News-Record.com

"Stifle re-examination of race relations"?

Race has been on the front burner in this country 24/7 for the better part of 60 years now. Perhaps Davenport is just tired of hearing a rich black woman whine about how "America is just downright mean" while raking in the cash and leading a lifestyle that most Americans (white and black) can only dream of.

I'm happy for her success, but I'm sick of these 'do as I say, not as I do' race pimps who constantly berate their country (much to the delight of our enemies) and act as if the Jim Crow era is just getting it's second wind.

Ironic this letter is run the same day front pages across the country declare Obama's historic win.

David McClean: "Michelle Obama . . . has had the audacity to articulate what African Americans have been saying for the last 40 years . . . blacks have not achieved equal advantages to whites in the United States."

If education is "the great equalizer," then lack thereof explains much that offends Michelle Obama:

“By the time [minority students] reach grade 12, if they do so at all, minority students are about four years behind other young people. Indeed, 17 year-old African American and Latino students have skills in English, mathematics and science similar to those of 13-year-old white students.” (Closing the Achievement Gap, National Governors Association Clearinghouse)
http://www.subnet.nga.org/educlear/achievement/index.html

Alas and alack, if Senator Obama is elected president, there will be very little he can do about that gap.

As a Democrat he will have to do the bidding of the National Education Association.

The only "change" it will tolerate is billions more dollars poured into the government monopoly system.

It's perhaps appropriate here to share this inspirational talk (Youtube: 12 minutes) by America's top educator, National Education Association president Reg Weaver in Minnesota. This is Obama's boss on U. S. education policy:

Part 1 (7 minutes):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdyJ645JGro&feature=related

Part 2 (5 minutes):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgv-r8m1q9U

David,

While I believe there are inequities in America today, it is my opinion most people are not offended Michelle Obama is speaking out about it. She wrote and spoke in much more radical terms when she was younger and is just now making enough change to be PC. I am a pretty liberal person and still found some of the thoughts she expressed disturbing. However, I do try to keep in mind most of us were not particularly worried about being PC when we were younger.

My hope is we can grow as a nation, let go of our hurts and learn from our mistakes no matter who is in the WH.

"And even when they go to the doctor, blacks are less likely to get as much prescription pain relief."

This is clear evidence of racial inequities in the U.S. in 2008.

Bravo, Mr. McLean! That is a well written piece.

""And even when they go to the doctor, blacks are less likely to get as much prescription pain relief.""

That is a result of massive prescription drug abuse by everyone. My son had surgery a few months back and was in severe pain afterwards. The prescribed pain meds were not adequate and it took me going jihad with the head nurse running interference for the Doctor to get it changed.

Re: The morgage industry discrimination. Is race indicated on an application? If not, then is it possible that the reason some blacks don't get mortages has to do with credit history? Is it possible that whites are turned down for the same reason?

Re: Segregated neighborhoods. It's illegal to refuse to sell a house because of race! Hence, people are free to move where they want to move. What can be done to change this? Maybe the LTE writier thinks that houses in predominantely white areas should be GIVEN to blacks to balance the racial makeup?

Re: Crime. Anyone noticed the "most wanted" criminals each week in the N&R? These people are featured there because they have committed crimes, NOT because of their color. Once again, I feel like the race card is being thrown out instead of asking "What can be done to change this?"

Re: "And even when they go to the doctor, blacks are less likely to get as much prescription pain relief."
Sorry, I had to laugh at this one. I'd like to see some credible documentation for this statement.

"Despite legal mandates, blacks have not achieved equal advantages to whites in the United States."

Perhaps that's because many of our government programs encourage behaviors that are incompatible with success. I don't accept any blame for the underachievers because I am not the one who encouraged people to have children out of wedlock and live in government-subsidized housing forever. I have never allowed anyone in my house to refer to a girl as "ho" and I have not dumbed down the public school curriculum. I have never written a song full of filthy lyrics about illegal activities.

Let us not forget that people throughout the ages have managed to prosper despite disadvantages. Jews were denied basic rights in many countries. Irish were treated like dirt when they first came to America. Blacks were enslaved. The list goes on, but we need to remember that every group also had its success stories.

If people study like Ronald McNair studied, they have a chance to experience success and maybe have an engineering building named for them. Discrimination against Irish and Catholics did not prevent the eventual election of President Kennedy. Jewish people became doctors, physicists, and professors despite anti-semitism.

I am tired of racism. Sick and tired of it.

Here we go again . . . another letter whining about thier black struggles . . . I wish the people who write these letters would go out and help thier people and ALL people for that matter and quit trash talking . . . your not even close to helping society as a whole . . . much less your own community.

Michelle Obama is a racist fool and the black community knows it and is still bobbling thier heads in unison to her tribal chant . . . wez oppressed . . . wez oppressed . . . wez inequalitified caus'in the white man . . .

Nitwits Are Always Causing Problems

Mama:

You hit the nail on the head when you mentioned Ron McNair. Yes, he studied! He gave some effort and overcame. He was determined to be successful. Others have done this too. As a former teacher, I've seen the attitude of many black students as they make fun of other black students who make good grades. Those who try are often criticized by those who don't care.

Granted, students from the projects have tougher roads to ride than most students, and I know it has to be discouraging, but any good teacher will meet a student halfway IF that student makes an effort! If a student doesn't WANT to learn, no amount of money can be poured into the schools to make that student learn!!!

So, this brings me to the "What can be done" question. It has to start in the black community! It has to start with black leaders who REALLY care about their people! It has to start with the black community listening to leaders that tell it like it is (e.g. Bill Cosby). I'm tired of seeing "It's because we're black." This never-ending chant is repeated by Al, Jesse, Earl, Skippy, and others as a way to keep blacks thinking that, because of their color, they can't be successful. As long as the race card is the trump card, those black leaders leading the chant will continue to have a job. It's that simple!

As a side note: Thanks to Goldie Wells and the others in the black community for their efforts in gang intervention. Finally, THIS is the type thing we're needing to see from the black community!

Mamaboilermaker said, “because I am not the one who encouraged people to have children out of wedlock…” It’s obvious that this is a reference to the 70% figure for blacks. But, in terms of absolute numbers, since there are more white women in this country, there are more out of wedlock births on that side of the ledger. “If people study like Ronald McNair studied, they have a chance to experience success and maybe have an engineering building named for them. Discrimination against Irish and Catholics did not prevent the eventual election of President Kennedy. Jewish people became doctors, physicists, and professors despite anti-semitism.” At the end of the day, Irish Catholic John Kennedy still had white skin. And the history of Boston and New York, should tell you that by the time that Kennedy was elected, the Irish had done a good job of establishing careers in both police and fire departments.

“Here we go again . . . another letter whining about thier black struggles . . . I wish the people who write these letters would go out and help thier people and ALL people for that matter and quit trash talking . . . your not even close to helping society as a whole . . . much less your own community.”
“Michelle Obama is a racist fool and the black community knows it and is still bobbling thier heads in unison to her tribal chant . . . wez oppressed . . . wez oppressed . . . wez inequalitified caus'in the white man . . .”

J. Peterman, there a couple of issues wrong with your post. First, I think that you meant “you’re,” not “your” in your first paragraph. The same goes for “bobbling,” it’s “bobbing.” I counted all of the racist references in your second paragraph and I came up with at least five (“bobbling,” “tribal,” “wez,” “inequalified” and “caus’in.” Do you actually come in contact with black people who talk like that or is that jargon something that you picked up from Good Times or Sanford & Son?

"(Michelle Obama) earned $273,618 from the University of Chicago Hospitals, his campaign said last month."
http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/2007-05-10-michelle-obama_N.htm

I pray that I might someday suffer 3/4 of the inequality Mrs. Obama struggles with every year. I would even strongly consider weeping daily under fully half her tragedy.

Roger

As I read this letter and comments, I reflect upon the thought that Barack Obama began his campaign as the post-racial candidate that would unite all Americans, white and black. Sadly, it appears that was just an image, as we learn more about the anti-white and/or anti-America people that he has completely surrounded himself with. Obama is not going to unite the American people. He may be a non-racial person, but how can he really govern in that manner, if he constantly hears from his spouse about how mean America is, and Mrs. Obama keeps railing against the evil racist white people? This is surely not racial healing. It may make some people feel better about having their say about race, but it surely is not intended to heal. As Democrats would say, can't we just forget, forgive, and move on?

If your ancestors were locked up, beat, mistreated, traded for property.....

If you watched your father or mother (who was your personal hero) being treated like a second class ingrate as you grew up......

If you, yourself, are looked at like some kind of second-class criminal everytime you enter a room....

it's a little tough to just "forget, forgive, and move on".

It's not like people just want to go around carrying years of anger and pain and baggage around inside of them. It was burned there. Carved there. And thousands of prayers and promises still don't bring full healing.

Sorry, but a nice little slogan isn't going to take care of that.

And no, it doesn't excuse people from their own personal responsibility and blame. However, you can't even begin to understand the challenges that many black men and women face in this country EVERY single day from cradle to grave. You can't even begin to understand.

Some can overcome many of these demons and succeed. But you are right, it's a tougher road.
Even when you get to the level of Obama and his wife. You don't want to deny what you have known and lived and act like no problems exist, but you also don't want to come across as a whining, race baiter.

Earnestine:

IMO, your reply suggests that you may have an attitude you carry around with you. Try forgetting what color you are when you enter a room. The people in that room have nothing to do with the way your ancestors were treated (which btw, I agree that slavery was inexcusable). The people in that room have nothing to do with the way your parents were treated! Try speaking to others with a smile, shaking hands, greeting, introducing yourself. The reception you receive may be entirely different!

Yes, it IS a tough road, but many others have proven it CAN be done! As long as people are saying it can't be done, then it won't be done. As long as you have black leaders that are every bit as racist as those (whites) they call racists, you will still see people in terms of "black" and "white."

Sorry, but your reply tells me you have bought into the very "ideas" that continue to keep the black people from moving forward.

ORR:

I agree. Obama will do nothing but widen the divide between the races. He can deny all day that his candidacy isn't about race, but:

1) We all know where Michelle stands.

2) We all know where his religious leaders have stood.

3) His website specifically points out that he's the first black candidate for president (like we didn't KNOW this?)

Ernestine,

The subject of this letter was Michelle Obama, and as an aside, Barack Obama. They are certainly entitled to harbor anger about how they believe that black people have been wronged in this society, but do not forget that they want to be the President of the U.S. and First Lady. Railing about the evil white racist people will not help them do that. Obama has to be president of the entire country; black, white, brown, etc. If Barack and Michelle really want the job, they should come to healing mighty fast or go back to the southside of Chicago, where this anger and hostility seems to be popular.

Ernestine,

"Sorry, but a nice little slogan isn't going to take care of that."

Do you mean little slogans like "Change we can believe in?"

Looks like you guys have had a good time today.

"Columnist Charles Davenport joined the huffy throng of white Americans who are astonished by the fact that some black Americans are simply not grateful enough for their freedom."

As for freedom, we should all be grateful we have it.

This may sound terribly un-PC, but here 'tis. Go to Africa, be you black or white, and you will likely be thankful to live in the United States. If you don't believe me then ask Michelle Obama. In his book, "The Audacity of Hope", Obama mentions that he took Michelle to his father's homeland of Kenya. He also mentions her comment that she was glad to return to the United States.

This does not mean Africa is a horrible place, I went to neighboring Tanzania last year and it was the best voyage I've ever had in my life, bar none. The people were wonderful and there are many beautiful things to see including the wild animals. However most people in Tanzania, Kenya and the majority of sub-Saharan countries live in dire poverty.

Despite poverty, we found a very proud people who care more about their families than the material lifestyle we have in the US. The latest Nike sneakers or gameboy means nothing to them. In that regard, I appreciate there more than here.

However as far as the quality of housing, healthcare, schooling, transportation (don't even ask me about the roads :) ) expected longevity, etc, etc, there is no comparison. Thank your lucky stars you live in the United States.

Add to that countries like Zimbabwe, where Mugabe and his henchmen are starving the populace and you will be glad to live here. Or perhaps during the 1994 Rwanda massacre, although Rwanda is recovering and becoming a tourist destination today.

I know some will diss this as not comparable but I believe it is. Those who call themselves African Americans and are proud of that heritage should visit the motherland. It will be a wonderful journey, but I bet my bottom dollar you will prefer living in this country given the choice.

Everyone else go to, it's really cool to see giraffes and zebras hanging out together!!

conundrum:
I don't approve of the white unwed birthrate either--members of my family have gone that route and experienced the economic consequences. My point was that having children out of wedlock is just asking for failure. Finishing school and getting married before before having children is a better recipe for economic success, in general, though there are always exceptions. Two educated adults in a household are economically stronger than one, just like standing on two legs is more stable than balancing on one leg.

mamab, you are a wise person.

Bunny and mamaboilermaker; great comments.
they go well with the many other good ones.

Black people are told by white liberals that all people are equal, only some are more equal than others.
Therefore, we need to give some of you special treatment. You will need to have extra help.

However, they failed to mention the fact that you must get off of your ass and actually work for it.
You can not sit around and bitch about getting more of the pie, just because you are black.

Why you may ask? Because with victims comes power. The more victims, the more power.