Political Punch

Obama is absolutely right!!!! I agree with everything that he is saying...and for those who are getting offended...you know what they say....IF YOU CANT TAKE THE HEAT THEN GET OUT OF THE KITCHEN!!!!...

"I don't need a preacher man for my president. I'm one of the majority in this country who are functional and far beyond the need of having a parent lecture me on how to be a responsible citizen. I take offense to a wannabe president talking down to me and my family. If this guy can't take me from where I'm at and inspire, then he doesn't represent me."

I can't believe some of you. If you don't fall in the category of what Obama is saying, why would you feel so offended? If truth be told, we all know our race is in bad shape. Now, I'm sure you're intelligent enough to know that Obama is not talking to each and everyone of us black folk. He's speaking in general and is absolutely correct. We're use so much energy talking about what white America has done to us or not done for us that we totally excuse ourselves for not doing anything for ourselves. Now that's all of us included. We always seem to omit some of the comments being made and focus on what supports our arguments. Obama said it doesn't matter how much is invested in our communities or how many programs the government launches if we are not responsible for our own lives. Now that may not be directed to the person I copied that first statment from but in general it's a correct statement and we should pay attention to what he's saying and try to do somethings for ourselves which in turn would promote better success for the programs that are designed to help those who truly need help.

It's time to wake up people and get off our lazy butts and do something for ourselves.

Go Obama 08! - King

I don't need a preacher man for my president. I'm one of the majority in this country who are functional and far beyond the need of having a parent lecture me on how to be a responsible citizen. I take offense to a wannabe president talking down to me and my family. If this guy can't take me from where I'm at and inspire, then he doesn't represent me.

Very well-stated, Lee.

Is there really hope for peaceful race relations in the USA, especially for harmony within the African American community when a leader like Jesse Jackson can spout such malicious KKK-type vitriol? The message of personal responsibility is certainly applicable to all and Obama's message to black fathers should not be seen as picking on blacks as he spoke it to a mostly black audience. Obama is not perfect, but do we have to be so petty and vicious?

Let’s not forget that Obama was forced to choose between his two racial heritages due to ongoing racism. He is embraced by African Americans when it feels good and is “not black enough” when he is challenging – a little immature, isn’t it? The truth is he has every right to talk about absent black fathers; his own father was an absent black father. Furthermore, his message is in line with the messages of many esteemed black leaders who have called/ are calling for blacks to be more caring toward each other and to be more responsible, more empowered.

We need to forgive Jackson for his awful words and the sick spiritual space he must have entered to say them, but if there is to be healing and uplift for the great land of the United States, there needs to be much more love and goodwill, especially in how sound principles are upheld or denigrated. Yes, all politicians, including Obama, must embrace higher principles and emotions, however, when any politician espouses wholesome ideals mocking them does everyone a disservice. Instead, hold them to their high oratories and let it motivate all of us to reach for better paths.

Irami wrote:
"Children and marriage are for rich people. Really, anyone having sex without a marketable skill or degree is being irresponsible."

Wrong. Anyone having unprotected sex without a marketable skill or degree is being irresponsible. Therefore, they deserve whatever happens to them, with my hope being that they would raise the child lovingly and learn from their mistake.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I’m an Obama supporter and have been for quite some time now. However, over the course of the past month and a half I have noticed some troubling issues with my allegiance to his campaign going forward. Obama has made appearances in front of two Hispanic organizations; [NALEO-National Association for Latino Elected Officials] and the group [La Raza]. Obama has been so consumed with garnering the Hispanic votes that he’s been catering to these factions on behalf of illegal immigration and making sure they know he will pass comprehensive immigration reform. Promising these people one thing and [delivering] on that promise is something altogether different. While Americans are losing their homes, struggling to pay for gas, higher food costs and massive layoffs at major companies and airlines; how can Obama claim to help a population of people that aren’t even legal residents of this country? What the hell is he thinking? Seeing Americans standing outside of banks trying to get their savings from failed institutions and losing half of their money in these banks is frustrating and sad to see. What is Obama doing? Then Obama goes on this crusade throughout the African American community touting self responsibility, which I agree is need; but what about also sending that same message to Hispanic’s and illegal immigrants in this country. How dare he have this double standard? African Americans who had been supporting Obama pretty heavily in these past few months are becoming disillusioned with this sudden turn of policy from Obama. I personally was about to send him another campaign contribution but stopped when I started watching his pandering to Hispanics and their fight for illegal immigration. I will not send Obama another dime. I’ve watched him recently and he’s become a little too [smug] and [arrogant] with his inevitability status. Careful now, Hillary had that same air of inevitability and she’s home watching from the sidelines. In addition, why would I contribute to your campaign again and believe part of that money would go to pay off debts for a [failed campaign] by Mrs. Clinton. What are you thinking sir? I may end up supporting you with my vote, but I will not send you another dime. The illegal immigration pandering has really angered and frustrated allot people that I’ve spoken with recently. We are not amused…

Marcus - I don't think he is real. It is someone trying to convince readers that black males don't understand their responsibles for bringing a child into the world.

Marcus, you wrote: "However, this is 100% not my fault." Sorry, but it is 50% your fault, unless the two women were impregnated by in vitro fertilization.

Children and marriage are for rich people. Really, anyone having sex without a marketable skill or degree is being irresponsible.

Keith T. Gilbert, you wrote: "I question that statistic, are you telling me there are very few white children born out of wedlock, I don't think so."

First of all, these statistics are from the National Center for Health Statistics. Secondly, I do not consider a 25% rate of children born out of wedlock as being "few." In the early 1960s the rates of children born out of wedlock were 24% for African-Americans and 3% for whites. I, personally, would consider 3% still being too many children being born out of wedlock.

You may ask why the skyrocketing in illegitimate births in 40 years? There are a lot of reasons. There are dozens of books that have been written on the topic. And the Internet provides an incredible wealth of information on this topic.

To Marcus- I am pretty sure that there is something that you can do,contact the courts, hire a private investigator, something that will allow you the opportunity to see and be there for your children. Because let me tell you there is nothing, absolutely nothing that will keep me away from seeing my child. Take some responsibility and find those kids. It is your problem.

James Danley you wrote 70% of African-American children being born out of wedlock compared to 48% of Hispanic and 25% of white children being born out of wedlock, a "color neutral" message is simply not enough. The current African-American leadership has failed their community for far too long. They need new role models.

I question that statistic, are you telling me there are very few white children born out of wedlock, I don't think so. our biggest problem in our community is how we identify ourselves. Everytime we turn the tv on or see ourselves in the news, it is never positive. There are plenty if strong black male role models out there, but they never get noticed. And when White america sees us all they see is the negative side which contributes to the negative image they already have of us. the solution to our problems can be fixed by us and us alone, But there are images that have to be combated by all that effect us (I'll go into that at a later date) The solution is tricky, it's not as easy as it sounds.

But there is somthing I do agree with you on Our so called African-American leadership has failed our community for far too long. we need new role models.

If McCain gave the same speech as Obama he would be branded by the media and Democrats and blacks as a racist.

Beckie - I am confused. I thought presidential candidates had freedom of speech and the public want them to talk about every day issues along with foreign policy and economics. What did Obama say at the NAACP meeting that goes beyond what the public wants to know?

A follow up! Sen. Obama IS the first African-American to become the presumptive nominee for President of the United States for one of our major political parties. And when he officially becomes the Democratic Party's nominee, THAT will elevate Sen. Obama into an historical leadership position, not just for the Democratic Party but especially for the African-American community.

Keith T. Gilbert, you wrote: "I don't have a problem with what Barrak is saying, I have a problem with who he is saying it to. Personal responsablity or lack of it, is not just a black problem." You concluded with: "The message Barrak was preaching should go to all americans. Derelict and irresponsable parents come in all colors."

You are correct. HOWEVER when you have 70% of African-American children being born out of wedlock compared to 48% of Hispanic and 25% of white children being born out of wedlock, a "color neutral" message is simply not enough. The current African-American leadership has failed their community for far too long. They need new role models. Role models who don't have to say, "Do as I say, and not as I do!"

While I may disagree with Sen. Obama on most issues, I applaud him for taking this issue head on and directing it specifically to the African-American community.

Who is this man!!!! The Castro of America?!! He wants to tell us what to do, how to do it, what good morals are, how to raise our children (including not to be punished with a baby!!), what wars should be fought or not...the list goes on and on...... Is that what you want your president to do for America?!!! Soon he will be telling us when to go to bed and when to get up!! If we can't listen to our own parents who give us daily nuggets of wisdom, why would we listen to him? Oh, I forgot.....he is the Divine One!! Step aside, Dalai Lama and all the good men who walked the walk and talked the talk!!!!

P.S. Obama should follow his own preaching - exercised good judgement and integrity when he picked his preacher and his friends and his real estate guy!! As with all egotists - it is do as I say not as I do!!! LOL!

It's true that African-American fathers need to be more involved. It's also true that African-American men have to fight against stereotypes and bad perceptions of them that naturally erode their self-esteem and confidence, as well as make the world a less pleasant place for them to operate and try to be effective. For instance, when a white man becomes a father, he is supported, his job thinks, oh, he needs more money for his family, etc. African-Americans don't receive that empathy, are expected to use whatever money they have.

Umm, Jake Tapper, what exactly do you mean by "Jackson Frustrations"? The only one that is having frustrations in this matter is Jackson himself as witnessed by his making a crude and offensive remark and having to apologize for it.

And since when are you media types so concerned with what Jesse Jackson thinks or says about anything? Or is it just another cheap attempt on your part to try to create controversy where none really exists?