Comments on: Thoughts on President Obama, Race & Rage

By: John Mifsud

John Mifsud — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 18:09:46 +0000

I am so grateful for your insight and progressive thinking on Obama and his calm approach to so much that enrages us daily. I agree wholeheartedly that he is at his best when he does not give the haters fuel for their fire. He knows better. He knows the climate and responses are feral and bloodthirsty. He’s also a lawyer by training. Not getting riled up is how he does Black. To say he is not Black enough is folly. I also try to remain cognizant that he is not showing all of his cards. I want him there for another four years. The first four have to be cautious and calculated, even withheld. The major damage of the Bush administration was done in his second term when he had nothing to lose. I believe we will see the revolutionary Obama emerge in year 5. We are invited to never lose sight of the true political climate and racial tension we are living in. I believe it is remarkably well stated by our ally Tim Wise.

http://ephphatha-poetry.blogspot.com/2010/04/imagine-if-tea-party-was-black-tim-wise.html

Wise he is. So is Obama. So may we all be.

By: Cynthia

Cynthia — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 05:23:44 +0000

I remember the outrage that grew in me after Katrina hit. It culminated six months later in taking action to dignify my rage, as you, Ruth, named it. I was white and rage was hard. Part of my outrage was the lack of outrage in white people. We are too good at playing the shut up and watch game. Having no desire to matronize, idealize or protect our president, )though I do admire him, I see him as an elegant stoic. In interPlay speak, his bodyspirit is a shaper. He works from his place. He is not an outburster. He is methodical AND charismatic.

It has become all to obvious to me that projections on any one person are inevitable and rather dull. We can postulate why people project. But, I think it is more interesting to act. Dignify our own rage, eh? What are we D_0_I_N_G and Being in response to this? Meanwhile, let the leader lead on. As…. he will.

By: Concerned

Concerned — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 17:41:22 +0000

I know there is a call for President Obama’s administration to be “outraged” in response to the oil spill in the Gulf. It doesn’t need to be expressed as “over the top” rage, yet there needs to be a strong message from President Obama that this can never happen again. The magnitude of this environmental crisis is still not even understood, yet it will impact many lives for many years for all walks of life in the whole Gulf area and a ripple impact to the whole country. I know President Obama is doing his best given the complexity of the problem, yet the community needs to hear more from him and key people in his administration. The moritorium proposal was a good start, there just needs to be more in the news about the administration’s position.

By: Judy Helfand

Judy Helfand — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:05:57 +0000

Thanks for bringing my attention to this issue. The Huffington Post quote was especially telling, as the expression “mean m*f*” is in itself a white stereotype of black speech and not something to apply to a white man. Much for me to think on.

By: Friendly Dragon

Friendly Dragon — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:55:35 +0000

When reflect on the nature of leadership, not vertical – top down, nor bottom Up, nor horizontal all marching abreast together but rather a widening circle so that we pool the wisdom; always inclusive of the quiet small reasonable voice of the Nobodies from nooks and crannies counseling – Care but stay Cool. _/\_ Thank you Grasshopper!! Great love.

By: Gloria Frank

Gloria Frank — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 03:01:28 +0000

Dear Ruth,
President Obama is an true example of a man with integrity, dignity and a kind heart. His emotional IQ speaks for itself in all that he does to present himself in a light of wisdom, knowledge and compassion. I honor President Obama in his choice to not choose to show rage in any respect. This speaks volumes to those of us who understand that rage can be very destructive. In this time of economic adversity, poverty, sky-high unemployment, health challenges, war and the unfortunate oil disaster and the toxicity that is destroying so many bodies of water, we need President Obama to remain the lovely and peaceful man that he is.

By: Gisela Miller

Gisela Miller — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 02:50:10 +0000

The criticism of Obama’s lack of expression is so well expressed by you. Good for him for being who we wanted him to be when he was elected. Can I say that I love his ability to think it through and to explore the possibilities. And, isn’t that rage what so many people are only too familiar with and perhaps they are experiencing an emotional craving, that is connected to events that only occurred too often when they were growing up. Many ways to answer dilemas and still maintain one’s dignity. Thanks for doing this work and for exploring this topic. I was relieved to finally see this in print.

By: Diann RATHEY

Diann RATHEY — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 01:10:47 +0000

Thank you Ruth for holding the WISE WATCH. Many are challenged to own their rage, instead of projecting it into our surroundings, esp, onto authority figures, ie, President Obama. I don’t need a President who rants and rages. I need a President who’s intellectual and emotional wisdom informs his actions. My wisdom tells me “quick fixes” seldom heal the challenge. I say “Obama do what you do best.” P.S. We miss you here in the Bay Area.

By: Mary Watkins

Mary Watkins — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 01:09:38 +0000

Ruth, you are right on. I think Obama is an extraordinary being and he has extraordinary discipline which is what we need at this time. I tried picturing him angry and telling off those who have lied on him, insulted him and his family, etc. And In my heart I know this would not be a good thing even though I sometimes wish he’d tell a few of those suckers where to go. Obviously I would not do well in his position.
This is a great site. I should take one of your workshops one day.

By: Dr. Barbara E. Riley

Dr. Barbara E. Riley — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 23:11:33 +0000

Ruth, your comments lead the way to real “wise talk”. So needed at this time in our country when there seems to be a constant assault on President Obama from all sides. In addition, you astutely raise our unconscious complicity in maintaining the status quo. We really should heed Einstein who implored us to change our thinking in order to change the results we’ve been getting. Thank you for challenging us to examine our habitual stances both as individuals and as group members, so we can learn how to be open and aware of our programming…..And just maybe, I/we can help the president bring about the transformation in this country and world that I think we all want.