A ‘No More Excuses’ Christmas?

Divide and conquer. That seems to be the strategy of those in power throughout the ages and Americas history is no different. Let's rage against eachother with regard to gender, race, class, age, neighborhoods, religions, beliefs, cars, homes etcetera, etcetera ad nauseum. As long as we are fighting our petty, stupid, meaningless, UN-WIN-ABLE little mini-wars, then "they" have us right where they want us - pointing fingers at eachother instead of those that we are PAYING to protect and are actually HARMING us. WE WILL NEVER BE ???BY THE PEOPLE??? AND ???FOR THE PEOPLE??? UNTIL ???WE THE PEOPLE??? CAN UNITE AND MAKE THAT HAPPEN. Lets fight black-white and dems -repubs another hundred years while our society goes to hell. How much can you love your children if you only want to leave them more of the same. TO MS REID: Your article is timely and compelling and without adding detail, I can relate. I would only ask that, in the name of hate and prejudice and repression, and for all the blood that has been shed in history in a fight for equality, that we look at each day as a way to unite and solve the problems facing ALL people, ALL races and ALL classes. Until that happens, there will be no equality ...for anyone.

This article is terrible. Does Newsweek have editors? There are many grammatical errors, transitional phrases are off, and the woman???s statistics are completely wrong. Why did she attempt to bring us in with talk about the Obama???s and the holiday???s then change the conversation to converse about baby mommas and daddies and her initiatives. This piece does not logically make sense. Mrs.Reid this is very tasteless. Next time get someone to proofread your work. And, yes, the Obama???s victory is still near and dear in our heart and we have the right to feel this way. Trust me we were working hard before him and we will continue to do so.

You made African Americans look terrible in the piece. Tacky!!!!

Divide and conquer. That seems to be the strategy of those in power throughout the ages and Americas history is no different. Let's rage against eachother with regard to gender, race, class, age, neighborhoods, religions, beliefs, cars, homes etc., etc., ad nauseum. As long as we are fighting our petty, stupid, meaningless, UN-WINABLE little mini-wars, then "they" have us right where they want us - pointing fingers at eachother instead of those that we are PAYING to protect but are actually HARMING us.....our elected officials. WE WILL NEVER BE "BY THE PEOPLE" AND "FOR THE PEOPLE" UNTIL "THE PEOPLE" CAN UNITE AND MAKE THAT HAPPEN. We can fight black- and- white and dems- and- repubs another hundred years while our society goes to hell. Is that really what you want to leave your children .... more of the same? TO MS REID: Your article is compelling and without adding detail, I can relate. I would only ask that, in the name of the hate and prejudice and repression, and for all the blood that has been shed in history in a fight for equality, that we look at each day as a way to unite an d solve problems facing ALL people, ALL races, ALL classees. Until that happens, there will be no equality...for anyone.

Maybe we can all agree that at some level, "holding ourselves down" is not race-specific. We can see examples in each nationality of the best and worst of what America has to offer. I believe that Barack Obama said it best when he stated that "it's not about me; but about you," that placed the onus on each and every one of us to make this country better. If we love America (I must admit that until the election I didn't really believe in the American dream despite my determination to live it), we may be presented with an opportunity to make it better for our children, grandchildren, and others.

Believing in the American dream is the beginning. It may make men want to stand up and be important in their childrens eyes. It might make individuals believe that through marriage they can make a life together worth sharing. It gives us hope.

Hopelessness could be the most dangerous emotion. One who has no hope believes that nothing is beneath them. Think about it. Barack and Michelle Obama have shown America what hope is. They have brought two beautiful children into this world, raised them in a manner that they see not only how privileged they are, but see (through example), that it is necessary to assist those who are less fortunate. If others could understand that logic - we would not need to have as many conversations (somewhat adversarial) like this one.

Just wanted to say that I enjoyed your article, and appreciated the fact that it did not take sides, just pointed out the consequences of having single parent households. While I agree that current societal factors, as well as our legal/ judicial system exploit people's personal issues to make money and shape our marital culture, we must also take responsibility for how we raise our children, and how we project ourselves to our children, even if we are separated. We need to keep in mind that they are molded by the decisions and actions of their parents more than anyone else, and this shapes their views of relationships as they go throughout their lives. Marriage should not be entered into lightly, and too many people rely on divorce as a means to ridding themselves of the strains of that commitment (with the tacit approval of our legal system).

Lastly, while I agree that the issue of single-family households is a problem for ALL, I also believe it affects Black families more acutely, when mixed in with the negative stereotypes that we face as a people. We need to figure out root causes for problems instead of saying "well, he's too lazy" or "she wants him to do everything for her". Understanding leads to enlightenment, and enlightenment is the path to freedom.

Why do people keep saying that Obama is a black president, in reality he is biracial President, he is half white and half black,but if it makes people feel better by saying he is black..then god bless em! but he is half white

African Americans hold themselves down, at least where I live in Syracuse, NY. I am so sick of hearing how the "white man" holds them back, when in reality it is laziness and a lack of morals and ethics. Here's a though, pull yourself up, get a job, work hard and learn some morals. The rest will come in time. Just like everyone else, you are not owed anything, no matter how much you think you are. Everyone else that is successful does it themselves, no one is handed anything. So stop stealing and killing each other, and go to church, then go get a job application. And if you REALLY NEED help, go to your local social services office, they will help you get started on a road of success and happiness, free of crime and drugs.

African Americans hold themselves down, at least in Syracuse, NY where I live. I am so sick of hearing excuses about their financial problems and the like. No one is stopping anyone, no matter what race you are, from getting a job, working hard and getting somewhere in life. Frankly, I see a lot of these people on a daily basis, acting as if the "white man" is holding them back, when in reality, it is laziness, greed and a lack of morals and ethics that are the cause of their issues. I challenge all "poor, uneducated" african americans to pull themselves up and make something for themselves, it only takes a commitment to living within the law, hard work and a moral lifestyle. The rest will all come in time. They are not "owed" anything, none of us are.

jwtrotman- Obviously I do know how to read being that the wonderful educational system (this is said sarcastically if you didn't know) provided by our country gave me a my diploma. I have been around racism and granted it is nothing like it was in your day but I have not been sheltered. Your correct about the boy scouts, I couldn't get in with their squad but the girl scouts were able to accept me:) I know he spoke of his white relatives and I was not refering to him as much as to the media who only ever talk of his African American heritage. I do SEE, can HEAR, and speak no EVIL regarding equality for all colors. Your assupmtions of me remind me that those who assume make asses of themselves. Hopefully one day you will not be so one sided. I will sign off with this last remark thanking you for your service though dear sir and hoping you have a happy holiday .......

2009change: You are still a baby and probably living at home with "mommy". I am a 75 year old veteran who was compelled to sit in the rear of public transportation while in the uniform of the US Navy, while serving in Virginia. Trust me youngblood, I've walked where you NEVER WILL. Perhaps you aren't capable of facing the truth or recognizing reality due to your "age". I've lived racial bias in these United States and STILL DO. However, I love this country as much as you ever THINK YOU CAN for I volunteered to serve my country during the HEIGHT of segregation. Something tells me from your inept response that YOU'VE NEVER BEEN A BOY SCOUT!!!!! Mr Obama has never denied his heritage. In fact if you were capable of understanding his messages during his campaign, he often delighted over his Mother and Grandparents. Of course you still being a fifth grader aren't old enough to know how things played out in America in the 1950s and prior. Try reading a history book sometime, PROVIDING YOU KNOW HOW TO READ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am white and can point to a whole lot of white couples who aren't married so this is not simply a black issue. One thing I have noticed is it seems to be very common for people who come from single parent homes so reid's comments about role models is spot on.

What you think Obama going to do for the black family, nothing. What is he going to do for the white family, nothing. The only thing he is going to do, staying in his office surrounded with all these powerfull people he put on his staff from the previous administration, and look good over it. And if I was him, I won't take that Messiah feeling, look what happened to him years ago.

If any of you think that Obam's being elected will stop black people from making a zillion excuses why they can't make it in American, you're crazy. I assure you, with the help of a thousand enablers, including Jackson and Sharpton and Farrakhan, it will be business in usual in 2009 and beyond. There will never be an end.

Maryann Reid: A word of advice; DON'T QUIT YOUR DAY JOB IF YOU HAVE ONE. TRUST ME, WRITING IS NOT ONE OF YOUR CALLINGS. A FIFTH GRADER WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE ENJOYABLE. WRITING IS DEFINITELY NOT YOUR FORTE!!! STICK TO READING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As a WHITE male who proudly cast his vote for this President, I think that his election sent a shockwave of pride and enlightenment to all black people who must now take charge and responsibility for their actions.

No longer can they claim that racism prevents them from ANYTHING. The top job in the land went to one of their own, elected in large measure by the whites, like me , who openly and enthusiastically supported his candidacy.

Let the next 4 years begin !! I can hardly wait !

jwtrotman. I'm twenty-nine and have apparently advanced from the cave into the light. Obama should embrace and be proud that he is biracial. You hun seem to be stuck back in the cotton field picking days when whites suppressed the black people. With comments like yours no wonder our country cannot advance forward....what a shame. Perhaps once those of your thinking are gone and younger generations grow into adult hood foolishness like this will finally come to an end!.

And, gay family members are still ignored, right?