Posted by By Shawn Williams – Editor Dallas South News
Michael Steele’s position with the Republican National Committee is a political one. His job is to get Republicans elected (and make claims to keep the party from being called racist). But President Obama was awarded the Nobel Prize, it offered Steele a chance to rise above the fray, and predictably he chose not to.
When I received a press release from the RNC after the announcement, I just knew that the first word from RNC Chairman Steele would be “Congratulations.” I mean, when Chicago lost the Olympic bid the week prior, I expected Steele and his party to take a victory lap. But at least then he acted as if he wanted Chi-Town to come out on top:
While I am disappointed with the IOC’s decision, I look forward to the president returning stateside so that he can refocus his efforts on the growing unemployment crisis that was highlighted by today’s monthly jobs report.
RNC Chairman Michael Steele
But this time there wasn’t even a “hey man that’s a good look.” Straight off the top, Steele’s statement about the Nobel Prize went left. “The real question Americans are asking is, ‘What has President Obama actually accomplished?’” Steele said. Steele went on to say “It is unfortunate that the president’s star power has outshined tireless advocates who have made real achievements working towards peace and human rights.”
Not only that, but Steele even took the opportunity to add to the party’s coffers by sending out a fundraising message. In his letter to supporters, Steele said “”the Democrats and their international leftist allies want America made subservient to the agenda of global redistribution and control. And truly patriotic Americans like you and our Republican Party are the only thing standing in their way.”
It’s true that Obama has only been in office a short time, but it was his historic run for President that helped change the world’s perception of the United States. I guess Mr. Steele has already forgotten President Obama addressing throngs of supporters in Germany. While many Americans were critical of candidate Obama’s foreign appeal, it was that same appeal that help him win the Nobel Prize.
After President Obama was elected President last year, many countries saw a side of America that they didn’t believe existed. And while Mr. Steele’s party would say they are not surprised that the U.S. would have elected a Black president, the base of their party shows just what type of challenge candidate Obama faced. The RNC seems to take umbrage with anything that originates outside of America, that goes for people, good ideas, and now a Nobel Prize for our President.
Steele could have broken with his party and at least sent well wishes to President Obama. But I guess that didn’t work so well for him when he challenged Rush Limbaugh. Towing the party line hasn’t gained Steele many friends either, so why not take a chance every now and then?
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