“If I don’t like it, I don’t like it/that don’t mean that I’m hating…” ~ Common, “The Sixth Sense”, Like Water For Chocolate
That quote has little to do with anything but I felt it appropos seeing as it uses a derivation of the ubiqitous since 1997 word “hatin’”. So getting straight to the point, why do Black people take it so personally when white people do not like Obama or his policy ideas and goals?
Seriously.
Last week, long-time VSSer Miss Patterson sent me a link to an article about a doctor in Florida and a sign he placed on his door that basically said: if you support Obama’s health care plan, then kick rocks in Jesus sandals, beyotch. Or something like that, I may have gotten part of it wrong. But check the article .
The sign on a Florida doctor’s door couldn’t be much clearer: “If you voted for Obama … seek urologic care elsewhere. Changes to your health care begin right now, not in four years.”
Dr. Jack Cassell defended his actions in a story in today’s Orlando Sentinel, saying he’s not actually denying care to anyone who comes to his office for treatment but wanted to send a message to people who supported the president’s health care overhaul efforts.
“I’m not turning anybody away; that would be unethical,” he told the Sentinel. “But if they read the sign and turn the other way, so be it.”
Dr. Cassell is a douche. But I really can’t be upset about his stance here, especially considering that he’s not actually going to turn anybody away who walks into his door. While Miss Patterson and I agreed on his being a d-bag, the fact is, I fully support his right to be one. And specifically because this isn’t about race. But it went there. And it highlights a problem I think we have in this country at times. While 99 percent of the time if something can be about race it is, this is the 1 percent when its not.
Dr. Cassell, and seemingly half the nation, do not agree with Obama’s “health care plan” (in quotes since it is only Obama’s in his saying to Congress “go fix health care”). It’s a contentious issue to say the least. So much so, that on Twitter, thousands of people actually watched the vote, something most members of Congress wouldn’t do if they could help it. Of course, upon all of the Republicans voting it down, shouts of racism flooded the marketplace like Noah showed up with 2 pigeons and Mike Tyson. And while I don’t think this had much to do with race and moreso to do with vastly different points of view (I really don’t know where I stand on it, I’m not a big fan of basically being taxed because you are alive, which is what is about to happen), Black people took this as a personal affront to Obama.
So the f*ck what?
I find it so curious how we are quick to defend the actions of our President just because he’s Black. He signed up for the job with a target on his back. It’s his job. And the nice white people who didn’t vote for him for various reasons (ranging from him not being American to him being Osama Bin Hussein Akbar’s third cousin and Reich) will never like him, no matter what. Why do we care so much? Why do we care that people don’t like Obama? He’s the president, it’s his job to be hated. Dubya perfected Presidential hate.
Then there’s the other side of it, Obama really hasn’t done much of sh*t. Everybody thought change was going to come and the most delusional actually believed it could happen in a year.
Ok. Alright.
Not to piss in his Wheaties, I know change takes time, but you have Black folks defending him like we know his moms. I say let people hate him. Write the check before the baby comes, who the f*ck cares? In America, folks disagree with policies all the time, especially health care. There’s a reason Clinton couldn’t get it done and his attempt flipped Congress back over to Republican control. Clearly it’s contentious. But my people, sometimes, when folks don’t like sh*t, it’s actually policy, not just the Black man shepherding it through.
Plus, they got a right to hate him if they want. I hate a lot of y’all ninjas farm animals. You don’t hear me complaining do you?
So I’m just wondering if you could help a brother out, why do we get so mad when white people hate Obama??
-VSB P aka THE ARSONIST aka TANGLE JIG P aka GIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIRL, HE A 3
I think it’s partly because so many have attacked Obama simply for the color of his skin, and it’s hard not to assume of top that it is the reason for people disagreeing with him or just disliking him. Another part could be simply because he is the first man of color in the White House. Therefore, he is going to be viewed as a representative of us. If he f*cks up, I’m sure we’ll never hear the end of it. Basically, we more or less have to have his back, our that’s probably the collective thought. We just need to learn to judge and think for ourselves.
@sanen85, or that’s the collective thought. Not our.
@sanen85,
I would have to agree. We ARE more or less related to him. Or at least we might as well be. He is OUR representitave wether we like it or not. At my first job, I was the only black person on the entire floor (roughly about a thousand ppl). Not to mention the only minority period ( I had to rep for all ‘sets’, Asians, Hispanics, Africans, etc). At this job, I was constantly questioned about black issues as they related to the most popular black person at that time, Flavor Flav. (I know, I know). Not to say that this is right, but if a non-black was going to lump me with someone, I would much rather it be Barack, than Flavor Flav. All that to say is when we defend the POTUS, we are defending an extension of ourselves as black folk (no Tavis Smiley).
I have no problem with people opposing Obama’s healthcare plan, but labeling him a communist, socialist, and the anger at him is what makes me mad. Obviously, it’s more than his policies and I know race plays a factor.
@Leila,
You definitely have a right to be mad about the name-calling just as much as they have the right to not like or even hate Obama. I guess my question would be: Why let the name-calling and all the racial nonsense get to you? (And by “you”, I’m referring to people in general who feel directly insulted because of this)
People called Bush and past presidents a gang of unfavorable, harsh names…it kinda comes with the territory. Did we expect things to be different with Obama?
@Monk,
How can you say the vitriolic attacks are NOT based on his race? These people are obviously whipping themselves up into a typical white panic and a cursory glance at so-called tea party rallies yields more than random racist signs and paraphernalia. These same idiots turn around and see a black face and equate it with the administration without even knowing your politics. How is it bemusing that a black person would be offended by such thinly-veiled attacks?
@Monk,
“Did we expect things to be different with Obama?”
Well, yeah, because his (and any of his melanin blessed supporters’ in Congress) attacks have a racial level to it. That’s a huge difference, IMO.
@Monk,
Former President Jimmy Carter even made public statements citing racism as the reason for President Obamas harsh and unfavorable treatment from the public, as well as from other members of the government.
@Pe. Riche.,
Yeah, but even Pres. Obama came out and said that was incorrect and to not put a racial element in every debate.
@Cee
let’s not be naive… he had to make the “politically correct” move there – I’ll go all in & bet my entire hand that in his heart of hearts he was happy Jimmy called that ish out.
Hmm, this is tough.
Reasonable people can disagree. I have no problem with people disagreeing with the POTUS on issues. If you were a fiscal conservative under Bush and jumped around screaming about deficit reduction through those tragic eight years, then I have no quarrel with you.
If, however, you are a convenient fiscal conservative i.e. gave Bush a blank check to start and maintain two wars, supported earmarks for your district to support the dirt industry, then hell yeah, I got a problem wit’chu.
Most important, I do expect the POTUS to garner so respect from those across the aisle. Unfortunately, many of them have been unable to decry the racism that emmanates from a segment of their party and engage in civil discourse, which is allegedly a part of democracy. Allegedly…
“So I’m just wondering if you could help a brother out, why do we get so mad when white people hate Obama??”
Simple: because a lot of us take basically any white opinion, whether valid or not, of anything Black as an affront to the entire race. I do it; I can’t stand hearing white people talk about Black folks.
But more importantly, I quote that Common line several times a month. I can’t stand how “hater” has become one of those words that’s been thrown around so much that nobody knows what the f*ck it means anymore. Ninjas really need to learn the difference between not liking (or more common in my case, not giving a f*ck) and hating. That word and its variants account for half of the words that make me want to punch people in the face when they say it to me. The other half is made up of “swag” and its variants.
@P., P, can I please come sit near you? I totally agree with your entire post and the fact that you abhor of words like “hater” and “swag” and their “variants” is like extra added bonus points.
I agree with both Leila and sanse. But I also have to say, that there is a misunderstanding with some black people. They cant seem to differentiate crazy radical whites folks from common sense white people. Some white people have legitimate reasons to why they hate or dislike Obama. I personally agree with them on some of their reasons. Sometimes black people can be so sensitive.
@Candice,
“Sometimes black people can be so sensitive.”
Co-sign. Considering what we’ve been through in the new world you would think we would have thicker skin. This always puzzled me.
@Wuyoung Agent of M.E.,
“Considering what we’ve been through in the new world you would think we would have thicker skin.”
Have been through and still suffering the repercussions of– that’s what brings the sensitivity.
@SoBelle,
True. I see what you’re saying. I’m not advocating that we take on the attitude of the Israelis, but we’ve had a hell of a time in America that has left us scarred a bit. We should look at each of those scars, remember how we got them, and then use this knowledge to delineate real threats to us, our people, and our country. I think we would be better for it.
i blame “group think” word to Erykah Badu.
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I’m not mad at that doctor. Had I planned to go to him, I know to take my money elsewhere.
Can we change this to post.
Let Black People Hate Obama !
joking
@Candice, Don’t start nothing, won’t be nothing!! LOL
“So I’m just wondering if you could help a brother out, why do we get so mad when white people hate Obama??”
Answer:
1. It’s his skin
At one time Republicans joke about Obama being a ‘magic Negro’. Another time a pic was going around the net as Obama being on the face of a food Stamp. Currently in the news is Obama circling African Am, Black….Negro on his Census form. There have been many comments on whether his policies are helping POC (essentially Black ppl, not white people) and for some reason racial tension has increase to open name calling of congressmen. I am sure you have notice that the news talks about his skin color more than anything else, as if all of his choices are toward the “black” team than “white” team.
2. Lack of a credibly argument:
“Obama is a Muslim”, “Obama is a Nazi”, “I want my old America back!!!”, “Obama encourages terrorism”, “Obama is not an American citizen”, “Obama is going to let immigration loose”, “there were no terrorist attacks under Bush”, “Obama is a Communist”, “Obama is going to make the government control everything!” and the classic “Heathcare will ruin America”. There are enough of these weak Fox talking points to make your own Kids Bop CDs. Instead of having open debate about how his first year is not encouraging progressive polices to help people of lower classes, different ethnic groups, immigration, and spending. White people are lampoon with scare tactics about what Barack represents. (I.E. a uppity Negro in a powerful position that would open the door for more uppity Negroes and Ninjas)
3. To the younger, black community he is someone to look up to.
For some reason, Obama, Michelle, and the kids is the biggest representation against the black stereotype that EVERYONE can see EVERYDAY. For Black Folks (especially kids) He makes being a nerd cool. The “gangtas” mentality seems to also take a step back after he became prez. And just like Tiger Woods, he endorses black people to think about something outside their own neighborhood. To some whites, it’s difficult to think black people doing more than singing and dancing. “A Black Man who loves his wife and stays to raise his daughters, in a leadership position who knows more than his opposition.” Imagine seeing that every day when all you know about black people is from BET, MTV, VH1, and Hot97 *Close-minded 2520 brain explodes.*
That’s all I have off the top of my head.
@Mr. Gundam, You took the words out of my mouth especially #’s 1 & 2…..
@Mr. Gundam,
“To some whites, it’s difficult to think black people doing more than singing and dancing. “A Black Man who loves his wife and stays to raise his daughters, in a leadership position who knows more than his opposition.” Imagine seeing that every day when all you know about black people is from BET, MTV, VH1, and Hot97 *Close-minded 2520 brain explodes.* ”
Great comment.
@Mr. Gundam,
amen to your last point ESPECIALLY.
@Mr. Gundam,
I thank you for posting everything I THOUGHT I wanted to post. Well done!
The video won’t be up on Comedy Central’s website until tomorrow night, but Jon Stewart just ripped this guy a new one on The Daily Show.
Key Quote “If you voted for Obama, he won’t touch your penis. But if you voted for McCain *wink* he’ll tooootally touch your penis.” iDied
@ViK,
Here you go: http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-april-5-2010/inethical-basterds
Make sure you watch towards to end of the clip to find out where this DOCTOR got his information about Obama’s Healthcare Reform Law.
*idiot*
@Mr. Gundam
I love and agree with your entire post. You did wonderful job articulating why some people get upset when some people criticize President Obama.
um…..I have to disagree. Many people may take issue with the healthcare
billlaw based on the actual law itself and the ramifications of it. But a lot of people who have not taken the time to read summaries of the bill or to even pay attention to the vote are heated “just because.” Just because why? Just because of a mixture of things, one of them being that “Barack Hussein Obama” (I love it when the rednecks use his full name with emphasis on ‘Hussein’) is trying to change the nation with his “socialist” policies; and also because they’re afraid that they’ll have to “support” people “too lazy to work and pay for their own healthcare.” All these words in quotes are things I’ve heard countless times, and they’re buzzwords that–to me–suggest a racial undertone. Because, otherwise, random white folk’s arguments about why the hell they’re so angry doesn’t make sense. I don’t get offended when white people disagree with policy or voice differences to President Obama. But when they get all red in the face and loud (calling the n word and spitting on folks outside the Unites States capital. And wherever the hell else , por ejemplo) I just can’t attribute that to a simple difference of opinion or political debate. And then that’s when I get mad. lolBut forreal, I if I ever take it personally that someone is voicing opposition to President Obama, it’s usually because I feel like there’s an undertone (or dumbass overtone) of something else. Because when I see a poor white person with parents and family on Medicare/caid say they don’t want to have to “pay for somebody else’s ____________,” I feel like they trying to insinuate something and I need to school their ass so they don’t walk around looking stupid by saying that ignorant sh*t no mo’. Baby, you is already on the government’s socialist healthcare plan.
Redneck: meet Medicaid; Medicaid–Redneck. Get.into.it.
@charli skipper,
Brava!
@charli skipper
This church says amen!
@charli skipper,
you muthasuckas is on it today. Another dope comment.
@charli skipper,
Hear,hear, give the girl a drink..
and a 2-step. Well said, chica.@charli skipper,
*Just came in to do the 2 step to this comment*
This is going to the constant theme with many of the comments but more the most part, the most radical white folks and their screams of socialism, etc is the reason why Black folks are riding w/ Obama. Fox News commentators (Beck, Hannity) along with Limbaugh have done said everything but “ninja” to describe Obama and the type of America they feel he represents. they are fueling the fire in terms of “bringing back America, etc” as if Obama isn’t President of the USA. I am pretty confident that if Obama was a white man, we wouldn’t get the extreme hate that is displayed regarding his policies. It is one thing to dislike or disagree w/ his policies. They are not even showing respect and deference to the position of President. They are using all these code words, etc but if they were not worried about sponsor and such, Beck or Rush would have been kept it 100% with how they really feel.
However, for many of those white folks, they don’t even realize that many of the policies will go to help them out but they are so blinded b/c it is a black man issuing the policies. As it was mentioned, GOP during Bush had no problem voting for policies that caused more debt to the deficient but yet are against a policy that is being estimated to reduce the deficient according to the CBO. (if someone has the clip from Rachel Maddow show or the written stat, please post.) What part of the game is that?
I love Common. . . I love the “Sixth Sense” . . . on a deeper note I played this song on repeat sobbing when I packed up everything I owned after I had sold all of my furniture because I had to choose healthcare over having a place to live. Healthcare lead me to homelessness. Maybe it’s because it’s 3 am and maybe it’s because everyday I hear a remark like “get out of my neighborhood” “get off my bus” “go back to VA” “tell people you voted for Obama” “Stupid ass white girl” “how can SHE be on food stamps”. . . oh how it wears on my soul. . . I didn’t get an MPH to be rich, I did it because worked for an old- out-of-touch GOP who didn’t give a DAMN about people and their healthcare. . . every time I walk into the clinic I am asked if I am the doctor-or the social worker- and I just want SCREAM!!!! NO!!! I am poor- broke as hell- trying to get healthcare- oh how I needed that public option- that urologist can kiss my white ass. I always wonder if my hopeful black children will have the forgotten white mother like Obama. Afterall, the man is half white and around 80 % ish of America is white- so they had to vote for him. . . Personally Obama should have gone harder that is my only complaint- he was never going to win with so many fools in Congress. . . but he didn’t get elected to please everyone, neither did Bush, Clinton or any other President. Sorry for the heavy post and “For now I appreciate this moment in time”
@#1Snowflake,
I always wonder if my hopeful black children will have the forgotten white mother like Obama .
Since your debut apperance on VSB (along with your screen name), you never fail to make me snicker. Thank you.
@V Renee, Bless you!!! I should thank my “youth of today” in DC who gave me the name. . . I have like 80 plus “kids” mostly young black teens who try and holla at me- and when they figure out what a flat out dead end that is- and that I actually care about their future- we get into job skills, life skills, parenting skills. . . so one of my “kids” called me the #1Snowflake of DC. . . he meant it endearing so I owned it! I love this blog. . . it keeps it real-for real!
I personally, don’t get upset when people hate Obama. I know some black folks who voted for McCain and show alot of disdain for Obama in general. Before he was sworn in they were talkin trash. If people want to exert that much energy out to hate on this man then its whatever. I couldnt stand Bush…so I get it. However, I had several reasons for doing that…it wasn’t just because. I loved Clinton pre and post Monica Lewinsky…..I applaud Obama for being the only President in history to actually be able to put a healthcare bill together and make it law…time will tell whether or not it works out but its a step in the right direction….
I take issue because the shade is not separate from his policies. It is personal and race definitely plays a role. I take issue because it is gonna take some time to change what he inherited. Eight years of phuggery and the tipping point came well before he got sworn in, which was partly why he was elected. It’s kinda how a documentary I saw claimed Dinkins did some work for New York that Giuliani reaped the benefit of that while in office and prior to his own missteps as mayor. I could accept criticism and valid points if it wasn’t linked to a personal attack. If Rush Limbaugh and the like didn’t give the sentiment that they want him to fail-Not American to succeed-him to fail. Criticism is not coupled with a solution. It’s just an attack. What is the opponent’s plan? Where is their health care bill?
I would argue what pharmaceutical or insurance company is backing and lobbying for this doctor mentioned in the post because something in the milk ain’t clean if you want to piss off and alienate any clientele during an economic recession. Did a patient leak this to the press? Or does this physician know he is in a red state, serving right wing patients, in a right wing area and this is a set up. Does he make over $200.000 that’s gonna be taxed for health care? Also, why is it legal and okay to discriminate against anyone’s political beliefs? Do your dayum job and treat patient’s Be a professional.
Why is a lot of illegal, discriminatory, uncouth, disrespectful, horrible behavior and overall lack of decorum seem to be okay now? Is this the Age of the A*shole? I don’t understand the blind eye to reprehensible behavior. Some of Obama’s critics happen to be some of the MOST reprehensible and they STILL having an audience, and an audience of the “moral right” at that. Such actions that have taken place now that would have been unheard of and not even dared in past presidencies. We found no WMD’s, but no one yelled “You Lie” during Bush’s presidential address.
Quit frankly it’s the bullshyt and hypocrisy that pisses me off. Example: You wanna make a big deal about Biden saying “This is a big effin’ deal” on a live mic and cut to some kid who is founder of his “No Swearing Club” at his school say he was disappointed that the VP has a potty mouth. However, the past VP dropped the eff bomb, shot a dude in his face, and dropped dime on CIA agents and they haven’t talked to anyone to say how they were disappointed in that. Not to mention the past VP is showing up on shows criticizing the current regime, when he was part of the regime that dropped the ball. Karl Rove, AKA Machiavelli, is writing books and on shows and giving his opinion. Again, the regime that dropped the ball. Under the guise of protection, we got the Patriot Act but this president is accused of being socialist? I have actually seen Hitler mustache’s on Obama’s picture’s held in protest. Comparing him to Hitler? Really? GTFOHWTBS! I could go on, but the double standard and straight up hypocrisy slays me. I can’t ride with that. It’s unjust and I can’t ride with that.
@legitimate_soul, From your keyboard to God’s ear CO-Sign
@legitimate_soul,
___________Sula_________
GREAT POST- why do we get so mad??? Hmmmm, let me see , maybe cause it really doesn’t matter at this point what he does, if he parted the dayum red sea, he still wouldn’t get credit for it, personally I kinda feel like “We Are Family”-no Sister Sledge…I think this is just another one of those things that makes us shake our collective heads, I understand that there are people who just don’t like the whole health care law, however there are more dumba$$ , ignant ,teapartyin a-hole d-bags who just don’t like him because he’s Black, don’t even know how it may or may not be beneficial to them, but standing on street corners & attending rallies carrying weapons on some serious BS….bottom line, for me anyway, as per the norm in the good old US of A, it’s basically the People of Color who will even speak about racism, ask the crazy a$$ YT’s & they don’t see it like that..until we get to the point that some folks are willing to say ” I’m scared of ninjas” instead of “socialism, nazi,” etc., I guess I’ll just have to stay mad , cause I do LOVE my POTUS but that’s just me .
@bajanflchick, If he parted the red sea, or ended poverty and brought about world peace, those fools would still stand outside with picket signs, missing out on all the fun! They are haters and what do we do with haters?? We let them hate!! HATE ON, haters!
great post mr. jackson. (cause i’m nasty) lol.. sorry. couldn’t resist.
anyhoo. i was having this conversation with someone the other day. and for me, it’s fine if you disagree with his policies. but, it’s the disrespect that is really making me upset. it’s like, it’s getting out of hand. he’s the m-effing PRESIDENT for goodness sake, and there is a certain level of ‘respect my authoritaay’ that comes along with that title. so, for grown men and women who call themselves professionals to be name calling, making threats, and yelling out in the middle of him speaking like they’re at a town hall meeting or an irish pub or some ish, is a problem. no one blatantly disrespected Bush like this (to his face),
except that dude that threw his shoes and he was in another countryand he clearly was the worst things since milli vanilli.i just really don’t like it in general when ‘other’ people show their contempt by disregarding a black man’s position, title, or general manhood. i take it personally, because i love black men and no one is allowed to talk to any black man any kind of way except a black woman, dangit. lol.
and with our HNIC, it’s like there’s some unwritten rule among republican politicians that it’s okay to act like drunken rednecks and italian mobs now that we have a black man heading the state. i’ve read so many articles and heard so many news stories about random acts of ninjaish behavior from so called ‘conservative’ repubs that i’m simply hypersensitive to it now and i will get irritated. one day “boy” is going to slip out of one of their ignant arse mouths and Obama won’t be able to catch his reaction with that infamous, very pregnant pause he does so well when he’s
trying not to curse a mofo outcarefully crafting a politically respectful response.@Muze, “he’s the m-effing PRESIDENT for goodness sake, and there is a certain level of ‘respect my authoritaay’ that comes along with that title.”-NOW THIS RIGHT HERE IS THE EM EFFIN TRUTH -COSIGN 100%-nodding head fiercely in agreement
@Muze, Word to your entire post especially the part Anna Renee quoted and “…because i love black men and no one is allowed to talk to any black man any kind of way except a black woman, dangit.” Truer words have never been spoken.
@Muze,
love the whole thing.
*finger snaps.
@Muze, and by Anna Renee I mean bajanflchick. My bad.
@everyone
glad people agree because it seems the country is losing its mind. if democrats and people possessing a brain could respectfully disagree with Dubya without spitting on/at his constituents, sending death threats, cutting gas lines of their homes, and hurling out insults and accusations whilst he addressed the nation… repubs, liberals and humans alike should be able to do the same with Mr. Obama. all i’m saying.
I agree that there are some white people out there that disagree with the policies as there are black people as well. However, I can tell that many of these rednecks just don’t like it because he’s black or that it is nothing but another form of welfare for blacks.( I believe a politician or commentator said that, I’m not too sure.) I mean do some of these people really know what they are talking about? Half of them can’t even spell correctly or write in correct English on their posters.
i swear i heart this blog. lmbo. i always click at least one related post that i haven’t read after i read the current, and i just read the ‘can obama save marriage, the economy, and divorce?’ post and cracked up.
this sentence: “We need Obama to restore our 50 percent divorce rate so people can be happy again.” just killed me. lmbo. you’re so ignant.
okay, carry on. (btw this kiiiiinda relates because it mentions Obama. yepyep.)
First, I can only speak as an individual and speculate on the group.
I get mad when (white) people hate Obama (not hate on, because that’s a trite verb and noun that people throw around to frequently in my opinion) because often it’s not based on rational fact and they lie about it.
If you hate him because of his policies (that you’ve read and analysed by yourself without being spoon-fed the interesting parts by a “news anchor” or political demagogue cool.)Conversely, If you hate him because he’s a socialist commie facist Nazi whose mama dresses him funny,but refuse to say that it might also deal with your latent distrust/dislike of Negros, I neither respect you, your integrity nor your intellect, but you’re entitled to your dumbarsery.
I just wish people would accept if they were racist. Not everyone who dislikes President Obama is, but people should really analyse the why behind the what.
Speculation: In short, Black people feel Obama’s pain. He understands what it’s like to be a tiger in a zoo and some people who supported him wholeheartedly hitched their wagons to his star and identify with him, his narrative and promise as deeply as people believed, loved and idolised J.F.K.
Dang P-you are on POINT with this. That’s all. Carry on.
I think Black people just hate when
whitepeople attack any one of our “own” period, whether they are right or wrong. We will fiercely stand behind our folks, even if Tyrone was found at the scene of the crime with the murder weapon in his hand, cuz um, how we know it wasn’t self defense?So when folks jump all over Obama, “the” quintessential Black man, it really gets our draws in a bunch.
@I’llgiveitatry, Naw. I watch First 48 all the time and the entire show I’m always thinking:
“That Ninja Tyrone did it.”
@knappiheaded1,
Hel.l. even Tyrone’s friends say he did it. LOL
I just wanted to point out that while this guy is entitled to his opinions, he also went on television (spoke with Alan Colmes) and admitted that he doesn’t know what the hell is going on with the bill.
I understand that it boils down to ideological differences a lot of the time, and I don’t bother to debate the point when I realize that’s the case. Those kinds of beliefs are not easily changed. The American Medical Association supports this legislation and I trust them.
So much of this frenzy has turned into an ‘us and them’ kind of battle (I find it hard to believe that NOT ONE Republican representative supported this measure/had constituents that this would benefit. Really?) and this is the first time I’ve actually felt like “my team” won – I do feel ownership with the administration and it’s difficult not to take it personally when people are attacking the figure who both literally and figuratively represents you and your voice.
@Elise,
(I find it hard to believe that NOT ONE Republican representative supported this measure/had constituents that this would benefit. Really?) .
Yeah just like they didn’t support the stimulus bill but were at ribbon cutting ceremonies accepting the money for their respective states. Yeah about that……My girl Rachel M broke it all the way down (their hypocrisy), and followed it up with “They just don’t care”.
@V Renee,
“Yeah just like they didn’t support the stimulus bill but were at ribbon cutting ceremonies accepting the money for their respective states.”
This is what I mean when I say Republicans aren’t having a honest debate.
@V Renee, @ Humble_One,
I’m glad the two of you brought this up. Not a single member of the GOP voted for the bill. I wonder if all of them don’t care or are they afraid of being the victim of political fratricide. Lindsey Graham a Republican from SC has been censured several times by various factions of the SC GOP. If he comes off pro-environment, he gets censured. Smiles at the prez. Censured. If he’s even seen in the same room with James Clyburn, he get’s censured. These people are so crazy that they attack the logical members of their party.
We know that fixed news outlets deliberately mis-educates whites to hate him, and I think part of the reason we don’t like the hate is that 1) why make it easy for them, and 2) in the back of our minds, we fear he’ll be assassinated.
This makes it tough for many of us to be publicly critical of any of his policies, which is something I’ve been struggling as a blogger over his recent his doozy of decisions, which have nothing to do with health care reform, that makes my hair stand on end.
I think though, it’s time to let the honeymoon end and the marriage begin.
When informed people dislike Obama’s it doesn’t bother me very much because that’s their right. When informed people dislike Obama’s policies just to pander to a nutjob voting base then I have a problem. *I’m looking at you John McCain. Those same nutjobs don’t like you very much either.*
When the uniformed who get all of there information from questionable sources like Fox, MSNBC on the left, and whatever Internet site they may read (Dr. Cassell admited to getting his information from the internet on Fox news where he was pimped by Alan Colmes) then it pisses me off. I have a problem with adults who need to be told how to feel, think, and vote about policies that effect them. If you don’t know the difference between a facist, socialist, or a commie then you should forgo your right to speak on the most basic political topics. I do think that much of the tea bag crowd’s issues are based on race. To them John Shaft and his cronies are shaping American policies and they can’t stand it. It is a very insane notion but that notion exists among the crazies of the world. I would feel much better if they would just call him n***er, moon cricket, or whatever they would like and cut the “I want my country back pretense”.
On the other hand Obama isn’t black enough for the Tavis Smileys of the world either. Here Obama is the first black POTUS, but he can’t even join Tavis’ black Justice League.
As for Panama’s question about black’s getting vexed when 2520s talk sh*t about the POTUS, I think it comes down to the fact if they’ll drag the President’s name through the mud, imagine what they would do to you when you “step out of line”. That’s just how I see it.
@Wu Young Agent of M.E.,
“If you don’t know the difference between a facist, socialist, or a commie then you should forgo your right to speak on the most basic political topics.”
Thank you. I really want people to know what socialism is before they start spewing the word all around because they heard Glen Beck or one of them Fox news guys use it.
@miss t-lee,
Glen Beck can barely stop himself from laughing when he’s doing his “act”. That a**hat is crying but his loyal followers never stop to ask if he’s crying because he’s upset or laughing so hard.
@Wu Young Agent of M.E.,
Yeah…that dude right there is so fradulent.
@Wu Young Agent of M.E.,
I have a problem with adults who need to be told how to feel, think, and vote about policies that affect them.
Reasom #245 why I heart this blog. Y’all are some smart arse people in here.
“So I’m just wondering if you could help a brother out, why do we get so mad when white people hate Obama??”
I don’t think I get mad when white folks talk junk about Obama, I pretty much get a lil’ heated when anyone talks about Obama. Hey…I can’t really explain it. Maybe it’s because he is a Black man, or maybe it’s because he’s one of the few people I’ve voted for that I actually believe in. I want him to succeed in all the policies he’s trying to accomplish.
Doing the right thing isn’t always popular, so of course you’re gonna make some folks mad, and on the presidential level you’re p*ssing off millions of folks left and right.
This is why I typically don’t discuss politics because things can quickly get outta hand, kinda like playin’ the dozens. There’s a fine line between “Ha-ha! that was funny” and fisticuffs.
@miss t-lee,
So right. I paused a bit before I hit the submit button on my post. I also agree with the rest of your post. I think many black folks don’t necessarily feel patriotic (if not all the time or sometimes not at all) and here is someone some folks actually believe in.
@legitimate_soul,
“I think many black folks don’t necessarily feel patriotic (if not all the time or sometimes not at all) and here is someone some folks actually believe in”
That would be a good topic for a blog.
“So I’m just wondering if you could help a brother out, why do we get so mad when white people hate Obama??”
It’s the inuendo….We know they (Obama haters) just want to call him a n*gga, a porch monkey, a coon, etc…it’s like they are itching to do it, but they don’t want the full wrath that will come with those words/phrases so they call him a socialist, a communist, a marxist, etc.
We see Obama as a part of the “talented tenth”, right now he IS the representation of the black race, so when comments are made about him, (and lets not talk about the hate thrown at Michelle and the babies) we take it to heart because it’s us….We (or at least I) feel as though they are talking about me. We have to defend ourselves from them by defending him.
@Complex Simplicity, We see Obama as a part of the “talented tenth”, right now he IS the representation of the black race, so when comments are made about him, (and lets not talk about the hate thrown at Michelle and the babies) we take it to heart because it’s us…
BINGO. WELL SAID!
I disagree w/ u. It is about race, & it will always be. Many a white folk are just plain angry that the POTUS is black & will denounce anything & everything he & his administration put forth. It is my opinion that to think otherwise is absolutely FOOLISH! McCain said so himself!
Dr. Cassell is foolish too. I do care that white ppl now think cutting up in public – on the international scene no less – is ok. It’s disgusting embarrassing, & flat out scary. Ppl are taking their freedom to hate to the limit. Our country is lost. It’s not about the Health Care Bill, never was. How many people do u think have actually read the Bill (Doctors included)? & truth be told, the ppl don’t need the change won’t even notice & be able to go on w/ business as usual. Ppl just love getting all rah rah, & to reiterate what somebody said before, the masses have a bad habit of rooting for what’s the loudest & most vulgar – that’s the american way. In other words, the GOP can say just about anything they want; as long as they keep riling ppl up, they’ll have supporters. Death threats from the whities ain’t cute. I think black folk should start caring, b/c, loves, we’re still the minority, & if the Pres can’t do it, what makes u think white folks will let u?
Lastly, I think it’s atrocious when black ppl publicly denounce the POTUS. We have a longstanding history of hating each other & keeping each other from succeeding, & there are too few of us (too few of us doing big thangs) to afford letting the world see us not support our Black president. If u don’t like Obama, that’s cool, but don’t be tellin white folks that – we haven’t made it that far to be able to criticize our own in front of the masses; we’re still homogenous in their eyes.
A lot of blacks have issues with Obama too. That is why he is gonna be one-term President.
White people hating Obama doesn’t make sense just like Black people loving Obama doesn’t make sense… You don’t know him.
You can rightfully dis/agree with his policies. You can see him as a source of inspiration. You can admire his style of dress. You can dislike his position on foreign policy or his jump shot.
I think folks get upset when white people say they hate Obama is because most of them really mean “I hate that this, or any, n_gger is not only doing better than me but is the leader of this land that God gave to white people.” Seriously.
It must be noted that most of these people are ignorant as hell. And most of them either hate all colored people, don’t know any colored people, or have only known a few which they figure are the exception. They use words they’ve been given on the cue card that is Fox News like “socialism” communism”, “Marxism” and “totalitarianism”, things of which they have absolutely no self-obtained knowledge. They talk of Armageddon when most of them have probably never read the Book of Revelations.
Another thing I’ve noticed is that they must all be independently wealthy or unemployed because the sure have a lot of free time to do all that cross-country protesting while the rest of us are at work. Yet liberals are portrayed as being lazy hippies who want to live off the sweat of others… Wait that sounds familiar. Hmm…
Most people that disagree with what he’s doing, say just that. They’re unhappy with the changes that are taking place but they don’t “hate” the man. For a lot of older people I think this just brings back unhappy memories of the Civil Rights movements where hordes of white people were in the streets yelling and screaming about how much they hated colored people. And I can’t really blame them.
What I really don’t get is why people are upset that people voted for Obama supposedly “just because he’s Black”. Jesse was Black and people didn’t vote for him. Rev. Al was Black and people didn’t vote for him. Just like you want people to be open to the idea that not everything is about racism, I think you should be open to the fact that more people voted for Obama because they liked what he was saying regardless of his skin color. And if you know people that did simply vote for Obama because he was Black, maybe you should reevaluate the circles you run in because they’re not too bright.
@Deviant,
“And if you know people that did simply vote for Obama because he was Black, maybe you should reevaluate the circles you run in because they’re not too bright.”
*nodding* If you find out that you are the smartest person in the room. Find a new room.
@Deviant,
“Another thing I’ve noticed is that they must all be independently wealthy or unemployed because the sure have a lot of free time to do all that cross-country protesting while the rest of us are at work.”
Okay??
@miss t-lee,
The same can be said of anti-abortion protesters. Shouldn’t y’all have a spread sheet or TPS report to work on like the rest of the country.
@Wuyoung Agent of M.E., “TPS report” :-from one of the funniest things about IT I have ever seen in a movie…
@Wuyoung Agent of M.E.,
Oh they upset me too. Ugh…
@Deviant,
“White people hating Obama doesn’t make sense just like Black people loving Obama doesn’t make sense… You don’t know him.”
I totally agree. I think it’s too much hating just ’cause he’s Black and I think there’s too much d*ck-riding just ’cause he’s Black…and both actions are ridiculous in my opinion.
@Deviant,
I love you for your entire comment..wait, but, I don’t know you. Still love you. lol
“What I really don’t get is why people are upset that people voted for Obama supposedly “just because he’s Black”.”
I hate it because it doesn’t give us enough credit. Like, us Negros (no Census) can’t decipher between two candidates with validity. Politics and such are SOOO complex that we just go with the default…the man’s skin color. No one has been saying that about 2520s because they only had two white folks to choose from for years. So, if it’s valid to say we picked Obama because he is Black…it’s just as valid to say 2520s picked McCain because he is White
or because they want to secretly boink Sarah Palin.@Deviant,
“I hate that this, or any, n_gger is not only doing better than me but is the leader of this land that God gave to white people.”
Ain’t that the truth!
*nods head on the rest of the comment*
mf’ers are bat sh*t crazy and racist in their heart of hearts.
I’ve tried to be diplomatic about the whole anti-Obama trend that is sweeping the nation, but I failed miserably. Matter of fact, I don’t even think I really “tried.” See, for me the minute someone says Obama is such a …..my ears perk up, my heart rate increases, and whomever is speaking gets the evil eye. I take it very personally when people attack Obama, because it translates as an attack on black folk, black men, and Democrats. Why? The same reason why every time they mention Obama they have to “remind” us that he’s African-American and the first African-American to do a host of things including holding the highest office in Politics. The two identities (Democrat President and Black) are interwined, not only in my mind, but in the minds of Americans. So, while it might be ideal for me NOT to internalize the statements of d-bags like Dr. Cassell and his teabagger partners in crime, I just can’t. And though I love the constitution and our right to free speech, I think it’s dangerous to let certain, albeit ambiguous, threats like Dr. Cassell’s go by unchallenged. If anyone should be compared to Hitler, it’s this dude in Florida.
It stings just a bit when folks attack POTUS. However, I don’t think he is being attacked any more than past presidents – just more viciously.
And I just happen to pay more attention because he looks like one of my uncles.
@SexyCool,
“And I just happen to pay more attention because he looks like one of my uncles.”
This cracked me up for some reason.
“So I’m just wondering if you could help a brother out, why do we get so mad when white people hate Obama??”
For me, it’s like this:
For the first time in my existence, there is a president who I actually supported. Don’t get me wrong. I voted for Clinton and I voted against the Bushes. That, however, was simply choosing the lesser of the evils presented. This time, there was someone who looks like me in the running. Someone who actually espoused my very concerns, even if it ultimately proves to be simply lip service. That was a candidate with whom I could get emotionally vested in spite of not really giving two sh*ts about politics.
I know that if this president excels, it shoots a middle finger to those “Bell Curve” believers who feel that because we are black, we are predisposed to being intellectually inferior. Worse yet, if he fails, it could seem to prove them right (in their minds, anyway).
Given the modern day media portrayals of us, it is about time that we are presented in a more positive light. It f*cks with my mind when people propagate bullsh*t like it’s fact, and to me, that’s exactly what the naysayers are doing.
In addition to the above, how many times have you heard a teaser on the news for some upcoming story and you thought “Please let him not be black.”? In that sense, we all share an unstated kinship whereby we become emotionally vested and want “ours” to succeed and acheive, just as if it were a family member we’re supporting. In a larger sense, he is family- he’s a brother. When folks are hatin’ on your brother, are you going to say “that’s his job” or will you take up arms and come to his defense? As a community, we come to the aid of our brotheren even when he’s a crackhead (I see you Marion Berry).
The bottom line is like this. You find yourself supporting Team Obama. You and your fellow fans are filling the stands and sporting your brand new, fresh, team Obama gear. You look across the field to the opponent, the haters. You look to your left and right…nothing but your community of team Obama supporters. On the row in front of you is some dude who bought his ticket late and was forced to sit on the home team side, but he’s a hater. He’s the only dude around you cheering against team Obama when everyone else around you is quiet. Wouldn’t you want to reach out and throat-punch him? (I see you Miss T-Lee). It’s kinda like that.
I have no problem with 2520s hating Obama for policy reasons. I DO have a problem with 2520s masking blatant racism with “policy reasons”. Wait, I take that back…I don’t have a problem with it because yeah, it’s well within their right to do that too. But, best believe, I also have a right to call them on their bullish. Me calling them out on their BS is not taking away their right, it’s using my own.
I can’t with people who say they don’t want the government running their money and then when an interviewer asks them they are on social security and they say yes, but then in the same breath say they don’t want the government running their money. Side-eye of the century. Just own your KKK-ness!
I have nothing thought provoking or insightful to add; however, Obama being elected did help me shave my Facebook friends list almost overnight. As I saw some of my 2520 friends friends come out and rock that sheet like only they could, and my Ricky Schroeder inclined buddies didn’t reprimand them (and in some cases, picked up the verse where they left off) I quietly made “change” happen to my list. I had 2 brave souls hit me up and ask why they were removed from my cabinet, and I said simply, “It’s a Black Thing.”
@Saule Wright,
yas! between the 2008 presidential race and the death of Michael Jackson, I’m down about 20 facebook friends. Get out of pocket if you want to! I will defriend your tail in a split second.
This is a good subject to talk about, Panama. For me, I do get a bit heated when people really poke at Obama, especially when the stuff is pretty much reaching and a way to be racist without being racist. I think older black people really take offense to it because to them, none of them thought they would be alive to see this happen. I voted for Barack Obama because he is a black man that is liberal that wants all Americans to be happy and prosperous, because that last nutjob did a great job of separating the country and spitting on the middle to lower class that doesn’t want a handout, just an opportunity. To me, it almost doesn’t matter who is in the White House because this country was built on greased palms, you scratch my back and I will scratch yours. People are only going to look out for whoever they want to, especially if you bringing dead presidents along with you. Obama is going to get attacked because he is the president, but he does represent what many 2520s don’t see and don’t want to see at all in aspect, a black man telling them what to do. 150 years after slavery and that still scares the piss out of 2520s. It is not hating in a sense of not liking him because he is doing well and achieved much, it is hating in a sense of pure despite, because of his race to where you have to disenfranchise him as an American and a human being. I could go on and on about this but it is getting close to flogging a dead horse. That man is president, he beat the sh*t out the other guy fair and square, and whether he screws this country up and makes incredibly prosperous, in 2012, you can vote for him and not. Because he is a black man and a good one, we as a people are going to defend him a small way or a big way because it is always good to see a good man get on and attacking is like attacking us.
On the healthcare thing: my health insurance sucks, and so does yours, and the companies are getting rich off of us. On making sure others get it at the expense of us being taxed for it: a person with no insurance costs a regular hospital $100,000 per person. Letting folks have insurance can make that a lot easier for hospitals and doctors to deal with. B*tching about taxes in this country is like b*tching about dying: you can’t avoid it. Just shut up and move on. Being assed without insurance is no fun, and watching your mother have to go to a county hospital because her blood sugar tanked and she got dropped from her insurance because while on disability, the superintendent of the school district embezzled money and the district had to make budget cuts, including your mother’s insurance, will make a black man want to club with a Louisville slugger anybody that has something bad to say about healthcare reform.
Let me stop before I start shooting this dead horse with an automatic rifle.
@ComicBookGuy,
“Obama is going to get attacked because he is the president, but he does represent what many 2520s don’t see and don’t want to see at all in aspect, a black man telling them what to do. 150 years after slavery and that still scares the piss out of 2520s.”
They are still waiting for the “oppression of the white man” to happen. They really don’t understand that others are just trying to make it and not trying to make them our b_itches.
@Deviant,
“They are still waiting for the “oppression of the white man” to happen.”
Yes they are. This will happen right after Obama’s imaginary gun bill is pushed through. They 2520 nutjobs seem to be living in fear of the imaginary.
@ComicBookGuy, I feel your pain. Well stated.
@Caballeroso (apolitically correct),
I knew you would feel me, frat.
@ComicBookGuy,
“Being assed without insurance is no fun, and watching your mother have to go to a county hospital because her blood sugar tanked and she got dropped from her insurance because while on disability, the superintendent of the school district embezzled money and the district had to make budget cuts, including your mother’s insurance, will make a black man want to club with a Louisville slugger anybody that has something bad to say about healthcare reform. ”
this. each time someone brings up something negative about the healthcare bill, i counter it with something like this. a situation very similar happened at the school i work(ed) at, and my insurance was cut off. this was 1 month before i was involved in an unfortunate accident that had me in and out of the hospital all last spring and summer. you can imagine the lovely bills i’ve accumulated just to be present today april 6th, 2010. it IS enough to make you want to fight the face of anyone opposed to helping people’s quality of life and health.
@ComicBookGuy, co-sign 100%
I definately recognize that there are whites that hate on Obama just bc of his skin color. But, I can’t remember anyone being mad when many blk people hated Bush because he was white(before and after he gave america much reason to hate him on actions alone). I think black ppl take things so personal when it comes to Obama bc we feel like he’s us and we must have his back. Some forget that he isn’t like the average black person at all. He was raised by white ppl in places that weren’t our typical ghetto. He is @ this point a rich man outside of the presidency. Michelle has got the ‘like me’ factor but he doesn’t, so I don’t know why ppl feel like he’s one of us. Not only that, if we keep this, gotta stick with the race thing, how are racial issues ever going to go away? And what makes me really angry is that black ppl hate blk ppl who don’t support Obama like the talked about their moms or something. I’m trying to save opinion until further into his administration but anyone blk that I’ve seen be against the HC reform or that feels like his views are socialist get dogged out for it. I thinks that it ridiculous.
@nycutie, I can’t say that I know of any folks that hated Bush because he is white…I don’t doubt that they exist, but they’re idiots just the same.
You imply that he is not like the average black person. Who is? What constitutes the “average” black person anyway? Does this mythical creature really exist?
Are you familiar with either the one drop or the 3/5 rule? Please realize that in the eyes of many whites, if you are not white, you’re black. Mixed means non-white which will equate to black. To many, he’s black, end of story. Those against him don’t give a care about his wealth or his racial makeup. Do you think that every white person elected has had the same racial and cultural makeup as all whom they represent or who elected them?
And, so what if he didn’t come from the ‘hood? How does that change his ability to champion the best interests of those who are disenfranchised? He seems to recognize that many in the ‘hood don’t have adequate access to heathcare and he is the only one to put forth such a valiant effort thus far toward correcting this…unlike his foes and predecessors.
I don’t really care if he shares my experience. I care that he does his job by doing what he said he would which became the premise on which I voted for him. The very same that I would expect of any candidate I supported, regardless of race, cultural exposure, or financial status.
@Caballeroso (apolitically correct), I’m not relating his ‘blackness’ to how black white ppl think he is but how relatable some black ppl feel he is just based on his skin color. As you can see in this post, there are those that will back him against whites just bc he’s black. Me, I relate to those with similar experiences, not those with similar skin tones. So what I was pointing out was the idiocy of ppl supporting him just bc he’s black. Him being black doesn’t make him like every other blk person.
@nycutie,
So what I was pointing out was the idiocy of ppl supporting him just bc he’s black
Like Deviant said above (or below), if one finds themselves with a lot of those people (people who voted for Obama solely because he’s black) in their circles, they need to change circles… because yeah, no.
@Caballeroso (apolitically correct),
amen.
@nycutie,
“But, I can’t remember anyone being mad when many blk people hated Bush because he was white(before and after he gave america much reason to hate him on actions alone).”
I’m not sure this can be proven because of the 40-odd presidents that were just as white and not every other president were hated by a lot of Blacks. Clinton to name one. JFK to name two. If being white was the main reason Black folks hated Bush, then they weren’t lookin’ hard enough. lmao
@nycutie,
so the average black person lives in the ghetto? i’m not understanding. and why does the fact that he didn’t grow up in the ghetto have any bearing on whether we can relate to/support him or not?
@Muze, actually I have found that most people that support him just bc he’s black are from the ghetto. And how else do you personally relate to some save personal experiences. Geographical demographics have a lot to do with personal experiences. That’s fact.
@nycutie,
“actually I have found that most people that support him just bc he’s black are from the ghetto…”
yooooooo! that is a scary generalization, nycutie. 1) how did u “find” that conclusion? & 2) y r u taking it there? & honestly, there is absolutely nothing wrong w/ supporting Pres Obama b/c he is black – it would be “better” or more “responsible” to vote for a candidate who stands for one’s beliefs, but black ppl need to stick together. I rather see black ppl vote for a candidate b/c he is black (& represents the successes we would like all our black brethren to be able to attain) than not voting for him b/c he is black, & there were plenty of those in Nov. 2008.
@nycutie,
& just to reiterate… being able to vote for a Black President, in & of itself, was an unprecedented opportunity of monumental proportions – just seeing a Black President probably meant more to a lot of ppl out there than his policies, whether they understood them or not. to belittle that… what’s the point?
You make great points about race being pushed as the issue when it’s not. However, when it comes to Obama/healthcare and the current state of US politics we need to mindfull of a few things:
1. While the public opinion on Obama and his policies overall may be ~50/50, when you look at his individual policies, most are more like 60/40 in favor. The negative discourse is seeded in blantant misinformation (he’s a muslim born Kenyan, radical terrorist, etc.). We have seen a sitting/ex governor accuse the government of setting up death panels. The GOP’s success in spreading these lies is based on ignorant middle america’s fear of a black planet.
2. Most policies in the US are close to a 50/50 split in public opinion. However, we have not seen people drive across the country to call a sitting congressman/woman a nigger or a faggot in a long time. Spitting on them as they walk into the capital. What was the issue the last time white folks were so nasty? Race.
3. Does anyone believe people are this mad about access to healthcare and the size of the government. For instance the US Navy is the world’s largest. Same size as #2 through #14 combined. And 11 of those are our allies. Do white folks drive from Wisconsin to DC to spit on admirals because the navy is expensive? No. The anger comes from the sentiment that black men and white women have no legitimate right to make US policy. Even if they are the elected president or majority house leader. The president and congress have made significant policy, something the US has failded to do since the 60s.
4. The lack of decorum by public officials speaks volumes about what is really at the heart of this “emotional” debate. No one called Bush or Clinton liars during their state of the union speeches. And they are both proven without a doubt liars. This is about a black man’s audacity to do with the presidency what 100 years of white presidents have tried and failed to do.
5. Saying the current outrage isn’t about race is like saying the civil war wasn’t about slavery. People then, like now, make all sorts of brilliant arguments about state rights. If you think Mississippi should decide if slavery is legal in Mississippi then feel free to think anything about Obama’s policies represent socialism.
Ask yourself, “did people spit on congressmen when?”:
1. The US wrote child labor laws
2. The US came up with the 40 hour work week.
3. The GI bill.
4. Social security.
5. Medicaid.
6. Public transportation.
7. The US DOT.
8.The US EPA.
9. FAA.
10. FDA.
11. Public education.
All publicly funded social programs signed into law without the president being compared to Hitler. Remember when they called him a terrorist for 6 months? Now we have white guys flying planes into the IRS and plotting to kill cops so they can kill more at the cops funeral and no one has called them terrorists or shipped them off to Gitmo. Let a black man or woman run for president and find out he went to high school with one of these nut jobs and see how fast the word terrorist is on every front page newspaper.
@James,
Well stated and very brilliant way to put it all in perspective.
Well done.
@James, if everyones outrage is bc of race, what about black ppl who hate the reform? And I don’t believe that all white ppl that hate it are racist, or even the majority. 50/50 maybe.
@nycutie,
if everyones outrage is bc of race
Darling, you will have to read James post one more time…
@nycutie,
and I’m going to need you to begin with sentence #1.
@skipper (can I call you that? Thanks!)
and I’m going to need you to begin with sentence #1. .
I quit you. ROTFLMAO
@nycutie, Let’s not pretend some of us don’t self loath (think Condie Rice shopping in Manhattan the Wednesday after Katrina while the entire administration enjoyed its vacation).
Any time I hear people question black america’s support for this president, I automatically think people are bent out of shape because Obama won the democratic nomination starting by talking to old white ladies in New Hampshire and Iowa. While Clinton and Foxnews were debating his “blackness” he went around the country with the most diverse, modern and effective political machine ever seen and spread a message. He won the popular vote, crushed the electoral college, the entire time screaming at the top of his lungs about healthcare reform.
When he went to Republican retreat and schooled an entire legislative house on policy without a note card or a prompter, he earned our support. If the entire opposing political party, can’t beat him on one talking point then there is no debate, just obstruction.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2fBVEz1_DA
Watch the video. Foxnews stop covering after about 10 minutes of this slaughter. That’s why he deserves support.
@James,
who are you? i love it.
@James,
Terrific post, James.
Ya’ll are KILLING it today. I love this place.
@James,
Cosign. What people that scream anti-government this and that is that th
@James,
Cosign. What people seem to ignore is that the power, wealth, and prosperity that the U.S. is due to government involvement. The internet, microwave ovens, nuclear technology, and more were all from direct government involvement. Not only that but how many times has the U.S. military, CIA, etc. involve themselves in other countries for U.S. corporate interest? The G.I. Bill played a HUGE roll in the wealth, size, and making of the middle class in this country. So this idea of the government being totally absent other than for war is nonsense.
@Humble_One,
An entire generation of American men would have been left listless if not for the G.I. Bill. Black and white. Thousands of men and women got and still are getting degrees and learning trades because of this. It doesn’t get enough credit in my book.
@Wu Young Agent of M.E.,
Cosign. It wasn’t just the G.I. Bill. After WWII the government spent money on grants, scholarships, etc. to encourage study in engineering and the sciences. You are right. The G.I. Bill and other government progams don’t get the credit they deserve.
@Humble_One,
Thank you for this comment. I actually said “yup!” outloud, lol…carry on..
Bond.
@James,
Great perspective!
@James,
somebody give this man a hug. such truth man, such truth. i’m going to print this out and WAIT for someone to say something about the health care bill today, just so i can learn them something.
i’m with Cheekie. love this place.
@James,
Brilliant!
@James, ur the bomb
Last I checked black people been mad at crazy ultra-conservative people for a long time and have defended democratic candidates, even when some didn’t deserve defending, so that isn’t new. Besides people hated Bush because he did stuff that got people killed and acted like he didn’t care.
In Pres. Obama’s case some of the conservatives have just lost their minds and we know one of the reasons why. However he did pass healthcare legislation, improve college students access to student loans, made history on the Supreme Court and held together a failing economy which IS significant for a year and some change, also believe it or not he did facilitate better communication between the parties. All candidates promise to change how things are done Obama just said it better, and realistically speaking he has done a good job, so far.
I remember being mad when Kerry didn’t get elected and he didn’t even have much of anything to offer, I’m bound to have a problem with people who are running around here like Obama is the anti-christ. Then there is that whole issue of, if someone as upright as Obama is vilified in this way than the way they see the lives of me and any other black
hispanic, muslim, Indian and/or other non-whitepeople as not worth the air that they breath.@Losing It…,
However he did pass healthcare legislation, improve college students access to student loans, made history on the Supreme Court and held together a failing economy which IS significant for a year and some change, also believe it or not he did facilitate better communication between the parties. .
Thank you for pointing this out. It kills me when people say “he hasn’t done anything”. Bullshyt many things have happened since his presidency.
I don’t get mad when people hate Obama. I do think some Black folks give him a pass because he is Black. I have had this talk with a few people and what I hear is Black folks people giving him a pass on almost everything. No one gets a pass for having having Larry Summers and Tim Geithner on his economic team. If you can’t be critical of any of the moves he’s made at this point you aren’t being honest in your criticism. I have no problem with 2520s having problems with his policies. That’s good for democracy. The problem I have is with the dishonest debate coming from Republicans and their mouthpieces. We should be criticial of any politician. But when you say things like “death panels”, “socialist”, “not a US citizen”, etc. you are not being honest in your criticism and are pandering to the most ignorant and fearful of our society i.e. poor-working class 2520s. This game of “Southern Strategy” politics is going to get people killed.
@Humble_One,
I don’t need to comment today, only to co-sign you.
Bond.
i dont live in the US..but i heart your prez. Canada and US, while sharing commonalities, are also different on several levels. your racial history and mentality on health care leave most of us scratching our heads most of the time.
i was in the hospital visiting a friend yesterday, and was happy to see the nurses come in and check on her to see how she was doing, asking questions and pleased with her progress.
later in the evening, she recieved a roomate, an older lady who was suffering some sort of blockage that was going to require an operation. she had 2 different doctors come in (the one who initially saw her and a specialist) within 20 minutes of being rolled in. the second dr explained the pros and cons of having the operation, and why it was needed. she explained the risks due to all her other health issues (she was probably about 80 yrs old). she mentioned the potential consequences if something should go wrong. at one point she asked her, if her heart should stop – how are they would like them to go with cardiac arrest procedures. her family went on to sign appropriate papers and they took her down to surgery. no payroll, proof of income, no deed to the house or mortgage papers, no visa, mastercard or cheques required.
if your mental state partially determines the outcome of your operation, how many go in but don’t come out because they were more worried about how they were going to pay for it all rather than being worried about making it out dead or alive?
it was at that time that I really felt bad even being in the room to overhear all this info, but that i was extremely grateful to live in a country that puts my health first before money. that’s what it boils down to for me (and most canadians). i’m blessed that i’ve not needed anything major (mri etc..) and the system is definintely not perfect – but anything government run isn’t going to be. i dont even know what socialist means, but i know that people who are afraid of government ruling their lives don’t already think about how many parts of their lives are ALREADY ruled by the govt (having a home, heating/electricity in your home, driving a car, the roads you drive on, getting paid, having days off etc..). so unless you live on a farm, live off your own land, home school your kids and such…no one’s life will ever be free of government directives. there is a cost for everything. action or inaction. Finland has amazing social programs and post-secondary education is free..but i’m sure it comes at a high cost (tax wise)..which would you rather have? $60,000 in debt upon graduation or pay some higher taxes? i’d pay some more taxes (and trust..i already do) if i knew i could have gone to school for free. hell..i’d be on my masters or phD at this point! when you know you are already paying for something, you use it to it’s fullest advantage. some go over board, some don’t use it at all – but it’s nice to know the security blanket is there when you need it.
i have no problems when cigarette prices go up, cuz the way i see it..when smokers start to suffer from the health issues that come along with being a smoker, they are going to access the health care system much more than i do. and unlike something genetic or hereditary – they are choosing to smoke. don’t like it? the higher cost of smokes will become an excellent incentive to stop smoking. same goes for the tanning and all other unhealthy VOLUNTARY habits that lead to adverse health issues. i see the argument of .. where will it end? but i can tell you that if healthy foods were cheaper than unhealthy foods, the continent wouldn’t have the issues it’s having today with obesity and etc..
sorry for the long post, Canada has been brought up ALOT in the health care debate and thought I’d give my two cents.
that being said: i love US shopping! lol.
@Keisha Brown,
mentality on health care leave most of us scratching our heads most of the time.
Most of my friends who live overseas(black and non-blacks alike) always try to get me to help them understand why so much “hatred” towards the policy… and I am at a loss to explain to them the why… Because it does NOT make sense to be THIS outraged by a healthcare bill. Nope.
I’d personally like to borrow the rose colored glasses of anyone who thinks that level of response to the issues that Obama tackles has nothing to do with race. Health care reform, for example has been a major issue during times of both Republican and Democratic leadership, but when’s the last time you saw people at a “rally” about health care reform with loaded a loaded AR-15? Oh yeah, the moment the Black man became POTUS. Sure there are people who oppose Obama simply on policy, but America is not now, never has been, and never will be colorblind. But in the words of the ubiquitous Jesse Jackson, “Keep hope alive.”
@SoBelle,
I’d personally like to borrow the rose colored glasses of anyone who thinks that level of response to the issues that Obama tackles has nothing to do with race.
And when you find those glasses, please duplicate them so we can all benefit from this 3-D world they (the rose colored glasses) seem to create… and we will all live in Wonderland like Alice…
Whaddup!?
Long time reader. First time commentor.
Honestly, I think the reason we are so miffed when white people hate Obama is because so many of us see ourselves in him (which isn’t a bad thing as long as we keep it in perspective). So in a sense, to hate on him is to hate on me/you. But what adds to that is the political climate of the country in general.
It’s very difficult for people, particularly people who have a personal investment (black people and other “minorities”, middle-class people, immigrants, ninjas who work in finance, ninjas who work in healthcare etc.) in this presidency to separate the opinions based on racism/classism and violent rhetoric from those based out of genuine disagreement with policy (and that confusion is intentional, BTW…”watch what you watchin’”).
And so basically, you’re almost being pushed to take everything personally, and you have to ACTIVELY make an effort to see past all of that and just see the facts.
i’m the least political person i know.. but just started to get into it with this last election.. (west wing helped too).. i don’t get upset when people are mad at the president.. that’s what happens when you are the leader of the United States.. you can’t please everyone..
whoever is mad at him didn’t say anything about me or my momma.. so no, i don’t need to fight that man’s battles for him.. he’s got secret service protecting him and everything!! and since my mother is Republican, and voted such.. then we have enough arguments in the house to deal with.. without me having to pick up my sign and speak on the soapbox for someone that doesn’t know me from Eve.. not only that, but considering that i can’t vote (i’m jamaican), then i’m not even registering on his radar.. i’m not even his constituency, so REALLY he could give two craps about me..
he’s gonna do what he does.. and i’m not gonna get all loud and try to change the minds of random people i meet that say they don’t like him.. opinions are just that.. and everyone is entitled to one.. whether founded on good ideals (like policy), or not (like race)
GREAT “common” quote by the way.. love that album..
This post is so all over the place I don’t even know what I am supposed to answer? Lol!
Are we discussing the health care bill and our stance on it? Are we discussing racism? Are we discussing appreciation of a leader hence defending his ideas/ideals? What exactly are we trying to figure out here?
I haven’t had toast this morning, so it will be very helpful to know.. so I can participate.
@Sula,
The discussion is about why do Black people take the criticism of Obama by 2520s personally. It’s not a black & white answer so that why it seems like the discussion is all over the place.
@Humble_One,
I understood that… Oh, nevermind…
@Sula,
“What exactly are we trying to figure out here?”
Why Champ has so many deez?
Seriously, though, I getcha. This comment thread can go either way since it is most definitely a complex issue. I already see the “tome theme” going on and it’s barely lunchtime. lol Lots of good reads today, ya’ll!
@Cheekie,
My actual questions are along those lines: what are you really asking, P? As in, are you in all seriousness really wondering, *valley girl’s voice* like really?
And so on and so forth but you get the gist…
@Sula,
HAHA. Gotcha, now. I need some toast, too, apparently. Not Champ’s though…
it’s not about the “hate.” it’s about the VITRIOL.
my issue isn’t with people who disagree with obama’s policy or ideology. my issue is with the utter lack of civility, the increased rancor, and the kind of simplistic thinking and racist name-calling that used to precede one of us hangin’ from a tree.
disagreeing is saying “healthcare reform will cost too much.” vitriol is saying “and he needs to die because of it.” we have folks threatening *violence* and treating a democratically-elected president as an illegitimate leader. they did the same to bill clinton, but clinton won with a plurality, so they really could claim that a majority didn’t like his a**.
this right here? this is some B.S. i mean if obama “hasn’t done much of anything” to use your phrasing (and i’d disagree with you on that), then WTF is there to be so upset about? my negro spidey senses are tingling.
@tiffany,
“it’s not about the “hate.” it’s about the VITRIOL. ”
T-shirt!
@Wu Young Agent of M.E.,
I concur!
@Wu Young Agent of M.E.,
Co-sign. I demand Spreadshirt or whoever to make this a t-shirt.
Thank you! I agree with this post 100%. I don’t like the idea of being taxed for being alive either, but it is what it is. We got to make do with what we got, whether you like it or not. That said… while I don’t like the way SOME people are reacting to it, they still have every right to disagree with whatever they wish. WELCOME TO AMERICA! With freedom of speech, of course you’re going to also get a handful of nuttier, outspoken and, yes, racist people … but does that make everyone who disagrees racist?? No!
Second of all, most people got better things to do than worry about and pick on black people. It ain’t always about you. I do agree that the health industry is insane but this bill DOES have serious issues and is NOT well thought out, like it or not. And for many people, myself included (as a black person), the issues I have with it are more of an economic nature and the fact that I don’t want big government gaining more and more control over my life. If the regulators are going to do all this regulating then pray tell: who regulates the regulators??? That is the fundamental problem here. Ever think to yourself that some of these “racist” white people might be concerned about the same thing too? In general, this health care issue is an OLD story that has nothing to do with Obama and his being black and everything to do with what this country was founded upon: personal freedom and thus personal responsibility to pursue your own happiness.
“I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.” – Thomas Jefferson
@Valerie M,
a handful
Are we watching the same coverage?
@Valerie M,
“this country was founded upon: personal freedom and thus personal responsibility to pursue your own happiness.”
Are you serious? I think this country was founded on Manifest Destiny, free land, and free labor.
@Valerie M, HUH?
@Valerie M,
“If the regulators are going to do all this regulating then pray tell: who regulates the regulators???”
Uh… we are. At least that’s how it’s supposed to work. People in this country have just been lazy about learning the process that’s it’s all been lost. Congress didn’t appoint themselves. We did that foolishness and while we were letting people inform us about what we should be doing, we stopped paying attention to what was actually going on. This is not government’s fault or responsibility, it’s ours.
@Deviant,
Agree. The people are suppose to keep the government in check. Laziness, ignorance, apathy, and selfishness has given us the government we deserve. We are suppose to regulate the regulators. The problem is that the regulatee has the regulator in their back pocket. Which leads to another topic: campaign finance. I still believe that a well informed public can defeat this. At the same time it is tough when you have people championing corporations pissing in their drinking water and farting in the air they breath in the name of less government and economic growth.
@Deviant, EXACTLY my point. We aren’t regulating them anymore. Instead we’re just handing the government more and more responsibility, hoping they’ll actually have our best interests at heart. It IS 100% our responsibility… I am on board with you here. That is the problem I and a lot of people have with this bill, not the fact that Obama is black or whatever.
That is my point: it isn’t always about race. I’m not denying there aren’t racist people but I feel that some people are so uncomfortable with their race… more so than the people they claim are uncomfortable with them… that the tension is so thick you can cut it. Of COURSE racism will exist if you continue to put so much emphasis on race and of COURSE you will always see examples everywhere that will justify your beliefs! Such is human nature.
@Valerie M,
You can’t/shouldn’t separate “race” out of the discussion. It’s the attempt to do so that creates tension because we’re either addressing things ideally or worst-case-scenario but never realistically.
I think if people would admit their true feelings/agenda with regards to race there wouldn’t be this underlying tension about what is and isn’t about race.
@Deviant,
Uh… we are. .
Exactly. That’s the basis behind democracy. Now whether we the people take the role seriously is a different question.
America has a history of racism that will never completely vanish. (This we all know). Most black people will always feel (in some capacity) that this country is racist because of its history. Given this as the playing field of black vs. 2520 in America, Obama’s history-making presidency allowed black folks to one-up 2520s to a magnitude seemingly unreachable. Not only because he’s a brotha; but because he carries valued qualities that contradict the many negative views of African Americans. He is proud of his ethnicity (accepts his blackness), in what looks to be a loving marriage to an intelligent and successful black woman (good husband), is a “real” father to his children (dedicated dad) and has a track record of spearheading and supporting politics that enhances the quality of life for lower and middle class Americans….not just black Americans… (he gives a damn).
Black folks are proud of that sh*&%! (and will be damned if anybody says a negative word about him)
My fellow VSBers have pretty much covered all the bases here so I just stopped by to say HI!
**That is all**
To address the Dr. Cassell comments, they burned him up on the 24-hour news circuit (just assume we aren’t talking about FOX, because they have Ann Coulter on there… instantly DQs them from being news) because he admitted he had no idea what the f*ck he was talking about and that he got his info about the health care bill from the Internet.
PSA: Watch “The Daily Show.” All news is biased these days, but at least Jon Stewart has the balls to admit it and he actually uncovers some sh*t that people actually should know.
Anyway, I think people aren’t giving him enough time to do his job, but I also believe Obama is a publicity whore. He likes being the “rock star president” and of course black people love to idolize famous people. But what white people don’t seem to remember is this country was run through damn near the entire ’80s by a spokesmodel, Ronald Wilson Reagan. That negro made movies and did cigarette ads, so when FOX bitches about Obama making NBA commentary or his wife winning some Kid’s Choice Award, it’s just hate.
But it isn’t racial hate. It’s political hate. Republicans will always hate Democrats, that’s the way of the political world. Obama may get some extra flack because of race, but I choose to believe his politics are what really irks people rather than his color. Call me an idealist.
@word of mouth, Agreed.
Wondering about the comment of being taxed for being alive. Ummm, if you are alive you always have to pay taxes or atleast file if you had any income or benefits. Plus, with the census and other government counts you get benefits and money from being alive too, so I don’t quite understand that point. (Ex. Schools get money form a kids attendance)
@legitimate_soul,
As the old people say “I ain’t gots to do shyt but stay black, pay taxes and die”. LOL
@legitimate_soul,
I think the argument is that you can’t opt out. And it’s a good point to make. Those people that believe that they have the means to cover the risk of living without insurance should be allowed to try and keep their fingers crossed that nothing significant ever happens to them. And I do mean NOTHING.
You shouldn’t have to force people to make smart decisions. The problem is that the minute something does happen, they can get them some insurance under the new law that they are balking about (pre-existing conditions can’t prevent coverage, remember).
So the problem is two fold: Keeping people from scamming the system by waiting until the last minute to contribute to this healthcare exchange or whatever. (Well, you can’t… unless there’s some consequence. And providing tax incentives for those who do have health insurance, tax away from tax revenue.) And keeping the insurance companies afloat because healthcare is a for-profit industry. Which is an aberration in and of itself.
@Deviant,
Thanks. I appreciate that comment and I see what you mean. I guess I figured since we all pay state tax on goods and stuff, we always been paying taxes.
Yeah… I know I’m like mad late on the commenting right now (As well all know after about 2 or so, the party’s over on VSB lol)
But I must somewhat disagree with you PJ. Because I do believe that majority of all this Tea Party and the Birthers and Deathers, etc. or having these NRA/open carry rallies and demonstrations all over the place. Or Rush Limbaugh referring to the Obama Administration as “The Regime” – it’s all code for f*cking intimidation and RACISM.
Like where were all these Tea Party motherf*ckers when Bush was running the country into the ground, sending their sons and daughters to fight his war? Gas prices through the roof, schools getting shut down all over the place for No Child Left Behind…. Or when the housing market collapsed on itself due to ARMs and the unregulated unchecked greed on Wall St. You telling me these people were okay with all that but have a problem with heatlhcare?
Holding up signs of Obama as the Joker and Hitler, etc. is clearly racist. They can’t just come out and call him a n*gger but they pretty freakin close. Anything they can do/say to make him seem like he is not one of us, like he is somehow un-American or unpatriotic. It’s all a bunch of f*cking bull, bunch of f*cking redneck sh*t for brains podunk hillbillies masquerading as an organized “grassroot” organization… What people don’t realize is that all these so called “grassroot” organizations are being bank rolled by millionaire right wing businessmen and political think tanks (and prob Faux news up in
there somewhere). These people are being manipulated like puppets and don’t even realize. The GOP intentionally plays to their greatest fear that the darkies and welfare queens are taking over the country, getting them all fired up. I think now we are REALLY seeing how truly racist this country is!!!!
Okay i’m done now…..
@BKSweetheart,
It’s all a bunch of f*cking bull, bunch of f*cking redneck sh*t for brains podunk hillbillies masquerading as an organized “grassroot” organization…
Tell ‘em why you mad lady!
@BKSweetheart,- “Like where were all these Tea Party motherf*ckers when Bush was running the country into the ground, sending their sons and daughters to fight his war? “….that comment right there was “BK Allday”co-sign 100%
You are making some very narrow mind conclusions. I am white and support the tea party movement. Because of this you are calling me “f*cking redneck sh*t for brains podunk hillbillies masquerading as an organized “grassroot” organization”.
Maybe we should start with a definition of racism: 1. animosity toward other races
2. belief in racial superiority
You give a clear example of racism in your rant about Tea Party members.
Too stop racism we must all take a personal responsibility in our own speech, posting, and actions.
We get mad when 2520′s criticize Obama b/c Obama actually comes across as a genuine president who wants to do what’s best for the country. Now you can have the best intentions, but if you try to please everybody, then somebody isn’t going to like it. Fair enough.
When you look at the pattern of opposition to Obama and his policies, something just isn’t right though. The Stimulus Plan? That was the first thing on the agenda as soon as he took office. It had to be done. Some fought it tooth & nail, some governors said they wouldn’t take any stimulus money (although they eventually did b/c they had to). Some said the government was just printing money. Of course, these same people didn’t take into account the huge bailout the previous administration approved b/c it “had to happen.” In regards to the Stimulus plan, it had to happen or we would have soup kitchens and higher crime rates due to police officers, teachers, and other public sector jobs getting cut.
They opposed him on shutting down Gitmo… even when there was documented proof that we were housing hundreds, maybe thousands, of people there who were there for nothing! Former CIA agents and operatives are on record as saying that innocent people are in Gitmo who haven’t done anything. Oh, you’re paying for them by the way… and the healthcare they receive which is better than what most Americans receive.
As far as healthcare, it had to be done. You don’t want the government telling you that you have to buy insurance or pay a fine? That individual mandate is actually a GOP idea, dating back to the Clinton administration, to affect costs. And if you actually read the healthcare bill, you DON’T HAVE TO ACTUALLY PAY THE FINE. If you don’t pay the fine, there is no policy, procedure, or law that allows the government to take further action. The IRS can’t do anything.
Former President Jimmy Carter spoke the truth. The underlying anger, resentment, and hatred, primarily in the South (and mid America) towards anything Obama does is because he is black… and this came from an elderly, white man from the South. He said what everyone else was scared to say.
With all that said, yes, we can let 2520′s hate Obama. But when people display ignorance, spread lies, and hate him based on ignorance and lies, then that lets me know there’s an underlying sentiment of racism/prejudice in those people. And the Republicans are fueling this fire because they want those Congressional seats this November. That’s the only reason. It’s a power struggle. It”s like leaving a gun on table, in a room full of angry people, and leaving the room.
In a time when death threats are up 500%, and Obama has received more threats than any other president (or presidential candidate) in history… then I would say it’s our borderline responsibility to fight lies with truth… and opinions and propaganda with facts…
@SouthernCharm,
I am so proud of y’all today… (ok every day but moreso today…
).
Very eloquently put.
@ Sula ….I am so proud of y’all today… (ok every day but moreso today… ). What does that exactly mean. I do NOT feel that comment was proper.
@SouthernCharm,
Well written and beautifully clear, concise, and I agree with your post! Love it!
I havent read anyone else’s post… but IMO our need for President Obama to succeed in office lies in that he is the First and we dont want him to be the last. We also want him to outdo and get credit for stuff that his predecessors have not been able to do. I know I personally take things to heart when people speak down about him and damn it I aint even an American Citizen (i.e. I didnt vote for Obama).
I agree. Especially since he’s shown he doesn’t really give a sh1t about AAs. Folks is havin’ a real OJ Moment with this guy.
@Anonymous,
that’s a really ignorant comment, & anybody who subscribes to that notion is ignorant too. 1) He’s the POTUS. 2) Health care reform, jobs creation, etc. etc. etc. are attempting to help as many ppl as possible INCLUDING us colored folk. 3) Black ppl need to fix ourselves – Pres Obama is just a man; he’s the president, but just a man w/ a hell of a lot of checks & blances constraining him. Among the top 3 reasons black folk are struggling in this country are lack of solidarity & lack of accountability – can’t support a black president during hard times (that he didn’t initiate no less) & feel as though he has some sort of added responsibility of “fixing” us. So sick of hearing ppl say that he hasn’t done anything or shown he cares for the black community… the black community needs to show that it cares about itslef – support & educate each other, be responsible for our own neighborhoods. I know that’s not a novel concept, so why is it so hard for us to get?
@R.A.G, Thank you.
@R.A.G,
Presidents delivering targeted policy to their principal constituencies isn’t a novel concept either. You seem bright enough — how about some facts to go with your talking points and power-philia?
http://books.google.com/books?id=cfhneJPcD38C&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false
Solidarity and accountability on the one hand, but don’t demand anything special from the president AA’s got elected on the other. Okay. No cognitive dissonance there.
@Anonymous,
don’t get defensive, & thanks for the interesting link. but no, I don’t think ppl should complain when they can’t/won’t even help themselves. Frankly, I’m more concerned w/ our black leadership. How about THEY come up w/ targeted policy options that makes sense for their constituent; make some noise that way & get heard. Gotta give a little to get a little – gotta WORK for change, i.e. the civil right’s movement & the abolishment of slavery to name two. I think there is a real opportunity for black leadership to seize a healthy working relationship like never seen before w/ our POTUS b/c he is black, but he can’t be EXPECTED to do it alone.
@R.A.G.,
‘don’t get defensive’
You open with this line — ‘that’s a really ignorant comment, & anybody who subscribes to that notion is ignorant too’ — and tell me not to get defensive. Uh huh.
but no, I don’t think ppl should complain when they can’t/won’t even help themselves.
Which African Americans aren’t helping themselves? Name some.
Frankly, I’m more concerned w/ our black leadership.
You mean like the ‘black leadership’ that 16 million African Americans elected to, you know, lead? Barack Obama is ‘black leadership.’
How about THEY come up w/ targeted policy options that makes sense for their constituent; make some noise that way & get heard.
Who is they? And who’re these ‘they’ going to ‘make noise’ to for these targeted policy options? Not, like, the U.S. president who has often unilateral power to institute those targeted policy options, right? And where is this magical planet where some unknown, unnamed, unelected ‘they’ are responsible for delivering policy in the interests of ‘constituents,’ instead of, like, the public servant politician who’s paid $400k a year and was, you know, elected to look after the interests of his actual, identifiable constituents? Your’s is an imaginative and unique republic, but it’s not a republic that actually exists on earth.
Gotta give a little to get a little – gotta WORK for change
Like giving a little money and time, and working to elect a Kenyan American president? Or is that like small fries?
I think there is a real opportunity for black leadership to seize a healthy working relationship like never seen before w/ our POTUS b/c he is black
There’s a healthy working relationship — folks work for him, and get nothing in return. Ask the CBC.
but he can’t be EXPECTED to do it alone.
Sonya Sotomayor. He did her alone. Ordering the US Marines to Haiti, not for humanitarian assistance, but to make sure no Haitians tried to board boats for the US. He did that alone. Browbeating the Ghanaian Parliament, of all groups, about ‘strong men.’ He did that alone. Those are just the tip of the iceberg. The number and array of authorities the US president can exercise unilaterally, without recourse to any other authority, is dizzying. Dizzying. When this president, just like the last democratic president, racist Bill Clinton, try to convince people that American government operates in some simplistic, ‘how a bill becomes a law’ way, they are selling a bill of goods. This president, like all the others, has extraordinary power to positively or negatively affect the lives of Americans. He just doesn’t want to use those powers to help African Americans. He, ‘can’t write a bill that says I’m going to help African Americans.’ Right. Because affirmative action, hate crimes legislation, the voting rights act, and, you know, the 14th amendment don’t do precisely that. Right. We were all born yesterday.
I understand that you believe in some form of government where people go through the trouble of raising, electing, and continually paying for a government without demanding, or even ‘expecting’ that that government should urgently work in their interests. But that is not the American form of government.
/rant
‘Twas fun typing with you. And shit.
@Anonymous,
U don’t understand me at all, so don’t claim to.
To address some of the madness:
(& I don’t say this lightly) an overwhelming majority of AA’s aren’t helping themselves, sittin on welfare & their front stoops just waiting for some “change.”
Obama is the POTUS. Do u know what that means? He is the president of all the shades of ppl living in this here country. Yes, he is a black leader, but is not “black leadership” in the same sense that Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, or even the CBC are – ppl who herald themselves as black leaders. I hope u understand the difference.
“They” are the black community leaders (the most obvious, listed above). Others could include Cornel West or Tavis Smiley… just google “Black leadership” & u could probably come up with a few more. Black community leaders are suppose to be uplifting their “community,” putting the time and effort into having conversations, pooling resources, educating and encouraging their ppl. Things they can contribute “most” of their time doing where a President cannot.
Yeah, black ppl (who make up less than 13% of the US pop.) did all the work to get Obama into office. O_o.
As much as I would like to address the rest of ur “rant,” which is exactly what it was (& founded on ur opinion & little more), I was not intending to go head-to-head w/ u. My point was then & still is now that ppl can come up w/ as many excuses for blaming the Pres, or whoeva, for this/that… but at the end of the day, I just have to ask, “what did u do to help urself out today?” Until u can answer that question w/ “EVERYTHING POSSIBLE UNDER THE SUN… & then some,” blaming anybody else is, yep I’m gonna say it again, IGNORANT.
This http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36478557
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ih1eMNncbEYxdD12gOe6NDsgqelgD9F3300G1
against this
http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/born_in_the_usa.html
Moreover, Congress is Constitutionally authorized to create law or clarify legal citizenship, including what constitutes “natural-born” citizenship. Title 8 of the U.S. Code provides specific criteria which legally defines people as “citizens of the United States at birth,” one of which is the following:
“Any one born outside the United States, if one parent is an alien and as long as the other parent is a citizen of the U.S. who lived in the U.S. for at least five years (with military and diplomatic service included in this time).”
So, even if President Obama were born in Kenya (which is a claim completely unsupported by the evidence), by United States law he is eligible for the Presidency.
Posted by: Tuco | Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at 01:23
awesome read lol. hilarious title lmao
http://amartianslove.wordpress.com/
Hi blck person here! My main reason for being pissed when I hear someone of a different race attack Obama is because it is usually about his right to be President… If you hate your leader have a reason behind it.. Just like the Dr. in the article.. (who is crazy because the healthcare is going to help him not hurt I work in the healthcare field and we write off almost half a million dollars where patients can’t pay each year sometimes more) but if you don’t have a reason why you don’t like him it’s usually because they are prejudice or just ignorant…No he hasn’t changed the world.. But if you know your Politics then you should know He can not do it by hisself! that would be dictatorship… I wasn’t thrilled with Bush but I did not hate him nor did I go around accusing him of being something other then what he was… so let’s be real here.. If you can say you Hate our President regardless of why… You are providing our Enemies with power of having a divided Nation… Now that is Hateful!
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/the-case-for-obama-20101013
Obama’s been working from day one, he just won’t brag about doing his job.
I get the feeling most of the posters believe “White people hate Obama”. Maybe it is because I am white, so do you believe the statement “White people hate Obama”? I am also inclined to believe many of the posters voted for Obama for no other reason then he is black. I was asked who I supported while playing an online game and when it was not Obama, I was informed that I was a racist. Not sure what response to give to such an ignorant statement for some to make.
Herman Cain 2012!!!