As a South African I marvel at the fact that, first, a very healthy debate is taking place within the Black Community in the US regarding criticism of the first Black president of the USA. This is important as it clearly illustrate in many ways the difficulties associated with our relationship as Black people in general with institutions of power from which we were previously excluded on the basis of colour.

In the past this dilemna was non-existent as we lived in a world of them and us. So with one of our own in the “driving seat” for the first time, the rules or engagement naturally have changed, or at best, force us to review them.

It is clear that it will not take much for any of the commentators, intellectual or not, to find fault or weaknesses with and in each others positions, current or past, on their standing with regards to their being on the side of the Black Community or dalliances with white institutions of power.

That is to me a side show, the real debate remains how to carry on the activism for the improvement of the lives of Black folks in a world where the odds are heavily stacked against them.

To paraphrase Dr Howard Thurman, in his book Jesus and the Disinherited. What is the significance of a Black president in the US to people (Black people in this instance) who stand with their backs against the wall remains very crucial.

It is my wish that in this debate the baby should not be thrown out with the bath water. The plight of and difficulties of Black folks in a white world are simply too significant and important to be sacrificed on the individual ego altars.

As a South African I admire the depth and level of the contributions in this debate, from which we look to learn a lot.

Take your time and give it some thought.”

Don’t have to give it some thought. The answer is NO!