Obama's America

soundoff (5 Responses)

1. C. Huecker
   

   Why haven't any of you commentators mentioned the contributions of labor unions to the civil rights movement? A. Philip Randolph, Bayard Rustin, Walter Reuther, etc.
   None of you ever connected the dots between the UAW's support for civil rights and the rabid anti-unionism of the Southern Senators during the auto industry bailout.
   Just as you don't discuss Nixon's "Southern strategy" as a reason the South votes Republican. You always ascribe it to the "religious right" never pointing out is the White evangelical christians who vote Republican and not black or hispanic evangelicals?

   January 19, 2009 at 7:25 pm |
2. Rosemary Musachio
   

   Hi Anderson,
   I cannot walk, talk, or use my hands. I use a headpointer to type on my computer. I have been so inspired by Obama and the start of his Presidency a day after MLK's Day that I wrote this poem:
   And separate rest rooms didn’t mean only
   Men and Women, but also Black and White.
   Bloodshed spread in the streets of a civilized nation;
   Law men tried to break fighting spirits left and right.

   Forty-years ago the dream seemed on that mountain top,
   Too high for history to reach.
   No visible tracks to people being judged on character only,
   No tangible steps to make racism and bigotry a human breech,
   No clear paths to make Blacks and Whites climb together
   To arrive at the same destination.

   Forty-five years later the dream is becoming a realization.
   A man of color chosen to lead the nation based on character
   While Blacks and Whites cheer in unity,
   When crowds cheer loudly “Equality”
   And black and white boys and girls embrace in serenity.
   Widespread singing in the streets of a hopeful country;
   Law men even join in the celebration.

   Forty-five years later we commemorate
   The dream maker while we celebrate
   The dream rising to the mountain top
   Where people of all races climb united.
   This Great Nation,
   The Land of Peace, Prosperity, and Equality
   Finally posts the flag on its foundation.

   -

   Rosemary

   January 19, 2009 at 7:17 pm |
3. Joel
   

   One thing I've noticed and found to be interesting is that Lincoln was killed by a .44-cal single-shot handgun and Barack Obama is our 44th president.

   January 19, 2009 at 5:20 pm |
4. A.J. Otjen
   

   I believe we have seen the last generation of black men leaving their families, or dealing drugs, or leaving high school, or going to prison more than white men.

   This day changes more than America. It is changing the world as we know it. The world loves us again. We set the standard again. I have never been more proud to be an American, or a citizen of the world.

   January 19, 2009 at 5:09 pm |
5. James Anthony
   

   With the economic status in this country, doesn't it seem obscene to spend $150 to $160 million dollars for the inauguration of a president. You would think that he would an example to the millions of American either out of work or struglling from paycheck to paycheck or the Americans who lost millions in their retirement funds.

   January 19, 2009 at 5:01 pm |