Has President Obama diffused racial tension?

President Obama has commented on the beating of a mentally disabled man and describes the attack as despicable. Speaking with CBS reporter Jay Levine in Chicago about the four black suspects and the tortured eighteen year old white victim, Mr Obama said that he did not believe that racial tensions are worse, rather ‘the public exposure is more prevalent in the digital age.’ He stated that we are now witnessing problems that have been there for a long time already due to hate crimes of the despicable sort surfacing on social media.

Two men and two women have been charged with the ‘hate crime’ that was witnessed by several people and posted on social media. On the same post, comments about president-elect Donald Trump were made using racially offensive language.

President Obama maintains that this particular incident is not a sign of worsened racial tensions and that he is hopeful about the future. He believes that race relations are very positive and although they have not disappeared completely, the next generation have smarter and more thoughtful attitudes about race. This means that there is the capacity for improvement.

Let’s leave the last word to President Obama, ‘We still have more work to do for every American still in need of a good job or a raise, paid leave or a dignified retirement. What won’t help is taking health care away from 30 million Americans, most of them white and working class, denying overtime pay to workers, most of whom have more than earned it, or privatizing Medicare and Social Security and letting Wall Street regulate itself again — none of which middle-class Americans voted for.’

Véronique’s Verdict

The cards drawn are the Wheel of Fortune, the High Priestess and the Seven of Wands.

The Wheel of Fortune reveals an energy that we reap what we have sown. Mr Obama stated that hate crimes had not increased as such, however the frequency of the crimes seems greater due to the fact that they are being witnessed and reported more.

The High Priestess represents the wisdom within all citizens to understand opposing forces. Not everyone shares the same belief system but this cards tells us that we instinctively know the difference between right and wrong. Treat people in the manner that you wish to be treated.

The Seven of Wands is very much about standing by personal beliefs and values with courage and integrity. There is a determination within this card and a wish to protect and nurture loved ones. Mr Obama understands that even if a situation looks forbidding and difficult, a hero goes forward in spite of fear.

President Obama has done much to diffuse racial tension and will continue to do so whether in the public domain or in private, Collectively the cards say that Mr Obama’s legacy will continue in the White House long after he has left. Although he realizes that there is still work to do, we can all make a difference starting with the person in the mirror.