Decisions, Decisions, Election Decisions
Sometimes I wonder about a few of my friends that I hang around with at work. Last week, I listened as several of them talked about why they would choose one candidate over the other. One reason that a few of my genetically tanned friends held as an important criteria surprised me. “Barack Obama is one of us!”, they said. “What? A guy?”, I asked. “No, one of US!”, my dark friend said as he extended his hand and pointed to the back of it. “Oh!”, I said, “You mean that he’s not an amputee. He has all of his fingers and hands.” I knew what they were referring to. I just wondered if someone would say it out loud. They did: “I mean he’s a brotha’. That gets my vote!”
In all the years that I’ve known my friends, I’ve never known them to be racist. And they probably consider their remark to be anything but racist. Yet, as I spoke with more of my melanin-enhanced friends, it seems that it was easier for them to pick someone with similar looks. I have no doubt that some people have chosen John McCain on the same irrational basis.
Personally, I have a feeling that, regardless of who wins the election, we’re all going to lose one way or another. So I was wondering what would happen if Mr. McCain chose someone like Colin Powell to be his running mate. What kind of dilemma would this bring about? What would happen with those people who were using skin color in their election selection process? Would their heads explode? Would everybody wise up and write in “none of the above”? Of course, the bigger question is whether the Republican party is hip enough to let this happen?
Popularity: 1% [?]
Sometimes I wonder about a few of my friends that I hang around with at work. Last week, I listened as several of them talked about why they would choose one candidate over the other. One reason that a few of my genetically tanned friends held as an important criteria surprised me. “Barack Obama is one of us!”, they said. “What? A guy?”, I asked. “No, one of US!”, my dark friend said as he extended his hand and pointed to the back of it. “Oh!”, I said, “You mean that he’s not an amputee. He has all of his fingers and hands.” I knew what they were referring to. I just wondered if someone would say it out loud. They did: “I mean he’s a brotha’. That gets my vote!”
In all the years that I’ve known my friends, I’ve never known them to be racist. And they probably consider their remark to be anything but racist. Yet, as I spoke with more of my melanin-enhanced friends, it seems that it was easier for them to pick someone with similar looks. I have no doubt that some people have chosen John McCain on the same irrational basis.
Personally, I have a feeling that, regardless of who wins the election, we’re all going to lose one way or another. So I was wondering what would happen if Mr. McCain chose someone like Colin Powell to be his running mate. What kind of dilemma would this bring about? What would happen with those people who were using skin color in their election selection process? Would their heads explode? Would everybody wise up and write in “none of the above”? Of course, the bigger question is whether the Republican party is hip enough to let this happen?
Popularity: 1% [?]
Written by sprezzaturon in: barack obama,elections,mccain,obama,politics,racism |14 Comments »
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You know, if the ticket were reversed, and Powell were the presidential candidate, then this would indeed be a contest!
I always felt bad for Colin Powell. He was the calm headed reasonable one in the cabinet, and told Bush to wait before invading Iraq. Which is one of the reasons he resigned. I was disappointed to hear he would not be running for president, as I believe he would have been the kind of leader we need in during these times. With McCain, or Obama; I’m going to write in Ron Paul. If you need a reason, then read The Revolution; Ron Pauls manifesto. It’s pure genius.
I’m with you.It’s so thinking matter why do people select one parson to do.Your articale is so effective.The every line highlight some special thing.Really it’s about to think!!Thanks for sharing such an important post….
really nice post.like your way of writing.really smart.i am not worried about the election.just want to say thanks.
Unfortunately JohnnyV, our system lacks the necessary political vehicle for an independent to win an election. If we don’t vote democrat or republican we simply end up pushing votes to one of the “super” parites, leaving little chance for a successful independent presidential candidate. Too many people are either apathetic about voting and don’t, or they are afraid to vote outside of their party lines and choose whoever is running for office. And who can blame any of us for feeling apathetic?
I’m not sure that refusing to vote makes things better or any different; although I’m told that if you don’t vote you don’t have the right to complain about the results. It’s a real shame that we are forced to vote in this manner. It’s as if it doesn’t matter if we vote at all. Well, think about it, you really have only two choices, but if you choose the third it won’t make a difference. I am sure there are more than just two people in this country that could do a great job as president. You think?
Thanks for posting this… it’s all too true… I mean it’s not like Obama’s trying too hard to play the race card, but the fact is, it’s working. And I agree, it’s racist. (only if that’s the ONE basis for their vote, which it sounds like it is…)
People should choose the candidate the best matches their beliefs and expectations of running the country. Unfortunately this is often not the case as people either don’t vote or vote based on popularity. It’s like i’m back in high school again.
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It makes me think of what the leftwingers had to say about the Republican conference in Hawaii… which was bogus as usual; whereas this guys point is bulletproof.
The NEOCONS, RINOS and their obedient sheep are in for a rude awakening. More and more people now see them for what they are. Much like people now laugh at the ridiculous propaganda of the Soviet Union they will laugh at anyone that criticizes Mr. Ron Paul. The giant has awakened, the house of cards will fall to the thunder of its voice and footsteps.
The problem with this country is BOTH the Democrats and Republicans. Anyone who seriously thinks that one side isn’t corrupt or slaves to Corporate America hasn’t done an adequate job of paying attention. To the Republicans: The GW administration will go down in History as one of the worst administrations. They eroded your constitutional rights, expanded the power of the wealthy elite, invaded countries under false pretenses, destroyed diplomatic relations with the rest of the world, and spent money like it was going out of style. To the Democrats: Obama is a dud. He promised much and has turned out to be another corporate lackey. He made deals with big pharma to ensure you could not get your medication cheaper elsewhere, he flip flopped on military tribunals, he refuses to fix health care properly through nationalization or single payer, he populates his inner circle with more Wall Street insiders, he spends money on bailouts and useless stimulus packages.
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