Apparently the Republicans are getting all worked up about a black woman. Again. Getting their knickers in a knot, as we would say. And no, I am not talking about Oprah tackling their favourite pastime either – eating a Quarter Pounder from Mickey D’s. (By the way – who the hell was the bright spark at McDonald’s that thought Mickey D’s would be a sexy tagline?) Nope, and neither are they still pissed at Rosa Parks for taking “their” seat. Well, not that pissed anymore anyway. Just a little. No, they are getting ready to tackle a new black woman – Michelle Obama.
They are still pissed at her for saying that, “For the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country”. All worked up that she wasn’t “really” proud earlier in her life. You know, she was just the run of the mill kind of proud of her country. Not “really” proud. Hum. Let’s visit this statement a bit, shall we?
So here she is. Black the last time I checked. And her husband is running to become the next President. Not because he is black, but because he is the best candidate according to some. Well, at last America is getting off the race issue. Or at least somewhat. According to polls, many Americans still believe that race will play a role in their decision on who they will vote for to become the American President. She must be “really” proud of the fact that her husband (or any black guy for that matter) can run for President on a non-race ticket and actually stand a chance of winning. That must “really” piss the Republicans off. But I would also be “really” proud for the first time as it is a first…
Or maybe she said, “for the first time in my adult life, I am proud of my country because it feels like hope is finally making a comeback.” (Different sources give me different quotes. That should not make them proud of their work…) Slightly different isn’t it though. Not a “really” in sight. One could have a problem with this now can’t we? Hum, maybe. Let’s have a closer look.
Michelle was born on 17 January 1964 – in Chicago. Lived there most of her life. 1964… The year after Kennedy got killed. She was born during the rule of LBJ. Not a time that reminds us of great hope does it? Okay – I’ll give you the moon landing. But she was only 5 and it was Kennedy’s idea anyway. And then came Nixon. Need I say more? And Ford and Carter followed. Again, not the good times now was it? Some would argue that Reagan brought hope. But sorry, he didn’t. Not universal in any case. He was a great leader for the Republicans. But he brought little hope to the world. Too many wars. Too many wrong decisions. Even if he was a good guy – he didn’t bring hope. And then Bush Sr. And another war. And no hope. Clinton brought some hope early on, but divided the country and got involved in too many “outside” activities. And then Bush Jr. More war and even less hope. Consistent during all these times were the lack of hope. Good Presidents and bad Presidents. But what they didn’t bring was hope. The one thing they didn’t have was this thing called hope. A future that the American people could see and believe in.
Oh, they all had their good times and their bad times. But not one single one of them painted a picture of an American tomorrow. They told Americans of a better tomorrow. But not of an American tomorrow. Just a better tomorrow. And then they all went and sold out to some vested interest somewhere.
I mean think about it for a minute. The 40′s – a just war against a true global threat. And America played a key role in changing the shape of history on that one. The 50′s – big infrastructure expansion, “good” businesses shaping the US, the building of America and the hope of a future so clearly depicted in art, movies, literature etc. The 60′s – people and their right, civil rights and the people speaking out against the way they were ruled and taken to war. And cool music. Then the 70′s – one bad politician after the other and disco music. Really. The 80′s – corporate influence over government takes shape like never before and continues to grow each year. But it started in the 80′s. And, of course, 80′s music and big hair. The 90′s – empty promises and big smiles. But little substance and even worse music (as if that was possible). And the new millennium… need I say more.
And then here he is. Her husband. Talking about tomorrow. And the future of America. And the hope of change. A better world. A better America. An America that we know and love. That stands for something good. Where America is run by Americans. The people. Not the vested interests. And she sees this and feels proud of her country for the first time because there is hope. She didn’t say that she didn’t believe in her country before. Or that she didn’t love her country before. Just that this is the first time she is proud of her country. Maybe even “really” proud of her country. Because the leaders who represent and embody what America stands for haven’t been that hopeful since that shot ended the dream in 1963. For the first time the shadow is pulling back and America is facing itself again. Facing what it is to be American. And all the good that comes with it.
It’s not a passport. It isn’t an accent. It is “state of being”. To fight the good fight. Do the right thing. To celebrate freedom. To let people run the country. Let the people govern. Where hard working Americans can make the American Dream come true. Where the poor doesn’t get poorer and the rich doesn’t get richer just because they are rich or because they are poor. Or because of where they were born or the color of their skin or their sexual preferences or their gender or their…. Well, you get the picture. Where there isn’t a sense of entitlement because you were born into it. Where Americans can show the world once again that being good, believing in freedom, working hard, standing together and staying true are the key ingredients that make America great. And what makes American Presidents great. Something to be proud of.
I am sure she had moment when she was proud. Olympic success, moon landing, civil right etc. But those are moments. Not Presidents. America has fallen to far behind. Not behind other countries. But behind itself. China is catching up on the economic side. Human rights are seen as an European thing now. Protection mentality and exclusion are seen as the American way. America hasn’t forgotten what it is all about. Hasn’t forgotten what their leadership means. It just hasn’t always measured up to its own high standards. American Presidents haven’t really measured up against what is expected from a truly great American President.
Yes, America remains better than almost every single country out there in our little globe. But just being better than others have never been the American way. Being better isn’t the American way. The American way is being American. And everything it stands for. Measuring itself against the American ideals. Looking back and making judgements against what the Founding Father fought for. Looking in the mirror and saying, “Not good enough. Let’s go for it again tomorrow. And let’s make it work this time”. America defines America. Not others. And that has been the failure. The loss of hope. America somehow started measuring itself against others. Instead of defining itself. And that is maybe why Michelle is “proud” today. Because she sees the hope of America being America – and everything that goes with that.
Oh, CNN also told me that people will look at the spouses of the candidates when they make their decisions. Not what they stand for, but what it says about the candidates and their choices. Here is how I see it. (Just in case you asked for my opinion.)
What does Cindy tell me about the decision making of McCain? It tells me that he will flip-flop. Had a wife and then saw something else he liked. And dropped the first one. A President that will make decisions and change it just as quickly if it fits better. McFlop will flip any policy if it means more to gain I guess. In this case it was a net gain of about $100 million.
And what does it tell me about Obama? That he will stay with is choice. Even if they don’t see eye to eye on everything. And even if she says things he might not agree with. He loves them for who they are – warts and all. A President that will stick with you even if you make stupid mistakes and do stupid things. Like go into a stupid war or something.
Of course it also tells me that one picked a partner who are encouraged to think for themselves and speak out. No matter what the consequences. Speak out. Speak up. Don’t mince your words. It is the American way. Celebrating differences. Freedom of expression. And being open, direct and honest. Put your cards on the table. At least we know who she is. A bit like Eleanor Roosevelt. Speaking up on civil rights. Not just nice empty words and a pretty face. That did not make her popular with everyone now did it? But we’ll remember her and what she actually did instead of just talk about.
The other one? Not sure what she stands for. Hardly hear her speak. At least on anything substantive. Except to tell us how much she admires and agrees with Johnny M. But we know she shops at Oscar de la Renta. And that she looks “hot”. It tells me that we won’t have much to talk about if we ever meet. (Unlikely! Especially after this piece.) Because she will agree with me. And things would be all good. And she will tell me how she fights the bad stuff in a good way. Poverty and all the things the “little people” suffer from. Sorry. Seen that before.
No thanks. Give me the girl and guy who tell me things aren’t as fine as what everyone is trying to tell me. That we might just have to put a bit of effort into this. That everyone is accountable. That is America’s future is in the hands of each and every American. That it will take some effort, that it will mean some difficult choices, and everyone will have to pull their weight. But that America is worth a shot. That it is worth fighting for the American Dream and an American future defined by the American people. All of them.
Give me Michelle Obama anytime. Because at least she knows why she is proud. That it isn’t an empty word or a little flag you hang on your jacket. That it is hard work. And straight talking. It might be Kool-Aid. But it tastes just damn fine.
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June 12, 2008 at 7:07 pm
GREAT ARTICLE! Well said and it raises some questions on not only how we perceive the achievements of others and America but how we perceive ourselves. Quite introspective indeed!
June 12, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Pissed and on fire, AA!
Tired of these whiner GOP guys with their less is more and more is less mentality. They live in a fairy tale land where lies and truths are interchangeable.
I’ll be back to give more thoughtful comment, but I’m burnt out at the moment!
June 12, 2008 at 10:17 pm
The 90’s……and even worse music (as if that was possible).
.
The degradation of radio content by corporate controls is what happened in the 90′s.
Some great music came out in the 90′s, it’s just that you didn’t hear it on the radio on the tv.
It was all underground then as it is now and you had to go search for it.
June 12, 2008 at 10:18 pm
BTW, great article, I enjoyed the peice very much.
June 13, 2008 at 12:35 am
The media is out of control.
I like Michelle. I like Barack.
I like people who make me think they are authentic, intelligent, can think for themselves.
Cindy and John don’t do that for me.
Michelle and Barack do.
June 13, 2008 at 6:28 am
@David – Thanks, great compliment. My mother always told me that I should be the best I can be, not just better than the opposition. Sometimes we forget that.
@Keven – Yep, pissed and ready! And true about those who feed us bull. (Sorry about missing each other on Tuesday.)
@Wheeee – True. I knew where to get it in the 80′s. But with freedom in the 90′s came the closure of our underground music. And thanks for the compliment.
@ilovemylife – Yes! We expect that from our friends and family. Why not from those who lead us? Oh, you must be so happy about the French Open…)
June 13, 2008 at 3:08 pm
This article borders on ridiculous. I’m supposed to infer a chorus of angels surrounds Obama’s wife but Cindy McCain was just some floozy John found. You might want to go easy on the kool-aid.
One: it’s incredibly rude and presumptuous to assume you know and/or understand the relationship of either the candidates with their wives.
Two: what Michelle has been judged on are comments she has made stumping for her husband. She injects herself into the national dialogue but somehow doesn’t want to be held accountable for what she says.
Three: The public distaste for her goes all the way back to her mocking her husband under the guise of being down to earth.
And as an African immigrant being proud of your country does not mean waiting for some national event to occur. It encompasses much more than that. For someone who has achieved as much as she has she seems incredibly distraught and unsatisfied.
People can put the puzzle pieces together, but these are just a few things that come to mind.
Her insecure and race-obsessed writings for her Princeton thesis.
Her constant belittling of her achievements with the silly cry “I’m not supposed to be here” (sounds like self-loathing to me)
She calls Americans “cynics, sloths, and complacents” (I guess that is her opinion, but don’t be surprised if people are turned off and upset)
She says America is “just downright mean” (Just Wow)
She is a 20 year member and patron of Pan African Nationalist church Trinity United “Christian” Church.
She is condescending to her audience of working class women when she bemoans the financial struggle of paying 10K for her daughter’s summer camp.
There is an unpleasant tone and angry bitterness that simmers when she opens her mouth.
For a first lady she is very rough around the edges and while some like her attitude, I
find it very unbecoming.
When it comes down to it I see someone unpolished, entitled, envious, bitter, and race-obsessed. She is no Jackie O.
June 13, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Well, back from the marshes of Swampland, I noted that there is yet another, even worse allegation floating about.
I won’t mention it hear, (AA, go see the ‘Bad’ and ‘re: Bad’ blogs), but it reflects the ills that begat our country from the moment we decided that humans should be something to own and not respected until today, where we finally stand at a fork in the road.
It’s pretty clear to me:
In one direction, where one fork leads, are towering thunderclouds, an ill wind, and people who would pillorize you for even seeming to question our great country.
The other fork leads away from the thundrstorms, into clear skies, prosperous and tolerant people, who had the sense to question their courty and fix the ills….
June 13, 2008 at 5:50 pm
PS
Next time you’re heare and have abt three hours, let’s met at a Starbucks. I’ll mapquest your choice if you have an address. Easy!
Good coffe, relaxation, a place to exchange books.
They’ve even lowered their prices a bit!
June 14, 2008 at 2:04 am
I will be voting for Obama in November, but I was a Hillary kinda guy…I voted for her in the Ohio primary. ( I was actualy a Biden guy until he dropped out)
I think BO is great, and he truly cares for people but he lacks the balls to make tough decisions.
That being said, this crap about Michelle’s comments are trulu inane. I understood what she meant. Yet, several right wing media outlets such as FUX News left out the “I have NEVER been more proud of my country THAN” part of her statement.
She never said that “she was NEVER proud of it”. Bastards. Cheers, Angry!!
June 15, 2008 at 7:22 am
I came to your site and read this article after reading your comments at Liberally Conservative (and his response to your comments). Take my word, you are not likely to get much serious discussion from LC. A couple of my recent post at my blog site (link above) reflect my views concerning his.
I have perused your post, and think it is really good, but I will re-read it. Your voice – and the voices of others with similar views – is needed in the current debate about which way America should be headed. Thanks.
June 15, 2008 at 11:41 am
I’m cross posting from a multiple cross posting on Swampland, but I’m doing it because in my legal innocence, I think it might be a very interesting question:
I wonder, since Larry Johnson and others like Rush Limbaugh KNOWINGLY broadcast false information, and embellished on it, with malicious intent (to damage her, and consequently his, reputation) why these networks aren’t vulnerable to a libel or defamation (or other similar type) lawsuit.
I would appreaciate comments from any lawyers reading this!
I don’t think there would be a political downside to this and a “cease and desist” order coming down from a bench might be sufficient and very timely motivation on the part of networks to stop broadcasting Swiftboat attacks.
What do you think! I would LOVE to hear!
June 15, 2008 at 1:02 pm
@Olivia – It is rude! I absolutely agree. So what I did was use the same tactics of Fox, Rush et all and played the game back at them. I think Democrats are too soft and want to “keep the higher ground”. I say bull, if the other side wants to fight, then give it back to them in spades. And wow, I am so surprised that the other side doesn’t like their own medicine.
@Keven – Swampland. Living in the swamps doesn’t do us any good! And you are so on for the coffee and 3 hours visit.
@Matt-Man – Yes, they put words in everyone’s mouth. But when Fox and Rush speak and we attack them we are all of a sudden “over the top”. And BO will have to grow the balls to tackle them head on.
@Bobill – I saw LC is not into real discussion! But love your site. Thoughtful and informative. Will be a regular source for me from now on!
@Keven – Couldn’t agree more. Sue them. Someone must stop people from spreading lies. But they are subtle and insults are difficult to sue. Like what Fox did on “Baby Mama”. And Republicans are proud of this?