May 17, 2008
I want to say that I'm deeply disappointed that my dear brother Barack Obama decided not to go pay tribute and lay his wreath for the great Martin Luther King, Jr. That brother Martin's profound love and deep sacrifice for black people, America and humanity is in no way reducible to political calculations, even for the campaign for presidency. That Martin Luther King Jr.'s deep commitment to unarmed truth and unconditional love can in no way be subject to strategies for access to political power. Hence, I have a very deep disagreement with my dear brother, Barack Obama -- in this case, commitment to truth is in tension with the quest for power.
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Mdazes See Profile I'm a Fan of Mdazes
OBAMA IS A POLITICIAN. TOO MANY BLACK FOLKS ARE IN SEARCH FOR ANOTHER MARTIN LUTHER KING. TAKE YOUR SEARCH SOMEWHERE ELSE. I SUGGEST YOU CAN START AT A MEGACHURCH. GOOD LUCK.
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Posted 08:08 PM on 04/09/2008
veisalgia See Profile I'm a Fan of veisalgia
Dr. West,
I must respectfully disagree with you. You know this country and this process. Change has to pick it's battles and sometimes the symbolic ones are just not as crucial as HUGE battles like this election is. Why must you see this from him now? And why must it be in the traditional ways? He saw the King family in the last weeks. You see what the press and public did to him over Rev. Wright. The campaign is STILL in repair. We have to have reasonable, "long-ball" expectations or we will have lots or "My Brother" rhetoric, fists waving in the air..... and John McCain in the White House.
Build a broad coalition that speaks to a MAJORITY of Americans.
Improve America as a whole.
Things get better for everyone.
With out the broad coalition, it remains a Black struggle...... limited in numbers, and slow as hell.
V
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Posted 09:03 PM on 04/08/2008
1Saber2Rattle See Profile I'm a Fan of 1Saber2Rattle
I agree.
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Posted 11:13 PM on 04/08/2008
Norren See Profile I'm a Fan of Norren
Briefly, I believe it was explained why Mr. Obama was not in Memphis -- via a question asked of Rev. Sharpton at the WNBC booth that morning. I am not in any way intimating that Rev. Sharpton is anyone's mouthpiece/representative but he did have a conversation with Mr. Obama and he explained why he would not be there -- ask Rev. Sharpton what Mr. Obama's response was. I do have a question for you, though, Mr. West, are you still touting that you don't even vote? If you were joking when you said it, it wasn't funny and if that is not a direct slap in the face of everything Dr. Martin Luther King fought for... ...
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Posted 07:59 PM on 04/08/2008
okieindie See Profile I'm a Fan of okieindie
I can't say how happy I was to see that Barack had not gone there. John McCain came out of the hotel room, waving at the cameras!! What the hell, why does he have to be in Memphis to honor Dr. King. It seems Obama can't win. You honor the man by seeing through to accomplish his vision, his mission, his life "dream" (I really didn't want to use that). Those were photo ops, facades by some but not sincere appreciation for what Dr. King stood for. Thanks for post, Dr. West.
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Posted 06:38 PM on 04/08/2008
PhoenixtheUndying See Profile I'm a Fan of PhoenixtheUndying
At first I agreed with West, but then I considered that the main reason everyone else went to Menphis was to get black people to vote for them. Think about it. Why would John McCain stand in a downpour with a black man holding his umbrella to apologize for fighting a holiday to recognize King? And why did this revelation come just as the election season warmed up? And Hillary? Between Geraldine, South Carolina and all the potential racial politics, she had to do it. Perhaps Barack didn't feel the need to run over to the Loraine for a speech and a photo-op.
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Posted 05:20 PM on 04/08/2008
Lastamendment See Profile I'm a Fan of Lastamendment
I agree, Dr. West. I voted for Clinton and then turned my support to Obama, and I was looking forward to seeing Obama in Memphis for a speech. That's what King always did, from what I have read and seen - he showed up, and he spoke, and people listened - and they remembered where they heard him speak forever after, not only because of the place itself but because of the mark he left on the place through his breathtaking oratory.
So I was disappointed that Obama was not in Memphis on April 4 to do the same. But I have to confess I have not seen any explanation for Obama, so I don't want to judge him too much before I know more.
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Posted 05:01 PM on 04/08/2008
bish66 See Profile I'm a Fan of bish66
The explanation is plain and simple: Tennessee already voted and voted for Clinton. Obama always sticks to the primary states and as soon as they have cast their vote, it is wham-bam-thank-you-m'am.
Don't expect him to call or write a letter, but I am sure he still thinks of you... from time to time.
There are not that many important dates and important black leaders that automatically come to mind. Dr. King is THE guiding light of the Civil Rights movement. McCain and Clinton saw it and paid their respects. Obama did not. He was busy catching up campaigning after a week on the Virgin Islands over Easter and for his day off.
You see his priorities and you see that he takes the black votes for granted. Words matter, but sometimes, actions speak louder than words. Obama staying away from an important black event speaks volumes and only Obamaniacs are able to ignore it.
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Posted 06:28 PM on 04/08/2008
Suprshrink See Profile I'm a Fan of Suprshrink
When I read these posts, I was astonished to see that the bloggers were now attacking African Americans for criticizing Obama. It has been so obvious that anyone who dared to question Obama about experience, about his history, about his church would be accused of being a racist. However, I would never have imagined that Travis Smiley and Cornel West would be included in that particular group. These men may not agree with everything about Obama and should be able to say so without the attack from Obama supporters. This is why the democratic party is so divided. Half of the party is demanding that we simply anoint Obama and never speak ill of him lest we be filthy racists. But without a thorough airing of his life, his opinions, and his actions we don't know what we are voting for -- and idea?
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Posted 04:57 PM on 04/08/2008
1Saber2Rattle See Profile I'm a Fan of 1Saber2Rattle
In regards to Clinton and McCain being in Memphis, it's no different than them showing up at a Black Church in order to garner votes. It was all for show - along with Hillary's phony tears. Once they get what they need you never see them again because we're no longer be "useful" to their agendas.
Let's get past show and separatism, and move on to something real for all of humanity.
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Posted 04:29 PM on 04/08/2008
bish66 See Profile I'm a Fan of bish66
McCain comes to apologize and Clinton comes to pay respect. You claim that they only do it to garner votes. If they stayed away, you would accuse them of not caring about Dr. King, McCain is a racist, Clinton just a bitch who never cared for the black people.
No matter what they do, they have no chance to make it right. How do you expect to bridge the gap, if you burn the bridge as soon as it is under construction?
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Posted 06:35 PM on 04/08/2008
1Saber2Rattle See Profile I'm a Fan of 1Saber2Rattle
First of all, your characterization of McCain and Clinton are not my views.
I see them both as politicians - period. As such, politicians do what politicians do, and so for them it was business as usual in my opinion.
Clinton's own camp revealed her thinking of one's "usefulness" after the Richardson endorsement of Obama. It can't be denied that Clinton is doing everything she can to garner votes. She told us she was "in it to win it." So don't get mad when she is called on it.
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Posted 10:50 PM on 04/08/2008
Marrob See Profile I'm a Fan of Marrob
Many african-americans understand deep in their gut why Obama couldn't go to the MLK event..simply put, Obama can't afford the risk of looking "to black". It would scare the hell out middle "White America". This is why Obama was basically quiet on Katrina, Jenna 6 and State of the Black Union Forum. Now you liberal white are going to respond to this with a bunch of bulls*** but that's because you truely don't understand the tight rope that Obama is trying to walk. Obama is married to a black woman and attends a black chruch BUT!!!!! that about all the "blackness" that middle america will tolerate from him.
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Posted 03:49 PM on 04/08/2008
bish66 See Profile I'm a Fan of bish66
Okay, I got it, he can't do no wrong and Clinton can't do no right, right? She appears at the State of the Black Union and in Memphis and it is all because she wants to fool the black voters who mostly vote for Obama anyhow and Obama can't come to these events, because he has some more important campaigning to do and connecting with the black voters would make him appear "black" and unelectable?
You suggests that he is forced to remain silent about Katrina, Jenna 6 and other black issues, because that would harm his chances and by not speaking out on these issues, he is speaking out for the issues?
Sorry, but that does not make sense. Worse, if it is true, the guy would be even more of a double-standarded hypocrit.
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Posted 06:17 PM on 04/08/2008
ThinkinAboutIt See Profile I'm a Fan of ThinkinAboutIt
I was going to respond to Mr. West's article...in exactly the same way. Barack has done the prudent thing, again.
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Posted 04:34 PM on 04/08/2008
Suprshrink See Profile I'm a Fan of Suprshrink
This is a pathetic excuse. Obama avoids any potentially controversial issue, but in this case I believe the message is clear. Obama has used racial issues to win over the black vote. Then, he made his speech about race in America and was applauded by supporters and the press. And now he is refusing to participate in a celebration of MLK. This is just too much pandering.
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Posted 04:28 PM on 04/08/2008
bish66 See Profile I'm a Fan of bish66
Bull's eye! His campaign started to play the race card, while he was smiling and telling the world that he would do a clean and honest campaign. As soon as a state has cast the vote, Obama no longer cares about the state. The remaining contests do not have strong groups of African-American voters, so why should he care about them? Now he has to concentrate on the white voters, right? This guy is pathetic and I hope that voters in Pennsylvania see that this guy is a fake with lots of money, but no principles or morals.
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Posted 06:40 PM on 04/08/2008
1Saber2Rattle See Profile I'm a Fan of 1Saber2Rattle
I love you Dr. West, but I disagree with you. Mr. Obama needs to focus his attention on the process of winning this presidential race. If it means being someplace other that where other Black Americans believe he should be, like the meeting held by Mr. Smiley or in Memphis, then Mr. Obama needs to do what he needs to do and stay focused. If anything, Dr. King made a plan and kept to it. If not, those marches would have been nothing less than helter-skelter. Dr. King's example would demand nothing less from Mr. Obama, and I surely believe he would understand. If Mr. Obama did what every Black person thought he should do he would be ineffective and that is something our race has had enough of. From the speech Mr. Obama gave it is clear he had not forgotten Dr. King. I choose to believe that the content of Mr. Obama's character embraces our past and the lessons learned from Dr. King in order to bring us as a people, and a Nation, forward to the potential of our future. If I may suggest to you, expand the area inside your box and let Mr. Obama breathe.
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Posted 03:41 PM on 04/08/2008
bish66 See Profile I'm a Fan of bish66
So this is like "BAD" meaning "GOOD", right?
Yes, he has not forgotten Dr. King's speech, he used it as a blueprint for his own speech. Problem is that King's speech was heartfelt and Obama's gave proof of the fact that Obama lied to the American people:
"Did I know him to be an occasionally fierce critic of American domestic and foreign policy? Of course. Did I ever hear him make remarks that could be considered controversial while I sat in church? Yes."
Before that speech, he assured us of the direct opposite.
Dr. King was a saint, Obama is just a TV evangelist, a con man. Donate your money and show me how much you love me and Jesus...
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Posted 06:53 PM on 04/08/2008
1Saber2Rattle See Profile I'm a Fan of 1Saber2Rattle
You reach a point where you have to say . . . "me thinks you protest too much!" After reading your reply, the term - hater - came to mind. Maybe you're just jealous - I don't know. But your post made me wonder what you were REALLY saying in the 60's. Were you calling MLK a saint back then? Would you have selectively pieced together snippets of what MLK said to justify assasinating his character - like you're trying to do to Mr. Obama? Just remember that not everyone falls for the hype some cable news stations perpetrate through snippets. Some of us actually listen to, and search out, the whole matter in order to draw an informed conclusion. Given that, I respectfully disagree with your position.
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Posted 10:36 PM on 04/08/2008
McHenry See Profile I'm a Fan of McHenry
Dr. West for the most part has always had an underlying belief in human expression and the freedom that guarantees it. This primal belief can be seen as a unifying thread throughout his work. It is therefore all the more surprising that Brother West would criticize Obama because he did not choose to honor Dr. King in a certain prescribed manner or place. In contrast to the other two major candidates who did show up for the Memphis photo op, Obama brought the message of Dr. King to a largely white crowd in Indiana. More important Obama has made a central part of Dr. King's message part of his campaign theme. Not just on a day honoring Dr. King but everyday during his stump speech and by dent of his actions. I suspect Dr. King would have approved of Obama bringing his message to the people and making it part of his campaign. And that there is no one authorized or prescribed ritual or place that one must comply with in order to accord Dr. King the respect and reverence he is due.
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Posted 03:27 PM on 04/08/2008
cdub1991 See Profile I'm a Fan of cdub1991
Well said, McHenry. Your's is the comment that rings most true here. While other's are "paying tribute" to Dr. King, Senator Obama is actually trying to implement the dream in deeds. Speaking to Dr. King's legacy in Indianapolis is in many ways a much more meaningful act than rushing to join the show in Memphis. (Also, as a practical matter, Obama was able to be the headliner in Indianapolis instead of just another player on the stage in Memphis. Not a bad move.)
Dr. West, whom I respect deeply, actually exhibits here what can sometimes be the worst characteristic amongst the "old school" black leadership. (And let me hasten to add that I'm saying this as an African American.) It's this notion that if you don't follow the methodology or lead that they laid down during their time, then you are not being true or faithful to the Black community. Perhaps Barack is saying it's time for a different game plan. So far, he hasn't done too badly. I say we let him play out his hand instead of criticizing him for daring to choose his own approach to trying to transform America.
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Posted 07:19 PM on 04/08/2008
democrattotheend See Profile I'm a Fan of democrattotheend
Honestly, the image of Obama standing where Martin Luther King was assassinated kind of creeps me out. I'm glad he did not go. He did give a speech about the occasion, just not in Memphis.
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Posted 03:14 PM on 04/08/2008
pgate127 See Profile I'm a Fan of pgate127
He was too busy turning water into YouTube videos and loaves of bread into piles of cash.
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Posted 03:11 PM on 04/08/2008
Once you let go of the "My brother" mentality and replace it with the "my fellow American" mentality, you would be able to see things more objectively.
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Posted 02:53 PM on 04/08/2008
peteracevedo See Profile I'm a Fan of peteracevedo
he should have gone. I think it tells a lot about where his mind & priorities are now that he has the backing of the black community.
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Posted 02:38 PM on 04/08/2008
mrdontplay See Profile I'm a Fan of mrdontplay
Mr. West,
I understand your point of view but I think honoring MLK doesn't require his attendence at the observation in Memphis.
I think this could have been done ANYWHERE in the world.
The message the Dr. King stood for is UNIVERSAL and maybe not going to the south can help spread the message.
I don't see it as a mistake, I don't think he can cater to everything that's out there with an appearnce.
Will you also be disappointed if he doesn't attend next year, and the next?
See this is the lapel pin effect.
Is it important to visit the site and reflect or to keep working and LIVING THE DREAM?
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Posted 02:09 PM on 04/08/2008
djelimon See Profile I'm a Fan of djelimon
Didn't Obama already visit King's family a few weeks earlier? Didn't King's family not show up to Memphis either? Didn't Obama try and talk about MLK's dream on that day albeit in a different state?
Seems to me the people in Memphis already know about MLK. They don't need Obama to tell them about him. But others do.
Reconciliation is a two-way street my friends. It requires both parties to venture out from where they are to meet the other. Obama's taking it to places outside of Memphis.
Don't be trolled by racial politics into voting against your own interests. The separate camps must unite. This requires all of people, black, white or whatever, to seek out people outside of your normal circle of friends and communicate.
Personally, I think Obama's not throwing Wright under the bus is a bigger endorsement of King and his ideals (King preached a lot like Wright) that going to some photo-op.
My opinion, of course.
FWIW, i am biracial
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Posted 02:01 PM on 04/08/2008
speedy2009 See Profile I'm a Fan of speedy2009
West and Smiley have the right to their opinion and critique of Obama. However, if Obama listened to them he would have been out of the race along time ago.
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Posted 01:52 PM on 04/08/2008
And I think that may very well be Tavis's objective.
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Posted 04:04 PM on 04/08/2008
BrooklynLager See Profile I'm a Fan of BrooklynLager
I respect the opinion of Cornell West, although I don't agree with him on everything. This is a good example; Cornell West, as a literature buff, is so hung up on symbols that it clouds his thinking. That being said, and in all respect, why is his opinion any different than anybody elses?
What gives him and Tavis Smiley such cultural veto power over every black person? Have you ever organized anything? Led anything? I'm so sick of the commentariat class.
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Posted 01:33 PM on 04/08/2008
jayburd See Profile I'm a Fan of jayburd
I really think Dr. King would understand. In fact, he would probably encourage the good Senator to focus his attention on his task rather than laying a wreath. After all, isn't what Mr. Obama is doing right now the culmination of Dr. King's dream?
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Posted 01:24 PM on 04/08/2008
drmommy See Profile I'm a Fan of drmommy
...What is the true meaning of 'crabs in a barrel'?
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Posted 12:45 PM on 04/08/2008
NursePatric See Profile I'm a Fan of NursePatric
No Memphis; no dialogue with or mention of Gays: He is not representing.
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Posted 12:44 PM on 04/08/2008
Fourthsign See Profile I'm a Fan of Fourthsign
obama already has the black vote, so why bother.... obama is in it for himself and only is using the black people as he has used the many many other people in his life... just like Emil Jones gave obama a FREE ride in the illinois state senate; he gave obama all the legislation others had worked hard on and obama didn't have a problem taking credit for the hard work of others... oh, but Emil got some money for his senate district???
just like obama tried to take credit for the asbestos project at Altged Gardens; but the Hazel Johnson said "She said he played no role in the asbestos-removal fight."
go to myspace and read my blog to get more TRUTH about obama and his LIES!
http://www.myspace.com/muniz4hillary
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Posted 12:31 PM on 04/08/2008
AjicNYC See Profile I'm a Fan of AjicNYC
It was just sad to see the mostly African American community in Mephis with tears in their eyes and holding candles and having to listen to McCain talk about how he voted against MLK day. While Obama stayed on his campaign trail tlking to the whites
oh ad i forgot to give the proper opening to my post
I am WHITE male
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Posted 12:27 PM on 04/08/2008
drmommy See Profile I'm a Fan of drmommy
Then perhaps as a white male you also missed all the BOOS that were showered upon McCain with the rain. The 'African-American' community understood that although Hillary and McCain 'showed up', they were physically absent from the actual march (Al Sharpton referred to their appearances as 'drive-by's'). Also, in case you haven't noticed, Obama is actually running an organized campaign that
Posted April 4, 2008 | 07:26 PM (EST)