Seeing blacks in lead boosts confidence

The Chicago Sun Times ^ | March 27, 2003 | MARY MITCHELL

[Musket]

Seeing blacks in lead boosts confidence

March 27, 2003

BY MARY MITCHELL SUN-TIMES COLUMNIST

While getting dressed for work, I noticed that the man on TV standing at the podium taking tough questions from cranky journalists was a black man.

I almost poked myself in the eye with a makeup brush.

This is huge. As huge as Secretary of State Colin Powell taking questions from members of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the State Department budget on Wednesday.

As huge as National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice's role was in shaping America's policy toward Saddam Hussein.

Army Brig. Gen. Vincent Brooks, deputy director of operations at the U.S. Central Command headquarters in Qatar, is the man whose words must reflect the truth about this war.

When he speaks, journalists from across the world scribble.

Read the entire article here.

[Musket]

This was on page 2 of the Sun Times today. I felt pretty darned proud reading it this morning. These are 3 great leaders. Oh- and their skin just happens to be black, and mine is blotchy white, but who really gives a rip? Like I said, these are 3 great leaders. PERIOD! Some of the best we have. Compare these 3 leaders to the best the Democrats have to offer--big mouthed losers and shake-down artists like Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton or Maxine Waters. What a contrast!

Now tell me which party is colorblind-- and which party is racist? These are 3 great American leaders, judged by the content of their character and NOT the color of their skin. The Republican party truly IS the home of the ideas of Dr. Martin Luther King!

btw, the author Mary Mitchell is pretty left of center which makes this all the more sweeter.

The web version is more readable but misses the photos so I scanned it too.

[bolobaby]

The only reason I ever notice that any of these fine people are black is because black journalists like to point it out. I think I'm color-blind. Should I see a doctor?

[pipecorp]

I thought I wasn't supposed to care what color they were. I've been concentrating too much on the excellence of their performances under great duress. Silly,white racist me, Next time I'll judge them on their skin color first. (grow up kids)

[John H K]

At least one of the three Third Infantry Division Brigade Commanders is Black, as well.

[F-117A]

"Mark Brown is on Vacation" is the tag line at the bottom of this article.

If this lady keeps writing like this, Mark Brown might become the next Wally Pip!

[templar]

Now tell me which party is colorblind-- and which party is racist?

You don't understand. These are the wrong kind of Blacks.

Being Black actually has nothing to do with skin color, you know. It's about your station in life, associations, and attitude; or some combination of those.

[Musket]

LOL! Oh no, you're fine. No need for a doctor. Now our fine journalists on the other hand.........

[two23]

"The only reason I ever notice that any of these fine people are black is because black journalists like to point it out.

The TRUTH! Really...now that you mention it...I don't ever remember standing there going: "Oh Wow--Colin Powell IS B-l-a-c-k". I just kinda take it for granted that ALL kinds of people can achieve their high personal goals and make a decent lives for themselves and contribute positively their country. Silly Me---I should strive to be more aware of color! I've been brainwashed--geesh.

[lainde]

Waiting for the articles stating what a duped fool he is following "plantation master" Bush. The Belafonte wing has yet to make it's voice heard. Believe me...I know the drill.

[two23]

"The Belafonte wing has yet to make it's voice heard."

Ain't that some crap--

[Revolting cat!]

This obsession with race, shared by many here, I'm sorry to note, is so tired, so tired! Erase eracism now!

[Jorge]

I just kinda take it for granted that ALL kinds of people can achieve their high personal goals and make a decent lives for themselves and contribute positively their country. Silly Me---I should strive to be more aware of color! I've been brainwashed--geesh.

Look at the author. She is black.

I've have pointed out what you've said above to black friends of mine in similar situations...where they were making a big deal out of a black becoming mayor etc.

And what they told me was, that it WAS a big deal becuase most blacks didn't even seem to believe a black could become so accomplished.
So I say allow them this celebration.

[Pushi]

I really do like Gen. Brooks.

[two23]

Oh, I know--I'm not denying anyone a personal celebration, but the point is, conservatives are accused of being "racists" and people who write articles like that one, would be the first ones to point the "R" finger at us.

[Centurion2000]

Funny ... the only thing I've noticed about the one star general doing the briefing was that he's never seen combat (his Infantry Badge does not have a wreath) ... after this war and Afghanistan that might just be a career killer.

[Cato the Censor]

Harry Bellowfunky has called these three distinguished Americans Bush's house slaves.

[two23]

Harry Bellowfunky has called these three distinguished Americans Bush's house slaves.

I know..but Belafonte IS rather irrelevent.

[PatrioticAmerican]

When I read the title of this thread, I could only tink, "Man, the black dood always dies first, and they put his ass out front!"

[Quix]

AMEN!

GREAT PEOPLE DOING A GREAT JOB DESERVING GREAT PRAISE AND RESPECT.

And the idiots playing blacks for personal political advantage ought to be run into the ground head first.

[southernnorthcarolina]

I have greenish-grey eyes.

Seeing an other person with greenish-grey eyes who is in a leadership position is an important boost to my morale, and to my confidence.

When a Senator who has greenish-grey eyes speaks, I pay particular attention, knowing that he or she surely has my interests at heart. If I ever have to appear before a Judge, it is my fervent hope that he or she has greenish-grey eyes, for only then could I be assured of justice.

I seek out athletes with greenish-grey eyes to root for, and actors and musicians with greenish-grey eyes to become a fan of. When a greenish-grey-eyed person succeeds in any endeavor, well, it just makes me feel proud.

Some people with greenish-grey eyes have actually risen to such levels that they have large numbers of blue-eyed people working under them. To a person, I am proud to say, they have not availed themselves of any greenish-grey-eyed quotas or preference systems. Oh, sure, some of their contemporaries have accused them of "acting blue-eyed" to facilitate their upward progress, but that, really, is nothing more than green-eyed jealosy.

On the other hand, some greenish-grey-eyed people have joined predominately blue-eyed organizations, and report to blue-eyed people. They have been criticized from time to time for being subservient. Some, I regret to say, have been called "Uncle Svens." Are they all deceitful, naive, misinformed? Or are they just doing what is required to break through the blue-eyed ceiling?

Sometimes greenish-grey-eyed people who succeed against all the obstacles in their path are dismissed as tokens. I would hope that such attacks from within our ranks could be eliminated. The leadership of these fine greenish-grey-eyed people gives me hope.