time.com— First-term Senator Barack Obama has the charisma and the ambition to run for President. But, says Joe Klein, he's not quite ready to answer the tough questions.
Oct 15, 2006View in Crawl 4
Interesting that you chose South Africa as your example. Again, open a history book, it's all there. Basically, a bunch of Europeans came to colonize South Africa, and because of their superior weaponry they managed to gain control of the land, and exploited the land and the people for diamonds, gold, and other commodities. In the 1940's the Union of South Africa was formed and the first party elected was the Nationalist party, which sympathized with the Nazis. They enforced the now-well known apartheid rules of extreme segregation and degradation of the indigenous tribes. You say that it makes sense for South Africa to have a black president because they are in the majority. And yet that's not true! In fact, the black population largely lives in giant cities formed from houses of cardboard, tin, and other scrap metals. Disease is rampant, and it is nearly impossible to get out of these nonwhite ghettos, deathtraps of disease, crime, and child prostitution. Meanwhile, the white minority lives in clean, comfortable cities with country clubs and outdoor cafes. They have little contact with those living in the ghettos further out. In reality, it doesn't make sense for there to be a black president, because those in power and those who are comfortable were white. A black president is a sign of change in their society. It is in all likelihood a much better place nowadays, but I know that's how South Africa was 10-15 years ago. A good book to read for a feeling of what I'm talking about is Kaffir Boy, the autobiography of tennis player Mark Mathabane.So here's the crux of the issue. You say that Obama's supporters look to the fact that he is in fact a minority as some way to get the empathy vote for "years of oppression", like that in South Africa. This is utter bulls**t. Many of Obama's supporters look to him as a uniter, and are simply concerned that people like you will see the fact that he is black and think he is simply trying to get the empathy vote. He wants ACTUAL accomplishment and has the potential for ACTUAL tangible ability. We may not have those 100x more intelligent people in science and engineering, but take what you can get. Obama is the way to go.It's better to find a solution with what we've got rather than pick apart the options we have.
Dude, there are just as many fat white women who are equally worthless but are neverthless employed. I know it's hard to understand. And as was mentioned before, this has nothing to do with Obama. Unless your claiming he is a socialist, just because he's a Democrat.
i guess you don't know much of the history of western civilisation.one item: there was an emperor of Rome who was black (and from Africa). This doesn't prove anything but it does show you that Africa wasn't a continent full of black people with bones through their noses!In fact, western civilisation went as far east as northern India and south to the sub-Sahara. But I guess you think it was all done by rich white guys in wigs! :)Ciao
That's what they said in Illinois, and he won by a landslide. Literally, a landslide. That's because he was the best candidate by far. Actually, Barack Obama is a pretty catchy name. It's not difficult to pronounce, and it's easy to remember. Add to that a charismatic guy, who just also happens to be more intelligent than the average Senator....who knows? Some more experience would be nice, though.
Barak Obama has one big problemHe is a DemocratNot that being a Democrat is a bad thing, i am a Democrat.But show me one person of Color who has any real power in that party?I mean real power, Nope hate to say it, democrats treat people of color sort of Like republicans treat Lincoln ChafeeTolerated, because they don't have anyone else who could win those districts, but like the weather, you can't do nothing about it, but you don't have to like it.And hey personally, he seems like he is a little bit calmer than most politicians in general, and has the good sense not to say something really stupid, and that is a good indicator of common sense.But hey, don't worry bout my opinion, I am starting to agree with a lot of diggers, I may well be a NeoCon
Speaking of ignorance: "The simple and obvious way to determine the more racist-friendly party is to look at who the "Civil War South" votes for." Have you taken a look at the two most recent Secretaries of State? Also,In 1988, Reagan appoints the first Hispanic Secretary of Education: Lauro F. Cavazos. In 1990, George Bush appoints the first woman and the first Hispanic Surgeon General of the United States: Puerto Rican Antonia Novello. George W. Bush appointed more than two dozen Latinos to high-ranking government positions, including Alberto Gonzales as White House counsel in 2000—and, in 2005, as the nation’s first Hispanic (Mexican-American) Attorney General—Mel Martínez as HUD Secretary, and Hector Barreto as head of the Small Business Administration. "2001 President George W. Bush appoints General Colin L. Powell as the Secretary of State; Roderick R. Paige as the Secretary of Education; Condoleezza Rice as Advisor of the National Security Council; Alphonso Jackson as the Deputy Secretary to Housing and Urban Development; Claude Allen as the Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services; Leo S. Mackay, Jr, as the Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs; Larry D. Thompson as the Deputy Attorney General; and Stephen A. Perry as Administrator of General Services Administration""African slavery is so much the outstanding feature of the South, in the unthinking view of it, that people often forget there had been slaves in all the old colonies." - Douglas Harper (historiam), slavenorth.comSo loneranger85, get off the wire and read a book.
I agree with the person who questioned if AMERICA is ready for a black president. From my standpoint, his skin color has NOTHING to do with it. Is it me or does he come across as juvenile? I like him, yes, but I don't trust that he can make a good president. I just don't get that vibe from him. But then again, anything is better than W, no?
Closed AccountOct 16, 2006
Interesting that you chose South Africa as your example. Again, open a history book, it's all there. Basically, a bunch of Europeans came to colonize South Africa, and because of their superior weaponry they managed to gain control of the land, and exploited the land and the people for diamonds, gold, and other commodities. In the 1940's the Union of South Africa was formed and the first party elected was the Nationalist party, which sympathized with the Nazis. They enforced the now-well known apartheid rules of extreme segregation and degradation of the indigenous tribes. You say that it makes sense for South Africa to have a black president because they are in the majority. And yet that's not true! In fact, the black population largely lives in giant cities formed from houses of cardboard, tin, and other scrap metals. Disease is rampant, and it is nearly impossible to get out of these nonwhite ghettos, deathtraps of disease, crime, and child prostitution. Meanwhile, the white minority lives in clean, comfortable cities with country clubs and outdoor cafes. They have little contact with those living in the ghettos further out. In reality, it doesn't make sense for there to be a black president, because those in power and those who are comfortable were white. A black president is a sign of change in their society. It is in all likelihood a much better place nowadays, but I know that's how South Africa was 10-15 years ago. A good book to read for a feeling of what I'm talking about is Kaffir Boy, the autobiography of tennis player Mark Mathabane.So here's the crux of the issue. You say that Obama's supporters look to the fact that he is in fact a minority as some way to get the empathy vote for "years of oppression", like that in South Africa. This is utter bulls**t. Many of Obama's supporters look to him as a uniter, and are simply concerned that people like you will see the fact that he is black and think he is simply trying to get the empathy vote. He wants ACTUAL accomplishment and has the potential for ACTUAL tangible ability. We may not have those 100x more intelligent people in science and engineering, but take what you can get. Obama is the way to go.It's better to find a solution with what we've got rather than pick apart the options we have.
joe091Oct 16, 2006
Dude, there are just as many fat white women who are equally worthless but are neverthless employed. I know it's hard to understand. And as was mentioned before, this has nothing to do with Obama. Unless your claiming he is a socialist, just because he's a Democrat.
the6threplicantOct 16, 2006
i guess you don't know much of the history of western civilisation.one item: there was an emperor of Rome who was black (and from Africa). This doesn't prove anything but it does show you that Africa wasn't a continent full of black people with bones through their noses!In fact, western civilisation went as far east as northern India and south to the sub-Sahara. But I guess you think it was all done by rich white guys in wigs! :)Ciao
ponggodOct 16, 2006
"But he'll still not be asgood as J.F.K."You mean before or after JFK was assassinated?
nalf38Oct 16, 2006
That's what they said in Illinois, and he won by a landslide. Literally, a landslide. That's because he was the best candidate by far. Actually, Barack Obama is a pretty catchy name. It's not difficult to pronounce, and it's easy to remember. Add to that a charismatic guy, who just also happens to be more intelligent than the average Senator....who knows? Some more experience would be nice, though.
dannyboy7783Oct 17, 2006
Why was I dugg down for saying I'd vote for him. That doesn't make any sense.
duffy40Oct 18, 2006
Barak Obama has one big problemHe is a DemocratNot that being a Democrat is a bad thing, i am a Democrat.But show me one person of Color who has any real power in that party?I mean real power, Nope hate to say it, democrats treat people of color sort of Like republicans treat Lincoln ChafeeTolerated, because they don't have anyone else who could win those districts, but like the weather, you can't do nothing about it, but you don't have to like it.And hey personally, he seems like he is a little bit calmer than most politicians in general, and has the good sense not to say something really stupid, and that is a good indicator of common sense.But hey, don't worry bout my opinion, I am starting to agree with a lot of diggers, I may well be a NeoCon
myopiccyclopsDec 13, 2006
Speaking of ignorance: "The simple and obvious way to determine the more racist-friendly party is to look at who the "Civil War South" votes for." Have you taken a look at the two most recent Secretaries of State? Also,In 1988, Reagan appoints the first Hispanic Secretary of Education: Lauro F. Cavazos. In 1990, George Bush appoints the first woman and the first Hispanic Surgeon General of the United States: Puerto Rican Antonia Novello. George W. Bush appointed more than two dozen Latinos to high-ranking government positions, including Alberto Gonzales as White House counsel in 2000—and, in 2005, as the nation’s first Hispanic (Mexican-American) Attorney General—Mel Martínez as HUD Secretary, and Hector Barreto as head of the Small Business Administration. "2001 President George W. Bush appoints General Colin L. Powell as the Secretary of State; Roderick R. Paige as the Secretary of Education; Condoleezza Rice as Advisor of the National Security Council; Alphonso Jackson as the Deputy Secretary to Housing and Urban Development; Claude Allen as the Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services; Leo S. Mackay, Jr, as the Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs; Larry D. Thompson as the Deputy Attorney General; and Stephen A. Perry as Administrator of General Services Administration""African slavery is so much the outstanding feature of the South, in the unthinking view of it, that people often forget there had been slaves in all the old colonies." - Douglas Harper (historiam), slavenorth.comSo loneranger85, get off the wire and read a book.
myopiccyclopsDec 13, 2006
Sorry loneranger85, that was for benhanby...
falazmahSep 30, 2007
I agree with the person who questioned if AMERICA is ready for a black president. From my standpoint, his skin color has NOTHING to do with it. Is it me or does he come across as juvenile? I like him, yes, but I don't trust that he can make a good president. I just don't get that vibe from him. But then again, anything is better than W, no?
nonesuppliedFeb 13, 2008
Ugh, I can't believe I said that.
marshallxNov 5, 2008
Dugg for not the new face of the Democrats, but the new face of America.