Posted by
Logical Party on Thursday, January 24, 2008 7:17:45 PM
Bill Clinton stays “this side” of Fine Line
by David DiBello
It would be wrong for anyone, let alone the African American community, to think that they have to be treated with kid gloves in this political contest. Since we are all equal, we are entitled to all the perks and responsibilities that come along with being equal, as we should. Mr. Obama must lose the hands off perception of his candidacy and play hardball politics, which is what all this back and forth rhetoric would be considered had this contest been between two candidates of similar race or gender.
Bill Clinton must be tough but not offend, lest it come back to haunt the Democrats in the fall. He never said a black man can’t be President. Quite the opposite, he thought Barrack could very well be nominated. He had every right to question his inexperience, having only 1 year as senator prior to campaigning with no discernable accomplishments. Bill simply pointed out it would be a gamble, but we had inexperienced candidates with great vision before. Abraham Lincoln comes to mind. Unfortunately, Jimmy Carter, a one term governor and decent guy, proved from an accomplishment standpoint to be a disaster for which we got stagflation and hostages.
Obama also needs to say something more substantive than “hope,” a hard topic to argue pro or con, but hardly an economic policy or political platform. And when he does say something provocative like “Reagan was influential,” he needs to include the caveat that he disagreed with the influence but admired the motivation, much in the same way that change is only appropriate when it is good. Without further explanation he only opens the door to justified criticism.
If African Americans, or any race, wants to be treated with respect, than they will value being told the truths good or bad in honesty, albeit with dignity. Now is the time to get all the dirt out in the open and resolved, because come the fall, just as John McCain was besmirched by the Bush campaign in 2000, or Ann Richards was accused of a gay hiring quota in her Texas governor’s battle with George Jr., Obama’s omitted drug use will be made an issue by these Republicans, and Billy Shaheen, as ill conceived and translated as his message was, will be proven correct.
In the Democrat family it is important to air dirty laundry and come to a conclusion. Obama must lose the deity persona and fight for his nomination with dignity and no apologies. I will be voting for Hillary because if this were a job interview she has the best resume, but if Obama or Edwards are nominated, I will support their candidacy because the Democrats are the only party that will support the working class, the neglected faction which provides the hard labor to make profit for others.
If we hold a grudge we will insure another tax cutting Republican who doesn’t have a clue as to the struggles of the middle class and low income workers. As far as workers concerns, they wake up and say “good morning” to the night.
David DiBello
25 Nicole Court
Lakewood NJ 08701
646-275-7534
daviddibello32@yahoo,com