Saturday, February 28, 2009

The State of the Black Union?

Is this for real? Did President Obama really address the "State of the Black Union?" Apparently so, and he told those present that "tough times for America often mean tougher times for African Americans."

The first question I have is what is the "Black Union?" I know the regular "Union" is made up of 50 states and various territories. I thought that the regular "Union" included blacks, whites and every other citizen of the U.S. whether home or abroad. So what is this "Black Union?" What geographical territory does it include and what do I need to do to join? Is Robert Downey, Jr. a part of the "Black Union?" He has as much African American ancestry as President Obama (if you are insulted by the last two sentences, were you also insulted by the movie "White Chicks?").

And when President Obama gives his next State of the Union address, should I be worried about which "Union" he is talking about?

My second question is how are tough economic times tougher for a black family than a white family? Is it easier for white parents when they lose their jobs and can't find new jobs and can't make their mortgage payments and get thrown out on the street and have their cars repossessed than for black parents? Is the weather somehow colder for black families when they are evicted? Is watching your kids have to go without new clothes somehow easier for white parents than black parents?

The fact is, life is tough for everyone and when a President tells one suffering group that they have it rougher than another suffering group he is simply being divisive for his own political gain.