RE:think

Representative Walter B. Jones Leads G.O.P. Effort to Withdraw Forces From Afghanistan - NYTimes.com

I could not agree more with Rep. Jones when he says:

“When you talk about war, political parties don’t matter,”

This war needs to end. We need to get the out of there. I applaud a conservative for taking this stand and for reminding everyone that we jsut can't police the world anymore. Our economy has been chaotic for years now and all the while we are pumping more money into wars that can't actually be won and that are needlessly getting our young men and women killed or scarred for life.

Conservatives and war supporters, I urge you to think on this and speak out. Put away the country songs that pull at your heart strings and make you want to kick someone's ass. We've fought the good fight against terror here at home and have been winning for 10 years now. We have no need to be in foreign countries shedding blood. This isn't a freedom issue, so drop that too. Just think long and hard, weight all the negatives, and see if you come to same conclusion on this.  

If you do come to the conclusion that we need to be there, then please tell someone in decision making capacities what the endgame there needs to be. Because right now, I haven't heard one from the those who support this useless war.

via www.nytimes.com

Is There an Elephant in the Room?

First and foremost this post will not be about either man running for president. Nor will it be about their running mates. It also will not be about policy or who I think should win.

This election is one of the most interesting and history making ever. We have one major party with a mixed race candidate that most identify as black. The other party has a woman running in the number two spot. No matter who wins, history will be made. On the issues side, the economy is hurting and gas prices are through the roof. We are at war and still are in the cross hairs of terrorists around the world. Both candidates have fairly distinct approaches to these issues and are supported well by their bases.  We've seen the polls fluctuate the past couple of months with both men in the lead at one time or another but neither really get too far past the margin of error. And this leads me to that elephant:

Barack Obama and his racial heritage.

Now, I am not saying that people are ignoring the history that was made with his nomination. And surely those of us who long for racial reconciliation here in the US are not missing the huge step we would take if he was our first black president. I think these things have been out in front from the beginning. The positives have been more than accentuated. What I am saying is the following.

No one wants to look at these "polls" and admit that one of the ways they may be horribly skewed is by what many call the Bradley, or Wilder Effect. From Wikipedia:

The term Bradley effect, less commonly called^[1] the Wilder effect, refers to a frequently observed discrepancy between voter opinion polls and election outcomes in American political campaigns when a white candidate and a non-white candidate run against each other.^[2][3][4] Named for Tom Bradley, an African-American who lost the 1982 California governor's race despite being ahead in voter polls, the Bradley effect refers to a tendency on the part of white voters to tell pollsters that they are undecided or likely to vote for a Black candidate, when, on election day, they vote for his/her white opponent.^[5]

Now, I am not saying that this is happening or even that the "effect' is real. (let's please not debate "the effect")  But I am willing to admit it is a possibility and I am greatly saddened by it. I disagree with many of Obama's stances on the issues, but for him to lose the election because people are still so prejudiced is disgusting to me.

I was over at the Reconciliation Blog and Edward Gilbreath points to this article. Here is how it starts:

Deep-seated racial misgivings could cost Barack Obama the White House if the election is close, according to an AP-Yahoo News poll that found one-third of white Democrats harbor negative views toward blacks — many calling them "lazy," "violent," responsible for their own troubles.

The poll, conducted with Stanford University, suggests that the percentage of voters who may turn away from Obama because of his race could easily be larger than the final difference between the candidates in 2004 — about two and one-half percentage points.

Certainly, Republican John McCain has his own obstacles: He's an ally of an unpopular president and would be the nation's oldest first-term president. But Obama faces this: 40 percent of all white Americans hold at least a partly negative view toward blacks, and that includes many Democrats and independents.

We all know that polls are not always the best scientific measure, but 40%? I shouldn't be shocked by that number but I am. It's disgusting. And if we assume that some people didn't want to be honest on this one could it be higher?

What I don't understand is why no one is REALLY talking about this. Even many of those who support Obama aren't mentioning it. It truly is the elephant in the room it seems. It is a very real possibility that Obama could lose the election because of his racial heritage. Again, I disagree with him on many many issues, but my own kids share his biracial heritage. If he loses, I want to see him lose on policy, not skin color.

I think this is worth exposing. For a black man in America to come so far only to be shot down yet again by bigots and racists is disheartening.

I also think it is worth having the discussion about this now. Because if Obama loses, we will definitely be having it later. Of course, if we talk about it now, Obama would be more likely to lose. At the least, he wouldn't find any help to his campaign from the discussion. That's why that elephant will continue to be ignored I think.

Technorati Tags: Election 2008,Barack Obama,Racial Reconciliation

What Do WE Have to Give?

In this political season, we are promised many things by all the candidates. They all have something to give us. Some may even make good on the promises. But it is this is also the season I see just how "needy" so many of us are even though we have so much we could give.

Most arguments over politics boil down to one side feeling they won't get everything they feel they have coming to them. Some have plenty already so instead, they fight for those they feel are in need the most so they can get something out of these politicians. This is admirable, but just once I would like to see others drop their own needs, agendas, and opinions and look outside themselves before acting or speaking. If they did, they'd ask:

What do WE have to give? What has been given to us that we can give away? Instead of waiting on our mostly inept government, what can we do in our own lives for our own neighbors to make things better?   And if they answered these questions and acted upon them, we could tell our politicians to jump in a lake. We wouldn't have as much need for them. 

I've told you before that my wife is one of the most giving people I know. It's because of her I have learned to give away what I have been given. And when I do it begrudgingly, she whips me into shape. If you don't have anyone to model a giving spirit for you, find someone! It will make a difference whether you are ok with it already, or instinctively "tight" like me.

And as always, it's not about money or things. There are so many other things we can give our neighbors that don't involve "stuff". Time and attention can go a very long way. 

So stay with your politicians. Do what you can to sway them. Vote. Debate. But figure what you and me, and those you know can do to make things better. To those already doing it, I salute you. To those who don't, it's never too late.

A Bag of Pennies

I walked into the gas station/convenience store that is about half a mile from our house. I stop there often on the way home from work. I was going up to pay for what I was picking up when I saw a lady there with a bag of pennies counting them out to the clerk. She has a baby on her hip and a toddler by her side. She was up to about $2.00 and the pennies were nearly gone.

I asked her what she was paying for. She told me she was almost out of gas and thought the little bit she could buy with these pennies would make sure she got home with the babies. I gave the clerk a 20 and told her to go ahead and pump it. (Don't pat me on the back, it was what I was SUPPOSE to do). She said thanks, squeezed my arm, teared up, and made me tear up behind my sunglasses.

It made me so sad, and very angry. I thought of our next President, Barack Obama, and how he and many in congress love these high gas prices. He just wished they'd gone up a little slower. Don't let them fool you. They are not phased by this. If they were, they'd have done something years ago. Obama doesn't live in the real world. He DOES have an elitist mind set. I am convinced.

It's time that we, as voters, demand that they go beyond the answer "we need alternatives". That is true. We do need alternatives. But those alternatives are doing nothing for that single mom. We need to do everything right now. It's kitchen sink time.

As for Obama, he'll never understand being a single mom with two kids, an empty tank, and a bag of pennies.

I Had to Laugh, and Then Just Nod My Head

Things White People Like:

Comparing People to Hitler

It’s also critical that you avoid the fatal mistake of getting creative and comparing people you don’t like to other evil dictators, such as Joseph Stalin or Fidel Castro. With few exceptions, white people are actually fond of almost any dictator not named Hitler, and your remark that “this is just like something Mao Zedong would do” will be met with blank stares and possible social alienation. This is because, with the exception of Hitler, oppressive dictators share a passion for many of the things white people love- such as universal health care, conspiracy theories, caring about poor people while being filthy rich, and cool hats. Stick to the script and compare things you don’t like to Hitler, and Hitler alone.

Link: Winner #4

Race TRUMP Card

This political season has stirred up so much stuff that I am beginning to think maybe there is no hope for racial reconciliation on a large scale. Between Bill Clinton, Geraldine Ferraro, Jeremiah Wright and now Father Phelger, it's gotten pretty ugly. The media has helped fan the flames, and the candidates themselves have not handled things as quickly and as well as they could have.

The thing that has me most down is that as a white male, I can't speak about race or try to be a part of the solution without being trumped by something or someone from the other side. If I have a thought or opinion it is almost automatically shot down because as a white man I am discounting something I don't understand. It's been happening to me on blog after blog I visit. I see people talking about an open and honest discourse, then join in and find out it's actually a lecture. Discourse, ha!

Case in point: Wright and Phleger (speaking of discourse, do we really think these guys want a discourse?). I think many of the things they say are true. Some are not. White privilege is a huge problem. I have no qualms with that issue being called out. However, I do not like their tone and find it very harmful. So when I voice that, I am told I am wrong to think that way because it discounts the prophetic nature of the black church. I do not understand how words that are obviously said in a way meant to hurt and mock are prophetic. Righteous anger is one thing. Mockery and hate are something else altogether. I don't know how those types of utterances can be compared to Jesus chastising the religious types of his day. But alas, that is how I am trumped. Cause I am white. Even worse, I am a white male.

A true discourse happens when we move beyond rhetoric, lectures, hateful words, and denial. That requires much from all of us. Some of us (whites) more than others. But it does require ALL of us to come to the table ready to discuss and understand and stop using our trump cards to silence others. Reconciliation can never happen if only one side gets to own it.

Anyway, all of this has me really down now. I worry about my kids growing up and dealing with the real problem of being black in a very white world. They will be hurt by white privilege and discriminated against because of their race.  Almost as much, I fear for them growing up in a world where none of us can talk to each other in a way that gets to solutions because we have a trump card up our sleeves for every statement the other person makes.

It's very sad and very depressing...

Slavery alive and well in U.S.?

I love it when someone makes sense. Throw out all the talk about amnesty, border fences, and pathways to citizenship. This is about exploitation.

You can also throw out the line that "there are some jobs Americans just dont want to do." I actually used to use that one as a defense for illegal undocumented workers. We are doing these folks a disservice by the defending them with thinking. It's not about the jobs. See Beck's words below to see what it is really about and why it is very close to modern day slavery.

I know this will come as a huge shock to those who only like to hurl insults, but I think we should be issuing more work visas, more student visas, and more green cards. And I think we should cut the red tape and bureaucracy that's constantly blocking the front door.

But until that happens people are left looking for loopholes and excuses, and "jobs Americans won't do" is the gold standard.

The Journal article offered an example of a couple that sells food at fairs around California each summer. They say that because of the H-2B visa shortage most of their seasonal employees aren't able to enter the country.

So why don't they just hire Americans instead? Good question. Her answer? "This is a hard job."

I find it pretty hard to believe that there aren't a few college students who wouldn't want to drive around California and work outdoors all summer, but let's assume that's true. Let's even assume that none of the other 1.1 million Californians who were unemployed as of April are interested in the job either. Isn't anyone wondering why?

Well I'm not a labor consultant, but I am a thinker. Maybe the problem isn't that the job they're offering is "too hard," maybe it's that the wages they're offering are "too low."

Link: Commentary: Slavery alive and well in U.S. - CNN.com.

The Segmenting of Our Society

The exit polling for these elections bugs the heck out of me. We're all just a bunch of random tribes to these people and they pander for our votes. They break things down into these "key" polling groups:

White Voters

Black Voters

Hispanic Voters

College Educated Voters

Non-College Educated Voters

"Upwardly Mobile" Voters

"Working Class" Voters

Women Voters

Men Voters

Catholic Voters

Evangelical Voters

What's really sad is to see the way the smug media reports the elections and plays all these groups against each other. They definitely do their part to fuel racism, class-ism, and a host of other "-isms". It pisses me off.

So more than ever it us up to us, the people of this country, to take up the cause of loving the "other" and ignore those who would fan the flames of division. Let's show them that we don't need the phony politicians they are shoving down our throats to unite.

Peace.

Rev. Wright and The Act of Ignoring the "Other"

Rev. Jeremiah Wright was on Bill Moyer's show the other night. Moyers is a far left guy and this was an easy appearance for Wright. Kind of like Limbaugh getting interviewed by Sean Hannity.

But I don't want to talk about the interview. I want talk about the things that both the Right and the Left choose to ignore in these situations.

Some of what Wright said was IMHO kooky and even mean spirited. But a lot of what he talked about, and no doubt talks about in many other sermons that we haven't seen clips from is TRUE. This country is and always has been run by rich, white men. This has done immeasurable damage to race relations and built a system that is rife with institutional racism. Why is it so hard for the right to see this? It's maddening. It just goes to show that as much as the right wants to call the left a group of elitists, they are going to make sure their way of life continues. Reverend Wright is the not the scourge you are making him out to be.

As for the left, isn't it funny that they ignore the good Rev's hypocrisy when it comes to the mansion he is about to retire to in a mostly white, gated community. They talk about his words being those of a prophet from a long line in black theological circles, yet this prophet, who preaches against the injustices of rich white people is about to go and live amongst them. It doesn't add up people and to ignore it sheds light on your agenda. Reverend Wright is not the hero you are making him out to be.

More later...

Race, I Have to Talk About It

I know most of us have seen the videos. Some of us have seen them over and over. We've heard the pundits debate them. And no matter what you think of him, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Barack Obama's former pastor has opened up the race conversation yet again. To me that is the one good thing about this situation.

It's a very important topic to me and my family. The state of race relations is something that concerns us on a daily basis. I am in a fairly unique situation as a white male. I am married to an African American woman and our four children are four different shades of beautiful browns.

We have had our oldest daughter come in from school after being called n----r and  told she needs to go back to Africa.

We did not get an apartment just before our marriage because we are an interracial couple.

IF we pay attention in public, and we really don't anymore, we still get ugly looks and whispers from time to time.

As my kids grow up, I will hurt with them when racially motivated comments are made to them.

So here is what I think about Jeremiah Wright, his comments, and some of the reactions that have been in the news for the past week.

• I understand his anger. Institutional and systemic racism is alive and well. We've made progress, but have a ways to go.
• Some of the things he said are true. Hillary doesn't know what it is like to be called n----r and to be judged by the color of her skin. The country IS run by rich white people and this is a huge problem for non-whites. Our foreign policy has not always been on point.
• Some of what he said is not true, the most heinous case being that the US Government created AIDS to wipe out black people.
• The worst thing about these tape is his hateful tone. It is not helpful to racial reconciliation.
• He does not represent the Black church or Black Theology with many of his statements like I heard from lots of people. I have been in and out of Black churches (and married in one) for the last 18 years. There is a lot of talk about oppression and overcoming in Christ and the occasional warranted angry comment but I have rarely if ever witnessed the hate and vitriol that we have seen with Rev. Wright.
• No matter what anyone says, he is anti-American. But guess what, it's his right. But it's not his right or anyone else's to escape being called to the carpet on it.
• His attitudes on Israel are as unhelpful as the other side's attitudes about the Palestinians.
• I am sick and tired of white people who are not and never have been involved in the black community thinking the know enough to comment (whether they are on the right or the left) I realize that may be very arrogant of me to dismiss them, but they come across as disingenuous when all they really know comes second hand. If you aren't involved, then just don't talk.

And that's all just for starters. I think I'll camp here for a bit. I'm not that great of a writer and I am sure I will need to clarify, add to , and subtract  from the things I am saying. I like to post the same way I'd talk about things in a live environment.

Feel free to add your comments...