Barack Obama stepped into history, walking into a position that traces itself to George Washington, a slave-owner. I stayed up until almost 7 AM (well I did nap from 3 until 5) and watched history being made. I wish I had been in Grant Park in Chicago. I watched the crowds cheer Obama, cheer our country and pour out their hopes and their happiness. And I watched the Senate and the House turn bluer than before. America elected a new President and proved that despite our problems we are a nation that grows and develops and where indeed, if you have the goods, you can do anything. And I feel humbled and proud to be its citizen.
America elected its first African-American/bi-racial President with a number of votes greater than ever cast in an election. And in the process begged the question, what Bradley effect? I saw the apathy of past elections being wiped away with the record number of first time voters, young voters, long lines, and the number of votes cast. A historic election not just because we elected someone whose name is not Bill or George or something safely Anglo-Saxon.
Let me savor this. President Barack Obama. President Barack Obama.
President Obama you hold our hopes and our aspirations. You make us beleive in something bigger than ourselves.In electing you we proved something to ourselves, and about ourselves as a nation, and we proved to the world that despite its flaws and its problems, the U.S.A. is a great country indeed. You are my President and I am putting aside my natural cynicism to sound like a giddy teenager. You made me believe and I want to keep on believing. Yes, we can. Yes, we did. But there is still work to be done. And we will do it.
Showing posts with label U.S. elections. Show all posts
Showing posts with label U.S. elections. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
The Hangmen of Kentucky
I lived in Lexington, Ky, for seven years. And yes, I loved it. It's beautiful and the people are polite and well-spoken and I for one find something softly seductive in the uniquely upper-class Kentucky accent.
But there was also the friend and her fiance who saw a glow in the woods outside Lexington and saw a cross burning in a clearing. And that's where someone said they liked Obama and it was a shame that he was black.
In all the years I lived there, no one was racist towards me, but I do know of an affluent African-American businessman (in town for work) who decided to go for a drive and stopped at a little country store to buy a soda. The owner pointed a shotgun at him and told he didn't know where he came from, "but boy if you wanna leave in one piece you betta turn around now."
I consider Lexington to be my U.S. hometown because it is where I arrived, young and fresh-faced from India. It was my portal to the U.S., the America I grew to love despite its problems. And the University of Kentucky (UK), especially my department (Communications) always seemed like a bastion of liberal tolerance.For the most part. Because of course, I had undergrad African-American students who were harrassed on campus late at night and inter-racial couples who were threatened.
And now this, where two young UK students (actually one of them from the community college) were arrested for hanging an effigy of Obama in retaliation for the California woman who in tremendous bad taste had Halloween decorations that involved Palin in a noose and McCain bursting into flames.
But this is the south. Hanging the effigy of a black man from a tree brings to the surface all the hatreds and prejudices not so deeply buried. It confirms the image of the racist South to the rest of the country. And there are other incidents across the country. A lynched Obama effigy at a small Christian college in Oregon, another with a noose and a knife in Redondo Beach, California.
This news on the heels of the Obama assasination plot which was foiled earlier makes you wonder. Forget about voting for a black candidate (who is half white anyway), there are people who actually want him dead because of the color of his skin. It's scary.
We're four days away from a new president (and I hope it is Obama) but with deep-seated hatreds like these among college students of all people, makes me pause. Whoever wins, with racist imagery like this, it's clear that racism still exists and when push comes to shove, we drag out the age-old symbols, especially in places not too long ago where strange fruit did indeed swing on the trees where they now hang effigies. When will it end? Will it ever end? Here are the lyrics to Strange Fruit, one of my most favorite (and heart-wrenching) poems.
And no one sang it better than Billy Holiday though Nina Simone came close.
Southern trees bear strange fruit,
Blood on the leaves and blood at the root,
Black bodies swinging in the southern breeze,
Strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees.
Pastoral scene of the gallant south,
The bulging eyes and the twisted mouth,
Scent of magnolias, sweet and fresh,
Then the sudden smell of burning flesh.
Here is fruit for the crows to pluck,
For the rain to gather, for the wind to suck,
For the sun to rot, for the trees to drop,
Here is a strange and bitter crop.
(Abel Meerspol, writing as Lewis Allan in 1937, upon seeing a photograph of two black men who were lynched in 1930)
But there was also the friend and her fiance who saw a glow in the woods outside Lexington and saw a cross burning in a clearing. And that's where someone said they liked Obama and it was a shame that he was black.
In all the years I lived there, no one was racist towards me, but I do know of an affluent African-American businessman (in town for work) who decided to go for a drive and stopped at a little country store to buy a soda. The owner pointed a shotgun at him and told he didn't know where he came from, "but boy if you wanna leave in one piece you betta turn around now."
I consider Lexington to be my U.S. hometown because it is where I arrived, young and fresh-faced from India. It was my portal to the U.S., the America I grew to love despite its problems. And the University of Kentucky (UK), especially my department (Communications) always seemed like a bastion of liberal tolerance.For the most part. Because of course, I had undergrad African-American students who were harrassed on campus late at night and inter-racial couples who were threatened.
And now this, where two young UK students (actually one of them from the community college) were arrested for hanging an effigy of Obama in retaliation for the California woman who in tremendous bad taste had Halloween decorations that involved Palin in a noose and McCain bursting into flames.
But this is the south. Hanging the effigy of a black man from a tree brings to the surface all the hatreds and prejudices not so deeply buried. It confirms the image of the racist South to the rest of the country. And there are other incidents across the country. A lynched Obama effigy at a small Christian college in Oregon, another with a noose and a knife in Redondo Beach, California.
This news on the heels of the Obama assasination plot which was foiled earlier makes you wonder. Forget about voting for a black candidate (who is half white anyway), there are people who actually want him dead because of the color of his skin. It's scary.
We're four days away from a new president (and I hope it is Obama) but with deep-seated hatreds like these among college students of all people, makes me pause. Whoever wins, with racist imagery like this, it's clear that racism still exists and when push comes to shove, we drag out the age-old symbols, especially in places not too long ago where strange fruit did indeed swing on the trees where they now hang effigies. When will it end? Will it ever end? Here are the lyrics to Strange Fruit, one of my most favorite (and heart-wrenching) poems.
And no one sang it better than Billy Holiday though Nina Simone came close.
Southern trees bear strange fruit,
Blood on the leaves and blood at the root,
Black bodies swinging in the southern breeze,
Strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees.
Pastoral scene of the gallant south,
The bulging eyes and the twisted mouth,
Scent of magnolias, sweet and fresh,
Then the sudden smell of burning flesh.
Here is fruit for the crows to pluck,
For the rain to gather, for the wind to suck,
For the sun to rot, for the trees to drop,
Here is a strange and bitter crop.
(Abel Meerspol, writing as Lewis Allan in 1937, upon seeing a photograph of two black men who were lynched in 1930)
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Oh my God...he's black!!!!
Guys, there's a big white elephant dancing around our living rooms and inside all our TV studios, and apparently even among those being polled. We're refusing to see it, to talk about, or address the issue but it's real and it exists. And finally the elephant sits down inside the voting booth and then we can't ignore it any longer.
I want all those smug Dems to shut up with the "we've won," and "it's in the bag," comments. It's not. As much as my heart goes a pittar patter when I see Obama and hear him speak, and though I am happy to see his leads in the poll, it all means diddly squat.
Will Americans...okay...non-Black Americans, when they stand inside that booth, will they be able to pull the lever for an African-American president? Or will the Bradley effect take over?
What is the Bradley effect you ask? It is that white elephant I was talking about. It is sometimes also known as the Wilder effect. In 1982 Tom Bradley (yes, the LAX international terminal is named after him) ran for governor. He too was ahead in the polls...by a lot. But he lost. The theory of the Bradley effect is that, when polled, many people don't like saying they won't vote for someone because of the color of his skin. And when they're finally in that booth, said white elephant sits right on top of them, stopping them from voting for a black candidate.
Okay, enough with that elephant already...but seriously, these days until the election are crucial. We might still see McCain as Pres and Palin (shoot me now, actually she could, couldn't she?) Palin. It doesn't matter how far ahead my Baamer(that's what I call him, we're tight like that) is in the polls, the Bradley effect might be alive and well.
Now, we're not in 1982, and I hope we're more evolved than that. But those people living the flyover zones...well, do trouble my head. Some of them believe that Obama is a terrorist (not helped by Fox's oh so frequent slips of the tongue calling him Osama...ooops...teee heee), that "they've" already attacked us and we can't have one of "them" becoming President. And my favorite (and yes this is an actual quote), "He's great. If he just wasn't black." *sigh* There is no justice in the world, huh?
So, let's not get too smug. Hope for the best but let's not get too cocky. Go Obama
In the meantime, entertain yourself with my favorite Obama biography of all time.
I want all those smug Dems to shut up with the "we've won," and "it's in the bag," comments. It's not. As much as my heart goes a pittar patter when I see Obama and hear him speak, and though I am happy to see his leads in the poll, it all means diddly squat.
Will Americans...okay...non-Black Americans, when they stand inside that booth, will they be able to pull the lever for an African-American president? Or will the Bradley effect take over?
What is the Bradley effect you ask? It is that white elephant I was talking about. It is sometimes also known as the Wilder effect. In 1982 Tom Bradley (yes, the LAX international terminal is named after him) ran for governor. He too was ahead in the polls...by a lot. But he lost. The theory of the Bradley effect is that, when polled, many people don't like saying they won't vote for someone because of the color of his skin. And when they're finally in that booth, said white elephant sits right on top of them, stopping them from voting for a black candidate.
Okay, enough with that elephant already...but seriously, these days until the election are crucial. We might still see McCain as Pres and Palin (shoot me now, actually she could, couldn't she?) Palin. It doesn't matter how far ahead my Baamer(that's what I call him, we're tight like that) is in the polls, the Bradley effect might be alive and well.
Now, we're not in 1982, and I hope we're more evolved than that. But those people living the flyover zones...well, do trouble my head. Some of them believe that Obama is a terrorist (not helped by Fox's oh so frequent slips of the tongue calling him Osama...ooops...teee heee), that "they've" already attacked us and we can't have one of "them" becoming President. And my favorite (and yes this is an actual quote), "He's great. If he just wasn't black." *sigh* There is no justice in the world, huh?
So, let's not get too smug. Hope for the best but let's not get too cocky. Go Obama
In the meantime, entertain yourself with my favorite Obama biography of all time.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Ms. Palin is no Ms. Clinton
A few days ago, around the time Joe Biden was selected as the VP candidate, I said to my husband, I think McCain's going to pick a woman as his. I scoured my memory to try and remember if any women had been part of the Rep race. Nada! And then, snap! Here comes McCain with Sarah Palin. Who? Is she related to Michael Palin? Is she as funny as he is?
Nope!No such luck. Instead, she is anti-abortion rights, anti-gay, and, of course, she owns a gun and goes hunting in Alaska. Her international experience...I kid you not...(in the words of a FOX commentator whose name I forget, without irony or attempt at humor)...she is right next door to Russia. That's her interntional experience. Well, I don't know about you I'm gonna vote for her.
Yessirreee! She has a vagina and I too have lady parts (see how bashful I am, such a lady). Obviously this pick is to go after the dems who are so miffed to see Obama as the nominee that they'd rather vote for McCain. Sure...uh..uh..makes total sense.
All I can say is that if Hillary supporters would rather support this woman whose college nickmake was barracudda, over Obama...well, they deserve her. If they fall for the blatant pandering, and the Rep feeling that women (only because Hillary had many female supporters) will vote for just any woman regardless of her stance...they totally deserve Sarah Palin.
I would never vote for someone just because they're a woman or a minority, because frankly I think it's rather disrespectful to think that that's all I can see. I wouldn't vote for a white man because he is white or male nor would I vote for a woman just because she is a woman.
I like Obama, not because he is black. I don't like him more than I do Hillary because she is a woman. I like him because he is the candidate he is. In any other field I would have been a Hillary-lover. But Obama won because he has 'it.' Something rare and ephemeral...something that makes me want to rise to the challenges he sets. He comes across as a visionary. He represents what America wants to be. And Hillary didn't.
Hers was a historic campaign. A woman, a breath away from the presidency is heady stuff. But so is Obama's. And can I say something? Having been a woman and a person of color in the U.S., I can definitely see which identity is harder. There is no question about it. Even though I am not black and don't have the legacy of slavery...being a person of color is much, much harder than it is to be a woman. So, yes, Obama's campaign to me, is much more historic.
But even that is of no importance if the candidate himself/herself is not someone who has a vision and can show you a practical path towards that vision. Though I have little faith that middle America will elect Barack Hussein (gasp! what? he must be a terrorist. i've heard he plans to take the oath of office on a Quran! damn!, he's black, etc. etc.).....if he does become President I will be ecstatic. Because more than anything else, he makes me believe...in myself. And that I believe is his greatest strength.
In any other field Hillary would have rightly dominated. To me this was not a man/woman thing. It was a candidate against candidate thing. And if you believe that Laura Palin, as she herself said, will indeed carry on Hillary Clinton's legacy (really? I didn't know Hillary was a gun-toting, anti-abortion, anti-gay, hunter and all around conservative ass) then...yes...you do deserve Sarah Palin as Veep...and perhaps even as President.
It will be a historic victory...but will you be able to live with it?
Nope!No such luck. Instead, she is anti-abortion rights, anti-gay, and, of course, she owns a gun and goes hunting in Alaska. Her international experience...I kid you not...(in the words of a FOX commentator whose name I forget, without irony or attempt at humor)...she is right next door to Russia. That's her interntional experience. Well, I don't know about you I'm gonna vote for her.
Yessirreee! She has a vagina and I too have lady parts (see how bashful I am, such a lady). Obviously this pick is to go after the dems who are so miffed to see Obama as the nominee that they'd rather vote for McCain. Sure...uh..uh..makes total sense.
All I can say is that if Hillary supporters would rather support this woman whose college nickmake was barracudda, over Obama...well, they deserve her. If they fall for the blatant pandering, and the Rep feeling that women (only because Hillary had many female supporters) will vote for just any woman regardless of her stance...they totally deserve Sarah Palin.
I would never vote for someone just because they're a woman or a minority, because frankly I think it's rather disrespectful to think that that's all I can see. I wouldn't vote for a white man because he is white or male nor would I vote for a woman just because she is a woman.
I like Obama, not because he is black. I don't like him more than I do Hillary because she is a woman. I like him because he is the candidate he is. In any other field I would have been a Hillary-lover. But Obama won because he has 'it.' Something rare and ephemeral...something that makes me want to rise to the challenges he sets. He comes across as a visionary. He represents what America wants to be. And Hillary didn't.
Hers was a historic campaign. A woman, a breath away from the presidency is heady stuff. But so is Obama's. And can I say something? Having been a woman and a person of color in the U.S., I can definitely see which identity is harder. There is no question about it. Even though I am not black and don't have the legacy of slavery...being a person of color is much, much harder than it is to be a woman. So, yes, Obama's campaign to me, is much more historic.
But even that is of no importance if the candidate himself/herself is not someone who has a vision and can show you a practical path towards that vision. Though I have little faith that middle America will elect Barack Hussein (gasp! what? he must be a terrorist. i've heard he plans to take the oath of office on a Quran! damn!, he's black, etc. etc.).....if he does become President I will be ecstatic. Because more than anything else, he makes me believe...in myself. And that I believe is his greatest strength.
In any other field Hillary would have rightly dominated. To me this was not a man/woman thing. It was a candidate against candidate thing. And if you believe that Laura Palin, as she herself said, will indeed carry on Hillary Clinton's legacy (really? I didn't know Hillary was a gun-toting, anti-abortion, anti-gay, hunter and all around conservative ass) then...yes...you do deserve Sarah Palin as Veep...and perhaps even as President.
It will be a historic victory...but will you be able to live with it?
Ain't love a wonderful thing?
You know that slight feeling of breathlesness (the kind that doesn't make you reach for your inhaler), that feeling of floating on air, the stars that appear brighter, the views that appear more expansive? It must be love.
So...I know that conventions are well-orchestrated media events intended to rev up the base. Well, I am the base...and boy am I revved. Yes, I am in love...again...after a long time....with Barack Obama. I don't care about the emotionally manipulative messages, the grand montages, the roaring crowds in Denver...I've been had. By Obama.
The last time I felt this way was for Clinton....Bill...not Hillary.
So, join me as I swoon when I look at Barack. Eventually my cynical side will triumph and will show me what a gullible fool I am...but until then I will savor that moment of foolishness, I will nurture the flutter I feel inside. 'Cause I am a Obamaniac baby and I don't care who knows it!!!!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Obama, Hillary...Hillary, Obama
Random thoughts on the U.S. elections looking in from the outside:
A couple of nights ago I went to a global call-in to Hillary's campaign workers. The global part of it was quite exciting. I was part of a group of 10 in Geneva, and other callers were from Mumbai, Paris, London, Bangkok, etc.
Terry McAuliff answered questions. I quickly realized this was a jazzing up the base kind of thing. The answers to all questions involved long lectures about her "experience," "passion," "being a real person," and the fact that she was a successful lawyer before she became first lady.
How that answered the question, "Why should U.S. expats vote for Hillary?" I don't know.
Yes, U.S. expats are a state unto themselves. We pay taxes in the U.S., no matter where we live but we have no representation, unless we count the state we last lived in. That's fine but as tax-paying citizens we have no real voice, and *that* is what the caller was asking about I am sure.
I am still undecided though I'll vote for whatever Dem ticket ends up being the competition in November.
I like Obama and he is rather exciting but is there anything real underneath that perfect exterior?
I used to like Hillary...but then she became Republican light and walked away from those who really liked her.
Edwards is likeable (and pretty :-)) but sort of a lightweight.
I supposed it might come to an Obama-Clinton or Clinton-Obama ticket and in the end I won't have to choose.
Also, on Feb 5, there will be the first ever global primary. So, I will be voting in that. I've never voted in a primary before and it's weird that the first time I do so will be outside the country.
That's the end of my random election thoughts for now...
A couple of nights ago I went to a global call-in to Hillary's campaign workers. The global part of it was quite exciting. I was part of a group of 10 in Geneva, and other callers were from Mumbai, Paris, London, Bangkok, etc.
Terry McAuliff answered questions. I quickly realized this was a jazzing up the base kind of thing. The answers to all questions involved long lectures about her "experience," "passion," "being a real person," and the fact that she was a successful lawyer before she became first lady.
How that answered the question, "Why should U.S. expats vote for Hillary?" I don't know.
Yes, U.S. expats are a state unto themselves. We pay taxes in the U.S., no matter where we live but we have no representation, unless we count the state we last lived in. That's fine but as tax-paying citizens we have no real voice, and *that* is what the caller was asking about I am sure.
I am still undecided though I'll vote for whatever Dem ticket ends up being the competition in November.
I like Obama and he is rather exciting but is there anything real underneath that perfect exterior?
I used to like Hillary...but then she became Republican light and walked away from those who really liked her.
Edwards is likeable (and pretty :-)) but sort of a lightweight.
I supposed it might come to an Obama-Clinton or Clinton-Obama ticket and in the end I won't have to choose.
Also, on Feb 5, there will be the first ever global primary. So, I will be voting in that. I've never voted in a primary before and it's weird that the first time I do so will be outside the country.
That's the end of my random election thoughts for now...
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