An Essay (860 hits)
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Submitted by spedmonkey <spedmonkey.at.gmail.com> (View user info) at 2007-01-30 15:33:55 EST
Will Monroe
1/30/59
AP US History
The assassination of President Barack Obama was one of the key events that shaped the early 21st century in the United States. Not since Kennedy in 1963 had an American head of state been murdered, and much like Kennedy, Obama's administration promised to be popular and progressive. Indeed, it is likely that had Obama remained in office, his administration would be today remembered as one of the most tranquil and effective of all time, as he entered office with a multitude of factors in his favor: the economy had, in the previous few years, peaked, and with Israel's agreement to demilitarize the West Bank, the promise of peace in the Middle East looked stronger than ever. Why, then, could it be said that Obama's untimely death ultimately a good thing for the United States? Simply put, his death forced Americans to look more deeply at racism, and come closer than ever before to finally putting an end to one of the darkest chapters in American history.
After years of false promise and failure to win the Democratic nomination, Barack Obama finally secured the party's endorsement to run in the 2016 Presidential race against Bob Corker, like Obama a former senator. Obama won in a narrow victory, and became the first candidate to win a Presidential campaign despite losing Ohio since Richard Nixon in 1960 (Eckerd, p. 143). Nonetheless, his victory was hailed by the national media as a great victory over the nation's history of bigotry and racism. As the New York Times editorial put it, "for the first time the United States can look at the rest of the world with its collective head held high, for as a nation we have finally conquered a foe which has plagued us since the inception of our country" (Jannsky, p. 598). Indeed, international publications seemed to have much the same opinion. Although there is no tangible evidence to support the claim, it is said that Obama received more congratulatory notes from foreign leaders than any previous Presidential victor. And according to the London Times, the day after the election, "The United States is finally worthy of its position as the leader of the free world" (Jannsky, p. 597).
Of course, it was not to be. Obama's assassination on June 23, 2017 is well-documented, and nearly all Americans of school age have seen the footage at least once. Franklin Parker Wright, a 78-year-old former Ku Klux Klan member and former United States Marine, fired four shots into Obama's torso and three into his head from close range with a semi-automatic pistol. Obama was declared dead on the scene, with massive cerebral hemorrhaging the official cause of death. Parker can clearly be seen on the tapes of the event attempting to flee after the event, and disappearing into the throng of spectators. In the resulting frenzy, however, he was beaten to death by the angry mob, ensuring that no one would ever hear a first-hand explanation for his actions.
Parker's death, though, would not be the end. An ensuing search of his small home turned up a handwritten journal, believed to be Parker's, dating back to the mid-1970's. Analysis of this document revealed a long history of racism and anger, and at many points throughout the journal Parker described instances of abuse, both physical and emotional, of those different than him. One particularly telling passage, dating from 1988, describes his feelings toward Vice-Presidential candidate Jesse Jackson: "Our foundin [sic] fathers called it the WHITE House for a reason. If that nigra gets anywhere near it he sure as hell won't have time to enjoy it. This I swear" (Parker, 120). From careful analysis of passages similar to this one, generations of experts have concluded that Parker's actions were motivated by his extreme mental disorder, in that he simply could not stand the thought of a dark-skinned individual holding the office of President. As noted psychologist Feanora Martins put it, "the subject's sense of right and wrong was thrown so off-kilter by his disorder it is extremely unlikely he had any possibility of resisting the impulses of his condition" (Martin, et al, p. 24).
The resulting uproar from these findings, of course, was tremendous. The publications lauding the American people for their liberalism now changed course entirely and blasted the nation for what many perceived as a national institution. "The sad fact is, despite all the modern amenities present in that country, the cultural mindset is still that of the 19th century", said the London Times (Jannsky, 661). In response, President Chet Culver, who had run as Obama's Vice President, immediately pushed a federally funded study of racism through Congress. After a year, the study came back, and the results were far more revolutionary than anyone could have predicted. The study, conducted by leading professionals across a wide spectrum of fields, concluded that "racism is far more than simply a social epidemic. Indeed, after much careful inspection, all the symptoms of racism are consistent with those of more typical metal disorders. Furthermore, nearly all test subjects for this study were found to have some trace of the disease" (Morgan, et al, p. 233).
Following the publication of the study, the national response was unlike any seen before. Several leading mental health experts opined that since most mental diseases were treatable, in all likelihood most forms of racism could be as well. As a result, psychologist's offices were choked with Americans attempting to receive counseling for the disease that had been festering inside most of them since birth. President Culver enacted an emergency mental health measure, appropriating funds for counseling for all Americans, regardless of income level. And then, in 2019, the crowning legislation of the Culver Administration was signed into law: the American Mental Health Act, commonly known as the Obama-Parker Act. This law, widely copied throughout the world, contained three main points, which transformed the United States from the chronically diseased nation it had been before into the uniquely singular nation it is today. These three points were: first, all American citizens, after the age of five years, were to be tested regularly every two years for traces of racism. Secondly, those found to have a treatable case were to be subjected to free, mandatory treatment for it. Finally, those found to have an untreatable case of the disorder were to be sent to newly constructed detention facilities for life, where they could neither act upon their impulses, nor speed the development of the disorder in others.
The Obama-Parker Act drew a firestorm of opinions across the nation. According to Jacob Jannsky, "not since the Civil War had the country been divided by such a polarizing issue" (Jannsky, p. 683). Many contested the racism panel's findings, and contested that racism was not a disease but merely an opinion. Others, such as American Civil Liberty Union President Nadine Strossen, said that not only was the panel incorrect, but the Obama-Parker Act was intruding on free speech by essentially destroying one point of view. According to Strossen, "we do not support that which all racist peoples have to say, but we do and will always support their right to express themselves, without government interference" (Jannsky, p. 683). Accordingly, the ACLU brought a lawsuit against the federal government, which was brought to the Supreme Court. In a 5-4 decision, the Court upheld the Obama-Parker Act. "While the Constitution supports all forms of free speech, it is the opinion of this Court that the Constitution would not support the ravings of diseased individuals who very well could bring down the Constitution itself with their actions," wrote Chief Justice John Roberts in the majority decision (http://www.supremecourtus.gov/opinions/19pdf/17-1048.pdf). Thus, the Obama-Parker Act went officially into law, and its provisions were carried out throughout the nation. Although many resisted at first, they were soon subdued, either by the many reports of positive results throughout the country or by force from either police or, in some extreme cases such as the Charleston Rebellion, through the use of the National Guard.
Why was the assassination of Barack Obama such an important event in American History? Although it was undoubtedly a tragic occurrence, and surely cut off the life and career of one of the most promising individuals to win the Presidency, it is unlikely that the United States could have undergone such decisive change in such a small amount of time without a tragedy such as this. Indeed, although Obama was unable to leave a legacy in the same fashion as other past Presidents, he was able to instead leave a legacy far greater in scope and impact than any of them: by sacrificing his life to a single disillusioned man, the United States was freed from the threat of racism forever.
User Reviews
Submitted by homer42 (user info) at 2007-01-30 22:08:46 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
You know if ETS is supporting it there's a serious problem.
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Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2007-01-30 19:52:38 (#)
Ranking: 2
I read through this again and I must say you hit the nail on the head.
This is a perfect example of how people can be so easily manipulated and our own public educational systems ca further the lies of revisionist leaders for decades thereafter, all while the real history and meaning of events is covered over with explanations that continue to polarize and divide people who might otherwise unite against the real and common enemy.
Submitted by bob (user info) at 2007-01-30 20:19:03 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by spedmonkey (user info) at 2007-01-30 15:48:39 (#)
Ranking: 0
I love you too, Chris.
_____________
No problem, I just dont see this happening, although it is quite interesting that I just read an article in Time about this professor at Columbia who has devised a system to detected unconscious racism within an individual...
hows rochester going?
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2007-01-30 19:52:38 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I read through this again and I must say you hit the nail on the head.
This is a perfect example of how people can be so easily manipulated and our own public educational systems ca further the lies of revisionist leaders for decades thereafter, all while the real history and meaning of events is covered over with explanations that continue to polarize and divide people who might otherwise unite against the real and common enemy.
I think a little Bob Dylan might be in order here:
Only a Pawn in Their Game
by: Bob Dylan
A bullet from the back of a bush took Medgar Evers' blood.
A finger fired the trigger to his name.
A handle hid out in the dark
A hand set the spark
Two eyes took the aim
Behind a man's brain
But he can't be blamed
He's only a pawn in their game.
A South politician preaches to the poor white man,
"You got more than the blacks, don't complain.
You're better than them, you been born with white skin," they explain.
And the Negro's name
Is used it is plain
For the politician's gain
As he rises to fame
And the poor white remains
On the caboose of the train
But it ain't him to blame
He's only a pawn in their game.
The deputy sheriffs, the soldiers, the governors get paid,
And the marshals and cops get the same,
But the poor white man's used in the hands of them all like a tool.
He's taught in his school
From the start by the rule
That the laws are with him
To protect his white skin
To keep up his hate
So he never thinks straight
'Bout the shape that he's in
But it ain't him to blame
He's only a pawn in their game.
From the poverty shacks, he looks from the cracks to the tracks,
And the hoof beats pound in his brain.
And he's taught how to walk in a pack
Shoot in the back
With his fist in a clinch
To hang and to lynch
To hide 'neath the hood
To kill with no pain
Like a dog on a chain
He ain't got no name
But it ain't him to blame
He's only a pawn in their game.
Today, Medgar Evers was buried from the bullet he caught.
They lowered him down as a king.
But when the shadowy sun sets on the one
That fired the gun
He'll see by his grave
On the stone that remains
Carved next to his name
His epitaph plain:
Only a pawn in their game.
Submitted by rob_berg (user info) at 2007-01-30 18:28:12 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Chicken shit retard below
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V
Submitted by JonnyX (user info) at 2007-01-30 18:24:56 EST (#)
Ranking: -1
i've got a much better idea - why dont they just make niggers illegal?
Put niggers in permanent detention centers?
Sound like a much better use of taxpayer dollars, and better for society in general.
Submitted by rob_berg (user info) at 2007-01-30 18:21:40 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
yikes.
Submitted by Zebra (user info) at 2007-01-30 18:09:41 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2007-01-30 17:51:13 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by spedmonkey (user info) at 2007-01-30 16:08:24 (#)
Ranking: 0
think about just how much the media runs both public opinion and, to a certain extent, public policy these days. If a hypothetical black politician (doesn't matter who) were assassinated by someone motivated entirely by racism, how quickly do you think the media, particularly the mor left-leaning media would jump all over it and demand some sort of action? And since much of America is, for better or for worse, lemmings, is it a stretch to think that a majority of the public will clamor for change along with the major media outlets? The US government has a history of enacting laws for the public when there is a nationwide outcry (see: internet reform, after Myspace horror stories, etc). Given a hypothetical finding that racism is a disease, and a Democrat in the White House, don't you think there might just be a chance that the government will enact legislation to this extent?
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+2 for this...
You totally get it.
Not meaning at all to sound condescending, let me give you a little something to think about though that perhaps will expand your thinking... The 'right' and 'left' are just two arms of the same entity. There is no 'liberal bias' or 'conservative bias' in the media, and even if there appears to be, it's all a cherade to keep us divided.
The real people in control, i.e. those in the CFR, Trilateral Commission, Bilderberg Group, etc., in fact, fund and control the language on BOTH sides of mainstream American politics. Ironically, it is the people who APPEAR to be on the fringes of the debate - the so-called 'conspiracy nuts' - who most accurately reflect the reality of the situation. And you're absolutely right! They use this constant argument to enact constitutionally corrosive legislation to fit their predetermined agenda.
I could name names, but it only takes a minute of perusing the archives and attendees of meetings from the groups mentioned above (at least the ones that are public) to become VERY suspicious of just what all these people are doing carousing together in the same place. If they're NOT setting U.S. policy via mass manipulation of the political status quo, then they are wasting their time.
Submitted by spedmonkey (user info) at 2007-01-30 17:36:23 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Jack,
(yes, I'm camping my post, stfu gbtw)
First off... someone skilled with a pistol (ie, a soldier) can get seven shots off within a couple seconds. A person standing a few rows back in a crowd who suddenly pulls a gun and starts shooting would absolutely be able to unload a clip in the space of five seconds or so.
Secondly, the testing is partly a product of today's society, which blames all sorts of things on mental illness. Problems in school? It's ok, just a mental disorder. Murderer? Just a mental block, you can be rehabilitated. It's an ongoing thing, and I hardly see it as a stretch to start taking the most serious "isms" in society and attempt to stamp them out through counseling or whatever. Note, though, that I said I hope this NEVER HAPPENS. In this case, the ACLU would be spot on: by removing these thoughts, you're taking away that person's free speech, whether good or bad. And finally, I most definitely do NOT agree with many of the things written in that "essay". If many of them came to pass, I'd be out there protesting with everyone else. But in this country, it's a slippery slope, and I DO believe that if there were one great catalyzing event, things would spiral out of control very very fast.
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2007-01-30 17:32:33 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
I am suspicious of anyone who seems to be so seamlessly catapulted into the limelight by a system of media whose sole purpose seems to be to mislead and manipulate the general public. This includes Barak Obama.
It is just another illusion of choice, in my estimation. Suggesting that anyone suspicious or opposed to electing such a 'savior' of American politics is a KKK endorsing racist is just another symptom of the larger problem.
Ask yourselves why the London Times and the BBC is pushing Obama so hard. There must be a reason beyond the surface.
If we really are interested in exacting change for the better, we will consider electing Ron Paul, not Barak Obama. Ron Who, you ask? Exactly!
The best people in the running for the office of president at this stage are the ones who get little or no attention.
Submitted by Jack_McCallum (user info) at 2007-01-30 17:27:52 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
Good, but testing for racism would be impossible, and where do you stop on the isms?
Test for mysogyny (I always spell it wrong)? Test for sexism? Test for homophobia? Test for those who might hate red hair or big noses or lisps?
Also, seven shots? Sounds like Obama had a crack security detail that day.
Submitted by Cyrus (user info) at 2007-01-30 17:24:15 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
well done
Submitted by BadSamaritan87 (user info) at 2007-01-30 16:34:06 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by BadSamaritan87 (user info) at 2007-01-30 16:33:54 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Couple more to average out the assholes below.
Submitted by DirtyHarry (user info) at 2007-01-30 16:33:15 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
Submitted by spedmonkey (user info) at 2007-01-30 16:08:24 (#)
Ranking: 0
think about just how much the media runs both public opinion and, to a certain extent, public policy these days. If a hypothetical black politician (doesn't matter who) were assassinated by someone motivated entirely by racism, how quickly do you think the media, particularly the mor left-leaning media would jump all over it and demand some sort of action? And since much of America is, for better or for worse, lemmings, is it a stretch to think that a majority of the public will clamor for change along with the major media outlets? The US government has a history of enacting laws for the public when there is a nationwide outcry (see: internet reform, after Myspace horror stories, etc). Given a hypothetical finding that racism is a disease, and a Democrat in the White House, don't you think there might just be a chance that the government will enact legislation to this extent?
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Yeah, good follow up response. Ok, it's not all bad I guess.
Submitted by BadSamaritan87 (user info) at 2007-01-30 16:31:47 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Awesome, if somewhat scary.
Submitted by Hagard (user info) at 2007-01-30 16:28:06 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
I am in AP Gov&Politics. I would love to know your thought's on other things as well.
Submitted by DirtyHarry (user info) at 2007-01-30 16:22:09 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Foolproof (user info) at 2007-01-30 16:05:33 (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by DirtyHarry (user info) at 2007-01-30 15:59:25 (#)
Ranking: 0
Interesting, except for the last 3 paragraphs, complete BS. I can't believe people still think America is racist. I was going to rate negetive, but this is, obviously, fiction and I hope was not inspired by your own personal opinion.
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Maybe there is another America you live in I don't know about?
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Um, yeah, it's the America where we have several different races in our very high seats of government. Blacks in the supreme court, a black woman as NSA, blacks have been in the senate and house for years. In the senate dating back to reconstruction. The America were the ACLU carries a big lawsuit stick, just waiting for somebody to mess up so they can smack with it.
Submitted by St_Jimmy (user info) at 2007-01-30 16:18:28 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
This was really good. Creepy, but good.
That reminds me though: http://www.abolishthenword.com
"Every black person who was murdered by lynching was probably called the n-word first"
You know, probably.
Submitted by spedmonkey (user info) at 2007-01-30 16:09:41 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
And yes, I lean liberal, and would absolutely vote for Obama in 2008 were he to win the nomination. Take that as you will.
Submitted by spedmonkey (user info) at 2007-01-30 16:08:24 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
First of all, this is by some high schooler in 50 years. We can only imagine what education, not to mention political correctness, will be like then.
Secondly, think about just how much the media runs both public opinion and, to a certain extent, public policy these days. If a hypothetical black politician (doesn't matter who) were assassinated by someone motivated entirely by racism, how quickly do you think the media, particularly the mor left-leaning media would jump all over it and demand some sort of action? And since much of America is, for better or for worse, lemmings, is it a stretch to think that a majority of the public will clamor for change along with the major media outlets? The US government has a history of enacting laws for the public when there is a nationwide outcry (see: internet reform, after Myspace horror stories, etc). Given a hypothetical finding that racism is a disease, and a Democrat in the White House, don't you think there might just be a chance that the government will enact legislation to this extent?
Perhaps my thinking is entirely off, or your projections of what the world will be like in fifty years isn't the same as mine. For whatever it's worth, I hope dearly that shit does not go down as written in this (obviously fictional) piece of writing. But only time will tell.
Submitted by darko (user info) at 2007-01-30 16:07:53 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by locksly (user info) at 2007-01-30 16:05:22 (#)
Ranking: 1
Every 4th post on this site features ignorant racist comments.
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I assure you, we are quite aware of our racist comments and none of them on are ignorant.
Submitted by Foolproof (user info) at 2007-01-30 16:05:33 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by DirtyHarry (user info) at 2007-01-30 15:59:25 (#)
Ranking: 0
Interesting, except for the last 3 paragraphs, complete BS. I can't believe people still think America is racist. I was going to rate negetive, but this is, obviously, fiction and I hope was not inspired by your own personal opinion.
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Maybe there is another America you live in I don't know about?
Submitted by locksly (user info) at 2007-01-30 16:05:22 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
Submitted by DirtyHarry (user info) at 2007-01-30 15:59:25 (#)
Ranking: 0
Interesting, except for the last 3 paragraphs, complete BS. I can't believe people still think America is racist. I was going to rate negetive, but this is, obviously, fiction and I hope was not inspired by your own personal opinion.
________
Every 4th post on this site features ignorant racist comments.
This was purty good
Submitted by Luther (user info) at 2007-01-30 16:00:05 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Excellent.
Submitted by DirtyHarry (user info) at 2007-01-30 15:59:25 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Interesting, except for the last 3 paragraphs, complete BS. I can't believe people still think America is racist. I was going to rate negetive, but this is, obviously, fiction and I hope was not inspired by your own personal opinion.
Submitted by homer42 (user info) at 2007-01-30 15:50:35 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
Hopefully he won't get elected. You socialist fuck.
Submitted by spedmonkey (user info) at 2007-01-30 15:48:39 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
I love you too, Chris.
Submitted by bob (user info) at 2007-01-30 15:44:54 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
uhhh...no.
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2007-01-30 15:42:48 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
"nigra". Haven't heard that in ages.
A worthwhile read, too.
Submitted by darko (user info) at 2007-01-30 15:41:57 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
I loved this, and about time you posted something you cunt.