An Elderly Black Woman on Voting For Obama...

[liberalpragmatist]

Read this:

Early voting in Evansville

Here's an early voting story from a medical student in Evansville, Ind.:

I squeaked in just before the 7pm deadline to find two very frustrated poll workers and a line of a couple dozen people, due to problems with the computerized voting system not accepting people's driver's licenses. It was taking about 7-10 minutes per person just to get the computer to accept them as valid and to print out their ballot, causing very long delays.

For me the most moving moment came when the family in front of me, comprising probably 4 generations of voters (including an 18 year old girl voting for her first time and a 90-something hunched-over grandmother), got their turn to vote. When the old woman left the voting booth she made it about halfway to the door before collapsing in a nearby chair, where she began weeping uncontrollably. When we rushed over to help we realized that she wasn't in trouble at all but she had not truly believed, until she left the booth, that she would ever live long enough to cast a vote for an African-American for president. Anyone who doesn't think that African-American turnout will absolutely SHATTER every existing record is in for a very rude surprise.

There were about 20 people in front of me but remarkably not a single person left the room without voting over the 2 hours it took to get through the line.

[Roland99]

1. Proud to be the first to K&R

[Kukesa]

3. And the second K&R! n/t

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. That is a wonderful story...

Thank you for sharing it!

K&R

:patriot:

[progressivebydesign]

4. Beautiful! k&R

[stuntcat]

5. I hope there'll be lots more people like her!

Heck I bet I'll cry that day too, but just because I'm so wound up.

I'd love to see those kind of voters on the night he wins!!!

[liberalpragmatist]

6. Kicking this - nt

:kick:

[asjr]

7. Thank you for bringing that to us. I could

picture it in my mind and had to cry also.

[Blondiegrrl]

8. Thank you for sharing that. I got a lump in my throat.

It's amazing, to see history unfolding right in front of us. :applause:

[yellerpup]

9. I always wondered why I was born to live in this time.

I believe I know why, now. There will never be another election like this one. Not in this country. Not in this lifetime.

[Tesha]

95. No, never another one like this because there'll never be another "First black President" ;-)

And we all made it happen!

Tesha

[yellerpup]

125. I was so overcome to cast my vote for Obama/Biden yesterday.

So happy I wanted to cry. :hug: Yes, we made it happen. We ARE the ones we have been waiting for. Us, that That One! :toast:

[Tesha]

96. No, never another one like this because there'll never be another "First black President" ;-)

And we all made it happen!

Tesha

[BearSquirrel2]

103. That's not politically correct ...

You meant "Halfrican American" ...

For better or worse, Obama is multicultural and this is what lends him mainstream acceptance. The question is whether this will result in greater cultural acceptance or whether Obama will provide a role model for adoption of white culture in black communities.

[Not the Only One]

10. It is nice, however

If all of those black people you say will vote 11/4 had voted in 2000, imagine what a better reality we'd live in today. Better late than never, I suppose.

[Cha]

17. OH

please.

[NOLALady]

21. Look at it like this,

If more non Blacks had voted for the Democratic nominee in 2000, we'd have a different reality. Blacks are 12% of the population. They did their part, even though many were disenfranchised.

[WhollyHeretic]

27. That is some ludicrous stretching you're doing there

In 2000 about 12% of the population was black. About 10% of the vote was black. You have to consider in that number that blacks are many times more likely to be disenfranchised by Republican tactics. Rethugs have been targeting them for decades. So essentially you have them voting in relation to the rest of the population and they voted 90% for Gore. So you trying to blame the black electorate for 2000 is disingenuous at best...

If New Hampshire had voted with the rest of New England then Florida wouldn't have mattered.

[antimatter98]

88. spoken like the racist you are my friend. :) n/t

[redqueen]

111. The ones who weren't purged, you mean.

:eyes:

[WolverineDG]

115. Can it

Not only did they vote in 2000, the blacks in the Congress were the ONLY ONES who tried again & again to challenge the election. So STFU.

dg

[yellerpup]

127. "Those black people"

were purged from voting rolls, those people were lied to about where to vote and intimidated to prevent them from voting. Those people couldn't get to the polls because roadblocks were up in their way. I'd bet you that proportionally, they voted in bigger numbers than "those other people".

[RTFirefly]

11. That made me tear up a little.

Manly tears.

[stillcool]

19. gosh it's happening to me...

a lot lately. Who knew hope could be so damn emotional?

[lolamio]

12. K & R - Beautiful story. n/t

[political_Dem]

13. Bless that Lady's heart.

As a Black person, I feel the same way. This is an important moment in which change is truly coming. When I heard Mr. Obama's acceptance speech, for example, I dwelled upon all the suffering Black folks experienced to get up to this point. It always seems that when we get there, there is always someone or something to knock us back down.

The fear in the back of my mind always goes back to Rosewood, FL. It was a prosperous Black-owned, self-sufficient city until racist people burned it down to the ground.

I hope that this election will not be another Rosewood.

[kestrel91316]

108. No Rosewood this time.........

This time, a hell of a lot of us white folks have GOT YOUR BACK.

Obama is going to win this, and if we all do our civic duty, it will be a HUGE landslide.

[trueblue2007]

14. what a wonderful story

[Top Cat]

15. I'm voting in Georgia on Monday.... It will be a bittersweet moment

[QueenOfCalifornia]

16. I am officially

weeping. Keith O is on making fun of McCain and he had me laughing and this post had me cryin'

Thanks - it is a good kind of crying. :)

[flamingdem]

18. Thanks

Excellent story and sign of what is to come over the next two weeks.

[d_b]

20. rec

[Roland99]

22. Another kick!

[Essene]

23. the daily cute black voter story... sigh

pardon my cynicism but... i personally dont want the obama presidency to be reduced to him being black.

while im thrilled about him becoming the first black president, and while im very appreciative of the importance for black people... i grow weary of the emphasis on this aspect.

[skooooo]

26. Geeze, yes, all the old black people should just shut up I guess.

:eyes:

If you don't like these stories, then don't read them. ANd keep you stupid comments to yourself.

[Essene]

43. That's far from my point, insults aside

We dont know each others' backgrounds on DU.

I am saying i am uncomfortable with the constant "aww, look at the cute black people" stuff on DU. Yes, that's PRECISELY how i view it... even if that's not how it is intended.

I do not like the emphasis on Obama's race in the media or even on a democratic forum.

You can flame me all you want, call these comments "stupid" but they are sincere.

[fudge stripe cookays]

86. At it again?

Very soon, you're going to out yourself so completely, there will be no doubt as to what you really are.

If it walks like a duck, ya'll...
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=7576791&mesg_id=7576791

So you know where it started....NOT an Obama supporter. Appears to still not be.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=4193768&mesg_id=4196008

Ignore racism? Riiiiiiight.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x7379774

[Zuiderelle]

101. Oh HELL! That second link is PRICELESS!!

So, let me get this straight, in January, she goes on and on and on about how Clinton is race-baiting and how everyone should be concerned, but then two weeks ago she tells everyone to IGNORE THE RACE-BAITING now.

:rofl:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x7379774


:rofl:

:rofl:

:rofl:

[Essene]

120. indeed... i learned a lesson about race baiting in january and about DU... and you're proving it

im sure you think it's really funny... since you are SO sincere.

[Zuiderelle]

129. Oh, I'm very sincere. I find it humorous that you tell people to ignore things they aren't ignoring

and to pay attention to things they aren't paying attention to. I think you must like to just take the opposite side of whatever is going on.

Pssst.... the girl you lectured everyone to leave alone made up the story, in case you haven't heard.

Now we can all leave her alone to stew in her stupidity, and hopefully get the mental health care she obviously needs.

[redqueen]

112. Heh

[skooooo]

113. How dare you!! Don't you know Essene lives in Harlem!!!!!

:eyes:

[Essene]

121. i see it's the same mentality now... and when obama is elected

im going to make a nice long post about DU... the arrogance... the hostility...

the hypocrisy.

[Essene]

118. it's ironic how you cite my gettign flamed on DU for mentioning the clinton race baiting

some of you just prove my point.

1. i didnt like the initial wave of HATRED shown towards this woman in pittsburgh, even tho i 99% believed she was lying

2. i stand by my comments about the primaries... and it's ironic that all you can take from this is my statement that i wasnt in the obama camp at that time.

3. i never said to ignore racism and just like the above to points... you're showing your own true colors here.

[Essene]

124. ps... there were a few other threads from january about race baiting you may want to "research"

in your heteful desire to get personal.

please feel free to dig deeper on that issue... cuz it's not like im trying to bring attention to THE HYPOCRISY on DU.

the ARROGANCE.

the comfort and sense of entitlement...

[fudge stripe cookays]

131. If you hate the arrogance so much,

then why don't you get the fuck out of here. You haven't been here long at all, but pretty much everything you post is either trolling or assholish.

You're making enemies faster than you can insult or belittle us all. Anyone posting anything negative about black people is a racist. Anyone posting anything postive is being patronizing.

You bet I'm "heteful" when I'm dealing with someone like yourself that just comes here to stir up trouble.

[Ikonoklast]

87. Will you be gone after the election?

Your bullshit isn't working.

[WhollyHeretic]

29. "cute"?

:eyes:

[wndycty]

30. I understand but as a Black man who just buried his grandmother and enjoys his parents excitement

Stories like this touch me and I love hearing them.

I'm not going to hold back my excitement about this historic occasion and its importance to my relatives and ancestors.

[skooooo]

31. You don't have to justify anything to that person...

That was just a hateful comment. Ignore it.

[Essene]

46. "that person" is black, lives in harlem... and his point went over your head

sorry.

i refuse to see obama reduced to "a black thing" by either well intended democrats... or by the drudge-report types.

perhaps im being harsh, but i do assume 99.9999% of DU is white.

[skooooo]

59. It seemed to ..

...have rubbed a number of people the wrong way - regardless their color, or location.

My point is, if you don't like something, don't comment on it. No one is going to stop posting these stories just because a few people don't like reading them.

[Essene]

it was meant to rub people "the wrong way" - as a harsh joke

not to stop people from posting stories about the historical significance.

and yes, i respect that may be a little confusing. :)

[Patiod]

62. I'm not sure you get it, but your'e not being hateful

When Nancy Pelosi was elevated to Speaker of the House, I cried. Nancy isn't there because she's a woman - but I still cried to think we finally made it that far - when there are probably old women alive who remember the existence of "suffragettes".

I was in the first generation of girls that had the benefit of Title IX - before then, we were treated as 2nd class citizens when we wanted to use school athletic facilities (the boy's track coach hated the idea of women athletes back then, although I'm pleased to hear that having a jock daughter has turned him around 180 degrees, but that's off the subject)

Women my age still remember facing a lot of discrimination in the job market - one of the reasons I almost voted for Hillary in the primary.

So if it were Hillary in the same place, and middle-aged or elderly women were crying, I'd LOVE to hear the stories.

That wouldn't make it about Hillary being a WOMAN candidate - during the arduous primary I think she proved to EVERYONE that she's a great candidate, not a great WOMAN candidate - but I'd still shed a little tear for how far we girls have come.

[Essene]

64. i understand that point... please understand mine.

[UncleTomsEvilBrother]

98. I'm a Black man....,

and I certainly don't consider it a "reduction" when people refer to me that way.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

132. Yeah.

[Essene]

42. i understand ... but my point is more about DU than the historical significance

(first of all, my heart to you about your loss)

I AM VERY EXCITED about this historic moment.

My comment is really more about DU, and notice the pretentious insults directed my way for simple expressing how i dislike the election being made into a black thing. I'll be blunt.

Every day on DU there are "cute" threads about "cute" black people supporting "cute" obama because he's black.

I'm not feeling it...

We do not know what folks' backgrounds are on a forum like this, which adds to my discomfort in seeing the constant celebration of Obama's noble blackness.

My feeling is this emphasis on race is precisely the kind of politic and representation of black politics that have kept blacks form rising up as obama has...

[Chulanowa]

61. Then stop emphasizing it

This is a story about the woman living long enough to see the day when she could vote for a black presidential candidate. It's not "cute" - hell, it's not even really about Senator Obama. It's about a woman who's made it long enough to see a day she never thought she would.

Basically you're calling everyone here a racist, at least of the paternalistic sort, with your claims that people are going "D'awwww, lookit the cute widdle black people!" - Put a cork in it. People here are thrilled, just as this woman is, just as you are, to see this event in motion.

[Essene]

75. It was a harsh joke. I stand by it.

It makes some people uncomfortable. Others see it for what it is and understand the humor.

I won't put a cork in it.

And i assure you i am not done making DU uncomfortable on matters of race... :)

If it makes people more clearly focus on what's valuable in our lives, in our times... then so be it. If it makes people more reflective in how they talk about and think about black people... then so be it.

[Chulanowa]

83. I'm not feeling uncomfortable

Simply pointing out that, as they say, "The smeller's the feller" - you're the one making this about race, and then trying to set fire to your own straw man. Why, I haven't the faintest, some people just like to do that.

If you're annoyed by stories like this, prepare yourself for eight years of a living hell, 'cause the media's going to be in an absolute daze for as long as he holds office. Like Blinkin from Men in Tights; "He's black?!"

Myself, I'm just happy that this woman's made it from the days of "we don't call it slavery..." to the days of "We call him 'Mr. President'" In fact I find it kind of hard to imagine - Maybe when I'm an octogenarian, we'll have an indian in the running and I can relate better?

[kestrel91316]

109. So, I'm confused. Do we whites have your permission to feel happy about

the prospect of Obama becoming the first black president, or are we supposed to say "So what. Get over yourselves, people."?

[Tesha]

99. I'm as white as the New Hampshire snow, but this story still touched me deeply enough to..

bring tears to my eyes. I am so hopeful that America is
on the threshold of a vast change that I can hardly type
about it!

Everyone, keep posting these stories, please!

Tesha

[Essene]

122. good... and i hope my harsh joke doesnt ruin that =D

seriously.

[Tesha]

130. I've been ignoring your off-key attempts to tell us anything. (NT)

[BelleCarolinaPeridot]

39. I don't give a care what you say...

but let me have my moment of joy when someone who is not 100% white is closer to become president than any other candidate that was not 100% white. This is just how we feel. OK? For generations we were told that there would NEVER be a black or bi-racial candidate. And its here and we see it, we are breathing it. So damn you we are going to have our moments of joy.

I am damn proud that my 75 year old grandmother is here to see this. OKAY! Thanks.

[Essene]

49. it's a great story...

my comments were really about this forum, not obama's getting elected.

and i apologize for how harsh my real feelings are on this matter... but i reserve cynicism about both race politics in america as well as about DU forums.

if i want to cheer about the black experience, ill frankly hop over to a different forum.

[skooooo]

60. Different forums.

We don't have in our head what you think is appropriate for that forum or this forum.

:shrug:

Sorry!

[political_Dem]

72. Thank you, CarolinaPeridot.

I think about my 96-year-old grandmother. She, along with my other relatives, endured a lot and fought for this day to come.

I will regard this time as one of historical significance. I will not let anyone ruin this moment for me.

[Essene]

74. good

and the joke wasnt meant to ruin it for you.

it wasn meant to make folks on DU a little less comfortable in how they talk about black people and obama.

[political_Dem]

77. Please don't patronize me.

Your initial comments were insulting and very mean-spirited. They were even more terrible than your regular threads telling other people how to express themselves on the board.

With that being said, I would appreciate you leaving me out of this. Thank you.

[Essene]

79. how exactly is supporting your comments "patronizing"?

i said "good" and added that the joke wasnt meant to ruin the historical moment for you or others who are sincere.

your response is to go rambo on me, then say to "leave you out of it"? sorry you feel that way. so be it.

sigh.

i made a harsh joke. it was meant to make people reflect and be uncomfortable in how they talk about black people.

i clearly said i respect the historical moment we are in... but the joke wasn't directed at the OP as much as DU in general.

[kestrel91316]

114. If we can't satisfy you with how we express ourselves about blacks,

maybe we should just IGNORE ALL OF YOU: treat you like you don't exist, act like we don't give a damn about black issues, act like we don't give a damn about black people.

I get the funny feeling you wouldn't be satisfied with that, either.

I'm voting for Obama because he's a Democrat, and because he's far and away the best candidate. The fact that he is also black is icing on the cake. It may come as a shock to you that a lot of whites revere MLK's "I Have a Dream" speech just like blacks do, and want just much as you to see people of all colors judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin.

We are aware of past wrongs and want to see them righted, and want blacks and other racial minorities to experience full membership in society in fact and not just theory. But you go ahead and be nasty to us if it makes you feel better.

[Essene]

126. yes yes... go ahead and hate me because i made a joke

ignore me.

go ahead.

dont even stop for a moment to reflect on my expressed feelings... and why i made the joke.

[undeterred]

40. Probably better if you keep that sentiment to yourself.

No offense intended.

[Essene]

45. no offense taken... and nor will i bite my tongue...

i didnt bite my tongue when i spoke out in january when the clinton camp race baited and got massively flamed by DU.

this forum is anonymous and thus it's quite easy to assume the wrong thing about peoples' backgrounds, intonation, and even intentions.

i personally reject folks making this election about race.

that goes for both the drudgereport types as well as white liberals on the internet who enjoy discussing how beautiful naked statues of michele obama are... or even sincerely being moved by the historical weight of this election.

when elected, im going to be very happy about this historic moment... and fully appreciative of what this represents in terms of civil rights and identity politics in america. heck, i might even dance in the streets of harlem but it wont make me any less concerned about reducing obama or his election as president... to race.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

48. Were not making it about race.

We're pointing out the fact that an African-American may very well be the next president, coupled with the fact that many (particularly older) African-Americans can view this success through the prism of their own struggles to discover how far we've (the country) come.

If you actually thought that race (positively and negatively) would not be brought up when discussing Obama's success, you must live in a cave.

And since you brought up DU's demographics, this site is majority white, but pointing out Obama's success and what it means for African-Americans won't offend anyone here -- and if it did, they're on the wrong site.

[Essene]

51. i apologize for my cynicism, but..

i got flamed here for a long long time and DIDNT COME BACK FOR MONTHS... because this forum was so damn insensitive about how the clinton camp race baited in january.

i cannot... state that... strongly enough... and admit it has EVERYTHING to do with my responses on the issue.

similarly, obama has gotten this far by NOT being reduced to a "black thing" and letting this election become about a "black president." i am not minimizing the historic significance of this election and nor am i saying we shouldnt ALL take pride in how far america has come.


yes, i was harsh... but i mean it very sincerely.

i perceive DU to be close to 100% white and thus when i see people getting all teary eyed and good about naked statues of michele obama, about photos of black voters, about stories of black voters, etc... it troubles me.

and i am not afraid to express that concern in a way that makes some people uncomfortable.

and if folks want to twist what im saying into something else, so be it.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

53. Wrong on so many levels.

For one, many DUers thought the Michelle statue was tacky at best.

Two, nobody is REDUCING Obama to just his race.

We're simply pointing out the overall significance of his possible election, and yes, his race will naturally come up as part of it, particularly for older AA voters who never thought it would be possible.

You may think you're being edgy with your faux-realness, but in the end, YOU are the one reducing everything to "blackness."

[Essene]

55. i stand by my feeling on this... and what ive said

feel free to now insult me some more, mr "starbucks anarchist."

day after day... the same forum that flamed those of us who spoke out about clinton's race baiting... is down-right giddy about all the cute black voters and this "historical moment."

sorry... but i reserve my right to express some cynicism.

im not trying to "be edgy."

im harshly just not going to let DU off the hook... (and the insults kinda indicate why)




and if DU was so insulted by the statue thread... they'd have let it die.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

56. YOU are the one calling it "cute."

No other DUer has used that word.

I don't know why you're so upset about the obvious historical significance, but if it offends you so much, you should stay out of any threads where it's spoken of.

[Essene]

68. "upset about the obvious historical significance"??

im not "upset about the obvious historical significance" and im not going to stay out of any threads where it is spoken of.

i will... perhaps make an uncomfortable comment about how we talk about black folks, from time to time.

for those who are genuinely baffled by this sarcasm and who genuinely are simply moved by the raw humanity and progression of civil rights in america... im happy.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

71. "How we talk about black folks"?

You pull the "99% of DU is white" crap from thin air, then you claim no DUers thought the Michelle statue was tacky, when evidence proved otherwise.

Now you praise those who are moved by the progression of civil rights, yet in other threads, you downplay racism against Obama because it reduces the election to race, and race alone.

Of course, the irony is that racism itself deals with reducing people to their racial makeup.

[Essene]

73. you sure beat up that strawman really well

Where did i claim that no DUrs had a problem with the Michelle statue? Funny, i dont remember that. Seems like if DU was so opposed to the statue and so interested in letting the issue go... those threads wouldnt have lasted for DAYS.

And you're really getting confused if you think there's a contradiction between me appreciating those who simply are moved by the progression of civil rights... and my repeated calls not to reduce the election to RACE, or to get caught up in race baiting.

You speak of ironies... yet dare claim that i "downplay racism." Indeed, this is exactly the kind of nonsense that leads me to my harsh humor on DU.

A black guy posts on DU... saying to avoid getting caught in race baiting... and gets flamed, is told he doesnt appreciate racism, and is then represented as "downplaying racism," "ignoring racism," etc...but what's likely a bunch of white college students who mostly never considered what race baiting even means.

Feel free to keep distorting what im saying... :(

[Starbucks Anarchist]

82. Haha, strawman?

Where did i claim that no DUrs had a problem with the Michelle statue? Funny, i dont remember that.

Right here: (Post #51)

i perceive DU to be close to 100% white and thus when i see people getting all teary eyed and good about naked statues of michele obama about photos of black voters, about stories of black voters, etc... it troubles me.

I don't see any implication that not all DUers liked the statue.

And you're really getting confused if you think there's a contradiction between me appreciating those who simply are moved y the progression of civil rights... and my repeated calls not to reduce the election to RACE, or to get caught up in race baiting

*Every time* a racist comment, photo, etc. from the Republican side is posted about, you immediately shoot it down as "race baiting," yet you praise the civil-rights progression while ignoring racism, the very reason that the Civil Rights movement happened in the first place.

A black guy posts on DU... saying to avoid getting caught in race baiting... and gets flamed, is told he doesnt appreciate racism, and is then represented as "downplaying racism," "ignoring racism," etc...but what's likely a bunch of white college students who mostly never considered what race baiting even means.

First of all, how do I know you're black? You erroneously claimed DU was close to "100% white" (see above), so you could very well be lying about your own demographic.

Oh, and I'm not white -- not even close. I've also been out of college for some time.

You speak of ironies... yet dare claim that i "downplay racism." Indeed, this is exactly the kind of nonsense that leads me to my harsh humor on DU.

Humor? When have you ever displayed that? Or is your avoidance of any and all discussions of race your own kind of "humor"?

[WhollyHeretic]

57. "im harshly just not going to let DU off the hook" umm...yeah

DU is not a monolith. Why are you here if you hate this place so much?

Also, your assertion that DU is 99.99% white is absurd.

[Essene]

63. i support obama. this community has a lot of great aspects to it

and i dont "hate it so much" but i find your twisting my words fairly... predictable.

[WhollyHeretic]

67. Twisting? I don't think so. Maybe it was more dislike than hatred

you've displayed in this thread. That and uncalled for hostility. Also pulling numbers about DUs demographics out of your ass.

[Essene]

70. listen... it was a joke and harsh commentary about a dynamic on DU

You can distort what im saying, attack me, etc... it doesnt matter.

It was CALLED FOR, in my view, albeit it would have been more appropriate on a different "daily cute black voter thread."

I'm not dissing the historical significance of this election. I'm dissing what i see as a pattern on DU, one that i feel perfectly comfortable making occasional sarcastic and harsh comments about. It's not even an attack on the OP, per se.

I love DU, although i was so furious with the DU community in january/february that i took many months off and didnt come back until august or so. If i truly hated DU or disliked DU i wouldnt even bother cracking such a joke or explaining it.

And if you think this is bad... wait until Obama wins this election and I revisit the ugly race baiting and ugly behavior on DU back in January.

:)

[WhollyHeretic]

85. "distort what im saying, attack me" Yeah...cause everyone else in this thread

was so happy with you shitting on it. Just look at the reactions. oh wait... :think:

Did you ever stop to think it might be you since you are getting the same reaction from everyone? hmmm? maybe?

Have fun with your crusade telling people what they think. :eyes:

[Ikonoklast]

89. ORLY?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=4196008

Seems you can only see things in 'black and white'.

[Shakespeare]

44. It's not "cute," and it humbles the shit out of me.

There has not been THAT much emphasis on the historical nature of this lately, and I don't care if the topic gets worn completely out.

I'm exhausted by cynicism, my own included, and this account brings me to tears. It's good for the soul to toss cynicism aside once in awhile.

[Essene]

78. good for you... in all sincerity

I'm not ready for tears, yet.

Maybe on the 4th when im partying with my friends here in harlem and call my dad to reflect on Obama's victory.

I'll celebrate, but the next day... it's back to being Concerned. :)

[ecstatic]

66. whoa... ok... I thought DU was a safe place to share these types of stories

:eyes:

[BlooInBloo]

123. It is. Ignore the fucktard.

[Geek_Girl]

81. Huh? Cute?

wtf? Many older African Americans have over come a great deal of adversity to see this day. Many weren't even able to vote especially were I live in the South.

For Christ sake maybe just a 100 miles away from my home they still have a hanging tree (that many racist ass wipes are proud of) were people were hung and killed.

Just 5 years ago I took a road trip to Lynchburg TN and driving around in the country I saw a dummie hanging from a tree in effigy with a sign saying "Niggers aren't welcome"

These stories aren't cute they're uplifting and give those of use who still are surrounded by this bullshit inspiration and hope!

[ExPatLeftist]

91. I think there are plenty of threads dealing with the issues.

As far as I see it, the threads here about race are an extreme minority - so how can you say that DU is making it about race?

There are hundreds of threads started daily - and very few deal with race. This election is being run on the issues - and the vast majority of commentary here at DU seems to be on the issues. Of course, racially this is a historic election, so that will be discussed as well - but I just cannot see how you think that DU in general is making this election "about" race.

[Zuiderelle]

100. What the FUCK is wrong with you?

You, yet again, miss the entire point. This isn't about reducing Obama, it's about elevating HER.

You should try to keep your negativity to yourself.

Edit to add... now that I've read your comments above... You don't get to be the black voice of DU, and you don't get to dictate to non-black DUers what is acceptable, and you don't get to demand that we don't cheer the joy of a black woman who is at the end of her life who is finally seeing a dream realized, simply because you are black.

[fascisthunter]

106. The Fact That This Story Would Get Under Your Skin the Way It Did

tells me lot's about you. just say good bye to DU... thanks.

[redqueen]

107. You grow weary, do you?

Well la di motherfuckin da.

Don't read it, then.

[BlooInBloo]

119. You're sad and pathetic.

[skooooo]

24. I'm from Evansville!

:hi:

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

25. Story gave me chills.

Thank you for posting this.

[No Elephants]

28. "I may not get there with you...."

[bushisanidiot]

54. that gave me chills..

thanks for reminding me.

[SeaLyons]

32. K&R

beautiful story. :cry:

[tilsammans]

33. I'll be crying happy tears too . .

. . . along with a little sadness that it took so long for this to happen.

:hug:

[barack the house]

34. These stories really get me. That's very beautiful, we're on the move... K&R.

[LynneSin]

35. OMG I'm crying

I never thought I would see it in my lifetime but I can't imagine the overwhelming emotions this woman was feeling.

[mzmolly]

36. This story

brings tears to my eyes every time I read it.

K and R.

[grantcart]

37. I've never been so proud of my country

[TheCoxwain]

38. Kick and Rec. I am happy for those who have lived through some of the darkest

chapters in our history ...

[undeterred]

41. I heard this story on the radio recently-

A white couple adopted a black boy. The father said he used to put his infant son to bed and rub his back and tell him 'you can be anything you want' but silently think except president, because of the way our culture is. Now that Obama has come along and his son is school age he can look at his son and say 'you can be anything you want to be, even president'.

[ThatsMyBarack]

47. That sweet lady's vote....

....had BETTER count!!! :patriot:

Edited to add: The stories about senior citizens voting for Obama are THE BEST!!! :loveya:

[bushisanidiot]

50. Excellent story. :)

and how dare repukes accuse blacks of being racists for voting for Barack because he is black.
they have no idea what they are saying. they will never know or appreciate the historical meaning behind Barack's nomination.. because THEY are racists.

[TexasLady]

52. My grandmother would get misty eyed every time she would

recount her first vote, for FDR. Her family was on the brink of starvation, and I cried reading this story, thinking of her, rest her soul.

[sonias]

58. Tears in my eyes

That one went straight to my heart. Bless her soul. I am so happy she did live to see the day. Now she has to make it to November 4th and beyond to see him take office.
:cry: for joy and empathy with the woman from Evansville, Ind.

Yes we can

Sonia

[DerekJ]

65. K&R

[proud patriot]

69. Awesome story

:)

[GigiMommy]

76. My 101 yr old Grandmother passed away in August...

Her sister, 99 1/2 years old passed away last week. They KNEW about Obama but sadly they didn't live long enough to see him elected. Their "little" brother, 83 years old, IS planning to vote for Obama. I will vote for Obama and think of them and ALL that they went through from Georgia to Michigan.

[Essene]

80. here's what i think DU should do...

collect stories like this, somehow, into one place and share it with the obamas.

im talking real stories of older americans who are either black or have direct experience with the civil rights movement and/or segregation.... with an emphasis on the voting experience, after the fact.

[Born_A_Truman]

84. I really enjoyed the story until you hijacked the thread

I thought you didn't like "cute" stories, now you want to collect them for the Obamas?

[Essene]

97. i like the real stories... my sarcasm was directed more at DU than the stories

my joke was a fairly harsh poke at how i perceive some of the talk on DU about them.

:shrug:

i dont expect a lot of people to get where im coming from on that... or to thus understand why i also think it would be a valid thing to gather such real stories AFTER the election.

i personally decided i will take a video camera to my harlem polling spot and talk with some documentary friends about this, too.

[Just-plain-Kathy]

90. Error: you can only recommend threads which were started in the past 24 hours

Wow, what a touching story.

[spelldmilk]

92. Thanks Alot! I'm crying in my coffee…Again.

We must win this. I am Literally dragging people to GOTV trainings. I'm in Berks Co in PA, we have really good voter turn out, and people are working their butts off for the Obama campaign, and for our local candidates. We must win this.

[IndianaJohn]

93. I voted for Obama on Tuesday in Evansville!

Wonderful story! I'm a white male and felt proud to be voting for not only the first African-American President but for one who I feel will be a capable and caring leader.

[MonteLukast]

94. Beautiful!

I'm glad she got to live to do this. :loveya:

[BearSquirrel2]

102. KEYWORD ... STUDENT ...

The keyword here is student. That's a key Democratic demographic. So if they can hobble these machines, they can lower liberal leaning voting.

BTW, this is a very flawed process. Indiana voting law allows for using passports instead of driver's licenses. So the time some asshat businessman showed up with a Florida driver's license ... I had to allow him to vote because he had a passport. And of course we all know there is NO way he voted in the Florida primary. And of course, there is no way that tens of thousands of people nationwide are exploiting this loophole to vote in one or more states.

But then again, it takes money to travel so that's not a problem.

[BanzaiBonnie]

104. I am so happy for that woman and all

of us that we have the chance to vote for Barack Obama.

[pberq]

105. Kick & Nominated

[Gman]

110. Wow.

That shows the depth of this election. It's not just an election. It is a transformation this country is going through.

Thank God.

[Tesibria]

116. oh my ...

I really have to stop reading these ... i keep .. uhm .. breaking into tears reading these stories.

It - the significance of this "moment" - becomes more real every day.

As FYI, there's a similarly beautiful story at http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=7581999&mesg_id=7581999 - I'm going there now to cross-post to this one.

[Boo Boo]

117. 2 hours for a line of 20 people?

That's just sad. These voting machines are worthless pieces of shit.

:grr:

[truedelphi]

128. I keep hearing from the RW talking heads how people will stay home beause

Who in the world would vote for a black guy!!

Well, how about every black person out there.

For myself, I may well collapse in tears as well. To think that the four young college men who were killed in the South for this day, the innocent babies blown up in the Baptist church because of a bomb ignited by racial hatred, the lynchings, the slavery, the oppression, and now we get to have the flip side of that.

Go Obama.