Obama's Speech on Race & America

[Malacite]

Re: Obama's Speech on Race & America

In the end, it's all just semantics though because that phrase is nothing but PC terminology, which is something I've never been too fond of.

QFT. And I find Obama extremely clear on his positions and policies. Yeah, he could really stand to speak up more of them on the trail I know (where it really does count) but everything is outlined clear as day on his website (which actually has been the biggest factor in his success)

[ItazuraNhomango]

Re: Obama's Speech on Race & America

Er. Race is as much of an issue as member of those races make them out to be. That said, this country seems a tad on the obsessive side when it comes to race relations. Beats those countries which one group just assumes its all that, and sweeps everyone else under the rugs just because it can, I suppose. (Whips out my *I'm a minority* get out of jail free card.)

None of the three major candidates are particularly clear about the economic policies, AFAIK. None has the guts so far to state: "Things are dicey right now, and there's no clear course out of this mess." Likely none will ever admit to not knowing what to do. Or even fess up and tell us Fed has more power to mess up the economy than to actually fix it. Meh.

Clinton likely has the most (indirect) experience dealing with the economy, while McCain is certain to consult people with different views and analysis then make up his mind instead of just order a consensus from cronies.

No freaking clue what Obama would do--he's the great unknown. Exciting, and dangerous.

Want a budget? Competence and pragmatism in policies and politics? Clinton.

Want a moral backbone? Someone most likely to attempt the right things? McCain.

Want a chance at something new? Obama.

I'm quite happy with the choices we have, if not entirely happy how the campaigns are playing out. Then again, I may just positively thrilled that we finally going to lose Junior from the office, and would be happy anyone else takes the desk.

Can't wait.

* * *

If the issue of president is really about repression, Clinton should be given the office sans contest. After all, women have been suffering under societal shackles longer than there has been written history.

Unfortunately, this is supposedly a contest about policy, competence, etc., so we have to go ahead and pay for this election and vote in it. Can't skip it. Sorry.

[Sabaron]

Re: Obama's Speech on Race & America

I have no idea what your retort to my post is supposed to mean. My post stated that there is still an illegal slavery trade in the U.S. You post that the cases I mentioned were illegal slavery.....um...yep. Did I mention anything about searching homes? passing more laws? doing anything at all about it? Nope. So I'm totally baffled by your quoting me and your response.

Your original post is in support of Feba who is attempting to argue that slavery exists and therefore is a political issue (implicitly). Therefore, the only options one has when politicking based on the issue of Slavery are (a) increase enforcement to draconian levels (e.g. Random House Searches), or (b) increase the penalty (e.g. Capital Punishment).

If you're saying that it's not an issue, then you are in agreement with me that the (long-winded) portion of Mr. Obama's speech dealing with Slaves and Slavery is of no modern political value.

The whole point of my original argument has nothing to do with Slavery, Feba simply drew the issue out to troll the thread. My original point is that that particular speech by Mr. Obama fits, by very exact definition the word:

Demagoguery

This because his speech is designed to "put fire in the belly" and sound pretty or righteous. It has no true substance, and does not represent how he will behave politically if elected.

[Malacite]

Re: Obama's Speech on Race & America

This because his speech is designed to "put fire in the belly" and sound pretty or righteous. It has no true substance, and does not represent how he will behave politically if elected.

Keep telling yourself that. I for one choose to believe in Obama.

[Sabaron]

Re: Obama's Speech on Race & America

Keep telling yourself that.

Instead of saying nothing, perhaps you will outline the modern political relevance of his speech, hmm?

Rules:

#1 You can't quote his website or any other source material.
#2 Everything you say about him must be from the speech you originally posted.

After you do that, we will have something relevant to discuss instead of you're current "Nuh uh..Yes, huh.." bullcrap.

[Murphie]

Re: Obama's Speech on Race & America

Malacite, none of us have any idea how he'll actually behave in office.

[DakAttack]

Re: Obama's Speech on Race & America

I tend to agree with Sabaron.

Democracy is voting for the charismatic liar who's lying the least.

[Malacite]

Re: Obama's Speech on Race & America

That speech was meant to remind people that racism is still a very real issue in the USA (and even here in Canada actually) and that we gotta stop pretending like it doesn't happen.

I believe it was to show the man's character, and to emphasize his message of change and dealing with the challenges of today. He handled the "two most toxic topics in politics - Race and Religion" masterfully IMO, taking the moral high ground the whole time.


This wasn't about his policies, it was about his convictions. And IMO, the man has certainly shown plenty of character over the course of the campaign and given us a pretty good idea of how he'll be in office.


Oh yeah and god forbid anyone actually do any research of their own on these candidates. Yeah there's no denying that a lot of his speeches are about inspiring people, but that's what people really want to hear right now. After the utter lack of confidence in government Bush has created, you need someone who can rally the people. Believe me, he'll get a lot more into specifics once he's sealed up the nomination. And again, it's all laid out clearly on Barackobama.com


But I guess some people can't be bothered to look beyond their TV's or the tabloids for information.

[Pai Pai Master]

Re: Obama's Speech on Race & America

I tend to agree with Sabaron.

Democracy is voting for the charismatic liar who's lying the least.

I'd rather be led by an intelligent liar than a lying idiot.

[Dranzia]

Re: Obama's Speech on Race & America

Like the country song said:

"A little less talk, and a lot more action..."



Regardless of who takes office, what will actually happen? I mean, really??? StarvingArtist was reading my mind when he made that post.

As to Obama: I find him interesting. His charismatic nature has potential. Perhaps someone who thinks "outside the box" and hasn't already become set in the ways of the past is what's best for us at this point.

[Caspian]

Re: Obama's Speech on Race & America

What a man says dosent always come before what he dosent say. Im a Obama Supporter myself and think that the country deserves no other but after the last 30 years of back room shananigans, hell even back to tricky dick. Bush, Clinton, Bush being the key culprits, Ford and Regan didnt do to much.

ok, are you saying Reagan didn't do too much in the way of "backroom shenanigans"? or didn't do too much as a president at all?

as far as his speeches go, while its hilarious how little he actually says, he has a huge percentage of the population eating out of his hand. Sadly, a lot of people don't care as much about the issues as they do about listening to someone who sounds nice.

[TheGrandMom]

Re: Obama's Speech on Race & America

Your original post is in support of Feba who is attempting to argue that slavery exists and therefore is a political issue (implicitly). Therefore, the only options one has when politicking based on the issue of Slavery are (a) increase enforcement to draconian levels (e.g. Random House Searches), or (b) increase the penalty (e.g. Capital Punishment).

If you're saying that it's not an issue, then you are in agreement with me that the (long-winded) portion of Mr. Obama's speech dealing with Slaves and Slavery is of no modern political value.

The whole point of my original argument has nothing to do with Slavery, Feba simply drew the issue out to troll the thread. My original point is that that particular speech by Mr. Obama fits, by very exact definition the word:

Demagoguery

This because his speech is designed to "put fire in the belly" and sound pretty or righteous. It has no true substance, and does not represent how he will behave politically if elected.

I have very strong feelings about the upcoming race, as I'm sure many people my age do. I'm also very reserved in stating my opinions because of the shitstorm politics can stir up. Yes, the portion of his speech dealing with Slavery has no political value other than to get racial lines stirred up. Everyone knows he's lacking in support from black Americans and a speech like this is aimed directly at them. My post had little to do with your post. Your point was morphed and warped into something else which I was pointing at. Derailment at its finest. LOL

People like to tell you what you need to or want to hear. A vacuum salesperson who gets their foot in the door knows just how to spin it so that even for a fraction of a second if you think "wow that is pretty awesome" he's done his job right. The preacher in the pulpit that makes you think twice about swearing/smoking/stealing has done his job also. We embrace these things because at the time our vacuum may be on the fritz or we are trying to stop smoking/stealing/swearing, so it hits home. Yes, we all need to stop looking at the color of each of our skins and accept one another for what we all are.....human beings.

I don't need some pretty boy giving me a speech about this, I know it. Most of us know it. I want to hear speeches about how he's going to get health care to my son who can't afford it. Who has bad asthma and could die without healthcare. Who I sit up with at nights as he's on all fours on the floor like a dog coughing and gasping for air so hard I think he might die. This is a question I want him to address. I want him to address how we are going to stop putting our young men and women of the armed forces in danger every day over something that never existed. This is a question I want him to answer.....and not answer me with fluff. I want someone to say "You know what, this is what we are going to do...." or "You know what, I don't know but I think we should try...." Answers....not pretty words....not vague resolutions...ANSWERS.

[Dranzia]

Re: Obama's Speech on Race & America

"I'll lower Gas prices to $1.00/gallon."

That person would get my vote...

[Caspian]

Re: Obama's Speech on Race & America

"I'll lower Gas prices to $1.00/gallon."

That person would get my vote...

thats about how much it would cost if they took off all the bs taxes

[ItazuraNhomango]

Re: Obama's Speech on Race & America

Yes, the portion of his speech dealing with Slavery has no political value other than to get racial lines stirred up. Everyone knows he's lacking in support from black Americans and a speech like this is aimed directly at them.

Actually, after initial hesitation, Black America has largely throw its support to Obama. This is verified by exit polls from primaries.

Also, most political analysts have pronounced this speech a savvy damage control job. He needed to make this speech because of the clips of his former pastor's inflammatory rhetorics on racial relations received widespread national coverage.

Though billed as a major, courageous step to address a hidden issue, the truth is more like turning a political liability into a gambit to capture the spotlight--and possibly deal a death blow to Clinton's bid for the Democratic nomination. He brilliantly denounced the bad rhetorics while simultaneously reaffirmed his tie with the angry Blacks by refusing to abandon Wright.

A gutsy move, well played. The man has game.