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07/29/08
Caroline M Echols
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I will not argue that this year’s election is a monumental moment in history. A black man is running for president. Wouldn’t Dr. King be so proud? I would think so, but don’t forget, Dr. King also preached about all men, one day, being fair and equal. Is the reason behind your support for Senator Obama fair? Are you giving his running mates an equal opportunity? In many news reports, interviews and social circles you will hear people say “It is about time we had a black man running for president…” or “He has my support because he represents us, the black community.” This is the reason why a lot of people are supporting Obama, merely due to his ethnic background.Really people? Is that it? Senator Obama has your support based on the color of his skin? Do you realize that that is as provincial way of thinking? It’s not any different when someone accuses a black man of being a dangerous thug merely because of the color of his skin. They are just basing their decision off race. So how is your supporting of Barack Obama any different? Yes, this is a great moment in history for all of us but that doesn’t mean we have to jump on the wagon. Asking several people and reading several interviews there are too many people that do not have a clear understanding of what Obama represents, his ideas for this country or his “changes” that he so often speaks about. Broaden your knowledge people. The fact that Obama is black shouldn’t be the only reason why he has your support, that is not good enough. Barack wife Michelle Obama has said it herself, they appreciate the support but she doesn’t think people should vote for Barack just because of his race. She believes that you should vote for him because of what he stands for and if they believe that he would be a good representative of their beliefs. For those of you who make comments similar to “it’s about time we had a black man running for president…I’m voting for him!” I am speaking to you…broaden your knowledge. Barack is not the first African American to run for president. Do you not remember 1972 when New Yorker Shirley Chisholm ran for president or what about in 1984 and 1988 when the civil rights activist and Baptist minister, Jesse Jackson ran for president? For those of you who make comments like “he represents us the black community…” Why does he? Just because he is black he represents the black community? I ask that question to those of you who don’t have anything else to say when asked “Why do you support Obama?” My question to those of you who are supporting Barack, with his race being a major contributor to your decision, if Barack Obama was a white man would you still support him as strong as you do now? I’m sure after reading this article some of you might think I am bashing Mr. Barack Obama but that would be so far from the truth. I am just trying to put a spark in those minds of people whose knowledge runs shallow. If you are going to support someone or stand up for something, know why. Don’t just go with the majority, don’t just go off mere hear say, do some research yourself so when the next time someone wants to have a political conversation with you on why you support Barack Obama you have the ammo ready to let them know why.
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