Scapegoat

[derby378]

racism noun \ˈrā-ˌsi-zəm also -ˌshi-\ 1: a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race. 2: racial prejudice or discrimination. (Merriam-Webster)

I went straight to the source, or at least as close to the source as I could. I saw the video of Michael Moore on the Hollywood Reporter. And I'm about to call some DUers on their bullshit.

If you disagree with Moore's assessment of Barack Obama's accomplishments in the White House, you have the right to do so, and you also have the right to tell Michael Moore he's wrong and even show him where he is wrong. But what you don't have the right to do is redefine words so that you can hurl little insults like "racist" at him just because he pointed out that Obama is indeed black (okay, he's actually biracial, but self-identifies as black) and may only be remembered for being the first African-American President a hundred years from now.

Do I think Moore's assessment of Detroit is accurate? Unfortunately, yes. Do I think his assessment of Obama's presidency is on the mark? More or less. Do I think his assessment of Obama's legacy - how we will ultimately remember him - is correct? My guess is that his accomplishments will be given more bandwidth than someone like Gerald Ford, but less than Franklin D. Roosevelt. But there are still over two years left of Obama's term in office. Things can change.

But that has nothing to do with someone getting miffed over Moore's comments about Obama, not praising him for being the greatest thing since sliced bread. At times, Obama simply moves through history. Once in a while - when he drops a bunch of Navy SEALs on Osama bin Laden's head or signs a health insurance mandate into law - Obama makes history. But I think Moore is trying to take the long-term view. Is America any better off? What about Detroit? Philadelphia? Seattle? San Jose? Austin? Miami? Kingman, Arizona? Ferguson, Missouri?

Someone on DU hears the words "black president" and tries to whip up a mob mentality against Moore for daring to use those words to describe Obama. And a lot of people bought into it. They're subconsciously frustrated with the progress (or lack thereof) that America has experienced since George W. Bush vacated the Oval Office. There's some free-floating anger on the left. And someone has decided to turn it on Moore - by dealing the race card from the bottom of the pack.

Here's a link to the video of the interview if you're interested:

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/michael-moore-slams-obama-history-731563

[RobertEarl]

1. I feel for them

It is getting harder and harder to make Obama look good. Obama keeps making mistakes because he's toeing the empire line.

It has to be real frustrating for those who love Obama to see this rapid decline in others' support.

[derby378]

3. I have to be clear, though...

Obama did some things to try and benefit the average American. Whether we're actually better off or not is being debated both here and elsewhere on the internet, in coffeehouses and churches, and in living rooms across America. I would hope that it would be a healthy and productive debate.

[RobertEarl]

4. I got that from your OP

I think you presented a fair case.

I hope those who are mad about the discussion can see through their fog and understand that those of us who want better for the US are not doing so because of hate.

[el_bryanto]

2. well argued. nt

[BlindTiresias]

5. I suspect

The people who are jumping on this hated Moore (and the left in general) before this and this gives them an opportunity to throw yet another leftist under the bus so they can drift rightward even further. It is an excuse and a flimsy one at that, anyone with eyes to see can look at their previous statements, look at their current flailing, and make a linear connection.

[mmonk]

6. Knee jerk reactions IMO.

I live in NC, a state taken over by the Tea Party during a census year (mainly through use of Nixon's southern strategy). Do you people want to really know what racism is? Gerrymandered districts where Democrats can't win a Congressional Majority even when they turn out more voters. Voter suppression laws aimed at African Americans and college students. Michael Moore criticizing Obama, someone he supported due to some political issues is racism? Michael Moore is a racist and hater? Please.

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

7. I haven't read or watched the entire interview

but it sounds more like a cynical, but possibly true, assessment of how little Americans know about their own history.

At any rate, the guy who was using this as his latest attempt to split the Dem left from the Dem center on site just got himself banned for his trouble. It wasn't his first divisive OP, but it looks like his next one will be under whatever zombie he creates next.

[justiceischeap]

8. After seeing the video yesterday, I am less convinced that his remarks were racist

Let me clarify that, the comments may come across as racist to people who have a vested interest in racism, since I'm white, I can't judge what is deemed racist talk (unless it's obviously blatant). Just like straight folks may not always understand what may be homophobic language to gay folks like myself. However, I don't think Moore himself is racist. I don't think he was meaning to make an insensitively racist statement. I think, as you stated, he was looking long-view and how historians are going to see and write about his Presidency. If the right is any indication, he will not be looked upon favorably--no matter his actual accomplishments.

Here's what I think of when I think of past Presidents:

George Washington -- Wooden teeth
Abe Lincoln -- Abolished slavery, Civil War
FDR -- strong wife, polio, soup lines
Truman -- Hiroshima, Dewey Beats Truman
Kennedy -- Assassination, Grassy Knoll, Marilyn Monroe, Cuba
Gerald Ford -- Chevy Chase SNL skits
Jimmy Carter -- Gas lines, solar power, peanuts, Billy Beer, Iran
Reagan -- Jodie Foster/Hinkley, refusing to discuss HIV/AIDS, crack cocaine, just say no to drugs, jelly beans
Bush I -- Gulf War
Clinton -- Don't Ask, Don't Tell, NAFTA, Lewinsky, his inaction in Bosnia for so long
Bush II - 9/11, Iraq, shoe toss, Bushisms, higher cost of living, higher gas prices, bad economy

How I will probably remember President Obama:
1st black President, end of DADT, end of DOMA, could have done more in his first two years for LGBT rights.

Does that make me a racist because I will remember him firstly as the first black President?

[derby378]

9. This song came to my mind...