We Were Wrong. Tavis Smiley Was Right.

Dear Tavis Smiley,

I apologize. I apologize on behalf of myself and every other Black person who disregarded your attempts at holding presidential candidate Barack Obama accountable.

Allow me to provide some personal background on the situation. I cast my first vote for president in 2004. After the election fraud on behalf of George W. Bush and the concession by John Kerry, I lost all hope in the American electoral political process. That is, until Barack Obama surfaced. Upon learning of his opposition to the Iraq occupation, I threw my support behind his candidacy. I agreed with Obama’s policy proposals on most major issues; immediate initiation of troop withdrawal in Iraq, a public option for healthcare, support of the Employee Free Choice Act, elimination of the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy, the closing of the prison at Guantanamo Bay and the list goes on. For these reasons, and others I strongly endorsed the candidacy of Barack Obama for president of the United States.

I have since witnessed the polarity between the soaring rhetoric of Candidate Obama and the actions (and inaction) of President Obama. Therefore, while his success at promoting a progressive agenda remains ideal, my support for his administration has dissipated with each capitulation by the White House. One thing in particular that this entire situation speaks of is the value of voices like yours.

As encouraged in The Covenant with Black America, you have seized ample opportunities to hold our elected officials accountable. And despite the cultural milestone and widespread emotions attached to an Obama presidency, you have made no exceptions with regard to holding Barack Obama accountable – from day one. The criticism you received from many Black folks was grossly unwarranted and extremely ironic, which makes your continuation of service to the Black community all the more admirable.

Many Black people in America feel as if their concerns are not worthy of acknowledgment or action by the person whom they backed overwhelmingly for president. These same people tend to ignore the administration’s address of the concerns of other various groups. Issues raised by Wall Street, the LGBT community, auto workers and others have all – for better or for worse – been acknowledged and addressed. However, even though they are no longer mandated to do so, too many Black people now willingly sit at the back of the bus – metaphorically speaking. For many years now, Mr. Smiley, you have rightly urged us not to do that. History has proven that a government and an economy only works for the people involved. Blacks number almost forty million strong in these United States. And upon establishing some unity, organization and mobilization, Black people in America can realize a political and economic force never before enjoyed by the Diaspora. What we cannot afford to do, however, is surrender our potential for solving sociopolitical and economic issues - all of which are heavily influenced by race - to soaring lip service and a friendly face.

People such as me, who agreed with your efforts during the 2008 election season yet remained silent – for a supposed ‘greater good’ –, were wrong. We, as a people, must support those among us, brave enough to challenge power, speak truth and advocate on our behalf. You are definitely in that number, Mr. Smiley. Your disposition of bringing light to ignored issues and speaking truth to misused power, as well as your willingness to respect, protect and correct President Obama are all greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Ameoz Ben-Aharon