From the desk of Riley:
This is a serious and nonpolitical topic. After watching Presidential candidate Barack Obama’s speech, this week, on race in America (provoked by the media attention to incendiary comments made his former pastor, Reverend Jeremiah Wright), I felt it appropriate to post on our family blog because of how necessary it is for Americans to hear this message. It is not a political one (though, naturally, Obama supports his campaign). It is, instead, one of the best articulated presentations of the complex racial divide in our country (something we don’t see a lot of in Wisconsin, being a state comprised of 90% whites). This is not some stump speech concocted by Obama’s speech writers. Obama wrote it, himself.
It is a very important topic and I think it’s unfortunate that the man who delivered it is running for President, because the result is that his message will probably be (and probably already is) clouded in a haze of criticisms, for political gain. Regardless, I hope you’ll take the 40 minutes to watch it, and I’m linking to it, here, to make it easier for you to find. If you watch it, try to ignore your feelings about Obama is a presidential candidate and focus on the message.
With all that said, I will suggest that Obama be praised for taking this bold move. While other politicians would have handled the situation by making a short comment distancing themselves from the source of controversy, Obama tactfully but comprehensively confronts the full issue, head on. I don’t agree 100% with his running platform, but I flat-out support him in this presidential bid. Regardless of whether he gets elected as President, I am one white male who is glad to have someone of Obama’s caliber in our national politics.
Thanks for reading.
Riley
Part 1 (10:03):
Part 2 (10:57):
Part 3 (10:49):
Part 4 (10:56):
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/03/18/obama-race-speech-read-t_n_92077.html
for anyone who would rather skim the speech over rather than sit 40 minutes staring at a 4×4 inch box, the full text of the speech is provided by that link.
Benjo
March 19th, 2008
True, and you can also go to youtube and watch it full screen. But I’d suggest watching it. He looked very “Presidential,” and the man can sure give a good speech.
admin
March 19th, 2008