In recent days a real fight has emerged between Presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Disagreements between hopefuls are not unusual, however this one has Race at the root. One one side Obama has managed to keep the discussion of perhaps the nation's most vexing problem at a minimum. On the other, Clinton seems to want gain political points by her mentioning of Dr. King and bringing some of her " black friends to the fore to express support for her candidacy.
To use the often quoted term, The 800 pound gorilla in the room is Race and how will this issue be discussed. Will the Presidential elections force a dialogue within the Democratic Party and the Nation ? Will African Americans stay home if they don't feel that Obama was dealt with fairly? Do the candidacies Of Obama or Clinton serve as clear indications of Racial or Gender Progress?
The coming days will force a serious look at ourselves and where we are headed.
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9 comments:
They must be careful that they don't let this cloud the main goal of getting the White House. Race is a very important issue and it should be addressed by all but they cannot allow their bickering to be used against them by the other side.
Both Clinton and Obama should tread lightly on this issue of race because there are no winners if the country is polarized. I agree there must be a discussion however; the President of the United States is in a better place to moderate the dialogue. The Clintons are smart in their attempt to goat Obama into a battle with many fronts. Yes, its time for the discussion, but, not now. The country is in an economic spiral we need to hear what both Obama and Clinton’s plans are to turn the tide. Health Care, repealing the North American Fair Trade Agreement that Bill Clinton made a legislative priority in 1993 Education.
I really hate that the Clinton's started this thing on race, it was them that started it and lied about where it started from. Bill was an impressive person as president but now that the truth is out about what he did as president and what he and she is willing to do to win, I've lost all respect for them.
Tyrone in Michigan,
Race is a real issue here in america with black, latin, native, and asians. It's AMAZING to me how latin and asian people manage to stick to gether and have there issues address. It is long past due that we must lean to agree to disagree at times but more important stand together so our issues can be heard.
Its my opion, that we must attack this problem on a LOCAL LEVEL. I beleive that the national party platform has already been purchased by special instrest groups (lobbiest). If we look at the numbers, our votes have a much greater impact on a local level than a national level. If we get real people in at the local levels then we can keep the pressure on the to implment real change on our local levels, this will then give them infulance on a state level and over time they could be promoted to a national level. This is the only way to defeate the lobbiest which are the real problem here in America.
I feel the Clintons are being divisive in their use of race in this campaign. "Race" did not appear to be a central issue for them until Obama took the lead in national political polls, won Iowa and almost won New Hampshire. Now suddenly they are concerned about race. Hillary and Bill are using race to distract the American public from the real issues they need to be talking about. Media entities are perpetuating the debate.
Black folks must not forget that Bill Clinton's policies during his presidency overwhelmingly impacted Black people in the US. Although he has been dubbed the "First Black President", do not be fooled and forget how he bombed Somalia (Black Hawk Down), ignored Rowanda, put record numbers of Black men in jail for crack offenses, and sent jobs overseas with NATO. His political policies disproportionately impacted Blacks more than any other ethnic group in the US. Bob Johnson (the new House Negro) was mistaken when he claimed that the Clintons have been at the forefront of Black issues all of their careers. Give me a break!
Race is an important issue, as is the economy, health care, criminal justice and education. We cannot dichotomize and believe that race is an "either-or" issue; it is a "both-and" issue. Do we not realize that in economic, health care, education, and criminal justice matters, African Americans are overwhelmingly effected by all of these issues (poverty, poor health outcomes, poor education, high incarceration rates)?
I do not believe the National Democratic Party will add race to their agenda or platform, as No Worries said. However, I do believe there will be on-going discussions of race in the media, at the kitchen table, and among communities.
This all out assualt by the Clintons has really turned me off from them big time. Even if she does win, I will not vote for her and probably end up voting Republican.
Democratic party is full of racist and for the love of it I can't understand why we continue to give them our undying support.
Espically since they're overlooking us and going after the Hispanic vote, which is a bigger voting block than we have anyways.
Not an Obama supporter but damn sure have no LOVE for the Clintons
Smooth, I do agree you, the Democratic is looking past us (Black Folks) and going after the Hispanic voters.
Smooth, I also have a question for you? Is the Republican party reaching out to us (Black Folks)? I have to be honest with U smooth, I just don't see the Republican Party reach out to me or my people. So with that being said smooth, I have to also ask, how can you be so absolute in your vote for the Republican Party? We are all entitled to vote for the person who we feel is the best, but I’m just questioning your thinking.
In my world, two wrongs don't make one right. I'm looking forward to communicating with you smooth and the rest of the GW Bloggers.
No the Republican Party hasn't reached out to us, after the elections I'll officially file as an Independent for starters.
Depending on who the Republican nominee is that might be a vote towards the lesser of the evil.
But I truly believe after these elections, Black People should switch to be an Independent and truly have these pandering monkies appreciate our vote and support and come after us. Instead of riding this dead ass Donkey that will kick you in the ass first chance it gets.
Smooth, we are on the same page, I also feel that we (black folks) should all register as Independants. I feel that neither the Demorcratic or Republican parities are reaching out to us and seeking our support.
Smooth, I will also say that I live in Michigan and the National Demorcratic Party lead by Howard Deen has made a major mistake in Michigan and Florida. Howard Deen has said that ALL Demcoratic voters in MI and FL will not have choice on who they feel will be the best person to lead the Demorcratic Party (our vote will not be counted). To add insult to injury, the national party is going to EXPECT all voters in MI and FL to vote BLUE in Nov. 08.
Smooth, this really up sets me becasue I happen to beleive that John Edwards is the best PERSON to lead this country and I was not given a chance to vote for him. People who lived befor me fought and died so I can cast a vote, and now Howard Deen is telling me I can not vote!
Smooth, I'm not going to vote at all Nov.08 for the president. I will pay close attention to my state and local people and I will be very much involved in the state and local level were my vote has a greater impact.
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