Many political pundits seem determined to keep this story alive and joined at the hip to Mr. Obama. None of these pundits were as determined to join Geraldine Ferraro's comments to Hillary Clinton. There is clearly a double standard in full affect.
So in this heated racial climate Mr. Obama delivered a stunning speech first to condemn the comments of his pastor and to address the very real racial divide in this country. Barack was very even handed in his empathy for the angers and frustrations of both black and white folk here in America. He called on America to rise to the challenge of talking about these very important matters with each other. He suggested that the only way to "perfect our union" is to come together, and find a way we can all realize the promise of America.
But that wasn't enough for Pat Buchannan. I don't know this to be a fact, but I feel safe in assuming Mr. Buchannan has a white hood with eye holes cut into it, in a dry cleaners bag in his closet. When I was listening to his bigoted rhetoric just recently I had an epiphany. He has just as much right to air his grievances as I do. That doesn't mean I agree with what he has to say, because I don't. However I think the beginning of healing between the races is listening with open minds and hearts to those with whom we disagree. Listening to things that are hard to listen too will eventually allow the dust to settle...and when that dust does settle I believe we'll find that we all want the same things. Safety and security, good job opportunities, education for our kids, and freedom to worship how we please, or not. We as Americans can and should have all of that. No one needs to be excluded.
So to all you have to say Mr. Buchannan, I say "I heard that!"
Stay Fly and Fly High!
KLH
1 comments:
I agree with you. We all need to remember that "listening" isn't just about being quiet while someone states their position. It might have to include trying to stand in the other's shoes long enough to see what they see.
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