Barack Obama Cannot Be A Black President!
Written by: Tom Sawyer
I’m sure your first thought was, “Yes, he can and he was just elected to do so” and you would be right on both accounts. But read on and you will see what I’m talking about, hopefully agree and if not state your case as to why not.
The President of the United States is the head of state and head of government of the United States and is the highest political official in United States by influence and recognition. The President leads the executive branch of the federal government; his or her role is to enforce national law as given in the Constitution and written by Congress. Article Two of the Constitution establishes the President as commander-in-chief of the armed forces and enumerates powers specifically granted to the President, including the power to sign into law or veto bills passed by both houses of Congress. The President also has the power to create a cabinet of advisers and to grant pardons or reprieves. Finally, with the “advice and consent” of the Senate, the President is empowered to make treaties and appoint federal officers, ambassadors, and federal judges, including Justices of the Supreme Court. As with officials in the other branches of the United States government, the Constitution restrains the President with a set of checks and balances designed to prevent any individual or group from taking absolute power.
I read this a few times and didn’t see anything in there about the President being for or against a particular race. You may ask why I’m mentioning this and the reason is I feel as though some people believe President Obama will lean toward black people. That would be a monumental mistake.
- Martin Luther King Jr. spoke about equality. A land where black kids and white kids could play side-by-side. Nowhere in his words does he mention a black person presiding over several races with a bias leaning towards those who have the same color of skin. People lived and died equality. Shame on anyone who thinks the president is going to lean towards black people.
- Let’s say President Obama was to lean towards black people. That alone would set black people back so far it may take hundreds of years to rebound. Is four years of advantage worth equality for the rest of our lives, our childrens’ lives and our childrens’ childrens’ lives? I think not.
- On a lighter note (pun intended), Obama isn’t completely black anyway! If you want to really talk about equality, how about a president who is both black and white? Along with equality, people need to stop letting a percentage of African-American blood be the deciding factor. We are truly becoming a melting pot and a President with mixed heritage might be appropriate representation of the United States.
- Because Obama is a Black man who managed to obtain the most important job in America, the President of the United States, he represents hope to a significant amount of Black people. But what Black people have to remember is that President Obama represents hope for ALL people, not just one race of people.
Without a doubt, there were people literally dancing in the streets when the results came out, but I hope they were rejoicing for the right reasons. Reasons like equality, change and the knowledge that our country is willing to do the best thing for our country, regardless of race, should be the soundtrack for this Presidential two-step.
We have witnessed and are poised to be a part of a historic time in our country. We, people of all races, have overcome one of the biggest hurdles ever. For that we should be proud. But if people are happy just because we have a black president I have news for them: Barack Obama can be a black president, but he cannot be a Black President.
Tags: America, history, President Obama
November 5th, 2008 at 12:40 am
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November 5th, 2008 at 9:17 am
wow. I am so happy today. I am SOOOO happy, but then I read this and felt as if a bucket of cold water was thrown on me and every other half way intelligent black person. And for every other intelligent black person, I must ask, did you think we didn’t know this? As a black person, I feel scolded and talked down to and singled out. Can we take a few minutes to CELEBRATE!!!
November 5th, 2008 at 10:27 am
Did I think you didn’t know this? Not if you are intelligent and see the big picture. But there are some black people who think they now get a pass…a free pass! Our world has changed forever (hopefully), but we need to put and/or keep things in perspective. If you indeed knew this then you should stand behind what this post is saying wholeheartedly.
How long do we need to celebrate? Our nation is desperately in need of change and now we have hope that a change is going to come. How long do we need to celebrate? Gas prices are down, but they will surely soar again. How long do we need to celebrate? This isn’t a bucket of cold water for those in the know, but a reminder for those who think they’ve magically been moved to the front of the line for no other reason than the color of their skin. How long do we need to celebrate? There is a lot of work to be done to right our nation right now and we need to get to work.
I don’t know about you, but in spite of all this – which is reality – I know how long I’m going to celebrate.
I’m going to celebrate for the rest of my life!!!!!!!!!!!!
YES WE CAN!!!!!!
Tom Sawyers last blog post..Barack Obama Cannot Be A Black President!
November 5th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Have you ever thought about politics? I believe you could debate down Jesus!
November 6th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Very interesting post…
I have never considered some of your main points… Thanks!
Amanda
November 19th, 2008 at 11:53 pm
I think you almost have it right. I think you are confusing terms. That is, Obama is African-American/Black. (He is an American white mixed with an African Black.) You, on the other hand, are not. You, I assume, are African-American by title. You are a descendant of slaves (i.e., a Negro). Obama, on the other hand, is not. So, to expect him to empathize with the descendant of slaves is ridicules. (He may sympathize.) He has come to understand the Negro’s plight/issues by “working with them” on the South Side of Chicago and marring a Negro.
As for Martin King’s “I have a dream speech”, it was to “dramatize a shameful condition.” He was talking about the inclusion of the American Negro into mainstream America. Please read the speech on my blog: talkdown.blogspot.com
For some reason, we have distorted Kings Dream. Perhaps, when Obama’s term is complete an American Negro can win. Then, and only then, will our tears of joy be legitimate. It is like affirmative action all over again. It was to help correct the wrongs done to the descendants of slaves, but it seems like other groups co-opted the dream and have benefited the most. Check the stats!
Mr. Rushs last blog post.."I HAVE A DREAM" (1963)
September 1st, 2010 at 5:54 am
“Obama to Walk Tightrope in Iraq Speech”. Shouldn’t be to terribly hard for someone that has spent their entire political career “on the fence”.