Will Race be an Issue in the Upcoming Presidential Election?

We have been having a real battle royale in this country concerning the statements of Rev. Wright, whether he is anti-American or not, and whether he is racist or not.

My point in all of this is the fact that folks such as Hagee, Falwell, and the right Rev. Graham has said similar and, in my opinion, even worse things and did not get speared the way Wright has been.

Some condemn their rheteric, but most just ignore the question altogether. Why? Only they know. I have my thoughts on it, but that means nothing really except to me. Graham openly talked with the President of the United States voiceing anti Semetic feelings that were widely broadcast, yet he received a funeral befitting a head of state. Hagee and Falwell stated that we probably deserved 9/11 and McCain accepts Hagee's endorsement. They stated that New Orleans was damned for it's sins by Katrina. No outrage, no denouncement. Why? Again, I have no idea.

With all of that said, I now give my views on this debacle. Jeremiah Wright is no friend of Obama. I have no clue as to why he has to come out right now so vocally when he knows this will hurt Obama's chance to become President.

Personally, if Obama lost this election on his own merits, so be it. But for him to lose because of this other person that is not even in this race, now that is a shame. Wright is out for Wright and seems to be throwing this election.

Do I agree with Wright? His community activism and the things he has done for his community are admirable. His angry diatribes do nothing to bring this country together. With a woman and a Black man running for the highest office in the land, that should say just how far we have come as a nation. We have so many other issues which affect this country greatly. Wright will do nothing for our economy, healthcare, gas prices, the war, and a host of other important issues which need to be addressed.

Do we still have problems with race relations? Yes and we all know this, but apparently, we have been working them out without the hatred factor. Obama had crossed lines never before crossed and Wright has pushed back this progress, rather justified or not. Like the song states; "You got to know when to hold em, know when to fold em. Know when to walk away, know when to run." He definitely should "hold" and not raise this bet. JMHO

I don't know how you were raised and what experiences shaped your life and made you who you are today. But I don't dismiss them whatever they may be.
I was a teen during the height of the Civil Rights Movement. There are a lot of memories associated with that timeframe. From a lot of folk's perspectives, that should mean nothing and everyone should just move on. Easily said, harder done.

There is one particular incident that left a lasting stain on my heart. No doubt means nothing to anyone but myself, and I don't expect it to, but please don't even try to say you know how I feel. To come home on leave after fighting in that hell hole of Viet Nam and be refused a beer while in the uniform of the United States Marine Corps, because they don't serve Blacks, stabs one to the very core. Can your heart even begin to emphasize with that emotion? But you know what? I wish that feeling on no one.

Did these things stop me from being all I could be? Hell No! Life went on. I raised a good family and sent some pretty good human beings out into the world. I educated myself, no affirmative action, but the GI Bill did help. I've lived a damn good and interesting life. Traveled extensively and have experienced a lot of what this world has to offer. Both good and bad.

My personal life has been blessed and I have friends of all races, religeons and creeds. White friends who see me as the man I am, and I see them as the people they are. When race comes up, it is usually something we laugh about more than anything. But to be honest, it has not come up that much until this Wright issue arose.

Am I proud of my culture and the strides my race has made over all odds? Yes I am. Do I hate racism? Yes I do, from whoever practices it, White, Black, Red, or Yellow.

Do I believe that there are a lot of White racist still in our country? Yes there are. That can be attested by the fact that internet hate sites are second only to porn. Someone subscribes to the hate.

Are Blacks racist? Hell yes! Sometimes to extremes. On both sides it's a basic lack of trust. The only difference I notice is the fact that some Whites do think themselves superior, and that is the reason for their hate, which breeds hate from others. I wish it would all go away, but..........

And yes, I feel as though I am a representative of my race. I represent by being the best man I can. Being hardworking, law-abiding, intelligent, well-mannered, caring, funny, compassionate and patriotic.

Do I love my country? Enough to die for it at this very moment if need be. Do I question the government and their agendas? You're damn straight I do. That's what makes me an American. Do I agree with all that my government does? Hell No! Am I suspicious of some of their motives? Another affirmative.

I believe that a person is only the sum total of their experiences. The reason that so many people are in therapy is the fact that there is a lot of crap to work through in most our lives. It is not so much a matter of working through it as it is coming to terms with it.

I will Observe, Assimilate, and Overcome. Therefore I survive. May we all come together for a common goal of good for our country and its people.