I read Sailer's words on Obama and others. He is an outspoken critic of a lot of things. But his investigation of Obama seems determined to find something in his person that is missing in his actions. He dissects his autobiographical writings, he questions his character by the worst of his minister, he links him to the Million Man March as a mark of his character. It is not simply that he disagrees with Obama on race, how he engaged his church and his pastor and his true motives, it is the fact that he uses this lens to examine and cross-examine everything that Obama says and/or does. Surely there are counter-examples to his points. No one can be all that he asserts. Surely Obama's church is not just the racial bits that populate youtube. We may disagree on whether these things matter and mitigate, but they do exist and for some of us are quite compelling facts that deserve some discussion.

The cynical and biting analysis of Obama's speech on race is not the speech that I heard. I heard a speech from Obama that tried to engage in a discussion that addresses substance and the complicated way that race is experienced in American life. A first for our nation from a political leader in our modern times. For Sailer there is no room for Obama's words - unless they are a rebuke along the lines of that he lays out.

As an African-American in corporate america and government, I have tried to engage in this race discussion whenever the topic presented itself. To ask questions and answer them when conflicts arise or a subtext of race can be intelligently discussed. I am not the angry guy but the guy that tries to find solid ground for us to explore our various world views that are seldom discussed across racial divides. I welcome discussion of substance and would even engage Sailer and those who think he gets it exactly right. But how do I do so when the substantive points are dismissed as mere political rhetoric? How do we start talking about our profound disagreements about race when according to Sailer, merely attending the million man march disqualifies me - a lawyer in the US government sworn to uphold the constitution - to lead our shared community in this discussion. I read Sailer's posts as one that leaves little room for citizens to disagree and find ground to close our distance. As a child I listened to Farrakhan and black nationalist preachers, I heard stupid condemnations of homosexuality and AIDS and conspiracy theories alike from pulpits in black churches. I have seen preachers lose congregations by preaching liberal liberation theology and self-help. I have been members of some of these churches. Is there room for my experience in Sailer's calculus of what matters in this political race in this particular candidate?

I understand how those who see Rev. Wright as a stain that Obama cannot overcome. I ask that they look at his deeds, read his words and parse them as you will. If they find him lacking in patriotism, common sense, plans or actions, then I am willing to discuss them. We have issues in the economy, foreign policy and domestic policy that truly rise above race or class or gender. If they would like to discuss race in American life, politics, the arts or sciences I am equally ready to discuss that topic. I am confident that my words do not speak for all black people but reflect some portion of the communities we share. Perhaps we can start a conversation and learn something about each other and ourselves and then move on to this economy, this war and our collective futures.

Posted by: Reason and Rationales on March 19, 2008 2:19 PM

If i can step outside the back and forth on this one for a sec ... What a classy discussion! Touchy (and important issues), but handled with brains and consideration by everyone. I'd love to see more of that kind of thing in the big-time press, not to mention in the political world itself. Much enjoyed, much appreciated.

OK, now back to the fisticuffs ...

Posted by: Michael Blowhard on March 19, 2008 3:07 PM






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