Obama tells NAACP blacks must take responsibility

I think no matter where you are on the political spectrum you must be impressed with Obama on this? This is the polar opposite of playing the race card and wanting sympathy, tax dollars etc.

Obama has called out his own on something a white man could never do in our politically correct society..

He added: "I know some say I've been too tough on folks about this responsibility stuff. But I'm not going to stop talking about it. Because I believe that in the end, it doesn't matter how much money we invest in our communities, or how many 10-point plans we propose, or how many government programs we launch — none of it will make any difference if we don't seize more responsibility in our own lives."

Read Full Story Here

This isn't about some Nazi/Commie telling us to not drive SUVs or keep our homes at 72 degrees. This is about someone who's reminding us that we are all in this together and ultimately it comes down to individual responsibility. Money and government programs can only go so far. I'm sure all the conservatives are happy to agree with Obama on that. Obama is showing himself to be equally sympathic and tough on all folks. Agree or disagree?

I think with a lot of things obama says are right on. and I feel that this is another one. he is absolutely right.

America is not on top right now, it's falling off the ball. the only way to get back on the ball is to stop being slovenly and making excuses for everything in our lives, which is something that is running rampant in this country. If america wants to be le leader of humanity than we actually have to get off our asses and be leaders of humanity again.

Nice find scramjet.

Its amazing how Obama, time after time, shows his equality.
He's in favor of anyone who will help themselves, and will help those who physically can't.

Despite what neocons claim....


S&F on the thread. Im glad to see Barack Obama taking charge and not allowing lazy people to hide behind political correctness (not aimed at any group in particular...re-read the entire OP before saying im singling out any groups)

So long as Obama has his way and we do what he says, then we'll be considered responsible? He's embarrassed by me not knowing a second language like Spanish, though i've never been to Mexico and Europe?

He changes my country's Presidental Seal that is symbol for protecting my individualism and rights provided in the Constitution.

He backs out and doesn't follow rules when publicly agreeing and signing off on them like Public Funding?

I'm suppose to now be all for Obama because he is talking down to Blacks? I'll stick with clinging to my guns and religion.

[edit on 14-7-2008 by jetxnet]

reply to post by jetxnet

So long as Obama has his way and we do what he says, then we'll be considered responsible? He's embarrassed by me not knowing a second language like Spanish, though i've never been to Mexico and Europe?

I think what he's saying is taken out of context. Mexico and the US will (obviously) gradually merge over time. It makes sense that US citizens in a modern 1st world education system shouldn't know other languages better. If we are going to take over the world let's do it in a cordial way and at least make an attempt to learn about the languages and culture of others.

And yet, despite the lip service to "responsibillity" he still supports socialistic, redistributive programs that have prove to lessen responsibillity and increase dependence on government.

Thats like saying your pro-choice while planning to bomb an abortion clinic. It dont track.

reply to post by Shazam The Unbowed


There's no contradiction between taking personal responsibility for oneself and having a social safety net for those who, despite their efforts, for many reasons may be in need. Not everyone who needs social services is irresponsible.

I have always appreciated his stance on personal responsibility. And I appreciate that he's not bowing to the wishes of the Jesse Jacksons of the country.

When Obama said, "Now even as we speak, there are those who are preparing to divide us -- the spin masters, the negative ad peddlers who embrace the politics of "anything goes." Well, I say to them tonight, there is not a liberal America and a conservative America -- there is the United States of America. There is not a Black America and a White America and Latino America and Asian America -- there’s the United States of America," he got my attention...

Text of Speech

This is one of the few areas where I can't fault him. He's absolutely correct about this. Personal responsibility has fallen by the wayside in our society over the last several decades and has been replaced by a feeling of entitlement and a belief that the government should take care of everyone and clean up after our poor decisions. Its just one more reason why this country is falling apart.

Everyone in this country needs to realize that, ultimately, the only person that is going to help you is you.

[edit on 15-7-2008 by vor78]

And yet, despite the lip service to "responsibillity" he still supports socialistic, redistributive programs that have prove to lessen responsibillity and increase dependence on government.

I wasn't aware that John McCain had called for totally dismantling the welfare state, Social Security, etc...

Unless he has, he's just as "socialistic" as Obama, as were both Bushes, Reagan, etc. All presided over a market economy with limited public welfare programs, just like Obama or McCain will

Just like every leader in the modern Western world has for at least 50 years...

Originally posted by Scramjet76
... Obama has called out his own on something a white man could never do in our politically correct society....

Nothing new here.
President Bill Clinton set a 2 year limit on welfare eligibility back in the 1990's. The far-left liberals howled, but Clinton push it through Congress anyway.

I think what he's saying is taken out of context. Mexico and the US will (obviously) gradually merge over time. It makes sense that US citizens in a modern 1st world education system shouldn't know other languages better.

If Mexican's want to live in America, then they should learn to speak our primary language. I don't plan on going to Mexico.

The context was correct as he stated going to Europe and giving an example of Americans and how they can only respond with two or three words.

reply to post by jetxnet


Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.

Take an interest in other languages and cultures. I observed a year in high school in Germany. English was required. Most of the students I knew were also fairly decent in Spanish. America should be an example. If Germans can do it so can we. We are the ones who push globalization and a Type 1 Civilization on this planet. There's no reason for us our youth to not be taught some spanish in our education system.

Obama simply wants us to strive to be better. He's challenging us. Would you rather have him propose more standardized testing?

Originally posted by Benevolent Heretic
I have always appreciated his stance on personal responsibility. And I appreciate that he's not bowing to the wishes of the Jesse Jacksons of the country.

When Obama said, "Now even as we speak, there are those who are preparing to divide us -- the spin masters, the negative ad peddlers who embrace the politics of "anything goes." Well, I say to them tonight, there is not a liberal America and a conservative America -- there is the United States of America. There is not a Black America and a White America and Latino America and Asian America -- there’s the United States of America," he got my attention...

Text of Speech

I find it ironic that politicians claim that there's only the United States of America. Yet, they are always promising different races different things. If there is only one US why not promise everybody the same thing. Why pander to every different race if this is what they truly believe? They should do what is right for America as a whole. Unforyunately, they never will.

Originally posted by jam321

I find it ironic that politicians claim that there's only the United States of America. Yet, they are always promising different races different things. If there is only one US why not promise everybody the same thing. Why pander to every different race if this is what they truly believe? They should do what is right for America as a whole. Unforyunately, they never will.

That doesn't make an overly large amount of sense. Can you find a specific example of him promising contradictory things to different groups?

For example, I plan on going to get ice cream and going to a movie. Say I have two kids, one who wants ice cream, one who wants to see a movie. I'm taking both of them for both things. I promise the kid who wants ice cream that I'll take him/her to get ice cream. I promise the kid who wants to go see a movie that we'll go see a movie. The emphasis of an entire experience is just focused down to the audience's particular desires. That's not really pandering; that's addressing issues that are locally relevant, and actually of concern to those listening. A good idea, in other words.

If Obama went to an area where, hypothetically, immigration reform is a topic of huge concern, it'd be foolish of him not to give more focus to it than he would in an area where it's not as important. That isn't pandering. It's just not being a bad politician.

reply to post by jetxnet


IMO it doesn't matter who wins this election, we are doomed and all should rely on guns and ammo. You should just go ahead and rely on your guns too, but religion is not going to get you anywhere, except maybe in another war against a nation that doesn't believe what you believe. Mind Control works wonders, if you open your eyes, and brain, you would see that. Obama and McCain are both just puppets in this game!

Originally posted by Benevolent Heretic
I have always appreciated his stance on personal responsibility. And I appreciate that he's not bowing to the wishes of the Jesse Jacksons of the country.

When Obama said, "Now even as we speak, there are those who are preparing to divide us -- the spin masters, the negative ad peddlers who embrace the politics of "anything goes." Well, I say to them tonight, there is not a liberal America and a conservative America -- there is the United States of America. There is not a Black America and a White America and Latino America and Asian America -- there’s the United States of America," he got my attention...

Text of Speech

Did it ever occur to anyone here that the whole episode with Jesse Jackson was intentional? Think about it, if Obama angers a high profile black leader and it is national blown up so that every American hears about it, how much impact do you think this would have on the white race? Personally, I think it was brilliant. It has caused message boards around the country to be lit up with posts exactly like this one. Sometimes in this world things are not as they would appear and I would definitely expect everyone, on this site especially, to understand that. Isn't there like lights or prompters telling people when the cameras are rolling? Doesn't Jesse Jackson have IMMENSE experience with the media? Sorry fellas, it just doesn't add up. Looks to me like the whole thing was staged to get the word out to America that Obama has took a swipe at something the average white man has longed to say without fear of professional suicide for the last 20 - 30 years. Obama and his minions just wanted to make sure the whole country heard about it, enter Reverend Jackson....

Originally posted by DarrylGalasso
Did it ever occur to anyone here that the whole episode with Jesse Jackson was intentional?

It was discussed in the JJ thread. I don't think it was intentional. JJ wouldn't have ruined himself to promote Obama. He's MUCH too self-centered.

I thought this of Obama long before the JJ debacle, though. His fathers Day Speech (which I posted about here ) wasn't even the first indication I had of his tendency to say what he thinks and not pander to black people.

Plenty of people have said stupid things (and made gestures) when they didn't realize that they were being recorded.

reply to post by '___'eviant


I must say that is a pretty good scenario. You make a good point. Since you asked for an example, I will give you one. Obama gave a speech to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, a pro-Israel lobby group, and told them point blank that he supports Jerusalem as Israel's undivided capital.
The next day he realized that he ticked off the Arab community and retreated from his stance. Obama said and I quote him ..

"Well, obviously, it's going to be up to the parties to negotiate a range of these issues. And Jerusalem will be part of those negotiations," Obama told CNN when asked whether Palestinians had no future claim to the city.

He later went on to say that the controversy was due to poor phrasing. He is a very articulate person and has some of the best speech writers available who proof read every speech he gives. If he had wanted to say barb wire through Jerusalem, he would have written it into his speech.

He tried to prove the Israelis that he was pro-Israeli and to prove to a lot of people that he isn't Muslim. Then he tried to please the Muslims by saying he didn't mean what he said. Pander to the left pander to the right keep in the middle.

He would have been better served if he had addressed the Israeli-Palestinian issue to a wide audience stating what his basic plan would be. But i am not slamming him, McCain does the same. After all, they are politicians.

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Originally posted by Scramjet76

I think what he's saying is taken out of context. Mexico and the US will (obviously) gradually merge over time. It makes sense that US citizens in a modern 1st world education system shouldn't know other languages better. If we are going to take over the world let's do it in a cordial way and at least make an attempt to learn about the languages and culture of others.

So those that move here from other countries, it's racist and insensitive for me to expect them to learn my language and culture, but you expect me to learn theirs why?

Because we are taking over the world?

We are either failing as a nation, or succeeding.

You libs need to pick a side and stay with it.

And stop telling me what to do if you won't allow me to defend my borders, and limit who enters.