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jammin
Jamaica
149 Posts |
 Posted - 08 Nov 2008 : 21:55:18
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I am still trying to figure what the hoopla is about with Obama being the first Black President of the US. The near hysteria with which the world and Africans in particular greeted the news of his election has simply eluded me..... I don't get it.
For me, the question of skin color will always be relegated to the furthest recess of priority, while being exceedingly mindful of the capacity of the individual elected to lead. I have been asking myself these question, Is Obama capable of leading? Is Obama the President of the USA? or is he a skillfully marketed Proxy for the real power brokers?
I believe that these are some of the questions that need to be answered truthfully, before going into a frenzied wild abandonment about the election of a Black President.
A lot of Black people are under the delusion that an Obama's Presidency mean that US aid to their respective countries will begin to flow like Manna from heaven while others see it as " visa unlimited". to the US. Its a pity that they will soon get a reality check.
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Like a colossus He doth bestride the Narrow World |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 08 Nov 2008 : 22:04:20
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Before he starts to think about increasing aid or increasing visas a good start would be to give help to poor and struggling families in the USA.
USA is a great country to be successful in, but it can be a harsh country to be struggling in. I hope he may be more socially minded about looking after the weak in society. Black AND white.
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 08 Nov 2008 : 22:17:04
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Jammin:
"A lot of Black people are under the delusion that an Obama's Presidency mean that US aid to their respective countries will begin to flow like Manna from heaven while others see it as " visa unlimited". to the US. Its a pity that they will soon get a reality check."
How did you arrive at that conclusion? It is unrealistic to imagine Black People being low enough in thinking as to expect President Obama bending the rules to suit black skins. These are serious thoughts and better relayed with bit of statistics.
Remember that Obama is President of the United States of America and not president of Nkrumah's United States of Africa. To an extent, he is not The Black Man's President but chosen by America's diverse people. |
Karamba |
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jammin
Jamaica
149 Posts |
Posted - 08 Nov 2008 : 23:22:25
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quote:
Originally posted by Karamba
"A lot of Black people are under the delusion that an Obama's Presidency mean that US aid to their respective countries will begin to flow like Manna from heaven while others see it as " visa unlimited". to the US. Its a pity that they will soon get a reality check."
How did you arrive at that conclusion? It is unrealistic to imagine Black People being low enough in thinking as to expect President Obama brules ending the to suit [size=2]black skins. These are serious thoughts and better relayed of statistics.
My statement is based on all the interviews of continental Africans I have seen, The Editorials and commentary I have read, and the debates that are taking place on Blogs. Most are asking the question " how will An Obama Presidency benefit our country"? Statistics and empirical data, (which i see you like to ask for) are most times secondary to the happenings at ground level.
As it relate to "The Low thoughts". Does this surprise you? Is it any different than when a White Tourist enter a Black Country and the Locals immediately think "rich white person" Isn't that low thinking as well?
quote:
Originally posted by Karamba
Remember that Obama is President of the United States of America and not president of Nkrumah's United States of Africa. To an extent, he is not [b][size=2][black]The Black Man's President but chosen by America's diverse people.
I agree, however watch the response of the African Americans, They somehow are of the notion that " It is our time now". No more can they blame the system, ironically the system that gave them Obama.
African on the continent and in the Diaspora suffer from a mendicancy syndrome that will require more than an Obama to exorcise from the mind.
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Like a colossus He doth bestride the Narrow World |
Edited by - jammin on 08 Nov 2008 23:27:17 |
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 09 Nov 2008 : 00:02:36
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Jammin,
I clearly pick the sense you drive. Yes, there is too much expectation. Therefore many will have the shock of life when reality strikes. Blacks in America will be disappointed to the extent that Obama will not be playing the race card they may anticipate. Blacks in Africa (particularly political leaders) will be put to more shame. They are happy to call Obama one of their own. But they are unwilling to permit democracy prevail; the very process of democracy that sets the seat for Obama and by demands of which he will relinquish the seat after serving his limited term. There is a real contrast.
You are right with the observation that White Tourists are seen by native blacks in host countries as pockets of wealth ready for dishing. In some cases, a tourist will be faced with demands beyond their pocket. Perhaps some frank talk is needed.
Thank you for your clarity. |
Karamba |
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Janko
Gambia
1267 Posts |
Posted - 09 Nov 2008 : 01:27:20
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"A lot of Black people are under the delusion that an Obama's Presidency mean that US aid to their respective countries will begin to flow like Manna from heaven while others see it as " visa unlimited". to the US. Its a pity that they will soon get a reality check."
That is what you are thinking, most black people I talked to understand that Obama is American and not African president and that he would serve the interest of America not Africa.
You are right in saying that you do not get the point that is being made of Obamas presidency. Then the best is to find out and not make your personal statement to the state-of-mind of “a lot of black people.”
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Clean your house before pointing a finger ... Never be moved by delirious Well-wishers in their ecstasy |
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jammin
Jamaica
149 Posts |
Posted - 09 Nov 2008 : 02:28:09
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quote:
Originally posted by Janko
That is what you are thinking, most black people I talked to understand that Obama is American and not African president and that he would serve the interest of America not Africa.
Herein lies the fallacy of the unreasoned. How can you submit a counter to my argument based solely on the limits of your interaction with others? Most black people you talk to, does not necessarily share the views of others you have not spoken to and as a consequence has muted your point. Read my response to Karamba; my comments are based on what I have read and seen of interviews, not a personal thought, but a conclusion derived from the said interviews editorials and opinion fora.
quote:
Originally posted by Janko
You are right in saying that you do not get the point that is being made of Obamas presidency. Then the best is to find out and not make your personal statement to the state-of-mind of “a lot of black people.”
Again I am seeing an attempt to misguide the readers. I asked WHY the great hurrah /hoopla for Obama and proceeded to comment. Outside of the obvious fact that Obama's win provide a source of inspiration for others, what else is there? If that is your point, then it is "much ado about nothing."
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Like a colossus He doth bestride the Narrow World |
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turk
USA
3356 Posts |
Posted - 09 Nov 2008 : 02:34:26
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quote:
the real power brokers?
Very valid point. |
diaspora! Too many Chiefs and Very Few Indians.
Halifa Salah: PDOIS is however realistic. It is fully aware that the Gambian voters are yet to reach a level of political consciousness that they rely on to vote on the basis of Principles, policies and programmes and practices. |
Edited by - turk on 09 Nov 2008 02:34:50 |
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jammin
Jamaica
149 Posts |
Posted - 09 Nov 2008 : 03:59:32
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quote:
Originally posted by turk
quote:
the real power brokers?
Very valid point.
Isn't his ascendancy phenomenal? Exactly 4 years ago he was a nobody in American politics and yet today he is the American President.
Something fishy in the State of Denmark.
During his run for office, various media entity liken him to Martin Luther King and John f Kennedy creating an Aura and Super hype around the man. Yet no one can point to anything extraordinary in his accomplishment to date.
One of America's greatest weapon is its media. The DNC created Obama and through its surrogates in the Media sold him to the World.... and the world bought into it.
Now, the Real powers, those clandestine figures who manipulate world happenings, have an opportunity to correct some of the stupidity of the last eight years, using the goodwill generated by their storefront proxy. |
Like a colossus He doth bestride the Narrow World |
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turk
USA
3356 Posts |
Posted - 09 Nov 2008 : 04:25:59
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As usual, he already pass the most powerfull post in presidency, chief of staff to american/israeli (last 3 presidential did the same thing) shows obama certainly got the israeli loby behind.
Jammin
I am hoping you are not right, but you have valid sceptism. I mean the world really like him. But if the 'power brokers' use him as a 'advertising character' to sell the products, that would be very very big disappointment. Did he have some kind of 'hidden agenda, agreement with specific groups'? This is not new, power brokers to have 'representative', 'messenger' who deliver the 'message' or execute a political act without having so much public reaction.
Did obama really deserved this role? I mean he is very smart, charismatic, good speaker but lacking experience in political life. He just started federal politics 3 years ago. If there is some kind of behind the scene agreement, it would be big disappointment for many thinking he is a 'messiah' or 'lincoln'. |
diaspora! Too many Chiefs and Very Few Indians.
Halifa Salah: PDOIS is however realistic. It is fully aware that the Gambian voters are yet to reach a level of political consciousness that they rely on to vote on the basis of Principles, policies and programmes and practices. |
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njucks
Gambia
1131 Posts |
Posted - 09 Nov 2008 : 13:51:09
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quote:
Originally posted by Janko
........That is what you are thinking, most black people I talked to understand that Obama is American and not African president and that he would serve the interest of America not Africa.
thank you Janko/Karamba for clarifying for Jammin.
Actually, more white poeple voted for Obama and also Jammin, you are ignoring the fact that equal number of European, white Americans have been interviewed since the election and their expectations are as high as those of the Africans, although in a different context. Even in japan there were celebrations, you may ask why are they celebrating. its simple. people are hoping that this is a new era, Africans, europeans,whites, everyone.
Even in New Zealand where they had an election yesterday, the new PM spoke of ''CHANGE''. do you know where that came from?
the expectations of ordinary africans is no more about skin colour than seeking Sarkorzy, Merkel, Barroso, even Brown all rushing to make comments?
you should not ignore that fact that Obama's mother was white and his father black.
secondly, if you actually realised who is being interviewed (by the media) in Africa the thinking between the educated africans, man in the street, academics are not all the same. people dilute information at different levels.
most africans are infact proud of Obama but i dont think the media's potrayal of events is widespread. otherswise they would have expected more from Secretaries of State Powell and Rice for the similar reasons. |
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jammin
Jamaica
149 Posts |
Posted - 10 Nov 2008 : 07:03:15
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Njucks, did you read my initial post, the one that opened the thread?
Let me list my concerns, because most of those who responded seem to have avoided the more pertinent issues and have focused on only the "Black people" component.
1.why the great celebration
2.Is Obama capable of leading
3.Will he be President in name only (proxy)
While I am aware that more non- blacks voted for Obama, supports his platform, and view him as the great WhiteBlack hope. I am contending that nothing in his performance dossier has been flammable enough to have ignited the level of hysteria we have seen.
You call it hope..... I call it irrationality, created by the powerful American Media.
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Like a colossus He doth bestride the Narrow World |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 10 Nov 2008 : 07:40:54
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He is charasmatic and has given lots of people hope of a better future.
Now the world waits to see if he will deliver. Lets be optimistic and hopeful. |
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jambo
3300 Posts |
Posted - 10 Nov 2008 : 08:51:30
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jamminin, the hoopla is this,
someone who looks like someone got into the big house
here is a questions i have to ask,
he is pro unrestricted abortion, that is not good, the should be some limit on this.
who helped, look at his track record,
the kennedys, MAKE no mitake they are looking after their own, robert kennedy jnr will want a place/position, caroline kennedy wil want something for herself she is looking after her sons, her cousin WIFE of arnold schweneger will get a position for her husband but ULTIMATELY for her sons.
Oprah winfrey wilL get something.
OBAMA DID NOT GE THE POST on his values and visions, without CLINTON backing down, without Oprah endorsing him, without the Kenndey coming on stage and being seen IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A DIFFERENT campaign. THE AMOUNT OF MONEY THAT WAS SPENT ON HIS RACE FOR PRESIDENCY WAS UNREAL, HE WAS BOUGHT AND PAID FOR. just a few pointers to consider.
Secondly unless I am mistaken, we have not seen him with one blood relative either on his mthreside or his fathers side. ASK YOURSELF WHY. the people on stage with him where Michelle family
he wil be judged BY HIS ACTIONS
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Momodou
Denmark
11721 Posts |
Posted - 10 Nov 2008 : 09:16:18
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quote:
Originally posted by jambo
THE AMOUNT OF MONEY THAT WAS SPENT ON HIS RACE FOR PRESIDENCY WAS UNREAL, HE WAS BOUGHT AND PAID FOR. just a few pointers to consider.
Jambo, remember it was the ordinary American who gave their 5 and 10 dollars to be spent on the campaign. |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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njucks
Gambia
1131 Posts |
Posted - 10 Nov 2008 : 09:20:02
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Jambo,
whilst i 'always' appreciated your observations in the bantaba, i have to disagree with you on this one.
firstly, his own sister, who is a teacher was on his side all along, she quit her job to join him on the campaign.
regarding the clinton,ophrah etc backing, that would have happened to any other candidate! everyone must be backed. Bush, chenney backed McCain...
i dont think Obama was bought,this is certainly not like the CASH-FOR-PEERAGE/HONOURS, most of his money was small amounts coming from ordinary people.
however, i agree that he will be judged by his actions like any other president
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