The Second Half of the First Term By The Reverend D. D. Prather BlackCommentator.com Guest Commentator

This year, President Obama and his administration will embark upon the second half of the first term at the helm of our Country. In my opinion, if the second half is going to parallel the first, then the future of our country for generations yet unborn is bright. There is hope even in spite of the bleak political and social landscape of the present day state of America. While the problems remain numerous, it is very clear that it is going to take more than eight years to undo what has been done over decades in creating a culture of American commercialism. I am convinced that we are off to a great start in 2011 in being more progressive if the President’s focus remains progressive and continues to be a priority for our nation and humanity. In the remaining months of his first term, it is going to be imperative for him to intently focus on domestic and international relations. It is most disturbing how the conservative right perpetuates their agenda in the most radical practices ever conceived. The most recent violence against Arizona representative, Gabrielle Giffords, highlights and confirms such climate and I am convinced such was politically motivated. However, even amidst tragedy and crisis, the optimist can always find the positive and good. Unfortunately, there is a continued political and social crisis across the country that is going to have to be addressed both symbolically and tangibly. It continues to be the case that while behavior, morality and philosophical thought cannot be legislated it can, however, be regulated. The United States of America is unique in and of itself because of its unique framework as the melting pot of humanity. While our diversity is one of our many strengths, it also remains one of our numerous weaknesses. If we are going to continue to be the leader of the free world and super-power that we maintain, the conversation about race and diversity has got to remain continuous. As our first President of African Descent, civil rights attorney and constitutional scholar, I think President Obama has an innate responsibility to not only be a resounding part of the conversation but to lead the effort. This conversation is important because racism and classism will never be removed, as it has been uniquely woven into the fabric of American culture. We have intently convinced ourselves that it is black and white, rich and power. It is going to take a continuous movement of like-minded, forward thinking people to unthread such poison. Perhaps retired United States Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Conner helps us understand the importance of embracing and discussing diversity when she asserted that “We don't accomplish anything in this world alone… and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one's life and all the weavings of individual threads form one to another that creates something.” BlackCommentator.com Guest Commentator, The Reverend D. D. Prather, is a noted Civil/Social Justice Activist, a native of Atlanta, Georgia and former National Member of the NAACP Board of Directors. Click here to contact the Reverend Prather.