Senator Hillary Clinton disqualified herself from being V.P.
Wed May 14, 2008 at 11:42:34 AM PDT
Barack Obama, son of a white mother and African father, growing up deeply loved by a strong, independent minded woman and then learning the personal hurt of mindless racism, has said that it is in his DNA to bring us together.
In so many ways he is like each one of us, regardless how differently we may choose to view each other. He truly embodies our diversity. And that is more than his physical self. In his perceptions and understanding, he embodies each of us and understands most importantly that which we have in common.
He also understands that leadership must first of all take the responsibility to frame our path to sustainability around shared values rather than allowing divisive tactics to distract us while robber barons clean out the treasury.
Senator Hillary Clinton has failed that test in the crucible of this election.
She has proven to me beyond the shadow of a doubt that she does not have the temperament to place this prime directive above all others, the prime directive of uniting the country in a common purpose and has instead insisted that different constituencies view each other as rivals.
Her insistence on viewing us in groups shallowly defined by race or culture with irreparable differences is a self-fulfilling prophesy that has been used throughout history to manipulate people to act against their own interests. It is an ugly tactic.
Senator Clinton has not convinced me that she is trying to create animosity where there is none. She has convinced me that her view of the world is such that she is incapable of understanding Senator Obama's enlightened view of what must be done to change course onto a sustainable path.
Before sharing the examples from which I have drawn my conclusion, I wanted to share a comment from last night's victory speech in West Virginia.
Senator Clinton was rallying her supporters to contribute to her indebted campaign and she referred to a 12 year old boy in Kentucky who she was very proud of. This boy had sold his bike and his computer games to raise money for Senator Clinton.
How does a person who has $109MM (less $11.4MM given to their campaign) plus whatever other assets Bill has in his presidential library fund live with themselves knowing a little boy sold his bike for her take money from a 12 year old boy who sold his bike? Why wouldn't she buy him a new bike (see comment below) feel that was a step too far and return his money? Where does this core (callousness) indifference come from? How does someone so egocentric bring the people of this country together?
I then thought of the first email I got from Senator Clinton on her candidacy. "I'm in" was the subject. It wasn't about the dire state of affairs of this country but all about the immature and egocentric self. I am not trying to bash Senator Clinton's supporters because I believe they are sincere and heartfelt toward their candidate but I have a real concern over Senator Clinton's values. And we have learned over these past 7 1/2 years that values matter. They matter a great deal. (see comments below)
Now to the evidence.
During one of the Obama/Clinton debates, the subject of immigration came up. Senator Clinton insisted that African American people feel Latino people are taking their jobs and there is animosity between the two groups.
Senator Obama said he chooses to see things differently, namely that all middle class and poor workers are under economic pressure and all need for their government to set policies to offer everyone opportunity. Senator Clinton would not leave well enough alone but went back to the politics of division.
This attitude disqualifies senator Clinton from being VP.
But that performance coupled with the racially divisive views of both Bill and Hillary Clinton during the South Carolina, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia campaigns shows either indifference or contempt for our highest ideals.
From the evidence I have seen, it seems that people's hardships are viewed by the Clintons through the prism of political expedience rather than through a prism of compassion or humanity. Their lifelong battles to achieve the highest benefits and rewards in this country has left them without an understanding of what is of value in our traditions and principles and ideals.
I think that Senator Clinton has disqualified herself, not intentionally, but by temperament showing she lacks the temperament to unite people and bring us together for what will be a very difficult task.
Barack Obama proved to me how important this is. When I was precinct captain in Houston, I had a chance to meet other precinct captains. We were a very diverse group. During the precinct convention, I was extremely heartened by the leadership and commitment of the people in our group especially the younger men and women. They gave me hope. Their selflessness and commitment gave me hope. It was an opportunity to see what an opportunity we have to work together to solve the problems ahead. I was especially heartened by the moral compass and courage of these young people.
I have watched Senator Clinton for years. She doesn't make mistakes. She feels no remorse. She sees the world in reality based politics that has brought us war and tragedy. She refuses to lead by example, by telling people what they have in common instead of pointing out superficialities that divide us.
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