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Then President-elect Barack Obama in Baltimore

Proud to be American, once again!  

By Doni Morton Glover, www.bmorenews.com 

(BALTIMORE – October 19, 2009) - In light of President Barack Obama’s recent accomplishment of receiving the ever-distinguished Nobel Peace Prize, kudos to the Afro American Newspapers and their DC editor, Zenitha Prince, for highlighting Ralph J. Bunche and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – the other two blacks who have been honored with this world-class award.

While the Afro’s recent front page article brings attention to the worthiness of these three men, its flavor, however, is in stark contrast to the sentiments of Obama’s critics – many of whom find the President undeserving of the Nobel Peace Prize. Several articles found on the Internet suggest Obama is in the company of the often demonized Yasser Arafat (Arafat, the late leader of the Palestine Liberation Organization, also was honored with the award in 1994).  

 
One Obama critic is former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele, who is now the chair of the Republican National Committee. Steele, who is black, could be considered Obama’s arch nemesis. At minimum, he could even be dubbed as the “Republican response” to Obama, America’s first black president.  

Before I proceed, let me preface my next comments with the following: On a statewide level in Maryland, I was a huge supporter of Michael Steele. He did much for black Maryland, including brining financial attention to Coppin State, an institution many blacks love and adore. He helped make black business a priority, and he made public education a critical issue like Democrats in Maryland did not do. Even more, my support of Mr. Steele comes out of an understanding that Maryland’s Democrats, I believe, often take the black vote for granted. I find that history suggests that Maryland’s Democratic Party only sends crumbs to one of, if not the most loyal constituency.

Having said that, let’s take a look at Steele’s sentiments regarding Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize:

The real question Americans are asking is, ‘What has President Obama actually accomplished?’ It is unfortunate that the president’s star power has outshined tireless advocates who have made real achievements working towards peace and human rights. One thing is certain — President Obama won’t be receiving any awards from Americans for job creation, fiscal responsibility, or backing up rhetoric with concrete action.

I don’t know about you, but I am so on another page than Steele on this one. As an unapologetically black person, I find Steele’s comments devastating to his reputation and credibility, especially within the black community. Maybe I was fooled and considered Steele, although a Republican, a champion first and foremost for black people. Presumably, he is a party-first man.
 

How, for instance, could he attack a man who was ushered in after 8 catastrophic years of Republican domination which served as witness to the annihilation of peace throughout the world, starting in Iraq? And, let’s not forget what the Republican-led Congress did to the economy. And gas prices? Who can forget the summer of ’08?

For me, many Republicans have expeditiously and conveniently forgotten their last leader’s under-accomplishments, including bogging America down in otherwise disastrous conditions both internationally and domestically. Under their leadership, America was truly despised across the globe.

Enter President Barack Obama. A blind man can see that he has something different about him: class, poise, and wisdom. Most any astute observer would agree that he usually thinks before speaking. And one can also see how he is thinking 5, 6 steps down the road.
 

Nope, I can’t stomach Steele on this one. Yep, Steele has gone way too far. My only question is, as Steele goes home to his wife and two boys each night, if he actually attempts to shovel this stuff down the throats of the people in his family.

What has Obama accomplished? Mike, more than anything, he makes people – many people of many different persuasions, races and creeds - proud to be American, once again. As for health care, he has accomplished what no President of this country has done before. As for the economy, it was a mess. Yet, there are signs of a turnaround soon. As for Iraq, everybody knows he wants us out of there. And as for Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan – I think he is doing about as much as can be done.

All this, Mike, and it’s still under ten months in office.

Great job, Mr. President! You make us proud!      

Tags: Barack Obama, black political economy, USA