Barack Obama, First & Last Black President. Can We Have Another African-American President?

I don't think race matters, the Democrats are bringing it up because they're loosing the healthcare debate and the Republican message is working. The public will respond to this nonsense with a big yawn and Jimmy Carter will start ranting and raving about Joe Wilson's communist party membership.

I don't think race matters, the Democrats are bringing it up because they're loosing the healthcare debate and the Republican message is working. The public will respond to this nonsense with a big yawn and Jimmy Carter will start ranting and raving about Joe Wilson's communist party membership.

I think people are tired of this already and are seeing through it. When you have to dust up and inject a tired & washed up joke of an ex-President into the debate to make unfounded remarks, it is a sad spectacle. The State Run Media runs with this kind of stuff instead of holding Carter accountable and asking him to provide evidence of his claims.

We all know these are tactics right out of the old playbook and signals a sign of desperation on the administrations part.

As you pointed out, the Republican party has cleaned the clocks of the administration on the Healthcare issue and are now backpeddling.

Jeez Red,

What is with your obsession with the media and when did it start? Did it start when the media was giving Bush a free pass at the start of the Iraq war? I'm interested to know. How does someone elses comments signal a sign of desperation on the administrations part? Jimmy Carter is a private individual who expressed his opinion. He isn't affiliated with the Obama administration although it sometimes sounds like Fox News gets it's talking points straight from the Republican party.

While I don't agree with what you wrote, I do want to thank you for writing an entire piece about racism and not using the tired, trite phrase, "playing the race card."

CMike,

I think using that phrase would be the easy thing to do, but I want to try and get past that trap and focus more on Obamas performance and see if he plays along with Carter's comments or starts to rethink some of his policies and listen to the voice of constructive criticism.

This article is racist. You say the "first and last Black President," then you say Carter made it so Obama would be just that, and then you thank him for it at the end, expressing your sentiments that you don't want black people being the president. Then you say that, as what you think is evidence (what is it with conservatives and fallacies these days, do they really think we won't notice?) "Americans overwhelmingly disagree with the notion that Wilson's comments were racially motivated," which is a perfect example of a fallacy called an "Appeal to popularity" (take a class on logic and it'll probably be in your first book near the front). Wilson, and every anti-Obama quack is obviously racist, and your first clue of that is that they don't have any actual political or social issue to complain of besides a bunch of nonsense they make up about Barack Obama, they did the same thing to Martin Luther King Jr., and King was the real deal while Obama, to any REAL leftist, is a fraud, if that. Conservatives even resort to calling Obama a "Socialist," just like they did to King, and we all knew what they meant then. A majority of Americans is NOT an expert on racism or social disparities for that matter. Your fallacious argument only makes America look like it is a majority population of white racists. That statistic you mention, which you don't back up with a link or anything, so we have no way of knowing whether there ever was such a poll taken, is not only likely to have been skewed but doesn't support your argument one bit. In fact, it has the opposite effect. One black president and white conservatives are pouring into the streets to express their utter ignorance, their inability to pay attention when they were in school, and they are all clearly motivated by only one thing that they won't admit to unless you ask in a way that doesn't make it obvious that they are racist, and some of them are stupid enough to bite the obvious hook too. The United States of America IS NOT A WHITE COUNTRY and it will NEVER be again, get over it! Whether Wilson is racist or not is for Carter to worry about and not us. We should know better by now, but no one who read your article would get that impression. Your phantom poll showing the sentiments of the majority of Americans only makes America look racist. Stop giving my country a bad name!

Evanherzoff,

You are entitled to your opinion. The reason I ended with "Thank you, Jimmy Carter" was because he has in my mind opened up an entirely new debate which was not there before.

Your comments just serve to avoid the facts and face up to the reality that this President has not lived up to the billing. The "Racist" word that you want to attach to Republican Party is not working.

Most Americans see through this and they don't need me or any news program to tell them so. I think you need to look yourself in the mirror and face the facts. We are over the race issue, Anericans want to focus on policy matters and hold our elected officials accountable without the worry of being labeled a racist. This last comment by Mr. Carter will just add another sad chapter to his many failures.

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Red,

Evan is entitled to his opinion but Jimmy Carter is not?

Do you really think this race debate wasn't open before? You and I have gone back and forth about this issue in another blog at length so stop perpetrating. We aren't the only people in the world who have discussed this topic.

Do these comments serve to avoid the facts? The president hasn't lived up to the billing in the 9 months he's been in office? Perhaps some people haven't given him the opportunity because they want to be critical and are blinded by their own prejudices whether that be race, or just plain ol' Republicanism. No one's calling the Republican party racists here at all. Where are you getting that from? Some of the opposition are racists. The fact that many identify as Republicans is another discussion entirely.

You say we are over the race issue. Really? So there is no racism in America anymore? Just the fact that we are having this conversation proves that statement untrue. Hell, the fact that you assumed in another blog that black people who vote Democrat seek entitlements and are all on welfare is proof of that. On the contrary, go to Indiana where they still have Klan rallies and tell them race is no longer an issue and to get over it. You never cease to amaze me Red. Not everyone who acknowledges race as an issue is making an invalid excuse because sometimes race is an issue and is a valid explanation. But it seems to make you cringe every time someone brings up the subject. You don't like to hear about it, but ignoring racism won't make it magically disappear.

As to this comment about people not wanting to be labeled a racist when they attempt to hold our elected officials accountable, I say there should be no worry of that if you are not a racist. Obama has never used his race as an excuse. In fact he shy's away from even bringing it up. But your assumption that Carter's opinion will hurt another qualified minorities chances of being president is down right rediculous.

Jimmy Carter is a simple man and a honest man. He just calls it like he sees it.

I believe Jimmy Carter is a wise man and a honest man. He calls it like it is. But enough about truth. Carry - on - regardless.
JerrySatire
www.Lampoon.net

Jerry,

Its funny how when Jimmy Carter uses the "racist" word Liberally, it is portrayed as "calling it like it is".

When Joe Wilson "calls it like it is", it is portrayed as "racist"

I know in your infinite wisdom you have an answer. Fill me in..

Try a background check on Joe Wilson, the man is as fair and balanced as Glenn Beck. Try reading.
JerrySatire
www.Lampoon.net

This isn't going to work my friend. Barack Obama the failed experiment is more like it. I just caught a snippet of Pelosi on the floor saying we have to tone this down emotionally saying we can spill blood.

That is the goal and I refuse to believe this has been allowed to go this far. There are those who have been instigating a 2nd civil war from day one and one more bailout or whatever and they may have it but they won't like it!

I am actually most interested in seeing how President Obama does in his second term, if he even decides to run again. I think his time in presidency has opened quite a few eyes for good and bad!

Justplayin,

I hate to break it to you, but in my personal opinion, he will be a one term President much in same mold as Jimmy Carter. I honestly believe that if Barack Obama does not embrace moderates and becomes more fiscally responsible and incorporates Conservatives and Republicans into his policy making he will be one and out.

I think that people will not want to deal with the problems of being called racist everytime they critique the Presidents decision. I think most people would rather have a President who will be open to suggestions and take some criticism and not worry about being politically correct. Mark my words. If I am around 3 years from now, and Barack Obama is elected President, I will buy you lunch at your favorite restaurant.

Red,

"You would think that a former ex-President of the Uinted States would get on his cell phone and call President Obama to at least give him a heads up about the incindiery racist comments he was getting ready to make."

Let me get this straight. Whenever you call out what you think is racism, you are being racist? Red, I'm interested to know your definition of racism because I don't think that's how it works.

"Americans are starting to figure out on their own that these unfounded allegations of racism are being fanned by the fringe left in an attempt to take focus away from the Healthcare Issue. They see that any criticism or opposition to any of Obama's policies will be greeted with the "Racist" word."

I cant say that Wilson was being racist. I just can't. But I have a direct question for you. Do you think any of the opposition has to do with race? I do. I watched an interesting HBO documentary produced by Nancy Pelosi's daughter called "Right America Feeling Wronged" where one person said on camera that they have a problem with a "n*****" being president. Urban Dictionary's definition of Obama is "the new version of n*****". So I ask, do you really think the oposition has nothing to do with race?

"They are beginning to see that this adminsitration has resorted to using race to shield the President from criticism."

Can you give me three examples of when the Obama administration has used the presidents race to deflect criticism? The implicit message I get from many of your posts is that you don't like black people using their race as a weapon. But that's funny when many white folks have used their race as a weapon throughout history and there is not the slightest acknowledgement of that from you.

"With that sentiment as the focal point of my argument, I believe the American people will look back to this moment in history as the reason why Barack Obama was the first & last elected African American President."

Absolutely, because when people are racist and a private individual calls them on it everyone else chooses not to ever vote for a black man again because they don't like racists being called racists. Yes. That logic makes perfect sense.

C,

If you remember during the campaign and throught the primary races last year, all the talk on the News shows was about, "Well if somehow Hillary wins the Primary, its because of racism. If somehow John McCain Wins the election its becasue America is racist. And yet the American people looked past all of the rhetoric and allegations and voted for Barack Obama. When he won in Iowa, a state with an overwhelming white population no one said a peep. They applauded Americans who voted for the right reasons.

So now fast forward to the present. The President starts to govern in a different manner than that of which he promised. He beigins to stray away from the center and govern from the extreme left. He has stumbled through this Healthcare debate, he has underperformed in many ways and has gone on a spending spree the likes that has never been seen in decades.
So when the same voters that put their trust in him, begin to question some of his policy decisions, they are racist.

You know and I know that this is all window dressing. It is a distraction to take focus away from the fact that Obama has underperformed so far.

I have been to a few Teaparties in my state and spoken to people about their concerns. There were people from both sides, Republicans as well as Democrats and yes even African Americans.

I would be very careful to call someone a racist if you have never met them.

Red,

I have never heard anything about if Hilary wins it will be because of racism. I'm sorry, but that's the truth. I'm sure you heard it, but what does that matter? You seem more concerned about his race than I do. Answer my questions. Do you feel that some of this is about race? Do you think racism is over in America? Can you give me an example of how the Obama administration uses his race as an excuse? And yes, the American people voted for who they thought would best do the job, although some people write it off as voting for their entitlements. So which is it Red? Are they voting for their entitlements or are they voting for who they see as the best candidate? Obama won a predominately white state, yes. Not all black people view white folks as racist Red. I'm not shocked that Obama won Iowa at all, but you seem to be. I'm not going to give Iowa a pat on the back for voting for the candidate they preferred.

Obama is governing in a different manner? How so? He's done things he's said he was going to do: close Guantanamo Bay, support Healthcare Legislation, send more troops to Afganistan. He said he would withdraw from Iraq, and I haven't heard about any withdrawls, but I'll wait a little longer to see if he upholds that promise. What else did he promise that I'm missing? I think he's doing what he's said he was going to do.

What do you consider far left, because Obama is anything but. He is a Demmocrat and he's governing as such. I think Bush was pretty far right, but would you criticize him not playing to the center? Somehow I suspect not because you identify as a Republican and like conservative policies.

You are so vague. You say things like he's far left and he's underperformed and he's straying away from his promises and you don't give me any details. So where are the warrants for your arguments? Why do you feel the way you do? I think people want details on why people dislike Obama so much and when they don't get them and get vague statements they conclude that it must be about race because some people just can't articulate specifically why they dislike Obama. They say he's not a citizen and he's a communist and he has terrorist affiliations. The arguments against are so fruitless.

So no Red, I don't think it's window dressing. And the only distraction is when you shout that someone can't talk about race because it's unfair to you, even if the argument actually has merit.

And Red, I've been so careful to tip toe around it, but you did all but assume because I was black that I was a welfare single mom and chastized me for talking about race when I should be angry at irresponsible black men who ditch their responsibilities in raising their children. When you make generalized statements and assumptions about a race of people because of who they are, that constitutes a racist remark. I'm not sure I want to get to know you, because I think you are racist and you don't even know it. And that Red, is fucking sad.

Redhanded you are the main reason Republicans and opposition have such a horrible label. The notion that Obama will be the "first and last black president of the U.S" is an example of your own pure hatred for black people. Do you even see the president as more than a black man but maybe as a human being? You act as if racism is not an issue when it still exists. I don't know what kind of town you live in but you come off as the type of person that wishes this country had NO DIVERSITY. Your article gives me the impression that you believe this country is only ran well when a rich white man is in office. I can judge that racism still exists because I see at town hall rallies white people bringing posters with racist comments on them, Republicans believing he can't be a citizen of this country, and how "scared" people are because the president is so "different" than the rest. President Obama is different, he is going to bring actual change to the U.S., fix the healthcare crisis, and establish the U.S as a respectable country again. There is a real disrespect toward the president and I think that is more of the issue with Wilson's' comment. We would all love to say that we are all equal in terms of race, gender, and class but it is not the case. We can't just sweep this issue under the rug and act like it doesn’t matter and believe that our society can become less ignorant and less prejudice. I believe the Republicans are the ones that are using the race issue as a diversion from the healthcare debate. I have lost count the number of times a Republicans have accused the Democrats in the last 8 month of “using the race card.” How about Republicans start coming up of ways to change this country instead of always creating

Melissa,You Liberals are too confusing to figure out.I chastise, Jimmy Carter for wrongly interjecting himself into a debate about policy issues where he prefers to use race as an excue for citizens being critical of a President who happens to be Black. And then when I insinuate that as a result of his remarks, people will ponder whether it's worth all the criticism and name calling they get when they stand up and question the President on his policies, it is taken as a racial comment.

When did it become ok for citizens to be labeled racist for venting their frustrations with the way their government has performed?No one President is bigger than this country. The political correctness in this country has run amock. Citizens have to be able to voice their concerns and not worry about being called racists.

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Red,

Can you say beyond a doubt that racism in America is over and none of the opposition is because Barak Obama is black? Can you? Can you? Can you? Is none of this about race? Answer the freakin' question already. I can admit that some people have issues with his policies because they philosophically disagree. Some people have problems with him because he is liberal. But some, do have a problem with him because he's black. Can you deny that? You keep talking about using race as an excuse. I want to know where you stand on this issue. Come on. I'm dieing to hear your opinion on this one.

C,What part can't you understand? The President himself has said that his race has nothing to do with opposition to his policies.There is always going to a small fringe element that has racist motivations. But what you and many of your Liberals friends are failing to see is that the overwhelming majority of the people out there protesting are not part of that fringe . They are middle America. Working class regular folks who are fed up with the overall direction in which this President is taking this country in.You can't paint paint every protestor out there the braod brush of racism without any foundation or specific examples of it. If this was real, the White House would have been jumping on this and running with it. It is not working that is why it has stayed away and does not want to get involved. How many death threats has the President received regarding his Healthcare proposals? None.If he had received as many as 1, the White House would have been out there fueling the fire telling everyone, "You see, there is a racist element" The President is now receiving death threats by some of these racist protestors".As I said, this is a tired story being fueled by the Left to simply hide the failures of this President. This type of cowardice is Un-American and simply a last resort.IF you know any history, which I suspect you don't, all this Racist, Fascist talk has been a staple of Liberalism and Progressive thinking going back to the 1920's & 30's. If you take the time to research the history of it, you will have a better understanding of it. So please stop wasting your time with unverifiable racist allegations and see for what it is.

Obama has the most death threats of any other president, Did you not see protesters outside of where the president was speaking about healthcare with loaded guns strapped to him, or the man who snuck past security before his speech in NH with a knife and a shot gun in his car? I know Fox News isn't reporting it so you wouldn't hear about that, or maybe you wouldn't want to know about it?

M,

The incident you are talking about with regards to the guy having a strapped gun & rifle was actually a shot taken by MSNBC that just showed the lower half of the person and the guns strapped. The funny thing about that shot was, that there happened be a Fox News camera on the opposite who was able to get a full body shot of this guy and it turned out the guy was Black.

Definitely an embarassing moment for MSNBC who was forced to retract the story and issue an opology.

This is how much in the tank the Mainstream Media is with this administration that they would doctor a video to ply up to their sick story.

I'm not talking about that incident in Arizona. I know about incident and It doesn't matter to me that the guy was black, white, latino, Asian. the fact is he HAD a GUN strapped to him outside of where the President of the United States was talking. Why did he have gun outside? It wasn't to exercise his rights to carry a gun it was a Threat. I am talking about that guy in NH with the Thomas Jefferson quote "we must drain the blood tyranny...." and having a gun that was loaded.

The irony is, in Denver during the DNC we lefties weren't allowed to have carabiners, U-locks for bicycles, nor bikes, water bottles etc. and people who did nothing more than stand in the street for a moment were violently attacked by riot police who seemed spun out on a bunch of hysteria they conjured up, using it to justify attacking peaceful, unarmed, demonstrators. Some City Council Democrats even participated in propagating the hysteria, which was baseless and unfounded entirely. I was in the middle of that mess myself, every day during the convention volunteering as a legal observer, and I specifically videotaped the activity and behavior of the police all week long. What was that about? The security apparatus and the Democrats won't let teenage pseudo-punk radicals have carabiners and bike locks but they'll let these crazy, obviously racially motivated 'tea-baggers' who openly displayed slogans on their signs calling for violence against the government while carrying fully loaded semi-automatic firearms right outside the President's town hall meeting? WTF!?! The Republicans aren't the only ones who have some explaining to do.

Stop calling me Liberal, as if it's a dirty word. I am not a Liberal anyway. How often have I told you that? You are so caught up with partisan politics. Liberals are this way, Republicans are that way. Is it really about all of that?

If the president himself has said that his race has nothing to do with this, why do you keep saying over and over that the Obama administration keeps using race as a defense. You are contradicting yourself, as usual Red.

So you finally say it. Yes, some of the opposition is because Barak Obama is black, and if this is true, then it's not unfounded when people say some of this has to do about race. SO WHY DO YOU KEEP COMPLAINING ABOUT IT? See, you make it seem like those claims are baseless. Racism is on a list with other things as well. I've heard the president say this is about partisan politics. I think that is a reason for the opposition as well. See Red, no one ever said that this is ONLY about race. But you concede that some of it is. You try to justify it by saying it's a small fringe group, but race is still an issue in America! That's all I want you to acknowledge. Now that we have established that, there's no reason for accusations of making excuses, because you conceded that the argument is valid when you say there is always going to be an element with racist motivations.

You say the majority are not a part of that fringe group, but you have no evidence of that, since most racist groups in America are secretive. Even the Klan wears sheets over their heads and meet in the woods in the middle of the night. Racism has transformed and is more covert than overt these days. So, God bless you for trying to see the best in people, but you have no idea what others believe, because you can't even see your own prejudices. I'm sure some are fed up for a host of different reasons. But when I hear people call Obama a communist, a non citizen, criticise his healthcare bill even when Congress adds exclusions for illegal aliens as well as tort reform to appease Republicans it makes me wonder, what are the real motivations for this hatred? When people can't articulate why they hate him and just call him names, I wonder. No one ever painted every protester with a broad brush. Go back and read all my posts. I said some of this has to do with race. I have been insistent upon that. Unlike you, I don't stereotype people.

And the real reason why the white house has not been jumping on this is because people reduce these valid arguments to excuses and pulling a trump card. So even though I'm sure Obama feels like he is being attacked because of his race, he could never say it in a climate where people attack him and call it pulling the race card regardless of whether or not there is truth to his statements. And Red, if as you state the White House has not been using this as an excuse as you now contradict yourself from earlier posts, why would that hurt another black man's chance of becoming president?

If this is a tired story, why did I see a protester sign the other day that read, "The Zoo has an African, and the White house has a lying African."? I saw that just yesterday. So funny how you say that it's UnAmerican to bring up this 'tired' story. It just proves your bias as you just criticised 'the left' in this post, quote: "People just want to exercise their Constitutional Freedoms & Rights to dissent and allow Democracy to work instead of being called Angry Mobs, Un-American, Nazis and racists." Well maybe the left doesn't want to be deemed UnAmerican for bringing up a valid point which you concede to be true.

On the contrary Red, I have a good understanding about history which is why I understand that the heart of the civil rights movement was less than 50 years ago. In perspective, my mother who was born and raised in Alabama could not go to the same restrooms and water fountains as her white counterparts because she was black. I understand that civil rights is a living movement and although progress has been made, we are still fighting for change. I understand that calling someone UnAmerican was coined during the Bush era was used as a trump card to silence any opposition for the Iraq war, and now is used by you to silence anyone who disagrees with you. Maybe we should call that pulling the UnAmerican card. I understand that all this 'racist talk' perpetrated by liberals made since in the 1920's and 30's because there was still seperate but equal. So perhaps you need to take a multicultural and gender studies class and stop with the personal attacks because your arguments are WEAK like your mind. You are always backpeddaling and trying to change the meaning of your words when the conversation suits. I have been consistent. And I guess we can agree to disagree. You think I am UnAmerican because I acknowledge that racism still exists and I think you are a biggot because you have a general low oppinon of black people's work ethic. I guess you are right, since the history and foundation of this country was built upon racism, perhaps I am UnAmerican for speaking out against it. I stand corrected.

One more thing, you say I can't provide any evidence that racism is at play. I gave you the quote of a 'middle American, working class" protestor. You get mad because you say liberals depict Americans as racist nazi's. Well given your contention that the only racists out there are fringe, aren't you doing just that? The woman looked like a regular American to me, no klan hat, no swastika tatoos. I gave you the definition of Obama on Urban Dictionary, and I told you some racist remark I heard about Obama's presidency in a documentary I watched. I have provided evidence. I can provide more. It is you who has no warrants for your claims. You just say it's a fringe group of racist, but where's your proof?

C,

I stand by my opinions. This kind of thing cuts both ways, it is part of politics.

I need you to focus on the issues and the polls that show declinig approval of this administration and it's policy's.

Once you open up yourself to this reality, you will get a clearer picture as to why concerned citizens are protesting. Until then, you will continue to engage in unfounded hyperbole that is at best cynical.

You stand by your opinions? You are contradicting yourself all over the page, I don't really know what your opinions are except you dislike the president. You keep making statements and retracting them and trying to change the meaning of what you said. Don't tell me to focus on the issues! You're the one who wrote the damn blog about race. I'm responding to the topic at hand. But race is part of the issue, so it must be discussed since as you say there are always going to be a fringe group of racists.

So if you want to talk about what you deem the issues, write a blog about that, instead of writing a blog about why a black man will never be president again.

I engage in unfounded hyperbole and am cynical? You are the one who said because Jimmy Carter made a statement about racism it will hurt black peoples chances at the presidency forever! Again you ignore every question I raise, because you can't answer them without contradicting yourself and looking like an ass. If my claims are unfounded, why did you validate them by acknowleging that racism still exists in America? We WILL continue to talk about it because it IS still an issue. So why don't you stop with your rhetoric because the only exaggeration is coming from you. Again, I said some of it has to do with race. You try to downplay and deny that even a little has to do with race, so who is using hyperbole here? Again, you attack when you can't answer the tough questions. You are the only cynic here. You don't ever want to see another black president because you're afraid of being called a racist.

Listen, people aren't calling you a racist because of your stance on Obama's policies. They are calling you racist because of other things you say. Like how you thanked Jimmy Carter for making it harder for another black man to get elected. You tried to change the meaning of your words, but it's on the page in black and white:

"I believe that Jimmy Carter's untimely comments will have made a big impact on how people go about their voting habits. No one wants to be labeled a racist whenever one of their elected officials is called out or held accountable for his policies. They want to be heard, acknowledged and know that their voices count. They want to know that they can peacefully organize and fight for the causes that they believe in without the worry of retribution.

So before you take your little tool box & your Habitat for Humanity down to the Gaza Strip with the help of ACORN loans, I want to say;

Thanks Jimmy."

You're a backpedaling racist Red. Take an ethnic studies class and enlighten yourself.

C,

You are failing to project your deep rooted racism on me by trying to get me to admit to something that is only at best, a last ditch effort to rescue the Obama Healthcare plan.

This is about policy issues. Get over it. We could care less about his color. If he comes up with a Healthcare Bill tomorrow that stays away from any Public option, has strong Tort Reform language, does not pay for abortions, does not give illegal immigrants access to Healthcare and reduces cost, we will support 100%. He has not done that.

Racism has been a Liberal phenomenon in this country for almost 70 years. Trying to tag the Republican Party or brand them as fascist has been the greates hoax of modern history.
American Liberralism has been pushing it's strain of elitist moral certainty that allows one group of people to believe they have the right to determine the lives of others for far too long. Sadly, a large segment of the population has fallen victim to this type of indoctrination. Many, predictably minority groups who have been kept uninformed, uneducated and too politically weak to fight back.

You my dear friend, maybe in this category. So, you see "racism" is not some guy with a whte sheet over his head, it is an ideology that has been kept alive by the Liberals and progressives as a weapon to create discourse. It's the libs dirty litle secret.

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Evan,
I wish you would use that kind thought process when Jimmy Carter makes his obnoxious remarks.
Where was his basis for concluding that healthy opposition to a policy matter is racially motivated?

Has anyone in the Media even dare to call him on this?Take the blinders off. This is an opinion piece written to create debate pro and against.
Stop drinking the koolaid .

It's ok to criticize the President. We are not in Venezuela or some Middle Eastern Country. The secret police will not come and pull you our of your house in the middle of the night if you criticize the President. You maybe labeled a racist, but you can handle that.

If we are going to have any serious debates about race in this country, people have to get over the idea that anytime anyone dissents or questions this administration, it can may actually be about policy.

A lot of this has been ginned up to create a fall back excuse to explain away to the Far left the reason their prized "Public option" was not part of any Healthcare Bill. They will say, it was the scare tactics of the Right and their racist rhetoric that led to the scrapping of the Public Option.As liberals are seeing hopes of a Public Option dying on the operating table, the frustration and accusations mount.

RED,

WTF are you talking about? You're calling me a racist because I'm trying to get you to aadmit that racism still exists? You're are a moron. If racism still exists, as you agreed earlier, then race is still an issue in America, period. It's not an exucse. It's not imaginary. It is real. It's not a fringe group either. You can deny it all you want, but it won't make your blindness to reality true. I want to know what makes you think I'm a racist besides the contention that everyone who talks about racism is somehow racist.

If it is only about policy, then why is the title of your blog "Barak Obama, First and Last Black President". Why not call it, "Strictly Talking About Policy". You are an idiot. Don't criticise me for talking about the topic at hand up for discussion in the blog.

And once again, WTF are you talking about when I have said over and over that I'm not tagging the Republican party as racists. Never fucking did, so who are you talking to? Certainly not me. However, you tag racism as a phenomenon amongst liberals. Whatever. Tell all the good ol' boys in the backwoods who still burn crosses on lawns, and every once in a while string a black boy to the back of their truck and drag them until their dead that all liberals.

You just don't ever want to see another black president because you can't stand the possibility of being a labeled a racist when you say the stupid shit you say. I have some advise, just don't talk at all and keep your ignorant comments to yourself. I'm still waiting for an apology for when you assumed I was on welfare because I was black.

"Sadly, a large segment of the population has fallen victim to this type of indoctrination. Many, predictably minority groups who have been kept uninformed, uneducated and too politically weak to fight back."

There you go again. 'Indoctrination' is I suppose remembering the history and continuance of racism in America and black people are politically weak and uneducated because they acknowlege racism still exists. It wouldn't be because of institutionalized racism huh? Thanks for further proving my point. You don't like black people Red and I don't like you. Your ignorance AMAZES me. I wonder if you would say this shit to my face. I wonder if you would go down to Brooklyn or South Central and say that shit. I hope you do so they can kick your face in. YOU ARE A COWARD, HIDING BEHIND YOUR COMPUTER SCREEN.

C,

You are hopeless. You are just too caught up in the whole "It's the First Afican American President let's take it easy on him mentality"

The only coward from what I can see is you. Don't have any photos of yourself yet?

No, on the contrary you are hopeless. Here you are full of assumptions. I never said, nor do I believe we should "take it easy" on Obama because he's the first black president. Don't put words in my mouth. I just think he should be treated fairly, like every other American president has been treated throughout history.

You are so funny. You think I'm a coward cause I don't have a photo up? That doesn't even dignify a response. Now who's diverting the debate? Debate the issues Red. I am NOT afraid of you. If you are so big and bad, why don't you post up your address and I'll pay you a visit. As usual, you are acting like a jackass, making no sense, ignoring all the questions I posed, dodging, spitting your rhetoric, and attacking when you get pushed into a corner.

Back to the subject, I still fervently believe that some of the opposition and down right hatred is about race, because I don't live in a bubble and because I'm not naive. I believe this to be true, because I see evidence of it everyday. I believe this to be true, because I know what it's like first hand to be black in America. I know this to be true, because I understand and acknowlege the history of racism in America, no matter how uncomfortable it makes others feel. I beleive it's best to understand our past so that we can make better choice in the future as a nation. This isn't just about Barak Obama. I see the bigger picture. I will not allow my self to be blinded to racism or feel bullied into not talking about it because it makes some people feel guilty, or because it forces some people to come to terms with their internalized racism. Red, I pray that with time and age, you will grow intellectually and learn compassion and understanding of all people even if they are different from you. I pray that you teach your children that compassion and understanding because we won't grow as a people until we master that concept. We won't grow as a nation, because children are being taught to hate and are internalizing those feelings. So we won't agree today, Red. But I hope that instead of feeling attacked whenever someone mentions their race, which is a vital part of one's identity, you learn to appreciate the differences rather than perpetuating your hate and misunderstanding.

You are being cinical Red by calling your article "The First and Last African American President." That is your cinical point of view. I haven't even heard this point of view on Fox News yet!...I guess the "left fringe" hasn't started it yet ;)? If you want to have a racist point of view of never wanting anyone but a rich white man you have that freedom of living in ignorance. The oppision that opposes Obama has a horrible reputation as a result of painting Obama as a Nazi, socialist, marxist, communist, radical, and refrencing him to zoo animals. There was a poll on MSNBC that Rachel Maddow did where people from NEW JERSEY were asked the question "Do you think Obama is the ANTICHRIST?" and between people that said "yes" or "Not Sure" was 35%! That is a pretty horrible point of view based on fear and prejudice.If it wasn't for the left progressive movement and the Dems in the White House I believe there would never have been equal rights for all Americans and segrigation would still be in place if there was never a Democratic party. The Reps have a lot to prove to their oppisition that they aren't just a bunch of rich white men that only fund wars on faulse pretenses. The Republicans need improvement if they are going to stick around much longer. The majority of the party is made of an older generation that doesn't see todays issues with race, gender, and sexual orientation discrimmination. The only social issue Republicans party seems to care about is taking away a womans' right to choose. The Reps don't care about race issues, over crowded prison systems, justice, and the poor. They don't care about the fact that in urban inner cities there are more liquor stores on every corner instead of libraries and parks like in the suburban areas. The Reps would have never done any kind of health reform or caring for social security. I am not saying middle Americans that vote Republican don't care about these issues in society but their senetors and representatives do not care. I do not obsess over approval ratings on Obama because the people that are giving him a lower rating are people that will never agree with him. The majority of Americans voted for Obama because he was different, his policies, and his ideas for real change. If people who voted for him are changing their mind about "change" than maybe those people didn't believe Obama was going to do the things he said he was going to accomplish as President of the United States. President Obama didn't intend to be a lame duck President he campaigned on the message of bring change to Amerca. At least Obama's approval rating is much higher than when the Bush administration was in office and Obama has been in office for only 9 months. Red, just think about what his approval rating will be like we when pass healthcare reform? He will be the first president to ever pass any kind of healthcare reform since medicare.

M,

Just by your comments, I can tell that you are biased and have very little in the way of reference points aside from Rachel Maddow? Rachel who?

I never "I" never wanted to see another Black President. If you read slowly, I said that American voters may decide to factor in the what is more important to them. Voting for a minority candidate and concerning themselves from unfounded claims of racism everytime they oppose his policies or voting for a White President that they feel they can openly criticize wothout fear of the racial epithets and attacks. Please don't twist my words around.

Your narrow view of Conservatism I understand is probably as direct result of the Liberal Professors that litter our institutions of higher learning and poison our youth.
You fit that category very well.
Approval ratings don't mean a thing only when they favor your argument.

As far as what those ratings will be when Healthscare is passed, you may be surprised that they will be lower. The fact that any Healthscare Bill that passes will not have a Public Option is a failure as far as the Left is concerned. It will be seen more of a victory for the Republicans who have managed to include strong language denying coverage for illegal immigrants and no funding for abortions. They have eliminated any "Death Panel" language,they have forced the issue on Tort Reform. On the side side, Seniors will be hurt by all of the cuts in medicare & medicaid and the middle class will be burdened by taxes to pay for this huge Bill. All of those that in the past chose not be covered out of their own free will with now be mandated by the government to be insured. A direct hit on their freedoms.

So overall, anything that passes as far as a Healthcare bill will definitely be seen as retreat for Democrats and a victory for Republicans.

Red, I think it's pretty hypocritical to criticize Melissa for insulting Republicans when you did the same thing to liberals. You shouldn't call someone biased when you are guilty of doing the same thing. The evidence is all over the blog with your "you liberals" comments.

You are right about healthcare though. If there is not a public option, the plan will be a failure, but not for liberals, for America in general. One of the things I don't like about you is how you seem to have this us vs. them mentality. We are all Americans and the majority of us a working for the common good. So don't hate liberals, Red. After Sept 11th, it wasn't just Republicans who enlisted, it was liberals too.

Rachel Maddow is a new host on MSNBC. She is definitly from the left but she does bring up valid points I think Americans Rep or Dem can agree on. My other references are based on the histroy of when the Republicans have been in the White House, the way they have voted and not voted for certain bills, the history of this country, and other people I meet in life and their personal stories.

You are right I have met a lot of professors in college that are from the left but they never had to changed my mind. I was happy that someone was agreeing with my opinion for once. I grew up in a small town in NH, it is a pretty conservative town, and most of my family are Republicans so I am constantly debating. I actually don't have a narrow minded view of the republican party. I do understand the conservative point of view and when a libral asks me why a Republican think a certain way I go back and say what certain people from the Conservative movement expresses from Fox News, Rush Limbah, and other Republicans I meet in life including family members. That is why I have the ability to play devils advicate a lot of the time. I at least can see the Republican point of view even though I don't agree with it but I don't think any conservative Repubican can see the view from the left. They feel it's just communism or unamerican.

If my view of conservatism is as narrow as you think maybe conservatives and the republican party should try and show who they really are because I call it how I see it. If conservatives could prove to me that they care more about the well being of ALL Americans and less about wars than I might be enlightened. I'm not going to hold my breath!

As far as the Healthcare bill. When it passes regardless of public option or not the Republicans can not claim victory at all. They have been obstructing any kind of healthcare reform from the Clinton years and since the refrom bill was presented this year. The Rep have been doing nothing but spreading fear and lies about "death panels" which they got from Sarah Palin (which every conservative shys away from when they mention her name), and that the reform will fund illigel immagrents and fund abortions. The Death panel was a made up term from a part in the bills that have been thrown around regarding "end of life care" and how it would pay for it IF someone was interested in using it. There was no force to pull the plug on grandma as Republicans. There was already legistlation in bill saying the refrom will not fund illigals or fund abortion. There is already amendmants from the past that ban all federal dollars for abortions. How can the Republicans take credit when the Dems will have to force the bill into legislation? Republicans won't vote for any bill even if it doesn't have a public option. So Republicans, if they don't come out and act like they care about healthcare reform will come across to Americans as the party that wanted to stop it.

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E,

The real issue at hand is Healthcare Reform..Duh...

Where have you been lately? All through the summer & and during all the town halls around the country, people came out in droves to try and get answers about this administrations plans to reform Healthcare. They were concerned about the government taking it over with talk of a Public Option, They were concerned about how to pay for it, they were concerned the new taxes that would imposed on small business, they were concerned about rationing, about covering illegals and on and on...

They oppposed his policies on closing down gitmo, they opposed his policies on all the bailouts and takeovers of private businees and the banking system, they opposed his stance on abortion and Cap & Trade.

I know that there are 50 states and not 57 as our great President Barack Obama once said.

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Evan,

Red thinks everyone who doesn't agree with him are liberals. Cant you tell? He lives in a black and white world where there is a dichotomy between Liberalism and Conservatism. He's intellectually lazy.

The real underlying message of Red's blog is that Americans won't elect another black president because they don't want to be called racists. I don't know if that's funny or sad.

E,Have you even read the Bill? I doubt it. Read the Bill first before arguing the facts.

The Public Option is the biggest thing holding the bill up. It is not being held up by Republicans, it is being held up by Democrats who are afraid to go against the will of their constituents for fear of being voted out in upcoming elections.

The problem is that the President wants to bring along Republicans so he can call it a bipartisan Bill. But as long as the Public Option is part of the Bill, it will not get a whiff from any Republican.

I have always been for Reform, the right kind of Reform. Tort Reform, interstate commerce between private insurers, strong language opposing federal funds for abortions, strong language denying illegal immigrants access to healthcare once again using taxpayer dollars and acceptance of pre-existing conditions by insurers.

The Public Option is the Ivory Tower of the plan for Liberals. Without it, it will be a concession to Republicans.

Concession to Republicans? Have there not already been concessions for the Republicans? You said it earlier when you were telling Melissa how the plan will be a failure for Democrats if it passes. You are so inconsistent.

The problem is Obama wants to be bipartisan? If he weren't trying to be bipartisan he'd be crticised for it. It's a double edged sword.

So you list all the types of reform you are for. Great. You support this bill because earlier you said:

"It will be seen more of a victory for the Republicans who have managed to include strong language denying coverage for illegal immigrants and no funding for abortions. They have eliminated any "Death Panel" language,they have forced the issue on Tort Reform."

Now that the bill includes most of what you and most Republicans are calling for, why are you still against it? How many concessions do you expect Dems to make? Should they pull down their pants and bend over? If you are truly for reform and concessions have been made to accommodate you, why are you against this bill? Perhaps it's because you are against reform. Perhaps because you dislike our black president. Perhaps because you are prejudiced against Democrats, so whatever they are in support of, you are against. Evan seems to know a lot about logic. Evan, can this assumption be correct?

Red, these questions are not rhetorical, so I expect an answer, and no more dodging, ok?