I think my Conservative sister Debbie Schlussel is “showing her age” in her view that Tommie Smith and John Carlos were wrong for their actions in 1968!

While I think all Conservatives can agree this was a waste of money and another of example of government pork spending at it’s best, the actions of the individuals at the time were not wrong at all! In fact I say that their non-violent protest was very right and very American! I know not all Conservatives agree with me on this one, but so what, that’s why I’m Independent! As even Debbie admits herself this was before her time. And it is from a time Debbie may never fully understand and I’d doubt Debbie has spent much study on. At that time many of the Constitutional freedoms that all races enjoy were not yet fully realized by Blacks. 1968 was nothing like 2005 and it is a testament of how great America is that things would change so much in such a short period of time. But at that time things were much harder for Blacks who were not able to enjoy much of the opportunities now available to all. So to take a moment of protest to call attention to an issue I say was very right. While they were doing that George Foreman who I also respect took a totally different route. He just waved the flag knowing that any White racist would hate seeing a Black man on top waving the flag. The actions of both took their own set of risks, but they both stood for what they were feeling needed to be said. And their stands while very different to me were both very American given the issues faced. To feel that Blacks would endure the issues faced then without ever lashing out in some form is pure foolishness! Of course some form of anger would be shown. This did not involve any destruction of property or angry words. Just a statement from 2 men that they wanted the American dream too, but had not yet seen it realized and were angry about that.

I feel it took some of the anger from folks like Tommie and John to make many people stand up for what was right. And it took the desire to stand proud as an American like George Foreman that showed there was hope for a brighter day. I think both played a vital role and both were needed at that time to help ensure America faced it’s issues.

Now I just wish more Blacks with a platform to stand on would speak about the cause of problems that are killing and destroying Blacks today! Which today involves the actions and culture within Black communities. Actions that are carried out by Black people!

And if the government wants to spend $300,000 I would prefer that money be spent on something like abstinence programs given the high out of wedlock birth rate in Black communities. Or adoption program funding given the high rate of Black abortions. Or reading programs given the high illiteracy rate in many Black communities. But the optimal solution is for government to stop taking more money than it needs in the first place! This money along with other pork spending is money that never should have left the hands of the people in the first place!

Hat tip to La Shawn Barber for the find. Even if she agrees with Debbie .