It is interesting to see Obama changing right before our eyes as a result of the increasing insights into his personal life and beliefs. Until now he always said race wasn't an issue, he was an American running for office. If anyone else brought it up they were painted as racist or someone stuck in the past. When Geraldine Ferraro said she didn't think Obama would be in his position if he were white (a comment most reasonable people agree with...and Hillary wouldn't be where she is...but does anyone care?), he immediately said that was out of line and she shouldn't be allowed to continue working for Hillary. He actually tried to compare that with what Rev. Wright was spewing over the pulpit?
Race is not a factor with Obama- that is what he's worked so hard to get into everyone's minds for the past year. As people begin questioning what really is inside the man due to what many he associates with carry inside themselves, Obama has completely changed his message. It turns out that race is everything after all.
In his race speech, Obama again says he disagrees with his mentor Rev. Wright, but then tries to trivialize it by saying we all have gone to church and disagreed with church leaders before. I personally think my being told that I shouldn't put off having children until I'm wealthy isn't quite on the same level as, say, the fighting and killing between fellow white people needs to stop and we should instead turn against the real enemy: black people- As Wright suggests, but of course reversed, in one of his uplifting sermons.
As Obama's halo fades and people see two regular human democratic candidates with nothing much separating them politically, Obama turns to the tried and true. No longer can he stand back and let everyone else argue about whether or not race is an issue, pretending to be above it all. He sees his momentum slowing... His speech, I think, can be summed up in a few phrases: Racism exists in America. I am black. Nothing will ever change until we the people do something about it.
and the ONLY way to do anything about it is: Elect ME! hint hint....
Apparently the only way we can get past racism is if we vote for Barack Obama, so I guess I have to. To me, that is a sad and desperate attempt to win back the love and affection of the country.
I just wish Obama was a regular old black guy who was actually experienced enough. No racist church membership, no questionable acquaintances, no seemingly disgusted with America spouse- but just a solid, experienced, honest person. There wouldn't be all this ammunition and ridiculous stuff to be made into gigantic issues like they have unless something wasn't right. What is not right is I think Obama has been counting on his race to get him the presidency. And now it is becoming more apparent than I'm sure he would have liked.
I don't know much about Colin Powell or Condi Rice, but I know they are pretty high up there and I can't image such a huge deal being made about their being black. I don't know whether its the democratic party and their obsession with being PC, the fact that Obama is a mythical creature we don't really know, or whether he's more of a celebrity rock star than legitimate candidate that has caused this circus. I do know I'm getting bored with it.
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Well, Cheech, I will have to respectfully disagree. I think the reason Obama gave the speech is because people not him focused on race after what his preacher said. He didn't make it about race but since it was made into an issue how could he have stood by and let nothing be said. He had to say something. He is running for president. He had to come out and say, yes we have issues, but I am a person, white people are people, black people are people and I guess we need to talk about it.
I have heard many interviews with preachers, not him, who say that kind of racist Jeremiah speech given by his preacher is very common. It stems from Jim Crow and there are a lot of people left who are scarred by their experiences and treatment. It is based on the experience and honest belief of black people that the government is hostile to them. Like it or not, a lot of them feel that way and it is shocking to white folks. It is reality. I think Obama doesn't feel that way but his preacher does. I also understand his preacher has been a very positive influence on his community and that the comments have been taken out of context. Yeah he said bad stuff. Hateful awful stuff. I think we need to figure out why instead of condeming him. I also understand the Ezra Taft Benson came out and said some mighty racist things after the blacks recieved the priesthood. But you have to put his (Benson's) comments in context. Utah was white and racist just like most of the Protestant USofA in those days, and Benson was a product of the culture in which he was raised. Hang out with Grandma and Grandpa and that culture shines through. It is just how it is. We don't disown or disavow every person whose views don't square with our own do we? My neighbors think we should throw out illegal aliens and that they are destroying our country and are going to corrupt our nation. A lot of white mormon's feel this is true. They feel it very strongly. To me it is an offensive un-Christ like view and I in my world view these people are completely wrong. I have to take a deep breath and try not to separate myself from these people who are members of my church and who I am supposed to love. It isn't easy, but what do you do? Anyway, I guess I relate to how he feels about his preacher. Especially when there is much more to the story than the sermons we have heard. It isn't a simple black and white, cut and dry case. It is very nuanced and I think to just dismiss the black communities feelings just keeps us where we have always been.
I also think Obama's speech showed depth of character, sincerity, and a very sound understanding of a troubling and nuanced situation. I was impressed.
Christian, you seem to be saying a lot of things here, but I fear the only focus I see is a cloudy anti-Obama stance. Maybe I am wrong. I have thoughts on various points you seem to be making - some in agreement, some not - but would only take the time to go through them if your thoughts (and, thus, this discussion) are open on Obama's candidacy.
If you are actually interested in weighing the pros and cons of each candidate, I'd like to comment on such discussions as I am working through the same issues. If you are really already against Obama a priori and simply building a case against him, then I'll spare you and me the comments.
If you have a moment, I'd appreciate a quick explanation of whether you are trying to evaluate him (i.e., you imagine you could actually vote for him, if he ends up seeming the best candidate) or whether you are simply building a case against him, or, possibly, doing something else entirely. That is, if I better understand what your examinations of Obama here on your blog are meant to do, then I will know if I am interested or not. So far it appears to be a basic approach of attack.
(I realize that you aren't asking for my comments beyond the request implicit in the act of posting to a blog that allows for comments. I also see that so far you haven't responded to comments and questions that arise on your blog, so I understand if I don't hear back from you.)
Hi Christian:
Congratulations on the new blog.
Like Anna, I was very impressed with Obama's race speech. Of the three candidates, I find Obama the most promising. As things stand now, I will vote for him and I hope he wins.
Here is an article written by a man that has known him since law school that explains some of the reasons I like him better than McCain and Hillary (I really don't like her at all):
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-oped0314obamamar14,0,7185898.story
D.
The entire link didn't post, for some reason. The opinion is from the Chicago Tribune, March 14, 2008, and is called "The Obabma I know," by Cass R. Sunstein. Sorry I couldn't just include the link. The rest of the link that wouldn't publish if you want to piece them together:
mamar14,0,7185898.story
Sorry for the hassle.
D.
Thanks for the comments everyone.
I questioned venturing out into uncharted and dangerous territory, and the title of the post was meant to be over the top...but just to explain myself a little: I don't think I will vote for Obama at this point due in large part to my thinking he isn't very tough. Tough on threats to this country from various things. His willingness to negotiate with crazy dictators and unreasonable characters whose trustworthiness should be seriously doubted is worrisome. I don't think the borders will become any more secure with him either. If people believe the U.S. is a military bully who should be friendly with dictators because who are we to judge? or that illegal immigration isn't an issue and to have actual borders to a country is inhumane, then I don't know what to say.
I know the U.S. continues to deal with shady people, especially in the mid-east for oil and things, I do think that we as a country are finally seeing that these relationships may not be worth the risks. I hope that steps towards change will be taken. The recent green movement will force our government to maybe alter relationships with mid-east countries as the U.S. works towards energy independence (we hope).
But back to Barack, as far as being a uniter, which his platform is based on, I again question his ability due to the people he hangs with. Also, as far as I know, he has done next to nothing as a senator, and often times doesn't even vote one way or the other on issues, but simply 'present'.
McCain on the other hand is known for reaching across the aisle. I think McCain has proven that he isn't afraid to stand for things and work to get things done, often by working with people of different views. That is a positive thing for me when thinking about issues: Foreign threats- I think he is smarter and tougher. Domestic issues like energy independence or exploring non-oil alternatives- I think he would realize this is a movement for good reason and not going away and something should be done and thus work with those focusing on those things(often times more liberal people) and I think that is a good thing. These are just two of the more important issue for me...
also with illegal immigration, McCain didn't appear to care much about serious change, but he was greeted with criticism by most in his party, he acknowledged it and I think adjusted his plans accordingly. This illustrates, to me, his willingness to address issues we have, and hopefully work across party lines.
I'll admit McCain isn't the most exciting, but he seems like someone who has been pretty honest about things, and we know him fairly well.
I think all the race business is out of control. It has exposed white guilt, over-the-top PC-ness, reversed racism, double standards, paranoia, and other negatives in our society. I don't know what to say about it, but I feel like I'm back in time or something. I think it has just made it harder to see who President Obama would be- besides one with intimate knowledge of both sides of racism. That is a positive attribute to have, but for me that isn't enough and doesn't cover all the issues I see as most important.
I firmly believe terrorist threats become more of a problem to us as we ratchet up our terrorist activities, which is how many see our presence in the mid east. ( I am also one of those wierdo's that hasn't seen enough good evidence to believe that the governments story completely explains what happened on 9/11...like most of the victim's families) Anyway, I am terrified of a continuation of hawkish policy and that is one of my big problems with McCain. He has shown a pretty poor understanding of the situation in the Middle East mixing up Shiite and Sunni, not just once but serveral times. That is not good. A sound understanding of Sunni/Shiite conflict is vital. Someone who actually understands the Palestinian's situation and why the entire Islamic world is so outraged by their plight and our complicity is valuable and I feel Obama may understand this. Also Iran is not someone we should go to war with. It would be folly beyond folly and would certainly be more of a disaster than Iraq is. My Uncle Matt was in an elite force in the early days of the Afghanistan operation. He was a CIA operative working under the state department, negotiating with tribal leaders and trying to form alliances with tribal leaders to fight against the Taliban, and encountering success. Then the focus changed to Iraq and the mission which could have irradicated the Taliban and crushed Al Quida for good, in his opinion was shattered. (He was pretty up there in the chain of command and and has some pretty amazing insights) Anyway the hawkish neo-cons and their battle cry of "be afraid of terrorists" is a load of **** in my opinion. My Uncle and many others in his position left because they were so disillusioned by the way Bush destroyed the work they had done (under very dangerous conditions). Tribal leaders once willing to trust and work with the USA saw things differently after Iraq. Anyway, war and saber rattling are not good policy in my opinion and DO NOTHING TO MAKE OUR COUNTRY SAFE. They have the total opposite affect. Every thing Bush and cronies have done have made the world a less safe place and have certainly made the middle East far less stable, as far as I have read. (Not to mention the false pretences we used to go to war). I have yet to see/read/hear anything convincing that makes me think the US has won the most important part of the war: the hearts and minds (and until the Palestinian/Israeli mess is fixed I doubt we will ever be able to). Again things are so complex and so beyond black and white that saying, you better be good or we will attack is not a very effective way to keep our country safe. And what troubles me is that McCain thinks Bush was right. That is frightening to me and shows a great lack of understanding and wisdom. I need someone wise and not "tough." I think a wise leader knows when to be tough and knows when to negotiate. I don't believe McCain is that leader.
I understand it is important to have an opinon as I am staunchly patriotic. Democracy requires opinionated people. I often feel, though, that I need to have an opinion on incomplete information.
I do believe the government had nothing to do w/911 directly, meaning, I only think that some of our meddling may have provoked some power-hungry opportunistic militant terrorists. I was deeply concerned about terrorism after that seminal event. I felt like we were reliving the early days of Hitler. Ahminedejab (sp?), Iran's leader, tends to reinforce this. I felt like Bush was standing up alone much like Churchill did to a wildly evil man/people. I think the terrorists are Gadianton robbers. I think they veil their basic goal of power & money in the guise of religion as has been done of both Christian & Islamic fronts for centuries. I didn't know what to think, but was in favor of standing up to the threat. I supported our involvement in Iraq. Currently, I honestly don't know what to think. Regardless of the existence of WMDs, do we stand up for the bullied? Do we watch someone get mugged or do we intervene? Sadaam was a mugger. But there are muggers everywhere? Can we realistically fight all of them? Our defense budget is ridiculously astronomical. If we could bring stability, peace, & freedom (assuming they desired it) to the people of Iraq, then that is a worthy goal. If that could create a climate conducive to democracy throughout the Middle East, that would be better. Not understanding that a civil war would likely ensue, though, seems a bit naive. Basically, I spend my time arguing with myself & never arriving at a certain conclusion. I will say that the thought of higher taxes to fund this war have me concerned about how middle & lower class America are going to feed themselves, & also how much higher taxes will be for the rich. I don't care how rich you are, paying over half your money to the government is not American. Income tax is not American, but don't get me started on that one. On the other hand, it may be that if we leave Iraq, a new militant dictator will take over & threaten our lives as well as that of his people. Basically, I think anyone with very strong opinions on this subject is either clairvoyant, the Prophet, or naive. We don't know what will happen if we leave. It could be much more costly than staying - in dollars & lives. We don't know what would have happened if we had never intervened. Maybe nothing. I think we (even you, Hillary) made a decision based on the available evidence (I know many will argue Bush misled us so I'm going to try to preempt that). Maybe it's time to make a new decision to leave based on the current evidence. I'm leaning towards agreeing with that but I see the danger with it.
As far as Obama, I like the guy. I am staunchly conservative fiscally & socially, but Obama is uniting. I don't know if that makes him presidential. I do know racism is still very real, & isn't going anywhere real soon. Go to the South if you doubt that. But Obama is a bit vapid to me, as is Hillary. That is politics, but he plays it well. He is more of a motivational speaker than a candidate, only providing platform details as demanded rather than freely. Whether or not you like McCain, you have to admit that you know where he stands. The guy supported the surge when it was political suicide. All the other republican candidates were running from Bush, & McCain stood there, immoveable. He was buried in the polls. And then the surge appeared to work, & he was back on top. Honestly, these candidates are not as polarizing as in elections past. If Obama wins, I won't cry. If McCain wins, I won't cheer. If Hillary wins, I'll shoot myself.
P.S. Although disagreeing with opinions is productive, I'm not a fan of comments that disparage our moderator or his motives. Those can be kept inside. Bernie rocks!
re James final comment: I hope no offense was taken from any of the comments above. I know all the people who commented well and share their DNA and know that they would never in six million years wish to offend, we just can't help sharing our opinions. It is impossible to keep silent for some of us. But I hope all comments were, and are, and will be taken in a tone of mere debate. So if you saw disparaging remarks I am sorry and I am positive no harm was meant and what was said was in no way intended to disparage or belittle. Obviously we are all just excited to have a bit of a discussion....so anyway, for what it is worth I hope you will feel comfortable still sharing your opinions. Opinions are much appreciated (especially coming from someone with Hastings genes!)
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