I can't help but love it...
Showing posts with label presidential election. Show all posts
Showing posts with label presidential election. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
The shift of January 20, 2009
Now that I've gotten back from the Inauguration and recovered from spending 74 (nearly consecutive) hours on a bus, I have recovered enough to reflect on my experience...and I realize the profundity of this moment in time.
On Inauguration Day, as we got off of the shuttle to head toward the Mall, we had no orientation of where we were or where we were going. It didn't matter. We had no choice but to move with the throng of people as we all shuffled toward what we could only assume was the right direction.
As we walked, the National Guard were posted every few feet, ensuring that we remained orderly and in the right direction. I couldn't help but think of the irony of that moment: Huge crowds of people were walking toward the inauguration of our first Black president. More government forces were on hand than ever before. The same forces that were inappropriately used by government officials to prevent the integration of our public institutions 52 years ago were now being used to protect. It was simultaneously a disturbing, yet comforting and joyous feeling for me.
On that day, I felt we had a new and hopeful beginning.
This beginning does not mean we are a "post-racial America," as some have suggested, nor does it mean that as of January 20, 2009 at 12:00 p.m. EST every Black child and every Black parent has "no more excuses" and will (or should) immediately be ideal parents and students as others have commented. It is not possible for change to happen with a snap of the fingers or an oath of office.
However, there is a feeling of change. And the great thing to me is that it is happening at the top and setting the tone. But what is even more important is that the tone that is being set at the top was chosen by us. As Barack Obama told us back in February, "We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." (February 5, 2008)
We had to make the decision to no longer be a country where the national guard prevents instead of protects. We had to make the decision that people of all ethnicities have important insights to contribute to this country. We had to decide that we want to be a country of hope instead of fear. We elected a president who chooses to listen to people. We elected a person who values opinions.
We decided that.
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Today, we are not perfect. We have a ways to go. But if we can continue to believe that "we" are the ones we've been waiting for and "we" are the change that we seek, then we have a bright and hopeful future, no matter what struggle comes our way. I am excited about that.
On Inauguration Day, as we got off of the shuttle to head toward the Mall, we had no orientation of where we were or where we were going. It didn't matter. We had no choice but to move with the throng of people as we all shuffled toward what we could only assume was the right direction.
As we walked, the National Guard were posted every few feet, ensuring that we remained orderly and in the right direction. I couldn't help but think of the irony of that moment: Huge crowds of people were walking toward the inauguration of our first Black president. More government forces were on hand than ever before. The same forces that were inappropriately used by government officials to prevent the integration of our public institutions 52 years ago were now being used to protect. It was simultaneously a disturbing, yet comforting and joyous feeling for me.
On that day, I felt we had a new and hopeful beginning.
This beginning does not mean we are a "post-racial America," as some have suggested, nor does it mean that as of January 20, 2009 at 12:00 p.m. EST every Black child and every Black parent has "no more excuses" and will (or should) immediately be ideal parents and students as others have commented. It is not possible for change to happen with a snap of the fingers or an oath of office.
However, there is a feeling of change. And the great thing to me is that it is happening at the top and setting the tone. But what is even more important is that the tone that is being set at the top was chosen by us. As Barack Obama told us back in February, "We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." (February 5, 2008)We had to make the decision to no longer be a country where the national guard prevents instead of protects. We had to make the decision that people of all ethnicities have important insights to contribute to this country. We had to decide that we want to be a country of hope instead of fear. We elected a president who chooses to listen to people. We elected a person who values opinions.
We decided that.
.jpg)
Today, we are not perfect. We have a ways to go. But if we can continue to believe that "we" are the ones we've been waiting for and "we" are the change that we seek, then we have a bright and hopeful future, no matter what struggle comes our way. I am excited about that.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
60 hours on a bus...10 hours in Washington D.C.
It's 8:20 on Saturday night. 2 1/2 days before the Inauguration of Barack Obama.
I learned of my trip to Washington D.C. only on Tuesday of this week. We leave tomorrow morning at 5:00 a.m.
Despite what I feel like is an over-busy life these days, with my last-minute decision to go on this trip, it's amazing how I've kicked it into high gear to be able to go on mini-shopping sprees because I am hoping to capture the swearing, parade, and people in any way possible--video, audio, or visual. I actually have no idea what *is* actually possible. I have no tickets and will only be in D.C. for a mere 10 hours on Inauguration Day. I don't know if it is possible to be a part of the parade *and* see the swearing in on the jumbo-trons. I have no idea what the crowds will be like and how easy it will be to walk around. But it doesn't matter. I will be there.
I have purchased extra batteries, chargers that don't need electricity so I can keep all my electronics going, and even have an extra cell phone (mine suddenly decided to go dead at random moments yesterday...making me panic, thinking I will be in the middle of a potential 4 million people with no phone!).
I will be riding a charter bus that is caravanning with two other buses...a total of about 150 people. We will have a whirlwind trip with about 60 hours on the road and only about 10 spent in Washington D.C. ...but that is the adventure and the excitement of joining in this new movement.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
4:00AM Arrive at True Lee Baptist Church
5:00 AM Leave Dallas
Monday, January 19, 2009
9AM-10AM Arrive in Philadelphia PA
10AM-2PM Check in Hotel
2PM-5PM Tour of Philadelphia
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
3AM Leave Philadelphia –travel to DC
8AM Arrive at designated Parking Space-DC
Noon Attend Inauguration Ceremony
6PM Leave Washington DC
As I get ready for my trip, I would like to hear what you want to know. What questions would you like to ask people who attend? If you were there, what moments would you like to capture...or if you're going, what are you planning to capture?
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
The Obama groundswell efforts continue
The election is over and we have a new president...or we will have in 69 days.
I am excited about President-Elect Obama. Barack Obama picked a team of people that ran an absolutely amazing campaign. He inspired young and old alike. He rose above many of the stereotypical and racist comments and insinuations throughout the campaign. His campaign staff used technology in ways no other campaign thought of. He encouraged all of us to believe that WE are the government...that it takes US to make change happen.
But now he's elected. Will those same inspiring efforts continue?
What's exciting to me is that I don't see this changing!
I am still getting emails from http://www.moveon.org/ asking me to host house parties so that we can come together and offer our ideas to the incoming administration.
Color of Change is still collecting our stories...stories that help define who we are as a nation and what we are going through as individuals who make up this nation...with the goal of informing our political system.
Barack Obama's staff continues his ground swell efforts through the internet by allowing people to apply for jobs in his administration, share personal stories with him, or just keep up with what's going on with his transition.
I have high hopes that these groundswell efforts will continue and we will continue moving toward the day when the United States is not about one person in charge, but is a collective of voices from all different perspectives, socioeconomic statuses, ages, religious beliefs, and genders.
I am excited about President-Elect Obama. Barack Obama picked a team of people that ran an absolutely amazing campaign. He inspired young and old alike. He rose above many of the stereotypical and racist comments and insinuations throughout the campaign. His campaign staff used technology in ways no other campaign thought of. He encouraged all of us to believe that WE are the government...that it takes US to make change happen.
But now he's elected. Will those same inspiring efforts continue?
What's exciting to me is that I don't see this changing!
I am still getting emails from http://www.moveon.org/ asking me to host house parties so that we can come together and offer our ideas to the incoming administration.
Color of Change is still collecting our stories...stories that help define who we are as a nation and what we are going through as individuals who make up this nation...with the goal of informing our political system.
Barack Obama's staff continues his ground swell efforts through the internet by allowing people to apply for jobs in his administration, share personal stories with him, or just keep up with what's going on with his transition.
I have high hopes that these groundswell efforts will continue and we will continue moving toward the day when the United States is not about one person in charge, but is a collective of voices from all different perspectives, socioeconomic statuses, ages, religious beliefs, and genders.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Barack Obama's presidency is not the change we need
Unfortunately, this week hasn't been good for everyone.
One of our college students called on Wednesday to let me know that a noose had been hung in an area of the Baylor campus where the African-American students hang out. She told me about an Obama sign-burning that took place in a bar-b-que pit and some fights that had broken out between Whites and Blacks. The story was picked up by CNN:
She text'd back on Friday to let me know that the fighting had not let up. She told me of instances of the "n" word being used toward students who White students assumed voted for Obama. She talked about the tension and slight fear that has been created through White students comments and threats...and some retaliation that has happened with some of the Black students.
As she told me about these events, she wondered aloud, "Why are they targeting us? It wasn't just Black people who elected Barack Obama. Why are they acting like it was only Black people who elected him?" She explained that some White people she knew voted for Obama and some Black people she knew voted for McCain.
An African-American student of mine who teaches at a small, rural, predominantly White school explained that this week has been very somber at her school. One of her close [White] friends who hadn't spoken to her all week finally admitted to her that she is scared President Obama is going to enact all kinds of laws that benefit Black people and oppress White people.
It is true that 95% of African-Americans voted for Barack Obama...but so did 43% of Whites, 67% of Hispanics, and 62% of Asians. Barack Obama could not have been elected solely on the Black vote; there simply aren't enough Black people to make that happen. Plus, as we all know in "politics," people have to cater to their electorate or they won't be elected again. I don't know of any politician who gets elected just to prove a point (i.e. that a Black man can be president) and doesn't want to be re-elected when that time comes.
This reality has not escaped Barack Obama. He addressed it in his speech:
But Barack Obama never said he had all of the answers. Throughout the campaign, Barack Obama challenged US to get involved. The presidency is not the end. It is only the beginning. Each of us must step up and get involved. We must get out in the community, organize people, and encourage them to speak out as well. It is OUR voices that are important to making this country work.
November 4 was not "the change" we are looking for. November 4 was only the BEGINNING of that change.
It was up to us to start the process of change. We did that by electing a president who is African American. It will be up to us to continue that change...by involving ourselves in local issues...by writing letters that express our thoughts and opinions...by educating ourselves about candidates and vote accordingly...by visiting city hall.
Our democratic society is set up so that everyone can be a part.
One of our college students called on Wednesday to let me know that a noose had been hung in an area of the Baylor campus where the African-American students hang out. She told me about an Obama sign-burning that took place in a bar-b-que pit and some fights that had broken out between Whites and Blacks. The story was picked up by CNN:
She text'd back on Friday to let me know that the fighting had not let up. She told me of instances of the "n" word being used toward students who White students assumed voted for Obama. She talked about the tension and slight fear that has been created through White students comments and threats...and some retaliation that has happened with some of the Black students.
As she told me about these events, she wondered aloud, "Why are they targeting us? It wasn't just Black people who elected Barack Obama. Why are they acting like it was only Black people who elected him?" She explained that some White people she knew voted for Obama and some Black people she knew voted for McCain.
An African-American student of mine who teaches at a small, rural, predominantly White school explained that this week has been very somber at her school. One of her close [White] friends who hadn't spoken to her all week finally admitted to her that she is scared President Obama is going to enact all kinds of laws that benefit Black people and oppress White people.
It is true that 95% of African-Americans voted for Barack Obama...but so did 43% of Whites, 67% of Hispanics, and 62% of Asians. Barack Obama could not have been elected solely on the Black vote; there simply aren't enough Black people to make that happen. Plus, as we all know in "politics," people have to cater to their electorate or they won't be elected again. I don't know of any politician who gets elected just to prove a point (i.e. that a Black man can be president) and doesn't want to be re-elected when that time comes.
This reality has not escaped Barack Obama. He addressed it in his speech:
"And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn -- I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too."Barack Obama is not going to be perfect. No president ever is. I'm sure he will make decisions that I will not agree with. Besides, the presidency is different than the campaign; he will probably not fulfill all campaign promises due to realities he didn't realize as a candidate.
But Barack Obama never said he had all of the answers. Throughout the campaign, Barack Obama challenged US to get involved. The presidency is not the end. It is only the beginning. Each of us must step up and get involved. We must get out in the community, organize people, and encourage them to speak out as well. It is OUR voices that are important to making this country work.
November 4 was not "the change" we are looking for. November 4 was only the BEGINNING of that change.
It was up to us to start the process of change. We did that by electing a president who is African American. It will be up to us to continue that change...by involving ourselves in local issues...by writing letters that express our thoughts and opinions...by educating ourselves about candidates and vote accordingly...by visiting city hall.
Our democratic society is set up so that everyone can be a part.
"There's not a liberal America and a conservative America; there's the United States of America. There's not a black America and a white America and Latino America and Asian America; there's the United States of America." ~Barack ObamaWe must ALL choose to be a part of that change for it to happen. We're not there yet.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
President-elect Obama: "A new dawn of American leadership is at hand."
"Barack Obama is our next president." Typing that statement still overwhelms me with emotion. I've watched his speech three or four times and have the same feeling.
I am a very passionate and emotional person, but I don't shed tears often. On Tuesday, as the screen flashed the statement above in big, bold letters, I could feel the emotion welling up from my chest. As I stood in the middle of 6000 African-American people crying, dancing, praying, and some in complete shock, I wondered if I had the right to be so overcome with emotion. After all, I'm not Black...I haven't endured what they have to get to this day.
I held back the tears until I started receiving multiple phone calls and text messages, most of which were from the young adults that we have dubbed the apathetic generation...all of whom were Black and Hispanic. The emotion came faster than I could hold it back. My tears were for them.
For the 23-year old young man who text'd me after he voted, explaining:
"Obama's my idol! He just became one of the reasons I want to make sure I pursue my degree and perfect my speaking skills. He presents himself in a way that I wish I could at interviews and important outings."For the 25-year old African-American teacher who explained to me that she thought she had high expectations for all of her students, but after Obama became president, she realized she had never thought it would be realistic for her African-American students to say, "I want to be President."
For the 23-year old young man who has worked hard to get past neighborhood influences of drug dealing, friends who are in prison for murder, and friends who have been killed...but who called two days after the election saying, "You've got to help me find a newspaper from yesterday! I want to frame it!"
For the White grandmother who called me in tears Tuesday night because, though she is a democrat and an Obama supporter, this election has a whole new impact on her because of her 3-year old bi-racial grandchild.
My tears came because of the African-American children I have known for years...and how I know this election impacted them.
But my tears also came because I know this election was for ALL of us. As Barack Obama said in his speech on Tuesday night,
"...our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand."We are all connected.
My hope...and the reason I voted for Barack Obama...is because I believe he will help us understand that we ALL have a shared destiny. I believe he will help us see that people of all cultures, ethnicities, skin colors, and places of the world need each other and can benefit from the relationships that develop.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Live at Friendship West!
I'm at Friendship West in a blogger lounge...about 4000-5000 people here!
The energy is amazing. Luckily, I've got friends who were willing to sneak me in to a PACKED house! Inside the auditorium is much different than the blogger lounge!
I'm headed back in so I can get some good photos and document this monumental night!
The energy is amazing. Luckily, I've got friends who were willing to sneak me in to a PACKED house! Inside the auditorium is much different than the blogger lounge!
I'm headed back in so I can get some good photos and document this monumental night!
How does Barack Obama affect race relations?
I got a call from a local TV reporter this afternoon. "Hey Janet...what have you been hearing about the elections?"
At that point...nothing really. Several of my college-aged friends had text'd me to tell me they had voted...and that it didn't take long. Nothing extraordinary.
Not an hour after he called, one of my college-student friends called to tell me that there had been a noose hung at Baylor University! Since the African-American population is the minority, there is an area where the black students hang out. It has been dubbed, "Little Africa." Evidently, this morning some of the students walked to their daily hang out to find a noose hanging.
They took pictures...and she's going to try to send them to me...but when the reporter called to try to investigate, no one wanted to talk. My friend said her friends don't want their names associated with that story. They're scared.
Another friend from Missouri told me that he voted democratic for the first time. But, he said his biggest fear for Obama is that he will be assassinated.
The blog I posted the other day, You Can Vote However You Like, has drawn many racist comments. I ended up having to moderate the comments. I'm all about free speech...but I won't have overtly racist comments associated with my Youtube account.
The racists that have come out as a result of this election may be in the minority, but their voices are loud...and they create real fears.
It is because of these things that I, too, have fears for Obama. But I believe Obama is very aware of these threats and fears. But I also believe that Obama knows he, much like Martin Luther King, Jr., can move us to the next level of race relations. I believe he is willing to take that risk for the good of the country.
I hope that we have enough people now that we can overcome the racism in a very different way than it had to be overcome in the 60s.
At that point...nothing really. Several of my college-aged friends had text'd me to tell me they had voted...and that it didn't take long. Nothing extraordinary.
Not an hour after he called, one of my college-student friends called to tell me that there had been a noose hung at Baylor University! Since the African-American population is the minority, there is an area where the black students hang out. It has been dubbed, "Little Africa." Evidently, this morning some of the students walked to their daily hang out to find a noose hanging.
They took pictures...and she's going to try to send them to me...but when the reporter called to try to investigate, no one wanted to talk. My friend said her friends don't want their names associated with that story. They're scared.
Another friend from Missouri told me that he voted democratic for the first time. But, he said his biggest fear for Obama is that he will be assassinated.
The blog I posted the other day, You Can Vote However You Like, has drawn many racist comments. I ended up having to moderate the comments. I'm all about free speech...but I won't have overtly racist comments associated with my Youtube account.
The racists that have come out as a result of this election may be in the minority, but their voices are loud...and they create real fears.
It is because of these things that I, too, have fears for Obama. But I believe Obama is very aware of these threats and fears. But I also believe that Obama knows he, much like Martin Luther King, Jr., can move us to the next level of race relations. I believe he is willing to take that risk for the good of the country.
I hope that we have enough people now that we can overcome the racism in a very different way than it had to be overcome in the 60s.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Who's really running for President?
Some of my Republican friends have explained to me that Sarah Palin *could* be ready for the presidency and would eventually make a good president. I've heard several talk about hoping that if this election doesn't go their way, they hope she will continue in 2012. None of them have spoke with confidence about her *current* abilities though.
Maybe we all need to re-think who is really running for president on the Republican side. Evidently, from a rally in Florida, it isn't McCain.
As Sarah Palin was speaking, several people had on McCain/Palin t-shirts and hats, but the overwhelming majority of signs being waved said either "Country First" or "Florida is Palin Country."
What happened to McCain???
See the CNN article:
McCain's name nowhere to be seen at Palin rally
Monday, October 27, 2008
Our world today: Progress and Resistance
As I sat grading Reflective Personal Development papers for the Multicultural Education course I teach, one of my friends called. The first words out of her mouth were, "My mom and I just voted! Outside of having my children, I have never felt something so liberating!!"
She went on to tell me how she had originally planned to vote tomorrow (her day off), but her dad called and said, "You need to come now! The lines aren't long and it's an amazing feeling!"
Yes, my friend is Black...and yes, her overwhelming excitement was because, for the first time in her life, she was able to walk into the voting booth and choose a Black man for the highest office in our land. But, just for the record, she is not voting for Obama solely because he is Black. We talked about how she likes Obama's healthcare plan...and desperately needs affordable healthcare for her children. She also believes that the Earned Income Tax Credit that Obama supports can help her and her family.
My neighbor, an older Black gentleman, also explained to me yesterday that he could now go to his grave because of this monumental moment. He talked about the segregated entrances and water fountains he used to experience and explained how he never thought he'd see this day. He went on to say that he had hopes that this would open up the field for Native American, Asian, and Hispanic candidates in the near future.
And just for the record...for those who still may be thinking that Black people are only voting for Obama because he's black...the majority of Black people have traditionally voted for the democratic platform...which has meant voting for White men. Obama being a democrat probably has more to do with them voting for him than because he is Black. Otherwise, Alan Keyes (R) or Jesse Jackson (D) would have won.
As my friend talked, I got chills. This moment obviously meant a LOT to her.
I hung up the phone and went back to grading the reflective development papers, which challenge the students to think about ethnic and racial experiences and how those experiences have impacted them. Ironically, the paper I was grading was a very open and honest account of negative past experiences related to race and negative present feelings about mixing cultural groups. The hurt and anger from those past experiences were apparent and had led this particular student to be content with admitted closed-mindedness.
After the phone call, I was excited about the possibilities of our future. But grading the paper, I was sad knowing that we still have much very challenging and difficult work to do to dispel stereotypes and create trust amongst people.
Our country is changing. We are moving toward acknowledging the diversity of our great nation. We are hopefully moving toward inclusivity in a way that Brown v. Board didn't accomplish. At the same time, though, we still have people who believe people of different cultures and ethnicities are too different and that assimilation and conforming should be the solution.
Some of the most hardened segregationists have admitted they were wrong for their actions in the 60s. I have hopes that the remnants of people who have fears about a Black man becoming president and people who believe that multiculturalism should be equal to assimilation will one day in the near future recognize the value that each person has to offer our great nation.
She went on to tell me how she had originally planned to vote tomorrow (her day off), but her dad called and said, "You need to come now! The lines aren't long and it's an amazing feeling!"
Yes, my friend is Black...and yes, her overwhelming excitement was because, for the first time in her life, she was able to walk into the voting booth and choose a Black man for the highest office in our land. But, just for the record, she is not voting for Obama solely because he is Black. We talked about how she likes Obama's healthcare plan...and desperately needs affordable healthcare for her children. She also believes that the Earned Income Tax Credit that Obama supports can help her and her family.
My neighbor, an older Black gentleman, also explained to me yesterday that he could now go to his grave because of this monumental moment. He talked about the segregated entrances and water fountains he used to experience and explained how he never thought he'd see this day. He went on to say that he had hopes that this would open up the field for Native American, Asian, and Hispanic candidates in the near future.
And just for the record...for those who still may be thinking that Black people are only voting for Obama because he's black...the majority of Black people have traditionally voted for the democratic platform...which has meant voting for White men. Obama being a democrat probably has more to do with them voting for him than because he is Black. Otherwise, Alan Keyes (R) or Jesse Jackson (D) would have won.
As my friend talked, I got chills. This moment obviously meant a LOT to her.
I hung up the phone and went back to grading the reflective development papers, which challenge the students to think about ethnic and racial experiences and how those experiences have impacted them. Ironically, the paper I was grading was a very open and honest account of negative past experiences related to race and negative present feelings about mixing cultural groups. The hurt and anger from those past experiences were apparent and had led this particular student to be content with admitted closed-mindedness.
After the phone call, I was excited about the possibilities of our future. But grading the paper, I was sad knowing that we still have much very challenging and difficult work to do to dispel stereotypes and create trust amongst people.
Our country is changing. We are moving toward acknowledging the diversity of our great nation. We are hopefully moving toward inclusivity in a way that Brown v. Board didn't accomplish. At the same time, though, we still have people who believe people of different cultures and ethnicities are too different and that assimilation and conforming should be the solution.
Some of the most hardened segregationists have admitted they were wrong for their actions in the 60s. I have hopes that the remnants of people who have fears about a Black man becoming president and people who believe that multiculturalism should be equal to assimilation will one day in the near future recognize the value that each person has to offer our great nation.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Yes I Did!
As we drove to our early voting location, I asked Anasia (1st grade) who was running. After thinking a minute, she excitedly shouted, "Marack Obama!" I asked who else. She quickly said, "John McCain!"
Off we went to be a part of history-in-the-making.
I took my camera to document our history making trip. We sought out both candidates campaign signs, but McCain wasn't represented.
I was a little disappointed in the poll workers raised eyebrows and comments toward Vanessa and Anasia. I really expected them to be so much more welcoming toward introducing future voters to the process--especially with this being such a historic election. Despite their looks, I kept Vanessa and Anasia with me and showed them how the electronic voting machine worked.
As we left, some people standing outside gave us a handmade "Yes I Did!" sticker to show everyone we voted.As we got in the car to drive off, Anasia exclaimed, "Voting is fun!" ...to which I whole heartedly agreed.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Vote!
“Go vote now. It'll make you feel big and strong.”
~Bob Schieffer’s mother
Early voting in Texas is from October 20-October 31. You can vote at ANY early polling place.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Colin Powell decides Barack Obama is the one ready to lead
Beautifully and eloquently said, Gen. Powell:
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Are we ready to move to the next level of race relations?
John Lewis, Rep. (D-Ga.):
As one who was a victim of violence and hate during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, I am deeply disturbed by the negative tone of the McCain-Palin campaign. What I am seeing reminds me too much of another destructive period in American history. Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin are sowing the seeds of hatred and division, and there is no need for this hostility in our political discourse.
During another period, in the not too distant past, there was a governor of the state of Alabama named George Wallace who also became a presidential candidate. George Wallace never threw a bomb. He never fired a gun, but he created the climate and the conditions that encouraged vicious attacks against innocent Americans who were simply trying to exercise their constitutional rights. Because of this atmosphere of hate, four little girls were killed on Sunday morning when a church was bombed in Birmingham, Alabama.
As public figures with the power to influence and persuade, Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin are playing with fire, and if they are not careful, that fire will consume us all. They are playing a very dangerous game that disregards the value of the political process and cheapens our entire democracy. We can do better. The American people deserve better.
John Lewis has always been a hero of mine. I admire his wisdom, his work, and his perseverance during the Civil Rights movement. In my mind, he was a more important person than he gets credit for in many history books.
Though it may mean little for me to say that John McCain and Sarah Palin are stepping over a line, creating unfounded fears and provoking untruths, John Lewis lived through the climax of racial tensions, fear, and hatred. He experienced the results of fear-filled people who were provoked by strong voices in our country.
In 2008 we have come to a new turning point in our country. We are experiencing a new era that is leading us to deal with our prejudices and discrimination head on--whether it's women, African-Americans, Muslims, Mexicans, spanish-speakers, gays/lesbians, and a number of other cultural groups.
As happened in the 60s, the current culture clash is leading us to show our colors.
I have hope that, like the 60s, these confrontations will ultimately propel us on to the next level. I pray that as we work toward that next level, however, we will not have to go through the same tragedies in order for us to realize how ridiculous our fears and actions were.
Racism affects the intelligence of people
My friend sent me an email saying, "Janet, what is wrong in our world?" and attached this picture with its inaccurate and offensive caricature and misrepresented stances of Barack Obama's policies.
For a brief moment I wanted to believe that surely someone had photoshopped this picture and put it on the internet. But experience has told me it was probably real. I wondered where in the world would people put a sign like that!
I was taken aback as I read down in the email and saw that the sign was from West Plains, MO! I guess I shouldn't have been surprised.
See...West Plains is only 40 miles from my home town....so I am very familiar with it. Like I said, I guess I shouldn't have been surprised. After all, when I was in junior high or high school I remember that a cross was burned in front of one of the black churches in West Plains. At the time, I didn't know what a burning cross meant...and I really didn't know that we even had black churches in our area!
I know it sounds naive, but I want to believe that things like that are not so overtly ingrained in all of us who grew up there. I know and love my friends and family who live there. They are good people...very kind, helpful, church-going people. But racism and racist comments carried through the generations has affected them, despite their willingness to believe it.
Someone from my home town told me the other day, "98% of black people are only voting for Obama because he's black." I explained that their comment was insulting to the intelligence of black people. I explained that although I'm sure there are probably some who are only voting for Obama because he's black, I can't think of a single [black] friend of mine who is voting for Obama for that reason. Every black person I know has watched the debates and can talk about the issues with which they agree/disagree. So unless all of my friends account for the 2% of that equation, something is wrong with that statement. But, see... it's easy to make a statement like that when you don't know or have conversations with people who are black. People in my hometown rarely even see someone who is black. So their information about black people comes from what they hear.
What troubles me so much is that the statements made and the fear that results is created by people who do not know the people of the religion, the ethnicity, the country, the language, etc. who they talk about....yet, they are still willing to repeat, perpetuate, and exacerbate the comments. What further troubles me is that many of the people I know who are perpetuating the racism are good people...intelligent people...but their comments demonstrate that their intelligence has been compromised. Because they don't know people of different cultures and different religions, they have completely bought in to the hateful, inaccurate comments and are content with speaking to character (of which they can only assume) instead of issues.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Yes, we Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement
I just heard about this CD and had to buy it:
http://www.barackobama.com/music/
I can't quite describe the feeling I have as I listen to it. It takes me back to Denver. I had planned to look up each of the songs we heard at Invesco and purchase them. This makes it so much easier...and provides a more extensive selection.
What other campaign have you ever known of that has this much unsolicited participation? This campaign and what they have inspired in such a variety of races, ethnicities, socioeconomic levels, and geographic areas helps me remember that the United States of America belongs to ALL of us.
Despite all of that, all in all, this is just good music.
1. Eternity - Lionel Richie
2. Signed Sealed Delivered - Stevie Wonder
3. Waiting On The World To Change - John Mayer
4. American Prayer - Dave Stewart
5. Battle Cry - Shontelle
6. Make It Better - Los Lonely Boys
7. Pride In The Name Of Love - John Legend
8. I Have A Dream - BeBe Winans
9. Am I All Alone - Suai
10. One Is The Magic # - Jill Scott
11. Love & Hope - Ozomatli
12. Looking East - Jackson Browne
13. Out of Our heads - Sheryl Crow
14. Promised Land - Malik Yusef with Kanye West and Adam Levine of Maroon 5
15. Hold On - Yolanda Adams
16. America The Beautiful - Keb' Mo'
17. America - Ken Stacey
18. Wide River - Buddy Miller
Through their musical contributions, the artists seek to mobilize voters in the final stretch before the November election. Many of the artists involved will also be volunteering their time to promote voter registration. For more information on registering to vote or requesting an absentee ballot, go to: www.VoteforChange.com
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Opening our eyes to White privilege
I have heard several of these types of analyses floating around. I thought I'd share this one as food for thought. Think about it...
This is your nation on White privilege
By Tim Wise
For those who still can’t grasp the concept of white privilege, or who are constantly looking for some easy-to-understand examples of it, perhaps this list will help.
White privilege is when you can get pregnant at seventeen like Bristol Palin and everyone is quick to insist that your life and that of your family is a personal matter, and that no one has a right to judge you or your parents, because “every family has challenges,” even as black and Latino families with similar “challenges” are regularly typified as irresponsible, pathological and arbiters of social decay.
White privilege is when you can call yourself a “fuckin’ redneck,” like Bristol Palin’s boyfriend does, and talk about how if anyone messes with you, you'll “kick their fuckin' ass,” and talk about how you like to “shoot shit” for fun, and still be viewed as a responsible, all-American boy (and a great son-in-law to be) rather than a thug.
White privilege is when you can attend four different colleges in six years like Sarah Palin did (one of which you basically failed out of, then returned to after making up some coursework at a community college), and no one questions your intelligence or commitment to achievement, whereas a person of color who did this would be viewed as unfit for college, and probably someone who only got in in the first place because of affirmative action.
White privilege is when you can claim that being mayor of a town smaller than most medium-sized colleges, and then Governor of a state with about the same number of people as the lower fifth of the island of Manhattan, makes you ready to potentially be president, and people don’t all piss on themselves with laughter, while being a black U.S. Senator, two-term state Senator, and constitutional law scholar, means you’re “untested.”
White privilege is being able to say that you support the words “under God” in the pledge of allegiance because “if it was good enough for the founding fathers, it’s good enough for me,” and not be immediately disqualified from holding office--since, after all, the pledge was written in the late 1800s and the “under God” part wasn’t added until the 1950s--while believing that reading accused criminals and terrorists their rights (because, ya know, the Constitution, which you used to teach at a prestigious law school requires it), is a dangerous and silly idea only supported by mushy liberals.
White privilege is being able to be a gun enthusiast and not make people immediately scared of you.
White privilege is being able to have a husband who was a member of an extremist political party that wants your state to secede from the Union, and whose motto was “Alaska first,” and no one questions your patriotism or that of your family, while if you're black and your spouse merely fails to come to a 9/11 memorial so she can be home with her kids on the first day of school, people immediately think she’s being disrespectful.
White privilege is being able to make fun of community organizers and the work they do--like, among other things, fight for the right of women to vote, or for civil rights, or the 8-hour workday, or an end to child labor--and people think you’re being pithy and tough, but if you merely question the experience of a small town mayor and 18-month governor with no foreign policy expertise beyond a class she took in college--you’re somehow being mean, or even sexist.
White privilege is being able to convince white women who don’t even agree with you on any substantive issue to vote for you and your running mate anyway, because all of a sudden your presence on the ticket has inspired confidence in these same white women, and made them give your party a “second look.”
White privilege is being able to fire people who didn’t support your political campaigns and not be accused of abusing your power or being a typical politician who engages in favoritism, while being black and merely knowing some folks from the old-line political machines in Chicago means you must be corrupt.
White privilege is being able to attend churches over the years whose pastors say that people who voted for John Kerry or merely criticize George W. Bush are going to hell, and that the U.S. is an explicitly Christian nation and the job of Christians is to bring Christian theological principles into government, and who bring in speakers who say the conflict in the Middle East is God’s punishment on Jews for rejecting Jesus, and everyone can still think you’re just a good church-going Christian, but if you’re black and friends with a black pastor who has noted (as have Colin Powell and the U.S. Department of Defense) that terrorist attacks are often the result of U.S. foreign policy and who talks about the history of racism and its effect on black people, you’re an extremist who probably hates America.
White privilege is not knowing what the Bush Doctrine is when asked by a reporter, and then people get angry at the reporter for asking you such a “trick question,” while being black and merely refusing to give one-word answers to the queries of Bill O’Reilly means you’re dodging the question, or trying to seem overly intellectual and nuanced.
White privilege is being able to claim your experience as a POW has anything at all to do with your fitness for president, while being black and experiencing racism is, as Sarah Palin has referred to it a “light” burden.
And finally, white privilege is the only thing that could possibly allow someone to become president when he has voted with George W. Bush 90 percent of the time, even as unemployment is skyrocketing, people are losing their homes, inflation is rising, and the U.S. is increasingly isolated from world opinion, just because white voters aren’t sure about that whole “change” thing. Ya know, it’s just too vague and ill-defined, unlike, say, four more years of the same, which is very concrete and certain…
White privilege is, in short, the problem.
This is your nation on White privilege
By Tim Wise
For those who still can’t grasp the concept of white privilege, or who are constantly looking for some easy-to-understand examples of it, perhaps this list will help.
White privilege is when you can get pregnant at seventeen like Bristol Palin and everyone is quick to insist that your life and that of your family is a personal matter, and that no one has a right to judge you or your parents, because “every family has challenges,” even as black and Latino families with similar “challenges” are regularly typified as irresponsible, pathological and arbiters of social decay.
White privilege is when you can call yourself a “fuckin’ redneck,” like Bristol Palin’s boyfriend does, and talk about how if anyone messes with you, you'll “kick their fuckin' ass,” and talk about how you like to “shoot shit” for fun, and still be viewed as a responsible, all-American boy (and a great son-in-law to be) rather than a thug.
White privilege is when you can attend four different colleges in six years like Sarah Palin did (one of which you basically failed out of, then returned to after making up some coursework at a community college), and no one questions your intelligence or commitment to achievement, whereas a person of color who did this would be viewed as unfit for college, and probably someone who only got in in the first place because of affirmative action.
White privilege is when you can claim that being mayor of a town smaller than most medium-sized colleges, and then Governor of a state with about the same number of people as the lower fifth of the island of Manhattan, makes you ready to potentially be president, and people don’t all piss on themselves with laughter, while being a black U.S. Senator, two-term state Senator, and constitutional law scholar, means you’re “untested.”
White privilege is being able to say that you support the words “under God” in the pledge of allegiance because “if it was good enough for the founding fathers, it’s good enough for me,” and not be immediately disqualified from holding office--since, after all, the pledge was written in the late 1800s and the “under God” part wasn’t added until the 1950s--while believing that reading accused criminals and terrorists their rights (because, ya know, the Constitution, which you used to teach at a prestigious law school requires it), is a dangerous and silly idea only supported by mushy liberals.
White privilege is being able to be a gun enthusiast and not make people immediately scared of you.
White privilege is being able to have a husband who was a member of an extremist political party that wants your state to secede from the Union, and whose motto was “Alaska first,” and no one questions your patriotism or that of your family, while if you're black and your spouse merely fails to come to a 9/11 memorial so she can be home with her kids on the first day of school, people immediately think she’s being disrespectful.
White privilege is being able to make fun of community organizers and the work they do--like, among other things, fight for the right of women to vote, or for civil rights, or the 8-hour workday, or an end to child labor--and people think you’re being pithy and tough, but if you merely question the experience of a small town mayor and 18-month governor with no foreign policy expertise beyond a class she took in college--you’re somehow being mean, or even sexist.
White privilege is being able to convince white women who don’t even agree with you on any substantive issue to vote for you and your running mate anyway, because all of a sudden your presence on the ticket has inspired confidence in these same white women, and made them give your party a “second look.”
White privilege is being able to fire people who didn’t support your political campaigns and not be accused of abusing your power or being a typical politician who engages in favoritism, while being black and merely knowing some folks from the old-line political machines in Chicago means you must be corrupt.
White privilege is being able to attend churches over the years whose pastors say that people who voted for John Kerry or merely criticize George W. Bush are going to hell, and that the U.S. is an explicitly Christian nation and the job of Christians is to bring Christian theological principles into government, and who bring in speakers who say the conflict in the Middle East is God’s punishment on Jews for rejecting Jesus, and everyone can still think you’re just a good church-going Christian, but if you’re black and friends with a black pastor who has noted (as have Colin Powell and the U.S. Department of Defense) that terrorist attacks are often the result of U.S. foreign policy and who talks about the history of racism and its effect on black people, you’re an extremist who probably hates America.
White privilege is not knowing what the Bush Doctrine is when asked by a reporter, and then people get angry at the reporter for asking you such a “trick question,” while being black and merely refusing to give one-word answers to the queries of Bill O’Reilly means you’re dodging the question, or trying to seem overly intellectual and nuanced.
White privilege is being able to claim your experience as a POW has anything at all to do with your fitness for president, while being black and experiencing racism is, as Sarah Palin has referred to it a “light” burden.
And finally, white privilege is the only thing that could possibly allow someone to become president when he has voted with George W. Bush 90 percent of the time, even as unemployment is skyrocketing, people are losing their homes, inflation is rising, and the U.S. is increasingly isolated from world opinion, just because white voters aren’t sure about that whole “change” thing. Ya know, it’s just too vague and ill-defined, unlike, say, four more years of the same, which is very concrete and certain…
White privilege is, in short, the problem.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
McCain campaign wants what Obama has
Has anyone thought to point out that everything the McCain campaign disparages Obama for, they end up doing themselves?
If I recall correctly, Obama's original message was about "Hope" and "Change." I don't believe that has ever wavered. But now, when I listen to McCain's speeches, I constantly hear about "Change" and how McCain-Palin will be the ones to create that change.
Right before the conventions, I recall McCain's camp being very vocal about Obama's lack of experience and being ready on Day 1. Yet they then went off and chose the very epitome of "not ready on day 1." So now the argument has become..."but he's running for president!" To which I guess I have to ask the same question Sarah Palin did, "What is it exactly that the V.P. does every day?" I was under the impression that the vice-president had to be prepared to move into the presidency if something goes wrong.
I also vaguely recall an ad by the McCain campaign disparaging Barack Obama for creating a "celebrity" status and following...something about Paris Hilton and Brittney Spears...anyone else remember that?? Yet, all indications seem to demonstrate that the McCain campaign has now found their own celebrity...and doesn't mind exploiting that to it's fullest. (Are those Paris Hilton ads still out there?)
It seems to be a double standard.
But it also tells me that Obama is doing something very right.
If I recall correctly, Obama's original message was about "Hope" and "Change." I don't believe that has ever wavered. But now, when I listen to McCain's speeches, I constantly hear about "Change" and how McCain-Palin will be the ones to create that change.
Right before the conventions, I recall McCain's camp being very vocal about Obama's lack of experience and being ready on Day 1. Yet they then went off and chose the very epitome of "not ready on day 1." So now the argument has become..."but he's running for president!" To which I guess I have to ask the same question Sarah Palin did, "What is it exactly that the V.P. does every day?" I was under the impression that the vice-president had to be prepared to move into the presidency if something goes wrong.
I also vaguely recall an ad by the McCain campaign disparaging Barack Obama for creating a "celebrity" status and following...something about Paris Hilton and Brittney Spears...anyone else remember that?? Yet, all indications seem to demonstrate that the McCain campaign has now found their own celebrity...and doesn't mind exploiting that to it's fullest. (Are those Paris Hilton ads still out there?)
It seems to be a double standard.
But it also tells me that Obama is doing something very right.
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