A Dream Fulfilled?

As I watched coverage of this unprecedented inaugural event I heard many pundits reflecting on the significance of now President Obama's achievement juxtaposed with Dr. King's legacy and what it all means. Many suggest that Obama's assent to the highest office in the land signifies the fulfillment Dr. King's "dream. " Others make the case that there is yet more work to be done before we can claim "mission accomplished." I find myself in the camp of those who express the latter sentiment. Dr. King's vision for this nation was not limited to winning political office, although it is an important step. His dream was that America would advance to a place where differences; whether racial, gender, or class, would be recognized and appreciated, but where ultimately, they would have no bearing on people's ability to achieve their own individual dreams.

It is in regard to issues of class where I am least ready to proclaim King's dream fulfilled. Racially, we have come a long way in America. Barriers are being shattered every day and today's events are proof of just how far we have advanced. But a careful examination of the President's resume' shows an education gained both within the walls of institutions of higher learning and outside those walls, that the average American will never achieve. Columbia University and Harvard Law are only accessible to a very select few and the political circles he has navigated for the last 20 years are even more exclusive.

While there is little doubt that President Obama is supremely qualified and competent to be President, it is equally obvious that there is an ever widening gap between people at opposite ends of the socio-economic specturm in this country.

Some may counter my argument by pointing to Obama's modest upbringing in a single parent home and laud the fact that he pulled himself up by his own boot-straps and made a way for himself despite tough circumstances. And they would have a valid point. I guess I would respond to that by saying that you cannot point to the exception and attmept to make it the norm. Put another way; for every one Barack Obama there are thousands of others in similar situations who live a drastically different reality. There are tens, if not hundreds of thousands of people who apply to the likes Columbia and Harvard every year and the vast majority of them are denied.

There are millions of people in the supposed wealthiest nation in the world, who still live without healthcare. Millions unemployed. Millions living below the poverty line. Millions of children who don't get proper nourishment. Millions being edcuated (or mis-educated as it were) in schools that are under-funded. And the list of economic disparites goes on and on and on.

There is a ruling class in this country; it's not based on bloodlines or birthrights, but it is steeped in wealth. The door of opportunity is always open, provided you can afford to walk through it.

Nothing in business or politics occurs wihtout vast amounts of money changing hands. Somehow, the wealthiest people in America manged to CONvince our leaders to grant them even more wealth in the form of "rescue" plans and "TARPS." Meanwhile, the average American is struggling to provide even the most basic necesities as the leaders of these financial and auto manufacturing institutions land safely under the protection of golden parachutes. And the Coingressional parade of hat-in-hand executives has only just begun. The question at this point is not "how much is this going to cost the taxpayer?" but rather, "who's next?" Which industy will present their case next? Which company will come crying that the sky is falling? Which multi-millionaire executive will come begging for assistance with a repayment plan outlined on a cocktail napkin?

Unfortunately, Dr. King's dream has been watered down and romanticized and if we asses the weakened version then the case could be made that it has been fulfilled. If however, we analyzed the more nuanced, complex version of his dream and evaluate all of it's intricacies, we'll be forced to confront the reality that in many ways we have made great strides. But in others, particularly areas of classism, we have many miles to go before we sleep.