By Arturo Mora, Kansas City Star Midwest Voices columnist 2009

Just because President Obama is our first African-American commander-in-chief, that’s no reason to walk on eggshells. Anyone who’s made it that far has developed a thick skin, so have at it. That said, it’s interesting that most of the noise about racism and criticizing Obama is coming not from supporters, but from his critics.

Aside from some recent comments by President Carter, it’s mostly right-wing pundits who have constantly brought up the issue of whether it’s racist to oppose Obama. Most supporters recognize that, even if true, it’s a losing proposition to even talk about race and our president.

It just riles up passions on all sides, never really leads to constructive dialogue, and distracts from more important issues. Frankly, race talk of any kind turns off most Americans. Obama himself is smart enough to have learned by now what political dynamite the issue is. He needs no more Reverend Wright’s, or beer summits.

So it’s obvious why these pundits continue to harp on this alleged reticence against an African-American president. It’s true that the more race is discussed, the more some of their base’s most base instincts get pumped up. The real hope, however, is to snare those voters on the fence. If they can convince white independents that Obama is being treated with kid gloves because he’s black, they might win some converts who are tired of the whole race issue.

Their argument about Obama is an illusion. No president is immune from intense criticism, and Obama has been no exception. He takes pot shots every day from both left and right. The Huffington Post called for his Vice President to resign if we send more troops to Afghanistan. Gays are impatient for the change he promised them. Progressives in general are upset over his healthcare reform efforts. FoxNews so obviously hates him that the president is stupid to waste time pointing that out.

Now, I like Jimmy Carter for his willingness to speak his mind and tell truths others dare only tiptoe around. However, though his race comments were twisted out of context, I don’t agree with everything he said. He was correct to point out that the crazier signs and comments are racist and should be strongly condemned by all leaders.

He went too far when he said, "I think an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he is a black man, that he's African-American."

I don’t agree that racism is driving “an overwhelming portion”—or even most—critiques of Obama. That would be too simple. There is another deep divide that has marked our politics for decades. It’s about disagreements over the proper role of government, taxes, bureacracy, and revolving around a central debate of social needs vs. libertarian freedoms.

Those who say race is the main factor in opposing Obama, are sticking their head in the sand about these taxpayer resentments. Those who say race is no factor at all are also sticking their heads in the sand, about the racism that still poisons portions of our populace.

Is America a racist nation, angry over the takeover by this black interloper? Of course not. That’s nonsensical, because America elected this man. Does a very vocal minority feel that type of anger? Witness some of the more racist signs at some rallies, and you have to say, yes, of course.

I’m an optimist, and believe that this is a shrinking minority. Our younger generations mix easier and are more intolerant of intolerance. But don’t tell me racism is gone already, or that we shouldn’t even talk about race. Silence is not a solution either.

Both sides need to respect each other’s sensitivities and rights. Sometimes it’s not so clear, as with the “joker poster.” It may have meant to paint him as a “joker,” but to others it’s evocative of blackface. Calling Obama a Nazi or comparing him to Adolf Hitler may be over-the-top, but it’s not racist. Get over it, politics is tough.

Obama is our president. It’s a time-honored American tradition to rail at our presidents. I will not accuse anyone of being racist for that. But I will speak up if I feel someone is making racist comments, about Obama or anyone else. The two are separate issues, and any reasonable person should know the difference.