Obama Addresses Racial "Anger"

[Jermyn Davidson]

I think that the widespread distrust of the American government is widespread, beyond the confines of American blacks. The reasons for that distrust will vary, depending on who you talk to.

As far as distrust of whites by blacks, I know many blacks, some older, some younger than me, who feel this way. Even some who are in the military feel this way, and I can't justify or not justify every person's reason(s) for that distrust.

I have said on more than one occasion when I found myself involved in conversations when these sentiments were expressed, "Most white people aren't racist and aren't trying to keep you down. They don't know you and they have too much on their plate to be worried about making sure your life is miserable."

I get a sincere chuckle out of the younger folks sometimes-- never out of the older folks though. There really is still a lot of pain and bitterness.