I had a disturbing conversation with a man who clerks at my neighborhood grocery and with whom we swap friendly banter on a near-daily basis. He enjoys greeting us variously as Mr. and Mrs. Flip or Mr. and Mrs. Susan and never tires of addressing us thus.
Today, he beamed at me as he totted up my purchases and said, "What did you think of the New Hampshire primary?"
I said I was disgusted by Hillary's blatant and cynical attempts to pull votes out of people's heartstrings because Obama was the better person.
"Yes," he said, "he is a good man but if he gets elected there will be race riots all over the country. People will be killing each other in the streets."
I was dumbfounded. The illogic of his remark sat over the counter like a heavy gray cloud. Racism is still racism no matter how it's rationalized.
"That's no reason not to vote for him," I said. "That's pandering to racists because you suspect they might do something. How is that good for America?"
"I'll do anything to get Bill back," he said. "Cheating is better than people dying every day. Bill cared about the working man."
I looked closely to see if he was frothing at the mouth.
Personally, I think what Bill Clinton cared about had nothing to do with men, working or idle.
I usually avoid broadcasting my political preferences in this space, but the magnitude of spurious reasoning evinced by Bob, who votes, is so staggering that I cannot help myself.
His thought process is equivalent to not giving women the vote because some of them might stop darning their husband's socks. Or how about not giving children an education because they might use it someday to become "dangerous" to the dominant culture? In fact, this is the very rationale that allowed segregation in public schools.
Such reasoning would have us continue to elect white presidents forever, whether or not they are the most qualified candidates and despite the fact that we are a multi-racial society, simply to avoid conflict.
If we are so paralyzed by fear that we refuse to advance in any way, we are doomed.
89 comments:
We do elect white men, who definately aren't the best candidates, I don't get that at all! If you would like to read my favorite political humorist, here's a link.
This is the first time I've had the opportunity to vote either for an African-American or a woman for president and both of them are acceptable candidates to me, especially compared to the cognitively impaired republican candidates. I actually like Edwards, too. Certainly any of them would be an improvement over the current resident.
I like Obama over Clinton, given the choice between the two, but I will be voting for the democrat in November no matter who gets the nomination.
I actually think Hillary's little breakdown (if that's what you were referring to) was a genuine moment of emotion from an exhausted woman. Seemed very real to me. But I won't vote for her in the primaries. Not just because she's too much a Washington-slick politician, but because she is so universally disliked, I'm not sure she could win.
I like what I've seen and heard of Obama. I wish I knew more about his plans, should he succeed. I never considered race riots...it just seems unlikely. He's the closest thing I've ever had to a Kennedy to vote for.
Color and gender don't factor for me...but as you know, religion does.
Mojo,
Some white men have been good candidates, but their whiteness and/or maleness did not make them so.
I just object to the limiting belief that would preclude ever having a non-white and/or female president.
Stephen,
I love the idea of a female candidate; I just distrust this particular one. I think the Clintons look so good to some people mainly because Bush has been so bad, and not on their own merits.
Franki,
That is what I was referring to. I find it hard to believe she is capable of anything which is not carefully orchestrated.
I refuse to give any credence to the idea of race riots and believe it is merely an excuse to maintain the racial status quo.
Obama has been compared to both JFK and MLK and was probably inspired by both. We could do worse, and have.
Well, as you know, I typically stay away from US politics as much as humanly possible.
Given that, I think the whole premise of finding a group of rich people and have them compete for a position for which none of them are particularly qualified.
It's all about class interests and they will always protect their own.
And honestly, I can't imagine anyone choosing one of the given rich folks based on their color or their gender. It's the Divide and
Conquer mentality and the supposed "diversity" of this particular cat fight is nothing more than dissembling. It's a way of avoiding the larger issues like Iraq, imperialism and poverty.
The whole thing baffles me.
Sorry for the rant in your comment forum. I couldn't resist. My fingers made me do it! :)
~*
Chani,
It has become a competition among super rich people because no one else can stage a campaign anymore, and that is unfortunate as well as hardly democratic.
But considering the system we have, however flawed, I think there are still some differences among the various candidates although there is a distinct resemblance in some cases to Tweedledee and Tweedledum.
But how can you NOT imagine anyone choosing a candidate based on color or gender when that is all we have ever done in the past? Every one of our previous presidents save Kennedy has been a White Protestant male.
I absolutely agree with you that there are far greater issues to be solved, but at least we are now admitting non-whites and women to the exalted table. It's a start, and from these small and long overdue beginnings will come new ideas which will eventually help this diverse country reach its potential as a force for good in the world.
If you remember your history, America was not built in a day.
I'm voting for Obama for reasons: the first being that there is no way Clinton could win against a charismatic, moderate Republican--she is far too divisive and disliked, even though I personally, like her.
The second reason, and more important to me, is the Obama is a strong, charismatic, intelligent leader and will make a visible symbol of change for this country. I think he will be far better at spearheading change than either Clinton or Edwards. He also seems to have more integrity and honesty than Clinton.
You can't choose a black man because there'll be race riots? What a splendid bit of racism. And your remark about education reminds me of why universal education was once opposed in the UK - the ruling classes were terrified the lower orders would get too smart and too confident and threaten their power. If only!
This is a good and righteous venting. I applaud you and your venting.
I have seen the fear factor in action and it is the thing that scares me the most. We live in a really blue area and everyone I know was sure that Kerry would defeat Bush. About a week before the election, I worked on a guy who was from Midland and could not stop talking about the up coming election, even while he was getting a massage. He was literaly afraid not to vote for Dubya. I gave up trying to follow his reasoning but it had to do with terrorism and the war and the price of oil, all of which have increased under this so called administration. That was when I had an inkling of what we are really dealing with. There are a lot of people who have fallen for this s&*t.
There are apparently those who do fear race riots if Obama is elected and there may be some.(I am more concerned about asination attempts.) I think we will all have to arm ourselves with white flour as happened in Knoxville, TN when the klan tried to have a rally there and was conftonted by a parade of clowns.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/2319/878780229/
and
http://asheville.indymedia.org/article/107Clowns
I just hope that Obama is not all charisma and not enough substance. I am disturbed by the fact that the election may be decided by whoever raises the most money. I really like Edwards but his decision to accept public funding mayhave done him in. I actually liked Bill Richardson, too, but there was no way he would ever have raised enough money to make a serious race of it. I am glad that he got some important issued raised before he decided he needed to go home and be governor.
You can read a great poem about the Knoxville affair by my friend David LaMotte here:
http://aroundasheville.blogspot.com/2007/11/white-flour.html
what a strange comment. I don't see that happening at all. Although, I have to agree that Bill Clinton was actually a very good president, aside from the whole scandal.
Rachel,
Yes, Obama has far more integrity than Clinton. He has no scandals or Vince Fosters in his closet, and I believe that he is the only candidate who can possibly bring this country together.
Nick,
Splendid, indeed. It's the same kind of "concerned" racism that would keep black children out of the better schools "to protect them" instead of making those who would hurt them behave.
The British have always known how to keep the so-called lower classes from getting uppity. It's no accident that our firsts settlers were from England.
Calvin,
I seem not to suffer fools gladly.
Sister,
I am worried about assassination attempts, too. I think it's unprecedented for a candidate to have Secret Service protection during a campaign, as Obama does.
His courage and dedication are astounding.
I didn't know about the Anti-Klan Clown Rally in Knoxville until you mentioned it. I checked out the url for this story, which is a great one. I'll read your friend's poem, too. Thanks!
Rachel,
A lot of people seem to think that electing Hillary will get Bill back. I don't think it works that way, and she has an enormous ego besides.
It could even be said that she wears the pants while he takes them off. (Sorry, I couldn't help it.)
The truth is that this country is on a collision course for revolution. As with every young country, when the government gets so separate from the people, revolution ensues.
Electing an African American man as president is revolutionary. Electing a woman as president is revolutionary.
Let's hope that's the revolution we have.
Omg, there are just people who chose to get stuck in darkness despite rapid progress of civilization...
This reminds me of a comment from a friend about a week ago...he said, he is worried is Obamaa wins...and I gave him a big question mark in my face...and as I was doing that, different answers run to my head, yet his reply was just astoundingly funny and I could never have guessed it...and it was something like...it was prophecied that once a black man get to rule a very powerful nation (such as US) then that's the start of the end of the world...WTF is that?!
I'm just so startled...
America most definitely needs a change of direction ... from my limited (very!) knowledge of Obama .. he seems an upstanding, honest, ethical man. Clnton, on the other hand, sounds like she has her own agenda uppermost in her priorities ... Any chance that the voters will actually get to hear what the individual candidates hope to achieve if elected? Or will their voices be drowned out by bureaucratic election trappings?
Claudia,
I don't think there has ever been a time in history when our government was as separated from the people as it is now.
Even the revered system of checks and balances is not checking or balancing.
One way or another, we will seek change. Let's hope it is through the election process.
Mariposa,
It's really scary that such ignorance abounds. And WTF it is is blatant racism, even though your friend would deny it and may even believe he is not one.
I have no patience for those who interpret the Bible for their own evil agendas. I can't separate those beliefs from their personalities, no matter how charming they are otherwise.
Rise,
One of my personal pet peeves with our election system is that candidates are not bound to keep their campaign promises so it's impossible to know what they will really do once elected.
It's kind of a fancy crap shoot, actually.
We are so totally on the same page with this one.
Added to which, I detest striving hypocrite Hillary and all that Clinton baggage. She will stop at nothing to get what she perceives as being rightly hers. Such a sense of entitlement.
But, hell, I can't even vote in your elections.
I didn't mean all were bad, some have been great, anyway, they've all been white men. If Hilary did get elected and did half as poorly as Bush, we'd be hearing all about how a woman just can't do it.
Without regard to any political leanings i may or may not have, what an idiotic thing to say.
Race riots? Jeez!
It's sad but unfortunately too many people think like that. Like some friends (acquaintenaces rather) who would never vote for a woman because her PMS would get in the way of doing a good job. What/
Ian,
And I agree with everything YOU'VE said here.
How can we get you a vote? There must be a loophole.
Mojo,
That's true. It has been said that a woman has to be twice as good as a man to be considered half as good. :)
Meno,
My point wasn't that I favor Obama, although I do, but about how stupid reasoning leads to bad conclusions.
I don't mind being disagreed with, but my opponent's argument should make some sense.
Craze,
I've heard that one, too. And when JFK was running, some people thought he could not be trusted with State secrets because he would have to confess everything to the Pope.
We humans are a creatively stupid species.
Your friend might like to know that PMS (in women who experience it) ends at menopause. I'm just saying.
What retarded reasoning! Sometimes I wonder if it's reasoning at all...or just an excuse.
Susan, I don't know if America is ready. I hope I'm wrong.
Lex,
It's not reasoning at all. It's rationalized racism.
Some people will never be ready while others have waited much too long.
I just hope that Barack Obama is not a sacrificial lamb and that the people guarding him never sleep.
Wish I was more informed this time around about the U.S. politicians. As I said somewhere else recently in blogdom, all I hope is that the next President is smarter than the current one! And hopefully a democrat because then Canada will get off it's but and get our version of Shrub out of office. That would make me very happy.
Now, a question if you ever have time to enlighten me. I've heard for a few years now that Americans hate Hillary but have never understood why. I don't follow politics that closely this time around. So, what's wrong with her exactly?
It's scary how some people confuse their respective, subjective fears as actual theories, or worse, as Logic.
Whew!
All contenders this close to the vote are offered Secret Service protection, it is up to them to accept it or not. It becomes mandatory once the two candidates are selected.
If Bush stealing first Florida then Ohio didn't raise the ire of the people to mass protest then I doubt the election of a Black candidate as president would raise it either.Besides gay folks are the hate objects of the current masses.
Too many people of all colors will be hoping that he or she, elected, would be able to pull the country out of the coming inevitable recession and job loss and problems coming out of those losses.
I've seen and felt racism and your fruit flys comment was more just learned stupidity than overt or rationalized racism, unless of course he spends his evening breaking down and oiling his gun and is collecting shells for the riot he is going to participate in.
The next president if a democrat has a good chance at an attempted assassination but it will be an idea formed and agreed upon by the heads of all the conglomerate companies sitting around a polished walnut table who are collectively stealing the wealth of the western world.
Just vote your conscience, for the moment that is all you can do and raising your BP over someone else's ignorance isn't worth the aggravation.
Peace
mark
Echomouse,
I don't know that Hillary Clinton is disliked by most Americans, but I don't care for her.
I think she is arrogant,insincere, and dishonest. I was a supporter of her husband once, but became disillusioned by his apparent belief that he was above the law.
It was reported by Secret Service agents assigned to protect them that they often hurled epithets like "kike" at each other when they fought, despite their wide support base in the liberal Jewish community.
It was reported that the Clintons even stole things from the White House that were really the property of the American people, which seems a really tacky,redneck thing to do. I dislike such a sense of entitlement in anyone. It scares me that the Clintons don't feel accountable to anyone as that is implicit in the job description.
Bill's comment about Barack Obama's candidacy being "a fairy tale" speaks volumes about how they really feel about black people.
While some of Hillary's proposed plans for America sound impressive, Obama offers basically the same ideas in a much more appealing package.
Dmb,
Yeah. Not a lot of logic going on there. Do you vote by absentee ballot from Japan?
Mark,
Obama has had SS protection since he announced his candidacy, which is unprecedented, because of threats.
I marvel every day at the apparent apathy of the American people over the total mess Bush has made of things.
I hope you're wrong about the possibility of an assassination ordered by corporate bigwigs. It sounds a bit like something out of a Richard Condon novel, which is not to say it couldn't happen.
I'm pretty sure the grocery guy is not a Klansman, and in fact, I have never seen any overt indication of hostility in him toward anyone, including his black coworkers, so maybe he was simply expressing his lack of confidence in other people. Still, as I said to him, that's no reason not to vote for Obama if you think he's the better candidate.
And my bp is fine, thanks.
Interesting "vent". Personally, I couldn't care less about the "truth" behind Hillary's behavior because politics is, IMHO, all thangs waggin' dat dawg which means I'll never *really* know the real deal anywhichhow.
As it was said in the quintessential eighties flick, Wargames, "Sometimes the only winning move is not to play."
My bottom line: vote Dem when it's time. Until then, let 'em eat the cake they're gonna eat anyway.
Yo.
We're paralyzed by illogic even more than fear, I venture.
That's the problem with talking politics; it's so rare to hear sound thinking, from anyone.
Great anecdote that illustrates the problem perfectly.
Psycho Therapist - Wendy,
Might I remind you that right after "let them eat cake" came the guillotine.
Jocelyn,
(Cool new avatar!)
Fear, illogic, stupidity by any other name would smell as sweet.
"His thought process is equivalent to not giving women the vote because some of them might stop darning their husband's socks." In fact, I belive this is the very thinking that kept women oppressed fo so long. I'm afraid that guy isn't alone.
Thanks for sharing the info on the Clintons :) Just today, all the weekend editions of newspapers I read here in Canada (3 of them!) had a front page thing all about Hillary and Obama. I had no idea about a lot of the things with the Clintons. Obama sounds good.
I'm very surprised that Bill Clinton made the fairytale remark, which I just read about today. If memory serves, when he was running for President, that's what everyone was saying about him...he was too young, inexperienced, etc. Yet he did fine as Pres (well, all things considered I guess).
Where I live, I'm long past trusting the politicians, even the seemingly nice people. Because even if they have good intentions, the political game seems to ruin all of them. It's actually frightening how much posturing goes on instead of doing the right thing. Especially in recent years. And that's all over the world too!
I think your Mr. Bob is an idiot.
As for OBama, I fear he has had limited political experience and may end up with his good intentions in the same boat as Jimmy Carter's did. He had state rep experience followed by 1 yr of Senate experience before he stated campaigning for the Presidency. He can want change, but how is he going to effectually acquire it? And can he?
I raise that last question only as a question. Not a statement that he can't. I'm sure whoever wins the office of the President will have no choice but to do a better job than our current one. I'm unafiliated so I don't vote in any primary.
Cs,
I have never darned a sock in my life. Have you?
Whenever limitations are imposed on groups of people, it is always to benefit the group doing the limiting.
Echomouse,
Admittedly my opinions on the Clintons are rather strong, doubtless born of disillusionment.
It's been a long time since we've had a presidential candidate in this country whom I actually considered a good person and wanted to vote for, and Obama is that candidate.
Pool,
I agree that he hasn't had as much experience as some of the others, but he seems to have integrity, intelligence, and the desire to serve America, not use it for his own agenda, and that gives me hope for all of us.
I gave you an award. Please check my blog. You deserved it, by the way.
I don't understand his reasoning. How would electing Obama cause race riots? Am I missing something?
I do agree with Reflecting Pool, however, that Obama is not seasoned enough. You guys are going to need someone really tough to take over and clean up the mess that has been left behind. I don't think Obama has quite what it takes just yet. It would be sad to elect someone just because he is the "lesser of two evils". We do that in Canada all the time, and then we pay for it and pay for it and pay for it...
As of the end of November here in Oz we got ourselves a new Prime Minister and our first ever female Deputy PM (Julia Gillard)-she is a little ripper.
For me, it has me skipping along, singing my little heart out and tap dancing...I cannot begin to tell you how much I admire the current leaders in power here, of course there are other Ozzies of different political persuasions; but I am so over the moon and inspired I have been in frigging orbit since November.
I wish the USA the best President possible to lead their country and people.
It don't come easy.
Pam
PS Am organising you some Pam music, will love to hear your thoughts.
Ian,
Thank you so much. You always make my day, too!
Josie,
You're not missing anything. The person who made that remark is, though. He is missing many brain cells.
Obama may not be perfect, but I'm not sure we've ever had a president who was. I truly believe that because he is highly intelligent and seems well-intentioned, he will grow in the job if allowed the chance.
Experience doesn't mean much if those other, more important qualities are not there.
Pam,
I'm happy you have such good feelings about your government. If things get really bad here, I may move to Australia.
Does California Pam have a You-tube video? I'd love to hear her sing. Thank you.
hey heart, i'm visiting from red mojo's. i like hillary though i will never forgive bill for his selfish stupidity. i see obama as too young in some way--?
anybody but bush (well, kind of, hopefully)....
i appreciate your response to this guy. i hear the same kinds of arguments about gay marriage...
take care!
:)
Kj,
Thank you so much for coming by. Any friend of Mojo's is a friend of mine.
When I hear nonsensical arguments against gay marriage, I always wonder what they're afraid of. I don't think it matters if one loves a man, woman or Boston fern -- I just feel sorry for those who can't love anyone at all.
My friend's young grandson, visiting Berkeley during the last campaign, was taken to a Kerry rally and got to shake his hand.
As he did, he beamed up at the candidate and yelled, "Anybody but Bush!"
The sad truth is that there are so many who'd vote (or not vote) for a candidate just because they're black or just because they're a woman. This campaign gives us all such an opportunity to have a real conversation about the role of race and gender in our society, but instead I fear that the political game playing is in full force. Lots of folks are afraid of what black people will do if Obama does or doesn't get elected so the guy at your grocery is, unfotunately, not alone. And as you know, people only expect black folks to be outraged by these sorts of comments, even though they fundamentally insult us all.
Liz,
Every time anyone assumes that all black people or all white people share a common mind, they insult every member of the group.
You're right that this campaign provides the first opportunity ever to discuss race and gender issues that have divided our country forever. I hope that will happen, and that we will finally put them behind us and set about actually becoming one people.
My vote is for Obama - steadfast against this war.
Whatever we do, whatever path we choose, we must do so because we believe in that path, not because we are afraid of the alternative. Postive choices, not choices based on avoiding the negative. Surely, someone like Benazir Bhutto had every reason to be fearful, to choose another path, but she did not. Her consequences were much greater than ours are, as voters in America. We should be brave in our beliefs.
I remain hopeful that in November we will elect a person with peaceful and loving views of the world, be it man or woman, black or white.
Just curious as to why you feel Obama is the better person? Is it because of his racial makeup? What has he done for his community? I would like a list because I am very curious. SO many people say this without saying why.
Jali,
As far as I know, he has never wavered from that position.
David,
Thank you for this wonderful comment. Amen.
House,
Thank you for coming by today.
Obama's ethnicity is not a factor in my choice because although I believe we are long overdue for a president of color, we have also never had a woman, a Jew, or a Hispanic in that office.
How do I like him? Let me count the ways.
I perceive him as the only candidate of either party who has a chance to unite the various factions in this country, black, white, young, old, male, female, etc. He seems to be the most intelligent in a field of mostly intelligent people - his quick wit (by which I do not mean wittiness but his ability to respond to any question in a sane, reasonable and persuasive manner) impresses me. He does not pretend to be anything he is not, and he seems self-confident but never brags about his accomplishments. While he and his beautiful family have abundant charisma, I would never choose a candidate based solely on that happy accident of nature.
I agree with those who have stated that he has had less experience than some of his rivals, but since he is younger, that is to be expected. I prefer to focus on what he HAS done as it is an indication of what he will do if elected.
Finally, I believe that Obama has more integrity than the others, and this above all is important to me.
Bill Clinton had his charm, certainly, but as it turned out, little integrity. We deserve better in our President.
Ultimately, they are all unknown quantities until they are actually in the oval office. I prefer to take a chance on the person who seems most honest, honorable, who has been consistent in his views and who has the personal humility a person should have when asking his fellow countrymen to elect him or her to the nation's highest office.
Obama seems invested in serving America, not in using it. Incidentally, Edwards impresses me as also genuinely wanting to serve, but I think Obama is smarter.
And to sum up this long-winded response to your question, I would vote for him even if he were white.
Fear is a powerful motivator. Sometimes it promotes action, but most often, it inspires inaction. I dont think there will be "race riots" is Obama is elected...but perhaps if he loses an election like Bush's first (with the 'hanging chads' and all) there might...lol.
L
It seems odd to me, to think someone would or would not vote for a person because of colour or sex. But I do know that prejudice & racism is unfortunately still alive & well.
The only solution for him to elect a Jew. We never riot. As for Clinton, I partially blame his Monica antics for 9/11. The stage was already being set during his presidency, and if he had been paying more attention to National Security and less to his goddamn penis...And now we have Hillary. God help us! (And I'm an atheist).
Lola,
I think it's a ridiculous idea. Besides, if Americans haven't rioted over the Bush presidency, we have clearly lost our edge where rioting is concerned.
I agree with your point that fear most often inspires inaction, which means that many opportunities are lost.
Thank you for your visit!
Meggie,
Prejudice is stupid and cruel and benefits no one.
As far as I know, there is no presidential gene that occurs only in white males.
Tiv,
I think that Hillary is more dangerous than Bill because his urge to merge with every woman he met distracted him from governing the country more than haphazardly while she is Lady Macbeth, the Bitch of Buchenwald and Cruella de Ville rolled into one smirking package.
The image of Orthodox rabbis rioting in talis and tefillen while dovening makes me giggle madly.
Boy! You've gone and opened a proper can of worms with this post! Obama sounds good to me, even though, as an "alien" I don't have a vote. I have to listen to such comments on my nightly visits to the AOs.I have flounced out of there a few times when I was in danger of losing my temper with the inflexibility and "old white guys" mentality.....
Molly,
Is "AO" short for "Redneck?"
Flouncing is good. Yes, there's a lot of good ole boy mentality, especially if you're not in Southern Florida.
Sooner or later I open worm cans, I'm afraid. I can only go so long without offending someone.
Even though I'm number 55 to respond, (he he), I just wanted to add that I applaud you for putting your frustration, and your views, out there. Politics can be a firestarter. Unfortunately, there are many who, like your grocer, play into the hatred of a few. I don't know that America is ready either, but I'm optimistic. In spite of realities like Jena, I'm willing to give our nation the benefit of the doubt.
Katrice,
What happened in Jena was an abomination, but I also still believe that there are more decent, intelligent Americans than lynch mobbers.
I hope to God such optimism is not unfounded, and that whoever we elect is based upon qualities other than race or gender.
I don't really have anything fresh to add. Those kinds of comments really, really disturb me. A lot. I blame those kind of people for the complete imbecile in the White House today, but maybe it's just me....
I'm just so tired of hearing people say they like so-and-so because that's the kind of person who they'd like to have beer/coffee/dinner with. I feel like screaming, when the hell is that ever going to happen, my friend!!?Never! so vote for whoever ISN't an idiot please! Dubya is so very charming and look what's happened. Other than the blogs I read, I have yet to hear anyone in person say they like so-and-so for their intelligence/experience/honesty...I could go on. I would be happy with any 3 of the Dem candidates.
Sweet Pea,
Dubya is charming? I mean, Dubya is charming?
Dubyaischarming? Dubyaischarming?
I seem to have a crack in my record.
Intelligence/experience/honesty - what an innovative idea! And for a president, yet.
If only.
we need you here too. we are all helplessly paralyzed in this part of the world by a short-bodied and short-minded pretender to the presidency. no shame in parading croc tears and devious and vicious smirks in short intervals. we ordinary pinoys are gagged, persecuted, and killed extra-judicially. venting it all with extra-effort.
Felipe,
I'm so very sorry. Does "Pinoy" mean Filipino, and are you referring to Gloria Arroyo? I have heard that she is extremely corrupt but don't know much about the situation in your country.
Please write back and tell me more.
Did anyone watch the Dems debate last night? My impression is that all three are impressive people with good hearts and good ideas to repair the damage done for the last 7 years. I will happily cast my vote for which ever one of them survives to the November election. I can't remember another election in my lifetime where I felt that way.
Please no more Clinton. I mean if you think about it... the Bush reign was tooo long too. :eek:
I would rather see a black woman as vice president BTW. And I don't care who is president as long as they are more for the good of the world as opposed to fighting for power.
political discussion over. LOL
I could see oprah for president. Couldn't you?
interesting. just had that thought.
Stephen,
Unfortunately, we were out and missed the debate. I have to agree, personal preferences aside, that any of them would be a huge improvement over our present administration.
Melanie,
I've been saying for years that Oprah would be a great choice for the job. She is a force of Nature and can do anything, apparently.
P.S. to Stephen,
Of course, so would Truffle or Lani.
maybe this man will get sick on election day?
I'm not wishing anything bad on him -- maybe a tsunami of a stomach virus so he can't make it out of his bed on that day?
because I'm sot tired of people like this maintaining the status quo with their myopia and fear.
Re: Bill and Hillary....
ain't they cute?
If she gets the Dem nomination, I'm going to make a party of not voting for her!
Star,
Bill and Hill --- sounds kind of like a fairy tale, don't you think?
What should I bring to the party?
Wow, how could I miss Felipe's comment...when I come here so often... ;)
In a nutshell, the political situation here is not the most perfect in the world...and I would certainly disagree with you Felipe.
I hope to write more about the Philippines in the days to come.
Mariposa,
Please do. I would love to learn more about your country, which I know is very beautiful.
Meanwhile, enjoy Sinulog!
The problem is that the GOP has the best sound bites. A reasoned argument, as John Kerry so ably demonstrated, is almost impossible to get across in thirty seconds or less.
I feel your terror.
Hi there, I stumbled on your blog from Claudia's blog. I agree with you completely. I am a middle class, white female and though I have not yet made a decision on who I am voting for, there is no way in heck I would NOT vote for someone due to ridiculous and outlandish and just plain absurd fears of riots. The man you spoke with is a moron.
Crankster,
Canned rhetoric and cleverly crafted insults have gotten presidents elected before. Or close enough.
I find it hard to imagine that a Republican could win after Bush even if Lincoln ran again.
Christy,
Morons vote, too, unfortunately.
Thank you for coming by!
Nope, couldn't darn a sock if my life depended on it! But I am competent at many other things.
Where are you? I miss you!
Hi Hearts, I'm back again...this time I have something for you...
Please accept my You Make My Day Award for you.
Yes, you make my day and thanks!
Just a few minor notes, Lincoln would not be electable today in the age of TV. Neither would FDR.
Next, I'm not always sure we should hold them to their campaign promises. Jefferson, who might also not be electable today, was a strict interpretationist of the Constitution. Nothing in the Constitution allowed him to buy the Louisiana Purchase. It appears he made a 180 degree reversal of his campaign promise. YAY. Excuse me.
I actually know died-in-the-wool Republican faithful who now outdo each other explaining how much they loath Dubya. It's a disease.
Otherwise, I'd recommend you refer to my friend, buddy, pal Crankster for all necessary knowledge, insight and wisdom in this area. He has had training. I just think some.
Cs,
Yeah, those darn socks.
Your competence has not escaped me, or anyone who reads your blog.
Mariposa,
Well, now you've gone and made mine. Thank you so much!
Monty,
If hating Dubya is a disease, why has nobody found the cure? I cannot comprehend why this president has not been impeached.
I share your admiration for Crankster. He is informative, charming and a great guy. Now, how can we get him elected?
You go, girl! I think that's the best rant I've ever read. Thank you for it. I feel better for having read it!
Ang,
Thank you!!
Please let me know when your link works so I can visit you, ok?
In America we deserve the candidates we have:
1) Monica Lewinsky's ex-boyfriend's wife
2) a black man (whose white mother never gets acknowledged)
3) a demagogue lawyer
4) a socialist Republican
5) a good-looking man with good hair whom the Christians dislike
6) a minister who asked American taxpayers to pay for illegal aliens' college tuition fees while American citizens had to apply for loans
7) Is Guiliani still a candidate?
8) Ron Paul who makes a lot of sense but won't get the nomination
Pathetic. I hope the silent majority will make the right choice.
That whole exchange goes a long way in explaining why the guy is a grocery clerk. Get him demoted to sorting recycles from the trash cans.
Ces,
I have a long held theory that in any society, the most dangerous people seek the power so I am delighted that in this race, there is one candidate I actively admire and respect.
Obama's white mother may not be of the race with which he identifies in part because of idiotic determinants like the "One Drop Law," but her contributions to him, both genetic and in terms of nurture, are known.
I believe that the whole concept of race in America is absurd and outdated as most of us are of mixed ancestry.
I also hope that we vote in the right person because we badly need to begin repairing the damage.
I appreciate your visit.
Slip,
But then he couldn't spread his particular brand of friendly hatred as he packs those grocery bags.
Thank you for coming by.
I have found myself to be curiously vent-ful theis election season. Thanks for sharing your vent.
My son came home from school and shared a discussion with me that he had had in history class. Apparently, there is an argument out there that goes we should elect neither Clinton nor Obama because the next president is going to have it really hard and we don't want the first African American or the first woman president to look bad and screw it up for the rest of the women and African Americans. WTF?!
I think Clinton's tactics of late have been abhorrent and manipulative. I'm ready for the change that Obama embodies.
Puanani,
That argument is right up there with the one I posted about. I consider it sheer excusifying, as my daughter used to say when she was three.
I just watched Obama deliver an excellent speech in SC and I think he is the real thing. He will do great things for America if he is given the chance.
Thank you for coming by!
Susan,
I hate to break two facts to you but first, Bush is not impeachable, you'd get Cheney as President. So, you have to keep the Senate drunk and on mind-control drugs for the entire impeachment, and you still might not get the good result. Which is impeaching them both on the basis of common sense and self-survival.
As for electing Crankster, we're going to have to wait until he's 35, then ask his wife too. Other than that, I can't see any reason not to elect him.
Monty,
I hate to break it to YOU, but I used "impeach" as a euphemism.
See, this is why I turn to Crankster. I'm slowing down in my old age. It must be the IBS from Dubya.
Monty,
Bush has not been a good gastrointestinal president for sure.
I.LOOOVE.YOUUUU.FOOOR.THIIIIS.POST!!!!!! LOVE IT!! I ROCK OBAMA!! And I'm really sick of hearing the really and truly baffling "logic" for not voting for him. not enough experience? b/c bush's experience served him so well, right? b/c people might kill him? ok. like you said, we should definitely pander to that line of reasoning. i'm becoming more and more convinced that the only reason he doesn't already have this locked is b/c he's black. he's too charismatic not to. all the rest of the reasons are just so out of left field its ridiculous. I ROCK BARACK!!
Jameil,
Wng of A Whole New G has an excellent post about this which you might want to check out.
I also can see no possible reason for resistance to Obama's candidacy besides racism. He's a very impressive man and I would feel better about being an American with him at the wheel.
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