We
are well into the New Year with its compliment of new
beginnings and seemingly fresh starts. We are likewise
almost in the midst of another election season with the
elaboration that accompanies the anticipation, excitement,
and interest.� In this 2012 black history month we are
in the concluding days of the first term of our first
president of African American descent who in my opinion
serves as a beacon of hope for African�s of descent in
the United States, throughout the Diaspora, and people
of the world.
The caveat I would warn is that while we are at a historical
highpoint, there are issues that beg resolve continuously
and remain ever present as undercurrents. If not addressed
in a meaningful and progressive dialogue, we will collectively
be hindered as a country in our continued reach for greatness
and stature as a global power. In the recent debates and
conversations, there are some very obvious differences
between liberal and conservative philosophical thought,
and the future of our nation and its governance. The respective
differences that exist are both superficial and obvious,
but it is the average American seeking �life, liberty
and the pursuit of happiness,� that is affected the most.
There is I maintain a dangerous moral dilemma created
and draped in political rhetoric that is most recognizable
to the keenest of observer.
One need not look very far to find a cause or issue that
presents itself present in daily life. Countless people
are ill without health care insurance and or are underinsured.
We trusted banks to keep and maintain our money and investments
only to find ourselves bankrupt. Scores of people who
desire meaningful employment cannot find jobs. Higher
education has somehow because of associated costs plummeted
out of reach. Deficits continue to trump surpluses, and
socio-economic disparities continue to abound on every
level of society.� But be that as it may, somehow the
voices of a thousand ages that have historically been
ignored have by design been given a platform that is being
elevated.
It is no accident that the occupy movement has gained seemingly
unheard of momentum in virtually every community across
the nation. From the largest major city to the smallest
town the cry has been the same, �we want to be heard�.�
Perhaps Martin King prophetically conceptualized such
desire when he affirmed that �riots are the language
of the unheard.��� Even more the Occupy Movement
has in their quest as I have observed, crossed every boundary
that has historically divided us as people.� They tangibly
articulate the hurts, longings, misfortunes and other
overwhelming matters that are a result of a trickledown
effect.�
With an abundance of caution I am however optimistically
hopeful in the future of our nation and her promise, as
hope has always been a part of my African-American experience.�
Benjamin Elijah Mays captures such sentiment as he posits,
�Tomorrow may not be better, but we must believe
that it will be. Wars may never cease, but we must continue
to strive to eliminate them. We may not abolish poverty,
but we must believe that we can provide bread enough and
spare for every creature and find the means to distribute
it.� We must if only we believe!
BlackCommentator.com
Guest Commentator, The Reverend D. D. Prather, is a noted Civil/Social
Justice Activist and a native of Atlanta, GA. Click
here
to contact the Reverend Prather.
