My President Is Black...and What Else?(Howard Hilltop)/(Ballerstatus.com)

9/25/08

Perspectives

Let's be honest for a second. I understand we're at an HBCU, and our veins are pumping black pride as our blood is raging through our coveted caramel-coated skins. I understand we've been crucified in the quote un-quote "land of the free and home of the brave" for hundreds of years.

I understand we, as a race, have had tears trickle down our faces and have endured countless "you can'ts" spewed at us. I know. Before I continue, let me just say, I'm not here to badger you with the monotonous "Obama for President." I'll save that for your professors. I'm a realist.

And, I'm a journalist. With those two intertwined, that means I'm a real journalist - or a journalist that keeps it real. What I'm saying is, how could people chant 'Obama for President' when they have no idea what he's about?

The issue I'm having is that people are oblivious to what Barack is about, but yet are praising his name simply because he's black. I appreciate the love, but let's be serious. Don't vote for Obama simply because Jeezy said "My President is Black" or because Nas said we should put Barack's face on a $5,000 bill.

People have been drowning in a pool of ignorance and think just because Jay-Z mentioned Barack on the "A Milli" freestyle, they'll be able to reach the surface.

What many people fail to fathom is that voting for a president isn't as easy as reciting your favorite song. The decision you make could ultimately determine your way of living for the next four years. I bet half of the people who read this won't be able to even utter what Obama's plans consist of if elected president. Any takers?

A lot of people are disillusioned by the fact that because Barack's black and is an avid listener of today's music, he will provide us with answers. If that's the case, could someone please provide me with an in-depth method as to how will he remove Bush's piercing policies that have scarred this nation?

Even better, can you do me the utmost favor and explain to me how my aunt will pay her hospital bill, since she just had heart surgery a week ago? It's easy to cajole a person into believing what's right and what's wrong, but it's another thing to prove why it is what it is in the first place.

It's sad when I try to converse with a 22-year-old about things we can do to help the recession, and he tells me, "Oh, buy Young Jeezy's album." You wonder why people are living in the plushest neighborhoods and are drinking the finest wines. Read a book. Better yet, since everyone is mesmerized by the beauty of the Internet, surf the Web.

Understand why we're making a huge spectacle of Obama. When I see Obama, I don't simply see a black man - I see a man of change. I see a man who will provide everyone with health care rather than succumb to the ills of society. I see a man who will cut taxes and enable people to spend their money on whatever they deem necessary. I see a man who will free the soldiers who have been subject to rampant killings and relieve them from this ongoing agony.

I did my research. I know why I'm voting Nov. 4th - it's because my president is black, and our time is due.