Submitted by colette09, Mar 23, 2008 00:34

Thank you Michael Meyers. I was beginning to think I was the only one who believed Obama's speech was off target. Black liberation theological nuances pervaded his speech with the reciting of black history injustices and his insular use of the "black experience" then and now while incorporating how whites are also battling injustices as well as all minorites. Black liberation theology is a theology of religion and socio-political beliefs. It is a belief in confrontational politics in the vein of Marxism, Malcolm X and others.

To advance the plight of your people you need to confront the oppressor. Albeit Obama is doing that with words right now but the issue itself is emotionally charged. On a conference call he spoke to 50 top black clergy the day before his speech to help determine what he should say. If he wants to take on the task of racial injustice and oppression of the black community (while including other minoritiies because he has to or it will look biased), then he should have been an activist like Martin Luther King or work up to being an influential pastor. I do not want my President of the United States of America to have race as his main agenda.

I have a sister who has taught in the inner city for 30 yrs and is a formidable teacher respected by her peers and ex students who continue to come back to visit saying that she is the reason they are not in jail, on drugs, She is strict but fair. You are courteous. She is one of few white teachers in her school. One that is making a difference. She lives in a mixed neighborhood where everyone helps each other. The point being that these children have good teachers but are lacking discipline, respect, good examples and skills in how to conduct themselves.

The little bit my sister has given them is often the only standard that they are being held accountable for. I see where "the 10 black rules" of Obama's church may be that standard but by calling it "black rules" it is victimizing their constiuency. The Jews do not call the 10 commandments the 10 Jewish commandments. Because the standard should be universal ones. In summary, the president should be making sure everyone can earn a decent wage and keeping the country safe and secure. The role of president rises above and beyond the role Obama wants to pursue. The president cannot be insular and confrontational. The president cannot be a peaceful activist. The president cannot be bogged down in

the past. I see Obama's speech as entirely for political reasons while tugging on the heartstrings of American and I am insulted that he thinks he can fool the majority of the people. He plays both the victim and the hero. He is a leader but where is he leading us? He is stirring up a hornet's nest with no immediate solution. With ALL the myriad problems facing the next president , RACE should not be the main agenda. It Obama's concerns are stemming from the injustice of the black community he should step down and immediately get to work making things "right".

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