Changing the Game

For those who haven't figured it out yet, let me let you in on something that is not a secret anymore: Barack Obama is changing the game of politics. Everyone can see it and if you can't see it, then you are not looking hard enough. Let's look at several of the ways he is making history and changing the dynamics of this presidential election:

1. No matter the outcome of this election, Obama has run the most organized campaign in history. From what he says to when he says them, the things he doesn't say, and the grass roots efforts he has mobilized through text messaging, Obama is using all his resources to run an extremely efficient and profitable campaign that may secure him the White House come January.

2. Because the Republicans know that Obama is the chosen one and that the Obama movement is spreading like wild fire, the Republican party is taking gigantic risks to change the dynamic of this election. Choosing a relatively unknown individual with limited foreign policy experience was a bold move and a great risk. But the McCain camp felt they needed to make such a drastic move to change the landscape of this election. Hmm, I wonder how that move is working for them?

3. In a time where the African-American family has suffered due to broken homes, to see Barack, Michelle, and their beautiful children on stage after he accepted the Demorcratic Nomination for president brought tears to my eyes. The Obamas are such a beautiful family and they are a model for what an African-American family should look like. With Barack himself being raised by a single mother, his road to the presidency has the makings for an inspirational story that will inspire people of all ages over the world.

4. With something he did not do, Obama has brought class and dignity to this election. When the news broke that Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin's 17 year old daughteris 5 months pregnant, Obama stated that the issue was "..a private, family issue" and that "...people families are off limits in this campaign", Obama showed class, honor, and decency. Let's keep it real for a minute; if the news came out that one of Michelle Obama's daugthers was pregnant at 17, you and I both know the media and Republican party would have a field day and go so far as to mention historical statistics of the high rate of teen pregnancy among African-American families. Yet, Obama took the high road and said nothing.

He's changing the game. To my Republican nation, in the words of a great philosopher, "Dont hate the player; hate the game."

Tarnished Legacy

The life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.and Coretta Scott King are embedded in the very fabric of this country's make-up. His work and dedication toward the creation of a non-violent society where people of all races and backgrounds will never be forgotten. Even in this year's historic presidential election, presumptive Democratic nominee, Barack Obama, has drawn comparisons to Dr. King. A great orator, preacher, and leader, Dr. King's legacy continues to live on. In the words of his daughter, Rev. Bernice King, "In his short time on earth, Dr. King made an eternal impression." This statement is a challenge to us that in the time we have on Earth, we should look to make an eternal impression. But speaking of impressions...

I wonder what impression Dr. King would have of his children today if he were alive. On Monday, Dexter King filed a lawsuit contending his siblings had breached their fiduciary and personal duties to the King Center in Atlanta and their father’s estate, misused assets belonging to the center, and kept money that should’ve been channeled back into the center and the estate. The counter-suit came six weeks after Bernice and Martin sued Dexter, making similar claims that Dexter mishandled family money and failed to properly involve them in family business matters.

I have one brother and one sister and I love them dearly. I can not foresee any circumstance where I would take a blood relative to court or subject them to litigation of any kind. There are times that my brother, sister, and I fail to see eye to eye on things. When this happens, we go in the privacy of a room or building, yell, scream, and handle it amongst ourselves, not in public or in the media.

As an ordained Baptist minister, I accept the responsibility for playing the role of mediator or doing whatever it takes to reach an amicable solution. I would expect others to have that expectation of me as well. I am particularly disappointed with Rev. Bernice King. I am not sure of who is right and who is wrong in this case, but this is what I know for sure; apparently, her business dealings have given the impression to Dexter that there has been some money mismanagement for this situation to be escalated to this level among these siblings. Furthermore, as a minister of the Gospel, she should know that she will be held to a higher standard and it is my expectation that she should have done whatever was needed to avoid the ugly display that the world is witnessing between the children of this beloved family. It may not be fair to put this on Rev. King; however, this is the cross that we bear as ministers of the Gospel. She must realize this in all of her actions.

Branding is a marketing concept that focuses around a recognized name (Pepsi, Coca-Cola, ESPN, etc.). When your last name is "King", there is an expectation associated with that name. You know that in your bloodline, it is expected that you will do great things and make an eternal impression. Maybe Dexter, Bernice, and Martin have forgotten this. I am prayerful they will be reminded of who they are and the legacy they are charged with carrying. I don't think siblings arguing amongst themselves is what Dr. King had in mind. Prayerfully, this matter will be resolved soon. I could not live with being an accomplice in a tarnished legacy.