Barack is just another Man with Black Skin

by: bpayne1
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Word Count: 659

I will not take anything away from Barack Obama and I shall not insult him, but I will say that I do believe Mr. Obama is not prepared to be the next president of these United States of America. Several of you reading are probably wondering how I can come to that conclusion and a few of you maybe in agreement. For those of you in agreement, I pray you have come to your belief based on Barack’s political life, his position on various topics/issues, and his voting record in the senate. I, for one, refuse to jump on the band wagon just because he has black skin. You get that? Black skin. Not, African American. To be African American means you have had the opportunity in life to truly identify with being a black American. Barack Obama claims he “identifies” with the less fortunate and most demised people on earth, but I question this. It is my hope he eventually tells the world’s populace how he relates to being a black American man. However, I don’t expect him to because if he does he may prove to be too black for his white fans.

Along the lines of politics, if you are “too black” in America you will never win the presidency. Being too black means you identify with the struggles, the plight, and the suffering of African Americans. It also means you are willing to voice your disdain or frustrations publicly without fear of losing mainstream (white) corporate and private donors. If you are light in skin tone, non-intimidating looking, possess an international viewpoint, shockingly articulate, and unwilling to officially stand up for the wrongs that continue to be perpetrated among black folk in America like Al Sharpton you are their man! Oh! You can’t have a perm either.

It is interesting to me that Hilary Clinton can voice her frustrations about the government’s neglect of poor black men and women without fear of ridicule or financial abandonment. She has been known to blast the government and fully support the “black cause” on countless occasions. Just like our first black president, William Jefferson Clinton! It is as if she gets a pass from her white followers. Let’s explore this for a minute. Senator Clinton, a white lady from Illinois, can rant about my disadvantages as an African American and Senator Obama can not. Is it that those white financial backers of Barack are okay with him being non-confrontational? Are they okay with him not “stirring trouble”? Do they prefer a non-agitator? Yes, they do. He is their “clean” man that helps them forget about their present and/or past racist beliefs. He makes them feel better and more comfortable. Now, for the black followers of Obama he to some degree brings feelings of pride and accomplishment despite his ancestry and upbringing. The brown skin is sufficient! What if he was Asian? Would black people vote for him then? No, they probably would not. The Asian will need to have a little black blood in his blood stream. Ridiculous!

Even if Barack is everything the majority wants and since his blackness is enough for blacks, America is STILL not ready for a president who is not the product of white parents.  And we actually believe race relations are getting better in America. We can change minds, but we cannot change hearts and deep-seated beliefs.

America is a compilation of misguided opinions and debilitating insecurity. Regardless of race or gender the United States cannot be saved via the presidency. We are slowly, but surely heading toward a third world condition, and part of the problem is we elect our leaders because of the candidate’s skin color, rock star status, maleness, devotion to Christianity, and if he/she has smoked marijuana or not. Everything but relevant experience and the ability to lead effectively.

About the Author

Brian E. Payne, Peace Corps regional Recruitment Coordinator/Manager, served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Antigua 1994-1996.

A native of Thomasville, NC, Brian received his bachelor’s in Physical Education/Health at High Point University and a master’s in Divinity from Howard University. While at High Point, Brian was a dynamic campus leader and he became a Five-Time Track and Field All-American, and received an invitation to compete in the 1991 Olympic Track & Field Trials.

Immediately upon graduating from High Point University, Payne worked for the YMCA of Thomasville as a Youth Fitness Director, with an array of responsibilities ranging from teen health fitness to adult fitness.

After one year at the YMCA, he entered the Peace Corps. In Antigua, Payne was responsible for developing and implementing a Physical Education curriculum. He also worked as a Peace Corps trainer for incoming trainees, host country teachers, and host government community leaders.

In his current service with the Peace Corps, Brian has served as the Recruitment Coordinator/Manager for the Atlanta Peace Corps Recruiting Office. He is responsible for coordinating all recruitment activities within six states and two United States territories. Prior to the Recruitment Coordinator/Manager position, Brian served in various capacities within Peace Corps. As a testament to his leadership qualities and productivity Brian has been granted the maximum tour of service (8 ½ years).

He is a devoted father of one, a prolific writer (several of his writings have been published), and he is currently working on completing his first book of commentaries.

Brian can be reached at 404-562-3468 or by email at bpayne1@peacecorps.gov.

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