(ThyBlackMan.com) The fight to increase the debt ceiling through the remainder of President Obama’s term has fueled more talk by black leadership of Republican and, more specifically, Tea Party racism. It is evident that for the first time in American history, citizens are berated for disagreeing with the president. When the president is criticized by whites they are dismissed as racists, and critics who happen to be black are castigated as traitors.
This attempt by some to inoculate our first black president from constituent 
accountability muddies the historic policy discussions that are taking place. It is true that President Obama inherited a country in financial straits, but it is also true that he inherited a super-majority in the House and Senate. His vision for America was in no wise threatened by a Republican Party demoralized with its tail between its legs.
President Obama executed his vision of massive spending, regulation and government expansion. Yet, the country’s fiscal health grew progressively worse. The stimulus failed to create private sector jobs, burdensome regulations left capital on the sidelines, and Obamacare is increasing insurance premiums.
While it is also true the debt limit has been raised dozens of times, the difference between now and then is that our debt is surpassing our yearly production of goods and services (GDP). Second, our massive debt is threatening our AAA credit rating, per the likes of Moody and others. Third, government spending as a percentage of GDP is significantly higher (25%) than the historical average (20%). Last, in 2006, Senator Obama opposed raising the debt ceiling, stating, “America has a debt problem and a failure of leadership.”
Taking all of this into consideration, President Obama’s political philosophy is in sharp contrast to the fiscal reality facing our nation. A decade ago, the president may have been given considerable latitude to attempt his government-centered policies, but today he is handcuffed by our runaway debt. Our rising debt cannot be ignored or wished away, it must be confronted head on; and that means serious reforms to curb spending, while at the same time preserving the social safety-net for our most vulnerable Americans.
It would be naïve of me to suggest race plays no part for an insignificant minority, but it is also naïve to suggest every disagreement with the president is couched in race. The Republican/Tea Party ran on austerity and no new taxes during the 2010 elections and the American people ratified their agenda. Those black leaders who defraud the black community to boost their ratings and wallets with their Tales of the Racist Republicans would do well to reevaluate the historical setting in which the president finds himself.
Written By Rev. Isaac Hayes
Official website; http://twitter.com/isaac_hayes
