This was 1968. The Mexican Games. Olympics.
Tommie Smith and John Carlos, gold and bronze medalists in the 200m, stood with their heads bowed and a black-gloved hand raised as the American National Anthem played during the victory ceremony.
These men bravely allowed their fame and stature to speak to the world regarding a profoundly important fact about the USA. They did it in protest. Their reputations will always have that 'stigma' attached to it. They stood for the reality of oppression of the minorities in the USA. They did the 'right thing.' They should never be ashamed of those stands and the willingness to express the 'unspeakable.'
I am so pleased we have a President in the Oval Office that sincerely loves this country and the people that live within its borders. I am more than pleased he is billiant and genuine. I am also elated that he seeks out ways of honoring the minorities in this country that have been forgotten. I am happy about his minority choices.
One thing we know for sure and why the nomination and confirmation of Sonya Sotomayor was so very, very important is that oppression is actually a window to the people that experience it. When a person is going through the 'rungs' of the American Dream to achieve its pinnacle, but, is impeded for reasons that do not make sense, there are realities that accompany that no one else can understand or explain except those going through it.
It is vitally important that this minority President seek the place of minorities to be influential in ways others do not have the insight. It is important for them to bring their wisdom to this government. Now, is the time. I hope the 'rantings' of the bigoted in this country do not AGAIN cause oppression so many have worked through the ranks to find their place among the people most needed to bring our country equity.
I think the words I remember as a child go like this, "Sticks and stones can brake my bones, but, words will never hurt me."
Those that seek oppression of the appointees of President Obama are bigots. They don't understand nor do they want to understand the sacrifice of those that brought about change through their own sacrifice. Please, don't succumb to people that hate.
