Beyond the Rhetoric

By Harry C. Alford 

Obama Answers the Call with a Speech Supreme 

Oh, they thought they, at long last, had him.  “They” are the ultra conservatives who believe that they have a manifest destiny to control all things on earth and to make people of color serve them and be obedient.  To their frustration has come this bright and refreshing political aspirant with the funny (and Muslim) name of Barack Obama.  In their view he isn’t suppose to be in this election at all.  But somehow he has slipped through and is gathering incredible “steam” much to the fear of Fox News, Rush Limbaugh and their ilk.

It is for this very reason that the great General Colin Powell decided not to get into a political race.  They will go over your entire life from nursery school to the drink you had last week.  They will literally comb your very existence.  To their dismay, Obama appears to be remarkably clean.  That being the case they turned to his wife and I am sure they have done some checking on his two cute daughters.  After that they looked at his friends and business associates.  Bingo! He has a strong minister whose words are many and can be taken out of context. They pounced on the opportunity with full force.  I have never seen, even in these days, the concentrated effort given at demonizing the Rev. Jeremiah Wright.

It takes a lot of courage and commitment to enter into a national political race in this nation.  Senator Obama knew this and was indeed ready.  His reverend was ready also and has taken the heat with much grace.  Reverend Wright is a strong speaker and most African Americans prefer this style compared with the sedated bland oratory.  This is my kind of preacher.  He knows the gospel and calls out those who stray and appeals to the inner feeling of his audience.  I can’t wait to sit in on one of his speeches now that he has retired and will be on the circuit

.They thought they had something that would stick on Obama and bring him down.  They demanded that he rebuke his minister of 20 years and completely turn his back on him.  They also wanted Obama to apologize to them and become contrite.  There is something about a strong Black man that just scares the inner core of the average American conservative.  However, that is not our problem and we cannot change something as deeply rooted as racial animus.  This becomes a very tricky game.I was taught during my tenure with Procter & Gamble that the best way to avoid a controversial conversation is to stay away from the subjects of Race, Politics and Religion.  The trap that they put Obama into was a triple hitter.  It was all three taboos laced into one.  The pressure was relentless.  Even the liberal stations and papers went on the offensive against the Senator.  His political rivals were all smiles as the news barrage built to a massive chant.  The moment came when Senator Obama had to make a move – a very big move.  It would take a certain amount of courage and wisdom.  It appears now that he, indeed, has that courage and wisdom.  He answered on national television with a self written speech that caught the attention of every human being walking on American soil.

Senator Obama’s 5,000 words, 27 minute speech was simply brilliant.  He talked about his own journey in this multi-cultural world and how he sees we should address the issues at hand.  No, he would not rebuke Rev. Jeremiah Wright, the man, but would take exception to some of his comments.  He called out to America to look into its inner core and evaluate itself on where we should be heading.  We can stay in this rut and continue to put race back into the closet or we can finally come to terms with it.  “This time” he would say, “Let’s do it differently”.  As Governor Bill Richardson would claim at his subsequent endorsement of Senator Obama, “He showed us leadership and courage.  He will be a great and historical President.”   This coming from a life- long friend of the Clintons clearly showed the success of Senator Obama’s words.

Reverend Joseph Lowery, a confidant of Dr. Martin Luther King, said “It was the best speech I have heard since Dr. King’s Notes from the Birmingham Jail”.  In my book, this was the highest compliment he could have paid Barack Obama.  That puts him into the circle of greatness and it comes from a leader beyond reproach.I don’t know how it is going to end up but I have learned something during the past week.  Barack Obama has courage, wisdom and strength.  I must say to the Senator Obama you have just delivered words that will be taught in classrooms for decades to come.  You are, Sir, the “right stuff”. 

Mr. Alford is the co-founder, President/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce. 

Website:  www.nationalbcc.org.