Two steps forward, One step back

Less than 150 years ago, Black Americans were in chains. Now, its 2009, and my president is Black... I am truly proud and excited to say that. And it doesn't sound real to me when I say it... But I love saying it. It fills me with such pride. I am proud of my people. And by 'my people', I do mean Black people of African American heritage and how far we have come. But I also mean my fellow Americans and how far WE have come. The majority of America is still white. And they have come far enough to freely elect a Black man as president. Its a wonderful thing.

I am excited and worried. Yes, we have a Black man for president, but our country is in the worst of shape its been in since the great depression. And it all falls in Barack's lap to fix. But I have faith in Barack, and he has taken his first step with the stimulus plan that has finally been signed and is going into effect.

The ink isn't even dry on the stimulus package when the New York Post publishes this comic:

No, really. That is a Chimpanzee that has just been shot. And the caption reads, "They'll have to find someone else to write the next stimulus bill."

Really? No. Really?... Really? They published this on purpose?

Needless to say, Al Sharpton as well as other national activists are right on it. Sharpton called the cartoon "troubling at best given the historic racist attacks of African-Americans as being synonymous with monkeys."

To which Col Allan, editor-in-chief of the Post, replied, "The cartoon is a clear parody of a current news event, to wit the shooting of a violent chimpanzee in Connecticut. It broadly mocks Washington's efforts to revive the economy. Again, Al Sharpton reveals himself as nothing more than a publicity opportunist."

That was the best they could come up with? You mean to tell me that no one on the NY Post staff thought that this might be really offensive to many many people? Come on... and you call Sharpton and opportunist? This is the NY Post trying to stir up some controversy to sell papers... THAT IS OPPORTUNISTIC! And its such a cheap way to go about it. The race card. Its sure to ruffle feathers ESPECIALLY in our kumbaya honeymoon period after the inauguration. It's ignorant, its cheap, corny and obvious...

Just when you think we are making progress in the country... ignorance once again surfaces its UGLY head. Two steps forward... one step back. But... at least that equals one forward step. It's still progress...

Comments

[mz ann]

That is just terrible and I hope they find a crime they can charge them with

[Aurie]

This was tough to swallow when I saw it myself. I must admit.

[ToddyEnglish]

I am not surprised. I expected the chimp to be wearing an Obama T-Shirt.
Furthermore, listen to how they are raking him over the coals. He's been in office less than 50 days and because the economy has not magically improved some of them are calling for his impeachment (meanwhile George Bush could commit numerous war crimes and nobody made a peep).

[Jonathan Smith]

Man, you are a realy smart dude. I didn't know you were black until this article;Im black by the way, no racism here. I enjoy youre writing because a bit of honest humor to it. Thanks for allowing me to enjoy your mind.