tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5165127750606989614.post7947320272757567905..comments2019-10-23T17:26:39.618-05:00Comments on Power From Truth: OBAMA VS. GIULIANI: AMERICA'S REAL STRUGGLE (Post #10)Chris Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14203939802471188482noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5165127750606989614.post-55324755801879392192007-02-14T00:44:00.000-05:002007-02-14T00:44:00.000-05:00Beautifully articulated. I couldn't have said it ...Beautifully articulated. I couldn't have said it better myself. I am circulating it. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5165127750606989614.post-62722208949231862392007-02-13T15:03:00.000-05:002007-02-13T15:03:00.000-05:00If you ask me, Obama should pick Al Gore to be his...If you ask me, Obama should pick Al Gore to be his running mate. Gore's star is rising again, and everyone agreed that he made a great vice president--he was just too boring to be president (or, at least, to get elected by a large enough margin of victory). He would bring the best experience around to the ticket, and I bet he'd do it. But maybe it's a little early to speculate on who Obama should pick as his running mate...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5165127750606989614.post-58751506040411065392007-02-13T13:54:00.000-05:002007-02-13T13:54:00.000-05:00Hey, David!While I have a problem with defining "q...Hey, David!<BR/><BR/>While I have a problem with defining "qualified to be President," I share many of your concerns.<BR/><BR/>Edwards is certainly interesting. I still find him a "pretty boy" living in a big fine house who may be earnest in his intentions, but who deserves a Cabinet position -- not the Presidency.<BR/><BR/>And I am waiting for Bill Richardson to "emerge" because he may surprise everyone. He has the resume some are looking for, even if his political style is more of the "operator."<BR/><BR/>Hmmmm ... what does a Richardson-Obama ticket sound like to you? Or the reverse?Chris Owenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14203939802471188482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5165127750606989614.post-22366318237102714542007-02-13T13:22:00.000-05:002007-02-13T13:22:00.000-05:00Hey, great post! I really enjoyed your analysis--t...Hey, great post! I really enjoyed your analysis--too bad you're not a congressman! <BR/><BR/>The only thing that I found myself disagreeing with was your statement that of course he's qualified to be president. I think that still remains to be seen--he's young, hasn't held executive office, and is certainly newer to politics than a lot of the folks who are running. <BR/><BR/>Still, I love the fact that he believes in nuance and acknowledging your opponent's point of view, and I love the fact that he seems sincere in giving voice to those who are yearning for an end to those things that divide us as a country. I'm sick of being so polarized, and of people on both sides looking for why their opponents are wrong, rather than in what ways they are right (I say this as an Earth First! pagan socialist who still thinks the other side has good ideas sometimes). I worry that his pr people figured this out too quickly--I'm already bored with his "let me be the vehicle for your hopes" bit--but I guess there's not much to be done about them.<BR/><BR/>I'd been waiting to learn more about Bill Richardson--he's always seemed good on the environment and had a lot of intelligent things to say--but it's going to be hard to compete with star power in this election now that everyone has figured out that we all hate George (that was why Dean could come from behind in '04--he was the only one smart enough to speak to that). I hate Edwards (talk about unqualified--here's someone who just kind of assumes that he should be president), and I don't trust Clinton, so in the end I'm thinking, you know, maybe Obama can be the vehicle for my hopes.<BR/><BR/>Anyway, good to hear from you, and keep up the good work!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5165127750606989614.post-63093325256341933622007-02-12T18:52:00.000-05:002007-02-12T18:52:00.000-05:00This may sound a little strange, but I hoped and p...This may sound a little strange, but I hoped and prayed that Senator Obama would not run for President at this time. My reasons (which are echoed by my wife) are selfish. The Senator is an exciting individual that has the ideals that would make him an excellent President. However, we still do not think this country is ready for a person of color to occupy the most powerful position in the world. <BR/><BR/>They could not protect Kennedy. They couldn't prevent Reagen from getting shot. They could not protect Bobby. The other reason is that I think the Senator could have a greater impact at this time by remaining in and focusing on his Senate seat. He's the only one we have right now and we need to build on that so that there won't only be one. <BR/> <BR/>Of course, now I will provide whatever support I can for his effort - but I really did not want him to.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5165127750606989614.post-87250577229673774922007-02-12T18:48:00.000-05:002007-02-12T18:48:00.000-05:00I agree with you, Barack is the one, he can bring ...I agree with you, Barack is the one, he can bring our party hope and the leadership our country needs now!<BR/><BR/>He needs to define himself quickly on the issues of taxes, or he will be labeled a taxer.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5165127750606989614.post-43752993547878203632007-02-12T18:47:00.000-05:002007-02-12T18:47:00.000-05:00I just happened to be listening to Barak Obama rea...I just happened to be listening to Barak Obama reading his book "The Audacity of Hope" as I opened and read your message. I too would prefer his candidacy to Hillary's.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5165127750606989614.post-17326197682150646052007-02-12T18:46:00.000-05:002007-02-12T18:46:00.000-05:00Obama rules! Good for you, and let's all do what ...Obama rules! Good for you, and let's all do what we can we get more people exposed to him: once they've heard and seen him, they're hooked!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5165127750606989614.post-38844974156276634602007-02-12T18:45:00.000-05:002007-02-12T18:45:00.000-05:00I happen to like a ticket of John Edwards and Bara...I happen to like a ticket of John Edwards and Barack Obama. But we have 1 1/2 more years to decide. <BR/><BR/>I just hope that the Dems who control congress do what they promised to show the red states that we do have Ideas and won't be corrupt like the Neocons were the past 10 years. <BR/><BR/>The dems finally have the opportunity to show what they are made of and I hope they do well.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5165127750606989614.post-7193945137374545732007-02-12T18:41:00.000-05:002007-02-12T18:41:00.000-05:00As for Barack, my concern is that over the years w...As for Barack, my concern is that over the years we have lost so many<BR/>good people at different levels of government because they jumped too<BR/>early in their careers. Of course, he wouldn't have to give up his<BR/>Senate seat to run this time so that thought may not apply.<BR/><BR/>Watching Joe Lieberman sitting with McCain lending his support to the "surge" of sending more troops to Iraq. Heaven help me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5165127750606989614.post-40348259323383999882007-02-12T18:39:00.000-05:002007-02-12T18:39:00.000-05:00Interesting, but I disagree, Obama will one day ma...Interesting, but I disagree, Obama will one day make a fine candidate true, the time is not now. He's isn't ready, so Bush was? you say, Obama needs more experience. <BR/><BR/>Unfortunately, still in 2007, a black person doesn't have the same margin of failure as an arrogant, ignorant, privileged white man. Also, Ms. Clinton would rip Obama to shreds in a debate. She should be president, but unfortunately America is not ready for her to be president (probably ever). She is brilliant and one of the top 100 lawyers in America. <BR/><BR/>I like Obama, don't get me wrong, I feel he talks a good talk but<BR/>I'm not completely convinced. I guess it's because of his haste regarding the whole thing. Our country is at a major crossroads at home and abroad we need a heavyweight leader to pull everybody, right and left, out of the dung. Unfortunately I haven't a clue who that person is (definitely not Edwards). <BR/><BR/>I fear that McCain will win because of his length of experience, military career (plus being a p.o.w.), and his connections. He is also very natural and assured as a speaker. <BR/><BR/>Anyway, that's my 2 cents.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5165127750606989614.post-14054929800294209092007-02-12T18:29:00.000-05:002007-02-12T18:29:00.000-05:00I feel like Paul Revere - telling everyone in DFA ...I feel like Paul Revere - telling everyone in DFA and elsewhere that Rudy Giuliani will definitely be the Republican nominee for President. He frightens me more than George W. Bush. When he was mayor of NYC, he was the closest thing America has seen to Benito Mussolini since Mayor Daley of Chicago.<BR/> <BR/>The Republicans will be desperate for a candidate who has a chance of winning, and already seem to be ready to ditch John McCain - because of mainstream media polls which show Giuliani with a far better chance to win than McCain in head-to-head contests with presumed Democratic candidates Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama. The media is prepping America for Clinton vs. Giuliani.<BR/> <BR/>I would certainly support Clinton over Giuliani - but keep in mind that I would support G.W. Bush over Giuliani - that is how much I despise Giuliani the Fascist. I can picture his campaign slogan "A dead squeegee person and a dead immigrant in every pot !"<BR/> <BR/>Keep in touch - I very much appreciate your blog entries.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5165127750606989614.post-51002849101821921152007-02-12T18:28:00.000-05:002007-02-12T18:28:00.000-05:00Dear M.S.,Thank you. I was referring most specifi...Dear M.S.,<BR/><BR/>Thank you. I was referring most specifically to Giuliani's post-9/11 performance, which was indeed admirable. But I do not believe that his previous seven years of disregard for civil rights should disappear in those clouds of debris. I don't trust the man to run this nation in accordance with the Constitution. Period. And now he's talking about "strict constructionist" judges ...Chris Owenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14203939802471188482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5165127750606989614.post-14488544041569729012007-02-12T18:25:00.000-05:002007-02-12T18:25:00.000-05:00I read your posting. You and I should sit and have...I read your posting. You and I should sit and have a drink and talk about this . "Flash of brilliance in the face of unspeakable tragedy," is wonderful prose to explain not just Bush but Guliani as well. I would wish more people could see that. <BR/> <BR/>As for Obama, for 15 years other than Bill Clinton nobody is as good an orator as Barack.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5165127750606989614.post-87320025911150947782007-02-12T18:22:00.000-05:002007-02-12T18:22:00.000-05:00Thank you, M.R., for responding to my blog. I'm g...Thank you, M.R., for responding to my blog. I'm glad it was helpful (though I have yet to take my own official position on this race due to journalistic considerations.)<BR/> <BR/>You are very progressive and courageous in your thinking and I certainly admire that.<BR/> <BR/>Allow me to dispute one factual assertion, however. John Kennedy actually had much more experience with federal governance by the time he assumed the Presidency than Senator Obama will have had. JFK served in the House of Representatives as well as the U.S. Senate and had already campaigned for national office unsuccessfully by 1960. It was because he was elected at such a young age that this was possible.<BR/> <BR/>Two further thoughts on this point.<BR/> <BR/>First, despite all of his "experience," JFK's most valuable training came in office with the Bay of Pigs invasion. It was the destructive and embarrassing "groupthink" surrounding that fiasco that helped prepare him for an even greater challenge, the Cuban missile crisis, where he resisted (with the help of his younger brother) taking steps that might have launched a nuclear war. <BR/><BR/>Character and judgement are the attributes that set great leaders apart -- and even they are not perfect. I highlight Obama's potential to resist "groupthink" to ensure that we all compare and contrast all of the candidates in the right way. <BR/> <BR/>Secondly, one byproduct of American racism is the fact that the average age of African Americans entering federal elected office has been higher than that of whites. And, since it is harder for African Americans to win statewide offices due to the dominance of money and the "groupthink" of our "donocracy", few African Americans have ever been in a position to launch credible Presidential campaigns. We have been the ones to "send a message" or to "hold the Democratic Party accountable." <BR/> <BR/>Obama is the first Black candidate who can perform those functions and also be taken seriously as a potential President of these United States. For those who say he "does not have enough experience," given all the other obstacles we face, I have to laugh and say, "then you will never have an African American President." <BR/> <BR/>Again, thank you for speaking out!Chris Owenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14203939802471188482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5165127750606989614.post-70030942564781793162007-02-12T18:05:00.000-05:002007-02-12T18:05:00.000-05:00Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the upco...Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the upcoming Democratic potential candidates and your responses to the Barack Obama candidacy. <BR/><BR/>You helped me to formulate my thoughts and concerns. I wish I could support Hillary Clinton as the first woman to run for president and at a time when it is indeed time for a woman to head this government. We are, after all, way behind many other countries, notably Israel, India which have had women in power. <BR/><BR/>But alas, the issue of the vote to go to war does say an enormous amount of the ability of the candidate to be willing to stand up and be counted.<BR/><BR/>I have had some concerns about Obama's lack of experience but John Kennedy did not have more and ultimately it is the person's integrity and honesty and courage which are as important as experience (which after all is on a continuum).<BR/><BR/>So I will support Obama and I thank you for helping me obtain clarity.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5165127750606989614.post-54032513063268054942007-02-12T18:04:00.000-05:002007-02-12T18:04:00.000-05:00I am going back and forth among earthlink, road ru...I am going back and forth among earthlink, road runner, and Mac.com, trying to decide whether a Macd user can get good service from ANY of them. Tonight, I have been on hold with earthlink tech suport for 55 minutes and finally hung up. They had made an important message disappear from my inbox WHILE i was reading it! <BR/><BR/>It contained a friend's suggestions on improving a very touchy comment I was writing on Israeli-Arab relations, to reply to a college classmate who had married a Lebanese and had nothing but bad to say about israel, while Hezbollah was just great, to her. <BR/><BR/>I hate to be pushed into the position of pointing out why Israel might be a bit hostile to Hezbollah, but I do not expect such a lack of fairness from well-educated women, on any topic.<BR/><BR/>Anyway, I enjoyed your piece VERY much and understand your pride in a black candidate for President, be it Jesse or Obama. I was not proud of Joe Lieberman but I agree that was different. My children gave me Sen. Obama's book and I have been enjoying it very much.<BR/><BR/>However, to keep the channels clear between us (and I have never been called shy), I do not believe that Sharpton cares whether his cause is right or wrong, so long as he can pose as a black "leader." <BR/><BR/>It is not for a white person to say who is and who is not, but he would certainly come into the arena with cleaner hands if he were ever to admit that the Tawana Brawley case was a hoax and if he paid that assistant DA what a Court awarded for his slanders. <BR/><BR/>Sharpton could find enough legitimate causes of action if he did not immediately crank up his publicity machine EVERY time a black is shot by a cop, even a black cop.<BR/><BR/>I hope you get that, even if you hate what I am writing, I am writing it to you out of respect and because I do NOT think you think like he does. I also think Sharpton has been trying to clean up his act, but he thinks he can do it while sweeping some things under the rug and I do not agree.<BR/><BR/>I do hope you will be as candid as I have been.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5165127750606989614.post-18763529137987784792007-02-12T17:57:00.000-05:002007-02-12T17:57:00.000-05:00Nothing would make me happier then to vote for Oba...Nothing would make me happier then to vote for Obama as a left-wing<BR/>candidate. However, I don't know of any positions that he's taken<BR/>that would lead me to see him that way. My impression is that he<BR/>supported Lieberman in the primary. I pray that this information is<BR/>wrong. <BR/><BR/>While I have nothing but contempt for Hilary Clinton, I do respect Edwards and feel that he is taking much clearer positions than Obama. Do you think that Obama would have voted against the war if he had been in the Senate or would he have acquiesced like the others? <BR/><BR/>At any rate I admire you for trying to push him to the left and for acknowledging that lack of goosebumps should not be a<BR/>consideration in voting. However, I wonder if the goosebumps are<BR/>absent because the content is also absent. <BR/><BR/>After all Obama is being<BR/>supported by Oprah Winfrey who is hard to think of as a person with a<BR/>class analysis.<BR/><BR/>Thanks again for working so hard. I am eager to know what you think.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5165127750606989614.post-3710200227131457582007-02-12T17:53:00.000-05:002007-02-12T17:53:00.000-05:00I believe our views are from completely different ...I believe our views are from completely different places, and I do not think the solutions to the problems of the day can be found through discourse between those who have taken sides in the current political environment. When there is a legitimate movement towards reducing the size and reach of the federal government, then maybe I will become enthusiatic. But as long as politicians, especially at the federal level, continue to enjoy and maintain the power they have been able to accummulate over the years, my fear is that we will just have to wait until things hit bottom before real change can occur. I'm glad that as a Christian my hope resides elsewhere.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5165127750606989614.post-8750868206004829522007-02-12T17:51:00.000-05:002007-02-12T17:51:00.000-05:00i think there are more candidates then Hillary and...i think there are more candidates then Hillary and Obama!!!<BR/><BR/>Richardson, Edwards, and who knows mayby someone else. Rudy is the worse possible in my eyesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5165127750606989614.post-54926220575747796672007-02-12T17:46:00.000-05:002007-02-12T17:46:00.000-05:00I do so enjoy listening to you think, Chris, and y...I do so enjoy listening to you think, Chris, and your sense of humor. <BR/><BR/>I personally got distracted from hearing Obama's words on 60 Minutes because his features are just so beautiful that you wonder how he'll ever get a message across. (Sort of kidding) I loved the interview, and it only reconsolidated my opinion of him. I loved his 1st book (read right after it came out) which revealed a thoughtfulness and kind of complex intelligence and depth and decency and honesty that blew me away. It was such a good read! So I'd love to see that in the White House. And Hilary don't got that kind of stuff! <BR/><BR/>On the other hand, I am soooo certain of the determination of the skinheads and white supremacists to NEVER let that happen, that I can't help myself from not wanting him to win, b/c I don't think the loose cannons among them can be stopped. Isn't that awful?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5165127750606989614.post-39869494515469412702007-02-12T17:43:00.000-05:002007-02-12T17:43:00.000-05:00Hi Chris,What a profound and timely commentary. I ...Hi Chris,<BR/><BR/>What a profound and timely commentary. I thought this past weekend was quite extraordinary as well. It was not lost on me that while Tavis and his crew were in Jamestown, Virginia on the Historically Black Campus of Hampton University, acknowledging the 400th anniversary of African Slaves arriving in this country; Barack was announcing his candidacy for the Presidency of the United States of America. It is a testament to how we have strived in this country to be recognized as human beings. Do you realize that if Barack were elected we (Black People) would once again elevated to our rightful role on the planet and that is to be “Running Sh$%! <BR/><BR/>I want to say thank to you Chris for your diligence and commitment to the struggle, remember the words of Dr. Cornel West, ‘ Before you can lead the people, you’ve got to love the people”, true indeed, true indeed. Thank you to your father for his years of dedicated service to the people of Brooklyn, it did not go unnoticed. I look forward to continuing to read your musings. <BR/><BR/>I should add that as a product of a poor neighborhood in Chicago, IL. I have experienced first hand the types of obstacles and barriers for Blacks growing in the inner city, and if Barack dealt with that, then trust me my brother, he is definitely Black enough.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5165127750606989614.post-27477476130542021702007-02-12T14:00:00.000-05:002007-02-12T14:00:00.000-05:00Hi, Walter!I was watching most of the State of the...Hi, Walter!<BR/><BR/>I was watching most of the State of the Black Union panels and find certain aspects to be refreshing and necessary.<BR/><BR/>I was puzzled by Dr. West's clear criticism of Obama's absence. Did Tavis Smiley indicate that Obama had been invited and had chosen not to attend? I'm sure that, at a minimum, the Senator would have attempted to make a video hook-up once he knew his announcement would conflict with the session.<BR/><BR/>Frankly, I stumbled upon the broadcast as I was looking for the Obama announcement. I'm glad I did, but I did not get the impression that these sessions "define" one's commitment to improving the State of Black America.<BR/><BR/>I attended the session held at Concord Baptist Church, here in Brooklyn, and it was inspirational in some ways.<BR/><BR/>But, in other ways, Obama is now doing what the SOUBA demand of our leaders. He is getting out there and subjecting himself to the trials and tribulations of a certain type of journey while de facto changing that much for the better the image of Black Americans in the eyes of American whites and the international community forever.<BR/><BR/>The very fact that the Australia's Prime Minister Howard chose to attack Obama illustrates the power of his stance (however moderate) against the war when combined with a broader and deeper appeal. And it reflects the subconscious fear that some people have that there may indeed be African Americans who lead our nation -- and lead it better than others have. Howard did not attack Clinton or Edwards or Kucinich; he attacked Obama.<BR/><BR/>So, in my humble opinion, Dr. West and others (however much I admire them) can afford to be LESS pointed in their remarks.<BR/><BR/>On the other hand, the commentators do reflect a segment of the national Black community -- albeit the minority -- that has yet to connect to Obama. Dr. West endorsed Bill Bradley for President in 2000 -- not Ralph Nader, who is closer to his West's world view on many matters. So West himself can own his own transformative approaches to the world, but not necessarily be someone who avoids all moderation.Chris Owenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14203939802471188482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5165127750606989614.post-87622402150944444892007-02-12T11:08:00.000-05:002007-02-12T11:08:00.000-05:00His Chris,Walter here. Maybe because I am a fan bu...His Chris,<BR/><BR/>Walter here. Maybe because I am a fan but I did get goosebumps from the U2 song and thought it was a great lead in song. Who says a black candidate has to play soul music when he begins his campaign. Of course, he did play more soul music than rock. But hey, that's just me.<BR/><BR/>Chris, I'd like your take on Cornell West's and other SOBA panelists attack on Obama. Seems like they wanted him there to kiss there rings or a maybe its that crabs in a bucket analogy that my grandmother used to mention.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5165127750606989614.post-35510218344890928052007-02-12T01:59:00.000-05:002007-02-12T01:59:00.000-05:00Obama is certainly a breath of fresh air in Americ...Obama is certainly a breath of fresh air in American presidential politics. The scope and depth of his grass roots experience, intellect and vision, far supass that of the other other presidential hopefuls.<BR/><BR/>May those who grab at rhetorical straws in their quest to discredit this great candidate, be enlightened by the unfolding truth about the stunning credibility of this community organizer, scholar/author, civil rights attorney, and visionary leader. <BR/><BR/>The task ahead for Obama is no less daunting than it was for Lincoln. But we can be confident that just as Lincoln audaciously and successfully dealth with the problems of the union of his time, so will Obama in our time. In fact, Obama has already proven to America that he has what it takes to do the job. <BR/><BR/>With his confidently cool approach to studying and solving problems, Obama the consensus builder who knows when to break away from the pack and lead with integrity, is already addressing the important issues of our day - the war in Iraq; global warming; and failing policies in health, education and economic development. <BR/><BR/>Let's be vocal and tangible in our support for our (America's) Moses.ghopkinshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02074678679083557804noreply@blogger.com