Political Insider

By JK

June 21, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

That is absolutely ridiculous! It is clowns like Steele who keep this nonsense in the public eye. Otherwise, its not an issue.

By Asand211

June 21, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

It is quite shameful that some people have no other argument than race when things do not go their way. Michelle Obama has been criticized, not attacked, for the words SHE has chosen. If she is ashamed of her country as she has indicated then all I have to say is, “Delta is ready when you are”. Also, the SCLC is nothing more than a group that race hustles and does it’s best to stir up trouble. That is the only way it can stay in the headlines and in business. That’s right, I said business. If you’ll notice it indicates that Steel spoke to a group that consisted of black people only. It is the ultimate goal of the SCLC to keep America divided by races because should that no longer be the case then there will be no place for the group. True Christians do not attempt to divide people into groups as this organization does, but it is this ongoing division led by groups such as the SCLC that keeps groups like the SCLC in business.

By We The People

June 21, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

We are so sick of hearing about slavery and racism. If Obama is elected, you can BET it will be heard a lot more. Electing him will be the greatest mistake America has ever made. A Muslim in the White House will mean death to America as we know it.

By alan

June 21, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t say it’s because of her heritage…but I will definitely say that McCain’s wife has not gotten the same harsh treatment meted out to Michelle.

The question though is why ?

Alan

By We The People

June 21, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

We are so sick of hearing about slavery and racism. If Obama is elected, you can BET it will be heard a lot more. Electing him will be the greatest mistake America has ever made. A Muslim in the White House will mean death to America as we know it.

By shelly

June 21, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

huh????

By mim

June 21, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

Move ahead and get out of the past. Is that the reason for not succeeding, drugs, prison etc is getting old? You can use anything as a crutch.

By DaninMacon

June 21, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

Alan, it is because she has been out on the stump saying some truly stupid things. Michelle pops off all the time. That is why she is getting the “treatment” she and others have been b!tching about.

For the record, it has been the media pushing this race angel. The SCLC should be ashamed of itself. Unfortunately, it has been decades since that organization has had any shame to speak of.

By Sonya

June 21, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

Electing and re-electing George Bush was the greatest mistake America has ever made. George Bush in the White House MEANT death to American soldiers as we know it…

By Kay

June 21, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

You say you’re so sick of hearing about slavery, huh? Well, guess what? It happened in the United States of America- the Land of the Free.

Are you sick of hearing about the Holocaust, too?

I guess not.

By Abe

June 21, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

Alan,

I told my wife the other day (we’ve been married for 27 years) that for the first time in our married life, I really love her.

Boy was she upset. And the thing is, I just can’t figure out why.

Being the sharp person you are—well, I’m wondering if you can help me with this one.

By mike

June 21, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

Everyday the blond looking people on tv news bring out race when talking about this election. When a black person saids something about it then the haters come out. You will never get away from it since this country was built on slavery and racism. I saw interviews with McCain’s wife and one with Michelle. If I was a racist white man I would be scared of Michelle also. In my 58 years of living I have not seen or met any white folks that could match her intelligence and attitude.

By Frederick Douglass

June 21, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

Correction, that should’ve read “WHEN OBAMA IS ELECTED”.

By American man

June 21, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

I think this is yet another excuse to use race as an issue when it’s clearly not! It’s also crazy to think Obama is a muslim. From everything I’ve read, he’s a christian.

By BlacksAreFools

June 21, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

Sometimes I wonder if the racists are not right. Blacks are always represented by fools.

By Abe

June 21, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

Sonya,

President Bush isn’t running for re-election. Get a copy of the Constitution and educate yourself.

Radical Islam means death to everyone who isn’t a radical Islamist. At least that’s their goal.

And get over it. Self-pity and whining aren’t very becoming.

By sam1234

June 21, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

Obama is a “sleeper” muslim.

BTW Michelle only comes off smart because she doesn’t speak ebonics. I think she is stunningly average.

By Abe

June 21, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

Mike,

Actually, this country was built on freedom from the king and religious pluralism.

But don’t let me get in the way of telling a good story.

If you feel better about yourself by blaming your self-inflicted ills on “slavery and racism”, go right ahead.

And bless your heart.

By Educator

June 21, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this

Regarding “We The People”,it is individuals like you that need to hear about slavery and racism.

By Jean

June 21, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

I don’t believe the statement made about Michelle by the memeber of the SCLC

By D'angelo

June 21, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

Blaming everything on slavery is key to some blacks. It excusing them from working hard. Look at Sharpton and Jackson, the have gotten rich off that crap for years. They go around stirring up trouble and dividing the country, while telling blacks that all their problems are whitey’s fault.

By Bob Jones

June 21, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

Yeah Mike, we are scared of Michelle because of her superior intelligence. Its almost every day where we read about the lost tribe of white people who never advanced beyond using spears. Then there are the starving white people around the world who can not feed themselves.

Maybe we can learn from her.

By catlady

June 21, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

Being more discreet in her speech/behavior might make Mrs. Obama more likeable and less of a liability. Her ancestors don’t have anything to do with it, but her inability/unwillingness to think before she speaks sure does.

“She measures her criticisms with teaspoons” ought to be her motto.

By Traci

June 21, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

This premise about slaves is ridiculous.

But I do see that images and the comments made about Michelle Obama are harsher than those made about Cindy McCain.

Fox news statement about her being - Baracks “Baby Mama” was DISRESPECTFUL.

and the person who ran it across the bottom of the TV program - should have been fired.

John McCain has said something similar about not being proud of his country —- why is that not being blasted on the TV 24/7 ??

Cindy McCain is a drug addict - why is that not being blasted all over the TV.

I do know that I will not tolerate much more of the Michelle bashing.

This contest is between the husbands not the wives!

By GMAN

June 21, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

It is obvious from reading some of the things on this blog that most of you haven’t the slightest idea what Michelle Obama has said. You gotten your “information” from unreliable 2nd, 3rd, and 4th hand information, which is quite a shame for a people who claim to be educated. But then what should I expect from a state that ranks near the bottom in education. By the way, who said this…“I didn’t really love America until I was deprived of her company.” (John McCain - March 13, 2008)

By Abe

June 21, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

The “Educator” probably teaches “facts” such as “this country was founded on racism and slavery.”

That’s one reason why today’s children are in such sad shape from an educational perspective.

See you cats later. I’m going to go take some diversity training…. [“White men are evil, slavery still exists, white men are evil….”]

By Miranda

June 21, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

Why hasnt Cindy McCain, drug addicted thief and adulterer, been criticized for obviously not upholding the great American ideals of morality and pureness? Oh…because those don’t exist.

Of course the second Mrs. McCain is proud of her country….any many other countries, her adultery alone would be grounds for death….as it stands, she can fool around with a married man and its perfectly okay under the Judeo-Christian society that is the USA. God Bless America…indeed.

By Jean

June 21, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

I don’t believe the statement made by the member of the SCLC is correct. However, I do have to believe that race may be a factor. Especially, if Mrs. Cain is a formal drug addict and I don’t hear anyone talking about that. Let’s be real here. We have a very intelligent and strong black woman here who represent a lot of black women who is on the same level as she. White america may not want the world to know that we have these kinds of black women in the country contrary to what the media shows.

By Jean

June 21, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

I don’t believe the statement made by the member of the SCLC is correct. However, I do have to believe that race may be a factor. Especially, if Mrs. McCOCAINE is a formal drug addict and I don’t hear anyone talking about that. Let’s be real here. We have a very intelligent and strong black woman here who represent a lot of black women who is on the same level as she. White america may not want the world to know that we have these kinds of black women in the country contrary to what the media shows.

By Kay

June 21, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

All of black people’s problems are not related to the white man; however, I get so tired of white people trying to act as if slavery did not happen- and constantly remembering the Holocaust. Very hypocritical.

By get use to it

June 21, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

Michelle has said some negative things about our country and some negative things have been said about her. She had better get some thick skin if she intends to stay in the lime light. This is what this country is all about - freedom of speech - on both sides. Welcome to politics!!

By Alexis

June 21, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

@asand21 get a clue she did not say she was ashamed of her country but I will be the 1st to admit that I have been more than once and sure I will be again. The one thing John Edwards had right was the things he said about two americas. D’Angelo slavery is a part of african american history and we are always told to get over it. Nobody tells the native americans to get over they were giving land and casinos, nobody tells the Jews to get over the holocust. I would also beg to differ with you about working hard as well. That is such an ignorant statement. Racism is still alive and well in this country and nobody blames everythng on the white man but they arent all innocent either. Blacks do not have to stir the race pot we live in everyday!!!

By Steve

June 21, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

Kay, slavery is a very unfortunate incident that occurred in our nation’s past, however, I am confident there isn’t anyone alive today who was a slave nor are there any slave owners still alive. I think it is time that you past this. It will never go away as long as it is in your box of excuses when things do not go your way.

By L'angelo

June 21, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

This article is right on the money. We tend to forget that Mr. Obama is not a traditional African-American. As such, white people are so much more willing to accept him than they would ever a descendant of slaves. This is typical though, America has always given EVERYONE else the opportunity to be “American”, over African-Americans. If Mr. Obama win, this will still not be as historic as someone of slavery lineage. It must be remembered that Mr. Obama’s childhood and upbringing are much more typical of white americans than black. While Obama has a great amount of connection to the African American community, his only real connection to the true African American experience comes from his wife.

By Alexis

June 21, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

Michelle can handle this foolishness the right is throwing at her she is a educated strong black woman who has had to WORK HARD 4 everything she has gotten as most of us have had to do. She was great and dynamic on the view so all you haters will be ok. Barack is not a Muslim and everybody knows that. So what if he was I would still vote for him. Not all Christians are saints and some of these post have proven that. I can’t wait until we takeover the white House. Michelle has not said anything that warranted Fox to refer to her as a Baby Mama.

By Kay

June 21, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

Abe,

This country may not have been founded on slavery and racism, but it took two centuries to eradicate the slavery part.

By BillyRip

June 21, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

Everything about White People is racist. This is the first time in my life I been proud of this country, and I spend 24 years of my life in the US Army. If whites thinks there is not Privileges in being white, they’re crazier than I thought. It is in vain to hope to please all people alike. Let a man stand with his face in what direction he will, because with most decisions made, he must necessarily turn his back on one half of the world.

Truth is Truth.

By asand211

June 21, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

Kay, no one has forgotten slavery or the holocaust, however, bringing it up every time things do not swing in your favor helps no one, not even you. It only marginalizes the speaker and puts them in a category of whiners. Using legitimate and relevant arguments regarding current problems is much more effective. Unfortunately, there are those who have been taught that every woe they suffer is because of the color of their skin when a more effective lesson would have been to teach them to overcome and sometimes accept the blame rather to always look for someone else to blame.

By alan

June 21, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

Abe - Actually,being the sharp person as you are, you SHOULD HAVE REMEMBERED THAT THE FIRST TIME YOU TOLD YOUR WIFE YOU LOVED HER WAS AT THE ALTER, not the “other day” as you claim. Or was it the second time?

Please stop repeating the mantra you hear on talk radi where everyone calls in to say “You are a great American,” with hardly any dissenting views.

Okay, let’s all now dress in red, white, and blue 24/7…Never criticize or say we dislike our country for one reason or the other ever. Everything our country has done is great !

HERE IS A FACT: Both Obama’s have said again and again that “NOWHERE IN THIS WORLD IS THEIR STORY EVEN POSSIBLE.” I wonder why that statement is not getting play or being put in a loop and played over and over again.

Alan

By Kiki

June 21, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

I am SO OVER the Michelle Obama comment. Can we talk about Cindy McCain’s prior addiction to prescription painkillers and the fact that she stole medication from her own charity organization that furnished medicine to underprivileged children and families? Of course Cindy is “always proud of her country.” She inherited a company worth over $100 million. If she doesn’t represent the elite in this country, then who does? It certainly isn’t the Obamas.

By asand211

June 21, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this

Alexis, you are correct when you say that racism still exists in this country, however, you fail to say that it is equally divided. Michelle Obama’s statement that for the first time in her adult life she is proud to be an American tells me that she is ashamed of this county. Also, the fact that you base your argument on something said by John Edwards completely destroys any credibility you have. It’s easy for a millionaire to claim he is watching out for the middle class and John Edwards has. He does so from his sprawling mansion. Alexis, after writing what you just did I would not describe anyone’s statements as ignorant.

By EMMA

June 21, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

For We The People Obama is not a Muslim. He is a Christian. Before you speak out on something know your facts first. It’s ignorant peole like you that enslaves all of us everyday!!!

By Kay

June 21, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

C’mon, Steve, “slavery is a very unfortunate incident….” What??????

If you erase the actuality of slavery, erase the history books. It happened. Period.

I never said I blame the white man for all of black people’s problems- that would be ignorant. I also am aware that there are probably no previous slave owners alive today.

However, not mentioning slavery as a part of history is inaccurate. It seems that this uncomfortable topic would be covered in a box and buried by many white people. It may be uncomfortable to talk about, but IT HAPPENED!!!!

Would you like for all of history to disapear or just the part about slavery? And by the way, Steve, we will continue to talk about the Holocaust- another “unfortunate event”- because it didn’t happen in this country, right?

By Bou

June 21, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

What a jack-a*!

By getagrip

June 21, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

I am so tired of slavery talk. The first slaves from Africa that were sold into slavery were sold by other African (negroid)tribes in Africa to Dutch trading ships. As far as being “African-American” only those who were born in Africa or their parents or grand-parents were can rightfully claim African-American heritage. I know of white people, yes WHITE people who are African-American. The term is NOT a synonym for the term “black”. As far as the Holocaust, there were a whole heck of a lot more Jews murdered by Hitler than there were slaves mistreated by their white masters. Oh, by the way, Northerners owned plenty of slaves, too in case some of you didn’t know.

By newkid

June 21, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this

Mr. Steele, in defending his IL-logic, said: ” I don’t care what you say.”

Mr. Steele knows his rubbish is clear and proper nonsense, but his wish isn’t to have that drivel properly debated and debunked ‘on the public square’, so he uses the escapist refrain “I don’t care what you say”. Well, those wishing to pursue truth should not care at all about Mr. Steele’s completely unsupported protestation of the sort we heard in that audio clip. His is precisely the sort of nonsense that undermines otherwise legitimate expressions of concern about impediments to progress.

Mr. Steele, your argument is completely void of logic, and frankly not worthy of the time we’ve thus far accorded it. Please spare us. We’re moving forward despite all efforts to the contrary.

By g. alexander

June 21, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this

Sorry, but I feel that this person is full of mis_information

By Craig

June 21, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

I am continually amazed at the collective ignorance of Blacks concerning slavery. First of all, less than 10% of the people in the South ever owned a slave. Second, seeing how nobody has owned a slave in over 150 years, why do Blacks keep refering to slavery as if it still keeping them from obtaining whatever it is they want to achieve in this life? American Blacks are not the only people to have been enslaved and mistreated. Slavery has occured in all societies since the beginning of time. Many other races and classes of people have overcome slavery and created successful and vibrant countries and communities.So why do American Black leaders keep refering to slavery? Because its more convenient to blame the white man on their failures as a people to achieve success than it is to take the blame for their own choices in life. Simple as that. All one has to do is look at the growing Black middle and uppper classs to realize that if you work hard,get a good education, and make good choices in life, anyone can succeed in this country. That is the promise of America. The Right to Pursue what makes you happy and successful, not a guarantee. Millions of native born people as well as legal immigrants have succeeded in building a better life for themselves and their families in this great country. Black people need to quit b*** about what they ain’t got, stop looking to the government to care for them and take responsiblity for their own well being and happiness.

By Kiki

June 21, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

Everyone who listens to Michelle Obama say “For the first time in my adult life, I am REALLY proud of my country” and interprets that to mean she is somehow ashamed of her country, is a MORON. And that also goes for all you folks who say Obama is Muslim. They’re called FACTS. You should check them out sometime instead of gleaning your talking points from the propaganda spewed by faux news.

By James

June 21, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

Kiki, I agree. Let’s move past the Michelle Obama comment. But let’s also move past Cindy McCain’s drug use. Unless of course you are willing to talk about BHO’s past drug use. It isn’t alleged. He freely admits it in his book (not sure if you read). In fact, he stops just short of admitting to SELLING drugs. But that has no bearing on today. Let’s talk about the real issues.

By Kay

June 21, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

Asand211,

The word slavery probably wouldn’t have been in this blog if We The People did not say he/she was “sick of hearing about it.” You never read that I blamed anyone for anything. I am merely reiterating that to say you (or We The People) are are sick of hearing about slavery is illogical- because slavery DID happen.

By that girl

June 21, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this

I see everyone always uses Michelle Obama’s “First time…” comments as a crutch. What about John McCain’s comments that aren’t publicized in the media:

Link:text to be linked

By CoCoMarie

June 21, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

Michelle says that for the first time in her adult life she’s proud of this country because her husband is doing well in the campaign, that America is a downright mean country. I think she probably got carried away with the moment when she said such things, but this is a contest for the Presidency, and such remarks do not play well on Main Street. Cindy McCain doesn’t say much because she can’t - she had a nearly fatal stroke a few years ago and still has challenges because of it. Let’s give Michelle the benefit of the doubt and assume she didn’t mean exactly what she said. But the reason she is getting heat is because she said what she said, not because she is descended from slaves and Obama is not.

By slaves

June 21, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

My mother was a Slave, can we not get over it? This happened so long ago. Mover on and make change for yourself, you can not change the past.

By Kiki

June 21, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

James, I am in total agreement. We could raise similarly misleading points on either candidate, and their wives. These superficial issues veil the more important ones of who is the best person to run the country, who will best solve the energy situation, who will improve our foreign relations quagmire, who will implement policies to strenghten the economy? It is frustrating when everyone seems to be more concerned with issues that are a result of misinformation or sensationalism. The media is to blame to a certain degree, but it is up to us to ask the real questions. On a sidenote, why does every blog on the Obamas turn into a discussion on slavery?

By Corlyss

June 21, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

If the issue here is slavery, I think it notable to mention that the origin of the African people coming to America were sold by their own African tribes for the purpose of working for white American landowners. As I regret the actions that the early Europeans took against the native FIRST, I, an American citizen, born 1958, regret the circumstances of the first African Americans. However, as with things that happen in my own life, we can only learn from the past, and hope to make better decisions and lives for ourselves in the future. Blame for past wrongs does nothing to move any of us, or our country forward in positive directions. Neither Michelle or Cindy owe us anything or deserve our criticism unless they intend to have the power to lead our country in a direction drastically different than the position we find ourselves in after 8 years of a lieing manipulating, dishonorable administration which we can only hope to survive for 7 more months. I want a President, who can re-develop a place of honor and respect for our wonderful country in the world as it is today.

By AtlantaGal

June 21, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

We all came from somewhere. And we all have stories of struggle.Whether racial, religous or physical. You know? Or the great equalizer: economics. The important thing is how do we move to the next level? We are all one planet and need to accept our differences. Figure out how to best use our resources in a united way. I appreciate so much his call to action and the hope that he inspires. I am white, from Atlanta, and sick and tired of folks who do not know or want to embrace diversity. That’s why I live intown. We do. And we vote Democratic! Go Obama! I am excited about his vision for America. She is an inspiration to all.

By Sam1234

June 21, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

ObamaOsama is a muslim. That is why he wants to talk to Iran. He wants to catch up with his crazy Muslim biddies.

By Ray Grant

June 21, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this

Is “Slave Blood” a race?

By Kay

June 21, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

Since ignorance is bliss, I will attempt to explain my comment once more. WE The People said he/she was sick of hearing about slavery. I think that is not realistic.

As a Black (or African-American because my ANCESTORS came across the waters by way of boat/ship from Africa),I realize that within the Black community we have a myriad of plaguing problems. I recognize that we have high proportions of out-of-wedlock births, a soaring prison population, many single-parent family households, higher than desired high school drop out rates, and I could go on. However, I admit that we have a problem. And I, unlike some, am not blaming the white man on all of these problems.

However, if history books are correct, an estimated 15 million slaves were transported from Africa to America between 1540-1850 and many of those slaves died on the way to America. They were treated as property- not human beings. They became slaves once captured- not once they arrive on these shores. So, what am I saying? Slavery happened and only uninformed and ignorant people refuse to acknowledge that fact.

By sharon

June 21, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

To the people criticizing Michelle, I wonder if you can hold a candle to her. Also, for this woman to be referred to as a “washer woman or baby mama” is disrepectful and shameful. And you people have the nerve to wonder why we are always angry and fighting for fairness and equality. Please! Also, I saw Michelle on The View and they cleared up her being misinterpreted about not being proud of her country. The speech was played and what has been left out is her saying “for the first time in my adult life I am REALLY proud of my country. How this could be interpeted that she is un american is beyond me. I will take Barack (the so called Muslim) and Michelle (the America hater) over any of you so called patriotic christian people.

By Steve

June 21, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

I really could care less about slavery and racism. Also, i am a white heterosexuzl male too. I bet that bothers the heck out of you people.

By Paul

June 21, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this

I don’t give a rat’s a$$ what color Barrack or his wife are, or whether she is a descendent of slaves. What I care is that he is a Marxist in terms of economics, a libertine in terms of social issues, and a naive fool when it comes to national security.

I voted for W twice, and despite our woes, he was still a better choice than Gore or Kerry. I was NOT an early supporter of McCain, but he is clearly the best option remaining for us. Barrack’s supporters are incapable of articulating his strengths- they just repeat the mantra “no third Bush term”, which is a blatant lie, because McCain has been constatntly criticized for FAILING to toe the party line.

We are at a critical fork in our nation’s history. One of our founder’s- either Jefferson or Franklin, I forget- made a statement that is beginning to ring true. I am paraphrasing, but the gist of the statement was that when those who TAKE from the treasury outnumber those who CONTRIBUTE to the treasury, a democracy is doomed to fail.

The election of Barrack Obama will signal that this time has come- if he wins, God have mercy on our nation.

By Wanda

June 21, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this

Many may not like what Mr Steele had to say but let’s not pretend that Racism isn’t alive and living today in these United States. No matter how far we come as Black People we will always not be equal to the white man. These people “white America” is searching for any and all things to throw at the Obamas. They are mad as HELL that is man has broken down the front door and is heading towards the White House.If a black woman speaks up for herself and others she must be “ANGRY” or MAD!!I wish it was not so but it is all about one set of rules for them and definitely another set for us.

By Wanda

June 21, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this

Many may not like what Mr Steele had to say but let’s not pretend that Racism isn’t alive and living today in these United States. No matter how far we come as Black People we will always not be equal to the white man. These people “white America” is searching for any and all things to throw at the Obamas. They are mad as HELL that is man has broken down the front door and is heading towards the White House.If a black woman speaks up for herself and others she must be “ANGRY” or MAD!!I wish it was not so but it is all about one set of rules for them and definitely another set for us.

By Wanda

June 21, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this

Many may not like what Mr Steele had to say but let’s not pretend that Racism isn’t alive and living today in these United States. No matter how far we come as Black People we will always not be equal to the white man. These people “white America” is searching for any and all things to throw at the Obamas. They are mad as HELL that is man has broken down the front door and is heading towards the White House.If a black woman speaks up for herself and others she must be “ANGRY” or MAD!!I wish it was not so but it is all about one set of rules for them and definitely another set for us.

By middle84

June 21, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

Kay,

I’m black too. I just have one thing to say: Get over it and tell every black person you know to get over it.

I just can’t believe that such an article got approved by an senior editor. This entire article is insulting to every sane person BLACK, WHITE, GREEN or PURPLE.

Please stop printing trash like this.

Political Insider: We’ve already overcome. Don’t you get it?

By Kay

June 21, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this

Okay, Middle84,

Here goes…”Every black person I know- get over it!!!!”

(LOL- just a little humor, Middle84)

And with that said, I reliquish my discourse.

By Andrew

June 21, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this

Though, it seems that trying to get you inbred hicks to do something simple as looking up the facts is like pushing your gas-guzzling truck through the eye of a needle. I guess when the only issue you care about is forcing a woman to bare a child she was raped into having, 4, 5, and 6$ a gallon gas doesn’t seem that bad.

By O-supporter

June 21, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

Middle84, your comment is very apropos. As an African-American woman in her early 50s (who is also a teacher of 24 years), I am dismayed by the leadership of the SCLC. They have become a caricature of themselves; seemingly out of touch with the massive problems in our community. Perhaps they need to collectively view Sen. Obama’s Father’s Day speech.

By O-supporter

June 21, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

Middle84, your comment is very apropos. As an African-American woman in her early 50s (who is also a teacher of 24 years), I am dismayed by the leadership of the SCLC. They have become a caricature of themselves; seemingly out of touch with the massive problems in our community. Perhaps they need to collectively view Sen. Obama’s Father’s Day speech.

By Harry

June 21, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this

What really bugs me is that Obama’s campaign is designed to appeal to voters on the basis of race and class, while anyone who opposes him is “using race as an issue.”

By renee

June 21, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

To all of those who say Blacks should stop mentioning slavery because it ‘happened so long ago’, I completely agree. So, let’s have a dialogue about a more recent atrocity in this country’s history—segregation.

By Paul

June 21, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

*FIVE INDISPUTABLE FACTS:)

For the record, I would love the opportunity to vote for Condi Rice or Colin Powell or Michael Steele…

my distaste for the democrat nominee has nothing to do with skin color.

I am a conservative, white, Christian male. I agree that we need change in America. However, jumping from Bush to Obama for “change” is like cutting off my leg because I have a wart on my knee. We need to adjust our system, not destroy it. I hope people will examine an America with Obama in charge. Thinking adults will shudder.

By roja

June 21, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

What an idiot Charles Steele Jr., president and CEO of the SCLC is. Obama’s dad was an African. Back in the slave trading days the white man BOUGHT slaves in Africa. Who SOLD them? Africans sold their fellow Africans into slavery. For all Charles Steele knows, Obama’s ancestors may have sold Micheles ancestors to “the man”. Obama could be responsible for Micheles being of “slave ancestry”. Could be that the SCLC is supporting a slave seller for President. Wouldn’t that be a hoot!

By Grading Wooten

June 21, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

I think any reminders about our slave past have merit. We must never forget what we came from as Americans, and the injustice that still reighs in most men’s hearts.

Obama 08: He bows to no massah.

By ronny

June 21, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

some of you people need to read obamas’ book and learn how he really feels about america, and if he is muslin or christian.

By Grading Wooten

June 21, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this

Paul, do tell. WHat does being a white conservative christian mean? I’d love to hear you testify about what you think it constrains your behavior and founds your attitudes.

Do tell…..(dont worry folks, he wont answer this, he doesn’t dare.)

By butch

June 21, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this

WHY WOULD ANYONE IN THEIR RIGHT MINDS ELECT A MAN NAMED BARACK HUSSIEN OBAMA A MUSLIM TO THE MOST POWERFUL POSITION ON EARTH IS BEYOND BELIEF THIS PERSON IS A MOOSLUM THEIR LIFE GOAL IS TO KILL AS MANY PEOPLE THAT AREN’T MOOSLUMS OR ISLAM FANATICS AS POSSIBLE

By JB StoneyWallJackson

June 21, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

The legacy of slavery, jim crow, segegration, plessy vs ferguson, KKK, white supermacy, good ol boy network(white affimative action) are history and white people….get over it. Oh if forgot the lynching on the weekend with the good ol boys had nothing to do.

Did I forget NASCAR……….. You are guilty by association, look at the Cobb county tee shirt. This country was founded on slavery and the raping of natives so get over it, it happened, that is why there is a SCLC,NAACP because of white america writing laws discriminating against minorities and now its the Mexicans turn to put up with your $##@!!!!!

You get on blogs and spread hate and expect minorities to accept it. You hate all minorities, not just black, but asian, Indian, natives,Mexicans yes all Latino are Mexican with shows the fools many bigots are. Historically whites wiped out entire native cultures, wiped out and then cry foul.

When bigots stop race hating maybe the baiting will stop.

By Dolemite MuthFker

June 21, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

When will the AJC and Black preachers stop using race for exposure. I’m Black and never heard of Charles Steele Jr.

By YALL ARE GETTING NERVOUS

June 21, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this

First of all I’m a white male. I think Michelle Obama will be treated with far more scrutiny because she is black and because she is a strong women. If Michelle Obama was like Cindy McCain the Rush O’Hannity’s of the world would be going crazy. If like Cindy McCain she was the mistress from his first marriage who had a prescription drug addiction and stole drugs from a charity it would be all over the drudge report. On another note, the Right Wing noise machine made John Kerry out to be a gold digger, but McCain also married a heiress after his first marriage ended. That’s a DOUBLE F-ING Standard!

With all of that said, I disagree with the rhetoric that Charles Steele Jr. used. I think race is a factor in our society and it’s much tougher to be black than white, but his quote is a like a deep thought only sociologists think. I doubt even the Rush O’Hannity’s of the world are saying to themselves she has slave blood let her have it. They are trying to play up the fact the Obama’s are black and “differnt”, but Steele takes it to far.

*BTW, I’m sick of all the oppressed white males that keep popping up on this blog. Our particular demagraphic as a whole is the wealthiest group in our society. Get over yourselves. You’re not being discriminated against.

By The Element

June 21, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

Butch,

Yeap, we will start with you!!!

By Sheryl

June 21, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this

Michelle Obama has been treated the way she’s been treated…

because of her MOUTH.

By butch

June 21, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this

I’M A WHITE SOUTHERN MAN I DID NOT OWN ANY SLAVES NOR DID ANY OF OF ANSCESTORS SO WHY DO THE AFRICAN- AMERICANS PUT TODAYS WHITE PEOPLE IN THAT PERSPECTIVE THE PROBLEM IS FOLKS WANT TO ENJOY A FREE RIDE FROM UNCLE SAM WAKE UP AMERICA BEFORE IT’TOO LATE THE GOV’T IS TAKING AWAY YOUR RIGHTS TO BE FREE ‘CAUSE IF YOU DEPEND ON THE GOVT. TO SUPPORT YOU YOU ARE THEIR THEIR SLAVE

By Sam

June 21, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this

Charles Steele Jr, Shut the hell up you dumba$$. Go back to Africa if it’s so bad for you here.

By Harry

June 21, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this

Here’s what a Florida candidate for Congress had to say on the subject:

My advice to Senator Obama is to run as a Man and Leader, and the American people will evaluate you as such, not as a victim. This is a Presidential race, based solely on a capacity to lead the United States of America. It is not about skin tone…however, perhaps we should come to expect these immature statements.

It also seems rather humorous that the Presidential candidate who was supposed to be such a “uniter” and transcend race is the one talking about it the most. If Senator Obama was confident in his abilities and character, he would not need to create a crutch for failure. Senator Obama has just tipped his hand, any criticism of him and his policies will be directly attributed to racism. I congratulate Senator Obama for taking race relations in America back some 30 years.

By butch

June 21, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

I’M IN AGREEMENT WITH PAUL

By Grading Grading Wooten

June 21, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

Hey Grading Wooten, boy are you a DOLT! Paul doesn’t have to answer this one, I will.

White is his skin color as in NOT Black, ie Obama is part white (mothers side) and part black (fathers side)

Christian means to believe in Jesus Christ as your savior, not Muslim like Obama.

and Conservative means family driven values that are based on less intrusive government, also unlike Obama.

By Sam

June 21, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this

White people need to stfu. You white people will never know what it’s like to be black. So s…tf….UP!

By butch

June 21, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this

TO THE ELEMENT WHATZZZZZZZZZ DAT MEAN

By Dee

June 21, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

Idiot, did you get the memo? Idiots like you are going to help him lose with these type of retarded comments!

By butch

June 21, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

i think atlanta gal is a blonde

By Sheryl

June 21, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

We all know she’s a closet Stokley Charmichael fan…come on let’s be real.

By butch

June 21, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

to dee who are you referring to HUSSIEN i hope

By McCaon '08

June 21, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this

I find these comments such race-baiting. Michele receives a lot of criticism for her only time I have been proud of my country comments. I am no fan of Obama and think the press gives him a free ride on a lot.

That being said though I think We the People is a moron. Obama is not a muslim. Stop believing in conspiracies and lies. At least be smart you make the others agqainst Obama look like stupid, naive hicks.

By butch

June 21, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

i also agree with harry !

By mike

June 21, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

This guy from SCLC must be an idiot! To suggest that Michelle Obama is being challenged by her comments because she has “slave blood” is laughable. He is the leader of this group….how embarrassing….is he for real or did he lose his marbles????

By Dave

June 21, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this

What a moron! Even the racists I know don’t think about African-Americans in terms of slave heritage. Why then has Condoleeza Rice not endured the same criticism? She, too, is of slave heritage. Obama Barack and his family are models for the new direction of Africa-Americans—one that is positive and hopeful about uniting Americans, not dividing them with absurdities about slave blood!

By Dave

June 21, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

What a moron! Even the racists I know don’t think about African-Americans in terms of slave heritage. Why then has Condoleeza Rice not endured the same criticism? She, too, is of slave heritage. Obama Barack and his family are models for the new direction of Africa-Americans—one that is positive and hopeful about uniting Americans, not dividing them with absurdities about slave blood!

By Marco Wills

June 21, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

By YALL ARE GETTING NERVOUS

June 21, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this

I agree with you but the debate is how Michelle and Obama and many African Americans of US slave ancestory and blacks without ties to US slavery (IE Africans) are historically different in their attitudes and its correlation between ancestors being slaves and non-slaves. The problem with this blog is people want to vent but not have a rational discussion about the issues that have to be resolved for the country to move forward.

Slave reparations is a concept that did not just pop into the heads of black americans. Our public education system is failing our society. If you investigate who,what, why, when and where, you will find out the root genesis of reparation and why some blacks feel they are entitled to it and how affirmative actions ties into it. If america investigated they would be shocked at what our government and the supreme court did and why we have these problems today with race relations.

This is just one example of the difference in attitudes between black with slave ancestory and blacks without.

That is the debate that the writer of the article seems to me is trying to discuss.

By scribe

June 21, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

Seriously? I am so tired of the 4th’s estates attempt to shove this candidate down our throats, and by god, if we don’t vote for him, it must be because we’re racist. Actually, I don’t think there is any way he can pay for all he wants to do, and that’s why I don’t want my taxes to go up and I won’t vote for him. The media is so in the tank for this guy. By the way, AJC, when is your special section on John McCain coming out?

By "Charles", The Original

June 21, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

Charles Steele Jr., president and CEO of the decades-old, Atlanta-based civil rights group, SCLC, is slightly off in his opinion. His opinion requires individuals of his ethnic to do nothing but argue. If his opinion seriously addressed the needs of members of his ancestry, it would require members of his slave ancestry to build power.

The reason Michelle Obama is being attacked has little to do with her slave ancestry per- se. It has everything to do with how much power members of her slave ancestry have achieved/acquired after slavery. Everyone person of sound mind respects power.

African Americans usually point to the fact that they take nearly a trillion dollars out of the American economy annually. But what do they have to show for it collectively? The answer is nothing significant. Have members of Michelle Obama’s slave ancestry constructed institutions that can feed the masses of African Americans? The answer is absolutely not. Can members of that slave ancestry clothe the masses or any meaningful percentage of African Americans? Nope! What about the shelter/housing? No! Certainly members of her slave ancestry can employ its people or a significant portion thereof. Not so. Someone is servicing the basic needs of members of her slave ancestry. Can Michelle Obama or members of her slave ancestry identify major educational institutions that they have constructed etc.? I need not answer. I think you get my drift.

In the world that we are a part of and as long as the earth turns counter clockwise, individuals will be respected by the amount of power their ethnic group has acquired collectively whether the ancestry was bond or free. That’s just human nature.

By Cactus

June 21, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

As long as the SCLC, NAACP, Al Sharpton an Jessie Jackson are around there will be race-baiting, this how these people make their living. This is where they get their $$$$$$.

By fedupingwinnett

June 21, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

Guess what slavery was wrong and so was the Holocaust but guess what else you don’t see the Jewish people wanting “special rights” for their ancestor’s treatment. There’s not a slave alive today. To those of you on here saying “you don’t know what it’s like to be black”, well guess what “you don’t know what it’s like to be white” so who cares anyway?

By betty boop

June 21, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this

Well here we go boys and girls. The race card has been played and played badly. SCLC’s man Steele has put his foot right in it and he ought to know better. Of course the Repugnicans have jumped all over it with their rant about blacks and muslims and ruination and blah, blah, blah, blah. The SCLC has just given them something to score off of, something they can use to make press with their lies and scare tactics.

Betty Boop is put in mind of something she saw in a cartoon once - Pogo said something to the effect, “…We have met the enemy and he is us…” We need to preserve our effort and energy to fight off this kind of attack, not given the Repugnicans and excuse to make use of.

What is more, Mrs. Obama is not squawking that she is being so badly treatedl. Yes she has been subject to some unflattering opinion as has every single candidate’s wife from the year one. I bet somebody had something nasty to say about Martha Washington’s weight problem.

But, all this takes space that needs to be used for the issues: the economy, the war, the cost of gasoline, the foreclosure crisis, jobs, our credibility abroad, the environment. Democrats and Reps alike need to cast aside the scare tactics of the Repugnican Propoganda Machine, the Hitler-like blame it all on an ethnic group, the sky is falling chiken little pile of poop and get down to the issues.

Betty Boop says howl and fulminate all you want boys; but no body believes you anymore. You can fool some of the people some of the time; but after a while, you are not fooling anyone much less the American people, and certainly not Betty Boop.

Many of us saw the same tactics used unsuccessfully about Kennedyl. The Pope will run the country into ruin if there is a Catholic president — substitute Muslim and there you go. And, besides to my knowledge Sen. O is not Muslim.

The trouble with getting back to the issues is that the Repugnicans know they cannot win on the issues. So what else is new.

Betty Boop says let’s keep our sense of humor, stick to the facts and get on with it. Oh, and by the way, last time I looked, Mrs. O was not running for anything.

Betty Boop

By get real

June 21, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

Kay The difference is the jewish people today do NOT use the holucast as a excuse to lay around and blame other people for thier own laziness.They worked hard and rose above it on thier own, not by asking for handouts they did not earn and expecting other people to take care of them.

By Sam1234

June 21, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

If Obama was/is a Christian, he would have never stayed in Rev. “Crazy Eyes” Wright’s church, or den of white hating Anit-Americanism, take your pick. The man joined the church for political reasons not because of his faith. The Obama obviously isn’t a Christian, because any Christian would have realized how backward, dangerous, and Unchristian that preacher and church was. He is a Muslim, pretending to be