Obama..........My personal reasons why........

[Tinksrival]

Hi DU,

I don't usually post but thanks to mntsnake post:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=5361029&mesg_id=5361029
I decided to peck out a post (I'm no typist!)
I came into this election cycle a major Clarkie. General Clark's testimony to congress in the run up to the Iraq war inspired me to the draft Clark movement. I was disappointed he decided not to attempt a second run. I was left with no real connection to the committed candidates. So I just sat on the side lines for a while.

Being from the Chicago suburbs with all Republican relatives and in-laws I have spent over a decade defending President Clinton. I did it proudly with no regret.I have always referred to the Clinton-Gore Administration as the "salad days". My husband and I made our way in the nineties with our young family after the Regan years had forced my husband to join the military to find work. If it wasn't for those "salad days" we would not be where we are today. I wish my children had the same opportunity:( (G-DAMN George Bush). So I have a soft spot for the Clinton's and the Gore family. I was able to see the Clinton Library in '04 and left in tears at how much they accomplished and how much the current resident destroyed.(G-DAMN George Bush)

Well I had heard a bit about Obama being my State Senator and then my new Senator, loved the speech at the convention. Appreciated the speech before the war, but other than that I didn't know too much. I never payed to much attention to local politics coming from moving about as an Army wife. Then Wes Clark endorsed Hillary so I figured that's where I would concentrate my attention. I studied her positions and accomplishments and admire her for being so tough. I decided to commit to advocating for her as our nominee. This put me on the defensive 95% of the time. I felt it was really unfair. I would just mention her and people would immediately have a negative reaction. Republican and Democrat alike. "Why..what is your reason for feeling this way?" I would ask. The majority of the time there would be no substantial reason. Most of it had to do with Bill and the clenis if I was speaking to a Republican and Democrats and those in between really had no good reason for the negativity. I thought Hillary was getting a really bad rap for no reason. Frustrating....she didn't deserve it.

I am a huge fan of Senator Durbin. He really is the best. He is a true public servant. He has personally helped my husband and I in a battle with the military which had my husband career and freedom at stake (long crazy story). We had contacted all our elected officials and Senator Durbin was not only the only one to respond but personally saw through the whole matter till it was quickly resolved. So when Senator Durbin has something to say he has my attention. I listened to what he had to say about Senator Obama. I didn't realize Senator Durbin was instrumental in convincing Barak to run until I saw this:
http://video.aol.com/video-detail/sen-durbin-urges-barack-obama-to-run-for-white-house-on-website/890074908

Here was one of the most liberal politicians and a much loved political hero, how could I not listen. Then I was floored to hear that one of our most popular Republican State Senators, Kirk Dillard, was being raked over the right wing coals for endorsing Obama in the primaries and even appearing in spots for Obama in Iowa:
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2007/06/gop-senate-mino.html

Being so sick and tired of the blinding divisions in our country this peaked my interest. While still defending Hillary and trying to be true to my other hero, General Clark, I started to listen to the message of Barak Obama.

My family and in-laws are from the south side of Chicago. I was raised in a racially charged environment. My relatives migrated here from Norway and Sweden, in-laws are Eastern Europe and england by way of Kansas. Many settled in the Roseland community on the South Side. The civil rights movement found deepening divisions in Chicago and politicians answer to these divides made things worse. The expansion of Caprini Green and other "projects" on the south side cemented the anger and bitterness for generations. My relatives began the "white flight" south suburb migration as the housing towers went up, the business closed and the grass disappeared. The blame was misplaced. The loss of community was wrongly blamed on the black families forced into these concrete prisons that where anything but "green". Then to compound these issues for the next generation and cement the divisions and bad feelings between the communities, politicians decided to force desegregation by mandatory busing. There was no building understanding between the two worlds. Hearts and minds were not opened...just slammed shut. My relatives felt communities they built again, the brand new high school they just opened up would all be taken over again by poverty, crime and concrete. It was wrong to feel that way but that's all they knew, it happened before. That is why they are Republicans. Racism makes them republicans. No communication and no understanding makes them republicans. Fear makes them republicans.

I've given up on some and some I just pity. My mother-in-law sits in her south suburban kitchen and counts the increasing number of black people who walk by. Her husband just retired and with the fixed income refuses her requests to move from the house they have long paid off. The fear she holds onto is deep seeded from her parents who moved her from Roseland. The fear is not a result from the problem but one of the root causes.
And in the bigger picture of what our beloved country has become under republican rule is the fear and bigotry. This country can never prosper again until it heals. This country can never address the atrocities perpetrated by these republicans with any credibility until we address the fear and bigotry that divides us on our own soil. Whether it's race, gender or social or religious, until the people of the United States of America can stop seeing the world through this divided prism of bigotry, hate, and fear, we will destroy ourselves from within. I feel the next generation is ready. I am ready.
But how did it all go so wrong, so fast? Bush could not have done it alone. Dividing the country for them was easy because of the fear and bigotry had already been there and as bad as Bush has been for ALL of us, it has not been a cure for republican rule. People in this country will continue to vote against their best interest because of fear and bigotry. You can see it all around us. I feel as though the time is right to unite but we need that communication. We need a new message to pass on to the next generation. The current political climate must change.
I listened to Senator Clinton as she spoke of horrible policies of the Bush administration and the need for change. That is a message we democrats are way past waiting for. It feels like forever. I think she could help our image in the world community because of the regard for Bill Clinton. Though, I have to ask myself how long that would last if we don't address the issues of division and fear that keep the republicans in power.
The reality is the Clintons are divisive and polarizing and I am saddened by this because I don't believe it to be their fault. I defended her. I really feel the attacks on her (and Bill) in the past are disgusting. But it is what it is. Then her message changed and I knew it had to be. She was behind and had to attack on whatever weak points her campaign perceived. But the politics used to win were those of division and fear, the 3:00 am call, cozying up to McCain, "as far as I know" comment, ect..and in the desperation to be seen as experienced, the Bosnia embellishments. Well it was then I knew the inspiration I was looking for to unite us was not going to come from her.
Then Reverend Wright. What a true lesson that was for me. Senator Obama's speech addressed the very issue that I felt was one of the core issues facing this country. The fear and bigotry I grew up with. The reasons that reasonable people would act so unreasonable as to vote in fear against their best interest. Communication and leadership is what we crave. Inspiration to see things from both sides. I can understand where Reverend Wright is coming from but we have to move beyond. I can understand where my mother-in-law is coming from but we have to move beyond. Senator Obama said this so eloquently. I was inspired. Can my liberal Senator Dick Durbin and my Republican State Senator Kirk Dillard be right? Can a President Obama inspire us to move beyond the fear and bigotry and unite as a country again? How can I not be inspired to hope!

PS..
Be nice....:) I've been pecking for hours!

[VolcanoJen]

1. God, I love the smell of "clear and rational thought" in the evening.

Thank you, Tinks. Most excellent, thoughtful and inspirational post. :-)

"The Speech." I think there will come a day, not far off, when we'll realize that was the true turning point of this race to the nomination. Obama showed he could take the worst kind of right-wing divisive politics and turn it on its head. He showed conventional wisdom would be quite worthless, that this was an election year like no other.

It was an awe-inspiring moment, and a moment of hope and triumph for a nation bloodied, sickened and impoverished by divisive conventional politics. You wrote about it eloquently and I salute and thank you for it.

[Tinksrival]

5. The speech really is a different kind of politics.........

and I LIKE it!!!

[babylonsister]

2. I'm glad you pecked this out, Tinksrival.

I've also been inspired to hope. That goes against great odds, I know, but just maybe it is finally time to move beyond the bigotry and fear. I "HOPE" so!

[SharonRB]

3. Beautiful, beautiful post

So well thought out and reasoned. Thank you.

[40ozDonkey]

4. K & R, nicely done.

There's not much more to add to your post.

[NoBushSpokenHere]

6. Thank you for sharing and welcome to hope and change! nt

[GetTheRightVote]

7. Obama has made me step back as well, how could I not...

this man who seeks to be our President is certainly inspiring, I hear his speeches I image what it must have been like to hear JFK or MLK Jr. speak, not that he may compare but he is the closest I believe I will come to those men.

I wanted the left to take over and run out the right, now I only wish to see improvement in our economic situation as a nation who works together for common goals. I had not realized that a candidate would come along who would inspire me to change my own mind so completely. I will vote for him and only for him for this reason. From my point of view he did the unbelievable, I changed my determined mind of hatred to that of common goal seeking, amazing, just amazing, at least to me.

[NC_Nurse]

8. THIS is the kind of post that makes this forum worthwhile. K&R.

A diamond in the middle of the mud fight. Beautifully written, heartfelt and seeing the
election from both sides of the competition. You've done yourself proud. :thumbsup:

I also am daring to hope that Obama can help bridge the barriers that have cost us so much
in the past and bring us into a new kind of politics where integrity, respect and REALLY listening
to each other is most important. :hi:

[peace13]

9. Thanks for that. n/t

[elocs]

10. Glad to provide rec #7. Nicely said. Clinton supporters will never believe you ever backed her.

Touch typing: perhaps the most valuable class I ever took in high school.:bounce:

[Tinksrival]

11. Ha Ha!

Sure beats pecking!

Thanks

[not_too_L8]

12. k&r

[Name removed]

13. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[PA Democrat]

14. No, I think posts such as YOURS are the true poison.

[VolcanoJen]

16. So Obama is anti-American and anti-white.

Go crap on someone else's thread. "This man is poison for this country"?

You sound like one of my coworkers from Upper Wingnuttia.

[Tinksrival]

17. wow

My mother-in-law has an empty chair at her kitchen table for you.

[Voice for Peace]

22. LOL Bellas.. you are hilarious tonight.

[Hepburn]

35. Wow....so much ugliness and hatred all in one post.

Get well soon, OK?

[Starbucks Anarchist]

38. I'm sure his black half hates his white half.

:eyes:

[aasleka]

72. you made beer come out of my nose 8(

[mkultra]

51. it seems that your fears of a black planet

Have lead you to project racism onto BO. Your lack of grasp of the totality of facts is amazingly deep and your ability to be objective is almost not existent. Your subjectivity really belongs in a place that does not favor debate but rather exists to support your skewed principles and sooth your hurt feelings from your brushes with reality. I can only suggest that perhaps you should partake in some mind altering substances. Normally, i wouldn't suggest this, but it is clear from your viewpoint that something, whether it be genetics or abuse, has lead you to a twisted place mentally. Your best best is to throw the chemical dice until you get a seven or until you hit craps. This may sound like a risky proposition only because it is. If any aspect of your mentality has hinted at the possibility of your insanity, grab onto that handle and hold on for dear life. If not, your only option is to stow your thoughts into the dungeons of intellect such as Free Republic, where you can simulate a sense of normalcy.



Thanks and good luck.

[stillcool]

54. Condemnation prior to Investigation...

[ginnyinWI]

61. I really, really hate being told to "wake up", esp. in all caps

Do you think we haven't thought all of this through already? Obama is still the best choice.

Ok, then, I won't vote for Rev. Wright for president. And I won't vote for Obama's mom either, may she rest in peace.

I wonder, do you have anybody in your family that you'd be embarrassed to introduce to DU? Anyone who has ever said anything racist, sexist, or anti-Democratic? If I would be judged by what my mom and dad say about Democrats or minorities, I'd be banned from DU forever!

[mhoran]

65. "Anti-American and Anti-Whitie?"

That you would think that is disturbing; that you would post it is astounding. Shame on you.

[ExPatLeftist]

66. "He sat in that church for 20 years listening to that stuff..."

Yeah, in the church for 20 straight years they repeated that one soundbite clip that's been shown on the news. Because, of course, it is possible to sum up an entire person in a minute-long clip, right?

I cannot describe how ignorant this is to the complexities of human beings. Reverend Wright is a good man that said some bad shit. I did not live his experience so I cannot judge him. But all sources agree that this clip was far from the norm.

Imagine the most stupid thing you ever said, the worst rant you ever went on, having been recorded and repeated endlessly on TV news. Then imagine some idiot that assumes that that is all you say all the time. Guess who you are in this analogy...?

It is so easy, especially given the state of the US media, to look at people in terms of black and white and absolutes. People are extremely complex. We demand that that be understood by others about ourselves, and do not afford others the same luxury. Especially public figures who so many of us are so quick to trash based on individual incidents. Reverend Wright said some very harsh things. If you have never done so, then and only then do you have the right to condemn him. But even that is not enough for you - you want to condemn all of his friends and associates as well. Based on a montaged videoclip of a couple of minutes.

[jettison]

68. You

You are all that's wrong with politics. You listen to a few Fox News soundbites, completely sensationalizing and mischaracterizing a pastor in a church, and you use that as evidence not to like someone that you never liked to begin with. You had already made up your mind about Obama, and you are thankful that this "evidence" exists so that you no longer have to think about all the positive things that he actually represents.

How many hours of speeches have you listened to from Reverend Wright? You, yourself, could listen to this man every Sunday for 20 years, and you would not walk out of his church thinking that he's a racist. He has NEVER claimed that all white men are evil. He has claimed that some white men are evil. Is he right? If you think that he's wrong then you've got your head burried in the sand.

He has NEVER said that black people are better then white people. I dare you to find me a quote. What he did say is that many white people think themselves better then all black people. Can you disagree? If you believe that racism has diappeared, then I'm convinced you live in a bubble.

He's a brilliant man he uses occasionally inflmmatory language to fire up his church. It was not meant for public consumption. Unlike Hillary, he did not spread blatant lies to the media in an attempt to distort the truth. Who is the "evil one" here? The one who lies to the entire world for political gain, or the one who exaggerates the truth to his congregation in an attempt to empower them and give them hope?

[PA Democrat]

15. It really is a personal journey, isn't it? Thanks for sharing. K&R

[SunsetDreams]

18. Tinksrival...

Thank you for your post, very heart warming. You put it all into perspective, you get it!

I am proud to rec your post, it was pleasure devoting a piece of my life reading your thoughts. I can't say that for most of the posts around here, yours truly is a diamond in the ruff, as someone suggested above.

Thank you:hug:

[mopinko]

19. ok, but

there was no forced busing in chicago, and cabrini green is a universe away from roseland.

[Tinksrival]

20. Hi Mopinko

The busing was to my high school in South Holland. This is what my relatives rail about. That and Daley and the Democrats giving out welfare and housing at their expense. I grew up in South Holland and I am not sure where in relation to Roseland the projects were located. But that is what I heard all my life growing up. I always felt there was a lot more to understand and I'm still learning. I want to learn.

[mopinko]

41. i was tired and feeling snarky. sorry.

i know the tenor of the times, and how is was played in the media and across the backyard fence.
it's sad when you think of it, the folks in the bungalows made to feel like the black were getting freebies, when in fact the point of those towers was to keep them from buying bungalows. being white under daley I got you a lot more than the prison cell in the tower. the jobs, the services, the just cash under the table were the life blood of many neighborhoods. too bad those that were jealous never got to really see what that life was like. but they didn't go anywhere near, and drove by fast if they did.
i remember the fear of '68, all the way out to me, in aurora.
fear, just stupid fear, and jealousy. all that separates us, really.
thank you for trying to see past that.
this is what president obama will bring to this country. we have rarely needed it more.

[VolcanoJen]

21. In the madness of GDP tonight, this thread deserves a good read and a hearty kick.

:dem:

[FlyingSquirrel]

23. As CaliforniaPeggy would say (and still might),

My Dear Tinksrival!

:hug:

Thank you for making my visit to GDP especially worth it tonight.

:loveya:

[Cha]

24. Excellent piece, Tinksrival! Thank you..

You write well and the more you type the better you get:)

[maximusveritas]

25. You had me worried when you mentioned mntsnake

but this was very good. Thanks for sharing your story.

[loyalsister]

26. Concur 100%

:thumbsup:
:kick:

[quakerboy]

27. Wow

and thanks.

[ecdab]

28. Thanks for pecking

That was a nice piece to read

[Guava Jelly]

29. Thank you

This was a very pleasant read.

[Tinksrival]

36. Your squirrels make me giggle.

I have a pair of spoiled squirrels. The little bastards unstuffed one of my patio chair cushions and had a Crate and Barrel nest this winter! Now it's all in my grumpy Repub neighbors yard! :evilgrin:

[yellerpup]

30. Any time you want to talk.

I will listen. Thanks for spending the hours it took to 'peck' out your remarkable message. K&R!

[unapatriciated]

31. Thank you

Your post was a pleasure to read, you stated your reasons without resorting to name calling. I voted for Edwards and have not yet warmed up to either Obama or Clinton but will not have a problem voting Dem in the GE.
My husband has been leaning more and more toward Obama, I still don't see much difference in their platforms. I do see there is a difference in their campaign strategy lately, and was encouraged with the way Obama handled the race issue. It was inspiring. To be honest the first time I heard Reverend Wright's sermon I was shocked (I heard key words not context at first). I listened to it a few more times and realized he was saying pretty much the same as what I and others have been saying for years. His was based on his perspective and personal experience regarding racism, that we can't deny still exist. We still have a long way to go in this country regarding fear and bigotry, not to mention the work needed to undo what bush has done. We will need all the help we can get, so here's to hope and healing.

[0007]

32. Waiting to hear from you again.

bttft & recomemed.

[Tinksrival]

45. Thanks triple o seven!

I love your avatar. I love Steven Cobert!
I saved a pic JulieinNYC posted that she took outside of his studio.
When politics gets me down I take a look at this pic and remember his roast of *ush and it cheers me up.

He has such a happy face!

[Hepburn]

33. I wish I could K&R this more than once!

Thank you so much for posting this ~~ you have made quite a journey...and found the light!

:hi:

[blondie58]

34. wow- awesome spiel

thanks for pecking this out. It is nice to read a rational, thoughtful post not filled with anger and hate. And to think that you had to peck this out. My boyfriend and another guy that I know are 'hunt and peckers' and it pains me to know how laborious this must have been for you.

Did you know that there are some free online programs to teach yourself? Okay, this may be a little selfish, but I want to hear more from you and don't want to wait another year for another rant. Once you learn the keys, typing is fairly easy.




http://www.sense-lang.org/typing/

http://www.goodtyping.com/

Yeah, and I agree with you, if anyone can reunite this country, it is Obama.

[Tinksrival]

42. Oooo blondie, thanks for the links!

I really do want to take the torture out of posting. I am the butt of many jokes in my computer crazy household.

[blondie58]

46. I bet they tease you constantly.

because I know how I tease my guy and my guy friend. Plunka, plunka, plunka plunk! It is really cool when you can teach yourself and you don't even think about where the keys are, your fingers just know. I have tried to turn my two friends onto these courses, but I don't think that they really care to. Wouldn't you shock your household if you just sat down at the keyboard and typed away? Jaws would drop! Good luck, Tinks!

[grantcart]

37. thank you

[Buzz Clik]

39. mtnsnake inspired this? I'm glad I never put him on my Ignore list.

[Tinksrival]

43. In a round about way......

I think it was more of a challenge. I love a good challenge!

[Buzz Clik]

44. You met the challenge in spades.

Nicely done.

[juno jones]

40. K&R!

Thanks for typing this!

[Adelante]

47. Oh, Tinksrival

You, you are an inspiration.

[Tinksrival]

48. Thanks WesDem

That means a lot coming from you. It's been quite the long road since 2003! I've appreciated your posts all along the way.

[1trackmindGOP]

49. Great Post!

Kudos on your post and I completely agree with your assessment.

[caseycoon]

50. K&R Tinksrival!

Wonderful post!
:applause:

[BlueIdaho]

52. Wonderful nt.

[FrenchieCat]

53. From one of your Clarkie sisters-in-arm,

What a wonderful way to have voiced your decision.

Thank you.

:pals:

[Marnieworld]

55. Signed in just to recommend!

Excellent post. Learn how to type because we need to hear your thoughts more often! :hug: :pal: :patriot:

[BrklynLiberal]

59. Me too!!

[Time for change]

56. Very nice

It's good to read posts that have only (or mostly) good things to say about all of the Democratic candidates. I worry that this nomination fight will divide our party to the point where McCain will have an easy road to the WH. This kind of stuff helps to heal our divide.

[BrklynLiberal]

57. Tinksrival...your writing is so clear and rational. It was a pleasure to read.

The more I hear and see and read, the more I agree with your conclusions.
:applause: :thumbsup:

[BrklynLiberal]

58. oops. system hiccup.

[HCE SuiGeneris]

60. Well pecked!

K & R

[ladym55]

62. Thanks for your very thoughtful post

I'm glad you took the time to peck it out, and I'm very glad I took time to read it. I suspect many of us can relate to your journey to your choice of candidate. It reminds us all of how we are supposed to act ... thoughtfully and deliberately ... and without malice.

[mhoran]

63. Add my thank you to the rest.

Thoughtful and heartfelt.

[Scurrilous]

64. Great post.

K & R :thumbsup:

[wildeyed]

67. You should peck more often.

Excellent post!

[Willo]

69. Wow, Tink! Thanks for pecking out your personal reasons for us

I really enjoyed reading it. Thank you very much for sharing it.

You Peck Girl! (couldn't resist)

[Tinksrival]

74. HA !

~snort~

[il_lilac]

70. great post

(and we sure are lucky to have two great senators!)Your gradual coming to support Obama sounds a lot like my journey...but arrived I have. Absolutely refuse to spread or say anything negative about Clinton though- she will always be somewhat of a heroine to me.

[dbmk]

71. K+R-T

[a la izquierda]

73. bravo. n/t

[DaveJ]

75. Thanks for the great post. One criticism though...

I tend to latch onto things so don't take this too seriously. You sort of quickly glossed over the "I wish my children had the same opportunity" part. Then blamed GWB. GWB is a mass murderer, granted, and there is no reason to cut him any slack, but creating opportunity for our youth is the responsibility of adults in the community. If suburban Chicago adults have a big house and their kids are struggling to survive, then there is something out of wack, and it can be solved by the adults if they were to try.

To give in and say that one's "kids are screwed, oh well, f*ck GWB," is sort of a cop out. It's part of adult responsibility to take care of our youth even if that means sacrifice.