Obama's Race Speech

I've been sitting on the sidelines lately in the blogging department, largely because I've been busy with things around the house, projects, etc. However, after having watched the full version of the Obama speech, I felt like making a couple of observations.

1. Judging by the readers' comments on the L.A. Times, I'm surprised at the overwhelmingly negative reaction the speech is garnering.

2. I was struck by the fact that in the speech, what Obama is asking from his audience is rare in present-day politics: thought and reflection, not simple reaction to fiery rhetoric. In other words, he is doing what few politicians do today, treating his listeners with respect, inviting them to be both thinkers and participants in the process known as democracy. I wonder if, after almost eight years of demagoguery and fear-mongering by the Bush Administration, this is asking almost too much of the American people?

Check out the speech and decide for yourself.