Question of the Day: Will Obama Deliver Universal Health Care?

How would you grade the media’s questions, the president’s performance, etc? Was it enough to sway Congress to pass a health care bill that covers the over forty-six million Americans who do not have health insurance? Or will he pass a bill so far removed from his original intent which is to pass a government run single payer health care plan (aka universal health care)?

HIStory: The Barack Obama Speech on Race

On Tuesday, March 18, 2008 in Philadelphia, PA Barack Obama gave what many are describing as a historic speech on race in America. Although the occassion was born out of an attempt to ward off insecurities and acute criticisms of his association with his former pastor Jeremiah Wright who made remarks many considered to be inflamatory and anti-American, Senator Obama used the opportunity to raise the bigger issue of race relations

Although this speech was made weeks ago, it is by no means last weeks news. While some political pundits were focused on whether or not this will help distance him from the remarks of Pastor Wright enough to make a difference in his chances in winning the Democratic primary election in Pennsylvania, a refreshingly large number did seized the moment to begin a mature dialogue about race relations in our country. That alone is historic.

How historic was this speech? To this day I am still asking two prevailing questions every chance I get: did you see the Barack Obama speech and where were you when Martin Luther King made the “I Have a Dream” speech.

Whether his performance translates into votes is inconsequential. For the first time it seems a prominent politician spoke to Americans as mature adults capable of having a serious conversation about race. He also called Americans higher, charging us to see through the heavy dose of condescending and sensational news clips of race based comments, riots, protests, or bumper sticker style political sound bites.

Where was this type of maturity in politics when Bush and Cheney, two draft dodging war mongers, were selected as the leaders of our nation over a decorated war veteran? Hopefully the day has come when we can talk about these issues with candor and come to some sober resolutions. Also, perhaps we can usher away the era when pandering dumb down politics ruled the day, when slogans like “whether or not you agree with Bush’s policies at least we know where he stands” can no longer win you elections irregardless of a reckless domestic and foreign policy. [sigh]

Racism: A Dish Served Cold

ABC’s Primetime Live ran a special series where hidden cameras reveal what people would do in various intense situations. The first episode this season did a staged social experiment to see how unsuspecting people would react to witnessing overt and rather graphic racial discrimination.

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“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.

What was most shocking was not the blatant racism of the few that approve of what they saw but the majority who said or did absolutely nothing. Before I take the high road from the controlled setting of my family room and say I would have done exactly what these two and the other amazing Americans did in standing up against racism, I have to ask myself have I ever been in any situation that demanded that someone speak up but was afraid to. The most productive thing to do is not to allow missed opportunities in the past when we could have done the right thing but failed to take a stand condemn us to a guilty conscience, but to allow this example to call us higher, being resolved to do the right thing from hence forth.

Obama vs. Cosby: The Tale of Two Reactions

Barack Obama has made preaching the gospel of personal responsibility an integral part of his campaign message, as seen in his latest campaign ad:

But it was messages like this, shortly before the Democratic primary in Texas where he gave some rather strong parenting advice that earned him an equally as strong rebuke from Jesse Jackson (for which Jackson later apologized for being over the top):

WATCH |

Noticed the crowd’s reaction? This message is strikingly similar to that presented by Bill Cosby in criticizing the youths of the African American communities and their parents’ lack of involvement in their children’s education.

To compare, both Barack Obama and Bill Cosby have very impeccable records of giving back to the black communities. Obama, who could have written his own ticket with an impressive Harvard degree, chose to serve the least of these in poor minority communities in Chicago, and Cosby’s philanthropic endeavors are undeniable.

So with both individuals seeming to be reading from the same sheet of music, why was Barack Obama’s pull yourself up by your boot straps message met with a warm reception while Bill Cosby was practically castigated in the black communities?

The key difference is whether the solutions to the ailments of black youths lies within confronting one’s own demons or elected officials combatting the systemic shortcomings that result in unequal educational environments, Bill Cosby’s message had an either/or ring to it while Barack Obama’s approach was both/and. Cosby’s message seemed to have implied that while racism still exists in America, the problems that faces young African Americans are self inflicted. It treated racism not as a key ingredient in the problems they face, but as mere background noise that serves only as a distraction from the real problem – themselves.

Obama’s message, on the other hand, offers up solutions that can be implimented both by the parents and by sound, fair public policies. Both in conjunction can resolve a lot of issues that affect our children’s chance at a proper education and a decent chance to become strong and discipline members of society.

This explains why overnight Bill Cosby had become the media darling of Fox News and the conservative talking machines while simultaneously being rejected in the African American communities. The message of self help and self help alone is a favorite theme of the conservative movement, especially when espoused by someone who looks like those who could use some help.

For more details on why Bill Cosby’s cultural argument as the root cause of the economic and social problems that plague blacks in America is flawed, read the article “Why Bill Cosby is Wrong” at TomPaine.com