some things never change…
New Mexico Governor, superdelegate, and highest ranking Latino politican Bill Richardson may have made the riskiest political gamble of his life on Friday by officially announcing his endorsement for Barack Obama with a major speech at the height of the campaign controversy on race.
Richardson, who was appointed as Ambassador to the United Nations, and Secretary of Energy during the 8 years Bill Clinton was president, had been a long-time ally of the Clintons, but as the demand for a new kind of politics is sweeping America, Richardson too is caught up in the fever making sure he is part of the sweeping, and not one of the swept.
Hillary Clinton up to now had been able to keep her campaign alive with the support of the Latino community who were very loyal because of the prosperity Americans experienced during the Clinton years of old, and in large part because they did not know much about the junior Senator from Illinos. Increasingly though, it’s becoming evident that it is the newer, younger, generations of Latino Americans who are politically aware, involved, and in many cases influencing the decisons of their parents to vote for “change,” and a new era in politics.
Portland, OR.
March 21, 2008
Ok everyone, turn off the televisons, turn up the speakers, gather your family, children and loved ones around the computer. Dedicate a half hour out of your time to your country by watching what almost every news channel covering it calls the most potent political speech concerning race since Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream” speech, by leading Democratic candidate for President, and quite possibly the next President of the United States, Barack Obama.
In light of the statements of Barack Obama’s former pastor Jeremiah Wright and the public uproar afterwards, Barack Obama decided to confront the issue of Jeremiah Wrights preaching, with a broader discussion on race, and the progress of race relations since the start of our union. This speech carried a serious delicate tone unlike his energetically inspirational speeches he gives on the stump, but it may in fact be the most important speech he has given in his life. A remarkable speech for a remarkable time.
March 18, 2008
Here is a video excerpt of ABC News’ coverage of Barack Obamas former preacher at Trinity United Church of Christ, Rev. Jeremiah Wright. These remarks by Jeremiah Wright and the news coverage that followed have blown open the door to new conversations on race and how each race views its patriotism, dissent, and its possible effect on society and America.
For many years it has been quietly acceptable for ethnic minorities like blacks and latinos who have white friends to presume that these white friends of theirs may have other white friends or white relatives who may have been known to say racist or bias comments from time to time and even others who are flat out bias. This was always quietly accepted by blacks and latinos and considered a cultural “turning the other cheek” to reality with respect to race relations. This long accepted presumption by minorities may be news to some white people but anyone who wants to contest the theory only needs to ask their black or latino co-worker during a water cooler conversation at work.
For many years, white Evangelical preachers openly preached against gays, openly preached intolerance to other religions, with some churches calling for the destruction of Islam, and these comments were always considered minor distactions in American culture. Black preacher, Jeremiah Wright says “God Damn America”, and all of a sudden the sky has cracked and all hell has broken out in America. Wrights most insulting statement is considered to be his comments on how he thought the United States government created AIDS to perform genocide on the black population. This statement by far has blown away mainstram American sentiment the most and now has put into question not only the pastors patriotism, but also the patriotism of the man whom he preached to for 20 years, Barack Obama.
Jeremiah Wrights theory about AIDS and genocide on black America may seem completely outlandish and down right psychotic to most Americans and especially white Americans but may not be so unthinkable when seen through the lense of black America. In 1932 The United States Government under the direction of the United States Public Health Service subjected black sharecroppers to a long-term study on the effects of Syphilis on the black population. The Tuskegee Experiments went on uninterupted until someone within the program leaked information to the press in 1972, and the program was terminated shortly thereafter. Yes! 1972. Only 36 years ago. Considering these facts, it is not illogical at all to think that black Americans might voice their opinion in churches or community groups on theories like the government possibly creating AIDS to be used for genocide against black Americans. Who wouldn’t?
What was Obamas response to all this?
He not only admited his black pastor had racist tendencies, he also admited his white grandmother was racist as well.
Masterful! Only in America.
Isn’t it strange how ever since 9/11, a million new conspiracies have arisen to be added to the million already existing conspiracy theories that at the end of the day may just all be small pieces of one big mega conspiracy? Did all that just confuse you? Well this won’t. Here is a recent video clip (2007) of Republican United States Congressman from Texas, and Presidential candidate Ron Paul saying more than a few words on the concept of a new world order during one of his stops on the campaign stump. This is a newsworthy article in that its rare to find a mainstream politician willing to answer a question on such a controversial topic then talk at length about his opinion on the subject. Ron Paul, you the man!
Look, I don’t know who to blame for the votes not being counted in these two states. Maybe the state party officials are to blame for breaking the rules, or maybe its the DNC’s fault for enforcing the rules, but how and the hell are two states going to go from being totally penalized (which may be unfair to some) to being the 2 states that may decide the Democratic nominee for presidency, which is completely unfair and totally unacceptable to all the states involved in the process.
and why are we so afraid to say this? Instead the word out is “we are working of ways to find a solution to this problem.”
Thats avoiding the issue.
They were disqualified, if they are reinstated and have new elections (which seems like the only acceptable option other than total disqualification) they will have the most precedence in this nomination. This is exactly the thing they (the state officials) were trying to achieve, and the exact thing they were disqualified for. How is this allowed?
No Way! No way in hell….
Shepard Fairey, famous artist and mind behind OBEY clothing is giving his support to Barack Obama by offering limited edition prints of Obama with all proceeds being donated to the campaign.
“I wanted to make an art piece of Barack Obama because I thought an iconic portrait of him could symbolize and amplify the importance of his mission. I believe Obama will guide this country to a future where everyone can thrive and I should support him vigorously for the sake of my two young daughters. I have made art opposing the Iraq war for several years, and making art of Obama, who opposed the war from the start, is like making art for peace. I know I have an audience of young art fans and I’m delighted if I can encourage them to see the merits of Barack Obama.” -Shepard Fairey
To purchase 1 of the 5000 Limited Edition prints and show your support for Obama click here
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