PAN-RACIAL Economic Justice should be Democratic message

[Armstead]

The current racial pressures that have come out in this primary are a distraction. And it also brings home the message of the book What's the Matter With Kansas.

To put it in blunt terms, there is a large contingent of voters -- including some Democrats, Independents and Republicans -- who don't see the forest for the trees because they are so myopic in their knee-jerk racism.

So they would never vote for someone like Obama. The Wright crap just gives them an excuse. Obama is a moderate, non-threatening African American politician. But his personal association with Wright allows the bigots and scardey cats to indulge their fear of hordes of Black Boogie Men taking over the country if you let one of "them" in the door of true leadership.

Meanwhile, the rich white men who DO run this country are robbing whites, blacks, Latinos and everyone else outside of the Corporate Elite.

To paraphrase Carville -- "It's not racism. It's classism, stupid."

IMO, the Democratic Party should not pander to overt or underlying bigotry or racial fears. Instead, we have to take a clear stand AGAINST RACISM and FOR ECONOMIC JUSTICE. Hammer home that the economic issues faced by middle and lower class whites are the same as facing middle and lower class blacks, Latinos asians and all ethnic groups.

This should also transcend individual candidates. Hillary and Obama should do a joint appearance and do whatever is necessary to take racism and sexism out of the race. They -- and all democratic leaders -- should undertake a concerted campaign to pound home the message that the core issues are common to all races.

[nealmhughes]

1. John Edwards and Dennis Kucinich tried. The media ridiculed them and the corporate

sponsors of our elections nixed them. Everyone in the US has a stock portfolio and is worried about the equity in their 4 BR 5 bath homes at Whispering Pines on the Pretense. Race and class are nonexistent here in the USA. The two are not linked at all! This is the best possible country in the best possible of all continents. Look! Hillary Duff is showing her snatch! Wait, Brittany Spears has broken out of rehab! Look! Hillary Clinton may have a fake laugh, but Old Bamy's preacher is a loudmouth! Wait! Pappy McCain had a crazier preacher!