By Getzy Markowitz
Thank G-d, I grew up in a home untainted by the internet. When we finally did get a desktop computer, lacking access to cyberspace, I would look up definitions in a Webster, as opposed to the World Wide Web. Research was not done on a powerful search engine, but by investigating a vast amount of material stored on an Encarta encyclopedia CD-ROM.
While there was a lot of information on that thin disk, there was a limit to the capacity of audio files that it could contain. Aside for a list of international anthems, the visual and audible categories listed mainly speeches of great leaders. It was from my Dell desktop that I first heard JFK’s call for Americans to ask not what their country could do for them, but what they could do for their country. On that computer screen I watched Golda Meir speak as a Prime Minister negotiating peace for her citizens, and as a mother desiring it for her children. I heard Menachem Begin echo Isaiah, speaking of a day when swords would be beaten into plowshares and nations would discontinue the study of warfare. And it was from those speakers that the resonating voice of Dr. Martin Luther King first captured my attention. Standing in the symbolic shadow of the signer of the Emancipation Proclamation, Dr. King shared a dream that emboldened a great many to pursue liberty and enjoy the cherished American dream.
Barack H. Obama stands in the shadow of a great man, who though may not have been president, has definitely set the precedent by which the president elect will assume office. In just a few weeks, Obama will deliver his inaugural address. He will then walk to the White House, in the very city where King spoke while leading that legendary march on Washington.
King was an inspiration who moved a young Jewish boy to view people differently, as if they were not different than myself. He influenced millions, including a man who will soon hold the world’s most influential position. But sadly, I believe that a majority of African-Americans have transformed King’s dream into a nightmare. The civil rights leader spoke of a nation where his children would not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. Yet those who would call themselves his adherents have offended a great man by blindly voting for Barack Obama.
I am not saying that Mr. Obama lacks qualities. Less so am I saying that he is not worthy of the presidency. What I am pointing out is that none of that mattered to the greater African-American community who brazenly voted for a color of skin rather than a colorful character. While his policies may be outstanding, the larger part of the African-American constituency voted to bring a black man to the White House, irrespective of his politics.
The fact is that Obama won an electoral landslide, and by popular support of the people of the United States. Following his election I roved through Times and Union squares which were full of people united in support of a charismatic new leader. Everyone has their reasons and motives for how they cast their ballots. If they uncritically voted for Obama during these critical times, they could be excused. But this was not the case for many of my African-American brethren. They are to be held to a higher standard, as ironically it behooved them to discriminate in this election.
For the first time in history, African-Americans were given an opportunity to exercise what King preached. Sadly, they have taken the voice of the great liberator and placed it in shackles. For while we all could take immense pride in the election of our nation’s first black president, most of America voted for his ideals and not the idea presented by the opportunity. By choosing color notwithstanding character, the African-American majority has done to themselves what their oppressors had done for generations. While America has finally prevailed over racial injustice, its victims have chosen to be blinded by coloration, thereby imposing a sort of intellectual segregation.
Eighty percent of African-Americans surveyed in a CNN poll said that Obama’s election is a dream come true. While I am sure that Dr. King would be overjoyed by this election’s outcome, I strongly believe that his followers have misinterpreted this visionary’s dream, and are therefore to blame for its misrepresentation. King’s vision saw more than a black man becoming the leader of the free world. When finally presented an opportunity to exercise intelligent freedom of choice, many selected a man of their race, instead of an incredible member of the human race. Obama has been described as spellbinding, but too many were attracted to his complexion rather than his strategies on complex issues.
I applaud the president elect on an impressive campaign and a stunning victory. May G-d Almighty grant him the wisdom and courage for the task at hand. I wish him success in his new function, for his success is that of the country he will lead. Finally, I pray that he will be a shining example of a man with a masterful content of character. I hope that through his virtue, he will earn his people’s vote, as well as mine, in four years time.
Very true. This racist isn’t racist
The
Amazingly written.
What’s shocking is that everyone chooses to forget that Obama had ties with arabs and anti-semites, we seem to have short memories. DId we all forget about 9/11 so quickly?
Are you serious???
What’s with people
I’m confused what’s the kesher to Parshas Hashavua?
Ulai Yeish Lomor that by electing the man we are making our own Sodom?
Even though I voted for Obama I am in shock that he won.
At the polling station in LA I asked a black guy why he was voting Obama his only reason was black 4 black
Rabbi Getzy I wonder if u cld be more politically oriented in the future I kind of like it
Thank you for this one which was easier to read.
I understand what you are sayinngn
This new site “collive” is very good. It is cool how it got so popular in such a short time
Keep them coming
This weeks essay suggests that most people had good reasons to vote for the Obama-Biden ticket and that many many blacks voted for the wrong one. Ill have you know that a Sach A Sach Vaiseh Mentchen voted for him as a Teshuvah for segregation vechulu so whites also vote for race
-Ephraim
Getzy great one, but is it wise for a frum yid to get involved in politics?
Thank you for this, I was thinking something similar but didnt have the words.
Race of the races: A race of race. 🙂
I did not vote this time because in the electoral world NY will go Dem anyway. My absence didn’t effect the outcome because so many more showed up to vote for a color.
Getzy, this article was amazing! amazing! it reflects your keen ability to see the goodness in others. By decrying the ignorance revolving around this election you have shown yourself to be sensitive to the african american community. It would be easy for you to attack Obamam and I know that you have some good points about that, but you did not. Instead you focused on how many voted for skin color when they could have voted for the same guy for better reasons.
But I warn you to take caution as some will misread and therefor “misrepresent” you.
I completely agree with you on this one Getz.
As you know, I voted Obama as most Jews did but that’s not your point.
I had my reasons for voting for Barack: economy etc
African Americans overall voted for a black man and maybe his electrifying campaign pulled them out to vote. They don’t know his policies or opinions.
I voted for him, but I had reasons to. I like your point, its like you believe in blacks and are therefore disappointed with their poor judgement.
Jesse jackson didn’t lose bc blacks refrained from voting. He lost bc whites did.
Getzys point is being completely taken out of context. His points is relevant even if Obama lost. He is talking about a segment that voted for race, nothing more
Doesn’t look like anybody in the picture is interested in what you have to say
You start your article with a preemptive notion that they all voted for Obama based on his race, and then build your whole theory on it. That is racist in its own rite. Do you have a poll to back this up? (Your poll that you mention doesn’t), are you quoting a black leader that cried out that they all vote for him? Blacks have had the chance to vote for Jesse Jackson back in the 80’s and did not, why? He wasn’t worthy. Your article screams I AM A RACIST, AND I AM UPSET THAT HE WON. For the… Read more »
This is not the first time that blacks in america have been given the right to speak as you say in your article. Every time a black man runs for Mayor or runs for Governer or runs for any other elected office in the country, King’s words of where his children would not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. is tested every time that happens. Muck like jews, every time it happens, they are judged again as to their motive for voting. Can you simply not accept that Barack H. Obama… Read more »
Getzy good job
How many people voted for John McCaine because he was white? or because his running mate was a woman? How many people voted for Hillary Clinton because she was a woman? or because she WASN”T black? I myself voted on the issues, and because of it I voted for barak Obama! Sadly, I think it is still you that can’t see beyond race yet and therefore disqualify him based on it rather then accept the verdict of the american people. The vice Presidential candidate for the republican party did not even know that Africa was a continent, but many were… Read more »