Racism, as far as I can tell, is still an issue in America. Maybe it's just my geographical location, maybe it's just the people whom I've considered friends and family all of my life, showing their true colors now that we have an historic opportunity to show once and for all that America is the land of the free. I've always felt that those of us who can't see past the physical appearance of others are the problem, and as much as these people would like to spread their fears of anything different than themselves, they are the minority. Now as I'm out talking with my neighbors, family, and friends, I'm finding that the most common reason people don't want to vote Obama this year is race. When I first started talking to people about this most important election, and discussing the truth vs. the lies being propogated on various media sources, the first things I hear from the majority of them are that Obama wants to raise taxes for everyone, he's muslim and all the other lies I'm sure we've all heard repeatedly. But what really scares me as of late, now that I've researched the issues more, is that when I counter these lies with the truth, the majority of people revert to the fact that they just can't bring themselves to vote for a black person.(guess that shows my race) I still haven't figured out an effective argument to counter this with. It's to big of an affront to my beliefs to even consider continuing the conversation once it reaches that point. I generally just kinda hang my head and say "I see" then wish them well and go about my day trying not to think about the ugliness I've been exposed to in that moment. This is hard to do when it's someone I've considered a friend for a long time, or a relative, but what I try to remember, some people would rather remain ignorant of the truth. It's always easier for someone to stand beside someone that shares their appearance and beliefs. After all, that's why I support Obama.
As everyone talks about race and if this or that is racist, it appeared to me that the one thing most of us are not remembering is that Barack has a white Mom from Kansas. This may not be well known to a lot of people and though I know that there is still a lot of predjudice, it may help to be sure more people are reminded that Barack is not just a black candidate or a white candidate.
He is half of each, and therefore though his skin may appear darker than a lot of us, he is one half causasion.
A lot of potential voters do not follow politics and have no idea that Baracks's mom was a white female from Kansas. He was deserted by his black father when he was only two years old and raise by his granparents.
He has lived in Indonesia, Kansas and Chicago and has a half sister in Hawaii. So, if we are looking for someone to lead this country who would not be biased to any one group, I would think Barack should definitely qualify.
Only someone who appears to be black but is half white can know how a person of color feels. I believe Barack is in a very exceptional situation to see the world from several different points of view. Being in that special situation, I feel also makes it easier than it might for some to reach out and touch other races.
Remember, it is important because unfortunately we still live in a society where some people will not vote for a black man, to let others know of Barack's roots.
That could make a big difference in the way some people vote. We have barely survied through these last 8 years of the Bush presidency. Our economy is in shambles, jobs are at an all time low, America has never been looked so down upon and we are in a global war against people who hate us.
We need a President who can unite the entire country and also be able to "mend fences" with many other countries. This is not a time for partisan politics.
We need a change and we need it now and both Senator Clinon and McCain are "old time" politicians who have had years to try and change things, not much has changed.
Does anyone truly believe that either of them will be able to walk into the White House, not owing any favors or having some enemies?
That is something we all need to ponder on before we elect our next President.
Yes We Can!
