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Has obama brought the races together[W:225]

has obama brought races together

  • no. obama made race relations worse

    Votes: 39 67.2%
  • yes, obama has united races as never before

    Votes: 2 3.4%
  • obama has had no effect on race relations

    Votes: 17 29.3%

  • Total voters
    58
Re: Has obama brought the races together

I'll admit, when he was first elected in 2008, my second silver lining was that not only was Obama black, but that it seemed his personal story would serve so well to help him counter so many destructive narratives in the african american community. Here was a man who could stand up and speak with credibility about growing up as a young black male without a father, who had married prior to having children, stayed married to a woman who (whatever else) appeared to be a dedicated and caring mother, who could stand up and talk to the black community today about the importance of raising children inside of a loving family, rather than on the streets, of the importance of fathers being their for their kids, rather than moving from one baby mamma / baby daddy to the next. Here was a Lawyer and Professor who could speak to the value of education and deride the notion that it was a "white thing", but rather a critical stepping stone out of poverty. Here was a figure universally adored within the African American community who could speak responsibly and respectfully counter the destructive influences of the Al Sharptons, the Jesse Jacksons. I figured the time spent listening to the crazy preacher was something he had done because it was helpful in Chicago Politics, rather than out of any kind of conviction.

:( Instead he seems to have chosen (deliberately or not) to insert himself into potentially racial situations in a way that divides. From the Police Acted Stupidly, to If I Had A Son He Would Look Like Trayvon to Eric Holders' Justice Department deciding White People Can't Have Their Civil Rights Violated So Why Protect Them.

Like so many other, it seems, I bought into a Hope that turned to ashes.

I appreciate your candor. And I do think that Obama has been divisive. He leaped to a conclusion and into the Prof. Gates thing without even having the facts. Holder's DOJ refusing to hold the New Black Panthers responsible for voter intimidation in Philly is a story all by itself. And then there's that "If I had a son..." remark.
 
Re: Has obama brought the races together

Don't you think the President should have looked at the case to see race wasn't an issue before he made comments to the fact that race was an issue?

I don't understand what you're asking
 
Re: Has obama brought the races together

there is so much garbage like yours on this thread that it's in danger of being designated a landfill ... Good news for you, however ... August 28th is the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington ... hold off on the rest of your racist crap until then ... while decent people celebrate, you and your ilk can spend the entire day posting how whites are discriminated against and how blacks have all of the best, most powerful jobs in the country, the greatest amount of wealth, the best and most education, the best healthcare, and on and on ... Want to give it a go? See you then ...

We'll just point and laugh at the liberal stupidity that floods these forums. It's okay. We know you can't help it.
 
Re: Has obama brought the races together

We'll just point and laugh at the liberal stupidity that floods these forums. It's okay. We know you can't help it.[/QUOTE

if it's any comfort to you, there are many others like you having difficulty dealing with the fact that a black man became president and that he still has three and a half years go ... and guess what? the next one may be a woman, and then we'll be able to see your softer, sexist side ... BTW, did you know that Latinas/os accounted for well over 50% of the population increase in the U.S. between 2000 and 2010? Yup, it's true ... and that Latinos tend to be concentrated in the states with the greatest number of electoral votes? Don't be surprised if Texas goes blue in 2016. Voter suppression is your best bet my friend ... meanwhile you're pointing and laughing ... Sorry, but the country is a changin' and it could care less how you feel about it ... Have a good night ... or, buenas noches Cephus .. (BTW, have you ever looked up "Cephus" in the Urban Dictionary? Look it up ... you'll get a kick out of it.) ...
 
Re: Has obama brought the races together

I hear you but try this on for size. Try to see things from a different perspective, not that you have to agree with it but just for the sake of understanding.

Maybe you are right, maybe some saw this as an opportunity to further their own self interests. But that does not mean that the story itself did not have racial elements. Some may have distracted, with their pomp and puffery, from the heart of a truly tragic story that we all had something valuable to learn from. The incident should not loose its relevancy because of them.

Is it possible that to people who have experienced a history of oppression and bigotry this was just the final straw. That in the context of their lives this easily appeared consistent with bigoted behavior and that maybe the take away here is what drove so many to interpret the events of that night as they did.

They 'interputed' because they were lied to....simple as that.

The only people who can knock that chip off Black folk's shoulders are they themselves.

I didn't have anything to do with what happened to them in the past and I'm not going to waste my mind feeling guilt for something I had no control over.

If you choose to get all emotional over something you had nothing to do with, party on.
 
Re: Has obama brought the races together

the memory is the first thing to go Jack ... but don't worry, Reagan served one term with his memory almost gone completely (Contras? Arms for hostages? What? Where? When?) ... thanks ...

Another non-response.
 
In another thread someone tried to tell me Obama has united the races. His sole argument for this was that whites voted for him. IMO Obama has made race relations even worse and has squandered a golden opportunity to bring this country together with his divisive statements and the way he has inserted himself into various race related issues in a Sharpton, Jackson like fashion. I'm curious what others think and why.

I don't think race was an issue for the whites who voted for Obama. It was quite simple Democratic whites voted for their parties nominee and Republican whites voted for theirs. As for independents/swing voters, most of these folks were just plain tied of Republican rule and the economy and if the majority of whites in this group voted for Obama, this was the reason. This group also voted heavily Democratic back in 2006 when the Dems took back congress, the house and senate. They just continued on with this trend.

Personally, I think for the vast majority of whites it doesn't matter what race a political nominee is, it is his political views, what hope he inspires to make things better, what party he belongs to, and the general feeling of am I better off now than yesterday. Then too there are the hot button issues of the day. I think race for the majority is far down on the list of things that effect how a person votes. This is not to say, that there are still those bigots left in our society that will vote solely on race. But that is the same for every race.
 
Has a racist mulatto that has continually played the race card reduced racism in this country?
um uh no? great thing is, unlike those in the past we 'Muricans won't fall for this idiocy as so many others have?
 
Re: Has obama brought the races together

They 'interputed' because they were lied to....simple as that.

The only people who can knock that chip off Black folk's shoulders are they themselves.

I didn't have anything to do with what happened to them in the past and I'm not going to waste my mind feeling guilt for something I had no control over.

If you choose to get all emotional over something you had nothing to do with, party on.

I agree. I am not going to worry about what went on from Columbus to the civil war. I am not even going to worry about went on until 1947, the year I was born. I had no control over that. I do think it is important that everyone is made aware of the past so we as a whole can try to improve society today and keep it moving forward.

I am not going to feel sorry for a deadbeat because 200 years ago someone in his family was a slave. That is not an excuse for being a deadbeat today. I think it far more important to find out what this deadbeat has done for himself to improve both him and his standing in life. This goes for everyone, all races and all peoples. The past is what it is, yes your ancesters experienced terrible things and should not have happened to another individual. But the opportunity is here, now for vast improvement. What has each individual done with the opportunity is what is important.
 
I don't think race was an issue for the whites who voted for Obama. It was quite simple Democratic whites voted for their parties nominee and Republican whites voted for theirs. As for independents/swing voters, most of these folks were just plain tied of Republican rule and the economy and if the majority of whites in this group voted for Obama, this was the reason. This group also voted heavily Democratic back in 2006 when the Dems took back congress, the house and senate. They just continued on with this trend.

Personally, I think for the vast majority of whites it doesn't matter what race a political nominee is, it is his political views, what hope he inspires to make things better, what party he belongs to, and the general feeling of am I better off now than yesterday. Then too there are the hot button issues of the day. I think race for the majority is far down on the list of things that effect how a person votes. This is not to say, that there are still those bigots left in our society that will vote solely on race. But that is the same for every race.

For some of my liberal and "progressive" friends and family, race was a factor: Obama's being a person of color was a bonus. They were thrilled and saw his election as triumph. They did. (And they're still wearing their rose-colored glasses, and any criticism of Obama is dismissed as "racism" while Bush is then brought up.)

But I agree with you that most white voters didn't care about Obama's race (unless, as I've said, this was a bonus). There really are a lot of voters for whom someone's race or ethnicity is irrelevant, and they don't vote on gender or racial or party lines. Race-hustlers be damned; that train left the station in the 20th century.
 
Re: Has obama brought the races together

I agree. I am not going to worry about what went on from Columbus to the civil war. I am not even going to worry about went on until 1947, the year I was born. I had no control over that. I do think it is important that everyone is made aware of the past so we as a whole can try to improve society today and keep it moving forward.

I am not going to feel sorry for a deadbeat because 200 years ago someone in his family was a slave. That is not an excuse for being a deadbeat today. I think it far more important to find out what this deadbeat has done for himself to improve both him and his standing in life. This goes for everyone, all races and all peoples. The past is what it is, yes your ancesters experienced terrible things and should not have happened to another individual. But the opportunity is here, now for vast improvement. What has each individual done with the opportunity is what is important.

Good morning, Pero! :2wave:

Excellent points in your post! Many of us are here because our grandparents or parents left oppression in the countries they emigrated from to come to America. It's pointless to live in the past, since it can't be changed. We should all be trying to look toward a better future for all of us in the here and now. We've managed to build a great country that is the envy of the world, and I'd hate to see it dismantled by those who carry a grudge against those of us who had nothing to do with what happened several hundred years ago!

And, where have you been, my friend? I was ready to send the dogs to find you. Are you in the Land of Smiles? I've missed you! :!: :thumbs:
 
Re: Has obama brought the races together

I agree. I am not going to worry about what went on from Columbus to the civil war. I am not even going to worry about went on until 1947, the year I was born. I had no control over that. I do think it is important that everyone is made aware of the past so we as a whole can try to improve society today and keep it moving forward.

I am not going to feel sorry for a deadbeat because 200 years ago someone in his family was a slave. That is not an excuse for being a deadbeat today. I think it far more important to find out what this deadbeat has done for himself to improve both him and his standing in life. This goes for everyone, all races and all peoples. The past is what it is, yes your ancesters experienced terrible things and should not have happened to another individual. But the opportunity is here, now for vast improvement. What has each individual done with the opportunity is what is important.

Well history seems to follow the guidelines of the ones who have the power to change or manipulate it. This is why 'historians' constantly battle for their own interpretations to be revered.

You are absolutely right about not dwelling on ones past, looking forward and doing your best to better you and your family's situation.

Obsessing with the negative takes a lot more energy than looking for the positive.
 
Re: Has obama brought the races together

I don't understand what you're asking

Obama should have looked at the facts of the case to see that race was not involved before making his comments to the effect that race was involved.

Since race was not involved in the case, why did it matter if the suspect that got shot could have been his son, or looked like him?
 
Re: Has obama brought the races together

They 'interputed' because they were lied to....simple as that.

The only people who can knock that chip off Black folk's shoulders are they themselves.

I didn't have anything to do with what happened to them in the past and I'm not going to waste my mind feeling guilt for something I had no control over.

If you choose to get all emotional over something you had nothing to do with, party on.

I guess, unfortunately, our conversation here is over. You appear utterly unwilling to understand anyone's point of view but your own. For the record, I understand yours. I don't agree with it completely, but I do agree with some. I do not dismiss it and I give you and many who think like you credit for having based in on thought not emotion. Although emotion is clearly at work. You are not, however, 100% correct no one ever is. If you can not even make the effort to understand a different point of view then what is the point of this exchange.

I am not asking you to accept blame for anything I am asking you to make an effort to understand others.
 
Re: Has obama brought the races together

I guess, unfortunately, our conversation here is over. You appear utterly unwilling to understand anyone's point of view but your own. For the record, I understand yours. I don't agree with it completely, but I do agree with some. I do not dismiss it and I give you and many who think like you credit for having based in on thought not emotion. Although emotion is clearly at work. You are not, however, 100% correct no one ever is. If you can not even make the effort to understand a different point of view then what is the point of this exchange.

I am not asking you to accept blame for anything I am asking you to make an effort to understand others.

Oh I see, you just want me to say "I understand your side" Well I do. I use to be an anarchist Liberal in my youth. 40 years later, I wonder why.
 
Re: Has obama brought the races together

Obama should have looked at the facts of the case to see that race was not involved before making his comments to the effect that race was involved.

Since race was not involved in the case, why did it matter if the suspect that got shot could have been his son, or looked like him?

Politcs, not that its a good answer but I'm not defending him.
 
Re: Has obama brought the races together

Obama has undoubtedly made things worse, from that stupid statement on the Trayvon Martin case to his ridiculous involvement when one of his past professors cried wolf
 
Re: Has obama brought the races together

Oh I see, you just want me to say "I understand your side" Well I do. I use to be an anarchist Liberal in my youth. 40 years later, I wonder why.

Time can make us harder. But ultimately, that is a choice. We are probably closer in age than you would think but I still value the convictions of my youth because they were rooted in my humanity. I happen to think our humanity will be our salvation and we must preserve it in ourselves. Time has helped me to temper it with the understanding that having expectations of people and the preservation of the personal dignity one acquires when they stand on their own two feet (which is profoundly empowering) are what it truly means to help someone; helping others so you feel good about yourself is self-serving. This is really derailing this threat but....you started it. (joke)
 
Has a racist mulatto that has continually played the race card reduced racism in this country?
um uh no? great thing is, unlike those in the past we 'Muricans won't fall for this idiocy as so many others have?

which is why the guy lost in 2008 and again in 2012! HEY! WAIT A MINUTE! HE WON! BOTH TIMES! WE FELL FOR THIS IDIOCY AFTER ALL!
 
Did you miss the point? (and the boat?) Has Obambo been able to start a race war? If he did who do ya think would win?
Hitler used the Jews to further his agenda ol Barry is selling that 'murica is racist We hmmm let's shove white folks in the oven then
 
Re: Has obama brought the races together

Obama has undoubtedly made things worse, from that stupid statement on the Trayvon Martin case to his ridiculous involvement when one of his past professors cried wolf
and he ain't done yet!
 
Re: Has obama brought the races together

I believe he's made relations worse. The biggest thing he did was get involved in the T Martin/G Zimmerman case. He never should have commented on it. Presidents should never bring themselves to that level because now he's almost obligated to trumpet any perceived racial injustice against any race. Of course, according to some on this thread, being the white conservative I am makes me have no voice due to my racism. Whatever.
 
Re: Has obama brought the races together

Obama is the most racist president we have ever had.. He loves Muslims. He needs to be impeached.

Once again Navy Pride treats us all with a special helping of his Irony......and he doesn't even see it. Too funny.
 
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