But I'll give it a try:
1. So a little over a week ago, Obama gave his much talked about speech on race, here in Philadelphia. Since then, there has been a lot written and discussed about it. The coverage has ranged from the perfunctory (as Jon Stewart broke down the cable news coverage here) to historical, with praise and criticism. I listened to the Slate Cultural Podcast today that discussed it from the perspective of Obama's mastery of language (he wrote it himself, which is rare nowadays) comparing his style to that of Walt Whitman. From what I've seen, the people that actually sat and watched/listened to the whole speech responded favorably on the whole.
My own opinion (warning, as of now I would have to say that I'm supporting Obama) was that the speech was definitely more courageous that what I'm used to from my politicians. It would have definitely been easier for Obama to do something lighter, cleaner, and just through Rev Wright under the bus; but as many have said, he elevated the conversation by putting all the cards on the table. But as he said in the speech, this was really just the beginning. The question is, are we ready to talk about race like grownups? Are we willing to talk about the hard issues and maybe even come up with hard solutions? Where will these conversations take place?
I wish I had an answer to these questions. I found it interesting that the NY Times said that some congregations were incorporating the speech into their Easter Sermons (although, it seems that most thought it should at least be put off for at least a week, since Easter is only the most important holiday in the Christian calender). I think that getting the conversation started was tough, but to continue it is even more difficult. I live in a neighborhood that is being gentrified (ie a bunch of yuppies, such as myself, are moving in and forcing the largely black longtime residents out), but I personally like the idea of keeping the neighborhood as mixed raced as possible (I'm going to miss old Jimmy sitting on my porch, keeping an eye on the street this summer). There is a lot of things I would like to discuss with the people that have lived here for years, but I'm not really sure how to even start that conversation (see Jon Stewart with Larry Wilmore). I'm worried we're going to need a leader (such as Obama) to have to hold our hands through the whole process.
2. Just a little bit on the Rev Wright. I know he said some kind of crazy things, and seemed pretty pissed off about things; but come on, do we really take everything pastors seriously? I always thought it was interesting the way non-Catholics viewed the Pope as this monolithic power that controlled all Roman Catholics. I guess most of the people I grew up with (which includes 12 years of Catholic education) didn't really view the pope as that important. Most seemed to take the things the Pope said with a a grain of salt (oh look, he said we shouldn't use birth control, how cute, but impracticable). My maternal grandfather was a Nazarene Minister who used to deliver fire and brimstone sermons every Sunday, but he was just a normal grandfather with me that had all sorts of fun riddles and songs he liked to share. In the end, as long as a politician understand the importance of the separation of church and state, I don't really care who their preacher is.
3. View from the roof of my building taken over a year ago before they started locking the door.
4. Even though it drives Jennifer nuts, I love this dog...
Please feel free to discuss Obama's speech...
