What If Obama Loses?

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  • Posted By: Seeker14 @ 09/28/2008 4:29:29 PM

    Second post, comments continued The assumptions that we wish to challenge here range from relatively benign to significant:

    1. The assumption that the AP Style Book is correct to recommend the use of a lower case "b" and "w" when using black and white to identify race. Logic dictates that used thusly, the words become pro-nouns and should therefore be capitalized. (I welcome discussion here)

    2. The assumption that it is appropriate to continue the use of language designed to trivialize, marginalize and render this side of insignificant the experience and existence of American Blacks as expressed by the terms "minority", "Black leaders" and "Black community"

    3. The assumption that Blacks are monolithic in their thinking --as this article overwhelmingly implies -- and will only consider "color of skin" as opposed to "content of character" when making decisions at this level of import and impact

    4. The assumption that Blacks represent a mere 12.3% of the populace as concluded by the 2000 census, despite protests from within the United States Census Bureau itself relative to questionable population count methodologies deployed or not deployed, including the elimination of statistical sampling. This number (12.3%) is in abject denial of readily available census data going back to the first Jefferson directed count of 1790, which indicated a Black population representation of 19.3%, and flies in the face of accepted demographic data gathering practice, not the least of which is the maxim stating that every 90 years, barring pestilence, war or natural disaster, a given segment of the population will quadruple. It is of profound interest that the 1870 census indicated zero population growth for Blacks just 5 years after the end of the Civil War, and the presumed end of breeding slaves to enhance profit (students of history will find the exchange between President Lincoln and the Director of the Census in the midst of the war intriguing, if not shocking, as the President sought to end the conflict by paying off the slave owners; among other strategies).

    http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/03322287%20no121-130ch08.pdf
    (page 126 re: 1870 census)

  • Posted By: True Democrat @ 09/28/2008 12:47:23 PM

    You find the implications in this posting racist and as offensive because your all about "Barack Hussein Obama" 08 and I'm NOT ! (Obama, IS NO Colon Powell)

    There is definitely a racial divide, and if Barack Hussein Obama gets in, there "WILL" be a civil disobedience and arrogance toward whites. No pun intended, but the blacks will have a field day, and it's a shame that a lot of blacks are voting for Barack Hussein Obama just because he's black rather than voting for the person. If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position. Colon Powell for the presidency would be awesome, but NOT Barack Hussein Obama. It has to do with the person and his or her credibility, wisdom along with Knowledge. Oprah worries more about the children in Africa rather then the children in America. And worries more about blacks then the whites that made her the green in America. Oprah did her Obama dance. What happened to Equality? There is a real diverse prejudice at this time in history. Most of the black people that are voting for Barack Hussein Obama just because he's black are truly prejudice white people and are holding a real grudge from the past against the white people. Yeah they had it bad, but did they forget the Jewish people were cooked to death by the millions? and the Italians, Irish, Polish, Spanish also had it real bad too etc. Pity Pity "Woe is me" The heck with that and get over it! And as far as Jesse Jackson is concerned he said what was on his mind and said how he truly felt and was honest with his feelings. GOOD! More people should speak their thoughts out loud and be truthful rather than being deceitful with other people, and I think he might have known the Mic was on to get his point across. To me he made no direct real apology and he shouldn't have to. He told it how he sees it with his honest feelings.

    • Posted By: OK Red ST go BLUE @ 09/28/2008 4:27:59 PM

      It's beings like you that give good Democrats a bad name. You should go quietly and crawl back under that rock you came from.
      If there is a civil uprising, let's all hope it lands in your back yard and with all the likes of you.
      We, this country and the honorable folk that live in it, can do without shallow thinkers and alarmists such as yourself...so be off with your bad self...POOF...you're gone. LOL
      P.S. I'm getting witchcraft ideals from Palin...so if my magic didn't work she's to blame!

  • Posted By: Seeker14 @ 09/28/2008 4:27:29 PM

    Colleagues: The question du jour, if not of the century, is why this article was necessary to begin with? In the aftermath of an extraordinary and world acknowledged win on the podium by Senator Obama against Senator McCain, I see these type articles as pandering to racist inclinations on both sides of the cultural divide. As a former Newsweek correspondent having a thorough understanding of its internal mechanisms relative to content development, I must admit I knew it was coming. Moreover, it has nothing to do with being "A search for the version of the story closest to the truth" in a Woodward-esque sense, and everything to do with maintaining the societal status quo.

    Assuming this post passes the "appropriateness" litmus test applied to varying degrees within this medium, I'd like to inject elements of "visioning" processes as developed by the RAND Corporation within the historical time-frame and context that saw the passage of the National Security Act of 1947. Designed to help the Department of Defense "think the unthinkable" (i.e., the "Nuclear Winter" aftermath of an atomic weaponry exchange as postulated by Dr. Carl Sagan, et al.) and to test assumptions that could lead to an entirely different outcome other than those one might expect, visioning is more than useful in potentially bringing about a change, even radical change, within the human psyche.

    More....

  • Posted By: joe 6pack @ 09/28/2008 4:24:34 PM

    Obama and the Democrat party are gay for gay marriage.

    VOTING FOR OBAMA IS GAY


    DON'T BE GAY


  • Posted By: kars @ 09/28/2008 1:14:05 PM

    If Obama loses, McCain will be President. Not a catastrophe. He won't be another Bush, that's just desperate rhetoric from all the racist blacks and left wing nut cases. He'll probably be more honest than an Obama administration. Obama has taken tons of big money for his campaign (as he did before say he would not), and those big money interests will expect to be repaid in patronage. Politics will go on, but if you expect big things from Obama, you may get more than you bargained for, in big corruption. McCain already has his millions of $$$, so who do we want to trust? Not much difference between their plans, no matter what Obama says on Iraq, which changes monthly.

    • Posted By: whyme?? @ 09/28/2008 1:50:34 PM

      First of all, I am Black. I've been Black for 63 years. That having been said, my first choices for President were Joe Biden and Chris Dodd because they were qualified WHITE MEN. The Democratic field was rich with talent, but I feared that too many Americans would not vote for a female or a Black man. I was surprised, to say the least, when the race narrowed to the two people I considered very possibly un-electable. Make no mistake about it, if Obama does not win it will be because of an accident of birth. On the other hand if he does win it will also be partly because of an accident of birth (his intelligence and temperament). Many are born with his talents but few do as much with them considering the few financial resources he had at his disposal as a young man. Also, few with his gifts would decide that public service is more important than financial rewards. I am voting for Senator Obama, not vecause he is Black, but because I believe at this time in our history, he is what we need.

      I believe the debates were telling. Senator McCain never looked at his opponent and never addressed him personally. He was condescending and petty. I have read that this is generally how McCain treats those who are not in agreement with him. Is this a man who can work across party lines?

      There are people in his own party who refuse to work with him. It is widely believed that the group of Republicans in the House who derailed the first "Bailout"agreement primarily did this so that McCain would not get credit for an agreement for which he had given no input. Is this a man that inspires confidence?

      • Posted By: OK Red ST go BLUE @ 09/28/2008 4:16:33 PM

        Very well stated, whyme?

        Bravo, from a middle-aged, white woman, ex-Republican of 30+ years, and educated professional of 30+ years.

        OBAMA ~ TO BETTER SOCIETY *08*

  • Posted By: timlds @ 09/28/2008 4:16:00 PM

    The guy I voted for didn't win in every election I voted in but I still vote. Am I doing this wrong? Do I need to rethink my motivation and appreciation for the right to vote? Are people who do vote a minority?

  • Posted By: rightstuff2 @ 09/28/2008 4:12:05 PM

    I am a 50 year old, white, native born american. I have been a business owner since I was 19 years old. I have been a Republican most of my life. However, I am definately voting for Obama because he is our best choice for President in my opinion. I also happen to agree with him on his views on every issue (the Economy, Irac, Afganistan, Alternative Energy, Education, etc.) and the direction I believe he will take this country. The color of his skin has absolutely nothing to do with my decision. I see him address the issues and give his solutions to them. I do not see him side stepping them and changing the subject or direction of the questions or conversation as I've seen McCain do. I see Obama being articulate, decisive and aggressive in his approch to these issuse. Unlike McCain.
    I have been watching this Presidential race closely on both sides. I see McCain attacking Obama every chance he gets, even taking things out of context to do it. I respect McCain for who he is and what he has gone through in his life, but as far as him running for the presidency (especially for him to be "MY" president) he appeares to me to be out of touch in several areas and I disagree with his views on almost every issue. Honestly I would be worried about many things if McCain were to be elected. Actually it is quite amazing to me that this race is as close as it appears to be. It saddens me to see that so many Americans make the wrong choices for the wrong reasons, that they make shortsighted decisions based on someones race or gender rather then the persons views or qualifacations and can't see what a poor choice McCain/Palin would be for our country. I have not seen anything to make me dislike Sarah Palin or John McCain as individuals. I just believe they are not the right choice for our President and VP.
    If Obama were to lose this election I would be very disapointed, not just because my choice for President didnt make it to the oval office, but I would also be concerned for the "country" under the direction of a president that I believe is taking the wrong approch to almost every issue. For me the person or persons that are going to be the next President or Vice President has nothing to do with race or gender but the individuals I believe to be the best person or persons for the job, and in this case I believe that to be Obama/Biden.

  • Posted By: Orion8888 @ 09/28/2008 4:09:41 PM

    Why does a man or womans color make a difference ? Obama is not on some power trip, he is trying to right all of the wrongs of the last 8 years of Bush/Cheney Depravation Administration. McCain & Palin are the power hungry predators. Sarah Palin broke her own state law when she allowed 14 gray wolf pups, in the den, to be murdered by vicious hunters that had killed 14 adult wolves. She can't separate political Business & her family problems. Snopes .com & the League of Conservation Voters headed up by Robert Redford has a link on their sit, www.Icv.org that will show you McCain vs Obamas voting records & other pertanant information. I tell all of my friends, aquaintances of all races. PLEASE VOTE OBAMA . McCain /Palin will run our budget up so high our children, grandchildren, their children & grand children won't be able to pay it off. I pray for universal health care for all legal residents of the USA as then maybe Insurace Companies won't get Richer & Doctors can't over charge you. There is so much fraud in Medicare & Social Security as well as other areas of government, we need Obama to call for a Surprise audit of it all & EXPOSE the cheats & prosecute them all . !!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Posted By: szz359 @ 09/28/2008 2:31:58 PM

    I think the premise of the article is ridiculous and suggests that A-A are not able to control their feelings. I am not an A-A, but to present the idea that riots will occur all over the US if Obama loses is ignorant.

    • Posted By: rigorous honesty @ 09/28/2008 4:06:41 PM

      Ignorant perhaps, but most certainly TRUE.

      Hell, they riot after a basketball game !!!

  • Posted By: sales44 @ 09/28/2008 4:06:27 PM

    white people vote on issues, black people vote for who is black

  • Posted By: eagleye1 @ 09/28/2008 4:06:20 PM

    The reality is that if only African Americans vote for Barack Obama he cannot win. This is bigger than black, I live in a county with about 3% African Americans and the excitement FOR Obama by non-blacks is overwhelming. In fact, this county will deliver the state to Obama. The folks in this county who are FOR Obama are very clear that they are for him because he is forward looking and at the very least, offers hope for change???not because he is black.
    The notion that all blacks will vote for Obama because he is black is irrational... despite popular belief, blacks are much more sophisticated than that. Were that the case, maybe Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton would have had a greater impact on the elections in which they participated. Yes, many African Americans are supporting Obama; however, in the Obama events that I have attended outside of the inner-city, blacks are the minority number of attendees.
    There is no room for decisions based solely upon race or gender; the decision must be on the issues. The common thread between those attending Obama events is they are making a rational decision that they want change and they want a leader who will be a proponent of change. These supporters reject the blind party allegiance and they reject McCain???s assertions that he can foster change (in light of his voting record) or that his experience is the answer???instead, they hold that his experience has not served him very well because it has been over-shadowed by his poor judgment. Whatever the outcome, the debate will go on and to participate, one must vote.

  • Posted By: eagleye1 @ 09/28/2008 4:04:59 PM

    The reality is that if only African Americans vote for Barack Obama he cannot win. This is bigger than black, I live in a county with about 3% African Americans and the excitement FOR Obama by non-blacks is overwhelming. In fact, this county will deliver the state to Obama. The folks in this county who are FOR Obama are very clear that they are for him because he is forward looking and at the very least, offers hope for change???not because he is black.
    The notion that all blacks will vote for Obama because he is black is irrational... despite popular belief, blacks are much more sophisticated than that. Were that the case, maybe Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton would have had a greater impact on the elections in which they participated. Yes, many African Americans are supporting Obama; however, in the Obama events that I have attended outside of the inner-city, blacks are the minority number of attendees.
    There is no room for decisions based solely upon race or gender; the decision must be on the issues. The common thread between those attending Obama events is they are making a rational decision that they want change and they want a leader who will be a proponent of change. These supporters reject the blind party allegiance and they reject McCain???s assertions that he can foster change (in light of his voting record) or that his experience is the answer???instead, they hold that his experience has not served him very well because it has been over-shadowed by his poor judgment. Whatever the outcome, the debate will go on and to participate, one must vote.

  • Posted By: Psue @ 09/28/2008 1:27:58 PM

    I was wondering why the black community needs to vote for Obama and not McCain?

    Do you have a reason other then having a first black president? We need someone with integrity and strength and knowledge? What is your reason beside the first African-White American man? Think about it hard.

    • Posted By: OK Red ST go BLUE @ 09/28/2008 4:04:26 PM

      Ahhh...because Obama is worthy of the position!

      Most responsible and educated people are looking for a man with honest, ethical, and passion in delivering this country back to some sort of dignity and McPain is not one of them.
      I believe we're all fed up with the status quo and are in serious need for real honest change, change Obama can only bring.
      However, we'll look out for you too when he becomes President. He draws no line in the quicksand McPain and his cronnies have laid.
      Hope is on its way!

  • Posted By: GirlFromMD @ 09/28/2008 1:28:58 PM

    This article is just crazy....talk about racism...seems like many African Americans are voting for Obama BECAUSE he is black...not because of his qualifications. I would hate to say I would only vote for a Caucasian just because I am white....everyone should vote for who they think will make the best President???.not vote for them because of the color of their skin, their age or gender.

    • Posted By: OK Red ST go BLUE @ 09/28/2008 3:59:40 PM

      Well there you have it! Finally, a black man that is willing to put an end to our bigotted and white righteous butts. Yes...I'm a middle-age, white American, mother of two, professional with a BA of 30 years, and educated enough to know I want Obama over McPain anyday.
      Just because McPain is an arrogant, pompous, self-righteous, spoiled, money and war monger do I choose to vote in a man that can relate to the hard-working middle to lower class families.
      Leave race out of it, most intelligent people look past race and go for moral and ethical codes of honor.
      God bless this country and God bless Obama/Biden in 08***

  • Posted By: Orion8888 @ 09/28/2008 3:48:50 PM

    I am a56 year old white female with a mission to HELP get Barack Obama elected as the next president of the USA. I believe he is honest & wants to clean up the MESS the Bush/Cheney Legacy of 8 years has left us. Sarah Palin is a large pain the U S doesn't need bringing all her family issues with her. She is, in my opinion, an underhanded, duck the Alaskan messes she has made, wild animal hating, Big Oil Lover. She has dollar signs in her eyes but they don't include those of us who are poor or very close to poor. John McCains lawyers are looking out for her. She claims she is an open book but ask about her sisters State trooper husband divorce & she fires an Alaskan Goverment employee for not firing the trooper, on her demand. The USA is in danger from McCain Palin, I believe. Go to Robert Redfords website called the League of Conservation Voters at www.Icv.org. There is a lot on that site with links to McCain /Obama voting records in office and conservation issues & Redford supports Obama. Go also to Snopes.com. They investigate stories & post whether they are true or false or undetermined, many about the candidates, click on a link or type what you are looking for. Sarah Palin boosted my ANGER by killing gray wolves & bears. When I saw dead,bloody wolves hanging on airplane wings & the $150 bounty for the left foreleg of each dead wolf, I was appalled. She really went too far when she allowed hunters to kill 14 gray wolf pups in the den, which is against the law in Alaska. That in my opinion makes her guilty of cruelty to animals. What will she do when a stray bullet from aircraft hunting kills a human? This woman doesn't care, in my opinion, about anyone or anything , except Sarah Palin. Why does the McCain Campaign shield her from answering questions? She is a candidate for the Vice Presidency of the United States, yet no one is allowed to talk to her? There is a monkey in the woodpile some where & his/her plans are questionable at best. Looking at Robert Redfords League of Voters comparison of voting records of McCain vs Obama is obvious John McCain has more to do than be present to vote when called upon. Barack Obamas voting record could run circles around McCains sorry record. Go to the site & see for yourself. BARACK OBAMA IS OUR MAN FOR THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. GOD BLESS HIS HONESTY, HIS SMART & SUPPORTIVE WIFE AND HIS STRONG WILL TO GET RID OF BIG CHEATERS(BIG OIL) DISHONEST GOVERNMENT CONTRACTORS, HELP EVERY ONE HAVE DECENT HEALTH CARE, BEEF UP THE ECONOMY & BRING MORE JOBS, CONTINUE TO SUPPORT CONSERVATION & LOWER TAX BURDENS ON THE LOW INCOME & MIDDLE INCOME PEOPLE THAT PAY THE MOST IN TAXES. I HOPE HE HIRES PEOPLE THAT WANT TO WORK FOR CHANGE & THE GOOD FOR THIS UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. GOD BLESS THE USA AND THE HONEST PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD.

    • Posted By: Legitt @ 09/28/2008 3:56:33 PM

      Just a curious question ...... you seem awfully dedicated and empathetic towards these little pups and various animals and their treatment. What's your take on abortion? are you pro choice, 1st semester, 2nd semester, 3rd???????? just curious

  • Posted By: phillyart2wear @ 09/28/2008 3:56:29 PM

    It's about ETHNIC PRIDE not Race. This Country prides itself on it's Ethnicity. The Statue of Liberty is the first to Welcome this.
    JFK received all of the Irish Catholic vote when he ran.
    Frank Rizzo ran for Mayor In Philadelphia in the 60s. You could not find Any Italian Americans who did not vote for him. You can bet that when there is a Polish American running, Every Polish American will vote for him, and I'm sure the Jewish Community will back a Jewish Nominee!!! That's just the way it is...PRIDE!!
    It's what this Country is all about. Pride in ourselves and each other.
    Don't confuse PREJUDICE/RACISM with PRIDE IN OUR CULTURES!
    That's what this Article should have been about!
    This is a UNIQUE Circumstance we have here.
    Obama is the FIRST CANDIDATE that we all can take pride in.
    This is our chance to UNITE.
    HIS GRANDPARENTS WERE WHITE!!!................AND POOR!!
    Yet, they gave him all they had.............EVERYTHING!!
    SACRIFICED EVERYTHING!!!
    How Dare ANYONE Disrespect what they did!!!
    How can Anyone, not matter what your Ethnic background is, not see the TRIUMPH IN THAT!!
    African Americans can claim him as there own.................................................
    and.......................................White Americans can claim him as their own!!!
    There has NEVER IN THE HISTORY OF THIS COUNTRY been a Better reason to UNITE!!!
    No matter which Party you are with or who you want to vote for, there is No doubt that Both Men are qualified. It's just,.................which one is the best one for YOU!!
    If you're better off now than you were 8 years ago.....VOTE FOR McCAIN
    If you're like MOST Americans and worse off now than 8 year ago.
    VOTE FOR BARACK OBAMA!!
    VOTE, VOTE, VOTE, VOTE!!!

  • Posted By: Amma @ 09/28/2008 3:55:05 PM

    Black people are honored that the best candidate for the President of the United State of America happens to be black, and that people of all races, political parties, and religions can come together united on common principles and a plan of action.

    Most of us can agree that becoming energy dependent in ten years is a national priority and that we will all make sacrifices and work hard to see that this goal is achieved. Infrastructure development supports needed jobs. This requires small and medium sized business are able to obtain necessary working capital loans.

    Education is critical. Perhaps an upcoming engineer can figure out how to process ethanol oil cheaper, and more efficiently so this becomes a viable source of energy... or whatever. We have a lot to offer the world, and we can market ourselves and compete fairily. We should advance and assure access to technology that increase operating capacity for all sized companies and organizations. And make learning at home an effective means.

    This is important to all Americans irregardless of race. So, we have had enough of this talk. We know McCain will not support education or healthcare, and will squander everything we have on war and intelligence. We want a change. We want to move forward based on a strong and positive moral authority. Where we are respect each other, despite our diversity and agree on the principles expounded upon Barack Obama, and we all agree to use our own organizations, resources and business entitities to help achieve these goals. Students will have to do community services, honorably i am sure. We dont have to like each other or want to drink beer together. That is not what this election is about. We want change in direction and we need it now.

  • Posted By: goldmaster5 @ 09/28/2008 1:29:56 PM

    I am 55 and to be where I am today took a lot of work. We had 9 kids in the family and when school started 1 pair of shoes each meant 9 pairs of shoes. My father work the field for Leopold???s farms in Oregon and my mother was a farm Forman for the berries pickers at age 10 I loaded the trucks and works the fields as did the entire family. And I am White/French. I paid for my own college at Portland Community and put 20 years in the Guard.
    I have listened to blacks whine, piss and moan and be offended by even the slightest unintended remark. Yet then call White people crackers and other names while believing Whites have no right to be ever be offended.
    Affirmative Action is an entitlement. Yet, when they are given the reins of power destroy the system by infighting. Look at the country???s of Africa...all in dire situations of their own making.

    When angry they burn down the city and attach people they don't even know. White people in contrast write letter to the editor and go to the polls. Black Family???s are raising a generation of he and she whores hopping bed to bed and running up the AIDs count...Oh but wait ...that was the CIA conspiracy!!! Gangster and the so called music...don't get me started. This election proves my point...They are making it about race..Period!
    On the whole Negroes are simply incapable of behaving civilized.

    • Posted By: morrison @ 09/28/2008 1:40:35 PM

      I guess you kind of support the theory of the article on whites being racist. Although I agree with some of the things you said, for the most part you are just a sorry white biggot. I would just like everyone to know that most people in Oregon are not racist like this individual

      • Posted By: OK Red ST go BLUE @ 09/28/2008 3:53:58 PM

        Thank God and God bless you!

  • Posted By: TheTruthHurts100 @ 09/28/2008 3:50:49 PM

    All races have/continue to experience discrimination. A key difference that I see is that an overwhelming Blacks harbor racism even though they (younger generation) never experienced oppression/slavery themselves. Whites, on the other hand, eventually GROW to hate Blacks due to the typically violent and racist nature of Blacks. The only reason a Black person would vote for an inexperienced White/Black (WHAC) man is due to skin color... voters such as this are racist. I gotta go now. After McCain wins (and honestly so), I have to board up my windows and protect my family from the angry Blacks. Way to represent, Mon! I have a dream, that one day Blacks will be non-violent and non-racist!!

  • Posted By: johnritt @ 09/28/2008 3:50:41 PM

    Voting for either candidate because you believe in what they say is a good thing. I can understand voting for either, because at the moment, I am still undecdided. If I can develope more trust in Obama, I will probably vote for him. To do that, I will have to ignore a significant percentage of his supporters, who are shrill, ignorant, vicious people who mostly don't even understand what he stands for.

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