A Nation Of Cowards?

AG Holder & President Obama are prime examples of the fact that it is not their race or discrimination toward that race that keep many African Americans in a life of poverty, abuse and moral decline. It is what many do or fail to do with the opportunities that are available to all of us. What we need to be asking ourselves is what makes an educated, successful black man different from a poor, uneducated & unsuccessful black man. It isn't the color of his skin, so…what is the real problem? Until we can all have an open & honest dialog about race relations in this country, about what the issues truly are and who or what is responsible, then we cannot solve the problem. Although the new Attorney General and I probably have very different views on the majority of issues, I accept the challenge that he put forth today; the challenge to embrace racial understanding, to break out of our “race-protected cocoons” and I believe in turn to begin the journey to true racial equality and harmony. This is a battle that I have been passionate about my whole life and one that I believe can be won in my lifetime. Can we change the mind and heart of everyone? Of course not, but we can still achieve our goal in spite of those that choose to live with the cancer of hatred and bigotry. It may destroy them, but we cannot allow it to destroy us all.

Mr. Holder said in a statement to hundreds of Justice Department employees, that the United States was “a nation of cowards” on matters of race, with most Americans avoiding candid discussions of racial issues. Although not the most diplomatic approach, his comments were certainly provocative. He did not say that white Americans were cowards; he said that we were a nation of cowards. Both blacks and whites shy away from addressing issues of race in a dignified manner. The only time you hear about race relations is when someone is pointing a finger. That will not accomplish anything except to further divide us. We all need to take an honest look at ourselves and where we truly stand in regards to this devastating problem. Part of Mr. Holder's statement has been largely ignored. He says "If we're going to ever make progress, we're going to have to have the guts, we have to have the determination, to be honest with each other. It also means we have to be able to accept criticism where that is justified," -- He didn't say that only whites need to accept justified criticism. That honesty is also an opportunity to address the strides that have been made and where the current problems lie. He also said that we must be tolerant enough of each other to have these frank conversations. I take that to mean that we ALL must be tolerant...blacks & whites. While it is true that this issue will not be resolved through conversation, it can open doors that will make other changes possible. Many politicians have proven for the most part that it is more beneficial to them to keep the simmering pot of racial issues stirring, so it is up to the rest of us that want true equality to address this. If we all do our part to break down the walls that divide us and balance the scales by which we are measured, one day soon we can ALL have equal and unweighted opportunities based not on the color of our skin, but by the content of our character.

There are many white people that are also living the same pathetic lives that many blacks live; lives filled with the same poverty, abuse and moral decline that are seen in our black communities. The difference...we don't defend them or try misplace blame. People of all races have to take personal responsibility for their failures just as they would accept the rewards of their successes. Again, open and honest dialog on the part of ALL Americans is the first step to bridging the gap between us. The second is identifying and addressing the true source of the problems and demanding personal accountability for those responsible - no matter their race. The greatest strides will be made when successful African Americans begin to speak out and challenge other African Americans to step up and embrace excellence over excuses. Together we stand…Divided we fall.

Debbiebuck