Voting Obama 'Cause He's Black: NOT!!

Alright,with only one day left to Super Tuesday, I felt that it was imperative to address a comment that has been chanted, repeated and regurgitated by so many during the 2008 campaign. First of all, I will say that I, like many other African-Americans are sick, sick, sick and tired of hearing it! It is not only false - it is just plain ole insulting.

So to put things into perspective, let's look back at African-Americans (pre-Obama) that have run for the Presidency of the United States of America:

Shirley Chisholm - A New York teacher elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, Chisholm unsuccessfully sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 1972. She did get the most convention votes for a female candidate in U.S. history.

Jesse Jackson - Jackson campaigned for the Democratic nomination twice, in 1984 and 1988.

Lenora Fulani - In 1988, Fulani-a psychologist-ran as an independent and was the first black woman to appear on presidential ballots in all 50 states. She also ran in 1992.

Alan Keyes - Having served in the Reagan administration, Keyes campaigned for the Republican nomination in 1996 and 2000 (and also lost to Barack Obama in their race for a Senate seat in 2004).

Carol Moseley Braun - A U.S. senator, Moseley Braun briefly sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004.

Al Sharpton- In 2004, this New York-based activist campaigned for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Now, as we all know the presidential race is not one for the faint of heart - and for the above individuals to have gotten that far, they are to be commended and must be recognized as having paved the road to the acceptance of an Obama Candidacy. However they all LOST - And Guess who help put the winners in office??

Coincidentally, the idea that Blacks, African-Americans are a monolithic group that only vote their "tribe" is just RIDICULOUS! That's like saying ALL women support Sarah Palin and will vote for her because she is a WOMAN....GET over it people!!!

People are a bit more complex and need to be given more credit than that. The Obama organization is comprised of people from various backgrounds, classes, lifestyles and cultures. I mean seriously, African-Americans only make up about 12% of the total US population, and within that number there ARE African-Americans officially supporting the McCain-Palin ticket! Think I'm lying? Check them out at African Americans For John McCain (link included for reference).

So, now that we have debunked the concept that ALL Blacks are voting for Obama 'cause he's black, I must remind everyone that Mr. Obama is BI-RACIAL meaning that he was conceived of a White Mother and raised by her Parents. So for all intensive purposes one could argue that he has been influenced by both nature and nurture - but that's a whole different conversation. His Father, is the reason that he is described as Black -

Okay, so on to the reasons I am (have early voted) Obama (not in an order):

• Commitment to community organizing. Giving up a corporate salary for a life of service - From the get go!

• His intelligent, poised, professional, maternal and charismatic wife, Michelle .

• His habit of consistently validating his wife as an equal partner in his personal and professional development - Big props for that!

• Two beautiful, respectful, intelligent daughters (Sasha and Malia) that are a reflection of their parents and grandparents influence on them - Family Values.

• Being open to share his shortcomings, insecurities and struggles, as part of his path to defining his own identity in America.

• His ability to build a grassroots organization from the ground up with so many diverse people embracing his vision - and identifying with his call for HOPE and not FEAR

• His ability to lead a discussion. I mean he has been able to topple some of the biggest political machines without blinking an eye. He has stayed steady, on target and certainly on point during the most difficult of circumstances. He is not easily swayed from his focus.

• His ability to seek out guidance and surround himself with key advisors. This tells me that he will listen and understand that his answer is not the only one. In leadership, one must be willing to look at other people's opinions weight out the facts and then make a sound decision. Just look at some of the people he has as counsel - Joe Biden (they ran against each other remember), Warren Buffett (World's Richest List), Valerie Jarrett (Chicago Business Leader & Single Mom) to name a few.

I could go on and on about the methodology behind - my Obama choice but that might bore some - so I'll just bring it all home with an excerpt from his endorsement by Alaska's biggest paper-The Anchorage Daily News:

"Gov. Palin's nomination clearly alters the landscape for Alaskans as we survey this race for the presidency -- but it does not overwhelm all other judgment. The election, after all is said and done, is not about Sarah Palin, and our sober view is that her running mate, Sen. John McCain, is the wrong choice for president at this critical time for our nation.

Sen. Barack Obama, the Democratic nominee, brings far more promise to the office. In a time of grave economic crisis, he displays thoughtful analysis, enlists wise counsel and operates with a cool, steady hand. The same cannot be said of Sen. McCain."

So, am I voting for Barack Obama because I'm Black?? H*ll no - he's earned my vote one move at a time - like anyone else!

May the best Man Win - November 4, 2008 (without chads and drama this time - please)!