Who will clean up Bush’s mess?

Regarding the October 30 River Muse

Since you don’t think the country is ready for an African/mixed-American president:

"White folk wanted to make the United States a great country. What did they do? They went to Africa and enslaved Blacks to turn the country into an agricultural powerhouse.

White folk wanted to make Washington DC a great city. What did they do? They used a Black to design the city and Black labor to build it.

White folk wanted to explore the West. What did they do? Lewis and Clark took a Black slave with them to negotiate with the Indians.

White folk wanted to end the Civil War. What did they do? They freed the slaves who helped win the war.

White folk wanted to take San Juan Hill. What did they do? Teddy rushed up the hill, got in trouble, and was rescued by Blacks who took the hill.

White folk wanted to take the middle and western USA from the lndians. What did they do? They sent the Buffalo Soldiers to protect the settlers and to fight the Indians.

White folk wanted to raise cattle in the mid west. What did they do? They hired cowboys to do it (Yes, most cowboys were Black).

White folk wanted to explore the North Pole, What did they do? Admiral Perry took a Black guide along to get him there. The guide reached the pole before Perry.

White folk wanted to make the U.S. armed forces better. What did they do? Truman integrated the military.

White folk wanted to improve college and pro sports and make more money doing so. What did they do? They integrated sports and built larger stadiums and arenas and tougher golf courses.

Now, white folk want a new president to straighten out the Bush mess. What will they do, based on history? White folks ain’t stupid."

How much worse a situation do you expect before America is ready?

Sounds to me like we’re still sweeping in your kitchens. (Oh yeah, did you know African-Americans invented the broom and dust pan?)

Just to mention a few conveniences you take for granted: the ironing board; clothes dryer; the letter; the electric lamp (by which you saw clearly to write that annoying column) and typewriter; the pencil sharpener (by which you edited several times trying to be polite and politically correct); the fountain pen; the locomotive smoke stack, railway signal, motor, lubricator for steam engines, third rail; electromechanical brake, electromotive railway system, overhead conducting system for electric railways, railway telegraphy systems; automatic car coupling devise the gas burner; refrigerating apparatus; elevator; lantern; street sweepers; lawn sprinkler; machine to emboss photos; luggage carrier; umbrella stand; guitar; golf tee; fire extinguisher; gas mask; your toilet; smallpox inoculation and world-wide blood banks; the curtain rod and many, many more.

My and your history books never covered the above few honorary mentions, because there was no respect or intention of letting the population know African-Americans have always been ready to lead. Remember, many of us descendents have lineage tracing back to great kings and queens, heads of a raped continent called Africa.

So despite the historical, despicable and barbaric atrocities African Americans were exposed to under white leadership in this nation, it amazes me that you would think the way you do, but I’m not shocked.

But yet you think America does not have genius available because of skin hue, think again—human dependency goes both ways in this country.

(Afi Phoebe is a resident of Narrowsburg and Queens, NY.)