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Few of us have really stopped to think of
the almost insurmountable obstacles that Barack Obama must
and is facing in his quest of
the presidency. I have used the word “quest” purposefully since
that, which, in my view, Senator Obama is facing, reminds me
of what the Man of La Mancha—Don Quixote faced in his legendary
quest when he too dreamt of what became an impossible dream.
Like Quijote, Senator Obama is consumed
with passion, hope and vision. Unlike Quijote who could not
persuade Sancho Panza to
see what he saw and to embrace his quest, Senator Obama has been
able to exude his passion, fervor and quiet strength to a segment
of the American people hungry to embrace a better and brighter
tomorrow. Thus, he has been able to assemble an army of Americans
who, like him, are seeking to fight the heretofore unbeatable
foe and to right the unrightable wrong. He is running where few
of the Black brave have dared to run. As I look at the political
landscape and attempt to think through the dilemma he faces and
the morass of contradictions that confronts him in the bowels
of America I feel for him. Consider this.
Senator Obama is presently challenging the “center of power” of
the Democratic Party – those whose surrogates - Black, White
and brown, speak of “change” but whose sights are really on yesterday
and who are not prepared to relinquish the reins of power that
they presently hold. He is engaged in a battle against an aging
former president who unable to leave center stage uses the defense
of his spouse to articulate a vision, who some believe, may be
his own. I have heard it said, and it need not be accurate; that
when his wife, the real candidate, in New Hampshire said that
she had “found her voice” in part that statement was her attempt
to retake center stage from her politically ego-centric spouse.
Senator Obama must overcome the many years
of ingrained systemic racism heaped upon people of color, which
has left its indelible
mark on the psyche of so many Blacks and so many whites. How
does one persuade those who have, for centuries, held one in
physical and psychological chains that the person they have held
in such contempt is now capable and willing to lead them through
the darkness that together they face? How does one convince Black
people that they should “march into hell” and to reach for the
heretofore “unreachable star” when they have been thought that
it could not and cannot be reached?
Senator Obama must walk on “egg shells.” He is not even permitted
the right to rally supporters on the issue that he would be the
First African American President. Were he to do so, he would
be accused of playing the “race card” and in so doing drive away
white support of his candidacy. On the other hand, his principal
opponent is not held to the same standards; she can rally support
of women by factually stating that she would be the First Female
President. She has yet to be accused of “playing the gender card!”
Senator Obama must overcome the perception
by many that the socio-political and economic playing field
for Blacks and the
poor in general has been re-aligned and that that they are indeed
players when the economic, educational, and cultural data clearly
demonstrates the inaccuracy of that proposition? In this regard
he still has to convince Black women, without being accused of
playing the race card, that they should not ignore the reality
of their race for the reality of their gender.
Finally, on this list, Senator Obama must
overcome those Blacks who say that he is not politically Black
enough, or “progressive
enough” to warrant their support. They, with a litany of, in
my view, self righteous "pronunciamientos," argue that
Senator Obama is not addressing the fundamental issues that affect
the Black Diasporan Community. How can he do that and expect
to win the presidency? Is it, at this potentially momentous time
in our history, more important to ignore the realities of a political
race in a nation that has been obsessed and impregnated with
racism, imperialistic fanaticism, and an organic genuflection
to corporate greed, in favor of politics of ideological correctness
and purity? My response is a resounding NO! We must continue
to attempt to grab hold of the “Bully Pulpit” of the planet and
be able to preach, teach, and address the fundamental issues
plaguing humankind.
Super Tuesday is an opportunity for African
Americans. Lets face it, were Obama to win the nomination,
it would not, I repeat
would not, substantially alter the direction of the nation,
except on the Iraq war, and an approach to health care, but it
would impact and affect the psyche of Blacks and whites. For
Blacks the glass ceiling would be cracked, and for whites the
fear of a powerful Black man would be diminished as expressed
by their vote. Bottom line. Would Hillary or McCain be better
for Blacks and as a corollary question better for America? Some
folks will vote for Cynthia McKinney - again symbolic... At this
time in my life, in light of the possible, I cannot go that route.
Do you think that if Obama did not pose a threat and have a real
chance that the Clintons and the Democratic establishment
- Black and White, would seem so scared? Puhleeeze! As
the kids say "Give me a break!" Why do we continue
to shoot ourselves in the foot?
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., near the end
of his life, said: “Sooner
or later all people of the world will have to find a way to live
together in peace and thereby transform this cosmic elegy into
a creative psalm of brotherhood. I refuse to accept the view
that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight
of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood
can never become a reality” Were Dr. King here today I believe
that he would reprise the truth of that statement and I would
passionately join him.
Senator Obama’s entire campaign so far, has essentially echoed,
in many subtle ways, Dr. Kings’ desire for “A Beloved community.” It
is because of this that I am concerned that those who do not
share the dream will continue to attempt “to scorn” Senator Obama
and “cover him with scars.” I believe that Senator Obama will
be “true to his glorious quest” and that he will continue “to
strive with his last ounce of courage to reach what appears to
be an unreachable star.”
I have used the words “appears” because it is my sense that
in spite of all of the obstacles that I have mentioned facing
Senator Obama, I am convinced that, as Dr King reminded us, “Truth
crushed to the Earth will rise again.” Therefore, no matter
how many obstacles the realistically possible First Black President
faces, if we – those of us –Black, Brown, Asian and whites; those
who believe that it is not hopeless, together, through the thistles
and thorns that fills our path, we can reach the bright star
and be victorious. I am convinced that the dream is not impossible
and that hope is contagious and springs eternal. We should,
as Adam Powell admonished, “keep the faith… baby!”
Carlos E. Russell, PhD is Professor
Emeritus C.U.N.Y. - Brooklyn College. In the sixties,
he served as an Associate Editor of the Liberator magazine.
As such, he was one of
the first to interview Malcolm X after he left the Nation.
He is best remembered as the founder of Black Solidarity
Day in New York in 1969 and as the Chair of the Black Caucus
of the Conference on New Politics in 1967. In addition, he
was a consultant to Dr.Martin Luther King Jr. during the
planning for the Poor
Peoples March. Excerpts of his participation can be seen
in Citizen
King and Eyes
on the Prize (PBS Mini Series Boxed Set).
Born in the Republic of Panama he has served as that country's
representative to the U.N and the O.A.S. with the rank of
Ambassador. He has also served as the nightly host of "Thinking
it Through" a talk show that was aired on WLIB in New
York. He is a playwright and poet as well. Click
here to contact Dr. Russell.
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