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| The house that Obama built |
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Re-building a house that has weathered the pressures of austere economics, a moral decay of its inhabitants, polluted water running through the pipes and chipped paint is a grave challenge. In a literal sense, gentrification in people of color communities, the polarization of the classes and a new world order, with América viewed as an imperial empire has caused this nation to lose face at home and across the globe. It will take masterful orchestration, image building, and perceptual visioning to layout the new blueprint for America. The house that Obama is refurbishing for the alleged Democratic take over of Congress may be just what América needs. It may not address structural problems in society; but it will be a wonderful cooptation mat at the door.
Amidst the energy, excitement and the nostalgia that reminded me of the 1960’s concerts with people wearing funny hats, noise makers, plastered with Obama buttons from head to toe, I sat in the Pepsi Center, listening to the clapping of hands, sloganeering and rhetorical speeches. Age has crept upon old time hippies, counter culture activists and love children as the passing of the baton became real. There was no snapping of fingers, flower head bands, or shirts made out of América’s old glory strapped on behinds seemingly making a statement.
Some of the Old Guard has successfully been transformed into middle class Americans whose images were loathed during the restless1960’s and who now seem to be looking down upon the rest of the guard outside the front gates. They are probably wondering what all of the clamoring outside is about. Both groups have suffered the loss of materialism shaped by Bush’s trickle down economic policies aimed at subsistence for the rich at the extinction of the poor. The graying of América has its disadvantages, so does success.
Famous people made guest appearances, hyping up the packed auditorium while orators attempted to transform the turbulence of hopelessness into an excitement of change; a new tomorrow. Some were exceptional, others were boring; but they sang the same tune.
Jesse Jackson Jr., replicating his father’s commanding presence; with a voice resonating with confidence, took the podium. His charisma transported me back to the Rainbow Coalition built by his father. The passing of the torch for his father has also arrived. Jesse Jr. reminded Americans that “no longer should dreams be deferred or denied.”
A melody, “Having a Funky Good Time,” acted as a catharsis for many whose lives have been disconnected. Obamamania has replaced Beatle mania. Rappers have joined good old blues and jazz artists. Musicians with a blending of nostalgia and contemporary rhythmic serenity will magically find a way to compose new tunes. The real test is whether Obama’s tunes will satisfy both groups. Obama will eventually leave. Music will remain. It will tell the true story.
Americans on both sides of the border are vexed. This is not the border that divides Mexicans and Americans. It is the border that divides Americans and Americans, you know, Democrats and Democrats and Democrats and Republicans. Both sides are disenchanted with 8 years of policies that have elevated corporations into semi-gods. The cost has been overwhelming as over 4,000 soldiers have died in a foreign land; homelessness has increased, families once thriving in the American dream are bankrupt and home mortgage loans have gone amok. Both sides are hanging on by a thread, one that is weak but seemingly unwilling to break. You can expect a knock out drag out fight when the political war heats up.
Senator Ted Kennedy bade farewell, having dedicated over 4 decades of his life to service for others. His graying temples reminded me that no one can escape the passage of time and our ultimate fate as human beings.
“Uncle Teddy” shared his wisdom as he offered advice to young people ready to enter the game of politics. He offered hope. His words rang loudly, penetrating the hype. “Health is a fundamental right for all; not just a privilege for the few…I will stand with you to change, to restore, to have América rise to its ideals.” His last hurrah, sad but true, may be in January. His message was about the strength of the dangling thread and how it can be woven into a multicultural collage where Americans can bond as a people. It would take a master to take that thread and weave it into multicultural patchwork with its effervescent beauty. He offered Barack Obama as that ray of hope.
Michele Obama’s speech was eloquent. Accused of carrying a cavalier attitude in the beginning days of the contest; she had to repent for any gaffes she has made. In a clever way, she asked for forgiveness for comments that have been distorted, yeah you guessed it, by the media. She was genuine in sharing her patriotism and love for América. She comes from common working class folk. Any vestiges of radicalism that she was accused of harboring will be washed away by the cooptation mat that she is expected to keep clean as she enters her new home.
The picture painted inside of the convention center was only half of it. There was clashing and jostling outside between men in blue and youth in black as the Theatre of the Oppressed and the Oppressor escalated. The makings of a police state seem to be on the forefront. Hickenlooper’s troops may need lessons in how “to protect and serve,” everyone’s interests. Ask the 80 year old rascal that was manhandled. He wasn’t even a protester.
Come in and visit the house that Obama built.
Dr. Ramón Del Castillo is an Independent Journalist.
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