"Is Race the Issue?"

[Auntiem]

It doesn't matter what poverty is, or what the definition of poverty is.  What matters is that people perceive themselves or their group as having less than others.  IF I am getting Tamiko'sMom's quotes correctly, then the fear is that the far left as personified in Cone/Wright/Obama religion/ideology is going to exploit that perception of poverty and powerlessness to mobilize the group to elect Obama, who has a hidden Marxist agenda and intends to destroy white America's institutions in favor of black power.

   Well if ya ain't livin in a Communist/Socialist country (are there any left?? Didn't they fail???)  There will always be those who have more than others........Anyone who doesn't have the "big bucks" of, say, Michael Bloomberg, are they permitted to "perceive" themselves as "poor"????

[Tylergal]

Black Liberation Theology, google Mugabe.

[Kermit]

Clinton endorses Obama, ends White House bid
http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-33957120080607

http://www.mahalo.com/Obama_Endorsements
Hulk Hogan endorses Barack Obama for President

[Tamikosmom]

Clinton endorses Obama, ends White House bid
http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-33957120080607

http://www.mahalo.com/Obama_Endorsements
Hulk Hogan endorses Barack Obama for President

Not impressed.

 

Anyways ... it is the endorsement of the American people with their ballots in November that is the deciding factor.

Janet

[Kermit]

Clinton endorses Obama, ends White House bid
http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-33957120080607

http://www.mahalo.com/Obama_Endorsements
Hulk Hogan endorses Barack Obama for President

Not impressed.

 

Anyways ... it is the endorsement of the American people with their ballots in November that is the deciding factor.

Janet

Hulk Hogan - my least favorite.

But the parties will make their choice.

[Tylergal]

So McCain refused the endorsement of Rev Hagee, someone he had one casual acquaintance with at a press event, and whose background he did not know save his voracious support for Israel, which McCain was endorsing, but he was "forced" by the leftist leaning American-hating media to refuse that endorsement and move on which he did but Hulk Hogan's endorsement, that's a big win-win for McCain to see that the self-promoting Hulk has endorsed one of his own, a poser, Obama.  The only difference in their approach to obtaining power and money, is the ring in which they chose to battle.

McCain is certainly not my choice as president, as many who post here know.  I was a solid Mitt Romney backer but to be clear, McCain is the lesser of the two evils and he is a constitutionalist who loves his country and one who laid his life on the line for that love of country.  McCain could have left his captors many times secondary to his father's influence but he chose to remain with them until all could go home because of his love for all things American.  And Obama?  Well, his militant wife has already said "I never really loved my country..."   I think she is his best spokesman as far as being truthful.

I could and would and did even support Hillary over Obama, anybody but this freak from the Chicago Democrat machine who was taken in by a sweet black lady, his only friend in Chicago who treated him like her own child, and then he chose to stab her in the back by running for the office she was running for and using his lawyer savvy to completely destroy her election and make null and void her petition for the office.  What a friend.  With friends like Obama, it makes Osama look good.

[nonesuche]

tyler that comment that Michelle made really troubles me too, I honestly think the press is giving both of them a great deal of latitude and forgiveness. I think it could be a great exercise to detail all of these faux pas' she's making into a list, if only I had the time.

One of the most enlightening things in the Vanity Fair article is how it does expose that so much of Clinton's rise was due to him being the only democrat to achieve re-election in forever for 8 years of democratic control. I think many voters naively believe that parties get behind candidates for all the right reasons but nothing is further from that truth.........everyone has an agenda.

This election is no different.

[Tamikosmom]

1.  IS RACE THE ISSUE?

2.  IS IT POLITICALLY CORRECT APPEASEMENT GONE AWRY?

3.  IS THERE A HIDDEN AGENDA TO USHER IN A PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES WHO EMBRACES A MARXIST IDEOLOGY?
_________


29.  Tamikosmom on June 14th, 2008 8:35 am

28.  yoyo muffintop on June 13th, 2008 3:52 pm

John McSame:
“You will hear from my opponent’s campaign …”

John McSame on 6/19/2005 Meet the Press:
MR. RUSSERT: The fact is you are different …

So I guess the label of “McSame” is not false after all.


yoyo

Barack Obama’s name is not open to be mocked … why is John McCain?

Kind of a double standard don’t you think?

Hey … this entire election campaign has been a double standard from the getgo.

Janet
__________

Things You Can’t Say About Obama
May 16, 2008
http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/daily/site_051608/content/01125112.guest.html

[Tamikosmom]

Through legislation there have been many injustices in both our countries … Canada and the United States of America.

The First Nation people were forced onto reservations and … their children were taken away to residential schools where many were sexually, physically and emotionally abused.

Japanese “citizens” were interned in the Second World War in the name of “Homeland Security”. Considering that the Germans were not interned (in Canada) … it does appear that race was a motivating factor. Then … after all was said and done … compensation was denied for property that was confiscated as a result of unpaid taxes.

Immigrants from China and India were required to pay a head tax that was not required of immigrants from “white” countries.

However … over the years steps have been taken through the legal and political process that has assured these injustices of the past  against our own citizens are not repeated. Those who were discriminated against were and are included in the process.

Today ... there is no ideology of hate against White people as a whole by the First Nations, Japanese, Indian or Chinese.  Today ... there are no organizations akin to TUCC where a racist, anti-American/ Canadian agenda is furthered from the pulpit/podium.

Today ... the adherences of BLACK POWER & BLACK THEOLOGY have been deceived or … are very aware … that the racist, anti-American, anti-Israel theology of James Cone is nothing but a means of furthing a Marxist ideology.

Janet

++++++++

THE FOUNDATION OF TRINITY UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST (TUCC) - BARACK OBAMA’S CHURCH FOR THE PAST TWENTY YEARS

… “The vision statement of Trinity United Church of Christ is based upon the systematized liberation theology that started in 1969 with the publication of Dr. James Cone’s book, Black Power and Black Theology.”

http://www.tucc.org/talking_points.htm

++++++++++++++

The Marxist Roots of Black Liberation Theology
April 2, 2008

While Black Liberation Theology is not main stream in most black churches, many pastors in Wright’s generation are burdened by (James) Cone’s categories which laid the foundation for many to embrace Marxism and a distorted self-image of the perpetual “victim.”

… In FOR MY PEOPLE, Cone explains that “the Christian faith does not possess in its nature the means for analyzing the structure of capitalism. Marxism as a tool of social analysis can disclose the gap between appearance and reality, and thereby help Christians to see how things really are.”

More:
http://www.acton.org/commentary/443_marxist_roots_of_black_liberation_theology.php

++++++++

QUOTES - “BLACK POWER & BLACK THEOLOGY”

“Christ is black therefore not because of some cultural or psychological need of black people, but because and only because Christ really enters into our world where the poor were despised and the black are, disclosing that he is with them enduring humiliation and pain and transforming oppressed slaves into liberating servants.” James Cone

“Black theology refuses to accept a God who is not identified totally with the goals of the black community. If God is not for us and against white people, then he is a murderer, and we had better kill him. The task of black theology is to kill Gods who do not belong to the black community … Black theology will accept only the love of God which participates in the destruction of the white enemy. What we need is the divine love as expressed in Black Power, which is the power of black people to destroy their oppressors here and now by any means at their disposal. Unless God is participating in this holy activity, we must reject his love.” James Cone

“In the New Testament, Jesus is not for all, but for the oppressed, the poor and unwanted of society, and against oppressors … Either God is for black people in their fight for liberation and against the white oppressors, or he is not.” James Cone

[Tamikosmom]

Armstrong Williams is a voice of reason and ... I am sure that his words are representative of the majority of African Americans.

The followers of James Cone "BLACK POWER & BLACK THEOLOGY" refer to them as "Sellouts".  Jeremiah Wright claims in regards to these "voices of reason" in the African American community ... "They just do not get it".

Janet

+++++++++++

 

"Armstrong Williams is a widely-syndicated columnist, CEO of the Graham Williams Group, and hosts the Armstrong Williams Show."

Sunday's Dirty Secret
By Armstrong Williams
Monday, March 17, 2008

Arriving in Washington DC during the 80's, my most difficult challenge was finding a church home. Having grown up in the Pentecostal and Methodist faith Sunday worship was a staple of my weekly routine. For almost 10 years I canvassed the nation's capitol seeking a church that would nourish my fleshly failings and remind me of what our creator expects of us as human beings. What was consistent in going from pulpit to pulpit was that ministers were more interested in political rhetoric, the endorsement of political candidates, and the denouncing of some government or community proposal, than the gospel. It was quite disheartening for many years knowing that ministers were not teaching or preaching the word of God, but that their sermons were becoming political rallies. I was stunned at the blame cast upon the White man, the racial divisive, and all the things that seemed to divide and separate us from our neighbor. Then in 1995 I attended First Baptist Church in DC where the Rev. Frank Tucker presided and my spirit finally found what it was seeking. I will never forget meeting with the Pastor prior to joining and expressing my feelings about what I was looking for in a church. I made it clear that my interest was in the word of God and not political rallies, condemnation of America, and various politicians occupying the pulpit on Sunday. He shared my concerns and promised that this wasn't the case at his church. Since being a member of Pastor Tucker's church for about 13 years, he's never disappointed my spiritual yearning. Throughout the years I've taken Whites, Muslims, Jews, and people of all walks of life to worship with me and they all have left feeling that they could join the pastor's congregation.

There are still pockets of so called black churches and mosque today that can identify with the Rev. Wright‘s lace-filled, anti-American, hypocritical sermons. During the 50's, 60's and 70's the black church was a place where blacks could gather and unite away from the harshness and brutality of racism and vicious hatred. It was a place where ministers could help their congregation express their anger, frustration, and America’s ungodliness towards their brethren. Many ministers during those tumultuous times were considered heroes and pillars of the community for they were preaching against an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. People like Jeremiah Wright are still preaching as though we’re in the 50’s or 60’s and are locked in this time warp. They refuse to elevate and celebrate the progress of America and how Presidential candidate Barack Obama’s campaign is evidence of that amazing paradigm shift.

It is impossible for Senator Barack Obama and his wife to have patterned Rev. Wright's church and not have embraced his teachings and vision of America. My minister does and has always had a profound impact on my outlook about life and strengthening my spirit to forgive the transgressions of this world and not to induce more hate and separation. I find it difficult to believe Senator Obama when he tells us that he was unaware of his Pastor's vicious message from the pulpit and that had he known there would have been condemnation. Many black intellectuals are still angry for what they perceive as the continuous crippling effect of racism and slavery in America on their careers. The irony is that many of their children have embraced this country, finding success and prosperity, while their parents continue to allow their wounds to be nurtured in this hopeless mindset preached from the pulpit. Michelle Obama’s expression of how for the first time she was proud of America was indicative of the influence of her Pastor.

Senator Obama should admit to the fact that since campaigning he’s seen a different America. He must show that he rejects and repudiates this school of thinking.  Furthermore that no one should be a member of congregations and mosque that preach this hatred and conspiratorial thinking, which continuously emphasize the worst in our country and not the phenomenal progress made.  This past week was not an exemplary moment for the man who prided himself on integrity and honesty throughout this campaign.  The fact is the Senator has no plausible excuse for why he remained a member of Rev. Jeremiah's church. He and his family should have immediately left his congregation for the embrace of a church that teaches the bible rather than the alienation, lunacy, and outright mockery of Christian teachings.

It was impossible for my spirit to endure these churches, as can be evidenced by my negative descriptions of them. It makes no sense for someone in search of America’s promise and potential to worship in a place where a doctrine of hatred is the central theme. I was taught that church was a place of escape and rest, but I didn’t want someone who is supposed to be a religious leader feeding me poisonous information. My reason for going to church has always been for a spiritual recharge, not more of the same; I deal with politics 24/6, and one day a week I get a chance to take a break from all that. I believe this to be healthy, and think it sad that I had to try so hard for so long to find a church that was able to provide the rest or Sabbath, mentioned in the Bible. The day must come when churches (Black or otherwise that preach this hate speech) will return to the Word. No one should ever be forced to search for such a lengthy duration or give up and settle in a church that is unacceptable and pay the price that will eventually implode Senator Obama’s to date well run campaign.

http://krla870.townhall.com/columnists/ArmstrongWilliams/2008/03/17/sundays_dirty_secret

[WhiskeyGirl]

Jimmy Carter is one of my favorite former presidents.  I think I judge many by his example.

There was one speech that you gave that was also controversial and in some cases misreported. It became known as "The Malaise Speech" even though you never used that word. You talked about a crisis of confidence that struck at the heart and mind and soul of the national will. Do you still see that crisis in confidence?

Jimmy Carter: In some ways, the situation is different now from what is was back when I gave that speech. I think it was the best speech I ever made, and for the first few weeks, it was a very popular speech. But eventually it was attacked by Senator Kennedy, who ran against me. He said I was talking about the malaise of America, not the bright future of America, and then President Reagan adopted the same concept.

What I pointed out was that our nation had been faced in years leading up to that time with severe challenges and blows: the loss of the war in Vietnam, the assassination of President Kennedy and Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr.; the Watergate scandals, where a president had to resign in disgrace; the revelations that the CIA had deliberately plotted murder. These were blows to our country. But I thought the resilience of our nation was sufficient to overcome that kind of difficulty, and that we needed to look at ourselves and see where is the strength of our country. And the purpose of the speech, I said that we are faced with an energy crisis. We are becoming increasingly dependent on foreign oil; our nation's security is in danger. It's not a politically popular thing to do something about this, to save energy, to conserve. But I believed that our country was strong enough to do it. And that was the purpose and the essence of the speech. But the political opponents just took the negative side, that we had serious problems, and characterized it as it never was, as a "malaise speech." We still suffer malaise in this country, and I'll use the word this time. But what gnaws at the vitals of our nation are the unsolved problems of juvenile delinquency, teenage pregnancy, school dropouts, drug addiction, homelessness, joblessness. We don't know in this country the extent of these problems, and we cover our eyes. It's more convenient not to look at them. I think this country obviously has the ability, as no other nation in the world does, to address those problems successfully. ...

http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/car0int-4

When people ask me what's a favorite book that I've ever read, I used to say Let Us Now Praise Famous Men by James Agee, who went in to a little remote area in Alabama during the Depression years, got a grant from I think the WPA (Works Projects Administration) or something, and wrote about the lives of people who lived in desperate poverty, and how they dealt with the exigencies of life, the challenges, the disappointments of life, and still had a coherent family environment. And the photographs in the book by Walker Evans are just works of art. That book is one of my favorites as well.

Is that because it gave you a sense of empathy with people who are struggling?

Jimmy Carter: It showed me that the experiences of our neighbors were not unique, that there were people all over the country who suffered. It happened then, during the Depression years, that all the families he analyzed in great depth were white families. We still have people like that living in our country. What impressed me with that book was a tremendous chasm between people who have everything, who have a house and a job and education and adequate diets, and a sense of success or security, who want to do good things, and the vast array of people still in our country who don't have any of these things, and whom we seldom, if ever, know.

I experienced the ravages of racial discrimination as a child, and even as an adult, and I've seen discrimination against women, and wars all over the world because of ethnic discrimination. The greatest discrimination in the world now, here in Atlanta or in New York is a discrimination against poor people. We don't even know them. We care in general about homelessness, or drug addiction, or school dropouts, but we don't know a homeless person, and we don't know a drug addict, and we don't know a school dropout or a teenage pregnant woman. This is not a deliberate discrimination, it's a discrimination by default. We tend to build a plastic bubble around ourselves so that we only have to associate with people just like us. And so, this suffering that still goes on in our country and around the world is very severe.

http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/car0int-2

Some of the challenges never go away. mo

[Tamikosmom]

WHY IS RACE AN ISSUE??

Mr. Obama:

All American children are worthy of a father in their lives regardless of their race.  ALL absent American fathers should be called upon in the name of responsibility.

Stop the segregation now!!

Janet

++++++++

June 15, 2008
Obama calls absent black fathers to task

CHICAGO, Illinois (AP) -- Barack Obama celebrated Father's Day by calling on black fathers, who he said are "missing from too many lives and too many homes," to become active in raising their children.

"They have abandoned their responsibilities, acting like boys instead of men. And the foundations of our families are weaker because of it," the Democratic presidential candidate said Sunday at a largely black church in his hometown.
Reminding the congregation of his firsthand experience growing up without a father, Obama said he was lucky to have loving grandparents who helped his mother. He got support, second chances and scholarships that helped him get an education. Obama's father left when he was 2.

"A lot of children don't get those chances. There is no margin for error in their lives," said Obama, an Illinois senator.

"I resolved many years ago that it was my obligation to break the cycle -- that if I could be anything in life, I would be a good father to my girls," added Obama, whose daughters, Sasha and Malia, and his wife, Michelle, watched from the audience.

Obama's appearance at the Apostolic Church of God was his first address to a church since he ended his membership at Trinity United Church of Christ, where he had worshipped for 20 years, following inflammatory remarks there by his former longtime pastor and others.

Obama frequently emphasized the importance of God in his life and ended the speech by asking the congregation to "Pray for me. Pray for Michelle."

Obama often speaks about the importance of parental involvement. In Washington, he sponsored legislation to get more child support money to children by offering a tax credit for fathers who pay support, more efficient collection and penalties for fathers who don't meet their obligations.

The issue adds to his family values credentials and lets voters see him delivering a stern message to black voters.

"We can't simply write these problems off to past injustices," Obama said Sunday. "Those injustices are real. There's a reason our families are in disrepair ... but we can't keep using that as an excuse."

Obama urged black parents to demand the best from themselves and their children.

He compared it to his own presidential campaign and early comments from black voters who said they liked him but didn't think a black man could ever be elected president. He said they were admitting defeat before the competition had even begun.

"That was when I wasn't black enough. Now I'm too black," he said in a joking aside.

He said parents who proudly tell him their child gets great grades, all B's, should encourage them even more.

"All B's? Is that the highest grade?" Obama said. "It's great that you can get a B, but you can get a better grade. It's great that you've got a job, but you can get a better job."

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/06/15/obama.fathers.day.ap/index.html

[Tamikosmom]

Just image the uproar.  Just imagine the headlines if McCain gave the same speech and stated "White" everytime that Obama stated "Black".

McCain would be referred to as racist and ... Tamikosmom would agree.

Janet

++++++++

[Tamikosmom]

Obama Calls on Black Fathers to Take Care of Kids
by Associated Press
Sunday, June 15, 2008

CHICAGO — Barack Obama celebrated Father’s Day by calling on black fathers, who he said are “missing from too many lives and too many homes,” to become active in raising their children.

“They have abandoned their responsibilities, acting like boys instead of men. And the foundations of our families are weaker because of it,” the Democratic presidential candidate said Sunday at a largely black church in his hometown.

Reminding the congregation of his firsthand experience growing up without a father, Obama said he was lucky to have loving grandparents who helped his mother. He got support, second chances and scholarships that helped him get an education. Obama’s father left when he was 2.

“A lot of children don’t get those chances. There is no margin for error in their lives,” said Obama, an Illinois senator.

“I resolved many years ago that it was my obligation to break the cycle — that if I could be anything in life, I would be a good father to my girls,” added Obama, whose daughters, Sasha and Malia, and his wife, Michelle, watched from the audience.

Obama’s appearance at the Apostolic Church of God was his first address to a church since he ended his membership at Trinity United Church of Christ, where he had worshipped for 20 years, following inflammatory remarks there by his former longtime pastor and others.

Obama frequently emphasized the importance of God in his life and ended the speech by asking the congregation to “Pray for me. Pray for Michelle.”

Obama often speaks about the importance of parental involvement. In Washington, he sponsored legislation to get more child support money to children by offering a tax credit for fathers who pay support, more efficient collection and penalties for fathers who don’t meet their obligations.

The issue adds to his family values credentials and lets voters see him delivering a stern message to black voters.

“We can’t simply write these problems off to past injustices,” Obama said Sunday. “Those injustices are real. There’s a reason our families are in disrepair … but we can’t keep using that as an excuse.”

Obama urged black parents to demand the best from themselves and their children.

He compared it to his own presidential campaign and early comments from black voters who said they liked him but didn’t think a black man could ever be elected president. He said they were admitting defeat before the competition had even begun.

“That was when I wasn’t black enough. Now I’m too black,” he said in a joking aside.

He said parents who proudly tell him their child gets great grades, all B’s, should encourage them even more.

“All B’s? Is that the highest grade?” Obama said. “It’s great that you can get a B, but you can get a better grade. It’s great that you’ve got a job, but you can get a better job.”

http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/06/15/obama-calls-on-black-fathers-to-take-care-of-kids/#comment-423405

[caesu]

if statistics show that there are more single-parent black families, Obama has a valid point.

there is no reason at all to read anything else into it.

[caesu]

Good morning. It's good to be home on this Father's Day with my girls, and it's an honor to spend some time with all of you today in the house of our Lord.


At the end of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus closes by saying, "Whoever hears these words of mine, and does them, shall be likened to a wise man who built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell not, for it was founded upon a rock." [Matthew 7: 24-25]

Here at Apostolic, you are blessed to worship in a house that has been founded on the rock of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. But it is also built on another rock, another foundation - and that rock is Bishop Arthur Brazier. In forty-eight years, he has built this congregation from just a few hundred to more than 20,000 strong - a congregation that, because of his leadership, has braved the fierce winds and heavy rains of violence and poverty; joblessness and hopelessness. Because of his work and his ministry, there are more graduates and fewer gang members in the neighborhoods surrounding this church. There are more homes and fewer homeless. There is more community and less chaos because Bishop Brazier continued the march for justice that he began by Dr. King's side all those years ago. He is the reason this house has stood tall for half a century. And on this Father's Day, it must make him proud to know that the man now charged with keeping its foundation strong is his son and your new pastor, Reverend Byron Brazier.

Of all the rocks upon which we build our lives, we are reminded today that family is the most important. And we are called to recognize and honor how critical every father is to that foundation. They are teachers and coaches. They are mentors and role models. They are examples of success and the men who constantly push us toward it.

But if we are honest with ourselves, we'll admit that what too many fathers also are is missing - missing from too many lives and too many homes. They have abandoned their responsibilities, acting like boys instead of men. And the foundations of our families are weaker because of it.

You and I know how true this is in the African-American community. We know that more than half of all black children live in single-parent households, a number that has doubled - doubled - since we were children. We know the statistics - that children who grow up without a father are five times more likely to live in poverty and commit crime; nine times more likely to drop out of schools and twenty times more likely to end up in prison. They are more likely to have behavioral problems, or run away from home, or become teenage parents themselves. And the foundations of our community are weaker because of it.

How many times in the last year has this city lost a child at the hands of another child? How many times have our hearts stopped in the middle of the night with the sound of a gunshot or a siren? How many teenagers have we seen hanging around on street corners when they should be sitting in a classroom? How many are sitting in prison when they should be working, or at least looking for a job? How many in this generation are we willing to lose to poverty or violence or addiction? How many?

Yes, we need more cops on the street. Yes, we need fewer guns in the hands of people who shouldn't have them. Yes, we need more money for our schools, and more outstanding teachers in the classroom, and more afterschool programs for our children. Yes, we need more jobs and more job training and more opportunity in our communities.

But we also need families to raise our children. We need fathers to realize that responsibility does not end at conception. We need them to realize that what makes you a man is not the ability to have a child - it's the courage to raise one.

We need to help all the mothers out there who are raising these kids by themselves; the mothers who drop them off at school, go to work, pick up them up in the afternoon, work another shift, get dinner, make lunches, pay the bills, fix the house, and all the other things it takes both parents to do. So many of these women are doing a heroic job, but they need support. They need another parent. Their children need another parent. That's what keeps their foundation strong. It's what keeps the foundation of our country strong.

I know what it means to have an absent father, although my circumstances weren't as tough as they are for many young people today. Even though my father left us when I was two years old, and I only knew him from the letters he wrote and the stories that my family told, I was luckier than most. I grew up in Hawaii, and had two wonderful grandparents from Kansas who poured everything they had into helping my mother raise my sister and me - who worked with her to teach us about love and respect and the obligations we have to one another. I screwed up more often than I should've, but I got plenty of second chances. And even though we didn't have a lot of money, scholarships gave me the opportunity to go to some of the best schools in the country. A lot of kids don't get these chances today. There is no margin for error in their lives. So my own story is different in that way.

Still, I know the toll that being a single parent took on my mother - how she struggled at times to the pay bills; to give us the things that other kids had; to play all the roles that both parents are supposed to play. And I know the toll it took on me. So I resolved many years ago that it was my obligation to break the cycle - that if I could be anything in life, I would be a good father to my girls; that if I could give them anything, I would give them that rock - that foundation - on which to build their lives. And that would be the greatest gift I could offer.

I say this knowing that I have been an imperfect father - knowing that I have made mistakes and will continue to make more; wishing that I could be home for my girls and my wife more than I am right now. I say this knowing all of these things because even as we are imperfect, even as we face difficult circumstances, there are still certain lessons we must strive to live and learn as fathers - whether we are black or white; rich or poor; from the South Side or the wealthiest suburb.

The first is setting an example of excellence for our children - because if we want to set high expectations for them, we've got to set high expectations for ourselves. It's great if you have a job; it's even better if you have a college degree. It's a wonderful thing if you are married and living in a home with your children, but don't just sit in the house and watch "SportsCenter" all weekend long. That's why so many children are growing up in front of the television. As fathers and parents, we've got to spend more time with them, and help them with their homework, and replace the video game or the remote control with a book once in awhile. That's how we build that foundation.

We know that education is everything to our children's future. We know that they will no longer just compete for good jobs with children from Indiana, but children from India and China and all over the world. We know the work and the studying and the level of education that requires.

You know, sometimes I'll go to an eighth-grade graduation and there's all that pomp and circumstance and gowns and flowers. And I think to myself, it's just eighth grade. To really compete, they need to graduate high school, and then they need to graduate college, and they probably need a graduate degree too. An eighth-grade education doesn't cut it today. Let's give them a handshake and tell them to get their butts back in the library!

It's up to us - as fathers and parents - to instill this ethic of excellence in our children. It's up to us to say to our daughters, don't ever let images on TV tell you what you are worth, because I expect you to dream without limit and reach for those goals. It's up to us to tell our sons, those songs on the radio may glorify violence, but in my house we live glory to achievement, self respect, and hard work. It's up to us to set these high expectations. And that means meeting those expectations ourselves. That means setting examples of excellence in our own lives.

The second thing we need to do as fathers is pass along the value of empathy to our children. Not sympathy, but empathy - the ability to stand in somebody else's shoes; to look at the world through their eyes. Sometimes it's so easy to get caught up in "us," that we forget about our obligations to one another. There's a culture in our society that says remembering these obligations is somehow soft - that we can't show weakness, and so therefore we can't show kindness.

But our young boys and girls see that. They see when you are ignoring or mistreating your wife. They see when you are inconsiderate at home; or when you are distant; or when you are thinking only of yourself. And so it's no surprise when we see that behavior in our schools or on our streets. That's why we pass on the values of empathy and kindness to our children by living them. We need to show our kids that you're not strong by putting other people down - you're strong by lifting them up. That's our responsibility as fathers.

And by the way - it's a responsibility that also extends to Washington. Because if fathers are doing their part; if they're taking our responsibilities seriously to be there for their children, and set high expectations for them, and instill in them a sense of excellence and empathy, then our government should meet them halfway.

We should be making it easier for fathers who make responsible choices and harder for those who avoid them. We should get rid of the financial penalties we impose on married couples right now, and start making sure that every dime of child support goes directly to helping children instead of some bureaucrat. We should reward fathers who pay that child support with job training and job opportunities and a larger Earned Income Tax Credit that can help them pay the bills. We should expand programs where registered nurses visit expectant and new mothers and help them learn how to care for themselves before the baby is born and what to do after - programs that have helped increase father involvement, women's employment, and children's readiness for school. We should help these new families care for their children by expanding maternity and paternity leave, and we should guarantee every worker more paid sick leave so they can stay home to take care of their child without losing their income.

We should take all of these steps to build a strong foundation for our children. But we should also know that even if we do; even if we meet our obligations as fathers and parents; even if Washington does its part too, we will still face difficult challenges in our lives. There will still be days of struggle and heartache. The rains will still come and the winds will still blow.

And that is why the final lesson we must learn as fathers is also the greatest gift we can pass on to our children - and that is the gift of hope.

I'm not talking about an idle hope that's little more than blind optimism or willful ignorance of the problems we face. I'm talking about hope as that spirit inside us that insists, despite all evidence to the contrary, that something better is waiting for us if we're willing to work for it and fight for it. If we are willing to believe.

I was answering questions at a town hall meeting in Wisconsin the other day and a young man raised his hand, and I figured he'd ask about college tuition or energy or maybe the war in Iraq. But instead he looked at me very seriously and he asked, "What does life mean to you?"

Now, I have to admit that I wasn't quite prepared for that one. I think I stammered for a little bit, but then I stopped and gave it some thought, and I said this:

When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me - how do I make my way in the world, and how do I become successful and how do I get the things that I want.

But now, my life revolves around my two little girls. And what I think about is what kind of world I'm leaving them. Are they living in a county where there's a huge gap between a few who are wealthy and a whole bunch of people who are struggling every day? Are they living in a county that is still divided by race? A country where, because they're girls, they don't have as much opportunity as boys do? Are they living in a country where we are hated around the world because we don't cooperate effectively with other nations? Are they living a world that is in grave danger because of what we've done to its climate?

And what I've realized is that life doesn't count for much unless you're willing to do your small part to leave our children - all of our children - a better world. Even if it's difficult. Even if the work seems great. Even if we don't get very far in our lifetime.

That is our ultimate responsibility as fathers and parents. We try. We hope. We do what we can to build our house upon the sturdiest rock. And when the winds come, and the rains fall, and they beat upon that house, we keep faith that our Father will be there to guide us, and watch over us, and protect us, and lead His children through the darkest of storms into light of a better day. That is my prayer for all of us on this Father's Day, and that is my hope for this country in the years ahead. May God Bless you and your children. Thank you.

full speech for anyone who is interested in more than just the quotes.

he is not even calling directly on black fathers and singling out white fathers as the FOX News article falsely is suggesting.

really great speech by the way. i think most of you can appreciate it.

[LouiseVargas]

Thank you very much, Janet.
 
Obama's call out to fathers is very significant. "They have abandoned their responsibilities, acting like boys instead of men." Also, "I resolved many years ago that it was my obligation to break the cycle -- that if I could be anything in life, I would be a good father to my girls," added Obama. He urged parents to demand the best from themselves and their children. "Not to mention the plight of single mothers" who drop off kids at the care center, go to work, then do many errands, grocery shop and finally arrive at the care center, pick up the child and go home. Then the single mother has to do laundry, maybe ironing, pay bills and cook dinner.
 
I believe most educated people who grew up without fathers understand with all their hearts and souls the importance of having a father. Then they take fatherhood very seriously in order to be a good father.
 
Obama is the first candidate to address significant family issues. Not issues of income, taxes and expenses. He is talking about intimacy, as well as the struggle of life. Absent fathers and working mothers.
 
PS: I have eliminated any mention of race.

[Tamikosmom]

if statistics show that there are more single-parent black families, Obama has a valid point.

there is no reason at all to read anything else into it.

caesu ... I do not care about statistics.

America is ONE nation made up many citizens whose nationalities and races originated from every region of the globe.  The issue  regarding fathers who neglect their parental responsibilities towards their precious children is not a BLACK issue ... it is an AMERICAN  issue.

My son and DIL are teachers.  Every word of Obama's speech was the truth ... only my son and DIL can attest that children of absentee Fathers are not restricted to one race.  My son and DIL can attest that ALL children negatively affected by parental neglect are worthy of consideration.

Obama does not get it!  A candidate for the President of the United States of America must realize that ... statistics is not where it is at.  As long as an issue affects one citizen who is not Black ... it is not a Black issue ... it is an "American" issue.  As long as an issue affects one citizen who is not Japanese ... it is not a Japanese issue ... it is an AMERICAN issue.  As long as an issue affects one citizen who is not White ... it is not a White issue ... it is an AMERICAN issue.  As long as ...

In other words ... RACE IS NOT THE ISSUE!!!

Janet

[Tamikosmom]

Thank you very much, Janet.
 
Obama's call out to fathers is very significant. "They have abandoned their responsibilities, acting like boys instead of men." Also, "I resolved many years ago that it was my obligation to break the cycle -- that if I could be anything in life, I would be a good father to my girls," added Obama. He urged parents to demand the best from themselves and their children. "Not to mention the plight of single mothers" who drop off kids at the care center, go to work, then do many errands, grocery shop and finally arrive at the care center, pick up the child and go home. Then the single mother has to do laundry, maybe ironing, pay bills and cook dinner.
 
I believe most educated people who grew up without fathers understand with all their hearts and souls the importance of having a father. Then they take fatherhood very seriously in order to be a good father.
 
Obama is the first candidate to address significant family issues. Not issues of income, taxes and expenses. He is talking about intimacy, as well as the struggle of life. Absent fathers and working mothers.
 
PS: I have eliminated any mention of race.

Thanks you Louise.

I would have applauded Barack Obama's speech if he had addressed/ admonished all American parents who neglect their parental responsibility.  America was founded on principles and values that recognized honored the family and ... those principles and values need to be upheld.

Janet

[Tamikosmom]

BTW

To a great degree ... the message addressed to each Father in our congregation this morning in regard to their God-given responsibility to their family ... to their wives ...  reflected Obama's message ... only "race" was not the issue.

Janet