WOW, JUST WOW! He's knocking one out of the park by telling PURE TRUTH we haven't heard ever

[HamdenRice]

Yup, black people are angry sometimes. He won't reject them because of that, any more than he would reject his white grandmother's sometimes bigotted remarks.

White working class people have been shafted. They also sometimes are angry and blame black people.

Meanwhile the corporations are robbing us blind.

"Your dreams don't have to come at the expense of my dreams."

The media is feeding you distractions.

Don't tell me that Hillary Clinton could ever have put this much hard honest truth in a speech -- or really in her entire lifetime.

[Coexist]

1. perfect.

[flpoljunkie]

123. Atlantic's Marc Ambinder reports that he wrote every word himself over the last two days and nights

18 Mar 2008 12:03 pm

This wasn't a speech by committee... Obama wrote the speech himself, working on it for two days and nights.... and showed it to only a few of his top advisers.

http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/03/speechwriter_of_one.php

[Coexist]

132. wow.

[hisownpetard]

161. Your post inadvertantly makes it sound like Marc Ambinder wrote every word himself...

Had to read the body of the post to make sure that Obama's the one who wrote it, which I suspected and hoped.

How amazing, and awesome, and wonderful!!!!!

[King Coal]

200. Oh Bullshit. I wrote that speech several years ago. He copied it word for word.

[Ken Burch]

214. No you didn't...the ghost of Lyndon Johnson wrote it and then dictated it to HRC in a seance

n/t.

[pauldg0]

242. I am very upset with hime now...

...now our party is simply fractured!!!

Thanks Obama!!!

[Blue State Bandit]

145. The crowd outside was rocking!

And the speech was moving. He hit a chord that no one else could touch.

[mod mom]

159. WOW-I kept thinking I wished I was there! It was historical!

[niceypoo]

255. Bill Clinton made a nearly identical speech in 1995

http://www.cnn.com/US/9510/megamarch/10-16/clinton/update/transcript.html">Transcript of President Clinton's speech on race relations

[durrrty libby]

260. Bu,,bu,,,but "It's Historical"

The Kool-Aid is definitely spiked with moonshine




:dunce:...... :dunce: ......:dunce: .......:dunce:......... :dunce:

[DUyellow]

2. is it on TV or just the internet?

[marimour]

8. its on all the news channels

[spotbird]

3. All the Hillbots will

get from it is that he mentioned Ferraro. The outrage! It's not fair, Hillary is a victim, nominate her!!

[redqueen]

13. He said it was a distraction, just like Wright. (nt)

[spotbird]

28. Doesn't matter

he mentioned her. That's all they'll cling to, what else in the speech do they have? They must distract from the central message. If it wasn't this, it would be something else.

[redqueen]

30. If so then there's no reasoning with them...

so... oh well.

[spotbird]

36. Exactly

My point was only to predict the angle they will use to show Obama is persecuting Hillary. Most of their claims don't have a reasonable basis.

[Autonomy]

150. But your so-called prediction

that some will be so irrational and fanatical seems, to me, equally irrational and fanatical. And I LOVED the speech.

[jjr5]

186. Yeah, I agree with your comment. It was a great speech . . .

One that I think he felt the American people deserved to hear.

[Exilednight]

35. The Hillbots are waiting to hear from Rush so they can all parrot him.

[txaslftist]

107. Wow. And isn't that sad and true...

[stlsaxman]

213. is it true? i mean honestly.

i think this Hillbot/Obamabot business is pure shit.

stop adding to it.

[democrattotheend]

175. Cut it out with "Hillbots"

You are going against the message of unity that our candidate preached so eloquently this morning. Take the pledge, join the moratorium: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=5138048&mesg_id=5138048

[sudopod]

182. THIS

"You are going against the message of unity that our candidate preached so eloquently this morning. Take the pledge, join the moratorium: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph... "

[Exilednight]

184. Sorry, I'm not a pledge type. I prefer to be independent and not take part in group think mentality

[plantwomyn]

188. Yet you post this...

"The Hillbots are waiting to hear from Rush so they can all parrot him."
No group think there.

[Exilednight]

190. Yep, no group think, just honesty. When people start using Limpballs...

Shammity, and newsmax as a source to prop up their candidates, then they are hillbots.

[plantwomyn]

199. ?

What "people start using Limpballs, Shammity, and newsmax as a source to prop up their candidates" in this thread?
I think the use of "hillbots" is a way of tipping your hat to group think. Why use a derogatory name for everyone you disagree with? If you are truly an Obama supporter, why do you refuse to follow YOUR LEADER and post about inclusion, unity, hope and change?
Come on people!

[Exilednight]

202. Obama is not my leader. I haven't followed anyone since I left the Army. I'm......

voting for Obama to speak on my behalf as the head representative of my country.

[rpannier]

209. You mean like the DUer here supporting obama who used the Clinton's kill people meme

That kind of speak?

[roseBudd]

198. I think it is fair to refer to them as Hillary supporters, BUT they are biased

[NickMorgan]

217. I agree -- Let's All the Hillbots Forgive All the Obamanoids and just be Glad for our great party

[ekwhite]

244. Enough with the Hillbot cr*p already!

They are Clinton supporters and fellow Democrats. Calling them names does not help Obama win in the fall.

[meow2u3]

253. The DU 11th Commandment

Thou shalt not call thy fellow Democrats names. Namecalling is reserved for the right-wing nut jobs on the other side of the aisle, e.g., Bushbots, McCane Toads, etc.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

58. Obama showed that he wasn't going to use Ferraro's devisive statements as a campaign tool.

Just shows you why Obama is a new kind of politician. He makes the Hannity's and Limbaugh's of the world look SO SMALL! Obama is a brilliant man who deserves our praise and our vote. He sure as hell has mine.

GObama!!!

[mod mom]

62. who cares -let them remain in the past-it's time to move this country forward

[Autonomy]

149. I loved the speech

but why say hillbots? I like Hillary, too. I just dont get the divisiveness.

[IndyOp]

173. Autonomy GETS it! Woo-hoo! I support Obama, in part, because I want to see

an end to the extreme divisiveness and because I want that I will NOT call anyone who likes any other candidate names.

Dear Fellow Obama Supporters - If you want an end to the extreme divisiveness, then let's stop contributing to it - no matter what anyone else says.

Peace.

[ksquire]

235. it's not hillary, it's the EXCELLENT NEWS!! FOR HILLARY!!! folks

[KaptBunnyPants]

227. Give them a chance.

Most of these people will turn around.

[ekwhite]

243. You lose

Nance Gregg's corollary to Godwin's law - if you call someone a Hillbot or Obamatron, you lose automatically.

[Deep13]

256. I don't know what the hell you're talking about,...

...and it seems pretty clear that you don't either.

[Bonobo]

261. yup

[blm]

4. THAT man is our next president. He undoubtedly won the presidency today.

.

[alcibiades_mystery]

12. He either won it or lost it utterly

I'm satisfied either way.

It was honorable.

[blm]

26. No - not lost it. America is READY for this. Bushies have been so blatant in their disregard

for these matters that the American people are starved and ready to be nourished positively.

[Tesha]

82. Precisely.

> It was honorable.

Precisely.

Tesha

[Mooney]

106. I agree.

He'll either win big or completely collapse after this.

[underpants]

22. I completely agree. Anyone who sees this will vote for him

[caledesi]

24. I agree! NT

[stillcool]

196. I love the way the Rude Pundit put it...

Bottom line: that was a motherfuckin' speech by a motherfuckin' President of the United States. You remember what that's like? No, not here either.
http://rudepundit.blogspot.com/
// posted by Rude One

[kid a]

5. it is wonderful - glad you are enjoying it!!

[npincus]

6. I'm speechless.... a man this decent and wise can't be elected here.

[HamdenRice]

9. That's my only fear! It's too honest and decent for most Americans to get nt

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

I hear you, but don't underestimate the compassion of the American people.

[redqueen]

18. I don't believe that. I think this is what so many people have been hungering for.

People I talk to are too jaded and cynical... over a decade of finger pointing from the left and right have left them confused and apathetic.

The right tried 'unity' and gave us bush. Now it's our chance.

[Bonobo]

141. You are so right. Well put. We "hunger" for it -because it is an issue of survival.

We are almost over the cliff.

Even dumb animals have a survival instinct. People have caught on. Obama is simply receiving the benefit of the inevitable corrective force that comes from the power and distortion of the last 7 years.

[caledesi]

34. Cynicism? NT

[crud76]

230. What did you say

about decent and wise and not get elected?

[SemiCharmedQuark]

7. I can't believe it.

It really really is not what I expected at all. I love it.

[npincus]

20. neither can i... not only is he speaking more honestly than any politican

I've ever heard, but on a subject no GE politician has ever touched.

[babylonsister]

10. He did it! He even exceeded my wildest expectations! WOW! nt

[K Gardner]

40. I started crying at the part about his grandmother. How any of the hatemongers can

watch this and still spew vile, racist speech is beyond me. As such, I doubt I'll be able to read DU today.

It just feels too good, for the first time in a long time, to feel the hope and unity Obama feels and wants for us.

[hisownpetard]

168. Me, too - tears, chills, the whole thing. I have a friend whose mother is white and father

was black, and to this day he still remembers his mother watching some show on TV and making a derogatory comment
about black people, although she adores her son.

Obama's honesty and willingness to discuss a subject that is anathema to most politicians (especially while engaged in a campaign
such as this) is nothing short of amazing.

I feel like riding around town, beeping my horn and smiling at people!!
It's gonna be a great 4-8 years!

[ejpoeta]

no, what they seem to be

saying is that somehow it is wrong for obama to compare his grandma to the reverend. wtf is that. how is it different. he is talking about the place these things come from. it is a similar place, in that it is based on each of these two individuals history and understanding of the world. but the reverends statement is 'hate speech' apparently. as if this man and many other black people his age don't have any reason to be bitter and angry.

i was so moved by barack obama's speech today. it speaks to all of us, not just blacks or whites. but some only will see what they want to see and hear what they want to hear. and that is sad. because I have heard my family and friends make comments that i find distasteful and disgusting and wrong. and sometimes i don't say anything and sometimes i call them out on it. but i do not stop talking to them. i see the whole person, and i see that what they say comes from a place of fear. because anger comes from a place of fear.

i hope that people are able to listen to the speech for themselves instead of the snippets followed by the filters who intend to skew it the way they want. but i fear most won't. because most don't have the time to investigate this stuff for themselves. they rely on the news media to tell them what's going on. unfortunately, the media has their own agenda and ideas.

[Drum]

11. Really an excellent speech!

:patriot:

[Scurrilous]

14. K & R

:thumbsup:

[YOY]

15. She has not to my memory.

Tell it like a REAL Representative of Democratic Party OBAMA! A leader explains the way it is as well as convinces you just why their plan is the best, not just taking the popular road.

[jasmine621]

16. Wrong. We have all heard these same or similar words and sentifments before.

Even from Bill Clinton and from civil rights leaders since kingdom come. He has not apologized for being associated with the gutter statements that were personally hurtful and hateful to Hillary and the Holloways. He is just stating the obvious. I challenge anyone to find something that no other politician has said during course of your political lifetime.

[Connie_Corleone]

25. You're just sad.

[Deep13]

257. Not being impressed by rhetoric makes someone sad?

How pathetic that anyone is.

[kid a]

38. i said it too about fifty times...doesn't matter. NOW is the time to hear it and drive it home

you just don't get it.

[LaurenG]

61. No, no we have not. This was an inspirational speech

like non before him have given. It pertains to his own and our common experiences. The others may have given fine speeches but in comparison to this, they were only giving us lip service.

[jasmine621]

116. I invite all to this site to explain what I mean by we have heard this before.

http://www.americanreview.us/memphis.htm

[nanatois]

172. You are correct

Bill Clinton did express very similar sentiments as Obama's speech today. However, after watching the speech today in its entirety on MSNBC I was very impressed. It acknowledges the often unexpressed anger and fear that is at the core of many of us. But it also expressed such hope at the progress that has been made and can continue to be made. It was truly great and inspirational. So was Bill Clinton's speech expressing the same isssues and the need to move forward with the more unity. Thanks for the link. Obama has my vote

[roseBudd]

201. Welcome to DU!

[Name removed]

98. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[scrucon]

203. That's right. He did not apologize for choosing to listen to that gutter man for 20 years.

Without the apology for choosing that church, the rest of the
speech is hollow.  His pastor, the man that he says is like an
uncle to him, hates America.  Like Obama, I'm half black.  But
I've never heard vile speech like Wright's in my life.  This
makes me wonder about his 'judgement'.

[ProgressiveMuslim]

222. Oh please. I find that hard to believe. nt

[snappyturtle]

263. We have heard bits and pieces of a sermon over and over. Do you

really think Rev. Wright gave the same message every Sunday for twenty years? I think not.

Sen.Obama could have walked out, given up and not listened. Whether or not you agree with Rev.Wright's statements, it is true many people feel as he does. That was Sen.Obama's point....plus he understands why people like that feel as they do. Not listening will not end the problem. Kudos to Sen.Obama to speak out.

[ksquire]

236. good points.

if one candidate is peddling fear, and the other one offering hope, go with the one offering hope. that was bill clinton. too bad hillary's not listening.

a house divided can't stand... ok i guess quoting influential figures is "bad". it's called "good speech writing". i'll let you draw whatever conclusions you would like from there.

but if you seriously think that anyone in the last 50 years has made a better speech on race in a presidential election, you're nuts. i'll donate $50 to hillary's campaign if you can show me a better speech -- or analysis for that matter.

[tishaLA]

17. Maybe my favorite part...he just said it

For we have a choice in this country. We can accept a politics that breeds division, and conflict, and cynicism. We can tackle race only as spectacle - as we did in the OJ trial - or in the wake of tragedy, as we did in the aftermath of Katrina - or as fodder for the nightly news. We can play Reverend Wright's sermons on every channel, every day and talk about them from now until the election, and make the only question in this campaign whether or not the American people think that I somehow believe or sympathize with his most offensive words. We can pounce on some gaffe by a Hillary supporter as evidence that she's playing the race card, or we can speculate on whether white men will all flock to John McCain in the general election regardless of his policies.

We can do that.

But if we do, I can tell you that in the next election, we'll be talking about some other distraction. And then another one. And then another one. And nothing will change.

[caledesi]

41. Me too! nt

[redqueen]

49. He said so much...

I wanted to quote my favorite parts... there were too many! :hi:

[jjr5]

187. Yeah, I liked that part too. :)

[meow mix]

19. wow i know

this is amazing

[underpants]

21. This is a historic speech. Amazing and comprehensive.

[Ichingcarpenter]

31. One for the textbooks which I would use in class

Out of the ballpark and one for the history books

[zonkers]

155. My mom, a 40 yr. + elementary school teacher assured me this speech will be part of

many cirriculums for a long time. A hillary supporter, she thinks Obama has what it takes to be president.

[olkaz]

23. I hate to say this: It's up to the media now.

How are they going to spin this?

[DUyellow]

32. yup

[BOSSHOG]

27. Yeah, this honkey is thoroughly chastised

Please give me a cult application so I can "unite" with you all.

Hillary does not need to put together such a speech. Sounds like (I'm listening on the radio) he's had the empty suit cleaned real nice for today's event.

Please Obama supporters what do I have to do to "unite?" Think of the man the way you do?

[babylonsister]

39. Accept the historical context of his speech; he is right, you know,

whether you want to accept that or not.

[Connie_Corleone]

43. Yet, another sad individual for the Ignore list.

[BOSSHOG]

How can you be a cult without an ignore button ??

Yes irgnore everyone else then insist on unity!!

[AnarchoFreeThinker]

156. I'm only putting you on psuedo-ignore bceause you're so entertaining. Did you say something?

[Deep13]

258. That you're in a cult.

Apparently this is demonstrated by many Obamists unwillingness to admit to the possibility that O. can be criticized for anything.

[jjr5]

191. I won't ignore you. You're views do matter!

We're all in this thing together. :)

[redqueen]

52. What? Where did that chastised honkey stuff come from?

Honestly - what made you say that?

[BOSSHOG]

64. I don't get the reactions I've read

and seen so far. I was not inspired. The speech was a must. He had to say something about Wright. Nothing new in the speech, a cynic might detect a note of desperation. There was a preconcieved notion among many that it would be a great speech (just check out DU yesterday) ergo it was a great speech. I've heard better at High School oration contests.

And I'd just love to know how someone who isn't supporting Obama today is supposed to "unite." It seems its all take and no give on behalf of his supporters. And that has really pissed me off for months now.

[bicentennial_baby]

93. You didn't answer her question

[redqueen]

95. Who says anyone is "supposed to" unite?

Whether or not it was inspired or inspiring is subjective, so that has to be taken into consideration.

I know it's the most over-the-top stuff that leaves a mark and stays with us, but I hope you don't consider me to be an Obama supporter who's all take and no give. I hope you don't think that describes the majority of his supporters.

[sudopod]

183. Here, have some metamucil

and a hug. ^_^

[Bake]

53. At the end of the day, it was a speech. Just a speech, even if a very good one.

What has to change are people's attitudes, opinions, and beliefs. I somehow doubt that any of those have changed since this morning.

Let me ask this: for those DUers who said yesterday that they do not trust "white America," do you now, suddenly, trust white America? For white Americans who were outraged at the statements of Rev. Wright, is your outrage now assuaged?

Only time will tell.

Bake

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

128. At the end of the day, it was just a post. Just a post, even if a lousy one.

[mkultra]

129. if only there where someway to change attitudes and opinions

We all know that speeches dont work. Only beatings.

[The Doctor.]

151. Apparently you do not understand the power of ideas. Or perhaps

you are so burned out on the shallow and meaningless speeches given by * these last 7+ years.

Either way, if 'a speech is just a speech', then 'words are just words', and there's no point in reading or writing them here, right?

[Bake]

157. Of course I believe in the power of ideas.

I guess I'm just reacting to the hype of Obama "hitting it out of the park and around the moon ..."

I read the full text of the speech again, just now.

"I Have a Dream" ... it isn't. THAT was a powerful speech, one that even 40 years and countless readings/hearings later, still brings me to tears. Obama is really just a pale imitation of a REAL leader.

Bake

[The Doctor.]

166. 'Pale imitation of a real leader'?

Some choice of words there.

So too appeared many Presidents before they were elected. Then we found that the leaders they 'imitated' were the leaders they really were.

[Annoyingly Logical]

207. Is that the best you can do

If the best the Obama haters can do to convince themselves that this morning's speech changed nothing is attempt to belittle him by comparing him unfavorably to MLK then all I can say is........Mission Accomplished!!!

Obama did what needed to be done. He didn't attempt to drown out the mainstream echo chamber by offering shallow apologies and denouncements; instead he called for all Americans to do something that his opponents don't want them to do.....think for yourselves.

His speech, history will bear out, is an important step toward our nation shedding the ugly emotional baggage of centuries of racial/ethnic/and gender issues.

[jjr5]

193. However, I think that times like this are very important.

People need to do/say something in order to begin a process of change. I have to say, I felt guilty when Sen. Barack Obama mentioned harboring bad feelings against Hillary Clinton because of Geraldine Ferraro. I now understand that that stuff doesn't matter. I feel that the speech helped.

[scrucon]

204. You said it the way I would of liked to.

Thanks.

[Ichingcarpenter]

85. Hillary's speech before Congress for the Iraqi War

"It is clear, however, that if left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will continue to increase his capacity to wage biological and chemical warfare, and will keep trying to develop nuclear weapons. Should he succeed in that endeavor, he could alter the political and security landscape of the Middle East, which as we know all too well affects American security.

Now this much is undisputed. The open questions are: what should we do about it? How, when, and with whom?
This is a very difficult vote. This is probably the hardest decision I have ever had to make -- any vote that may lead to war should be hard -- but I cast it with conviction.

And perhaps my decision is influenced by my eight years of experience on the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue in the White House watching my husband deal with serious challenges to our nation. I want this President, or any future President, to be in the strongest possible position to lead our country in the United Nations or in war. Secondly, I want to insure that Saddam Hussein makes no mistake about our national unity and for our support for the President's efforts to wage America's war against terrorists and weapons of mass destruction. And thirdly, I want the men and women in our Armed Forces to know that if they should be called upon to act against Iraq, our country will stand resolutely behind them."
http://clinton.senate.gov/speeches/iraq_101002.html

[Arugula Latte]

163. That was a sickening speech Hillary gave, wasn't it?

That alone should disqualify her from the nomination.

Sometimes when I think I'm too hard on her, I remember that speech. :grr:

[Ichingcarpenter]

180. She got her advise from Clark who was wrong

and is still wrong on some points about Iraq

[defendandprotect]

219. Well, re Hillary Clinton's war vote . . .

These excerpts from her speech certainly make crystal clear that she understood her vote
could enable Bush to go to war . . .

QUOTE . . .

This is probably the hardest decision I have ever had to make -- any vote that may lead to war should be hard -- but I cast it with conviction.

i want this President, or any future President, to be in the strongest possible position to lead our country in the United Nations or in war. Secondly, I want to insure that Saddam Hussein makes no mistake about our national unity and for our support for the President's efforts to wage America's war against terrorists and weapons of mass destruction. And thirdly, I want the men and women in our Armed Forces to know that if they should be called upon to act against Iraq, our country will stand resolutely behind them."

[gort]

94. I am here because of Ashley

Sorry the speech did not move you.

Mustard and Relish sandwiches sound really good, now!

"And Ashley said that when she was nine years old, her mother got cancer. Because she had to miss days of work, she was let go and lost her healthcare. They had to file for bankruptcy, and that’s when Ashley decided that she had to do something to help her mom.

She knew that food was one of their most expensive costs, and so Ashley convinced her mother that what she really liked and really wanted to eat more than anything else was mustard and relish sandwiches. Because that was the cheapest way to eat.

....

So Ashley finishes her story and then goes around the room and asks everyone else why they’re supporting the campaign. They all have different stories and reasons. Many bring up a specific issue. And finally they come to this elderly black man who’s been sitting there quietly the entire time. And Ashley asks him why he’s there. And he does not bring up a specific issue. He does not say healthcare or the economy. He does not say education or the war. He does not say that he was there because of Barack Obama. He simply says to everyone in the room: “I am here because of Ashley.” "-Barack Obama speech excerpts


I am here because of Ashley

[RazBerryBeret]

212. that part (because of Ashley)

did bring a tear to my eye....and I was at WORK!!!!!

[txaslftist]

109. I'm sorry if you thought the speech was chastising honkies.

I'm a honky myself, and I thought he really spoke to the rationale behind fears of reverse discrimination and the struggles and legitimate concerns of white people. Did you not hear that part of the speech, or do you just not dare to believe that he meant it?

It's all right if you don't want to "unite" with people who think Obama is a great politician who would make a great president. We'll be all right, I'm sure, whether you decide to support Obama or join the Limbaugh legion and try to tear him down.

As for making you "think of the man the way we do" I don't think that's really possible, do you?

[dbonds]

146. Rehashing the Cult Meme. How sad.

If you weren't just trying to manipulate people I would feel sad for you.

[dbonds]

147. Self Delete

Website database error said to resubmit. Caused dupe message.

[FatDave]

167. Oh, for the love of decency!

It's not a cult. It's called leadership. I realize it's hard to recognize after so long without any, but please get a new meme already. This cult shit's getting old.

[WillyT]

234. OKKK...

Sorry, my KKK button seems to be freaking out.

[Orsino]

29. I know, I know. Obama DUers will say he hit it out of the park...

...and Clinton supporters will say he's mouthing platitudes, or lying.

I think he's doing really well, but I'm an Obamite.

[calico1]

37. I'll have to catch it on YouTube or something.

I don't expect an unbiased review here.

[Hepburn]

33. This is the best I have ever heard him....

...much of my past support of Obama and cheering for him has been due to what a horrible person I believe Hillary Clinton to be and I see her as more of the same ~~ to wit, Bush Lite.

Watching and listening to Barack Obama...I am not merely against Hillary, but solidly for him at this time.

GOBAMA! :applause:

[caledesi]

46. Me too! nt

[reflection]

42. Great speech.

A lot of truths within.

[dailykoff]

44. NPR is calling it a major major speech on race

and the excerpts I've heard sound like it.

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

45. He fucking killed it. n/t

[busymom]

47. It was....

good! I have to admit it.

[HamdenRice]

55. Wow, thanks coming from someone with a Hillary avatar! nt

[Politicub]

48. I read the speech and it is fantastic

One for the ages.

The naked racism leading up today makes me sick, but we can't heal and deal with what is hidden in the shadows. Hats off to Obama for not backing down and facing these attacks head on. I wish Kerry had done the same with the swiftboaters. It is indeed a new day.

[Hepburn]

73. Thank you....

...your honesty and gracious remarks about this subject are what will heal the divide in our party.

A hug from this Obama supporter to you! :hug:

[Politicub]

137. And back to you :-)

We're all in this together.

:hug:

[HamdenRice]

76. Thanks to another Hillary supporter for your objectivity nt

[Orsino]

103. I suspect that Clinton will have to address the issues of race in an analogous speech.

Competition is good. Perhaps we'll even extract some concrete promises from one candidate or the other!

[Mooney]

110. "what is hidden in the shadows"

That's what really struck me about the speech. He was bringing up things that people believe intensely but don't say "in polite company." That is dirty laundry that really needs to be aired if race relations in this country are going to move forward in any meaningful way.

People of every ethnicity say absolutely vile, racist shit that they nonetheless feel very strongly. Unless we address that reality and its causes with an unjaundiced eye, things will stay as they are.

[mkultra]

131. I agree

my only hope is that we can stop the divisiveness and start talking again about healthcare.

[tpsbmam]

50. I'm in tears. I've been a provisional Obama supporter....

more of an anti-Clinton supporter than a pro-Obama supporter. He just made me a full supporter.....going off to contribute.

[hisownpetard]

169. I am thrilled at how many times today I have heard people make this remark.

It feels so much better to be "for" someone, rather than "against."


:hi:

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

51. Incredible! A VERY powerful speech. I would be so proud to vote for this man for President.

[grasswire]

54. who wrote the speech?

Did he thank his writers?

[tishaLA]

60. Reports are that HE was writing it until early this morning

I'm sure he didn't write it alone though.

[babylonsister]

66. Obama does, with help from one guy...nice try. Article here:

http://www.newsweek.com/id/84756/output/print

[grasswire]

87. you appear to be wrong

From your link:

"So it was Favreau who led the team that wrote Obama's victory speech in Des Moines last week—a moment that prompted the TV pundits to drop months of skepticism about Obama's candidacy to make breathless comparisons with the Kennedy era."

And:

"Now Favreau has his own team: Adam Frankel, a 26-year-old who worked with Ted Sorensen on his memoirs, and Ben Rhodes, a 30-year-old who worked with Lee Hamilton on the 9/11 commission's report. Together they had just three weeks to work on Obama's game-changing speech at the Jefferson-Jackson dinner in Iowa and even less time to work on Obama's victory speech last week. Weaving together lines from previous speeches—and even Obama's books—the team now knows the themes and language that reflect the candidate's voice."

Mine was a serious question, not a ding, by the way. Every major player on the stage has a team of speech writers. I think it's just too silly when people ooooh and ahhh about a politician's words. They are CRAFTED by people skilled in politics, often poll tested prior to delivery, and the perception is driven by propagandists who are deployed with the message of the day.

That's just the way it is.

[babylonsister]

104. I stand corrected; more people are helping now, but Obama does

have a lot of influence on the speeches he gives. I imagine now that he isn't campaigning relentlessly, he's more involved:


The pitch worked. Favreau and Obama rapidly found a relatively direct way to work with each other. "What I do is to sit with him for half an hour," Favreau explains. "He talks and I type everything he says. I reshape it, I write. He writes, he reshapes it. That's how we get a
finished product.

"It's a great way to write speeches. A lot of times, you write something, you hand it in, it gets hacked by advisers, it gets to the candidate and then it gets sent back to you. This is a much more intimate way to work."

Some speeches are much more the product of the candidate himself. Obama e-mailed Favreau his draft of his announcement speech in Springfield, Ill., at 4 a.m. on the morning of the campaign launch last February.

[txaslftist]

113. I think he wrote it himself.

He was making revisions to it right up until he gave it, and the way he delivered it...

I'd say this was an Obamariginal.

[Laurab]

218. Look above - he wrote it himself. n/t

[yellerpup]

56. Kick for excellent speech!

And for trenchant commentary by HamdenRice. K&R! GObama!

[mod mom]

57. Our next PRESIDENT!

[stillcool]

59. He did it again!!

He blew me away...

[HopeforChange]

68. WHOOPS HE DID IT AGAIN ... SORRY HILLARY YOU AREN'T EVEN IN THE SAME ROOM WITH THIS GUY. n/t

[myrna minx]

63. K&R. n/t

[Diane R]

65. It was an honor to listen to this speech live. A moment I will remember.

[DeschutesRiver]

67. ....

This is the kind of character I am looking for in a candidate.

All of the candidates have flaws, just like the whole pool of humans from which they were selected. But I need to someone willing to both figure out what is needed and do the necessary to achieve it. Who knows the difference between conflict for the wrong reasons, and confrontation for the right reasons. Who hasn't lost his voice in his fear that a position of power might slip his grasp if he does so, like what has happened to Clinton.

This is speaking to me on a level I understand, about subjects that are not easy, and that for others, would be swept under the rug to fester and erupt some other day. Like his answer, or not like his answer, it is important to me that a candidate give me his or her thoughts on such matters. He appears to have no fear of doing so and so maybe this is about judgment - the formation of it, the ability to execute it, and to continue to understand the critical need to continually hone it.

[redqueen]

99. Leadership.

Hi DeschutesRiver, and welcome to DU. :hi:

[classof56]

143. Good post--thoughtful and well-expressed!

Welcome to DU, BTW, from one who lives not too far from a River Called Deschutes!

[Iwillnevergiveup]

69. I will work my keister off

to get Barack Obama elected President.

[mod mom]

92. I'm proud to say I'll be here a lot less because I'll be staffing Obama's PERMANENT office in OH!

I start tomorrow. Will keep you all abreast. I hope others here will join me in getting a man with vision elected our next president. :hi:

[Tuesday_Morning]

231. That's awesome!

Please keep us posted.

[Iwillnevergiveup]

70. I will work my keister off

to get Barack Obama elected President.

[npincus]

71. MSNBC: Sally Quinn: "unprecedented" in American politics

Commentators look stunned...including Joe Scarborough.

[TeamJordan23]

72. One of the most 'real' speeches I have heard. nm

[uponit7771]

74. Hillary is no were NEAR this guy...Hell, she looks down at her speaches!!! My GOODNESS!!!

[grasswire]

89. he uses a TELEPROMPTER, for Christ's sake

Geez. People here sound as if they've fallen off the turnip truck.

[mkultra]

134. your expereience

Should allow you to see not only the importance of the spoken word in politics but also the caliber of speech this way in contrast to the other great political speeches we have seen.


The technical details are secondary.

[Patriot Abroad]

249. After 7 years of watching Bush stumble through speeches . . .

It's a pleasure to see someone use a teleprompter effectively.

[Deep13]

259. She's not running for head preacher. She's running for president. nt

[Sparkly]

75. Your last line undermined the rest of your post.

I don't think that was worthy of such an excellent speech about unity.

Just sayin'.

[redqueen]

100. Agreed. (nt)

[Skittles]

223. EXACTLY what I thought

distasteful and un-called for

[better tomorrow]

77. the media have to be hanging their heads after that.....

truth!

[AllexxisF1]

78. Best Speech In the Modern Era.

This speech has won Obama the Presidency of the United States.

This speech will make the rounds and even the bastards at Fox will have no choice to understand just how amazing this man is.


Hillary supporters need to understand that this has to end and end now.

[txaslftist]

115. I hate to say it, but he reminded me of ... Ronald Reagan.

It was a great speech, delivered by a powerful orator.

[NYDem Observer]

79. Unbelievable!!!

Going off to donate

[knixphan]

80. This is the man we need.

DONATE to his campaign, so that Howard Dean will know who's behind him.

We will not let the enemies of progress stifle Barack as they did Dean and Kerry.

Stand up, Dems!

Support this man.

[bdamomma]

81. the TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE.

I guess there is "truth" in that saying. What does the other party have divide,conquer and hate, I think it's time to get back this country before we lose it right before our eyes. WE THE PEOPLE.

[DeschutesRiver]

96. I still can't get over it

What a remarkable young man.

Clinton needs to make a note of it. This is the elusive quality in a person that you cannot manufacture, instead you encourage its full development. I will be more than happy to watch the progress as the years go by.

As for that tired old line of "I have the experience and am ready to go on day one" - experience comes to all with time, and many presidents including some of our greatest, didn't have much of that. And still others with vast amounts of experience appear to have had it do them no good at all. It isn't the amount of experience, it is the quality of how a candidate responds to their experiences that shapes them. Obama is able to make full use of that which he experiences and without hesitation and learn something in the process; Clinton has never been able to do the same.

Clinton cannot hold the illusion of being viable any longer - though I don't know how long it will take for her to understand what has already happened. I am hopeful that some in the Democratic Party can begin the ldifficult process of educating her about what she should already know, and letting her come to terms with it, without bitterly ruining what is not hers to hold anymore.

[Kaleko]

144. Great post. Thank you for that, D-River.

:hi:

[Skidmore]

83. This is why our family supports Obama and has from the beginning..

This is the message of hope that so many quickly jump on to denigrate. Because we realize that no amount of program plans and policy statements are worth the paper they are printed on if people don't believe they are understood, included, or valued. T;his man has learned more about the nation and the world than all the years in DC committe meetings and cocktail parties can school one. This is the type of experience the nation needs urgently because we have been hammered relentlessly for years now and are shattering along faultlines formed and preserved by the political machines. He gets it. And we do too.

[Fluffdaddy]

84. Great "one out of the park" speech. And this is coming from a Hillary supporter

To think otherwise is because you don't want to or you are a GOP wing-nut.

[Serial Mom]

86. Can't say much more than he did! He spoke the truth and said it well!

[ORDem]

88. K&R

:kick:

[Ichingcarpenter]

90. Joe Scarbourgh just said it was one of the greatest speeches in 25 years

that he had heard, Pat Buchanan didn't like it, it grated on him.....
gee, you guess?

[NNN0LHI]

111. Unfortunately Joe Scarbourgh is a Republican

[nanatois]

177. And many Republicans are voting Obama

Many registered Republicans(in my family and at my church) have stated to me that they would vote for Obama. They don't like the Clintons but are tired of the war so their choice is Obama. My mother was wavering but then I showed her McCain on You tube doing the Bomb Iran song and she actually sat down and wrote a check for Obama. And this was a lady who thought Goldwater was too liberal. And that is why Obama will win the general election. He appeals to many.

[Oslo]

238. He occasionally praises Obama but I still don't trust Joe.

[zulchzulu]

91. It was a great speech. I'm going to watch it again... n/t

[knixphan]

97. group hug!

He's bringing it back together, despite the rightwing's attempts to divide-and-conquer.

An idea whose time has come.

GOBAMA!

[liberaldem4ever]

101. I really feel that we were listening to

What our country could be if we are brave and bold enough to grasp on. We have a maybe once in a generation chance to move ourselves forward and be the best of what we can be as human beings. I hope and pray we don't let the voices of those who want to keep up down and divided to deprive us of this opportunity to have a President who wants to bring out the best of us for the present and the future.

[wildeyed]

102. They turn us against each other so they can steal our money.

n/t

[bdamomma]

125. another tactic in the rove playbook.

[havocmom]

105. Had to attend a meeting just as he came on. Will it be re-broadcast in entirty?

If anybody has info on rebroadcast or pod cast, could them post AND pm me? Pretty please?

Thanks gang!

[npincus]

114. kos has it- link here:

http://www.dailykos.com/

[havocmom]

133. Many thanks!

:loveya:

[blues90]

108. "telling PURE TRUTH we haven't heard ever"?

What ? He has said nothing we have not heard for over 100 years , JFK and RFK and MLK said the same things . Ignorance , did you ever read history or a book or have civics class ?

[knixphan]

112. proof of the generation gap right there.

[HamdenRice]

118. LOL. I'm probably old enough to be your father.

I lived through the days of the segregated south and civil rights movement.

Maybe you weren't listening closely enough to hear what was new.

[blues90]

122. there has ALWAY'S been generation gaps . nt

[HamdenRice]

117. No, actually it was very different

In general, there have been two "sides" or perspectives on race issues in this country, with commentators taking one side or the other to varying degress.

What I found most profound about Obama's speech is his positioning himself as both an outsider to all groups and a member of all groups, and thereby being able to see it from both sides.

I've rarely seen anyone treat as equally legitimate, African Americans' reactions to the long history of racism and the objections by white workers of immigrant background that they had nothing to do with slavery in the same speech.

THAT's what was groundbreaking.

[Inuca]

120. Great comment

"positioning himself as both an outsider to all groups and a member of all groups..." - thanks for this.

[rudy23]

241. That really does hit the nail on the head, I agree.

Well put.

[blues90]

121. Yes that's true to that one point

But why is it that Obama had to be called out before he ever addressed any of this before today ? If he felt he has such a clear persective from both sides on the issues of race then why now , damage control , a purely political move .

On top of this there are many half black , half white citizens in this country or half of any two races for that matter . He just happens to be the first running for president .

These are still issues of well known facts that go back many many years and now that the people who belong to black churches have come out in Wrights defense have said that many black churches have these same sort of events what they have done is heat up the racial divide within the racist groups , this presents a problem .

[scrucon]

210. Clear perspective?

If he had clear perspective, he should of responded on day 1. He took such a long time to respond because he's good at making speeches, not at responding on the spot. That's what is disappointing to me about Obama. I have to tell you, I'm half black and I never heard anything like this in my church. I'm sorry that Wright and Obama are making black churches look bad. That's not the change that I'd been looking forward to.

[kwassa]

130. I agree with you. He saw everything very clearly.

[hisownpetard]

171. Great comment. Thanks so much for that!

:thumbsup: :hi:

[Annoyingly Logical]

266. New Generation

If you are not at least 50 years old you never heard JFT RFK and MLK deliver a speech live.

I will be 40 years old this July and MLK was assasinated 4 months dead before I was born.

If you are my age or younger, you would've only heard snippets of speeches of this ilk in your "civics" class (I think nowadays they call it History class).

I think the difference in this speech vs. those of the past is that he isn't condemning racial bigots, but rather regular people who have unresolved racial issues in their makeup (the best example he used was his grandma). Instead he gave historical context for their flawed thinking, and offered a roadmap to our future together.

[sloppyjoe25s]

119. Bingo

Shock and Awe! Barack Rides Again!!

[knixphan]

124. donations are gonna spike today.

wait for the news on this.

[mod mom]

127. GREAT IDEA-ON MY WAY RIGHT NOW!

[polichick]

126. BEAUTIFUL - Thank you President Obama!!!

[earth mom]

135. Where was Obama when Edwards was speaking about the poor & middle class?

I'll tell you-he was silent! Obama is only speaking up to cover his a$$ and his real corporatist leanings!

FYI-your premise is bullshit. I don't watch the mainstream corporate media-I don't have cable and refuse to watch the crap on the networks. So how am I being distracted by the media? Ridiculous. :eyes:

[earth mom]

136. self delete

[Bonobo]

138. Kick for the truth.

[ClayZ]

139. K and R

[DeschutesRiver]

140. Well, many many years ago,

while others were out giving speeches about the poor and working class, Obama was in Chicago trying to get their jobs back and their lives in better shape. More than Edwards or Clinton, he has both talked the talk and walked the walk. He has much more to learn and do, he is a young man still. But this shows me more promise of future good deeds.

[biglefthander]

142. Great speech, great man

Every Democrat should be proud to have this man leading our party. Our future and that of America is looking very bright indeed.:patriot:

[Autonomy]

148. Barack's divided past

His upbringing and life experience is eerily parallel to my own, and I am pure whiteboy. I see things like Rev. Wright AND like Barack's grandma AT THE SAME TIME. Yeah, he spoke to me today. I love what he said.

[BigD_95]

152. The man is

simply amazing!

[mod mom]

154. Totally amazing! Sen Obama wasn't my first choice but I'm glad he is my final choice!

I was worried about his experience at first, but today he proves he is beyond expectations-He's Presidential!

[treehuggnlibrul]

153. I hope the media doesn't bury this.

Healing truth... he takes a light and shines it on what other politicians sidestep in the dark.

I'm supposed to be working, and I'm sitting here crying.

Beautifully done. Historic. I am so glad to hear this in my lifetime.

Now let's see what the media does.

[Arugula Latte]

158. Thank you, Barack Obama! I knew you'd do us proud!

:toast:

[Spiffarino]

160. This was his moment, and he made the most of it.

I've been inspired by many a speech in my life, but few times have I taken away as much from one as I did today. His words went straight to my heart.

I'm sorry he had to condemn Pastor Wright's words, but it was necessary. He disagreed with them and it had to be said. But at the same time he denounced his words he announced that his love for the man himself will remain intact. How very, very Christian of Barack Obama, and how very proud I am of him today.

Edit: Big K&R number 80. You now have a well-deserved five-star thread, my friend!

[DerekJ]

162. kick

[pjt7]

165. The only way he is going to be elected is by telling the truth

~

[hisownpetard]

164. Yes, my ears have been ringing since his speech. I think that sound is the 'ring' of truth!

[CaliforniaDreaming]

170. It was a fantastic speech.

I just hope enough people hear or read it in its entirety. The corporate media scumbags won't touch the stuff about corporations.

[Phillycat]

174. It was a good speech.

'Course, we already knew he could give a good speech.

[windoe]

176. A president willing to listen to everyone

and I have to say he is the best orator I have heard in a very very long time.
America needs a skilled communicator who can unite our divided country. Not that we can agree on everything, but we can start to treat each other with respect, and this man knows how to inspire respect.

[burythehatchet]

181. your subject line

is the essence of what makes him special in my eyes. Listen to everyone, not doing so is arrogant.

[Hamlette]

178. my mom just called, she was the last Hillary supporter in the family, he won her over.

She's 84 and the most wonderful woman on earth but we've treated her like a crazy uncle for her support of Hillary (excused her really as she is the original feminist).

so, she just had to tell me.

He won her over with this speech.

(oh she also wanted to tell me how good the market was today...no old dottering full her)

[HamdenRice]

194. What a lovely anecdote! Thanks! nt

[lunatica]

179. Great speeches are never accidental

Never. And they are never delivered by dunces like * because * doesn't have what it takes to even understand what the speech was about.

[truedelphi]

185. This type of thing is pure poetic justice.

I am so glad that i lived to see this happening.

I get chills thinking about Obama as President.

Chills.

Like many on DU, I grew up in a racially segregated area -- in my case a Chicago neighborhood. The only black person that ever entered my parents home when I was a child was the cleaning lady.

And now my parents have had African American neighbors; my son grew up with kids of all ethnicities.

We might have Obama as President. The thought inspires me on some level that my cynical soul no longer thought existed inside me.

[Swamp Rat]

189. Yes indeed!

:applause:

[PassingFair]

192. I'm donating right now!

For Ashley, and for ALL of us!

[Megahurtz]

195. Yes! Yes! Yes!

The Corporations are robbing us blind!

That's something that Hillary Clinton would never say!

[greyghost]

197. It was pure, it was real, it was the TRUTH. America needs this

man to become the 44th. POTUS.

[weezie1317]

205. Great post!

[knixphan]

206. Two of my Hillster friends just crossed over

He's the man. Neither Clinton is in the same star system as Barack.

And ya know? He WILL become pres.

Reserve a piece of your next paycheck for a donation!

[dbmk]

208. Correction

"any more than he would reject his white grandmother's sometimes bigotted remarks."

That should be, "any more than he would reject his grandmother, that sometime made bigotted remarks", thank you.

[juno jones]

211. I read the transcript here at DU this morning

At 7:45, as I was heading off to work.

All I could think about all day was how true his statements were and how I had never heard a public figure (who wasn't a comedian) speak so truthfully about this country and it's people. This man is special and in a special postion racially, socially and politically to help us heal from a number of long national nightmares. IMHO, We'd be utter fools to reject this chance.




K&R, Hamden. Thanks.

[defendandprotect]

215. THIS is what is so dangerous to the establishment; uniting people . . .

"Meanwhile, the corporations are robbing us blind" . ..

[HamdenRice]

226. I was surprised by the anti-corporate twist in a race speech! nt

[defendandprotect]

245. No -- so relevant . . . !!!!

If it weren't for those few who think they own the everything --
there would be no exploitation of humans based on various myths of inferiority . . .
neither gender, nor race, nor sexual orientation, nor spiritual beliefs.

Teaching racial inferiority is the way that oppression is put in place ---
for those who benefit.

[DissedByBush]

216. Choice

You can't choose your grandmother, but you can choose your pastor and spiritual adviser.

[dbmk]

220. We all know over here that everything is for sale in the US

So, being from Denmark I just want to know:
What do I have cough up, for you to give that guy up and ship him over here?

Second choice would be a fastracked citizenship so I could donate to his campaign.

[On the Road]

221. Never Have the Words "JUST WOW"

been more appropriate or more eloquent.

[BringBigDogBack]

224. Incredible speech.

[mhoran]

225. Need more evidence...

...as to Obama's ability to unite? Thanks so much to the Hillary supporters for their gracious acknowledgments. It's been easy to feel discouraged by the bickering we've seen between some Obama and Hillary supporters around here recently. We all must stick together, however this all plays out.

That said, I am again inspired by Barack Obama's grace, intelligence, courage, and decency.

[mdmc]

228. welcome to du

it will all fall together soon enough

[usregimechange]

229. Yep, historic

[TankLV]

232. Nope - he's fallen short - by a long shot...

It's NOT going to "go away" no matter what you obamabots wish!

HA HA!

Say goodnite to him - he's DONE...

[file83]

237. Glad to see your so happy with your HOPE that the racial divide never goes away.

:puke:

You should be proud of yourself, all wrapped up in your warm blanket of despair.

[AnnieBW]

233. You got it, man.

Hit it right down Broadway.

[RBInMaine]

239. Awesome speech !! Go obama !!

[rontun]

240. Dare we share his Audacity of Hope?

Senator Obama, I believe, successfully appealed to the best within us by having the courage to challenge our worst instincts. His message of unity, of common purpose, promises to transport us beyond the divisive politics that have crippled our nation’s progress.

For those who are dissatisfied with the absence of any “real solutions” in the text of his speech, I believe you’re missing the underlying principles of Obama’s campaign and his promise for substantive change.

The substance of Senator Obama’s appeal to the American people is that we work together to forge solutions to our problems, and that only by the collective will of the American people can we be successful. While he does offer a broad vision of what he believes America should pursue if it is to come closer to achieving its ideals, he recognizes that the path to success requires the inclusion of everyone’s ideas in crafting workable solutions.

The Senator is obviously an idealist, but also a pragmatist, placing much more emphasis on trusting the American people to coalesce around approaches reached through honest discussion and debate than on offering set prescriptions that ignore the advice and considerations of a large segment of the population.

Might I add that I believe the success of his campaign, which has been built almost entirely on the grass roots level, will be instrumental in his ability to effectively govern and lead the nation. He’s had over a million people contribute to his campaign, and has amassed a data base of millions more supporters, most with active email addresses.

I can foresee a time when he will tap into that base of supporters when he needs advocates for his proposals in Congress. Can you imagine the reaction of the members of the House and Senate should their email in-boxes be flooded with messages of support for Obama’s programs from their own constituents?

Not only is the man an incredible verbal communicator, but he’s also mastering the art of communications in an ever evolving age of technology. Senator Obama is, more than any other candidate, firmly implanted in the 21st century.

He’s white, he’s black, he’s a Christian with Muslim heritage, and a product of both public school and Ivy League education. One cannot ignore that his perspective is unique, and embodies both America as it is, and as it hopes to become.

[HamdenRice]

252. Thanks for that thoughtful reply -- it deserves a thread of its own! nt

[VotesForWomen]

246. put the same words in hillary's or mccain's mouth and you'd be shitting all over them. that's the r

reality of it. the whole O frenzy is nothing more than a cult of personality. you may not see it, but GE voters will.

[McCamy Taylor]

247. Obama said unity. Axelrod said "Hillary is a b-word who cheats"

To me Obama's words are just words if his campaign is making ugly gestures like that to ensure that Hillary will be too mad to make any gesture of reconciliation back.

To me it looks like Axelrod said "Go out and act like you want unity, I will fan the flames since all this baiting is so good for our numbers "

And I see no unity at DU.

Axelrod is a creep, straight from the Daley mold.

[Kurovski]

248. K&R. (nt)

:-)

[mhatrw]

250. Whatever. His Rev was right.

The cock is crowing.

[mountain mama]

251. Obama Speech

I want him to be my President. This message has needed to be talked about for years. He's a healer.

[Norrin Radd]

254. kr

[snappyturtle]

262. K&R Go Obama!!!

:kick:

[PerfectSage]

264. K & R

[Zambero]

265. This speech puts things into perspective a bit

There is anger and resentment in the black community, but there's a historical basis for it and I think Obama explained it quite well. Once we recognize this (as opposed to exploiting division for political gain), and become a true post-racial society, this country will be able to stand tall. Hopefully that day comes sooner rather than later.