Apparently "Maverick" Means "Status Quo"

In another attempt to fall flat on her face and make herself look like even more of an idiot than she already appears to be, Sarah Palin has decided to strike back at the McCain campaign for being too "status quo".

I cannot recall another election where the losing team disintegrated so quickly after the election. Last week staffers were saying Palin didn't know Africa was a continent and not a country and this week, Palin is lashing back saying that the party's ticket wasn't, essentially, "mavericky" enough.

So I wonder, what is good enough for Sarah Palin?

Not Cool, McCain Camp. Not Cool At All.

I dislike Sarah Palin just as much as the next normal American. I think she was unqualified, irresponsible and a constant drag on any type of real conversation about the issues. In fact, as I have made known before, I think her selection was the reason McCain lost so easily.

But now, the disjointed McCain staffers are playing fast and loose with their new-found hatred for Palin and blaming her for everything for being naive. It's a drastic turn from two weeks ago when she was the true family-values warrior.

Instead of finding fault with a campaign so unorganized and unfocused that it imploded months ago, the staffers are turning on Palin calling her a "diva" and "dumb." It blows my mind that they've turned on the very characteristics that they claimed to love in Palin from the beginning, just to blame her for the very fact of their loss.

I can't decide if this is blatant sexism (blaiming the VP candidate who happens to be female over the actual presidential candidate who happens to be male and, well, the candidate), or just plain stupid. What I do know is that it signals a long road ahead of the GOP to mend wounds within their own party before they can attempt to make a plea to the American people either in the midterm elections two years from now or in four years.

The fact is that it isn't Sarah Palin's fault per se that the McCain camp lost. I think her selection cost the campaign dearly and made the loss very easy, but it wasn't her fault--it was McCain's fault for selecting her. He didn't properly vet his candidate and chose to inspire a base that would have voted for him anyhow because they weren't going to vote for a Black baby killer. (In fact, it is coming out that the reason the GOP lost so big across the nation was because of moderates, not the so-called "base".)

Nope, this loss was not Sarah's fault. This was all YOU, Johny boy. It was your choice and your choice alone. So own up to it and come out against these attacks. We all know she's dumber than a doornail when it comes to current events in the world. But your campaign staffers need to stop using it as a blame-sheild to block the career-killing bullets aimed their way.

That would be the real mavericky thing to do, in my opinion.

Post-Mortem

I took yesterday off from blogging, notwithstanding my NaBloPoMo commitment because, well, I posted so damn much on Election Day that I think I could have been justified in not blogging the rest of the week.

This election really sold me on hope. Across the country, people made the right choice most of the time on issues of interest to me, such as progressive senate and house seats, pro-choice reactions to ridiculous anti-choice ballot measures, and of course, the presidency. Michigan came together to approve Proposals 1 and 2, allowing medical marijuana use and stem cell research, respectively. Watching Obama give his acceptance speech on Tuesday night was something I will never forget as long as I live. I could watch that speech every day for the rest of my life and not get sick of it.

But at the same time, there were some disappointments. Locally, L. Brooks "The Devil" Patterson is still in power for some reason. Nationally, we Dems might not have picked up the seats necessary to fill the magic 60 number. And across the nation, biggotry raged forward in the ludicrious fight of the conservatives to ban gay marriage.

In the end, November 4th was a historic day of hope for many Americans, twinged with despair for some. Looking forward, we must make amends and work to full justice for all.

Thoughts On An Historic Moment

Tonight has been so moving. I have sat with people I've never met and had one common goal--to make sure that Michigan has a stem cell research policy that's right. I've sat here and watched friends win local elections. I've seen a new Michigan Supreme Court Justice elected.

But most importantly, I've finally answered the questions of a young Sam Grace who questioned why everyone in power was white and male. Tonight, one of those questions has finally been rhetorically answered.

In a brilliant speech, to an energized country, and a world waiting for change, Barack Obama stood and asked us to work with him--to work for ourselves--and be the change we wish to see in the world. For the first time since I can't even remember when, I feel optimistic about the future of this country.

There are hard battles before us--reproductive rights, workers rights, equal pay, energy independence, global warming--but there is nothing I feel we can't do tonight.

Yes we can.

Yes we did.

Yes we will.

Best Night of My Life

This night is going too well. I feel as if I'm in the middle of a dream which is going to result in me waking up naked in a pile of my own vomit somewhere unknown. It's just too good to be true.

Obama has over 200 electoral votes. He's taken Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Arizona is too close to call. I want a t-shirt that says that.

Today has been an amazing day.

Obama takes Pennsylvania

And the pain begins. ABC is predicting New Hampshire and Pennsylvania for Obama along with (of course) Illinois.

New Jersey is jumping on board.

Maryland is here. Give me a crab cake.

Connecticut is representing.

Election Day Commentary/Prediction: How Sarah Palin Ruined McCain's Chances to Win

Long before candidates were announced for VP, it was a crucial part of McCain's strategy to pick up the pro-Hillary Dems who were miffed by Obama's wins int he primary. As most pundits would tell you, this was a Democrat's year to lose, and McCain had to pick up ground where he could. But instead of picking a smart choice that rose above partisan politics ina Democratic year to lose, McCain chose to shore up his base--a base that would have voted for him in likely any situation--and pick a base VP candidate, Sarah Palin. In the months that have ensued, we have watched McCain's campaign unravel with McCain even admitting, in humor on SNL albeit, that his VP had gone rogue and was gunning for herself.

Prior to August 2008, Sarah Palin was a relative unknown to anyone outside of political circles. She was the governor of a state rich in natural resources, but low in political clout. She was known inside the Republican party for being staunchly-pro-life, but nothing much else. In the months leading up to the conventions, McCain's campaign pulled a page out of the Hillary Clinton playbook, calling Obama elite and un-American. It rang true with white American voters--particularly those white men and women who were miffed at Obama for his "clinging to guns and religion" comment during the primaries.

It was clear that McCain needed to garner this support, but how to do it without alienating the conservative base was the tricky part. It was like asking for a peanut butter jelly sandwich and expecting not to get your hands sticky--it was, in other words, impossible.

So in the same form in which McCain changed his mavericky ways from a maverick independent bending partylines while crossing them to a conservative maverick siding with one of the worst presidents in American history, just to get a fraction of the Christian evangelical support George W. Bush once conquered, McCain decided to abandonned those who admired his independent streak, and hope that the conservative Christian Bible-Belt Americans would get him through.

Thus, he picked the most conservative sheep in wolves' clothing.

McCain aimed high by picking a woman in order to gather support from the Clinton campaigners bitter that another election cycle had gone by without a woman in the White House. But his aim was off and instead of picking a qualified candidate, he picked one who typified white, female tokenism--a cute, energetic, airheaded white woman who was folksy as the day was long.

In the past eight weeks, McCain's campaign has fallen apart, in large part just because of this choice. He has shown his weakness to those who hold the party's pocketbooks by picking an ultra-conservative. He has shown his willingness to forego his independent ways (as independent as a Republican can get and still get elected) on issues such as LGBT rights and reproductive choice just to get a few mad women to vote. He has shown, in otherwords, that he is erratic and cannot be trusted with truly vital choices for this country.

McCain may claim Country First, but he certainly doesn't play with that slogan in mind.

Like a kid in a candy store, instead of sticking by the penny candy that would have lasted him the rest of the election, he went with the shiny lollipop which was bright and colorful for awhile, but has faded away into less than a stick of its former self. In fact, if he wanted to garner the world's attention with his brand new toy, he hould have picked a better toy because the world is watching and they're sorely dissappointed.

True, Palin has energized the base of the new Republican party, but unlike the way in which the Rove machine did it for GWB in 2000 and 2004, this time around, the more liberal Republicans and true fiscal conservatives feel disowned. Talk show after talk show, report after report, shows Republicans turning to Obama in waves of dissappointment. The man they once called Maverick has instead gone bersurk, pandering to the very people who would have voted for him with any other Republican VP candidate. In fact, as a reformer, you'd think he would have picked someone without a questionable ethics record.

Consider this--if McCain had picked a Rudy Guilianni or a Tom Ridge as VP it may not have been as glamorous at first and would have carried its own risks, but it would have been a smart choice to satiate those Republican faithfuls hell-bent on lowering taxes and limiting government. Instead the people that he invigorated, the social conservatives, are the same people that would have turned out for him anyhow because they could never picture themselves voting for a pro-choice candidate, much less one who was Black.

In the end, after tonight, it is likely that McCain will regret this pick for the rest of his life. A VP gone rogue has slashed and burned his last chance at becoming president. And for a Maverick, it is just as important to admit wrong turns as it is to take chances.

Remember the stock market?

Apparently they are also voting for change...the foldable kind, not the jingly kind. The markets are making a big rally today.

Where is my November Surprise?!?!?

Already problems in Michigan?!?!?

Apparently in Oakland County we have some rogue voting machines, counting things incorrectly. Hopefully this occurred early enough in the day to fix it.

Here's a three step process I learned from SNL.

Step 1-Fix
Step 2-It
Step 3--Fix it.

So let's go Ruth Johnson--fix it.

Oh and good, a Reverend Wright commercial. Like that's really about any issues.

Shooting Hoops and Tearing Up

I have heard of so many people tearing up today in a wave of emotion. I have to say that I haven't felt it yet, but I've secluded myself from much of society. But it is amazing to hear of long voting lines. Sure it discourages some people, but to see people waiting in long lines means that they actually care, and to be quite honest I think the longer the lines are, the better it is for Obama.

Instead of tearing up, Obama has a different game plan--basketball. Maybe he'll tear up later, as I'm sure I will, but he's going to shoot hoops this afternoon to release some stress. I think I'll take the dog for a walk to do the same.

There's a lull in the polls right now, apparently--so if you haven't gone yet and you can go now, run!

Crazy McCrazerson Is At It Again

Otherwise known as Elizabeth Hasselcrack. How this woman continues to not get it is beyond me. But I guess that means a lot of things are.

Welcome to Election Day 2008

The weather here in Michigan is supposed to be nice, though the pavement is wet this morning. The mood is still high from what I can tell. I'll be going to a polling place soon with The Mister and I'll report back on that.

In the meantime, check out some posts on the important issues:

Michigan's Proposal 2--Stem Cell Research
Reproductive rights
Equal pay
Gay Rights
Socialism

The Great Undecided Voter Checklist

I've never understood undecided voters. And I've never made that a secret. I just don't get what makes them tick. Either you're for something or you're against it. It's pretty simple to me. With McCain looking to close the gap on his status as underdog, it's time we do something about this.

I guess my normal forgiving nature has changed this year, because now more than ever I just don't get undecided voters. What is it that makes things so muddy for you?

For those still confused, please take the following test.

The Great Undecided Voter Checklist

Instructions: print up this list and check the boxes next to the positions you agree with. Just like a Cosmo quiz, once you're done, add up who you agreed with the most--Obama or McCain. The one you agreed with the most is your winner. It really is that simple!!!

Taxes
[ ] Obama wants to cut taxes for the middle class and close loopholes for the rich and big business.
[ ] McCain wants to cut taxes for business and the rich, hoping the rest will trickle down.


Higher Education
[ ] Obama wants to fund higher education and believes higher education is a fundamental right.
[ ] McCain wants to re-do the way in which higher education financing is done.

K-12 Education
[ ] Obama supports fully funding programs like No Child Left Behind and invoking merit pay for teachers in a way that promotes good education without stripping teachers of their right to unionize.
[ ] McCain supports vouchers so that parents can take their kids out of public school and put them in private schools and let the public schools deteriorate.

Energy
[ ] Obama wants to invest in alternative fuels starting on day 1.
[ ] McCain wants to drill baby drill until we find an answer.

Foreign Policy
[ ] Obama wants to use diplomacy and meet with foreign leaders--even those we disagree with--in order to foster a dialogue and perhaps prevent catastrophes.
[ ] McCain wants to show muscle to Iran and Iraq.

Reproductive rights
[ ] Obama believes it is a woman's right to chose and that Roe v. Wade was properly decided.
[ ] McCain mocks the "health of the mother" exception and thinks Roe v. Wade was wrong.

War in Iraq
[ ] Obama did not support the invasion or the surge and thinks we should leave soon.
[ ] McCain supported the invasion and the surge and thinks we should stay longer.

Gay Rights
[ ] Obama believes in civil unions and gay rights.
[ ] McCain does not agree with civil unions or gay marriage and finds support from the factions of society that use hate as a tool against gays.

Equal Pay
[ ] Obama flew back to D.C. to vote for the Ledbetter Act.
[ ] McCain voted against the Ledbetter Act.

Health Care
[ ] Obama wants to start a national health care program where no one is left without health care coverage.
[ ] McCain wants to privatize health care and give a tax incentive for buying on the open market, leaving loopholes for companies to deny coverage.

Social Security
[ ] Obama wants a strong social security benefit.
[ ] McCain would like to privatize social security.

Judicial Philosophy
[ ] Obama believes that the Constitution is a living document that needs to be interpreted by not only reviewing the history behind it, but the intent and the precedent which has discussed it over the years.
[ ] McCain is a strict textualist believing the Constitution has a fixed meaning that provides for certain rights and not others.

So what's the problem? Make a decision already!!!!!!

A Manifesto: Why I'm Voting for Barack Obama and Why You Should Too

Over the past six weeks, I have brought you stories from people on everything from stem cell research, to race and beyond. We've talked about Hillary and Michelle, John and Sarah. We've discussed local matters and national ones. We've talked foreign policy and hot topics. But tomorrow, it all comes down to your ballot.

Though I'm usually a big believer that local politics are far more influential on our daily lives than national ones, I can't help but feel a little more tilted in the other direction this time around. You see, after living through eight years of absolute idiocy, I am beginning to appreciate the power of the presidency again. Unfortunately, until now, it's not been a good thing.

Four years ago this summer, I watched a young, charismatic and unknown man take the stage at the Democratic National Convention. While he spoke, something in me stirred that had not been awakened for years. For the first time in a decade, I began to feel my love for politics grow with each word he spoke. And from that moment on, I've guaranteed friends and family alike that when they saw Barack Obama, they were looking at the next president of the United States of America.

Campaigns change a lot. Though this one has not changed my mind about Obama's future, it has hardened me to a lot of truths--gender and race inequity are more prevalent than ever, the economy is not a one-fix-cures-all-problem, and people who were hurt worst by the GWB politics still believe in so-called "conservative values."

So for those still interested, and hell even for those who aren't, here are the reasons I'm voting for Barack Obama.

1. Obama's message of hope is the right message at the right time.
The first thing that made me pause in 2004, is the most important thing I think the nation needs today--a message of hope. We've invested the past eight years in two failed wars, a broken-down economy that has little chance of bouncing back on its own, and a general distrust for government. That message of fear has done nothing but seperate people and engender hate. Hell, even Yoda would tell you that. The thing is that America is so receptive to Obama's message because America is thirsty as hell for a new way of doing things. It's as if the past eight years have been a cash-only bar where very few get a drink and we have the promise of an open bar with unlimited top-shelf liquor staring us in the face.

Hope is what America needs right now because we have so much to work on. Without hope, we're likely to give up when times are hard. With hope, we're likely to work harder. We need a leader with hope to help us through these trials and errors. I'm not saying that Obama won't screw up at anything--because he will--but I'm saying that his underlying message is what America needs, gaffes and all, at this point in our history.

2. Obama's energy policy is by far the most thorough and thought-through policy.

One large thing that is keeping this country from realizing its potential is its dependence on the energy of the past. Think of this--for a hundred years cars have run primarily on gasoline. The gas mileage that cars were getting in the 1960s is on par with what many cars are getting today. People are using more, not less. And yet we are confused as to why we are so dependent on foreign oil.

The answer isn't to drill here, drill now or drill ever. That's a band aid on the biggest gaping wound that mankind has ever self-inflicted. The answer is to invest in new technologies, the way we did a hundred years ago, to further ourselves. The answer is to harness the Earth's less destructive powers for our own needs. Drilling isn't the answer. Clean coal isn't the answer.

In addition, one thing that Obama stands head and shoulders above McCain on is the idea of conservation. McCain's idea of conservation cannot be bigger than the head of a pin, considering he heats and cools 9 houses and fuels 14 cars.

3. Obama's foreign policy stance is sorely needed.

Anyone who thinks that America hasn't taken a beating in the PR sense of the term over the past eight years needs a serious head examination. The fact is that America is more vulnerable today than it was eight years ago specifically because of the ridiculous choices made by those in power. Instead of using diplomacy, we've found stupid reasons to wage war. Instead of standing firm on finding Al Qaeda, we've stood shaky on everything. America is being looked at like the boy who cried wolf.

Obama stands for rebuilding the relationships we've broken, building ones we've never had and making America stand behind its word. Foreign policy isn't about whether you'd negotiate with terrorists or bomb-bomb-bomb-bomb-bomb-Iran, it's about what standards you set for going to war, discussing terms of settlement and moving forward as a united world. Preconditions to sitting down with other foreign leaders aside, do you really think that McCain the self-made war hero, if elected, won't try and start his own war?

I'm sick of hearing from the world how America has failed. I'm ready to stand with Obama to make America right again, by leaning left.

4. Obama's economic policy is the right policy for the U.S. right now.
The facts on this are clear--McCain just doesn't get it. From a young age, McCain was the son of a naval officer's family. He never had to struggle hard to get ahead, get an education, get a job, or get his bills paid. And while it's nice to have ideas about money, if you've never been where the bulk of America is or is heading right now, you have no idea what is needed to get things right.

Spreading the wealth isn't a socialist tactic--it's a way in which to deamonize fair taxes and services for all. Over the past eight years, we've watched the Enrons, the AIGs, the Haliburtons et al come to power with our tax dollars cushioning the way. Not once has the GOP or McCain questioned this as socialism or "spreading the wealth." In fact, that notion of spreading the wealth has only been questioned when individual citizens were the ones benefitting from any reallocation.

Cutting taxes might have been the answer when Ronald Regan came to power decades ago, but for America in the 21st century, it just doesn't hold water. Cutting taxes will not help those who cannot afford to eat. Cutting taxes won't pay for outrageous energy bills because we have nothing other than oil and coal on which to rely. Cutting taxes will not help a sick mom live to see her son graduate high school. Cutting taxes, in other words, just doesn't cut it. Running on a platform of lower taxes does nothing to help the country.

Obama has a solid financial economic plan based on cutting government spending where necessary and increasing it with those new-found dollars where needed. He believes in affording people not only the right to unionize, but the right to go to college, the right to believe in the American dream again, and the right to have a home and credit without the terms changing at big business's whim.

5. Obama makes us invest in our own futures.

Obama doesn't just turn the page on the old political rule, he opens a new book entirely. Instead of telling us what he can do to make our lives better, he has decided to run a campaign based on that old JFK slogan "ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." Over the weekend I was at various volunteer offices and saw people of every different race, creed, color, belief, age, background, etc. manning the phones and knocking on doors. I saw people in West Bloomfield with Obama signs on their lawns--lawns that very well have never seen a political lawn sign before.

What scares the McCain people about Obama's following isn't that Obama will have power in an Obama administration--it's that people that have been disenfranchised for so long will have power in creating their own destinies. Obama has made his campaign a campaign for change based on the idea that we all have a stake in our political futures--not just the future of one man or woman, but the future of our society. Obama has made us break down walls and talk about race and age and gender and personal freedom. Obama has made us invest in our own political cache and together, we have made a difference.

In other words, ask not what Obama can do for you, but what you can do for you.

People are already turning out in droves for early voting in unprecedented numbers. People are volunteering for campaigns that they never took interest in before. People are getting involved, and the part of the people, the Dems, looks to make a comeback.

Tomorrow night I pray that I go to bed exhausted but happy in the knowledge that for the first time as an adult, I can hope to be happy and proud to be an American again. I pray that I go to bed knowing that hope is not only an idea, but hope is on the way. But more importantly, I pray that I wake up the next morning knowing, more than ever, that a group of Americans can do something truly magical together and change the paradigm of politics-as-usual that has plagued our nation for too long, helping only those who can help themselves and leaving behind those who can't. There's a reason why McCain is lagging in the polls--it's because the old playbook doesn't play to Americans anymore. A historic day is on the horizon and hope is on the march. The final play is set and I'm sure there will be an audible here or there...but the time has come.

In other words, I can't wait to hear the talking heads say that Obama is our next president. Upwards and onwards, America. Upwards and onwards.

Eye of the Tiger, Barack. Eye of the Tiger.

Polls are still showing an Obama victory within reach. Even Stephen Colbert endorsed him and last night in his segment called DaColbert Code he had a preminition (several actually) of an Obama victory.

In that vein, I realize that the taste of sweet victory may be on our lips and in our minds, but we must remember that the fight is still on and, as Rocky Balboa once said to Apollo Creed, "I didn't hear no bell." McCain is looking to gain votes where ever he can and if you think the GOP machine is going to rest easy and let this one slip away, you're crazy.

Therefore, to motivate those of you feeling as if you can just phone it in over the next few days and not hit the pavement, the interwebs and the phone lines full force, here is a video of one of the most inspirational songs of our time: Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger."

Oh yes, there will be live blogging

It took me some time to figure out what my role in the festivities of Election Day should be. But then I remembered the power of the interwebs and decided to live blog. I'll also be live blogging for a national organization on issues pertaining to the election, Michigan and Prop 2. More info on that shortly.

So if you want the snark, the commentary and the wisdom that is Samantha Grace, check me out here and on Twitter all day long!

Students Take On The Election: SG's Beginnings

I always love these student-perspective stories about elections because it allows me to talk about one of my favorite political stories.

In second grade (and yes that gives my age up for better or worse), it was the 1988 presidential elections. Then Vice President, George H.W. Bush (sadly what would turn out to be the non-complete fuck-up Bush) was running against then-governor of Massachusetts, Michael Dukakis. Dukakis had a snowball's chance in Hell of winning, but that didn't dissuade true Democrats, like Dad Grace, from supporting him. Even if Dukakis himself wasn't a winner, there was no way in hell Dad Grace was voting to extend the Reagan era trickle down economics that hurt so many along the way.

The week of the election, in an effort to educate our young minds about the electoral process and voting (though I don't think I understood the Electoral College quite yet), the school had a mock-election pitting the real candidates against one another in a contest to win the affection of suburban white kids in Michigan. Our ballots were hardly secret, instead we entered our vote with a student teacher who sat at the end of the hall all day with an old Comodore 64-style computer.

When it came my turn to cast my ballot, I clearly wasn't voting for Bush. That type of blashpemy in the Grace Household would call for execution. Furthermore, what Dad Grace taught me about politics seemed to hold true--you should always vote for the person who believed in the everyday working person and not the guy who believed in big business. It seemed fairly simple to me.

I handed my ballot over to the student teacher and he reviewed it. "You're voting for Dukakis?" he asked in a very condescending tone.

"Yeah, why?"

"Well, only one other person has voted for him so far." (Did I mention I grew up in one of the reddest areas of a blue state ever to exist?)

"Okay...so what?"

"Well, don't you want to vote for the winner?"

I stood there and thought about it for a moment. Then I smiled.

"No, I want to vote for the Democrat."

And, thus, my political future began...

Hot Topics: Race, Voting and Stereotypes

This is another post from marilyn|Jean. marilyn|Jean: occasional blogger. constant activist. provocative party planner.

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There are no such things as voting blocs based on race and gender. People are too complex and diverse to be lumped together in political bundles. We’ve learned this lesson in this election, for sure. But for some reason (read: media & the patriarchy) people hold this falsity to be true, placing some hefty expectations and assumptions on people like Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and Sarah Palin. There are groups of people that have dominated the political scene since this god awful race began and as November 4 looms nearer, they are really starting to piss me off. Below I break these groups down and explain why they are so gosh darn annoying.

Joe Sixpack: The poor white guy

I’m not exactly sure when the tides turned. All of a sudden in 2008 white men, particularly poor ones made up their own voting bloc. A bloc that warranted media attention, analysis and pandering. I find it disconcerting that the first female candidate and Black candidate for POTUS had to apologize to this “bloc” for being powerful, educated, wealthy…you know all the things rich, white men have always been.

When asked about the race factor in this year’s election, Rep. Murtha out of Pennsylvania found himself in some hot water for telling it like it is when he said: "no question that western Pennsylvania is a racist area.” Murtha was simply trying to explain the ugly truth that some people – no matter how qualified he is and how shitty the last eight years has been – will not ever ever EVER vote for Barack Obama. Ever. Like never. The people Murtha was referring to were his own Jesus/working/gun-loving residents, Democrats who have supported him election after election. For them, this isn’t about the issues, this is about their own prejudices that they refuse to let go.

No one has yet been able to explain to me how white and Black working class people are so different. When you look at it from a sociological perspective we value the same things, set the same goals, work in the same places and ultimately suffer under the same policies enforced by the Bush Regime. Yet, Joe Sixpack and Joe the Plumber have become the poster kids for the disenfranchised. Hey guys: when are you going to wake up and realize that poor has no color these days? We’re all shopping at Wal-Mart, praying that the bills go away, waiting in the unemployment lines and hoping our kids get a better deal out of life than we did.

Instead of talking about the issues and how he’s going to solve them, Barack has had to constantly toe a line of not being “too black”. He has to assure people that he’s just like them – justifying his American citizenship. That’s bullshit. No other candidate on the trail has to do that. They can be taken at face value and start a position of at least an iota of respect without being attacked for the parents they couldn’t choose and the accomplishments they have achieved.

If you love America like you say you do, then get over your prejudices and get to the polls.

Lily Liberal: Condescending White Liberals

I’m not sure which is worse: racist white people, or white people who don’t think they’re racist. This election has shown us how ignorant liberal white people can be. If they weren’t busy slinging sexist mud at Hillary Clinton, they were promoting subtle racist rhetoric about Barack Obama. One can almost expect that sort of malarkey in such an historical election. What I didn’t expect was the self-satisfaction some white people possessed when they proclaimed their allegiance to Barack Obama. I have had white people go as far as to say that his presidency would end the awful nightmare that is racial history in America. That his candidacy in-and-of itself diminishes the lasting residue of racial oppression.

Really? If anything, Barack Obama and this entire election has shown us how far we have not come. (Yes, I am one of those people who looks at the glass as half empty.) Have we progressed from public lynchings? Yes. Have we progressed past segregated lunch counters? Sure. Is the word “nigger” regarded as taboo and not a casual way to describe someone of African-American descent? Yes. BUT, is there still gerrymandering, job discrimination, inadequate school systems, segregated communities, predatory lending in Black communities, an imbalanced justice system and stereotypical portrayals of Black people in the media? You betcha! And the election of a Black president will not eradicate these realities. Yet, there are some optimistic white people who think that their vote for Barack is like some excuse note for all the privilege they have and will continue to enjoy when he’s in office.

Call me stuck in history, but nothing is going to erase the remnants of racism in America. Nothing. We still have people out there who can’t admit we have a problem. You can’t solve a problem if some people don’t even want to know that it exists. Instead of placing yet another Obama bumper sticker on your Prius, why don’t you take a trip into places like southern Ohio and western Pennsylvania and talk to your fellow whites and explain to them why you’re white, yet voting for Obama.

Make sure you leave your croissants and lattes in the car.

Juan Republican: The Latino Vote

In case you didn’t know, Latinos are some of the most racist people I know. I know this because I am half Latino and I grew up being exposed to the nasty prejudices between Black Americans and Latinos. I won’t be a bigot and point out specific nationalities, so I will be a jerk and speak in sweeping generalizations. There are plenty of stories like this one that go largely ignored in the mainstream media when talking about the Latino Vote and Barack Obama.

A recent story on NPR exploring this concept quoted one Latino as saying that he doesn’t like Blacks, but he is voting for Obama anyway. Then there was another story where one guy thinly veiled their prejudices by explaining how Barack Obama doesn’t “get” Latinos, that he doesn’t “get quinceñeras, piñatas, our values…tacos.” Seriously. Someone said that. Because you know that’s what being Latino is all about. Yet, to this guy John McCain gets it. Yeah…John McCain is the pinnacle of Latino advocacy. He’s done a terrific job with immigration. Like immigration is the only concern that Latinos in America have. Like all Latinos came here from Mexico. Way to monopolize the Latino voice. This is the same John McCain who belongs to a party that refers to many hardworking Latinos as “illegals” no matter if they were born in Poughkeepsie. The same party that has members who insist that English being constitutionally protected as the nation’s first language.

It’s fucking disgusting that some Latinos would forsake unity among minorities and soft shoe for a candidate who could give a rat’s ass less about them because they are too racist to vote for a Black man. A man whose father wasn’t even born here! Talk about being the son of an immigrant. How does Barack’s story of being raised by grandparents and his single mom less reflective of Latinos than the privileged upbringing of John McCain? And again: what about the issues? Last time I checked, a majority of Latinos were not sitting pretty in America. Do you truly think that John McCain is the answer, or are you just as close-minded and conservative as he is?

Oye: "La revolucion de la gente empieza con la liberacion de la mente."

Invisible as always: Asians and the election

I typed in “Asian vote” in my search engine and this is what I got. What gives? Maybe I have been under a rock, but this entire election has ignored Asian voters. Maybe they want to be ignored. I don’t get the invisibility and I am perturbed by this oversight. I can’t speak for Asian-Americans, but if I were them, I’d be pissed.

Seriously: where the hell is the Asian “bloc” and why doesn’t anyone care about them? There are some 11.9 million Asians in this country. Maybe the live in states where the vote is already locked up? I don’t want to assume that all Asians consider race to be their main and sole identity. Are they just lumped in with white people because they’re not Black or Latino? I don’t get it. Are they not elite, or working class? Women concerned about choice? People who have sons and daughters serving in Iraq? People who have a stake in the economic crisis?

I guess this indicative of racial realities and history in the U.S. Asian-Americans are often marginalized even in conversations on race. They are pushed into footnotes and cursory paragraphs (like here). Asian-Americans represent such a diverse range of incomes, values, identities and geographies that I can’t dare assume which party possesses the most members. I’m honestly at a loss on this group, so if you’re Asian and reading this, make some noise!

Al, Jackson and Co: Blacks who do more harm than good

There are just some Black people who do Barack more harm than good by publicly voicing their support for him. Rappers like Ludacris: He wrote a song that included the lyrics attacking Hillary Clinton and degrading her in order to show the world how much he support Barack Obama. How many Black people has the Obama Campaign had to say thanks, but no thanks to because their “endorsements” were collateral to Obama’s professional, political image? Too many (that includes you, Rev. Wright).

I find it disappointing that they are Black people out there voting for Obama, but can’t tell me why besides the fact that they think “our time has come”. Our time? Our time for what? My brother, you can’t spit knowledge on how dope his health care plan is, but like the Lily White Voter, you think a Black president is all we need to stop the hate. Just like women who voted for Hillary simply because she has a vagina, you are despicable for voting for someone just because they share the same skin color as you.

And while we’re talking about those Blacks, let’s talk about Black Republicans. Man, did we think Black folks would jump ship when Obama came on the scene. Is there a law that says that if you’re Black, you have to be Democrat? No. But do Black Republicans continue to amaze me? Yes. Now, I know that Black Americans aren’t a bloc. We don’t have the same money, live in the same places, possess the same degrees. I get it: there are bonafide reasons why some Blacks are Republicans. Nevertheless, Colin Powell befuddles me. So does, Condi. I can’t help but wonder why Black people of any ilk choose to be part of a political party who has done everything in its power to disenfranchise other Blacks. (I’m talking to you, Ken Blackwell and Clarence Thomas.)

If anything, this election has proven that Black Unity, no longer exists, if it ever even did.

This isn’t a race to the bottom…

This should be a march towards unity. During critical times like these, people need to let go of their misperceptions and fears. We need to move towards understanding what plagues us all and work together to find solutions. This is what Barack Obama is all about, yet the only man to talk about true unity is the same one who suffers from ugly divisiveness.

This election is historical and important. Not just because of what is at stake, but because people have really shown their true colors (no pun intended). It shows us that we’ve made significant strides towards catching up with the rest of the world by electing people based on merit, not identity, yet it also reveals just how ass backwards people in American can really be. So keep your heads in the sand, or pat yourself on the back for being so “progressive’ now because we won’t know who is who when we’re all shit on in the end.

Why John Doesn't Get Joe...or Jane...or John...or Julio....or Jamal

Between you, me, and well, the internet, I have to say that I'm developing quite the crush on Robert Reich. In fact, in the debate last night I was crossing my fingers that Obama would speak his name as one of his advisors. He of course dashed my dreams and didn't. What Obama neglected, I'll bring to light.

One of the things that has irritated me so much about the way in which the current "bailout" has taken place, was the blame that the American Worker and the Middle Class and Working Class folks out there have taken the shaft from every side. (And I'm not talking about Joe the Plumber, who has a recession proof job and can afford to buy a business.) Not only are they being screwed because they can't get credit to afford basic things, but they need credit in the first place to buy basic things. And to add insult to injury, there are people out there who consider themselves concerned and compassionate people who continue to blame those who have suffered most in this crisis (and continue to suffer the most) as a way of explaining the problem. It's like you can't talk about predatory lending without throwing in some quote about how some people abused the system. You can't discuss credit without saying that people live beyond their means. You basically can't talk about the have nots without faulting them for having not and wanting more.

I'm not here to say that there aren't people who live beyond their means and that I haven't been one of them. But what I am saying is that we have got to stop demonizing the working men and women of this country who have to get credit cards to pay for basic necessities because wages are stagnant and jobs are few and far between. People who took on larger mortgages than they probably should have were convinced by so-called experts that it was not only okay, but a good way for them to build equity and credit. Moms and Dads who use the plastic at the pump to get to work aren't doing it to afford a vacation, they're doing it to afford a life. So for those who don't have those problems and for those who never have had those problems, it's not surprising that the average John, Jane, Julio, Joanna and Jamal are being lambasted for doing what they needed to in order to get by and, god forbid, get ahead.

And to that message, comes Robert Reich's latest commentary. It's short and sweet and to the point: the American worker has been taking on more than s/he could handle because s/he has no choice. Very few Americans are vacationing, let alone taking luxury vacations. Very few Americans are purchasing new cars, let alone fancy ones. Very few Americans are taking on new homes, let alone ones too big for their budget. And yet we cannot seem to demonize the true demons without throwing some dirt in John, Jane, Julio, Joanna and Jamal's faces. It's a classic fault of the limousine liberal and it's coming out in places I never expected. I expect this commentary from GWB. I don't expect it from seasoned labor lawyers.

The thing is that today's American Worker is damned if she does or doesn't, whether she spends or saves, whether he works or not. Joe the Plumber is an exception, not the norm. And even if he were, McCain would still fail to grasp the ways in which his policies would kill him and bleed him dry.