Jason Whitlock's letter to Barack Obama

I don't know much about Whitlock but I do know that one of his idols was Mike Royko. Royko like to dabble in sports and politics - why not Whitlock?

 

HH, I'm not exactly sure what you're trying to say, since your post really doesn't make sense. But if you're saying that you disagree that it was a brilliant speech, feel free. I happen to think that it was an outstanding piece of writing, of oratory, and for Whitlock - whose strength is power of his opinions, not his quality of his prose - to try to improve on it is really foolish.

 

Because he doesn't vote.

Not saying he shouldn't have an opinion, but, given that one little detail, I'm still shaking my head that Whitlock decided to write a column in which that fact might be seen as particularly pertinent.

But then, I don't seek him out regularly or know him well, either, only reading his work through links on this and other sites.

 

Column is worthless if he says he doesn't get involved in politics.
And doesn't belong in the sports section, I'd find it hard to believe it ran there.

 

buuu, but whitlock is the voice of black america.

 

This is clearly the point where he says, This is why I care, even if I don't vote: "He has the necessary background, life experience and personality to inspire ordinary Americans to look beyond their racial stereotypes and fears."

He cares because it's about race relations and that's very much his bag. Can that and politics ever be completely separate? No. Should he probably vote because of it? Yes. Very Yes.

But does it make him unqualified to say, 'Hey, here's what I think Barack should have said if he wanted to have the biggest impact on race relations in America'? I don't think so.

He may be wrong, but I'm OK with him making the argument.

I'm not doing the best job of articulating the distinction, I know. But my two cents.

Oh, but someone trying to write in someone else's voice, just doesn't work that well. It didn't kill the column, but it was a bit odd.

 

I see what you say, but to me, and I suspect a lot of others, you have no voice if you don't participate.

 

I think it did kill the column. When Whitlock writes something that even approaches the brevity and success of "Dreams From My Father," then he can presume to speak for Barack Obama. Until then ...

 

I don't have much of a dog in this fight -- I neither love Whitlock like some on here do, nor hate him the way others do (I didn't see the thread that got him banned) -- but I don't understand how you can be surprised by the reaction.

You're right, a columnist does form a relationship with his readers. Whitlock also formed a relationship with many on this site. For some it was pleasant and interesting, for others it went completely sour. It should be no surprise that the relationships he formed on this site will influence people's opinion of his work.

 

Yeah, for me, he can participate becuase he has a voice in race relations.

 

Exactly. You couldn't help but read that and thing "Barack would say it so much better."
I hope he was just trying to convey the type of speech that he would have like to see Obama give, and not really think his words were better -- just trying to provided the general ideas.

But, of course, I can't say for sure.

 

Sorry, Jason's only race relations voice is pro African-American, not American.