June 6, 2008Obama can reach all walks of lifeBRISTOL -- For the Rev. James Beatty of Roanoke, Thursday was a day he never thought he would live to see. As a 70-year-old black man who grew up in the segregated South -- first North Carolina and then Virginia -- Beatty assumed there was no way he would ever witness a black man with an honest shot at the presidency. Just maybe his three grandchildren might. But on Thursday morning, after climbing out of bed at 4:30, after taking his daily walk and after driving with a five-car caravan of Roanokers, Beatty sat quietly and dignified among the cheering throngs who piled into a gymnasium in far Southwest Virginia to see Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama. "What you thought would never happen is happening," Beatty said. "I just could not contain myself. I want to be here. I had to be here." The crowd -- black, white, young, old, professional, blue collar -- reflected Obama, a man who transcends race. Thursday inside Virginia High School, there were no racial, socioeconomic or gender divisions, just people united in their hope for a new day in Washington. It can't be dismissed that the man derided as elitist kicked off his general election campaign to standing ovations deep in Southwest Virginia, a coal-mining region in Appalachia. The town hall-style meeting was a testament to Obama's ability to bring people together. They came from all over the region -- and all walks of life. Men pushed strollers carrying toddlers. Women clutched infants. Elderly hobbled on canes and walkers. Some people used wheelchairs. Five young men wore white T-shirts, each with a giant blue letter on the front. The group sat together, spelling O-b-a-m-a. A group of men who wore goldenrod-yellow T-shirts emblazoned with "boilermakers" led the auditorium in enthusiastic cheers of "Yes we can," a line made famous during one of Obama's primary victory speeches. Another group opposed to mountaintop mining sat in support of the Illinois senator. A teen with braces and wearing a "Got Hope?" T-shirt grinned and enthusiastically shook Obama's hand as he made his way to the podium. On Thursday, it didn't matter who they were. They put their hopes and dreams on Obama. "He's inspiring a whole new generation," Gregg Lewis of Roanoke said. He kept his son, Charlie, home from kindergarten and they drove down to see Obama. Devon Bracher, 17, who will vote for the first time in November, giggled that she came out "because I'm in love with Barack Obama." Then the Bristol teen added seriously, "He has the ability to change the country." The candidate, who has promised to make health care more accessible, touched a nerve with the audience when he shared woeful stories he has heard along the campaign trail. He shared a story about a woman he met on one campaign stop going to school full time and working full time so she can keep insurance for a family member with cystic fibrosis. "Been there," someone yelled out. He talked about single mothers who can get insurance for their children but not themselves. "Uh-huh," another said. Barbara Pendergrass Richmond and her husband, Archie Richmond, drove down with Beatty. "The reason we're here is for the first time since I've been politically aware, this is a candidate I believe," she said. "He is trying to practice true democracy. Government "belongs to the people. He says, 'We can' not 'I will,' " she added. Dressed in a crisp black suit, white shirt and red tie, Beatty sat attentively as Obama spoke. Occasionally, the minister would nod and wave his hand in agreement. Beatty said he doesn't support Obama merely because he's black. "It's great that he's a minority, but he's a minority that's about something," the preacher said. Pendergrass Richmond chipped in. "All that shows is that God will use anyone." This coming Sunday, Beatty told me, he will speak from the pulpit about seeing Obama. He will tell the young people at his church that he experienced something he never thought he would. In his quiet, even voice, he added, "God blessed me to see it." Shanna Flowers' column appears Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays |
About this blog In her signature plainspoken style, Michigan native Shanna Flowers peels away the layers and gets to the heart of the issues. No pretense. Just straightforward perspective. Shanna writes about local people whose circumstances reflect decisions made as near as City Hall or as far away as the halls of Congress. Other times, she weighs in on a topic because it is incredibly ridiculous. Or heartening. Or fascinating. Read Shanna's column three days a week, Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, at roanoke.com
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Comments
[June 6, 2008 10:15 AM]
LarryLets see...Hes been in the Senate 21/2 yrs..spent 2 of it running for President..He went to a Church for 20 yrs where the preacher said "God Damn America" and "Whitey caused aids to kill the black man"..Obamas only qualification..Hes Black(of course hes not even that..hes half white)...Is this really the best we can do for President?
[June 6, 2008 12:23 PM]
aeI always find the ignorance posted here amazing at times. Yes, he has been in the senate for a mere 2.5 years...most of it while running for president, HOWEVER, NONE of the other candidates have held the office of president either. So, yes they have been in the senate or other offices for longer and we see where that has gotten us as of late...higher gas costs...high food costs and countries around the world who would rather spit on us than to help us......so yes, Obama did go to a church where the pastor was a "show-boater"..some would say.....but Larry, my guess is that you are a white man who has never attended a black church. These churches are filled with passion and uplifting spirituality.....and Rev Wright has said some things that I can't honestly agree with, but we have folks EVERYWHERE who have conspiracy theories about gov't...aliens....the kennedys ..you name it......it just so happens that the Rev's words where taped for all humanity...their opinions aren't always broadcasted across the airwaves...oh wait...unless you count that eloquent Ann Coulter and Rush Limbaugh.......Obama's qualification isn't that he is black....or half white as you put it Larry, his qualifications are that he was raised in this country......he has lived in this country...and he has chosen to serve his country as a public servant. He has opinions like everyone else....he has ideas like everyone else....and he had the nerve...UNLIKE everyone else to stand up to the constant scrunity to take on the biggest and most important....and most stressful job possibly in the known world...that of the president of the United States....and before you deride me for my comments.......I am a white male...38.....who WAS a supporter of Hilary....but will now proudly back Obama......because we certainly don't need a copy of "W" back in the White House.
[June 6, 2008 12:44 PM]
TimThe only reason people want to vote for him is because he's black. He wont change a thing in this country only make it a hundred time worse, just remeber a goverment that gives you everything can just as easly take it away. MLK said for a man to be judge on his character not his skin, and thats all were doing is judging this guy by his skin color and not looking at all the issues and the people that this guy is in with. Becareful what you wish for.
[June 6, 2008 12:48 PM]
Dona Wheeler : →http://www.myspace.com/donalunamoonMr Obama speaks very little of his white Mother. He finally chose to leave a church he was connected with after 20 years, as to become politicaly correct. And he has snowed many with his vision of connectedness with we people.
All that glitters is not gold, and I see more heartache
ahead if Mr Obama I indeed elected. I will be watching
his swearing in,just to see if it is the Bible, or the Koran.
[June 6, 2008 1:58 PM]
RobertIf Obama were white...he wouldnt have even been considered..
[June 6, 2008 3:12 PM]
ShaunI figured very early on that an Obama candidacy would bring the racists out in America. By the comments of Larry and Tim, he is also bringing out the ignorant and stupid. For someone to say that his only qualification for being president is that he's black, is the height of stupidity. Being black has never helped a black person in anything and if anything, is a barrier to success. I challenge any of the posters to quote the Constitution of the US as to the qualifications to being president. For if you knew, there should be a question on the legitimacy of the McCain campaign.
Just wondering, what if Jesus comes back as a black man?
[June 6, 2008 4:46 PM]
TIMPlease Shaun tell me what qualification Obama has. Im just curious, cause I wanted to vote for the guy but do some hard research and tell me that this guy would be a good president. Take out the black and just look at the guy for who he is.
[June 6, 2008 5:04 PM]
A NufferObama was not my first choice but I will vote for him.I will give him a chance. Experience is what you get on the job. I do believe Obama will have the help he needs to try and fix the astromanical mess George Bush has made of our country and our economy. I am all for giving the guy a chance, I don't care what color he is. His lack of experience does not disqualify him for the presidency. I am all for a president who can hold his own and not be beholden to corporate america. Time will tell to see if he falls into that trap. Obama is a breath of fresh air in the mist of stink that is our white house!!! I changed my affiliation from democrat to independant because I was so fed up with congress not doing their jobs! I will definitely vote for Obama and look forward to seeing just what he is made of. We have to have someone who can walk the walk and talk the talk and do what he promises the people! Hopefully he will be a major asset!
[June 6, 2008 5:54 PM]
Jake, A VirginianObnama has no clue as to what an AMERICAN is - or stands for:
this is a CHRISTIAN NATION, founded by White, AngloSaxon People. solely for the purpose of worshiping Jesus Christ as our savior.
We will not have the likes of his kind - even thinking of becomeing OUR PRESIDENT !
[June 6, 2008 10:37 PM]
ShaunTim, that should actually be qualification(s). Mr. Obama is a native born son, graduated from Harvard, edited the Harvard Law Review, organized community activist in Chicago, elected a State Senator in Illinois, elected US Senator. Constitutionally, the requirement to be President of the U.S. is that (1)that the president shall be a native born citizen.
(2) Be at least 35 years old. You might note Sen. McCain was born in Panama, in the Canal Zone, before this was a U.S. Trust Territory. That does not sound like native born.
I was just pointing out the legal requirements to be President. Qualifications, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. Therfore, qualifications and requirements are not one and the same.
Tim, in all due honesty, I am personally lukewarm on both candidates, however, change sounds better than more of the same.
[June 7, 2008 11:08 AM]
Ed S.Actually, Shaun, the language is "natural born citizen". There is also a requirement to be a US resident for fourteen years.
I think arguing the "natural born" citizenship angle is extremely weak unless one is experienced in laws and precedent of citizenship. From my research, McCain was born on a US military base (Coco Solo NAS) in the canal zone. The question becomes how do military bases legally, based on citizenship, translate to US soil. Embassies are widely said to be the soil of the home country. Military bases, according to many places I've read, follow the SOFA held with the host country. But in law, one cannot paint with broad brush strokes. For it is possible in law for something to be defined in different ways in different sections.
It would be more interesting had his parents been guests to dinner at the Russian embassy and he were born there.
I'm sure they're both qualified to hold the position; we'll see if whoever is elected can actually handle it. For me, I've seen enough of Obama's views on the issues to know he's not my candidate of choice. I hear Bob Barr may be running, though. I'll have to look into him.
[June 7, 2008 3:56 PM]
JimSome would be offended if it were said that Obama is a good basketball player because he's black, or if Obama is smart enough to graduate Harvard law because of his white mother. But that is exactly what this post and the media are doing - marketing Obama as historic and unifying simply because of the color of his skin or the makeup of the blood that runs through his veins. It's the equivalent of hiring someone because they are pretty and young rather than the best candidate.
It's true that blacks are proud to have a black candidate and they have provided much support for Obama, but this has no bearing whatsoever on that candidates qualifications.
An Obama presidency would raise taxes on everyone in America through income taxes, capital gains taxes, and environmental taxes. He will have to raise taxes further to pay for other entitlements such as expanded healthcare. Obama would take away American liberties regarding the Second Amendment, he would cohort with terrorists and possibly give them room to reform and counter-attack the US, and he would not keep America safe as Bush has done or McCain will. In summary, he has too little and the wrong kind of experience to preside over our government.
"we see where that has gotten us as of late...higher gas costs...high food costs and countries around the world who would rather spit on us than to help us" - Energy and food costs are not as easily blamed on government in the short-run. Bush has advocated it all: oil, coal, alternatives and nuclear, because we need it all (they are not substitutes).
"we have folks EVERYWHERE who have conspiracy theories about gov't...aliens....the kennedys ..you name it.."
Yes, but they are not running for nor are they closely associated with the President of the US. Reverse racism works about as well as racism in winning the people.
McCain is the one who really transcends all walks of life and deserves to be President. Who has sacrificed more than McCain on what all of America stands for?
[June 8, 2008 4:12 AM]
Terry BLarry and Jake
1) Bill Clinton sold North Korea a nuclear reactor in which they constantly threaten the shores of America by making Nuclear Weapons and selling them to the highest bidder.
2) Bill Clinton sold 1 Nuclear Reactor to China and tried selling them 2 decommissioned "George Washington" Class nuclear submarines, which was largely used to carry our first Trident missiles "ICBM's" for underwater exploration.
He was able to sell them the designs for our Sturgeon Class attack submarines, as well as our launching, targeting and tracking systems for satellites that is incorporated for ICBM's
3) Bill Clinton felt it would harm our coast if we drilled for oil off the shores of Florida and Democrats voted against it and Anwar. Yet the Chinese are now drilling for oil off the coast of Cuba paying the employees about $50.00 per hour soon Cuba will be our New Oil Barron's.
4) I could go on and on yet not one high ranking Black Person was involved in what is happening to the economy negatively from my stand point.
From where I stand White Anglo Saxon's have sold us out and created America's problems for sheer greed and a unwillingness to act positive toward America's Future..... Our Children.
[June 9, 2008 6:26 PM]
Ed S.Terry B.,
Don't you remember...Bill Clinton was the first black president!
http://www.cnsnews.com/viewnation.asp?Page=/Nation/archive/200110/NAT20011001e.html
(of course all in humor...my AC has been out since Sunday morning)
Race has nothing to do with his quals, as stated by many. Obama just doesn't have a platform that sits well with me. Maybe if he were Alan Keyes, then we'd have a vote.
[June 10, 2008 11:27 AM]
Terry B.Ed
Forgive me the first time I heard that dog squeeze it angered me and today nothing has changed.
Speaking of hot what about those gas prices, ever wonder why they keep getting higher and higher.
Senate rejects oil drilling in Alaska wildlife refuge
An amendment offered by Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-California, to strip away the provision passed 52-48.
Democrats have voted against U.S. oil drilling.
Mar 17, 2005 ... The 51-49 vote blocked an effort by Democrats to remove drilling language ... Proponents of oil drilling contend caribou can happily coexist.
Despite Oil Crisis, Democrats May 19, 2006...the Democrats continue to block oil drilling and exploration by .... For the Florida congressman, a vote against the drilling is a good .
Senate rejects plan for Alaska oil drilling Dec 22, 2006... The 56-44 vote was a more comfortable margin for Democrats against ANWR drilling ... that the fear that a vote against this bill as it is now would be.
Oil, Cuba and Democrats
May 19, 2006 ... Ensuring Cuba and China have unfettered access to oil off the coast of the ... It was still an overwhelming Democrat vote against U.S. drilling or exploration for oil deposits.
The lobbyists have already bought and won this election. Funny Hurricane Katrina didn't cause one (1) oil spill from the off shore rigs off the Coast of New Orleans.
[June 13, 2008 2:21 PM]
ShanI don't think who gets the presidency should have anything to do with color of skin. I think whoever gets in office should represent everyone equally. Someone shouldn't vote for someone just because of the color of their skin. I want a president who will represent the people of this country who are working hard, paying their bills and still drowning because the cost off EVERYTHING is going up. (except for their pay check) Something needs to happen to help people who don't want hand outs, but need some relief. So whoever gets in office...hopefully all their WORDS will be turned into some kind of action.
[June 13, 2008 10:47 PM]
Tonyya know people dont get it.......It has nothing to do with skin color..its culture.People dont feel comfortable with other races culture...ya know..The biggest racists in this country are black not white......They live their life based on racism......whitey caused all their problems...nothing they did..Not the fact that 80% of their childern are born out of wedlock..not that 80-90% of our prison population is black..Its Whiteys fault that theyre the most un productive race in American history..What do they want?..a handout..wheres the 40acres and the mule?..If they had it..it would have been sold for crack......When Slavery was allowed in this Country we brought about the worst plaugue in US history...the plague of the negro race.....
For the sake of accuracy, 68 percent of black children are born to single mothers, and blacks account for 41 percent --- not "80-90%" -- of the nation's prison population. Whites account for 37 percent, and Hispanics 19 percent.
As for blacks "being the most unproductive race," I would challenge the writer to study the names of Daniel Hale Williams, a graduate of Northwestern University Medical School who performed the first open-heart surgery; Charles Drew, who developed the method for preserving blood (hence today's blood banks); Elijah McCoy, who created a device that kept machines lubricated and became an engine to this country's Industrial Age. Every time the reader gets a traffic ticket for running a red light, perhaps he curses Garrett Morgan, who developed the precursor to today's traffic light. But if exposed to chemicals or gas fumes, the reader might thank Morgan, who also developed the gas mask.
If the reader gets word he should "leave home without it," the note invariably will be from Ken Chenault, the CEO of American Express. I just read a story today about a local teen with a 4.4 GPA. She's getting a full academic scholarship to Harvard University. Few teens--white or black--achieve that academic feat.--s
[June 14, 2008 3:44 PM]
Terry BTony
Literally thousands....?
There are just as equal accomplishments by all races not excluding "Blacks" unfortunately by choosing to walk through life with blinders on you miss the obvious.
And if the "Negro Race", is the worst by the illegal act of "Kidnapping and Slavery". Then through the acts of Theodore Robert Bundy, John Wayne Gacy, Gary Ridgeway, Aileen Wuornos, Carl Panzram, and Jeffrey Darhmer just to name a few operated under the guise of "Natural Selection"
The "typical" profile of a serial killer is a Caucasian male between the ages of 18 and 32.......
Understanding the accomplishment that any makes toward the betterment for all races is what Obama stands for and for most Americans believe he should be President of the United States, it's sad to read that you believe the route to Freedom is paved with bricks of bigotry. I suggest you seek some Counseling for I feel your ideals may be mental health related.
[July 20, 2008 11:58 PM]
MikeTony:
If you are for real (as opposed to merely attempting to stir the pot here) would you kindly furnish your KKK Badge number? Terry's right. You need help, man.
Badge number? I guess sheets were too obvious, huh?--s