Black or White ?

A cogent election reflection

Do not construe this as an effort to stir the racist pot. I simply want to point out something that may be intrinsically important. Unlike most of his Afro-American supporters, Barack Obama, son of a black Kenyan man and a white American woman, has no ancestral ties to America's slaves.

By tomorrow, black voters will have cast their ballots and their monolithic vote for Obama is expected to be quasi unanimous. Embedded in this projection is the likelihood that the black electorate sees the black Obama as a latter day emancipator of the entire black community. But the sober reality is, that in contrast to that of Michelle's, Barack's blackness is as totally disconnected from his supporters’ long history of trial and bondage, as is his whiteness.

Ergo: if the anticipated size of the black vote does indeed materially assist Obama in his quest for the presidency, it may ultimately reflect demeaningly on the traditional political perspectives of the black electorate. It could confirm that the major issues of this campaign were not nearly as important to the current black voter as the darker pigments of Obama’s skin. That has the makings of a somber, self deluding charade!

Comment: mailto: domgab1914@comcast.net

It is Americans who have referred to Obama as Afro-American instead of just American. It is not surprising therefore, that Afro-Americans would vote for him. Many "Afro-Americans" also voted for Senator McCain so in fairness to those other Afro-Americans, one can posit that they were intrigued with Obama's intelligence, erudition, and his apparent calmness under stress. Such qualities should serve him well with the horrid future that awaits him as President. It is worthy of note, that this is a moment that has already brought respect for America worldwide. We as a people must unite and see Barack Obama as just another American ~ Tony C.

Dad ~ I think I heard that 96% of the Blacks voted for Obama. Numbers that high throw any intelligent selection considerations out the window. I doubt very many blacks know that he was half white. They voted for Obama simply because he was the democrat and being Black was icing on the cake. For him to unite this country he has to listen and accept the views of the other 50%. He has never done that to this date and I see no reason why that will CHANGE. He will however gladly take their money as they are mean, selfish and unpatriotic. I never simply wanted a white or black president...... I just wanted a GOOD ONE ~ Fred