Can the NAACP Survive Barack Obama?

President Obama is now showing his true colors! his white side is now coming into play. He has no specifics on how the government will handle the disproportionate impact of the economic downturn on people of color.

He has no intentions of even addressing this serious issue in Congress. He knows for a fact that it was white folks that put him in office and he is going to go out of his way to show them that hard work and personal responsibility will WIN the day.

Horse-Hockey!

EnochSpeaks

Let us ALL hope that ALL racist groups like the NAACP and the KKK and any other group built on hatred of another race simply disappear. I doubt that this will happen, but I CAN ALWAYS HOPE.

He seems to understand the plight of everyone else except black people. I will not use the phrase, "people of color", because he is turning the world upside down to help hispanics....NOTHING FOR BLACKS! Now I understand why Reverend Jessie Jackson was so upset during the campaign for president. I emailed his office several times and have never gotten, anytype of response. I would hate to think that anything that idiot Sarah Palin said was true.

To EnochSpeaks – Stop whining and expecting someone else to solve all your problems. If you think the Government will "WIN the day" for you, you are truly ignorant. This is part of the problem with people. They expect everyone else to solve all their issues, because they either wont or can't find the strength within themselves. So, because Obama isn't handing out hundred dollar bills to Black people, they will condemn him and call him "White". That is just so stupid. What exactly is he supposed to do? Is he supposed to force businesses to not fire Black people? Are we supposed to go to a quota system? I'm Hispanic and I have never once expected the government to take care of me or solve my problems.

mr president obama they african american and black american and the citizen america need more from you..
it's not only they white man ,need you but the commuty of black need you about job they are more victime to don't find easier a job, and i think all america they are in crisis now need help like all ove the world then.but some are more in demand .and mr obama they need help now. now.not later but now.
since you became president of usa i supported you since day one and i want you make black all around the world proud too.it's not easy because mr bush less a lots death to america and today some people think you can fixe it on one day no ,you cannot fixe it on one day ,ok people need to be patient and understand the president of usa cannot fixe the economie on one day .but he can just try ..and help a little more they poor more because they are their suffer they need help now mr president of usa.thanks.

The disproportionate impact of the economic downturn on people of color? How about the disproportionate impact of the economic downturn on ALL people. Groups like the NAACP and LULAC are outdated and no longer serve any purpose. All they do is complain, dont get me started on the Jena 6.

DO NOT EVEN try to compare the kkk with the NAACP .THE NAACP
has never burned anyone's house ,building or church down. They have NEVER murdered or hung anyone either.They do not go around with their faces covered up or committ cowardly acts toward any man. get your fact right when making a comment,because the NAACP is definitely not in the same category as the kkk.

Maybe if they updated the name to use a word that has been used to describe black people in the last 50 years would help, too. Seriously it's 2009, black people are not "colored" anymore.

On the same note, it is kind of ironic that if somebody on CNN called Barack Obama America's first colored president, the NAACP would chime in. Change the name; stay relevant.

Campbell... Can you show us from CNN's archive one instance of President Obama reflecting positively about an African-American modern day success story? All to often our beloved President seems to preach personal responsibility to African-Americans as suppose to shining the spotlight on someone who beat the odds as an example in which others can follow.

" Disproportionate impact..." This reminds me of the story of the ant and the cricket.

At least he won't be shouted down by the institutional leaders in the black community, like they did with Dr. Cosby when he dared to suggest the black community take a good, hard look in the mirror. And for those who would land in the "what are you doing for us" camp, consider that you aren't helping. Not helping at all.

Well, well, Obama has finally shown his true "colors", he is the most Phoney President up to date, he cares little for the black people, he never sees a black man in the mirror, he so in love with himself. We all know he would not have been elected based on the black vote only, so he got some white vote and then he went and knocked on ACORNS door, now when you can use your "powers" to raise the dead to cast their votes, and then Mickey Mouse voted, and it is said that Minnie Mouse did not approve his voting, so Ohio state has a lot to do with that (except Joe the plumber), Ohio should now know what a terrible thing happened in their state, everyone else does, they are rated as low as Florida. Thank goodness Obama and his "lovely wife" will not be there for a 2nd term, they both made sure of that. Betty

Enoch and this debate remind me of an Urban League event I attended. Lots of people there to give out honors to black and white honorees that did the right thing. One of the honorees, a retired attorney and civil rights advocate, got up and gave a firebrand speech, complete with repeated refrains of "f*ck whitey." A law school professor followed his speech with laudatory comments for it.

Folks at some tables were nodding along. Folks at other tables were looking at each other nervously.

The Urban League sponsors were trying very hard to make everyone feel comfortable, but, needless to say, I think that the room will be somewhat darker at the next dinner, and many of the sponsors that pull out will be mumbling about the economy.

Throwing bombs will clear the room, but you have to ask yourself if you wanted to run those people off in the first place.

It should be obvious that the NAACP and the KKK both are organizations founded for the promotion and benefit of their membership, which is based upon race. They are , by definition and design, racist organizations. Those who argue otherwise are making a feeble and sciolistic attempt at redefining terms to fit their pet philosophies. I'm surprised that so many African Americans object to Obama's personal responsibility statements. Did they think that his election was tantamount to a 4 or 8 year free lunch program?

Obama may have roots from Africa, but he does not have a family tree from American slaves.
Obama Mama is right. Black America– we need to stop whining!!!!
We have made progress, so let us stop behaving like we haven't.

Education in the class room alone is not enough. I have a BS in Finance, BS in Economics, and a Masters degree. Grew up in a poor single parent household but was helped by many along the way. Getting a phone call for a job interview comes easy even in this job market, but when people find out you are black its always an up hill fight after that. The "take personal responsibilty" remarks is a scapegoat argument that doesn't address the legacies still left of slavery and years of discrimination. My 12th grade history teacher (a wise white man) once said America will not get over its racism in my liifetime. He was right.

The only people that can help America's black community is America's black community. It won't happen over night, and in fact may take a generation or two, but with all the government education aids (academic and financial) for minorities, they can make their lives better all on their own. African Americans just need to realize that they have the power and the freedom to elevate themselves past whatever problems that they may or may not be having.

I find it ironic that if an African American joins an organization that specifically promotes advancements based on their race... it is considered pride in their heritage. If a Latino American joins an organization that specifically promotes advancements based on their race... it is considered pride in their heritage. It a Caucasian American even attempts to organize anything based on race... it is considered racism!

There was a time when such organizations were necessary to protect minority rights. In my opinion that time has passed. The pendulum of society has swung so far in the opposite direction that issues of reverse-racism have begun to surface. When any individual is promoted, admitted, or advanced based on a formula that includes race... then it is racism. We can change our financial standing through hard work. We can change our "place in society" through hard work. We cannot change the color of our skin... and we should not be judged by it.

Here is what I would like to see the NAACP do:
Show all of us your goal/program/vision for the following:

1. Reducing teenage pregnancies
2. Promoting a father in the household
3. Reducing the huge drug problem and gang violence
4. Promoting eduction and self-reliance

If this was the focus, instead of silly stuff like what flags fly around the state capitol, reparations, Jackson, Sharpton, etc., then you could actually ADVANCE your race.

Nice job showing that you still embody racism in America Enoch. "Showing his white side" eh? This is exactly why this article was written, to show that racists like you and others still exist. Just because you might be black does not exclude you from being racist either. A black man talking about Obama showing his "white side" is just as racist as any white man showing racism towards African Americans.

Wow. How in depth that analysis was! For a minute there I thought I was going to just hear the same thing we've been hearing since Obama decided to run for president...oh, wait a sec...

It's still ironic in this day and age that we as a society feel the need to create groups, organizations, events, and other things that segregate people by color. How can our children ever be expected to look past these overtones if we cling on to an idealogy based on defining people this way? In my mind it's not what blacks, whites, hispanics, asians, or any other ethnicity or race of people have or don't have; it should be what we as a global community need to peacably exist on this planet. Pipe dream?!? Maybe but the dream started a long time ago before my time and I hold hope that someday that dream of global harmony can be realized.

There's a mixed-race son of a single mother sitting in the White House. Regardless of his neo-Marxist proclivities, he personifies the fact that the NAACP and all other racist organizations (like the Congressional Black Caucus and the Jesse Jackson Victims' Cult) are only inciting racial tension where it doesn't exist.

But since Sotomayor can successfully market her 'Latinaness,' it looks like this pseudo-reality of racial tension still lives strong (on one side of the political spectrum, anyway....).

And a follow-up note to 'Ken' and his suggestion about the only role that the NAACP should still be playing: Right-on, but don't you dare say that in public if you're a white male...

It is utterly disgusting that someone would try to equate the NAACP with the KKK and shows how bad our education system is in this country that one would be so ignorant that they would think that the NAACP is a hate group. Just because the powers that be are criticized and a group HAS to stand up for itself and protest (not lynch or physically attack or use hateful language like the KKK, idiot)because it is being SYSTEMATICALLY DISCRIMINATED against AS racial group does not make them a hate group. SO many people are getting mixed up and turned around and downright duped by the likes of Rush Limbaugh and Bill O'Reilly, it's really really sad and pathetic.

President Obama gave a speech to NAACP members; he can't be held responsible for what that organization does or does not do. He shared his philosophy and said what he thinks will help people help themselves most: EDUCATION. I can't believe the negative comments. I thought his speech was excellent! And I can't believe how many people are saying there is no need for NAACP in 2009. Do they live in a cave? Discrimination still exists in this country. We may have laws against it, but it's there – and racism is alive and well in too many hearts and minds.

Follow-up to Roland's comment regarding education in the Black community: I have been teaching Kindergarten in the Black community for 20 years, and parental responsibility is crucial in the success of young children. He is right on when he said "reading to your children" and "getting them to bed on time" are paramount in helping your child be successful. I have seen children coming to school and falling asleep by 9 AM. I have gotten complaints from parents when I send home books from a take -home reading grant because it's "another book I have to read!" I have heard parents even say that "they pay taxes for the teachers, not the parents to educate the children." The parents are the FIRST teachers. I don't get them until they're five years old, and a whole lot of learning experiences and language development need to occur prior to that.

irish americans 34 million
african americans 40 million.

Can I get more points on my college app and get put ahead of other people who might be better qualified but are not a minority. LOL
This counrty is so backwardsright now it not even funny. Its funny people want equallity but you have legislation that gives one group of people an advantage over another. Give me a break

Im not just white I'm Irish American. I want handoutsto. My ansestors were treated bad so"I" deserve something.

I am sad to read these posts. I am a white male, not that it should matter but as a matter of fact, I have a bi-racial family. As I stayed up late and watched when Mr. Obama was elected to be president, I was bursting with pride that our nation had voted with it's brain and not with it's emotions brought about by tradition, bias, prejudice or racial pride. I truly felt that we as a people and a nation would now open the world and society as a whole to a new path of brotherhood and fidelity. Now, I see the vultures, naysayers and separatists attempting to demean the good and hope that was displayed for all to see. You are too impatient and the nation's and world's needs are so finite, precious and everlasting for us to approach it in such a frivolous and self-serving way.

Just a historical point, the NAACP was created/designed by a group of Republicans. Republicans were very instrumental in black history. Democrats were against freeing slaves and were known to be confederates. So, the NAACP organization is a good thing and unfortunatly people really don't know the history and don't understand how African-Americans were Republicans first.

Aurthur Ashe was asked when he was dieing of AIDS, "was this the hardest thing you had to go through in life", and he replied no, racism was! I have served my country as a serviceman, and as a law enforcement officer, and I have seen racism, felt racism and lived throug racism. Racism has existed and it still does. Having said that, I also know that African-American's need to acknowledge it exist and move on with trying to change the agenda that is hurting our children. There is nothing wrong with self-reliance and determination smacked hard with ethical behavior. I don't care who hates me, I will be prepared and will fight to the death my right to be equal and treated with fairness. "It is not about like, it is about commonality." That commonality, is that we are all Americans and we all have a right to life, liberty, fairness and all those things that come with the tttle.

3rd-4th grade development is crucial. But we seem to dance around the obvious structural issues that hamper most blacks and other minorities learning at this age. If you are going to bed hungry, education is the last thing on your mind. If you are in need of medical attention and can't afford it, education is the last thing on your mind... the point is that addressing the underlying structural issues is just as important (if not more) than just speaking to the deficiencies in the class room.

What century are you living in America? I can't believe some of you are still ranting on and on about this or that colour (Canadian spelling). Quit living as a victim and step up to the plate. Nobody is holding you back except yourselves. I am a proud Canadian living in a multicultural diverse country where you pick yourself off the ground instead of complaining that your government isn't spoon feeding you. If a group of people would like to change society's view of them then the change has to come from within. Creating any organization based on the colour of your skin such as the NAACP should be illegal and does nothing to help change society's perception. It only creates more division. What's next, should the Oscars have a best black actor and actress category?!!

Props to VincefromLA, Frankster, Shaun, Bill, and Lost in Translation...

And for Enoch, your comments make you the very definition of a RACIST. Give your head a shake and join the rest of civilization. We'll be waiting with open arms as soon as you can get over yourself.

A follow-up to "Did You Know"'s history lesson: Comparing the 1905 Republican/Democratic parties' ideals with today is risky at best. The Democratic Party used to represent small government and states' rights until the activists in New England hijacked it.

It was the Republicans in 1860 who insisted on big government and federal control–hallmarks of today's Democrats.

To Darlene Anthony,
Obama's choice of Dr. Regina Benjamin, the new Surgeon General is one super example of a modern day African American success story.

As long as there is inequality in our schools and work places we will need the NAACP fighting for us. As long as there is corruption and greed in our prison systems where so many of our men are incarcerated, we will need the NAACP. As long as agencies allow drugs into this country which destroy our families we will need the NAACP. Until our families are able to purchase or refinance homes with the same confidence as others, we will need the NAACP.
Until we are able to send our children to the same proms throughout the schools in the USA, without prejudice, we will need the NAACP.
Having Barack Obama as our president is a small step for man, we need long strides for mankind.

I think Obama wants to be seen as a man,not a Black man.Until people quit criticizing every minority who become's successful for leaving his/her race behind,than our country will never change.

This notion that Obama's election to the presidency of the United States changes all the historic issues in American race relations is foolish. Can Obama change us calling ourselves "black" and "white"? Can he erase 400 years of hardship? Can he stop those who are still holding onto old social and racial ideas? NO HE CAN’T! Obama has not made the contribution to the lives of “blacks” and to wider American culture that this vanguard organization has. In fact, the selfless work and struggle of the NAACP has made it possible for him to address their organization as the first African American President in history. The NAACP will be here long after Obama has left the “White House”.

To JC. Your credentials are very strong and your point is valid in my opinion. I strongly believe in selecting candidates based on ones performance vs their race, gender, religion, etc. I was in a position of hiring people across the country for a large Hi-tech firm. I've seen what large companies are concerned about when hiring what is referred to as a "diverse" candidate. A "diverse" candidate is a non-white male under 40 years old. The reason managers would hesitate about hiring a "diverse" candidate was the difficulty in terminating them for purely performance reasons. Please understand that I do not agree with the situation, I'm only reporting it. It was very straight forward when dealing with a white male under 40 that was not performing their job properly. The same situation with a "diverse" employee meant many additional phones calls, emails, documents, etc making sure the company was protected from legal matters. I'm saddened to think of these two things: First, that one of two equally prepared candidates would be selected over the other based on "diversity". Secondly, when it's time to trim the work force to save money, the same happens in reverse. Too many times, the inequality of hiring is a result of the inequality of firing. If things are to be equal in the beginning they'll need to be equal in the end. We'll get there but not in my life-time.

Black people in this country need to get off their butts and stop hanging onto excuses of "I can't do because I'm black" and "white people won't let me". White people didn't elect Barack. Barack got elected because he transcended color. Black people in this country don't want to be judged because we're black but we want a black president to cater to us because we are black. There are AFRICANS coming to this country and excelling at education and life. They face the same white people that Amercian blacks do. Racism is alive and well but its truly only an obstacle if you let it be. Tuskegee airman faced a lot more racism in the 1940s than most blacks nowadays will ever see and yet they STILL succeeded. I see mostly the "victim excuse" hindering black Americans today. History says that we can do better.