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A moderate Republican view on Tavis vs. Obama
Consider the moment. What if Sen. Obama were to attend Tavis Smiley's SOTBU event? Perhaps the Senator could deliver a 15 to 20 minute speech, not on the distinctions, but on why the Issues concerning African-Americans are issues that concern us all.
Poverty and low/under employment. The over-representation in the Criminal Justice System. The disproportionate legions of young males growing up in fatherless or single parent homes. The distorted self-image perpetuated by a myopic music industry and other cultural producers. The widening socio-economic gap between Black Women and Men in regards to education and ascending the corporate ladder. We continually are misdiagnosed by the medical professions perpetuating the rise of HIV/AIDS, mis-educated in K-12, mis-represented and mis-judged by juvenile justice, coupled with Fathers Missing In Action/Affection. (One could dare call us Mis-Americans)
However, these issues effect us all. They arrest a Nation, not just a community. These issues obscure our vision, denigrate a dream, silence the sweet songs of our ancestors, thus silencing our voice in the National Chorus. (And who doesn't prefer Stereo or 5.1 digital or Mono)
When a thread of our collective fabric is frayed or remains unsewn, it effects us all.
Perhaps Senator Obama could have attended Tavis Smiley's State of the Black Union and stated these things.
But shouldn't we know by now?
Comments (1)
Nice post.
I think "we" do know. I'm not convinced that any candidate does, however.
John Edwards made a stab at it, but was put down as "angry," a label I'm sure Mr. Obama is at pains to avoid.
As far as I am concerned, they should be angry. Anyone living through the last 8 years and seeing the consequences of out of touch leadership should be angry.
Anger is a necessary prelude to change, at least historically.
February 23, 2008 12:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
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