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Obama vs. McCain -- 50 days to go. The Big "WHAT IF." (1467 hits)

The Big 'What If' -- The hopes of black America ride on his shoulders. But the outcome's way up in the air.

Writing for the Washington Post, Randall Kennedy, a professor of law at Harvard University and the author, most recently, of "Sellout: The Politics of Racial Betrayal", offers this lament:

"If Obama is defeated, I will, for a brief time, be stunned by feelings of dejection, anger and resentment. These will only be the stronger because the climate of this election year so clearly favors the Democrats, because this was supposed to be an election the Republicans couldn't win, and because in my view, the Obama ticket is obviously superior to McCain's.

But I hope that soon thereafter I'll find solace and encouragement in contemplating this unprecedented development: A major political party nominated a black man for the highest office in the land, and that man waged an intelligent, brave campaign in which many millions of Americans of all races enthusiastically supported an African American standard-bearer. "

I say, DON'T BUY INTO THIS DEFEATIST MENTALITY. Instead of envisioning life under the first African American presient, many are preparing themselves for defeat. I don't think that Mr. Kennedy meant this. But my challenge to all supporters is this. . .

WHAT IF EVERY ONE OF US DID ALL THAT IS POSSIBLE WITHIN OUR POWER TO ENSURE OBAMA'S ELECTION?
-- knocking on doors; calling our neighbors; registering voters; engaging in dialog with our white friends who are undecided (those of us who have moved to the suburbs); contributing even small amounts; LEAVING NO STONE UNTURNED.

I AM COMMITTED TO. . . WHAT IF Barack Obama is elected President?
- We will have a respected, intelligent leader with a World View that will restore our moral autthority in the 21st Century global community.
- Young Black children will dream, and study, and work with the same EXPECTATION that their dreams can be realized as their White counterparts.
- We will have a nation energized to solve the core issues of our century -- leadership to resolve global warming, a competitive economy, education, healthcare, and alternative energy solutions.

If there is another outcome, I will think about it on November 5th.

Failure is not an option!

Posted By: Roger E Madison Jr
Monday, September 15th 2008 at 7:53PM
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Deeana,
I see a theme here. The problem is somewhere else -- the Federal Government.
1. Humans created an environment that accelerates global warming. We can reduce our emissions.
2. Capitalist lobbyists created Fannie Mae and Frddie Mac to feed their greed. These intstutions are NOT Federal Government entities, but pivate instutions run amuck. Now the Fed eral Government must bail them out.
3. I grew up in a time before the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision. Without Federal intervention, our public education would be worse. Jim Crow school systems would have prevented you from the education to participate in this commentary.
4. The US Healthcare system is ranked 37th in the world in overall performance by the World Health Organization, and the most expensive. There needs to be a Public Health Wellness System to provide a safety net for the poor. The wealthy cans till buy "preferred health care." They always have.
5. Fifth grade math informs even a child that if we consume 25% of the owrld's oil and only have 3% of the reserves, we can't solve our problem with more drilling as the number one priority.

The reality is the Federal Government is exactly what WE make it. We cannot hide and point the finger at THEM. We have met the enemy and it is us.

Friday, September 19th 2008 at 12:52PM
Roger E Madison Jr