How racism works

What if John McCain were a former president of the Harvard Law Review? What if Barack Obama finished fifth from the bottom of his graduating class? What if McCain were still married to the first woman he said “I do” to? What if Obama were the candidate who left his first wife after she no longer measured up to his standards?

What if Michelle Obama were a wife who not  only became addicted to pain killers, but acquired them illegally through her charitable organization? What if Cindy McCain graduated from Harvard? What if Obama were a member of the “Keating 5”? What if McCain was a charismatic, eloquent speaker?

If these questions reflected reality, do you really believe the election numbers would be as close as they are?

This is what racism does. It covers up, rationalizes and minimizes positive qualities in one candidate and emphasizes negative qualities in another when there is a color difference.

— Kelvin LaFond, Fort Worth

Comments

[Elston James, Fort Worth]

I don't really agree that racism has anything to do with it (I'd argue that party lines and tactics have a bigger impact on what you're pointing out), but I do think you raise some pretty good points.

Luckily, though, none of that matters to me, and I'll just be voting for whoever wears the most flag pins.

[Richard M. Holbrook, Weatherford]

KEEP TO THE FACTS

If Obama were really qualified and experienced enough like McCain to be a President instead of just an Emperor With A Waffling Set of Clothes, then the question of racism might have some truthful relevance in reality.

But as for “racism” tied to the legacy of slavery, as likely implied in this fantasy scenario, Obama apparently has no family ties to America’s internal and past debacle of slavery.

This kind of wild speculation and weird definition by raising the phantasm of racism is just a hollow nuance of no traceable consequence in this election. For the thinking voter it’s just qualification versus an empty suit. But we’ll have to see if facts win out over this kind of emotional speculation.

[Bryan Kirby,Ft. Worth]

...and what pointing the accusatory finger of racism does is elevate an inexperienced first term Senator(whose spent 3/4th's of the time running for another position) to the cusp of the highest position in the land.

[Sonia Ray, Waxahachie]

What if Obama were a man who had nearly sacrificed his life for his country? What if McCain used illegal drugs for several years in college? What if Michelle Obama were the head of a huge company and had a long list of charitable accomplishments? We could go back and forth like this all day long. If racism covers up, rationalizes and minimizes the qualities in one candidate, and emphasizes the negative qualities in another, then this letter writer is an example of a racist. Apparently you feel that being a charismatic Harvard grad is qualification enough for the presidency. (By the way, President Bush has an MBA from Harvard.) It's also interesting to note that Obama supporters conveniently ignore his Anglo roots and only see him as African-American. Is that racism? The fact of the matter is, as human beings we are all fallible and we are all capable of accomplishing great things, no matter what the education and resume. Marriages end for many reasons, as did the marriage of Obama's parents. Heroism comes in many forms. Mistakes made, lessons learned. How can you expect others to stop focusing on the negative and pointing fingers until you are able to do so?

[Eugene Merritt, Fort Worth]

McCain advocates against Obama constantly drum up the notion that Obama's perceived lack of experience versus McCain's years of experience in congress are serious points of consideration. Is this a smokescreen used by some to disguise a racially motivated decision to attack Obama?

Experience is important but apparently very little consideration is being given to the ability to lead, to make intelligent decisions with expedience and accuracy, and the ability to competently represent this country in foreign affairs.

The last eight years have been led by someone with state government experience. However, he has made several questionable decisions during his administration that include the invasion of Iraq, a runaway budget deficit, and the government's handling of Katrina. It doesn't appear that his so-called executive experience increased his critical thinking ability very much.

Rather than focusing on McCain's and Obama's years of experience, the focus should be on their administrative abilities, decision-making skills, and the ability to lead, manage, and direct a huge organization such as the US government.

Otherwise, we could get stuck with four more years of poor decisions that could adversely affect our lives for years to come.

[Richard M. Holbrook, Weatherford]

Mr. Merritt:

What do you think this debate has been about? Just what has Obama lead? What's his "administrative ability," and just what decisions has he made except for voting "present" so many times instead of either yes or no, that is, if you want to call that a "decision"? What has he "managed" of any significance? Beyond that, just how does anyone know how he would or could respond to anything similar that the present administration has either done "right" or "wrong" in the not-so-perfect perception of politicized pundits and soothsayers? He has yet to present anything concrete to base a thinking vote for.

So far, the only thing I'm almost sure of, is that Obama says he will increase taxes on the so-called rich, lower taxes for the "poor and middle taxpayer," but that core intention appears to be of greater socialistic form. That is, while higher taxpayers are already taxed at a higher percentage of their income than those in the lower income brackets, and pay way more in dollars than what comes back to them in any government form, it's blantently a forced redistribution of wealth, and if you will, a kind of government theft from the more fortunate to create the false perception that everyone has the right to live beyond their own contribution through the abilities and efforts of others. There's no equity in that kind of would-be "governance."

While it's not racism, it is a different unfairness couched in the name of a perverse and false kind of "equality."

[Robby Moore, Mayor of Simpleton, Ft. Worth]

Allegedly, thousands of Americans voted for our current President just because they liked him -- they thought he seemed to be an "okay guy." He didn't have much experience. But, people just liked what he said and how he said it, and that was it.

We can all argue about what experience Bush did or didn't have, but inarguably, he was elected because of who he was, and how he was, not what he'd done.

So, now, there's a Democratic candidate who appeals to many, many people because of who he is, what he says, and how he says it -- not so much what he's done.

You and I, and many others examine our candidates deeper than this -- as we already have -- but so many, many will vote for who they like.

When who they liked was Bush, it didn't matter to all those who liked him how much experience he had.

But, if who they like now is Obama, then it's become suddenly all-important that he have THIS or THAT, and without THIS or THAT, he has no business being President.

Arguments from that point forward are thus handicapped by their presenters, who weren't so concerned about accomplishments when it was their candidate up for election.

Of course, that just a simpleton's opinion.

[Sharon Batton, Fort Worth]

If the situation was reversed we would be talking about Hiliary Clinton and John McCain right now. This is how the America works. The accomplishments of Obama can be turned around, and made a negative. He drew thousands to see him, it was turned to a negative, as "celebrity." I thought America loved celebrities, we're always following them around and can't get enough of them.

Now McCain is drawing thousands after his VP pick. Who's celebrity now? But I'm sure those words won't be used.

The Democrats need to get tough and the Republicans are playing dirty and they always have. Politics as usual. They will probably steal this election just like it was stolen from Gore. He had experience, in fact had exective experience he was the vice president and he lost.

McCain says country first. Then help the American's at home. Do something about healthcare, do something about job's going overseas. Something is wrong that in America when a medication can cost $200 here and $5 in England, France, or Cuba. It's not about big government. If we can send billions of dollars to China, Iraq, Colombia, etc. then we need to help people right here at home - And Put Country First.

[Thomas Sullivan of Bedford]

Sharon and Mayor are dead on.

Furthermore, we would be absolutely stupid as a collective to vote for a man that represents more than twenty years of corruption and scandal as Senator.

I am still in shock to think that McCain made it this far. It proves beyond any reasonable doubt just how senseless and sheepish the GOP has become.

Obama may not be the "perfect" candidate, but this conservative has no reason to believe that he would be worse than McCain.

Sometimes you should trust your instincts, and mine says McCain stinks...

[Bryan Kirby,Ft. Worth]

I love this new tactic of the left: pretending to be disenfranchised conservatives willing to vote for the most-leftist,least qualified candidate since the dawning of electricity. However, they always give themselves away with their sweeping,factless generalizations.

[Laura Adoue, Bedford]

Mr. LaFond, all I can say is that you nailed it! What a fantastic letter! I only wish I had written it.

You made a difficult situation very clear and easy to understand, and you are one hundred percent correct in your assessment. We have a long way to go in this country as far as racism is concerned. Don't let the right-wing bloggers get you down and keep up the good work.

[Richard M. Holbrook, Weatherford]

ECCENTRIC? NOT HARDLY

Oh, wow, oh wow. Out of the woodwork. Just excuse the facts and vote because it "feels good" out of some worthless and unsubstantiated "hope" that Obama "might be better" than McCain. The Obama supporters are, for lack of them responding or actually understanding the factual differences in these two Presidential candidates' experience and qualifications, just funny. And I don't mean it in the humorous sense of the word. Just from their differing, suspicious, really perplexing and eccentric “explanations.” It’s all, for me at least, just kind of odd and whimsical.

It’s as if some were hiding something in their presentation supporting Obama. What is it? It’s not couched in any weighable facts so a big hole in their rationale remains unanswered and so always unfulfilled in a “debate.”

McCain and Palin might not be the best the right side of the isle has produced this political season, but Obama and Biden from the same old liberal and socialist play book?

Oh, so the answer was there all the time?

[Bryan Kirby,Ft. Worth]

Ms. Adoue, the only people I've seen playing the race card this season have been your lovely Democrats.

[Matt Stringer, Fort Worth]

Mr. Kirby, just who are these "pretend" disenfranchised conservatives? If you're referring to Thomas Sullivan, I can tell you from his postings here over the last year that he is what he says he is. Unless you've got more than just Mr. Sullivan (well, technically you don't have that example because you're wrong about him), you're just making "sweeping,factless [sic] generalizations."

[Bryan Kirby,Ft. Worth]

Mr. Stringer, I stand behind my characterization. While I haven't donated the last year of my life reading these postings, I've never read anything from Mr. Sullivan that would lead me to believe anything else. The whole duck thing...

[Lynn Smith, Fort Worth]

Kevin LaFond's letter nails it. But Sonia Ray's post presents a interesting contrast. However, like it or not, racism is, and will continue to be an issue in this campaign. Every time someone says or writes that she/he "doesn't know enough about Obama" it is subtle racism. With the overabundance of televised and written press about both candidates, feigning ignorance about Obama is subtle racism.

I prefer the candidate who is smarter, i.e., better educated; who is more in touch with real world issues, e.g., has been a community organizer; and who is honest about what American citizens actually expect from their Federal government, i.e., always more, never less.

[Laura Adoue, Bedford]

Please read:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/05/opinion/05krugman.html?_r=1&em&oref=slogin

[Matt Stringer, Fort Worth]

Mr. Kirby, checking this forum for two minutes twice a week every few weeks isn't exactly donating a year of anyone's life, but nevertheless...Mr. Sullivan can speak for himself, but he is not a liberal pretending to be a conservative. Or do you think he has been posting here the entire time with conservative and libertarian viewpoints to build cred and now, with the election close, his grand scheme can come to fruition to...what exactly? To make a point in the comment section of a provincial newspaper's website? The whole Occam's Razor thing...

[Richard M. Holbrook, Weatherford]

“Every time someone says or writes that she/he ‘doesn't know enough about Obama’ it is subtle racism.” Really?

No, it isn’t. Neither the media nor the Obama campaign have fully answered the salient questions about his associations with criminals, whacked-out “community leaders,” and why and how he first supported those associations then denied he had been in anyway negatively affected over years by those kinds of personal beliefs and contacts. And it does appear that he was affected at least in part, that is, if you believe his admission attributed to his book that he not only used drugs but also sold them. A felony in most jurisdictions.

I think the American public needs to know a whole lot more about Obama, his true past, and what those results have actually produced, and before the election. Only then can the voting public be confirmed in either blindly voting as they “feel,” or actually doing so from all the facts.

And further, Obama brought the issue of racism into the forefront himself by “subtle” and smooth-talking reference on a stage in front of millions. It will remain a real concern to many Americans whether or not he would bring those self-sullied associates into the White House or would continue to seek their guidance if he were elected President. You can ascribe any and all kinds and levels of racism to those concerns, but it’s far deeper than such shallow and pillaring charges of “subtle racism” when the future safety and longevity of all Americans and their country are at stake.

And what really explains the backwardness or today’s liberal Party in supporting Obama, quote, “…..and who is honest about what American citizens actually expect from their Federal government, i.e., always more, never less.”

And therein lies the real threat to America’s future – pure unadulterated socialism and an ever-expanding, higher taxing and encroaching Federal government. If that’s what you want, just why and who is “feigning ignorance about Obama”? And not only about Obama, but with what he would eventually attempt to saddle all Americans.

[Victor Berry, Bedford]

Based on the postings I've read, Messrs. Sullivan and Calvert are Libertarians. And based on Mr. Kirby's response, the Republicans no longer recognize the Libertarian wing of their party.

I've read several articles by Ron Paul, Lew Rockwell, and Bob Barr with which I agree that were posted on web sites of interest to Democrats. At least the Libertarians have something in common with one of the two major parties ... and the Republican party ain't the one.

As to racism, I would not accuse anyone of it based on who they choose to vote for. After all, never in a million years would I vote for Alan Keyes.

[david calvert weatherford]

Victor - actually I am factually an independent. I prefer to use the term Americanist or Constitutionalist - I do not morally approve of a lot of the things SOME libertarians would "allow"...but I believe overall their LESS GOVERNMENT more PERSONAL FREEDOM credo is closer to Washington (George) and Jefferson than anything the Demopubs or Republicrats are offering.

Oleagg

[Marcy Paul, YWCA, Fort Worth]

I would like to invite all those involved in reading and responding to this blog to attend the YWCA Fort Worth & Tarrant County Department for Racial Justice's Dialogue on Race.

Our program reflective of the YWCA branding of "eliminating racism empowering women" is a unique opportunity for women and men of diverse cultures to speak frankly and safely about racial issues while learning from each other about the repercussions of white privilege, prejudice and institutional racism.

Most individuals don't know the difference between prejudice and racism or that institutional racism is directly related to power. It's time to dialogue for understanding not to debate for control.

[Natasha Daniels Muhammad, Decatur, GA]

Call me crazy but the question of experience can be cancelled really quickly by having them fill out a form with one question (like a job application):
How many years of experience do you have as President of a Country?
Both would select the option "None". Which means they are on the same/level presidential experience playing field. Because a leader has to have foresight, also known as vision, and the ability to lead others towards said vision, that's what Americans will need to judge the two candidates on.

If Obama's vision for America's place in the world and at home aligns with yours, vote for him. If McCain's vision for America (home and role abroad) aligns with yours, vote for him.

BTW...Palin is not running for President. I'm not sure if those so enamored with her are aware of that tiny fact.

[Xenu Cohen, Boston]

Q. What if sexism weren't actually the real issue here?

A. Hillary Clinton would've gotten the nomination she deserved, and we wouldn't be having this discussion about Obama.

-Xenu Cohen, Boston, MA.

[Wayne Burton, Denver]

Why is it that the corporate-media don't
more often have panel discussions -- of "experience experts on the issues" with both presidential candidates, rather than having the every now and then one "news reporter" who always seem to spend so much time on questions to issues that aren't important to the country.

This would help Americans make a more informed decision on who they would want as their president.

This would have helped to get the facts out about where each candidate presently, and in the past, stood on the important issues.

[Scott Kingsmore, Lexington, SC]

You make some great points and I can understand the argument you are validly making. However…

As I understand it, racism is the notion that one finds one’s race superior to another or all others. While I do acknowledge that racism is alive and not exactly struggling in this day and age. I tend to think that since one of the two candidates running for office is a different race than the other, the argument of racism being the only reason for poll numbers is incomplete and even intangible. I will concede that PREJUDICE, by all races in America, is abhorrently present in the way people relate to both Obama and McCain

But none of the issues or aspects you mentioned have anything to do with race. They have had to do with the respective individual’s past.

First things first, Michelle Obama and Cindy McCain have both done some pretty stupid things. Yet, they have both been successful, been professional women who have raised or are raising families, and they have both been involved in very commendable philanthropic projects. They would both make exceptional first ladies. Any mistakes they have made have been answered for and are non-sequitor to this campaign, but neither of these ladies is running for any office.

Now as to the candidates running, the reasoning you gave can be used with another viewpoint as well.

What if Barack Obama was raised with a multigenerational military family background who espoused honor, courage and integrity in the rearing of its children? What if John McCain was raised by a non-Christian family, enrolled in a Muslim school, and then mentored by known communists and socialists? What if Barack Obama had a distinguished military career which included the command of a major fighter squadron? What if John McCain had been the community organizer and law professor? What if Barack Obama was beaten and tortured in a POW camp for five years? What if John McCain admitted to and acknowledged experimentation with drugs with a nonchalant attitude? What if Barack Obama developed a reputation of legislative independence and believed that policy was more important than party? What if John McCain had the appearance of using each successive elected position as a campaigning step to the next one? What if Barack Obama had the reputation of doing things to heal this nation's past wounds including, but not limited to Native American affairs and the Viet Nam War? What if John McCain had the reputation of associating and doing business with known terrorists and race baiters?

If those questions reflected reality, would John McCain be the GOP nominee? Absolutely not! Not because of race, but because his merit and character. As the media portrays them, Obama is the messiah who causes tingling in the legs merely by speaking and McCain is the doddering old fart, who is too out of touch with today’s generation. If the lives were reversed, Obama would still be the media darling… just like McCain was in 2000 during the primaries. That isn’t racism. That’s favoritism and biased behavior.

I truly think racism does much more than what you described above. I believe it promulgates itself into an election cycle and even into society with a lot of help from people, of all races, who don’t know how to deal with straight up success or failure.

For sure, racism is absolutely the last remnants of the chains of slavery that bind people down. But in this day and age, some of that binding has been self-inflicted.

[Wayne Burton, Denver]

Blacks - Whites - Rich - Poor - Young - Old.
Dems - Cons - Libs - Lifers - Green - Etc.

Contact -- your -- Reps.

"Absolutely No Bailout "

-- pass the "HBPA"
" Homeowners & Bank Protection Act "

-- video :
-- audio :

http://www.larouchepac.com/hbpa

http://www.larouchepac.com/news/2008/09/26/lpactv-jeff-steinberg-and-john-hoefle-weekly-report.html-0

[Marguerite Upshur Philadelphia Pa]

After reading the comments on this site, I had a need to ask just a few questions, and state one fact. ( YES AMERICA RACISM AND PREJUDICE IS ALIVE AND WELL AND LIVING IN THE USA ). IT IS A CANCER THAT HAS TAKEN ROOT, NOT ONLY IN THE USA BUT THE WORLD. Please remember this, no one is without it, first know and be true to yourself. As for who should run this country, never lay all your hopes on any persons shoulders, that's way to heavy a burden .When I vote in any election I ask myself ( WHAT HAS THIS PERSON'S TERM IN ANY OFFICE DONE FOR ME, MY FAMILY, MY NEIGHBORS, MY NEIGHBORHOOD, MY CITY AND STATE AND MY COUNTRY.) I haven't any idea what Obama has done, but I know what Bush and his political party has. I am sick of our country sending millions of dollars to other countries, when you have American citizens dying every day because they don't have food, shelter and health care. This country's political system is not govern for the people by the people but for the few by the wealthy. Can I afford four more years of this type of government can you?

[Jody Smith, Atlanta, Ga.]

I would like to say that what I think the author of "How racism works” meant to say is that anyone who is a racist might tend to minimize and over look a black candidate's good qualities while minimizing and overlooking the bad qualities of their white opponent. I would like a count of the white voters who have actually said they would not vote for a black.

All I know is that looking at the two candidates, I would point out what the white candidate is advocating;
1. Continuing the Bush tax breaks for the wealthy, which would expire in 2010, which with the war, has not improved our economy but has taken the three trillion dollar surplus Bush inherited and turned it into a three trillion dollar deficit.

2. That the Bush foreign policy to invade Iraq, especially before finishing our war in Afghanistan, has not made our country more secure nor enhanced our image in the world but has caused most of the rest of the world to hate us. The one billion dollars per month for five and one half years has helped ruin our economy and now even Bush and the Iraqi people has given a time table for us to be out, but not McCain. The U. S. is now a toothless tiger with no funds to help our allies who are in trouble.

3. Lack of regulation of the Savings and Loan industry by the Bush administration has not helped people buy their dream homes but has helped create the financial mess we are in now.

4. But I must say this; I have never heard a bit of a scandal that has any hint of marital infidelity by either of the Bush presidents. McCain's total acknowledged lack of family values while married to Carol McCain must have the religious base of the Republican Party concerned.

Yes, we need change but as 75 and 77 year old white residents of Georgia, my husband and I are convinced that the bright young senator from Illinois is far better prepared to lead us now and in the future.