As Blacks, It Is Okay To Criticize Obama

I am as big a fan of President Barack Obama as anyone. I am also proud that I live in America and celebrate the freedoms this country offers. Specifically, I am proud that the US Constitution has afforded me guarantees protecting free speech, the right to peacefully protest and assemble, the right to practice the religion of my choosing. And prior to there being a Black President, African-Americans were often the first at the podium, before the microphone and on the street reminding our nation of it's promise to all people. These "Black Voices" are the radio hosts, television commentators, newspaper columnists, politicians, quasi-leaders and activists.
They are the voices that often lead us to action, influence our opinions, give us the "Black Perspective" on the world's issues. We trust them, we believe them and often we will follow their prescribed course of action.

Sadly, today there exists a new attitude and the words are being articulated by some of these "Black Voices". One that counters the very essence of the U.S. Constitution in which we as Black People so often turn to and wave when we feel injustice is afoot. Today it seems that some of the same Black Voices screaming to be heard and demanding justice are now attacking anyone who seeks the same from Barack Obama. Dissent on an Obama plan or policy is by some Black Voices wrongly equated with criticism of the man, President Barack Obama. Questioning him is a "sacrilege" and considered disrespectful of his position. And if the "critic" or inquirer is African-American, the more vicious the attack by Black Voices. That is wrong! That is Anti-American and counter to the very liberty we as Black people demand and in which we must continue to defend.

Frankly, I enjoy the freedoms I have to oppose the ideas of those leading my country and representing my interest. Because I can write this commentary and not fear death as a form of retaliation for my opinion is a reminder of those protections and a reminder I do not live in a dictatorship. It is a reminder that neither African-Americans nor any other ethnic group is all of one mind nor should we be or have to be.

The military has Black men are fighting along side of White men and Latino men and American women of all races, creeds and colors protecting my right to speak out against tierney and oppression. They are fighting to guard our liberties so that any of us can safely speak about the dumb moves made by American leaders and faulty legislation our leaders are driving that could hurt our families, Black, White, Latino, Asian. How else would those representing us know how we feel if we did not speak up. Moreover, these liberties are so precious to me as a Black women not because I can speak up not only when I feel that a White leader does not understand my plight, but when a Black leader does not understand either. Just because a leader is of the same race, does not mean he knows all my needs, understands their importance to my family. It certainly shouldn't mean that I cannot oppose something he thinks is a great idea simply because he is Black.... Does it?

There were Blacks in Africa who helped White slave traders capture and trade Black souls. Should I not speak up about that wrong and the crime those Blacks committed because they were Black. When a Black person commits a crime, should Black people stay silent or co-sign on the wrong committed. Should we make excuses for the wrong behavior and does doing that help us in any way?

If we hold to the belief that if a person looks like us, came from a home similar to ours, has a momma who struggled the way our mom has... that we should give him a pass we would otherwise deny "the white man" we would be on a dangerous, self-destructive path. And because "Black Voices" carry so much weight in the hearts, minds and influence of the Black community, we are obligated to be a lot more responsible then that!

There are some policies and actions in which Obama proposes that I am all in favor. But there are just as many that I do not like and I will speak about them. It is time we as a people grow the heck up. You can't demand liberty and freedom for all when Whites are in power and then expect that everyone should shut up and to relinquish these guarantees when someone you like better, or someone who looks like you is in leadership. How politically immature is that? And frankly, it is okay if you are angry with my words and want to now take your marbles and go home.