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What if There is No Change? (1660 hits)

What if Obama becomes president and nothing changes? How will Black people especially, feel who are expecting so much of him? The system, being what it is, will try to replenish and reproduce itself and will do everything possible to resist change. Obama won't be king; he won't be able to make grand proclamations and 'poof' there will be change. Obama will be president; he will have to work with legislative (and their lobbyists) and judicial branches of the government, (and don't even get me started on the Supreme Court) of our government and IT doesn't really want change. IT does not want to shift power and imbue others with status and opportunity. IT exists to replicate ITSELF.
Another friend likens the Obama for president phenomena to Muhammad Ali. Ali created Ali fans, not fight fans. I guess I wonder if Black people will turn on Obama and view him as a sellout if he can't (or more to the point, isn't allowed to) deliver change.
All that being said, what do you think?

Posted By: Dr. S. Maxwell Hines
Friday, September 26th 2008 at 4:28PM
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Amen, Kimberly!
Friday, September 26th 2008 at 4:39PM
Dr. S. Maxwell Hines

Homegirl if you please, Mozell, lol. I think you misunderstand me. I don't doubt Obama's quest or ability to promote change or be a change agent. What I doubt is the system's willingness to change. Obama could promote change all he (and we) want but if he can't get bills through the legislative branch, change stops (at least until the next election cycle, if we demonstrate the will to throw those out of office who are not in sync with our desire for change). What I wonder is if Black people are politically savvy enough to know that change will be slow and that they have the ability to make change happen within our communities or will be just throw Obama to the wolves?
Friday, September 26th 2008 at 5:32PM
Dr. S. Maxwell Hines

Oh, Oh Ladies, I understand both views and the brother interjection. There has been centuries of inbreeding and cultivations of self-hate, here in Denver where we had the first Hispanic Mayor and Black Mayor the same questions arose because our people held them responsible for actions or the lack of actions in the communities. People talked about them not supporting the communities or selling out. As crabs in the basket we are responsible for our destiny and if we allow the system to falter then its our fault, we must continue to educate and inform each other to insure the success of our president elect. One more thing in respect to our elected officials; I have attended several events and the first thing that may come out of our mouths is “what are you going to do for us”. What I don’t see is when a person of non-color answers this question they will say “I am going to help all peoples” as not to discriminate against any one. We need to hold all elected officials responsible for their actions or the lack of our time has come and we do have a voice, we just have to use it.
Friday, September 26th 2008 at 6:33PM
Alton Clark

Thanks Alton. I'm with that.
Friday, September 26th 2008 at 6:42PM
Dr. S. Maxwell Hines

When Obama wins, he will not be able to make change over night, and I hope especially we understand that and secondly, he is only one man, and all the decision making is not made alone. He will be taking over a county that is in bad shape. He will not be able to FIX IT in 4 years, when this poltical party has been in the seat for 8 years. Do you remember when DINKINS WAS MAYOR OF NY,AND HOW WE BLACK FOLK ACTED WHEN DINKIN TOOK OVER FROM KOCH? Don't do that to OBAMA!!
Friday, September 26th 2008 at 6:55PM
REV. NOREEN DAVIS

I remember Rev. Noreen. Some Black people turned on Dinkins like rabid dogs. I wonder if we've wised up yet, E, or are we destined to repeat the same behavior. It just seems that every time there is another disappointment, we retreat further from the political process, Mister Johnson. I enjoyed reading all of your perspectives.
Friday, September 26th 2008 at 8:37PM
Dr. S. Maxwell Hines