every time i see that video of elizabeth eckford, tears well up in my eyes. i’m tired of explaining to non-black people that it’s diffcult to “just get over it.” these images of elizabeth eckford and the countless others aren’t from some ancient history. things like this happened to my parents, my grandparents…so pardon me for getting a little emotional when i see my mother or father in a racially sensitive situation and the way in which they respond. some of these scars run deep and have been transferred to future generations.

so when i saw the video of james harris this morning (which as you can imagine is creating a HUGE buzz in the black blogosphere), i was just as much sad and i was mad. i was probably more sad…i don’t really get what he was trying to accomplish. was he really trying to be sincere, or disguise his self-hatred by his little song and dance?

Well said!

What you say is so true. After watching the video you put up of Donna Brazile, and then today’s video, it really is a reminder of the critical need for those of us who can to speak up and speak out against evil, hatred and injustice - in that very moment. Even if the words don’t come out right, or clearly, or eloquently. Nonetheless, the emotion and the conviction will come through.

Let us not be afraid - those of us who can - let us always be willing to speak up, take risks, and not let one thing lead to another…Thank you.

No one’s discussing the fact that the statements about Obama being connected to Ayres are true. As are other statements that have been said. I’m not in favor of people yelling hateful things at rallies, nor do I condone Palin for not commenting, but when comes the point when we face truths, and deal with them in an honest way? Is it always about what the white man (or woman) does? What about us?

roland martin wrote a pretty good piece the other day on this “association” topic. he raised an interesting point (as did whoopi on the view): how long do we allow past interactions, relationships, associations linger in to the present?

chandra, i guess i see the point you are trying to make. but if we are to really, i mean REALLY examine everyone and all things, then let’s do that. i don’t think mccain will fair any better than obama in past (and some present) associations.

but let’s be real…”face truths…in an honest way” when it comes to politricks?! truth, honest, and politics are words that for me, just don’t go together. sorry…

@Chandra

I see from your email address that you are new to this blog and that you’re probably a troll whose job today is to scan blogs on this topic and come on and defend the Republican charges about Obama’s connections to Ayers.

Chandra– Nice moniker to use to disguise yourself as a black woman.

Some of us remember the radicals of the 60s, and we don’t put 60s radicals like Ayers (who are now men and women in the 60s themselves) on the same order as Bin Laden. Besides, are you sure McCain’s past associations (e.g., John Hagee and McCain’s ties to right wing, anti-semitic boards) could stand up to scrutiny?

Of course, you probably won’t be coming back on to respond because the job of trolls is to drop their drippings and keep going.

Rev. Weems, I’ve been silently nodding at a lot of these posts lately–or worse, loudly hooping and hollering as I read–but this one I had to respond to. You are absolutely right about the “othering” of Obama and the set up of an “us” versus “them” in this campaign, but I refuse to even acknowledge it at this point. I will not be baited. I refuse to explain racist undertones or even outright racism because this is all just a sideshow to incite the Republican “base.” Base is the right word, because people are showing their true colors and how low they are and how much lower they are willing to go to gain control.

Let me point out two articles in Rolling Stone for those of you who are interested in reading up on Mr. McCain’s associations:

http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/make_believe_maverick_the_real_john_mccain
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/23316955/the_doubletalk_express/

And here’s an interesting documentary on Keating economics:

http://www.keatingeconomics.com/

Listen, let’s not be distracted by these tactics. Let’s stay focused on the issues at hand and keep our heads in the game. It’s going to get much worse in the next few weeks. “That one” shouldn’t inspire a blink, but we should all watch where the Dow closes VERY carefully this week.

Let the church say Amen!

Chandra and James Harris are drinking from the same “whites only” fountain. All Mc Cain’s pitbulls are on the loose but he better be careful, pitbulls sometimes turn on their “masters.” The bile that comes out of Sarah Palin’s mouth renders me speechless. I know she aint serving the same Jesus I’ve come to know.

I understand religion and politics don’t mix, but if you call yourself a Christian how can you not stand up for what’s right (Sarah why didn’t you nip that evil behavior in the bud). The GOP base is becoming really scary, the real truth is they can’t understand how Obama is ahead in the polls. I am concerned they will go to any length to try and win the White House, I pray for the Obamas everyday because when someone feels their entitlements slipping away they can become really dangerous. The media shouldn’t even cover that type of outrage, this is really dangerous!!! As far as James Harris, I heard hatred in his voice against another black man–don’t get me wrong but it amazes me how some people fall into the ploy of being in the spotlight–doesn’t he know, those same scary GOP base members don’t care about him or anyone that looks like him. Those rally’s are starting to resembled something I’ve seen in the 1960’s all white gatherings. This election will determine the fate of this country.

This is so “on.” I just emailed a white friend, sending her the articles about white Republican “rage” that Sen. Obama is in the lead. Why? Because she wrote me saying that her white male friends are scared that if Obama wins, “the blacks will riot.” She said one friend says he’s got his gun ready … but it seems that the fear of reprisal if the election doesn’t go “their” way should be of these angry white people. What they’re essentially saying is the hell with the economy; just don’t let a black man get in office. That is sad and scary. I shared with my friend that if Obama loses, black people won’t riot. If we perceive shananigans at the polls, we’ll be angry and be vocal about it, but riot? No. What we’ll suffer is yet another blow to our hope. I resent McCain and Palin for not putting a stop to this growing, bubbling pus that is oozing from a diseased nation which has never been cured of its racism. You are right; if good people say nothing, it is tantamount to letting the disease spread and the boils explode internally. Such an explosion will be fatal to the gains we have made oh so painfully slowly.

Rev. Weems,
I had an opportunity to attend an Obama Rally yesterday. Upon returning to my office, a board member (white) of our organization commented that “He certainly can make good speeches and he IS articulate.” He went on to share with me his school experiences in West Virginia in the late fifties and how, even after desegregation, the black students “kept to themselves.” He related that he thought we had more in common than not in common and that race isn’t really an issue anymore. Well, a bell started ringing in my head, signaling that school was in session. Our hour-long discussion (much to my African American boss’ chagrin), covered racism in schools, during my own experience in the 60s and 70s when black girls were herded toward secretarial studies while the white girls filled the college prep classes. How my brother,who pastors an historic church in Harlem was told by his high school counselor that he wasn’t “college material” but had a good voice and would make a fine highway patrol dispatcher. I shared with him how my own son, a 2007 college graduate was discouraged from going to college by his high school counselor. Had we listened to these counselors we would not have pursued higher education at all. These counselors were pointing the way to the back of the bus for us.

Our board member, married to a Presbyterian minister (a woman) told me, that well, we should all learn to love one another. “Yes,” I responded, “Jesus has commanded that we should. And what should that love look like?” I asked. Jesus broke that down too, when He asked, paraphasing, did you feed me when I was hungry, visit me when I was in prison, clothe me when I was naked.”

We concluded our conversation with him repeating that Barack is certainly articulate. “Yes,” I agreed. “And so is my son, my brother, me and so many, many others.”

He said he didn’t know who he’d vote for yet. He voted for Barack in the primary, but only because he doesn’t like the Clintons. I think that many Caucasian Americans have trouble admitting to African Americans that they are going to vote for Barack.

I know I’ve been lengthy, but I wanted to add my voice to yours and Donna’s and for all those who won’t even turn their heads toward the back of the bus.

Hope I don’t get fired–some of us just don’t like it when we speak truth to power.

Regarding the use of Obama’s past associations as a political attack, the New York Times had a great editiorial on the subject. I would like to add this to the list of recommended reading on the topic.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/08/opinion/08wed1.html?partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

Editorial
Politics of Attack
Published: October 8, 2008
Ninety minutes of forced cordiality during the debate did not erase the dismal ugliness of Senator John McCain’s campaign in recent weeks.

When Ronald Reagan formally announced his campaign for the Presidency in Neshoba County, Mississippi where the three civil rights workers were murdered in 1964, it was a clear call to white supremacists. Certainly the democrats are not free of racism, but the blatant stigmatizing and denigrating Barack Obama as “other” is again a Republican Party call for white supremacy.

I believe white supremacy lurks in the hearts of most white Americans; it’s our national disease. Actually I think it lurks in the hearts of a lot of people of color too, contributing to self-doubt and a valuing of whites over other peoples. A lot of people have been pretending racism has ended, but now it’s out in the open again. It can be named; it can be challenged.

I have cousins, who like my brother, have voted Republican. They are good white people. They are not overt racists. They would never say they believed in white supremacy. Now they have a son who has married an African American woman. Their daughter-in-law has challenged them to vote for Obama so that their grandsons can see that a black man can be president. I don’t think that’s a good enough reason to vote for someone. But I do think it is essential to vote against people who use white supremacy in their campaign.

My husband and I have plans to travel to Chicago to see Lynn Nottage’s Ruined at the Goodman Theatre. The date is like November the 15th or something. I told him to hold out on purchasing tickets cause the first two weeks after the election (when Obama wins) might not be safe for travel. Remember how we acted after King was killed? In our rage we burned down over 100 American cities. Well, if the white folks can talk about “sticking it” to Obama and the good man hasn’t even been elected, imagine their rage when he is President? We know the extent of evil. So before he wins prepare yourselves now to hunker down. Prepare yourselves for curfews and if you know a fireman, borrow his gear. Better yet, with the present state of America (as they say in the club) just let the the colossal mess, burn!
Burn, baby, burn!

Dr. Weems, as we near the end of this arduous presidential race, I too ask the question of how far we have come? But then I listen to my white colleagues (even our college president) say they are voting for Obama. The conversations on campus have been engaging. The frightening folks are quiet, cause I think they sense a change. Colleagues asked about the “That One” statement. I told them that I would have responded in the same manner because folks say crazy stuff to me all the time. I have to ask is this a teachable moment or is this person’s ignorance beyond where I am willing to go? Obama has tenacious focus!

When Obama is elected my prayer is that we as a nation truly acknowledge that we are only better if we are embracing the best that all of us have to give. Oppressing any group for the sake of one group’s superiority is damaging to all. O.k., this will take time! Obama said that it would become ugly and it is. I too pray for the Obama family. I watch the level of ignorance and I just know that God has said enough!! The Chandra’s of the world show up when we think we are alone and sometimes in public places (James Harris), but I say come on in to this blog if you can handle it. Dr. Weems thank you for calling her out. I love that about you!

By the way was it just me or did James Harris seem to be the only brother at the rally and o.k. you wore a suit. That is a clear sign of a Black man with a mission! This video got much play. There are some Black people who will need to change as well when Obama is elected. He dispels the myth of continuing to be the victim. Yes, the man is out to get you and now what? Own who you are in Christ! Did I say that God has had enough!

Renita,
I have been reading your posts for a few weeks now. It is refreshing to have you challenge women to think for themselves.

I woke up this morning and checked my news sources only to find the Ford CEO stepping down (only noted in the WSJ), Palin’s ethics report released, and this mess about the GOP rallies having more and more “emotional” outbursts. When is America going to be honest about race? If you go to snopes.com and look at the political section, you will see about a 4:1 ratio of falsehoods about Obama vs. the ones on McCain.

My biggest heartburn is that they try to make this a religious election. When is racism going to be addressed as a sin?

The U.S. is the only global power that has yet to apologize for slavery.

Look, all of this is dangerous and I think McCain saw this yesterday when he corrected his supporters at the rally in Minnesota. I believe he, like I saw the beginnings of a 21st century lynch mob and that his strategists were responsible for harvesting this rotten fruit in racist, hateful spirits. This old man has sadly ended his career surrounded by hate mongers, disguised as McCain supporters, rallying for the last hope of keeping an African American out of the whiteHouse. Pandora’s box has been busted wide open on so many positive and negative levels during this election year. America’s filthy, stankin’ laundry is being literally aired. Conversely, the hope of our future in young, open-minded people has been ignited. Racism, hate, and ignorance is alive and well in this country; however, I know a God that has proven over time you shall reap what you sow. Spiritually, it’s on and politically it’s over! Love your God, love yourself, and love your families for the worst ain’t over, but the best is yet to come. Harambe!

@Mary St. Luke, (nice moniker)

Evidently, the new memo circulating around blogosphere is that blacks are going to riot in November. Whether Obama wins or loses, them blacks are going to riot whether out of celebration or outrage. You know how those blacks are, I suppose is the thinking.

Hmmmm….I wonder who’s responsible for this rumor.

Go ahead and buy your Chicago theatre tickets, Miss Mary. Us promise not to misbehave and disrupt your plans.

This is a bunch of crap masquerading as liberal concern.

Rev. Dr. Weems,
Thursday, I had the privelage of sitting in one of Dr. Katie Cannon’s classes at Union in Richmond, VA. My husband and I watched the recent debate and heard McCain refer to Obama as “that one”. It mad me upset because it was an obvious disregard of Obama and revelation of McCain’s distate (to say the least). During Dr. Cannon’s seminar, we were discussing the history of white men’s tactics of destroying the identity of black men. Black men are considered subordinate to the cherished white woman. One example given, was that along with being lynched Black men would be castrated. This method of dehumanizing our Black men continues and was broadcasted during the debate as McCain referred to Obama as “that one”.

SURE! some will say, “You’re taking this too far.” But I do not think so. I believe this campaign has really brought a lot of bigots and racists to “come out their own closets”. Evangelicals might want to focus on the other people coming out the closet - themselves. This form of closeted racism is something my family has always experienced in California. The racism in California was much different than that experienced in the South; but it hurt just as bad.

ON another note:
Not one political sign was posted within our subdivision of 100 plus homes. The day after we posted our Obama signs, the neighbors across the street posted 2 McCain/Palin signs. No problem, right? Well just this morning, our Obama lawn sign was stolen. But I replaced that one with another. This type of craziness encourages me to rally in more voters.

THank you for your inciteful and relevant blogs. And special thanks for responding to the mockers on the blog:)

“When is racism going to be addressed as a sin?”

Sins are only called out by those who are offended. The bigots and racists are not offended by their racism and will never consider or call it a sin.

We know how pervasive the racism is. I’m no longer interested in changing someone’s mind on this subject. I am interested in checking their actions so that their attitudes don’t hurt me.

I am still always amazed at how easily some whites attribute anger to Black people, esp. Black women. Consider how often Michelle Obama has been accused of “looking angry” or appearing “hostile?” She is very deliberate in her speech and mannerisms, yet she is still accused of being “angry.”

They know we should be “riot-level” angry at what has been done to us in this country and are wondering what’s taking so long for it to show. I expect to hear more discussions around Black anger and hostility as we get closer to Nov. 4.

First, James Harris. Ok, glad I have a name. Now I know what to call my new voodoo doll.

Second, @Renita: I admire you for even acknowledging the trash — uh, trolls that are doing their job this morning. I hope you trolls are getting paid. It’s a shame to waste such talent…

Third, (sounding like James Harris): white folks, please, I’m begging you, just try to act like a fool after the election. Just try. Don’t forget the matches!!!

Have a good day, everybody!!!!