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I am thrilled that we have a black President. President Obama appears to be setting the stage for the financial recovery so desperately needed in this country. He appears to be choosing people of high quality and varied back grounds for his Cabinet. My only complaint, and it is of paramount importance to me and mine, is that Mr. Obama does not honor the civil rights of the unborn. God forgive us for the most valuable loss of our future heritage, the children who will never have an opportunity to make their own mark on our world.

I wouldn't normally wade into this discussion because I suspect it is very difficult even to nudge people from the their tightly held and sometimes very emotional views on "race". (I put race in parentheses because it is a social construct, not a biological fact. From a genetic standpoint, there is only the human race.)

Let me preface this by saying I am white and I am just offering an opinion. People who look like me (pale) who do not hold racist views are frustrated when others who are darker skinned speak of a racist society. It is very difficult to see the other side of the equation if you don't live it. I have come to realize that, yes, we do live in a culture with deeply embedded and insidious racism. I enjoy certain privileges because I was born with this skin color, not because I do anything to consciously exploit my skin color. I don't always recognize those privileges as they happen but I have developed a general awareness that I am advantaged in this country. I hope that people of color understand that the perspective is changing, if too slowly. Also, I hope that there can be some understanding that, from this side of the "racial divide", it often seems that we cannot move beyond the sins of the past which we cannot change or undo. We must make a conscious effort to start where we are and move forward together. This is not to give short-shrift to the lasting legacy of disadvantage, poverty, and discrimination left us by slavery - only recognition that tragically there may be no justice to be had, only a better tomorrow.

At least we have a President who better represents the make-up of our society and, I hope, better represents our shared values. We espouse liberty, justice and freedom for all and it's time we live by our creed - not by some corruption of it.

I started out reading these comments with a very open mind and feeling quite pleased with the fact that we can come to the table with different opinions and be respectful to all. However, I had to stop reading the comments because they just beame too ridiculous. Whether President Obama is red, purple, white, green or polka dot the issue is this: America is in dire straits and change, positive change is needed at this time. This past election proved America is ready for change, we are sick and tired of the same ole sameole. I am a 54 year old grandmother who has experienced the racism AND generosity of this country amd I can tell you all I do not want my grandchildren to have to live in country where in the 21st century people still have not gotten it! "IT" being the fact that we are all human beings and to survive out here we must treat each other as we would want to be treated. I have been mistreated by both black and white, I have been shown love by both black and white. My heritage is mixed, not by choice but, because my ancestors were slaves and had no choice in the matter. All should know the story of "Massa in the woodpile". Of course I have changed the meaning of this sayin because blacks have never been a majority in this Nation and probaly never will be but, people of color are soon to be the majority world wide and we have got to let history be that, history. We have an opportunity now to truly make the world and america a better place. If there are any of you who want things to stay the same, keeping the same small mindedt opinions that you are bettter than another or your race is more superior than anothers then you will be left behind. The majoriy has spoken and Barack Hussein Obama is the 44th President of the United States. His whole demeanor represents peace and change, I would have the same respect for George Bush if he had done what was right for this country but, he did not nor did many before him and the ones who attempted positve change were killed along with their dreams. I say all this to say please, lets give our new president a chance and in the process give america a chance.

Sargrum,
My opions have no racial motivation. I don't do well with "talking out of my neck". I am actually the furthest thing from being racist. You may be black and I may be white but both of our blood is red. Secondly I have a very beautiful son that is half black and I love him more than anything in the world. I could give a sh*t about what he looks like. Also, as far as looking like a racist as*shole maybe if people stop dwelling on the things we can't change in history lets all pull our heads out of our as*es and figure out how to make this country better economically, racially and morally. My opinions have nothing to do with the color of Obama its his family background. As a former member of the military that served under the Bush administration I can say I didn't agree with all of his ideas but guess what, CONGRESS makes a majority of all decisions concerning our nation. Lets place blame and kudos where they belong. The president is actually just someone to take the heat when people don't like what's going on.

dear outspoken,

I am an african american woman who usually does not get involved in petty arguments on message boards on the internet; however, this early Saturday morning I feel compelled to respond to your ignorance. No, I was not a slave and neither were my mother nor my grandmother. We are, however, products of people who were employed against their will and who had no way to earn, save or pass down more than stories to their future generations. We may not have endured the beatings and the lynchings, but we definitely felt the repercussions of a society that hated a group of people because of the color of their skin. Considering that you're probably a self-absorbed individual, it wouldn't surprise me if you have never put the shoe on the other foot and stopped to think of how african-americans might feel about all that has been done to us over the past 400 - 500 years. President Barack Obama's election is an event and moment in history that helps us to believe that maybe, just maybe, the US is ready to live up to the statement , "All me are created equal...". Obama is not going to bring his "buddies" over here to do anything. He is as much a devoted US citizen as you are. He has family and friends that he has a duty to protect, along with the rest of the United States of America. As far as the war in Iraq goes, last time I checked Osama Bin Laden was in Afghanistan NOT Iraq. So once again, you're talking out the side of your neck, or rather, blowing hot air (you might understand that a little better). As i conclude my first post ever on this lovely Saturday morning, I leave you with this. Get your facts straight and think your statements through before you go blasting our president and african americans on the world wide web. It might make you look like less of a racist @ssh*le.

dear outspoken,

I am an african american woman who usually does not get involved in petty arguments on message boards on the internet; however, this early Saturday morning I feel compelled to respond to your ignorance. No, I was not a slave and neither were my mother nor my grandmother. We are, however, products of people who were employed against their will and who had no way to earn, save or pass down more than stories to their future generations. We may not have endured the beatings and the lynchings, but we definitely felt the repercussions of a society that hated a group of people because of the color of their skin. Considering that you're probably a self-absorbed individual, it wouldn't surprise me if you have never put the shoe on the other foot and stopped to think of how african-americans might feel about all that has been done to us over the past 400 - 500 years. President Barack Obama's election is an event and moment in history that helps us to believe that maybe, just maybe, the US is ready to live up to the statement , "All me are created equal...". Obama is not going to bring his "buddies" over here to do anything. He is as much a devoted US citizen as you are. He has family and friends that he has a duty to protect, along with the rest of the United States of America. As far as the war in Iraq goes, last time I checked Osama Bin Laden was in Afghanistan NOT Iraq. So once again, you're talking out the side of your neck, or rather, blowing hot air (you might understand that a little better). As i conclude my first post ever on this lovely Saturday morning, I leave you with this. Get your facts straight and think your statements through before you go blasting our president and african americans on the world wide web. It might make you look like less of a racist @ssh*le.

May God bless America & the president elected during this most powerful era in time we're all living. ALL presidents alected have a hard task ahead of them. They ALL have chieve acomplishments & made mistakes. This president elected is a symbol of understanding that what America is about. NOT about the color of your skin but about what you can acomplish if you believe in yourself. President Obama, is an american. I just don't understand why he's been considered Afro American. He carries both blood. Is he denying one & accepting the other? No, I SEE IT LIKE IT IS...AN AMERICAN THAT IS REPRESENTING US ALL AS ONE! THAT WHAT MAKES THE UNITED STATES OF AMIERICA. WE ALL. GOD BLESS HIM & MY PRAYERS GO TO HIM& HIS FAMILY. MAY GOD ENDURE ALL THE STRENTH FOR HIM TO SUBSTAIN THIS COUNTRY DURING IT'S HARDEST CRISIS.

chironna,
My opinions have no bearing on what the color of my skin is. I do understand that the black people from the slave days did deserve better. I just don't think the color of someones skin should determine how that person is viewed. I also don't think that Obama being black had everything to do with his race. And for the hatred you run into is not shared by all white people. What I really am aiming for is lets everyone stop using the race card and use the what kind of person am I and how do I treat others as people not by appearances. However, as you know opinions are like butts, everyone has one.

Here's the deal, most people are saying he got the presidency because he is black or yay we made it from slavery to presidency. Bullsh*t! I am tired of having to hear poor us we were slaves, get over it. You were probably never a slave, perhaps some of your ancestors were but you never were! Regardless of the fact that Obama didn't put his hand on the Bible the man wouldn't stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. That makes me wonder how much he actually "loves" his country. The fact that he is HALF black has no bearing it is the fact that his father and step father were both involved in radical muslim activity and he was brought up in that environment. what makes you think he actually gives a sh*t about this country and its problems. However, his pocket book has gotten bigger while ours get smaller (ACORN). Way to go!!! Also, for all of you who bash President Bush and the war in Iraq, the day September 11, 2001 happened this whole country was screaming for revenge and for justice for those BRAVE people that died, now you want to be a hypocrit and cry about why we are there. Who knows maybe Obama will invite all his buddies over here to finish the job. Hopefully all of you who don't think the threat is real hopefully they miss their target and hit you!

'FROM SLAVERY TO THE PRESIDENCY' ???

NB: The Kenyans have never been American slaves

'From slavery to the Presidency'?

NB The Kenyans have never been enslaved.

My comment is a poem composed on the 20th January 2009.
WATCHING FROM A DISTANCE.
They gathered like a swarm of bees. Clustering together in the bitter cold, they waited. Loyal to their country, the beauty of unity could be seen, even felt from a distance.United States of America? or United people of planet Earth? Hearts joined to embrace what was said to be impossible. A black man in the White House? Yes and what a day it has been even for those of us watching from a distance. Hope has overcome fear. Truth has overcome falsehood.. The years of silent pain and distress is giving way to jubilant song. ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL. Let freedom of good will and respect for the human race unite us in one purpose. CONGRATULATIONS AMERICA. You are now truly a home of freedom. Hannah Yaawusuah Adjepong United Kingdom

Enter Your Comment

Sorry, it's me again...my previous comment stated below shoud say "blacks aren't hopefully looking any handouts. Sorry typing lust a little too fast and not proof reading over before posting...

I truly don't understand why now that there is a black President of the U.S. that all of sudden this country is headed for destruction. People are acting as if this is something that happens often; for years blacks didn't have much of a choice when it came to who they'd vote and put their trust in as to leadership for the Country, because we've always had whites as the forefront. I'm not racist by any means but I've witnessed some awful things on both sides of the aisle from blacks and whites when it relates to race in this country and how really cruel people can be simply becaue of "freedom of speech." In order for race to really be dealt with realistically and truthfully is a matter of the heart...I personally treat people the way I want to be treated...and that's with respect and dignity. I understand that people are going to be people some will like you or hate you just for no apparent reason and that's cool because they have that choice...God has given all of us a will, and with that will we choose everyday our actions in regards to what we say, how we treat one another and frankly how ugly we can be at times...I felt Mr. Obama was the better man and now I'm going to pray and hope that he's able to do what he promised. I understand that there is no quick fix and change takes time especially when the country is already divided. It can be tough to do the right thing when it's in many cases not the popular thing to do. Blacks hopefully looking for any handouts, nor as for me do I need an apology...I get it...and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see the awesomeness in what has just occurred-the President of the US is a black man. If this country was and had always been from the foundation equal ALL men, then we wouldn't be where we are right now, having these trust issues and doubt of what is possible for our country...The comment below regarding Lincoln freed the slaves and how other blacks themselves participated in the slave trade which is what you would normally get when education is not presented to you; you would buy into that distorted mentality if felt the only means of survival is to subsequently succumb and the cycle is viciously reciprocated...

It is wrong to assume that because Obama did not put his hand on Liconlns bible that he will not be a terrific president. Religion whether you are aware or not does not play a part in American politics. A good heart and solid mind does not just come from a religious belief. Obama has not said he expects appologies from white people, he instead has suggested recognition for a crime that our country comitted years ago, it is a part of our history. To everyone that has mentioned Baracks race as supporting factor as to whether or not he will be a good president, you are missing the entire point here. This man stands for the thought that it is not about the color of our skin, but instead that we are united and need to stop seeing each other as a color or religion, we are people all the same. Obama is in his third day of presidency and he has done more to better our country then George W. Bush did in his entire last term. Barack will do great things, whether you believe it or not.

It is wrong to assume that because Obama did not put his hand on Liconlns bible that he will not be a terrific president. Religion whether you are aware or not does not play a part in American politics. A good heart and solid mind does not just come from a religious belief. Obama has not said he expects appologies from white people, he instead has suggested recognition for a crime that our country comitted years ago, it is a part of our history. To everyone that has mentioned Baracks race as supporting factor as to whether or not he will be a good president, you are missing the entire point here. This man stands for the thought that it is not about the color of our skin, but instead that we are united and need to stop seeing each other as a color or religion, we are people all the same. Obama is in his third day of presidency and he has done more to better our country then George W. Bush did in his entire last term. Barack will do great things, whether you believe it or not.

I do not beleive we are safe in this country with a President that did not even put his hand on Lincolns Bible. I am tired of African Americans saying we owe them apologies for things that happened hundres of years ago that none of the present people had a thing to do with. I beleive we are not safe now and there will be horrible things happen in this country under this president whom i beleive by his sligh overtures in his speach. He has a hidden agenda. I beleive the African Americans want the USA to be a new Africa. I beleive there will be horrible crimes in this country and war within. What better way to destroy a country than to cause such disturbances within that the country destroys itself? I do not beleive Obamas interest is for all Americans but for only African Americans. Stand somewhere in public and listen to what the people are really saying. It is so disturbing.