1st Black President / Slavery

I was reading some news articles today regarding Presidents who had slaves both in and out of the White House. Some were even blatant about it. The news also talked about Michelle Obama and I believe it said her great-great grandmother being a slave.

Regardless of the past, the citizens of this great country elected a Black President. This President is a role model for all other African Americans and so is his family. Those African Americans who fought for their freedom should be proud of their sacrifices and I believe this is the end result.

I had to work as a greeter and Wal-Mart for additional income recently. At 58 I don't really remember much about the marches or riots but, I do know this. Those people believed in what they were doing and made great sacrifices for their generation to come. In work at Wal-Mart I made many acquaintances with both young and old African Americans. The difference however if night and day. I found the older to be very kind. It was great getting to know them and seeing them often as they came in and we talked about Omaha, growing up, jobs, etc. Never did I feel there was a racial divide, just people enjoying talking with each other - nothing more - nothing less.

However, this was not the same with those younger African Americans. What I experienced with them was that they found it easy to talk down to me and others working there. If something did not go their way, they always referred to me or others being racist. Last Christmas Eve they closed the store early so we could also spend Christmas with your families. Right after it closed and they were checking out the last customers a young black couple were trying to get into the store. I told them I was sorry but that we were closed and why. I was immediately called racist for not letting them in and supervisor was called over. The store was closed to all customers regardless of race. However, they were allowed and I was again called racist. I told them I was doing the job and following the direction given by management. With glee they said "your doing a lousy job". What a great Christmas spirit.

I find it interesting that many of our younger generation seem only interested in themselves regardless of race. But I do find it a disgrace that the young black Americans are riding on the coat tails of generations before them and I wonder if they really have an idea of the sacrifices made for their freedoms.

I hear Bill Cosby speak about this. He states why are they being named African names. They are not African, they are American and that fathers need to step up to the task. I don't believe they are owed anything in life. It has come full circle and they can no longer not believe they can aspire to a high office or job or blame their woes on racism. Does it still exist? Yes, but I do not believe it is the same barrier it was years ago. The barriers our young generation face, regardless of race, are those barriers they put up themselves. It's time to stop the woe is me and begin to shine as a human being and an American.

And being a father, I believe too many children are not able to thrive to their potential due to missing fathers. It's time for them to step-up to the task. You made them, now step up to the task they need you to play with them, discipline them, love them and set an example.

Be proud of yourself and do the right thing. It's surprising what you can accomplish.