In an inspiring speech to the Congressional Black Caucus all Democrats should have been called to their own purpose.
The year has seen a higher unemployment rate for the African American community. To that end there have been disgruntled rumblings from the CBC in regard to the President's perceived in ability to instantly remedy the problem. Somehow the President should be able to wave a magic wand and make it all better. In his speech he reminded the audience to recall the difficulty that exists in capturing civil rights and freedom in the USA.
I applaud him and First Lady Michelle always is lovely. She never disappoints.
There are some realities the President needs to keep in mind when approaching job creation and legislation in general and that is the African American community is far behind the rest of America in obtaining wealth that acts as a buffer to such difficult times.
I believe in his words. I walk them daily. I am not African American, but, I am a woman that has seen many struggles and many disappointments. I was pleased he reminded us of our challenge to 'being American.' I appreciated that.
What he does not sometimes address and perhaps he'll find the 'right time' to do so is the fact how the majority of African Americans haven't been born with a benefit of a wealthy family. Most all have had to work for their wealth and their lives. This community is the first to receive huge setbacks when times get tough. It is not unusual for a well employed member of a family to support more than one family in Middle Class and Poor communities. In that lies the reality as to why it has been difficult for these citizens to accumulate wealth. It is not for the trying, but, more for the compassion and love of all our family and children. It is these families that cling to each other and find comfort during difficult times, but, also have little or no residual to rely on.
Additionally, the mortgage market crash had targeted minorities so there are far more of the nation's minorities that will be suffering profound losses due to the banking collapse of 2008. The collapse hit hardest in these communities and among these families. It is these families that more than ever need programs such as Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Their promise needs to be returned to them.
But, knowing the facts doesn't make it any more right or any more wrong, simply another hurdle for a community to examine and move forward. Disappointment is the way of change. It always has been. When looking at the most recent victims of hate and discrimination is the gay community. They too have had their disappointments and still do.
The President is correct and more than able to point to the need to rally around the disappointment, the hardship and forge a way forward together. It is the American way. It is the best way and the values are important, they must sustain.
I appreciate all the President and the First Lady do to help this country recover and his rally speech was just another one of those times.
I also believe the mass media mischaracterized his speech. He was uplifting and not punitive. How could they get it so "W"rong?
