On Obama Not Going to Memphis

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.

Comments

[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.

[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

[1Saber2Rattle]

I agree.

[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... ...

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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?

[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.

[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?

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[ThinkinAboutIt]

I was going to respond to Mr. West's article...in exactly the same way. Barack has done the prudent thing, again.

[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.

[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.

[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...

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[pgate127]

He was too busy turning water into YouTube videos and loaves of bread into piles of cash.

[CC1]

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.

[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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