A voice of reason from a black man's perspective

[dark_man812]

OK...I've been pretty mum on this topic, but I think it's time I chime in on the bb.com's ongoing hatred of President-elect Barack Obama. Now before all the die-hard ultra conservatives try to flame and crucify me for being another one of those who voted for Obama "because he's black," understand this, and I will bold it for emphasis: I DIDN'T VOTE FOR HIM! I simply didn't agree with his policies. I'm not going to say that McCain was a better choice, either; they're both ****ty in my book. The only difference is that McCain's **** is less smelly by the virtue of him being a true war hero.

Issue #1: "I don't understand why blacks were dancing in the streets and celebrating like they had just won the lottery."
My response: Whether you want to believe it or not, this is truly a historic, momentous occasion. I stress again: I didn't vote for him, but I, like the millions of other African Americans (and everybody else) never thought we would see the day when someone of African descent would be the chief executive of the most powerful country in the world. When I saw "Obama wins" flash across my TV screen, it literally gave me goosebumps. To hell with the fact that I disagree with his platform. And I can guarantee you that Condeleeza Rice, JC Watts, and other prominent African American conservatives felt the same way. Keep in mind that the good old U S of A is just over 40 years removed from a time when blacks weren't even allowed to vote, let alone run for the presidency. For some, the scars of Jim Crow are still visible. Many of us have experienced racism in one form or another, so Obama's Presidential appointment is a triumph of sorts--an exclamation point on the struggle that Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, WEB DuBois, Martin Luther king, Jr, and so many others spent most of their lives fighting. So, my partners in weight, the cheering, dancing, and celebration stem from blood, sweat, and pain that began in the late 16th century.

I do not, however agree with the idiotic "Obama gon' pay mah bills" rhetoric spewed by those who obviously don't know squat about his platform.

Issue #2: "Oh ****! This country's going to sink into the depths of hell! Obama's gonna keep ghetto trash on welfare...he's gonna feed the hood...free chicken, watermelon, malt liquor and food stamps to black folks!"

My response: Uh...what? I never heard Obama say anything about giving more money to those abusing the welfare system. He said that he would "give tax breaks to those making less than 250k annually." This includes the middle class, which means the majority of the US population. Don't get it twisted; there are more blacks in the middle class than on welfare...AND blacks are not the only group on welfare. I do agree that many of those on welfare are abusing the system, and some SERIOUS reforms are in order.

Issue #3: "I'm hating life right now! I'm turning off my TV for the next (insert time frame here)! We're fucked!"

My response: To paraphrase Jhicks...He's going to be president. The people have spoken and the damage has been done. The only thing we can do now is support him. Look what the past 8 years has done to this country. Many times President Bush looked like a bumbling, inept oaf, but guess what? He ran the country and I supported his decisions, regardless of whether or not I agreed with him. I honestly think that his obvious physical difference is adding more fuel to the outrage. No, I'm not crying racism (that's a cop out), but as humans, we tend to fear/loathe/reject those who are different from us. Right or wrong, it's human nature. (Note my use of "we" and "us"...Yes I'm also guilty of this)

Issue #4: "Blacks voted for him because he's black. That's f'd up!"

My response: Yes, it is f'd up. I listened to the Howard Stern clip, and frankly, it was downright embarassing. However, keep this in mind: for every urban African American who voted for Obama because of his skin color (dumb), there are 3, maybe 4 more rural whites who didn't vote for him because of his skin color (also dumb).

Issue #5: " Obama won because of ignorant, color-struck black people."

My response: Not true. He would have won even without the black vote--barely. Keep in mind that out of about 300 million Americans, roughly 36 million, or 12 percent are African American. LOTS of whites voted for him, along with Asians, Latinos, and Native Americans. Apparently, race was NOT why he won.

In conclusion: Look...don't be mad at every black person you see because McCain did not win. Yes they helped Obama win, but tens of millions of KNOWLEDGEABLE WHITE people voted him into office. Don't run and hide and be fearful of a Black America; it won't happen...EVER! This country was built as a white patriarchal society, and it will more than likely remain that way. There's no need to grab your guns and ammo; there's a lot less hoodrats in America than you think...and plus, they've been programmed to kill people who look like me. If anything, I'm more likely to get killed by a black man than just about everyone else on these boards. Lastly...We have a new President who's policies we don't agree with. It's not like this is the first time this has happened, and it damn sure won't be the last.

That is all
/rambling rant

[cal62887]

Well said.

Thanks for your input

[SCDiesel23]

You are, by far, one of the best posters on this site. Very well thought out post.

[SwolenONE]

Typically black people vote Dem anyway (albeit not in the numbers or with the enthusiasm they did this yr)

Anyway, ya I didn't vote for him either but am optimistic regardless. Also, he certainly didn't win just cuz the black vote thats silly ppl would even say that, he won largely by the white college educated male and female vote.

I do certainly see it as being an important and historic moment in equality, which nice to see and I think could perhaps change the way the worlds people view us for the better!

[Push Press Potts]

I dont agree w/ Obama but I support him because of his position, complaining doesnt solve anything. And as much as i like to tell people i told you so, this is not the case, i hope i am proven wrong and he has success for the better of america.

[SwolenONE]

Originally Posted by SCDiesel23

You are, by far, one of the best posters on this site. Very well thought out post.

agreed on that

[dark_man812]

Originally Posted by SwolenONE

He certainly didn't win just cuz the black vote, he won largely by the white college educated male and female vote. I do certainly see it as being an important and historic moment in equality, which nice to see and I think could perhaps change the way the worlds people view us.

Exactly!

[Bnk]

Good post. I also voted for McCain but agree with your entire post.

[babolat06]

I love it when darkman posts.

You are an inspiration in real life man.

[cm383706]

Great post man! Was deffinatly a good read.

[Team Punishment]

Originally Posted by dark_man812

Issue #4: "Blacks voted for him because he's black. That's f'd up!"

My response: Yes, it is f'd up. I listened to the Howard Stern clip, and frankly, it was downright embarassing. However, keep this in mind: for every urban African American who voted for Obama because of his skin color (dumb), there are 3, maybe 4 more rural whites who didn't vote for him because of his skin color (also dumb).

Thank You!!

[Free Weight Friedel]

Darkman, thanks for posting this! You really think about what you're going to say before you type it and it shows.

Let me share with you something my 18 yo daughter wrote in her Blog from college:

"I voted in my first presidential election today, and that is a story in itself. It involves waking up at 6:15 am, waiting in line in drizzle, an old man trying to fix the smoke detector (and thus making the alarm go off), three fire engines, yet, finally, a ballot and a choice. Voter number 70. A story for my children and grandchildren.


And it doesn't stop there. Unfortunately, I couldn't watch any of the election coverage because I was stuck in crew. But just as we were being released, at 11 pm, I got The Official Text Message: President-Elect Obama. I could hear the screaming by the dorms all the way from the Design & Production building. And I RAN. I ran like hell (in the rain!) to join in the festivities. I'm never going to forget it! Tons of screaming, tons of hugging, being picked up and swung in the air, a burning throat, and the kid with the tuba playing the Star Spangled Banner as we all sang. Jeez, what a moment in history! I'm so excited that I am such a direct part of it.


Yes we can, yes we did, and yes we will!"

I never discussed with her, nor knew that she was going to vote for Obama. I will bet many people, in the younger generation, felt this way and many did not. She is very smart and has made, and will continue to make, very good decisions throughout her life and that's the way I want it to be.

Unfortunately, I did not have a chance to vote because I was traveling for work. I would have voted for McCain.

[History in Effect]

I voted for McCain, but I almost cried during Obama's speech.

[Team Punishment]

Originally Posted by History in Effect

I voted for McCain, but I almost cried during Obama's speech.

Me too. Then I realized he didnt write it.

[Push Press Potts]

Originally Posted by Team Punishment

Me too. Then I realized he didnt write it.

i lol'd

[dark_man812]

Originally Posted by History in Effect

I voted for McCain, but I almost cried during Obama's speech.

True indeed. It was a great speech. He was as gracious in victory as Senator McCain was in defeat.

[JakeDub]

you're black?

[dark_man812]

Originally Posted by JakeDub

you're black?

Nope...avi pic was taken in really poor lighting.

[JakeDub]

Originally Posted by dark_man812

Nope...avi pic was taken in really poor lighting.

nice, in all seriousness, very nice post

[petefox]

Awesome post Dark_Man, exactly what I was thinking..

Also, being of mixed race myself I find it abit stupid to dwell on Obama being "black" when he's multi-cultural..

[Craig Mack]

Originally Posted by dark_man812

Nope...avi pic was taken in really poor lighting.

lol

While I admit to having racist thoughts from time to time (I think everyone does), reading your post was really refreshing and insiteful. I respect it even more being from a 3rd party perspective.

[Free Weight Friedel]

Originally Posted by dark_man812

Nope...avi pic was taken in really poor lighting.

LMAO!!

[DaveGabe24]

One of the better posts I've read in a long time. Needless to say, this was a much needed breath of fresh air from the spam political bashing threads we've had in here.

We should move forward with unity in our hearts and prosperity in our minds, and realize we have to accept Obama as our president so we can once again return to the great nation we once were.

[dochall22]

I dont understand the people dancing and screaming saying "We Won!!"

This entire election has been a joke and the dark brethren in the streets are the reason why. I'm just curious why everyone is celebrating his black heritage yet, no whiteys are runnin around saying "The white half of barack obama won!"

[Bane]

Originally Posted by dark_man812

OK...I've been pretty mum on this topic, but I think it's time I chime in on the bb.com's ongoing hatred of President-elect Barack Obama. Now before all the die-hard ultra conservatives try to flame and crucify me for being another one of those who voted for Obama "because he's black," understand this, and I will bold it for emphasis I DIDN'T VOTE FOR HIM! I simply didn't agree with his policies. I'm not going to say that McCain was a better choice, either; they're both ****ty in my book. The only difference is that McCain's **** is less smelly by the virtue of him being a true war hero.

Issue #1: "I don't understand why blacks were dancing in the streets and celebrating like they had just won the lottery."
My response: Whether you want to believe it or not, this is truly a historic, momentous occasion. I stress again: I didn't vote for him, but I, like the millions of other African Americans (and everybody else) never thought we would see the day when someone of African descent would be the chief executive of the most powerful country in the world. When I saw "Obama wins" flash across my TV screen, it literally gave me goosebumps. To hell with the fact that I disagree with his platform. And I can guarantee you that Condeleeza Rice, JC Watts, and other prominent African American conservatives felt the same way. Keep in mind that the good old U S of A is just over 40 years removed from a time when blacks weren't even allowed to vote, let alone run for the presidency. For some, the scars of Jim Crow are still visible. Many of us have experienced racism in one form or another, so Obama's Presidential appointment is a triumph of sorts--an exclamation point on the struggle that Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, WEB DuBois, Martin Luther king, Jr, and so many others spent most of their lives fighting. So, my partners in weight, the cheering, dancing, and celebration stem from blood, sweat, and pain that began in the late 16th cnetury.

I do not, however agree with the idiotic "Obama gon' pay mah bills" rhetoric spewed by those who obviously don't know squat about his platform.

Issue #2: "Oh ****! This country's going to sink into the depths of hell! Obama's gonna keep ghetto trash on welfare...he's gonna feed the hood...free chicken, watermelon, malt liquor and food stamps to black folks!"

My response: Uh...what? I never heard Obama say anything about giving more money to those abusing the welfare system. He said that he would "give tax breaks to those making less than 250k annually." This includes the middle class, which means the majority of the US population. Don't get it twisted; there are more blacks in the middle class than on welfare...AND blacks are not the only group on welfare. I do agree that many of those on welfare are abusing the system, and some SERIOUS reforms are in order.

Issue #3: "I'm hating life right now! I'm turning off my TV for the next (insert time frame here)! We're fucked!"

My response: To paraphrase Jhicks...He's going to be president. The people have spoken and the damage has been done. The only thing we can do now is support him. Look what the past 8 years has done to this country. Many times President Bush looked like a bumbling, inept oaf, but guess what? He ran the country and I supported his decisions, regardless of whether or not I agreed with him. I honestly think that his obvious physical difference is adding more fuel to the outrage. No, I'm not crying racism (that's a cop out), but as humans, we tend to fear/loathe/reject those who are different from us. Right or wrong, it's human nature. (Note my use of "we" and "us"...Yes I'm also guilty of this)

Issue #4: "Blacks voted for him because he's black. That's f'd up!"

My response: Yes, it is f'd up. I listened to the Howard Stern clip, and frankly, it was downright embarassing. However, keep this in mind: for every urban African American who voted for Obama because of his skin color (dumb), there are 3, maybe 4 more rural whites who didn't vote for him because of his skin color (also dumb).

Issue #5: " Obama won because of ignorant, color-struck black people."

My response: Not true. He would have won even without the black vote--barely. Keep in mind that out of about 300 million Americans, roughly 36 million, or 12 percent are African American. LOTS of whites voted for him, along with Asians, Latinos, and Native Americans. Apparently, race was NOT why he won.

In conclusion: Look...don't be mad at every black person you see because McCain did not win. Yes they helped Obama win, but tens of millions of KNOWLEDGEABLE WHITE people voted him into office. Don't run and hide and be fearful of a Black America; it won't happen...EVER! This country was built as a white patriarchal society, and it will more than likely remain that way. There's no need to grab your guns and ammo; there's a lot less hoodrats in America than you think...and plus, they've been programmed to kill people who look like me. If anything, I'm more likely to get killed by a black man than just about everyone else on these boards. Lastly...We have a new President who's policies we don't agree with. It's not like this is the first time this has happened, and it damn sure won't be the last.

That is all
/rambling rant

"You must spread some reputation before you can give more reputation, your money, your soul, your shop and your wife to dark_man812"

[fitnfirm]

SInce when did you become so smart


PS I voted Obama and no one forced me


I feel good about it too.

[otrebmu]

Originally Posted by Team Punishment

Me too. Then I realized he didnt write it.

he has some great writers.

nice words OP.

[fitnfirm]

Originally Posted by Bane

"You must spread some reputation before you can give more reputation, your money, your soul, your shop and your wife to dark_man812"

You told me you were not married prepare for bodily harm

[dark_man812]

Originally Posted by dochall22

I dont understand the people dancing and screaming saying "We Won!!"

This entire election has been a joke and the dark brethren in the streets are the reason why. I'm just curious why everyone is celebrating his black heritage yet, no whiteys are runnin around saying "The white half of barack obama won!"

You must not have watched the celebrations at Georgetown University in DC (white college students), Ohio State University (also white college students), Times Square (mixed crowd), and Grant Park (also mixed crowd). I explained why there was so much dancing and screaming "we won" for those who don't understand. Please reread my post. I know you're trying to stir up some **** in this thread, but I want things to be civil. This thread was meant to spark intelligent discussion without ill-conceived comments, so if you can't provide that, kindly leave.

[dark_man812]

Originally Posted by Bane

"You must spread some reputation before you can give more reputation, your money, your soul, your shop and your wife to dark_man812"

Well, just give me your money and your wife and we'll call it even.