There is (rightfully so) quite a bit of discussion on the great significance of America electing it's first African American President.
I don't think the import of this escapes anyone. I must say though that I was witness to more than one conversation today and in recent months of the ethics of African Americans voting for President Elect Obama solely based on the color of his skin of which I have these thoughts; When JFK met with my grandfather (a DNC Delegate for the State of New Jersey) There was no doubt in the mind of any of my Irish Catholic family that we were voting for an Irish Catholic Man first, and a Democrat second. Feeling that intense validation that "one of ours" could succeed where others were held back was (I imagine) an amazing feeling. If some African Americans voted purely on race, who of us could say they would not do the same under certain circumstances?
It is moments like these that break the barriers that keep this country divided and make all things possible. It is only with true equality for all that we may finally realize the true American Dream, a land of the free and home of the brave for all mankind.
With that in mind, perhaps it's time to discuss the absolutely confusing aspect of Californians voting so overwhelmingly for President Elect Obama while also passing Proposition 8.
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"I was witness to more than one conversation today and in recent months of the ethics of African Americans voting for President Elect Obama solely based on the color of his skin"
The malicious, nitpicking cleverness of this quibble doesn't do justice to the American ideal. Race has been politicised in America for a long time, and has been used to lever vast amounts of privilege into American society. If it is now used to 'unleverage' some of that debt, that is merely a small historical payback from the political bank.
By the way, did anyone complain that people had voted for George Bush because of his idiocy, or for Kennedy because of his looks?
http://littlerichardjohn.blogspot.com/
I like your use of "un-leverage". No, no one did mention Bush's attributes. I find that those who tend to heap racial bias on others are rarely aware of their own shortcomings and even if in a moment of clarity were to acknowledge their own, they are quick to dismiss any culpability by saying "That's different!"
I think that is incumbent upon those of us who can see past differences or at least "try" and place ourselves in another’s shoes maintain the wave of unity that we have been graced to ride.
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