The South Will Rise Again!

I try very hard not to be biased at the beginning of every political season; people say they try to do this, but it is pretty hard to lay out your views both subjectively and objectively without letting irrational emotions get in the way. I believe emotions are a factor but like I said- irrational emotions need to be checked. On top of that, yes I write off those that identify themselves as Republicans because I know factually I do not agree with their party platform. But hey, I still read up on each candidate, even Mr. Huckabee, and those who drift from the platform such as Ron Paul.

So, when I defend Barack Obama, it has nothing to do with endorsements or disdain for opponents. While I am volunteering for his campaign, I’m not going around asking people to vote for him; I spend the majority of my time discussing the dynamics of the entire race, how to get registered, switch parties, etc. I try to be open minded, and understand people come from different places, but here is something I’m sick of hearing:

“I’m not racist, but I’m not sure America is ready for a Black president.”

If you are a female, and a man tells you “I don’t think America is ready for a female president”, that sounds pretty fucked up, doesn’t it? Yes, “black” is a social and cultural notion, but as many analysts will say, Obama relates to his “blackness” in his own way that is relevant to his multi-cultural upbringing AND he is just as white as he is black.

People who are not voting for Obama because they ‘don’t think America is ready’ are on-par with the people who have casted him out because of his race.

You and I are America too, and I refuse to let the fear, ignorance, and hatred of a few people in Middle America (that also elected Bush) override what I know is right. As for the white elephant in the room, Mr. Obama and his family have already considered the harsh reality that these people exist and there might be an attempt on his life. Lord knows we hope this never ever becomes a reality, but Obama understands that not everyone might be ‘ready’, but it’s worth the risk, and this isn’t about him, it’s about all of us.

I guess it’s a lot easier to act on fear, but I really don’t want to be one of those people.

 Cheers