Thoughts on Politics

    The right-wing mocks him as “The Messiah” while Democrats far-and-wide treat him like one. Conservatives question the legitimacy of Barack Obama, claiming a large segment of this nation is ignorant to what this Junior Senator from Illinois really represents. Meanwhile, liberals stand in unison, basking in the glow of his ascension, waiting to benefit from this unfathomable run that’s expected to end with a black man finally becoming the President of the United States of America.

    And foolishly, too many African-Americans are joining the parade, treating this likelihood as if it’s a job finished. Instead of a job that’s just getting started.

    If African-Americans truly want to assist Obama, helping him get elected is just the beginning. If we fail to educate ourselves about what his job really entails, if we refuse to make the sacrifices necessary to help America prosper – if far too many of us continue to perpetuate ignorance, a flagrant naiveté to what’s really going on, and choose instead to lean on excuses that continue to hinder our growth as individuals and as a community – an Obama Presidency will be in vain. Particularly for the majority of African-Americans who vigorously support him.

    It’s time for us to wake up!

   Obama is not being helped by African-Americans who rushed to blame President Bush for his lethargic actions following Hurricane Katrina – but refused to blame a Black, Democratic Mayor and a Democratic city council for reportedly squandering millions of Federal dollars leading up to that catastrophe.  No one else is helping Obama, either, when they’re running out into the streets hissing that neither McCain nor Republicans care about African-Americans in this country.

    Obama isn’t helped when entertainers are screaming his name one minute, then playing their songs with the “N” word, Bitches and Hoes on the airwaves the next. Or when Josh Howard of the Dallas Mavs refuses to respect the National Anthem, but screams “Obama” immediately after. And he certainly isn’t helped when none of these individuals can provide a speck of evidence to support their emotional, unsubstantiated claims – knowing Obama does not need to alienate the millions of voters from White America he’ll need to win this election.

    It’s time for Black folks to really understand what’s going on. And why we’re continuously victimized.

    Let’s face facts: Obama is going up against a Senator in John McCain who’s been on Capitol Hill for the last 26 years. Senator McCain is 72 years of age. The near consensus assumption is if he captured the Presidency he could be in office until he’s 80 years old.

    Against anyone else, it’s fair to assume people in the black community thought this election would’ve been a landslide. In the books long ago. Handed to the younger lion with unrivaled eloquence and poise. But not this election.

    The inclination is to assume Racism is the reason. But here’s the question:

    Is it against Obama? Or the rest of us he’ll presumably support along the way?

    How many people know Obama is Pro-Choice and McCain is not? That Obama wants to shore up Social Security and leave it out of private hands, while McCain feels different? That Obama wants more of a centralized healthcare program while McCain feels healthcare should be kept in the free market?

    How many Black Americans have the slightest clue what it will mean for them?

    If we’re going to be honest, we’ve got folks in our community who have no idea that more than 40-million Americans don’t have healthcare. Or that Social Security, in its present state, could run out in 30 years. Or that our Federal deficit is nearing $11-Trillion – and counting!!!

    And that this recent $700-billion bailout over the subprime mortgage crisis wasn’t caused solely by greedy, scandalous crooks on Wall Street – but some Americans who were a bit greedy, themselves. Yes! Some of whom were African-Americans. 

   All of these individuals will probably cost taxpayers more money. Likely tarnishing any success Obama had hoped to achieve by avoiding tax increases for 95 percent of American Families.

    A typical argument oozing out of the Black community, once these facts are pointed out, is predictable: The same questions could be asked of White America. So why are Blacks being scrutinized for not knowing answers?

    The answer is simple: White America is the majority in this country. Black America, having given way to the Hispanic community, is not even the majority minority anymore.

    So if White America was struggling to listen to you before, what makes you think you’ll be empowered for them to listen to Black America now.

   Especially if Obama captures the Presidency.

    Understand something, I see two things resulting almost immediately from an Obama Presidency:

    One involves White America saying, “See, we are not a Racist country, after all! At least not anymore.”

    The other being, “See, Obama is cool, calm and collected. He never displays anger. Why can’t African-Americans be just like that?”

    It’s time for Black America to ask ourselves not only what our response will be, but whether it’s legitimate anymore.

    How much substance can our arguments contain when so much of our youth can’t speak the English language? When they think wearing their pants below their backside is acceptable? Or when one of our shining stars, Bill Cosby, is ostracized by our very own for imploring us to “Come On, People,” and telling us the truth about our commitment to parenting and education, or lack thereof – while the rest of the world witnesses our negative reaction towards him, in disgust, because we’ve put our flagrant crabs-in-the-basket mentality on full display yet again. 

   We love Barack and Michelle Obama, but maybe it’s time we realize why we adore them so much. Maybe it’s time we understand it is not just their blackness, but what their specific, particular blackness represents and emanates. Not just for their family, but what our families are suppose to be.

    They love one another. Cherish one another. Take care of one another. Watch out for one another.

   They’re educated, so their intelligence is never questioned.

   They’re spiritual, so God is on their side.

   They’re accomplished, so they’ll never starve.

   They’ve been fruitful, and they’ve multiplied.

    Most of all, they never forgot who they were along the way, which means they represent us.

    So in the end, we must believe this much: They did so, if for no other reason than to remind us who we are. Who we are meant to be. And sadly, what we’re not living up to.

    If we truly want an Obama Presidency to mean something, let it mean that we’re about to embark upon something far greater than ourselves. That we’re moving forward.

    Remember, our ancestors wanted that for us more than anything else. Even as we remember them along the way.

Comments

[Primrose38]

Bravo and Hats off to you Stephen.A. Your latest blogs indicate that you are on a political move. However, we need more commentators and leaders like you who aren't afraid to take a stance on social issues that are causing the demise of our community at an alarming rate. Keep doing the dang thang because we see a politician in you on the rise....: )

[christine1doll]

Hello Mr. Smith,
I am so glad that you have returned to the world of blogging. You are so educated and you always articulate your thoughts so well. I have the utmost respect for you, and truly admire your work. I am glad that in your blog you touch on so many different issues. Please continue to educate myself and others. I will continue to follow your work. Keep up the good work.

[AKB]

Absolutely perfect...

[thatgirl]

Great blog. This has to be said, as black people we love a sermon and not the truth. I thank you for speaking the truth and I hope more people get it. I believe in the education of voters. Know what elected officials do and hold them accountable.

[Fratla]

Another stimulus package!!!!
Why is this so difficult? I am by no means an expert on economics but I do know that we CAN NOT buy our way out of this financial mess we have gotten ourselves into. My wife and I have to budget to make ends meet, so why shouldn’t our elected officials also budget. Why are we as tax payers being forced to absorb the cost of reckless spending and careless investing on banking's behalf? Why aren’t they forced to correct this issue as I would have been had I had made risky investments or spent more than I made? On “60 Minutes” there was a segment on Bank of America featuring the CEO discussing the bailout. It was mentioned that Sectary Paulson had called the CEO’s of the 9 largest banks in the country which include B of A, and GAVE them 125 billion dollars (about 13.9 bil a piece) AND the only caveat; minimize executive compensation. There was not a requirement in the agreement to loan the money, if they held on to it nothing could be said but he TOLD them to start lending, it was there patriotic duty. Now my question; if we are in a credit, housing, and financial meltdown WHY would you give the banks 125 bil for the purpose of creating more debt? I know there is a way to solve this issue with out making the tax payers suffer. On the “View” Ms Whoopi Goldberger mentioned a plan, my wife and I had discussed last year when our NEW HOME value drop as soon as we moved in.Plan:1. All home loans financed from 2003 to 2008 balances reduced 25 percent. a. Creating value in homes and eliminating most over evaluations. Ex. Balance of 400000.00 reduced to 300000.0002. Reset all finance charges on fixed and adjustable loans to 5 percent; with a 45 day grace period before the first payment is due. Also reduce the current interest rate to 5%; this appears to be the level at which the greatest real estate transactions take place. a. Preventing another wasteful stimulus package Ex. 1) Home loan 400000 @6.5% P&I= $2528.00 2) Reduced 25% 300000 @ 5 % P&I= 1610.00 saving 918.003. Since Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae were bailed out join them “Fannie Mac” assigning them the task of over seeing this plan, using the skill sets already in place to correct the problem. This plan will, for this example give the homeowner/taxpayer a monthly stimulus payment of 918.00 and allow one month WITHOUT a mortgage payment. It places money back into the economy without robbing the taxpayers of 700 BILLION DOLLARS. However since the 700 billion is already approved give 2 billion to each state for education, leaving 600 billion for contingencies.
Why is this so HARD!!!

[jonesboy9]

Stephen A,

Good to see you back in the mix. I miss your show on the radio. We need more diversity in the radio world especially when it come to the reportings and opinions of today's sports world that is definately dominated by african american men. I agree with you on this it is good to support Barack Obama but if we do not as african americans get our act together, we may take steps backwards instead of moving ahead. I am not sure what else will inspire us.

[Schnelle]

Stephen A,

WOW….. as always well said.

[Lorris]

On point Stephen A.
Will the new NBA season bring about more blogging from Stephen A?
If this season is half as exciting and drama explosive as last season, we are in for a grand time. Not even an honorable mention for the man-child in LA.
I guess JH was as surprised to see that someone was paying attention to him
Holla, Lorris

[jqueen]

Good Job!

[christine1doll]

Hello Mr. Smith

Im just dropping through to say hello. Your presence in missed on the NBA kia shootaround. That was a great interview with the Boston trio. Houston is looking really tough with the Ron Artest addition. The Lakers look tough too. This will be an exciting nba season. Well Im anxiously awaiting your next blog. Until then ttyl.

Christine

P.S.
Tuesday is the big day I cant wait.

[KJtheGreat]

I find no fault in your statements!

Only time will tell what will happen not only with this country but to us as a people.