I received an anonymous comment yesterday from a man who says he is the editor of the student newspaper at the University of Texas. I’ve decided to respond to some of the comments, as well as elaborate on some of my thoughts. I would like to say that I’m not a politician, economist, historian, data-head or news junkie. In the world of politics, I’m very green. I’m also a believer. I strive to live my life by the teachings of Jesus and to follow what he said is the greatest commandment, “To love the Lord with all you heart, soul, mind and strength. And to love your neighbor as yourself.”
My hope for myself, as well as others, is that I take the interest I have found in this Presidential race and carry it to the State and Local levels. With that disclaimer, please read on taking what you like and leave the rest.
Dear S,
Thanks for stopping by my blog! Though I don’t agree with many of the perspectives you offer, I’m happy to have a conversation. I won’t respond directly to some of the specific points that you made, but will mostly elaborate on my overall essay to clarify any misunderstandings.
One thing I will address directly is your #1 statement. Since I didn’t mention what 2007 interview I referred to, it’s a bold statement to say that I misquoted him. With that being said, let me make 3 points:
1) It was probably generous of me to use quotations around something he said since I do not remember exactly the words he used. The essence of what he discussed though, I believe I understand him clearly.
2) I am completely aware of his political stance on abortion, as well as his voting record.
3) To answer your # 5 statement, my answer is “Yes.” I completely agree with his discussion about abortion being a complex issue without clear-cut defining answers. (Though I do have big concerns about certain aspects of his abortion stance such as partial-birth or late term abortions). I think it a crying shame that this issue has become a political platform in our country. In my opinion, this isn’t a political issue at all. Yet, we force our leaders of government to choose one side or the other. I have dealt with this issue in my own family. I have seen and experienced the magnitude this challenge brings to the mother, father and their respective families. Therefore, I don’t form this decision out of isolated ideology, but out of many different factors including real life experience. I agree that the voices of the unborn must have advocacy. We must have boundaries…thus the role of government. I believe in the sanctity of life…of all life (I refer to issues such as war, death penalty and poverty). However, it my firm opinion that it is not the role of the government to tell me or any other woman what we can and cannot do with our body. I’ll stop here on this issue as I don’t want this letter to focus totally on abortion, but I heard you asking for my opinion of Obama’s stance on this issue. This is a tough issue for me, one that I have great inner struggle with from a political standpoint and then from a standpoint of being a believer...a believer in the God who created ALL life. Perhaps my views will change one day, but for today this is where I am.
The other specific thing I will address is my statement of having “firsthand knowledge of discrimination.” Perhaps I give myself too much credit here for seeing and understanding racism from arms length. I am a white woman. No matter how black friends I have, no matter how unjust I judge black Americans to be treated at times, no matter how much embarrassment I feel for some of the history in our country towards blacks…I will never understand. It’s just not possible. For that reason alone, perhaps the wisest course for me to take is to just not comment. I’ll give this consideration. I had this same feeling about all the news regarding Reverend Wright and his church earlier in the year. I’m not black, I’m not a black person in a black church, and therefore I have absolutely no business judging what is said among that community. So, my friend, if my attempt to speak towards racism is offensive to you, I offer my deepest apologies.
Beyond your first statement, I don’t have any interest in addressing your other comments specifically. I don’t think it’s worth my time, or serves a good purpose. Especially, your #4 statement. Frankly, I think it’s repulsive that you even say such a thing out loud. Not to mention undermining the intelligence and good intent of that 93%...though I haven’t yet seen this number reported. Instead, I would like to attempt to clarify my overall sentiments. First of all, I did not vote for Obama because he is black. Based on CNN polls as far back as June and as recent as last week, I’m not alone. In short, their numbers report that 7 out of 10 voters did NOT vote based on race. You can read this report for yourself at http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/24/poll.race/. I’m sure there are many people who did vote for him simply because he’s black, just as there are people who voted for McCain because they would never vote for a Democrat or vice versa. I unequivocally disagree with your statement, “This man was not voted in due to the content of his character..but was judged by the color of his skin. Period.” This is a statement of opinion, a narrow-minded opinion as far as I’m concerned, and certainly not one based on civility much less fact. I believe I did exactly what Reverend King spoke of, and I know many, many other people that did the same…that we ”judged (a person) not on the color of their skin but (among many other things) on the content of their character.”
In my closing paragraph, I spoke of the great pride I feel this week. Let me be clear once again, I am not saying that my pride simply comes from for voting for a black man. I’m proud because of what is one of the largest voter turn-out in US history. I’m proud of the all the 1st-time voters. I’m proud of America for giving a damn about this process. I’m proud of all Americans… black, white, gay, straight, Democrat, Republican, rich poor....for, at least, striving to be the United States. Certainly there is not unity in policy, but I do believe (and perhaps I’m naïve and idealistic) that we have unity in purpose. I believe that all Americans want the very best for our country, and our families. THAT, if only that, can be our common ground. This can be the common ground that makes a path for the greater good.
So, “S,” please…take a break from the divisive rhetoric. Please, do everyone a favor and find a place to be grateful for the wonderful freedom that you enjoy regardless who leads this country.
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7 comments:
Oh My...Politics, Religion and Abortion... Don't you all know better?
I have been a liberal/democrat for many many years; and for the first time in my life, I found myself voting for the Republicans. Obama is a very charismatic speaker and could possibly be compared to Reagan by the way he moves the crowd. But compare none of Obama or his beliefs to Reagan.
Obama is a man that is seeking self gradification with this title. He is a 'flake'. Someone who changes their beliefs and views to suit the current mood/crowd/situation. How can we elect a man that doesn't cover his heart and pledge alliegence to our flag? He pledges his alliegence to the Muslims and will 'stand with them'.
I'm not certain you can classify Obama as black either. He really isn't..but that didn't keep, what was it 93% of the BLACK population from voting for him. First Time voters did not rush to the polls to vote for a candidate that shared their views. They did not study the issues and stance that each was taking. They rushed to the polls to elect a 'brother'.
Don't get me wrong. I do not support racism of any kind. But I think it only fair to intelligently acknowledge the facts here. Oprah cried. Why? Why has race been such and issue in this race??...because he IS black, and however much we dislike to say it....the black population voted for him for that very reason. Hands down.
Had he been white, red or green with the exact platform...the 93% would have been greatly different and the record number of first time voters would not have been. It's the truth whether we like it or not.
How do you feel about the talks of Obama being the 'anti christ' and all the similarities that are unfolding? You can't turn your head on that one.
As far as the abortion issue and it's correlation with politics. I wholeheartedly agree with you. There is no need for them to be in the same sentence along with religous beliefs or gay issues. These things should not even be brought up in a debate or any other form. We need to focus on healthcare, poverty in AMERICA, employment and the economic future or our nation...not if a man LOVES a man or if someones third cousin had an abortion after she was raped. Those not issues that affect the economic future or this country.
In conclusion, don't feel that I am racist or support it. I don't. But I think we all need to be honest about what happened in the election and how Obama's AND McCain's skin color affected the polls. Had the skin colors been the same...things would have been much different. Just being honest..not hating.
Hi KJ - I've been resisting any comment on this topic, since I'm not intimate with a lot of the details that are highlighted. But the comments from the 'editor' bother me - even over here.
Whatever anyone thinks about him there is definitely 'Something about Obama'. Aye, he's charismatic, but there seems to me to be more than that.
I listened to a satirical radio comedy this week, where one of the guests said that you guys had broken with tradtion... by electing a President with a brain!
I would be very surprised if his race didn't play a part in helping many people how to vote - for and against. However, I sensed that Obama brought a spirit of hope and optimism to the political arena. How common is it for Americans to queue for hours to vote? It wouldn't happen here.
I was in Boston for the second presidential debate, and I found his honesty and coherence really positive. (I should acknowledge that my natural political leaning is towards the left.) I liked the way that he took the time to lay out his thinking, rather than going for an instant platitude or sound bite.
As for his 'standing with Muslims' - I don't know the context - but I'd expect every President (or Prime Minister in our case) to stand with all groups in society.
I do agree with the 'editor' that abortion shouldn't be a major issue in any election, so I'll end on a note of agreement!!
Hey, ER! Good to hear from you! I'm always interested in what people from outside the States think about whole deal. I've had the fortune to speak to a couple over the last week, and now you!!
I said in this post as well as my first entry about the election that I do think that race played a part to some degree. Though, as I said in this entry, I don't believe it totally turned the course of the election. This was a heated race from the very beginning and to some extent to still going! I guess that's the life of politics!
I will make one note here for your sake or others that stop by...Obama is a Christian. Unfortunately, the rumors have been flying throughout the whole campaign that he is a Muslim. Sadly, there are still many, like Anonymous, that just won't let it go.
BTW, I saw your picture from last Friday. The leaves are finally beginning to change here in central Texas. It's beautiful!
Anonymous,
Perhaps this will give your perspective some balance:
http://www.sojo.net/blog/godspolitics/?p=3725
I've been checking back to about 30+ various blogs since the election. Nice to see your reply. I actually just returned with one of my professors from Washington DC where I was able to present part of what I'm working on for my PhD. I was able to talk and hear great perspectives on this issue as well as others; and that is why I don't feel necessary to really say much here. Your reply and your answers are the same blah dialect that we hear time and time again that have zero substance. It is pointless to have an political discussion with someone who speaks merely on feelings and not facts.
I appreciate your time but won't bother you anymore with my thoughts as you have to be willing to look at other facts...or any facts for that matter.
Let me just ask you this...
If Obama is just soooo great, and he wasn't elected primarly due to race; then why why him? His ideas and visions for the future were the same (and in many areas...identical) to his fellow counterparts seeking the Democratic nomination. Why him? Was it that he had such new ideas? Such drastic ideas? Different ideas? I mean, if his race had nothing to do with it; then why??? Let me ask you this way...If Obama was WHITE....would he have been such the hero? Would he have beat Hillary? Would he even be around? No...if you think about it and research his positions and his ideas, if you read his proposals, you will see...they are the same as the others.
Again, as a black male I am sad for the fact he was elected. Not for a Republican, or for a Democrat...but because 23 of my fellow friends from Harlem were all asked why they voted for him; and they didn't know...and because the 161 students I'm doing my paper on (all whom are black) only 11...yes...11 could write down ONE thing about Obama that they were voting for him for. I find that offensive. Black or white...I don't care...
You can't have 93% of a race vote for someone and not say race was not involved. Racism goes both ways.
And, lastly...
Interesting comments. I take it you have not read his books. If you think Obama is a Christian?? Well - I guess it makes sense. Anyone who would vote for a man who has the values and beliefs that Obama does is probably not a Christian either. Not a "Christian" by means of wearing a cross on your necklace, or saying God this or that, or putting a emblem on your car...But someone who believes Gods truths. Partial birth abortion? Really? Christian?
I pray you will be able to get peace about abortion and move past it with your life. Past is the past.
I wish you the best and thank you for your time. I will continue to pray for our new president as I have prayed for all the presidents. I want only the best for this wonderful country we are all fortunate to live in.
y'know, i'm really tired of people being hateful rather than hopeful. that's all i have to say to anonymous.
Well it seems we still have a long way to go doesn't it. I see truth in all of these statements ... I also see some passive aggressiveness as well.
I'm sure that people voted for whatever candidate for whatever crazy or sane reason they had. It could be from hair cut to skin color. Who knows.
As one who voted for McCain, I didn't do it out of fear of Obama, I just agreed with most of his policies more than most of Obamas. Simply put. If he does a great job in my opinion, i might vote for him next time.
My biggest surprise however, is to find that there might actually be a conservative journalist in the Austin area... now thats hard to believe! lol ~npp
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