There have been numbers of pundits discussing the rise of the young Senator from Chicago, and his meteoric presidential win over the former First Lady, Hillary Clinton. All of the messages glossed over one aspect of the inauguration of Barrack Obama.
On Saturday, the 13th of February, 2016 – Antonin Scalia, Supreme Court Justice, died in his sleep in West Texas. This event has set off a firestorm of political grandstanding from GOP opposition to the naming of Scalias replacement. President Obamas first act is to name a person to be vetted and confirmed by the senate to fill the slot as the ninth seat on the Supreme Court. Already the Senate Republican Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell, has stated that the President does not have the right to name a successor. Except that it is stated by the U.S. Constitution that he must do just that. This turn of events is a first in the history of the court, and would not be happening if the President were not an African American.
No need to gloss over where history will lead us. One must question why, when decisions were made to run for president – no one asked the hard questions. Why a black president in such a turbulent time in the countries history? The middle east continued to be in flux after a failed war in Iraq, and Afghanistan. The economy was is a shambles after a failed eight year presidency by George W. Bush and Dick Cheney. But most egregious was the state of the social makeup and racist attitude of a majority of the right. And backlash, one after another adverse reaction to a black President began to cripple the congress, and move the Supreme Court further to the right. What was the single most action that moved the country closer to outright anarchy. A notable absence of and downright state of disorder swept the country and the formation of a political movement called the ‘Tea Party’. Capable of placing Tea Party leaders in prime congressional and Senate positions the foundation was being laid for political elections to become sacrosanct for both parties.
Was it a bombastic period to place a black President in the oval office? Or should clearer minds have asked the question at the time? When should Mister Obama have run for the office? During a period of time when the country had overcome its pitiful legacy of racism, or, would that time ever come? Which brings another issue to bear. If President Obama had not won, but a woman took the office – would-not the same bias and prejudice have raised its ugly head?
The writer of this post voted for Mister Obama.