I am sick and tired of the President being called on to lead on issues of race [View All]

[Empowerer]

This is a country of 300 million people, yet too many people act completely helpless and clueless when it comes to race and expect the President to show tell them what to do, what to say and how to handle it.

It's not that complicated. Go talk to somebody who looks different than you. In most instances, you'll probably find they're willing - in fact, eager - to talk about it. Listen to what they have to say. Tell them what you're thinking. Share with them your own experiences. If they have a criticism about something you've done or said, rather than feeling attacked, consider it carefully, examine yourself and try to determine whether there may be some truth in it. You might learn something about yourself and others in the process. If after honest consideration, you believe that there's nothing to it, so be it. At least you've likely earned some respect for being open-minded.

But this notion that Americans can't address the issue of race in this country unless and until the President shows us how is ridiculous. It's also insulting and a continuation of the long-standing notion that race and racism are the exclusive concerns of minorities and that white folks have nothing to do with it. I never heard anyone insist that George Bush lead on the issue of race. No one is demanding that Nancy Pelosi take this issue on as a major priority. This conversation and the leadership necessary to have it is not the sole responsibility of black people.

We all can start this conversation, each one of us, right now.

Now go talk amongst yourselves . . .