I am an African American

                                            “I am an African American”

       In a now famous speech, at the Berlin Wall, President John Fitzgerald Kennedy issued the iconic phrase “Ich bin ein Berliner.” (I am a Berliner). It was his way of expressing support and empathy for a people threatened by the Russians. It is one of the high-water marks of the American Presidency.

      And today,  we have another benchmark established by the current President. His characterization of a former American President and his wife, as sub human beings, is more than just a political jibe. It is an affront not just to the 44 million people of color in the USA. It is an affront to all Americans. It is unworthy of any politician, especially someone who speaks for 350 million Americans.

        My own people, the Hibernians, were similarly  characterized here in the 1800’s. We were pictured as drunken, ignorant, hairy apes who menaced the population. Unfortunately, no one stood up to castigate those who spread such bigotry.

         Today I hope is a different time. We are a multi- colored, multi-ethnic population of immigrants in America. As such, we owe each of our component parts the respect and dignity that we would wish for ourselves and our children.

        It is also important to reply to such ignorance in calm and rational terms, that express our disgust with such venom. In this manner I respond like JFK showed us, by saying  “I am an African American.” And I hope that others who are repelled by such behavior join me. And may the good Lord turn the hearts of those who speak ill of any of our own. God Bless America and all that she stands for.

                                                              -30-

                                                         (272 words)

                                                    Joseph Xavier Martin