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Tasmanian Angel |
I watched a Biography Channel special the other night called "Then and Now" where they compared him to John F. Kennedy. They were trying to say they were both visionaries based on childhood experiences they each had had.
It was interesting, but towards the end of it at least a couple of the people they had interviewed who knew him best said that they had no doubt he would be president one day. Knowing the Dems, they would try to push him into it as soon as 2008 if they can't get Hillary to run!  I think that would be too soon ... but, I guess we will have to wait and see!The long short version of his story is (as best I can remember  ) His Kenyan father married his American mother but couldn't find a job to take care of his family so he left for Africa to do so. The parents ended up divorcing, the mother re-married an Indonesian and they ended up living in Indonesia for several years. His sister was born, Mom sent him back to Hawaii to live with her parents, but a couple years later divorced 2nd husband moved back to Hawaii. He came to the mainland to go to go to college and ended up as the first black president of the Harvard Law Review. He ran for U.S. Rep. and lost, came back and ran for U.S. Senate, and won!He had always been searching for who he was as a Black man, because he was never like anybody else around him. And it wasn't until after his dad died and he wen back to Kenyan to connect with his roots that he found out. He's a champion of Black causes and the poor and of Africa. He is a powerful ally in government for us. I think we should give him our support.  BLACK by NATURE, PROUD by CHOICE. Before there was ANY history, there was BLACK history. |
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Tasmanian Angel |
Kenya 'beats the drums' for Sen. Obama
He'll take public HIV test to counter stigma, visit ancestral village  NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) -- Barack Obama may have only landed Thursday for his latest visit to his father's homeland, but the U.S. senator is already become the country's most prominent "citizen." People drinking a Kenyan beer called Senator are ordering "Obama" instead. Obama's photograph is popping up on T-shirts, and the once knee-high grass in his ancestral village was cut in advance of his arrival. As the only African-American in the U.S. Senate, Obama is seen as an inspiration in this east African country where more than half its 33 million people eke out a living on less than $1 a day. Obama arrived Thursday for a six-day visit, and planned to meet with President Mwai Kibaki and stop at the site where Nairobi's U.S. Embassy was bombed in 1998, killing 248 people. The Illinois Democrat, his wife, Michelle, and daughters Malia, 8, and Sasha, 4, were greeted at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi by U.S. Ambassador Michael E. Ranneberger, the embassy said. Making headlines Just an hour after his plane touched down, Obama's arrival was making headline news on the country's leading television stations and local journalists chased his entourage as it left the airport. "Village beats the drums for returning son" declared the Daily Nation newspaper, the most widely read in Kenya. In Nyangoma-Kogelo, a tiny village tucked away in the rural west where chickens roam free and tiny boys in rags tend their flocks, residents have been preparing for weeks for Obama's return. Local newspapers reported that the dirt road leading to his 85-year-old grandmother's house was leveled. Local media reported that Sarah Hussein, who will have to communicate with Obama through an interpreter, will treat him just like any other grandchild. The senator grew up in Hawaii with his American mother after his parents divorced. He has visited Kenya three times, most recently in the early 1990s to introduce his then-fiancee to his Kenyan family. This is his first trip to Kenya since being sworn into office as a U.S. senator. The senator's father, also named Barack Obama, became a university lecturer in Uganda after studying economics at Harvard University. He then worked in Kenya's private sector before joining the treasury department, where he became a senior economist. He died in a car crash in 1982, leaving three wives, six sons and a daughter. One son died in 1984 and all his surviving children, except one, live in Britain or the United States. Obama's paternal grandfather, Onyango Hussein Obama, was one of the first Muslim converts in the village. Public HIV test During the senator's visit, he plans to take a public HIV test at a clinic in Nyangoma-Kogelo in an effort to promote AIDS prevention in a country where 700 people die on average per day from HIV/AIDS. Although there have been recent declines in the amount of people infected with the virus in Kenya, two million people out of a total population of 33 million are infected. Around 1.5 million people have died from the disease -- and western parts of the country are the worst hit. After his visit to Kenya, Obama is headed to Djibouti and Chad. He began his African tour Sunday with a visit to Nelson Mandela's former prison at Robben Island. He has met with black businessmen, AIDS victims and U.S. Embassy officials, among others. He paid tribute to South Africans' fight for freedom, saying they taught lessons to the world and helped inspire his own political career. Aides said Wednesday that Obama had scrapped plans to visit Congo and Rwanda at the request of the U.S. Embassy in Congo because of postelection fighting in that country's capital, Kinshasa. Copyright 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Find this article at: http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/africa/08/24/obama.kenya.ap/index.html BLACK by NATURE, PROUD by CHOICE. Before there was ANY history, there was BLACK history. |
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C5 |
Heres what people on the BBC are saying about Barck Obama for president.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/tx/documentaries/barackobama.shtml Wouldn't that be something,America might be on the right track then.As powerful as Connie Rice is she probably wouldn't get half of the global support as Obama. http://irregulartimes.com/2008obama.html |
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Tasmanian Angel |
Wow! That was really interesting!
I'm surprised at how many people who commented felt it was not necessary to identify him as a Black man ... and that it seemed like those comments were from both Brits and Americans!! And I'm also surprised at how many people didn't bother to read what the article actually said instead apparently read what they wanted to see or something. I mean, the article itself was only three sentences!! It never did call him the "1st" Black senator in Congress. And a number of people felt the need to address that!But, I do believe he will be our first African-American president. Not sure when .... but, it would be kind of nice to see him on the ticket with Hillary ... maybe for her 2nd term? Because I really don't think America would be ready for that by 2008.  BLACK by NATURE, PROUD by CHOICE. Before there was ANY history, there was BLACK history. |
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A1 |
 sorry to digress... but has anyone here read Obama's book? I haven't seen a copy here yet but the feedback seems very positive.
"We look forward to working with the Prime Minister and the Government on working out the terms of the compensataion package if that's what his words mean." Michael Mansell, National Aboriginal Alliance |
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A1 |
I think Barak Obama has more potential for being a presidential candidate that any other member of congress who is of African ancestry.
I would not want to see him on someelse's ticket. That is baggage he would have to 'unpack' later. I can see him as a strong candidate in '16, and...that's a long time to 'keep your nose clean'. He certainly shows a much potential as any candidate now in the offing, particularly those 'baggage-laden' hopefuls like Biden, et al. Incidentally, I don't recall Hillary Clinton, even at this late date, ever saying she wants to be considered as candidate, while... The Republicans, and the conservative talkshow hosts, have been touting her since the day after, if not the night of the '04 election. PEACE Jim Chester African Americans for African America http://iaanh2.org African American Pledge of Unity We stand, Together, after left alone in a land we never knew. We Bind ourselves, Together, with the blood and will of Those who have gone before. From the Bodies of our Ancestors thrown away, from the Pieces of Ourselves left to perish, We rise as One, a New Body in a New Land, a New People in a New Nation. Of Common Mind, Body, and Spirit, By Declaration of our Amalgamated Individual and Personal Authorities, We Are African America. © James Wesley Chester 2004; 2008 You are who you say you are. Your children are who you say you are. |
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Tasmanian Angel |
No, Mr. Chester, Hillary has yet to agree to even thinking about it! And, really it's been way too soon for her to. Republican's have been wanting her to commit since day one to give themselves more time to collect and hurl dirt on her so that by the time elections come (which are still 2 years away!!) they would hope to have ruined her by then. Plus, putting the spotlight on her so soon puts her in a position to be even more scrutinized by the public and in the decisions she makes. But (thank goodness) Senator Clinton is no fool!! She knows that the nomination is hers if she wants it and that the Dems would bend over backwards to make that happen because they want to use her and her popularity to feather their own nests. (After all, taking back control of the Congress is the main goal here!) But, as far as Obama ... I agree with you about the "baggage." But on the other hand, you can't get a better foot in the door than V.P.! However, he's still a rookie in the political arena ... still relatively untried and untested. But, so far, he seems to be on the right track. BLACK by NATURE, PROUD by CHOICE. Before there was ANY history, there was BLACK history. |
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Tasmanian Angel |
No, I haven't yet, Firefly ... but I am interested in getting it now more than ever. BLACK by NATURE, PROUD by CHOICE. Before there was ANY history, there was BLACK history. |
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A1 |
---EbonyRose I disagree. While V.P. puts you in the White House, seldom does that convey you to the 'oval office'. Except for death, seldom does this occur. Harry (S.) Truman is the only ascendant I can think of...on my own. I would much prefer to see Obama win Governor of Illinois!! Now...THAT IS POWER. If Obama 'threw his hat in the ring' for '08, the Republicans would literally defecate. Democrats would be in a state of 'the shivers' not knowing 'how to do this'. Sadly...I believe the CBC would be recovering from (clinical) shock with the task facing them of 'stand up' for the 'maverick'. PEACE Jim Chester PEACE Jim Chester African Americans for African America http://iaanh2.org African American Pledge of Unity We stand, Together, after left alone in a land we never knew. We Bind ourselves, Together, with the blood and will of Those who have gone before. From the Bodies of our Ancestors thrown away, from the Pieces of Ourselves left to perish, We rise as One, a New Body in a New Land, a New People in a New Nation. Of Common Mind, Body, and Spirit, By Declaration of our Amalgamated Individual and Personal Authorities, We Are African America. © James Wesley Chester 2004; 2008 You are who you say you are. Your children are who you say you are. |
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Tasmanian Angel |
Good story! It made me a little impressed with him myself!Well, Hillary is a politician, Ricardomath, first and foremost. I certainly can't deny that. And this Tazani most certainly isn't! Which would be why I would at least consider giving him my vote! She plays the game of Washington well. But she and every other Senator in Congress played themselves right into a corner with that Iraq vote. Every butt up there is on a hot seat right about now, which is why he's not going to get a lot of help from the Party any time soon! She doesn't have to debate him to win ... but, maybe if he calls her out loud enough she'll do it! I would love to see that one! But dude better be ready, 'cause if she does decide to do it, she's going to come locked and loaded for sure! BLACK by NATURE, PROUD by CHOICE. Before there was ANY history, there was BLACK history. |
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Tasmanian Angel |
That could be awesome! I dunno ... I know I'm always too cautious for my own damn good, but ... I just think '08 is too soon. I just don't think enough people are ready for that! But I don't have to be right about that.  Times are changing. More people are turning on their internal "BS" meters and know that what's going on is just not right. More people want a change. More people are different, period. Hmmm ... who knows? Hillary decides to stay put and just keep running New York and empowering women worldwide ... Obama gets talked into throwing his hat in the ring at the right time ... I mean, if Arnold Schwarzenegger can become governor of California ...  BLACK by NATURE, PROUD by CHOICE. Before there was ANY history, there was BLACK history. |
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A1 |
I also believe '08 is too soon.
He should have, at least, one full term as Senator 'on record'. It will give time needed to establish a profile, and to find needed power bases, and alliances that will be needed. One term as Senator, and then...step into the next available Governor's race for the State of Illinois. He has a very high probability for success as a Democrat. He will have the awesome potential for establishing a new power base as an Independent. But 'going Independent' at that time would probably be a bit early. Running for a second term, in which he would be successful, and THEN, after election, 'going Independent' would have everybody running to church on Sunday. PEACE Jim Chester African Americans for African America http://iaanh2.org African American Pledge of Unity We stand, Together, after left alone in a land we never knew. We Bind ourselves, Together, with the blood and will of Those who have gone before. From the Bodies of our Ancestors thrown away, from the Pieces of Ourselves left to perish, We rise as One, a New Body in a New Land, a New People in a New Nation. Of Common Mind, Body, and Spirit, By Declaration of our Amalgamated Individual and Personal Authorities, We Are African America. © James Wesley Chester 2004; 2008 You are who you say you are. Your children are who you say you are. |
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C2 |
Peace....
I called this 2 years ago... Hillary Clinton for president. Barack Obama for Vice President... Vs. Condoleeza Rice For President, and John McCain as Vice President... Woman against woman... Yep... There is no star on the republican Horizon strong enough to challenge a Clinton/Obama ticket.. I thnk 2 years from now we see the first female president, and the first black person ever to wear the title president...well that is if you exclude Abe Lincoln... Kai "Old fool! This is my hour. Do you not know Death when you see it? Die now and curse in vain!" And with that he lifted high his sword and flames ran down the blade. |
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C5 |
I thought Abe Lincoln was Melungeons  . Anyways,Fingers cross on Barack Obama. |
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A1 |
Except for death, seldom does this occur.---JWC
Harry Truman ran and won on his own. George Bush I ran and won, and without the death of the preceding President. I can't think of another. PEACE Jim Chester African Americans for African America http://iaanh2.org African American Pledge of Unity We stand, Together, after left alone in a land we never knew. We Bind ourselves, Together, with the blood and will of Those who have gone before. From the Bodies of our Ancestors thrown away, from the Pieces of Ourselves left to perish, We rise as One, a New Body in a New Land, a New People in a New Nation. Of Common Mind, Body, and Spirit, By Declaration of our Amalgamated Individual and Personal Authorities, We Are African America. © James Wesley Chester 2004; 2008 You are who you say you are. Your children are who you say you are. |
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A1 |
There is no star on the republican Horizon strong enough to challenge a Clinton/Obama ticket..---Saracen
I believe that, at this point in the nation's political maturity, the women's vote will thwart Hillary, AND the African vote will defeat Obama. Neither has a 'fan-base' yet establish to carry themselves over that 'self-denial' thing that aflicts both groups. Condolezza has the 'double whammy'. John McCain will not carry Condolezza's baggage. It should be remmebered that McCain is the Senator from Arizona...the State that refused to recognize MLK's birthday...until the NFL pull the Super Bowl thereby punching a hole in the tourist dollars. It sounds good on paper, but McCain wouldn't play. PEACE Jim Chester African Americans for African America http://iaanh2.org African American Pledge of Unity We stand, Together, after left alone in a land we never knew. We Bind ourselves, Together, with the blood and will of Those who have gone before. From the Bodies of our Ancestors thrown away, from the Pieces of Ourselves left to perish, We rise as One, a New Body in a New Land, a New People in a New Nation. Of Common Mind, Body, and Spirit, By Declaration of our Amalgamated Individual and Personal Authorities, We Are African America. © James Wesley Chester 2004; 2008 You are who you say you are. Your children are who you say you are. |
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C1 |
Strategically, the Clinton-Obama ticket doesn't make sense. With rare exception (Clinton-Gore '92/'96) VPs are chosen because they add some geographic or ideological strength to the ticket. What constituency does Obama bring to the ticket that Clinton shouldn't already have locked up in terms of support? If HRC needs Obama to bring black folk, she's already lost. Obama's midwestern Illinois is where HRC is from and Dems have already carried it the last 3 presidential races, so what's been added there? Ideologically, they are similar. Again, what's added to the ticket? While I think the Clinton administration was a breath of fresh air in comparison to the current one, I think there is still a great deal of ire by the hard-right at the "Clinton" moniker. True or not, Clinton still carries a liberal label in many circles and needs to be seen as more moderate. Obama, while an excellent orator, needs to develop a stronger Senatorial career. Obviously it would depend who the Republicans put up, and politics being cyclical perhaps "Republican fatigue" would be large enough, but a Clinton-Obama ticket is I think is too easily portrayed as too far left to win in a national electorate that has been "center/right" for some time now. |
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Tasmanian Angel |
I only have a quick couple of minutes to respond, so I'll have to come back to this!
But, just to throw out a couple of my thoughts ....I believe that Obama can bring to the table a sector of young/younger voters that he appeals to, which Hillary doesn't have. Also, there is a whole new generation of potential voters out there that are basically "independent" thinkers. Included in them are those in the "mixed-race" category, of which it's no longer a Black or White thing, but a Black and White, or Black/Asian or Hispanic/White ... and everything in between. As most of these people don't fit into straight racial lines, they also don't follow either/or political ideology either. Condi isn't about to let America all up in her business ... so I can't place any real serious consideration of her being on any ticket! McCain is nothing new. No one could expect change with him. If I were to pick a Republican frontrunner right now (which I'm not big on speculation) but I would say Guiliani would be the Republican pick. Especially if Hillary runs. Bleeding-heart-America would put him in based on his actions with 9/11. And he's the only one who has any chance of actually beating Hillary if she runs. BLACK by NATURE, PROUD by CHOICE. Before there was ANY history, there was BLACK history. |
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B3 |
I don't see Obama as president - ever.
The Whites would sooner shoot themselves then let it happen... And for the record, I think a Black women - and not Condi - would be more likely to be the first Black president. The War and Immigration are going to be the key issues. If the Dems don't come up with a plan that Americans can get behind they will not take back the House or the White House - that was Kerry's problem Just basing Bush is not going to help. I wouldn't be suprised if the Dem try to put a Hispanic candidate for VP out this go round. _______________________ "Morality cannot be legislated but behaviour can be regulated. Judicial decrees may not change the heart but they can restrain the heartless." Martin Luther King. |
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