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

[miles120]

We spend far too much time creating mythical characters in this country, which is counter-productive to learning lessons and "perfecting our union" (to borrow a phrase.) People should honor Dr. King by making a difference every day on the street, in the workplace, and in the halls of government. That's much more important than laying a wreath once each year.

Are you a good Christian if you go to church but not enact the teachings of the gospel? Barack Obama is running for President and trying to change the discourse in this country. Isn't that the political equivalent of feeding the poor? Pick your own analogy, the point is that we need to make a genuine difference in the world every day.

[dondon7777]

I wholeheartedly agree with you. As much as I respect and admire Dr. West, Obama needs to be about taking care of the real business and get elected. It will be far more symbolic and historically more significant for him to lay the wreath as president of the United States. He would then truly fulfill the dream of King - not that we simply dwell together but have the opportunity to be led together as a nation by a Black man. The forces of hatred and evil slew the first dreamer. Genesis 37:19 And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh. 20. Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into one of the pits, and we will say, And evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams. What has become of King's dreams is Barack Obama. The evil beasts of punditry, racism, downright lying, kill-him-by-associating-him-with-his-pastor, not qualified, inexperienced, fill in the blank - have not stemmed the tide. For the last couple of decades, we as a nation have swilled from the trough of fear, lies, scandal, cynicism, bankrupt foreign and domestic policies, divisiveness, and dashed hopes long enough. Let's get ready to rumble TOGETHER with our future. Let's get behind a fearless leader and move forward. THE WHOLE WORLD IS WATCHING! Yes we can! Obama 08

[mwalton]

Oh, please! Obama was just there a few weeks before. Then he gave a great speech at Dr. King's church and spent time with the King family. Second, Obama made a speech in Indiana where spoke in glowing terms of Dr. King and the relevancy of his message today. The people in Georgia are not the only ones who need to hear about Dr. King.

Cornel West should say what he's really upset about: the fact that Obama didn't attend the conference that was organized by Tavis Smiley a few weeks. He offered to send Ms. Obama. But that wasn't good enough for Smiley, West and his crowd.

Note to West: Sorry you're disappointed Obama's schedule doesn't always meet with your approval. He's only on the last leg of a campaign to be the President of the United States.

[michie62]

Obama's arrogance in not going to Memphis hurts him with those of us alive when Dr. King died. Hell, even that hump McCain went and apologized for voting against the holiday. Hillary and her less then genuine self went and gave a heck of a speech. Cornel West is no slouch. He should run for president, but he is so intellectually above most people they wouldn't get it . Read some or all of Dr. West's books. All will learn something from him. I am ready not to vote as both Hillary and Obama make me sick. She acts as if she did everything in her lifetime and he comes with this pithy phrase about yes we can and change. I remember Dr. King's killing and RFK's I was five and I lost hope when they died. The two nicest men on the tv news were killed and we were left with Humphrey and Nixon--owner of the permanent 5:00 shadow. I know Quakers who said that their denom. disowned him. No more real smiles or love--that died completely when Ethel pulled the plug on RFK that early Thursday morning in June 68. I may be jaded, but Obama is a self-serving person, just like Hillary. West was right, Obama, you were wrong and all the pc people who say it was okay for obama not to be there, well for goodness sake brush up on history, so you won't be damned to repeat it.

[ApolloniaCreed]

Dear Michie,

I urge you to vote for the democratic candidate, and talk as many people you know who may start to feel this way do the same. I was not born yet when MLK died, but I do understand the importance of his life and know the intricate history of it. I know this has been a tiresome primary, but regarless of whether BO or HRC are self serving, I would ask you to weigh the other option. Please weigh not only the policy of the opposition, but appointments they will inevitably make.

Please do not count it as arrogance on the parts of us too young to know or feel the greatness of this symbolism as you do, but excuse it. It seems a generational divide that we can not afford at this moment.

[TruthResearcher]

I am a huge fan of Dr. West and have great respect for him, but I respectfully disagree. As previous posts have said: Obama would have been the center of attention, celebrate life not death, he was just there a couple weeks ago, you and Tavis need to stop planning Obama's calendar for him. He is doing the people of this country and the world, a great service. He is both black and white and he presents as a fair and balanced person. Let's just give him our support. Enough time to criticize when, and if, he makes a REAL blunder. With his level of intelligence and knowledge, and with the people he has surrounded himself with, we may never have that opportunity.

[Wordtodawise]

Barack Obama, It's OK to be in Indiana and not Memphis

Cornel West, I can appreciate your disapproval of Barack Obama's absence at the MLK's event in Memphis but I emphatically disagree with you because your position is pathetically wrong.

To rebuke Obama for not making a symbolic visit to Memphis is to ignore the enormous responsibility he has for successfully conducting his campaign for the most important political office in the land, the president of the United States. Is there any priority greater than that at this time for Obama?

As hard as Obama has tried to convince people that he isn't doing things the same old way, some folks like you my friend still don't get it. According to an old adage, Obama is hunting for an elephant and can't afford to stop and throw stones at small animals. It's important to note that my comment by no means diminishes the King event.

Dr King is now a living legend and his memory will be celebrated every year for as long as America exists but Obama has just one shot at the opportunity of being elected president. I'm sure Dr King would approve of his judgment of tending to the important business of being in Indiana and not be distracted by the need to placade critics.

I will not disparage Hillary Clinton and John McCain for being in Memphis to honor Dr King. They are doing what is politically expedient for them.

Wordtodawise

[kira181]

It's a respect thing. This was a major tribute to Martin Luther King. Of course, Obama should have been there. One day out of his campaign route wouldn't have killed him. And if, Mr. West is a supporter of Obama, it's quite understandable that he would feel disappointed.

Hilary's speech was appropriate and so was McCain's. So what if a black man was holding an umbrella for him? He can't lift his arms -- remember? Should the helpful man have said, "Jeez, I'd like to help you out, buddy, but how will this look to the commenters online?" Wouldn't that have been nice at a memorial to Martin Luther King, of all people?

Dumping on those who showed up is silly. It's like rationalizing not attending a funeral because you were busy finding the cure for death that day but, at least, you didn't wear ugly shoes like those tacky people who went did.

[elbowguts]

If Mr. West truly is a supporter of Barack Obama, then his disappointment would have been more appropriately expressed in a private conversation.

Otherwise it just ends up looking like an attempt to garner publicity and establish oneself as "blacker than thou."

[StephenJK]

Oh give me a break. That is the most ridiculous statement I've ever heard. Take Obama off to the side in a kind of "tsk tsk" slap on the wrist "you're a naughty boy" moment? GTFO. Dr. West has EVERY right to call out Barack. Especially, considering the proximity Dr. West has to the Civil Rights movement and AA issues. The same can't be said for Barack. He was born and raised of "typical white" people. I think I have a good idea why Obama didn't go.

[JJaye]

I am so sick to death of "so called" Black Leaders and Professors commenting on their disappointment of Barack Obama. Barack Obama was exactly where he needed to be and doing what he should have been doing on the anniversary of King's death. He is trying to reach the mountain top and it seems like the one's who fought the hardest next to Dr. King are trying to stop him. Maybe it doesn't suit you for Barack Obama to reach the top. Perhaps you feel you won't have anything else to talk about and then you'll have to address what really ails the Black Community and start preaching PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY!! I swear, Dr. King is probably rolling in his grave at what we've become. With all due respect Dr. Cornell West - Please Shut Up! Let's think "Bigger Picture". It is time to rally, not divide.

[BGM1906]

Who was at the memorial last year? Was every African-American in the US in Memphis for the ceremony? I don't think so. Are we sell outs? Maybe, If we apply Dr. West's logic. I don't buy that. We can all honor Dr. King's legacy in our own individual way. I wouldn't call someone a heathen simply because I didn't see them go to church! Let's find something of substance to criticize our leaders on not something like this...

[kcal2000]

I understand why Obama wasn't there. Because of the fervency of his supporters, especially in the African American community, in my opinion, him being there would have been a distraction from what the event was supposed to be about, honoring Dr. King.

Rather than be in a photo opt, Obama is trying to do his part. I believe the discussion of King, who said some "controversial" things about America will put the Jeremiah Wright comments in its proper perspective.

[Susan1968]

Please don't compare Dr. King to Rev. Wright.

Dr. King's "controversial" remarks about America are not comprable to the things Wright said.

[hoodrat]

Tell me where? Because you don't want to hear it - doesn't mean it went unsaid. I'll say this again, I have yet to hear clergy of any denomination say a word in condemnation, unless you still consider Buchanon a preacher - feel free to educate me though. Jesus not only died for our sins - but also for his heresy against his Religion/Government. And sometimes against those who followed him. AIDS might've been a stretch, denying care to those infected was not. You would be hard pressed to prove falsehoods to me on all the rest. Last couple months, have read and watched more video on Rev. Wright, than I EVER did on my own Pastor. But then, like church does, I tend to drift after 15-20 min. : )

[ApolloniaCreed]

Well actually their sentiments are quite similar... you might find it informational to listen to
"Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence", a speech King gave at Riverside Church in 1964, about the Vietnam war; in which he called the U.S. Government "the greatest purveyor of violence in the world today."

It is not unpatriotic to be a critic of the country you love... that lie has become very popular since 2000.

[carlgt1]

I think it's best to honor MLK's life by actions such as Obama is doing; not meaningless "preaching to the converted" platitudes & media events. The fact that the Clinton campaign will now try to spin her as "friend of blacks" and not Obama shows how these events are devalued by politics, and Obama was wise to stay out of it as each politican tries to outdo each other.

[SifSkade]

Did you not hear Sen. Obama's speech on race, Dr. West, or many of his other speeches? He's done plenty to honor MLK's memory. Just showing up in Memphis for a blatant media op doesn't mean jack -- John McCain stood under an umbrella held by a Black man and lied/talked crazy about why he didn't vote for the King Holiday. Do you feel that McCain was more respectful to Dr. King than Obama? What matters isn't what you say or where you're standing on the anniversary of Dr. King's death -- it's what you do and say every day of your life, and I find it very difficult to criticize Obama on that latter front. Frankly, "Brother" West, you'll pardon me for saying so, but I think that if you felt this deeply about the issue, you should have discussed it privately with the Senator before the anniversary; an open letter on the HuffPost after the fact seems disingenuous, at best, and, at worst, it suggests that your commitment to uplifting the race may be "in tension with" your quest for publicity.

[jadez]

since Obama is your"dear brother", did you call and speak to him before you wrote this to get his thoughts?

or. did this give YOU a chance to get YOUR name in the news for a few seconds?

and unless you have evidence to support a claim that your dissapointment means Obama was disrespecting Dr. Kings legacy you should NOT inply it.

[nickyhartzell]

I was thinking about Obama not going to MLK Jr. event after having seen the performances of the other two presidential candidates who did attend. Both of them used the event to promote themselves, McCain by offering an apology and seeking to do better on his record, Clinton harping on about how women's rights were important, too, and PLEASE the phony tears and one more story that will probably turn out to be a lie about remembering the day he died. But Obama had the class NOT to use the event to promote himself at the expense of Dr. King. I believe Obama is a man of principle, who does what he feels is right. We simply don't know why he didn't go, but I'm going to guess that it had something to do with doing something meaningful to remember Dr. King, perhaps privately, rather than use Dr. King's memorial to promote himself.

[StephenJK]

Do something "perhaps privately". LOL You're logic is a perfect example of blissful ignorance of Obama's missteps and failings of character.

[anthonylee]

hear, hear - good post!

StephenJK is intellectually lazy and transparent in his support for Billary and/or McCain.

[sporcupine]

Doctor West,

I respectfully offer a different thought.

By not speaking in Memphis, Senator Obama made it easy to see that the other two candidates were working on living out their own relationships to the King legacy. Especially, the sight of Senator McCain standing on THAT balcony, groping for words, was hugely important. It meant justice was the continuing task of every one, including those who didn't accept the task when it was placed in front of them earlier in life. Senator McCain may not have found the words to undo his shame, but he knew that he was supposed to.

Meanwhile, by speaking in Indianapolis, Senator Obama was able to speak specifically to fears in Indiana and Pennsylvania, using the specifics of Memphis to address jobs, dignity, and union recognition. He'll have to repeat that message many more times to get it heard well, but he launched it wonderfully on the right day.

In both ways, Senator Obama made the message stronger, deeper, more firmly about changing the country now. I think he chose well.

[WWJD2]

Let's give Bush--oops I mean Obama--a break here. It's not patriotic to criticize our savior???

[Winonaah]

Dear Dr. West,

Prophesy Deliverance! I’ll never forget when I read it for the first time. I was a first year seminarian. My worldview was magnificently changed. I was in awe of how masterfully you shared your wealth of knowledge about History, Theology and Philosophy. This is the reason I found your opinion about Senator Obama’s absence in Memphis so surprising and I’m sorry to say, disappointing. You among all the great scholars of Black History and critically relevant theologians should know that veneration is not the highest honor. Dr. King is due a far greater honor. We honor him and ourselves when we instead, become the incarnation of his greatest legacy to us: the hope we have in the present for our future as a nation. Take a closer look, Dr. West, at America in 1968 and I think you will agree that where Senator Obama was and what he was doing on the anniversary of Dr. King’s death was far more meaningful and auspicious than— well, I’ll stop here.

[mambomary]

Thanks Cornell for having the honesty to rebuke Obama for not visiting Memphis to honor Dr. King on the 40th anniversary of his murder. Obviously, the guy's campaign swing through Indiana meant more to him because he's basically a slick politician looking for votes. His absurd efforts to emulate Dr. King only point up his inadequacies when he's compared to that genuinely great leader.

[Winonaah]

Dear Dr. West,

Prophesy Deliverance! I’ll never forget when I read it for the first time. I was a first year seminarian. My worldview was magnificently changed. I was in awe of how masterfully you shared your wealth of knowledge about History, Theology and Philosophy. This is the reason I found your opinion about Senator Obama’s absence in Memphis so surprising and I’m sorry to say, disappointing. You among all the great scholars of Black History and critically relevant theologians should know that veneration is not the highest honor. Dr. King is due a far greater honor. We honor him and ourselves when we instead, become the incarnation of his greatest legacy to us: the hope we have in the present for our future as a nation. Take a closer look, Dr. West, at America in 1968 and I think you will agree that where Senator Obama was and what he was doing on the anniversary of Dr. King’s death was far more meaningful and auspicious than— well, I’ll stop here.

[Daniel8168]

So, he should have went and made a simple gesture that would have been forgotten within a week or two? What about the fact that he came out and specifically addressed the issue of race relations in this country and attempted to call America to the table to start having serious talks about the issue.

Personally, I think Dr. King would have applauded Obama's actions that might help to further one of Dr. King's most passionate causes. Sure, Obama could have displayed solidarity with Dr. King by ceremonially laying a wreath, and talking to the press, but isn't it much more important that he has, to an extent, picked up the banner that Dr. King so proudly waved?

I, for one, firmly believe that Obama's speech on race was a far more profound tribute to Dr. King than a simple token of merely ceremonial significance.

[JayeSutter]

If he went he would remind Americans of going back on the deal that he, Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan struck. I will sell white people goods, I won't fight discrimination. I won't upset anyone, I will smile and tell the white world I am not angry with them if they will just love me.

Mohammed Ali reminded all Americans--black and white--that he was in his own eyes "the greatest" and didn't care so much for white approval. No endorsements, but he did belong to himself and didn't have to calculate which way the wind blew his approval score.

Give me a free black man or woman or free human being any day. One that doesn't speak of conformity or success measured the way sponsors do.

Obama isn't much of his own man if he had to weigh what was the right thing to do--will he lose white votes if he goes, will he lose black votes if he doesn't go--will someone be displeased with Obama?

He didn't take a stand, he was present but he wasn't, he didn't vote yes or no. He just did a cost/benefit analysis and had no soul searching, no statement to make, no risky act.

Would he have gotten this far if he was his own man?

[obamagramma]

Obama risked being labeled "exploitive" of King's legacy, or worse, overshadowing the importance of the day, and MLK's legacy. I thought it worked out fine, we spent a day talking about MLK, and hearing accolades from McCain & Clinton, while Obama, in Indiana, reminded the world of Robert F. Kennedy's contribution to peace, change & harmony. To me, it worked very well. I am in awe of MLK's legacy. God Bless.