If we're all equal, what's special about electing any particular citizen president?
You probably think I'm going to start moaning about the $150,000,000 cost of the inauguration. That's certainly distressing, but I have a more philosophical concern. The excitement about the Obama inauguration was certainly out of control. Days before the inauguration the major networks were already devoting hours of prime airtime to puff pieces on Obama and his family. My satellite system has a 24/7 Obama channel. The size of the crowd and the level of emotion was beyond any reasonable level. The boiled down message which all of this seems to be pushing is the same, perhaps enhanced a bit by the conjunction of the inauguration with Martin Luther King Day. The media seems convinced that as a nation we've accomplished something wonderful by electing someone with a dark skin to the presidency and it's time to give ourselves a pat on the back and celebrate just how special we are.…
Article comments
— go to most recent comments26 - El Bicho
"I find myself wondering why this is so exciting."
It seems rather obvious. It was evidence that the words the country was founded on are actually practiced. Rightly or wrongly, a number of people thought that was not the case and that the United States they were taught about was merely a fantasy. Today they were shown that mindset was wrong and celebrated the ideas that make the United States great.
"If everyone is supposed to be treated the same, why is it any kind of special achievement to elect someone of a particular skin color or background?"
Because everyone is not treated equal.
"There's nothing remarkable about inaugurating a dark-skinned man."
In regards to the word 'remarkable' let me quote Inigo Montoya: "I do not think it means what you think it means." According to Random House Unabridged Dictionary, 'remarkable' means "notably or conspicuously unusual." Since Obama is the first dark-skinned man as President, I don't know how you don't find it remarkable, unless, to paraphrase Douglas Adams, this is some strange usage of the word 'remarkable' I wasn't previously aware of.
I hope this is just you playing Devil's Advocate because it would be a little sad if you really didn't get what today meant to so many people. If the latter, more time spent trying to understand another's point of view rather than seeking to piss in the punch bowl might have helped.
27 - Jennifer @ Quiverfull Family
Well, I have to agree. Watched the ceremonies here in Canada - Obama sure has a lot of hype to live up to. Being hailed as a superhero and saviour, what incredible pressure to live under!
I too was frustrated by so much emphasis over skin colour. True - it is a first, but really - aren't we all humans? We were last time I checked :).
28 - Brunelleschi
Arch-
Just keep telling yourself Obama is nothing.
Nearly 2 million people showed up in really cold weather to celebrate nothing today. The whole world watched.
Obama is going to go for more imagery like that. Prepare yourself for more huge crowds, more celebration, more good things said about America, and loud cheers. He will do the same abroad too, and the crowds won't be waving with the middle finger.
I don't think that people think that he is the messiah. I don't know anyone who does, do you? That was just made up by fools.
People are just excited because they have someone with a brain in charge, instead of the dangerous simpleton that just went home to Texas.
29 - Jet
Arch Conservative is a shill hired by the Democratic party to make the GOP look foolish... they've gotten their money's worth and then some.
30 - Arch Conservative
Hate to break it you you Bruno but big crowds cheering for Obama aren't going to pay my rent/mortgage or your's.
Big parties thrown by the Obama administration aren't going pay for heating oil for American families this winter.....
31 - Doug Hunter
Dave,
What you say is true from your perspective and the vast majority of us on the right... we don't care about race and think people should be treated equally. The problem is that the left's narrative is beating yours and 'reality' is what the winner makes it. You may know in all your heart that they are the ones stoking racial tension for political gain (90+% black votes proves it's working)
If the majority thinks you're the bad guy and Obama is the savior then it is so regardless of any puny attempts at 'objectiveness'. The propaganda of the left in regards to race has won, your 'reality' has been defeated whether it is 'true' or not, it's time to move on.
32 - Douglas Mays
Arch, can you account for anything you are saying?
33 - Jet
Arch, if you need a section 8 government rent subsidy just go to your local county seat office, instead of whining about it.
If you income compares to your I.Q. you should qualify instantly!
(:^b~~~~~~~~~~
34 - Jet
Re: 36-Doug with all due respect, that has to be the dumbest question posted on this website in years!
Of course he can't, and stop trying to confuse him with facts.
35 - Douglas Mays
90+% of the black popualtion...or 90% of 12% population.
The point of my comments comes to this...You all fooled yourselves. Obama is the only one who has played the game straight.
A 100% pure, first generation African American. Isn't that what the United States of America is all about?
Obama, hope you read these rants. I understand. Hopefully you can shed this 'race stigma' being cloaked upon you. Then you can get to work on these real issues that plague our country right now.
We are with ya, mon!
DM
36 - Douglas Mays
Jet (#37-38). Oh man, you got it!! I needed a good chuckle,
thanks man!
DM
37 - Arch Conservative
"Arch, can you account for anything you are saying?"
Gee I don't know Doug. Next month instead of sending the bank a check for your mortgage why don't you send them a picture of you at an Obama campaign event with your dumb smile on your face and see how well that goes over.
38 - Doug Hunter
Also, every time I hear the words 'institutionalized racism' I want to vomit.
Institutionalized racism is a term that became popular once actual racism receded to the point where the average person could clearly see this did not explain all the failures in the black community. This lack of actual racism ripped a big hole in the left's victim-oppressor narrative which was filled nicely with this vague and amorphous concept.
By definition, it can't be seen or measured like real racism but still they know in their hearts it's there and it's power can hold millions of people down... very godlike I'd say, or perhaps more like the tooth fairy, a fantasy.
39 - Douglas Mays
btw, Obama can live up to the hype just fine.
The people and the media have to shed their own self created hype. he people of the USA are believing their own P.R...
Let the guy live up to the REAL hype that this country is dealing with. It has nothing to do with the hype imposed on him. He knows that...
40 - Brunelleschi
#31 Arch-
No one said that. You are making a strawman argument.
#39 Doug-
This would be a good time for Whitey to STFU!
41 - Douglas Mays
Jet, #8. Afrian American? My error...
Afria is a fancy ocean resort on Madagascar...
LOL, only kidding...
42 - Clavos
I don't think that people think that he is the messiah. I don't know anyone who does, do you? That was just made up by fools.
Specifically, a fool named Louis Farrakhan, who is not only a fool, but a White-hating racist.
Remember that name, folks. Farrakhan is one of the most vicious racists in the country, right up there with the likes of David Duke.
43 - Douglas Mays
Clavos! Right on! Rascists come in all colors.
Your quote used about 'messiah' stuff. You know, that element does come into play picking apart the psychology of all this business.
Notice how on comment #14 I use the term 'false idol'? Yeah, I was kinda bending towards addressing that aspect of the issue. It does actually come into play, not a huge amount. But the concept is there as in a form that world leaders have to deal with in an 'idol' status.
Kind of a pain. Obama just gained a management position for the USA.
DM
44 - Brunelleschi
Clavos-
What Farrakhan quote do you have to back that up? Be specific.
I'm no fan of him either, but he's no crazier than people like J Falwell was. Religion produces some real nutjobs.
45 - MarkSaleski
There isn't peace in the middle east............
and apparently, ignorance has yet to be eradicated. dang.
46 - Douglas Mays
Duke, Farrahkan, Falwell???? Sounds like the Super Bowl of rascist nuts to me... Who is the winner of the Hitler Trophy??? Well, in a world competition, let us not forget stars like Pol Pot, etc....
ANYWAY!!!!!! Perhaps Obama does have lineage to American slavery...
How is this possible? Well, what if in his father's family history, his people were SELLING slaves to the white man???
piss on it. just get to work, people. We have to get our nation back in working order for all us folks... Obama will try to manage his mess...
DM
47 - R. Brock
Obama himself said,more than once, that "this isn't about race," and he has been commended by various individuals for "not playing the race card" when he could have. Yet all the furor and mania today and in the months and weeks leading up to this has clearly demonstrated that to many Americans, it IS about race: The first black man elected to the office of President. An historic event, to be sure, and certainly worthy of increased attention because of the historical plight of the African American in this nation.
BUT: As Martin Luther King himself said "I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." He wasn't referring to "judging" as merely "negative evaluation," but rather as any evaluation based on their color. He wanted them to be judged on the content of their character.
There will only be true equality in this nation when skin color is irrelevant in the minds of all, except perhaps in terms of the selection of sunscreen or makeup.
I voted for Obama. I based my decision to vote for him on my perceptions his intelligence, his poise, and his general viewpoint which seems to me to be more commensurate with the complex world we all live in, today, than does the "business as usual" viewpoint of so many of the "old boys" who came before. And because he seems to be of good character, based of course on my own evaluations which I must needs make from "afar," assisted by a variety of literature.
Yet, at the same time, I must confess that when it comes to the role of the president, character comprises more than my (or anyone else's) armchair assessment; it comprises more than the ability to speak publicy and move a crowd to a state of high emotion; it comprises more than mass-perceptions of a "liberator" come and the gut-level adoration of a cult of personality.
It means doing THE VERY BEST JOB POSSIBLE (while upholding the dictates of the Constitution), given the resources with which you are provided, and putting the well-being of the American public, in the GLOBAL CONTEXT, ahead of your own ambitions and your own personal beliefs/agendas (something the previous administration failed to do).
Viewing "character" in this regard, Obama has yet to fully demonstrate his character(or the lack thereof). Brains and poise and eloquence notwithstanding.
I will save the bulk my cheering for a ways down the road, when something has actually been accomplished, besides being elected and inaugurated. Because that's where the rubber really meets the road.
P.S. and BTW: I always identified myself as "from the left," if you're wondering which side of the imaginary fence I herald from. Although I don't consider anything I've said here to be particularly "left," but rather just a discussion based on that which is sensible, and to some extent self-evident.
48 - Baritone
I'm sure that if Obama were unknown and he stumbled into a Klan meeting, they would immediately notice the distinction between his lineage and that of a descendant of slaves.
In our society Obama is a person of color. There remain a number of racists who don't give a rat's ass about anything beyond what they see. In that regard, Obama is no different than a Black American whose ancestors picked cotton on an Alabama plantation back in the day.
As to Dave's article, he really doesn't get it. I wonder how many African Americans looked upon Obama's inauguration as nothing remarkable?
As to the ground swell of interest surrounding Obama from the beginning of his campaign, it's not surprising. This nation has had nothing much to celebrate for a goodly long time. We have long lacked any kind of national hero, anything or anybody with whom to identify.
While the expectations for Obama exceed his or anyone's ability to live up to, it does not hurt us to believe, at least for a while.
Much of the rest of the world has been just as interested and excited about Obama as we have. The Bush years were at their best bland, and at worst a total embarrassment.
And Doc has it right. Assuming Dave is refering to the "wise man" that was a "King" of sorts, he did NOT say that "Our society judges people by the content of their character, not by the color of their skin," but rather it was his hope that one day, it would. We may be further down that road than we were 45 years ago, but we ain't there yet.
It seems to me that Dave would be more comfortable in a commune or socialist society where (ideally, at least) no one would be considered better than anyone else.
Today was a special day. I loved it. For a time anyhow, the majority of people in the country have been happy. Tomorrow, most return to their lives and their particular realities. For many, reality is something less than happy. The country deserved a day off. I doubt anyone was concerned with any messages being sent.
B
49 - bliffle
Watch out, you guys. Over at the Volokh Conspiracy Orin Kerr points out:
[Orin Kerr, January 20, 2009 at 8:17pm] Trackbacks
Just A Reminder,
for the folks who thought that President Bush had the power to arrest anyone in the United States and detain them as "enemy combatants" without any hearing as part of his Commander-in-Chief power, that this power is now enjoyed by Barack Hussein Obama. That's right: A liberal with the middle name "Hussein" who palls around with terrorists and is adored in Paris now is the guy with all that Commander-in-Chief power. And if he suddenly decides that you're a threat to the nation, he can have the military seize you and lock you up indefinitely. Congress can't get in B. Hussein Obama's way, and that meddling Supreme Court can't stop "The One," either. Or at least that's your view of things.
Of course, late conversions into believers of checks and balances are more than welcome.
50 - Dave Nalle
I hope this is just you playing Devil's Advocate because it would be a little sad if you really didn't get what today meant to so many people.
I absolutely get what it means to many people. But I think there's a huge difference between how individuals react personally and how it should be treated as a national event. I think we'd get way more positive mileage out of treating it as something matter of course than out of overreacting and overemphasizing the wonderfulness of it.
Dave
51 - MarkSaleski
it's not a matter of course. the entire world can see that.
52 - Hope and Change?
I am so happy that Wall Street help celebrate the ascention of Saint Barry...they rewarded us poor slobs who didnt pay to get on the "hope and change train" with the "Worst Inauguration Day Drop in Dow Industrial History..."
Dont worry tomorrows newspaper will bury on page 38 and tell us about the coronation and global warming...
Coming up to 12 hours...wheres da hope...wheres da change?
53 - Brunelleschi
H and C-
MY bank account didn't drop a dime today.
It's not my problem if yours did, or bunch of rich people's.
Dave-
The celebration was NOT an over-reaction. It was a great party for a great time in history.
54 - Hope and Change?
Reality check....
Almost 51 million American households own mutual funds in 2007, the Investment Company Institute reported today. That is about 44 percent of all households in the United States and translates into 88.2 million individual
55 - Jordan Richardson
Coming up to 12 hours...wheres da hope...wheres da change?
Probably somewhere with da noise and da funk. Honestly though: are you serious?
56 - Glen Boyd
Before we change the world, we first need to change our underwear. Times is tough...
-Glen
57 - Doug Hunter
The CNN hompage has the headline 'Obama's Juggle Inaugural Balls'... Am I the only one who giggles when reading this?
58 - Hope and Change?
"great time in history"????...
---wars...terrorists...economic collapse...government take overs...croked politicians, college graduates with entitlement mentaliaties, morons and fools running our government...
Democrats gone wild...yes a great time in history
59 - Hope and Change?
Doug...I didnt know Inaugurals have balls!!!!
60 - Dr Dreadful
Doug (H) @ #38:
Institutionalized racism is a term that became popular once actual racism receded to the point where the average person could clearly see this did not explain all the failures in the black community.
Why are you dismissive of the concept of institutionalized racism yet accept without question the concept of institutionalized black failure?
61 - Brunelleschi
#60 DD-
Good one!
62 - Hope and Change?
"institutionalized black failure"
As someone whos worked with the Big Brothers and Big Sister Programs..I have seen first hand the collapse of the black social structure where the ratio of boys to Bigs is in excess of 200 to 1 or more...meaning it's a lost cause..
Sad but true...hope and change starts in your neighborhood not in DC...
63 - Jordan Richardson
As someone whos worked with the Big Brothers and Big Sister Programs..
I might be going out on a limb here but....oh sweet Jesus!
64 - Hope and Change?
Jordan..what your point?
65 - Jet
I'm proud that my grandfather on my father's side was black. That the thinly veiled and insulting racist remarks he/she/it has made are left standing is appalling.
That my attempts to answer them have been almost instantly deleted is even more insulting.
...and I'm gone.
After this friday morning it probably won't matter anyway, but this isn't the way I wanted to leave this community.
Jet Gardner
ex Blogcritic's writer
66 - Hope and Change?
Jet...whose remarks are you claiming to be racists?
67 - Hope and Change?
Jordon...i did several probono marketing and recruitment strategy projects for BB & BS...so whats your point?
68 - Hope and Change?
"After this friday morning it probably won't matter anyway"
Is the Rapture this Friday AM? Wheres the Jehova Witness recruiters when you need them?
69 - ed dickson
I think Dave wrote this from an interesting perspective. When we truly judge people by their character and remember what we have in common (being Americans), it will go a long way towards healing the wounds that seem to exist.
Judging by the mess we are in right now, we need to do exactly that.
Great article and interesting comments.
70 - Dr Dreadful
Jordan, I have my suspicions as to who Hope & Change really is, but I don't think he's Sweet Jesus. Or even Savory Jesus.
71 - Silas Kain
OK, I'm going to sound like a sappy old fart but here goes. I loved it. I loved the pomp, the circumstance, the re-invigoration of the American consciousness. I admit I'm not an Obama fan but Lord knows I wish him every best wish that he succeeds. I did not see Abe Lincoln today. Neither did I see Jack Kennedy. Barack Obama is the 11th President of my lifetime. I've watched every inauguration since Lyndon Johnson in 1969 and I can say what I saw today was Ronald Reagan. Thirty years younger and with a tan. President Obama's a far departure from Reagan's policies but he has the charisma and ability to lead this nation forward in a positive way.
And, as I suspected, John McCain will be there to make his contribution. Make no mistake about it, folks. The fact that Senator John McCain was seated next to Rahm Emmanuel at the Congressional Luncheon sends a clear signal to Republicans on the Hill. In an ever so subtle message to Republicans, John and Cindy McCain have graciously become part of the Obama Revolution. And if you read between the lines, Barack Obama values John McCain's input. They share more common ground than not.
The dinner last night for Senator McCain was a grand gesture by Barack Obama. It also sends a signal with the lack of Sarah Palin in attendance. Sarah Palin and the Christo-conservative side of the Republican Party are headed out. The resurgence of the Party of Lincoln is at hand. And the new GOP has Barack Obama to thank for that. John McCain is the most powerful Republican in Washington, DC. Most Republicans on the Hill don't like it but he has earned that which he achieved this week. It's time now for other Republicans to come forth and reclaim the party including David Dreier of California. It's time for Congressman Dreier to come out of the closet and take his place in the new Republican Party.
Tomorrow everybody gets back to work. There has been a change in government. There is a change in America's mood. We can sit back and wait for Barack Obama to deliver. We can roll up our sleeves and get to work to make this Administration the one that takes America forward into a new age. I submit that the way to insure Barack Obama's success is to roll up our sleeves so he CAN deliver.
72 - Dave Nalle
In a followup to what Ed said in #60. I do think that a reaction like we actually had today is a reasonable second-best to what I'm proposing in the article. But if we have the reaction I propose next time when it's a woman or a hispanic or another black president, it won't be nearly as impressive.
Dave
73 - Dr Dreadful
Arch @ #21:
The loonie lefties are going to blame everything bad that happens on Bush
It took Sean Hannity less than 48 hours to find a way to blame the crash-landing of Flight 1549 on the Democrats. 'S the way it goes...!
74 - Dr Dreadful
Agreed, Dave.
One positive(?) future outcome of this day will be that any future black candidate is going to look pretty silly blaming racism if he loses.
75 - Clavos
Doug...I didnt know Inaugurals have balls!!!!
Only the males...