By 1968 Former President John F. Kennedy and Malcolm X had already been assassinated. The year witnessed the murder of Martin Luther King Jr. who had just proclaimed that he had “Seen the promise land!” As Robert Kennedy was gearing up a presidential campaign, he actually informed people of King’s death. Months later this Kennedy was also killed.
By 2008, 40 years later, another presidential election year has the making of another cast of prolific leaders. No, I am not comparing the current field of candidates to the legends of the sixties. Time will evaluate their significance.
What I do know is that after 232 years of white men running the White House maybe in the U.S. of A “melting pot” can bear some diversity in the Oval Office.
For President 2008: Religion, Race and Gender Diversity
Mitt Romney- potential first Mormon president
Hillary Clinton- potential first Woman president
Barack Obama- potential first Black president
Bill Richardson- potential first Hispanic president
Biblically 40 years is a time of probation or trial. King saw the promise land in ’68. I submit that it has taken a little while longer for the rest of us Americans to see it. Maybe 2008 is the year to get there.
Now the promise land is not a universal place, it means one thing to you and something else to me. Maybe you think we are already there, or you might think we still have a long way to go. But reaching the promise land would imply that we’ve reached a milestone, a turning point in U.S. History.
Having Romney, Clinton, Obama or Richardson in the running for the White House indicates a transition from one trial period to another. With such a crossroad at hand we have to beware of the socio-political landscape of the U.S. from the country cornfields to the suburban strip malls to the massive metropolises that make up the nation.
A look back at the sixties reminds us of the revolutionary leaders who lost their lives. We cannot fathom what our country would be like if they lived.
In 2008, the history-making presidential hopefuls are at risk for the same fate.
Hopefully, the red, white and blue has grown to accept that WASPs won’t always be the sole inhabiters of the White House. If religion, race or gender integrate the Oval Office in 2008 it will prove the nation is a ripe for change.
Majority Mind Questions
Do you think Romney, Clinton, Obama or Richardson will get to the White House this November? If so which one (or two) and why do you think America is ready for them? If not why do you think America is not ready for one of them?
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3 comments:
This upcoming election is truely a defining moment in U.S. history. I, personally, did not see this day coming...at least not this soon. I find myself fearful of the election as well because of this nations history when there is a deliberation (or maybe threat) of change. Those in power give us the facade that change is practicable. I revere these present candidates for "stepping up to the plate" knowing the recurring history of the United States and believe that a few could possibly make office. Obama and Clinton seem to have great ideas for presidency. "America" may be ready for these candidates but those who truly have the power and final say in this country may not be ready. I feel that this point has been proven by the deaths of previous prominent leaders that "America" was ready for.
I think America is ready for all of these candidates. It's hard to imagine with recent events such as the Jena 6 incidents that we have moved beyond racism, we obviously haven't, but these candidates are rising despite the ignorance of a few. It is very positive and encouraging. I think that many people, African Americans in particular, had a hard time accepting Obama as a viable candidate because they figured he could not really get elected in the society we live in. His victory in Iowa changed the picture. Yes, there is still racism, yes, there is still ignorance, but America is ready for anything. America is ready to pick who ever they think is best for the country no matter what their individual demographics may be.
Given the fact that the United States of America has basically been on cruise control for the last eight years, there is no doubt in my mind that Romney, Clinton, Obama or Richardson could handle the Presidential responsibilities of our nation. Heck, I bet Gordo, Able and Baker the famous US Army Apes could have managed to run our country better than the current primate in control. They probably even had more military training and experience.
WE NEED CHANGE--spoken from a true and conditioned Obama supporter, I am extremely eager for our society to wake up from our drowsy and life-less state.
In drawing the connection between the current presidential candidates and the sixties I cant help to point out the stark differences, however, between the times. While I believe our country needs to change I am not sure our people are willing to make it. There are still major divisions that are growing between our classes. There still exist major divides between our political parties and their followers. And to top it off, there is a general lack of political knowledge.
I believe Thomas Friedman touches on some of these concerns about the Americans and our future generations when he wrote his column, "Generation Q" referring to the future generation as 'Quiet Americans'.
Today, American's lack the fire they once did in the sixties movements, to create change. Social advocacy groups have become less popular and less active--and knowledge on current state of affairs has drastically minimized with the rise of internet and other multi-media tools. Production biases and media filters have distracted readers and the public from knowing the truth and thus establishing their own opinions.
This being said, I am especially nervous for the upcoming elections. Nervous for the candidates, nervous for Obama. I am particularly nervous about the trickery that has occurred and that will occur in the future. None of these 'firsts' will win without a fight. I believe a team of Obama and Romney would be a powerful and positive change for our country.
My concern similar to what you mentioned in your blog is, once the fight is won how long can it be sustained. They are at risk for the same fate as our sixties leaders, and that is a fact. In the sixties their were strong groups both in support of and against these powerful leaders and still these leaders were ultimately destroyed. I know this and you know this, but does the rest of America?? Change is not easy--it needs ongoing support. Support that I don't know our society is willing to provide.
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