I don’t have time to fully unpack this, but suffice to say when Tim Russert asked Barack Obama about whether he rejected the support of the Hon. Min. Louis Farrakhan and Obama “denounced and rejected” the Minister, a little air left my Barack Obama balloon.
I am fully aware of the particular nature of national politics and that it is a game, at times, of compromise, however, it does not sit well with me that Obama obliged mainstream thought and separated himself from a man that many in the African American community respect and hold in high esteem. He allowed mainstream thought to decide for him who the villains and heroes of our society are. He put the Minister at arms length and, I think, by extension showed that he is willing to put his people at arms length if it is politically expedient to do so.
Again – I understand that this is part and parcel of the game that seemingly must be played to get to the White House, but this morning and last night – that move by the Senator from Illinois does not sit well with me. Who’s to say that he won’t have to continue this behavior of rejecting those African Americans that mainstream america doesn’t like – Nat Turner, Malcolm X, Assata Shakur, John Brown, Jeremiah Wright, etc.??
Then again I asked myself how would I have responded on live television to that question. After having the luxury to think it out a bit more; I decided that I would have said something to the effect of welcoming votes from all quarters of America and that the name of the game in national politics is to get more votes. Then I might have gone on to say that the support given by the Minister is evidence of the BIG TENT – the American tent that “my” campaign makes room for. It doesn’t mean that everyone under the tent of voting for me will agree on everything, but it means that the majority of Americans feel like the established system is ignoring them and that people are setting aside their differences to find common ground in an effort to move this country forward in a positive direction. (Barack – feel free to take this line for the next time you’re asked about this…yes, I give you permission.)
Watch the video for yourself and let me know what you think.
Related posts:
- “Shame on You Barack Obama!” Democratic hopeful, Hilary Clinton, took it to the next level...
- Yes We Can “by” Barack Obama & Will.I.Am. A really creative portrayal of Barack Obama’s message to the...
- Barack Obama making ‘em sweat As my regular readers know, I’ve not really given much...
Obama is sacrificing principle in order to pursue a nomination. Clearly, he is running away from the perception of carrying any ‘Civil Rights baggage’, as some have already maintained. I am not ashamed of those individuals who fought for us or for social justice for all people.
I have sat in venues like the National Press Club in DC, and looked in Min. Farrakhan’s face – this man has fought for social justice in America and abroad – even so that individuals like Senator Obama could be where he is now. And Minister Farrakhan has never waivered!
Lets have Tim Russert pose the same question, if it were possible assuming that Mahatmis Gandhi or Jesus Christ were alive today and had been America’s controversial freedom fighters over the past half-decade, while its national, state and local governments participated in the discrimination against black people.
How would Senator Obama answer the same question about these controversial freedom fighters, both of whom gave their lives for the cause of social justice?
One should never give up principle, in order to pursue any office! The Nation of Islam and Minister Farrakahn have been more of a friend to social justice than either The United States Government, Israel or Tim Russert!
Not to monopolize…
However let us remember that with respect to Israel, The Apostle Paul once excoriated Israel himself in Romans the 10th Chapter. Paul, a Jew himself excoriated Israel for having left the righteousness of God, and their having instead gone about to replace the righteousness of God with their own form of righteousness.
I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and neither am I ashamed of Minister Farrkhan’s contribution and his fight for social justice, in America, and for that matter even in the Middle East? And kudos to all of the other civil rights workers who Obama distances himself from. Those freedom fighters would be sitting right by me on any political were I a politician.
Rev. Muse, Obama and all of these who have gotten in bed with the American political process have compromised principle and sound judgment, in order to garner personel success! I concluded yesterday, that Rev. Muse will in time be running for the office of President himself. He is engaging in behaviors and supporting legislation that suggests that it will be his aim!
If my people who were called by name…! America’s problems would be solved, without pursuing any political offices!
I guess I am in the minority here, but I actually liked Obama’s response. Yes, I will agree with all of the previous commentators that Obama was playing the political game and saying exactly what he thought Jewish voters would want to hear.
But, at the same time, I don’t approve of Farrakhan — or any other public official or person — calling Judaism a “gutter religion.” I don’t need to remind the participants in this conversation that Christianity springs directly from Judaism. Jesus (not that he would) never calls himself a Christian in the Bible. He considered himself a Jew, and if for that reason alone, I have great respect for Judaism and its traditions. We share so many of the same texts and history.
What is more, when we read the Koran, we find that Christianity and Judaism are understood as (though incomplete) legitimate revelations of the holy. In other words, I think that approving of statements like Farrakhan’s only increases the divisions between races, relgions, and peoples. If nothing else, Obama is trying to unite the nation (and win the democratic candidacy:); he cannot do that while alienating Jews.
Now, can he do that while alienating Farrakhan and his supporters? Probably not. But when we listen to the interview, we notice that Obama states he rejects Farrakhan’s anti-semitism, not his support of black people, not his commitment to the community, and not his Islamic faith. I am a Christian, and a supporter of Farrakhan, but I do not support his anti-semitism either. Considering that he had Tim Russert and Hillary Clinton both ready to pounce on his every word, I think he gave a reasonable response.
All best,
In reference to Obama’s response to Min. Farrakan, I like the answer that you would have given…taking into account that you had time to think about it. Obama didn’t have that opportunity and was not notified in advance of the questions that would be asked of him. As for Farrakan, his views of the Jewish community is not something that I think any “Christian” would support. There, I applaud Obama. Some may feel that to accept Farrakan’s support, would in a sense mean that Obama agree’s with how Farrakan feels. It is clear to me that Obama is not “accepting” just anyone’s support just for the sake of votes. I am a strong seasoned african american christian who also love “my people”. Nevertheless, I stand for the right’s of God’s people first.
Jambo (Hello) Everyone first lets set the record straight Minster Farrakan never said that Judaism is a “gutter religion.” When we quote mis-quotes we play right into our enemy’s hand. Obama said what he had to say political based on people’s level of awareness in this country. This is the most backward country on the planet when it comes to people’s understanding of the game called politics or “pile of tricks” that is played in amerikkka.
Go to the http://www.finalcall.com and read for yourself what Minster Farrakan said. He also warns us that we need to watch out for the mischief makers (ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN and the rest of that gang. I’m chairperson for Rocky Mount Citizens for Obama and I understand and I beleive Minster Farrakan understands why Obama said what he said if he wants to win. I love both of the Brothers. I didn’t expect Obama to say anything different. How could he if he wants to win. He could have corrected the mischief makers, but if had did that it would cost him the election. Please Brothers and Sisters understand that it is all a game. When you run for public office you say what you need to say to get votes. You don’t always tell the truth if you want to win. Minster Farrakan knows that if Obama embraces him he can’t win. We have to know how to play the game to win. Our enemy has been playing the game of divide and conquer on us for years. It’s time to play the game back on them. Our problems is that we believe all the lies that our enemy tells us. So focus on the big issues and don’t get sidetracked by the mischief makers. And remember this if Hillary wins then for the last 24 years we will then had two families in the white house running the country the Clinton’s and the Bush’s. We need a change, and Obama is a breath of fresh air. Peace & Blessings Baba Jahi
Minster Farrakan’s Own Words
(again go to http://www.finalcall.com)
The enemy’s ‘litmus test’ for Black leadership
No one can make an intelligent decision without being properly informed. This is why this world wants to control the media. This is why media hype can take you up and take you down, so you don’t know anymore who is really good, because the media can make a wicked man look good and make a good man look evil. That is why people in Jesus’ time said, “Crucify him.” If they were well informed they would never have chosen a thief.
The enemy is working right now. He wants to find a way to get at Farrakhan. What is wrong with Farrakhan that you have to make Farrakhan a “litmus test” for any Black person who strives for betterment; for elevation in the society? The enemy says, “Let’s give them ‘The Farrakhan Test.” Now, I’ve taken tests, but I have never been in a classroom where a test is only applied to one student in the class. If you’re going to give somebody a litmus test, give the test to all of them. Don’t single out one man, Sen. Barack Obama, and say, “Well, let’s give him ‘The Farrakhan Test.’” Why not give it to Senator Clinton?
What are you trying to do to our Brother? Why do you hate him so, that you want to make me a stumbling block for him? That is why you have never heard me make any comment. I love that Brother, and I want to see that Brother successful! I don’t want to say anything that would hurt that Brother, and I don’t want them to use me or the Nation of Islam. I didn’t tell anybody who to vote for; do what you want to do. I have taught you enough sense that I know you will vote your self interest, if you know what your self interest is.
The “Farrakan” question is dirty pool that Russert sprung on Obama at the last minute. Farrakan has not at all been an issue in this campaign. Why bring it up now? In private, i’m sure that Farrakan/Obama are more than cool. There are the highest of stakes involved and both of these men know how to play the game.
[...] said over the weekend that Dennis Kucinich was more vocal to Black concerns that Obama!) In fact, in certain episodes he has shown his willingness to sacrifice Black folk while in hot pursuit of the nomination. He [...]