Reader Posts
« previous | TPM CAFÉ READER POSTS HOME | next »
What Color Are You: The Speech, Beyond Racism
Obama’s speech transcended.
Not just the Wright situation, nor racism in general. It is the foundation of his beliefs and
political ideology. We are one America. We are all human beings. Such a fresh reminder of better uses of our
time and paths to improve our world for the next generations.
Given we have taken it from Bush over the past seven plus years, I had forgotton that. Revenge sweet revenge was on my mind. Same tactics, yet we would wield our power, the everyman’s impunity versus the king, Marie Antoinette those dictator-like and wealth stealing policies. I had forgotton of politics which held some semblance of this discourse.
So much so it made me forget. In my life, negotiations with family, friends
or business partners rarely benefit from a polarizing beginning position. Listening is one of the most effective tools
to getting a lot what you want; and finding common ground to understand how the
other party can get what they want too. In my experience, over 15 years as a
negotiations consultant, respecting the other side doesn’t really sacrifice
anything; it does sometimes lead you to different ways to get things done, not
less done, just different than first anticipated. In the end I have found the benefit of
goodwill that dialog provides returns much more than hardline positions.
And that’s why I believe this speech is about understanding
each other, in our differences in race, religion, sex, ethnicity, political
leaning, Red State, nationality, country of residence helps us to find more
areas for solutions, and how to communicate and work with each other given different
perspectives to accomplish more, together, than we would ever do apart.
It feels better too, for everyone. And how this approach, issue based, allows for more good people to take part in our public offices, and be effective. A bonus multiplier effect.
And if you didn't get that from last night's speech (or any before that), just wait. I think you will see this message repeated, expanded, amplified and echoed in a chamber of human resonance, not Schadefreudian whispers.
Mine is a happier color today.
Comments (2)
I think that most all of us wish for a politics that tends to less hostility. I'm old enough to remember a time when we actually HAD that, by and large.
Even at the worst of Watergate in 1973, I don't personally think we had the virulent polarization that we see today. I did not really notice the beginning of this modern scorched-earth style until 1988, in the Dukakis/Bush election. It "improved" with Newt Gingrich in the early 90's, and came to full flower in the current Bush Administration.
(To be fair, I suppose it can be a sort of a chicken/egg question, depending upon your point-of-view: There are certainly those who would say it started with the intense personal demonization of opponents by the anti-war 60's protesters. I say they may have had the motive, but lacked the modern means).
Whatever. My point is that it hasn't ALWAYS been like this. I'm not sure whether what has changed is the nature of leadership, or the nature of FOLLOWERSHIP. I suspect it is mostly the latter, which makes it difficult for me to accept the premise that we can be led out of this morass from the top down. There is no real choice, except for voters to get more perceptive, mature, demanding (in a positive, realistic sense), and informed.
March 19, 2008 11:09 AM | Reply | Permalink
Agreed, and thanks for the fresh perspective. I do think this wave is bottom up also: grass roots supports, Dkos platform almost tailor made before he showed up, etc. The people I know feel disgraced by this Admin, frustrated how to solve it, ashamed they didnt guard themselves for the thievery. Mad eniough to give a good leader an engine that can keep the mo1 and topple the bigger stronger right machine, as you say, angry themselves since losing to Bill in 92. Hopefully the pendulum swings back, with catalysts and counterforces.
March 19, 2008 12:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Post a Comment