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

[g33134]

dr. west: brother obama...is continuing dr. king's work. what are you doing ....by criticizing him?

[Darnamell]

I know there is a way to be a fan of a poster. Can we have an option to just never see their posts anymore as well?

I thought I was going to hear a genuine disagreement here, not sour grapes and misplaced criticism. I mean, does John McCain get points just for showing up?

[SifSkade]

Exactly. Under Dr. West's logic, showing up in Memphis to apologize -- a quarter-century after the fact -- for having voted against the MLK Holiday (and lying about why you did it) means that you paid your respects to Dr. King properly, and nothing could be further from the truth.

[bokyben]

Amen and thanks g. Very well said.

[DofG]

The afforementioned commentary is another example of how we, as human beings, tend to judge others, even in the sphere of mere ritual behavior, as if it was some sort of metric of one's heart. Cornel West, being a scholar and a devot Christian, should know better. We should always respect another's choice in this regard. It is "their" right, their burden of judgement , and the consequences that flow from it.

Just like misplaced patriotism, this is an expression of ignorance blessed by consensus.

[JohnTalbutt]

Right, like I said before, he might not have known that he was running for President of the U.S. and that his remarks, if taken seriously, could hurt him politcally.

[tennisbum]

I, too, am disappointed. Disappointed that people seek to use the tragedy of Dr. King's assassination for political reasons. I am also disappointed that for the second time, some in the African-American community have attempted to put Obama in a box and have publically chastised him when he refused to be party to their aganda. First, Tavis Smiley and now Cornel West. Obama was absolutely right when he said that some people who were seeking to use the occasion for political means, while he believed it was more important at this time to work to solve some of to the issues that Dr. King himself strongly advocated for. I live in Memphis, but did not attend the ceremonies, either. Instead I went to my job, teaching in one of Memphis' public schools that are in danger of failing. I spent Friday, April 4 teaching my students about the history of our country. The work is what is important, not another photo-op.

[Maya2008]

If the King family was'nt offended, then no one else should be.

[kennedy]

How do you know that?

And why would they come out publicly and say there ahshamed of Obama? It would hurt his chances.

[MadeinAmericaProud]

proof please show me so I can hear it for myself

[PlantGod72]

To imply that the King family is in any way, even REMOTELY "ashamed" of Obama is ludicrous in the extreme!

This is a joke, right??

[englishprof]

I fail to see why anyone should pay any attention to Mr. West's advice. Mr. Obama knows what he is doing.

[kennedy]

Without the butt kissing free press 24 / 7 Obama would not be in the race still. He is one of the worse candidates the DEMS ever allowed to run. No experience, no plans, no ideas and many scandals. He owes everything to the butt kissing free press. He is a press made myth.

[MadeinAmericaProud]

thank you press of all forum, that enough money to also keep him in the race. The butt kissing. is getting their money's worth too. Thanks for pointing that out.

[Aywaller]

I've seen many of your posts and find them--interesting, I guess would be the word. Are you a paid shill for HRC, or do you have a personal reason for this character-­assassinat­ion of Sen. Obama that you seem intent on continuing? I'm just wondering.
And I can't tell if you are republican or democrat--will you say? I'm am not supporting Clinton and I am often disgusted by the kind of campaign she has run, but I don't know her well enough to attack her personally. How is it that you know Obama so well?

Just wondering.

[PlantGod72]

It's amazing to me that you can still type while your lips are still so firmly attached to Ms. Hillary's behind!

What a skillful example of an ability to contort...­........ki­nd of like what HRC does on a daily basis. Obviously she's been a fine role model for you.

[JohnTalbutt]

Since Dr. West, as far as I know, does not participate in movements, organizing and political events, he was doubtlessly unaware that his words would be used against Obama as he contends to be President.

[db08]

He was actively involved in the Nader campaign in 2000.

[JohnTalbutt]

Like I said.

[SifSkade]

Sarcastic, right? Otherwise he wouldn't have posted these words about his "dear brother" Obama on the HuffPost.

[Oilygarch]

J-sus died on the cross. Much has been made of H-s death. Many people focus attention on those who put H-m to death. To the point that for those, much more important aspects of H-s legacy is obfuscated and lost.

Mahatma Ghandi was assassinated by a young separatist militant who did not appreciate Ghandi's message of unity and peace. To dwell on Ghandi's assassination would distract from his message than to celebrate his leadership, great deeds, the life he lived, the example he was.

Dr. King was assassinated by a sniper with a bullet to his head. Many would prefer to dwell on his horrible death and on the conspiracies behind his death often to the point that it overshadows Dr. King's legacy that still lives to this day.

There are many more examples of those who lost their earthly lives in a moment, after a life of dedication to unity, goodness and improvement. Yet their essence and spirit live throughout the ages.

They all died by hands from those who most resisted this positive change. Would they have wished that people dwell on their deaths or celebrate their essence? Would they have felt that their essence circles around their death?

[Seattlelite]

Well said Oilygarch!

[Oilygarch]

Perhaps, it is time we set our eyes on our horizons, follow these and set new positive examples in their name ourselves. That is probably the most dignity and respect we can afford them. That the light and essence of G-d not become forever snuffed from people's hearts by way of self pity and divisive rants which cast our eyes away from our potential as joint peoples and its promise. May the sharing of Dr. West's disappointment not veer our heading from seeing the true glory that is currently at hand.

Looking forward-

[Trueheart]

Dr. West,

Perhaps Mr. Obama stayed away because his presence might have attracted the attention of a James Earl Ray copy cat?? I think the possibility is real, and if this was a consideration, then certainly, it is understandable. The haters are out there, and they are armed.

[kennedy]

Why do you cult people talk about this so much?

Hillary has had death threats. Did you even know about that? Probably not because she or her supporters rarely talk about it. Everyone in the public eye has to worry about some crazy nut going off. But we don't worry about Hillary because we know she has the best protection in the world. And so does Obama.

If your so worried about Obama then tell him to drop out of the race.

[JohnTalbutt]

Try to get a grip. Obama is going to be the nominee. The math is clear. Get ready for it or you will have a stroke.

[MadeinAmericaProud]

she has been under fire before she know how to run for cover, didn't you hear what she said?

[papasboy]

Every person who has gotten this high in plitics has had death threds against them. It just goes with te territory. I think Obama should have gone down to Memphis, but that doesn't mean i dont respect him anymore. He has fresh ideas without the political baggage of Hillary.

[Oilygarch]

I wouldn't be surprised in the least bit, especially in Bosnia. Oh, my apologies, she declared that to be a ''misstatement''. At times it may be difficult to distinguish.

With all due respect to mimes. For some reason, a mime comes to mind; excepting it's hard to tell if the mime is trying to climb a ladder, keep it there, grapple at straws or tugging at something.

With performance being lack-luster, there's already a restless crowd telling the mime to get off the stage.

[PlantGod72]

Oh yes, Kennedy, but we kNOW Hillary has learned the fine art of "dodging and weaving" to avoid incoming fire!!!

Hail to our CIC!

[missntexas]

You do not need to be disappointed with Barack Obama. He chose the one city that defied the odds when Dr. King was assassinated. Indianapolis showed us what we could be. Robert Kennedy spoked to the crowds and there were no riots.

[DrZee]

I thought about this for awhile, not that it really matters what I think. But here's the deal... Obama goes to Memphis and it's all about Obama and not about MLK. Look what sound bytes we have from the day: booing of McCain (and rightfully so) and Hillary throwing her book bag. I never saw one photo or speech by the Kings or close family/friends. I know Obama was in Indiana because he is struggling and working to Achieve the Dream that Dr. King envisioned. Obama's speech from Indiana was gracious and warm. What would one more wreath do for the future of this country -- this country which sorely needs hope and new leadership. I believe Dr. King would bless Barack Obama's quest. I hope he is and continues to watch over us as the struggle continues.

[Fritzi]

You are so right! Dr. King would have encouraged Obama to fulfill his dream. Obama had wonderful words in honor Dr. King.
There's always an odd ball that will criticize Obama. In fact, I think the writer of this article is jealous of Obama and that's why he must critcize. Instead of supporting his "brother" he's pulling his own people down and not helping Obama achieve the impossible dream which he already has in his pocket!

[Oilygarch]

I just threw a book-bag in front of National Television. There! Now, can I be president? If you don't make me prez, I'll throw another temper-tantrum!

BTW, AFAIK, when the proverbial book-bag was thrown, wasn't she a proud member of "The Young Republicans". Now that's hillarious! Check that out.

BTW, the book-bag I just threw wasn't even mine. *LOL* Made you look though.

It would appear that soon enough, the book is scheduled to be thrown at her: Only two days after the PA primary. Apparently, for a few other ''misstatements''. This time, just a wee bit more grievous.

At that point, she and her daughter and/or their legal representative will be asked, not to step down, but to step up and take the stand for some very interesting questioning.

Disclaimer: The previously mentioned ''National Television'' is in actuality, my National Panasonic. If you believe that which has been stated to go beyond the pale of an error, don't worry, it was just a ''misstatement''. Mileage may vary.

[northcan]

I'm glad he didn't go sir. He was doing the work that needed to be done. I think Obama is an honest man that refuses to put political correctness in play, as the other candidate's did. He knew it would be 'a competition' for Queen Hillary and McCain...s­o he let them have the stage. Truthfully, Memphis had no room left on Friday, Saturday because Hillary's head was too big.

Did you hear her speach? My God. Just like MLK....so full of drama .....soooo theatrical­..my, my!! Trying to replace the voice of King with her own...that woman...ho­w talented!!! I bet her closest friends call her luther...o­r Rocky, oh..I'm sorry, I mean Eleonor. Gosh, I really meant to say Lucifer. Democrats in California­.....pleas­e don't do this to the World again. Be environmentally friendly. Please, give us a CLEAN World without the Clinton's??

[erykah]

Obama's absence from Memphis was not a diss to the black community or King. As he stated to the media he was present at the MLK holiday celebration in January and made a speech at the Ebenezzer Baptist Church, the home church of th King family. In fact, he spent the day with the King family. While marking the 40th anniversary of King's death is important, Obama cannot be expected to be at every black event in the name of demonstrating his blackness. West, whom I greatly respect, is way out of line here. I am really surprised as there is no substance to this at all. I agree with an earlier commenter. West could have raised this issue in private. Honestly, most of these affairs are merely opportuities to induge in speechifying rather than in living the dream King spoke of. If anything, Clinton's and McCain's presence in Memphis appears suspicious to me. Brother West, I love you. I honestly do, but you need to get over yourself. Let Obama do his thing. That is what King would want. him to do.

[kennedy]

Why is this not the headline?

If Hillary or Mc Cain had not gone they would be spit on.

The butt kissing media lets Obama get away with everything.

[Yurdelite]

That is pure bull. I would rather Clinton and McCain had kept their pandering arses home or somewhere else. She has played black folks for fools and She should have been roundly booed for her phoney story about how she felt when MLK died. John McCain could have saved his breath.

So who cares if they went--I don't.

[kennedy]

(black folks for fools )

What a sick racist lie about Hillary. But I expect nothing else from Obama cult members. And Hillary and Mc Cain showed their respect for Doc. King and his work. Obama didn't care to show his face because he had better things to do.

Hillary tells a heart felt story and you as a cult member spit on her. Really, really sad that you are anywhere near the DEM party. Jump over the the REP party the way your GOD has. Both of you are trying to bring down the great DEM party.

Millions of people across the country care if Obama the blow heart showed up. People of all races are asking why? And many people see his non show as a problem. Shame on Obama for campaigning and raising money instead showing his respect for MLK. Shame.

[MsLiz]

After making speeches honoring MLK, both Clinton and McCain were given private tours of Graceland. LOL. I'm kidding.

[Nommo]

"But I've reason to believe,
We both will be received
in Graceland.­.."

-Paul Simon