Obama, You’ve Lost Me.

Posted 23 August, 2008 at 4:38 am by Kevin
Filed Under Black History, Politics, U.S. Studies |

Dear Senator Barack Obama,

You picked Joe Biden?

Sorry, not feeling it. I was willing to give you the benefit of the doubt, but this is the proverbial straw breaking the camel’s back. I can’t complain about racism on the part of Sen. Clinton and ignore the racism of Sen. Biden. And for anyone that wants to tell me that I’m basically electing Sen. McCain? Fuck you. I will vote by my conscience and if you don’t like it, well you should go talk to your favorite candidate. I will not support a ticket with Joe Biden. This is not change. I don’t believe in any of it. This is just the same ol’ bullshit and I’m not down.

Which doesn’t mean that I won’t continue to speak out against racist attacks against you, Sen. Obama, or sexist and racist attacks against your wife, Michelle Obama. It doesn’t mean that I won’t call out any and all unnecessary demands on your blackness, either.

I will.

But I cannot in good conscious support this political ticket. And in case you’re wondering, I didn’t vote for Bill Clinton for his second term either. I’m not feeling you for many of the same reasons that I wasn’t feeling Bill Clinton. back in 1997. Just so you know.

And you know what? I’m kinda pissed that I got suckered into that whole “be the first to know” bullshit that your campaign pulled. I should have known better. I knew that Biden was your pick a good seven hours before I got your worthless text message. And now you can send me endless texts that I don’t want to read. And for what? To find out what I’d been seeing on the news all night?

So yeah, you’ve officially lost me. Change? My ass.

Kevin

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30 Responses to “Obama, You’ve Lost Me.”

  1. Eric Stoller on August 23rd, 2008 12:45 pm permalink

    So horribly wrong. I woke up this morning to see this news… WTF?! I am beyond disappointed.

  2. Black Reaction Online to Joe Biden as VP - Jack & Jill Politics on August 23rd, 2008 1:30 pm permalink

    [...] Slant Truth: Dear Senator Barack Obama, [...]

  3. Anon 1 on August 23rd, 2008 1:50 pm permalink

    Hispanics are mostly Prolife and Catholics and that’s why they will be the majority ethnic group soon. Black babies are aborted because of Democratic party policies. Again the democratic party which is the party of seggregation, slavery, Jim Crow laws, Lynching is leading in policies on abortion as a means to control the black population in this country. Black babies are aborted because of Democratic party policies.

    “Black leaders from around the country will hold a Power in the Park rally and press conference on August 25, 2008, 8:30 am at Martin Luther King Park, one block from the largest Planned Parenthood abortuary in the nation.

    Although black women comprise 6% of the population, they receive nearly 40% of the abortions in America. The leading abortion providers exploit blacks by placing 94% of abortuaries in urban neighborhoods with high black populations.

    The number one taker of black life is abortion, and it’s time people woke up to that fact. The location of this latest Planned Parenthood facility in yet another minority neighborhood is a part of the continuing fulfillment of the racist, eugenicist dream of their founder, Margaret Sanger, but it is a travesty of the American dream. Planned Parenthood’s agenda discards the principle that we are all created equal, which is the basis of liberty for all Americans.” - Alan Keyes” (AP)

    WHy was Barack Obama the ONLY senator to oppose the Born Alive Infants Protection Act in th Illionis Senate? I am sure that list included both democrats and republicans.

    Is it possible he pressed the wrong button?
    He was the ONLY one.

    Even in the US Senate this Bill Pass 98 - 0. Why Obama, Why? The ONLY ONE!!!!!!

    Obama had no decision in Joe Biden as a VP. It was the big Wigs of the DNC who decided he had to pick Biden.

  4. MrsGrapevine on August 23rd, 2008 4:29 pm permalink

    I like Joe Biden, and he does say some offensive things, but the words he speak aren’t in line with the way he votes. Senator Clinton was calculated, manipulative, and divisive, whereas Biden mistakes come from a lack of PC, self-censorship…

    In my opinion, the comments come from two different spirits…

  5. MrsGrapevine on August 23rd, 2008 4:53 pm permalink

    @ Anon:

    1)Black women are still having babies at a faster rate than white women, 2.0 vs 1.8

    2) You are fooling yourself if you think Republican conservative women are not getting abortions, I guarantee you would be surprised, especially at how many of their children engage with parental consent. It’s called private abortions, and the stats are not disclosed…

    3)Yes, the democrat party use to be that party of atrocities, until the republican party decided to carry the torch in recent history, not distant history.

    4)It’s called Planned Parenthood, for young women who plan on keeping the babies. Only a hand full of Planned Parenthoods offer abortions as a choice, and they help with informed decisions, and not scare tactics by men who wouldn’t even know what the process is really like.

    5) If you are going to be against abortions, then you better damn well be supporting the social services that support pro-life. I should hope you have adopted a child, or donated money to those in need. Help create non-profit organizations to help with women’s mental health.

    6)It’s so easy to preach from a soapbox about moral issues. I think abortions is a wrong choice for me because I’m married, but I wouldn’t judge anyone, knowing that I’m not doing all I can to ensure women can make better decisions.

    7)Go ahead and end abortions, I bet you will be surprised and what demographic really gets pregnant and have “private” non-statistical abortions…You just may see a baptist church full of white pregnant teens.

  6. MrsGrapevine on August 23rd, 2008 5:04 pm permalink

    @ Anon:

    He opposed it because it included a measure that could overturn roe vs wade. You know that as well as I do, you’re taking it out of context to serve your point…

    If it passed 98-0, then where is the “1″…?

    On Joe Biden: Now you just sound like some conspiracy theorist, that would be like me saying the only reason McCain was a POW was to aid his father and his political career. Or that would be like me saying that McCain cheated on his ex-wife with Cindy because he needed access to her 100 Million to run for office in a state that he wasn’t a resident. Or that would be like me saying that the big wigs made McCain take finance money from Keating and attend that innocent meeting with the other 5 naive senators. [Not what I believe, but certainly theories floated]

    Let’s rise above such silliness. It’s one thing to not share the beliefs of the “Democrats”, but it’s another to spread salacious information, that you can’t prove…So what, when you get to heaven, God is not going to say welcome Republican or Democrat, because government is not apart of God’s Kingdom, but people are, whether or not they have a party affiliation…

  7. Pakistani ISI on August 23rd, 2008 5:04 pm permalink

    Most people love you for who you pretend to be … To keep their love, you keep pretending–performing. You get to love your pretense … It’s true, we’re locked in an image, an act. And, the sad thing is, people get so used to their image–they grow attached to their masks. They love their chains. They forget all about who they really are. And, if you try to remind them, they hate you for it. They feel like you’re trying to steal their most precious possession.JamesDouglasMorrisonJames Douglas Morrison, lead singer of The Doors

  8. cooper on August 23rd, 2008 6:49 pm permalink

    I think it pretty naive of progressives to ever have assumed Obama would not do what it took to get elected.

    If he doesn’t get elected what good is he?

    So, he did what he had to do, he took on a white male Roman Catholic, seemingly bigoted candidate (like a lot of white male voters), with a very large mouth, but a lot of experience in areas where some might see Obama as deficient.

    My take on it is that if Obama wasn’t going to get elected it would not be because of anything but his race. I see that in this country still — enhanced by his youth, his inexperience in foreign affairs sure, but race would have been the deciding factor. I believe all research these last few months lead his campaign to that belief as well and this decision was based on that.
    With some female voters still very contentious and the youth vote untested I think they see this as their best shot.

    If politics were not politics I would see it otherwise, but politics is still politics and Obama has found that out over the last few months, He has had to act accordingly. I’ll withhold judgment until he gets into office. I see no other choice.

  9. Danielle Vyas on August 23rd, 2008 8:53 pm permalink

    I stand with you, Kevin my man!!!

    We cannot compromise on our principles which is far more important than a mere blanket ideology. Since the beginning of this election season I have discovered my own political principles and started off in strong support of Dennis Kucinich, still love him but he made some bad mistakes with his campaign.

    Now I am jointly supporting Nader and McKinney. Cynthia McKinney would make an excellent president and it is a shame that in this bipolar system of democracy that we have doesn’t have room for more choice which I find extremely ironic due to the level of capitalist consumerism choice available to us.

    Welcome to my boat!!!

    Our vote is worth as much as the thought, research and prodding that we invest into it.

    Damn, just when I thought I couldn’t love you more.

    In Solidarity, my man.

    Danielle
    Modern Musings

  10. Faith on August 23rd, 2008 9:01 pm permalink

    The problem is that there are too many old people and racists who have racist mindsets and their numbers are such that it’s too iffy to take a chance. We get the country we deserve. He did capitulate. I can’t wait for the Geritol generation to go away. So for now I’ll wait and see what Biden does for the next 8 weeks or so. I live in a safe state and can vote Green if I still think my needs aren’t being met. We need to bust up the 2-Party monopoly regardless. I’m just not sure if this is the time, but when will it ever be?

  11. Jen on August 23rd, 2008 9:11 pm permalink

    I found you through Digg so I guess it works. I love this blog! I’m so glad I found you. And I agree completely. I never even got my test message!

  12. matttbastard on August 23rd, 2008 9:32 pm permalink

    Now I am jointly supporting Nader and McKinney.

    Nader and McKinney are on competing tickets (independent and Green, respectively). How does that work?

    ;-)

    I’m ambivalent with regards to the veep choice. Biden is an ass. He voted to authorize the AUMF; he backed the PATRIOT act, the FISA ‘compromise’, and the bankruptcy bill; he’s an unrepentant drug warrior, prone to racist and sexist pratfalls.

    He’s also got pull in the DNC and gives good soundbite, so the MSM crushes over him like they do McCain (ZOMG STRAIGHT TALK! Break out the sprinkled donuts!) Above all: he’s both ‘outspoken’ and white, thus able to say things that, if Obama said them, would arbitrarily get him labelled ‘uppity’ or ‘angry’.

    In a perverted way, Biden’s ‘unPC’ (ie racist and sexist) slip ups are a boon in the rust belt (and the coastal ‘burbs–I don’t give a flying monkey fuck how many black friends y’all got); white folks would definitely feel comfortable having a beer with Biden in a way they wouldn’t with Obama (or Clinton, for that matter), for obvious reasons (and no, I’m not implying that the vast majority of the white electorate is racist/misogynist–I’m fuckin’ saying it outright. Fuck that bullshit post-racial pipedream.)

    TBH, I’d be far more upset if Biden had received a cabinet appointment in an Obama admin, rather than what amounts to a largely ceremonial position (yeah, yeah I know–a heartbeat away from the presidency. I’d be shitting bricks if Biden was, say, McCain’s veep choice). Look at it this way: the once-in-a-lifetime national opportunity to finally get Biden out of the legislative branch is, IMO, good reason to hold one’s nose and pull one for the Dems in ‘08.

    With all that said, I know you are fully aware of the pragmatic reasons that one can come up with to rationalize both picking Biden and supporting the Democratic ticket, Kevin. I respect that your principles mean more than political expediency. So do what you gotta do–I ain’t mad atcha.

    But if you are gonna go the third party route I hope you’ll back McKinney–as you know, Nader has his own problems with race.

  13. matttbastard on August 23rd, 2008 9:39 pm permalink

    Whoops, futzed teh link.

  14. George on August 23rd, 2008 10:55 pm permalink

    I understand you feel this way because of how Biden speaks.

    But look at his actions. During the era of segregated pools, there was a pool in Pennsylvania where only black people swam.. but there was always one white man swimming there at a time of great tension.

    It was Joe Biden. (Heard this on MSNBC on Hardball.)

    Joe Biden got INTO politics because of Civil rights.. read the book on the 1988 political campaign before you jump to conclusions.

  15. Kevin on August 24th, 2008 1:15 am permalink

    @Anon 1: First, how the hell did your comment get through? Apparently my filters aren’t working correctly because I don’t accept comments from any variation of “anonymous.” You must show at least enough creativity and original thought to come up with a pseudonym to participate here. But since MrsGrapevine has responded to you, I will let your comment stand.

    Second, what MrsGrapevine said.

  16. Kevin on August 24th, 2008 1:19 am permalink

    @Eric Stoller: Yes, very disappointing.

  17. Kevin on August 24th, 2008 1:28 am permalink

    @matttbastard: Matt, you rule. Have I ever told you that? I’m an authority on ruling, so I know such things.

    Actually, I haven’t entirely ruled out the “holding one’s nose” option. I do like McKinney, though. I’m also wary of the Green party because I’ve heard that Elaine Brown left the party due to the racism she experienced there. I need to get to researching that more. As for Nader? No fucking way!

    And you win the quote of the day with this:

    “and no, I’m not implying that the vast majority of the white electorate is racist/misogynist–I’m fuckin’ saying it outright. Fuck that bullshit post-racial pipedream”

    So true!

  18. Kevin on August 24th, 2008 1:39 am permalink

    @cooper: I see where you’re coming from, and yes, I am one of those naive, idealistic types at times, but on the other hand, I never considered Obama a progressive in the first place, so I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.

    And you’re right. Politics is politics. My love/hate relationship with politics has grown exponentially this election season, though.

  19. Kevin on August 24th, 2008 1:44 am permalink

    @Danielle Vyas: I agree with Matt, avoid Nader. He’s an ass. Stick with McKinney. She’s the bomb!

    it is a shame that in this bipolar system of democracy that we have doesn’t have room for more choice which I find extremely ironic due to the level of capitalist consumerism choice available to us.

    Heh. You’re right. I can choose between 250 different toothpastes any given day, and I’m still stuck with only two realistic presidential candidates. With the corporatization of U.S. politics, you’d think we’d have to choose between at least 50 presidential candidates.

  20. Kevin on August 24th, 2008 1:50 am permalink

    @Jen: Hey. I’m glad you found me too! I hope you come back. I’ll be checking out your blog too.

  21. Kevin on August 24th, 2008 2:00 am permalink

    I really need to get some kinda threaded comments up in here.

  22. Ria aka Anon 1 on August 24th, 2008 9:21 am permalink

    Just incase my reply may not get posted, I am reposting since I violated board policies before by using an unacceptable name.
    =================

    It passed 98-0 in the US Senate. Obama was not in the US senate at the time. He was in the Illinois senate at the time he oppose the bill three times. And yes the Illinois bill specifically say roe v wade would NOT be affected. I am pro choice but This Born Alive Infants Protection Bill that Obama oppose is an unforgivable act.

    Guess what, the Bill pass only after he left the Illinois Senate. Obama does whatever his handlers tell his to do.

    As a conservative independent, I think sometimes we are too forgiving of our leaders.

    By the way, I hope you enjoy his VP pcik. If Joe Biden was anything but a deocrat he woul dhave had to resign from the senate long time ago for some of his offensive statements on slavery and minorities.

    No way Joe Biden was his decision.

  23. Michael's Mom on August 24th, 2008 12:52 pm permalink

    You might want to go with your conscience instead of your conscious, first.

    Second, if you don’t vote your opinion doesn’t matter to me.

  24. msladydeborah on August 24th, 2008 1:41 pm permalink

    It is going to be interesting to see how this works out.

    I have mixed feelings about the choice of Biden.

    I want to see what type of impact this has on the overall process.

    But I do understand why you feel like you do.

  25. cindy on August 24th, 2008 2:26 pm permalink

    I love your letter and feel the exact sentiments you describe, including pist about the so-called be the first to know thing.

    But, as I was overhearing some white vendors at the Woodstock, NY, flea market yesterday say, it still takes a white man …

    (to win the majority confidence I presume) and that if he had chosen a woman etc etc it would have flopped his chances.

    I still am voting for Obama, though.

    Hey, I used to be sea at listening for change, got a divorce and moved to the new site since the old site had my married name on the url.

    I’ve been busy moving but am blogging again lightly.

  26. cripchick on August 24th, 2008 2:37 pm permalink

    did a quick search on why elaine brown left the green party after reading your entry and found this open statement:

    http://providencedailydose.com/2007/12/30/elaine-brown-leaves-green-pa rty/

  27. Kevin on August 24th, 2008 8:35 pm permalink

    @Michael’s Mom: And your opinion will matter to me when you show me where I’ve said anything about not voting.

    Thanks for pointing out the typo, though.

  28. Kevin on August 24th, 2008 8:46 pm permalink

    @cindy: Hi cindy! IYeah, my initial reaction was obviously “no way no how,” but thanks to the wonderful people that read and discuss here, I’m going to reconsider, investigate and think on it more. I do like McKinney, though.

    I don’t like it when people try to scare others into voting for their candidate with McCain scare tactics, but the fact remains that NO ONE that I run with wants to see that man as President, and the reality is that he does still have a chance. Sometimes I need to leave my idealism at the door.

    I’ll be heading over to your new diggs!

  29. Kevin on August 24th, 2008 8:55 pm permalink

    @cripchick: Hey, thanks for providing that link. I had read her statement somewhere else but couldn’t remember where.

  30. Melissa McEwan on August 27th, 2008 2:15 pm permalink

    And in case you’re wondering, I didn’t vote for Bill Clinton for his second term either.

    Something else you and I share in common.

    And, yeah, it feels now a lot like it did then.

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