Tell Sen. McCain to explain the treatment of New Orleans residents - Does he think it was racism?

My family identifies as Caucasian. However I identify as multiracial due to appearance and out of respect for one of my ancestors. Increasing evidence points to my great great great grandfather being an enslaved man who was murdered and thrown in the Peedee River for consorting with the overser's wife. Their little girl was then raised as white. My question is this: do you see more honesty on the part of "whites" about our true heritage promoting the healing of race relations?

My now 20 year old daughter went to public schools in Nashville.  She was "color" blind from K-7 at a very ethnically and socio-economically balanced school... and then somewhere mid way thru 8th grade it became evident that struggling against African American female bullies, and Asian click girls that were either super smart or super ahmm Social to be polite.. would be something she would have to put up with. It was even a bias with teachers and principals.   It is her contention that she is  not the racist, but that they are.  Now entering her Junior year of college, her opinion hasn't changed much.  It is her observation that these - people of color - push their own agenda and then leave people like her who really care to carry the load, do the work, and get absolutely none of the credit.  My question as a parent is how do I help her up out of this frustration without perpetuating the same problem.

Street memorials are a reality on inner city streets.  But I see them as an indictment on the black church.  Memorials represent an attempt on the part of youth to reach out beyond themselves and connect with something spiritual.  But I frequently run into pastors who see street ministry as either a fringe part of their ministries, or non-existent.  As agruably the most stable institution we have in our communuty, most churches seem so disconnected to the spectre violence that overwhelms us.  How do we reverse the trend, so that churches will view ministry to high-risk youth as a central part of their missions?

Can the media (and many Blacks) please STOP using the phrase "African-American" when referring to native-born Black Americans? I NEVER use the term "African-American." I am an American--A Black American. And yes, I capitalize Black. I didn't come here from another country and become an American. I was BORN here--in America. "African-American" applies to someone who immigrated here (or whose direct parents are African). But Af-Am is a MISNOMER for NATIVE-BORN AMERICAN BLACKS. If you were born in this country, you are an American. Period.
 Anthropologically, EVERYONE is from Africa; it's the origin of mankind. But as far back as I can see, my genetic ancestors were American-born. Yes, 400-years ago, my ancestors came from there. yea...but SINCE then, everyone is American-born.
 Have Blacks had to fight harder to get the rights we were born with? Yes, but don't cut in half my native-born American rights. Folks need to stop fighting against their own country.
 With that, I say many Blacks need to stop rebeling against the American way. And it's not assimilation; it's the way we dress and speak here, here where you were born.
 I embrace my country and I KNOW I have had much greater opportunity and wealth in my (American) country than I would've had in Africa.The term 'African-American' does NOT apply to me; I'm an American--a Black American and proud of it.
 Leave "African-American" for those who are immigrants: Born in Africa and BECAME American. Native-born Blacks are just that: "Black Americans." Embrace it. Own it and Thrive in it.

AND for comments on Black women imagery, see the link I'm giving, which also on that page, you'll see MY comments from 1992, LONG BEFORE Cosby said anything. http://drmccloud.com/second.php4?id=news

Can you tell a person's race just by looking at them?  I don't think so. Quit trying to put people in your own little box.  There is only one race.
The Human Race

Are you going to have a conservative to talk about the negatives of blacks living in European countries? Of course not. More pro-multi-cultism for the masses. The internet is CHOCK FULL of negative stories on race, black on white crime rates, FBI statistics on race, yet Brian Williams is not allowed to talk about such things. Look at all the comments on your screened message board. You'd think 'White Flight' doesnt exist, or doesnt have a reason to exist. You guys have Great censorship skills.

Theres more anti-white racism than any other kind in America today.

I am glad that this conversation about race is being discussed. It's about time. I recently read The Plexus Agenda by Andre Lewis and it shows how African-Americans view whites. I am white and growing up had little interaction with African-Americans. As a result, I didn't know they felt this way toward whites. I found it interesting to begin to understand what are there fears and if they are baseless. For too long there has been a deep divide between the races and it's about time that we begin to heal that wound by having a conversation on race. I highly recommend that all Americans, black & white, read The Plexus Agenda to get a better understanding or race relations.

Do you believe that it is acceptable that Pat Buchanon is a regular on this very network, after speaking and writing some of the most racist words I have ever heard, repeatedly?

Wow! As I read the commentaries, I am struck by the defensive responses to the question about race in America. Admittedly by historians, the framers of the Constitution, by striking out key passages in the document made sure Negroes or Blacks were never intended to be viewed or respected as human. I have studied human biology and a human has never ever metamorphosized to property, defined as some thing owned or possesed. White humans selfishly, greedily, deliberately, and willfully justified enslaving another human. To concretize the concept of human as property, an engimatic concept of 3/5 of a black human ruling came about? Please do not compare indentured servitude with slavery. The terms are in no way commensurate. Add to the insult of no defense for America's inexcusable behavior toward sanctioning cruelty and involuntary servitude of a race of people, is the fact that all Americans suffered during every war,especially in the segregated militaries of the Civil War, and all subsequent wars, including the Korean War of the 1950s. Blood was spilled in all wars, especially Black blood. Therefore, responders, do not sound so arrogant and proud.  It is only in some 1990's northeastern public school history books do publishers lend 1 page to the 54th Mass Regiment, a segregated unit. Moving on to another reminder....Let me add, three (3) Amendments were written to 1) free Africans from slavery, 2) make Black folks who had been on these United States for almost two centuries "naturalized" when no other race of people had to suffer the indignity of such an Amendment, and 3) Africans (not women) were given the right to vote. Why? White America refused to obey the law of the land. Hmm. Besides, Blacks were just that, the color, not a man in many parts of America. Oh, and for the ignorance of those persons of color who assume the name the master has previously given them, "nigger," let us thank a totally white mogul music industry for pimping ignorance. Certain music was underground music until the major music industry found easy money. Do not castigate the foolish Black who self-effaces him or herself by calling each other nigger. Our stupidity has allowed those who oppressed us to revert to ther term in comfort. in NYC, I hear white people talking about and calling each other "niggas," in a "friendly" way. We shall overcome that soon. Let me add another thought to the audience voice: why hadn't any Supreme Court Justice ever found and rule the odious condition of slavery to be inhumane and a violation against the natural rights of man (James Madison)? Truthfully, the ONLY president that ever took a stand to help free any African was former John Q. Adams. What laws were and are on the books to end lynching? None then, and none today. James Byrd was effectively the last lynching that shamed some folks in Texas. Why did a white woman claim a black man kidnapped her babies, when in fact, she drowned them? It's so easy, that is why. Lastly, why, when blacks speak of the unspeakable shame of racism in America do whites get defensive? Yet, and I caution my audience to receive the next statement in good spirit, doesn't anyone castigate the Jewish people for remembering the pain of their history when the Holocaust is discussed and taught in schools? No one tells this group to "get over it!" They, too, feel America's wrath and prejudice. What is the shame of Obama speaking to who and what he is when everyone can see that he is: A Black man, an African American man, a man who also has been disenfranchised by his country, but a man who forgives the wrongs and can "move one." Look, presidents have talked about Niggers (Wilson, Eisenhower, Nixon, Kennedy, many mo'). Let me stop, but think: why did we ever need a Civil Rights Act? Only 40 years ago, Dr. King died as hero for the cause of all, but most especially for the oppressed Black huMAN. We are still in a segregated world: churches, communities, jobs, governments, businesses. America: call a spade a spade and stop denying. We have not overcome. Blacks have nothing for which to apologize when the KKK lives today and its members are infiltrated in all wakes of influential American life: economy and community. Don't worry about the Black man. America, clean the mote out your eye. Regarding reparations: the Japanese received theirs, warring countries receive theirs, yet, those against repartations cite "what will they do with the money?" Is that anyone's business? Were the other groups asked that? Okay, here is the pecking order: Native American reparations and African American Reparations. America is no more color-blind than the term implies. A color blind person sees color. A color-blind person has difficulty in discriminating reds, yellows, and greens from one another. There is nothing that says a color-blind person does not see black. He or she does! Let us not worry about if Obama will defend the rights of whites. He of all people know better than to confess that. No white person has ever been demanded to declare loyalty to no one other than America. Let Obama do that. He's got your back, America.

I would like to know why we have the BET network, the NAACP, the United Negro College Fund and Black Only Colleges?  If I were to start the WET network I would never be allowed on TV, They would never let me start the NAAWP, the United Caucasian College Fund or better yet I would never be allowed to start a white only college.  At this time in our history, do you think this double standard does anything to heal America?  I for one do not as a Caucasion Male.  All should take the first step of faith and be for all Americans.

Why is it such a crime to acknowlege that the white race is the master race? A super race which was able to build white western civilization. There is nothing wrong with that. It's the simple truth.

Hmmmm..."A Conversation About Race"....Being held at Howard University, Panelists, Tom Joyner, Michael Eric Dyson,Kevin Powell, etc, etc.......Another one sided conversation with more rhetoric getting us nowhere

I think a big mistake that the politically correct make is that "everyone is equal". Why do blacks brag about their athletic prowess as a whole and then get offeded about their lack of intellectual prowess? Until race and intelligence is studied honestly, no one can expect a solution. Black leaders always blame the "white establishment" for the failures of black students. I've had to train blacks and whites for job tasks in the past; ny a large margin, it takes more time and repetition to train blacks.

At what point will the race-based advantages known as affirmative action be halted?  

Do you see affirmative action as an unequal application of entitlement distribution?

In America we have the freedom to associate with whomever we please.  If this this right means anything, than we must have the right to not associate with whomever we wish.

I am a white separatist and do not hate anyone.  I love my race and white culture and see no personal benefit in associating with those of other races and ethnicity.

Only want diversity busybodies to leave me alone.

I want honest, non-PC answers to why thousands of white women get raped by blacks every year (no it's not the other way around), why blacks continue to blame white people for almost everything; on that let me quote 2pac "and they say it's the white man I should fear, but it's my own kind doin' all the killin' here" - from the song "only god can judge me now" (which I happen to like btw). I want to know why I am called a "racist" for stating FACTUAL crime statistics that my Puerto Rican and Asia friends all aggree with, because they know all too well that they are much more likely to get robbed/beaten/killed/raped by blacks than whites, and why? Because there are racial differences, thats why. If the people who "celebrate diversity" left their 90%+ white communities and spent a day in some of the places I have partied they would be lucky to come back alive. It's hard to celebrate diversity when you are dead, or had your butt kicked for being white in the cities OUR ancestors built, it the country OUR ancestors built, using science and technology OUR ancestors invented, but I guess the cotten gin is comparable to landing on the moon, or flight, or electricity or any other achievements whites have made. I honestly believe that blacks are at a cultural disadvantage, and if I was black I would be angry if I had to live in the white mans world; it's just not natural to expect/force other races to live together, the world would be a better place if we all lived seperate and could develope as unique and free people of whatever your race may be. Cheers.

For all panel members:
How did the documentary and its aim move or effect you, and what question, if not the repeated "what's wrong with black people" would you ask now in order to either change the perception and reception of the topic of race in America, or in order to move conversations about race in a positive direction?

First of all as a Howard University alumnus, I am glad to see this conversation happening at my alma mater.  If Barack Obama were not running for president, Jena   6 had not happened, and Radio Talk host Don Imus not called Rutgers basketball players out of their name, would we as a nation be having as much discussion about race?  Do the news events that occur force us to have this discussion or would it be happening anyway?

A woman in the first fifteen minutes said she was angry enough already, and would not want to meet the family that owned her family.  I am white, and would like to know from her, or a black person who feels like she does, what can I do.  I feel it was a horrible thing that whites did (the whole slavery episode) and I want to know just what we white people can do about it now.  I don't mean that sarcastically. I am really asking this.  I am totally serious.  I do think we ought to make amends somehow, those of us who feel as I do. If even possible in some small way, not as if anything done now could ever make up for the suffering caused by whites in America of the 17 and 1800's. Please respond.

Every person should examine himself.  I am a Christian, and I love people, regardless of Race.  I can give you my opinion on a subject, and you may think that I am a Racist, when I am a Realist.  I may tell you that I am one of the wealthiest black persons in the World with no money, and you may not believe me.  I could blame my not having any money on white people.  You may not believe me.  I could say white people stole my heritage and inheritance.  You may not believe me.  You may call me a Racist. One should not depend on another Race to make them who they are.  I am a Christian, I believe in God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spriit.  All things belong to our Creator.  If white people stole my heritage and my inheritance, they don't have to answer to me, and I don't have to mistreat them because of the treasures of this world.  Examine yourself, so you won't bring a curse upon your family by not doing what you know is right toward mankind.

After reading The Plexus Agenda by Andre Lewis, which describes the fears and phobias that blacks have toward whites, I want to know what the panel thinks would be a good start to improving the way blacks see themselves in this country.

How many people in this country today had relatives that owned or directly benefited from slavery?  A lot of us who have had ancestors that were/are treated horribly by the upper classes.  
Do African American know about all the other nationalities & people, in general, who were exploited in the past.  People, for instance, that worked their whole lives underground in mines 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. Mexican Americans that picked lettece all day for pennies.  Chinese that built the railroads across this country and were treated as slaves.  Children that were left to live in the streets and worked as child labor in unsafe jobs in the beginning of the industrial revoluation.

Let's move on and take advantage of the opportunities we have.  Some of us will benefit only through our children - but that's the way it's done.

Why is it OK to say 'Black is Beautiful', but not 'White is beautiful'?  
Also, why is there never talk about the white slaves, brought to this country by wealthy plantation owners with the promise of freedom that was only delivered when ALL slavery was abolished?  That is MY ancestry.  My family came as indentured slaves, promised freedom in 7 years, but the plantation owners never fufilled that promise.  Is my families slavery history different than black slaves?

Why isn't there a national conversation of the interracial crime rate and the disparity of the black-on-white crime rate compared to the white-on-black crime rate?

This documentary is moronic.  David Wilson seems mainly focused on 'what is owed to him' and has little knowledge of history.  Christian religion was a major force behind slavery and not in trying to end it.  Slave owners used the bible's teachings to defend the owning of slaves.  

However, you may purchase male or female slaves from among the foreigners who live among you.  You may also purchase the children of such resident foreigners, including those who have been born in your land.  You may treat them as your property, passing them on to your children as a permanent inheritance.  You may treat your slaves like this, but the people of Israel, your relatives, must never be treated this way.  (Leviticus 25:44-46 NLT)

When a man strikes his male or female slave with a rod so hard that the slave dies under his hand, he shall be punished.  If, however, the slave survives for a day or two, he is not to be punished, since the slave is his own property.  (Exodus 21:20-21 NAB)

Even Jesus approves the beating of slaves.

The servant will be severely punished, for though he knew his duty, he refused to do it.  "But people who are not aware that they are doing wrong will be punished only lightly.  Much is required from those to whom much is given, and much more is required from those to whom much more is given."  (Luke 12:47-48 NLT)

THANK YOU FOR THE CHANCE TO EXPRESS MY THOUGHS MY ONLY QUESTION IS WHY IS THE SYSTEM SO AFRAID OF LETTING A GROUP PEOPLE BE FREE          DEWEY MCNEAL

During a county caucus convention(TX), the conversation of Sen. Barack Obama's speech on race came up.  A white man stated that at one time he was willing to discuss the issue of race, but didn't want to talk about it anymore.  When I asked him why, his immediate response was "Because I am not responsible for slavery, and can't do anything about what happened in the past."   I wonder if other whites feel this way, or is this type of answer is just a way to avoid an uncomfortable issue.

My neighbors and I were able to continue the conversation in a friendly manner.  As a black woman, I wanted them to have a better understanding of other people whose skin is not the same color, but as Sen. Obama said, we have more in common than we think.  Many other citizens have the same concerns regarding the economy, rising unemployment rates, gasoline prices, the war in Iraq,...

I hope to continue the conversation with other citizens who are willing to keep an open mind. Let's work towards a continued discussion on how to move forward for a more united community, state and nation.  

how did we, the indigenous brown/black people of this land become AFRICANS? granted slavery happened, but the import of people from africa was minimal compared to the Indigenouse negro/black people who were already enslaved here, and exported to other lands. I am insulted by this program, i am insulted by the media and black men who continue broadcasting this myth/lie that we are descendents of africans. my question to the panel and young male from the film: why and how long will you perpetuate this very painful untruth?

I think racism is bigger than Rev. Wright because whatever he says that makes people uncomfortable there are white counterparts somewhere saying the same thing. It isn't the responsibility of Senator Obama, Rev. Al Sharpton, or David Smith down the street to solve the problem of racism; it's all our responsibility. First, there must be an admission that it still exists and that some people are still denied opportunities because of the color of their skin. To deny this is irresponsible; I might go so far as to say cowardess. It needs to be dealt with so everyone can move forward. I don't want to think that the reason this white couple was served before me is because of race....but it crosses my mind as it does other black people. My question is this...what reason does anyone have to dislike or hate someone because they're black? What is the basis for that reason? Is there someone brave enough to answer this question? Honestly.

I applaud you for having the courage to reach into your past and bring it present for all of us to see. This documentary was painful for me. As I am a descendant of slaves, three generations ago, I can remember the stories of my great, great grandmother in her one room school house. Through her stories, I gathered smells and tastes. Through your documentary I gathered visions. This is what was painful, the knowing is one thing but the seeing made it real.

Do African Americans feel that Christianity is not their true religion being that for many it was introduced to them during slavery?  There are those that argue that Christianity was used only as a tool to keep slaves fearful and docile.  Some African Americans still have pictures of a white Jesus not only in their minds, but in their churches.  Even today, with few exceptions, Christian churches in America remain segregated.  

Well, David Wilson x 2 has made prime time.  This story has been played out many times across America without much fanfare and with no cameras.  We are preparing for our 53 Family reunion which spans over 100 years.  Our young children are much more vocal than we were (I will be 40 this year) - and they want to KNOW why some are lighter than others and why some relatives "look" white.

I'm 3 generation college educated, as my family believed that education was the way to success.  My MBA is from one of the most prestigious universities in the country.  My paternal grandfather's father was a sharecropper, my paternal grandmother's parents were slaves.  My maternal great grandparents were slaves.  My paternal grandmother - graduated from college and taught school.  My mother and father met in college, married and "invested" in their two children.

I'm thankful that I have been to Africa and many other continents and countries in the world.  I have a 6 figure job and live in a 7 figure gated community.  My paternal grandmother is recognized in the Clinton library for her works to educate black people in Arkansas.

It's all about choices.  Is everything just and fair? - No.  But with hard work and "each one reach one" - you decide how your life plays out in this country.  I watched BET honors the other night.  How proud I was.  I can go on and on.  

The point I want to make is this and it is simple - and I did not coin it - YOU be the change that you want to see in the world.  And if you are satisfied, living in ignorance and poverty - there are many folks who can keep you company there.

During a county caucus convention(TX), the conversation of Sen. Barack Obama's speech on race came up.  A white man stated that at one time he was willing to discuss the issue of race, but didn't want to talk about it anymore.  When I asked him why, his immediate response was "Because I am not responsible for slavery, and can't do anything about what happened in the past."   I wonder if other whites feel this way, or is this type of answer is just a way to avoid an uncomfortable issue.

My neighbors and I were able to continue the conversation in a friendly manner.  As a black woman, I wanted them to have a better understanding of other people whose skin is not the same color, but as Sen. Obama said, we have more in common than we think.  Many other citizens have the same concerns regarding the economy, rising unemployment rates, gasoline prices, the war in Iraq,...

I hope to continue the conversation with other citizens who are willing to keep an open mind. Let's work towards a continued discussion on how to move forward for a more united community, state and nation.  

How can we move forward with this racial conversation without addressing a national system that still offers privileges to people who are white and continually dehuminizes Black people (i.e. police brutality, incarceration rates, racial disparities on death row)?

Dear David,
Was it relatively simple getting support for your search and ultimately garnering the attention of MSNBC to produce your story?----The state of New Jersey recently launched a  non-profit organization dedicated to  increasing participation and appreciation for black arts, history and culture without any funding appropriation from the state.  The NJ Black Cultural & Heritage Initiative Foundation was authorized by A1559/S710 and incorporated by the Secretary of State who also serves as the co-chair of the board along with Stedman Graham.  Although,  it recently launched its new website on February 1, 2008 — I have learned that they are still appealing for funding and support to fully launch its programs & services.—This is a true irony to create something so important but deem it not important enough to sustain.

I have been in the process of searching my ancestors and I am very interested in not only finding out what I am made of but the lineage if any to the Penn's. My last name is Penn which is not very common. I know a little of my history, especially since my family is from Tuskegee and the Daphne, Al area.

To all that commented that blacks sold their own. Yes, this is true, but what you fail to realize, or just don't want to accept is the unfair treatment we received while in slavery and that we still receive today. Just because someone is sold does not give you the right to rape, murder and treat people worst than dogs. It does not give you the right to belittle them and think that you are more than them because of the color of your skin. Are Asians, Latinos, Hispanics and others who come to America to be employed as domestic workers treated like we were? Has anyone who came over here, sold or not been treated worst than black people? I don't think so!!!!  Until black people are treated equally, until the U.S.A. admits and owns up to the wrongdoings of slavery, until we as black people are given a fair and equal playing field, there will never be any peace because there won't be any justice.

To all that commented that blacks sold their own. Yes, this is true, but what you fail to realize, or just don't want to accept is the unfair treatment we received while in slavery and that we still receive today. Just because someone is sold does not give you the right to rape, murder and treat people worst than dogs. It does not give you the right to belittle them and think that you are more than them because of the color of your skin. Are Asians, Latinos, Hispanics and others who come to America to be employed as domestic workers treated like we were? Has anyone who came over here, sold or not been treated worst than black people? I don't think so!!!!  Until black people are treated equally, until the U.S.A. admits and owns up to the wrongdoings of slavery, until we as black people are given a fair and equal playing field, there will never be any peace because there won't be any justice.

What is often misstated is that "black people were saved by slavery from a life of poverty in Africa".  This statement comes from ignorance.  Village life in West Africa was not improvished during the time of the slave trade, far from it.  This trade in human life crippled the economy of West Africa while it made wealthy those nations who stole this labor force from West Africa.  This truth must be told.

I've a senior citizen European-American lady.  My pastor, Jack Hayford of The Church on the Way, in VAn Nuys, Ca., has written several books regarding reconcilation of the races. We've been blessed to attend meetings with browns, blacks, reds, yellows and whites.  I've stood in prayer, with many black brothers and sisters, asking them to forgive my ancestors for slavery. We have seen healings, and we've had real conversations.  There are some Christian pastors that work together, knowing we are all children of Lord Jesus, and He loves us, and wants us to be unified as His body of Christ. Blessings to all of you.  There are many who would welcome a fellowship meeting, to embrace and love together.  If you want to know more about the many different groups that met together, let me know.

I am of mixed race (Black, White, Native American) and I face prejudices/biases often from Blacks and Whites for different reasons--"Why do you talk White? Do you think you're better than us because you're bright?, "You'll get far since you're Black." When will we, as Blacks, accept each other despite the shades of our skin color or level of education so that we can stand united with strength?
How can we move forward and have dialogue between races while being able to handle the tension that arises?

Hi -

1) What are going to do to make sure this discussion is really a discussion rather than a bash Whitey-fest?

2)  How will you address Black and or African failure in places like Zimbabawe, South Africa, Somalia, Haiti Brazil and most large US cities?  This question becomes relevant when we discuss multiculturalism.

3) How will you address insistences of the one race theory while White women are the most popular women to marry (Tiger Woods Family), approach for mating and rape?    

4) How will you address Black crime against Whites?

5) How can reparations really be made for 500 years of slavery with all of the individuals agreeing and then accepting fully the restitution?

6) How will address the failure to produce requirements where Blacks and Latinos don't produce  
acceptable crime levels, college and high school completion rates?
 

I do believe it is now a class issue more than a race issue.  Those of us in the shrinking middle class don't care, those in the expanding lower class and the upper class seem to thrive on calling attention to race issues.

Why can't white people understand that before we can "get-over-that-whole-slavery-thing" it has to be fully addressed, tackled, apologized for. There should have been a sort of Truth and Reconciliation Commission after the Civil War and the end of slavery like there was in South Africa after the legal end of apartheid. It's not too late and tonight is a good start. I'm really enjoying it, especially the younger white guy panelist-he is "da bomb!"

We have to move forward while remembering the past. We cannot get so mired in wanting apologies and reparations for what has happened to our ancestors. If the slave owners could come into the present and apologize then that would be great. Since they are unable to do this, we need to confront the disparities we still have in our society. One of my pet peeves is when newscaters only have Black people on the panel if it is an issue having to do with Blacks. We CAN speak intelligently about issues other than race THANK YOU VERY MUCH. We need to confront the institutional biases still happening in our nation.

I watched a beautiful and thought provoking documentary.  Unfortunately, it then had to deteriorate into a panel full of morons who are more full of themselves than the concept of starting a conversation.  Nothing Reverend Wright has ever been portrayed as saying has offended me - in context everything thing he seems to be saying is on the money.  And I am a white person who loves Obama and supports him fully.  But to advance the whole conversation beyond the great doumentary - get some real people and quit bringing on these people with chips on their shoulder (both sides).  Kudos to both David Wilsons and their families.

I am a school administrator who had to deal with a teacher who wrote up a student for speaking to her with a "Black accent". First of all, I could not believe that I had to explain to this woman that it was offensive for her to do this. I am a Black woman and she is White. Obviously we have a ways to go in dealing with race issues. This woman did thank me for explaining the fact that there is no such thing as a "Black accent" since Black is a skin color. By the way the young lady who was written up to the office is Hispanic.

The question of an apology came up and my question is who is apologizing to whom?  I am a 30 year old white man and the bulk of my family tree traces back to the 1880's.  That of German and Irish immigrants who came to America to overcome their own struggles.  Do I owe an apology to someone?
I see color and always have. I grew up in a small town that had only one black family so it was hard not to notice a difference.  I think an issue is that we have to get away from seeing people as black and white as a group, but to see people as individuals regardless of skin color. To say white people owe an apology for the institution of slavery is like saying all black people like rap music.  Its basically saying no matter what has happened in our lives or what our upbringing is we have to be grouped by the color of our skin.

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