During an interview with BET, President Obama explained why peaceful protests were necessary by saying, “Power concedes nothing without a fight.” The president’s understanding of this adage also explains why Republicans are terrified of him.
Autoplay video of Obama’s BET interview:
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Obama said the peaceful protests after the killings of Michael Brown and Eric Garner are necessary. The president also said, “And that’s why I had them in the Oval Office, some of these folks who’ve been organizing these protests. Because the old adage, power concedes nothing without a fight — I think that’s true, but what’s also true is that a country’s conscience sometimes has to be triggered by some inconvenience, because I think a lot of people who saw the Eric Garner video are troubled, even if they haven’t had that same experience themselves. Even if they’re not African-American or Latino.”
It is this president’s understanding of the need to fight the power that terrifies Republicans and their billionaire/corporate backers. Obama isn’t happy to just work within the system. The president has fought to change the system. The ACA was a change to the system. The president has fought for changes in immigration, the economy, and many other areas.
Obama understands that as president he is taking on powerful forces. His willingness to challenge the power is why the status quo can’t stand him. The president’s entire BET interview was must see viewing for anyone who wants to gain a better understand of the racial problems that continue to plague this country. President Obama understands what is happening better than any president that came before him.
President Obama has taken the bad the press and the criticism that comes with trying to implement real change. By not choosing to go along to get along, Obama has seen the mainstream corporate owned press turn against him, and special interests work with his political enemies in secret to combat his efforts.
At some point, it appears that Barack Obama sacrificed popularity for a chance to make real change that could make a difference in people’s lives. Obama was talking about the protests that are taking place all over the country, but his answer also explained why Republicans continue to demonize and fear him.
Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association
