Michelle Obama has done it this time.
She spoke recently to graduates of Oberlin College, and encouraged them to “rise above the noise and shape the revolutions of your time.”
Interesting, given the noise of their time has been created by her party, her ideology, and her husband.
“[T]hink about how even with all the gridlock and polarization in Washington, we have made so much change these past six years: 12 million new jobs. Sixteen million people who finally have health insurance. Historic agreements to fight climate change. Epic increases in college financial aid. More progress on LGBT rights than any time in our history. And today, it is no longer remarkable to see two beautiful black girls walking their dogs on the South Lawn of the White House lawn. That’s just the way things are now,” Obama said to applause at the liberal arts college.
Do I start with sarcasm or what?
12 million new jobs!? On what planet!? 16 million credited to ObamaCare!? Same planet!
And where would we be without the gratuitous “race card.”
Obama goes on…
“See, graduates, this is what happens when you turn your attention outward and decide to brave the noise and engage yourself in the struggles of our time. And that’s why, in his remarks 50 years ago, Dr. King urged the class of ‘65 to ‘stand up’ and ‘be a concerned generation.’ And, graduates, that call to action applies just as much to all of you today.”
“And I want to be very clear: Every city ordinance, every ballot measure, every law on the books in this country –- that is your concern. What happens at every school board meeting, every legislative session –- that is your concern. Every elected official who represents you, from dog catcher all the way to President of the United States –- they are your concern.”
“So get out there and volunteer on campaigns, and then hold the folks you elect accountable. Follow what’s happening in your city hall, your statehouse, Washington, D.C. Better yet, run for office yourself. Get in there. Shake things up. Don’t be afraid. (Applause.) And get out and vote in every election -– not just the big national ones that get all the attention, but every single election. Make sure the folks who represent you share your values and aspirations.”
“See, that is how you will rise above the noise and shape the revolutions of your time. That is how you will have a meaningful journey on those clamorous highways of life. And, graduates, that is how you will carry on the proud legacy of this great institution for generations to come.”
So what should these graduates look at? I posted a while back on what Democrats, and specifically black Democrats, have done for graduates. With the news shifting to Cleveland, the graduates might want to “shape the revolution” here.
- Democrat mayors since 1990
- Median household income dropped from $25,928 in 2000 to $24,257 in 2012.
- Per capita income $16,236…US average (2013) $52, 250
- Est median house value $71K…$127,600 for the rest of OH
- City has grown from roughly 16% black in 1950 to 52.8% black today.
- Violent crime rate is 261% higher than the national average.
- Unemployment for Cleveland in 2014 is 10%; for the rest of OH unemployment is 5.9%.
- Police chief: Calvin Williams, black, and the city just settled a cop lawsuit with Barack Obama’s Department of Justice.
- The city’s school district boasted a graduation rate of 56.1% in 2011.
- That same year, 2011, Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) had a 5 year graduation rate of 63.3%.
- This 5 year graduation rate increased to 66.1% in the subsequent 2011-2012 school year.
- In other words, the city is improving to a grade of D in education.
- In 2009 Cleveland schools had the nation’s third highest high school dropout rate and graduation rate following Detroit with the number one spot.
