The Daily Herald, a Chicago-area paper, waxed triumphant over the ascendancy of Barack Obama to the assumed position as the Democratic Party nominee for the presidency today. The article was filled with soaring pronouncements of the historical nature of this moment and what it means for America but, by the end of the piece, "Historic candidacy brings hope, obligation," one gets the feeling that the Daily Herald is saying that if you don't vote for Obama it's because you're a racist.
Of course, the Herald's piece is centered on America's past as a pretext to say that Obama might somehow deserve to become president because of our past history of oppression. Just as sure, the Herald completely ignores all the great strides in race relations since passage of the 1964 civil rights legislation that finally sent the country on the right course for race relations. Sadly, the Herald piece seems to assume the country hasn't changed at all since Lincoln took the oath of office.
Noting that Obama said that his moment was a moment for America, the Herald took that further.
He did not say "Black America" or "White America." Just "America." And that is how it should be, this moment so long in coming for a nation founded on the principle that "All men are created equal" even as it enslaved some, disenfranchised others, and restricted for too long many men and women from actively participating in the political process that ensures our nation's strength.
Of course, Obama didn't say "black America or white America," because he is smarter than that. But, this paragraph completely ignores the great strides this country has made in the last 45 years. Why is that, one wonders?
The Herald goes from Lincoln's dream of "a new birth of freedom" to Martin Luther King, Jr.'s later "I have a dream" dream, right to Obama taking the Democratic Party nomination for president as if nothing else happened. Apparently, Condi Rice, Colin Powell, Justice Thomas... even Justice Thurgood Marshall never happened. American blacks went from slavery, to Jim Crow to sudden freedom with a Barack nomination with no other stops in between in this meme. This sort of rhetoric ignores nearly 50 years of advancement in race relations. It ignores the fact that American blacks fill high positions in entertainment, sports, business, government, and education the country over. In fact, in every single area of American life, black Americans are seen as leaders and movers and shakers.
It is entirely disingenuous of the media to act as if we've gone from Jim Crow to Barack Obama in one fell swoop. But, it does fill the need of the media to over simplify the nature of American race relations and to keep blacks in thrall to past slights, unable to move philosophically into a future they already inhabit in reality.
Folks, this is the sort of starry-eyed triumphialism we will be seeing more and more as this candidacy rolls on. You can bet that this media narrative will trump about anything that McCain can come up with.
After recounting America's racist past, the Herald goes on to make it seem as if we still haven't dealt with any of it. Without naming names, the Herald claimed that some people "invoked racism and sexism" during the campaign so far.
But there were those who invoked racism and sexism with incendiary rhetoric, stirring emotions and discontent we clearly still need to address as a nation. Such discussion is paramount to true equality for all as we move forward, but nothing can take away from the historic precedents set by Clinton's primary candidacy and by Obama's ultimate achievement.
Yes, Daily Herald, and most of it came from the campaign of the very candidate you are lauding, Barack Obama! Obama's surrogates like Wright and Father Pfleger have been the ones to ramp up the racism drama, not anyone else.
Remember, Herald, that Obama could not possibly have gotten where he is right now without the support of millions of white voters. I'd dare say that this singular fact, that millions of whites freely and happily voted for this black candidate, makes the lie to the Herald's claim that we haven't "addressed" racism as a nation.
And then comes the Daily Herald's final hectoring of the American electorate.
The obligation is on each of us to participate as the presidential campaign moves to the next level. Learn as much as you can about each party's candidate, assess them without regard to race or religion but by ability, and then make sure you are registered so you can vote.
Once again, the Herald seems to feel that America needs to be reminded that we shouldn't vote based on "race or religion" -- as if this warning is needed. The primaries themselves have proven wrong the Herald's assumption that everyone is a racist. And votes on that basis.
Like I said, be ready for this to be the media's meme. You are a racist if you vote against Obama. Obama's candidacy is the only good thing that has happened to race relations since MLK strode the Earth. Race relations have not changed in America since 1964. These are the things we will be slammed with until November.
The media will tell us over and over that we deserve no credit for the long way we've come since slave traders bought and sold blacks in America. Obama is a sudden dawn of enlightenment that will ignore all the hard work done by millions of Americans prior to his candidacy.
In effect, the media agrees with Michelle Obama. They have never been proud of America until Barack became a candidate for president either.
(Photo Credit: REUTERS/Rick Wilking)














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Comments Policy
Than Call Me a Racist All You Want!
June 5, 2008 - 15:09 ET by ChasvsI wouldn't vote for the scumbag if he were the only person on the ticket!
I don't want a Racist Marxist half-wit as my President!
No reparations payments?
June 5, 2008 - 15:13 ET by GalvanicIf Obama gets elected, does that mean no more reparations?
Reparation is Only the Beginning!
June 5, 2008 - 15:20 ET by ChasvsJust wait and see. Reparations would be cheap compared to what this marxist is going to bring us!
Are you kidding?
June 5, 2008 - 15:20 ET by FoolicanHardly!
I would keep my eyes out for an "Uncle Tom Tax" in the near future, for white families with American generational histories dating as far back as Jamestown.
Has Obama proposed
June 5, 2008 - 15:40 ET by sarcasmoAnything resembling that, ever? I think one way Republicans can lose is over the top stuff like what you've just said. Stick with facts -- they're bad enough -- whether it's Barak Obama or John McCain.
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
The Affirmative Action President...
June 5, 2008 - 15:22 ET by EvilCon555Brought to you by the MSM.
"Every attempt at social leveling ends with leveling to the bottom, never to the top" George F Kennan
I'm under no obligation to anyone
June 5, 2008 - 15:54 ET by YahooWatcherMy ancestors came from Ireland during the Potato Famine. Once they got to the USA (not just 'America' as that would imply anywhere from Panama to the Artic) they or anyone else in the family tree didn't own or use slaves in any way, shape, or form. The Herald's attempt at laying the white guilt trip on me has failed. As a matter of fact, I think I deserve reparations from the British for killing off my people.
http://www.britishreparations.org/
Racist? Hah!
June 5, 2008 - 15:39 ET by chiefpayneFine. Call me a racist...and I'll say what's your point? You can believe I'm a racist all you want...but I'LL know I'm NOT...and that's enough for me.
BTW, I will NEVER vote for Obama...and probably will have to hold my nose to vote for McCain...either that or not vote at all.
Can't win...
June 5, 2008 - 15:44 ET by Eileen RightNo for Obama - Racist
No for Hillary - Sexist
No for Edwards - Homophobe
Yes for Conservative - All of the above.
Sorry--NO SALE
June 5, 2008 - 15:46 ET by JayTeeVote against obama...is a vote against Racism
RACIALISTS...
June 5, 2008 - 16:09 ET by danybhoyJay Tee,
You are exactly right. What is funny is that it is so obvious, & the MSM will miss it either on purpose or because they are that stupid. Everybody who Obama has been hanging out with for the last 20 plus years is a racist/marxist/anti-Amercan/anti-jew, & we are supposed to ignore this? Nope, not me. The idea of calling you a racist is a facist tactic, it's supposed to shut you up, I know the truth, so I don't care about being called a racist hate monger.
"...it's still We The People, Right?" Megadeth
For some reason, possibly your subject line...
June 5, 2008 - 16:13 ET by sarcasmoI'm now thinking about the classic "Ali G." interview with Andy Rooney.
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
GOOD EYE...
June 5, 2008 - 16:16 ET by danybhoyWell done sarc, I still laugh at how pissed Andy Rooney was when Ali G. kept saying "...keep it real". That was funny.
"...it's still We The People, Right?" Megadeth
Thanks.
June 5, 2008 - 16:21 ET by sarcasmoMy favorite part was when Andy kept trying to correct his "English" from "is you" to "are you," but the whole clip's a humor classic. Another good one is Ali's interview with Newt Gingrich.
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
Or Buzz Aldrin "Big ups
June 5, 2008 - 16:24 ET by red_dragon311Or Buzz Aldrin
"Big ups to my main man Buzz Lighter"
A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.
-Gerald Ford
Weird Logic
June 5, 2008 - 15:47 ET by MeanderingUnder that logic, should we then also have a Native American as President? I mean we did a number on their people too. Why do people feel entitled to something because of something that happened a LONG time ago and not even directly to those who feel they deserve something?
I re-read this last sentence and even I don't understand it.
it's no longer
June 5, 2008 - 15:55 ET by red_dragon311it's no longer equality they want ....it's evenity.
A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.
-Gerald Ford
Had a VP that was Indian...
June 5, 2008 - 16:27 ET by Warner Todd HustonWell, we got close. John Schoolcraft Sherman was half AMER. Indian and was vice prez under Taft.
Does that count?
Fascinating, Warner! A heartbeat away.
June 5, 2008 - 16:37 ET by sarcasmoDo you happen to know if his ancestry was considered an issue at the time? I guess not since Taft was obviously elected, but was it discussed much in newspapers at the time, if you know? Chances are good his last name helped him, if my guess is right, more than any anti-Indian racism could have hurt him.
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
My mistake
June 5, 2008 - 18:01 ET by Warner Todd HustonYou know, after looking at my earlier post, I realized I was wrong. It was Charles Curtis, Hoover's VP, that was an American Indian. He was a Kaw Indian (Mother's side). He was from Kansas. I am not aware if he faced any Indian bias, but he and Hoover were elected to the highest offices in a landslide election. I also remember that he had quite a lot to do with Indian affairs in his day... not surprisingly.
It should also be pointed out that Curtis was a REPUBLICAN. So, once again, the GOP broke the race barrier BEFORE the Democrat Party!
So, I apologize. It's been a while since I indulged in VP trivia.
-did you know that Pierce's VP never even went to Washington while he was VP? He was in Cuba when he was inaugurated and then went home to Alabama and died there. He was William Rufus Devane King, usually went by William R. King. It is also rumored he was gay. They actu8ally called him "Nancy" behind his back when he was a Senator. He also was VERY close with James Buchanan (later president) and it was rumored they were "close" if'n ya know what I mean?
-did you know that Polk's VP, George Mifflin Dallas, was the guy they named Dallas, Texas after?
-did you know that FDR's first VP, "Cactus Jack" Garner said that the vice presidency wasn't worth a warm bucket of sh_t?
WTH... Hey thanks for the
June 5, 2008 - 18:14 ET by bigtimerWTH...
Hey thanks for the trivia I sure didn't know about, except for the last one that is.
Hope some of this comes on Jeopardy soon...ya' never know.
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Wilson
If I vote for obama that
June 5, 2008 - 16:02 ET by MidAmericaIf I vote for obama that will make me a racist.
Because.... obama has no qualification to be president so if I vote for him it would only be to vote for a person of 'color' which is an act based on race.
Obama definately has the ability
June 5, 2008 - 16:09 ET by Gary HallIndeed, as the Herald advises:
As Noel noted yesterday - Learn about Obama's friends here. Note how long Obama was able to remain friends with his close friend and business associate who is a crook all along, without the media dragging himself through the dirt. Now that says a lot about Obama's ability.
Learn about Obama here: Obama Flips off Hillary. Speaking of ability; assess how well Obama is able to pull this one off. Here we see multi-tasking ability. Obama can publically flip off Senator Clinton, get grins and oohs from the crowd, but the MSM doesn't notice - now that is some ability.
Learn about Michelle here: Michelle the horrible. Well, just assess it, folks and decide for yourself.
Actually, the vote is a
June 5, 2008 - 16:17 ET by Ruths husband BenActually, the vote is a private thing. You can vote for whomever you like, for whatever reason you want to. A racist vote is just as valid in the privacy of the voting booth. I am not saying that being a racist is a good thing, its not. But it's your vote, spend it anyway you like.
"Whatever Michelle Says Is The Message." –
Senator Barack Obama October 1, 2007, Chicago HQ
They can talk til they are
June 5, 2008 - 16:23 ET by bigtimerThey can talk til they are blue in the face with this you are a racist if you don't vote for Obama......it isn't going to wok for people who have a mind of their own.
I am so sick of all of this already...can you imagine how much worse it is going to be for all of us for five more months.
Race has zilch to do with how the majority of people vote IMHO...it is the political ideology that matters for a lot of us...he is a LEFTIST msm and I won't vote for him...his associates are bad characters..the are what I call the enemy within, these very creatures like Rezko that you don't even want to report on with his history from way back with this man...no you spin and defend, just like you did the Clintons....
I detest the msm of all venues.
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Wilson
The great thing is....
June 5, 2008 - 16:41 ET by Prester John....is that the people who won't vote for Obama because of his skin color are the same people who would've voted for Hillary i.e. Democrats.
It won't be reported that way of course.
I'm comfortable with my racism
June 5, 2008 - 16:45 ET by SlicksterThe left can pound sand.
"Historic candidacy brings hope, obligation..."
June 5, 2008 - 17:04 ET by PrairieSkyObligation? Obligation to do what? Vote for Obama just because he's the first black presidential nominee? When pigs sprout wings and fly! Obama's race is irrelevant, and is certainly not a reason to vote for him.
"...peace is the highest aspiration of the American people. We will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it, we will never surrender for it, now or ever." President Ronald Reagan, January 20, 1981
Isn't THAT racist in
June 5, 2008 - 17:14 ET by red_dragon311Isn't THAT racist in and of itself....vote for him because he is black....
I suggest everyone invest in 3M because the duct tape will be flying off the shelves (h/t motherbelt)
A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.
-Gerald Ford
Right you are!!
June 5, 2008 - 17:36 ET by PrairieSkyI agree...But try to convince most liberals and the MSM of that! All most of them see when they look at Obama is his race, and for them, that is all the reason they need to vote for him. Judgement, experience, and character don't matter one bit.
"...peace is the highest aspiration of the American people. We will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it, we will never surrender for it, now or ever." President Ronald Reagan, January 20, 1981
this issuse needs to
June 5, 2008 - 18:24 ET by red_dragon311this issuse needs to be brought to the fore front right now.
McCain needs put his ball on the table and say to the dems flat out
" So a vote for me means that the people are racist? Are you then calling me a racist for not droping out?"
But Barack H-word Obama's answer will
" thats the kind of politics the Anmerican people are tired of"
Barack H-word Obama needs to be called out, if McCain woukld just do that one simple thing the wave of support would be reminicent of 1984 Reagan vs Mondale
A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.
-Gerald Ford
Obama
June 5, 2008 - 17:16 ET by WR JonasNo , no , no. Don't give up on our main stream media yet. The best is yet to come .
Think ahead to the Democratic Convention . Imagine some Farrakhan lunatic on the Speakers platform spouting some rubbish and everyone east of the Pacific Rim is ignoring him except the camera man who is trying to keep the photography interesting. After he drones on for nearly an hour a feminist speaker who is scheduled to nominate some gay from California to second the acceptance of the Vice Presidential nominee is interrupted; a commotion erupts near the entrance to the main hall. OBAMA is about to enter the hall.
Gasp ! Gasp again! The cameras and security crush forward to capture the great mans entrance. Peering into the tumultuous haze and chaos we see an incredible entourage of humanity writhing forward. High above the seething mass we see a sedan chair glowing in swaying splendor. It is gleaming in regal feathers and gold and the trimming and ornamentation are breath taking. It is supported by at least 12 men of great prominence . There I can see Kerry, Edwards , Rezko and scores more. People are elbowing to get a glimpse of the man reclining inside. And there he is ! Waving and smiling at the crowd , Barack Hussein Obama . The chair sways slowly forward and the scene is almost unbearable . People are fainting and the madness in the corridor is beyond measure.
Grreeaaaaap........time to cut away for a commercial,
And you thought this convention would be boring.
For All To See
June 5, 2008 - 17:27 ET by mattmThis is Liberal Racism on display to the world. This is what I hope will open the eyes of the average citizen who has been taken in by the race-mongering lies of the Left.
Hopefully people will see that if anyone votes for or against someone because of their race, they are a racist. And when they see that they will reorder their thinking and free themselves from the Liberal-Racist plantation.
The message from the GOP should be (as it should have been all along) is that the only way Blacks can be truly emancipated is to get out from under the influence of their Democrat masters.
BTW - Just to show how dumb this all is I have a question: Since Oblama is only half black, if I vote against him am I only half a racist?
Sacred Discussion on Race
June 5, 2008 - 17:58 ET by NorthCoasterThis whole subject reminds me of the latest promotion of the United Church of Christ (Trinity UCC belongs to this denomination). The UCC president, Rev. John Roberts, wants to have a "Sacred Discussion on Race". I suppose that this discussion will continue until we all admit to our transgressions and become penitent. I expect that if you aren't penitent enough you will need to be "re-educated" in the proper expression of remorse and penitence.
I wonder if Rev. Wright and his supporters will be participating in the discussion. Maybe they'll just tell the rest of the UCC how badly we've treated them over the years so we can be properly penitent.
Time to get off the soap box
issue
June 5, 2008 - 17:48 ET by Jerry MackA new issue must now be considered and debated. It is not the high price of gas or rising food prices. It is : Can you prove that you are not a racist if you do not vote for BHO?
I have said it before
June 5, 2008 - 18:18 ET by red_dragon311I have said it before all Barack H-word Obama has to say is
"I will wash away your racist sins and the sins of all of your family before you...just vote for me"
A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.
-Gerald Ford
Angry White Men
June 5, 2008 - 18:18 ET by NH DadThere is one group the MSM and Obama have not recognized, and its the group that will decide the election: the Angry White Man. The Angry White Man comes from all economic backgrounds. His common traits are that he isnt looking for anything from anyone, just the promise to be able to make his own way on a level playing field. In many cases, he is an independent businessman and employs several people. He pays more than his share of taxes and works hard. The buzzwords "Hope", "Change", disenfranchised, dont resonate with him. He believes the Constitution is to be interpreted literally, not as a living document open to the whims and vagaries of a panel of judges. The Angry White Man owns firearms, and hes willing to pick up a gun to defend his home and his country. He is willing to lay down his life to defend the freedom and safety of others, and the thought of killing someone who needs killing really doesnt bother him. The Angry White Man is not a metrosexual, homosexual or victim. Nobody like him drowned in Hurricane Katrina he got his people together and got the hell out, then went back in to rescue those too helpless and stupid to help themselves. His background might be Italian, English or Polish. He might have Cherokee, Mexican, or Puerto Rican mixed in, but he considers himself a white American. He?s a mans man, the kind of guy who likes to play poker, watch football, hunt white-tailed deer, play golf, change his own oil and build things. He coaches a sports team and doesnt ask for a penny. Hes the kind of guy who can put an addition on his house with a couple of friends, weld a new bumper for his truck or design a factory. Women either love him or hate him, but they know he?s a man, not a dishrag. Hes not a racist. Hes willing to give everybody a fair chance if they work hard, play by the rules and learn English. Most important, the Angry White Man is ****ed off. When his job site becomes flooded with illegals who dont pay taxes and his wages drop, he gets righteously angry. When his job gets shipped overseas, and he has to speak to some incomprehensible idiot in India for tech support, he simmers. When Al Sharpton comes on TV, leading some rally for reparations for slavery or some such nonsense, he bites his tongue. When a child gets charged with carrying a concealed weapon for mistakenly bringing a penknife to school, he takes note of who the local idiots are in education and law enforcement. He also votes, and the Angry White Man hates Obama. His very aura disgusts him. Its not that he is a black man. Its that he is who he is. Its the "Hate America", "Hate Whitey" attitude that he represents. There are many millions of Angry White Men and all of them will vote against Obama.
LOVED the post very well
June 5, 2008 - 18:29 ET by red_dragon311LOVED the post very well said
A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.
-Gerald Ford
NH Dude...You forgot the Angry White Mothers
June 5, 2008 - 23:01 ET by JayTeeWho can't drive Jimbo and Mary to Soccer Practice without getting a Bank Loan for Gas.
To funny!
June 6, 2008 - 05:58 ET by GForceTo funny!
The DNC disenfranchises Michigan and Florida voters in the election process of the Democrat nominee.
Hillary Clinton gets the popular "most" votes.
Yet Barack Hussein Obama is the candidate??
Liberal D-E-M-O-C-R-A-C-Y UNHINGED!!
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it"-Aristotle
4 BHO editorals in Charleston Sunday Gazette
June 5, 2008 - 21:06 ET by WVDinoI have been subjected to 4 separate BHO editorals in the Charleston WV Sunday Gazette basically saying is WV did not vote for BHO then you are a racist.
I want to puke. Sorry Gazette you can't guilt me into voting for BHO.
McCain would not be my first choice but he is better than BHO.
10-4 I haven't worried about being a Racists in 20 years..and
June 5, 2008 - 21:30 ET by JayTeeI'm NOT going to start worrying because some Talking Head Liberal on MSM (which I do NOT watch) or the Newspapers (which I do NOT read) start pouring out in Video and Print their Partisan ex-employers Agenda Items.
There is no one in the Voting booth with you...it's Private....You can Safely be a REPUBLICAN while in the Booth, and if someone thinks voting against a democrat is Racist... ? Duh..that's YOUR problem Bro....You can't see it (my vote), you can't hear it, you can't feel it, The MSM is incapable of observation, so don't REPORT ON IT. The Lever/Button/screen says "Republican" and that's the one some people punch, push, pull, Select, or "Knuckle", you Knucklehead.
I will NOT abandon my Principles while voting for a Candidate of my choice..... but watch out for the Republican Landslide....Not the Racists landslide.
Make more Racists Noise, I ain't watching or Reading...I'm Immune to the accusations, out of reach, non-combatant, unconcerned and unaffected by YOUR MSM Racists accusations.
This is long
June 5, 2008 - 22:26 ET by kilrodBut worth the read
Remember, only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, Jesus Christ and the American Soldier
Gee, Kilrod, that is a lot of Rationalization.
June 5, 2008 - 22:49 ET by JayTeeI like the Quote from Sowell...
"Senator John McCain could never convince me to vote for him. Only Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama can cause me to vote for McCain."
If you don't VOTE for McCain, you are voting for BHO....and Hillary will NEVER forgive you.