Currently playing Pharoah Monch's "Push" on loopI might be cynical, but this sista's got hope...
The Obama campaign has recently announced that it has raised $32.5 million dollars. These numbers are higher than his top two foes Hilary Clinton and John Edwards (my person second choice after Sen. Obama). Old dude has spearheaded the largest grassroots campaign in Washington history. I know, I can't believe it either, Americans are willingly handing over money to a black man. Without the benefit of spiked kool-aid. It's the Barack Hussein Obama appeal.
To lots of white folk in Middle America, he is a kind of "New Negro". A chocolate Horatio Alger story, a black man without the "baggage" of slavery, Jim Crow, discrimination, and 400 years of history behind him. Non-threatening, "articulate", and able.
Who cares why they like him, I'm just glad their riding with him. Barack's black and brown cohorts and supporters know better. His successes would not have been possible without the struggle, building upon the dream of Fannie Lou Hamer, A. Philip Randolph, Medgar Evers, and of course Martin and Malcolm. And damnit, even Rakim and KRS One. Homeboy bypassed a lucrative legal career in favor of moving to the hood of Chicago ( without Florida, JJ and the rest of "Good Times" cast) to do some community organizing. And now as Senator from Illinois, he is the only black presence in the chambers, holding it down for the other America, putting forth our needs.
And to all of those you don't plan on pulling the lever for Obama on Feb.5th (my bday!), Primary Day, because he's black and doesn't stand a chance, well then we've already lost. We are now self-defeating, putting a smile on Strom Thurmond's face. America won't be ready for a black president, if we don't make America ready. We cannot sit idly by and let Hilary try to outblack Obama (listening to her speak at the Tavis Smiley's All American Presidential debate was like listening to a white woman catch the Holy Ghost at an AME Zion Baptist church). By no means should we vote for a candidate just because he looks like us - I see you Alan Keyes. But neither should we discount a black candiate either. In doubt, just think, WWTD, or What Would Thurgood Do?
And to keep the fire lit, watch Brother Al Sharpton put it down
http://youtube.com/watch?v=CksFf0lOO_Y
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