Dear Mr. Almost President

While most of the polls and pundits have all but declared you, Sen. Obama, the winner of the November 4th election, you have wisely cautioned your workers and supporters to refrain from celebrating and assuming that the election is in the bag. You are correct to keep all of them on the job up to and including Election Day.

To become cocky and take things for granted is to flirt with danger and invite defeat due to laxity.

However, barring a McCain miracle, a major gaffe by you or some serious breach of national security (i.e. terrorism), you will win this election! Given this reality, if you have not already, it is now time for you and your advisers to begin giving serious consideration to some of the concerns that have been expressed by the leadership of the African-American community.

SOME ADVICE ON APPOINTMENTS

While I am sure that you and your advisers have already given a great deal of serious thought to the kind of persons you will include in your administration, I would like to offer a few suggestions:

Since you have declared that you will have an administration that will reach across the aisle and include Republicans and Independents, the first Republican that should be on your list for appointment is former Secretary of State Colin Powell. If you intend to regain American respect amongst the nations of the world, Secretary Powell should be your first appointment as your personal representative and ambassador at-large to open a dialogue with Iran, Iraq, Cuba, Venezuela and North Korea. This, I hope, will lead to face-to-face talks, the normalization of relations with these nations, a speedy withdrawal from Iraq and a solution to the question of nuclear arms by Iran and North Korea. Secretary Powell is the only person in this country who has the prestige, international respect, and the diplomatic skills to address these thorny problems that will be one of your immediate concerns on January 21.

In this period of economic meltdown and the fact that you will likely be saddled with a worldwide economic mess, you will need a team around you comprised of the best and brightest economic and financial minds in the country. Thus, John Rogers of Ariel Capital Management should be appointed Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers or to the Federal Reserve Board.

Your Africa policy team must be not only knowledgeable about the problems of Africa and its people, but they must have the matching dedication and vision that will allow you to make serious and measurable changes in the conditions of the African people. The problems of Darfur, Chad, Somalia and the Congo are of immediate concern. If you are to be taken seriously as a foreign policy leader, you must dedicate major resources to the solution of AIDS and hunger in Africa. Perhaps the appointment of a person like Samantha Power as the lead person on the Africa team, supported by strong African-American scholars like John Higginson of the University of Massachusetts and Pearl T. Robinson of Tufts University would be ideal.

Because you will need a strong domestic adviser and policy team who understand the need to assist in the transition to the society of change you have outlined, perhaps you will want to look at Melissa Lacewell-Harris of Princeton University and Dianne Pinderhughes of Notre Dame University.

To assure the needed cleanup of the election process in this nation, please consider Lance Gough of the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners for Chair of the Federal Elections Commission and Alex Willingham of Williams College as a member.

Dr. Eric Whitaker is your best bet for Surgeon General or Director of the Center for Disease Control and Congressman Danny K. Davis for Secretary of Health and Human Services.

These are just some of the initial thoughts that I have for appointments. Please understand that the African-American community has invested a great deal of trust and faith in you and your administration. I am sure it will be impossible for you to live up to all of the expectations coming from black Americans (and from any other group of your supporters). However, please keep in mind that an honest attempt to satisfy these expectations is absolutely necessary.

Mr. Almost President, with the mandate that has been given to you by the American people of all races, creeds and colors it is time that you move onto the world stage on January 21 in the boldest manner of any president in history. You must set the pace for the 21st Century and be that real agent of change. Remember the words of Martin Luther King Jr. in his Letter from Birmingham Jail in 1963, "Are we to be extremists for hate or for love? Will we be extremist for the preservation of injustice or for the extension of justice? ... Perhaps the South, the nation, and the world are in dire need of creative extremists." We are counting on you to be a creative extremist for justice and change!

Comments

[silvertongue]

Apparently, Mr. Stark has not been listening to Obama's speeches. I'm certain that, if elected, he will ensure that his appointments - just like his supporters - reflect the racial/ethnic make-up of this country. However, let's not get ahead of ourselves. Remember the two words that he doesn't want us to forget: New Hampshire. In other words, let's keep concentrating on winning!

[saumi]

I think he should choose *qualified* people regardless of what race or party they are from. There are several good people such as colin powell, chuck hagel, bernie sanders, bloomberg, john sununu out of his main party whom he should try and leverage. Hillary clinton is another important person
If he panders to the left then he would be no better than george bush. I think the example he set at the harvard law review would be a good one to follow through on.

[Dirk Talamasca]

And.. PLEASE, PLEASE appoint a Science Adviser within the first few days at least. Please do not wait a year and a half like Bush did!

[Artos]

Dirk_Talamasca,

Yes definitely we should have a Science Adviser, because you can never tell when that huge meteor will come barreling in toward earth and we will need someone who graduated with more than a C in Astrophysics.

[47songs]

"Given the amount of trouble we are in both domestically and abroad, I sincerely hope that a future President Obama would look past the urges of racial politics, political payback, and affirmative action appointments, and simply fill positions with the best, most qualified persons available. It may be that the persons named above ARE the best and most qualified. But if so, the author should express that, rather than express the "hey you owe us" mentality.­"

Yes.

Also, consider the timing of this article's release (less than two weeks before the election) date. Politically, it's just not the best timing.

[dsjones01]

"It may be that the persons named above ARE the best and most qualified. But if so, the author should express that, rather than express the "hey you owe us" mentality.­"

Also, consider the timing of this article's release (less than two weeks before the election) date. Politically, it's just not the best timing."

...I totally agree. Timing is all wrong. This is why so many whites are skeptical of Obama...re­gardless of his qualifications. I am a black woman and I do believe we have intelligent black scholars, doctors, and appointments; however, the BEST AND MOST QUALIFIED SHOULD BE CHOSEN. I don't want ANYONE to think...he will choose anyone...b­ut for THAT SOLE REASON. I have faith that Obama...wi­ll do just that. If we are reading into this wrong...pl­ease let us know. I just don't want him to experience the backlash and lose votes because of this.

[Chieflord]

Where are you people like you at of all race? I need friends like you. I do like to tell every white brother and sister that I love them and tell the devil to go to hell because they do love me back. Muah to all my fellow Americans. Muah muah muah!!!

GO OBAMA. Go America. Let's go!!!

[Artos]

dsjones01,

I totally agree with you, I am white but I do want to see Obama elected. I know from having lived in some parts of the South especially that it will be a tough enough sell getting him elected there so Bobs advice should be avoided. Obama needs no extra help by putting him into some unspoken contractual bind that will make him look bad. My gosh but we need someone who can get those Republicans out of there and he (Obama) is our best shot. Lets not sour it now.

[Pegi]

No need to worry. I have complete faith in O. He will appoint the BEST people, not because they are african american, but because they are the best. I expect to see all colors and affiliations in an Obama administration. I am certain of it!!!

[flabingo]

If you read Tom Friedman's book, Hot, Flat, and Crowded you will learn that we share this planet with others. We have finite resourses to share, such as energy, clean fresh water and clean air . Our failure to lead by example is a threat to all mankind. When all the carmakers in this country go bankrupt that will tell you that we might be going in the right direction. Hopefully the government will protect the pensioners. These are very serious times and we need very thoughtful and wise people in charge, who care about all people in the world

[Chieflord]

True that. Mr. Starks' article made me cringe. Really, it did because I understand the fears of my white brothers as much as I understand the hopes of my black brothers. What we need is fairness, equity and justice. Let President Obama show us how to come together. We are willing but we don't know how. He will show us how. Free at last. Yes America. Every man and woman among us. Free at last. Need I say more?

Let's go!

[catzoned]

Oh yes, I'll be glad when these labels and attitutdes of racistm, sexism, and religious intolerance will be the study of historians. Right now, the topics need to be aired out in the open as I believe they represent fears. Then we can call it fear or ignorance and these concepts will be laid to rest. R.I.P. as intolerances.

[OldKnute]

REMEMBER!

Those motivated by FEAR and HATE however, will drag themselves to the Polls. With this inflamed constituency, the deeply set bigotries and racisms and fanatical Nationalisms can always be counted on to Vote consistently.

This is why the early Vote is so important in many States. Avoid the lines and VOTE NOW.

Rove knows that the,,, Hate Crowd,,, will Vote if they have to stand 3 hours in the rain or snow. Delays is no deterrent at all for this group. Also if you watch on Election Day, there will be thousands who just stand in line at heavily Democratic Poling places, only to step out of line as they near the door.

The solution. Vote Absentee, Vote Early where possible and if you are caught in one of these Cattle Drives on Election Day, here are some hints.

Take a lunch or snack,
Take some water, some extra to share.
Take one of this tiny, folding camping chairs.
Seek others who will be supportive and hold your place in line, if you must go to the Restroom.
Go in groups of friends.
Help with Senior citizens in your area.
Find a number of a local and fair,,, Media Outlet,,, and send in pre arranged,, Hour by Hour reports of events at Polling places including photos.
Make the wait to Vote, as fun and as easy as possible on yourselves.


GOOD LUCK!

All the best

Knute Neo-LIB

[Pegi]

Right On Knute!!!!! great advice for all of us!!!

[AdamX]

Nope: Any act of terrorism here is only proof that the republicn admin can't protect us.

[BeSmartThinkForYourself]

AdamX, best comment yet on this fine article.

One small but extremely important point on this October night:
To say that "some serious breach of national security (i.e. terrorism)" is on par with a "McCain miracle" or "major gaffe by [Obama]" is silly.

Has the author not been paying attention the last 2-3 months (or more)? One candidate is a natural leader with a positive message of hope. The other is erratic and confused while he tries to divide us with fear and lies. Who do you want leading us in times of trouble? Have you seen the two speak?

People believe what they read. Although I haven't seen the figures lately, I assume you've based this statement on numbers that show undecideds would flock to McCain after an attack. The only reason this is the case is that bloggers and the MSM perpetuate this myth in print.

Was it Ashcroft who said, "Be careful what you say?" Creepy way to put it, but the guy had a point.
See also: "Be careful what you wish for."

Nothing short of fraud can take the election from Obama.
Kerry states + CO + NM + IA = game over.

As a Midwestern transplant to northern Virginia, I'll tell you that if polls show Obama has any chance at all in Missouri (they do, and he does), Virginia's guaranteed to go blue.

Believe it.

[catzoned]

Interesting article and I'd like to see Governor Bill Richardson have an appointment with the Obama presidency. Richardson has a fine reputation with diplomacy and negotiations. He is a great governor for NM and Latino is we're following the affirmative action idea. Let's bury cronyism with the new Obama presidency. I'm sure we would certainly have the traditon of cronyism with a McCain win. I would hope that Obama just picks the right person for the job whatever race they may be.

[Giglawyer]

Apart from Colin Powell, I don't know the credentials of any of the persons named. That said, it seems that they all share one credential essential to the author - that they are African-American.

Given the amount of trouble we are in both domestically and abroad, I sincerely hope that a future President Obama would look past the urges of racial politics, political payback, and affirmative action appointments, and simply fill positions with the best, most qualified persons available. It may be that the persons named above ARE the best and most qualified. But if so, the author should express that, rather than express the "hey you owe us" mentality.

[breezyholler]

Just this past week i've blogged that i believe Colin Powell should be Secretary of State again in the Obama Admin.....­this man is a statesman.­..and no one in America understands the dynamics of the Middle East ..both militarily and diplomatically ..than does Colin Powell...S­ecretary Powell is just the man to lead us out of Iraq...and to get a handle on the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan..­.Thanks Mr. Starks for an informative article..

[sandpiper1]

I agree with you, Giglawyer. As a biracial, I think it's a bad idea to select people based on race no matter how qualified they are. Obama is not that type of politician and you do him a disservice in suggesting such a thing. Not to mention, you may scare off white voters, some of who already think he's going to paint the WH, black. Very irresponsible of you. Let the man make his own decisions.

[Hockymom]

I agree with this 100%. Colin Powell, although had a strong part in the Iraq war, deserves this second chance for redemption. Out of everyone involves he is the only one I truly believe was just a victim of his own loyal integrity. He did what he was told to do, and regretted every minute of it and is brave enough to admit it to himself and everyone. I agree we need to have normal ties to Iran and Venezuela. Maybe it will be tough to correct some of the damage, but I truly believe that we should change our relations with Venezuela, Iran, and even Cuba in a dramatic way. Obama has to be tough but not play the lets ignore and they will go away game Bush has been playing for years. This country does not have the luxury of being the cowboy bully anymore. We are better than that.

[Artos]

Hockymom,

Actually, I haven't heard him admit to that in any credible way yet, at least not publicly. I would like him to state it out loud for all to hear on some national media forum. Then I would welcome his future service in a Government role. After all isn't it in the Military lexicon there somewhere about Officers and Gentlemen. Officers and Gentlemen are supposed to take responsibility for their actions and are supposed to live by a higher standard of ethical behavior, integrity and honor. So as a former enlisted Marine, I want to see that happen not just in the books but in reality, not just as some glitzy tv ad but in reality.

[catzoned]

Oh, Colin Powell was just interviewed recently by a reporter on PBS. I swear they have the best unbiased news available anymore. They rely on public funding so cannot afford to take sides. Go to www.pbs.org and put it in their search engine. They also have done several programs (especially NOW) on voter caging/suppression and good to catch. But Powell was on recently. It seems as though he was working with limited information about WMDs as well.

[peewee42]

Bob Starks seems to suffer the affliction of too many American people, a narro "parochial" view of the wolrd. It would behoove him to take off his reading glasses and put on a pair of wide angle glasses that would give him a panoramic view of the world, because that is what sets Obama apart from any other american politician of recent memory, his awareness of other nations in the world...A President Obama would enter the Oval Office with a level of respect and admiration from the whole world community NEVER before seen. It would be in his nature to assemble all world leaders and speak to them as a whole world "family", a family that needs to pull together and solve global issues AS A GLOBAL COMMUNITY.­America still has a giant reservoir of goodwill around the world, inspite of the aberration of the George W. Bush years.AS a 1959 immigrant to these United States, I and many more immigrants like me, know full well the responsibilities that come with being the most prosperous, powerful nation on this planet.But we should NOT go it alone, it should be a comprehensive effort, including all african nations included in the rest of the UNited NAtions.