General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsRegarding African-American Voter Turnout in Early Voting
I'm a black male, and the amount of disrespect shown to President Obama, even in the face of the difficult scenario he faced in first being elected, is well-known by the black electorate.
We looked at the Tea Party emerge, and all of the racist, often misspelled signs carried by their astroturfers.
We looked at the outright lies that were told about the Affordable Care Act and the downright ugliness displayed to black members of Congress (being spat on).
We saw a Congressman yell, "You lie!" at the president during a State of the Union address.
We looked at the ugliness of the 2008 election and the downright filth of racism and bigotry that was released on the American electorate.
We looked at the signs depicting a watermelon patch on the front lawn, photos altered to make Michelle Obama look like a chimpanzee, and the attacks on the President's daughters.
We've observed every rightwing faux outrage at the First Family taking a vacation overseas and the fake pearl clutching that would never occur under a Republican President.
We've noticed the spike in hate groups emerging due to this President's first term as a result of this election.
We've seen a candidate in the Republican Primary (Newt Gingrich) call a sitting President the "Food Stamp" president.
We've seen another candidate in the Republican Primary (Rick Santorum) state that "blah" people only want money that is earned by other people.
We've seen people who are an absolute insult to the black political experience in this nation trotted out as "free thinkers," even though they are buffons (see Herman Cain and Allen West).
We've seen the President's citizenship questioned and his dead mother mocked and ridiculed as if though she was some harlot.
We've seen the Republican-held Congress obstruct any measure at an economic recovery that the President has attempted with the stalled Jobs Bill (even though the economy has improved, jobs have grown at over 5 million with 12 million slated for growth in the next few years and the unemployment rate down from its average high of 10.9% to 7.3%).
We've seen these rightwing asshole governors attempt to roll back public union rights, institute new voter ID measures and attempt to cut early voting, and institute these draconian measures on women's reproductive rights and health.
... but on the other hand ...
We've seen our nation bounce back from what likely would have been a second Great Depression had the president and Congress not intervened with spending.
We've seen the Affordable Care Act passed (and declared constitutional) and all of the humanity enshrined in the law (no denials for preexisting conditions, allowing young adults to stay on their parents' insurance plans until 26, the rebates, etc.).
We've seen the auto industry bounce back, as the Big 3 are now still the biggest auto manufacturers internationally (with their loan paid back with interest).
We've seen the weight of these United States placed on the shoulders of our current President, and him time and time again, hit the ball out of the park (see ordering Navy Seals to kill Somali Pirates, see the death of Osama bin Laden, etc.).
We've seen the President sign the Lilly Ledbetter Act (which of course affects African-American women just like any other).
We've seen the President show courage and take a Progressive stance on many issues (where many presidents, Democrats included, have failed).
We've seen the President bring a responsible end to the Iraq War and set a timetable for Afghanistan (in which many of our sons and daughters have fought and died).
We've seen the American financial sector bounce back, as well.
We see those beautiful daughters and that drop dead gorgeous wife handle all of the ugliness, vitriol, and hate that is thrown at them daily with only the grace that they would know how.
We've seen many more things, as well. I'm not sure if you'll se a 90% African-American voter turnout, but ...
You're damned right we're MAD.
You're damned right we're FIRED UP.
You're damned right we're READY TO GO (and VOTE).
FOUR MORE YEARS!
RandySF
(58,884 posts)he and his family would have been given much more respect and credit for what he's accomplished.
barbiegeek
(1,140 posts)Why they attack our children (Amy Carter, Chelesa Clinton, Sasha & Milkia (sp?) horribly. I feel so sorry for all of our girls. Sorry I can't spell
fujiyama
(15,185 posts)but I have a coworker that still believes Vince Foster was murdered by the Clintons.
There's no reasoning with that kind of mentality.
GETTINGTIRED
(330 posts)Damn Straight .....fired up ......ready to go....4 MORE YEARS.....4 MORE YEARS....OBAMA 2012
DonViejo
(60,536 posts)Thank you!
leftstreet
(36,108 posts)What 'difficult scenario' did he face in getting elected?
He packed massive, massive rallies. He had a mandate from voters.
What are you talking about?
Renaissance Man
(669 posts)I was referencing the economy taking a free fall when he was elected, not the difficulty of him being elected.
leftstreet
(36,108 posts)I misunderstood
brush
(53,784 posts)He didn't have an easy time at all getting elected. He had to overcome elements in his own party, what did they call themselves . . . the pumas, something like that, the Hillary supporters who were dead set against him. And what about the teaparty racists spurred on by Palin? Not an easy time at all.
freshwest
(53,661 posts)GOP had set so much corruption into the system that was what it would take to overcome it. It was a difficult win, IMO. Not all Americans, especially the well-funded Tea Party, were convinced as most of us were that Obama was the best man to lead this country off the bad road it was on.
Not only is he qualified educationally and experience wise, but by temperment. He proved his character to me in the 2008 primary debates and since then, inheriting a planned disaster, to be the most competent person for the job. He has exceeded my ffavorite presidents, JFK and Carter.
Those who can't see that, need to clear their heads of the voices of demagogues and paid propagandists and consider what the man has said, done and how he behaves under stress. He has proven himself to a be a wise leader, just wish we could give him more time. It will take a full generation to move this country forward.
Tutonic
(2,522 posts)If McCain had not chosen Barbie for a running mate and had not shown signs of dementia when the fiscal crisis arose, I do believe that the 2008 election would have been much closer. I do believe that in spite of enthusiasm for O, there is a core of racist anglo Americans (40-45%) that would rather elect a cardboard cutout of John Wayne than a black man. Interesting that Mitt Romney can blatantly lie everyday and make enormous gaffes and yet be "tied" in national polls. Why is that?
Flying Dream Blues
(4,484 posts)uponit7771
(90,346 posts)leftstreet
(36,108 posts)8 years of Bush, debunked trickle-down economics, a dead GOP, a strong antiwar movement...
Please.
I'm not 'minimizing' Obama's 'accomplishments' (which were what exactly, prior to 2008?) I'm just saying that Obama didn't have to fight to win that election. His only real challenge was getting the primary from Hillary.
Cha
(297,275 posts)were. Yes, Obama did have to fight to win the election..during the primary and the general. I and millions of others were there all the way.
WCLinolVir
(951 posts)cope with all the BS this man and his family have had to deal with. The death threats to him and his family, ad nauseum. Easy? You do it and get back to me.
Cha
(297,275 posts)Lex
(34,108 posts)Here in NC it's my feeling that African Americans will push President Obama into the win column in this state.
freshwest
(53,661 posts)sheshe2
(83,785 posts)-LOKI -BAD FOR YA
(308 posts)Renaissance Man ,you wrote a beautiful post.i agree with everything,my only take on this is i think is no matter who, we run,they will subjected to this form of treatment in the future,they have done this with local candidates,now they taking it national.obama gave them the opportunity they wanted.
EmeraldCityGrl
(4,310 posts)Samjm
(320 posts)And I also see/saw ALL these things too.
freshwest
(53,661 posts)Sophiegirl
(2,338 posts)And I voted for Obama before and I will do so again!!!
Ned_Devine
(3,146 posts)ColumbusLib
(158 posts)ArnoldLayne
(2,067 posts)David Zephyr
(22,785 posts)nvme
(860 posts)These last four years have irked me to no end seeing the office of the president being diminished by racists assholes in this country.
amuse bouche
(3,657 posts)It should be published. Please submit it to newspapers
oswaldactedalone
(3,491 posts)Make that post go viral. Fantastic!!!
NoMoreWarNow
(1,259 posts)I keep worrying that the extended time these votes are in the hands of crooked officials gives more time for them to mess with them.... I just hope they are safe!
amuse bouche
(3,657 posts)at least where I am, the voter feeds their ballot into a big scanner and it tells you if it was accepted,
scanned and counted right there. Seems like a pretty good system
NoMoreWarNow
(1,259 posts)how secure is it?
BumRushDaShow
(129,054 posts)Ready to go!
Lucinda
(31,170 posts)ladym55
(2,577 posts)Eloquently said. This older white woman has cried over the ugly racism that has plagued one of our finest presidents. My vote for our president has already been cast. My husband's vote has also been cast for our president.
My admiration for President Obama grows and grows. He has shown such grace in the face some of the most appalling behavior I have ever seen.
lunatica
(53,410 posts)has seen all of it. Every bit of it.
I love and respect our First Family. They are to cheer for.
I'm fired up too, and so ready for four more years of this President!
Ivywoods55
(131 posts)ejbr
(5,856 posts)Amen brotha! (I'm black, btw)
AverageJoe90
(10,745 posts)I'm a 22-year-old guy from Texas, who happens to be 'white', and the bigotry directed towards President Obama from the far-right has become extremely disturbing to me, especially in the light of the mysterious(possibly Intel-aided?)rise of the Teabagger movement and the rebirth of the militia movement that hadn't been kicking around much since the late '90s.
Obama is probably the best President we've had since Jimmy Carter came around, maybe even JFK.....GOTV! GOTV!
clydefrand
(4,325 posts)I'm mad, fired up and ready to go to vote, too!
I'm an old white woman, and I love our president. I will never let someone tell me that he is not a great man, father, husband, and president!
I want 4 more years...wish he could do 8 more. We need someone who is super smart as he is.
Fran
Lilma
(132 posts)Everything you said to this white woman is what I have been thinking for the last year and a half. It is getting worse. We have to beat Mitt -- we just have to.
Thanks for sitting down and putting your thoughts to "paper" errr electronic paper.
liberalmuse
(18,672 posts)And thank you for posting it. And you are not alone in feeling this way.
WCGreen
(45,558 posts)The vitriol is horrible, and embarrassing for a "mature" democracy 225 plus years into our grand experiment.
I can't even imagine the strength of his character, his conviction and his core values.
All Americans are lucky to have this man in office and thrive even though there are so many who hate him for who he is and not what he has done.
ClusterFreak
(3,112 posts)I am proud and honored to rec-the-fuck-ommend it times infinity!
skeewee08
(1,983 posts)Great post!!!!!
BlueNoteSpecial
(141 posts)...a shining profile of courage, strength, integrity, and an American beacon to the world. Love Him.
Populist_Prole
(5,364 posts)Excellent answer to those who spout the typical "he hasn't done anything" BS.
Harry_Scrote
(121 posts)Amen.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)obviousness of it all. I'm white. I have been caught by surprise at the overtness of it all, and the level of it all.
Let's show 'em. Yes...we can and will vote for another four years for THAT BLACK MAN IN THE WHITE HOUSE.
mfcorey1
(11,001 posts)hoosierlib
(710 posts)ywcachieve
(365 posts)You are spot on, in everything you said. And I am damn mad, also, about how our President has been treated. NO other President and his family, in our history, has been disrespected so badly, and treated so badly. And it makes me mad as hell.
President Barack Obama, FOUR MORE YEARS!
SaveAmerica
(5,342 posts)morning I was thinking about what it must be to be black in America and watch what has been thrown at our President. I tried to understand it, I only have my limited experience to go off of, but it makes me furious, too.
What must it be like to watch it as it happens? Lies thrown at him? Complete and utter disrespect no matter what he does? The things I've read that some Republicans say about Michelle Obama and what she represents (in their minds) when she goes overseas. When we know the truth about what President Obama and his family has done for this country and the different groups that they sincerely seem to care about. I've watched in sadness and anger for a group that offers so little to this country as they belittle this family that has done so much. And I know my anger and sadness can't be nearly as strong as those who are black; it could feel like a slap that is given by a hand so large it is felt right on down the line to the last black family in the smallest county in this country. What more does a person have to do to gain the respect of people in this country? What more?
Renaissance Man, I hope that you and I both will be content with the understanding that there is a certain group in this country that will probably never change their racist and hateful ideology. I have railed against them and the way they've treated folks for a long time; now I know that my focus on the good that is President and Mrs. Obama (while giving no thought to this hateful group) is the way to go. Haters are really always going to hate!!
Staying fired up and keeping President Obama in office is the way to go!! Thank you for writing and please know we are in this together!!
Jamaal510
(10,893 posts)I'm 22 and I already voted, but I'm also fired up and furious. Here's why:
-I've seen people on YouTube comments and on Yahoo Answers continue to make up conspiracy theories about Obama and act as if blacks are monolithic voters who can't think for ourselves.
-Obstructionist Congress keeping millions out of work in attempt to put him out of a job, and then use the "Obama's failed policies" talking point.
-Billionaire RWers dumping tons of money into deceptive ads against him and other Democrats.
-Comparisons from the Right between Obama and Hitler.
-GOP candidates for president (with the exception of Huntsman and Pawlenty) all making racial remarks about us. Santorum and giving money to blah people, Perry and his n-head ranch, Paul's racist newsletters and his "MLK hate whitey day" comments, Bachmann's "tar baby", Gingrich's "food stamp president", and Romney claiming people at his NAACP event wanting "free stuff".
-Voter ID laws that were not enforced during the GOP primaries, but are enforced during the GE and target left-leaning areas.
I'll definitely be glad when Obama wins re-election next Tuesday night so that all the GOP's plans about ruining his re-election chances will officially be thwarted. After everything they've put the country through, they don't deserve to win again.
ItsTheMediaStupid
(2,800 posts)Bless every person who has gotten in line and voted for four more years already, and those who can't do it until election day!
I am a white male southerner old enough to remember the Jim Crow south. Good riddance to the Jim Crow South and the segrationist Democratic party from that era.
Given that background, I have to say that the racist comments aimed at Colin Powell after his endorsement of President Obama pissed me off no end. I though Jim Crow was dead. These pugs would bring all that back if they could.
However, those comments have backfired. I believe that Sununu and the other Romnesia surrogates fired up a whole lot more people they they planned on by attacking Colin Powell.
When I read a couple of days ago that 30% of all voting age African Americans in NC, my birthplace, had already voted, it was inspiring. It reminded me of seeing Dr. King on TV as a 9 year old. Then I didn't know what to make sit ins at the lunch counters and the marches, but I do today.
The early voting in NC made me think about the people who put their lives on the line to give all Americans the right to vote, regardless of race. People in NC and FLA are marching today, to the polls to make their voices heard. I'm glad that I lived to see this and to see people of all colors working to reelect our fine president.
SalviaBlue
(2,917 posts)I'm a 57 year old woman and I'm pissed about all of the the things you list.
You're damned right I'm MAD.
You're damned right I'm FIRED UP.
You're damned right i'm READY TO GO (and VOTE).
Mister Ed
(5,935 posts)Simple, solid truth. Every word.
LeftInTX
(25,364 posts)I don't understand why people are the way they are.
My mom kept a little statue of a black pastor on a shelf. I asked her about it and she said it reminded her of Dr. King. Then, she proceeded to tell me about Dr. King.
I have never understood why people are so vile.
I'm mad too.
I'm disgusted too.
I'm sick too.
I often wish we could protest like the 1960s again.
Protest against racial hatred and bigotry.
Response to Renaissance Man (Original post)
Post removed
AtomicKitten
(46,585 posts)Seriously, your post describes a rather tone deaf false equivalency.
Skittles
(153,164 posts)EIGHT YEARS of that nitwit
uponit7771
(90,346 posts)...their racist ..recent history in these kinds of statements...they always want to act like the past doesn't exist and everyone should forget their actions because they have...
Nope...
Stuckinthebush
(10,845 posts)The conservative mind doesn't understand racism....or they don't want to engage in enough critical thought to understand it.
HangOnKids
(4,291 posts)AtomicKitten
(46,585 posts)... I read it twice
Cha
(297,275 posts)letting us relive it. That's always been a gift of PBO's..that he can do that and focus on what is needed to Move Forward!
RainDog
(28,784 posts)Scuba
(53,475 posts)outsideworld
(601 posts)Stuckinthebush
(10,845 posts)My objection is that not enough DUers are reccomending it.
Freaking powerful post!
Thank you!
Cigar11
(549 posts)How true it is ... thanks
grantcart
(53,061 posts)gademocrat7
(10,658 posts)Jack Rabbit
(45,984 posts)Don't forget the the Twit's virtuoso performance on the dog whistle on the day of the NAACP convention.
Arugula Latte
(50,566 posts)As a white person, hearing the abjectly vile filthy racism spat at this president has been like a dagger in my heart. I can only imagine what it felt like to you.
Four more years!
SOSpy
(11 posts)is the way that racism has been established as "OK" again by the tea party and others, so the hidden
racism beneath the surface has been rearing it's ugly head again...
demilib
(100 posts)4 more years!
daybranch
(1,309 posts)I thank God for women, blacks, and latinos supporting Obama.
Flatulo
(5,005 posts)Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the subtle and not-so-subtle racism that has been directed at the President. I cannot imagine how offensive it must be to people with darker skin than my own to hear this nonstop assault day after day.
I had hoped that Mr. Obama's election would finally usher in an era of racial healing in this country, but unfortunately a large number of people want to return to the status quo.
pklaz96
(46 posts)lexw
(804 posts)ermasdaughter
(85 posts)ailsagirl
(22,897 posts)I feel deep shame and anger when I hear about all the downright ugly things that have been said/done to African Americans and our President and I just wonder...what kind of people do this?? How do their minds work?? Racists, yes. But even beyond that, it's an empty soul and a peculiar kind of blindness and a deep ignorance that drives them. I pity them because they are ugly and pathetic.
They're being left behind in the dust, which is where they should be.
On the other hand, I loved your list of the positive things--and I thank you for the thread.
denese
(271 posts)I am not a black man, or a black woman for that matter, but I am equally disgusted about the way this President has been treated.
I can't wait to see him be re-elected.
SemperEadem
(8,053 posts)my state (MD) has early voting and I went today to cast my ballot for the president. They've got extended hours to make up for the days it was closed due to the hurricane.
If your state has it and if you can do it, go vote early. It was quite a line, but they had enough machines and many helpful volunteers. I was in and out in about 25 minutes.
FORWARD!!
Four more years!
Tanta
(42 posts)I highly agree.
WCLinolVir
(951 posts)I have been just dismayed and anguished since Bush played the race card in the first ripped off election.To listen and see the ugliness just crawling out of people over the last 4 years in particular has been a nightmare, and a bit shocking. Not that I didn't believe in racism, as sexism can be just as ugly, just as devastating in it's own way, and unfortunately, is very much alive. But I have to say racism seems to embolden an illness that is accepted by some segments of our society on a very public level. I can not imagine the stress of having these people target your family. I find our president a remarkable man, and Michelle, a remarkable woman.
If there is a silver lining, let it be that we come together to defeat this and get a real sense of our own power to change our lives, and that we stay engaged in this process to better our lives and communities. We do not go back in any measure to waiting out the illness we have seen.
NCGardenGirl
(53 posts)I am a white upper-middle class woman and say "Amen" to everything you stated. Sadly, it's all true, and let's not forget Sarah Palin's recent "shuck and jive comment". Disgusting. Counting the days until the election and praying that President Obama is in office for another term and that some of the most offensive bullies in congress that are up for reelection are thrown out on their racist asses!
ailsagirl
(22,897 posts)Flying Dream Blues
(4,484 posts)is as fired up as you are! All of us need to help get out the vote. I voted today...and checked my electronic ballot twice before I hit send. Not that it will matter in the scheme of things in my Dumb(*&(istan red state, but at least my voice is heard. We'll turn Texas blue eventually, and at least I live in a blue county...
panader0
(25,816 posts)K and R.
Cha
(297,275 posts)I am so grateful for the FIRED UPness and the GOTV EARLY!
2roos
(26 posts)Bill Clinton said - a near quote....."The real difference between people is those who believe in the common humanity of all mankind versus those who don't."
amr3997
(5 posts)Sums up my thoughts more eloquently than I ever could.
Thank you!
AZ Lib
(19 posts)You've covered it all! It breaks my heart reliving all of the vile racist things that have been thrown (and encouraged) at our wonderful President!
I have to believe there are more good people than there are ignorant!!
Obama will prevail in the end!!!
OBAMA 2012
Blanks
(4,835 posts)I just didn't feel that he had the experience. I was hoping that Hillary would win. However, I'm a democrat and I was glad to see him win the general election.
I was concerned about some things he said on the campaign trail because the federal government moves slowly and I was concerned that he had over-promised. That happens, and then the voting public is not very forgiving. I was especially concerned when he had a filibuster proof senate. Everyone expects so much, and anyone is bound to disappoint. Even more so when there aren't as many obstacles. I was afraid he was setting himself up for a single term.
I saw him on the Daily Show when they had their 'restore sanity' thing. Obama was cranky with John Stewart and I was afraid that he was letting 'the machine' wear him down. I was glad to see him bounce back and smile again, on Letterman, during the debates and when he re-visited the Daily Show. He seems genuinely 'up' to the job.
I am surprised and disappointed by the racism displayed by the right-wingers. I was pleased when Colin Powell's former chief of staff spoke about Sununu's moronic theory. I think an old white republican dude speaking out against blatant racism shows that not all old white republican dude's got their head up their ass.
I've seen people speak about what they were fighting for in Vietnam; they weren't fighting for mom and apple pie. They were fighting for their brother in the next foxhole. I had many African American friends when i was in the army and the guard (though I never served in combat). The military creates situations where you have to rely on the guy (or gal perhaps) next to you; regardless of their race. Veterans are fortunate enough to have been exposed to people not only of a different race, but from different geographic locations and with a wide range of life experiences.
It is unfortunate that so many of these right-wingers never had the opportunity to work shoulder to shoulder with a diverse group of people, or if they did, they didn't appreciate it adequately.
It is understandable that we harbor some hatred toward these closed-minded right-wingers, but we should pity them as well.
phlorax
(3 posts)I've been sickened and ashamed of many white people, and their sense of superiority. I've seen the ugliness up close, and personal. It's frightening how hateful people can be. Keep your light of truth shining.
{{{hugs}}}
<3
former-republican
(2,163 posts)I vote policy
That's it nothing else.
mick063
(2,424 posts)I see it every day.
Racism is alive and well.
At 54 years of age, I will say that President Obama is the first candidate I have ever donated money to. I take a lot of ridicule for openly supporting him. It is like throwing water on a duck. I stand my ground because our President stands his ground. He inspires me.
I believe President Obama is the best President in my lifetime.
Why?
He reversed course from economic collapse despite a significant population that openly, blatantly opposed him from the beginning. There were many, many people that considered the failure of America as a worthy price to pay for the failure of President Obama. They rooted for failure. They legislated for failure. They prayed for failure. Blind hatred willing to sacrifice the common good for us all.
The man did not fail. He believed in himself. He never wavered. He succeeded in the face of great adversity.
This is why I believe he is the best President in my lifetime. This is why I donated money (a significant amount relative to my income) to a campaign for the first time in my life.
He inspires me. A great, great man that I will speak highly of for the rest of my life.
former-republican
(2,163 posts)It's not exclusive to any one race .