Black criticism of President Barack Obama

[Felecia Klockow]

 

 

I have an innovative way to reflect on this issue concerning our President, Barack Obama, and those who would criticize him. Why are people of color, particularly black people, watching a highly skilled and intentional execution and lynching of our President and doing zilch about it other than adding to the cacophony of all the other on lookers who are not only wanting but waiting for him to fail? Are we so far detached from our own history that we are incapable of considering that there is something erroneous about the portrayal of our President as a buffoon. I dare we hold the same noose in pretense with our eyes and ears closed. I am livid but I am not angry at our President. President Obama has (conceded) rolled over quite a few times for the benefit of this country and all of its citizens and non citizens alike. I can only agree with that as stated. Yet that same man, in the near future, will be kicked again as he swims upstream in a churning flood and onslaught of disrespect and dismissal. His peers, who are doing everything they can to strip him of his rightful authority, have thus far barely avoided using the word boy. I dare we stand right there beside them with one eye open and the other closed and not first demand that he be treated like the President of the United States of America first and foremost. Demonstrate and confirm to me who you really are, show me evidence of the denigration you have carried that resulted in bringing our people, as we love to say, to the top of anything in this country or the continent we originate from for that matter. With certainty I can hear the ringing of an old parable my grandmother would use and one I am sure you are familiar with: They are saying black people are dim-witted. Black people are still crabs in a barrel ready to drag even the one who has risen to the top of the barrel down like a piece of manure. President Obama like the others before him who came to a position of authority and love in this country will succeed. Martin and Malcolm are the broad shoulders our President now stands upon. Will our President have to depart this world as they did to look back upon us still behaving as if we just got off the plantation while holding his head in his hands?  Is this what it was all for?  Is that what will give him a rightful name in history?

 

I say to the President of the United States of America, Barack Obama, persist in doing the best you can because no President in recent history has had to deal with the state of affairs you find yourself under and you are doing an excellent job as far as I and many others are concerned. Martin and Malcolm faced the same indignities. No one before you redeemed black America with or without their support and maybe no one after you will redeem black America. Your effort will speak for itself, if not today, someday in the future you will have helped to mold on our behalf. It is my opinion that we, black Americans, need to review our recent history and ponder the fact that in spite of those who have died for us; too many of us remain left behind. When are we, the beneficiaries of such sacrifice, supposed to do something for ourselves?

[Byard Pidgeon]

Felicia,

I agree with you that POTUS is not a buffoon. However, I would be much less disappointed and angry with him, if he actually were a buffoon.

He's not being forced to make the decisions he's making...decisions that, far too often and perhaps usually, are detrimental to most Americans and advantageous only to wealthy Americans, and he's not doing it because he's stupid.

He knows exactly what he's doing or not doing, and why...and that's why progressive people of all colors are so outraged.

[Mark Wells]

This is what happens when perception becomes reality in spite of its falsehood. Many people of color have been so blinded by the victimization of race that we can't see what's going on. The man a deceiver and is part of the "GRIP" (establishment). CHECK OUT MY BLOG This isn't conspiracy rhetoric, this is real. Forget about linking him to Martin Luther King or Malcolm X because he's not that... he's a skillful politician doing the bidding of corporate America... just like it was plan. By supporting him you’re supporting the current corporate system which is not in the best interest of not just Black America but all America. It’s not about the name of the game, it's about how the game is play. RACE HAS REALLY BLINDED US ALL.   

[Felecia Klockow]

In discussions of this nature dealing with what the President is suppose to have done or not done; I need facts and not opinions. Understanding the political landscape he is currently faced with I have no idea how anyone can say he alone is responsible for the state we find ourselves in as Americans. There are 3 branches of government for a reason. What would you have him do, force the house and the senate to do what he wants. Be a little more specific and perhaps I can reply to your statement. What ,did we just wake up and discover that American politics changed because Barack Obama is President. I find this whole debate useless and misleading. If we cannot put our differences aside for the benefit of the whole in the future, well honestly not one thing has changed for us. I am finding that alot of this rhetoric is about unfounded ideas as to what the president could be doing rather than what he is actually doing.  The president didn't invent American politics and I see it as business as usual. In fact it is even worse; he has little to no support from republican counterparts.  I have a question. What would you do? I am sure that would clarify this for me.

Byard Pidgeon said:

Felicia,

I agree with you that POTUS is not a buffoon. However, I would be much less disappointed and angry with him, if he actually were a buffoon.

He's not being forced to make the decisions he's making...decisions that, far too often and perhaps usually, are detrimental to most Americans and advantageous only to wealthy Americans, and he's not doing it because he's stupid.

He knows exactly what he's doing or not doing, and why...and that's why progressive people of all colors are so outraged.

[Felecia Klockow]

Actually, would anyone please advise me what it is that he should be doing so I can get a grip on the problem. From where I sit, it is politics as usual in the white house.  I'd love to hear some proposals. And yes I will equate him with Martin and Malcolm because he has fulfilled a dream that both men envisioned. Needless to say, I repeat that both of them had to put up with this same criticism in their life times. Everybody black who has ever stepped up to the plate has let some negroes somewhere down.Nobody seems to be good enough for all of us especially if they are black. I don't believe I heard this much of a heart felt out cry even when Bush was president.

[Felecia Klockow]

Actually, would anyone please advise me what it is that he should be doing so I can get a grip on the problem? From where I sit, it is politics as usual in the white house.  I'd love to hear some proposals. And yes I will equate him with Martin and Malcolm because he has fulfilled a dream that both men envisioned. Needless to say, I repeat that both of them had to put up with this same criticism in their lifetimes. Everybody black who has ever stepped up to the plate has let some Negros somewhere down. Nobody seems to be good enough for all of us especially if they are black. I don't believe I heard this much of a heartfelt outcry even when Bush was president.

 

In discussions of this nature dealing with what the President is suppose to have done or not done; I need facts and not opinions. Understanding the political landscape he is currently faced with I have no idea how anyone can say he alone is responsible for the state we find ourselves in as Americans. There are 3 branches of government for a reason. What would you have him do, force the house and the senate to do what he wants. Be a little more specific and perhaps I can reply to your statement. What, did we just wake up and discover that American politics changed because Barack Obama is President. I find this whole debate useless and misleading. If we cannot put our differences aside for the benefit of the whole in the future, well honestly not one thing has changed for us. I am finding that a lot of this rhetoric is about unfounded ideas as to what the president could be doing rather than what he is actually doing.  The president didn't invent American politics and I see it as business as usual. In fact it is even worse; he has little to no support from republican counterparts.  I have a question. What would you do? I am sure that would clarify this for me.

Byard Pidgeon said:

Felicia,

I agree with you that POTUS is not a buffoon. However, I would be much less disappointed and angry with him, if he actually were a buffoon.

He's not being forced to make the decisions he's making...decisions that, far too often and perhaps usually, are detrimental to most Americans and advantageous only to wealthy Americans, and he's not doing it because he's stupid.

He knows exactly what he's doing or not doing, and why...and that's why progressive people of all colors are so outraged.

[Gregory A. Bronson]

I can certainly understand your disappointment at individuals whom take comfort and are set on seeing the president fail. The issue here is that it's key not to play the victim or play the race card. First throughout history; opposition to any president looked for that particular president to fail so that the other side would have adequate ammunition in the upcoming election. How do you separate political aspirations from racial and disparaging comments. Often in the world of politics we encounter this. Meaning that Democrats often want Republicans to fail so that the Democrats can capitalize on this. Now also I am confused as to how how Obama redeemed black America? I don't believe we as black people nor any other ethnicity should be awaiting for someone to come into power to save them. Obama is not the president for black people, he is the President of the United States, and asking him to give us any special treatment, will divide his reelection campaign and cause dissent. Furthermore, he should not be talked about in the same sentence as Malcolm or Martin. They faced different struggles as far as civil rights, people love to include him into their company. Obama did nothing for civil rights, and he has not faced indignities. He has faced repudiation as a president and for his policy. Let's not forget that he has been elected President meaning that millions of white people voted for him. So lets not blur lines and include Obama into Martin and Malcolm's realm for the sole purpose of him being a black man that you feel has been ridiculed. We can't play that game. We are taking our eyes off the prize but feeling sorry for ourselves and not being focused.

[Denise Harris]

@Felecia   Very well said! This is a powerful opinion regarding the plight of the President that has become popular.

The validity of this reasoning has been adopted by Harvard law school professor Kennedy, author of the book: "The Persistance of the Color Line."  He was guest on Tavis' show recently telling i like it really is.

At the end of this show Tavis was in agreement with this theory.

 

[Bennetta]

I'm certain that neither Martin nor Malcom would ever have extended the PATRIOT ACT!!!  A law that gives credence and presidential endorsement for government intelligence agencies to resume their illegal COINTELPRO-like tactics & involuntary human experiments equating to domestic terrorism, torture and 24hr-a-day surveillance against innocent U.S. targeted citizens, of which by the way, Martin himself had been targeted along with Fred Hampton and other early civil rights pioneers.  Do you have any idea the thousands of minorities currently being systematically discredited, infiltrated and terrorized 24hrs a day by "paid" hate groups (disguised as Community Policing) whom are organized and funded by the FBI specifically for the sole purpose of surveillance and spying on minority communities they perceive to be a threat?  The majority of these innocent targets have NEVER been accused of nor found guilty of committing any crimes.  YET, under the Patriot Act that your beloved president recently signed to extend another four (4) years, the FBI & CIA can NOW continue executing Organized Stalking & Electronic Harassment against innocent U.S. citizens - without any documented investigation or evidence of wrong doing nor any government oversight. Unfortunately, President Obama appears to be following many of the same policies of both Bush AND J. Edgar Hoover (Cointelpro’s mastermind inventor...the devil himself!).

 

To think the first African American President of the U.S. signed to extend this deceptive, racist and inhumane law that he knew, under previously-outlawed Cointelpro, had historically targeted Martin and the likes of so many other civil rights activists AND still to this day harms thousands of minorities esp activists, whistleblowers and increasingly single women too have become targeted.  WHAT KIND OF BLACK MAN WOULD AGREE TO SUCH SYSTEMATIC INHUMANE TREATMENT TO ANY MINORITY PERSON OR COMMUNITY?  I'm certain this was NEVER Martin's nor Malcom's DREAM for the first African American President so your equating Obama to either is ludicrous.  I won't even bother to mention POTUS' record on job creation, economy, poverty, etc or even his ability to prioritize, negotiate or make decisive democratic decisions beneficial to the poor, working or middle class as I'm certain that deep down you're already aware of that reality.

Felecia Klockow said:

Actually, would anyone please advise me what it is that he should be doing so I can get a grip on the problem. From where I sit, it is politics as usual in the white house.  I'd love to hear some proposals. And yes I will equate him with Martin and Malcolm because he has fulfilled a dream that both men envisioned. Needless to say, I repeat that both of them had to put up with this same criticism in their life times. Everybody black who has ever stepped up to the plate has let some negroes somewhere down.Nobody seems to be good enough for all of us especially if they are black. I don't believe I heard this much of a heart felt out cry even when Bush was president.

[Felecia Klockow]

Honestly.  Obama is the fulfilment of the dream of both men. And we will agree to disagree since not one person criticizing this man has offered one thing he could do differently. I guess on the patriot act he should have bum rushed the senate and the congress and just said no. Right. Then he is under more attacks and as usual the peope who should have his back,all of them, are no where to be found. The Question of the fact that he is black was brought to my attention in this forum. Specifically this forum. We just can't help ourselves I guess. We alway miss the mark. Others are putting their differences aside and trudging forward by ACTING to make changes that I don't think are in our best interest. Tea Party continues to move while we step back and criticize our own for a moment. I am sick of this pathetic conversation. Noone has done anything that would change or help to change this country but whine about what someone else needs to do.  I wanna know where our tea party is. Heck, where has it been all these years.  CBC. LMBO.  Thats a joke. Based on this subject matter I don't believe your assumptions about what Martin or Malcolm would have done holds water.

 

Gregory A. Bronson said:

I can certainly understand your disappointment at individuals whom take comfort and are set on seeing the president fail. The issue here is that it's key not to play the victim or play the race card. First throughout history; opposition to any president looked for that particular president to fail so that the other side would have adequate ammunition in the upcoming election. How do you separate political aspirations from racial and disparaging comments. Often in the world of politics we encounter this. Meaning that Democrats often want Republicans to fail so that the Democrats can capitalize on this. Now also I am confused as to how how Obama redeemed black America? I don't believe we as black people nor any other ethnicity should be awaiting for someone to come into power to save them. Obama is not the president for black people, he is the President of the United States, and asking him to give us any special treatment, will divide his reelection campaign and cause dissent. Furthermore, he should not be talked about in the same sentence as Malcolm or Martin. They faced different struggles as far as civil rights, people love to include him into their company. Obama did nothing for civil rights, and he has not faced indignities. He has faced repudiation as a president and for his policy. Let's not forget that he has been elected President meaning that millions of white people voted for him. So lets not blur lines and include Obama into Martin and Malcolm's realm for the sole purpose of him being a black man that you feel has been ridiculed. We can't play that game. We are taking our eyes off the prize but feeling sorry for ourselves and not being focused.

[Byard Pidgeon]

Hi Mark,

A few comments: first, the link to your blog didn't work. For some reason, there's an extra http:// at the beginning of the URL. When I removed it, I got to the blog.

Second, I do agree with your comment that "race has blinded us all"...and I'm assuming you mean people of all races. The right wing seems unable to realize that this unwhite POTUS has been implementing many of the policies they've wanted, and continuing those they've already put in place. Too many AAs and unblack liberals can't see beyond POTUS's race and the significance of his election, so try to justify and rationalize all the harm he's doing to them, and, as you point out, almost all of us.

Regarding the family tree on your blog, I think it shows a lot of coincidence, which isn't the same as causality. We all originated from Africa, so trace it back far enough and we're all cousins.

bp

Mark Wells said:

This is what happens when perception becomes reality in spite of its falsehood. Many people of color have been so blinded by the victimization of race that we can't see what's going on. The man a deceiver and is part of the "GRIP" (establishment). CHECK OUT MY BLOG This isn't conspiracy rhetoric, this is real. Forget about linking him to Martin Luther King or Malcolm X because he's not that... he's a skillful politician doing the bidding of corporate America... just like it was plan. By supporting him you’re supporting the current corporate system which is not in the best interest of not just Black America but all America. It’s not about the name of the game, it's about how the game is play. RACE HAS REALLY BLINDED US ALL.   

[Byard Pidgeon]

Here's an editorial cartoon I think we can all appreciate.

 

[Mark Wells]

Thanks Mr. Pidgeon All Presidents are Blood Related Including... I was referring to anyone that use race as a barometer for their or someone else status.
Byard Pidgeon said:

Hi Mark,

A few comments: first, the link to your blog didn't work. For some reason, there's an extra http:// at the beginning of the URL. When I removed it, I got to the blog.

Second, I do agree with your comment that "race has blinded us all"...and I'm assuming you mean people of all races. The right wing seems unable to realize that this unwhite POTUS has been implementing many of the policies they've wanted, and continuing those they've already put in place. Too many AAs and unblack liberals can't see beyond POTUS's race and the significance of his election, so try to justify and rationalize all the harm he's doing to them, and, as you point out, almost all of us.

Regarding the family tree on your blog, I think it shows a lot of coincidence, which isn't the same as causality. We all originated from Africa, so trace it back far enough and we're all cousins.

bp

Mark Wells said:

This is what happens when perception becomes reality in spite of its falsehood. Many people of color have been so blinded by the victimization of race that we can't see what's going on. The man a deceiver and is part of the "GRIP" (establishment). CHECK OUT MY BLOG This isn't conspiracy rhetoric, this is real. Forget about linking him to Martin Luther King or Malcolm X because he's not that... he's a skillful politician doing the bidding of corporate America... just like it was plan. By supporting him you’re supporting the current corporate system which is not in the best interest of not just Black America but all America. It’s not about the name of the game, it's about how the game is play. RACE HAS REALLY BLINDED US ALL.