Obama: Bush Ignoring Blacks' "Quiet Riot"

Democratic Presidential Candidate Says Hurricane Katrina Has Fueled Resentment Among Blacks

(AP)  Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama said Tuesday that the Bush administration has done nothing to defuse a "quiet riot" among blacks that threatens to erupt just as riots in Los Angeles did 15 years ago.

The first-term Illinois senator said that with black people from New Orleans and the Gulf Coast still displaced 20 months after Hurricane Katrina, frustration and resentments are building explosively as they did before the 1992 riots.

"This administration was colorblind in its incompetence," Obama said at a conference of black clergy. "But the poverty and the hopelessness was there long before the hurricane.

"All the hurricane did was to pull the curtain back for all the world to see," he said.

Obama's criticism of Bush prompted ovation after ovation from the nearly 8,000 people gathered in Hampton University's Convocation Center, particularly when he denounced the Iraq war and noted that he had opposed it from the outset.

Repeatedly, he referred to the riots that erupted in Los Angeles after a jury acquitted four police officers of assault charges in the 1991 beating of Rodney King, a black motorist, after a high speed chase. Fifty-five people died and 2,000 were injured in several days of riots in the city's black neighborhoods.

"Those 'quiet riots' that take place every day are born from the same place as the fires and the destruction and the police decked out in riot gear and the deaths," Obama said. "They happen when a sense of disconnect settles in and hope dissipates. Despair takes hold and young people all across this country look at the way the world is and believe that things are never going to get any better."

He argued that once a hurricane hits or a jury renders a not guilty verdict, "the frustration is there for all to see."

Obama, who is bidding to become the first black president, took the stage after a succession of ministers repeatedly brought the crowd to its feet, singing, praying and swaying to music.

Repeatedly, with evangelical zeal, he raised issues that roused the crowd: increasing the minimum wage and teacher pay, funding for public schools and college financial aid for the poor, ending predatory lending and expediting the reconstruction of New Orleans and the Mississippi coast.

He introduced his own pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright of Chicago's Trinity United as "Unashamedly Black and Unapologetically Christian." He credited Wright with introducing him to Christ, and peppered his speech with scriptural references, at one point invoking the opening lines of the Lord's Prayer.

Obama noted that during the riots, a bullet pierced the abdomen of a pregnant woman and lodged in the elbow of her fetus. The baby was delivered by caesarian section, the bullet was removed and the child, Jessica Glennis Evers-Jones, has only a small scar on her arm to show for it.

Using the incident as a metaphor, Obama said society's problems are worsening because "in too many places across the country, we have not even bothered to take the bullet out."

"When we have more black men in prison than in college, then it's time to take the bullet out," he said.

Obama doesn't regularly focus on racial themes in his standard campaign speeches. He did speak out on black issues in Selma, Ala., in March, when he told a largely black audience that he was a product of the civil rights movement and lectured blacks for failing to vote in large numbers.

[olebd]

Ahhh the double standard rears it's ugly head again. Guess I definitely won't be voting for this jackass. I hope he polarized a lot of other potential voters.

Hey Obama, how about you, Al, Jesse and Oprah just keep on stoking those racial fires and make some good money for yourselves in the process. I haven't seen or heard about anything you did to help in New Orleans....Most of those left are not attempting to better themselves, plain and simple. They have grown to expect entitlements.

[georgewd13]

EXCUSEME BUT YOU HAVE TO LOOK AT THE WHITE HOUSE. BUCH AND HIS MERRY OLD CLAN DOES NOT GIVE A *** ABOUT ANY BODY BUT THEM SELVES AND HOW MUCH MONEY THEY CAN STILL FROM THE POOR. IF IT WAS NOT FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE STICKING TOGETHER
ALL THE WORK THAT WAS DOWN AFTER THE HURRICANE
SO FAR. THE GOVERMENT DID NOT DO ANYTHING AND THAT IS THE WAY IT IS GOING TO BE. UNTIL WE GET THE CLAN THE GOOD OLD BOYS OUT OF THE WHITE HOUSE.

[Frankie58]

Barack Obama is also colorblind, people of every color were devistated and displaced in Louisiana and the gulf coast. He needs to quit trying to get into office on the black vote and look at the overall picture--the admistration failed EVERONE in that area!

[notblue]

Louisiana has a democrat for a mayor, a democratic majority in the legislature, a Democrat Senator. The hole bunch are being investigated for money sent for hurricane relief that is unaccounted for and yet here at leftwing central it's Bush's fault. What a bunch of crapp!

[susanhelit]

I think he just lost.

Suggesting that black people are always rioting inside, or that the riot was justified, or that it's society's fault black men are in prison - that's not going to go over well. Doesn't go over well with me. I think the last has some slight point - but black men in prison is a combination of issues - some society's problems, but also their own choices must be mentioned, strongly.

[drivelphobe]

Bush doesn't just ignore Blacks, he and his political cronies, both parties, ignore everyone. They do what they want and that's the way it is. Who cares about "quiet riots"? The whole country is "quiet rioting" about the illegal immigrant problem, and Republicans and Democrats refuse to listen or do anything the citizenry want. Illegals need to be deported, anchor babies eliminated and the border to Mexico closed. The populace has had it and there will be chaos like never before if this amnesty program goes through. We are sick of it.

Hurricane Katrina is similar to Hurricane "Illegal Alien", only Hurricane "Illegal Alien" is much more devastating and will impact the U.S. forever, causing deterioration of American society, values, culture and laws. Katrina is miniscule by comparison.

If Bush can ignore 80% of the population regarding the illegal immigration issue, he surely could care less about the votes of 13% of Americans and Katrina. Our common bond is despair which seems to create glee amongst the politicians.

[socrates392]

Oh, I thought this article was about "Quiet Riot" the band?! Metal Health will drive you mad, dude! Rock on!

[susanhelit]

Oh yeah, speaking of 'their own choices' -

Katrina - to not mention the role corruption and incompetence in the local government played (I'm a Democrat, proudly and voting every election - but New Orleans is corrupt, Louisiana too to a large degree, no matter which political party a politician has after their name), and that this was the choice of the New Orleans voters - and they voted that incompetence back into office for racial reasons - that's another spot you have to mention what their own choices have done to them, as well as Bush's role in destroying FEMA and making such an incompetent federal response.

[qmastertoo]

You guys are "hillari"ous. He stated that the problem was colorblind in his response. You all are just a group that were not going to vote for him in the first place. See below:

"This administration was colorblind in its incompetence," Obama said at a conference of black clergy. "But the poverty and the hopelessness was there long before the hurricane"

Calm down, I know we all fear the angry black man, but that he is not. Just stating the obvious.

[drivelphobe]

Socrates 392....

Good one.

[lawandorder6]

This is why we DON'T need Obama as Pres. He will always be wanting to put the BLACK person ahead of EVERY THING

[lawandorder6]

The H--L with Louisiana, and the Hurricane. Every one wants to blame every thing on the HURRICANE. Do you think the people in the Hurricane are the only ones that have had are have it bad, think again. The people of Louisiana need to get off there a-s and do something. Like WORK

[rwinstl]

Talk about playing on the typical white man fears of the black man. The Drudge Report headline states "Obama warns of Quiet Riot among blacks". Exactly what does that insuate? I have read additional, more descriptive excerpts of this speech and I don't get the feeling that he is "playing up the black vote" anymore than any other Dem. Did anyone complain about Hillary's comments the other day regarding asking a man about his level of ambition? What's the difference? The difference is that you people here these words and think somwhow THAT America is different from YOUR America and that you must be fearful. The truth is that this is OUR America and we must always try hard to not only avoid propagating racial injustice but to also work for people of ALL races, class and religion. The quiet riot brewing in America comes from all, and I believe this article takes words out of context.

[rwinstl]

lawandorder6 are you serious? what a joke. will hillary put the white woman ahead of everything? has every president thus far put the white man ahead of everything? hmmmm, they have...is that your point? i doubt it.

[passerby2]

the only color a politician sees is the color green.

[lawandorder6]

I hope you are the first to go. I'll pi-- on you as I go buy.

[rwinstl]

Yeah, no one in Louisiana works. Every other state in the nation has upstanding, hard working citizens with zero unemployment, homelessness and corruption. We should just have Louisiana secede so they stop giving the rest of us a bad name. Let go of your blatant hatred, lawandorder, it's not good for your health.

[donnie900]

Racism driving a Cadillac.

[one_american]

Obama is just another Al Sharpton or Jesee Jackson; he's just playing the race card to try and pander to black voters.

Maybe he should be telling Ray Nagin and the rest of the whiners in New Orleans to get off of their fat black @sses and help rebuild their city themselves.

It would do them some good to take charge of their own lives, for once.

[lawandorder6]

rwinstl Do you even belong in the USA. You should really think about going back to your hole.

[rwinstl]

wow, you guys are just horrible people. see ya.

[lawandorder6]

donnie900 Thanks for letting every one know what you drive. I bet it is RED

[rwinstl]

you are so smart lawandorder. i dont belong in the USA. how did you know? if only i could have your insight and wisdom i wouldn't be reduced to living in this hole. schucks. and a RED cadillac! i should have thought of that! you must be very proud that you are sooo witty.

[donnie900]

Florida had 5 hurricanes to New Orleans 1. Do they drive Cadillacs too?

[donnie900]

You wouldn't know what racism was if it bit ya on your ***.

[maedean]

It is a good thing that Obama is only a hopeful.We already have a president that wants to blow all our money on the war. So vote this fool in and he can blow all our money on the poor black people who think we all owe them a free ride through life. That is why the hurricane hit the south is because they were all black. Get real!!!!!No get a job for starters.

[rickstas]

I thought all of the idiots were reading Fox News.

[tbweb]

The most interesting thing about all sides playing the race card and using the N word is that its lost its shock value and effect. People see through it and are tired of it now, its getting old, tired. Rap artist have made being a N cool, but only the black culture can use it. Anyone whose behavior and actions are negatively influenced based on race is being played like a sucker, straight up, serious business, you being played!

[ajmarine1]

SusanHelit,

"I think he just lost."

I think you are right. I am an Independent and I have no idea who I will vote for, but after this, I know it won't be Obma. It's like others have stated, the Governor of Louisiana is Democrat, at the time, she was over her head with the disaster; remember her crying on TV, she also didn't want a Repubican President taking over her state. The Mayor of New Orleans is Democrat, he said, "This is my city, no one is going to tell me how to run it. Bush didn't want to look like he was going over the heads of a Democrat state, getting envolved in states rights.

Also, there were people of other races that lived in that area, but you would think it was all Blacks from what you hear.

Ray Nagen said, "God wants New Orleans to be a chocolate city," does that mean Black city?

To many Blacks in jail, I guess whites are responsible for that too. We should have "made" them go to school instead of committing crimes.

It is my understanding that you can not us FEMA money to rebuild in a flood zone; which is what most of New Orleans is.

How long has the Government been paying for housing for the Katrina victims; 20 months? You don't see them giving anyone else that kinda money after any other disaster.

Lastly, I think he is stoking the fires of another riot if Blacks don't get what they think they should get.

[upwithpeopl3]

Obama's an idiot.
There will be racism until everyone (EVERYONE) can look at one another as human beings. Obama's apparent political stance is ensuring America that we are that much further from ever getting there.
I have black friends, white friends, asian friends... They are friends based on their personality and how we get along, etc. NOT skin color. I believe MLK said it pretty well when he said he "had a dream" - when people would be judged on "quality of character". Nope, no color in that either. (Of course some have tried to base racism on him too.)
Way to go Obama! (cough cough)

[xzavierbrown]

and people said that there is no place in this society for racism..

Obama is sure making use of it..and he and the rest of the 'black leaders' are making sure it stays alive and well.

[xzavierbrown]

do black people really know who is "quietly raping" thier arses everytime they have the chance?

[stezzer]

A silly patronizing speech. Insulting to both black and white.

"frustration and resentments are building explosively as they did before the 1992 riots".

That sounds like a threat, rather than an intelligent comment on social issues. Grow up Mr Obama, you've just proved you're too young for the job.

[socrates392]

Wow, the way this discussion is going I'm just waiting for someone to suggest that we "lynch 'em"! I was going to disagree with Obama, but maybe he's on to something . . .

[upwithpeopl3]

Yes, he's onto initiating riots...

[susanhelit]

I'm a moderate Democrat. Obama looked real good up until now. There are racism issues in America, plenty of them, and we need a discussion that goes beyond riots, beyond trying to blame just one side. Obama doesn't sound like that person in this speech. Especially when referring to 'more black men in jail than in college', without anything deeper to the multiple causes of this.

[cfin5]

Several years ago I was watching Al Sharpton on the Morton Downey Show bellyaching the usual "we aint being treated right" krap. There was an elderly man from veitnam respectfully waiting his turn to speak. When he spoke, he gave an interesting account of how he escaped his country by boat with nine(I think) of his kids. He and his children practically lived in the library learning our language, schooling,etc. He then told Mr. Sharpton that all nine of his children were now doctors and asked the "Reverend" what was his excuse. The moral of the story to me said it is not the color of your skin that carries a monkey, but your "ATTITUDE"!

[mikealford3]

DAM#, and I actually thought the man was a new breed of politician that could bridge the gap between whites and blacks. DAM# I hate to be wrong.

Obama, for the good of the Democratic Party, needs to pull out of the Presidential race. Mr. Obama has just sealed his fate for failure. He has now proven he speeks from both sides of his mouth and will tell people what they will cheer for and not what they need to hear.

Ever hear the term FUBR, in Webster's dictionary this Obama speach is the example.

[cosmic-one]

It's obvious that everyone who has posted a comment thus far has never been black, or any other of ethnicity. Yes what you experience in the world is a result of your attitude. And your attitude is often a result of your circumstances. Let us not pretend that white privlidge is not a reality in this country. True equality does not yet exist.

[mikealford3]

What happened to the "white" half of Obama? If there was ever a way to reach down and F**k yourself, this Obama speech would be it.

[realpatriot1]

mikealford3,

I thought he was relling people what they need to hear.

[susanhelit]

Your attitude is your choice - it's not forced on you, 'circumstances' or not. Plenty of people of all colors have made it big here, and it's all about their attitude, their choices.

Doesn't eliminate racism, but developing an 'attitude' that holds you back does nothing but put a smile on the face of the racists.

[bareemperor]

The Bu$h administration does not ignore blacks - they have one! She has an oil tanker named after her.
They do however, ignore poor black people, unless there is a photo-op...

[realpatriot1]

In order to bridge the gap between blacks and whites you have to speak honestly about the gap. That's what he's doing.

[stirringitup]

I thought Obama could resist the urge to play the race card. But apprently not. Thus, While I am a registered Democrat I cannot vote for Obama. I will either vote third party or not at all.
Certain groups overtly use race for gain. And it seems blacks cite racial differences more often than any other group to promote thier causes.
Perhaps Obama can apologize for Al Sharpton's demonizing the Duke LaCross players who were eventually found to be unjustly accused.
And since he specifically brought up Lousianna perhaps he would like to discuss his opinion regarding Eddie Jordan. For those unfamiliar, On day eight of Jordan's tenure as the recently elected New Orleans DA, he walked into the office and promptly fired 57 of the 73 white people who worked there and replaced them with 57 black people. Seems like pretty overt racial discrimination in New Orleans to me. But perhaps not the angle Obama.
Obviously, New Orleans got hosed by FEMA and the shrub. But I am always amazed how so few are willing to look in the mirror.

[mikealford3]

cosmic-one, have you ever walked up to a door and pushed like he11 to open it, yet the door never opens and you get mad? Then you look down a little and the sign says "PULL TO OPEN", you give a small pull and the door opens wide and you walk right in?

Point is, you can "push" and "push" and "push" and never open the door and never get in, yet if you "calmly" and "correctly" operate the door it will open and getting in becomes easy. It's a matter of doing things correctly and not forcing your way in.

[forthepeopl1]

BLACKS ARE NOT THE ONLY ONES THAT ARE READY TO RIOT WE THE PEOPLE ARE READY TO RIOT ON WASHINGTON AND PUT OUR CONSTITUTION BACK IN PLACE

[cosmic-one]

I agree that 'pushing' is not the answer. But niether is ignoring the issues that exist for people of color. If Obama ignors the problems of ethnic Americans, he is no better than Bush

[mikealford3]

mikealford3,
I thought he was telling people what they need to hear.
Posted by realpatriot1 at 07:20 PM : Jun 05, 2007


Well, we disagree on that. I believe from the applause he recieved he was telling people what they wanted to hear and in a way that is inflamatory.

As I have said many times, there is this perception that white's control everything. Regardless, If you wanted a job, would you walk up to the man hiring and slap the he11 out of him and demand the job or would you walk up and shake his hand politely and ask for the job?

Blacks want to hear how bad they have it and how it's somebody elses fault. Fake is regardless of the color of your skin, you have opportunities to be successful in this country and in this life. It's a matter of accepting responsibility and doing what is neccessary to succeed.

[mikealford3]

mikealford3,
I thought he was telling people what they need to hear.
Posted by realpatriot1 at 07:20 PM : Jun 05, 2007


Well, we disagree on that. I believe from the applause he recieved he was telling people what they wanted to hear and in a way that is inflamatory.

As I have said many times, there is this perception that white's control everything. Regardless, If you wanted a job, would you walk up to the man hiring and slap the he11 out of him and demand the job or would you walk up and shake his hand politely and ask for the job?

Blacks want to hear how bad they have it and how it's somebody elses fault. Fake is regardless of the color of your skin, you have opportunities to be successful in this country and in this life. It's a matter of accepting responsibility and doing what is neccessary to succeed.