My candidate lost last night.
There will be time to reflect on that loss, but now it's time to reflect on the win.
The color barrier in this country has been shattered.
When I think about all of the times in my life when I've walked a little taller, they just don't seem to compare to what African Americans must be feeling this morning.
I'm working on a column for Monday's print edition and I'll be speaking with friends during the next few days to at least attempt to understand the magnitude of Barack Obama's march to the White House, forty years after Martin Luther King Jr.'s march on Washington.
Please, take a few moments to share your thoughts.
I know there must be an awful lot of pride out there right now. What other emotions are being felt as the reality of the first man of color being elected to the highest office in the land settles in?
29 comments:
Don't patronize us, Stan. Many of your columns have had racial undertones. Don't act all blown away by the moment all of a sudden. Go back into your shell with all the other defeated Republicans and took a long look in the mirror.
Stan,
Your man lost but more importantly America is now lost and floundering in an age of media manipulation.
Obama is the chosen candidate of the media has been promoted and protected by the organizations that provide America it news coverage.
If Obama were vetted like Sarah Palin or any other Republican he never would have been the nominee.
This election was more about those who hate President Bush than
voted for Obama because America has just elected a President that is a mystery to them.
Everyone is congratulating Obama on winning the election and calling for unity. In good conscious I cannot applaud this coronation.
I will applaud our Constitution that provides for the peaceful transfer of power once again.
jeff2012
I'm white and really didn't care what color he was. I looked at his position on the issues and decided he wasn't right for the job. Unfortunately I think a lot of black Americans only looked at his skin color. I work with a large number of black Americans and this is predominantly all they talked about. Most of them had no clue where he stood on any issue other than that he promised to put money in their individual pockets.
I'd be proud of any choice if I thought he'd been elected fairly, without media bias, without some people using a vote for Obama as a protest vote against Bush, without blatant manipulation of facts and lying to the American people. Nothing to be proud of today - black, white or otherwise.
Let's look at what our NEW President elect had to say on 7-17-07 when he addressed Planned Parenthood.
"The first thing I'd do as President is, sign the Freedom of Choice Act. That's the first thing I'd do."
Signing the Freedom of Choice Act would overturn all 300+ local, state,and federal abortion restriction laws, such as Partial Birth Abortion Ban and parential notification regulations for minors.
I would hope that this is one promise he doesn't remember.
Kids go out and enjoy unprotected sex without a worry, the President will take care of your abortion.
With the free health care he promised everyone, why worry.
To all the Kims out there...It is time for all people of color to rejoice that just this once, they are making a difference. Obama is not originally from a "slave" family, as you already know, but the fact that he worked his way to a position of leadership of this country is all-important. As for any person that comes from the South and admits to and expresses the feelings of his family while growing up, just as Obama and Stan have done, is outstanding. The Mason/Dixon Line still stands - many people below the line have true problems with race/color no matter for what reason. Once you have lived here in this area it seems to disappear and you can talk about your relatives and their feelings, etc. - that is exactly what Stan has done. Give credit where credit is due - he would never treat you or any other person in a condesending way that is how he is - truthful.
Stan, To follow up on 11-5 2.52 P.M. blog here's another piece of news from the mouth of the newly elected President.
Earlier this year, while talking about sex education and abortion, the Senator said the following: "I've got two daughters, 9 years and 6 years old. I am going to teach them first of all about values and morals. But if they make a mistake, I don't want them punished with a baby". In other words, a born baby is viewed as a form of punishment, and can therefore be murdered in the name of convenience.
May God bless this man.
I am white and I think every black person in this country has the right to celebrate something that is significant in their history. If I were black, I'm sure I'd be elated! After a few days of media coverage and over saturation on the subject, the eyes of ALL Americans will be on Barack Obama and his plan to help resolve the problems facing us. I hope Republicans will do all that they can to help, rather than whine and criticize the entire administration, for we know that that only leads to being unproductive. It's time to get serious and band together as one country to solve the problems at hand. It's not time to worry about race or economic status. We all need to ask ourselves, "What am I doing that can help?" Just do it! Be creative. Don't just sit around waiting. Get invloved in your local governments and see how you can make a difference. Stop looking out for #1 and help those who might need you. We'll all be better for it.
Anonymous said...
I'm white and really didn't care what color he was. I looked at his position on the issues and decided he wasn't right for the job. Unfortunately I think a lot of black Americans only looked at his skin color. I work with a large number of black Americans and this is predominantly all they talked about. Most of them had no clue where he stood on any issue other than that he promised to put money in their individual pockets.
I'd be proud of any choice if I thought he'd been elected fairly, without media bias, without some people using a vote for Obama as a protest vote against Bush, without blatant manipulation of facts and lying to the American people. Nothing to be proud of today - black, white or otherwise.
November 5, 2008 12:16 PM
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It's not about the color of the person elected. And, I don't know who you've been talking to as far as Black people not being informed, maybe they didn't want to discuss anything with you. But, bottom line, it was "THE ECONOMY, STUPID!" When mccan't said the economy was strong and also said that he didn't get it, agreed with the oil war that shrub started, that he voted with the president-select over 90% of the time - MORE than his fellow "r's", and I can go on and on and on..., that was enough to not vote for him. Then when he picked troopergate palin, with her race-baiting lies, that put the nail in the coffin for a lot of other people. palin wasn't vetted and as people learned about her, her disapproval rating went from 19% to 47%! I listened to what the candidates said and went to factcheck.org to get an unbiased opinion. Just like Elizabeth Dole and her religious attack got her booted out of office, so did mccan't and palin with their rhetoric kept them out of the oval office. Can you say MANDATE? By Black and White and all other Americans by different ethnic backgrounds, they all said enough is enough.
And, BTW, to lisa mossie, re: your column today... I wasn't bitter about the r's, just disgusted with the selection, not election of the shrub. Sounds like you're bitter and have a case of sour grapes. Instead of trying to act like an adult and dealing with the situation you still want to be negative. Facts are facts and Montco still has pockets of racism, but the real Americans prevailed and Obama won! Get used to it.
110608 1:07 p.m. ssdd by r's... 0001
To all the "D's and "R's sitting on their hands in Washington, a little reminder of what a fellow in California once said.
"Why can't we all get along?
Try a hug, blow a kiss, but work togeather to get this Country back on the right track.
As long as it's not Septa's track.
I find it ironic now that your man Obama is President-elect the demoncrats are calling for all of the partisan politics to stop.
The democrats with the help of 95% of the media demonized President George Bush, the military and all faithful American citizens for 8 long years.
There has not been an attack on U.S. soil since 9-11, the economy bounced back for 5 1/2 years only to unfold under the Wall Street crises of Fannie Mae.
The Dems were successful with the help of the media as always of course at placing blame for the economy on President Bush when in fact the only crises is with the Lending giants that the dems protected and profited from.
Now we have the same people in charge that caused the crises.
Be careful for what you wish for as the grass may seem greener on the other side but what you will find with this wish is the grass will all be the same shade of green and you will become disillusioned.
The republicans will not have to treat Obama with disdain, only keep him from destroying our country as the loyal opposition
Well, well, well... president-select shrub has a change of mind about the Axis of Evil and according to Newsweek...
With barely two months left in office, the Bush administration is moving toward restoring partial diplomatic relations with Iran—a country President Bush once denounced as a part of the "Axis of Evil."
An administration plan to open a "U.S.-interests section" in the Swiss Embassy in Tehran has been endorsed by career State Department officials and has won the backing of some senior policymakers inside the White House, according to administration officials who asked not to be identified talking about sensitive matters. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice favors the move but is reviewing details before making a final recommendation to the president. The United States has not yet asked the Iranian government if it would accept such a delegation, though in the past Iranian officials have indicated an interest in the idea. An administration official said an announcement of such a move was likely "before Thanksgiving."
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So much for palling around with terrorists. And jeff2012, it's not a coronation. If you want that, go to England when the Queen steps down. Get over it. Obama won and has a shrub deficit and other shrub problems to try to solve that have been building for 8 years. And it seems like the judges have been ruling against shrub lately anyway. You can always crawl into your bomb shelter if you can't deal with the situation at hand.
110608 4:42 p.m. ssdd by r's and jeff2012... 0003
What were the results to the ballot question about the 400,000,000 bond issue for water and sewer? Haven't seen anything on it.
Our new president-elect is already setting the table for an ineffective first term in office, by saying in interviews this week that he may not be able to accomplish things in a first term...that it may take two terms. Yeah, right. I guess all it took was one transition briefing to realize he had no clue that the job entails more than delivering great speeches and photo ops. Either that or he deliberately oversold himself and plans to under-deliver. Either way the American people get gypped. You bet Republicans will be holding him accountable. With a Democrat in office and a Democrat congress, and no race card to blame, he has no excuses not to make good on all the 'change' he promised.
Let's see... reagan's deregulation and trickle down theory was 8 years in the making. Bush the 1st had 4 years and president-select shrub had 8 years, so that's TWENTY (20) YEARS in the making and you r's have the nerve to say that you're going to hold Obama accountable if he doesn't get everything fixed in 4 years? Typical, blind ignorance when all the experts are saying it will be a tough row to hoe. Two wars, a deficit blown totally out of the water by shrub, the economy in shambles, etc., under r's watches with the grand ole party vowing to do right when they just ignored everyone but themselves and the rich people. Look to your own that survived the vote and what they said... Something about getting back to the business of regaining America's trust.
110708 11:25 a.m. ssdd by r's.... 0001
I've read all these blogs from blacks and whites alike. As we all know, Obama is half black and half white, years ago he would have been shunned by both races. Today he is a hero to many. So we all won, half white, half black let's give him a chance. He is a great salesman, now let see what he can deliver. Oh, by the way the clean water question won by overwhelming numbers state wide. Your money will be going to the northwest, southwest, central, and northeast PA. Don't think it will be distributed around these parts.
Yes Obama it will take a long time to fix what is broken in our Government! - We all must share the blame because we elected the people that are supposed to represent our interest. If any problems arise, as it did the first year of the Bush Administration - our new/former leaders taking lead roles can not say "I was not aware of all the facts and made a bad decision." You are responsible for what you do and what you say!
Stan, Your Monday's Column about race - and how it must feel is outstanding. I grew up without knowing any person of different color. Living in the country, most of our activities were centered around school, church & the Firehouse activities. My first contact was when I started High School and there was only one person of color. You know that really did not make any difference to any person in our school, in fact he became VP of the class. During WWII I believe it dawned on all of us that there was more to civilization other than what the Missionaries told us on their return from China and Africa. It was a growing up period for America and the whole world, because it was not only color but Hatred that was built into our new way of life. Sad isn't it. I wish our new President God's Speed, it is a troubled world out there and not just here in the USA.
Various terms used by bloggers and the media are interesting. The word SHRUB is constantly used meaning a plant that has small branches and starting from the bottom. I would suggest that Obama, our President Elect, is familiar with this term from time go. Living where there was little help (Father/Mother)from the bottom up, but through his Grandparents he did understand there is a beginning but that beginning does not determine your life's outcome. Education,work and the ability to listen and not respond in haste will and did get him where he is today.
I feel this entire post is extremely prejudiced and I think you should remove it. I'm appalled that one would still use the term "colored" in this post-segregation world.
The term shrub, as in president-select shrub is partly derived from the SS name of "tumble" as in tumbleweed. A person from the Armed Forces coined the term shrub, I liked it, so I'll stick with it to describe the "decider".
111408 11:38 p.m. 0001 ssdd...
Color, Race & Religion --- It dates back to the Constitution - the above should make no difference. When we (all people) suggest that a certain person is not/or qualified for a position, they should only look at their qualifications - training/schooling. If other factors are included, such as association/member of a certain organization enters into the equation, we become prejudice.
The "decider" sounds good to me. Thanks, my husband and I have never used this term. We are a military family, that dates back to WWII. So, tell it as it is and we all will understand.
Shrub basically crowned himself as the "decider"...
Which Shrub are you referring to ?? The Present or The Elected? OR maybe you are speaking of our Montgomery County Commissioners/PA Governor? They all seem to fit the pattern (#1?)...in their minds only. Your Money = Their/Our Future. Check which Departments/Activities receive funding and question why???
Secy. of State! Albright was an excellent rep. during the Clinton Years (No Cold War). Rice was an excellent rep. during the Bush Years (9/11,Many Natural Disasters throught the world and here at home and the War). Religion/Race were of no concern when the appointments were made and so it should be now. If Richardson is selected, we will have a well rounded representative. Clinton does not fit this position and would do well in anything concerning "Health Care and Education." Her baggage has not gone away, but time always heals our wounds, this is not her time.
Anonymous said...
Which Shrub are you referring to ?? The Present or The Elected? OR maybe you are speaking of our Montgomery County Commissioners/PA Governor? They all seem to fit the pattern (#1?)...in their minds only. Your Money = Their/Our Future. Check which Departments/Activities receive funding and question why???
November 14, 2008 3:02 PM
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Commented on this, but it hasn't appeared yet. But, as I said before, tumble was the Secret Service name for dubya, probably for tumbleweed. An Armed Forces person changed that to shrub. Since he was selected by the Supreme Court, I use president-select shrub.
111908 3:24 p.m. 0001 ssdd in Montco
The Shrub-elect in a statement said he will create jobs as FDR did. We have quite a few people that should be working these jobs right now - but they do not pay enough. I guess we can expect quite a few coming North of the Border by summer if this plan is to be successful. Now, we have quite a few more jobs for those risking jail time because of the lack of a Greene. Working in the fields, plants for processing all meats, Resorts (year-round) and now build the roads/bridges you can bet on it - they will come unless a procedure is followed where citizens first. Use of the Rolls (Unemployment) should be used - there isn't any person that can't be trained - fresh air is good for all ages/gender.
Anonymous said...
The Shrub-elect in a statement said he will create jobs as FDR did.
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If you are referring to an actual President-Elect, then I have to say "really?" Did he mention FDR? And if so, what's wrong with Obama trying to jump-start the economy with SUSTAINABLE jobs?
Unlike president-select shrub, i.e., dubya, who is practically begging the world and everyone else to agree with the bailout of the subprime crooks. At least when the leak of Obama’s pick for the treasury came out, the market rebounded. Shrub has brought the US economy down into the toilet and my retirement date is uncertain as one 401k plan is in the tank, too.
112408 10:15 P.M. ssdd in Montco
A rainy day with nothing else to do but reread some Posts...The one entry by ssdd in the latter part of Nov. stated his/her 401 and also the economy is in the toilet (tank?). The more we complain the worse the economy looks and like a chain reaction everybody believes they are in the same boat. Not so...it is how you invested your money (too aggressive) and the type of position you hold will help you through tough times. Our new President-elect (Shrub,Dubya or Decider) has stated that when it comes to making a decision on whatever it might be It Will Be His Decision - so, now we can all use the quaint names you have called leaders - Obama will be the "Decider" for better or worse, just as you were the "Decider" when it came to career choice and saving for the future.
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