"Terrorist!"
"Arab!"
"That One."
"Off with his head!"
"Get him!"
Well, well.
Suppose someone decided to do just that? "Off with his head", so to speak. (Senator/President Obama)?
The handwriting is on the wall. CNN, whose forecasts are VERY conservative, (not wanting to stick their necks out) are illustrating with their electoral college map, that the ONLY way John McCain could possibly win this election would be to win the remaining YELLOW States -- ALL OF THEM -- and even then, he might not have enough votes to win the Presidency.
Obama = 264 electoral votes
McCain = 174 electoral votes
(270 is what is needed to win.)
Through some miracle, like the assassination of Barack Obama, if McCain were to pull this off, his Presidency would forever be tainted with the rhetoric that he, and ESPECIALLY, Sarah Palin used, and encouraged in their rallies to incite hatred, and encourage misinformation.
They know that Barack Obama is no terrorist.
They know that Barack Obama was born in Hawaii.
They know that Barack Obama is a Christian, and not an Arab, ALTHOUGH there is absolutely NOTHING WRONG with being an Arab. But, they're feeding on the fears and hatreds of THEIR constituents.
They know their hands would be just as dirty as the person who fired the shot, were they to continue on this path, without correcting the misinformation out there about Senator Obama.
In a nutshell:
It has NOTHING to do with generosity or goodness on the part of McCain/Palin. They don't want that legacy to follow them.
_______________________________________________
Moving on . . .
The other factor -- again -- is that the handwriting is on the wall. Barack Obama is going to win.
Homeland Security knows it.
The FBI know it.
The CIA knows it, and cutting to the chase
[I'm whispering now],
The Secret Service knows it, too.
By the way, speaking of the Secret Service, and the FBI, notice how they're always able to photographically capture assassins like Lee Harvey Oswald, BEFORE they commit their crime.
Haven't you ever wondered about that? It's sort of like, they had been watching them for a time before the crime. Uh-huh. Think about it.
So, while you -- who are so anti-Obama, (the next President) -- are spouting off about him, don't dare think that they are NOT, at this very moment assembling a little dossier on YOU! THAT . . .is their job, people. It's nothing personal. In this day and age it is not that difficult to do -- to compile information on YOUR WHOLE LIFE as an enemy of the Federal Republic of the United States, making threats against the President, President-to-be/President-elect.
Forget your "freedom of speech". Are you kidding me? They're not much caring about your "freedom of speech". They have a job to do, and by golly, if you get in their way? They shall trample over your "civil liberties" faster than you can say: "Patriot Act."
But, it's really for the good of the Country. The President must be protected.
I'm just saying, better watch your mouth.
The Secret Service -- Their Job
The Secret Service has primary jurisdiction over . . . as well as
protection of the President,
Vice President,
President-elect,
Vice President-elect,
past Presidents and their spouses (except when the spouse re-marries),
certain candidates for the offices of President and Vice President
(mostly within 120 days of a general presidential election),
children and grandchildren of current and former presidents until age 16,
visiting foreign heads of state and government along with their spouses (all called "protectees"),
other individuals as designated per Executive Order of the President, and National Special Security Events, when designated as such by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
It also tracks suspicious people and investigates a wide variety of financial fraud crimes . . . .Due to the discretion of this organization, many details are currently unknown about the Secret Service.
______________________________________________________________
What About Obama?
The Presidential Seal dons the great words,
'e pluribus unum' -- 'out of many, one'
or 'UNITY'.
It is unfortunate that for the last 8 years this Country has been lead to believe that the motto should be changed to,
OUT OF MANY, "SOME" AS IN 1% OF THE RICHEST.
___________________________________________
Prior to the 2008 Presidential election, the Secret Service generally protected major candidates over the 120 days preceding an election. On May 3, 2007, the Secret Service announced that Senator Barack Obama would also have protection following a request from Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, due in part to racially motivated threats against the candidate.
Sources about the Secret Service: Wikipedia, and CNN.com
Note: Although this source says May, 2007, I saw an 180 degree change in Senator Obama's personage in April, 2007, and that's when I knew. I knew. Somebody's threatened his life, and now the people can not get close to him as before. See, he's the type that SHINES when he is out there -- freely -- in the midst of the people, touching, talking, hugging, and suddenly that had stopped, so I knew. EVERYTHING HAS CHANGED FOREVER NOW. But if the sources are saying May, fine.
_______________________________________________________________
Finally, let me say this: there was nothing valiant or heroic about Senator McCain's gesture; it was done for SELF, and that makes me sad -- very disappointed.
I saw a little of the way Stanford University went about testing the racism, and it was also sad -- to know that these feelings are there in the subconscious brains of people. Let me say this much: those of you who believe in God, and expect to head on up to Heaven someday, what? Do you expect a segregated Heaven?
Do you expect a completely White Heaven?
I have news for you; picture this:
God: Sorry, no entry for you?
You: But why? Didn't l lead a good life?
God: We have Black people in here. I'm not having the same foolishness that went on down on Earth up here. I've got a place for you, though. Ever heard of Hell?
_______________________________________________________________
You, whom cannot find it in your hearts to vote for a Black man had better search your hearts, for what is going on with you runs deeper than just some political event. You may open your mouth, and say one thing, but Stanford patterned the test to your subconscious, people. Gotcha!!! You know who you are, and that subconscious part of your brain . . .is TELLING ON YOU, despite what your mouth says.
_______________________________________________________________
Valerie M, I added this part for you:
The Service also investigates forgery of government checks, forgery of currency equivalents (such as travelers' or cashiers' checks), and certain instances of wire fraud (such as the so called (Nigerian scam) and credit card fraud.
And for those who think they'll able to create alters to threaten and harass people:
The Secret Service also has concurrent jurisdiction for violation of federal computer crime laws. They have created a network of 24 Electronic Crimes Task Forces (ECTFs) across the United States. These task forces create partnerships between the Service, federal/state and local law enforcement, the private sector and academia aimed at combating technology based crimes.
Yahoo! tells me that it is a FEDERAL crime to threaten someone over the Internet. I keep telling people that there is NO ANONYMITY on the Internet, and you don't believe me.
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Comments: 128 ( 2 removed by ~Lady Neeetah of California~Obama #44 W. )
McCain's 'intervention' seemed too little, too late. His campaign has an angry tone because he is an angry person -- who, by the way, has not shown any level of respect whatsoever (MO) to Barack. People do notice this, and he also needs to rein in that nasty pitbull and have an honest discussion with his 'base' about racism in America.
I'm afraid we're seeing the WORST and the BEST of America.
I hope the Secret Service has overtime hours alloted.
Since I'm communicating a great deal with high school classmates, and one of them -- or was it two was present -- it reminded me what happened to a particular "creme de la creme" clan member, the female of this particular clan.
She thought she was going to have an Hispanic boyfriend. So much for thinking. The first time she brought him to the house, well . . .not exactly a replay of "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner."
After he left, her father gave it to her, and he gave it to her but GOOD. Told her that she had better not EVER think about bringing one of "those" into their home again.
She came to school the next day talking about it, and stunned, not understanding how her father could feel that way about a "Mexican". I guess she found out though, didn't she?
See, this is why Cesar Chavez was such a Godsend in our/my home area.
All of this HATRED really needs to stop.
I want to distinguish between the polls and the reporting that CNN is doing . . .
In short, you do yourself and your chosen candidate a disservice in my opinion, by pretending you are some sort of Prophet. My God forbids me to "play along" with those that claim His abilities, His alone.
I just read John's comment. Thank you for your comment, John.
I think it took some courage for him to run for president, I remember the interview with him and his wife Michelle, the question was asked and she said they had talked about it and then she added, in some places you can get shot walking to the store.
That is one reason I see no guile in him, he cares about this country enough to risk it, and you have to assume she feels the same because she cares for him, and frankly I am not sure if it had been me I would have approved of him taking the risk.
I think I would have been selfish.
I think the new generation especially who has formed friendships and married in other races has greatly opened and improved the dialogue within races.
The Obama candidacy for me is a great gift to this country, not only for who he is as a person but also for his biracial background, another blessing for the goal of Unity we so ardently proclaim in our constitution.
What CNN is doing is taking the polls, and wherever the polls indicate that the undecided
. . .let me give you an example
Obama has about a 10% --10 point lead (according to CNN) over McCain in the polls
However, the undecideds are about 6-8% (I forget the example number off the top of my head.)
Based on that information, CNN is projecting that even if all of the undecideds voted for John McCain, Obama would still take Pennsylvania; therefore they are calling Pennsylvania for Barack Obama.
In any State, like Nevada or Ohio, where the undecideds may make a difference, even if Obama is ahead in the polls, they are leaving that State as yellow, or up for grabs.
I forgot to mention that the 10 point lead example I used was for Pennsylvania. I think Obama should thank Hillary for that lead in the polls.
I'll be honest with you here: frankly (personally), I had wished he would not run, either. The reason IS because of the hatred.
However, looking at what I see he wants to do, and looking at what Michelle is willing to sacrifice, knowing what is at stake for her and her girls, I feel if they are willing to do it,
GO FOR IT!!!
It was probably one of the hardest things that she had to do.
I admire her for it.
We had to hide under the desks in school in fear of the 'bomb', some built safe rooms or bomb shelters and hoarded food and water.
There is no safe place to hide from bigotry, no safe haven from racism and no protection from ANYTHING in a country that has lost faith in its leaders!
ONE answer ....BETTER Government. NOW!
Some McCain advisors want him to hone in on a single issue, like Ayers and others want him to focus on a plan for economic stability and recovery. I don't believe dishonest personality attacks turn on any but the most naive or prejudiced citizens, other than "ditto heads" whose moniker speaks for itself.
I have to echo the words of a woman I have the utmost pride in... This is the first time I have REALLY been proud of my country. Except that there are those who seem hell-bent on destroying our dreams and visions. I believe that the majority of us are in agreement as far as the kind of world we want to live in, and the majority WILL rule this time. If the McCain supporters don't like it, they can just work harder at getting someone WORTH voting for, for the next election. Isn't that the way it's supposed to work?
The hate has to stop, and I believe for that reason, Obama is the ONLY man for the job now.
After reading your comment, I checked to see where you lived, and (I hope you don't mind), how old you were, if it was posted. Wow! What experiences!
Since I'm thick-skinned, and already accused of being irrational -- which I reject, since I don't allow people to define me -- let me say this much:
It has gone past the time for the answer being "better government now!"
This Country is on a destructive path, and this Country is not willing to perceive or to heed.
I shall give you examples:
9/11. Have we no faith in the very sophisticated Intelligence and National Security that protects this Country, meaning the CIA, FBI, and the NSA? Homeland Security and the Patriot were never necessary. It was known long before it occurred that 9/11 would occur; OUR PEOPLE ARE VERY SAAVY AND VERY SOPHISTICATED, and we should be proud, and pleased that they are. Yet 9/11 did happen. Why? Ask yourself why was it allowed to occur? In short, America has THE most advanced, sophisticated, state of the art, best-trained, Intelligence system IN . . .THE . . .WORLD, so please do not tell me that they did not know that a group of what -- 19 young men had not planned to run planes into buildings, even though it is on record (CNN, for one) that the Philippine President notified the CIA in plenty of time. Also, the head of the CIA was on 60 Minutes admitting that they knew, but Rice never told the President? I needed no great powers of prophecy to figure it out. It only takes sound logic.
The War in Iraq. There was no evidence that Osama bin Laden or Al Qaeda was there. What was the point of our being there? Powell, and H.W had crippled that country. We should have been in pursuit of bin Laden FIRST AND FOREMOST. Why were we distracted from that?
The George W. Bush Presidency. It was the dumbest move ever to be made by an electorate in the history of this nation, and yet he was elected -- not on a record -- but on likeability, and on violating the Constitution. Nothing in the Constitution gives the Supreme Court the right to put a President in office. The people did nothing.
I could go on, but what is the point. None of this requires any great gifts of prophecy.
EVERYTHING, and I do mean EVERYTHING that you have said is on point.
Please do continue to surround Obama with the bubble of protection.
Those who know how to use words, and especially blessings know they are powerful. Even scientists are learning this through physics (finally catching up with us, who already knew this).
No Judi, you are not the least bit "weird". You are about as
"weird" as I was on the day I said
" won't be sick anymore."
got up out of my bed, and WAS NOT sick anymore, after 3.5 years; left doctors scratching their heads, and not just any doctors. UCSF Medical Center is considered one of the top 10 in the nation.
So we "weird" people must be "on" to something. Whatever it is, Judi?
KEEEEEEP DOING IT!~!!!!
Thanks, JustMe!
Julie,
Optimism is good -- is needed. Hope is needed too.
Huh? I'm not going to see that movie; I already told you so.
It has NOTHING to do with generosity or goodness on the part of McCain/Palin. They don't want that legacy to follow them. If I have anything to do with it, this legacy will stay with both of them and their corrupt party. It went on far too long and I don't believe for a minute it wasn't part of the plan.
I want to, so badly. But I can't.
See an ostrich, goose 'em. That'll get their heads out of the sand....
It was definitely part of the plan. I agree with you wholeheartedly.
What was NOT part of the plan was someone yellling out, kill him. Oh, but aren't they combing through the tapes looking for that person.
As far as the officer standing on the stage? His career is O-V-E-R, especially when Obama becomes President. In uniform. Think the Secret Service won't be keeping a close eye on this gun-carrying fellow?
People seem to think all of this is for play, for fun and games.
What I would like to know, if they tell me, is when they get stopped at the airport, and they don't seem to know why,
except, they're being told they are on a list.
Oh no, this is NOT for play. McCain knows it. I know it too. That's why I am careful about what I say on these threads.
I won't go around calling McCain (gosh, what are some of the names used?), I can't think of any at the moment. I cannot afford to get on any lists, though.
But Sandy, you are sooo right: it was planned. The plan just got out of control, as it often does, when you make yourself a purveyor of hatred and lies.
Linda B.: thanks for the comment. Julie pointed out my cynicism. Maybe I have just seen too much. I am numbed somewhat, now. Think about it. With all that has gone on in the last 8 years, it should have been more than enough, but yet, there are people who've barely a pot to pee in, saying they are going to vote for McCain, and not Obama because they cannot bring themself to vote for a Black man.
Why wouldn't I be cynical when the level of hatred reaches that deeply in a person's heart, Linda?
Check out 60 Minutes' transcipts -- you'll find it
or
Read Tenet's book.
We should be proud to have the BEST Intelligence people in the world,
except, it does beg the question: why wasn't 9/11 prevented?
And by the way, Gather can look at your deleted email, too!!!
I'm ROFL.
I'm not saying Gather would do that, but the point I'm trying to make is that those who think they are so clever, really are not clever at all. There are all kinds of identifiers that trace your little alters back to YOU!
You are not getting away with anything.
Don't forget that it was the U.S. government that created the Internet in the first place.
Please........
You guys all treat Obama like a baby. I realise that he is an inexperienced man-child but quit crying for him. Politics aint bean-bag.
Your cynicism is honest--and above all else, that's what we need, even if it's scary, for those saying it or those listening to it. If we don't listen and learn from each other, what's the point? Nothing will change. Some don't want anything to change, but there's too much about our country and society that doesn't work anymore...some have suffered continually for far too long, some are just starting to suffer and soon, even more will begin to suffer...there has to be some impetus for change.
My neighbor across the street stopped two teenage boys from invading my home one night when I was home alone--yelled at them to get on down the road and stood at the end of his driveway watching them run away down the street. This neighbor has weekend get-togethers that can get rather loud but they never go past 10:30 or 11:00 on Friday or Saturday nights and every other night, he's outside working on vehicles with his radio on but I can't hear it once I'm inside my house.
Around the corner from his house is the home of a man whose father was a Methodist preacher and actually spent three years at my grandmother's church in Marion, MS. He has very low tolerance for any kind of noise (even 'happy' noise of people enjoying themselves) and when he's had enough, he calls the police. They don't always show up when he thinks they should, so he gets out his pistol and drives around the neighborhood yelling out the driver's window and firing shots in the air. I keep running into him at the gas station and because of the tenuous 'family' connection, he keeps telling me to call the police on my neighbors-across-the-street....until several months back when I asked him, if sleep is such a problem, why didn't he just buy some earplugs? Hasn't spoken to me since.
The similarity--both treated me as if "we're all in this together".
The difference: the first showed concern for my welfare. The second endangers the welfare of the entire neighborhood every time he ventures outside his door after sundown.
Which one do you think I wish would move?
Explain this statement, please, for I seriously doubt that ANYONE would dare to treat Obama like a baby. I've seen the man up close and personal. Although, he is a friendly guy -- to be sure -- it would seem to me, in the proper circumstance, he could surely kick some butt.
Example: do not mess with his family.
But again, explain this comment:
"You guys all treat Obama like a baby. I realise that he is an inexperienced man-child but quit crying for him. Politics aint bean-bag."
Thanks!
I knew you weren't complaining about my cynicism, and I received your comment very positively.
In the final analysis, come what may, it is my belief that I must do what is right, for I'm only able to affect what I do in this old world. By doing this, I mustn't allow any external factors to affect my joy, despite my cynicism. It is this attitude that gives me peace, keeps me happy, and laughing. Does that make sense?
By the way, I really liked your story of comparison/contrast. You made your point, and you did it quite well. Thank you for bringing it to the discussion.
Think where man's glory most begins and ends,
And say my glory was I had such friends.
William Butler Yeats.
I meant that though I want to disagree with it, I cannot. When I saw the snippet of McCain "setting straight" the Ohio woman who said, "He's an Arab!" I thought to myself, "How utterly contrived!" It was perfect... it set him up to look like he was being civil and decent, when in fact, he was using her to try to make himself look civil and decent. Just after I saw that snippet, I saw another of his disgusting ads.
It is all an act, and it makes me profoundly disgusted and embarrassed to be the same "race" as McCain.
and you too, Julie! I seriously doubt that I could take offense at the things you say. I am not easily offended.
Valerie,
People who are serious about their lives, and their pocketbooks do not have time for a bunch of foolishness, and that is what all of this is about: foolishness. What they want to know is what these candidates are going to do for them. It's what I'm hearing. They are not about hearing the bickering, fingerpointing, and namecalling
When Obama spelled out "J-O-B-S" today, ears perked up. It is like one guy said to me,
"I don't know about this and that. What I do know is that I need a job." Now, THAT is how you are going to get the electorate's attention -- speaking to the issues, not digging up dirt.
Thanks, Valerie.
Kerrell,
Oh, I have much to say about it. However, I let it go at the one question that I have been posing for a number of years now, and a question that has yet to provide me with a satisfactory answer:
WHERE IS OSAMA BIN LADEN?
Thanks, Kerrell.
Where is Jeff H.?
He never seems to return to answer my questions.
Rolling Stone article on McCain
Thank you! I shall read this, and any other articles you wish to post here as well!
Yes, I have a message FOR YOU!:
You create an alter so that you may act in secret, not wanting to do your dirt in your real name.
As I told you before: "be a man at least." Even then, you could not speak your own words, but would only copy and paste the words of others.
REPEAT:
I know who you are, and YOU KNOW I know.
The rules are the same for these listed below:
John McCain
Barack Obama
Sarah Palin
Joe Biden
You think you might come onto this thread and use a crass term to speak of Senator McCain, simply because I no longer respect him?
I have news for you. Listen and listen well: While I may not respect the things that he has done, he is STILL the Senator from the great State of Arizona;
he is still the Republican candidate for President of the United States,
he still is a military veteran who served his Country, and received an honorary discharge from the military . . .
I dare say it is far, far more than what YOU have done, or shall ever do.
Each time you do it, you shall be deleted, and deleted, and deleted again.
Don't you ever think that you shall come onto one of my threads using that type of language -- an alter at that -- about one of our elected officials -- whether I like them or not, and it shall stand on the thread, you COWARD, you.
Scurry along back under the rock from whence you came . . .
Shame on YOU for having the gall and the nerve to come here, and defend hatred.
I haven't been over to see your posts in awhile. Maybe I should.
Until I see McCain AND Palin CONSISTENTLY insist that their crowds behave in an orderly and respectful manner,
as Senator Obama does, which is something I know, because I haven't just HEARD, but SEEN it,
I hold them responsible for every action that results from the hatred they incite.
Shall I repeat it?
Furthermore, since YOU brought it up -- THANK YOU!!!
There was another who knew how to inspire crowds to hatred.
I don't recall his taking one step toward a "oven" or ever shooting a gun, but HE was also just as complicit --
I believe you know his name; his name was Adolph Hitler.
what Adolph Hitlersuccessfully did.
The blind sheep followed Hitler, and I see it being repeated now.
Doctrines of hatred and accusation have no place in a Christian heart, yet YOU call yourself a Christian, and have embraced these doctrines that McCain and Palin STARTED, CONTINUED, and seem to ENJOY.
Now that we return fire for fire, you have the gall to come here to complain.
Go to your own house, and put the fire out there.
Obama never started this. All along he has asked to speak on the issues.
Why won't McCain do this?
You said:
"This is one of the most exceptionally honest and extermely straightforward articles I've read discussing this sensitive issue.
The world is filled with ignorant, hateful individuals that base their judgement of human beings on pigment, religion, sexual orientation, etc, as evidenced so horrifyingly by the unbelievable ignorant individuals at the Mccain rallies. That one elderly lady who called Obama an Arab, I mean, that is some scary stuff.
Considering the exceptionally gifted writer that you are, I cannot help but appreciate the bittersweet compliment.
I appreciate it, yes. Yet -- as you say -- it IS some scary stuff, for there are far too many in this Country that just won't be satisfied until Obama is dead, and listening to the SCARY rhetoric on Gather, they are even amongst us here.
It's very scary, indeed.
Thank you, Selene.
And yes they are here on Gather.
here is the thing we all knew that "WHEN" Obama came this close we would start to see the racist heads appear... they have hid well for some time. Now they are being forced out of hiding and we should not be shocked at all. Nor fearful. This Demon we have fought before and won and we will I say WE WILL WIN AGAIN!
Once again lady N ... GREAT ARTICLE.
Although I am not surprised, I am very disappointed that race and ancestry is still being hotly debated in an arena where political ideas and goals are the key to success.
I won't give an opinion on who should win on political principles; as I have already said, we are getting a pretty biased view and most of what I know of McCain and Palin comes from you (LOL), but I will say that perhaps the voters who have the backwards idea that there is no place in America for a black president should be shipped to Zimbabwe for a nice pleasant holiday where the shoe is on the other foot!
(oh no! That was so mean!!)
There is a colonial mentality here. It was here from the moment the first slave ship arrived, and it never left, although there are some people who think it is successfully hidden.
I'd rather it were out there in the open -- honestly and truthfully; at least I would respect the lack of hypocrisy.
Alison, for many years, Blacks were even fed the lie that this colonial attitude was held in all of Europe, but, from firsthand accounts, I know it simply isn't true. One example is a French gentleman that I've posted an article about recently, and there are others, but these are the lies that are perpetually put out there, and now that Senator Obama is nearing a high leadership position? I am seeing just WHO is coming out, and their true behaviour/feelings/attitudes as well.
I know that the world is embracing and hoping that Senator Obama wins; I have certainly heard it stated to me enough times from people of other nations. I have certainly heard it said, at times in desperation that someone with some reason, sound judgment, and a world's view will soon sit in the Oval office (Obama). They truly fear a John McCain Presidency, and I try to understand why it is difficult for them to just come out and say it to the people here on Gather!!! Are Americans that intimidating to them? Are we REALLY that bad?
Then again, based on what I've seen thus far, maybe we are. Even your statement bears it out.
Well, in a few weeks we shall see what happens, and maybe then the whole world may be able to . . .exhale.
Thanks for your frankness, Alison!
Hugs to Ryan!
FURTHER, Senator Obama was RAISED by his WHITE mother and WHITE (I might add "Midwestern" -- with all that this label implies) grandparents, which, in ANY THINKING PERSON'S OPINION, should actually make him MORE WHITE than he is BLACK!!!
I mean, he didn't even MEET his father until he was quite old enough to be considered VERY ADULT so ANY influence WHATSOEVER his foreign-born father had upon him WAS MINIMAL AT BEST!!!
**walks off shaking head**
Clara
and
Crystal Leigh Harris F.
Sheila,
Although, I shan't waver in my belief that Obama wins, I still say that EVERY American should vote -- no matter the vote -- for it is the American way. To say,
"Oh well, it is over already is a copout."
NO!!!
There is NO EXCUSE to not vote, in my opinion, unless a person has religious beliefs contrary to voting, such as Jehovah's Witnesses. They have very valid Christian reasons for not voting, and I respect those reasons.
To say,
"Oh well, it is over."
That is a copout. Sorry for the confusion.
You specifically pinged me to request that I respond to your comment, and that being the case, I shall and I shall do it in a separate bubble.
Jean, everything that you have said is true. I don't talk about it, because I do not think that race or colour carries the importance that many do. In my interpersonal contacts, I have found that about 95% of the talk about race or colour has come from White people, and listen to this:
100%, meaning contacts -- people with whom I communicate through email, blogging, telephone, or face-to-face, all of these considered? 100% of the discussion of colour, which has come from White people has come from Gather.
Do not be misled; I have as many, if not more White friends than I do Black friends in the real world. But, this isn't an issue that comes up, unless I go back, telling them about what the people on Gather are saying, meaning that I am coming back to them and discussing it, not vice-versa. Now, why is that, Jean? Why? I tell you what: it is not good advertisement for Gather, and I shall just leave it at that.
I doubt that there would be many -- if any -- child development experts who would not say that a child's personality has NOT been framed by age 5 or 6. Barack Obama was raised by his White mother, and White grandparents in a White environment, and therefore his personality was already imprinted on him long before he ever met his father at age 10.
In all honesty, I giggle at Obama, for there is little about him that is "Black" in the traditional sense of what "Black" is, although he tries. I'm ROFL. Poor, poor Obama. Obama does not even have rhythm, and that's a terrible stereotypical thing for me to say, but I say it with much affection. I have been ridiculed, made fun of, and called "White girl", so when I laugh at him, I sympathize too. But all teasing aside, I also sympathize with the problems he must have had trying to find his identity, wrestling with that. I think that the identity issue has been something that probably strengthened him, and gave him that wonderful sense of humor that he has.
Finally, in his adult years, he sought out his father's family. He wanted to know about that side of himself, and he found it. It was brilliant of him to be able to successfully merge the two cultures as he has done, plus incorporating the third -- the culture of his sister (I think her name is Maya), which is the Asian culture. Obama is a truly international man; this attribute
African
European
and with familial Asian ties as close as a half-sister, and having lived in Asian
would only serve to strengthen our relationships in a world that is so desperately looking to America more than ever to unite the world economically, and in a humanitarian measure for world peace. But this effort has to begin at home. It's obvious that one candidate promotes division and hate -- the world sees it, and dreads him
The world hopes for Barack Obama. My aunt read me the Reader's Digest article that indicated that if the world were to vote, they would vote overwhelmingly for
Barack Obama.
If I didn't answer your question Jean, let me know, and sorry it took me so long to get a response to you.
and
Elizabeth Madrigal,
Who was it that said,
"I pity the fool"???
No, no. We shall not have any of that. They had better be a very long way away. You are absolutely correct, for they NEVER have the benefit of a trial. It is not that I would do anything -- no!!! But Obama supporters take his protection very seriously, and many are very passionate about his safety as well.
Add to that the fuel that McCain, and especially Palin has added to the fire of inciting hatred; still she goes on, and on; Obama supporters are not happy, to say the least.
Thank you, Elizabeth!
"...everyone to whom it makes some kind of DIFFERNCE in the way that they THINK about him..."
And I certainly was NOT including myself in that number... at ALL... The thing that I would pick out about Senator Obama as a reason to vote or not vote for him would be his love of peace and his representation of those who have had but little representation in the last 8 years: The poor, people of color, women -- in short -- all of those who are not RICH, ADULT, WHITE and HEALTHY.
As a culture, our level of "civilized behavior" should be judged from the way that we treat those who are "weaker" in some way than ourselves... The disenfranchised, the downtrodden... THAT is the measure of our evolution, IMHO.
In all my decades (!) of watching Presidential campaigns, I have never heard the words used in this one. The hate is venomous. I have never heard people yell at rallies that the contender should be killed. Even in 1968, I don't recall the type of language used then as it's used now. Even though George Wallace was treated with indifference, he wasn't treated with verbal malice (or at least I don't remember hearing about it). Still, my point is, this is the most hurtful campaign I have ever experienced and hopefully, this isn't the beginning of a new regressive trend within the American political system.
I hope that answered your question to your satisfaction.
Kathy!!!!
Thank you!!!
and to Louise and Molly's Dad!!!, Bounder,
Bounder, it is a sign of the times. I do so wish that email were up, for I would email you a more in-depth response. Suffice to say that the seeds of hatred -- when sown -- yield its harvest, and I'm assuming that you might know a little about the yield of the land. "Like" produces "like", meaning that you cannot plant corn seeds and expect to harvest apples.
Likewise when you plant hatred in the "soil" or the heart of people, it shall also yield after its own as well. This cultivation didn't begin with McCain and Palin; they are simply watering, and nourishing it to fruition. It is a centuries old yield, always being quietly fed and nourished, screaming for harvest, and now . . .I've been keeping an eye on it, and the participants. I respect your insight.
Thank you for the comment.
and
Doc,
What does looks have to do with being President?
If the truth is told, there are 2:
John F. Kennedy, and Barack Obama who might claim "looks" as Presidents, and only Obama when he obtains the victory.
But again, what DOES looks have to do with running the Country?
If looks were a qualification, McCain . . .
Let us not go there.
I am definitely an Obama supporter.
I shall ping . . .
Shame on YOU for having the gall and the nerve to come here, and defend hatred.
I haven't been over to see your posts in awhile. Maybe I should.
Until I see McCain AND Palin CONSISTENTLY insist that their crowds behave in an orderly and respectful manner,"""""
The secret service said that the accusations leveled by you Nalita were unfounded. But my point is that you claim that McCain is inspring hate SPEECH. Today it was reported that a girl was beaten and robbed at an ATM machine and the letter B was carved into her face because she has a McCain sticker with her. Last week a man took a McCain sign from a supporter and beat the crap out of her with it. His excuse was that he is just so worked up from the political climate. The political climate "inspired" by Obama?
Here is my first comment to you:
~Lady Neeetah of California~Obama 08 W., Oct 14, 2008, 8:59PM EDT
When are you going to answer the questions like you said, Jeff?
I'm so pleased that you brought Buddy back, by the way; it about time!!!
:=)
view ~Lady Neeetah of California~Obama 08's profile | Ping ~Lady Neeetah of California~Obama 08
It is your problem, because no one is going to come onto my threads and stifle my free speech "how daring me" for anything that isn't profane, or a TOS violation.
The person who said that is a friend of mine, but that person was out of line, plus because that person is my friend, your involving yourself in our affair is out of line. We know our to handle our business between ourselves, and we shall. We shall remain friends, or least I shall remain that person's friend.
Back to you:
While it's true that YOUR friends have flagged my content quite often for TOS violation, I don't care anymore. Flag away. Once it has been removed, it turns out that THEY are the ones who are in ERROR. I simply go on with my happy day; it has helped me to become stoical to it.
By the way, I have NEVER flagged a person, and Gather can attest to this; I find the action distasteful.
Wait! Correction: I have flagged myself.
You said --
"The secret service said that the accusations leveled by you Nalita were unfounded. But my point is that you claim that McCain is inspring hate SPEECH. Today it was reported that a girl was beaten and robbed at an ATM machine and the letter B was carved into her face because she has a McCain sticker with her. Last week a man took a McCain sign from a supporter and beat the crap out of her with it. His excuse was that he is just so worked up from the political climate. The political climate "inspired" by Obama?
Again, I ask for substantiation, and again I shall ping you -- asking for it.
As my first comment to you indicates, I pinged you way back on October 14,
9 days ago
and have yet to receive responses.
I'm waiting for those, and now shall wait for this one, too.
Thanks.
I knew it was a matter of time.
Unlike you, I have a source: Anderson Cooper360, Larry King Live, David Gerber -- CNN
Furthermore, David Gerber -- advisor to 5 Presidents (both Republicans and Democrats) stated yesterday on Larry King Live that Palin needs to be taken out of the limelight, because she is causing so much damage to McCain's campaign, she just needs to get out of the way.
I know that you have been busy, so you need not thank me. As you know, it is not tax deductible, though.
I like to take care of my friends!
Great article and I am sorry that I missedit when you first published it. I think you and I have talked before on the fear for what may happen to this good man and this country should it happen. I hope that cooler heads prevail and that the Secret Service is at the top of their game from here on out.
OH and don't hold your breathe waiting for Jeff to provide you with factual sources for the B Zorro crap and the other beating. I do not think he will be too forthcoming with reliable confirmation on that crap.
Nalita your free speech is my free speech. I am sick of people acting like my speech in response to their speech is unconstitutional. Don't throw stones if you live in a glass house.
I am not surprised that you and Nalita haven't heard the reports. Mainstream media does not like to talk about things that might hurt Obama but then again when you are a Daily kook troll what gives?
Here is the link:
http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/news/17789356/detail.html
How long before the nut roots say Karl Rove dressed up as a 6'4 Black man and did it?