Comments on: Is Obama 'talking down' to blacks?

By: Paul

Paul — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 22:46:16 +0000

Yes he is Jack.
He is actually talking down to everyone if you listen closely. Wow! What choices we have this November.

By: Jackie Saner

Jackie Saner — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 22:25:05 +0000

Jack, Absolutely not! How quick we forget the 1973 trumped up gas crisis. I find it interesting that these oil companies are all members of OPEC. They joined that years ago in order to hide the fact they are the members. They decide how much oil will go where, interesting huh? Does this sound like a created crisis? I think so! The oil companies already have Prudhoe to drill which can supply plenty. They are only drilling only 28% of the federal land they lease. This is all about control, upping gas prices, and flat ass greed. Don't believe anything they or our government is tells you.

By: Big Willie Style

Big Willie Style — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 22:23:24 +0000

Funny how the CNN people do vicariously not post threads here. So let me reiterate what I said before. No, Obama was not talking down to Blacks, but the problem is bigger than this. Obama also needs to address the deadbeat moms out there that continue to interfere with responsible fathers that do right by their child(ren) but continually use the family court system to get money from the fathers and go out of their way to have fathers spend less time with their child(ren), then complain that the father isn't doing enough or spending enough time. When the fathers are willing to spend even more time but that means they may have to work less hours, do you think the mothers are willing to accept less child support? No. The bulk of this is to be blamed on a screwed up court system that would rather have mothers dependent on them and the welfare system, and to just take money from fathers and not promote or even find more creative ways for fathers to spend time with the chidren without continually raping their pockets. Again, this problem is bigger than the messed up fathers out there that don't hold it down. It's a government system in place that needs to be fixed.

By: Eliza Flug-Coburn

Eliza Flug-Coburn — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 22:23:17 +0000

I think that Obama is sending a message for "Change" and that includes all communities. He is not polarizing anyone by pointing out the obvious. Jesse Jackson has been appealing to a specific target group within the black community for years and his Mission Operative has always been just a smattering of "pander to them and they will support you." It is time to take aim at the stalemates of our political community and breath new life into political policy and action. In order to do this, Obama has to to nudge out the old dogs and make room for new life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

By: Antonio

Antonio — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 22:23:00 +0000

This is the first thing that Obama has done in this election that I have been proud of. I think leaving Iraq would be a terrible mistake and his economic policies are horrendous. However, asking Americans to stop blaming others and work hard to improve their lives is a step I really admire. This nation is a nation of people who "can do", who don't need special programs and special treatment to get ahead. All the need is a fair shot and the government to get out of their way and there will be no stopping their progress. I wish Obama would take the same approach to the economy, allowing entrepreneurs and business owners to compete with foreign companies instead of hiding behind protectionist measures. I wish Obama would take the same "can do" approach to Iraq, to win the war and prevent the genocide of millions of Iraqis. Come on Obama, do what is right, not what is easy. This was a good first step. Now fix your Middle East and Economic policies as well.

By: AD

AD — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 22:22:58 +0000

Actually, Aaron, the good Senator DOES know a thing or two about absentee fathers. Do a little digging before you comment.

By: Jeff from Chicago

Jeff from Chicago — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 22:22:49 +0000

Barack only spoke of common sense responsibility. Gale Sayers got it right, God is first, friends and family are second. I am third.
Being a caring responsible father falls in the second category.

If those in a mortgage crisis had been more responsible, and less greedy, the current meltdown would not be happening. The hostages just back from Bolivia had their priorities in check. The house did not matter only being eith and seeing my family.

By: Kitty

Kitty — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 22:02:43 +0000

Obama is talking down to everyone, pandering at every turn. I was initially inspired, now I'm waiting for a 3rd party candidate.

By: Jolie

Jolie — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 22:01:38 +0000

And one more thing, I am an African American woman and I know what goes on in society. Obama is only telling the truth about how fathers need to step up. It doesn't matter what race you are but within my own community I see single mothers often without the father figures. Along these lines, women need to respect themselves a bit more before sleeping with a guy you know nothing about then finding yourself in a situation where the guy is not responsible.

By: Sarah Hill

Sarah Hill — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 22:00:57 +0000

What Senator Obama says is right-on. Jesse Jackson and others who criticize Obama's approach should recognize this - that their tactics of continuing to perpetuate the victimization of blacks in America has not only done nothing to help blacks, but have created divisiveness.

Everyone - regardless of race - should take responsibility for themselves. It's a scary message to Jackson and others because it undermines their credibility and base of support. But, it needs to be said and heard.

The message about black males and fatherhood should resonate with young black women as well. Yes, they are taking responsibility for the children they have. But, becoming a mother is not the measure of them as women, just as fathering a child doesn't make the man. I long for the day when young black women fully understand that there is more to life to define them than pregnancy and childbirth.