[Iowa-dx] The Democrats just gave up the ghost

[Richard Johnson]

In the past 72 hours our nation has seen the self-destruction of not
only the Obama candidacy, but the Democratic party.  Rev. Jeremiah
Wright's appearances over the weekend placed the knife on the table.  He
accurately described the historical situations that have confronted
African Americans for generations, and called the nation (and our
political leaders) on the carpet for not working to remedy these.  He
stood in the fire and took the heat for speaking truth, a very painful
truth, about this nation and its people.  It is consistent with the
message he has preached throughout his life at Trinity UCC.

This set the stage for the final act in this story.  Barack Obama had
the choice to either embrace the truth, stand with his pastor, and speak
truth to power in order to move this nation one step closer to the lofty
goals described in its founding documents.  He also had the choice to
turn his back on his pastor, deny the truths that were spoken, and
embrace the power structure that keeps so many Americans of all races
and ethnicities down.

He chose the latter, and in doing so he has sealed his fate and the fate
of his party for the fall.  The hope that was placed in his candidacy, a
hope that many people felt might lead to real, positive change in this
nation, died this morning during Obama's press conference.  He has told
America that he lacks the courage to stand up and speak the truth, or to
acknowledge the truth when it is spoken.

Whether or not Obama wins the primary selection process, America has
lost a tremendous opportunity to move beyond using race as a wedge issue
and towards addressing the real issues involved in race today.  By
caving on this Obama has done nothing but hand his political opponents a
club that can be used at will to whip up the fear of the "angry black
man" among whites, and as the GOP has shown they are more than willing
to use that club early and often.

Obama had many faults, and was far from a perfect candidate.  But he had
an opportunity presented to him by his pastor, a war-tempered veteran
who witnessed the struggles of the Civil Rights movement.  He failed to
take that opportunity, failed to use his position to do more than just
win an election.  He failed to listen to a voice crying in the
wilderness, a voice calling for REAL change, REAL dialogue and REAL
healing.

Instead, Obama listened to the voices of comfortable, white politicians
who assured him that if he only threw his minister under the bus enough
times, the voters would believe him.

An opportunity squandered. 
Richard Johnson
Burlington, IA

Cthulhu 2008. Why vote for a lesser evil.