill wrote about what she calls “Jimmy Carter's Difficult Truth”. The sub heading reads as follows: ”The dismissive response from both Republicans and Democrats to the former president's comments on race shows why we need more, not less, discussion about the issue in America.”
The conversation continues...
Saturday, September 19, 2009
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3 comments:
I like the 'difficult truth' description - because I think that's exactly what it is. I think it was always going to be an issue - let's not forget he is the First Black President - that title in itself makes the race issue one that will be at the forefront of his critics (and possibly his supporters too). I believe and I hope that his actions in the next eight (yes, eight!) years will be what silences them and hopefully proves the good man behind that title. Let's hope he will not only be remembered as such but also as the best president that America ever had.
Ronnie xxx
It saddens me so this racisim issue. There is nothing I hate more than bigotry and cruelty. I agree with Ronnie, let them all be forced to eat their hats. Fiona xx
Hi Ronnie & Fiona -
Thank you for your kind and encouraging words. Because of your personal experiences in South Africa, your views are particularly valuable.
- Lee
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