Echoes of History’s Nightmares

British journalist John Pilger commemorating the fortieth anniversary of the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy, spoke about the eerie similarities between Kennedy’s and Obama’s position on war. On Democracy Now, (June 5, 2008), Pilger argues that Kennedy was not anti-war “much like Obama.” “I draw the comparison,” Pilger said. “I see so many echoes in Barack Obama of Robert Kennedy.” As Pilger explains, Kennedy himself had actually supported the war [Vietnam War]…even when he was running as a candidate…There is a definite echo of Barack Obama – where he said, well, yes, I’m going to withdraw the troops, but when? And just as Obama is now saying – reserving his right not to withdraw troops next year. Kennedy was saying pretty much the same thing. And Pilger adds, “I think he [Kennedy] provides a very good lesson for those whose hopes are pinned on one candidate at the moment.”

Have Black Americans come a long way from the days of the Maafa, enslavement, Reconstruction, and white backlash, or has the U.S. Empire gained an internal “ally,” a new face of the same nightmare of imperialism? Will suffering in the world end? Will the people of color be assured of their security from the U.S. policy of “free” trade or face embargo or worst – war?