Hope Lives: My Journey from an Obama Loyalist to Advocating for Inclusive Justice

[Liber8ion]

I write this article for the multitude of wild-eyed idealists who joined political campaigns thinking they could be a part of movement to deliver change only for their aspirations to be aborted by the established order. I especially write this missive on behalf of the legions of Obama volunteers who had their hopes dashed by the harsh realities of who the first black president became once he entered the White House.

This issue is very personal for me. In 2008, I put all my hopes in Barack Obama only to witness in depressing fashion as my faith was returned with faithless cynicism. However, I am not alone in this bitter taste that has yet to leave my mouth; an acerbity that dances across my palate each time I hear Obama lecture us about the brokenness of our government that he was complicit in wrecking for eight years.

 

As I’m writing this, I am mindful that there are countless thousands of Bernie supporters, Ron Paul loyalists and Howard Dean enthusiasts, to name a few, who also put all their chips in a politician only be hit with the snake eyes of the old guard. If there is one thing that is bipartisan in DC, it’s the way dreamers are used as stepping stools to advance the agendas of political insiders.

 

My foray into the world of political organizing traces its roots to 2004 when I heard Obama give the “red state vs blue state” speech at the Democratic National Convention. I was marooned knee-deep in doldrums at the thought of John Kerry being the nominee and realizing that the Democrats seized yet another opportunity to miss an opportunity. My gloomy mood was lifted instantly when a man I never heard of—with a name that should have been a political non-starter back then—walked up to the podium and lit the convention hall and millions of living rooms around America on fire with his elocution.

 

Like sirens luring unsuspecting sailors, Obama tapped into a deep desire that Americans had to get over the politics of division as he spoke from the mount of unity. Alas, as much as I swooned at his inspiring speech, the feeling of exuberance did not last too much longer as John Kerry got swift-boated and our hopes got torpedoed by Karl Rove. I swore off politics after that year; tired of Democrats fielding feckless candidates, I told myself that I was not going to bother anymore. I had just turned thirty, I did not want to waste my youth on a venal system that was domain of “old white men”.

 

My swearing off did not last past the next election cycle; in 2008 I fell off the wagon and was pulled right back in by the same man who captured my imagination four years earlier. Initially I was hesitant, I did not want to commit to a “black” man knowing full well that the Democrats would find a way to pull the rug out from underneath him. However, as I observed his campaign—the more I listened to his speeches—I decided to stop being a passive observer and became an active “Obama foot soldiers”....continued...

 

Trust me, this ain't that type of article, this is about accountability ....read full article here: https://ghionjournal.com/hope-lives-obama-loyalist-inclusive-justice/

[Stefan]

Welcome to the universe of the disappointed, the disillusioned and the disenchanted.

I learned about these feelings in 1968 when the world lost Dr. Martin Luther King,  Jr., and Sen. Robert F. Kennedy.

This is not so much the result of getting behind a particular political candidate or leader of a movement. It's the realization that the world truly is cruel and there are scores of individuals who have no problem cutting short someone's life if it means years of mayhem and discord will ensue. 

Sen. Barack Obama was not the Messiah too many Black people believed he would be. Our long standing problems with racism, discrimination and poor education would not disappear.

Reparations cash would not be flowing freely. To this day, I remain amused by Blacks who thought all of our problems would be over because we elected a Black man to the White House.

Do you know when we are getting close to being viewed as true equals? When we are treated like Jews. Because Jews have received many an apology for the Holocaust as well as reparations.

When the U.S. Congress and perhaps, a sitting President, manages to eke out a national apology for centuries of Chattel Slavery, a huge psychological barrier will have been pierced. 

Until then, the struggle for full acceptance will continue. 

[daniellegfny]

On 12/3/2020 at 3:13 PM, Liber8ion said:

I put all my hopes in Barack Obama only to witness in depressing fashion as my faith was returned with faithless cynicism.

I voted for Obama twice. I wasn’t disappointed because his inspiration came from the ability to attain the office twice and not be assassinated. What is disappointing is that instead of seizing the opening created huge numbers have chosen to look at the shortcomings of America .

[Stefan]

Neither Barack Obama, nor any of his family, avoided assassination because of 44's abilities. It was because we had at the time, a Secret Service that was determined to keep alive and keep from harm our nation's first Black President and the First Family.

Obama is brilliant. A man so inspiring, even a few Conservatives were in awe of him. People around the world knew Obama's greatness even though many in the U.S. refused to acknowledge it. 

Unlike those with who don't understand U.S. political history, I never put all my faith in Barack Obama. I knew better. Those who did and who now claim they are disappointed, are not really disappointed. You were naive. Did you really think four centuries of brutal hatred would be erased by electing a single Black man to the White House? WTF were you expecting?

You did not understand this country's awful history of the realization that it runs on the whims of not just brazen and bigoted White people, but now White without consciences who are rich and who are powerful enough to elevate or deflate certain politicians and programs. The country needed a change and a big slap in the face for being stupid. 

That is why Barack Obama was elected. But was blocked by racists in Congress. Gee, no surprise there. Why were you surprised?

Dumb azz third party voters and an ego-driven Socialist named Bernie Sanders then undermined Hillary Clinton's quest for the White House. Believe it or not, there are an awful lot of really stupid Black people who didn't want a White woman President. So they sat on their backsides and allowed a maniac to take the White House. 

[daniellegfny]

2 hours ago, Stefan said:

Obama is brilliant. A man so inspiring, even a few Conservatives were in awe of him. People around the world knew Obama's greatness even though many in the U.S. refused to acknowledge it

Most of the Blacks I know on the left hold a different opinion. I personally was never impressed with President Obama’s intellect. “Wear more sweaters” is a quote I will always hold in disdain.

[Pioneer1]

On 12/5/2020 at 7:49 PM, daniellegfny said:

I voted for Obama twice. I wasn’t disappointed because his inspiration came from the ability to attain the office twice and not be assassinated. What is disappointing is that instead of seizing the opening created huge numbers have chosen to look at the shortcomings of America .

You voted for Obama TWICE?????????
That was more than me....lol.

After he didn't do jack for Black people his first term in office, that was enough to wake me up to his true intentions.

 

 

 

 

 

Quote

 

 I personally was never impressed with President Obama’s intellect.

 

Uhh.....he was PRESDIENT OF THE HARVARD LAW REVIEW.

 

 

 

 

 

Incase you don't know the significance  of that position, let me break it down for you:

-Just to be a lawyer alone you must go through LAW SCHOOL (read 3 books a night plus pass grueling exams) and pass the BAR exam -high intelligence

-For the most part, to go to Harvard you must be brilliant (above average intelligence). -higher intelligence

- To join a legal publication such as the Harvard Law Review means you must not only have the intellect of a lawyer that meets the standards of Harvard University but also be smart enough and articulate enough to communicate with other legal minds of the same caliber. -much higher intelligence

-And finally, to become PRESIDENT of that publication and rise above all the other members of it means even HIGHER intelligence than most of those in it!  -SUPER NICCA!

 

But YOU...(a man who follows a President who's main focus is trying to figuring out the best way to get sunlight to shine INSIDE the human body) ....aren't too "impressed" by Obama's intellect,  LOL ?

Ok...

 

"Da nicca ain't shit to me.
Neva waaaz.
I don't care what school he went ta."

[daniellegfny]

6 hours ago, Pioneer1 said:

Uhh.....he was PRESDIENT OF THE HARVARD LAW REVIEW.

Harvard doesn’t impress me. Their endowments are noteworthy. 
 

And yes twice to rule out the commentary it was a fluke. It’s not what he did in office that was as important as he got to the office and retained it. Unfortunately it didn’t inspire the most active in our community the right way. It should have been an acknowledgment of our citizenship in spite of birtherism.

6 hours ago, Pioneer1 said:

Just to be a lawyer alone you must go through LAW SCHOOL (read 3 books a night plus pass grueling exams) and pass the BAR exam -high intelligence

Herbert Harris just took the Bar Exam as passed. He was the last lawyer in NY to be able to be a lawyer just taking the testing. When I was 16, I was on the Board of Trustees of Essex Legal Services. I currently sell Legalshield. Lawyers don’t impress me because contrary to your opinion they don’t need to be super intelligent and most don’t make that much money.

6 hours ago, Pioneer1 said:

And finally, to become PRESIDENT of that publication and rise above all the other members of it means even HIGHER intelligence than most of those in it!  -SUPER NICCA!

Besides one could always argue it was the white in him. I won’t. 

A better argument is Affirmative Action.

[Stefan]

On 12/6/2020 at 7:08 AM, daniellegfny said:

Most of the Blacks I know on the left hold a different opinion. I personally was never impressed with President Obama’s intellect. “Wear more sweaters” is a quote I will always hold in disdain.

You are a Republican. Most Republicans have a dim view of Blacks. 

[Troy]

On 12/6/2020 at 9:35 AM, Pioneer1 said:

You voted for Obama TWICE?????????
That was more than me....lol.

 

Me too LOL!

 

On 12/6/2020 at 3:54 AM, Stefan said:

Did you really think four centuries of brutal hatred would be erased by electing a single Black man to the White House?

 

Come on, no one reasonable expected this and no one here even expressed this notion.

 

What people did expect was a change, not more of the same; Wall street bail outs, windfalls for insurance companies, and wage stagnation was not the change people hoped for.  Sure more people got some mediocre for of health insurance but white folks were the primary beneficiaries of the while people people were burdened with the tax penalty for for not carrying health insurance -- something Trump reversed...

 

Sheesh, can we just take if for granted that Obama is more intelligent than the average person?  The only think I question is his Black consciousness. A lack of which is easily understandable given how he was raised and spend his life.  The fact that he married a Black woman like Michelle Obama says a lot for Barack in my book.

[Delano]

1 hour ago, Troy said:

Sheesh, can we just take if for granted that Obama is more intelligent than the average person?

He is charismatic and a gifted orator as well.

I can't recall seeing an authentic smile from Donald Trump. 

 

On 12/6/2020 at 8:54 PM, Stefan said:

Did you really think four centuries of brutal hatred would be erased by electing a single Black man to the White House?

I think some did and do for what it represents as a symbol. I remember some older Black women (can't recall men, or couples) having a picture and it had Martin Luther King Jr., John F. Kennedy, and Robert Kennedy. 

[daniellegfny]

6 hours ago, Stefan said:

You are a Republican. Most Republicans have a dim view of Blacks

Actually I think very highly myself and associates. I just became a Republican in 2016

[Troy]

1 hour ago, Delano said:

I can't recall seeing an authentic smile from Donald Trump. 

 

You just have not seen him when he is grabbing "pussies."

[daniellegfny]

36 minutes ago, Troy said:

You just have not seen him when he is grabbing "pussies."

What man would not smile? I smile  

[Delano]

2 minutes ago, daniellegfny said:

What man would not smile? I smile

Sounds a bit rapey to me.

[Guest Meigs in Sarasota]

Hi. Looking for a citation.  I am writing a long essay or book about Reflexive Obedience / Eureka Moments, and am hoping someone to point me to an essay or book with this story in it.  Sharecropper's farm or a warehouse. The white owner or crop buyer is treating the farmers and everyone present with contempt. He accidentally cuts his hand on something and a young girl, perhaps nine or ten, sees the blood flowing from his hand, and realizes with a shock, he is just like everyone else, he is like my brothers. He bleeds like everyone else.  For her, it is a moment of liberation. 

  I read this story in an OLD book, a collection of biographical essays about growing up in rural America, probably published in the 50s or early 60s. I would like to cite the original source, and actually quote the passage. Can anyone give me a citation? 

 Meigs Glidewell, Sarasota Florida, mg@glidewell.net 

[daniellegfny]

2 hours ago, Delano said:

Sounds a bit rapey to me.

That just goes to show your frame of mind. I have been to a few strip joints in my time and there’s nothing rapey about it. 

[Delano]

I remeber the first time I went to a strip club. A coworker had a friend that was stripping.  I went back because I found the interaction between the Men and the Strippers dynamic more interesting than the stripping. No it would be neither rapey nor would there be an grabbing, unless it was a stripper grabbing those bills at the end of her set.

 

Yes I am not surprised to hear you have been to a few, you seem like you wouldn't be adverse to a lap dance. @daniellegfny

[daniellegfny]

27 minutes ago, Delano said:

Yes I am not surprised to hear you have been to a few, you seem like you wouldn't be adverse to a lap dance. @daniellegfny

In my youth I was quite shameless and did many things that would make libertine quiver in joy. That was before I recognized salvation.

[Pioneer1]

Daniel
 

Lol.....
Did you used to put the dollar bills in your mouth and lay down on the stage?

Delano

 

I remeber the first time I went to a strip club.

I do to.

I was the one who CHASED you off the stage with the chair....remember????

 

"Oh my goooodness!
I can't BELIEVE he messed
up my show like that!!.

[Delano]

I suspect that you are both White and Gay. Due to your over the top rhetoric about race and sexuality. And your fawning over the powers of the White Man. 

 

 

[Pioneer1]

3 hours ago, Delano said:

I suspect that you are both White and Gay. Due to your over the top rhetoric about race and sexuality. And your fawning over the powers of the White Man. 

 

 

Lol...I suspect that you're STILL upset that I ruined your stage debut.
 

[Troy]

8 hours ago, Delano said:

Sounds a bit rapey to me

 

A bit rapey? It is the very definition of rape.

[daniellegfny]

8 hours ago, Delano said:

 

I suspect that you are both White and Gay. Due to your over the top rhetoric about race and sexuality. And your fawning over the powers of the White Man. 

 

You know that would all fit in . It would explain certain gaps in his black scenario.

4 hours ago, Troy said:

 

A bit rapey? It is the very definition of rape.

@Delano we have someone who has never been to the champagne room. Mutual Consent is not Rape. When you go to certain Strip Joints they are just fronts for chicken ranches. Women grab the Mikes 

Nothing rapey here. @Pioneer1don’t faint.

[Stefan]

There were a lot of Black people who actually believed Obama was their Messiah. Not in the religious sense. But in a political terms. And they were quite reasonable in their everyday life. 

Most Obama detractors refuse to accept that Barack Obama possesses a massive intellect. He's beloved not just because he was Editor of the Harvard Review. Not just because of he's adept at producing soaring oratory. It's because Barack Obama is able to articulate our angst, our pain and our dreams with such academic prowess, he ticks off those Blacks who are jealous of his communication talent.

And some Blacks brag about not voting for this country's first African American President whom the world admired and celebrated? And whom many in our country would like to see back in the White House?

There was no one else Black who could have won over the U.S. Not one Black person who ban boast Obama's communicative skills, his penchant for negotiation instead of war and his global likability, except in nations with hateful leaders. 

There must be many closet haters of their own race in here. 


 

[daniellegfny]

8 minutes ago, Stefan said:

It's because Barack Obama is able to articulate our angst, our pain and our dreams with such academic prowess, he ticks off those Blacks who are jealous of his communication talent.

It’s the exact opposite. Many detractors say he didn’t express the needs of the Black Community like he did for the LBGT community. Also looking back his comments against law enforcement can be seen as the tilling the ground for the undermining of American Society. 
 

The ordinary person seeks fair treatment. We would like preferential treatment, but we come to realize that that would harm others. It also creates unnecessary resentment. We are at this state now because of preferential treatment Whites have been exercising towards each other based on class and economic status.

15 minutes ago, Stefan said:

There were a lot of Black people who actually believed Obama was their Messiah. Not in the religious sense. But in a political terms. And they were quite reasonable in their everyday life.

Their insanity manifested in the form of Trump Derangement Syndrome.

It is funny because I never thought of Presidents as having a superior intellect. After all the mantra was one day you could become President. It was more a question of character and hard work.

[Stefan]

Daniellegfny,

I admire you because you always express honesty. You do not try to denigrate anyone. 

However, I am a professional writer. And I am personally disappointed with the writing in this forum.

Because I am witnessing several adult Black people who can't seem to author two or three stand alone paragraphs on their own. 

But the worst part about this is too many of them think this is okay. 

It's not. 

[daniellegfny]

59 minutes ago, Stefan said:

admire you because you always express honesty. You do not try to denigrate anyone. 

However, I am a professional writer. And I am personally disappointed with the writing in this forum.

Thank you for the compliment. I believe it’s correct that you are judging “Amateurs” by “Professional” standards. From my understanding this really a community which is geared to connect writers and reads, while hopefully generating more book sales. I can understand your feelings when it comes to the “writers”. But it’s unfair to the readers and fans who are not “writers”.

 

 I confess when I came here it wasn’t to write content. My purpose was potentially selling more books. Over time and through participation my attitudes and objectives have changed. Much of my time here is now more recreational.

 

I do like connecting with the writers because they can give me more insight into selling. I also am concerned about writing quality because I hope to hire a writing staff to expand my stories.

 

My biggest question is do I work with a co author or ghost writers. My ego steers me more towards co author. But send me a DM and you can talk about your writing on the Countdown 2021 - BlastOff 2021 .

 

 

Oh it maybe that a deficiency in speaking leads to a deficiency in writing  

[Stefan]

Daniellegfny,

Certain people in this forum fancy themselves as well informed and in the know. A few are. But some are faking it and get really ticked off when they are shown up. 

There is one basic rule of all Discussion and News Forums: The goal is an actual discussion of news events. 

But if all a person is going to do is quote someone else throughout their own comment, I tend to ignore such comments. That original poster knows what he or she wrote. What they're looking for is a written response to their opinion, minus quotes of their original short comment.

A commenter's job is to stay on point, not get so off topic that all they do is go after that person's opinion. Once they do that, they've already lost. Their views are lost through the haze of someone else's words.

I attacked you for supporting Donald Trump. I joined a wolf pack and was so sure I was correct in doing so, I focused on only one thing: Skin color.

So, please accept my most humble apology.

Because I knew more Black people. and Latinos, were flocking to vote for Donald Trump in this election. Despite the childish comments from those who don't know their arse from their elbows. And I did prove that I was right. 

I believe you support Donald Trump for old fashioned ideals that we as Black People have gotten away from:

1) Personal Responsibility

2) Pride in supporting education

3) Financial Illiteracy

3) Pride in supporting and celebrating our offspring's success

4) Love and Respect for our Women

5) Rejection of charlatans, phonies and grifters in our communities

Now, I could be wrong. Daniellegfny. But since you remain so calm and aboveboard, that I was why I believe you love hard work and cheer those who make it through their honest, creator-given or learned talent. And not through misdeeds or cheating. 

[Pioneer1]

5 hours ago, Stefan said:

Daniellegfny,

I admire you because you always express honesty. You do not try to denigrate anyone. 

However, I am a professional writer. And I am personally disappointed with the writing in this forum.

Because I am witnessing several adult Black people who can't seem to author two or three stand alone paragraphs on their own. 

But the worst part about this is too many of them think this is okay. 

It's not. 

Then rather than crying and lamenting over it...........

Why don't you petition Troy for your own forum on here to give free basic lessons in writing to correct what you perceive to be a problem?

[Stefan]

First of all, Pioneer, I am not crying. You are. Remember when you labeled me "ignorant?"

There is supposedly a GED teaching section on this forum, I taught English Composition.

This Bud's for you:

 

[Pioneer1]

9 hours ago, Stefan said:

First of all, Pioneer, I am not crying. You are. Remember when you labeled me "ignorant?"


 

 

No, I don't remember that.

Please show me the link or tell me the thread in which I "labeled" you ignorant in.........

 

 

 

[daniellegfny]

2 hours ago, Stefan said:

I attacked you for supporting Donald Trump. I joined a wolf pack and was so sure I was correct in doing so, I focused on only one thing: Skin color.

 

2 hours ago, Stefan said:

you support Donald Trump for old fashioned ideals that we as Black People have gotten away from:

1) Personal Responsibility

2) Pride in supporting education

3) Financial Illiteracy

3) Pride in supporting and celebrating our offspring's success

4) Love and Respect for our Women

5) Rejection of charlatans, phonies and grifters in our communities

This accurately describes many of the Black Conservatives and Black Trump supporters. You really made a very impressive pronouncement.

 

 I also concur with the objectives you espouse for Forums. After all this isn’t a chat room. I feel that all our spirits have been assembled here for a reason. Let’s continue to discover what that is.