Democratic Sen. Barack Obama set the tone on Tuesday regarding the discussion about race. Taking the political high ground, Obama not only stepped up to the plate but took his critics head on and challenged them to be more positive about the race discussion to move the country forward and not remain stagnant.
Blogs around the world have been recording folks reactions with many believing this was the most powerful speech he has given to date and other believing he is just another used car salesman.
Many were disappointed that Obama just denounced Rev. Wright’s rhetoric and not the man. Many equated what he said with his character, which Obama quickly justified in his speech that the man is much more than the highly inflammatory sermon he gave.
Obama turned a negative into a positive and with many equating his speech to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a dream speech” or President John Kennedy’s speech inspiring Americans to do what they can to move the country forward.
But Obama’s speech is much more than that, he made history.
Bobleblah on the Huffington Post blog said it best:
“Wow! he said it all. This speech is of historic nature. This is the stuff of History. For those of you who can step back from the news cycle and understand it, take hold of this.The thoughtfulness of Barack's world view simply reinforces to me just how much of the real deal he is. For those of you who hate Barack, I have no doubt you will do your job and continue to Hate. I feel sorry for you because History is skipping right by you. For those of you who support Barack, don't even get yourself worked up, while arguing with those who want to scuff up the shine on these Historic words by Sen Obama. This is a time to be proud of a presidential candidate who has shown candidness on the most taboo subject in our country. And he did it with the grace and dignity that has been the hall mark of the way he has conducted himself.To those of you who hate Barack Obama, I have NO DOUBT you will keep on hating, afterall,thats what you were put here to do. For those of you who see the opportunity we all have in front of us at this moment, take a deep breath and feel proud of what has just taken place. You have have just heard the words of a real leader. Calm, collected and imbued with a dignity and class that should make us all proud. But thats JUST my opinion.”
No matter who you are in America discussion racial issues is an emotional one. Whether that discussion involves office politics, family politics, or your allegiance to a political party racial discussion have taken on a new tone.
Are you up for the disucssion.