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What Obama Should Have Told Hecklers

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JOSEPH H. BROWN

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 10, 2008

When I heard people heckling Barack Obama during his campaign stop at Gibbs High School in St. Petersburg last Friday, my first thought was they were Hillary Clinton supporters or conservatives out to make life miserable for the liberal Democrat. As it turned out, the six Obama-haters weren't from the right wing but from the far left - and just happened to be black.

First they unfurled a banner that read, "What about the black community, Obama?" Then Obama took a question from one of them who, predictably, complained about the United States' racist history, police killings of black men in St. Pete and New York City, so-called "predatory lending" and other whines. Then he asked, "Why is it you have not had the courtesy for one time to speak on interests of the oppressed and exploited black community in this nation?"

Obama, as is his style, answered in a positive tone, pointing out that he had addressed the issues in many of his speeches. I wish he had answered the young black man this way:

Victim-Focused Identity

"What a shame young man that you have such a victim-focused view of U.S. history and current events. So blinded are you by your outlook that you can't see that you have opportunities your grandparents could never dream of.

"Your banner asked what I plan to do for the black community. Well, if elected president I plan on serving all communities with equal devotion. Also, if elected president I can't legislate against things that plague many black communities, like reckless procreation, poor performance in school and criminality. So I would say to you, to paraphrase President John F. Kennedy, ask not what I can do for your community; ask what you can do for your community.

"For instance, only 30 percent of black males who start high school here in St. Petersburg fail to finish in four years. What am I supposed to do about that? Research shows a proven way to get out of poverty is to finish high school, get married or wait until you're at least 25 before having your first child, and enter the job market and stay in it, even if you have to start at minimum wage. Doing those simple things is far more effective than government programs.

"Your attitude is one of the biggest problems facing the community. While racism certainly exists - and, believe me, I've seen and hear plenty since I began this campaign - it's not the biggest barrier to black prosperity. The rhetoric of victimization is doing far more harm than any group of racists ever could.

Some Useable Black History

"Black history should never be defined strictly by oppression. It's also about succeeding against the odds. Unfortunately, you only seem to know about slavery, Jim Crow and high-profile racial incidents. I don't know how much driving you do, but it's hard to move forward when you spend all your time looking in the rear-view mirror.

"I have an economic plan that I believe will provide opportunities for all Americans. I also believe that a rising tide lifts all boats. If you want to help your community, make sure your boat is free of leaks.

"Next question."

Joseph H. Brown is a Tribune editorial writer.

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