Are Americans Racist?

Not a day goes by that racism does not raise its ugly head.  Barack Obama is introduced frequently as the first black President of the United States.  Why? Does the color of his skin contribute to his qualifications as a leader?  Any ethnic group is described by its characteristics, not its appearance.  Difference is personified in the name of racism.  Barack Obama is not President because he happens to have skin of color.  He is President because he had a plan that he adhered to closely throughout his campaign.  He used the Internet as a tool to reach people and he did.  He worked to gain the base of good education and experience.  He cannot deny characteristics applied to those of color.  His wife Michelle speaks frequently of her life as a black child and how she worked to overcome it.  It should make no difference in judging Obama’s presidency that his skin is of color.  He should be judged as any other previous president on the basis of his performance and frankly, he is lacking in that area.  His performance leaves a great deal of room for improvement.  If he is of presidential material because he has leadership qualities, it should not matter if he is white or black.  Our country will never be free of racism unless black leaders stop bringing it up as an excuse for poor performance of any politician of color.