Would You Vote For Obama Again?
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Barack The Vote?
If you have a facebook account, then you have likely received this poll question at least once over the past few months "Would You Vote for Barack Obama Again?" Did you answer it? I did. I answered it twice as a matter of fact. It wasn’t until the third time I saw the poll that I finally found myself insulted by the question itself.
Why is this question being posed? I never heard anyone ask if I’d vote for Reagan again, or if I’d vote for Bush again, and I never heard anyone ask if I’d vote for Clinton again. I make the last distinction to state the point that it’s not a Republican/Democrat issue at hand; it’s a black/white issue. George W. Bush ran the worst administration in recent history, and very possibly all of history – yet no one questions their vote, after 8 long years, not once was that vote questioned. It’s funny though, how at the very tail end of those 8 years, Republicans suddenly stood up and spoke out about how bad that administration was. Suddenly Republican candidate John McCain disassociated himself and tried to distance himself from “W”. An unprecedented insult of ensuring that the standing president of the United States of America was not present at the Republican Convention, to me was the ultimate admission of a guilt that no one admitted or dared to question for 8 long years.
Yet here we are, less than one year into the presidency of Barack Obama, America’s first Black president, and already people are asking me would I vote for him again. Why is that? First let me impart that this is not the first question that’s been unique to president Obama. In fact, this second question stems from, and is an under-handed follow up to the first question: Are you (meaning Black people) only voting for Obama because he’s Black? Now, now my “brothaz and sistaz”, I see your hand up screaming “Please can I have this one?” Settle down – I got this. Let me first say to all those who have ever asked that question aloud (and yes, I’ve heard it from a few Black people too) – “Excuse my French, but fuck you!” That’s for asking, because I take that question as an insult and a slap in the face of Black men and women everywhere! It is to say that Black people don’t have the intelligence to make an informed decision, that we think with our skin and not our minds, and that Barack Obama did nothing but stand up and be Black. It is to say that we don’t care about the issues, as if we don’t have problems to be resolved – hell; we’ve got more problems than ANY other culture in the melting pot called America. However, since I’m on my soapbox, allow me to address this insulting question properly.
Every person that asked me if I was only voting for Obama because he’s Black got an earful of reasons contrary to their question. Afterwards, I posed to each of them 3 questions of my own – questions that all of them side-stepped and continued with their commentary about all the other people they asked who couldn’t give them “good reasons” for voting for Obama. My questions to them were: 1. Why is that a question? 2. Have you asked any White people if they’re voting for McCain because he’s White? 3. Have you asked anyone, White, Black or other, why they voted for Bush – twice? Personally, I don’t know who the heck they were asking, because all (and I mean 100%) of the Black people I talked to either wasn’t voting for him, or had quite substantial reasoning behind their vote. I gathered that information in general political banter, not because I asked “the question”.
I have never asked “the question” because I see no value in "the question". Instead I have encouraged Black people to not be swayed by that question and vote however they pleased…even if it meant they didn’t vote at all. You have the right to vote, but more importantly you have the right to choose, and if you choose not to vote – you ARE exercising your right. It seems our actions always have to be questioned. If we don’t vote we’re insulted because we didn’t vote, if we do vote people insult our reasons why we vote the way we do, they say we vote name recognition or because “he’s Black”. We can’t even make a movie without everyone jumping up saying “What kind of message is he sending?” or “What is he trying to say?” Just leave us the hell alone! Let us vote how we want to, why we want to, and just worry about you and your intentions! Quite frankly, it’s none of your frigging business anyway! George Washington was voted into office in 1789, if you’ve done the math you’ll know that is 220 years prior to the inauguration of Barack Obama as president of the United States of America. In other words, it took over 219 years for Black people to even HAVE a Black candidate to vote for – so Goddamn what if the only reason they vote for him is because he’s Black! It is the first time in any American’s life that they’ve had that opportunity…and damnit it felt good! I contend that there was just as many White people voting against Barack Obama for the same damn reason, so to hell with “the question”! I’ve even had one guy say something to the effect that “Black people are voting for him because he’s Black, and the White people voting for him are doing so to appease Black people" - Are you serious? It had nothing to do with Sarah Palin being in WAY over her head? It was just not a chance in hell that some people, of any culture, might actually agree with the man’s approach to the presidency? It’s just race huh? Well hell with it, so be it. You go 200 years without a White candidate to vote for, and then tell me how you’re going to vote when the great White hope arrives (for an example of how a White man breaking the barrier of an arena dominated by Black men might be welcomed, see Larry Bird and Eminem).
In closing I ask of Americans to get over it and let the man do his job. You don’t have to ask if people would vote for him again, because they’ll get an opportunity to be heard in 3 ¼ more years. No one disrespected W. in public during his horrid 8 year regime...well, at least not in America, but I see public displays of disrespect toward Obama from politicians AND citizens: as if he’s not the president, but rather he’s "the Black president". Let it go America, damn! So what if Black people voted for him because he’s Black, is that really any different than party lines? Is that so different than a Republican that will vote for Bozo the Clown just as long as he’s Republican? Is that so different than a Democrat voting a straight Democratic ticket – regardless of candidate, as long as they’re Democrat? It’s hogwash, bullshit if you will…just another excuse to disrespect “the Black president”. Enough already! I voted the way I voted for reasons of my own. I stand by my vote. We won. Take it like a man, quit acting a like a pompous brat, and do what’s best for the country – stand down and let the president do his job.
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Comments
That is the emptiest guarantee known to man. Bush is responsible for the death of thousands of young men, fighting a war we had no business fighting (the War on Iraq). It will take a LOT to do more wrong than that.
I have a hunch that history will judge Obama kindly, even if that's lost on a huge chunk of the population now.
Thanks for the comment. That's an interesting comment because seldom do anyone talk about how we will look back on his presidency, as opposed to the here and now. I've never really given it a lot of thought, but I think he has to make something happen that his legacy can be built around. Healthcare may be it, or it is possible that his legacy making action is yet to be approached.
I really appreciated reading this Hub. I disagree with the majority of what the Democrats are doing in our country right now, but I also disagree with most of what the Republicans are doing. I think that Obama is one of the most moving speakers of our generation. He has a definite talent for sharing his views and opinions in a manner that motivates people to respond with action. Bush, on the other hand, had no talent for public speaking. I have thought that President Obama won because he beat Hilary in the preliminaries fair and square. From a purely political science stand--he did his job way better than she did. She underestimated him and lost because of it. I think President Obama beat the Republicans because no matter what, the country was not putting another Republican in office after the mistakes W made. Thanks for sharing your views. Great Hub.
He's a master strategist (look at how he handled the campaign!) and he's taken on some MAJOR challenges already. He's ignored the day-to-day polling swings and is pressing forward on the platform we elected him on.
I happen to agree with the Democratic platform much more than the Republican one (especially nowadays) so it's refreshing to see competent leadership that will most likely not get embroiled in a distracting sex scandal like our previous Democratic president.
Health care, ending the wars, striving for peace outside our country, and civil rights are important issues that Bush didn't have the ability or interest in tackling. Good luck to Obama and Congress.
Thank you for the comments. I appreciate the feedback.
Hello T,
I think this was a great hub! I am a democrat and believe that Mr. Obama is probably the best thing that the United States has seen in many, many years. It was very nice to read your honest opinion. Keep up the great work!
Thank you for the compliment and for your feedback.
Never would, and never will :)
You know T, he's not only the first black president we've ever had he's the only communist president we've ever had too. Could be that some people wouldn't vote for him because of that, not because of the color of his skin. You know for someone who's supposedly not a racist, you sure do put a lot on the color of a person's skin.
ledefensetech, to call the president a communist is an interested show of defiance, but you're entitled to that opinion. However, you need to actually read the hub before you comment about it's content.
"Could be that some people wouldn't vote for him because of that, not because of the color of his skin." is a response that completely lacked any relevance to the point I made in this hub. In fact, to answer this question is to say you only read the question, and ignored the accompanying story.
Thanks for the comment anyway. BTW, do you truly believe that discussing race relations makes you a racist? I only open the door for conversation, not afraid to confront it. Some of my best friends of other cultures are those that drop their guards with me and share our views openly and honestly, without passing judgment. We talk race, religion, politics, sports, and whatever else. It creates a closer bond with us and has helped us have a much greater understanding of one another without regards to race...or even with regards to race. I will share the Black perspective (in general), my personal take (which isn't always the same), and they will do the same for their respective culture and individuality. We don't always agree, we rarely get offensive, and we always respect each others opinion. I never knew that made me a racist, but if it does I better let them know.
There has been a split in the discussion of race since the end of the 1960's. I rather believe Dr. King when he said that what matters is the content of a person's character, not the color of their skin. The second school of thought believes that you can have multiple "cultures" living side by side, separate but equal.
I don't believe that. We're all Americans and that is supposed to mean something. It's supposed to mean that we all of us have the right to life, liberty and happiness. Here's the thing though. That means different things to different people. Our Founders were not perfect, heck some of them owned other human beings, but they understood that the only way to build a successful society is one that respected the liberty and property of it's people.
And you can't really speak for the "Black experience" in America any more than I can the "Mexican experience". You can speak for your experience and I can speak for my experience, but in the end, we're all individuals and that is what we know best. That is what binds us together. You're a man and I'm a man, our struggles, victories, losses, laughter and tears are what bind us together because those are the things that make us human.
I'm not sure where you're going with this, but I'll entertain your attempt to indulge me.
1. Americans have the right to life, liberty, and the "pursuit" of happiness. You don't have the right to happiness itself. I believe that promise is fulfilled.
2. I never proclaimed to speak for the "Black experience", whatever that is. To spoon feed you what I meant: sometimes during a topical discussion, I will offer the Black perspective (not experience)...that is to say, in general, what Black people are saying about the topic. I CAN honestly offer that perspective since I hear it at home, at work, in the barbershop, at the neighborhood bar, in chat rooms, on facebook, etc. Then I offer my own perspective, which is not always agreeable with the general consensus of my people. If you are embedded in the confines of your culture, it would be fair for you to offer the perspective of Mexicans as it relates to a particular issue. It doesn't mean you all agree, and it doesn't mean you can speak on their behalf, but you may be able to offer some insight that I, or others on the outside looking in, are not privy to.
Is that fair enough for you?
Unfortunatly I wouldn't ever vote for Obama even if he was white as the driven snow. I disagree with his associations, I disagree with his lack of experience, and I now disagree where he is taking this country. There is more division now than ever, we've taken two steps back. Sorry. Good Hub though.
jiberish: but you probably didn't vote for him the first time. Read the title of this hub.
Hence the word Ever!
I enjoyed reading this hub and I appreciate hearing your point of view, which is all any of us have. I voted for Obama and I'm glad I did even with all the backlash he's receiving.
I would vote for him again. This reminds me of all the talk now about race being the issue behind the problems he faces.
Well, he was black before the elections also and America voted for him to be our President. I can't imagine Sarah and John being the top dogs for our country. We can look at that scenario now and know it was doomed for failure! America made the right choice and now, I say, give the man a chance. good work, and keep writing!
Thanks for the jiberish, but the content of the hub is taking the question itself to task, not actually asking you to answer it. I certainly don't question whether or not his race had anything to do with your vote. I know that you're a Republican and I'm sure you voted against Obama because of partisan politics. That is 100% your right, and fine by me. I don't find the country any more or less divided now than ever before, there's just a louder exclamation from the brats that's used to getting their way. The excess noise makes some people realize what they chose to tune out before - hence they think it's new or worse, when it's really the same old sad song that those with open ears have been tuned into for years.
Thanks for the comment rebekahELLE! I agree with you 100%! I hear all this talk, but when you consider McCain and the dingbat Palin being in office, you realize this could be much worse. I think she resigned so she could stay home and study the Constitution.
While I agree that there are inquisitive idiots, there is no such thing as a dumb/invalid question. People who are passionate about their candidate often question others on why they did or didn't vote for them. Its very common.
If it were not for the Clinton circus Bush could not have been elected. If it were not for 9/11 he would not have been re-elected. Outside of those external issues, most people won't remember much about Bush's policies. There wasn't a lot there. No child left behind was never funded properly, no matter which side of the aisle was in controll of the house and senate. He engaged in nation building which spiralled us into debt. However as time goes by I believe he will be painted in a very positive light. He will be remembered as the "cowboy" who rode in and scared off the bad guys. Its what we wanted and probably needed after 9/11.
Calling Palin a dingbat is safe for democrats to say, now that they have Biden bound, gagged and stuffed in the broom closet!
I didn't vote for Obama the first time. I don't think he will be elected for a second term. We are in debt up to our ears. Granted the previous administration contributed greatly to that debt. Obama, made a lot of promises regarding cleaning up the mess. Promises, that I think his policies can't support.
People voted for or against Obama based on whether or not they thought he would help the economy. In the end the President can do little to fix a broken economy. Remember Bush 1? He made promises he couldn't keep either.
Hey, Biden is carelessly outspoken, but he's no dingbat. LOL
Great feedback CJ. Thanks for the comment.
I understand you well. and i love how you was able to convey your true thoughts. Why are people talking who didn't vote the first time. Don't they have a Tea Party to plan. When I voted for Al Gore, no one ask me about him being white. for the idiots who don't get it.It all about about voting democrat. Now it President Barack Obama was Republican then I would have voted for him because he's black?
Interesting point you make at the end of that comment Rose.
Thanks for the input.
I think quite a few voted for Obama because they had enough of Bush and he didn't help McCain's cause either. But I also think some who voted for him because he was black and most voted along party lines.
Personally, I think those reasons are shallow. there is too much at stake.
Bush is done it's Obama's game now. He has yet to make good on any of his promises on accountability and transparency.
Obama has to think for himself and listen to the right people or he could wind up killing more Bush.
If he loses Afghanistan he will lose Pakistan. If Iran and Israel go after each other...well I don't want to even think of that right now.
He has convinced China to buy too much of his debt. One day China is going to turn around and want something from us that we really don't want to give. He'd better come up with a way to make sure that debt is paid without taxing us out of house and home.
Right now - history is not on his side.
T, you had me going there for a minute. I mean really. No one disrespected Bush. Excuse my French but ARE YOU F*in KIDDING ME? What the hell planet have you been on the past 8 years my friend? The disrespect began from the win over Gore and, with the exception of the months following 9-11, continued with the most shrill outrageous behavior I have ever seen for a sitting President. I mean shoes being thrown. No disrespect? Good lord, I know the winners write history, but that's just wrong.
The other side. I respect your right to say what you think. Americans should have the right to criticize this intern we put in the White House. He is exactly as we said he would be. Inexperienced. Untested. Dangerous. He's living up to that today.
Those of us who didn't vote for him had nothing to do with his color. It had everything to do with mistrusting him and his policies. The man had done nothing except run for office before being elected. And he hasn't figured the election is over. I'm sick to death of anyone playing the race card (oops..forgot about that Harvard professor friend of Obama's. The cop was a racist...so said the President)
I recognize you are offended at being asked the question. I humbly suggest the reason for the question is not the color of the man's skin, but the unquestionable lies, misrepresentations, and policy blunders that have already occurred. This President will make history. He already has unemployment up to 17%. During the Great Depression of the 30's it hit 25%. (check it...its an absolute fact). I'm betting he'll exceed that.
People question their mistakes everyday. If someone asks this question that offends, you might think of it this way so as it is less offensive.
"How's that whole hopey changy thing working out for you?" If it works say yes. If it doesn't, as is the case for most Americans, say no.
I only hope the republic can survive the next 13 months. We sure as hell haven't done very well in the first 9. For another view, and not just my rant...see what happened in Missouri today here http://hubpages.com/hub/Is-This-A-Sign-of-the-Time
like I said if you didn't vote for him, then you are against him and nothing positve is going to be said. People are afraid Obama will be the best President America ever has, who just also happen to be black.
joer4x4
Thanks for the feedback.
I notice your first paragraph neglected those who voted against Obama because of his race, I'm sure you can agree there was a percentage of population that took that stance as well. However, no one asks that question or re-iterates that potential statistic. However shallow the opposite vote is, I think they balance out to a point that it shouldn't matter. Evidently he was able to motivate a large number of people that don't normally get up and out to the polls - that collection of shallow voters, both black and white, that saw his race as a deciding issue. However, I've not met anyone willing to say that was the sole reason for their vote - I've only heard the outsiders talk about them. I have heard White people say they were voting against him because "he's a Muslim"...does that count? Was "Muslim" code for another word?
I agree there is a lot of work to be done still, but there's some very thick party lines to cross in order to get things done. The best is yet to come - the outcome is yet to be seen.
theguru-retorts,
Thanks for the feedback.
You had a lot to say, so I'll try to organize my response this way:
1. The win over Gore was justifiably questioned, and the closest anyone came to publicly disrespecting him regarding that was Gore saying "congratulations on becoming president", as opposed to saying "elected president". I didn't see the mass protests with racially charged signage, and unconcealed guns hanging on the hip of protesters - I missed that part. Please remind me - post the proof. I didn't hear anyone in congress or senate hollering "CHEATER!" at the president to disrespectfully acknowledge what a large part of the country was in discussions about amongst themselves. I missed that part. Please remind me - post the proof. Why do Republicans keep bringing up "the shoe" incident when I address it within the context of this hub? THAT WAS NOT IN AMERICA!!! HE WAS NOT THAT GUY'S PRESIDENT!! I AM REFERRING TO THE BLATANT DISRESPECT BY THE AMERICAN CITIZENS TOWARD THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. There, you get it now?
2. Do you actually believe you speak for everyone that voted against Obama? Do you actually believe that you can honestly say that no one voted against Obama because of the color of his skin? I'll let you answer that within yourself, and allow it to simmer. Hopefully you can be honest with yourself about that one.
3. If you're so sick of people playing the race card, then why did you play it? Is this like when Black people say something racists and justify it by saying "...only White people can be racists, Black people can only be prejudiced"? So, only Black people can play the race card, White people can only claim reverse racism - and it's not the same? Newsflash - White people play the race card as much, if not more than Black people. I'm sick of it too, but when the shoe fits...throw it at Bush. By the way, Obama never said "the cop was a racist", he said that the cop "acted stupidly", you're putting words in his mouth in attempt to "play the race card".
4. Are you suggesting that Bush didn't lie, misrepresent, or make policy blunders? Obama inherited a failed economic plan that must get worse before it gets better. Unemployment rate is not an Obama issue, it's a Bush issue that Obama inherited. Would McCain have helped? The self-proclaimed "biggest free-trader I know"? NAFTA is a LARGE reason for the fall of the American steel and automotive industries. Having to compete with companies who can operate on costs far less than ours, because they're paying salaries that are a mere fraction of the American worker was bound for disaster. Our jobs started leaving the country to reduce manufacturing and material costs, without consideration that those now out-of-work Americans can no longer afford to support the industry by purchasing product. I like how Republicans are dumping our economic issues on the Democratic president, and totally ignoring the facts regarding its derivative.
Lastly, partisan politics are standing in the way of eventual change. It's not like they can or will stop change, but they are just trying to slow it down long enough to make it hard for Democrats to continue it's reign in the presidency. Have you had a peak at the Republican's proposed health care plan? My guess is no, since they don't have any. All they have is the right to say "no", rile up crowds against the president, and sit in the pockets of the people that stand to lose the most money if the plan goes through - the insurance and pharmaceutical companies! They are the "no" party, and that's exactly what they'll have in 2012 - no party.
Let me articulate a little better.
I think those that voted for Obama because he was black really voted for him on his "change" platform and the fact that he was black just put icing on the cake.
Just so you understand where I stand. I didn't vote for Obama or McCain. I didn't vote for Bush or Gore either. I believe in the Constitution and none of these guys took their oath to honor and defend it seriously.
As far as disrespecting Obama the press has been more than kind in supporting him. No one took more criticism in history than Bush. We should also remember that when Bush took office he inherited a recession too. Bur we have to remember our financial troubles can be traced back a long way.
The bottom line is these guys are politicians first. They will do what's good for them. All one has to do is follow the money trail which is easy to find.
Under our form of government the president, congress, and senate are public property. They are not kings or queens. We are citizens, not subjects.
This is where our focus should be. But we forget the past all too quickly. We don't don't hold our leaders to a high standard because we don't hold ourselves to that same standard.
I accepted Bush as president as I do Obama. When they're right I'll praise them and when they're wrong I will criticize them. That is fair.
Have a great day everyone!
To use a couple of quotes from the past,
"There you go again"
T. The word Rep. Wilson used while inappropriate in the setting, was 100% factual. By the way, it was "liar", not cheater.
If you want photo proof of the Bush disrespect, which I'm guessing will be explained in some fashion, try this pictorial http://www.zombietime.com/zomblog/?p=612. The blatant disrespect was less about the shoe, and more about Americans disinterest in being concerned that someone threw something at our President.
Never tried to paint myself as representative of a group, only that myself, and several others who disagree do so based on the policies of the gentleman in the office, not because or in spite of his color.
When's the time line of blaming the last guy for the failures run out? We were told the stimulus would fix it. Now we're told unemployment will be at (government official number) 10% of higher till the end of 2010 (convenient..right before an election)
Painting me with a label is the same thing you accuse others of doing to you by asking "the question" I have the capacity to think independently and critically. I do so and exercise my right to an opinion, as I salute you for yours. Its how I think, not what label you may hang on me.
I agree with you on NAFTA. Particularly when we won't compete for jobs in this country. We're Americans dammit. We deserve to have everything handed to us. Competition? Don't you know who we think we are. NAFTA is at its core an American belief. Who ever builds the best (whatever)at the lowest cost wins. We stopped doing that 40 years ago. No wonder we get our ass kicked. By the way, it was Clinton who signed NAFTA. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_American_Free_T
I don't trust my government to do anything that benefits me. That's any party. I see the complete health care panic and am reminded that Medicare and the VA are both government run entities. Both disasters in my mind. My father died in a VA hospital. He went in walking, talking and eating, and came out doing none of the above. All because a government intern, acting as a surgeon, thought he'd do an unauthorized surgery on a 74 year old man.
Yes my friend, there are Republican health plans. You won't hear much or read much about them. They start with limitations on lawyers fees, cost containment, and allowing the public sector to do its job free of government regulation. Since you are having trouble, I'll help you find it. Try this mainstream media link. http://www.cbsnews.com/htdocs/pdf/GOPHealthPlan_06
Final thoughts.
Partisanship? Let's see what the very independent Pew Research Group had to say about our historic President http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1178/polarized-partisa
(probably based on race you think..couldn't be policies)
Finally, you mention drug companies in the last line. Our President has cut a deal with the drug companies to buy their silence on health care. See this from the "progressive" Huffington Post. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/13/internal-
They don't spend their money to fight the plan, he doesn't force them to cut their prices unnaturally low in the future. Why do you think you've heard so little from the pharms?
It doesn't matter if President Obama is black or white. In his own words he said he was black before he was elected. What matters and what should matter is the quality of the job he is doing. In my estimation he is falling far short of expectations. He needs to stop campaigning and start working hard to solve this magnificent nation's problems.
Rose I didn't mean to ignore your earlier submission, thank you for your comment. I agree that he meets a lot of opposition for the sake of partisan politics. If he's allowed to work without opposition and it works, it works against the other party. Plain and simple.
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Joey,
I agree the press has been fair, really just reporting the news. I didn't call out a "media attack", because I don't see it. Of course you have your Fox Republican Network, and MSNBC Democrat Network that will be biased because that's just their format, but in general - the press has been fair.
Bush didn't inherit a recession, except in his second term - the one he inherited from himself. Clinton left Bush with a surplus and a thriving economy.
You said, "The bottom line is these guys are politicians first. They will do what's good for them. All one has to do is follow the money trail which is easy to find." This might surprise you, but I couldn't agree with you more!
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theguru-retorts,
Actually he said "You lie", I used the word "Cheater" as what someone would have had to say to Bush regarding him cheating to win the election. BTW, Rep. Wilson was totally out of line and classless. That kind of disrespect from high places feeds the hateful rhetoric downstream.
We were not told "stimulus will fix it", you're overstating the purpose of the so-called stimulus. I don't know when we can start to see the politics of the last 8 years stop taking it's toll on today's economy. I hope soon.
I missed the part where I painted you with a label...but ok.
I am aware that Clinton signed NAFTA, and in my opinion it was the biggest mistake he made. In regards to Joey's comment that Bush inherited a recession, he didn't - however, the spiral downhill did begin at the end of Clinton's term and not at the beginning of Bush's term. It's not about Americans being "handed" anything, but there were no Mexican car makers laying off employees to outsource the work to the US, why? Because they pay Mexicans $1.67 on the line while we were paying far more. Working a factory job to manufacture vehicles or process steel isn't "giving away" anything - that's earned income! That supports the American economy. When you send those jobs overseas, you cripple the local economy - it was bound to happen. We are actually on one page together, this trend began with Clinton and 8 years after, Bush did nothing but drive the spiral further down...9 years later, we're blaming Obama. Yes, he set himself up as "the savior", and now people want to see results. I think every realistic person understands that this is not a quick fix, not an overnight change in the making. However, we are a very impatient society. I think he's showing a lot of patience and class in his reaction to the impatience of his harshest critics.
Okay, you proved one point - there was some disrespectful signage at protests in the aftermath of the obvious lies told about the Iraq War. I still think it pales in comparison, but I'll stand down on the protesters for the sake of argument.
My mother had heart surgery and months later a wire came out of her leg, because the surgeon left something inside of her during surgery, and it worked it's way through her body eventually protruding from her leg. That's not a VA hospital issue...that's just doctors being human.
Here's the truth about their health care plan.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091003/ap_on_go_co/us
Looks to me like the Pew Research supports my argument that it's more about partisan politics than anything. Oh, and as you put it, there YOU go again - playing the race card: "(probably based on race you think..couldn't be policies)" - I thought you were sick of the race card.
I'm not an advocate of the "Huffington Post" as a reliable news source, but okay, if you say so. You've heard little from the Pharms because they don't have to talk loud, they use people. They feed the lower rung people rhetoric and let you jump up and down and scream on their behalf. To quote a famous philosopher you probably never heard of, KRS-One, "Real bad boys move in silence".
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Breakfastpop - thanks for the comment. Your opinion is duly noted. :o)
If you remember the GDP jumped off a cliff 4-1/2% in the third quarter of 2000. That's a recession number.
Joey? No one has call me that in over 30 years! LMAO!
Obama is doing a great job. I am tired of people trying to find fault with ever change he tried to implement. then the hipocrit has the nerve to say he hasn't done anything. When they are fighting him tooth and nail against any policy with Obama name on it. these people were as quiet as a mouse, when my twice remove distance cousin Bush was in office.
ROFL!! Sorry about the Joey, that was totally an accident!
Get'em Rose! Get'em!!!
I would vote for him again so far. He hasn’t even been in office for a year yet he has a little over 3 years left to win me over. I don’t fault him for not bringing America together I fault him for thinking that can happen. The reason he is loosing me is because most of the American people voted him into office, and although there are a good amount of Americans who didn’t want him to be the president the ones that did vote for him have the president they wanted. But we didn’t want him to care much about what the other side has to say, and I really didn’t care for him trying to bring the two parties together. This is a Democracy and the Majority wins in a Democracy that means we who voted for him should get everything he promised us because that is what we voted for. My only problem with the president right now is that he gives a damn about what the people who claim he is communist, claims he wasn’t born in the US, claims he is Hitler have to say. First anyone who says he is a communist either doesn’t know what the word means or is just saying what they feel with out actually putting some thought into it, on not being born in the US the person is speaking on rumors and anyone that does that isn’t worth listing to or talking to and they probably don’t think Hawaii is part of the United States, and the last thing about being Hitler that person doesn’t know anything about George Bush had a lot more in common with Hitler and he wasn’t even close to who Hitler was.
I refuse to speak to anyone who can not reason who can’t use facts and details to express their views. I am not one who is stuck on one view because I base all my opinions on facts and I know I don’t know all facts so how can I be set in my ways or view. So if he doesn’t stop listening to the 25-35% of America that are a lost cause and prove that our education system is failing us and start trying to bring together the intelligent people of this country (and I don’t mean everyone who agrees with him I mean everyone who doesn’t make up there mind before they have all the facts) then he will not have my vote the next time.
Another thing we need to realize which I think most of us don’t realize is that a lot of what he promised is in the hands of our Congress and we all think that the president makes all these laws but the only think he can do is put his ideas out there to be voted into law. A lot of the problems we are having are because both the Democrats and Republicans in the Senate and House are crooks. They have sold our votes away for campaign money, lower interest rates on their home loans, etc… they are the ones who pass our laws and right now they are making the laws for the top 1% of this country. We need to vote them all out both Democrats and Republicans and vote for the person who was never a part of any of this crap that going on now.
I am not an American, I am neither black nor white, I am brown and I am an Indian. If you permit me I like keep my views with all humble submission. I honor your cause of offence for questioning for future voting for Barrack Obama. America is a great country. It had shown its greatness by voting Barrack Obama with highest percentage of vote in the Presidency of America. There is no doubt that large number of people black or white voted for Obama. In a democracy every people have the right to put question looking to the progress of performance. It may be the sense of feeing black more than as an American which has heartens the feeling to be offended.
"and unconcealed guns hanging on the hip of protesters -"
When white people turn out to be black, and MSNBC alter videos. (2nd video)
USA has made a very big mistake by voting for Obama(nothing related to racism but the plicies)
Thanks and regards
Romesh
I still can't understand why people refuse to put their trust and welfare in the hands of a black President. so now everyone is an expert about their economy and health care policy. The President only want what is best for us. We can't elect Obama and expect him to do nothing.
president Obama was not the first black person to run for the presidency.President Obama was the first to win,and the first to carry the black vote.Bush won the presidency by cheating.beat gore,but lost by 100,000 poular votes.but still no one considers that communist.bush lied to get a war started,(Iraq)that is why he is called the liar.I'm black but I wanted Al gore to run.when mr.gore didn't run that really upset me.no matter what president Obama does he will be attacked and demonized thats just a fact.I knew it would turn out like this.but history will judge this time,and the republicans of the present will be found to be hate-filled fools.but yes I will vote for President Obama again.not because he is black but because the republicans have brought this country all most to its knees with the lies and complete incompetence of the last administration,I mean two wars one strarted by a lie and near total financial collapse?if the republicans want to be upset they need to be upset at themselves.No one on the face of the earth can fix this mess in ten months.
I wouldn't have voted for him the first time, nor would I vote for any corrupt asshole that is bought and paid for by the banksters. That means the bulk of your Senate and Congress.
Poly-tics = many blood suckers.
Wake up USA they are going to take your guns away and the cattle trucks are waiting to take you to the FEMA camps.
Wow, thanks for all the feedback. There is some good information being shared here, and I truly appreciate it.
P Smiddy, very good post. You touched on a lot of info and I will refer back to your post when I'm better rested and able to properly address you.
H.P., your humble opinion is always welcome, and you make fair points.
Jibby, you never stop. First, any news source claiming Fox as fair or impartial carries absolutely, positively no weight here. At least I'm honest enough to say that MSNBC is equally biased in the other direction. Second, I think you make my point stronger! Can you imagine a Black man being allowed to carry a gun to a White president's town hall meeting? LOL Think about that. However, to show that your news source had a serious lean in one direction - the "other" guy with a gun, was in fact White.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IFhJtijX88&feature
Romesh, you're totally entitled to your wrong opinions. I can respect that.
Rose, I don't see what's so hard to understand - it's America.
bill yon, Jesse Jackson ran for President but he lost in the primary, so there was never a Black candidate in the actual vote for the presidency - just for the right to be the nominee. You make awesome points outside of that.
yes2truth, no one's taking guns away from registered citizens. You're buying senseless rhetoric from the same blood suckers you insult.
"yes2truth, no ones taking guns away from registered citizens. You're buying senseless rhetoric from the same blood suckers you insult."
I am not insulting anyone they are nigh on all corrupt as the day is long. We don't have a monopoly over here in the UK you know. The sheeple here will be shipped out through the channel tunnel.
Re the guns, not yet they're not and why do you need to be registered to carry a gun. Where's the freedom, where's your republic?
I'll tell you they have put a hole in the corner with a piece of string and hung it in the jon.
yes2truth is completely unstable.
Care to make a coherent comment to back up your rude remark? Perhaps a factual rebuttal rather than opinions based on the equally corrupt Rockefeller CFR controlled media!!??
Bottom line folks, you were given a President that basicaly destroyed your country for 8 years and now are and will blame anyone who steps in to try to fix and create a better country for you. I am a Canadian and for almost a year and a half, I helped support Barack when he was a Senator. Why? Because you need a man like this for your country. We need him. I may not agree with everything he has done but he is true and honest. I flew to California to meet him at the fundraiser that Barbra Streisand held for him last year. It was worth every dollar and struggle to get there. I did meet him and he thanked me for my support as a Canadian. Not even two weeks after he was voted in as President, Barack made the time to personaly write me and thank me for my support. President Obama does listen and he knows how Bush left him a hell of a mess to clean up. I was too young to know of President Kennedy but I will tell you of what Bio's I have read of JFK compared to President Obama's, they are equally men of greatness. I just wish I was an American to support President Obama in giving him my vote for the next term. He will reign anyway.
Has anyone worked out what all the hope and change was about in his meaningless auto cue prepared speeches?
Perhaps Drew Monroe wrote them?
I reckon he's a black Blair - full of spin and BS.
A normal politician!!
Great post Drew. Words of a man that actually met the man. Interesting take from another view as well. Thank you.
yes2lies, you're entitled to your opinions, thanks for the feedback.
I am giving you The Truth T_Augustus not lies.
You really should get out more.
Here's some bed time reading for you and your friends:
http://www.realzionistnews.com/?p=448
A Jew talking about Jews no less. I wonder if Bill Yon will call him a racist as he has me on the forum!!??
Looks like quite the anti-semetic publication you're counting on for a source of news. You're entitled, but that source carries no weight with me. Sorry to disappoint.
Just because it's in writing, that doesn't make it true. You need reliable sources. Every time I see something like this it reminds me of a comedian I saw years ago that said a blatant falsehood then qualified it by saying "...it's true, I read that. Okay, I wrote it down and then I read it. I believe everything I read."
It cannot be anti-semitic for he is Jew. As it happens Jews are Hamitic, not Semitic just another lie the proles have swallowed hook line and sinker.
It's in writing but there is no way you can have checked it out to see if it is true. That takes time and research which the average Yank and Brit don't bother to do. They just sit in front of the tube and slurp all the propaganda down.
There is a difference between believing having proven something and just believing because you want to believe it and the reason being the alternative is to horrendously uncomfortable to contemplate.
Here are the words of three wise men and they're not out of the Bible either. I recommend you meditate on their profound statements.
"Contempt, prior to complete investigation, enslaves men to ignorance."
Dr John Whitman Ray
“If you want to make someone angry tell him a lie; if you want to make him furious, tell him the truth. All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed, and third it is accepted as self-evident.”
Arthur Schopenhauer, Philosopher, 1788-1860
"The ultimate ignorance is the rejection of something you know nothing about and refuse to investigate."
Dr Wayne Dyer
I will leave you in your world of delusion.
Listen: yes2truth
HOW DARE YOU USE A BIBLE to support your demon mouth. you need to go back to the hole, you crawl out of.
To say that a man cannot be overly critical and even vengeful towards his religion or culture is dangerously ignorant. That's like saying "it can't be racist, because he's Black" - sorry to inform you, there are millions of self-hated Black men and women in America. I can't speak for the Jewish community, because I'm not a part of it and am not privy to the inside scoop of Jews. I can say that I know Black people that won't date other Black people for reasons that would sound "racist" coming from a White person. Does that mean it's not a prejudiced point of view?
Hey T,
You are a very smart and well spoken individual, but your racism cannot help but ooze out through your well written posts. You do a good job of trying to cover it up, try harder and it may actually start working for you.
Listen: Fight Corruption
This is 2009 not 1860 Black men don't have to watch their language around anybody. And they can speak what they feel without being whip. Yes and I will agree he express himself quite well., I guess when you cant find fault you find racism.
I think President Obama is an amazing human being and I voted for him and would vote for him again because of who he is. He inherited a nightmare from the previous group of crooks who ran the country into the ground, and now he is being fought every step of the way by the same crowd! And yes, racism is a factor - lots whites cannot stand having a black man as president, and the Republicans in power. play to that group and their fears. Of course if he were white they would still be trying to tear him apart, because the Republicans in power are trying to get back the power they lost and are playing dirty all the way. He has about a 65% approval rating so given all the mud slinging, most Americans are onto the lies and deception of the fringe.
Thanks Corruption, I appreciate your input. I find it curious that speaking openly about race makes me a racist, when that is exactly the trait that has helped me make some of my closest friends of other races. I'm curious about what your definition of a racist is, so I can better understand your opinion. I never spoke hate towards another race, just defense of my own. However, I'm not foolish enough to try to change the opinion of a fool - so you're entitled. :D
Rose, it's like I've said several times - they play the race card as much, if not more than anyone. I find it comical and entertaining at worst.
65% approval rating - great stat karkita! Thank you for the post, and I totally agree that partisan politics play a far greater role than race in the opposition of the Democratic president. Republicans would certainly be upholding strong opposition to any policy (especially policies they think will actually work in favor of the people), in hopes to discredit the Democrat in power. Anyone who believes political gain isn't first and foremost in the fight against Obama is dreaming. Racial tension is being exploited by higher powers to increase the furor and passion in those that protest.
Thank you all for your feedback.
Both sides of the story T.
T, would be curious what you thought about this:
To Rosa,
I don't recall asking anyone to watch their language, and you have clearly exposed your hatred and racism in this post. From reading your posts, you assume that only white people disagree with the Presidents policies. Are you even aware of how many Blacks disagree with his policies? It is obvious that to you, it does not make a difference wether the President's policies are good or bad for the country, as long as he is the President. He promised alot, and has disappointed alot of people who voted for him (including me), are we just supoosed shut up and not hold him accountable for anything?
Great hub. I'm beginning to wonder if there are a lot of people out there who aren't even aware that they are going through everything Obama says or does with a fine tooth comb, at least in part, because he is black. In other words, I wonder if some people are unaware that racism is influencing their opinions. Of course, I need to add here that EVERYONE WHO DISAGREES WITH OBAMA AND HIS POLICIES ARE NOT RACIST, so I won't be attacked later for this comment.
Very impressed with your hub and how you handled some of the comments! Keep on hubbing!
To T,
Again, you expose your prejudice and bigotry by assuming that I am a Republican. I have voted Democrat for the past three elections, including this one. It crushed me when I did my own research on Obama's associations and relationships with some of the most corrupt, anti-American, racist, militant people among us. And if he does not agree with these people's views or affiliations, then he should not have used them for political gain. That has shown me his lack of character, vulnerability to be easily influenced. There are many black men and women that I would vote for, but I will never vote for a puppet again, I don't care what color they are. You have to do better than bashing Republicans to make your point, because your preachin' to the choir.
Patrice52,
Unless you just recently started paying attention to politics because Barrack Obama was elected, I can't beleive you think he is the only President who has been scrutinized. I don't know about you, but I don't follow anyone blindly except Jesus Christ.
Corrupter, while I have no issue with being called prejudiced against Republicans, I don't understand where you saw me make the assumption about your party affiliation. Unless you made the assumption that in my response to karkita I was referring to you. If that's the case, you assumed wrong. I did, however, assume you were Caucasian because you were so fast to play the race card. If I'm wrong, I'm guilty of wrongful assumption of race - if I'm right, does it really matter? If your feelings were hurt over past associations blah blah blah, good for you. I'm sure if you dug into the background of every politician, the majority of them have associated with some questionable characters along the way. I dare say the majority of America has. However, I don't say that to conclude that you don't have the right to have that affect the way you feel about Obama's politics. I respect everyone's right to an opinion...it's those that neglect their right to express their opinion that bothers me. But as long as Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and Fox News in general has a louder voice than me, I will forever throw my middle finger up to ANYONE that contends I don't have the right or reason to bash those Republican assholes! I don't do it to prove a point, I'm just prejudiced against Republicans because they call me names, they're unfair, and they are always - always biased.
Thanks for the feedback Patrice. Don't let the Corrupter race-bait you with the "you just started paying attention to politics because Barack Obama was elected" blast. He likes race-baiting and that much is obvious because he's dropped a race card on 100% of his posts on this page so far. Just let it go and let God. Stay peace.
Thanks for the link Jibby, I'll check it out and drop my thoughts on that page. Always good to hear from you.
I thought it would take longer to expose the hate on this post, keep it real, and all of you won't have to do so much typing next time.
I just wonder how long its going to take for you to be honest with yourself.
"Listen: yes2truth
HOW DARE YOU USE A BIBLE to support your demon mouth. you need to go back to the hole, you crawl out of."
And you need some soap in yours!
Yes The Real Bible not your stinking worldly liberal version of it.
Listen: Fight Corruption
This is 2009 not 1860 Black men don't have to watch their language around anybody. And they can speak what they feel without being whip. Yes and I will agree he express himself quite well., I guess when you cant find fault you find racism.
If you can't find fault!!????? The delusion is complete.
"T",
In my opinion, you are exactly right. Since 1968, Democrats had to suffer through Nixon, Ford, Reagan, Bush the father and Bush the son (twice!). (I remember during the Persion Gulf War, I purposefully dropped one of those boxes of matches on the floor and then another to get an idea of how many civilians had been killed in that war. I finally ran out of boxes. It was my tax money as well as anybody else's going for an engagement I thought was misguided, and it was my tax dollars that went toward the Iraqi War which I opposed as well. But I acquiesced because the people voted. Did I have my voice heard during those times? No. I was out-voted and I accepted it.
Give the man a chance is also what I say. Those of us who voted for President Obama, I believe, voted for him because we sense that he is one of the brightest minds we have in the country at the moment. We voted for intelligence, and I say we did very, very well as Americans.
As for success for the stimulus and blah da de blah...I know first hand that President Obama's policies have already worked. My husband (thanks to the previous administration's careless handling of the economy, was laid off for six months). We couldn't imagine how we could continue with our Cobra health insurance payments of $600 a month. Then a short time into my husband's layoff, a letter came in the mail saying that the employer's part of our insurance was being paid through President Obama's stimulus package. I cried. That one policy enabled us to be independent and ask not one thing of any one. My husband now is re-employed and I am nothing but grateful to the policies of the Obama administration.
Everyone who voted for President Obama is, or should be proud, that for once, in a very long time, we made the right decision! I'm surprised that Republicans who pride themselves on Christian values tend to be so un-Christ-like when it comes to politics. It's quite baffling really.
Thanks for the feedback Katy, that was a touching story. Nice to hear some real-life reaction to how it actually affected you, instead of the same spewed rhetoric I hear from the average onlooker. I hope you're prepared though, because they will find a reason to attack you. It used to baffle me too, how they act so un-Christ-like, until I saw how my nephew acts when his mother is around. It's actually a simple answer - spoiled rotten! Always got everything he wanted, used to getting his way, when he doesn't - he whines and cries like a baby half his age. Just a moment earlier, he seemed so sweet, pleasant, and happy...was just a little angel. :D
It hasnt even been a full year and people are already talking about would you vote for Obama again. He did raise the bar in terms of keeping his promises, and I feel he is trying his best, but one thing that EVERYONE seems to forget is that he has mentioned that this will not happen OVERNIGHT! He did say that people will not agree with the things he is trying to do. Obama is doing much more than ANY Bush has ever done. I think by the end of his administration, Obama will have steered everything in the direction we should be going, and the people who have been left behind in everything will finally get something. It may not be much, but it is a start.
"I'm surprised that Republicans who pride themselves on Christian values tend to be so un-Christ-like when it comes to politics. It's quite baffling really."
It's baffling because you are devoid of understanding.
Republican's, who in reality are not republicans at all, (the last lost were Zionist neocon fascists) and they pride themselves on Christian Religious values, not Christianity.
Christianity has no 'values'. Real Christianity is the The Truth and it cannot be quantified in terms of values.
Having said that Rome has a value for everything and thereby sells it's satanic idea of salvation to it's brainwashed lemming followers. Just like democracy (Demon-ocracy) to the lemmings of the western world.
road2health, you and I are on the same page. Thank you for the feedback.
yes2lies, I'm afraid of what today will bring, because I think I'm actually starting to like you.
I just tell only one is "Must wait until finish"
T_Augustus always confront your fears head on. People in general run away from fear and the fears just grow and eventually overwhelm them.
I will know when you do like me for you will then call me yes2truth for that is all I speak and write.
Thanks for the feedback KyonSOS23, I couldn't agree with you more! You come back often!
yes2truth - you've won me over.
I'm not sure where you're getting this "Noone questioned their voting for Bush," because I had talked to quite a few people who regretted voting for him. Republican conservative
'christians' no less.
Would I vote for Obama again? No, and I wouldn't vote for anyone.
I wish that people would just forget about the white / black all together!! Who cares what the heck color of your skin is. Its all about good character, morals, and wisdom! We need all three, and God help America!!!!! In God we trust
Offcourse not
It's important to note that the Facebook polls are entirely meaningless. The results are skewed heavily because they are "self selecting" polls. An accurate scientific poll is one with a randomized sample.
That being said, your point is valid too.
The response to Barack Obama by the ring wing zealots has been disturbing. These people just seem to have no concept of reality and no knowledge of history. They call Obama a "socialist" and a "communist" when in reality he's a centrist pragmatist type politician. In just about every other country in the world he would be considered a right wing politician, in fact.
Not only would I vote again but I will get more involved in the electoral process next term. I pacing myself as I see this president doing the same things on issues and with his agenda. People get selfish, petty, rude and obnoxious because they lack consciousness and because they are afraid. Obama is doing well and I believe in all of his flaws he will be remembered as one of the most effective president in our history!
Although I do not agree with everything that you said, I agree with the message. Well done! Based on Barrack Obama's record thus far I can say that yes; I will vote for him again and I will not answer that Facebook poll. It was probably produced by the same jerk that asked if the President of the United States should be assassinated.
As an Iraq war veteran I was able to see with my own eyes the amount of graft that the powerful of our nation can, and will get away with if allowed to remain unchecked by the rule of Law. If there is a fault that I see with the current administration it is the lack of pursuit of the criminals in the last administration. Thankfully the crimes committed against our country and humanity by that traitorous administration and party have no statute of limitations, so it is my hope that our current administration is biding it’s time to get Healthcare and Afghanistan straightened out before they peruse the murderers, thieves, and traders of the previous President's Administration and party.
Thanks for the feedback everyone:
Sanctus: No one ever posed the question "Would you vote for W Bush again?", until after his first term. I also agree that there were many that voted for him, some twice, that later regretted the vote. Few are still proud of that vote. I support your right to not vote as well, as I stated within the context of the hub.
Tyhill: It would be nice to not have to worry about black/white, unfortunately history has made that virtually impossible.
Hassan: Next time,try reading the hub first.
Marvin: You are on point sir. 100% agree that the facebook polls are going to lean towards the ideals if it's producer.
Penina: I think that's a great thing that you plan to get more involved in the political process. That's something Obama's campaign gets far too little credit for - the amount of people that were motivated to get involved. My wife had never voted before - ever. It was quite a treat to watch her witness the outcome of this historic outcome. She has and will be far more involved with politics forever more.
trooper: I appreciate your candor, and respect that you can reason with me despite our disagreements. Very interesting and strong words you speak regarding the war and the "war criminals" of our previous administration. You've peaked my interest and I HAVE to stop by to indulge your hub page. My best friend is also a veteran, but he holds his cards close to the vest. I've known him all my life, but politically I have NO idea where he stands. Thank you for your service!
Thanks again to all of you for your feedback.
Listen: Fight C.
I have nothing but love for all god children. because I know my history. It is only those who speak of indifference that draw me into their racist games. We truly are all brother and sister. Both of my great grand parents had a white parent. but even before then,we are all blood connected from the start.
This post is a bunch of rubbish. Bush's election was disputed the entire time he was in office. The fact that you are playing the race card is a total disgrace.
Obama's race has nothing to do with why people have turned on him. His policies simply don't make sense. They are hurting this country.
America took a chance on a charasmatic man who had very little experience. His policies have been a total disaster and he's run our country so far left, it's sickening.
I could care less about the color of his skin. I'm glad an African-American was elected president. It shows the growth of our country.
He is being judged by his actions or lack thereof. And if he's judged harshly, on those merits alone, then you shouldn't be playing the tired, old race card. It demeans you and is simply not true.
Absolutely excellent Hub,i am not from America but i really hope Obama shows all the doubters, every country is screwed including mine(Ireland), so it is going to be tough for anyone in power.
keep up the good work T, the great philosopher KRS One, i love it.....
Thanks for the feedback everyone!
Rose: My name is Paul, and that's between Yall! :D
Brien Shea:
The Bush election results were called into question because of the controversy over the vote tally in the state where his brother so happened to govern. No one asked "Would you vote for Bush again?" until after his first term (is there an echo in here?). Either you didn't read the hub, or you're the one playing the race card. Better put, when I was asked numerous times (by both Blacks & Whites) if I was only voting for Obama because he's Black - the race card was already in play. I'm sick of it too, so we should stop with the questioning of the Black vote. If you actually read the hub, you'd know - that's the real point of my discussion.
I never said Obama's race is why people are turning on him...as I said before - read the damn hub. In fact, I wouldn't make such a statement because I don't believe people ARE turning on him. I believe the people that disagree with him now, are the same people that voted for McCain. I will attribute my last sentence to rest of your tired argument.
__________________
LViddamoy: Thank you for the feedback. I will always wish the best for mankind of all walks of life, the problem is that one man's trash is another man's treasure, so it's impossible to make everyone happy. I'm glad someone caught that quote by the great philosopher. :D
Listen: Brien shea
You have nothing to say, because you did not vote for Obama. The only rubbish is you. President Obama is not in office to twittle his thumbs but to make changes that will be for the better. and history will one day show this. Maybe the last part is what you truly hate.
Here is a question that Tony Beck asked here recently on HubPages:
"When will we get Obama reform? How's that hope and change working for ya?"
Here is my reply to that question for your information.
Once you understand that the United States and the United States of America are two different things, then you will begin to understand what's going on.
The United States is a corporation so its real name is United States Inc. The United States of America is the nation. That's why there is a gold fringed flag i.e the flag of the corporation. Your 'president' is only president of the corporation, he's not the President of the United States of America. This too is how they have gotten away with choosing a foreigner to be your 'president.'
If the American people united under their Republic and elected a state representative for a Government of the Republic all the corporate clowns and scum bankster stooges that now govern you would have to stand down. Your congress and senate would then be dissolved and you would then have a true government of the people and for the people.
Naturally this new government would need to take back control of The Fed and kick the foreign owners out. Which is what Lincoln and Kennedy were going to do and both died for it.
And all this from your English brother across the pond. I wish you all well for we have the same problems here. The UK Corporation Limited is the same.
Your new government would also need to cleanse New York and your country of that cesspit and shite hole known as The UN and without any delay.
T_Augustus….. After reading your post there is no doubt why you voted for Barack Obama and there is no doubt that regardless of what he does, or does not do, you will vote for him again. Because he is black was only part of the reason you voted for him. The fact that you are a die hard liberal that sees the world through the eyes of ABC/CBS/NBC and MSNBC and fail to verify what anyone tells you, is the rest of the reason. So I revert you to my blog called the ObamaNation Abomination to point out some of your beloved leaders, ‘misleading statements‘, to put it politely. Don’t worry I have included links for you to follow so you won’t need to look to hard to verify these FACTS. Then refer to another of my blogs called The ObamaNation Abomination part 2 to show a just few of the reasons why this Country is in serious trouble with this man as President.
Now in all fairness to those who did vote for Barack Obama, The Republican party didn’t give them a very good alternative with John McCain, but had they taken the time to do some research they would have seen that in McCain, would have been the lesser of 2 evils. Keeping in mind that in all Presidential elections you will be voting for the lesser of two evils, until Jesus Christ himself runs for President and then only if you are a Christian.
Now let’s skip down to your closing paragraph. (Refer to my first paragraph in regards to the 2nd part of the reason you voted for Obama.)
“ No one disrespected W. in public during his horrid 8 year regime...well, at least not in America,”
Let’s start with an easy one that everyone should remember. I will sum it up in 2 words
1)DAN RATHER.
2) CBS and the producers of "The Late Late Show With Craig Kilborn" apologized Wednesday for putting the words "Snipers Wanted" under footage of George W. Bush's acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention during a mock newscast portion of the program. (http://articles.latimes.com/2000/aug/10/news/mn-21
3) “News outlets that are focusing on the incendiary rhetoric of conservatives outside President Obama's town hall meeting Tuesday ignored the incendiary rhetoric -- and even violence -- of liberals outside an appearance by former President George W. Bush in 2002.” (http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/08/12/analysi
For photos of Bush Protests calling for his death visit this link. http://www.zombietime.com/zomblog/?p=621
Shall I continue to waste space in your comments section or have I gotten my point across? I can go on for pages and pages.
Doesn't even matter. Because the president has limited powers. The real problems can not be pinned on one person no matter how much you want to.
If you want to understand the problems in the United States and the World all you need to do is follow the money trail. The problem is the Central Bank and the Fractional Reserve Banking System.
Most people have no idea how money is created. They have no idea that each time money is created debt is created along with it. Debt that has to be paid back and is placed squarely upon the shoulders of the American Tax payer. At some point people have got to realize that debt is paid by Black, White, Asian, Indian, etc. We are all in this together.
Most people have no idea there are only $3 of actual hard currency in circulation for every $100! So if everyone... or even 4% of the population went to the banks demanding to withdraw currency and close out their bank accounts it couldn't be done because the money isn't there.
So the solution is not to place blame, it's to dig to the root issues and fix them.
Unfortunately even if O'bama wanted to fix the problems its not going to happen because of the Central Bank. McCain could do no better.
If you look at what has happened in the past year absolutely nothing has been fixed, but more debt and burden to the tax payer has been created.
CEO's are still robbing the public, banks have all but frozen the credit markets and are sitting on the tax bailout money and using it to pay themselves at the expense of small business who needs money to operate.
Nothing is being fixed. There has been a money paper shuffle and that's it. People are still losing jobs and money is going to Lenders who are keeping it for profit and not using it as intended to help homeowners and business.
Not to mention the latest news: ARAB STATES LAUNCH SECRET MOVES WITH CHINA, RUSSIA, FRANCE TO STOP USING DOLLAR FOR OIL TRADING...
T_A
For starters, I am not a Democrat or a Republican but Jimmy Carter has to be the lame President Poster Boy.
The problem with our country is not limited to who is president but the sibling rivalry between the two party system. The winners promise and let us down, the losers hang until the next election. Result of this is no positive change in the country.
These two parties have had over fifty years to prevent or fix many of today's problem, yet they didn't even make an attempt. For example, the energy crisis, it stimulated the downturn of the economy long enough for it to be a catalyst to the bigger problem of fraud in the financial industry. The Government, started during the Clinton era of lets make everyone a home owner plan backfired. You know the details and the results of this plan.
Energy oil is not only an economic issue it is more importantly a defense issue. Putting our energy supplies in the hands of foreign powers, hurts us economically and puts us in a path where it could lessen our ability to protect the country. Just take a look at how energy shortages paralyze the country, blackouts, gas lines etc. Then consider how an oil shortage would affect the military in defending this and other countries.
Back to your main issue about who and why voted for Barrack Hussein Obama. First off, the major voters would have voted for anyone Democrat because the Democrats bashed Bush and the Republicans. They pandered the idea that the country need a change in party. Obama won out over Hillary Clinton because she was part of the Clinton era and because he acquired more money than she did in the election process.
Obama didn't and doesn't have the experience for presidency but he promised a new Washington. Then he becomes President and he posts all the out of work Clintonians.
Remember that my position is that the two party system has failed the country, so switching parties doesn't help the country.
As far as whether Obama was voted for or against because he is black doesn't present the major factor in his win. Obama doesn't represent the Blacks, nor more than Clinton represents the whites. Obama is not predominantly black and he is not the average black in America. You know what I mean and don't bring the race card in this hand. Most presidents and Congressmen are not the average Joe, most of them are wealthy, well schooled, professionals with great political backers. That is my point about Obama.
Blacks have been in this country for over three hundred years but they did not as a class encourage education. Compare them with Asians who have been in this country hundreds of years less than Blacks and you see them excelling in education. Immigrants, especially Jews that came here in the early 1900s have excelled over time in education and business.
Women didn't get to vote in this country, until the 1920s and they fair better today.
The point here is that Obama won the election because he was the Democratic candidate and the Democratic party's campaign to link McCain as the continuation of the Bush administration worked.
The reason that Obama is being criticized is not because he is black but because he is not delivering on his campaign promises. The Democrats in office are also failing and they cannot bolster their president and his failure.
Could we also make a gender issue that Obama chose not to make Hillary Clinton the Vice President. Did he choose to bypass her because she was a woman or because she was a Clinton?
In my book, politics is the issue and not race or gender. The only bad colors are the red and the blue of the political parties.
Thank you for your plain language on this. I think race is the new taboo. Like, ooooo, never bring up race, never, ever, ever or that makes you a racist. What crap that is. On the other hand, I don't think talking about race really ever changes anything. What changes things is change. Electing a black President is change. The National Guard escorting black teenagers into Little Rock high no matter how ugly the crowd gets is change. The fact that my daughter-in-law is black but the family barely thinks about that anymore because SHE HAS A NAME is change. I don't know, I hope I'm making sense.
Anyway, that doesn't mean we can't ever bring up race as a topic. That's just stupid. That's just a bunch of touchy people being babies about something that continues to tear up our country. It's a big deal so of course we can talk about it. Why not? The same people who cry and run to their mommies if you 'play the race card' will call you a commie or a traitor or worse without batting an eyelash. What crap. Sensitive bullies. What's that all about?
"What's that all about?"
I think it's all about you typing zillions of words here and elsewhere without really saying anything coherent, useful or understandable.
At times it's almost as if you are about disappear up your own you know where.
It must be all those years of sitting on the fence.
"Sitting on the fence is dangerous cause, you can even catch a bullet from the peace keeping force." Dire Straits.
Obama is doing a great job.
Thank you all for the feedback - I'm loving the diverse views.
Rose: Remind me to never get on your bad side.
yes2truth: You definitely keep my attention, however I have to take issue with your last post. pgrundy made a very good point...I'll get back to that.
mythological1: First off, I am not a die hard liberal, I just rarely agree with the "Republican" way. One of the things I hate about Republicans is their insistence on calling people names. I guess if you don't feel that Republicans are always right, then you're a liberal. Your rallying cry that "I'm not a racist, I just disagree with his policies" is hypocritical when you deny me the reciprocal respect that "I'm not a liberal, I just don't agree with the political approach of Republicans". I actually had more common ground with Ron Paul, but I knew his chances of winning were nil. Let's face it, in America - it's always a 2 horse race. I chose who I thought was the best candidate, while you and several of my Republican friends voted for who they called "the lesser of 2 evils". That's why you lost.
I don't consider MSNBC or FoxNews legitimate news sources. I find them both to be unfairly biased towards one or the other respective party. MSNBC is Democratic Network, FoxNews is Republican TV. I find the others to be far more fair and balanced. Of course, in the definition of fair and balanced to the average fanatical right wing Republican, "if you're not saying we're always correct - you're being biased against us". I don't agree with that philosophy.
While it may be fair to nitpick my semantics to attest that for me to say "no one has disrespected Bush" is wrong, I'm okay with that. But if you are implying that there is a comparable level of disrespect - I respectfully disagree. News sources like FoxNews and Zombietime hold no weight with me - sorry. A comedian telling a tasteless joke that he later had to recant, is not disrespect to the level of a US Congressman heckling the president during a presidential address. However, you are entitled to your opinion, no matter how biased it is. Oh, and yes...you can stop wasting space in my comment section.
MikeNV: I envy you! That was a fantastic post. Your knowledge of finances is astounding. I can't wait to venture into your hub. I totally agree, when you really want the truth about why an issue is vehemently opposed or supported - follow the money!
Jibby: You are rapidly becoming my favorite hubber! BTW, that link you sent me was fantastic! Thank you as always.
Opinion Duck: That was probably the best comment I've ever read. Very informative and SO on point!!! I agree with almost 100% of it. Allow me to quote some of my favorite portions of your post:
"The problem with our country is not limited to who is president but the sibling rivalry between the two party system."
Brilliant! Exactly what I mean when I say "I believe the opposition is more about partisan politics, than it is about race" - I've said that over and over again.
"First off, the major voters would have voted for anyone Democrat because the Democrats bashed Bush and the Republicans. They pandered the idea that the country need a change in party. Obama won out over Hillary Clinton because she was part of the Clinton era and because he acquired more money than she did in the election process."
YES, YES, AND YES!!!
"Obama didn't and doesn't have the experience for presidency but he promised a new Washington. Then he becomes President and he posts all the out of work Clintonians."
Partially agree, I don't know any first term president that has been president before, so I believe the "experience" issue was nothing more than a campaign slogan. I found it ironic the same guy that laid the "experience" foundation, then turned around and picked Sarah Palin. Anyway, you're right about him posting the Clinton hierarchical tree, and if you look at W. Bush's tree it's almost identical to that of his father's. So yes, I'm still with you.
I won't quote the next 2 paragraphs, but your breakdown on the "average White/Black American", is on point. That's why they're presidential candidates, they're not the average Joe...whatever that is. I also agree with you regarding the lack of educational emphasis in the Black community - in my opinion that is our number one internal issue! Extremely astute point.
I am of the belief that Obama's critics are merely the same people that opposed him during the campaign trail. I think when you break the country down into percentages and electoral colleges, you forget just how many people those percentages represent. A small percentage of America is still a very large number of Americans. Put them in one place, on one accord, and they can be extremely loud. Volume and negative reinforcement by false news sources like Sean Hannity, can leave the impression that his supporters are turning on him - when 99% of that crowd was already against him.
"In my book, politics is the issue and not race or gender. The only bad colors are the red and the blue of the political parties."
Let's not forget green. I will definitely be visiting your hub, this was a fantastic collection of thoughts. Awesome post!
pgrundy: Thank you for the feedback. You said, "The fact that my daughter-in-law is black but the family barely thinks about that anymore because SHE HAS A NAME is change." That is one of the best messages this board can offer. I said to someone else before, there is no story as effective as one that is close to home. I agree with your post, and appreciate you expressing your opinion. You're always welcome!
yes2truth - leave her alone!
magdielqr: Thanks for your comment...care to elaborate?
Joey says ;)
"The only bad colors are the red and the blue of the political parties"
Indeed. The blue has become about the blue. I don't know where red is but they have appeasing the blue for some time. Both have lost their values and that is why we have valueless government.
We need to look at things up and down (benefits vs. cost) rather than right and left.
Woah, I didn't know you were her minder Augustus. Still, I suppose she needs all the help and support she can get.
As to my other comment you should find United States Inc on Dunn & Bradstreet. I think US Inc is registered in Puerto Rico.
United Kingdom Corporation Plc is definitely listed, as is The Members of Parliament.
You do understand that the world is governed by three city states i.e. The City of London or the Square Mile (Financial). The Vaticain (Religious) and Washington DC The Ten Square Miles (Miltary)
Washington DC is not a part of the United States of America
The City of London also known as The Crown (nothing to do with the real crown Her Maj QE2) is not a part of the UK.
And The Vatican is not a part of Italy.
The USA has never been out of bankruptcy since 1789.
The UK has never been out of bankruptcy since 1692. The year the Bank of England was formed.
Just some more info to grab your attention.
Keep the information coming, I am so much smarter because of all the feedback.
Joer (alias Joey):
"Indeed. The blue has become about the blue. I don't know where red is but they have appeasing the blue for some time."
Good attempt at the middle, but the red is all about the red - appeasing the blue my arse!
yes2truth: Sometimes I've gotta be protector of my peeps. You drop a lot of radical facts, I love the outside-the-box knowledge you feed into the fray. That stuff is too hard to validate, so I'm going to have to take your word for it.
If I was American,Id feel so proud to have President Obama as my leader!
It wasnt just America who was watching election night. I know some Americans couldnt give a rats arse what anyone else thinks (globally) Im glad Obama does.
Whats suprised me and still does, is how GB ran for two terms.
Thanks for your insight and sharing this hub.
Thank you for your comment Eaglekiwi, and you're right that is a part of the election night story that has been forgotten. There was a worldwide audience witnessing the historic outcome. I appreciate your view from abroad.
Obama being elected had a huge influence on my decision to locate with my husband back to the states T.
"One of the things I hate about Republicans is their insistence on calling people names"
Have you heard Jimmy Carter or any one of many left winged commentators lately. Anyone who protests Obama or critizies Obama has been labeled a racist unless they are black. Which leads to "Your rallying cry that "I'm not a racist, I just disagree with his policies" Which BTW wouldn't be said if the above weren't being done. What about Every media outlet except Fox, calling the tax day tea party attendees, "teabaggers" and "Teabagging Rednecks"?
As for the Disrespect shown by the Congressman you mentioned. Many, many people on both sides of the aisle have spoken out against that one man. I am sure he will suffer for it come election time and if he does not then his constituents agreed with him on some level. Whether true or not his comments were out of line, there is no arguing that point.
I am far from an Obama supporter for many reasons, national Security being the highest on the list, however I will give him props for his handling of the Somali Pirate incident.
To assume that someone is asking whether or not you (or anyone else) would vote for Obama again, is about his race is ridiculous. Especially since in these polls where this question was asked the negative response is minor compared to the decline in his approval ratings for the handling of the healthcare debate and his National Security policies to date. It is quite possible the question was raised because people are starting to see where he and many members of congress are trying to take this country and they don't like it.
"but the red is all about the red - appeasing the blue my arse!"
The congressional record shows Bush signed a lot of democratic legislation during his 2nd term after 9/11. If that's not appeasing I don't know what is.
If the red is the conservative side why are they not standing up and being counted. I don't think the red knows where the "red" is at.
I wouldn't vote for any junior senator with a vast background of rubbing elbows with radicals and criminals. We are all about to see the result of replacing incompetence with more of the same. We are sinking and Obama's antics are throwing us rocks. You can't fix our grave problems by reading from a teleprompter...the last thing we needed was for someone to play president.
wow, do anybody not get it that Obama can't do anything by himself. It takes the House, the Senate, he can't just make a decision all on his own. Why does he take the brunt of it all. I don't like him as a person,I think he is narcissitic, but as President, when the time comes we will see what he is made of. I do respect his decisions and no one is ever going to be happy about who is running our country. My opinion is def. not based on race, and I am kinda tired of that card being used.
dori
I like the way you think. I also like the way you are bold enough to mix it up with some of the ultra-rightist that are part of hubpages--jberish being a case in point. I hope I didn't offend anyone. Let me welcome you to hubpages with open arms and proudly declare to ALL that I am becoming your fan!
Thank you all for the feedback!
Eaglekiwi: Welcome to the states and I hope you enjoy your stay! :D
Myth: I'm not just talking about commentators, I'm talking about you - YOU called me a liberal. And you're lying, no one said you are a racist just because you oppose Obama - the only person that told you that was Sean Hannity and friends. You never actually heard anyone say that to you. Be honest with yourself before you challenge me with the same tired bullshit rhetoric I get from the average Republican fanatic in America. Additionally, I've not heard anyone associated with a credible news source call any one "teabagging rednecks".
Did you actually say, "I am far from an Obama supporter"? Duuh!! Even Sarah Palin could've figure that out.
I don't think it is ridiculous at all. When people asked if I voted for Obama because he was Black, would it also be ridiculous for me to assume that was about race? Just curious when you think race is actually a factor, or if you think it is just all made up. Do you think maybe we made up slavery too? Just so we could "play the race card"?
joer, if what you say is true, then that would be a good excuse for the Republican mutiny of Bush during McCain's campaign. I would say the bulk of his second term was spent trying to salvage his legacy after the weapons of mass destruction lie was exposed, and the war on Iraq that he declared over in May of 2003 has yet to end. Red is so red it is nauseating!
Tom Corny: Thanks for you rhetoric. Newsflash - THEY ALL USE TELEPROMPTERS. That's what made Sarah Palin appealing, she's a former broadcaster - experienced in using a teleprompter effectively. We've already had a great actor, Ronald Reagan, play president - history is loving him. That said, you're very much entitled to your opinions, even if they are skewed and distorted.
fortunerep: Thanks for the feedback. In defense of my Republican friends, Obama takes the brunt of the criticism because he's president. It comes with the job. I have no issue with the opposition aiming their attacks at him, because he is the boss - that's why they make the big bucks. When I disagreed with the previous regime, I went after Bush - that's how it works. Once you're elected, you're fair game in that respect. Your opinion is respected, and no one is accusing you of basing it on race. The race card as a term is more saturated than anything. If you really pay attention, you'll notice that more people use the term to deflect criticism of racially insensitive statements and/or actions. Every comment regarding race from a minority is not always a case of "playing the race card", any more than a comment regarding race from a White person evidence that they're "a racist". Both terms get abused and thrown around to the point where they have very little realistic meaning...until someone gets hurt.
LOL hubby: I'm sure you did offend someone. Some of my readers can't stand a voice of reason. :D Thanks for stopping by, thanks for being a fan, and I hope to see a lot more of you around these parts!
BTW hubby: Don't be too hard on jiberish. Jibby is a great American and a fantastic hubber. She has really helped me along and has shared some worthy information with me. I think she's actually a closet Democrat putting on a good show for her Republican associates. :D
Thanks T for the kind words. I may not always agree, but I always resptect the views of others. :)
Hrm, I'm offended that you think this is a race issue, by the way have you forgotten that Obama has a white mother? If only african-americans voted for him and white people didn't he wouldn't win that's one and two they ask that question for every president. Digital age. Obama is a young digital guy who employs the internet in his day to day activities. I've received emails asking if I would vote for Bush again or Clinton for that matter. Let's not bring up the race issue into this really, if there was an issue Obama would have never been chosen. People that say things like you did keep the race/hatred going. Resentment would be something we all would feel towards Obama or any other president that would bring us bank bailouts and the circus that he is leading right now. Bush had many faults so did Clinton, we do not pick the best candidate, we pick lesser of the two evils and in this case we have picked the wrong one. Can't say we because I didn't vote for him. As long as both parties will keep bringing their left-overs to chose from I will not participate in picking the lesser one. Obama should be ashamed of spending so much money on vacation, travel and his wifes' 28 advisors. 28 advisors! Bush and Clinton had one each and they were paid by them personally. Michelle Obama pays with taxpayers money. I am glad that his presence did nothing for Chicagos bid for the Olympics! How much of a god does he think he is? The world is not going to just jump up and be amazed by him by the fact that he is black or white. US does not govern over the world and how ignorant of us to think that we do? Stop telling the world what to do and let's fix our own problems.
Black or white this was the worst choice for us. We were blinded by making history and now it looks like we will not be there to have history. Once again we ask ourselves if we can we don't ask if we should.
Oh and by the way the president is not the boss... he is just a figure for show. He is not the one making decisions he plays president :) Presidental Sims that should be the new game. We could all spend trillions of dollars and point fingers at others for our mistakes!
I'd vote for bozo the clown because he's not a socialist...
Hi T, I am reading hubs tonight that I would not ''normally' be drawn to'for fun. I love hub pages. The education is free. I have a host of new friends, and we can write anything. I am glad to meet you. I read your hub. Wow very informative and well written. Not that I agree on all things. First when I read the title I never once thought of a race issue. I swear that with all the fiber in my being. It is what we are on the inside. Americans are freaked out. Who cares about the fault sin got us in a World of HURT. Everyone had a part. greed, lust, lies, drugs, alcohol. deep pockets, materialism, power, over spending, resting on laurels, trusting in the 'WORLD' rather then the truth.
I had a part and have made amends. I was ms happy with the new car and refinanced home, with the gardens. La De Da. The thriving business. None of that BS matters. I put my trust in the system that has failed us. I did not put the creator of the universe first. I worshiped false idols.
I lost it all. I know that this is temporary and the word of God is truth. I had put he word on the back burner.
Thank God he Loves us all so much. There are consequences with sin. Hey I charge up the card for the stupid shoes I did not need or go on a trip I had to have to rest up because I work hard and rely on my business to continue to thrive because it is good. No it was because he is good.
Lucifer is the fallen angel the world is his domain. He wants to take down every color, race, nation, believer, nonbeliever, good person, church, everything. He comes to steal, kill and destroy. So today prayer is out of the schools (since 1963) unless you pay for it. The Bible is getting stomped on. "believe in your inner power" whatever is not the answer. Look out the window. Not Bush, not Obama, Not Reagon. it took years of accumulation of stuff to get here. Gods Grace and mercy has kept us standing. Jesus will return for his believers. The evil one does not like this.Let us Blame is a Game. Satan is working hard. He knows his time is coming. He knows he is doomed. There is one that has all power that is God. Anyone that does not know him needs to know him.(john 3:16) This is not going to get better. Take the blinders off. Look out the window. It is not the whites, blacks, Spanish, Latinos, asains so on it is The devil is trying to bring down the house and he lies, decieves many, amd destroys whatever he can.
Jesus gives us a choice to follow him. Many make the choice not to. Many have no clue who this Jesus is. Although every person will know his name when he returns. 'Every knee will bow'(scripture) Christ died for our sins or each and every person ever born would go to hell. We are born sinners, Salvation takes away the sin of the world.
The President state's one of his favorite books is the Bible. Read his Face Book profile. Why on God's Green earth is he doing some of these things? It is written. Israel is his chosen land and it will never go down.The President has been doing stuff I question. If he favors the Bible, he knows the truth. He contradicts himself. Would I vote for him again has nothing to do with his color or your color or anyones color. Sorry if that burst your bubble. I could care what color the man is. Humans love 'drama. We are curious. We like to know what the other guy thinks. Based on the President and what I know to be truth I think he is playing tricks on the American people and others. He loves the Power. Watch him.I would not vote for him today.but I did. Now it is my duty as a citizen of Gods World to pray for him. With God all things are possible.(Phil:4-3)
Hey I joined the fan club. Welcome aboard. I hope you will visit my hubs. I am about spiruality. A personal relationship with Christ and following him. Not religion that has dogma or rules to follow to belong.
Politics always stirs up the pot. I think your hub took much courage. Do not be mad, the question is not because of color.
Hey God loves variety. Look how many different personalities he has on hub pages. May God Bless You T.
Thank you all for the feedback!
Jibby, no problem. The respect is mutual.
Solarlc: If you're offended, well - I'm the wrong hubber to cry to. Sensitivity is not my strong suit. I see no reason for you to be offended, but it's your prerogative. I understand that there were also a great number of White voters to vote for Obama, that is FAR from any point I've ever made. "Digital age", is actually a fair point. I have been waiting for someone to give the internet some responsibility here, instead of jumping on the race defense.
No one ever asked me if I'd vote for Bush or Clinton again, I didn't get that e-mail. Additionally, no one ever asked me if I were only voting for Clinton because he was White? You have the nerve to say I'M bringing up race! You have the nerve to be offended. Newsflash: Race was brought up to me! So after being questioned over and over again as to whether I only voted for Obama because he was Black, a few months later I'm asked over and over again if I'd vote for him again - I don't find it a great leap to the conclusion that this is just a follow up to the question to the first. It should offend ME, not you!
"People that say things like you did keep the race/hatred going." Is that a joke? In order to keep it going, it first has to exist. So if the race/hatred exists - I don't find it my responsibility to give a damn. Because if they already hate me because of my race, how is anything I say going to make them feel better? I'm not going to kneel down and kiss their ass and beg them not to hate me. Keep on hatin' haters - that's all I can say.
The bank bailouts occurred during the Bush presidency, and the circus is being lead by the clowns at Fox News' Republican Network.
As I told the Myth, I chose the best candidate, and those that claimed to vote for "the lesser of two evils" were just too proud to admit that their candidate didn't have their complete confidence. That's why they lost. I'm glad you admit to be anti-American with your glee at the failure of America getting the Olympic bid. That helps me understand why our opinions are so widely aloof.
"US does not govern over the world and how ignorant of us to think that we do? Stop telling the world what to do and let's fix our own problems." Actually I agree with that, this was my argument against the war on Iraq. After the lie about chemical weapons was exposed, the gear shifted to "operation freedom" - creating a democracy in Iraq. It's not up to us to make that decision for the Iraqi people, mind our business. Oh but wait, that was the Bush administration's doing...sorry, I hope that didn't offend you.
I can't speak for you, but I wasn't blinded by making history. My eyes were wide open to the making the right choice. My eyes were wide open to see Sarah Palin encourage divisive rallies, not people she knew - her! She was talking "real America" as if those that oppose her live in a false America. She was encouraging a crowd to accept the charge that Obama was a terrorist. Can you imagine that, a United States Vice-Presidential candidate encouraging a crowd to call a United States Senator a terrorists, for political gain? Typical Republican name-calling, but at a much hotter temperature. I saw all that. I saw her unable to answer questions pertaining to the Constitution. I saw her daughter give the camera the finger. I saw her daughter on MySpace with gun in hand, and read her boyfriend's profanity laced rant. I actually thought McCain was a strong candidate who made 2 critical mistakes in his campaign. The biggest was the irresponsible choice of Sarah Palin as a running mate, the other was trying to grandstand by pretending to shut down his campaign to go deal with the bailout issue - you know, the one you're trying to pin on Obama. He lost all 3 debates, and Sarah Palin lost her one debate. There was FAR more than "making history" to vote for. What does that mean anyway, "we were focused on making history"? Is that a politically correct way to say we were too focused on voting in our first Black president? Is that a politically correct way to say we only voted for him because he was Black? Should I be offended? Are you slyly playing the race card on me buddy?
Whether the president makes decisions was beyond my point, she asked why he gets the brunt of criticism when basically as you said, he doesn't make decisions. I was only saying to her that it is because he has the title. He's the president. It's the cost to be called the boss. It comes with the job.
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Craig: You'd vote for Bozo the clown because he's your fraternal twin brother.
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Skye2Day: I too love hub pages. It is a great way to learn and communicate with one another. Thank you for the compliment, and agreeing with me is completely optional. I welcome those that don't agree as much as I welcome those that do agree. I too had dedicated my life to Christ for a while. I joined the ministry for a year. For me, the more I learned, the more I questioned. I still believe in God, and I still pray daily, but have come to a place in my life where I am not willing to dedicate my life to Christ anymore.
As I stated in the hub, I answered the question the first couple of times it was posed. At first glance I didn't read anything into it either. The sources from which they came, in conjunction with the comments that accompanied the question, and not to mention (also as stated) the number of times I heard "Are you just voting for him because he's Black?", all led me to an alternate reality. I don't have the luxury to ignore race because it is constantly thrown in my face by radio, television, internet, friends, and foes. I also say, constantly, that not all of the "race-baiting" comments I get come from people of other races...I DEFINITELY get it from Black people too.
Thank you for joining my fan club, I too have joined yours. I look forward to reading your work and indulging your spiritual food for thought. I'm not mad skye, you are a very sweet and innocent person. No two people can see the world through the same set of eyes, with that comes different personal histories and unique perspectives.
Now if I were to come out and say it's not racism, it's just a bunch of devils - OH BOY!!! I'd REALLY be opening myself up for being called a Black racist then! LOL I think I'll stick to discussing people, namely Americans, on opposite sides of an internal debate that have layers upon layers of complicated tension within.
Just curious, T, what is your stand on Afganistan? and, I may have missed it, but were you ever in the military?
My stance on Afghanistan in what regard? I believe we need a better strategy, we've been there looking for the same guy for 8 years and haven't found him yet - we're doing something wrong. We found Saddam in a hole in the middle of Iraq, but we still haven't found Jimmy Hoffa...I am so far from understanding those kind of things, I shouldn't even speak on it.
No, I was not ever in the military. I have utmost respect for our soldiers though, more than you can imagine. I make sure I thank every soldier that I meet, no matter how long ago it was when they served. Over the years, I have grown to appreciate joining the military as the most honorable decision a young man or woman can make.
Interestingly enough, this is the 3rd time "military" has come up in conversation. Just last night I had a long talk with my son who is considering military and asked my thoughts. My response to him pretty much echoed what I just said in the last paragraph.
T_Augustus:
I stumbled upon your hub - it was featured on the front page - CONGRATULATIONS!
I am not interested in debating politics with you. I just have a question:
In the beginning of your hub, you state that the questions posed regarding votes for President Obama are offensive.
I may be misunderstanding the point of your hub, but first you say, that to ask you "the question" is as if to say "Black people don’t have the intelligence to make an informed decision, that we think with our skin and not our minds, and that Barack Obama did nothing but stand up and be Black."
But then towards the end of your hub, you exclaim "So what if Black people voted for him because he’s Black?" Which, to me, acknowledges that some people did, and that's okay...so how is the original question offensive?
I apologize if you have already answered this seeming contradiction. I didn't read through all of the comments on this hub, because it seemed to be a lot of "Us vs. them" and name-calling. I'm not interested in any of that. I'm not on HP to debate religion or politics, I am here to write, and I just want to better understand your writing.
Congratulations again for making the front page.
broussardleslie (or is is Leslie Broussard?): Thank you for your feedback - and WOW, I didn't know that I was featured on the front page. Thank you for informing and congratulating me.
That's a fair question that you ask, and the best I can address it is this way. Part of the point of my hub is that I am fed up with people constantly questioning the "Black vote". Not just in this election, not only nationally, but also locally. There's always this question about why Black people voted the way they did, and if they don't vote then we're criticized about that too. I know just as many Black people that are the critics as there are the criticized. So when some of my critics on this page call me racists, I laugh at them - because they assume that I am fingering White people as the perpetrators and Black people as the victim. However, I see Black on Black criticism even more (probably because I personally communicate with more Black people on a daily basis, but that's beside the point).
Anyway, back to your question, my point is that since you (my fellow Black voters) can't seem to satisfy anyone but yourself with your vote - don't let other people make you feel guilty about your vote. If you choose not to vote - then don't! It's no one's business but your own, and no one's place to judge you for it. If you vote for a candidate because of race - that's your prerogative! It's still no one's business or place to judge. If you vote due to partisan politics - go right ahead! The bottom line is more aimed at the critics than the criticized - stop questioning our vote! Leave us alone! If EVERYONE had to answer to the public about their vote, I might not find the questions toward my vote offensive.
It's like saying, you have the right to walk through the grocery store even if I do find being followed offensive. Walk through anyway! Don't let offensive reaction change your course of action. That's my point.
Hi: T Augustus
Your are are very nice person. I respect how you don't let yourself get pull in all this "I hate we have a Black President"
We can expect anything from people who have to hide behind fake pictures and jibberish words for their identity
"Tom Corny: Thanks for you rhetoric. Newsflash - THEY ALL USE TELEPROMPTERS. That's what made Sarah Palin appealing, she's a former broadcaster - experienced in using a teleprompter effectively. We've already had a great actor, Ronald Reagan, play president - history is loving him. That said, you're very much entitled to your opinions, even if they are skewed and distorted."
LOL..I haven't been called that since the third grade. As I said ...Jr. senator rubbing elbows with fanatics and criminals. Maybe I should have explained it in third grade language....No much experience...hangs out with the bad boys. :)
I feel its and honest question Obama seems to have mislead a few people and we who heard him really wanted change buteither it's slow comming or he lied.One example is Darfur he's ad time to do something he said he would well the question is when.Also the Hood needs a stimulus and his stand on drugs will futher cripple black America,These are things we can do he said over and over yes we can.Well when?
Thanks for the feedback!
Rose: I AM a very nice person, I hate that people can tell. I'm supposed to come off as a hard-ass on here.
TC: Thanks for breaking it down to a language you can understand. The "experience card" is played. It was a campaign slogan that didn't work...let it go. Rubbing elbows with fanatics and criminals? Give me a break. Get off the campaign trail and update your concerns.
"I'll take a little substance for 200 Jack"
William "don't call me Michael" Jordan: I'm glad you're willing to lean a little in the direction of reason. They all lie, they have to. I'll concede that. But did you really expect him to have all of his proposed changes in effect within the first year of his term? I mean, realistically. Are the American people lying to themselves a little bit too? I am curious to hear more about your theory that his stance on drugs will further cripple Black America - that's an intriguing thought. Please expand on that a bit.
Update concerns? Fair enough...will see the wonder of the new America in four years..... huh? I can wait. :)
I just have to say that you are very intelligent, continue as far as you can go with your writing.
dori
Thanks for the feedback!!
fortunerep: Thank you for the kind words.
This was an excellent hub! I agree with you whole heartedly, it appears that this is about race more than not sharing his views. I love what Obama is doing, and I hope he can implement some kind of healthcare reform. I'm so glad that someone was bold enough to say what's exactly on a lot of our minds. I have seen signs on the highway disrepecting president Obama, and it is so sad that racism is alive and well in the US. Obama won because no matter how much he was disrespected he remained professional. He is a true role model.
T_Augustus:
Thank you for the clarification. It makes sense now.
Unfortunately, because Obama is the first black president, I don't think you'll ever be left alone regarding your vote in 2008. Curious minds want to know, statistics addicts want to know, and reporters hope to make a story out of dissenting opinions.
I'm not justifying the question, just warning you, I guess, that it probably won't go away. Hopefully, I have learned something from your hub and will never ask one of those types of questions :)
Blessings,
Leslie
I'm a little confused. Let me see if I have this straight.....
* If you grow up in Hawaii , raised by your grandparents, you're
'exotic, different.'
* Grow up in Alaska eating moose burgers, a quintessential American
story.
* If your name is Barack you're a radical, unpatriotic Muslim.
* Name your kids Willow , Trig and Track, and you're a maverick.
* Graduate from Harvard law School and be President of the Law
Review, and you are unstable.
* Attend 5 different small colleges before graduating, you're well
grounded.
* If you spend 3 years as a community organizer, create a voter
registration drive that registers 150,000 new voters, spend 12 years
as a Constitutional Law professor, spend 8 years as a State Senator
representing a district with over 750,000 people, become chairman of
the state Senate's Health and Human Services committee, spend 4 years
in the United States Senat e representing a state of 13 million
people while sponsoring 131 bills and serving on the Foreign Affairs,
Environment and Public Works and Veteran's Affairs committees, you
don't have any real leadership experience.
* If your total resume is: local weather girl, 4 years on the city
council and 6 years as the mayor of a town with less than 7,000
people, 20 months as the governor of a state with only 650,000
people, then you're qualified to become the country's second highest
ranking executive.
* If you have been married to the same woman for 19 years while
raising 2 beautiful daughters, all within Protestant churches, you're
not a real Christian.
* If you cheated on your first wife with a rich heiress, and left
your disfigured wife and married the heiress the next month, you're a
Christian. (reference John McCain - could actually fit Newt Gingrich in here also)
* If you teach responsible, age appropriate sex education, including
the proper use of birth control, you are eroding the fiber of
society.
* If, while governor, you staunchly advocate abstinence only, with no
other option in sex education in your state's school system while
your unwed teen daughter ends up pregnant, you're very responsible.
* If your wife is a Harvard graduate lawyer who gave up a position in
a prestigious law firm to work for the betterment of her inner city
community, then gave that up to raise a family, your family's values
don't represent America's.
* If your husband is nicknamed 'First Dude,' with at least one DUI
conviction and no college education, who didn't register to vote
until age 25 and once was a member of a group that advocated the
secession of Alaska from the USA , your family is extremely
admirable.
OK, much clearer now.
Firstly, much respect to you, T. You articulate many points that resonate on this end and I thoroughly appreciate your message of trying to elevate the overall political discourse.
This leads into my comments: I feel from reading the posts here that not enough is being made of President Obama working to change...or better yet...evolve the American political narrative. No matter who sits in the big, fuzzy president's chair, there will naturally be segments of the population who will have issues with him or her and their policies and will critique according to their own understanding. An occasional by-product of many approaching their criticism of the president from their own personal understanding is the injection by those who criticize of oblique, factors that are not politically relevant into the framework of their discourse.
Is President Obama the president of the United States? Yes, because he was duly elected as such (despite claims of non-citizenship and questions of the validity of his birth certificate).
Is President Obama a Black man? Yes. And this carries with it a particular sensibility to certain social issues in this country and worldwide, just as it does with any human being who is conscious of their ethnicity, but not imprisoned by it.
Is President Obama a "Black President"? No, because he is not bound because of his race to specific social or political agendas but is indeed bound by a pragmatic approach to agendas which identify the needs of all peoples.
Is he a president who happens to be Black? Yes. And this carries with it the recognition and familiarity of all issues common with human beings of his race and the signifigance of such from a historical, human perspective, while at the same time mandating the distinct nature of presidential leadership and recognition of the service to all Americans, regardless of race.
From all that I have observed of President Obama, he recognizes full well each of the 3 aforementioned perspectives and is extremely careful to avoid carelessly exploiting them. That said, I would absolutely love for anyone to point out a clear and specific example of President Obama actually using this "race card" he has been charged with pulling out. I have seen oblique references to such and many accusations of it, as well as many people believing that he did (in line with ultra-conservative commentators), but have yet to see a clearly identifiable exploitation of it.
Now, I said all that to say this: Though I have not seen President Obama use the "race card," I observed throughout his campaign and subsequent presidency those who kept throwing it out there, at his feet, daring him to and hoping he would pick it up. Many of these same people (as well as many others) then turn around and because he avoids wallowing in this proverbial mud, deride him for not exhibiting strength or authority, or somehow waivering in the face of those who challenge him, thereby weakening himself, his presidency, his party, the credibility of his policies, the positioning of the U.S. in the worldview, blah...blah...blah.
This is the brilliance and strength of him as a man in light of all this distractive, obstructionist vitriol: He knows that picking up the gauntlet when people challenge him to such fights are losing propositions for him especially, because he will arise from the dirt with dirt all over himself. This would play into yet another archetype of the Black man as a slave to his impulses, hyper-aggressive and lacking grace. He is also keenly aware that any signs of him showing even the righteous indignation that naturally follows racially charged discourse can be reinterpreted as him being too "radical," "extreme" or showing his "lack of experience." These words are important because they are many times used euphemistically to paint him as somehow alien or something other than the Chief Executive of The United States. They too are part of the deck in which this race card belongs because they are used to evoke racially and socially charged imagery (a la, Obama=socialist, Obama=muslim, Obama=extremist, Obama=Hitler, Obama=non-American).
President Obama left the race card sitting there so that those who really wanted to could pick it up and wave it around in hopes that they could stir up trouble around him...which many have done with some success. Many have embraced the useful euphemisms of Obama as a "communist" or a "socialist" or a "dictator" or "Hitler" in order to channel what I personally percieve (based on my own experiences at the blunt end of it) as a visceral aversion to him. Is there possibly some portion of this aversion that for many is their racist gag reflex with a more politically and socially credible euphemism/costume on?
Maybe.
Is there something to the fervor that drives anti-Obama sentiment that, while politically and socially charged on the face of it is meant to subliminally resonate with christian extremists, white supremacy groups, white separatists, secessionist groups, while nodded to and winked at by those in public office (a la McCain/Palin campaign rallies)?
Perhaps.
But then again...maybe I don't know what I'm talking about. (smile)
Thanks for the feedback!!
crazylady: How'd you get that name? Hmmmm...I wonder about you. :D I agree he has handled himself with class through the fire, and that takes more strength that he gets credit for. I hope his policies bode well, more for the sake of American society than protection of his legacy.
Leslie: Thanks for following up. I'm sure it won't go away, but neither will I. If they ever want to shut me up, all they have to do is leave me alone. :D If I'm stuck with them, then they're stuck with me. I love your hubs and comments on other pages. You're a really good person and I forever wish you well.
Readthis: I have seen that before and thought it to be interesting too. If nothing else, it is a good showing of the hypocrisy of partisan politics. In this case it was the Republican campaign, but partisanship goes both ways. I'd love to hear your personal thoughts on things some time - stop back anytime.
BP9: Allow me the space and time to offer you an enthusiastic STANDING OVATION!!! That was a masterfully crafted comment. Wow! I'm blown away. I am on board 100% from top to bottom, you hit so many nails on the head you've built a house! As for your request for "race card" plays from Obama, here are the 3 you're going to get as a response from my Republican friends:
1. He said he didn't look like the other presidents on the dollar bills.
2. He stood up for Dr. Gates against the police officer that wrongly accused him of breaking into his own house.
3. He requested to see Bill Clinton's dance moves so that he could confirm that he was "a brother". (In response to the question: Was Bill Clinton the first Black president?)
There they are...that's his race cards. However harshly he's judged on those "cards" is in the eye of the cynic.
I could elaborate on some of your other points, but you put it so well I'm better to just leave it alone and let it be. Great job! I'm a fan!
The respect is mutual, T. Keep writing, because I will keep reading...and maybe...just maybe, I'll drop a comment or two when inspired to.
Oh...this brought something else to mind.
In many of these references which parallel Pres. Obama and various (typically fascist or communist) dictators, I keep hearing (particularly amongst ultra-conservatives) of the President's "personality cult" whenever there are signs that for once in a very, very, very long while, Americans actually have a president who has made it his business to be...personable and sincere.
Yes, he has students singing songs about him and aspiring to be like him and seeing the best in themselves from his example. Isn't that what an American president SHOULD do? Doesn't an American president repesent all that is great about what it is to be American, even with their flaws?
This brings to mind the school in Texas where he spoke and parents made it their business to dismiss his visit as him trying to spread (partisan or even socialist) propoganda of some sort, as opposed to visiting a school and trying to inspire...JUST LIKE EVERY AMERICAN PRESIDENT IN MY LIFETIME HAS DONE DURING THEIR PRESIDENCY. Where were the protests when Presidents Reagan, Clinton, Bush Sr. and G.W. Bush visited schools? Though they were all of divergent parties, styles and philosophies, they were all embraced when addressing youth, regardless of what was going on during their terms.
Better yet...where was the uproar when about 2 weeks later that SAME SCHOOL DISTRICT in Texas bused students to Dallas Cowboy Stadium to hear President George W. Bush on a school day as part of an official school field trip?
Again...while I do not automatically attribute peoples dislike for or disagreement with President Obama or his policies to racist views or racially charged opinions, my own visceral, process starts to kick in in many of these instances in terms of the manner in which they disagree or dislike him and it feels very reminiscent of some experiences in which I have been subject to maltreatment which I could not logically explain away by virtue of the exigence of the preponderance of factors in said circumstances.
I'm not saying it's racism...but it surely feels an awful lot like it. And as stated before...I'd like to think I can recognize it from being up close with it.
I found your article most interesting. I found the comments even more interesting. If we were anywhere else BUT in the United States, President Barack Obama would NOT be the first Black president. Because we have the racist ONE-DROP RULE (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One-drop_rule), President Obama is not called the first biracial president, BUT the first Black president! The President has a white mother. She carried him was nine months, birthed him and was closer to him than his father. Why is the women being ignored? Are there people willing to believe a Soviet educated in Israel over an American born to a white woman in Hawaii because his father was an African? Here's Orly! http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/artic The President is 1/2 white as well as being 1/2 Black. That should make him a better representative of the racial face of America then any other President.
It's been less than a year for Obama. Was the worst James Buchanan, who handed to his successor, Abraham Lincoln, a nation already torn asunder? Was it Lincoln's successor, Andrew Johnson, who actively sided with former Confederates and undermined Reconstruction? What about Warren G. Harding, whose administration was corrupt? Herbert Hoover, who tried some reforms but remained imprisoned in his own outmoded individualist ethic and collapsed under the weight of the stock-market crash of 1929 and the Depression's onset? Of course Richard M. Nixon, the only American president forced to resign from office. George W. Bush is still in the running for the title. (http://www.rollingstone.com/news/profile/story/996 Let President Obama get through the first year.
T_A
Thanks for the compliments and agreement on my comment.
After reading the comments that followed mine, I think of the duck parallel. This is basically how do you tell if it is a duck. If it exhibits the same attributes as a duck and it has mostly or almost all of a duck's attributes then we can call it a duck.
The duck in point is "an effective president" and not his physical attributes.
To determine the answer to is President Obama "an effective president" what attributes or actions have made a positive effect on the country and its problems.
The problem with this question is that you must first determine which past presidents can be called effective. This is answered by what they did and not what they said.
I don believe any president in the last hundred years has earned the right to be called an effective president.
For example, the energy crisis started to rear its ugly head in the 1970s, and all the Congresses and Presidents since then have avoided the problem much less coming up with a solution. Yes, you can also apply this question of effectiveness, to the Congress.
My point is that it didn't make any difference which party was the majority in Congress or what party had the President.
If President Obama is getting criticism, it is most likely because he has not been effective. Would you doubt whether the people in the country would care about race or any other attribute, if the country prospers during his term.
If Hillary or McCain were president today with the same policies and results, they would also be criticized for their lack of results. Critics of Hillary might make sexist remarks similar to those made of Sara Palin, while critics of McCain you cry he is the Bush puppet or he is too senile to be effective.
People criticize when things are going badly and they focus on the President, whom ever is in office. Some people go overboard and include adjectives that are not in good taste, but the underlying gripe is probably valid. So if we strip away the adjectives and just look at the issue to determine whether the president has been effective, we get to the real issue. Where's the beef?
I would be interested in seeing comments which list the effectiveness of President Obama.
Just the list without any excuses...
This is just my opinion.
Thanks T_A.
Thanks, T :) I look forward to reading more of your writing.
The Rev. Al Sharpton on Friday called for opponents of an Arizona sheriff who has aggressively cracked down on illegal immigration to videotape alleged racial profiling by the sheriff’s office.
The civil rights leader said the videos will help the U.S. Department of Justice in an investigation of alleged civil rights abuses by Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s office.
Just thought I'd drop this in.
That's because he gets his perm kit from Arizona, and he's trying to preserve his source.
President Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize announced this morning 10/9/09. The Nobel committee praised Obama's creation of "a new climate in international politics" and said he had returned multilateral diplomacy and institutions like the U.N. to the center of the world stage. Obama's election and foreign policy moves caused a dramatic improvement in the image of the U.S. around the world. Still have some ugly people here in US.
Thank you for the feedback all, I just learned that I achieved my 1000th view this morning!!! :D
BP9: Again you prove that we are on the same page.
dashingclaire: You are one tough cookie to crumble. I love your passion and the fire that burns beneath it! Keep it hot! :D
opinion duck: I love the way you think outside of partisanship to form your opinions. Very thought-provoking response. I'm in too good of a mood right now to debate our few differences in opinion, but I do want to commend you on this quote:
"If Hillary or McCain were president today with the same policies and results, they would also be criticized for their lack of results. Critics of Hillary might make sexist remarks similar to those made of Sara Palin, while critics of McCain you cry he is the Bush puppet or he is too senile to be effective."
Oh boy, I could see the sexists remarks as vivid as if they were right in front of me. Don't forget the McCain's too old comments that would be thrown around too. You make an excellent point here my friend - excellent point. People don't only criticize when things are going bad, also (and maybe moreso) when things are not going "their way".
Thank YOU Leslie...maybe it's time I write something else.
dc: Congrats to Mr. President on the Nobel Peace Prize!
I'm tacking this on at the end here...
While the discussion of race is completely valid, I think the actual "Obama race card" issue is as relevant as the Death Panel issue from the summer's health care war. Extremists are taking advantage of people's general fear in these uncertain times. I saw that Facebook poll as well, and I voted yes! again. I had the same reaction to it that you did, T.
I was as proud as hell when Obama was elected. Not because we elected our first black president, but because - think back on this carefully - we elected our first black president based on a campaign that did NOT include race as a campaign factor. Even as the polls were closing that night, I did not hear any commentator mention "first black president" until after McCain conceded. I made note of that because it was interesting that they purposefully avoided the issue. Obama was elected on the basis of his campaign, his policy, his experience (or lack of! this was a good thing to many), his staff, his selection of Vice President, and his message. Sarah Palin did not hurt either. To me, the election was clearly policy first, race second. This made the election even more significant in my mind.
I have only noticed the race card issue recently. Actually, only since the Death Panel issue went away. I think both are equally ridiculous.
Racism is something we need to keep talking about. Connecting race with politics is only going to get an emotional response though (and right now, our strongest emotion seems to be fear.)
Thanks for your thoughts and for a great Hub!
Well done Jen! Thank you for the comment. Fear is the emotion being exploited, because fear is the emotion that racism is rooted in. In days past it was the fear of a Black man being my equal that drove slave-owners to fight the civil war. There's the fear of being robbed, being mugged, being called a racist, having a "lazy" neighbor, etc. Fear is definitely the key. Let's remember some of these campaign points:
*He's a muslim (fear that he's a terrorist)
*He's a socialist (fear of being controlled)
*He's going to take our guns (fear of being stripped of a right)
*His middle name is Hussein (he's a terrorist)
*His preacher is a racist (fear of racial backlash)
*He "pals around with known terrorists" (he's a terrorist)
McCain tried feverishly to stop this fear campaign late in the game, but it was too late. He was bombarded at town hall meetings with "We're afraid of an Obama presidency", to which he'd assure everyone that there's nothing to fear, only to have some sweet-looking old lady stand up and say "I'm afraid of him, he's an Arab - he's not one of us". He had to snatch the mic away and plead with them to allow him to undo, what he had done. Meanwhile, his counterpart was on the other side of the country encouraging that behavior.
It's not hate speak, it's driving fear. People don't fear what they hate, as much as they hate what they fear. So create the fear and the hate will follow. Fear + Hate = ?
McCain did try, yes. When his supporters booed Obama during his concession speech, McCain looked like he wanted to crawl under a rock. I felt bad - he was in an impossible spot and he didn't deserve that. Now looking back, I'm thinking it was just a sign of things to come: irrational, angry mob.
Hello :BP9
You know, what we all should know. I am sure that racism just wont let others agree.
The funny thing is Howard stern sent his troops out and asked over 20 people in Harlem how they feel about Obamas views. The thing was he changed it with MCcain's views. Not one of them could tell the difference. And you are right, if Obama was not HALF black and was white with the same views Blacks would not have voted for him. He bowed to the Saudi Kind but did not bow to the Queen of England. He lied about the wars. He wont let the public see the FULL MEDICAL proposal, he's trying to pass it while the public is blind to it. It's going to cost 1.2 trillion. And that only covers 97% of the Country for 10 years.
Fact is fact fiction is fiction.
That was tough to read through the misspelled words and bad grammar. You say that if Obama were White, with the same views, Blacks would not have voted for him. Do you really believe that or are you just pulling my leg? So you think if Obama were White, suddenly all the Black people would have voted Republican? Please tell me you're not that stupid.
The question was asked, "Would You Vote For Obama Again?" I did not vote for him the first time (McCain, neither) and there is no way I could ever in all good conscience vote for him in the future.
Of course not, you're a Republican.
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Lee says:
3 months ago
I can guarantee you that the Obama administration has done more wrong in these 8 months than Bush did in all of his 8 years.