Politics 2008:The Caucuses and The Dem/Rep Conventions

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by SummerChild

This is definitely a case of suspicion but, so what?

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.

[deepimpact2]

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.

You seem to think that any accusations arise out of unfounded paranoia and suspicion. What exactly would it take for you to believe that something is happening because of Obama's race? You probably don't even think those white supremacists were planning to kill Obama because of his race. Of course they just wanted to kill him because they don't like his economic policies.

I don't think anyone on this board has stated that Obama should receive a "yes" on every decision. You are taking this entirely too far. You sound like one of those individuals who likes to sweep racism under the rug and pretend it doesn't exists...even when it's staring you in the face. Or maybe you just don't recognize racism unless it's blatant. You also sound like one of those individuals who will now challenge any accusations of racism by pointing out that we now have a black president and so racism couldn't POSSIBLY exist.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by deepimpact2

You seem to think that any accusations arise out of unfounded paranoia and suspicion...You sound like one of those individuals who likes to sweep racism under the rug and pretend it doesn't exists...even when it's staring you in the face. Or maybe you just don't recognize racism unless it's blatant. You also sound like one of those individuals who will now challenge any accusations of racism by pointing out that we now have a black president and so racism couldn't POSSIBLY exist.

You described me perfectly. So much for "unfounded suspicion and unfounded paranoia."

From skimming your responses, I don't think we really disagree on the larger point. You already said that jumping to a racialized conclusion is something that intelligent people won't do for everything. When you choose to come to a racialized conclusion is up to you but, what can be interpreted as, conjecture will receive a variety of responses.

[preciousjeni]

Originally Posted by deepimpact2

You seem to think that any accusations arise out of unfounded paranoia and suspicion.

Where did you get that from?

[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...

[SummerChild]

DrPhil,

My comment re POSITIVITY is the thread directed to what President-Elect Obama should do first when he gets into office. Why don't you go over there instead of just nitpicking things in this thread?

I think that most folk don't want to contribute to anything re POSITIVITY.

ETA: Why don't ya'll ALL go over to my thread about CHANGE and POSITIVITY instead of nitpicking with DrPhil about this. Some energy is better spent ignoring some folk and taking an active approach for change. This argument is like the one in which women get together and commesurate about how there are no good men. Some will never believe otherwise and yet, you are spending the time that you could be going out and finding a mate (if it means that much too you, big whup) or you can spend your time disputing this issue with the women that are convinced and want to believe what they want to believe and are happier just nitpicking everything.

Threads on this message board go on for pages and pages about whether Michelle's dress was not attractive, how it's hard to find a man, and other tons of silly, petty and/or negative crap - take your pick. Positive threads hardly get any traction at all. This is one of the only substantive positive threads that has gotten any traction. Let's keep it that way and lend our energy to others like it. Focus on positivity. The other stuff is just draining and useless.

Now get over to my other thread!!

SC

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.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by SummerChild

Why don't you go over there instead of just nitpicking things in this thread?

Originally Posted by SummerChild

Some energy is better spent ignoring some folk and taking an active approach for change.

But you didn't ignore me.

Some people get the point of this discussion and don't view it as a negative. I consider it to be an active approach for change for a number of reasons. You don't have to so you do what you consider to be an active approach for change. Dialogue isn't one-sided and you can't govern others' participation in discussions on or off the internet. Those of you who don't see the point of this topic and think it's nitpicky can govern yourselves by typing about whatever else you want to type about. Pretty basic message board guidelines.