As we near the end of Black History Month, let us consider the famous words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr:

That is the dream, whereby man would look beyond the surface and judge men by their values, beliefs and standards. Much progress has been made in that direction in America.

We have gone from a time where the legal system looked another way when a black man whistled at a white woman. Racism has been evicted from America’s public square. By and large it only finds refuge in the hearts of men (and women) who’s hearts are hardened, who’s minds are narrow, who’s only claim to self worth is the putting down of another based on the color of their skin.

Today, however, skin color has again returned to America’s public square. As we race towards the 2008 presidential elections, change has become the buzz word. In many circles the prospect of a Black or woman president has trumped all other issues.

McCain, Bush, the Clintons are painted as stogy old white establishment types. Relative youth and skin color are trumpeted as the best assets of a candidate this year, in 2008.
The truth of the matter is this: once you peel off the surface, there is no substantial difference in the agendas that will be pursued by a President Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama.

There is a song that has been co-opted in some areas as a sort of theme song for this years election season: Matchbox 20′s “How far we’ve come.” The music video to this song seems to attempt a historical chronology of the women’s and civil rights movements, cumulating in cheering images of Barack Obama’s and Hillary’s supporters.

There is no doubt that the Civil Rights Movement and certain aspects of the women’s movement have legitimately leveled the social and economic playing fields. However, the problem comes when the cumulation of these efforts is presented as Hillary and Obama. The Euphoria over the potential of a “first” black/woman candidate has completely hijacked democrats and would be social progressives. Any attack that would be directed at Obama’s policies or values can, and sometimes is, twisted into racism. Gender and skin tone becomes a defense in liu of answers.

Barack Obama himself says he is gaging racism by whether or not whites vote for him.

This is audacious in every sense of the word. Ignoring the issues and diving straight for the cover all. I would vote for the President regardless of his or her color, that stands closest to what is best for America.

Barack Obama’s massive spending/taxing plans, advocacy for homosexuality, blanket amnesty for illegal immigrants, abortion views to the left of NARAL and NOW, coolness towards Israel, and his flippant attitude towards drugs will send this nation on a crash course with economic recession and moral decline. Ultimately the other 2 candidates, Hillary and McCain, are watered down versions of Obama’s radicalism (though in Hillary‘s case only very slightly so).

It will send the message: Skin matters more than issues.

It sure seemed like we’ve come along way since Dr King’s famous speech. However, here we are as a nation still judging people by the color of their skin.

It will only be a matter of time before we are all judged for our actions this year. This election has the potential to change the heart and soul of a nation.

If you LOVE America, if you sincerely want the best for this country look behind the smooth talking, the glitzy publicity war, the buzz words and rock concert style slogans and chantings.

Look at the issues. Pray. We’re not voting for the next American Idol here. Image and stage presence are not going to save us all.

King was murdered for his bold position, that all men are equal. If you love civil rights, if you support on any level the legacy he has handed us down through the civil rights movement, then reject the politics of “famous firsts.” Focus on the issues. Focus on America.

Let’s live the dream.