Reflections on "The Speech"

Barack Obama's speech the other night on Race in America was terrific. In my view it is very important that he made this speech now. He was extremely thoughtful, candid and showed his deep personal self-inquiry as well as a serious analysis of racial issues from several different perspectives. I believe the fact that he honestly addressed the American people so directly and that he did it now when the stakes are so high for him as a presidential candidate says a lot for his personal integrity. Obviously the critical impact that race has had in America and the content of his Reverend's speeches has and continues to be a big issue in the minds of all voters. Notwithstanding this political fact, I believe that all Americans needed to hear this speech and will in fact respect Barack for deeply delving into and examining the impact that racial matters have had in the lives of Americans. Obama's ability to analyze racial issues both systemically and from his personal experience and perspective as a self identified black man with multi-racial roots, shows his understanding of how critically important this issue is towards advancing the rights of all Americans so that they can achieve the "American Dream". Just as important, his willingness to discuss with unusual candor the anger that Blacks feel and express and the resentment that Whites have felt and often express with respect to race also demonstrates his willingness to grapple with very painful historic and present day societal concerns and emotions. I believe that this dialogue and all of the complexities of race relations in America are so fundamental if we are to achieve a more socially and economically just society. As a major party presidential candidate, the fact that Obama has brought forth this conversation for National consideration, demonstrates his willingness to face head-on one of the most serious problems in America today and one that has plagued us for decades. As someone who has worked in the past as a civil rights lawyer in the Federal government and in New York State government as the Deputy Commissioner of thee New York State Division of Human Rights, I think that both the contents and depth of understanding that he exhibited in this speech shows his true integrity not only as a presidential candidate but also as an individual American. By bringing this conversation into the "public square", I believe Barack Obama has shown the strength and vision to be the next President of what is now a very diverse multi racial, multi ethnic urban, suburban, ex-urban and rural United States of America. We should all applaud this moment of honest national discourse..