(This note was initially posted on my Facebook profile. Since it’s Election Day, I decided to publish it here for the purposes of giving the world my voice.)
Since the start of this election, I have favored Obama, even in spite of the Clinton-lovers who were under the impression that Hillary was an extension of Bill. I knew from the start that she wasn’t. Hillary had her own agenda and, while capable, I was not able to give her a high degree of trust. I picked Obama mainly because of his strategic thinking. He has always had a plan; and he knew he needed one. Unlike former candidates, he didn’t have the benefit of entitlement or the comfort of a system that has institutionalized inequality; favoring majority over all others. Yes, he’s black…but that wasn’t why he was my choice. His blackness represents something else. I’ll get into that in a moment. I live in a a city that has elected the same vision-less leader for four terms…and he’s black.
Mayor W.W. Herenton has taught me well about voting for people because they are black. What good is your blackness when you are just as poor of a leader? So, needless to say, I have been delivered from voting for people because they are black. I need to know where they STAND now. Considering that I’m somewhat of a skeptic when it comes to politics anyway, the last thing I need is some HNIC that doesn’t have one bone of progression or vision.
But that’s not the case with Obama. He has incredible vision and given all of the attacks that he’s suffered over the course of this campaign, he has definitely demonstrated that he can represent this country among the nations. That representation is more critical now than ever. I don’t know if you’ve noticed this or not, but the only people who REALLY think that America is the greatest country in the world are….Americans. There are other countries that have their beefs with us and since we all got to live on this 3rd rock from the sun together, we need to work to repair those relationships, while figuring out a way to get everybody what they want. Interestingly enough, the world has even chosen Obama. A 24-nation survey that was conducted by the BBC found that if Obama is elected, it will improve their opinion of the U.S. In a separate poll, 74 countries chose Obama over McCain.
So, that’s one major reason why Obama is a better choice. But most importantly, his campaign speaks the language of the people. His approach is to do what’s best for everyone, not a privileged few. Considering the historical heritage of Blacks in this country, we are not allowed, even if we’re rich, to be regarded as members of the privileged few (new money doesn’t count). At least, not right now, we’re not. We have until 2019, then we’ll see. To that point, I can now explain what Obama’s blackness means. It has been exactly 40 years since the death of King. At some point, we, as a people, had to know that there will be a time to move forward–and to bring the post Civil Rights era to a close. Given all of the backlash of ignorant, prejudicial remarks regarding Obama, it is safe to conclude that an Obama presidency will signal the end of any sympathy towards the struggle of Blacks. Of course, we never had much to begin with—but my point is, there will be even less tolerance for it, should he get elected. Now, that also means that our excuses will have ran its course as well. Black men are no longer able to state that they have not been able to succeed because of racism or the absence of a father. Black women will have to become more supportive of Black men and less acidic with their voices. Because we NOW know exactly how far a Black man can go with the support of a Black woman.
Are you all digging what I’m saying?
Even without the presidency, Obama signals to the Black community a mandate to operate in the spirit of excellence that is inherent in us. We couldn’t have come this far without it. At the same time, it seems as if we are in dire need of a reminder. For the most part, our children exist in a ‘formless void’ because they don’t know who in the hell they are or where they come from. Therefore, there is no way they can know where they are going. We are NOT telling our story; and furthermore, we are NOT staying true to it. Our cloud of witnesses may be shaking their heads in disdain at us. Here’s my final say: whatever the decision, we will all be alright. The Book of Jeremiah says that those of us who trust in the Lord will be like the tree planted by the rivers of water, bearing fruit even during the time of heat. As for Obama, he will be fine as well. He has been built for the nations…and to that point, I personally feel like the man is too good to be president. I think the world can benefit from his visionary leadership, not just this country.
Should he win or not, his point has been proven in so many ways. Should he win, that will mean this country has come a long way…and should he not, then it means that it has further to go, but at least it’s on its way. Should he win, it will mean to little black boys and girls that you can really can become anything you want, even president. Should he not win, it’ll still mean the same thing.Should he win or not, he’ll have his work cut out for him because his position as a chosen leader has been established (president or statesman).
Should he win or not, we will all be alright. BUT GO VOTE CAUSE I WANT HIM TO WIN!!!!!
