If Black people and the Poor think that President Obama is going to save them, they are mistaken. He could not have won the Presidency running as the so called Minority and Poor Folks candidate and will not win reelection as such. Race and Class is still the defining issue in America.
Issues in the Black Community have long been complex and cultural. The history of Black Folk in this country is well documented, but not talked about enough. In addition to a Unemployment Rate nearly twice the national average, a high incarceration rate and other disproportionately negative statistics there is the long standing cultural issue of Disunity. As long as there is not a willingness to take responsibility for the present situation in the Black Community, there will be a willingness to look for a Savior. It is easier to take the sugar pill filled with pity and excuses then to take the bitter pill filled with responsibility and cooperation.
It is safe to assume that many Africans Americans thought that the election of President Obama would bring way more sensitivity to so called Minority issues. The President is suppose to represent all Americans , but that has not been the case lately with his Administration and many before it. His feet is being held to the fire by Dr. Cornel West who is taking the President to task for his inability to address the issues of the Poor and Unemployed. Low voter turn out during the Mid-Term Elections has caused the President to have to make political deals with the Republicans in order to get some of his policies through. Instead of complaining communities are going to have to relearn how to band together in these tough times. If the Black Community is going to benefit from the Obama Presidency, there is some house cleaning to be done. Charity begins at home.
