Politics 2008:The Caucuses and The Dem/Rep Conventions

[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?