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

[ohdear08]

Dr. West, I am a huge admirer of yours but, sir, I don't believe you did the reading this time. I'm also confident that you will reconsider your statements with the thought you so often put into your comments and that you should have reserved for those aformentioned.

Barack Obama, as so many tend to forget, is a politician. While he defies stereotypes of politicians for his heroic honesty, courageous afront to challenges like his speech on race in response to Rev. Wright which -- how soon we forget -- must have been a nightmare for a campaign that was so ostensibly "post-race" just a week before, the man is still running for the highest political office in the country. As many have said in earlier comments, using the anniversary of Dr. King's assasination as a political stump-speech/photo op is not only pathetic but predictable, but then, so are McCain and HRC and their tried-and-true political tactics. Consistent with the above-the-fray strategizing that has characterized Obama thus far, he didn't fall for that, even if so many voters did.

[DeeWashDC]

I don't know Cornel West, I do believe I have heard of him from time to time. I actually thought he was the reference in the link to this article was to former Secretary of the Army Cornell West. At any rate, I am a black female and just want to go on the record in agreement with others that have expressed their support of Senator Obama. I trust Senator Obama and his judgement. He is a man of honor and I respect his decision to not make a spectacle of Dr. King's murder scene. He has over and over again shown his deep respect for Dr. King and I believe it to be a grave error on the part of Cornel West to question Senator Obama's respect and love for Dr. King. Did Cornel West go to Memphis as did Hillary Clinton and John McCain for the photo op. Cornel West definitely does not know Barack Obama - - he does not participate in propaganda of this nature. I am proud of Senator Obama as he approaches his new job as President Obama.

[hinnis]

So, you think that honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. is "propaganda"? You Obama supporters will go to any lengths to justify his actions; even turn on other black leaders, most of whom have done infinitely more for civil rights than Obama. What a sad spectacle.

[DeeWashDC]

Inevitably that is what the media would have made it out to be. And unfortunately that is what the public would have bought into and made it out to be just that propaganda. That is the reality. I have not by any means turn on any black "leaders". The emotionally outburst is not necessary. This article is not about "black leaders". It is specifically about Barack Obama not going to Memphis. Let's just stick with the topic. You are being far too emotional. Again, Senator Obama has honored Dr. King over and over again, as he did on the anniversary, just not in Memphis. As one poster pointed out, even if he had gone to Memphis there would have been a whole lot of nothing made about it There are people that do not support him and continue to use anything to criticize him. So if you are one of those, that is okay. I am one of those Obama supporters that do not recruit people, either you support the man or you don't. Either one is fine with me. I never argue the point. I really don't care what you do.

[GrainOSand]

Isn't it propaganda in practice? John McCain is exclusionary in his politics yet he saw fit to take one day to say that MLK was important and he now regrets not being more supportive of the man’s ideas and legacy in the past. Honoring him is never reduced to mere propaganda by those who truly embraced his message. I am a shrub to Martin Luther King's towering presence. I am super hard on myself concerning matters of not living up to my God given potential in this sick world needing its citizens to step up and be better. Martin Luther King provided a template for greatness and I have struggled to comply ever since I became aware of it. The general media, John McCain, George Bush, and many others do not wage such a war upon themselves. If they did, George Bush would not have ever taken the seat of power. Honoring MLK --propaganda--no; speaking his name, singing his praises, standing where his body lay and not possessing his spirit --the epitome of propaganda and distortion of what the man stood and lay on the ground bleeding and dying for.

[Nommo]

Well, what have you done for civil rights that you can sit in such judgment?

[GrainOSand]

The spirit of justice, fairness, love, human kindness, and all else that is worthy and/or virtuous is not limited to a balcony, a state, a country, a movement, or a man. When Martin's body died his sprit went all around the world to rest in the hearts and minds of those still here to struggle on.

[Vnd]

I'm a white woman and I applaud Dr. West for raising this issue. I watched some of the State of the Black Union on C-Span back in February and I wondered why Senator Obama wasn't there (Hillary Clinton attended, despite the fact that the majority of the audience was supporting Obama). And I wondered again this weekend why Obama didn't go to Memphis. If he were white, surely he would have gone as a sign of respect for Dr. King, as a sign of respect for Dr. King's place in history. For me it's not a black-white issue, it's a respect issue. And it seems to me that Senator Obama may be taking his African-American base for granted. These issues are important and his supporters have every right to question his actions.

[sandpiper1]

I am glad he didn't go for a photo op and to campaign there as did Hillary Clinton and John Mccain. It would have been disrespectful and dishonourable. He showed good judgement by giving a speech at Dr. King's, Ebenezer Baptitst Church on his birthday. I think that was more profound in honouring MLK. Lets be truthful, Hillary and John McCain would not have been there had it not been a election year. It was all about politics. Dr. King was much more than that and certainly deserve better.

[furelise]

You are so wrong about Hillary. Her dedication to the civil rights movement began long years ago and she has never wavered. Why do you think more than 80% of registered Black voters supported her before Sen. Obama entered the race? Geraldine Ferraro was correct. Only a black man could lure African Americans away from a woman who has been their friend for so long.

[BubbaC33]

As is typical for an Obama supporter, you change the subject from why did Obama skip Memphis to attacking Ms. Clinton for going to Memphis to honor Dr. King. And I feel certain to say had Ms. Clinton stayed away, as Obama did, Obama supporters would have had a field day with her.

[SCCavie93]

Dear Vnd,

Why must you go out of your way to point out the fact that you are "white"? Does that some how validates to position stated by DR. WEST. Maybe you should read some of work and I wonder if your attempt to comment from the sideline would be completely different???

It is so pathetic that no matter what Obama does there are people in this country determined to push race to the forefront of everything surrounding the senator. Why if he be comes across as "too black" that would be an issue yet, if he even appears to "cater to African Americans" we have the like of uninformed feminist claiming that there is a correlation between being his success and ethnicity.

You then make the OFF the WALL claim that if Obama were white he would have gone as a sign of respect.......1st. Obama is 1/2 white and 2nd. Did Bush, Cheney and the countless other "white men" show up? (Remember you mentioned race.)

[Vnd]

I disagree with much of what Dr. West has to say but I agree with him on this. I was offering my opinion but I wanted to be up front that I was just a typical white person, sorry if you don't want to hear my opinion. In America everyone is entitled to one, including Dr. West, and I find it troubling that many feel he shouldn't have expressed it. His was an objective criticism, and a reasonable thing to say. Our politicians should be held to task by their supporters as well as by their opponents.

[112985]

I AM BLACK AND I AGREE WITH MS Vnd he should have been at both of those events, he is using to get our vote whey not atten d black functions??? he will not get another vote from me he should have been there out of respect for MLK .

[SciVo]

I hear you. You have an idea of what it means to honor Martin Luther King Jr. and you're disappointed that Barack Obama didn't fulfill that. Your feelings are, of course, valid. I disagree with your perceptions.

Obama went to Indiana, away from the media circus in Memphis, to where another Irish-American presidential candidate's "just words" on the occasion of MLK's death brought blacks and whites together in grief for the loss of a great man with a message of non-violent social change, contributing to a notable absence of rioting in Indianapolis that night. Obama went the place where the fire of MLK's life's work was most visibly kept alive on the same day as the spark in his mortal shell was extinguished. I can't think of a better way to honor him.

"The past is never dead. It's not even past."

[hinnis]

OBAMA HAS NO "BROTHERS"; only his blind ambition. Look how he threw his "brothers" and "sisters" under the bus to obtain his first elective office:
http://tinyurl.com/2zwwte

[HernQuin2008YouTube]

Bravo! Nobody gets to where Obama is without using broadsword and short knives.

[hinnis]

OBAMA HAS NO "BROTHERS"; only has his blind ambition. Look how he threw his "brothers" and "sisters" under the bus to obtain his first elective office:
Chicago Sun-Times—An examination of Obama’s first campaign clouds the image he has cultivated throughout his political career: Obama, who runs on a message of giving a voice to the voiceless, first entered public office not by leveling the playing field, but by clearing it. Alice Palmer, friend and mentor to Obama, served the district in the Illinois Senate for much of the 1990s. Decades earlier, she was a community organizer in the area. She risked her safe seat to run for Congress and touted Obama as a suitable successor. But when Palmer lost the congressional race, her supporters asked Obama to fold his campaign so she could easily retain her seat. Obama not only refused to step aside for the woman who was his friend and had recommended him for the seat, he filed challenges that nullified Palmer’s hastily gathered nominating petitions, forcing her to withdraw. Had Palmer survived the petition challenge, Obama would have faced the daunting task of taking on an incumbent senator. “He wondered if we should knock everybody off the ballot. How would that look?” said Ronald Davis, the paid Obama campaign consultant. Davis filed objections to all four of Obama’s Democratic rivals at the candidate’s behest. All other candidates were disposed of by Obama’s challenges. He then went on to win the election.
http://tinyurl.com/2zwwte

[asere]

So, He won, didn't He.
How can you help anyone by loosing ?
Loosing Sucks !

[ohdear08]

Asare: Thank you. Common sense is still not yet extant in the human genome after all.

[112985]

wake and smell the coffee look beyond him being a black man he is against affirmative action!!!!

[earnesttruthseeker]

I've liked Cornel West when I've seen him in various interview - and I respect his opinion. But I cannot hold this against Barack. When he is elected, he'll be able to make a better country for all of us.

[Selam]

Prof. West

Obama is a principled, responsible and ethically driven politician. He is navigating well under tremendous pressure from Clintons and the right wingers – he was not absent from remembering the horrible day of King’s assassination. It was a sad day for Obama and for many peace loving people – he was present, so do I, in spirit, pushing King’s dreams to end racism and bringing justice for all – he showed up.

Prof. West, you are a master for interpretation, and I don’t expect you to miss this – Obama was present so do others wherever they are.

Selam for all

[aftershock]

I highly respect Dr. West, and this changes nothing, even as an Obama supporter myself. While I may not agree with Dr. West that Obama was somehow being "politically calculating" in his decision to fly to Memphis, I appreciate that he is able to express his disagreement in a respectful and straightforward manner. Obama has always said he doesn't want to be surrounded by yes men, and I think it's good to see his supporters expressing disagreement publicly.

[ProWarDem]

Cornell, Obama's campign already spells the death knell for you race-baiters. He's joined with many other successful Black Americans in proving what we whites have been saying for decades. Color is not an issue, and we refuse to allow you to make it one.

[calicutie]

wow. i'd like to share my "deep disappointment" in my "dear brother" cornel west. it seems that barack obama's successful white house run is making many so-called black leaders and intellectuals go a little insane. this article was completely unnecessary, and woefully short-sighted. not to mention petty as all get-out!

i won't add more to the comments that have already been posted, but i will dare to submit that--in this case-- i believe that martin l. king would be on OBAMA's side!!!

corenl west should be ashamed of himself.

[JPaul2008]

I've hired and trained many persons for upper level professional positions. If someone had told me in an interview that his greatest weakness was losing things, and being unorganized and therefore had his staff give things to him at the last minute, although I might be impressed with him for other reasons, I would have great concerns in hiring him for a key executive position. If someone had told me that he hadn't been doing his job for over a year, (calling a meeting of his sub-committee) because he was looking for another job, (running for president), that would be the end of the interview and any job opportunities. And, yet, we are seriously considering this man to lead the most powerful nation in the world. McCain will make him look as inexperienced as he is and the result will be four more years of Republican rule and appointments to the Supreme Court that will affect Obama's grandchildren.

[DebofMD]

Not likely. Obama will crush McCain in the general election. Crush. Him.

And at least Barack was honest about his shortcomings when the question was asked during the debate; unlike Clinton and Edwards who came up with responses that had nothing to do with the question about personal/p­rofessiona­l weaknesses.

Barack is an honest guy and he tries to do the right thing. He encompasses integrity, brilliance, wisdom, and the abililty to unite individuals across party and color lines. And that is why he will win.

Plus, he's nice to look at. (Just had to throw that in.)

Obama '08

[Alvin4NY]

Barack is an honest guy and he tries to do the right thing. He encompasses integrity, brilliance, wisdom, and the abililty to unite individuals across party and color lines...
**********­**********­**********­**********­********

.....except when he lies like every other politician.

[furelise]

Deb, I guess love is blind. Wow! You know so much about him. Do you know him personally? When was the first time you heard his name? Was it love at first sight?

[JPaul2008]

Thank you Dr. West, for your continued uncompromising views. The sad truth is, Sen. Obama did his best not to raise race as important issue until he was forced to do so, and then dismissed Wright's views as anger from a man from a different era, as if blacks aren't angry now, including many young people who have faced discrimination, police brutality and institutional racism. His advisors were outraged that he was compared to Jesse Jackson, as if that was an insult and complained that he was the "affirmative action" candidate, as if affirmative action, a policy to eliminate discrimination, should be viewed with embarassment. I've watched the Senator deliver essentially the same speech, with the same jokes, and the same cliches for over a year. I'm an African American who has fought against discrimination my entire professional life, and will support Obama if he is the nominee. But I believe many of us have misplaced our hopes on this gifted man's oratory and will discover with great regret, that he was much more of a politician and opportunist than we would care to admit.

[MadeinAmericaProud]

If you are a supporter darn with a I trash and bash him with your crystal ball knowledge.
Yet you not acknowledged any other white man who didn't an affirmative action since they were not slaves for 300 years have served this nation with such distinctions we are stepping down in our level to the world standings of the U.S. to include the current president Bush.

[Tulka2]

Dr. West, i have the greatest respect and love for you. Just saw your conversation with Travis Smiley in Memphis. You are brilliant and a poet too. Your books have been a joy and a revelation to old white Buddhists like my husband and me. But... here you are wrong. The media, who love a horse race, and the right-wing who have an unspeakable aggenda, both are trying their very best to turn Obama into "the black candidate". He is. In America he is. I get it. But. He is more than the sum of his parts. Evidenced by the good sense in demonstrated into not going to Memphis. It is not a rejection. Come on. We live in a world of video. Obama stands with you. He stands with white Christians and Buddhists too. He stands with Muslims. He is not the "black candidate".

[JPaul2008]

Neither are Clinton or McCain, but they had the decency to pay tribute to Dr. King and the movement he led, while Obama was in a state that hadn't had its primary yet. If he needs the votes more than he needs to pay his respects, that would be very sad and unfortunate.

[Tulka2]

Reply to all the above. In the American South's past, any drop of African blood and it meant that person was "black". I am sort of surprised to see the above members of the African-American community buy into this too. Let me tell you this... the kids are so over this. Obama is post-race. If you let him be. And let me underline this next fact which so many people of all races seem to forget: Africans were slaves in this country not BECAUSE they were black, but because the cotton economics needed slaves. Ask Dr. West. The worst confusion about race in this country comes from thinking Black people were slaves because their skin color made them so.

[nybor11]

Why am I NOT surprised!! Obama hasn't backed up any of his speeches w/real action. He was the one who gave us "permission" to talk about race in America, yet he's the ONLY candidate who was not in attendance at the event in Memphis?! I am African-American and I support HRC–I wish more from my community would think before voting. We have thrown 90% of our vote behind this man blindly. We haven't thought about anything, we haven't challenged Obama on anything, and we've pushed aside the fact that Obama has, time and time again, failed to make appearances at these important events for the Black community. He's full of hot air, opportunistic, and should he become POTUS, black people will be extremely disappointed in what I predict will be his complete and utter neglect of our community. Obama has displayed a disturbing trend of talking the talk and forgetting to walk the walk–wake up Black America!!! It's time to think critically and to stop doing everything in lock-step–it's NOT helping our community one bit!!

We need to start holding him accountable--the fact that our community is attempting to justify these inactions by Obama and his campaign is ridiculous and short-sighted. Our vote has been taken for granted for years and years, so why are we continuing to allow this to happen now? Because we're dealing w/a black man?

[nybor11]

It's no different--black, brown, purple, or green--the black community needs to let ALL leaders know that they have a responsibility to our community. And that responsibility starts w/actually showing up to events such as these. A speech on race is great, but not after you've been boxed in politically to give it. Obama's campaign reeks of political opportunism, and we're letting him get away w/it--much to our detriment.

[dtd]

The MSM, notably CNN, had already started the King/Obama assasination talk. He did not need to be there for them to have a built-in story line "will Obama suffer the fate of King?" Having him stand on the balcony would have only stoked fears in Black America. He can honor Dr. King and speak to his legacy from anywhere.

[inwonderland]

brilliant and brave comment; one I tried to make, and one that we shall overcome this time.

i saw the CNN special on MLK's death and I had the conclusion you did.

To think a savy professor like West could not, or chose not to exercise the same sane judgment.
Bravo DTD.