The Obamas Open the Way For African Americans

by Princella Smith - Guest blogger; Washington, DC

Bill Cosby portrayed it: an upper middle-class, successfully educated African-American family. Dr. King dreamed of it, spoke of it, and gave his life for it. Slaves and then civil rights activists were jailed, beaten, and died for it: for the day when not only would a person of color be allowed into the White House but would run the White House.

It’s been a long time coming, but the American minority has officially reached the highest American ceiling, and that’s a testament to the maturity of this country.

I say this as someone who disagrees with Obama ideologically. I believe in the notion that less is more when it comes to government. I believe in individual responsibility and ownership. I believe that more funding to schools will not replace the need for school reform and teacher accountability. I believe that people should be allowed to invest in their own individual social security accounts and that any extra money in the account can be left to family members at death. I believe in a comprehensive energy plan that includes drilling for American resources while developing alternative forms of energy. My official trek into politics was jumpstarted by Republicans. I have held true to most of party’s ideals, BUT I AM American enough to see the patriotism in celebrating the history of this moment.

An Obama Presidency doesn’t mean that bigotry is over. For as long as there is diversity in America, there will be prejudice, racism, and ignorance. No longer do we have to wonder: “Is it really true that I can be anything I want to be?” My grandmother says that her first reaction to seeing “President-Elect Barack Obama” on the screen was to remember about 37 years ago when my father was 11 years old. She was waiting with him for my grandfather to arrive from work, and as my grandfather approached them, he had to stop, stoop over, and wipe the dirt from a white man’s shoes before he got into his car. My grandmother took her hand, and turned my then 11 year-old father’s head away so that he would not see his father have to wipe dirt from the white man’s shoes. “That’s what I thought about when I saw ‘President-Elect Barack Obama’ on my television screen,” she said.

The difference today is that African Americans, now more than ever, must follow through on King’s dream. Before Obama’s election, to many, those words were empty because there had been no evidence that America would take a step as huge as electing a person of color to the most powerful position in the entire world, but they did.

And so, my dear African-American brothers and sisters: for each one of you who live in poverty; for each one of you who are surrounded on a vast island of depraved neighborhoods and less than adequate school systems; for each one of you who look for miles but cannot see an example of an educated successful African-American couple with a stable family, just turn on your television, pick up a book, read a magazine, check a newspaper or click on the internet, and realize that THERE IS AN AFRICAN-AMERICAN PRESIDENT with an African-American wife... occupying the White House.

You don’t have to pattern your life after President-elect and Michelle Obama’s, but Obama’s election is an example of what you can have in life if you work hard, discover your personal abilities, and capitalize on them. Men... pull your pants up, tuck your shirts in, and walk upright. Exercise restraint and sexual responsibility. Do not support entertainment that degrades you, your culture, or black women. Cease use of the “N” word. Saying that it “empowers” you is ignorant and shows your lack of knowledge on the origin of the word’s usage.

No doubt, you will face discrimination in your lives. When people say the phrase: “Well now, they have no excuses”, I want to ask them: “So, you thought this entire time that when minorities—particularly African-Americans—have expressed frustration with discrimination that it was just whining??” Clearly, those people just don’t get it. However, Obama’s election should always serve as a testament to ALL Americans that no matter how much discrimination presents itself as a hurdle in the race of life, you can still get to the finish line in America. We live in a great country.

So, aim. Make your own waves, and aim at the highest goals. Surely one of them, you will achieve.

Princella Smith is a political activist. During the day, she is the Chief Advocate at American Solutions, a non-partisan political organization founded by former Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich.

Majority Leader Declares: "I Don't Work For Barack Obama"

Has Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev) officially declared his independence, as he noted for the record that he does not "work" for President-elect Barack Obama.

“I don't believe in the executive power trumping everything... I believe in our Constitution, three separate but equal branches of government.”

“If Obama steps over the bounds, I will tell him. I do not work for Barack Obama. I work with him,” Reid said in a recent interview with The Hill.

Now exactly what kind of signal is Senator Reid sending to the American voters, other Congressional representatives and to leaders around the globe?

While it is true that Barack Obama, in accepting the position as President of the United States, officially works for, and is "an-employee-of" the American people... the Senate Majority Leader's statements somewhat lessens the authority of the office, and reduces the authority of the office holder. And while his statements are an "unspoken reality" on Capitol Hill and among lawmakers in general... would he have ever made such comments about Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, William Clinton or even George W.?

Reid may have set a new precedence here, as these words telegraph to a wavering populace that his Majority Senate position is 'par' to that of Barack Obama's. Even if Senator Reid's position is that he-is-as powerful and is equal or on the same level as soon-to-be President Obama, to publicly declare it on the national and international stage is a first in American politics.

Reid, Rush, Burris and Obama... Who Wins This One?

Seems as if Congressman Bobby Rush, and his coalition of respected African American Chicago clergy, have significantly raised the stakes in the head-to-head matchup with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. The pastors, outraged at the audacity of Reid to use his position as presider over the U.S. Senate to wield power in an effort to determine who can and cannot sit in the Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama, will not allow what appears a blantant throw-back to the Civil Rights struggles of the 60s.

Approximately 60-powerful Black ministers joined Rush in backing Senator-elect Roland Burris' appointment to the seat, in spite of threats by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to bar him from entering the Senate chambers. Without a doubt this brouhaha places the subject of "race" front and center in American politics... again, as an all-White Senate refuses to allow Burris––who would be the only Black person representing that august body––to serve.

Rush, a Chicago Democrat, called the U.S. Senate "the last bastion of plantation politics."

"We are just faced with a hard-headed room of people in the Senate who want to keep an African-American out of the Senate," Rush said at a public send-off for Burris at a local Chicago church recently.

President-elect Obama, who is at opposite position with the Black congressman, Black faith leaders and community, as he is in agreement with Senator Reid that Burris should not be allowed to take his former seat. Obama agrees that Burris is a qualified individual for the job, but because of the cloud currently shadowing Governor Rod Blagojevich, he appears to have sided with Reid on this fiasco. Obama, while campaigning as a post-racial candidate, many in the Black community feels he owes his ascension to the highest office in the land to the overwhelming support and turn-out of African Americans, including Burris, Rush and the ministers across the country.

Obama may find himself having to accept defeat on this one, and begin signaling immediately to Senator Reid, Congressman Rush and the Black community that Burris' appointment, while not ideal, is legal... consequently, he must be seated.

The President-elect can't afford to get mired in the Black versus White "race" ditch at this juncture, as he has too many other culture wars to mediate coming out of the gate: Jews versus the Islams in Gaza, Unions versus Wall Street, gays versus the Christian right... just to name a few.

Don't Feed Garbage to the Public

The messy details surrounding the Senate seat of President-elect Barack Obama, are beginning to resemble a 'Whitney Houston/Bobby Brown' reality television nightmare. And the sad part about this entire saga is: Americans love reality t.v. We have become a nation who relishes in the dirty, seamy lives of others... especially the rich, famous, and VIPs.

The "Hot Rod" Blagojevich scandal has all of the ingredients for prime-time sleeze t.v. The only difference is instead of a one-hour reality show, scheduled one day per week for the millions who enjoy viewing other people's garbage and trash... CNN, NBC, MSNBC, Fox News, et. al, will slow drip this spiel during their 24-hour news cycles, forever!

To use one of Obama's famous phrases––this Blagojevich drama truly is "a distraction". The president-elect needs to be able to present his economic and overall policy agenda for the nation, announce picks to his Administration, have a decent 'honeymoon' with the American public without having to waste valuable time and energy talking about "what-did-he-know-and-when-did-he-know-it"... or being bombarded during the critical first 100-day press conferences with questions about Chicago's culture of corruption, and pay-to-play politics.

U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald needs this time also to complete his investigation, interview others who may be involved... without the media talking heads polluting the airwaves with uncorroborated debate, uninformed opinions, and wild speculations on "who-did-what". For the past two years, the media has been derelict in their duty, and have failed the American public by not fully vetting our president-elect... so, the media should stay on the sidelines now, and let the legal course of action proceed.

Calling for Blagojevich's resignation, and the loud drumbeat to impeach is premature and only increases the drama. Staking out Rahm Emmanuel's house and harassing him in front of his children only serves to stoke the fire and bring more attention to this debacle.

What should have been a one-day story now has the potential to play on the American scene through the the first six months of next year... unless everyone–– bloggers included–– back off of this drama and don't feed garbage to the public!

To President-elect Barack Obama - From Citizen Berryhill

Dear Mr. President-elect Obama,

With out a doubt, your history making ascension to the highest office in the land has brought, and continues to bring, unexplainable pride to millions of people of color, not just in America... but around the globe. People are rooting for you, as they want you to be a good President.

But on the other hand... there are also millions of others who do not like you, respect you, or want to see you confirmed as the 44th President of these United States. Please understand that for some in that category, it's personal. But there are many, who have not accepted your position, operating out of fear because there remain 'questions' about your life that have not been thoroughly answered.

I am writing this open letter to you today on behalf of both sides. Mr. President-elect, surely you know that there is a 'tempest in the teapot' brewing regarding the vault version of your birth certificate. And, only you, Sir, can bring closure to this issue.

For months now across bloggersville, and... now the issue is surfacing in main line media outlets as well, American citizens–– yes, the ones who voted for you... and the ones who did not–– are 'bewildered' that you feel the need to pay money (in the midst of a recession) to three major law firms to make sure that the American people, who you wish to serve, cannot have access to your birth records in Hawaii or your college transcripts. Speculation is running rampant that you received aid as a foreign student. So, instead of relishing in your victory, those who supported you are having to confront these allegations daily...without documentation or ammunition to counter the claims.

Americans believe you when you say you 'love this country'. However, to allow this birth certificate brouhaha to reach the Supreme Court on December 5, causes many to question your love for the country you want to lead. Why would you allow this issue to proceed to the Supreme Court, knowing the national scab has not fully healed from the Bush vs Gore election which was decided at the SCOTUS level? Unfortunately, Mr. President-elect, whichever decision is handed down by the Justices, will not make this issue go away. And, quite frankly, a Constitutional crisis may be imminent... which could further divide an already divided nation.

I know this birth certificate issue may seem trivial in the scheme of things: National Security briefings, world threats, picking a cabinet, an economic crisis looming large... but to many of our fellow Americans, 'nothing' is more important than the Constitution of the United States. Consequently, you Sir, are the only one who can bring closure to the issue at this juncture.

So, please Mr. Obama... for the sake of all the people who supported and voted for you... and, also to quiet (once, and for all) the skeptics, naysayers, and people who already deem your presidency 'illegitimate', do like Senator John McCain did, and present your birth certificate to the American people today.

Our prayer is that you will do the right thing, put an end to this nonsense... so America can come together and tackle the real issues that face this country.

God bless you. And, God bless America!

Vivian Berryhill, Citizen

What 'Trump' Card Does Hillary Hold Over Obama?

Tongues are wagging from coast-to-coast as President-elect Barack Obama makes it official: Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton will serve as U.S. Secretary of State... for as long as she wants that job. Many of Obama's Clinton-hating supporters are seething with anger and feel his "Hope, Change" slogan––that so many believed in––were just 'mere words'.

How did Senator Clinton manage to pull off this 'plumb job' in the Obama Administration, is the question on many lips. This question is particularly troublesome when avid Obama supporters, like Senator John Kerry, Gov. Bill Richardson, and Dr. Susan Rice, were looked over, while 'arch-enemy' Hillary walks away with the second best job in the nation, and the most highly visible position in the world!

During the press conference announcement of his National Security team, Obama was confronted by one reporter with the following question... the one question that is being asked by 'any' and every anti-war supporter on the street:

"You talked about the importance just now of having different voices and robust debate within your administration. But, again, going back to the campaign, you were asked and talked about the qualifications of the -- your now -- your nominee for secretary of State, and you belittled her travels around the world, equating it to having teas with foreign leaders; and your new White House counsel said that her resume was grossly exaggerated when it came to foreign policy.

I'm wondering whether you could talk about the evolution of your views of her credentials since the spring." [Peter Baker, December 1, 2008]

And, while the newly elected Obama initially tried to make light of the reporter's question, it didn't take him long to realize that reporter Baker wasn't backing down. It was then that Obama tried to square-that-round-hole he dug for himself during the course of the brutal campaign against Clinton. But, conventional wisdom says not many folks are buying his nuanced, flip-flop explanation.

The customary honeymoon given most new presidents, may be shorter lived than usual for Mr. Obama. His base is really mad about the Clinton appointment in particular... and they don't appear to want give him a pass on this one, or to go away silently.

Oh well. Whatever 'trump' card Hillary is holding over Obama's head, must be a doozy. But, it won't be long before time brings it all to light!

Obama Dissed By al-Qaeda #2 Zawahiri

President elect Barack Obama hasn't even received the final electoral college votes to certify him as the official U.S. Commander-in-Chief before being globally dissed by al-Qaeda's number two leader, Ayman Zawahiri. In an audio message posted on militant websites across the world, Zawahiri, often referred to as the 'brains' behind the al-Qaeda organization, hurled the ultimate insult at Obama by referring to him as the equivalent of a 'house nigger'.

This was the first direct message from Osama bin Laden's spiritual mentor and mouthpiece since Obama put all terrorists, and those who mean to harm U.S. interests on notice, during his presidential acceptance speech on November 4th.

Zawahiri boldly criticized Obama for turning his back on his Islamic roots and for siding with the 'enemies' of Muslims and supporting Israel, according to the Telegraph.co.uk web news link. The Telegraph went on to report the Zawahiri message to Obama as follows:

"The [Zawahiri] tape features audio extracts from Malcolm X’s speech in Selma, Alabama, in 1965, in which he unfavourably compared the “house negro” — a docile slave ingratiating himself with his master — with the embittered “field negro” who laboured outdoors. Still images on the video that accompanied the audio message showed a picture of Malcolm X, an advocate of black power who was also a Muslim convert.

Zawahiri’s message, entitled “The departure of Bush and arrival of Obama”, warned Mr Obama of a “heavy legacy of failure” awaiting him in office. It also juxtaposed a portrait of Zawahiri wearing a white turban next to Mr. Obama praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem during a pre-election visit to Israel.

He scolded Mr Obama for “choosing to be an enemy of Islam and Muslims”, saying that the Muslim “nation had bitterly received” the President-elect’s pledge of support to Israel.

"It is true about you and people like you ... what Malcolm X said about the house negros,” he said, naming Colin Powell, the former US secretary of state, and, Condoleezza Rice, the incumbent." Isambard Wilkinson, Nov. 20, 2008

Quick to defend Obama and the United States' honor, government spokesperson, Sean McCormack, of the state department condemned the “despicable” comments by saying:

“If anybody needed more of a contrast between what the West and the United States stand for, in terms of democracy and what these terrorists stand for, I don’t think you need to go any further than those comments.”

Obama has chosen 'not' to respond to this blatant taunt at this time. And... while his composed restraint is admirable, as a Black man who lived on Chicago's Southside for the past 20-years, Obama knows he can't let this verbal challenge to him––and all African-American people who support America and the war against terror––go unanswered too much longer. Just like he came out after Pastor Jeremiah Wright crossed the line and dissed him at the National Press Club earlier this year... Obama needs to recognize that Zawahiri's recent statements warrant the same level of indignation.

Now, as a world leader, it would not be expedient for Obama to flip-the-bird to Zawahiri and al-Qaeda, as he did Clinton and McCain when they insulted him on the campaign trail. But he is going to have to say something in response to this verbal affront... lest he, and America likewise... becomes the global 'whipping boys' for the next few years.