This topic has gone off of the tracks for me. I am struggling to understand why there is such a need to criticize any African American who attempts to speak out on racial injustice issues because they lack the historic standing of MLK.
Is John Lewis simply not orator enough or the Obama's not black enough to be considered as responsible representatives of their race? Did Thurgood Marshall not have an adequate judicial record to have represented his race adequately?
Likewise I believe it would be at least equally important to reserve a level of criticism for the very long list of white politicians who have practiced race baiting and maintaining the status quo as their principal appeal to the electorate.
It’s about veracity and not hype.
I’m no fan of John Lewis either - his 2016 primary campaign comment about not seeing Bernie anywhere around in the Selma March when he was only about 10 feet behind him (its not like Bernie would have stood out in that crowd or anything) told me all I needed to know about him.
Obama threw many of his supporters (all races) under the bus when he got elected; some people haven’t forgiven or forgotten. Although he may have been closest to MLK in terms of oration, he lacked King’s charisma.
None should be criticized for speaking out about racial injustice; by the same token those who speak must retain credibility to be taken seriously.
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