America is a nation of cowards!” These were the words of then-Attorney General Eric Holder, appointed by President Obama, during a speech in celebration of Black History Month. Holder’s comment stirred significant controversy, adding to the growing list of provocative moments from the Obama administration, including Reverend Wright’s “God damn America” and First Lady Michelle Obama’s remark, “For the first time in my life, I am proud of America.”
Eric Holder, the first Black attorney general in U.S. history, made the statement while addressing racial progress in America. Ironically, while celebrating Black achievements, he managed to insult the entire nation. Holder’s remarks, calling Americans “cowards” in matters of race, were seen by many as one of the most offensive comments ever made by an attorney general. Despite the backlash, the media largely gave Holder a free pass, possibly due to the “historic” nature of his appointment.
This incident reflects a broader pattern in the Obama administration, which has faced its share of controversies. Holder’s remarks came amidst other issues, such as several non-taxpaying cabinet members and an unusually high percentage of failed appointments under President Obama.
During his speech, Holder stated, “Though this nation has proudly thought of itself as an ethnic melting pot in things racial, we have always been, and we, I believe, continue to be, in too many ways, essentially a nation of cowards.” This comment, intended to spark a dialogue on race, instead became a symbol of division for many.
As the nation grappled with Holder’s controversial statement, it raised a critical question: Was this the right person for the highest position of law in the country? The “Hope and Change” agenda promised something different, but with Holder’s divisive comments, many were left questioning the effectiveness of that promise.
