‘Yes, we can’
Craig French, Emporia
Thursday, November 6, 2008
AMERICA’S quadrennial agony of presidential campaigns has finally worn itself out into an election. We have arrived finally at a point at which we all know the outcome. The writing is on the wall at last. Our new president will be Barack Obama, the first Black American to hold such a high office. Something fundamental has changed for us and for everyone else, too.
We have shown to the whole world that as a nation, we have transcended the bias that demands a man’s worth be defined by the color of his skin. Although we can never remedy or ameliorate the terrible wrongs of the past, we are making those wrongs meaningless in the context of the present. We have it within our power now — and we know this to be true — to accomplish the greatness that racism made impossible. We are able now to look into the future with that hope raised in us first last winter when Barack Obama stood before us and said in his gentle, firm voice, “Yes, we can.”
Yes, we can.
The time will come, I hope, that we will rise from this lengthy, rancorous campaign and look back upon it as a wasteland from which a new America has sprung. Over the course of the last 50 years, we have at times sunk to lows that cause those of us sensitive to such things to blush with embarrassment, even with shame. The experience of Vietnam brought us the knowledge of true loss and waste from which we did not fully recover. We strove for success and attained our goals only to discover that winning in such matters means nothing. It does not satisfy or leave even a taste for the next leg of the course.
We believed we could stand above all the nations of the Earth and we did, at times, do just that. But even then we were unsure and unbelieving and when we looked back at ourselves we saw a people still in such need of healing and repair we would despair of ever finding that which would make us as whole as we knew we could and should become.
Now, perhaps, the symbols of what we should have been addressing and what we might have achieved are before us. We can see clearly that we have arrived at that place, upon the threshold of all we have striven to achieve, even from the time our founders wrote for all to know, that all men and women are created equal, and all citizens have a place at the table and a say in our future as one nation, as one people, bound together by bonds of citizenship and service and mutual interest, regardless of creed or ethnicity.
I know there will be disappointment and dead ends. Nothing like this is ever easy, not ever. But we have a new path before us, one that does not necessarily lead to the hatred and self destruct we have experienced so deeply this last decade. Now, perhaps, we can see not just in the words of our prophets but within our own actions as a nation and a people that we are capable, at least, of achieving that for which we work and, too often in our past, for which some must bleed and die.
Since I was a 10 years old and became aware of our societal dysfunctions, I have watched us develop. I marched in civil rights demonstrations and I marched for political leaders who died trying and I marched in the service of my country even when I knew we were making a terrible mistake.
This is the first time in all those years that I so strongly feel full vindication nearby. Something has been achieved and even if it is as fleeting and insufficient as I know it will seem to be a few days hence, we have done something courageous and noble and potentially enduring in the years and decades ahead.
I am proud to be an American. I am made to know we still have the potential for the greatness that has made us so often admired and emulated. Right now, I cannot imagine that all this will end in failure. I know we can do this.
Yes, we can.
under_score (anonymous) says...
I don't know what to say. It's great that you are finally proud to be an American but it sounds like you think the mere fact that Obama is black is going to save this country. Do I have that right?
November 6, 2008 at 12:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Kujiin (anonymous) says...
I don't know what to say. It's great that you are finally proud to be an American but it sounds like you think the mere fact that Obama is black is going to save this country. Do I have that right?
Well under_score,
Then why say anything at all? This election was not about the color of a persons skin. Instead, its about change and the right person for the job. Save the country? Hmm, that task does not fall completely on the President. It's on our shoulders too.. Think about it.
November 6, 2008 at 1:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
barbara61 (anonymous) says...
I love the piece you wrote Mr. French , great work. I have hope and feel we all can come together as one people. Nothing will stop a nut job from wanting to harm us no matter who is in the white house or what color they are. I think Obama has a solid mind set and knows what he is doing. He gave me hope I lost for the past 8 years.
November 6, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
under_score (anonymous) says...
Kujiin,
My point was that this person clearly was voting based at least in some part on race. If you don't think Obama got 95% of the black vote based on race you are an idiot. I'm all for having a black, brown, yellow, red, whatever color president but I tend to put more of a focus on policy than the color of someones skin.
Don't get me wrong, I would love to have had the opportunity to help vote in the first black president in order to improve race relations in this country. Unfortunately the one offered in this election, at least in the past, has been a left-wing nut job who offered the type of change that will take this country further down the path of socialism than it has ever been.
November 6, 2008 at 2:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Kujiin (anonymous) says...
Unfortunately the one offered in this election, at least in the past, has been a left-wing nut job who offered the type of change that will take this country further down the path of socialism than it has ever been.
I'm sorry but now you have me confused. Please turn off the FNC!!!
It will corrupt your mind...
November 6, 2008 at 2:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Well written, Mr. French.
But now, reading the follownig posts, if this is the train of thought, then I would like to congratulate President Bush for appointing our country's first black Secretary of State, not once, but twice. Until now, the highest elected office held by a black man OR black woman. Congratulations, Pres Bush on not letting the childish and idiotic way half the country has acted deter you from making the appointments you felt were in the best interests of the country, regardless of race or gender.
Boy, I'm sure I just opened a can of worms. LOL
November 6, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
under_score (anonymous) says...
Kujiin,
Yeah that post was a little hard to read.
The author of this editorial acts as though this is the first time he's been proud of his country and then it sounds like he attributes his newly found pride to 1 thing. That we now have a black president.
Basically my first thought was that we were in a win-win situation. If McCain wins we get a really moderate president and if Obama wins we get a really moderate president who could immensely help race relations in this country if elected.
But you have to look past that at the person.
Please tell me which statement you disagree with:
Obama has a far left voting record
Obama has ties to ACORN which seems to me at least to be a little out of it
Obama had a preacher and campaign spiritual advisor who said some pretty whacky things about America and then he lied about not hearing the sermons
Obama has assocaiations of some sort with William Ayers who bombed government targets and stated as recently as 2002 that he wished he'd done more
Obama has said some pretty leftist things about the Constitution/Bill of Rights
That doesn't even get into his plan for taxation which he has said is a redistribution of wealth. Hopefully that was a misquote but I haven't heard him refute it.
If you don't know or care about any of those things but to me they add up to someone who does not stand for the same values as me.
November 6, 2008 at 3:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dale011 (anonymous) says...
where do these loonies get born? Obama is the most liberal member of congress and the far radical left helped him send Hillary home. He has BIG debts to pay to big labor, gay rights and the environmental wackos. The next 4 years is going to be one stick in the eye after another to the other half of the US - he won, but with no mandate. Be prepared to have any opinion that does not agree with their agenda be vilified.
November 6, 2008 at 3:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
acricket (anonymous) says...
He is only 6% black and has more moslem in him , and will take his oath on the Koran Bible as he did in congress. He doesn't believe in our Bible or our God..
November 6, 2008 at 4:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MelissaE (anonymous) says...
acricket, big deal. I don't believe in ANY god. So does that mean any oath I take doesn't count? Or makes me less of a human?
I think not.
Differences are why people WANT to be American.
Oh--and I'm confused: "6% black" really has nothing to do with "moslem". One is a race, another is a person of the Islamic religion. Apples and oranges.
FYI: It's MUSLIM. The second largest religion in the world.
November 6, 2008 at 5:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
acricket, he did NOT take his oath on the Quran.
From Yahoo Answers:
"The candidate who chose to use the Koran was Keith Ellison, a Representative from Minnesota, not Senator Obama. And it was an "unofficial" swearing in ceremony.
When the time comes for new Representatives to be sworn in, no Bible, Koran, or other book is involved. The Speaker of the House asks everyone to stand and raise their right hands. All 435 members are sworn in right then, at their desks, at the same time. That's the swearing in ceremony."
November 6, 2008 at 6:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
relieved2008 (anonymous) says...
What I find so frustrating is the propaganda that the people against Obama believe in. Please, for all of our sake, just do some research...
November 6, 2008 at 7:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
momus (anonymous) says...
There must be some exceptionally rich people on this board with all of the "guard your wallets" talk. Our median income numbers for Emporia must be way off...
Admittedly, I'm an Obama supporter, but even when President Bush took office (first term) I was hopeful even though I voted for the other guy. If you look hard enough for something to go wrong in the upcoming Presidency, you will probably find something. But, is that what we need right now? I mean, it seems like some people think Obama is going to suspend the constitution, force everyone to join a union and get married to someone of the same sex... Let's just chill out for a minute and see what the guy actually plans to do. Remember, legislation comes from the LEGISLATIVE branch, so our local reps can work together to fix things like the economy (which was stated as priority one as of this morning). If McCain was elected, I would have been disappointed, but I don't think I would be anticipating the end of days like some on this board. Take a breath, it will be OK.
I asked earlier what people meant by “Traditional American Values” in regards to why they were scared of Obama, and I was given the answer “The bill of rights and the constitution”. What exactly do people think President-Elect Obama will do that scares them so? Not trying to be a smart mouth, I honestly am just curious…
November 6, 2008 at 7:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
relieved2008, I feel the same way about what many people who hate Bush believe. An awful lot of irrationality - it is very frustrating. Fools are in ample supply on both sides of the aisle.
Exactly, momus. Let's give the guy a chance. If he succeeds, America succeeds. If he fails, America fails. I, for one, would like to see America succeed.
As for the bill of rights and the constitution, I think alot of people are fearful about the so-called "Fairness Doctrine". Seeing Obama ban the Florida station that didn't ask questions they liked, and boot several reporters off their plane that weren't "in their pocket" - makes people look at who is pushing to get this passed (liberal Dems) - and who is in power in the house, senate, and executive branch. I think it was a mistake way back when, and it would be a mistake now.
I also think people look at the 2nd amendment (right to bear arms) - and we see how closely it passed this last time by the Supreme Court (5-4). We extrapolate Obama obviously appointing very liberal judges, (and having little or no problem getting them thru congress, as he has the majority in both houses) - and seeing the makeup of the Court change to where it could easily be 4-5 next time.
Thanks for asking in a decent, honest, non-smart-mouth way. Something sorely lacking these days. I hope I answered in the same manner. :)
November 6, 2008 at 7:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wirewatt (Ken Bazil) says...
momus
I know that it doesn't mean alot to the younger voters and to many people, but being older and having been in the Military I am very protective of the Second Amendment which Pres. Obama wants changed. If you do your home work he said he will not renew the tax relief that runs out in 2010. That means the taxes for everyone paying will go up. This will hurt alot of people on fixed incomes and retired people. I just hope he takes the middle ground on these items, and he should be given a chance.
November 6, 2008 at 8 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
From http://www.rr.com/view/content/story....
"Reid looking to remove Lieberman as committee head"
"While I understand that Sen. Lieberman has voted with Democrats a majority of the time, his comments and actions have raised serious concerns among many in our caucus," Reid said.
Democrats in the past had tolerated Lieberman's political straddling because he held their slim 51-49 majority in his hands. Now that Democrats have strengthened their hold in the Senate to at least 55 seats as a result of Tuesday's election, Lieberman no longer is vital to their majority control.
Despite splitting with most Democrats on the war in Iraq, Lieberman tends to vote with them on domestic issues such as health care, education and the environment."
----------------------------
Ah, yes, the era of good-feeling, reaching across the aisle, working together in partisanship has begun..... (sigh).....
November 6, 2008 at 8:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hogan77 (anonymous) says...
acricket: Your ignorance is blinding. Perhaps you should do a little more homework before popping off stupid non truths.
Observation: We have had to carefully guard our wallets for the past 4 years as it is, thanks to good ole Georgie Porgie. Why would I have ever voted in someone who is the spitting image of him? Why would I ever for for a man who would put our economy into a bigger turmoil, possibly leading it into another great depression? I want to help make history, but not bad history.
wirewatt: Exactly what part of the second amendment has ANYTHING to do with taxes? Your post confuses me...
dale011: If it does happen to be one stick in the eye after another for the next 4 years, I should be safe... thanks to my handy sunglasses I have to wear thanks to other people's blinding ignorance.
All I have left to say is... HOMEWORK people. Do you homework before you try standing in front of the class to give your report. If you don't do your homework to get the facts, you will fail, and therefore not pass.
November 7, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
hogan77 - speaking of homework, do you think you would have had to guard your wallet as closely if Congress had allowed Bush to pass his added regulation & oversight of Fannie & Freddie in 2003? Or McCain's in 2005?
Just curious about YOUR homework.......
November 7, 2008 at 11:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nutsaboutools (anonymous) says...
Thank you momus & open_eyes,
It's nice to read comments that are open-minded and sure of their facts before they post their "opinion". President-elect Obama has one helluva very difficult & challenging road ahead. I believe we all (and especially the Legislative branches) need to stand up and do what ever it takes to support him (even Sen. McCain made that request).
By the way, if anyone thinks that all the issues that lay ahead aren't going to require more spending (and thus no tax increases) they've been very misguided. At least with the plan that Obama has in mind, the wealthy will start paying their fair share (tax reform, not socialism).
November 7, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
under_score (anonymous) says...
the wealthy will start paying their fair share? How much have you determined is fair? Here are the numbers from 2006, most recent I could find in a pinch.
Percentiles Ranked by AGI
AGI Threshold on Percentiles
Percentage of Federal Personal Income Tax Paid
Top 1%
$388,806
39.89%
Top 5%
$153,542
60.14%
Top 10%
$108,904
70.79%
Top 25%
$64,702
86.27%
Top 50%
$31,987
97.01%
Bottom 50%
<$31,987
2.99%
Note: AGI is Adjusted Gross Income
Source: Internal Revenue Service
Top number is % of wage earners, second is their income threshold, and third number is their % of overall income taxes paid.
I'm very interested in the anwer to this one.
November 7, 2008 at 2:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
momus (anonymous) says...
Underscore, my answer to your question is four fold:
First, if you look at taxes paid versus the amount of wealth held you have one of the most favorable systems in the western world.
Second, when you look at the imbalance of salaries at the top versus mid and lower level employees that are allowing obscene amounts of wealth to accrue within the top 10%, relative percentage tax relief is the only way that we can mitigate a wage imbalance that hasn't been this high since right before the great depression. The super rich didn't get super rich all by themselves.
Third, a large percentage of that population at the top did absolutely nothing to build the wealth they currently benefit from. 60 minutes did a special on cheating in college which focused on several people, one being the billionaire heiress granddaughter of Sam Walton that cheated her way through USC by paying people to write her papers and do her homework. The resulting scandal stopped the naming of MU's sports arena, once called Page Sports arena in honor of said granddaughter (students called it "plage" sports arena in honor of her dedication to plagiarism). We are not an aristocracy, and we don't have a caste system. An economic system that rewards a certain class with almost infinite wealth while dooming other classes to a life of servitude is doomed to failure. There are exceptions on each side of that debate, but in my opinion, the point is valid.
Finally, what do you expect the bottom half to pay, and with what? Take a bunch of destitute people and have them become more desperate? Take the money they don't have for bills right now away from them? How much blood do you expect to get from that turnip?
November 7, 2008 at 2:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
under_score (anonymous) says...
Wow, where to begin.
How about fewer taxes for everyone, couldn't that be an option. Keep in mind, those are 2006 numbers. I'm not asking whether or not these are fair, that is anothe issue. I'm asking you to tell me how much more these people should pay. Also, I'd like to know where you draw the line on who pays more.
You completely lost me on the inheritance thing. Did she have a need to graduate from college in order to inherit her money. That aside, what is wrong with people working hard so they can leave something behind for their loved ones?
Nothing in our economic system, other than hard work and intelligence, is stopping the lower class in this country from moving up the ladder. They may not become a billionaire, but they certainly have the opportunity.
November 7, 2008 at 3:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sg (anonymous) says...
I voted for McCain, and I'm disappointed and worried about Obama's presidency. But, one good thing---maybe he'll take Kathleen Sebelius with him....
http://www.cafepress.com/DorothySays....
November 7, 2008 at 3:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
momus (anonymous) says...
OK, lower taxes for everyone... Where are you going to cut, and how do you plan on paying off 10 trillion in debt and 35 trillion in promised expenditures.
My point with the inheritance was that this heiress did nothing to become a billionare besides being born. Abject poverty keeps people from ascending classes in general. There are exceptions, but ask teachers how the average student does in school when they are force to become an adult by working and taking care of siblings instead of concentrating on school. Is it possible to succeed? Yes. Probable? No.
November 7, 2008 at 3:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
under_score said
"Nothing in our economic system, other than hard work and intelligence, is stopping the lower class in this country from moving up the ladder. They may not become a billionaire, but they certainly have the opportunity."
Wow condescending much? The ever rising costs of a college education are stopping quite a few from going to college. I received my MBA 10 years ago and it was pricey then, take a look at the current costs of books,tuition, housing and expenses. Student loans and a minimum wage job do not cover it.
November 7, 2008 at 3:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
USNretired (anonymous) says...
The GI Bill pays quite a bit for college. I got a BS and 20 hours towards an MS before I had to pay the rest. ROTC, Pell grants, they are many ways to pay for college. A good education should garner enough to pay off student loans for those who choose that route. A flat tax is better than a progressive tax. I consider 100% of those who serve honorably in the Military to be successful. They learn a trade, respect, the value of team work, and self discipline. There are many roads to success but they are all uphill. ;)
November 7, 2008 at 4:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MelissaE (anonymous) says...
USNretired: I got the GI Bill but it didn't even pay fully for my BS, let alone an MS. College rates have skyrocketed but the GI Bill has not....but don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining because any money for college is a bonus as far as I'm concerned. HOwever, mine was tapped out in 2007. I am hopeful of new laws that say anyone who has the GI Bill can give it to their children (and maybe spouses)--as my husband is career military so hopefully we can split his GI Bill between our kids.
November 7, 2008 at 5:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
USNretired (anonymous) says...
You need to check, because I think you already can do some of that, depending on branch. See the question and answers section at.
http://www.gibill.va.gov/
November 7, 2008 at 8:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
apsuz (anonymous) says...
USNretired: Military benefits are great for those that can get them. But what about the millions of people that for whatever reason don't qualify to even join the reserves or national guard? Sure, they can apply for student loans and grants, but that won't cover everything. Especially for a single parent trying to keep a roof over the head of his/her child(ren). I'm not trying to make excuses, just a point. I myself have more in student loans than I make in a year and a half, don't have time to finish my education because I have to work to support a family, and can't even make my loan payments so going back in the future is looking like less and less of an option. I am proud to say that as a former high school drop-out, I have completed over 2 years of college. But that's not doing me much good right now. My only option right now because of family responsibility and location (not in Emporia anymore) is an online "degree mill" such as Phoenix or DeVry to name a few. Eventually I will figure out how to go back to school and support the family at the same time, but until then we need the income and benefits from my 48/hour a week job. Can't complain too much though, I see people with degrees making less than what I make right now. I guess because they don't do much besides sit at a desk, while I'm doing physical labor. And at least I get a work-out at my job, so I don't feel so bad if I skip a day or two at the gym, lol.
November 8, 2008 at 1:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
USNretired (anonymous) says...
Keep working at it. A little at a time adds up.
November 8, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Keep working on your degree, apsuz, one class at a time. It took me the entire 7 years to get my Masters, but I worked full time and took night classes, one class at a time. It's not impossible. Difficult, yes, but not impossible.
I obtained my BSE with help from the GI Bill received through my late-husband's benefit. Semper Fi. It didn't pay all of it, no, but it sure did keep my head above water. I worked part time, went to school full time. Just take one step at a time.
November 9, 2008 at 5:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MelissaE (anonymous) says...
I have to agree....a little at a time. It sucks and it takes forever, but guess what? The end result is SO MUCH MORE than you have ever dreamed.
I'm proud of you for getting so far. :)
Melissa
November 9, 2008 at 7:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nutsaboutools (anonymous) says...
under_score
Thanks for the numbers. My point is that the "wealthy" have been able to reduce their "AGI" through tax shelters and loop holes in the tax credits. Obama simply plans to reform our tax system to close those shelters and loop holes.
November 11, 2008 at 11:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )