Bridging the Race Gap

Being naive, I thought that this election wasn't about race for those not voting Obama. But sadly, I found out that was untrue. I have have been appalled at some of the things that people have said about Obama. It's sad that because he is part African American, that for the first time in probably more than a decade, people have to fear that he could become assassinated, because of racist people with no regard for humanity and really, for the entire human race. It shouldn't be race. It shouldn't be gender. It should be for America. Have they forgotten that this country is not all Caucasian people? That in our lifetime, the "minority" is going to become the majority. From the beginning this country was founded, it has been a mixture of races. It's been (cliche i know), called "a melting pot" or now more commonly used, "a kaleidoscope" of people. That's the way it is. That is the way it should be. How boring would it be if it wasn't?

While reading W.E.B. Du Bois', The Souls of Black Folk, I realized that one paragraph is the perfect response to the feelings of some people, who judge our new president-elect by the color of his skin;

"The history of the American Negro is the history of this strife,—this longing to attain self-conscious manhood, to merge his double self into a better and truer self. In this merging he wishes neither of the older selves to be lost. He would not Africanize America, for America has too much to teach the world and Africa. He would not bleach his Negro soul in a flood of white Americanism, for he knows that Negro blood has a message for the world. He simply wishes to make it possible for a man to be both a Negro and an American, without being cursed and spit upon by his fellows, without having the doors of Opportunity closed roughly in his face."

More plainly, let's live together in harmony. Let's not erase the years of progress this country as made toward bridging the race gap. It's only going to hurt America in the end.

19 Days Left of Politicking

I can hardly believe there is only 19 days left until the election! I am both excited and terrified. Excited, because there is a lot of hope in both campaigns for change and a better America. Terrified, because I don't know what to believe. I'm completely torn in this election. Does that make me wishy washy? Does that make me unassertive in my decisions and choices? I can see how some people might see it that way, but I think that I'm just doing the best I can in trying to make the right decision for me. What turns me off most to John McCain is Sarah Palin. What a joke. It really shows me how dumb and uninformed some American's are when I see people raving about how wonderful she is. What has she really done? Well, we know she knows her boarders. Alaska is close to Russia. Wow, really? Thanks for the geography lesson. I'm disappointed in women for Palin too. Yes, it would be nice to see a woman in power in America... Vice President or President... but not just ANY woman. We need someone who doesn't have a federal investigation over her head. Someone who knows about international politics. She's only been known of for a month or so and she's already controversial. I just don't know if I can get past the fact she could very well become our next president. It's scary. As for Obama, he was my choice from the start. I volunteered at his first rally in Columbia with Oprah. It was really inspirational and I got to see the passion in the people who believe in him. At the same time, I am weary about some of his politics. I wonder if he's truthful when he speaks or if it's being said because it sounds good.

So, who do I choose? A campaign that promises change and hope, and aligns with my values socially, but not sure if I trust in. Or the man I trust, respect and has a lot of military and political experience, but don't agree fully with the issues and really disagree with the VP nominee. It's something I have to think about in these 19 days. A lot to take in. Our future is on the line.