Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter said he believes racism is the culprit of the unrest as it relates to the current U.S. President, Barack Obama.
During a demonstration in Washington organized by extreme conservative talk show hosts, Carter labeled what’s taking place in American society today “abominable.”
”I think an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity towards President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he is a black man, that he’s African-American,” Mr Carter said.
”I live in the South, and I’ve seen the South come a long way. I’ve seen the rest of the country that shared the South’s attitude towards minority groups at that time, particularly African-Americans – and that racism inclination still exists.
”And I think it’s bubbled up to the surface because of the belief among many white people, not just in the South but around the country, that African-Americans are not qualified to lead this great country.
”It’s an abominable circumstance and it grieves me and concerns me very deeply.”
”This is not a partisan stunt,” said James Clyburn, a leading African-American politician, whose district in South Carolina adjoins Mr Wilson’s. ”I do not participate in partisan stunts, and I think every member here knows that.
”This is about the proper decorum that should take place on the floor of the United States House of Representatives.”
Barbara Lee, the head of the congressional black caucus, said that ”today is about the civility and decorum of the House.” But she added that we ”can’t sweep race under the rug; racism is still a factor and must be addressed.”
Why is everybody so up in arms about something that has part a part of American history since its inception. Unless folks have been living under a rock, racism has been a the fabric of our culture.
What is it going to take for Antil-Obama Americans to, first, admit their President is black and, second, grow to respect him?
Unfortunately, the people who have failed to acknowledge this reality are those who have been in power for centuries, except for lone Jimmy Carter. Thanks to Carter for speaking out against the racism he knows, having grown up in the South, he seems to understand that there is very thinly veiled racism lurking in this American nation. Hopefully this will entice others to admit the same.
