Friday, July 24, 2009

Rock On, Pres


Henry Louis Gates Jr. is a black man.

He is also a renowned Harvard scholar whose writings are published in many popular and obscure journals and newspapers.

He was arrested and handcuffed last week as he tried to break into his own home in leafy old Cambridge, Mass.

President Obama said in plain English that he thought the Cambridge police "acted stupidly."

Now, this forthright declaration on prime-time TV may not have been the most judicious or clever thing a sitting President has ever done.

But it sure is one of the sweetest.

The cop couldn't have asked Professor Gates to please identify himself as the owner of the house?

Race continues to be the core paralyzing reality at the heart of the American "dream."

The President is valiantly trying to push health care reform through the reluctant, resistant, often wicked corridors of power in Washington, and this side-show will not be of any particular help.

But it is so refreshing and wonderful to hear a President say what must be said and what is on the lips of millions of black and white Americans.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

David, normally I agree with most everything you have to say. However, I am a bit shocked at your position. We weren't at the scene to see what actually went down. I am tired of black people playing the race card every time they have negative dealings with white people. It is time to grow up and stop jumping to conclusions, which we all know cause more harm than good.

In terms of health care, America is bankrupt, there is nothing left in the cupboard. They will have a 2 TRILLION dollar deficit this year!

Anonymous said...

A terrific lesson in health care reform. Obama will bring the two sides together for a beer!

Cheers!