President Obama~

[babylonsister]

Remember this?

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/19/opinion/19fri4.html?_r=3&partner=rss&emc=rss
With All Disrespect, Mr. President


There is a fabulous post here that I want to post in its entirety; it's in the A/A Forum and deserves to be seen. Thank you, Kweli4Real, for your powerful message.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=258x10769#10783

President Obama,

I understand what you must be feeling; in fact, most African-Americans who have worked in Corporate America know exactly the internal angst you are feeling.

On the one hand, you have folks calling you a punk-ass bitch because you "just won't fight back"; you keep trying to reach out; keep trying to ignore theobvious, but to hear "them" tell it - non-racial - daily slights; you keep trying to put on that unfazed face, while trying to move the ball forward. On the other hand, you have folks mistaking your concilitory approach as evidence of your "inherent weakness" and are thusly emboldened to pull wildly inappropriate acts of that by any measure are disrespectful to the Office of the Presidency; but moreso, to you as a Man.

Mr. President, we understand. We understand that you understand that you have a job to do and "fighting back" won't help you accomplish anything ... In fact, it will bring everything to a halt as the focus will not be on what you are trying to accomplish, but "how arrogantly confrontational you are."

We understand that you understand that if you were to fight back, you will be cast as that "angry Black Man" of american mythos.

We understand that you understand that those most vocal about your not fighting back, will be the first one's to criticize you for your lack of tact, for your strategic and tactical misjudgment of antagonizing middle america.

But more to the point, we understand that you understand that your historic presidency can be a turning point in this nation's racial history. If you respond in the way we all know you want to respond (e.g., snatching up our opposition by the throat and going straight street all on their ass), the other part of america (that had you suspect from the gate) will foreclose on ever allowing "one of them" in the Whitehouse ever again and they will rationalizze it by saying, "See? They just don't have the 'executive temperment'."

So Mr. President, go into the inner most chamber of that whitehouse ... out of earshot of any non-"family" member (because you know anyone else will snitch) and get your "fuck all you tricks" on. Then, close the door, and that portion of your mind, kiss your beautiful queen and princesses and keep doing what you are doing.

We understand.

[CakeGrrl]

1. Excellent points. I'd love to know who just unrecced my rec.

Someone who doesn't get it, obviously.

[Name removed]

2. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[babylonsister]

3. And I'm white and I have the utmost respect for President Obama

because all he seems to want to do is what is in our best interests. Go figure. Yes, he's imperfect, but the fact that he's working so hard for us, even if some of us just don't get it or see it, is more than fine with me, especially after the last cretin.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=433&topic_id=528181&mesg_id=528181

He's got backbone like ramrod, a brain bigger than his skull and a heart that just keeps beating"




״I watch the guy. And I find nothing, nothing about him that’s aloof. Look, I judge people in large part by how they treat people who wait on them at a table. Watch him. Watch how he treats ordinary people. There’s nothing aloof about him.
I think what it is, is he’s so brilliant. He is an intellectual. And the president, in a strange way, has more faith in the American people than about anybody I know. He sits there and says, “Look, we just tell ‘em. Just tell them.” It’s almost kind of a blind faith. You know, when someone will say to him, “Well, look, Mr. President, you really oughta do it this way.” “No. The American people get this. Just tell them. Just go out there and do the right thing.”
He has a great expression. He says—and the reason why I’m confident we’ll be reelected—he says, “Look, I always joke, I always wanted to be a former president. If it has to be in four years, so be it. As long as we do the right thing.”
This guy’s got a backbone like a ramrod, a brain bigger than his skull, and a heart that just keeps beatin’…..The truth of the matter is that I think the American people know where this guy’s heart is״,

[madmax]

5. +10 n/t

[political_Dem]

7. Thank you for very much for your words.

:hug:

[Inuca]

8. Thanks for bringing Biden's words

to my attention, I would have missed them otherwise (thanks impik too :-)). And I could not agree more, with what you said, what the post you quoted in the OP says, and what Biden says (very touchingly I must add).

[Rosa Luxemburg]

43. K & R!

[cilla4progress]

4. This is what I've been thinking...

This guy is among the smartest in the nation...the world. He knows EXACTLY what's going on, though, admittedly, he is subject to miscalculation, as anyone is, as Clinton was, when he denied his trespass.

But, as the writer states - I do believe, for Mr. President, it is his relations with Michelle, Malia, and Sascha, that matters most. He knows what's important. He is no doubt looking at a VERY big picture: i.e., sacrifice the mid-terms in order to foist responsibility onto the Repubs. for the longterm impact on change by timing things to win in 2012.... Though sometimes he frustrates me mightily, I believe he knows what he is doing.

Beautiful queen indeed.

I love the post. It gives me hope. Thanks, as always, BS.

[Whisp]

47. that's why the fear... because he is so smart

and not a raging fly off the handle theatrical idiot (like some want him to be).

and because he is setting a precedent that a black man can be 20 times smarter than a white son of a bush.

racism has a lot to do with how this fine man is being treated, treated so shabbily I am sickened that so many just follow along the hatewagon without considering this fact.

Racism in America is alive and well, it never really went away. The 2008 election was a wonderful sign that things were definitely on the way to improvement - but it is cultivated by the powerful to divide us and now these people are pushing all the buttons to bring up the fact that Obama is black, lazy, timid, etc..

Bless you Barack Obama, Bless you Michelle and the kids. We don't deserve you.

[political_Dem]

6. I read this powerful text in the AA group thread. I was very moved by it.

Thank you for giving me the chance to post my accolades in this thread. With so many threads wanting to destroy Mr. Obama by a thousand cuts, it was rather refreshing to read someone who knew the type of sacrifice and strife that the POTUS goes through. I don't think folks from the dominant culture truly understand what it takes for not only Black people, but for other groups of color to lead and succeed in this society.

Surely they could say that all it takes is "following the rules", pulling up one's bootstraps, and earning one's merits via hard work. Sadly, the Myth of Meritocracy tries to hide the darker side of such an outlook. Despite the fact one is at the top of one's profession, staying there is perilous and sometimes demoralizing due to the tremendous slings and arrows of negativity. Of all of us folks of color, Mr. Obama suffers the anger, the threats on his life, the attacks on his manhood, the debasing of his intellect and the dehumanization of his character daily.

As Mr. Obama sits as one of the most powerful people in the world, his very position is put in jeopardy by hatred, greed, accusations and of course, racism. Yet, he continues to move along with class and grace.

People also forget that it takes true humility to not let them see you break. For Black people, we have to learn very early in our lives not to let the outer world see us at our worst. In that vein, we must always work a hundred times more and better than The Man. This is especially done with racial bullying, social isolation at times, and acts that lead to one's humiliation--especially when one needs to keep their job.

And if you do speak up, sometimes the act of bullying, ridiculing and retribution comes with greater fury. Even after that, we still go on and keep our head high after such drastic circumstances. That is why a lot of people can see their struggles into the tribulations that Mr. Obama suffers as he pushes on and continues his heavy labors in solving our nation's problems.

It is amazing to me that he still continues to get up every morning and goes to work for the better of the country. Few people realize how much strength that takes-especially if it is tempting to give the haters the middle finger and leave them wallowing in the mire that W. built. Therefore, I think the POTUS shows tremendous bravery and grace in facing those who hate him while he continues to fight the good fight to fix America the best way he sees fit.

That is why I found so much comfort in reading Kweli4Real's treatise. That despite all the ugliness that is said on a daily basis about the President as well as the aftermath of ridicule and bullying for defending the American leader's character, somebody understands.

[babylonsister]

11. Your post is awesome! Thanks for weighing in, political_Dem!

:hug:

[political_Dem]

15. You are very welcome. It was my pleasure.

:hug:

[cilla4progress]

13. I've never wanted to print out a thread before -

but these posts here, I will print and clutch to my HEART as I move through the sadness and shock that accompanies my every day over this nation's decline. It's one thing to disagree as thoughtful adults, but the disrespect shown to this President is beyond shameful, and embarrassing, on the world stage.

I am a white woman, and I truly believe the disrespect has racist roots. There is NO OTHER explanation. I find myself wondering how it would have gone for Hillary; I think that as a woman she also would have received some level of this.

Essentially, as the initial post states, Mr. President is "sacrificing" himself in the present time for the future, larger, longterm goal of establishing non-white old men in the WHouse. And how incredibly ironic, considering the lowliness of his opposition, who only achieve their "entitledness" through their race and gender, e.g., Reagan, Bush.

I shake my head in sorrow and in anger, and repeat, Mr. President has the love, admiration and respect of those who matter, all of us and, most importantly, his "queen and princesses." He knows what he's doing, and he deserves our support.

[political_Dem]

16. Yes, I've bookmarked this thread to read when things get rough in this country.

There are people who mock the concept of hope right now. It can not be underestimated when it is used to generate courage and movement toward a better future. That is why no one should ever give up when looking toward social justice and societal change. Mr. Obama's dignity in this era can be one of the many inspirations for others to continue looking forward instead of back.

I enjoyed your enlightening comments.

:) :hug:

[cilla4progress]

17. Thank you - this thread -

for an uplifting dialogue on a snowy (here!) :) Sunday morning.

There is something magical about snow. It fits.

[babylonsister]

18. Well said, my friend!!

:hug:

[impik]

9. Thank you for this incredibly moving post. Made me tear up a little bit

[lamp_shade]

10. Wow. Thanks for posting the link in GDP. Kweli4Real wrote a beautiful, meaningful and thought-

provoking essay... a rarity here these days.

[great white snark]

12. This needed to be said and heard. Thank you.

:fistbump:

[HipChick]

14. K&R! This is what I have been saying for the longest..

[Scurrilous]

19. K & R

:thumbsup:

[rury]

28. Kicked, recommended and bookmarked!!

:thumbsup:

[jenmito]

20. Wow. This post is perfect and THEN some...

And back when Repubs. started saying they MISSED Bill Clinton, I KNEW why: because HE is WHITE and at least "deserved" to be President, unlike this "uppity" Black guy who has no business holding ANY position above them-let alone being President. :eyes:

[niceypoo]

21. ""fighting back" won't help you accomplish anything"

Stunningly ignorant statement

[babylonsister]

22. Possibly, but from who? My bet's on you. nt

[niceypoo]

23. You believe that Obama should never fight back?

He should always give up without a fight? I dont believe you believe that.

[babylonsister]

29. No, but I believe you missed the whole point. nt

[treestar]

36. Here's the part you missed:

"We understand that you understand that if you were to fight back, you will be cast as that "angry Black Man" of american mythos.

We understand that you understand that those most vocal about your not fighting back, will be the first one's to criticize you for your lack of tact, for your strategic and tactical misjudgment of antagonizing middle america."

[Beetwasher]

41. You Don't Want Him To Fight Back, You Want Him To LASH OUT

Because he IS fighting back. How do YOU suggest he "fight" back? Take his critics hunting "Cheney Style"? Politics is, for the most part, fought with words. I personally find his equanimity in the face of the vile slurs and lies launched at him from ALL sides to be the sign of incredible strength, not weakness. A lesser man WOULD have lashed back by now out of anger.

[akbacchus_BC]

24. Hi bi Sis, the minute someone post something positive about the President,

President, the swarm takes over!

[canetoad]

25. Wish I could rec this 100 times

but once and a kick will have to do :hi:

[babylonsister]

30. Awww,

:pals: Hey, my dear friend, I miss you!

[mikekohr]

26. Thank You -nt-

[Bluerthanblue]

27. excellent!

thank you for this

[Number23]

31. I LOVE IT.

And I love you for putting it in this forum, sis. Kweli's piece is wonderfully written, beautifully expressive and powerful. I'm glad that it's gotten the exposure that it deserves.

Too late to rec but I can kick!

[babylonsister]

32. Aww, glad you got to read this. my friend. HUGS! nt

[Scurrilous]

35. ...

:thumbsup:

[Kind of Blue]

33. KICK! n/t

[akbacchus_BC]

34. K &R

[treestar]

37. K&R

I have been appalled from the beginning that this Black Executive Syndrome goes straight up to the top and even gets a POTUS. IMO that is why the M$M mentions "passion" etc., they practically want to goad him into something they can Deanize.

[CitizenLeft]

38. Yep. I understand.

He's taken every single insult and slap and derogative comment and moved on. But if just once, for a second, he allowed any understandable anger to seep out, even in response to the ugliest racist insult, he would be considered "defensive," "thin-skinned," "sensitive," and "paranoid." And by the very people who attack him daily.

It is beyond me that the people who constantly call him weak CAN'T SEE THIS. I don't get what's not to get about this.

Thank you, BabylonSister, for this posting here.

And thank you, Kweli4Real. :applause:

[Beetwasher]

39. There Has Never Been Someone In Such A Position Who Ever Had To Walk So Fine A Line

n/t

[Karenina]

42. That may well be an absolute truth.

[AndrewP]

46. Well said

[FrenchieCat]

40. Yep!

[angee_is_mad]

44. K&R

and thank you.

[NOLALady]

45. Too late for a Rec.

So here is a hearty KICK!