Please don't flame this diary until you've read to the end.
This is an op-ed of a democrat who has never written a candidate diary.
Below are merely my thoughts and reflections on why so many Americans who would, in other circumstances easily vote for someone like Senator Obama are hesitant to do so now.
I try to address the "objections" I have observed.
Over the past few months, I've observed the press, Senator McCain, Fox News, Senator Clinton's campaign and a host of others use these reasons overtly, or less so to convince our country not to vote for him.
Below, are my own thoughts and responses to these objections.
So what? I don't care if he's black, brown, white, or any other shade. I care about his views, his ability to communicate those views and most of all his ability to implement them. If I agree with his views (most I do, some I don't) then he gets my vote.
I was born in Iran, and since 9/11 I've been subjected to various looks, stares, and words of hatred. I think it's time this country matured and moved beyond petty identifications based on skin color, ethnicity or one's name
Well, he's not. Unfortunately, being Muslim in this country is akin to walking around with leprosy.
I was born Muslim. I am an Atheist now. However, my family consists of Christians, Jews, Muslims ........ and ME (the guy who's willing debate religion with anybody).
I can confidently tell you that these three religions are mirror images of each other.
What bothers me about this line of attack is that no one, except for Senator Obama himself has pointed out that being Muslim is not bad, or evil. (go to 1:25 in the video below. His response about how this smear is offensive to Muslims is amazing and honest)
I don't care what a candidate's religion is. I only want him to keep that religion out of the public domain, and out of the office he/she holds
First, as rightly pointed below, his church is neither all black, nor "separatist."
I saw what his pastor said. I happen to think the man was absolutely right. Now, he did get a bit excited and said "god-damn America", but White, Evangelical Pastors have said similar things, with the intention to demean. If you listen to Rev. Wright's words in context, it is obvious that he indeed loves America.
Jerry Falwell said about September 11:
I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People For the American Way, all of them who have tried to secularize America. I point the finger in their face and say 'you helped this happen.
He later offered a half hearted apology.
Pat Robertson blamed Katrina on Ellen Degeneres (guess why?):
This is the second time in a row that God has invoked a disaster shortly before lesbian Ellen Degeneres hosted the Emmy Awards, America is waiting for her to apologize for the death and destruction that her sexual deviance has brought onto this great nation.
I think Patty Boy confused the Oscars and the Emmys, but hey, he got his point across.
Finally, the "black separatist" label is designed to insult and alienate anyone who chooses to congregate in a predominantly African American church.
John Adams was 40, Thomas Jefferson 33, George Washington 44 when they created the United States of America. They were farmers, mostly. They did a pretty good job. So, I say maybe "youth and inexperience" as Reagan put it, are not all that bad!
John Adams, in particular, had one feature that he shared with Senator Obama: A healthy sense of self-doubt. I like the fact that Senator Obama admits to his limitations, and explains what he is doing, or will do, to overcome them.
I don't care that Senator Obama has not been governor, or whatever other yardstick du jour others invent for him.
I care that he is backed by some of the best, brightest and most experienced people in America. Paul Volcker and Robert Reich come to mind. Here's what Volcker says:
After 30 years in government, serving under five Presidents of both parties and chairing two non-partisan commissions on the Public Service, I have been reluctant to engage in political campaigns. The time has come to overcome that reluctance. However, it is not the current turmoil in markets or the economic uncertainties that have impelled my decision. Rather, it is the breadth and depth of challenges that face our nation at home and abroad. Those challenges demand a new leadership and a fresh approach.
Uhmm. Well, our fathers are all from somewhere. Mine was born in a village in Iran. Now, I'm here. I'm more educated than 99.9% of Americans, and better read and traveled too! You want to discuss my lineage? Why don't you go pull out your own first, study it and come back. Why? Because as people, we can only learn from our history.
In the end, we must all stand on our two feet.
But none of that means much to me. What I know is this: I know very little. I constantly seek the advice and counsel those who are wiser. I see this in Senator Obama and place great value on it.
9- The only reason he is where he is, is because he is black
This objection points to 1) affirmative action and 2) all the emotion that the subject invokes in this country. There are two parts to my answer:
Part I
Did "affirmative action" have something to do with Senator Obama's success? I'm sure it did. But, that's not a bad thing. That's a great thing.
Imagine all the Baracks, Obamas, Jacksons, Kings, and Hillarys who were never able to achieve anything no matter how smart and capable they were.
I have never benefited from affirmative action (Americans of Iranian descent don't count as a minority).
But, what I've observed is that affirmative action provides access to education, employment and upward mobility for a select few members of minority groups who would otherwise have been excluded from society.
To me, that is something we should celebrate, not denigrate.
Part II
This line of attack is designed to portray Senator Obama as somehow being "less capable" than his white counterparts.
Well, as a lawyer, I can tell you that after you're in law school nobody cares about your skin color.
So, the lone fact that Senator Obama not only made it into the Law Review, but became the President of Harvard Law Review is a monumental accomplishment. It demonstrates a keen intellect, and an ability to analyze issues that most people do not possess.
This fact alone, is sufficient for him to be more qualified than half the occupants of the White House, thus far. Especially the current one!
I don't know if she hates America. I haven't heard her say that, and I haven't asked her.
I heard what she said, and sadly, I agree with her. This country, and it's politics have been on a downward spiral for a long time.
Now, I do think that it was not politically wise to say such a thing considering her husband is running for President. But, that's not her fault. It's the fault of the media who tend to devour every sentence, and nuance like vultures.
Many people say many politically unwise things. Why the angst over her statement? I think because people are trying to grasp every straw to find a flaw with the Obamas.
This happens to be partly true. But, then again, so does Senator Clinton's.
In this case, we're splitting hair. And, as someone with some health care policy expertise, I can confidently say that the only plan that will save our country's broken system is a single payer, national health care program.
Unfortunately, getting there is hard; and either Senator Clinton's or Senator Obama's plans would be a decent start.
17- A black man can never win in the general election
This may be true. I have a feeling we'll find out this fall.
I hope this country is mature enough not to consider a man's skin color.
I'm afraid, that a significant minority of Americans do consider race and gender as negative factors. I remember a Rasmussen Poll that said some 17% will NEVER vote for a black man, and around 20% will never vote for a woman. How sad.
18- He's young. He has time. Let him run next time.
This is merely a variation of the lack of experience. It simply reduces Senator Obama to an infant, or adolescent who should be patted on the head and sent home with a lollipop.
This is the same as him being a Muslim. The difference is when the Muslim argument fails, then the same attackers compare Senator Obama to Saddam Hussein.
Millions of Muslims are named Hussein. He is the 3rd Imam of Shiites, and a significant historical figure.
If you want to know more about the historical Hussein you can read it here:
In Senator Obama's case, he is simply named after his dad.
Finally, has anybody noticed that he has a Hebrew first name?
Hmmm. A Hebrew first name, a Muslim Middle name. I say that alone makes him more qualified to solve the problems in the Middle East than our current President.
I for one, am sick and tired of the way Senator Obama has been treated. Democracy is not a spectator sport.
I grew up in a war and a revolution. For years, living under the suffocating tyranny of a radical religious theocracy, I couldn't read what I wanted to read, express my opinion, or even assemble in public with my friends.
I even had to rent movies (yest Hollywood movies like Indiana Jones) from underground rental stores and carry the VHS tapes back home under my clothes as if they were contraband (which in that world, they were).
Democracy is not a spectator sport.
It took me over a decade to earn the privilege of being a citizen of this great country.
I will fight for our country to my last breath. I will fight for it, by putting every ounce of my energy into electing Senator Obama our next President.
So, what am I going to do specifically?
1- I will vote for him in the fall.
2- I will donate my hard earned money to his campaign.
3- I will spend my precious time raising money (A TON OF MONEY) for his campaign.
4- I will rise up to defend him against false and malicious attacks.
Please join me. Don't wait.
If you're as mad as I am. You'll enjoy this clip. It's on my other diary as well. Thank you again for giving me your time, and reading my diary.
Update [2008-3-28 18:36:56 by Yashua]:: WOW. I'm truly humbled by each and every one of you who took to the time to read this diary, tip, recommend and comment.
Some of the comments have pointed out issues that I fixed, and yet others have excellent additions.
One idea has been to write a similar piece about Senator McCain. I promise to do so next week. One theme that has always intrigued me is the concept of "hero worship."
