Jimmy Carter Speaks Out on Racism

It's finally happened. No less an important personage than Jimmy Carter has, at last, voiced what many of us have been giving considerable thought: Many of Obama's critics are fueled by racism. Almost immediately, right-wing talking heads popped up to state unequivocally that there is no longer any racism in America. Is this a case of "Methinks the (conservatives) doth protest too much" or what? Next, they'll be claiming there's no sexism, ageism, anti-Semitism or discrimination against gays.

One would have to be living in a cave to believe this statement. Of course, the ones saying it don't believe it either, but in the time-worn American tradition of "if we say something ridiculous often enough people will believe it", they are saturating the media with this nonsense. Most of the most vocal deniers are white guys. Personally, I'd like to see a few more black people speak up, preferably those who make less than six figures a year.

I agree with Jimmy. Every time we turn around Obama is getting lambasted for one thing or another. Now, Clinton also took a beating when he tried to reform the health care system. He was harangued by the Republicans for pretty much his entire two terms. But let's face it: He really did give them fodder for the mill. His tendency toward philandering, and his refusal to hold it in check, really helped the Republican cause. I often wondered how such a smart man could act so foolishly.

There are no such skeletons in Obama's closet, however, and I'm sure a thorough search has been conducted. He hasn't lied about anything and he's actually gone out of his way to set the record straight when rumors get out of hand. He's trying to fulfill campaign promises, for which Presidents are often chided for not doing. He's been criticized for giving a speech to schoolchildren, just like his predecessors have done without such scrutiny. He's been called a socialist, Nazi, the believer in "death panels" for the elderly. And for attempting to expand access to medical care, no less. Then there's the Joe Wilson factor. Can you think of any other President (read: white) to have suffered such disrespect?

People love to hate each other. They can be taught not to, but it takes time and work. Denying that discrimination still exists is not going to alleviate the problem. Hopefully, Jimmy Carter has been the catalyst for a discussion about racism that will help this country move forward. Can we learn from this? Yes We Can!