A Few Short of a Thousand

Like many black folks, I haven't been overwhelmed by the Age of Obama.

I don't regret my vote, and I respect the challenges dude has faced. I see the ridiculous outrage, the blatant racism, the double standards and the general effed up reality of the world and I'm glad I'm not president.

But, still, I can admit that I'm a little disappointed.

I didn't expect this cat to completely change the world in four years. But, I was kind of hoping, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that his tune on certain issues might change once he'd fully grasped the reins of power. Like many of the white bigots who opposed him, I believed that President Obama was something of Trojan Horse. Only, I thought he would bring a positive change in the racial war being fought in this country, while conservatives feared he would bring the destruction of their world. Neither of us had it right.

There have been changes, but they've been of the incremental and behind-the scenes variety. Truly, I blame myself for my disappointment because if I'd honestly assessed the situation I would have realized that Obama the candidate only addressed race directly when backed into a corner. I should have known that President Obama would rarely be backed into a similar corner.

But, my disappointment has not turned into disillusionment simply because of what's in the picture above.

Air Force One is traveling to do God knows what in the name of the United States of America, and four black folks are involved in the discussions, with one of them being the actual decision maker. They are not serving drinks, or cleaning the cabin. They are making decisions, and appear comfortable in their skins. I don't know about y'all, but as a black man with a decent grasp of the history of my people in this country, that's a mighty beautiful sight.

Just beautiful.



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Some Light Reading

I stole this link from Prometheus Six's site, but I thought some of y'all might be interested.

It's a 75 page scholarly paper discussing the fact that Western societies are actually the "weird" ones in the world, not everybody else. I think the topic hits on a lot the stuff I've dicussed about perspective, reality and generalizations.

Enjoy.



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Marching On

Trouble is coming to Washington this weekend.

Polemic news figure Glen Beck has scheduled is modern "March On Washington" for this weekend and he has hailed the event as a fitting tribute to the march once led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In fact, Beck has gone so far as to claim that he is now carrying the mantle of King's legacy far better than any of the black groups who purport to be part of King's lineage.

That deserves a chuckle. One of those rueful chuckles. The kind used to avoid anger or tears. A chuckle that says "Well, ain't that about a b*tch..." One of those chuckles.

Truthfully, there really is something funny about the situation. A man known for spewing racist filth, for trading in accusations and innuendo at the expense of truth and for his faith in a religion that openly subscribed to the notion that black people were inferior human beings up until 1979 has claimed that he is Dr. King's rightful successor. Even if this was a Hollywood script it would have to be one of those spoof movies, right?

In real life, Beck's proposal for his march has been met with derision, dismay, and in some circle, determination. Some folks have made it their "mission" to counteract Beck's march, while others have joined up to protect his "freedoms" and proclaim him a true believer in King's mantra. On both sides charlatans abound, and the event promises to be a media circus.

Which couldn't work out better for Beck.

The chance to bolster his media profile and attract more followers is likely the main reason for Beck's proposed march. The secondary goal is to continue the insidious assimilation of King's message into the conservative movement so that conservatives can have the perfect idealogical Kevlar to protect them from charges of racism.

What you didn't get the memo?

The aim of many conservatives has been obvious for years, but it's only recently that they truly been able to reap what they've sown. Through careful planning and devious machinations, they've managed to completely skew and distort racial issues in this country so that somebody like Glen Beck can name himself a worthy successor to King. Not only that, but Beck has managed to convince thousands of others to agree with him!

Conservatives don't deserve all the credit since liberals have only helped create this current state of affairs with their inability to discuss current and past racism without turning into complete pansies who lack in basic comprehension. But, I must give credit where credit is due, and contrary to the popular stereotype of conservatives as bumbling Jethros, they shown far more knowledge about the collective American psyche than liberals

As many pundits have noted, the level of truth and logic needed to win a debate these days is pretty low. You don't need to actually practice kindness, equality or honesty to label to claim those qualities. Concerning yourself with data and facts is considered passe`. And while I can't honestly say this is some new development in the annals of humanity, I will say that there seems to be a serious intellectual regression in America that makes our economic recession seem minuscule.

Beck represents much of what is wrong in this country today. His march is a celebration of an ethos built on the idea that shouting the loudest and longest is the most dependable method for creating reality. Beck is America in 2010. He perfectly encapsulates the mindset driving this country.

But, he will never represent Dr. King.





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People See What They Want

The following piece is inspired by this article which I found to be disturbing as a Christian and as an American.


They say this is a Christian nation.
What does that say about God?
Not much, but it says a lot about man.
They use Christ as a hammer.
So everybody looks like a nail.
Bang, bang, bang
Drive your point home.
If they don't agree
They don't matter
He came as a divider, but they want unity
And they claim immunity for any action taken in His name
Even as He proclaims "I knew them not."
Does God seek a warrior people
To gather beneath His steeples
Paul said our enemies are not flesh and blood
But, all I see is flesh.
And blood.
Death in the name of "freedom."
Freedom's already dead.






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