Why isn't Obama in Memphis today?

[cornermouse]

:shrug:

Just askin'.

[JTFrog]

1. Because he's in Indiana?

Just sayin'.

:shrug:

[cornermouse]

3. You would think he would be in Memphis paying his respects...

to the person who made it possible. Just sayin'.

[wndycty]

5. Unlike Hillary he does not need to pimp a photo op like Hillary and McCain. . .

. . .he delivered a great speech in Indiana about MLK, poverty and race.

[cornermouse]

8. In other words, lip service only.

[ellacott]

35. No it's not lipservice

The same could be said to those that are there.

[Sinistrous]

38. Your comment is:

a) indefensibly snarky, and
b) illogical (nonsequitur).

Thank you for playing.

Sinistrous

[Cant trust em]

41. What was he supposed to do if he were in Memphis?

Wouldn't it be a speech there too?

[sudopod]

61. What are you trying to say?

Barack Obama doesn't care about black people?

OH LAWL

[Tim4319]

86. Just because Obama did not so up, does not mean he is not paying respect

John McCain voted against a national holiday for Dr. King in Arizona. Hillary voted in favor of invading Iraq. So, just because Hillary and McCain attended does not mean they are truly play respect!

[cornermouse]

88. I will agree about McCain.

I think Hillary was foolish beyond belief to vote for Iraq. However, Obama has voted for the massive funding that Bush has shipped to Iraq so I don't really see him as an innocent bystander.

[Tim4319]

90. I think there is a difference.

The reason why I say that is, true, Barak was against the invasion. But, if we are going to commit to something that is going to keep the troops safe, and pull them out as soon as possible, do it!

This is a direct quote from Barak.

<<snip>>

"I have been very clear even as a candidate that, once we were in, that we were going to have some responsibility to make it work as best we could, and more importantly that our troops had the best resources they needed to get home safely," Obama, an Illinois Democrat, told reporters in a conference call. "So I don't think there is any contradiction there."

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/03/22/obama_defends_votes_in_favor_of_iraq_funding/

[cornermouse]

92. When he says that, I hear Vietnam.

[Tim4319]

93. What else can he do?

His hands are tied! He was painted into a corner, not of his own doing! Now, his choices are to vote for funding, or not to vote for funding.

[Mezzo]

78. try not to take a piss on those there to honor him, for chrissakes.

I don't think it's a big deal that he wasn't there, but that doesn't mean that those who went were pimping.

That's a fucked up thing to say.

[NYCGirl]

6. Perhaps he thinks that he'd distract attention from the people who should be

the focus? Just sayin'.

[TTUBatfan2008]

7. He pays his respects to MLK at every single event...

Any time Obama speaks, you hear him talk about those who came before him. He knows how important MLK is. He gave a big speech today on race, poverty, and MLK in Indiana. His campaign sent this email from Michelle Obama to his supporters:


Today is the 40th anniversary of the tragic assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and I want to share a video that reveals how far we've come and how much this campaign owes to Dr. King's legacy.

Students at a high school in the Bronx, who had no real interest in their government, have found new hope. They were surprised by their own excitement and engagement, but to me, they embody so many reasons why Barack and I decided to get into this campaign.

It's truly moving to see young people inspired by a political leader -- someone who gives them hope and reminds them that they can be anything they want to be if they work hard.

Watch what these kids have to say about politics and race in this country:

Video: Yes, they can

http://my.barackobama.com/yestheycan

Much has changed in this country since Dr. King's death, and thanks to his life and work we have taken critical strides towards racial equality.

The simple fact that Barack is running a competitive campaign for President is a direct result of Dr. King's legacy -- and this movement for change would be impossible without the support of people of all races, ages, and backgrounds.

I remember back in December of 2006, a group of us were discussing the possibility of Barack running for President. And as you might have read, I was hesitant about the idea.

But then Barack started talking about why he really wanted to do this -- to bring people together and to change the tone of the way we talk to each other in this country. He talked about the need for people to be inspired by their leaders, and the importance of leadership to chart a different course. He talked about Dr. King and Bobby Kennedy, and their passion to challenge a new generation and provide them with role models.

Barack promised that as a candidate and as President he would do everything he could to bring new people to the table. He shared his desire to reach out to our neglected inner cities, to strive to be a role model for young people, and to connect with people who are not involved in politics -- those who feel their voices haven't been heard, those who have been left behind, and those who have been turned off by all the petty bickering in recent years.

We can change that, by standing on the shoulders of folks like Dr. King who came before us.

Watching these students who are excited about their own role in politics for the first time, and watching Barack as he strives to live up to the challenges Dr. King made possible, I am truly touched.
I hope you'll watch this video and share that feeling with your friends and family:

http://my.barackobama.com/yestheycan

Thank you,

Michelle Obama

[cornermouse]

15. I would think the symbolism in a picture of Obama

paying his respects to Martin Luther King on the anniversary of his death would be a very powerful image.

[TTUBatfan2008]

21. It could also be dangerous for him...

don't forget that aspect of this. The head of the KKK in Ohio says he's not worried about Obama's candidacy because he is "certain" that someone from the south will kill him.

[hill_win_2008]

26. For his sake then...

I hope he loses the nomination.

[cornermouse]

31. I would think and hope the Secret Service agents would

prevent that.

[TTUBatfan2008]

39. Kinda like they prevented JFK's assassination eh?

Or kinda like Reagan got shot? It can happen at any time. No one is completely safe unless you have a Pope-mobile thing like the Vatican came up with for the Pope a while back. Bulletproof glass.

[cornermouse]

72. And if this is the fear then clearly Obama shouldn't go any where

in public, but I don't think it is the reason why he didn't go to Memphis. Martin Luther King is the person who made it possible for Obama to be where he is today. I truly think Obama should have been there today.

[EffieBlack]

36. You mean like the powerful image that McCain managed to get out of it?

[WilyWondr]

48. Thank you

I flipped MSNBC on a little while ago and all they had was the tops of everyones umbrellas.
You could not even see him...too funny.


:rofl:

[Shae]

57. oh wow...

that was a great video. Thanks for the link, TTUBatfan.

The forgotten and downtrodden have been inspired. They've found hope.
The kids are amazing. They're engaged. They Get it!
God bless Mr. Shafer their tecacher.

This should have its own thread.

[EffieBlack]

9. Why aren't YOU in Memphis paying your respects, since you think it's so important?

Just askin'

[cornermouse]

20. Because I don't have between $465,000 and $1,000,000

worth of assets and my employer would frown upon me if I left work to go.

[EffieBlack]

44. So everyone with assets should be in Memphis today?

Do you really believe that the ONLY appropriate way to honor Dr. King's legacy is to go down to Memphis today?

That's a pretty superficial notion.

Barack Obama is honoring Dr. King in the way that he sees fit. And I'll bet that his way is going to be much more effective in advancing Dr. King's dream than anything that John McCain will do in Memphis.

The idea that the way to honor Dr. King is sing "We Shall Overcome" on Martin Luther King Day and to stand around under the balcony where he was shot on the anniversary of his death is very popular among people who really don't give two hoots about anything that Dr. King stood for but still want to wrap themselves in his legacy.

[NJObamaWoman]

47. bs and you know it

money has nothing to do with it. You are making yourself look like a fool. I'm black, have the dayoff and I'm not down there.i have money to fly there but I didnt does that make me a bad person? No because dr kings legacy was not about paying tribute to him. It was about getting together and everyone having the American dream. Thus I didnt go so I can continue to save money to buy my first house.

[ProSense]

10. If you're interested in what he has to say

the full text of his speech

[cornermouse]

32. consider it bookmarked for later.

Gotta go now.

[TheDoorbellRang]

12. Instead, he's in Indianapolis, paying his respects

"...And when he was killed the following day, it left a wound on the soul of our nation that has yet to fully heal. And in few places was the pain more pronounced than in Indianapolis, where Robert Kennedy happened to be campaigning. And it fell to him to inform a crowded park that Dr. King had been killed. And as the shock turned toward anger, Kennedy reminded them of Dr. King’s compassion, and his love. And on a night when cities across the nation were alight with violence, all was quiet in Indianapolis..."

Entire speech on this thread.

[hill_win_2008]

23. Now it makes sense

He's paying homage to RFK instead of MLK. Now I get it: today he is playing his white card.

[ellacott]

37. how stupid

[onenote]

43. and the cards you are playing are open for all to see.

Pathetic.

[TheDoorbellRang]

45. So by your logic Hillary is playing her black card by appearing in Memphis?

Interesting that Obama supporters find that he appeals to the core of decent humanity within all of us. Evidently that scope of thought is beyond some.

[hill_win_2008]

56. She's not black

Obama is both.

Look, everyone can call me a Troll, etc. I could care less.

Here's my point on this one:

Obama doesn't go to MLK event, everyone says "He carries MLK with him in every step"
Hillary does go to MLK event, everyone says "She's a whore just trying to votes."

Here's the way I see it:

Obviously I want Hillary to win, but I will support Obama if he gets the nod. Why can't they both be going to MLK events to honor the man? Nothing more, nothing less. Is any of it for politics? Damn right it is, on both sides. But I really believe that boths sides truly want to honor the man.

[MadBadger]

59. Say it like you said in the last paragraph, dont say it like a troll.

[onenote]

67. you got this part: both sides truly want to honor the man

And you don't have to go to the place where he died to honor him, do you?

You can honor him, like many people will do today, by stopping and thinking about him, or by re-reading some of his speeches.

You can honor him by giving a speech in Memphis.

Or you can honor him by giving a speech in Indianapolis.

Do you honestly think one way of honoring him is truly superior to another?

[hill_win_2008]

83. Agree 100%

I agree. Honor the man anywhere.

[MadBadger]

49. Shut up troll

[LowerManhattanite]

50. Mr. Kleagle...

Your sheets are back from the wash. Soot stains came right out.

[VolcanoJen]

69. You're an asshat.

The End.

[cornermouse]

25. In today's society, what you say doesn't seem to be nearly

as important as what you see. Like I said earlier I think a picture of him paying his respects in Memphis today would be quite powerful. But whatever.

[NJObamaWoman]

27. Please you know nothing about dr king. A fancy rememberance day

doesn't mean shit. Hilary and mccain can pay their respects for one day. Barack pays that respect EVERY day as a black man married to a black woman with black kids. Dr king knew that there's more to be done than just a speech. Barack is doing more than hilary and mccain by staying focused and campaigning to the people who need and haven't heard where he stands.

[hill_win_2008]

62. When did you meet him?

Dr. King that is.

[DearAbby]

82. Wasn't it in Indiana where RFK

had to break the news of MLKs murder, and he stirring speech? Just askin.

[ProSense]

2. Because he is in Indiana? n/t

[easy_b94]

4. As a AA Male he don't have to come....He got most of our votes :) Now...

Hillary and McCrazy on the other hand ...well the need a good photo op ;)

[SoCalDem]

Because not everyone need pile on the steak being dragged through the dog pound

Let the junkyard dogs grab their face time for the photo op.. Obama has no need to grovel for the cameras..

[hill_win_2008]

11. Because he doesn't care

Just like a typical white man, he doesn't even care enough to go for the photo op.

[TheDoorbellRang]

53. Yeah! At least Bush cared enough to get a photo op in NOLA

:crazy:

[SemiCharmedQuark]

13. Because he's double racist against himself.

He hates white people (Wright)
He hates black people (Not being in Memphis)

Is that the answer you're waiting to hear?

[Cant trust em]

46. There's no win for Barack Obama with some people

Whatever issue they can get to criticize him they'll take.

[shagsak]

68. DOUBLE RACIST!!!

You've convinced me, Im voting Obama!!!

[flor de jasmim]

14. Someone who walks-the-walk doesn't need a lapel pin or photo op.

[thevoiceofreason]

16. He's in Indiana touring a factory where they make lapel pins.

Get a life - and enough with the "just ____n'" squirms

[sniffa]

17. He hates black people now too

Along with whites, Asians, and Jews. I think there are still a few more blocs he's working on hating.

[Cant trust em]

55. don't forget transgendered Buddhist Guatemalans.

He totally hates those MFers.

[babylonsister]

18. Why is it that when Obama doesn't participate in an event that's seen as "black,"

Why is it that when Obama doesn't participate in an event that's seen as "black," people ask

whether he's avoiding it because he doesn't want to be seen as "too black." Yet when white candidates don't participate in similarly all-white events, they are never asked whether they are trying to avoid being seen as "too white?"

Just wondering.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x5381542

Very good question, Effie, and you called it before this thread. :thumbsup:

[Changenow]

19. He hates black people.

snark

[Cant trust em]

22. I'm sure that if he went there would be a "he's pandering to the black vote" post

edit - There's no winning here.

[Barack_America]

24. Because wherever he goes, King's legacy goes.

And right now he's on the campaign trail, working to further King's legacy. If that's not "honoring" his legacy, then I don't know what is.

:shrug:

Also, I'm sure that for many Americans who celebrated King and suffered his death, seeing Obama at that setting would be very painful. Obama is (among others) carrying King's torch. I see no need for King's torch to return to that balcony.

That's my opinion, anyway.

[easy_b94]

28. "Because wherever he goes, King's legacy goes." Great Line!!!!!!

[Barack_America]

81. Thanks!

Feel free to "xerox" it! ;)

[Shae]

58. Great answer! nt

[MNDemNY]

29. Maybe because the Secret Sevice advised against it?

:shrug: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x5380702

[stillcool]

30. I think he is campaigning...

the ultimate acknowledgment of Martin Luther King's Dream.

[rurallib]

33. His candidacy in itself is a great tribute to Dr. King

And his candidacy takes a huge amount of courage each day.

[Ichingcarpenter]

34. He spoke in the Same City where RFK announced King's Death

When RFK was running for President.


Sen. Barack Obama said Friday he is still paying tribute to the late Martin Luther King despite his absence from Memphis, Tennessee where Sens. Clinton and McCain marking the 40th anniversary of the civil rights leader’s assassination.

Obama told reporters he was not worried about how his absence would be perceived. “I spoke at Dr. King’s church on his birthday. I gave a fairly fulsome speech on the state of race relations just two weeks ago, and I think it’s important to spread the message that Dr. King’s work is unfinished in places like Indiana and North Dakota,” he said.

Obama is marking the anniversary of the civil rights leader’s death in Indiana, where Robert Kennedy broke the news of King’s assassination to a campaign trail gathering in a landmark 1968 speech.

“And in few places was the pain more pronounced than in Indianapolis, where Robert Kennedy happened to be campaigning,” Obama told an Indiana crowd Friday. “And it fell to him to inform a crowded park that Dr. King had been killed. And as the shock turned toward anger, Kennedy reminded them of Dr. King’s compassion, and his love. And on a night when cities across the nation were alight with violence, all was quiet in Indianapolis.”

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/04/obama-pays-tribute-to-mlk-from-indiana/

[tokenlib]

65. Actually he was in Ft. Wayne--but same state, close enough....

..and powerful and moving paying tribute by giving us a glimpse of "the dream." And that glimpse was when you looked at his audience...

[BlueIdaho]

40. No one

Is taking roll in Memphis - PLEASE do yourself a favor and read the speech Obama gave today in honor of MLK day. It is beautiful.

[onenote]

42. Trying to remember: Did the Democratic candidates go to Dallas on 11/22/2003??

And did anyone criticize them if they didn't?

[EffieBlack]

51. Excellent question nt

[flvegan]

52. Tennessee is dead to him

since the primary.

[Stephanie]

54. Because he doesn't feel like exploting Dr. King for poltiical advantage?

Perhaps?

[hill_win_2008]

60. Can't have it both ways!

So he's either not exploiting Dr. King
OR
He's not exploiting RFK.

[Kool Kitty]

75. Gee, what's the right answer?

:eyes:

[global1]

63. Hillary Saw To It That Barack Couldn't Be There.......

if he showed up - HRC's campaign would have said he's playing the race card.

He's damned either way.

He didn't show up in Memphis - this is bad. If he did show up in Memphis - they would have found a way to make him look bad too.

So let Hillary and McCain do the pandering and patronizing. Barack is above that.

[Warren DeMontague]

64. The Copenagen Interpretation of quantum physics posits a universe that is non-local.

In short, everything is everywhere, always.

So Obama IS in Memphis, today.

Next!

[PatGund]

66. Maybe....

He doesn't feel the need to pimp MLK's memory for a campaign photo-op?

Just saying

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

70. Why aren't you?

:shrug:

[Jed Dilligan]

71. Maybe he thinks his campaign is more important to civil rights

than a symbolic gesture?

[cornermouse]

73. He's talking but he isn't walking.

I think that's one of the biggest problems I have with him, actually.

[Kool Kitty]

76. Please.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

80. You've got it backwards.

I think that's your biggest problem. You're backwards.

[anonymous171]

74. He hates black people, obviously. He grew up in a white home and so hates Black America

[Mezzo]

77. I dunno. But if I hear ONE MORE newser announce that he is not there, I *might* vote for him.

For Chrissakes, he's not there. He's not there...OMFG, they won't let. it go. that he is not there.

it's almost as crazy as they treat Hillary.

[Window]

79. 'Cause he's minding his business and leaving yours alone.

Just sayin'.

[DefenseLawyer]

84. His Al Qaeda handlers told him not to. n/t

[cornermouse]

85. He who makes assumptions about people he doesn't know

is frequently wrong. And you just assumed wrongly.

There are very few people who have been as strong and as historically important as Martin Luther King, at the most one per century, and if it wasn't for Martin Luther King, Obama probably wouldn't be where he is today. Strange as it may sound, his absence in Memphis today looks disrespectful to Martin Luther King's memory to me and the symbolism in his attendance today would have been very strong.

[DefenseLawyer]

89. Well you should send your resume to the Obama campaign

They have obviously been barely struggling along without you thus far. Just one huge mistake after another.

[cornermouse]

91. They've been playing bits and pieces of Martin Luther King

speeches today. Listening to him made me realize how anemic speakers and the speeches are today in comparison. The conviction, strength, and deep belief in his voice still comes through loud and clear. Maybe that's why we're in so much trouble today. None of them believe in what they're saying as much as Martin Luther King did.

[Forkboy]

87. Pretty dumb post.

[FedoraLV]

94. What is more important?

Attend a memorial ceremony about the past?

Or to take action to create the future that Dr. King died leading us all to?

The Michael Baisen show understood that perfectly, as do I.

-FedoraLV