Obama: 'If I Had A Son, He Would Look Like Trayvon' (updated)

[ProSense]

Obama: 'If I Had A Son, He Would Look Like Trayvon'

President Obama, after nominating Jim Yong Kim to the World Bank on Friday, addressed the ongoing investigation into the shooting of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. "I can only imagine what these parents are going through," Obama said. "If I had a son, he'd look like Trayvon."

Obama said it is "absolutely imperative" to investigate every aspect of the case. "All of us have to do some soul searching to figure out how something like this happened," Obama added.

Watch Obama's remarks:

http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entries/obama-if-i-had-son-he-would-look

[hedgehog]

1. That's why I voted for the man!

[Little Star]

2. I'm glad he spoke out. k&r

[jwirr]

29. Yes, and he did it in a way that does not take anything from the case that is being built against

the shooter.

[BumRushDaShow]

3. Watched his presser

and he was so filled up. He is in such a difficult position because the RW lunatic fringe and their media are waiting to pounce on whatever he says or does. And his being part of my own generation, we can't help but be so filled up to see this sortof case continue to happen year after year, decade after decade, and know that is all a relic of what had happened century after century here in the U.S.

I hope that Trayvon's parents understand his message loud and clear.

[Old and In the Way]

6. Unlike us, who are free to speculate on this case,

until Zimmermann is indicted, PBO really cannot weigh in on the case. He has to remain on the sidelines and not prejudice Zimmermann's case in the court of public opinion. I'm sure he'd really like to say what he thinks, but has a greater responsibility to the concept of justice for all.

[BumRushDaShow]

8. Agreed

and as a Constitutional lawyer himself, he knows. In a way, it's good that he was a trained attorney because he understands the ramifications.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

28. Why? All he did was ask for an investigation. He's not condemning the guy.

[Old and In the Way]

36. Why? Not sure I understand your comment.

I agree, he's not condemning the guy...nor should he. President Obama is responding appropriately. He most certainly wants a thorough investigation and he clearly wants to revisit the law that is made this shooting and non-arrest possible. At this point, he's not going to weigh in on which party is guilty. My point is, the general public has already formed that opinion...but he should not.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

42. I don't agree. I see nothing wrong with him calling for an investigation.

Last edited Fri Mar 23, 2012, 02:45 PM - Edit history (1)

Public opinion seems to be on both sides of this issue. Also, the press has been hounding the president on this issue for the last several days. I see nothing wrong with the president stating his opinion, which is that there should be a thorough investigation.

We disagree as to whether or not the president should have even suggested anything of the sort and that's fine. You see a harm. I don't.

ETA: Santorum, Romney, and Gingrich all made statements that there should be a complete and thorough investigation. For once, I agree with them and I'm happy that they made this statement, just as Obama should have done.

[Old and In the Way]

55. Obama most certainly did say there should be a thorough investigation and he

was clear that the whole SYG legislation needs to come under critical review.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

61. And I agree with what Obama has said. And yes, he should have said it! :)

[eShirl]

4. 1st time I glanced a photo of him, I thought it was an old photo

of the President that someone had found



edit to add: it was the photo of Trayvon in the red "Hollister" shirt

[SwampG8r]

71. agreed

when i first saw it i went "oh what old shit are they dragging up now,he has library fines from 7th grade or something" and after i read the story i wished he had stiffed em in 7th grade
nowhere near as sad as this whole friggin mess

[Pisces]

5. Wow, very powerful statement.

[Tarheel_Dem]

7. I'm sure the family thanks you Mr. President, as do I.

[Greybnk48]

9. What a good man he is. I love this guy. n/t

[yardwork]

10. I'm glad that he said this.

[FSogol]

11. K & R. n/t

[Puzzledtraveller]

12. I can appreciate his intention

but this part of his statement 'If I Had A Son, He Would Look Like Trayvon' is just not appropriate and is a little disingenuous IMO.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

13. In what respect, Charlie? nt

[Chorophyll]

14. Maybe he's simply stating that he is aware that he's a Black man

and that young Black men are frequently targets of violence?

And maybe he feels some genuine emotion over this issue. I don't see a problem.

[Swede]

15. Why is it inapproriate and disingenuous in your opinion?

I think it is quite apt.

[ohheckyeah]

17. Why's that?

Disingenuous? How so? Obama's son would like much like Trayvon - black. It was a statement that was honest, and was intended to let the family know that he understands. Inappropriate? Not in any way was that statement inappropriate.

When it comes to this case there is a whole lot of inappropriate and disingenuous statements being made by certainly not by President Obama.

[malaise]

19. Huh? n/t

[NOLALady]

23. Well,

the kid does have something in common with the President.

He's a skinny little kid.

[DonCoquixote]

65. eh?

Was this sort of cheap shot necessary? The president is not a skinny little kid. (eyeroll).

[NOLALady]

74. Are you serious?

Let me try this again.

The President was a skinny little kid. If he had a son, he would probably be a skinny little kid, just like his Dad. Just didn't think the sarcasm tag was necessary.

[laundry_queen]

78. Actually

while the President is a man who is on the slender side, as a kid he was quite thick, if you look at the pictures.

[NOLALady]

80. He was not thick

when he was Trayvon's age. I have seen pictures of his youth.

Trayvon was probably a thick toddler also.

[TNLib]

25. that was the best part of his statement!

It shows it's personal and this situation will be taken seriously and not swept under the carpet!

[Skidmore]

30. How so? I HAVE a son

who looks a lot like Trayvon. I appreciate the truth of this statement. It hits home without commenting on the legalities of a potential case and we all do need to have a serious discussion about why some people are targeted more than others. I suggest you find a wayt to become less puzzled.

[Bluerthanblue]

38. me too Skidmore- and I also appreciate his

making this statement. That he did so, without taking sides, but encourageing everyone to do some soul-searching, was perfect imo.

I've had 'the talk' with my son. What happened to Trayvon is something that haunted me since my son was born. My heart breaks for Trayvons parents and family, and I'm in awe of how civil and strong they are remaining throughout this terrible mess.

[onpatrol98]

88. The Talk...

We've had the talk, also. Well, correction...there are soooo many talks.

[urgk]

89. I want to see more in the media about "The Talk."

It's a completely new concept to me. And to think that such a large segment of the US population hears a talk that the rest of us have never even heard of...and that the purpose of the talk is to make them less likely to be victims of systemic injustice....is just shameful. I think the idea of that talk, especially as a rite of passage, solidifies an idea that is otherwise hard for those of us on the outside to visualize.

As much as I wish we lived in the "post-racial" society I keep hearing about, I think this proves, yet again, that we still have a long way to go.

[loyalsister]

64. He's not just saying "I feel your pain"

He's saying, "I understood the extensive lessons about being black I would have had to give a son when I decided to have children."

I think the meaning of "I can't imagine what you feel now, but I know how you once felt and I see what came of it" says something very genuine about the strength of his sympathy.

Awareness of the fact that black parents have to teach their children different "rules" from white parents with the goal of simply keeping them alive is something so far beyond the scope of white America.
I did not know until I was in my 30s and a mother explained it to me. Everyone should know and try to comprehend this. I don't know how to make it happen, though.

[Skidmore]

83. Yes, he absolutely is saying that, and I would daresay

that the same awareness applies to peoples of various mixed backgrounds who are subject to similar treatment. His understanding of being "the other" is on target.

[loyalsister]

84. I agree

I think it is more accurate to say people of color? Being brown and looking like you might be from South America or any Middle Eastern country comes with equal and other dangers.

[karynnj]

39. It is very appropriate and not at all disingenuous

Martin was a good looking kid - and Obama is correct to say that had he had a son, he would look something like him. The relevance is that he was shot because of how he looked - or more explicitly because he was black.

The fact is that if Martin were white, he very likely would be alive. Even by Zimmerman's account, there was NOTHING that really should have made him suspicious.

[Whisp]

51. disingenuous - my hairy ass.

....

can't say what I'm thinking. but you should get the drift.

what a horrible thing to say to try to get 'advantage' from a tradegy like this. advantage of slamming Obama no matter what the circumstance.

I am thoroughly disgusted, once again

disingenuous - look up the fucking word and what it means.

[Warren Stupidity]

72. Is that the official rightwing talking point or did you just stumble on it

randomly?

[lolly]

77. Well, it's Gingrich's point

According to Huffpost, at least, Gingrich has already come out calling Obama's statement disgraceful and accusing him of racism for even daring to say such a thing.


No, as a matter of fact, they don't have any shame...

[fishwax]

76. I don't see why it's inappropriate

Or on what grounds you're speculating that it is disingenuous ...

[Rex]

86. Oh but it is appropriate and I for one am glad he said it!

Puts things into perspective and some are not comfortable with that. Whatever.

[wiggs]

16. Yep. All parents can relate. Prediction: Obama's quote will be on RW radio

and Fox News all weekend: 'President imposes power of the WH in local case because he's black. Another example of arrogance and federal over-reach and reverse racism.'

Plays into false memes they've cultivated since day one, PLUS it's a distraction from having to talk about gun issues.

Watch for it.

[klook]

31. I'm afraid you're 100% correct

The truth is, any empathetic person feels absolutely heart-sick about the young man getting gunned down. So that obviously leaves out Faux and Brownshirt Radio.

[William Seger]

82. Fox's twisted version of the quote: "Obama: Trayvon Looks Like He Could Be My Son"

Subtle, huh.

[NAO]

18. The proof the NRA has been looking for that Obama will take away guns

believe me, THAT is how they are going to spin this.

[RobertEarl]

20. You know what?

Fuck 'em. >> The NRA and RW wackos.

This kid could have been president of the US one day, and now, because of the NRA and RW wackos, that is not possible.

I suggest nobody go around peeing their pants over what the NRA and RW wackos might say or do. Stand up and demand nothing but the truth!

[Chorophyll]

66. And what would your solution be? That the President not say anything?

The NRA can shove it. To hell with them. Forever and ever.

[Bodhi BloodWave]

79. that is one thing that amuses and saddens me a lot about DU

Duer: Why Doesn't Obama speak up on 'topic'

Obama speaks on topic

Same Duer: Words are cheap, what we need is actions/Why is he talking about this, the right wing will just spin it/He is only saying this to placate us and hope that it will shut us up, but that won't work

[Chorophyll]

81. Yep. Too much looking at politics as a game,

wherein one side is either up or down a few points at any given time, is probably not good for the soul. Or the brain.

(Either that or the person is a concern troll.)

[sarge43]

21. Every murder victim was someone's child

Our president made this personal. Good.

[FirstLight]

22. wow

I can tell he's upset... as a parent and a black man... and all I can think about is that bitch Coulter's remarks the other day to target his kids...

I am glad he said something to this and I am glad he is taking it to the personal level too

[TNLib]

24. Thank you Mr. President!

nt

[horseshoecrab]

26. My President n/t

[MADem]

27. He's got that skill. Clinton had it, Kennedy had it.

He was able to convey a personal sense of the matter, speak to the pain of the family, while at the same time not playing the Judge/Jury/Executioner. Very skillful, and very sincere as well.

[Whisp]

34. thankyou President Obama

for being a good and honest man.

we love you.

[Yerkov Markakis]

35. That's funny!

If this were a white Republican president who spoke symbolically about this kid looking like his son, he'd be branded a racist. This is a nice double standard that the cult of victimology as perpetuated by political race hustlers has created.

[ProSense]

37. Read this

"If this were a white Republican president who spoke symbolically about this kid looking like his son, he'd be branded a racist. This is a nice double standard that the cult of victimology as perpetuated by political race hustlers has created."

...if you're lurking: "White Republican" Presidential candidates are also making statements. In fact, one of them has already determined that "Martin's shooter" should be arrested.

Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum both commented on the Trayvon Martin case Friday, shortly after President Obama weighed in.

In a statement, Romney said: "What happened to Trayvon Martin is a tragedy. There needs to be a thorough investigation that reassures the public that justice is carried out with impartiality and integrity.”

Asked by a reporter about the shooting, Santorum went further, condemning local law enforcement for dragging its feet in arresting Martin's shooter.

"It's a horrible case, and it's chilling to hear what happened," Santorum said. "And of course the fact that law enforcement didn't immediately go after and prosecute this case is another chilling example of horrible decisions made by people in this process."

http://www.buzzfeed.com/mckaycoppins/romney-santorum-comment-on-trayvon-martin

I'm sure this will make a few racists' heads explode.

[Bluerthanblue]

43. + 1

very well said ProSense.

thank you.

[Number23]

57. Fantastic post. Wow, who knew Santorum had it in him to be right about something?

[MelissaB]

41. Posting privileges revoked.

Nice!

[eShirl]

46. +1

[MADem]

47. Whoever alerted on that assclown, thank you.

It's apparent today that I am being targeted by newcomer(s). Probably just one newcomer, but this isn't the first jerk who has responded to one of my posts with the very same dogwhistling "tone."

[Major Hogwash]

54. Bush never spoke out about any shootings in America while he was in the White House.

He didn't care, besides he was too busy indiscriminately killing people in 2 other countries.

Old Man Bush never spoke out about any murders happening while he was President, either.
He only mentioned murders of black people during election season when he was campaigning.

[Number23]

56. "he'd be branded a racist." Only by people like you

Which is to say bigoted, clueless idiots.

[Chorophyll]

67. I think you're hangin' out on the wrong website, Yerkov.

Enjoy your limited stay.

[Warren Stupidity]

70. Troll be gone.

[Rex]

87. Troll...you have no idea as to what you type.

Go back to FR...your statement is so full of holes it is leaking failuresauce all over the room! CLEAN IT UP TROLL.

[DisgustipatedinCA]

40. I think he said everything a President can say without spoiling a likely trial

I've only read the transcript of his remarks, but they seem heart-felt. I think he was really smart to not go over the line and give defense lawyers a foothold. Still, as they say, haters do have that tendency to hate, and I've seen comments sections of national news sites with mouthbreathers accusing the President of making this a political issue, even though the question was asked of him.

[madokie]

44. Yup thats why I voted for him and why I'll vote for him again.

Actually thats more like one of the many reasons that I did and will.

[got root]

45. Thank you for speaking up on this very important issue

I do have a son of similar age, who is also in the minority, and I am very distraught about the lack of arrest in this horrible situation.

Thank you Mr. President!

[JDPriestly]

48. Obama may have been referring to Trayvon's race.

But I don't think there is any parent or grandparent in the country, regardless of race, who would disagree with the President on his statement.

Any one of us could have been Trayvon's parent or grandparent.

Rabid shooters can pick on any child who is not doing just what they want. How about kids who aren't quite the right shade of Christianity?

How about kids who show the wrong gang signs or show up in the wrong neighborhood.

Racism played a major role in Trayvon's shooting, and I do not want to distract from that ugly fact, but bullying is bullying.

A bully can easily find some excuse for his bullying and hate -- racism, someone carrying a violin, someone walking in the wrong neighborhood or even an argument about a fence.

We have to do something to calm down these bullies, let them know that they do not run this country.

[TBF]

50. Exactly, there was the incident in Europe in which leftist children were killed -

this can happen when any type of prejudice/bullying occurs and it can happen towards anyone. I really liked his statement - and I like your last sentence.

[TBF]

49. Very nice statement - I'm glad he said something. nt

[Ichingcarpenter]

52. Yes he does NOW DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT....

Get fricking Holder that piece of shit to act.

[GiveMeFreedom]

69. I have alerted on your post

Your insinuation is insensitive to the President, the OP, and Trayvon Martins' death. Only a freeper would "chuckle:" at something like this. NRA much?

[scarletwoman]

73. Or maybe it was just a lame attempt at humor, referencing Michelle Obama's appearance on Letterman

where she said "Bo is my son." http://www.politico.com/politico44/2012/03/michelle-obama-bo-is-my-son-117968.html

You might have asked the poster to explain his comment rather than going straight to the alert button.

I wish people weren't so quick to assume ill intent.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

58. Very powerful statement!

Notice how the republicans are jumping on the bandwagon!

[Scurrilous]

59. K & R

[ProfessionalLeftist]

60. My mom just said she heard on TV that the Justice Dept and FBI

don't intend to do anything and they're done investigating? Is that true? (I don't watch TV)

[CakeGrrl]

62. What network? News or Op-Ed? Any idea who was saying it?

[ProfessionalLeftist]

63. Probably MSNBC

That's what she watches most.

EDIT: Rachel was on when I was talking to her but that's not necessarily who said it. Not sure.

[Cali_Democrat]

68. This is a good sign

I think justice will eventually be served.

[fightforfreedom123]

75. Justice!

People are assaulted and killed in America because of the colour of their skin, their language, their religion, their sexual orientation, their gender, their politics, their monetary value and their disability.

Enough is enough!

Investigate, repeal stand your ground laws and pass gun control.

[Rex]

85. Way to go President Obama!!!

Telling it like it is! Zimmerman ever going to be charged with a crime? Will it take the FBI?