McCain’s complaint has triggered you to dredge up every complaint about race relations you have ever had, including job discrimination which has nothing to do with the issues of scapegoating and fear mongering. The culture war strategy is meant to change the subject to race, where people can be blinded by their baggage (yes people of all races). But there are more white people, let’s face it, so if this election is white vs. those who are “not like us,” there may be an advantage for those who define themselves as white.

Second Alamo is an exacmple of how this can work. NGL and DG are examples of how it can backfire.

Just remember, there are millians Caucasians in America who don’t struggle with the issue of diversity and the increasing degree to which racism is no longer acceptable in America. There are millions of Caucasians who aren’t hung up on these things, and don’t feel they have to prove they are not racist, and don’t feel blamed when someone who also happens to be Caucasian is criticized for being racist.

There really is no reason for you to extend your over-sensitivity so broadly that you have this reaction every time the issue of race is discussed. Truly, you should deal with your own issues privately. And if you want to do something publicly, see what you can do to talk some snse into Jeff Frederick.

Very true and there is no nice way to say this, Palin and McCain do know who some of their base. They are stirring them up. Back to the McCain and ‘Arab’ woman–one only has to notice him bobbing his head in agreement until the new A word came out of her mouth. Only then did he realize he was a deer in the headlights and had to respond as he did. And to his credit, he handled an awkward moment extremely well.

If there was ever a time when the words, ‘Jane, you ignorant slut’ had to be swallowed, that must have been it.

I seriously thought she was a plant based on the false premise that: No one 1. looks like that 2. Is that stupid.

I have mixed feelings over the racism I have seen from both camps. It bothers me regardless of whom it is coming from. As much as I am appalled by some in the crowd at the McCain/Palin rallies, I am equally appalled by Rev. Wright’s words. No one owns racism, as has been shown. I think it is up to all of us to make it unacceptable, especially in a public forum, regardless of the intended victim.

Obama not realizing that a college professor had been a left wing nut back in the sixties has no real relevancy to the crisis facing Americans today. McCain is allowing his campaigne to appeal to the most base fear in people, fear of our differneces.

When there is a eutopia world Second Alamo, then maybe race won’t matter, but as we have seen with immigration and with Barak Obama, race AND religion create the paradigm that many people still choose to judge others.

We would all do well to at least respectfully consider the allusion Rep. Lewis proffers. Because remember that admonition that those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it. I think he’s just making sure we don’t forget, and hence do not repeat.

McCain and Palin are appealing to fear in order to get the spotlight. They are not focusing on the things that are of life-impacting importance to Americans, like the economy, healthcare, etc. Another person’s skin color or racial/ethnic heritage is not life-impacting.

All you have to do is witness the racially-charged and other vile comments coming from the throngs of ignorant McCain supporters as they walk into his rallies, and even comment at his rallies. Such as from the woman who said she can’t trust Obama because he’s “an Arab”. How despicable. How ignorant.

That McCain and Palin are actively courting the ignorant speaks volumes.

On the other hand, SA, I believe the topic post was timely and very much a part of the discussion in the media. Personally, I am much more offended at the terrorism comments than anything else.

I believe that white/black racial issues will be a built in part of this election. Having a black man running for president is a first for our country and since we aren’t perfect, racism will rear its ugly head. How can it not be? But when the muslim card is continually played, we have to look beyond national growing pains and look at hate.

I also read something last night by some fool now saying that Obama wasn’t born in Hawaii and that he was really born in India. Some other fool contradicted him and said no, he was born in Kenya and that his paternal grandmother swore she was in the delivery room when he was born. Some of these ignoramouses are overlooking the obvious: He is an American citizen via his mother. Now this is truly grasping at straws.

You are absolutely correct, racism and prejudice does exist although greatly diminished, and it exists in ALL RACES. I’m so tired of the terms ‘racism’ and ‘prejudice’ being code words for whites only in America. I can hire a minority and no one says a word, but if that individual isn’t performing their job and is terminated because of it, now suddenly it is a race based issue and you’ve got the ACLU and tons of others banging on your door. So you wonder why some may be hesitant to totally embrace other races, it’s because of having to walk on egg shells with every interaction. There will always be cultural differences between the races, and just because you may be a member of a minority doesn’t mean I can’t dislike a particular characteristic. Just look at the problems that occur within a race, so to believe there will come a day when there isn’t some friction is to be extremely optimistic. Look to Africa, after kicking out the white rule you’d think they solved their only problem, not hardly!

I think your posts are a perfect example of what NGL was talking about earlier in this thread, and what I discussed in a previous thread. In fact, a lot of us are afraid that your reaction will be shared by many Caucasians in this country. Even though the McCain-Palin campaign has encouraged this fearful climate up until now by asking “Who is Barack Obama?” suggesting that we don’t know enough about him, using the word “terrorist” repeatedly in association with his name, playing on some of the public’s fear of his name, heritage, and yes, even his skin color…Barack Obama has to largely overlook this. Lewis’s statement no doubt sparked a lot of reactions just like yours, Second Alamo, which is why Obama is likely never to get as publicly angry as he rightly could or should about the matter.

Some might say, well Palin and McCain never said anything specifically about race or ethnicity. In the eyes of many, this will exonerate them. However, I do not think we should be naive about this. McCain, Palin, and their campaign advisors know the people of America. They know that racism and prejudice still exist, and you cannot tell me that the rallies are the first time they have ever heard such remarks made about Barack Obama. I do believe that they know how to play on the fears and the prejudice of some Americans for their political gain; perhaps they didn’t know this fear and prejudice would be displayed in their presence for all the world to see, however. Perhaps they were hoping it would remain quiet until voters were inside the booths.

We have to make sure that as Caucasians, we do not have this knee-jerk reaction every time race is discussed. We can’t just hold our hands over our ears in tantrum-like fashion and pretend that it will go away. Race, ethnicity, and other differences are all real. It is not a crime to notice them, but it is wrong to dismiss them altogether, or to discriminate based on them.

Prejudice and racism also exist. Yes, we have undoubtedly made a lot of progress, but the work is not done. That is hard for some to hear, but I believe it is true. Everybody has problems no matter where they are from, but this doesn’t erase the fact that racism and prejudice still exist, as exemplified by the crowds at the rallies and the number of people on the other blog who insist on referring to Barack Obama by his middle name…and that is just for starters.

We’ve come so so far in providing overwhelming opportunities and support for all minorities compared to the 60’s and yet you’d think we were back in the 60’s with the comments being made.

Well, to watch the recent youtube videos from Pennsylvania and Ohio you wouldn’t think we’ve come so far in this country. It looks like a display from Thugs R Us.

Anyone catch the latest lunacy from Jeff Frederick? Do you think this guy will last out the year as Chair?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/12/AR2008101201956.html?hpid=topnews