Lucky to be Obama -Pt7. (color me good)

"...that one day my four little children will be judged not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. I have a dream today!"

When Dr King electrified the masses gathered that day in Washington, D.C. with those words the unmistakable understanding was that black colored skin was somehow bad and that one, to use the oft quoted advise, oughtn't to judge a book by its cover. Many times good reading lies between old or raggedy binding. Unthinkable was it forty-five years ago that the (dark)color of the skin might be advantageous...especially in the realm of presidential politics but, alas, Life gives us more surprises than imagination.

Of course this entry refers to Mr Obama. You've come to know that name quite well; so well that you now cease to confuse it with the rich bearded cave dweller who records speeches on cheap camcorders. Mr Obama, the lanky political phenomenon from Middle America who now contends for the White House as the Democratic nominee. By the way, he's black, a Negro, African-American and any other less glamorous name some might care to employ but it doesn't matter. To take a turn on Shakespeare:

the Democratic presidential nominee by any other name is still Barack Obama

As testimony to Progress the large, energetic bloc favoring Mr Obama are Democrats under 30. Demographic polls have shown that that favoritism diminishes as the age group of present voters increases. And, very salient to present voters is the complexion and blood make-up of Mr Obama.

The sound character we want in a leader is there. Yes, he is articulate and inspiring, free of Washington scandals, fresh and refreshing, professional and well educated. As for the color of his skin, yes, he is non-white...without forsaking his blackness. Unlike many black Republicans (Alan Keyes?) the very un-ghetto Demoractic Mr Obama doesn't work to assure potential voters that he is different from other black men, that "he's not like the rest of 'em" as the back-handed compliment goes.

This feature of the candidate has been especially appealing to young voters for whom segregation signs are old photos in history text books, racial discrimination an automatic litigious no-no, and, generally speaking, race is not the issue it once was.

Since many young voters were attracted to Mr Obama's biracial ethnicity race is clearly not issue non grata. Still, it is no longer the detriment it once was and that, Reader, is a dream come true.

(click image to learn about artist)