Barack Obama’s speech about race in America
March 18th, 2008 BrianHis speech was amazing today and I would be willing to guess that it outlives the campaign. I don’t really have words that haven’t already been expressed here and here amongst may others. The NY Times just released an editorial that is particularly poignant. I hope this is the beginning of a new chapter in the American experience, lead by a statesman who is willing to teach and to direct us through the many difficult and complex issues we face.
The following quote from the NY Times Editorial sums up his speech for me.
Mr. Obama’s eloquent speech should end the debate over his ties to Mr. Wright since there is nothing to suggest that he would carry religion into government. But he did not stop there. He put Mr. Wright, his beliefs and the reaction to them into the larger context of race relations with an honesty seldom heard in public life.
and
We can’t know how effective Mr. Obama’s words will be with those who will not draw the distinctions between faith and politics that he drew, or who will reject his frank talk about race. What is evident, though, is that he not only cleared the air over a particular controversy — he raised the discussion to a higher plane.
You can view his speech here or read it here, though you must see it to appreciate his tone and presentation. Hopefully this is the beginning of the discussion. This man is exactly what we need in a President, someone who can teach, someone who can lead, and someone who can filter the spurious and irrelevant from the important and valuable.
