Thank you Carolyn. I agree, but it was difficult to enforce that belief in my son when he was being continually knocked down for being black. It was difficult for me to blame him for his "failures." Even in "safe" settings (school) it was difficult because I was well aware of the subtle discrimination taking place. I've lived on both sides of the fence - even grew up with some of his teachers.

Barb, it made me cry too. I thought of MLK, JFK and Obama's mother as he gave that speech - how proud they'd be to see such a profound attempt to heal the racial wounds of this country. How AWESOME it would be if this country could truly become "united" at the core without having to amputate any limbs.

JFK and MLK gave me HOPE when I was a little girl. I was devastated when it was taken away. I live a life of NO HOPE now, considering my untreatable/incurable terminal illness (amyloidosis). However, Obama gives me a spark of hope for humanity - and it feels good.

P.S. = Hey Barb, if people are uneasy about his name (Barack), they can just call him by the name he was known as in high school.....Barry. Rather than get upset, maybe they can chill out to some Manilow.