Politics 2008:The Caucuses and The Dem/Rep Conventions

[AKA_Monet]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

So, in different ways, preciousjeni, HoneyKiss, and I believe the suspicion is unfounded. Agree or disagree, it's all just speculation that shouldn't be taken seriously.

But this isn't just about Billy Graham which is why I want us to "get over ourselves" and think "good grief, people" a lot of times when I hear (usually, black) people talk about the Obama presidency.

If an Obama presidency is going to spark this type of unfounded paranoia and unfounded speculation then this is going to be a tiring presidency. There's nothing POSITIVE about conspiracy theorizing if POSITIVITY is what people are going for. There's a difference in tone when addressing the realities or possibilities (which is what discussions of race and racism are really about) versus being suspicious or expecting the worst. Unfounded paranoia and unfounded suspicion of intents and motives (i.e. Billy Graham's) is silly whether it's coming from disappointed McCain supporters or Obama supporters. Period.

Obama isn't going to be told "yes" everytime a decision needs to be made during this presidency. If that's going to be interpreted in a racially charged manner more often than not, even in the absence of some type of evidence, then we have a long and bumpy road ahead of us.

But these people with a strong desire to disparage President Obama ad nauseum are not operating with a full deck. It is not like, hey, I disagree with this aspects of his policies. It is about I HATE--after that it blocks one's ability to listen.

Now as far as Billy Graham's concern, he is a very sick old man. He cannot speak like he use to for presidents past. Do I think its racism because he cannot? No. I think like you said his age and illnesses are affecting him.

Yes, President Obama is definitely going to make mistakes in his presidency. And the pundits will grossly disparage him like prey. And it will be his first misstep, where they will exclaim, "SEE WE TOLD YOU SO!!!" with seething anger to implement his policies progression... Then again, it might now happen and hopefully it won't happen in that manner.

But I suggest not to be shocked when that tiny misdeed, smaller than other presidencies past, will not be overblown by the pundits... No, we are not talking about criticism. That is different. We are talking about blatant slander, withholding information, ignoring gag orders, etc. Criminal activities.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by AKA_Monet

But these people with a strong desire to disparage President Obama ad nauseum are not operating with a full deck.

Neither are some (if not, many) of Obama's supporters. The crazy and the silly go both ways. I just want people on both sides to breathe easy.

There are plenty of straws to go around without having to grasp for them.

[AKA_Monet]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

Neither are some (if not, many) of Obama's supporters. The crazy and the silly go both ways. I just want people on both sides to breathe easy.

There are plenty of straws to go around without having to grasp for them.

I understand the bounty of straws.

But how do you explain the over exhilaration and exuberance upon learning of President Obama's win?

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by AKA_Monet

I understand the bounty of straws.

But how do you explain the over exhilaration and exuberance upon learning of President Obama's win?

On the part of Obama supporters? People are happy for a few reasons.

That doesn't mean that all the happy people are operating with a full deck. It doesn't mean that all the unhappy people aren't operating with a full deck. There are crazy and silly people and rhetoric on both ends. I judge it based on what all of these people say and not based on the dichotomy of supporter/nonsupporter.

[AKA_Monet]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

On the part of Obama supporters? People are happy for a few reasons.

That doesn't mean that all the happy people are operating with a full deck. It doesn't mean that all the unhappy people aren't operating with a full deck. There are crazy and silly people and rhetoric on both ends. I judge it based on what all of these people say and not based on the dichotomy of supporter/nonsupporter.

Even folks in other countries who inherently cannot vote in this one were excited. I doubt they were "bona fide Obama supporters"--more like anybody but Bush--or who ever their leader was that told them to support... So much for a free society!

Whether decks are full or not, they are stacked, nonetheless... And what they say is not a reflection of support or lack there of IMHO. It's more a matter of ignorance and closed-mindedness...