Editorial

Perspective: Yes, he did: Barack Obama lifted the racial limits for all Americans

Perspective

Outgoing President Barack Obama, the 44th, has been a model of dignity and brought to the White House a level of diplomacy not easily copied.

The Republicans tried everything to get under his skin. The most distasteful of all the indignities that the African-American president has faced from my perspective, is the low down birther campaign fueled by President-Elect Donald Trump and the Tea Party Movement.  It was a low blow and even when irrefutable evidence was produced to rubbish Trump’s claim … the combatant mainly Mr. Donald Trump, refused to desist from their reckless conduct.

Trump was trying to disprove the fact that Obama was born in the USA and therefore was not a legitimate president. Trump faces the same legitimacy debate. History has a way to repeat itself.

Dig Two Holes/Legitimacy

We have a saying in Jamaica and the West Indies, when you dig a hole make sure to dig two. You may need to occupy one of those holes.  Trump now finds his legitimacy as the 45th President being questioned by Civil Rights great John Lewis who has declined an invitation to Trump’s inauguration as the 45th President of the USA scheduled for January 20, 2017.

John Lewis has begun to chip away if not somewhat damage Trump’s image even before he enters the White House to start his presidency. We will never know what effect, if any, this will have, on how people view the authority of Trump. It is well known in management circles that “You cannot effectively lead without the consent of those who you lead.” We do not lead in a vacuum.

Model Of Dignity

Despite being tested beyond what is normally expected and harassed to the maximum, President Obama never lost his composure. He remained a model of dignity and “never allowed anything or anyone to disturb his peace of mind”

We never heard anyone refer to Barack as a racist.

As First Family 

When others are accused of shady and unfaithful conduct in their marriages, no such accusation of the Obamas. Barack Obama is being seen as the yardstick to measure fidelity and exemplary family life. They were a model First Family.

Their two girls have for the last eight years grew into fine ladies. They have allowed themselves to keep out of the gossip columns. Thought Michelle would get pregnant in the White House. It may have been too risky. His children have made their parents very proud.

Obama praised his wife in one of his farewell speeches … described by many, as an excellent and glowing if not emotional tribute to his wife Michelle, “as his best friend” like himself, she is a lawyer.

Yes, he did: “Barack lifted the racial limits for all Americans” and minorities worldwide.

We wish the Obamas all the success in any future endeavours they may pursue.
Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is senior international correspondent & photojournalist for vision newspaper.

 

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