The dire warnings coming from Treasury Secretary Geithner about the looming August 2nd default-mageddon remind me of a ship’s mate in the crow’s nest forecasting the forthcoming doom. The thing is, we saw this iceberg about to hit this Titanic six months ago, and now it’s major? It appears America’s about to catch a cold, and when that happens, Blacks get the flu. A debt ceiling shutdown could cause all kinds of government service de-funding. Social Security payments aren’t the only federal lifeline that could grind to a halt if the debt ceiling impasse continues beyond August 2.

I’ve always enjoyed games that are decided in the last two minutes of the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, working class Americans don’t. This game has too many pawns, that is, the American people, who will lose more homes and more jobs and livelihoods. The federal government supports myriad safety net programs, such as unemployment insurance, tuition grants, food stamps, child care subsidies and housing assistance for renters and homeowners. That’s not to mention the nation’s massive health insurance programs: Medicare and Medicaid.

This picture is the mosaic of the American middle class. Within that sub-section of America, Blacks fall heavily.

When it comes to jobs, the national unemployment rate hovers around 9.2%, for blacks it stands at 16.2%. For black males the rate is even higher, at 17.5%. Things get even worse in NYC, where the Community Service Society, a New York-based think tank, reported that 34% of black men, ages 19 to 24, are unemployed. And the rate sits at an astounding 42% for black teens.

In what has been crowned, “the jewel of the United States,” Washington, DC’s numbers run an estimated 32% for Blacks in an area dubbed “East of the River.” In the very city where Obama resides, we don’t hear anything from the president on this dire issue. We need change, Mr. President!

As I look earnestly and critically at what Obama has done for this constituency, his grade is a failing one. Obama’s first term has seen landmark legislation passed and epic battles won - including healthcare reform. But when the viewfinder is narrowed and the results are counted, Blacks have benefitted the least from an Obama administration.

When the question is asked, “what have you done for me lately?” the answer falls flat. Specifically, the gay constituency can claim victory from the administration with the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and the drawdown on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). The immigrant community has come further than ever before. The Dream Act is in Obama’s sights. In 2009, his administration awarded eight organizations $2.1 million to improve the health of re-entering citizens with HIV/AIDS. And we know Black men comprise the majority of re-entering citizens.

All told, the federal government should distribute nearly $145 billion in lifeline funds next month, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center. A total of $306.7 billion in federal payments is on the hook in August.

His record of progressive accomplishment officially makes Obama the most successful domestic Democratic president of the last 40 years. Now, here’s the bad news: Is this shoddy collection of centrist, watered-down, corporatist sellout legislation all it took to make Obama the most successful domestic Democratic president of the last 40 years? If so, conventional wisdom dictates that he deserves re-election in 2012. Right? Not if he fails to deliver for core constituencies.

My message to the Black community is this: If you believe the Obama administration has done you a favor, brace yourself for more of the same, and this time, prepare to work your butts off to hold him accountable. As President Lyndon Baines Johnson said to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “OK. You go out there…and keep doing what you’re doing, and make it possible for me to do the right thing.” Dr. King delivered and so did President Johnson, in signing into law the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It’s time for Blacks to deliver to President Obama some “make me do it” moments in history. In return, President Obama will have no choice but to deliver.

BlackCommentator.com Columnist, Perry Redd, is the former Executive Director of the workers rights advocacy, Sincere Seven, and author of the on-line commentary, “The Other Side of the Tracks.” He is the host of the internet-based talk radio show, Socially Speaking in Washington, DC. Click here to contact Mr. Redd.