It can be tough being black in America. But the tough stuff builds character. Maybe that's why Barack Obama got this far this fast.
Comment: Thank you so much, Anna. I can always count on a fellow Barnard grad to speak truth to power. You've captured the nuances of racial politics in this election . I know that your commentary is hard for most white people to read because it questions everything that we have been taught about race and the use of the race card. I appreciate your courage.
Comment: A young woman was about to finish her first year of college. Like so many
others her age, she considered herself to be a very liberal Democrat, and
among other liberal ideals, was very much in favor of higher taxes to
support more government programs, in other words, redistribution of wealth.
She was deeply ashamed that her father was a rather staunch Republican, a
feeling she openly expressed. Based on the lectures that she had
participated in, and the
occasional chat with a professor, she felt that her father had for years
harbored an evil, selfish desire to keep what he thought should be his.
One day she was challenging her father on his opposition to higher taxes on
the rich and the need for more government programs. The self-professed
objectivity proclaimed by her professors had to be the truth and she
indicated so to her father. He responded by asking how she was doing in
school.
Taken aback, she answered rather haughtily that she had a 4.0 GPA, and let
him know that it was tough to maintain, insisting that she was taking a very
difficult course load and was constantly studying, which left her no time to
go out and party like other people she knew. She didn't even have time for a
boyfriend, and didn't really have many college friends because she spent all
her
time studying.
Her father listened and then asked, 'How is your friend Audrey doing?' She
replied, 'Audrey is barely getting by. All she takes are easy classes, she
never studies, and she barely has a 2.0 GPA. She is so popular on campus;
college for her is a blast. She's always invited to all the parties and
lots of times she doesn't even show up for classes because she's too hung
over.'
Her wise father asked his daughter, 'Why don't you go to the Dean's office
and ask him to
deduct 1.0 off your GPA and give it to your friend who only has a 2.0. That
way you will both have a 3.0 GPA and certainly that would be a fair and
equal distribution of GPA.'
The daughter, visibly shocked by her father's suggestion, angrily fired
back, 'That's a crazy idea, how would that be fair! I've worked really hard
for my grades! I've invested a lot of time, and a lot of
hard work! Audrey has done next to nothing toward her degree. She played
while I worked my tail off!'
The father slowly smiled, winked and said gently, 'Welcome to the Republican
party.'
Comment: What a load of crap. Spare me.
Comment: How "Brave" of Anna to write about this. Whatever. It is very easy for white people in America to pat themselves on the back about how "conscious" they are about how certain issues affect Black Americans. I don't buy it and I don't pat her on the back for being so "brave" as to say something she knows is going to get her excessive kudos from the liberal brotherhood. To boot, she's heaping praise on what many deem the "safest" candidate to support if you're white in America. I wonder what number on the list of "Stuff White People Like" is "supporting Barack Obama." Come with something new please Ms. Quindalen because this article is tired and trite, but I'm sure the very act of writing made you sleep better at night.
Signed,
An unimpressed Black woman
Comment: Thank you Anna for your courage to tell the truth from the white side. America is still racist and exclusive. Maybe not as much as yesteryear, maybe not as much everywhere. but the (internal protectionism) I made up that phrase, of white americans, socially and especially economically still very much exists. Look at the makeup of many labor unions and you still see uncle Bill, nephew Tommy, and Cousin goofy making great wages. Meritocracy my butt, most humans can learn anything with enough patient training and time, but if you aren't directed to an open door, things won''t happen. Once again great article. Those who don't get it can't because you "can't graft a new idea on a closed mind."
Comment: I'm half hispanic and I have always filled in other as that is the truth. As a life long democrat, I really want to vote for Obama, but can't and won't vote for someone because of his color. I need substance and so far, Obama hasn't shown any. I have to vote my concious and for the best man. I hope everyone votes for the best man in November and not the one Newsweek says they should vote for.
Comment: George Gapsis .......what's with all the question marks?????????????? are you having a keyboard problem????????????? that was so distracting i hardly could read your comment,,but i think you should re-read the article !!!!!!!
Comment: George Gapsis....what is wrong with your keyboard????? Is the question mark stuck ???? I was so distracted by that , I hardly read what you wrote !!! I think you need to re-read the article.....
Comment: Anna Quindlen???s ???The Caucasian Card??? was painful to read. When she, even in an opinion essay, so flagrantly misrepresents the facts pertaining to this issue, she loses all credibility and hurts both back and white people. Problems are never resolved by pretending they don???t exist. And dishonesty used to further one???s agenda is both unprofessional and unethical. Where is Newsweek???s editor? Even as fiction, which it is, that piece is ugly. And it tarnishes Newsweek???s reputation too.
Comment: you know what my grandparents were the first generation over in the USA so dont blame us for everything that goes wrong like not getting hired becasue you are too smart. Try not getting hirede becasue you are ugle or fat, or white yes I said it. People dont get hired for lots of reasons. Stop blaming skin color on it. If Obama doesnt get elected it will not be becasue of the "race card" the media like to keep burning it is becasue he a far left radical.
Comment: The problem with black people is (poop me).
Comment: Some get offended when we see Caucasians trying to analyze our feelings, and commentating about our lives. Rarely, are we asked. So, typically, we may skim an article such as this and go bananas when we see words - He is a Black Man- and make a judgment call and respond without reading the whole article as the people below me. Clearly, they did not read this article. I am sure because I didn't either at first. But, I did read it, and I have to say, you did good. You are almost on the Money. You covered almost every thing like you really understand.
You are very on target about what we understand, and what is clear to us. We have understood subtle racism since before many knew we could read, write, and spell too. But ??? some black Americans are not striving to speak like our oppressors anymore. And frankly don't really care to impress you, because when we show our excellence, you are offended by it and want to destroy us, like they are trying to do Senator Obama. On a news show, an angry McCain supporter made the comment about Senator Obama; ???Look at him, look how he acts, how he walks and how he talks, he thinks he is .... Ron Reagan's son, gasped and asked, ???What? How do you know what he is thinking? What, are you in his head that you know what he is thinking???? When we don't show our excellence, you act as if you think we are stupid, and when we do, you fear and hate us and call us elitist.
We don't get hired when we come across as being 'too smart??? And we are treated like we are idiots when we dumb down who we are. But so many people dumb down for the job. Why should they have to play the A$$ to get a job?
Overall you did a good job. But you missed the subtle, inflammatory racism Senator McCain intended in that commercial. It was he who was playing the Race card, in an inflammatory, very subtle manner. He was tying Obama 'the Man" as a Pimp - with two White women, as the prize. This is inflammatory because historically, black men have been lynched for being with white women. So this ad appeals to older white men, and it would make them angry. - He wanted to imply that dumb white girls are supporting Obama and they need to be protected. So with that visual, it???s a set up for a lynch mob.
Hillary started the psycho suggestive implant tactic, when she said her remark about something happening to Barack. She too was implanting signals to people who are receptive to those types of subtle suggestions, whereby she would be using mind control tactics on some unknowing victim to do her bidding. Now you can call it conspiracy thinking if you want to, but we call it experience. Over all, you really did a great job. Thanks! ??? of course, when I said ???you??? You understood what I meant.
:)
Moiko
Comment: After learning more about the Born Alive Infants Protection Act and learning that Sen. Obama opposed providing care for infants that survive abortion, I can not consider voting for him for POTUS. I am now giving my full support to the McCain campaign. My full statement is posted under Decoding Neck-and-Neck here on Newsweek.
Comment: You fricken douche, you were never doing anything other than that, who are you trying to fool...oh and BTW, YOU ARE A LIAR!!! FOXpublican, go back to Sean and celebrate your racism together. Obama answered the question directly at saddleback, mccain thinks he is god, as do you, and anybody else who claims to know when life begins ;) loser.
Comment: Mr. McCain,
Let me make this perfectly clear, we are NOT questioning you POW story, we are questioning how many houses you have (a...i don't...I'll have my staff), what it means to be rich (5million), what it means to "WIN" in Iraq. etc....etc. We get it you sucked as a pilot and were shot down and captured...you're a POW survivor...and?
Comment: Thank you. The McCain campaign trots out his imprisonment for every purpose, no matter how unrelated. Can't remember how many houses he has? -- he lived for 5 years in the Hanoi Hilton. Wrong on the war? -- he's a great patriot & spent 5 years in the Hanoi Hilton. And so on. No one has received more affirmative action perks than McCain: rotten student, gets into Annapolis anyway because Dad & Grandpaw are admirals; rotten student at Annapolis -- gets a commission anyway & gets good assignments. abandons his wife -- new one's dad buys him a political career. The absurdity, hypocrisy & audaciousness of his charges that Obama is a vapid elitist just like Paris Hilton make me sick, especially since McCain married someone just like Paris Hilton (if a somewhat sleazier version). McCain's sense of entitlement goes against every American value I ever learned. I'm with Harry Reid: I can't stand John McCain.
Comment: I really enjoyed this very introspective article.
Quindlen is correct - it is tough being Black in America. If your value were judged the second you hit the door - more often than not assumed negative - you'd see it as tough also.
Big deal? Get over it? Well, most of us have learned to do exactly that. But imagine if YOUR CHILDREN are judged to be worthless and problematic when they hit the door? How would that affect you?
My parents were both raised in Arkansas and migrated to Missouri in the 1950s. Despite coming up in the heat of Jim Crow, my mother has stated that she didn't fee "stung" by racism until she had children - and observed how we were judged when we hit the door.
Perhaps she had been taught to "get over it" a long time ago.... I truly couldn't feel what she meant until I had children of my own. Bright, inquisitive, fun toddlers - but I see how they are assumed to be when we are in public.
After all, I know the looks - I have been eyed by many a security camera and security guard over the year. It shouldn't be that way, but it tears me up to think what these little people of mine have ahead of them.
And yes, perhaps one day the "Good Old Boy" system which paves the way for collegiate admissions, business loans, employment, etc., should one day be 'exposed' for what it is - privilege for the well-to-do.
As I am approximately the same age as Obama, it admittedly took me a while to understand where he obtained his optimism and hopeful view of what America can be.
I have concluded that what he has experienced here and around the world has developed both his character and his spirit (CODE: Patriotism) more richly that mine - and that perhaps I should step out of the way and observe... this campaign represents a growth opportunity for both me and the entire US population.
His candidacy might- just might - afford an opportunity for everyone to be viewed more openly when they hit the door.
Comment: how do you know the fat white girl who came in after you didnt get the same look becasue she was wearing baggy clothes becasue that is all she could find to fit her and of course nothing in this store will fit her so why is she here? BLAH BLAH BLAH Secruity guards are goin their job. Yes "THE MAN is keeping you down" Please. Grow up You are sheep.
Comment: As a Black woman who does not support Obama for president, I found your editorial to be very insightful. You put the thoughts I had into words when I heard that his opponents' camp was accusing him of using the race card. Aside for believing the accusation was ridiculous, I thought about the fact that Obama has been very hesitant to speak about his race and has only done so as a response. Thank you so much for your insightful words. It is refreshing to see that people like you are willing and able to see things from another perspective, maybe outside your own personal experience.
Comment: I found the commentary insulting and demeaning as a white man. Basically what you are saying is that if I am white and not a Progressive I am a racist. What you are doing is called prejudice, or prejudging me based on what you believe I am like.
Well for your information one of my favorite politician from my state of Virginia, is a black democrat. I do not agree with him on all points, but I have found him to do what he says he will and mean what he says. Actually considering how the Virginia state Democratic Party treated him in the past, I find it surprising that he has stayed in the party.
Let look at what Obama did. He in a code terms, in a speech basically said that those who were against him were going to use the color of his skin, to scare people. Can you or he show me where McCain has done that? Can you show me a major media personality, that is against Obama, that has done that? I have not heard of it. What i have heard mostly is the mantra that I should vote for Obama, because he is black and if I do not vote for him I am a racist.
My problem with Obama, is not the color of his skin. I could careless if he was purple and had 6 eyes. I have a problem with his policies, which are socialist in nature at the least and bordering on true communism in some cases. I also have a problem with his lack of experience.
Most of the racism I find in this country today comes from the Progressives. In todays society if I hear a person commenting on another's race, they are most likely a Progressive or over 60 years of age. For most of the non-Progressives I know race is not an issues. What is a issue is a persons characters and beliefs. There was a famous person who suggested that we should judge a person on those factors, who was that, oh yes it was Dr. King.
Comment: What article did you read? Why are you so angry?
Comment: I found the commentary insulting and demeaning as a white man. Basically what you are saying is that if I am white and not a Progressive I am a racist. What you are doing is called prejudice, or prejudging me based on what you believe I am like.
Well for your information one of my favorite politician from my state of Virginia, is a black democrat. I do not agree with him on all points, but I have found him to do what he says he will and mean what he says. Actually considering how the Virginia state Democratic Party treated him in the past, I find it surprising that he has stayed in the party.
Let look at what Obama did. He in a code terms, in a speech basically said that those who were against him were going to use the color of his skin, to scare people. Can you or he show me where McCain has done that? Can you show me a major media personality, that is against Obama, that has done that? I have not heard of it. What i have heard mostly is the mantra that I should vote for Obama, because he is black and if I do not vote for him I am a racist.
My problem with Obama, is not the color of his skin. I could careless if he was purple and had 6 eyes. I have a problem with his policies, which are socialist in nature at the least and bordering on true communism in some cases. I also have a problem with his lack of experience.
Most of the racism I find in this country today comes from the Progressives. In todays society if I hear a person commenting on another's race, they are most likely a Progressive or over 60 years of age. For most of the non-Progressives I know race is not an issues. What is a issue is a persons characters and beliefs. There was a famous person who suggested that we should judge a person on those factors, who was that, oh yes it was Dr. King.
Comment: This is a brilliant and insightful article. People of color do inhabit multiple worlds. It is like being multi-lingual. I came from an extremely accomplished family that has been professional or at the very least highly educated for at least a century. My grandfather went to the University of Indiana to medical school in the early 20th century - admitted because he received the top grade on the admission examination in the state. He became a financially successful physician who could not stay in hotels and had to sit in the balcolny at the movies. His descendants vacation on Martha's Vineyard, hob nob with top executives, but still to a certain degree, live in two worlds. When I hear people describe Obama as exotic I hear in that code word and others that he is not a true American and I am appalled. But, the fact that so many millions of voters of all ethnicities voted for him is an affirmation of our collective humanity and that maybe racism in America will be a distant memory for my grandchildren.
Comment: You conveniently forget to mention that Obama used the "race card" to take all his negatives (e.g. lack of experience) off the table. Recently, he generously says that he will never question the patriotism of a man who underwent torture for his country. How magnanimous!
Comment: I love this one. Let's see how you try to squirm out of it ;)
"Good judgement is best measured by what you do with a changing situation."...floride
So this country has had an "oil crisis" since the 70s, mccain has been in office for nearly 30yrs, though he has only been present about 38% of the time. Why did it take $1,580,000.00 for him to refine his judgment?
Comment: I am so disappointed in your words. How does a white woman of privilege know anything about being black--let alone being a black man? Besides, Axelrod admitted on GMA that Obama was using race...the crazy part was that he thought it would work to his advantage as it had in the Primary. Problem is he already had the white guilt and black vote..
Have you talked with fellow students at Harvard? Did you read what they had to say about Obama's actual role and (non) accomplishments? What did Obama really DO? (Can anyone tell me what Obama accomplished as a "community organizer"? Did you wonder why Obama got to be president of the Law Review and how much was related to the fact that he was biracial or black as Obama refers to himself?
His race doesn't matter...if you believe any of the polls (got to CNN)...which showed that more people were uncomfortable with the idea of a woman being president than they were with a black man. Those bitter Appalachians don't know who he is because he hasn't biothered to campaign there. West Virginia? He went once to talk to vets and try out his new lapel pin. But he has a ready-made excuse if he loses their vote: they're racists. It's much more important to Obama to conquer the world than talk to American voters he can just write off.
Men, no matter what color, religion or whatever trump woman. It's been 88 years since women fought and won for the right to vote. Black men had the right to vote before women - but even if you want to say that blacks only got the "right to vote" in the 60's -- it's taken 40 years for a black man to be a viable presidential candidate--poised to be president -- and 88 years and counting for women despite a more than capable female candidate. Fact.
Why is that NEWSWEEK goes back to race and religion when Obama is faltering? People have had enough already...48% are tired of hearing about him. Time for him to talk to real Americans in a small venue to answer their questions. Never gonna happen. They payoff is too small and the risk too great.
How about you stop the race and religion crap and do some objective investigative reporting?
Comment: Oh .. I neglected to mention a minor detail that is most relevant here. I support Barack Obama for President. I support him because I feel he is the best man for the job ... not the most experieinced ... the best. No one is ever ready to be president. We need a good man. I believe he is a good man.
Comment: Explain how being a "good man" is going to help him manage the conflicts, the faltering economy, poverty, home/joblessness? And how much do you know about Obama to make that statement? Have you done any independent research or have you relied on Newsweek: The pro-Obama Newsletter?
Do you know that Bush was referred to as a "good man" before he took office?
Comment: BUSH? Not EVER BY ME..he is and IDIOT!
As for your rant about how one knows Obama is a "good man". Jackson did not say "I know", it was "I believe" Obama is a good man. Who are you to question what one believes, Have you ever seen GOD? Not in a emotinal or spiritual, or metaphorical state...I mean Physically, in the flesh, face to face..the real deal "GOD!"...? Or do you just believe, have faith, get a good feeling, know in your heart. Mathew 7:1-11
Read it bud might help you a bit.
As for mccain I have done a ton of independant research and he IS because I KNOW, a MORON, a CHICKEN HAWK, a PARROT, and a MINDLESS PUPPET FOR BUSH AND CHENEY. YUP I said I KNOW...and believe.
Comment: Hello Harley, Have you had your blood pressure checked lately. Your writing suggests you may be about to stroke out in mid-screaming vexation. Take Care.
Comment: How sweet, fresh meat ;)
Please see my posts about avoidance and redirection, you do not address the parrot issue of mcbush. you attempt a bit of humor and avoid the issue, try to respond to the subject of mcsame...k ;) Otherwise you're just another FOXparrot and FOXpublican sweetie.
Comment: *sigh* From below (in more ways than one) it would seem that this is a subject that can really bring out the worst in some (and the best in others). I grew up white in the South and as a child, got to see first hand the very worst that Jim Crow had to offer. At the age of six, I remember asking why there was a water fountain labeled 'white' and one labeled 'colored'. I wanted to see the colored water of course. That was the beginning of my education. It tooka while, but that was the beginning. I remember the bussing wars ... I remember Maxine Smith saying 'We don't care about education, we want integration' (believe it or not, I am sure someone has that on film). The measures that were taken to correct such an atrocious situation was, though, often enacted with an arrogance that was almost as bad as some of the causes of it. I am well educated and hold a good job, but more than once in Memphis, I was told that I could not be hired for a job, that it had to be given to someone more diverse (another code word). I bear the person who got that job no ill will, but do suggest that the race card, by whomever and whenever 'played' be closely examined for motives. I long for the day, and that day is coming right along, when it really will make no difference at all. To far too many people, many of them people you would not expect, it still does make a difference.
Comment: Hardly, Hardly, what is one to do with the likes of you??? SERVING TIME is a black man.....serving time in PRISON.....PATRIOTS serve with honor and dignity to preserve the UNITEd STATES OF KKK and to allow ignorant scared, weak, and mindless typed like you freedom to do exactly what you do best..look dumb and clueless about OUR WORLD...probably livin in some little hole in the ground, don't have a car, never seen the county seat...ha, ha, ha......You're really showing how far behind you are in the ACTUAL, REAL world,,, KKK white outfits have been upgraded to Armani and Gucci suits...Whomever you are referring "COMING AFTER ME' you know you guys only pick on helpless people, unarmed citizens, and the poor innocents in our country...You're definitely no threat to me...the only LARGE BLACK men I've seen are on a chain gang, or others so doped up, they didn't even know they WAS black, and didn't really care...YOU are a full of BS bully, with nothig behind it...I've seen people like you my whole life...a lotta talk and a big growl, but you know that I know you're a sheman....IF you want your people to be embraced and respected, why don't you get you BUTT off the computer 24/7 and do something....like stop a bullet in Afghanistan? Now that would be putting yourself to a good use....WHINEY HARLEY...YOU ARE PATHETIC...
Comment: Poor scared little boysheep, she must have really broken your tiny black heart when she left you for the large BLACK man with the bigger....brain. Like i said you cower here, ans speek NOT these words in public, and I love calling you out on it..say what you will about me, it's jau an attempt to draw the attention away from your weakness..it's ok go have a cry and get back to me,it's not beacuse of your inadequacy that she left you for a BLACK MAN, it's cause you're a coward. GET OVER IT!
Comment: White women in our area who swing with the uneducated,unemployed, and hopeless cases, in general wieight 400 lbs. and black guys are the last hope and obviously, they'll sleep with anyone...just because they are white...it's a status symbol....If those women are seen in public with a black dude, the are OUT of the "white club" and are ignored and ostracized...nobody within a hundred miles would touch her with a ten foot pole....it's kinda like being a lepar....About the SIZE of the brain...dude, these men have ZERO brians and it's apparent when they are shopping for hats in the infant department...Their brains are in their pants...GIVE ME A HUGE BREAK and get real....women want a man who smells good and takes baths.
JUST say NO to O
Comment: You still wake up sometimes, don't you? Wake up in the dark, with the lambs screaming? Do you think if you saved Catherine, you could make them stop? Do you think, if Catherine lives, you won't wake up in the dark, ever again, to the screaming of the lambs? Do you? Brave Claricedupeyes, Will you let me know if ever the lambs stop screaming?
...pure West Virginia, What was your father Ice? Was he a Klansman, did he stink of the lamb?
You do that's why she left ;)
Keep showing your a$$, it''s amazing...
Comment: Hey ICEDupA$$:
Serving "TIME" is not the same as serving your country...sory to tell you, not the same. Beating your wife does not make you a warior, or a soldier, getting arested does not make you a POW, and what you do to sheep, well that's just wrong. You burn a cross, you lynch a Black, you hide here and spew the stuff that you as a MINORITY in MY country, are no longer aloud to say publicaly, you can you have freedom of speech, but you'll get your week ICEDupS$$ kicked, those are not women coming to stomp you down and out of existance, those are large MEN, and you're scared, and you cower here and spread your impotent venom ;)
Does'nt feel good to be in the minority does it?
Comment: This is one of the most perceptive essays I've read on the issue of race--perceptive because eveything you've written is true.
Comment: Generalizations made by a white women about being a black man in America? "Everything is true" written by another white woman.
Comment: you should read the posts below before you comment,,iceedupanus is a RACIST WHITE BOY who lost his woman to a BIG BLACK DUDE. The word "minority" refers to the "WHITE POWER" generation, not blacks...lol READ
Comment: JonJon though you may fantisize about me being a "woman"...I am not, sorry, you picture me anyway you like, but know that there are no ovaries here son.
Comment: HARLEY: I don't know who or what your talking about. I responding to HOPE1906 about their comments on QUINDLEN'S essay. And believing in God has nothing to do with anything. If you're looking for a fight, look on. I'm not a republican.
Comment: I am ;)
Never looking for a fight, have a great day ;)
Comment: PUMA GETS SLAMMED ON Hardball today OMG...LMAO!!!! Another Joke, they claim to be 18million strong and yet have raised 50k...50,000$ out of 18 million clinton supporters? even if everybody gave 1 dollar...you do the math...NEXT mudsling attempt ;)...please this is embarassing for them and CherNoise
Comment: There is nothing great being either caucasian, mongolite or negrito. It is where you are in this world and whether you are in the majority or the minority group that make all the diffference. So if one is in the minority group, there is not much one can say because you will not prevail in the so-called democratic world. All of us are suckers actually being led by the nose by the politicians. The politicians are leading each other by the nose also.
Comment: do y'all white folks have yo own card now? sho hope it work better than mine cause mine neva do nuthin fo me ,jest gets me in trouble.
Comment: For some reason, the average caucasion male will refuse to see or admit they have a built in "affirmative action" when they enter this earth and that any race ,gender,etc is to be left only with what they dont want. Most Blacks,hispanics, and females ,have to be at least twice as qualified to get the same position a caucasion male applies for. As in any thing there are exceptions to the rule.
Comment: The Caucasian Card is the trump card: ask any vidiot if Omarosa holds Trump. Life is a b*tch. Life is rigged for the favored few with few exceptions.
Comment: If Obama is the "most qualified" candidate, then could those of you on here that support him please reply to this and give me a list of the accomplishments that makes this true?
Comment: That's been posted 1000 times already. Do your own research. Not doing so should be against the law. So should voting for someone because everyone else said so. Be the first to actually support Mr. McCain. Come to conclusions based on fact, and stop being so predictable. Both candidates have web-sites and support groups. Look.
Comment: It was written as to be taken sarcastically. But I do agree with you on one aspect. People should do research on the candidates and come to a conclusion based on what the candidates have done, where they stand on issues important to voters, and their history of how they have voted on issues that impact us as voters. I have done my research and who I plan to vote for and stand by is just one of those things we're going to have to disagree on. I can't get you to vote McCain any more than you can get me to vote Obama. I'm not just some white guy who says, "well I guess I'll vote for McCain 'cause I won't vote for the black guy". I'm a Republican and while I'm far from a radical and would consider voting Democrat if his stances weren't too extreme for my comfort , Obama is on that extreme for me. And in some key issues such as health care, and taxes I just don't agree with Obama's stances, hell I didn't like Hillary's stances either to be honest.
Comment: Funny. This post of yours earlier makes it seem like you vote color due to imagined separation:
Posted By: LouisianaBB @ 08/12/2008 11:32:01
Comment: Ma'am I do not deny that the past was a difficult time for people of color. But in my time I have seen all too often as a white man in the south, having to watch how I say something for it would be accused of being a racist comment. Yet if someone not white said the same it wasn't being racist, but wanting equality. I just do not agree with the double standard. Myself and my family have been put upon hard times in the past when I didn't get several job oppurtunities because a certain quota had not been filled. I had the higher experience level and better test level yet lost the job to a minority whom scored admittedley lower than me with almost no experience. There are 2 sides to every story ma'am. While I'll never say blacks haven't had a tough time, I'll also never say that I was fed from a silver spoon simply for being white.
This sentence:
Myself and my family have been put upon hard times in the past when I didn't get several job oppurtunities because a certain quota had not been filled.
Makes it seem like black people have been treated fairly for the past 292 years. They have not. And bloggers like you seem to want to take that away from them too. They hurt. We did it. They're mad. You make it seem like you have the right to be angry, because a system was put in place for the majority of us not to ignore them. If there was no system, it reads like you would not mind ignoring them. I live in a rainbow - like another blogger said - I don't care what culture, background and demographic you reside. I care about how you live and how you care. I just wonder if you do that's all. You seem to forget the LCD.
Comment: I didn't write that statement to imply that I vote based on a person's color. I was just recalling some of my personal history of having said things not meant as racist of derogatory but thats how it was judged, yet have had poeple of color state the same things to me (once in a speech class in college) and it was claimed to be about fighting for ones rights. Same thing but from to different sides. I just have had trouble understanding why there is a double standard like that, at least in the south anyways. And in response to the sentence you questioned, I wasn't stating that for the last 292 years that blacks have had it made. I'm not that ignorant and I'm pretty good on history. Just in my opinion, affirmitve action was put in place under the pretense of being a temporary solution, yet it stayed in place. I have no problem admitting that it was necessary at that time. But times have changed and I feel it is no longer necessary. I believe that no matter the race or sex of a person, whoever the best person for the job should get it. And someone in a previous response, I don't recall if it was you or someone else, called me a liar when I said I wish Colin Powell would have ran because he would've gotten my vote. I wasn't bullsh*tting anyone and I damn sure wasn't trying to kiss anybody's a$$. I like Colin Powell a hell of a lot better than either candidate running for office right now, and the man would have absolutely gotten my vote because in my opinion he would do a better job than Obama or McCain. No a$$ kissing, no racism, as I said earlier about the best person for the job should get it, I believe he would have been the best person for the job.
Comment: Howard Fineman of NEWSWEAK can chime in any time here,as he appeared last night on COUNTDOWN[MSNBC],where Olberman,keeping the racial pot boiling, asked
''thats about six inches short of racism isn't it''? [ referring to Liebermans observation of Obamas precieved shortcomings in protecting the nation]. As we have seen,it becomes the media acting as Obamas press secretary that continuously injects race into the political equation. [as we saw from my earlier examples,these all took place within the period of a mere three days,in NEWSWEAK,the Washington Post,The New York Times,and SLATE].All examples provided were not from ''The McCain Camp''but from sychophantic scribbers calling themselves alleged ''journalists''. Quindlen now joins their ranks,whose reverse psyche ploy fools no thinking person.
Comment: OLD BRAINLESS HARLEY, don''t you EVER go to work??? As I have previously stated I am assuming that somebody is paying your to make your mindless, unoriginal, and boring blogs...May I say, that whomever is paying you is getting shortchanged!!!! Run out of ideas?? You may want to read Obamanation....since you are voting strictly on COLOR, not on a mans' worth....it's the new '08 PLAGUE...every black person who is able will be voting for O, not because of who he is, or his integrity (in this case, lack of) but vote BLACK..now that is a perfect demonstration of STUPID!!!!
Comment: and white racist dummies and twerps like yourself are doing the same.. so, your point?
Comment: Shame on ICEDupA$$ Look what he originally posted a few daysago
Posted By: ICYEYES800 @ 08/10/2008 17:56:55 PM
Comment: The entire article seems to deny the truth of what has and is occuring in our society everyday..Racism is real, and if she reads these post, she'd be enlightened to know that the majority of racism is BLACKS being hated on by the old WHITE guys...simply because they HAVE THE RIGHT TO....well, while the majority of whites have sat back and did whatever it took to "get along"...the NEW mindset with old WHITE guys is.."YOU"RE NOT GOING TO TOLERATE IT, BUT, WE"RE GONNA PRETEND WE LIKE IT"...and that's where the crap hits the fan...At work, or wherever, we could pretend that it wasn't a "token" employee, who could break all of the rules that us white people have always held as a code of conduct for employment..ya know touching women sexually, saying the "N"word, drinking on the job, just screwing off....you give 100% and expect everyone else to follow suit. IT is not true for the blacks...they come in on time, miss every Klan Ralley, show up late for meetings that are ESSENTIAL..and there's no punishment, or sessions with the GRAND DRAGON..it's just a given that "overlook him/her, they are afterall here by "government mandate" or what those epople like to call the "Constitution" and so that's what AMERICANS are getting sick and tired of...JUST SAY Obama PUTS THE "O" in NERGO
Yeeeeehhhhhaaaawwww! WHITE POWER!
KILLL ALL THAT IS BROWN!!! 08 McCain/Bush
For Shame ICEDupA$$...you are a terrible tiny penised, insecure whiteyboy...have a nice day ;)
Comment: The entire article seems to deny the truth of what has and is occuring in our society everyday..Racism is real, and if she read these post, she'd be enlightened to know that the majority of racism is BLACKS hating on the old WHITE guys...simply because they HAVE THE RIGTH TO....well, while the majority of whites have sat back and done whatever it took to "get along"...the NEW mindset with blacks is.."YOU"RE NOT ONLY GOING TO TOLERATE IT, BUT, WE"RE GONNA FORCE YOU TO PRETEND YOU LIKE IT"...and that's where the crap hits the fan...At work, or wherever, we could pretend that it wasn't a "token" employee, who could break all of the rules that us whites people have always held as a code of conduct for employment....you give 100% and expect everyone else to follow suit. IT is not true for the blacks...they come in late, miss every Friday/Monday, show up late for meetings that are ESSENTIAL..and there's no punishment, or sessions with the CEO..it's just a given that "overlook him/her, they are afterall here by government mandate" and so that's what AMERICANS are getting sick and tired of...JUST SAY NO TO "O"
Comment: Mr. Sportslock is looking for you below.
No kids. Never.
Comment: Kids, plenty of them, in case you missed the current trend White Americans are having more and more White American children. while black women are choosing the closest abortion clinic to fix the results of yet another one night stand. With the black guys locked up...it helps in the reduction of black births and that's just the way America has planned it, wants it, and will eventually be more and more white and the small majority of black will represent a smaller and smaller percentage of our population.
Now, the children, all honor roll students, with one valdictorian, so far....Not to boast, but I truly don't think he'll be the last....All engaged in wholesome after school activities.charitable work, sports, chruch activities and I must say they excell there as well...SO, don't worry your little brain about my kids...try taking care of what's yours....Just say NO TO O
Comment: Whites will be the new minority in 2042, so be tolerant and stop making stuff up:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26186087/
Comment: "Kids, plenty of them, in case you missed the current trend White Americans are having more and more White American children"..by white Americans do you mean Catholic Preists or inbread rednecks like you?
Comment: She must have been severely beaten or abused as a child. Isn't everyone having a mixed children now? I bet her children, if she has any, are not anywhere near the honor roll, unless they were home-schooled, where the honor-roll activities consists of watching "All in the Family" re-runs. I mean, how awful is this thing?
Comment: YOUR color is hanging out and your JEALOUSLY.....Our children have to be "DUMBED DOWN" in order for your kids to be able to pass first grade, so either get on the bus, or quit griping about how slow the bus is moving...it's moving slow because we have to put a lid on our childrens' accomplishments in order to apease you......JUST SAY NO TO O
Comment: You know ICEDupA$$ spending 12yrs in school does not make you a "graduate"especially when you only got to the 4th grade and then spent 8yrs there...You did like being the tallest in the class though..huh ;)
Comment: HEY, Hardley a brain...dude, I saw your kid in a third grade class, where he's been held back so many times. the dude is going to be eligible to vote this year....You're just jealous and green is not an attractive color an a person of color...stick with the lighter shades...it will enhance your blackness and we can all see that your skin is as black as your heart....I'd be willing to bet you never graduated from jr. high...it's just your simplistic, juvenile, and irritating ignorance that grind people's nerves....
Comment: did you just say "No I'm Not...you are"...? Wow what a come back, what's next "nuh uh". Or would you like me to write your next one too? lol
Comment: Actually as far as actual skin coloring goes, you can't get much lighter than me. It's a good color. My wife has a almond-ish hue however. Color doesn't matter, it's what's in the heart. I figured with you wanting to be the best mother you could, would teach those wonderful girls that. But no. Just bigotry and hate. Good luck with that in the future. I hear it leads to self loathing.
Comment: Who made me a woman???? Served my country proudly and will do so again at a moments notice...what I have seen, is the lack of the black minority stepping up to the plate, not willig to serve the country, but holding out their hands for something FREE....your guys PRefer helpless, honest, unarmed people to victimize....Just the way you guys roll.....that's why I am against Obummer...
JUST say no to O
Comment: You may want to look into the breakdown of minorities, especially black, in the military before you make such ignorant statements.
Comment: Serving "TIME" is not the same as serving your country...sory to tell you, not the same. Beating your wife does not make you a warior, or a soldier, getting arested does not make you a POW, and what you do to sheep, well that's just wrong. You burn a cross, you lynch a Black, you hide here and spew the stuff that you as a MINORITY in MY country, are no longer aloud to say publicaly, you can you have freedom of speech, but you'll get your week ICEDupS$$ kicked, those are not women coming to stomp you down and out of existance, those are large MEN, and you're scared, and you cower here and spread your impotent venom ;)
Does'nt feel good to be in the minority does it?
Comment: Not a very nice fellow. My military experience had me serve with all walks-of-life. No one was better. I wonder what branch he served in?
Comment: Thanks Anna, Your insightful words have illuminated a subject that has long needed viewing in the light of day.
Comment: Thanks Anna, Your insightful words have illuminated a subject that has long needed viewing in the light of day.
Comment: Thanks Anna, Your insightful words have illuminated a subject that has long needed viewing in the light of day.
Comment: By the way,,,, Anna Quindlen's article is just great! Keep up the good work.
Comment: I really don't understand people that have comments like they are sick & tired of the country giving away citizen's money & growing the government & the deficit. Who has run this country to the ground & who was encharge of this disaster. Well you guess it the Republican Party & the Chief clown George Bush 2. So what in hell's name are these people talking about? The Republicans have proven that they can't lead & they can't run the economy. There was an article in the paper today that stated that 68% of American companies do not pay any taxes! Do you believe that? They also stated that Foreign Companies pay NO taxes at all ! What is wrong with this picture. That is Republicans & their less taxes that they have cut over the years. What is McCain answer to his economic plan? More of the same. He wants to cut even more taxes! That is outrageous! Sounds to me like Bush 3. What kind of experience Bush had? Bush is the only person I have heard of that bankrupt his OIL company. People really are fools to say that McBush is going to be better than Obama because of the experience factor. McBush only whats to continue the same policy as Bush. Look at the organization & the money that is being run by Obama. That tells you a lot about how he is going to run the country. Hillary mismanaged her campaign & spent money & resources to no avail. McCain was in the same seat until the Republican Party steeped in to help his organization. People should only vote based on what the Party has done in the last 7.5 years. Republicans get an F. Disaster economic policies. Disaster social policies. Disaster handling of Foreign Policy. Disaster in Trade Policy. So tell me Republican brethren just what are YOU & OLD MAN McCain running on! You people are just fools if you vote for McCain.
Comment: Well you have finally drifted completely into fantasy, you are now officially a mccain supporter.
"THE END IS NEAR, REPENT!"....CornHolyO
Comment: Just got my hands on the tentative schedule for the DNC Coventions opening night. Thought everyone would like to see it...........................
Theme......We are the people we have been waiting for.
Presentation of colors (weather permitting)...... Bill Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn, Former Domestic Terrorists and People Who Just Happen to Live in Obama's Neighborhood.
Invocation....Rev. Jeremiah "Goddam Ameri-kkk-a" Wright, Obama Spiritual Advisor and Retired Pastor, Trinity United Church of Christ, Chicago
Call to Order....Honorary Chairpersons: Chris "Tingling-Feeling-Up-His-Leg" Matthews, Keith "Somebody-Who-Can-Take-Her-into-a-Room-and-Only-He-Comes-Out" Olbermann, and Randi "Clinton's a whore" Rhodes
Introduction of Michelle Obama...Mrs. Louis Farrakhan, Chicago
Note: Nation of Islam leader, the Rev. Louis Farrakhan, who had a previously scheduled engagement with Muammar al-Gaddafi, sends his regrets.
Address: Michelle Obama on....Why America is, Just Downright Mean
Taped Greeting......Antoin "Tony the Fixer" Rezko, U.S. Federal Prison Facility, Chicago
Keynote Address,,,,Bitterness... delivered by His Excellency, Raila "Hands Dripping with Blood" Odinga
Benediction...... Father Michael "Hillary-Believed-that-She'd-Win-Because-She's-White" Pfleger... Obama Spiritual Advisor and Pastor of St. Sabina, Chicago
NOBAMA!!!
Comment: Holypants, I can't tell you how NOT funny you are. The closer it gets to election time, the closer you start slipping into darkness. What is funny, though, is that Billary thought she'd win and deserved the nomination--just because she's white. Now that's funny and pathetic at the same time.
Comment: You are definately the authority on pathetic. Exclusive club, you of course are the president.
Comment: Yep. Defending Mr. HolyRoller. Nice to see you did not threaten him. Mr. Mo-nay. Yep.
Comment: Thank you for the commentary.
You are one of the few that write such a brave column
I will pass it along
Comment: Thank you for this insightful commentary.
So few writers are so brave, I've forwarded it to as many of my West Virginia relatives that have email
Comment: Thank you for tackling this issue and having the guts to put it in print. I am saddened that few people acknowledge the existence of code words and white men's affirmative action.
Comment: Are any of you chicken hearted chicken hawk repug mccainites/bra burning clintonites ever gonna step up and answer or just do the ROVE thing avoid and redirect?
I ask a repug "why is the sky blue?" Repug says "well grass is green." I ask why is water wet?" repug says "dirt is brown and grass grows in dirt so Obama is a Muslim"...lol
Here lets ask a question and see if a repug can answer with out saying the words Democrats, Obama or Clinton:
Q: Which American President ignored intelligence that could have prevented the 9/11 attacks, then LEFT AFGHANISTAN for Iraq (a country that has never attacked the US) Says he NEVER even thinks about those who attacked us, "I don't even worry about bin laden"...he says
Sub question: which American Senator has supported nearly ALL of said Presidents policies on the WAR as proven by his record of voting with the "President" 90% of the time?
A: have at it
Comment: Beezy what are you so angry about? It is tough being a human being in general.
Comment: With the national debt at this level we don't need bigger Government giving away more money. I'm sick and tired of paying taxes so the our government can give money to people who they think are entitled to something I had to earn for my family! Someone is entitled to something they havn't earned so those of us earning taxable incomes are not entitled to the money we earned? It's time the citzens of this great country take back control from the politicians by voting and hold them accountable for there actions. Theese politicians are supposed to be representing us! Yes the system is broke but the politicians won't fix it unless we the people hold them accountable. Cut out the pork and hand outs, pay down the national debt. I belive in helpining someone who is trying to help themselves yet understand that I can not help any one by making them dependent. Our Government and all those highly educated polticians can't balance a budget yet million of American households with no college education can? I can not be the only person here who sees something wrong with this.
I will not vote for bigger governemnt and bigger handouts! As citizens we all have Rights and certain things we are entitled to, but we all do. No one person should be entitled to anything more or less than another. That is true equality. Beyond that life is what you make of it. Choose not to excell if you want but don't ask those that do to foot the bill. I don't hate those that excell and have more than I do and I don't expect them to give me anything.
Proud of my country Ashamed of my Government!
Comment: Repent. Repent. You bitter clinging clingers bitterly clinging to your guns and Bibles. I teach you the Overman. Repent. Repent. Stop your clingling to your clinged on guns and Bibles. Stop clinging. You glingling glingers.
Comment: Sunnis and Shias and Kurds oh my...Sunnis and Shias and Kurds oh my...Sunnis and Shias and Kurds oh my...Sunnis and Shias and Kurds oh my...Sunnis and Shias and Kurds oh my...Sunnis and Shias and Kurds oh my...Sunnis and Shias and Kurds oh my...Sunnis and Shias and Kurds oh my...Sunnis and Shias and Kurds oh my...enter John Mccain..."WHAT THE HELL IS A KURD?!"..."Do they live on the border of Iraq and Pakistan?"...whos who, what's what, somebody change my depends!"...sen j mccain (r)
Comment: I'm sick of this stupid conversation. I won't vote for obamarama because I am sick and tired of OUR Government giving away my money! The idea that anyone in this country is entitled to Higher Education,health care insurance or what ever wihtout having to pay for it is absurd. GO EARN IT . Who pays for it? Those of us that are working to better our lives and earning taxable income! So, who among you believes it's alright that any one is entitled to something they didn't earn and those that are earning are not entitled to the money they earned? Because our Government takes it from us in the form of taxes and gives it to those that are entitled to it. Totally and completely wrong. It's time to stop the hand outs. I believe in helping anyone who is trying to help themselves yet understand that I can not help anyone by making them dependent. It's way past time to stop the pork and free hand outs. It's time the people of this country take back control from the politicians by holding them accountable. If our politicians spent our tax money for the good of the citizens we would probaly not have a national debt. Bigger goverment , more hand outs , free programs who pays for it all? TAXES, you can not spend without income or a increase in the national Debt.
Politicians as smart as they are supposed to be can't balance a budget yet millions of American housholds without college degrees can? Something is wrong here people. Stop believing evrything your told and do some research. We can not afford to make a mistake .This may be the most imortant Election of our life time.
Comment: How much did the war cost so far? Of your money?
