The Audacity of It All
photo. BarackObama.com(FYI: This has nothing to do with basketball or sports…)
It was the first time I can ever remember drawing a picture, which I suppose should be a big deal to someone who considers himself an artist of sorts.
Twenty years ago, in 1988, I was six years old and Jesse Jackson was running for President of the United States. I learned about this when my great-grandmother sat me and my older sister down and told us about the significance of what was happening, of the possibilities at hand, of where Black Americans had come from to get to a point where one of our own even had a chance at holding the highest office in the land. Obviously, at the time I couldn’t grasp the full scope of her words, knowing very little about race and absolutely nothing about politics. But at the time, at that age, I was just as confident as Grandma Macklin, a church-going woman, that Rev. Jackson was going to win. And when my sister took colored pencil to paper and started drawing a picture of Rev. Jackson after Grandma’s talk, I copied her: I remember mine depicting Rev. Jackson standing on a stage, a victory podium you could say, after what I envisioned to be his November ‘88 election win. Because at the time, I felt anything was possible.
Twenty years later, in 2008, I know better. Life has opened my eyes to the realities of race, class, poverty, and discriminations both blatant and systematic. Sometime in between when my sister and I drew our pictures and now, I’d come to firmly believe I’d never see a Black president elected to lead this country — in college I even wrote a newspaper column criticizing the former object of my idolatry, Rev. Jackson, and what I saw as his often self-serving, camera-seeking ways.
So as I watched President-elect Barack Obama take the stage at Grant Park in Chicago last night, the moment when his blowout electoral win over Sen. John McCain became really real, I wondered how many six-year-olds around the country had drawn their own pictures in the last year, and how their innocent ideals that anything is possible, if nothing else, have a chance to survive a bit longer against the opponent that is real life, unlike my own.
I’m not going to use this space to pretend to know a lot about politics or about what hurdles President Obama has ahead of him. I know that his road was made easier by the Democrats carrying the Senate and the House, but I also know not to expect drastic sweeping changes right away: the economy won’t be fixed next week, the troops in Iraq aren’t coming home by Valentine’s Day, and public schools won’t be all caught up by Spring Break. And of course, this doesn’t mean we’re all even in terms of race relations in America. It’s going to be a long process, and in order to truly change the world the way he wants, President Obama likely needs two terms. But to even get this far … I just wonder if Grandma Macklin, who passed away in ‘93, could have imagined this after the Jackson campaign fell short in ‘88.
On our way to the voting booth yesterday evening, my fiancee asked me, “What do you think will happen if he loses? Will there be riots?” I told her I didn’t think so. This wasn’t Rodney King or Marquette Frye or even what would have happened if O.J. Simpson had been convicted of murder; there would be no crime committed here, no abuse of government or police authority, no reason for Black Americans to feel angry. If a Black man (yes, I know he’s half-White, but in this arena, looking at the 43 men who came before him, Obama is as Black as Marcus Garvey) made it close to the presidency and lost, it would be no kind of injustice.
I told her that it wouldn’t be a great loss. But dammit if what happened last night — if getting a call from my 48-year-old father telling me he cried during Obama’s Grant Park speech, if my 17-year-old cousin calling and saying the same thing, if seeing a Civil Rights soldier like 68-year-old Congressman John Lewis on the verge of tears during a TV interview — dammit if seeing the electoral ticker pass 270 on the blue side didn’t feel like the greatest victory.
November 5th, 2008 at 9:15 am
Joeman says:
Way to speak from the heart bro! Two questions: 1) When is he going to on the cover of Dime? & 2)Can I have next at the one of the white house runs?
November 5th, 2008 at 9:22 am
YOUNGFED says:
GoodJob Austin I could here you tearing up in the office. Aaron, Pat, Andy give yo boy a hug (lol)
Now someone needs to talk about Jesse Jackson jumpin on the ban wagon all of a sudden.
November 5th, 2008 at 9:27 am
E$ says:
This was the one thing that could keep me from watching the Rockets/Celtics matchup….HISTORY! Obama 4 Mankind
November 5th, 2008 at 9:28 am
justice says:
Yeah i was thinking the same thing jesse said he wanted to cut his nuts off
November 5th, 2008 at 9:29 am
dukesman2000 says:
Before Election Day, I told everyone that when Obama wins, I was going to be jumping up and down and screaming at the top of my lungs disturbing the shit out of white neighbors. But last night, when I watched Obama’s Electoral votes jump from 207 to 338, it hit me. It started to sink in that Black People’s dreams became reality, after realizing that Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Steve Biko, Marcus Garvey and countless others who have died for this day, did not die in vain; all I did was just sit there and cried like a bitch.
Black People all I can say is We Did It. Black People all across this country are feeling a sense of accomplishment, and today, we are walking a little more upright, our heads held a little higher – proud as shit. We are like proud parents who just watched our son make it to the big times. Don’t let these pundits try to discredit our collective effort as a race, as people, to stand under one of our own and lift him to the highest office in the land – The 44th President of the United States of America.
November 5th, 2008 at 9:29 am
SK says:
Does it count if he’s mixed?
November 5th, 2008 at 9:34 am
Sam I Am says:
@ SK
lol yeah it counts…in White America you are pure or you’re not
November 5th, 2008 at 9:42 am
smity far away says:
@ my truest hope regarding this (new and future) situation (an African American as president) is that our people don’t get things twisted about america. that they don’t start thinking that everything is all good. the change we all (hopefully) want to witness and help bring about is still in the future (and this change i speak of is a greater human/worldly change) but with Obama in office, hopefully a valuable and worthwhile step has been taken…
now i’m just waiting for 2 things: 1) to see a.i in his new surroundings and 2)for another slaughterhouse (budden/royce/ortiz/crooked) leak…
@Austin
Marcus Garvey is one of the most unappreciated heroes of our modern era, i feel. A true revolutionary with plans for action that were intended to cause corrective and positive change…so, good for you for mentioning him…
and lastly while i’m thinking about it. everybody should definately go back home even if it’s only a short visit. see the sun from the land your ancestors loved.
November 5th, 2008 at 9:42 am
Mr. K1X says:
is basketball now america’s sport??
will the “Obama” effect spike the youth participation numbers amongst white youths??
November 5th, 2008 at 9:43 am
Kevin Houston says:
WoW I can relate, I remember setting in my grandmothers living room being about the same age, her house filled with jesse jackson pins and posters and me thinking he had a real chance to win and when he didn’t I ask my father why and he replied we will have to have that talk when you get older. She too has passed in 93 and I wondered last night if she could have ever invisoned this
November 5th, 2008 at 9:43 am
Jah says:
I started to cry like a b*tch but, I figured that it’d be best to save my tears and just work on being a better person for the rest of mankind…
November 5th, 2008 at 9:46 am
Andrew Katz says:
Well done
November 5th, 2008 at 9:49 am
smity far away says:
@dukesman 2000
“Black People all across this country are feeling a sense of accomplishment”
my other hope is that this “sense of accomplishment” does not aid the already existing exhibition of complacency that continues to (obviously) hurt more than help us (”us” meaning everybody)
also, —there is really only one true race and thats the one with the word “human” in front…but i understand (definately) what you are saying.
November 5th, 2008 at 9:56 am
SWAT says:
i remember doing a pretend vote at Bonham elementary in Houston and as i was filling out my card i wanted to vote for someone who looked like me and my friends. Luther vandross once sang “Before life removed all the innocence…” Its funny, in retrospect i seriously thought Jesse Jackson could change the world, what a joke. But my daughter may not ever have to see those same harsh realities and last night while she was trying to stay awake and as i explained away the significance of it all, i realized i should just be quiet and take in the moment….and then my rockets lost!!!
November 5th, 2008 at 10:00 am
A$$Cube aka The French Insider says:
Good read here Austin.
Here in France, everybody’s talking about having a black president leading the US and how important it is because of your history and all. It’s okay to put it like that but I’d like to see some parallel between the US and France drawn in those discussions.
Here in France, we don’t even have a black deputee –not a single one! We have some from people from Northern African origin on board –our equivalent to your hispanic-American politicians. We have a few women among them. But black people? Not even close. We have a black female secretery of state –which has a less important role than a deputee over here, and that pretty much sums it up for us.
And on TV no one’s really talking about that because nobody truely believes things will change in France the way they did in the US.
It’s really sad and depressing, but this is good ol’ Europe. Not really worse, just different. Er, in this case, maybe it is worse…
Anyway, good your you. Change was needed. Change you got. Now, we just have to hope you did pave the way for a greater change, a worldwide-spread change…
November 5th, 2008 at 10:01 am
SWAT says:
real talk though Austin…a damn good article son!
November 5th, 2008 at 10:01 am
Ross says:
I didn’t vote for him because he was black, I voted for him because he was the better candidate. Just sayin.
November 5th, 2008 at 10:07 am
Sam I Am says:
Congrats to a nation that needs healing and restoration.
I really enjoyed his demeanor and speech last night. I’m a republican and last night while voting it was hard to sway towards McCain.
Not that he wasn’t worthy of running but inside I knew Obama was going to win and also soooo much hope was/is riding on him.
It reminds me of Cinderella Man the movie and I’m hoping for the same result.
Go ME in 2012 !
November 5th, 2008 at 10:39 am
kid juicey says:
Obama is the type of leader and person that when people look at him you don’t see a blackman or white man, but a great man.
November 5th, 2008 at 10:42 am
dapro says:
First off, AB good read brotha.
Secondly,
I was at grant park last night and everyone and I mean everyone rejoiced and celebrated like I’ve never seen. It was bigger than the Bears, White Sox, and Bulls winning rings combined
They say it was 240k people in attendance but I think we exceeded 700K.
Now the real work begins, November 4th 2008 marked a historic moment not just in African American History but American History- People of all colors gathered last night to witness “a rebirth of a nation” and not a single incident occured.
The entire audience felt the shift but it still has yet to sink in.
November 5th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Big T says:
I get tired of reading all of the pro-Obama propaganda on this website… feels like I’m watching MTV.
November 5th, 2008 at 11:00 am
QuEsT??? says:
@ youngfed i thought the same thing as soon as i saw reggie jackson crying. He insulted obama and he was clearly envious of obama and then all of a sudden cryin? i thought to myself those were tears of sadness instead of tears of joy
November 5th, 2008 at 11:05 am
Drink the Haterade (KB24 Chip 09) says:
@dukesman 2000
“Black People all across this country are feeling a sense of accomplishment”
What about all the races that voted for him
November 5th, 2008 at 11:07 am
2 Easy says:
Damn, Who’d a thunk it? Im only 21 and I thought Id never see a black president in my lifetime which is how badly biased I thought politics was/is. Thankfully I know there is hope to change that, now had Obama only come along 8 years ago we may not have had to suffer through that awful presidency from Bush. I speak like Im American but Im a young black Canadian (basically the same thing) and up here people were celebrating like WE elected Obama which shows the weight and magnitude of this election. AB you usually have really good articles but this is by far the best work Ive read, I dont tear up often but thinkin of MLK’s speech, Malcom X’s desire and Marcus Garvey’s influence and then rememberin Obamas speech from last nite shit got blurry man. The best part of this for me is not only is he black but he was the better candidate! It was a win/win
November 5th, 2008 at 11:08 am
QuEsT??? says:
I know obama is black and it is a great victory for the black community but its is also a great victory for minorities such as me, a latino. Obama represents the idea that any man or woman , with hardwork, can accomplish whatever he or she wants. Did u know that in about 20 years, minorites will become the majority of the people living in the United States, surpassing white americans? I am as happy as all the black community, celebrating Obama’s victory.
November 5th, 2008 at 11:11 am
Drink the Haterade (KB24 Chip 09) says:
I think everyone is still dragging race into this, it’s a victory for AMERICA, where we are all created equal
November 5th, 2008 at 11:12 am
YOUNGFED says:
http://www.mediatakeout.com/2008/27954-jesse_jackson_photod_crying_as_obama_is_announced_the_winner__other_celebs_attend_speech_also_.html
N*gga Puh-lease somebody tell this Bama to go away. IN A HURRY WIT HIS FAKE-AZZ
November 5th, 2008 at 11:20 am
Mr. A says:
FYI, stick to basketball and sports, Dime.
Republicans buy magazines, too.
November 5th, 2008 at 11:20 am
Blue says:
Props out AB! Way to speak from the heart bro!
I voted for Barack for a million reasons and I was truly excited that he won last night for sure.
the fact that i saw Jesse Jackson crying after some of the shit he talked about Obama just about pissed me off. i understand the emotion and the realization that a black man has reached the top in his lifetime, but for me, he just came off as fake.
but it’s a great thing for our country on so many levels. i sat my 3 year old daughter on my lap during the speech and tried to explain to her that she can be whatever she wants to be when she grows up! it was a beautiful thing!
November 5th, 2008 at 11:25 am
Stanley says:
@ Ross
Amen. He was by far the better candidate, and to me his race and ethnic origins came in a distant second. If his platform was garbage, I would not have voted for him. It makes for a good story, history even, but he could have been green with antennas, and if he was the better candidate, i would have voted for him.
November 5th, 2008 at 11:28 am
Sam I Am says:
LOL
Nobody like Jesse Jackson
November 5th, 2008 at 11:28 am
Sam I Am says:
likes*
November 5th, 2008 at 11:34 am
dapro says:
@Mr A
Republican, Democrat, or Independant like he said “I’m your president too”
You can rejoice with your fellow dime family brotha, it’s all luv
November 5th, 2008 at 11:44 am
GEE...Oooh I can't believe it! says:
Best read of the month, perhaps the year.
Excellent!
I am just glad my eyes beheld it all.
November 5th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Kudabeen says:
Great Read Austin!!
For those who feel the need to impart on the expressions of pride that African descended Americans have for this historic moment (Haterade) i would just say take a moment and recognize the history. Recognize the fact that Africans were stolen and forced under the boot of oppression. Recognize that as a community the ripple effects are still felt. Black people feel a sense of accomplishment because a weight has been lifted in many ways. Parents can now look into their children eyes and honestly say, “you can be whatever you want to be”, without having the overlying feeling of “Well almost anything that doesn’t generate too much attention”.
The history of violence on Afro-American agents of change is well documented. In fact America has been violent toward anything that threatened to change for greater equality Black/White/Asian/Hispanic/Latino…
The majority has spoken and the US has made a tremendous step in saying that intelligence, humility, poise, strength, and valor comes in many shades of color. Color doesn’t define a man alone. Understand that for many people in this country this is the FIRST time in their lives that they were able to vote for a winning candidate that not only is the best, but also shared some of the same experiences from a socio-cultural standpoint.
This is big not because it is a Black man in the White House, but because it will enable dreams to fly unbound by the falsely advertised notions of racial superiority as well as the notion that Racism and Prejudice are endemic in America…
The Land of The Free has finally showed some signs of thinking free of traditional ignorance/intolerance…
There are no pats on the back needed if you truly did what your heart and mind demanded. There is no think you for voting for Barack, but rather a thank you for not letting hate, ignorance and fear hold your intellect hostage…We all should be grateful for this day. We all should get ready to dig our heals in to push this country toward true unifying change
November 5th, 2008 at 11:51 am
yoda says:
honestly, i didn’t tought that america is ready for black president, but all of europe including my home country bosnia hoped for obama’s win. and now that barry is president of usa, i congratulate you all for being smart and voting for him. most of you might still see this as win of black for president, rest of world sees this as win of hope and much needed change for everyone. you are top dog country, hopefully you’ll act as one.
November 5th, 2008 at 11:57 am
RENO says:
Truly the start of a new day!
November 5th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Drink the Haterade (KB24 Chip 09) says:
Kubadeen–
I will never know what struggles other races face, I’m a white man. So I don’t understand what this means to the African American race. What I can say is that I am proud that my children will be able to see that all men and women are created equal and we live in the greatest nation ever.
After much thought up until the day before I decided the better candidate of the two was the young guy from Chicago. Obama just inspires to do and be more… I come from a Military background and I have always been proud to be an AMERICAN! But today “WE” the people have taken a huge step forward and I am proudest to be an American!
November 5th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Kudabeen says:
I would also like to add that Jesse Jackson is a man who has seen a lot and suffered a lot to see a day like this. His tears, John Lewis tears, and the tears of all of our elders who walked in the darkness, which is the history of hate in this country deserves our full respect.
Jesse empowered a generation, the very same generation that was called upon to galvanize the young vote. For all of his mistakes and gaffs he will always be in my mind the man who instilled in many young children on the precipice of hopelessness these words, “I Am Somebody”.
That message shouldn’t be undervalued no more than the man who delivered it.
November 5th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Kudabeen says:
True indeed Haterade… I am in 100% agreement. I respect and share your vision…
November 5th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Sam I Am says:
I am hoping as are many people that people will take from him and see a continuing example of hard work not just a write off.
Even here at work talking with my coworker, now black (minority) people can no longer blame the system for things going wrong. It’s hard work as Obama said that will push all of us forward.
And in part I’m ready for the gates to open one day to see an educated Hispanic running the show
November 5th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Kudabeen says:
Again Austin this was a great read and a great illustration of your childhood experience in parallel to the young ones coming up now. I work with youth and I can’t wait to engage them and let them no how much they can really do! Really good message man…
November 5th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
vinny says:
AB- well said! @Big T - be as gracious as MaCain in defeat.
I am not black but yet I understand the historical significance of this. The first non white male ever elected president.
@drink the haterade-it is a victory for all america that we finally have the maturity to elect a man based on the content of his character and not the color of his skin- but make no mistake there are a lot of people in this country who dont believe that premise!
November 5th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Caribballin says:
Hey, glad Obama won….im truley gald he ran as a American, and not a black man. (check coiln powell (sp)interview..that is what makes this election win so great..
Now, can someone tell my cousin that he doesnt have to be a rapper when he grows up..
November 5th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Big T says:
@kudabeen
“Recognize the fact that Africans were stolen…”
Uh,what? Someone didn’t pay attention in history class.
November 5th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Kudabeen says:
Who are you Big T?
Please enlighten me on the history then…
November 5th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Big T says:
@vinny
“we finally have the maturity to elect a man based on the content of his character”
You don’t honestly believe that, do you? That a 100% of the people who voted for Obama, voted based on character and ethics… not racially motivated? Please don’t be ignorant because we both know otherwise.
November 5th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Kudabeen says:
Also which class was this? The one where you are told an edited form of history or the one where I go out and read and piece together my history guided by the elders…Cornell West, Haki R. Madhubuti, Sonia Sanchez, Paul Mooney, Yumy Odom, Ari Merretazon, and so on…
Please enlighten me Big T. I don’t want to walk around in the dark…
Hit me at NascentKing@inbox.com with some of the books that will teach me. I don’t want you to feel limited in your teaching by being in a blog…
November 5th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
YOUNGFED says:
@Yoda
Thank you bruh
@Kudabeen
3 months ago Jesse wanted to Cut dudes nutz off now he crying GTFOH.
143 years after slavery for us to just now begin to embark on the King’s dream. A may have took us a while but atleast I got to see it.
“Dun Done it all, Dun Done it all, Dun Done it aaallll!!” - Shorty Low
November 5th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Big T says:
@kudabeen
You need me to tell you about your own culture? How sad. Go research the Trans-Atlantic trading system, or various other formations, then come explain your “stolen” theory to me.
November 5th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
vinny says:
@ big t- do you really want to call someone ignorant? I didnt say 100% voted for him based on content-but a lot did!!!
but dont tell me there weren’t a lot of people who voted for MaCain just because of the color of his skin.
and answer Kudabeen’s question- what history are you talking about?
November 5th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
SayItAintSo says:
Well written sir, well written.
This election actually made me more proud to be a Seattlite than anything (granted I’m extrememly proud of America as well).
Not sure if you made it downtown in the 206 last night, AB…but it was CRAZY. I got to the Westin around 7ish lastnight and it was amazing. People honking, hugging, crying, singing, parading…I feel like we’re usually a mellow city (liberal obviously, but definitely mellow).
I haven’t even slept yet.
November 5th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
YOUNGFED says:
@Big T
GTFOH we recognize that not all slaves were stolen, some were sold. In the end most were still up rooted. But I’m glad it happen cause I wouldn’t be here to get this money.
AND YES I VOTED FOR OBAMA CAUSE HE’S BLACK!!! He could of stood up there and just drooled (lol) and I still would voted for him. Yup I said it. It’s just makes it all the better that he was the best candidate. But I also say Just as many people didn’t for him cause he’s black. Ain’t no way in hell anybody gonna prove that McCain was better.
YOUNGFED Steps off his soap box.
November 5th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
vinny says:
Well said Youngfed, Big T now gtfoh!!
November 5th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
Sobhi says:
My boy here at work said a good argument about slavery.
The fact that Yes it happened centuries ago is unfortunate but this is bigger than race and excuses. It’s about embracing the work needed to make this country great.
GERMANY, after the war was bombed destroyed ruined in shambles etc… but now they are the 5th largest in Purchasing power parity (Wikipedia.com)
So this shows that regardless of race it’s time for hard work going forward and not looking back at events from the past.
November 5th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Kudabeen says:
Big T:
The Trans-Atlantic “trading system”, as you put it, is the only way slaves were acquired?? Really?
No I’m cool, I know what I know. I also know not to go back and forth on historical/intellectual matters with someone not in the know…I’m good homie. I’m glad you know about the “trading system”. That’s what’s up. You and I can keep it strictly BBall. This won’t bare any fruit.
FED:
I hear you, but if we looked at only the worst of a person, then we would all be S.O.L. in this world. I don’t excuse his lack of tact, but I still respect his journey…
November 5th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Big T says:
@kudabeen
I never said that was the only method slaves were acquired, those are your words. I’m just refuting your statement that they were simply “stolen”.
@youngfed
Funny how you commend MLK and his ideals, but don’t follow them with a blatant disregard for his messages. Your ignorance is laughable, and I won’t even bother discussing any issues with you further. So no, you gtfoh.
November 5th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Kudabeen says:
FED:
Drooling though…LOL!
Sobhi:
I hear you about moving forward, but that has nothing to do with forgetting the past. We recognize the past so we can move forward. No we don’t have to use it as a crutch as to why we can’t get up, but in recognizing what was we are better equipped to deal with what will be…
Yes we must all put in the real work to make change happen. I look forward to it and have been putting in work. It feels good to know that ultimately on a higher level the poor will not be looked upon as expendable parasites. Instead they will be looked at as human beings with hopes, dreams, families, and possibilities just like anyone else. I hope we all reach back and pull others out of the darkness and allow them to see there is more to the world than Guns, Drugs, Celebrity, Violence, and Indifference…
November 5th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Tbeezy says:
I know everyone wants to hate on Jesse Jackson, but it was still a historic moment for him that he never thought he would see.
It was a great night though. I said a prayer for the man and shed some tears. What a night. The real challenge lays ahead. Lets hope he is a great of a president as he was a candidate. I have faith.
November 5th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
YOUNGFED says:
@Kudabeen
You know that was metaphorically speaking to get my point accross but that ish was funny as hell (lmao).
@Big T
Take your Bitter Ass on somewhere. You lost bruh…you lost. “Gotta let it Buuurrrnnnn!!!” lol
November 5th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
JDigiac says:
I’m white, but I’m absolutely ecstatic, I’m just happy to see how much race issues have become non-issues compared to when our parents and grandparents were kids. It shouldn’t have taken this long for a black man to have a chance at the Oval Office. But, he’s there now and that’s all that matters. Complete Equality is on the horizon.
November 5th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Sam I Am says:
ahhhh back to reality (elections are now OVER!! and basketball is important once more)
@ YoungFed…
Detroit SUCKS!!!
lol
November 5th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
jayslay says:
Big T you are probably the dumbest person on this site…we should be happy everyone should be happy about this win….black ppl as a whole have had to endure so much and now we make progress and you want to tear us down for celebrating????? what the fuck man……as a black man i am so so so glad he won and im even happier that he’s black…..im happy george bush is out of office and im happy that my son has a future and i can truly say that you can be ANYTHING u want to be as long as you put your mind to it…..and i can say that knowing that no matter how hard it is no matter what he has to endure he truly has a chance to do whatever he wants to…..don’t hate on us today you sound really dumb
ps austin great read man great read….
November 5th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Three Stacks says:
@ Big T
Whether the slaves were “stolen,” tricked, kidnapped, or whatever, it was still a fucked up thing that happened, and you arguing the semantics about the whole thing simply marginalizes the struggle that so many of us feel is still real, so please, stop talking.
November 5th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Big T says:
@jayslay
I’m not happy Obama won - not because he’s black, but because I don’t agree with his policies… specifically medical, the war in Iraq, and energy solutions. I could care less about the historical significance because Obama is a man to me… nothing less, nothing more. End of story.
November 5th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Sam I Am says:
@ JaySlay
I think you hit the nail on the head…
I actually didn’t want either to win but am happy that everyone is sooo happy … I’m telling you it’s like Cinderella Man the movie
@ Big T
You on an island all by yourself homie
November 5th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Big T says:
@Three Stacks
I’m sorry that slavery still affects your day-to-day life. Maybe you should go see a therapist and discuss your problems?
November 5th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
David Brandon says:
austin, this was a really strong post from you. thank you for sharing this with the world…b/c thats who read it. everyone. the things that have transpired over the last 24 hours are so amazing. and our generation can’t fully grasp the weight of it all yet either, as we werent around in the 60’s and 50’s and 40’s to witness society as it was then. the position you even hold now in which you’ve just expressed your thoughts would have not only never occurred, but the THOUGHT of it even happening was out of mind. we’ve come a tremendous way. last night was encouraging, empowering, heartbreaking, reassurring….so many different things happening at once. i woke up feeling like the face of america today. for what we have just witnessed, though, there are countless others who never got this chance to see this happen. we should remember them just as much, if not more…as they laid the foundation upon this was all built.
again, great post, my man. thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
November 5th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Three Stacks says:
@ Big T, as soon as the new health care program that you’re gonna hate so much kicks in, I’ll make sure to go see a licensed professional.
Let me guess…you only have white friends, don’t you? Try being a little more open-minded.
November 5th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Sam I Am says:
It was a nice post by the way
kudos and congrats
November 5th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
SayItAintSo says:
@Big T, I’m curious. Since an unprecendented majority agrees with Obama on the aforementioned topics, are you going to support him now that he is your leader?
Will you unite behind him for the sake of progress in solving these problems despite the fact that you think that there is a better solution?
November 5th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Big Sis says:
@ Austin:
Wow, my memory sucks … I’m glad you remembered us drawing those pictures! Thank you for writing this and reminding me of Grandma … be assured that she knows exactly what happened on 11/4/08; she was right there watching (yes, she can see!).
@ Everyone:
No matter who you voted for, if you voted, as long as you realize that we just made history yesterday as a country - as a PEOPLE - then there’s no need for bashing each other. Austin wrote this to share his feelings and inspire intelligent conversation. Just recognize.
November 5th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Big T says:
@Three Stacks
Yes, you caught me, I don’t know any black people… I’ve been so sheltered my entire life.
*end sarcasm*
November 5th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Big T says:
@SayItAintSo
Good question. I’ll be able to better answer that question when I see what policies Obama implements in office. We all know the campaign trail is flooded with garble, so it’ll be interesting to see what he *actually* brings to the table. Will I support him as the leader of our nation? You bet.. because I love this country.
November 5th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
CCP sux says:
lol @ Big T
November 5th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Three Stacks says:
@ Big T
That’s alright, I don’t blame you for your ignorance, you probably have idiots for parents. Probably perpetuated every racial and social stereotype while they were raising you.
And just to prove you have such a “black/white” mentality, I never said anything specific about black friends. There’s a whole variety of people that aren’t black or white, try making friends with them, too. Like I said, open your mind a little.
November 5th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
fattyacids says:
Big T,
do you know how i know your gay, you watch MTV.
November 5th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Austin Burton says:
@Big Sis — I wondered if you remembered them. Mom might still have ‘em somewhere since she never throws anything away.
@Everyone — Thank you for reading and especially to those who have been sharing their thoughts. There’s nothing wrong with keeping the debates going.
November 5th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Drink the Haterade (KB24 Chip 09) says:
Three Stacks– I think you are correct about Big-T…
Fed– In my opinion to vote for a candidate simply cause of his color is being ignorant. I voted for the best candidate (OBAMA) based on what I believe we needed. That said please tell me you were joking.
Also, it’s a great day in this nation. My family in KY wants to move to AL, I think their selection had to do with Obama’s color.
Here’s what I find to be funny, does anyone remember the talk about Colin Powell wanting to run for pres back in the day? I remember all the white folks saying they’d vote for him, those are the same white folks who didn’t vote for Obama… Please explain the difference between these two since the are both black males.
Obama did his job and like I said I’m proud that my children will grow up knowing that all men and women are created equal and we live in the greatest nation ever!
November 5th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
GEE...Oooh I can't believe it! says:
I am almost walking clean out of the voting place when coming in before me is this fat, dark, greasy, nasty, grill in his mouth wearing, big chain wearing, in all black, nappy braids, lookin like fat albert on bad crack guy with a hat that says “Fat Mac”.
Then I knew.
Then I knew.
November 5th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Big T says:
@Three Stacks
I referenced “black” because we’re discussing black/white with Obama… I figured even someone who has your mental capacity would latch onto that.
I wouldn’t know if my parents are idiots because I never met them. However, my foster parents, and step brother (who is from Angola) are not idiots.
Pfft, there are always going to be socially fueled racial stereotypes. If you claim that you’ve never stereotyped someone, you’re a liar.
November 5th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
PALakerFan says:
I’m white as the driven snow, but I’ve never been happier about an election, nor ever as proud to be an American. What better way to get past racism than to elect a mixed-race person. I voted for him because of his intelligence, his eloquence, and his ability to inspire people. I pray that he will lead us into a future where racism dies away, and we no longer see the color of skin.
November 5th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Three Stacks says:
How convenient for the one person whose parents’ validity I question to end up being an orphan.
Thank you for recognizing my mental capacity, though.
I stereotype people all the time. In fact, I’ve completely stereotyped you as an insecure, ignorant right-winger who believes that giving somebody else their due somehow belittles himself.
November 5th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Austin Burton says:
After I’d voted, I was on my way out of the polling station when an older White lady who was one of the volunteers hid her mouth from the rest of the room and said, “I bet you’ll be celebrating tonight” and winked at me with a huge smile. It was sweet, but funny that she just KNEW I’d voted for Obama.
November 5th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Drink the Haterade (KB24 Chip 09) says:
@ PALakerFan– when I first saw that name i thoguht it was PAL(e) Laker fan…LOL
November 5th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
David Brandon says:
@ GEE,
what up man! and come on dude….you know you went into the booth dressed like that guy. lol
@paLakerFan,
i agree w/ you. he’s an incredible speaker and will inspire ppl to do great things if you give him 3 minutes. lol
i’m looking forward to the change that now has the opportunity to happen…
November 5th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
SayItAintSo says:
AB which station did you go to if you don’t mind me asking…?
November 5th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
YOUNGFED says:
@ThreeStacks
Opinions are like assholes everybodies got one (lol). So you can keep yours I like mines just fine. I could elaborate further on exactly what I meant but I’m tired of talkin’ and about to get off work.
YOUNGFED AKA AGENT-HERO
November 5th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Drink the Haterade (KB24 Chip 09) says:
The night before the election I was talking to my mom on the phone and she told me that she was voting for McCain and I told her that I was voting for Obama, she said “I was afraid you were gonna say that” Then my dad called me and just straight berated me about my choice. I told him “the beautiful thing about America is that you have the right to your opinion just like I have the right to mine”.
Obama was the better choice in my opinion.
I liken McCain’s choice of VP to what the Suns and Mavs did when the Lakers made the trade for PAU.
Two erroneous trades that didn’t pan out…
McCain was losing so he got scared and got someone young without researching his choice thoroughly, just like the suns and Mavs, except they got old.
November 5th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Austin Burton says:
@SayItAintSo — St. Joe’s church on Capitol Hill.
(I am upset that my man Dino Rossi most likely lost the governor race.)
November 5th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Timmy says:
Is it wrong if in my heart I wanted the USA to come out better and I knew all along that Obama was going to win (clap clap clap)
but I voted for McCain (I am a conservative Republican)
but still happy of all the joy going around
November 5th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
PALakerFan says:
@Drink the…That shit is funny! I am pale too. Larry Bird is like a whole shade darker than me.
PA = Pennsylvania
I’m surrounded by racists, too, here in Western PA. Bunch of ignorant, stupid bastards. I feel like putting a “Suck it!” sign right above me Obama sign.
November 5th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
MD_Wolves Fan_Sam I Am says:
@ PaLakersFan
I like your theory sir
Check the name
if toomany people bash it then I’m going back
November 5th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Drink the Haterade (KB24 Chip 09) says:
“I’m surrounded by racists, too, here in Western PA. Bunch of ignorant, stupid bastards. I feel like putting a “Suck it!” sign right above me Obama sign”.
That’s some funny shyyt. But I live in Las Vegas, My mother and father live in KY…
November 5th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
BKhoops says:
@ Post # 7…I’m guessing you’ve never heard of “the one drop rule” huh?
I cried my eyes out watching Obama’s speech last night, not only because he is a Black man, and I am a Black woman, but because of the hope he gives me as an American…things can and will get better.
November 5th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
rangerjohn says:
ok i have a few things to say, 1st i will congratualte obama (as i did at 3 am), i will take my lumps like a man what ever.
2nd, i will support this nation and i will support obama as well as the dems (and most of you here) have supported GW BUSH. take that how you like.
3rd, this vote was absolutely based on race at least in part, exit poll by cnn showed in 15 states of all the blacks who voted for obama where asked if race was a factor in their decision factor, 72% said yes it was. of the whites who voted against him, 34% said race was a factor why they voted against him. soooo does that mean 72% of the black voters are racist against white people? because the 34% of white voters will be called racist because they voted against him for being black.
also, as i said at 3 AM, we will see how it goes. i expect there will be change, i expect it will not be good.
so far, the stock market is falling agian after a week of good gains. this is NEVER the trend, the stock market has historically gained the day after an election.
my mother in law is the CEO of the international investments branch of a bank here in houston, she has already seen 20% of her foreign investors begin pulling money out of the bank to go over seas. (we had lunch and talked all about it) obama is not a very popular “president” with investors already and that is not a good sign.
who knows maybe he turns it around, maybe it gets worse. my guess is it will get worse for the next 4 yrs. lets see if yalls boy can proove me wrong.
i will say this in closing before i go back to work, last night, obama won with about 7 million more votes (about .17% of the total votes cast) thats a pretty close range for a guy so popular. there are so many discrepencies in the voting over the last 3-4 elections, the system needs to be fixed. things like “record numbers of HOMELESS voted” how can this be? law says you have to have proof of permanent residence in a state for 6 months to be eligable to vote, HOMELESS means you have no permanent residence, no mailing adress, so how did they get their registration card mailed to them?
there are just so many flaws.
November 5th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Korady says:
From this white man, yesterday was amazing. I’m a felon so I didn’t think I could vote. Just by chance on Monday I saw the Source had an atricle on felons voting, so I checked it out and saw that in my situation, I was eligible to vote in my state. So I went to vote thinking it was no big deal. But my first time voting, I felt some sort of accomplishment. Then watching the results come in last night, I sort of felt like “we” did it, like I was a part of something great. Then it really hit me that this was the first black president and how huge this is. But watching his speech really impacted me, hearing the things he said and seeing the sincerity on his face. Black or white, he is the man we need running this country. I couldn’t be prouder that on the off chance I found out I was eligible to vote I was able to be a part of this historic day that has so much promise to bring great changes to this country.
November 5th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
SayItAintSo says:
@AB
I’m torn on those two.
Gregoire has done amazing things to push WA’s education system to where it is now (easily one of the best in the nation)
Rossi would be way better for state spending, transportation and of course the obvious…he didn’t let someone steal our Sonics.
November 5th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Sam I Am says:
@ BKHoops
Are you saying I’m wrong ?
November 5th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
rangerjohn says:
Korady
what state are you in? my brother is a felon and he was told he had to “get his rights restored by the court” so he could not vote because it took 6 months or more. maybe because he was voting repub, thats why they told him that LMAO
November 5th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Drink the Haterade (KB24 Chip 09) says:
Toronto was idle last night, but the Celtics played in Houston. Doc Rivers couldn’t be distracted from game prep to watch election coverage, but he told the Boston Globe that the C’s — the whole league, really — were consumed by the election: “‘The guys are celebrating in there,’ Rivers said of his players’ reaction to Barack Obama’s victory. ‘I told them this isn’t a black-and-white thing, don’t look at it that way. It’s good for America. I don’t care who you voted for, America got involved.’ Before the game, Rivers had observed, ‘This is the first time I can remember in sports so many guys being so interested in the results. I’ve never seen anything like this, ever. Players, coaches, everybody talking about it - it doesn’t mean they are pro-Obama, pro-McCain, or whatever. It’s just that I’m amazed at the interest.’”
November 5th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Drink the Haterade (KB24 Chip 09) says:
check this
http://www.isc365.com/Washington_DC_Rivers_to_be_Secured_During_Obama_Inauguration.aspx?utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ContentNov5
November 5th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Kudabeen says:
Big ups to you Korady that is major man…I am truly happy for you and that you took the initiative. That’s a huge thing you shared…
RangerJ:
All I’ll say is Racism and Prejudice are two totally different things…The numbers don’t mean much. What was the sample size for each group? It really doesn’t matter. The biggest thing is you love your country and no matter who is in office you are going to stick to your own and try to get yours…That’s how you have always laid it down in this forum…The process is always flawed when it doesn’t work in your favor, but I do agree that the voting process has way too many holes.
November 5th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Brown says:
I’m Canadian, and I paid a lot more attention to the American election than the Canadian election. Partially for the fact that ours was a pointless election and didn’t really accomplish anything, just a waste of money to end up with the same government, and partially because our party leaders are all douchebags.
We put up with Bush as our neighbor for 8 painful years. Metaphorically speaking, Bush lowered our property values. I’m glad Obama won because I’m hopeful that the positive changes he brings to America are mirrored in Canada. I get a sense that all across the globe, people are hopeful that Obama not only improves America, but his influence makes the world a better place.
November 5th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
BKhoops says:
Sorry Sam I Am…I meant post # 6.
November 5th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
rangerjohn says:
kudabeen,
i agree prejudice and racism are different, yet they go hand in hand. as i said, the white people WILL be called racists, while the black people ARE being called “proud.”
as for the sample size, i could not say exactly but cnn called it an accumulation (or something to that effect) of 15 states. this was early on and i stopped watching cnn to go to flip between the spurs and the rockets games.
how can you not agree there are to many holes, looking at the numbers alone, obama won the popular vote by 7 million (.17% of the voters who actually voted) yet he won 349 electorals to 162? and that is not flawed? same thing with bush in 2000, gore WON the pop vote and lost on electorals? it could not be any more flawed.
homeless able to vote, how abouyt a guy who when to ohio and stayed with a family as an “exchange student” for college and used their address to vote even though he was only there for 3 weeks. there are huge holes regardless of who won. there have been for years now. people have begun to figure them out. how about acorn registering 300000 false or flawed voters? how about the TROOPS votes dont count because they got in to late. i mean damn if ANYONES VOTES SHOULD COUNT ITS THE TROOPS OVER SEAS! we dont even know how their would have gone, but damn they should be counted none the less.
the system is so flawed that presidential candidates rarely spend money or time dealing with states that “dont mater” in the “grand picture”, states like wyoming, montana. how many times did obama or mccain go to either of those states? how much money did they spend there? i can think of 2 maybe 3 trips in 2 yrs to texas by obama and mccain combined (or st least to houston/san antonio) yet there where 34 electorals in texas.
the system needs to be fixed but it will never happen. the same thing i said when gw won in 2004, the system was crated by men who where looking to get less then 1000000 votes total, and there was no telephone, no interweb computers to tally things up so they went with the electoral college to help speed the process up otehr wise it would have taken a year to get things decided. that is not the case anymore.
either way obama would have won, but things would have looked a lot different if the system didnt have the holes it has.
November 5th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Diego says:
@rangerjohn: You still don’t seem to accept things, which is sad (sad as in pathetic). Last I checked (1 minute ago) Obama had 52% to McCain’s 46%, with a 7 million vote difference in the popular vote. This is more than 2% (which is what I think you mean when you say .17% (or rounding up to the nearest tenth of a percent, .20%)–which is clearly not the same number as 2%).
This was a clear cut victory by over 7,000,000 votes rignt now. He also easily won the electorial vote, which is what actually counts–ask George W. Obama killed with the Hispanic vote, the young vote and the northeastern blue collar (e.g., PA and Ohio) vote–we are not all sole proprietorship entrepeneurs (although a large percentage of the federal income tax tax evaders are), which McCain seemed to fail to realize in his campaign with Joe the Plumber.
Please for once just STFU re. your political views!!! If this forum is Obama-biased, it is Dime’s right to be such. (Also, if you are going to spout your crap, keep it shorter, please. A lot of us are at work.)
November 5th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
rangerjohn says:
diego
i could care less what you think about my views. obviously i could care less about your views. 7 million votes is not 2% of the total popular vote, things are not rounded up, 1.7% of the popular vote is not a large margin. not nearly the “landslide” it is made out to be.
dime has the right to spew pro-obama links, i have the right to type some long ass “garbage” about how i dont like it, or how i disagree, this is the beauty of freedom this country offers. skip my posts if you dont like them.
as i said things are flawed, have been for ever and need to be fixed so the country is counted more evenly.
November 5th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Three Stacks says:
Considering the state of partisanship in America right now, where there seems to be a lot more moderates in both the Democratic and Republican parties, I think 7-8 million is a pretty wide margin of victory. It’s the largest margin of victory in an election with a lame-duck president since like Reagan or Carter.
Also, Obama is the first Democratic president to get elected with a majority (more than 50%) of the popular vote since LBJ (not Lebron) in 1964. So I’d say it’s pretty significant.
November 5th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
vinny says:
I cant believe it but i agree with ranger-bob on something- your right something has to be done so every vote is counted. If they had done that in 2000 and 2004 we wouldnt have had this clown for Pres. for the last 8 years. I agree with Diego though on the length of your bullshit- who wants to type answers to repudiate that shit-takes to long.
November 5th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
GEE...Oooh I can't believe it! says:
True illustrators don’t trace!
David Brandon yous crazy pimpin lol.
For real when I see that Obama got “Fat Mac” out, I was like aww naw this ish is major.
Anyway Imma say it like this. 43 Presidents. Some of whom were good or bad depending on ya view and who ya like and whateva. Still, 44 is here and being that Obama has won, a lot of McCain supporters who were and possibly still are salty, wanna start holding him to make things excellent ova-night.
On my personal ish here. Ok like this. A new team, has a coach who decided (for reasons he thought were good) to give his 1st and 2nd round picks away and go straight 3rd and 4th round players.
Now this cat does this, lets say, for 2 years, and has a few wins to a whole lotta losses. Well he leaves and they get some poor chap behind him who is trying his best to draft and recruit good, but no one wants to ball on his squad for real. So dude gets lame cats and his 2 years is horrid as well.
So between the next 4 coaches (some betta than others) they get, they still have horrible players and continue to accumulate more losses than wins.
Lo and behold they get a top notch young coach from a system that works who is ready to run a new offense and defense.
While the hope is there, please know that it’s going to take that coach a lot to bring about change and patience from the fans.
Same here, while Obama is motivated and full of ideas, people, supporters and nay-sayers alike have to understand he may serve his full 4 to 8 and accomplish little. Understand with that though, that he came in under what was and is one of the biggest loads of crap to change.
Don’t excuse 43 cats and then put all the load on 44 to make ish happen. If anything applaud #44 and even McCain, for wanting to and attempting to say hey I got some ideas that can hopefully help fix all the ish we in.
Don’t get me wrong I want him to fix things, and do as he has said he would attempt and promise. I understand though, that his back as would McCains back, had he won, is against the wall. So patience, understanding and continued support will be key.
Personally regardless, I am still very satisfied to a large degree because of the hope he has already gave so many. That doesn’t mean I don’t expect him to work and get ish done, it’s just I know it won’t be ova night, ova a month or even ova some years.
So regardless of what the market and trends may do, understand that much of the happenings of now are do to them happenings before. Let us all stay strong in our backing of the Pres. Elec.
The race is not given to the swift nor to the strong, but to he that endureth to the end.
Let the hating commence.
November 5th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
GEE...Oooh I can't believe it! says:
And yea I know that ish is to long to read lol.
Footnotes snitches: Give Obama time to make stuff happen.
1
November 5th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
dapro says:
I’ll say a few more things concerning Obama’s victory
Was race a factor- yes clearly because the best candidate for Head of State happens to be black
He inspires millions of people worldwide to believe in the system of government and the system of the people
I for one didn’t think that this was possible in my lifetime,. Although I am only 27, I have seen the ugly side of America and how flawed the system can be towards all but primarily against people who resemble me.
Will Obama be the savior? No, that’s asinine to believe one man will do everything by himself.
His purpose is to incite the masses to achieve greater and focus on creating an ideal America with the hopes that we will no longer converse about a black, brown, or female president because it no longer matters.
Reality is we may never see that day but a seed was planted last night. Whether your pro or anti Obama, that fact is we are all united with one goal in mind. It’s up to us to water and cultivate the seed so the roots remain firm for future generations.
I celebrate his victory as an African American man and as an American
November 5th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Diego says:
Numbers: About 120 million votes for Obama and McCain combined. (Rounding, 63.7 million for Obama and 56.3 for McCain.) About 7 million spread.
Seven million divided by 120 million = 5.8% (rounding down).
DAMN! Lets get numbers right for pete’s sake! Where the hell is 1.7% margin of victory coming from Ranger John? It was significantly more than that.
November 5th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Desrat says:
I cried last night; tears of hope, joy and accomplishment. This is my president. This is my dream that a qualified man that was on the correct side of the moral argument has won an American election without having to resort to tactics. We grew up a little bit last night.
I am happiest that my two young kids will never even remember a nation that believed a black president was an impossibility.
I am white man that is honored to follow this man into our future as country.
November 5th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
rangerjohn says:
here is a prime example of why the system needs to be changed to better represent the actual population in the electoral college.
http://elections.nytimes.com/2008/results/president/map.html
looking at the county by county of every state and the republicans won the majority of the counties in the land, but the innercity and very tight urban areas are what won the electoral votes in several states. hell florida, even california where a lot more “torn” o nthe vote then is represented in the electoral college.
in this case, obama would have won regardless, but then again, bush might not have won in 2000, or 2004.
November 5th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Drink the Haterade (KB24 Chip 09) says:
Ranger John–
You sound bitter like a lot of the other white people who voted for McCain and he didn’t win. So stop complaining… Damn man show the dude some respect he went out there against all odds and busted his ass to get where he’s at. Fact he didn’t have daddy getting him into the Naval Academy, He was at Harvard Law on his own merit.
November 5th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Big T says:
@Drink the Haterade
Obama didn’t bust his ass against any odds… he was the favorite from the start. Considering the fact Obama had 3x the budget as McCain for advertising, along with countless celebrities funding rallies, I didn’t expect him to lose. (although I wish he would have)
November 5th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Big T says:
On a side note, I love these weekly racial debates we have, that aren’t even basketball related. It’s entertaining to say the least…
November 5th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Celts Fan says:
Best thing you’ve ever written AB. Well said man…
First guys, let’s ease up on McCain, like him or not, that guy is an American hero. What he did in ‘Nam should not be forgotten just cuz we like Obama and he happened to be the opponent. We all grew to dislike him as a candidate over the past few months, but let’s not forget that it’s people like him, like Barack, and even like W (where else could a life-long fuck-up be elected President?) that make this country so great.
We’re all flawed but we like to believe America represents the best in all of us and America takes the worst in all of us too. This is a country built on trying to make each generation better than the one before it and it’s usually a difficult fight. Every few decades there is that one defining momen (WWsI and II, Civil Rights Movement, ‘Nam, Cold War) where we can change history and try to reshape the world for the better. It’s not easy, but it is something that we, as Americans, share with few other countries in the world. Whether his policies do everything he wants them to do or not (let’s be real, 1 man can’t change everything, though we know he’ll try his ass off) in a 2 year span, we have proven that it doesn’t matter what you look like or where you’re from (in America) all that matters is that you have the ability. I, as a young American who had lost faith in this entire government am now reenergized in my country and believe in its ability to be great FOR EVERYONE again.
At a time when government really had deserted the majority of its own people (that didn’t agree with their views anyway) the people rose up as one and said no, this will not stand. This country, like all countries, has its problems, but I’ve never been prouder in my life to say I’m from the United States of America.
YES WE CAN!
November 5th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
Drink the Haterade (KB24 Chip 09) says:
@ Big T
oh he wasn’t against any odds… HMMM… Let’s see he’s not white, that’s some huge odds if you ask me. And yes considering he didn’t grow up rich, further odds. His campaign simply kicked butt.
In my industry most people that are in a position of power are older white males. When a woman or another minority makes to a management position I tend to have a lot of respect for that person for what they had to go thru to get to that point. I am a young white male and I still had a hard to get to the position I am in and the fact that I know what it took for me I can only imagine what they had to go thru.
Show Some Respect
November 5th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Drink the Haterade (KB24 Chip 09) says:
@ Celts fan, you forgot the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Both very defining moments in US history.
November 5th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
YGB(Obama did it. We can!) says:
@AB. Best post you have ever written. I wish i could have been in The Chi to watch this beautiful moment in history. As a Black Man in American it was imperative for me to go out & vote for my Brother. This Man fought a long & hard fight. McCain did an honorable job. But in the end came short. @AB Hope you have a good 1 dude.
Shalom
November 5th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Drink the Haterade (KB24 Chip 09) says:
From Newsweek
Obama continues: “When you have to be cheerful all the time and try to perform and act like [the tape is unclear; Obama appears to be poking fun at his opponents], I’m sure that some of it has to do with nerves or anxiety and not having done this before, I’m sure. And in my own head, you know, there’s—I don’t consider this to be a good format for me, which makes me more cautious. When you’re going into something thinking, ‘This is not my best …’ I often find myself trapped by the questions and thinking to myself, ‘You know, this is a stupid question, but let me … answer it.’ Instead of being appropriately [the tape is garbled]. So when Brian Williams is asking me about what’s a personal thing that you’ve done [that's green], and I say, you know, ‘Well, I planted a bunch of trees.’ And he says, ‘I’m talking about personal.’ What I’m thinking in my head is, ‘Well, the truth is, Brian, we can’t solve global warming because I f–––ing changed light bulbs in my house. It’s because of something collective’.”
November 5th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Stepper says:
Whats this about, who won? I hope it isnt MCcain, or tht horse faced woman from siberia!
November 5th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
sloped says:
I came to this site from ESPN on a mission to find some new sports news after spending the last six months focusing on politics and the election.
Thank you for this post, it was one of the most heartfelt posts I’ve read today. I wasn’t looking for political commentary and hope I don’t see it often here. But this one post is going to lead me to visit often, as I know your life may focus on sports but you realize it isn’t everything in the grand scheme of things.
November 5th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
rangerjohn says:
you know what is AWESOME? the way you knuckleheads have gotten all bent out of shape. like a bunch of little kids who have gotten their candy stolen because myself and a couple others have shown you the error of your ways yet your eyes have not opened. lmao GROW UP men its gonna be just fine. oops except that tax break is already looking like it is going out the window and thats why all you guys bought into the hype right? not because of skin color right? tell me you men where not voting obama because of skin color, tell you you have a real honest to goodness reason.
November 5th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
jdawg says:
Interesting thread and all, but I just felt like saying one thing. Comparing the German experience post WWII with the African American experience post slavery is ludicrous. First, African Americans did not receive anything like the Marshall Plan which paid out approximately 1.5 BILLION dollars (which is a sh*t load of money now, but was way more in real value in the late 1940’s). He11, they didn’t even get their 40 and a mule.
Second, Germany is a state that can harness its apparatus to improve the welfare of its citizens. African Americans’ experience with the state was… not so good for approximately a century after emancipation. Even after that, its arguable how much the state contributed to the improvement of their lives.
Third, Germany already had a wealth of intellectual and social resources that bound the community together that came from before the Third Reich. African Americans had veeeery few educated citizens prior to the Emancipation Proclamation and even afterwards, again for about 100 years, they were kept from anything other than a cursory education.
So, let’s think about things before we automatically link them.
November 6th, 2008 at 11:23 am
rangerjohn says:
uh oh trouble in paridice already?
http://www.wthr.com/global/story.asp?s=9299280
November 6th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Big T says:
@rangerjohn
Nice article. At least they got paid somewhat… better than working in the cotton fields.
November 6th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Illmatic says:
@Big T
why would you even go there homie?
November 6th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Big T says:
@illmatic
I wanted to dwell on the past like everyone else. I hate being left out.
December 18th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
chinese says:
there is too much “black pride” in america. It will only lead to one thing; rebellion. Its almost seems nationalistic from all your posts. Many of you seem to be ‘black’ before you are ‘American’ I doubt many of you even feel that you are in the same country as the white people in America. I feel sorry for all of you.