Colin, Clarence and Condoleeza

During this ‘historic week’ I reflect on many things. I listened and watched, as our new leader, Barack Obama, became the 44th president of these United States. I’m all for it and am 100% supportive. Indeed, we do need change and my daily prayer includes a double dose of wisdom for President Obama and those who whisper in his ear. We have celebrated an inconceivable achievement: a gentleman of color – an African-American – has reached the high office of president of The United States of America. Oh, how far we have come!

Another reflection I have is that many of our leaders, judges, governmental appointees, military leaders, cabinet members, intellectuals, talk show hosts and guiding lights ‘of color’ have not achieved this kind of laud. The good news, I suppose, is that they were not judged by the color of their skin. The bad news is that they were conservatives. It is both appalling and remarkable that our citizenry has laid low, humiliated, dismissed and disregarded the commitment, intellect, service, insight and leadership of people like Clarence Thomas, Colin Powell, Condoleeza Rice, Alan Keyes, Michael Steele, J. C. Watts, Armstrong Williams, Herman Cain, Rod Paige and so many other Americans…of color.

Is any one listening? Is anyone really listening?