Posted by gallen (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 7:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

didn't think this would happen in my life time either. it brings tears to my eyes also. may God have mercy on this country

Posted by wisemom (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 8:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Did someone say unity? I heard a school had to close in Mont. yesterday because a black child told a white child that he was racist because he didn't vote for Obama! But ohhh noooo his race didn't have anything to do with it did it? And since he is sending our troops home, look for another attack on us shortly after.

Posted by OldSchoolPike3Worker (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 8:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The "change" that is coming is a reference to the only thing you will have left in your pocket. Nickels and dimes if your lucky. At least now people of all races can quit blaming their lot in life on the color of their skin. If someone is acting like a bum, it will be because of their choice to be one instead of the MAN keeping them down. Because now, Obama is the MAN.

Posted by NotPerfect (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Unfortunately, it has become a 'black thing'. My children attend the pubic schools, and yesterday was definately a day of change in attitude. I don't understand why parents wouldn't teach their children the impact of what has happened, and how we are all here to see history being made, when so many have faught for this day. Instead, it was more of the attitude of rebellion. Students saying that 'they were in power now', 'things are going to change now that O'bama is in', 'we are free now'....actually stating that 'the principal wouldn't be telling them what to do for long'. What exactly are parents telling their children that O'bama is going to change. Is he going to allow complete anarchy from african-americans? Do these kids really think that? Do they not realize that they ARE free? Instead of telling your children how oppressed they are and how liberated they are going to be (????)now that O'bama will be president, why not let this be a time to say....'see, you can do whatever you want to do'. I didn't vote for O'bama, but it had nothing to do with his race. I can honestly say that there is an african-american republican that I would support if he had more experience (Alan Keyes). It is nothing to do with race...it is the moral character of the person. I have taught my children this. This is the same lesson that I have taught them about life. What are other parents teaching their children? I have always been an advocate for public schools, but crap like this (the attitudes of young people)is taking away from what has really happened. I recently saw an interview on MTV with Obama and he was asked about sagging pants and what did he think about descrimination on the issue. His remark was, 'You need to pull up your pants. You shouldn't be walking around in front of your mother and grandmother like that. It shows a lack of respect for them and yourself.' If parents don't start making their children accountable for they way they act, it doesn't matter who is president.

Posted by hsbd4 (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 9:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I can honestly say that some of the most racist people I know are black. And you wander why people go with private.

Posted by bythebook (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I hate to say it, but we are still looking at this onesided. How many of us sit down and talk about how people react to the World Series Champions or the Super Bowl Champions. How people are dancing in the streets and cheering "my team won" or how they are being arrested for celebrating too much. Everything is being twisted to everyone's satisfaction. Racism wasn't created by African American and it won't stop by sending our kids to private school, it will stop when families at home start addressing the problems. What are we telling our own children? God doesn't see colors....

Posted by blissfullygreen (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 9:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Excellent points, NotPerfect. These children who are chanting and cheering know nothing about democracy. They have no idea who pays for their 4 bedroom home in the projects. They have spent their lives taking handouts and have no desire to do better. I do hope Obama changes all that--makes them WORK for what they have. There are plenty of jobs to be had here, but people on welfare lose their freebies if they work. There are NO incentives to get off welfare!

All of these people who are cheering because Barack Obama is black need to pay very close attention to him. Did he get to the White House by taking handouts from the government? NO. He WORKED VERY HARD for his accomplishments. He got an education while RESPECTING his teachers and administrators. I guarantee he never mouthed the words, "The principal won't be telling ME what to do anymore." Barack Obama respects his parents and grandparents--he puts them on a pedestal. He is an excellent father and husband. LEARN from him how to be a MAN of honor.

Use Barack Obama as an example of what you CAN be with hard work and dedication. He is not a product of the welfare system or the government paid for housing. He is NOT like you. But you CAN be like him through hard work and determination.

Posted by hsbd4 (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Shut up by the book. Exactly who did create racism? I agree that it needs to start at home but have you ever dealt with these people (they are the ones that blissfully is talking about). I have dealt with it and do it daily and I don't like being around the crap so why should I want my kids around it. I teach my kids right and I don't want my kids around the mess.

Posted by mamas_boy (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

bythe book, Do you honestly believe that someone who created the colors does not see them?

Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

For "Not Perfect"

What you said should be on the front page of this newspaper. And what you said is so very true.

It scares me that the youth today act the way they do and they are the future of our country. But instead of moving "ahead"...and with them...they are dragging us back in time and erasing anything positive and doing nothing more than promoting racial tension with statements like you heard said such as this "they (we)were in power now"....and "the principal wouldn't be telling them what to do for long."

And yes I too blame the parents for attitudes such as this. Children are a product of their parents...and parents are also teachers. If all parents just taught their own children to just be respectful of others...we would not be hearing such things from children.

I personally did not vote for Obama and not because he was black. I just felt mainly that he was not experienced enough to lead our country.

I do applaud you "Not Perfect" for being as honest as you were and tactfully addressing a senitive issue.

Posted by PROUD2BGODSCHILD (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 11:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

For momas boy

God looks at the inside not the outside

Posted by NotPerfect (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 11:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks Bunny and Blissful!

Posted by mamas_boy (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 11:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If God takes the time to know the number of hairs on our head, then I bet you he know and sees what color we are. That does not mean he loves you more than me, or me more than you. Just do not be stupid enough to really believe that God does not see color. He divided the races.

Posted by PROUD2BGODSCHILD (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 11:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

@ mommas boy

you are right God loves us all equally and he certainly was not surprised by the election. Nothing will happen that he does not allow, and nothing will happen that he cannot see us through

Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 11:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

For "mama's boy"

For as long as I can remember and from what I learned from my parents and in Church...was that it was "man"...not God who divided the races.

Posted by mamas_boy (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 11:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Read Genesis 11

Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 12:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You mean this mama's boy?

And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.

I see...."and the Lord said Behold, the people is one...."

Posted by mamas_boy (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 12:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No, I mean this,

7Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech.

8So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.

9Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth

Posted by Virtuous (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 1:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"7Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech.

8So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.

9Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth"....

These people are the ones who did not want to do what God commanded them to do in order to get to heaven. They started to build a tower to reach heaven instead. God confused their language so that they wouldn't be able to understand each other to continue with the tower. That's the reason the name of it is Babel.

Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 1:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mama's-boy

Yes the Lord scattered them...and exactly what Virtuous said...and I see nothing indicating that "God divided the races" as you said.

Posted by mamas_boy (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 1:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

That is correct virtuous. God "scattered" them because of sin. This is racial division by God.

Posted by regis (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 1:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I got that it was the Tower of Babel. But how does them being made to speak different languages also make them into different races?

Posted by trojanman01 (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 1:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Some of you people are just plain stupid. If you were not racist the words you say like you peoplewould not come out of your mouth ( way not just say what of you want ot say). Do you think that Black people are the only people on welfare. So what do yall think about the white people that are on welfare in the 4 bedrooms homes in the projects. what about the white people that are looking for a hand out and are not willin to work for what they get!!! What about the. Want to talk about being lazy and wating for hand outs and where Racism came from lets think about hundreds of years ago when White sat on their buts and watches Blacks work Now that is where the First case of welfare came from. Our when blaks were told do work in the field because your are black, our you can't read because you are black. I do think that was one of the first case of Racism in the U.S.A. Or maybe when the Indians where marched thounds of miles away from the land they owned thats Racism. Lets be real about all this we are not Where won't to be, but the think the Lord we are not were we use to be. Lets be Real about it all The U.S. will say that they are sorry to jews a millions and one times for something that a whole said of the world away but when its comes down to saying I'm sorry to Blacks and Indians in our own Country b/c its a touchie subject lets just leave it alone, that it load of B.S and we all know it be it if we are black or White, Don't get me wrong i think its wrong but the same thing happen here but lets sweep that under the rug. Sending your kids to private schools is not the answer, what's gonna happen when that kid goes out to the real world whats gonna happen when he as to interact with blacks then. If you send your kids private schools because most of the black people you know are racist, then you need to take a long look at yourself b/c you are racist (hsbd4) as well duh but its ok because racist people don't think so. (ByTheBook) you are so right we can close the roads tip over cars hoop and holla for a super bowl, stanley cup and world series champions. No one said the people that run the streets in boston after the Burins won the stanley cup are racist i mean they are mostly White. But when america Speaks up and makes Country, World changing History its a racist thing. I GUESS SOME OF YOU PEOPLE do not understand that without alteast 30- 40 percent of the white vote Barack Obama would not be in office any, so i guess that means there were as many white as blacks in the streets, maybe not in your state or city but some where. And as close the United States should be happy i mean we have the best of both worlds i mean the man is 50% white 50% black Some just can not be happy For all you that think the world is gonna end Read your Bible (Now man now the Hour) God Bless America, But not only America But the whole world

Posted by regis (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 1:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You can have people who speak English, German and French all of the same race. Language has nothing to do with race.

Posted by trojanman01 (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 1:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Please take all mistakes with much kindness and love LOL

Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Scattering" is not "racial division" mama's boy clear and simple.

If God wanted "racial division" He would have done so and He did not as clearly stated in Genesis as you requested we read.

Posted by Virtuous (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 1:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with you Bamabunny.

Posted by mamas_boy (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 1:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You can go on to read in chapter 12 of Abram. God says he will make of him a great nation, which is talking about Isreal.

"Genesis 12
1Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:

2And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: "

Nation

1. (Ethnol.) A part, or division, of the people of the earth, distinguished from the rest by common descent, language, or institutions; a race; a stock.

"nation." Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary. MICRA, Inc. 06 Nov. 2008. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/n...>.

Posted by OldSchoolPike3Worker (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 2:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Not Perfect, you are right on the money with that comment. I agree 100%. What is so sad about the reaction to Obama winning, is that it appears that almost 1/2 of the country actually believe that the President of the United States has that much control over their lives. If everyone would figure out that people succeeding on their own effort and risk is what makes America what it is, politicians would not run on platforms that promise everything to everyone at the expense of the successful people in this country. It's not a black/white thing, it's a truth thing. This has been tried by Democratic leaders before and you only end up with more poor, bigger government, and less ambition to make more money. Think about it, If the "Great Society" was a success, then there would be no need now to feel hopeless anyway. I see and hear a lot of celebration due to the color our new president's skin and not the content of his character. I cast my vote based on the content of each candidate's character, Just like Dr. King would have wanted me to.

Posted by NotPerfect (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 2:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope my comment wasn't taken as racist. Believe me, I know sorry whites too! This is what I do know....if I want my children to appreciate their personal treasures (Northface jackets, cell phones, Video games, etc....), I make them work for it so that they will appreciate what they have. If I just buy, buy, buy, they see no value in it. The same goes for the government. If you give, give, give, there is no reason to change or better yourself. I have worked very hard since I was old enough to work. I started out on the bottom of the payscale, but that was okay, because I needed the insurance and benefits. Now it has paid off. Socialism has many different faces, and keeping one class of people (all races)'satisfied' with the way they are....drawing their check, HUD, free Cell Phone, SSI, Food Stamps, etc...they are under the control of the government. Why would they want to change? The more you offer them, the more they take. If that is the way their parents lived & that is what they've been taught to do, why rock the boat? If I get a job, they take my food stamps. This is not a race issue, this is a reality issue. Reality is...reform needs to happen. Reality is....it is not going to happen with this administration. I just wish that everything with this election didn't come down to 'race'. Like I said, I didn't vote for Obama. I voted for McCain, but it wasn't because I agreed with him either....basically the lesser of 2 evils (in my opinion). Everyone should want welfare reform. Everyone should want people to get off their butts and work. I don't care if you are black, white, green, yellow, or blue, get a job. I do think there should be healthcare available for those who work and cannot afford huge premiums. IF YOU HAVE A JOB.

Posted by NotPerfect (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 2:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks OSP3W....I also agree with you.

Posted by Jack_Bauer (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 2:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. -- MLK

I have a dream that one day people will refer to me as the Socialist President and not the Black President, based on my character not my race. -- BHO

I wanna cut his n*ts off - Jesse Jackson

Posted by NotPerfect (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 2:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Jack...you always crack me up....no pun intended!

Posted by OldSchoolPike3Worker (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 2:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Out here at the Waste Water Treatment Plant, I get more exposure to the content of someone's character than I do the color of their skin.

Posted by cree1972 (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 2:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am a native of Troy and always considered it to be a wonderful place to live. I never truly experienced the racism that so many people assumed would happen in AL, especially small town alabama. I felt blessed to live in such a nice wholesome place. It is not until i read the countless responses of this article that I witness the racism and insecurities of so many Trojans. It is quite sad and simply ignorant to assume that someone is socialist because of a tax program that benefits the poor or charges more to the rich..It is simply a reverse of what has been happening lately...and still very similar to what was done with FDR, JFK and LBJ and yet they are not called socialists...interesting...it is this type of ignorance and false thinking that causes alabama to be forever adjacent to MS in so many statistics and the schools lackluster. I pray for a day that those of you in invisible white sheets will realize that we are all equal and that there are multiple ways to achieve success and truly believe in and live the american dream.

Posted by OldSchoolPike3Worker (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 2:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

invisible or white? you can't have both. If you can see that a sheet is white, then it is not invisible. For our kids sake, I hope that invisible sheets don't exist. That would be traumatic.

Posted by regis (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 2:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So a "nation" means people all of the same race. Interesting. Therefore, you could say the people of the United States are of one race since we are a nation. Well, I'll be dogged. Now this whole election thing makes sense! Yes we did! Yes we did! Heck, you convinced me! I'm on board the Obama train baby! Yeah!...(soooo....where we going?)

Posted by cree1972 (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

invisible white sheets was a euphamism for institutionalized racism.

Posted by Virtuous (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 2:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Abram wasn't called to leave his family, country, etc... to bring a separation of races. God asked him to do that so that he could birth a nation. That's where the saying, "A seed of Abraham" originated.

Posted by regis (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

People did think some of FDR, JFK and LBJ's ideas were socialist.

Posted by OldSchoolPike3Worker (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 3:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Cree1972, I agree that there is racism in Troy, AL. But, do you think that it is also wrong to celebrate our new president because of his race? When I watched the coverage on election night, as soon as the polls closed, suddenly issues that we have been debating for almost 2 years now were not discussed. The topic moved to race. I have been raised and educated in Troy Alabama to be color blind. All I heard was Change, Change, Change in Obama's speeches for 2 years. I guess the change is going to be that we should start noting race as an achievement now. I guess that the barrier won't be really broken until we have a president elected on their stance on the issues that happens to be black, instead of a black person who happens to say nothing meaningful about the issues. Issues don't matter this time, it's all about race. This should be troubling to all americans. My thoughts are not racist, they are just the opposite. I have many heros that are black. They are heros because of what they have done, not how they were born.

Posted by PalinRocks (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 3:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It is wrong for anyone who is able to work to accept welfare. It does not matter if they are white or black or hispanic. Yes, white people are on welfare also.
Some continue to have illegitimate babies and "draw a check" for them and sit around and get fatter. I understand you might need help with one b/c everyone makes mistakes but, after one you should have to get a job or NO MORE CHECKS. I want more than anything for my children to understand that nothing is truly free (except salvation from Jesus Christ). I repeat NOTHING IS FREE. Someone pays for it or provides it.
If a man does not work, then he should not eat.
Instead of giving man a fish for his dinner, teach him to fish.

Posted by confounded (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 3:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I believe there is a desire in all of us to better other people's condition by having them think the way we think. But just remember, you can straighten a worm, but the crook is in him and only waiting.

Posted by OldSchoolPike3Worker (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 3:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Huh?

Posted by mamas_boy (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 3:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

9Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.

10These are the generations of Shem...."

Abram (Abraham) being of those generations, once you get through all of the begats. Nahor begat Terah and Terah begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran and so forth and so on. These chapters are talking about the formation of nations or races of people. Which was done by God, as I stated in my original post.

Regis - You have totally missed it. The USA is a great melting pot of several races. Furthermore, I never said that I voted for Obama. In fact if you go back to earlier posts you will see the exact opposite.

Posted by confounded (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 3:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OldSchoolPike3Worker- my previous posting was a reference to my disbelief in the fact that "change" brought on by another person, Obama or whomever, is not real change. And what Mr. Obama will have to do in order to "change" this nation is change people.

Jack- I may stand corrected, I believe Mr. Jackson, if he would follow through with his statement, could change Mr. Obama; worm or no worm.

mamas boys- does the word confound in that verse refer to, the lack of undertsanding definition of the word, or the damned?
Lack of understanding I suppose.

Posted by regis (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 3:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oy ve! Who said you voted for Obama? Furthermore, who cares?

Jimmy Freakin' Buffet, what is wrong with me? Another day wasted on The Messenger forum. I gotta get off this internet crack pipe and get outside. My therapist is gonna be so dissapointed in me.

Posted by confounded (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 3:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Only Christ-the person, can bring real change.

Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 4:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The real issue is what is the new President elect going to do in office and how are the things he is going to do effect us all? Every President has p***ed us all off at one time or another. But we still go on with life whether we feel it's fair or not.

Sooooooo...no matter what...color or creed or different religions...we are all Americans. And are we not all glad and thankful about that?

Posted by confounded (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 4:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I know I am glad to be an American!!! But don't get me wrong, if I had a billion dollars, I would be from some little deserted island in the middle of some big ocean somewhere. With Christmas lights on my palm tree screaming for "change".

Posted by republicangirl (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 4:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sj91NH5f... watch this!

Posted by happy2b (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 4:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just wanted to make a comment concerning the election. I am white & did NOT vote for Obama, not because he's black, but because he's a Democrat. As a Christian, I CANNOT support a party who promotes gay marriage and abortion!! It's WRONG!!! My Bible tells me this. I'm really frightened for our nation because not only do we have a Democrat for a president, but also a Democratic controlled Congress. I will pray for our government & for our world!! I would encourage everyone to do this!!!

Posted by forhim09 (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 5:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow, so many topics were mentioned that I really don't know what to comment on first. It really excites me that, yes, such an amazing event has occurred within our nation. This is a first that as an American we should all be proud of because it is the essences of what America stands for. When our founders came here, this was a new land to establish a new hope, and a new future, and that would allow them to reach their dreams from an oppressive tyranny. With this, comes sadness; I work in higher education. In talking with students, particular African American students, a great majority were proud that we now had a president that represented them, a face that is their face. A statement that I heard quite often yesterday was “I voted for Barak because he was black”. At what point will we ever move past this mentality, especially from individuals that are seeking a higher level of education. In more questioning of this, hardly any could give an answer to what he represented whether in any area of policy or his moral standing. Why? We need to teach our youth, to look past an issue of race and look at the characteristics of a man; his actions, associations, morals, and in this case views of steering our country. I did not vote for President Elect Obama because of his moral view as well as his stance on many issues in how he would lead this nation, but I am proud of this step. I did hear a story on socialism from a different point of view. This came from a man who group up in a Middle Eastern country that was to be leading agricultural nation in the 80’s. The government stated that any land owner who owned more that 500 acres of land would have to forfeit all but 100 acres and the government would redistribute the land to those who had less than 100 acres. The issue was that those who owned more than 500 were farmers. When the land was divided, not all the new land owners used the land for farming and the new result was a third world country. With this economy plan, we are teaching society to receive handouts, and that the government will take care of you. But I’m afraid that what makes America great will be lost, the drive that leads us to succeed and become the best. If we continue to grow a society that thinks this way, we will most assuredly loss our stance as a world power. Do your part to teach our youth and thwart ideas like what “Not Perfect” alluded to in what OUR children say. Sorry about the length.

Posted by shiftingshadows (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 5:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

happy im guessing you voted jay love just because hes republican... good job...

Posted by cree1972 (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 5:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It is very easy for someone to say that "we should look past race" and move on. Unless you have been a victim of racist actions or attitudes, you cant say much about it. I didnt vote for Obama because he is black, I voted for Obama because he best represented my values and beliefs. As a democrat, I would more than likely always vote for the Democrat unless someone else ran that more closely alligned with me. As someone who also works in higher education at a university outside of Alabama, I am proud that so many african american and other students reached out to the Obama campaign--Some because he represents black america's hopes and dreams (while only being half black, america has a strong history in believing in the one drop rule--lets not jump ship immediately because of convenience) others because they found a candidate to who reached out to them. Unlike most republican campaigns that simply rely on the religious right, the extremely rich and the poor who are too afraid to vote for someone that might make opportunities for than those with a some darker or different skintones, the Obama campaign walked the streets in neighborhoods and to those who arent traditionally a democratic base---This was key to the campaign's success. While I am sure McCain has done great things for the US, he is far from a 21st century president. My hope is that we can all bond together and support the president elect for the 4 or so years and open your mind to something a little different. Odds are, if you havent gotten your piece of the american dream so far, the problem may be you.

Posted by regis (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 5:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

forhim09....fantastic post

Posted by WDM (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 5:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am pushing 70 years and never have I seen an election bring out so much talk about God at least on this web site.
Do you people think God sent Obama to save the world,bull!I was reading last night where some were saying God told them to vote for Obama,well I pray to God everyday and he told me not to vote for him.Black,white,green or red he is in and we have to live with it and as I said I have been around awhile and take my word he isn't going to do anymore than the last 43 have,remember we have congress to deal with,no one person runs this country,Have a good evening.

Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 7:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

For "forhim09"

Boy oh boy I would love to sit in your class or sit and talk with you for a few hours. You seemed to have summed everything up nicely. Very matter of factly and very precise.

Great post.

Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 7:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Very true WDM

Posted by bdhs4 (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 7:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

okay, would some black person answer some questions for me that I have often wanted to know and put yourself in my shoes and understand why I would feel a little discriminated against....why can't caucasions have something like NAACP and not be racist...why can't caucasions have a caucasion Miss America and not be racist...you know, me as a white person couldn't be in Miss Black America could I? Why can't we have something like Ebony Magazine and not be considered racist or a white caucasion television station? I bet black America would go crazy...you know I went one time for a job interview one time and was told that I was the one they wanted but they HAD to hire a black person....if that is not discriminatory I don't know what is! You know whites don't have a Caucasion History month. This is the stuff that causes resentment and divides!

Posted by thetruth (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 8:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The blacks get anything they want. They have more rights than whites do so I don't know what else Obama can do for them like they are thinking. Like you said bdhs4, if a black applies for a job that a white wants, the black gets it. They get scholarships to college because they are black, I mean what else do they want. The white people of this day and age suffer for what our ancestors did. That is what I call diverse discrimination. I for one, have not ever owned a slave but I am supposed to bow down to the blacks because they have been done so wrong! NOT!

Posted by cree1972 (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 8:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lol...bdhs4...I am not sure of your post was meant to be funny or serious..nonetheless, it was kinda funny...why cant caucasions have an NAACP and not be seen as prejudice? You already do--you have daughters of the confederacy...sons of the federacy...all types of whites only garden clubs and country clubs..and currently, The Republican Party...NAACP is really at this point a social organizations that advocates for the rights of blacks..in a country where whites make up a majority of the population, you already possess the advancement organizations...Please really think on that....why couldnt a white person be miss black america? well for many year, blacks were never allowed to participate in the Miss America pageant, so this was a route for many black girls...currently, the doors are more open and the Miss Black America pageant has been relegated to a bottom rung beauty pageant..You could easily start your own miss white america pageant, blacks wouldnt like it, but we would get over it and wouldnt be surprised..No Ebony Magazine...there all types of magazines that do not cater to black people and have no people of color in the magazine..surely, you have seen them..havent you? Please dont talk about the television, its really the same..the majority of TV shows and channels cater to white america (the majority)..surely, you have noticed this..havent you?..in terms of the job interview, I cant speak--clearly the organization was unprofessional if they shared that information with you and you are probably better off to have not received the job....However, you cant imagine the number of times that blacks have been denied positions or jobs simply because of the way they look....So many white people are insecure around blacks or feel they are going to hurt them and this causes racism and prejudice in the work place. I am not speaking for black people, but as a black person who has experienced life, worked for many year and am in touch with reality...I can understand that sometimes you may feel resentment, but so do blacks..The goal is to move forward and make the best of yourself..You are the only standing in your way--this is true for all people. If you honestly feel that blacks have gotten some type of advantage over whites, I implore that you think about it some more or maybe attend a session sponsored by the National Coalition Building Insitute (NCBI)....it's a powerful program that opens the minds of all types of people.

Posted by hooah900 (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 8:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Several issues from the original article that I would like to first address, then I'll move onto the comments: So, what a day. The first "african-american" president of the United States. Quite an accomplishment in its own right. Amid the hype we hear how fantastic it is that the character of race relations in the United States has shifted in such a fundamental way as to allow for such a historic even to occur, but I challenge that if this were truly a landmark election representing a fundamental shift away from the racism of the past, it wouldn't be a big deal that he was black. If people were truly ready to turn their backs on the racially charged American past, we wouldn't have celebrations in the streets. It would be no different than any other election has ever been. So, why then are we seeeing such an astonishing level of attention being paid to Mr. Obama's race (or skin color really...his actual ethnicity being a little more complicated than black/white racial divisions)?

I contend that while this is certainly an historic event that will most certainly be remembered as a part of American history, this is not the end of racial division in our nation. If anything, the election of Senator (now President-elect) Obama is going to work to deepen racial divides to a level that has not been seen since the 1960s. During his campaign, many elements of Obama's political and social life were brought to the attention of Americans. From his title of "Most Liberal Member of the Senate" to his long and active membership of the blatantly racist church of Reverand Jeremiah Wright. These facts have not been lost on those Americans who did not vote for Senator Obama.

Why is it that Senator Obama's election is being greeted with such praise and approval? Certainly the idea that a historically socially, politically, and economically oppressed minority of the United States being able to put an individual into the Oval Office that they feel represents them is quite moving, and is indeed a testament to the progress capable in our great nation. However, considering the massive number of people that Obama's policies and affiliations alienate, it leaves one wondering why there isn't more talk of a possible backlash by those who did not elect him. Well there are numerous reasons, including the hesitance of many to make an argument that sounds fundamentally racist, or the refusal of the liberal news media in the United States to acknowledge that Obama's election might be anything other than providential, but simply stated, it's just not being discussed.

Posted by hooah900 (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 8:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It is this young man's view that Obama's record of Social Liberalism and his many questionable affilliations have made a great number of people (mostly whites of course) extremely unnerved by his election, myself included. This feeling of uneasiness and the constant bombardment from all directions that scream "Obama has finally taken down Whitey... time to make everything right!" instill this feeling of villification in American society for people like me. Why is it all of a sudden bad to be against a black president? He doesn't represent either the interests or ethnicity of the majority of the country, but before one can make such arguments, a feeling of guilt is thrust upon him, and keeps him from speaking. I mean, after all, who wants to be considered a racist in today's modern forward thinking society. No one. But the truth of the matter is that racism is alive and well inside each and every one of us. Now are we looking at the type of violent bigoted relations that have haunted our pasts? For the most part, no. But there can be no real argument made that even the most compassionate individual doesn't operate with a certain level of self-interest, a component of one's own social and political agenda that is partly derived from your own personal identity, an element of your personality that draws from things like your education level, your social status, your upbringing, and, yes, your race.

Of course, to most everyone, this is all obvious, but no one can say it because it's politically incorrect. Who would actually have the stones to step up and say, "I'm a white poltically right-leaning or conservative person and I'm scared as hell because the man we just elected president is black, associates with known racists, and endorses policies that are so far left that there's no way I can support them"? Well, I am, under the imaginary shroud of anonymity that the internet provides of course (let's face it, if any of you really wanted to find out who I was, you could), and I would be willing to wager that I'm not the only one who's a little more than concerned about the way our government might be headed. This is certainly not an attempt to qualify my beliefs as fact, but I am both a student of Political Science and a soldier in the United States Army. I can't help but feel that as a member of the military in a nation at war, I had a greater stake in this election than many, and now more than ever, as a white, right-leaning libertarian, a soldier, and most of all an American, I find it difficult to find "hope" in what is in store for our nation in the coming years. There is a near palpable tinge of racial tension in the air that is not going away any time soon. How we deal with it will quite possibly mark the single most important event after 9/11 in 21st Century American society.

Posted by Showdown2 (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 8:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I went to Wal-Mart after work today and while in Wal-Mart I heard a black person yell, we got a n**** running the country. I'm glad King's dream has been realized. Oh, wait, that isn't what he said his dream was, was it? But so far I have yet to hear a black person say "I'm glad the best candidate was elected." but I have heard countless say "I'm glad a black person was elected."

Posted by cree1972 (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 8:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Again, I am shocked by the attitudes..at the end of the day, this was just an election where your candidate didnt win...We have had these elections for hundreds of years and always, one side ends up on the losing end..Just as many of us were disappointed with the election of 2000, obviously all of you are disappointed by this election. We allowed the democratic process to work and we must deal with the consequences. Obviously, Obama isnt anti-white and isnt planning some anti-white movement. Why cant we see him as a man who won an election and why cant blacks or any other minority group feel proud that someone other than a black man won this election. The ideals are not mutually exclusive. If your fear is based on him being black, I pray for you..if it is based on his politics, he cant do any more to or for the US than we as a people allow and certainly there are still the checks and balances of the Judicial and Legislative branches. At the end of the day, America will always be moderate of both parties, no matter how far right or left the president is.

Posted by bdhs4 (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 8:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No, there is not a magazine called White Magazine, nor is there a station that is called White Television, no I don't want to be a member of NAACP but could I if I wanted to....no. None of the garden clubs or country clubs(pay to participate)are specifically for white people they just have alot of white members normally because you have to pay just as private school...... anyone can attend...you just have to pay. DOC and Sons of Federacy are not even comparable to NAACP. Also, I meant why can't we have a White Miss America.....we couldn't. I'm not insecure around blacks....all this stuff just angers me!

Posted by hooah900 (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 8:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My apologies for the length of my comments. After the second one I even got tired of hearing myself talk!

Posted by cree1972 (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 8:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Showdown2--As an educated black person, allow me to say that I am overjoyed that the best candidate won. The candidate that received the most popular and electoral votes. It has given me faith in the electoral system of the US. You can check that off your list now!

Posted by regis (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 8:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, after the last couple of days of ranting and screaming, I must say the last few posts have been very well spoken on both sides. Getting this all out in the open appears to have been very therapeutic and enlightening.

Posted by cree1972 (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 8:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bdhs4..You are always free to start your own mag called White Magazine, your tv channel called White TV or start a white miss america pageant. I am sure you will receive a warm reception among a certain class of people especially. I am sorry it all angers you though, try to let go and Let God...through him, all things are possible and if you are a child of God, you have no worries.

Posted by regis (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 8:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ok...so maybe things are starting to get ugly again...

Posted by hooah900 (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 8:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

In response to Cree 1972s comment immediately following my second one:

My own personal concerns, and what I think the majority of people who voted against Obama (whether they have achieved a level of education that allows them to properly convey them or not) are that Obama has just received an overwhelming mandate for both him and his party. The leaders of the Democratic party in both the House and the Senate are just as far left liberal as Obama has been, and it is my belief that this will be problematic for those of us who do not agree with liberal ideals. Obama's policies, while they may not be explicitly racially charged, do tend to put the ideology of a large number of (again mostly-white) individuals in the crosshairs.

If you honestly think that the theoretical "checks and balances" of the US government are going to force the new largely Democratic government to the middle, then perhaps it will happen. I, however, just don't see it. It hasn't worked in decades, and as a tool of the Big-Government, socially liberal agenda that has taken hold in Washington, Obama is not going to voluntarily move to the middle. Bush didn't. Clinton did, but to a limited extent. Reagan certainly didn't, and Obama won't. This of course brings me back to the inevitable alienation of quite a large number of (again--mostly white) people.

This of course is only focused on Senator Obama's proposed domestic policies and their effects on race relations in the US. My original post wasn't aimed at qualifying McCain as the better candidate or not (though I'm sure there is no doubt where I stand on that particular question). I am simply commenting on how devastating Obama's election has been and will be on race relations. As his policies that certainly benefit one group of people (his massive, and heavily uneducated electorate), and villify another, we will only see the racial divide deepen. The posts on this page are proof enough of that.

Posted by mamas_boy (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 9:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hooah900 - I applaude you! I think you have said what many wanted to say. I also applaude you for having served this country. That is a sacrifice that I for one take very serious. I have often wondered in the last two days on the military perspective of this election. A man that would not even take the time to visit troops over seas while visiting there, is very shortly going to lead those troops. It scares the living daylights out of me. Thank you for your audacity to speak out and brave service to this country.

Posted by cree1972 (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 9:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hooah900, well written response! I see your personal concerns..I simply do not share them..yes, there has been a mandate for Obama and the democratic party..to change..to be different...Surely, you dont feel that we are going down the right track right now? I dont agree that the leaders of the Demo party are equally left of Obama...All of our elected officials answer to the people..While many of us hunger for change, I think we all mostly want gradual change and stability and that only comes by slow, thoughtful decisions. The US wouldnt tolerate complete change and it couldnt happen. I "honestly" think that the checks and balances of the government will keep us somewhere in the middle, but certainly left of where we are now..Clinton entered the white house with a majority demo congress and the country didnt totally change.

I am saddened that you feel alienated by the election of Obama. I am confident that you will be fine..there will not be any obvious motions to hurt any groups. If this affects race relations, shame on all us and from reading these posts, I fear it is possible that the "ignorance of difference" will stand in the way of our success of the country. However, I think that we as a people are better than that..at least i hope so...I dont know, though if I should be offended by your statement that he will benefit one group of people (massive and heavily uneducated electorate)..As I am quite educated and most of my friends and family are educated and have the capacity to vote someone that we feel is the best candidate.

I feel the posts on the page are proof that there are a lot of questions and concerns and that maybe Alabama really hasnt become part of the New South. I hope someday that it will.

Posted by hooah900 (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 9:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

In response to this sentence written by Cree1972: "dont know, though if I should be offended by your statement that he will benefit one group of people (massive and heavily uneducated electorate)..As I am quite educated and most of my friends and family are educated and have the capacity to vote someone that we feel is the best candidate."

You can't tell me that you are so naive as to believe that your vote, or the vote of your friends of family, a group of what you report as educated black people is what elected Barack Obama. Barack Obama was elected by poor, uneducated blacks and hispanics. Without that vote, he had no chance. That is what my original comment was meant to convey.

Posted by cree1972 (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 9:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hooah900--to quote you "your vote, or the vote of your friends of family, a group of what you report as educated black people is what elected Barack Obama"...I actually said that most of my friends and family are educated..As a matter of fact, a great number of my friends are of different races so please dont assume that I was only speaking of black people.....Additionally, while many blacks and hispanics were significant the campaign, it would have been impossible had he not received sooooooo many votes from whites of all ages. If you look at the stats, you will see that well over half of his voters were indeed not black or hispanic. Without any faction of voters, he would have had no chance...I am quite convinced that an overwhelming majority of Mccain supports were indeed poor and uneducated as well. :)

Posted by hooah900 (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 9:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Cree1972, what stats? Can you produce these numbers from a reliable source? I would like to see them.

Also let me extend my apologies for making the assumption that you were referring to black people in your group of family and friends.

However, don't detract from the point I am trying to make. Who did or did not vote for McCain has little to do with my arguments or assertions, and unless you can produce hard numbers that verify your claims that there was another group as important to Obama's election as poor blacks and hispanics (grouping these two together may seem a bit classist, but generally speaking they share a similar role in social relations in the United STates), I simply cannot concede to your point.

Posted by spot (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Here's the truth. Obama will probably overreach (as do all Democrats when they get into office) and be voted out in four years. Or, he will moderate some of his positions and try to govern from the middle. I didn't vote for Obama. I find his past "associations" a little risky. Anyway, for the sake of our country I hope he's the best President this country has ever seen.

One more note on the election. This was simply not going to be the Republicans' year. Let's see what happens in 2010. There will be a lot of Democratic senators up for reelection.

Posted by cree1972 (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 10:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

some of these stats are common sense hooah, there were 140 million votes, there are less than 40 million registered black and hispanic voters...as a result, you will find see that white and asian were significant backers of obama..He received 43 per cent of white voters, 77 per cent of Jewish voters...56 percent of female voters--These can be validated by gallup..uneducated whites have always been the base/core group of the Republican Party.....Most of america, sadly is uneducated.....so lets stopping saying he only won because of the poor, that would be true for all candidates.

Spot---Very good posting, I totally respect your thoughts.

Posted by alanslady (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 10:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I wonder what this forum would be discussing If Obama looked more like his mother than his father?

Posted by hooah900 (anonymous) on November 7, 2008 at 5:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Nothing, alanslady, which is the precise point I am making.

Posted by shiftingshadows (anonymous) on November 7, 2008 at 6:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

well considering 65% of the united states is white... and exit polls show women voted for obama by about 60%

Posted by trojanman01 (anonymous) on November 7, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Caucasion History month. Whites get to have Cauasion history Year. Wow Blacks get a month the Shortiest month in the year 28 days sometimes 29 days you have to be kidding me. Tell me how in the world that MLK day is not even on his birthday and then he shares it with Robert E. Lee how can you talk about these two in the same breath they fought for two different things. let alone have them share a day. thats kinda of like mixing Oil and Water.

Posted by republicangirl (anonymous) on November 7, 2008 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't know how anyone who says they are a Christian could have supported this man when his preacher a man that is his mentor said God D***** America. I know he says he doesn't have anything to do with that church anymore. I bet come Sunday morning he is sitting in that church!

Posted by republicangirl (anonymous) on November 7, 2008 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Trojanman01.......Caucasion History Year???

Posted by wisemom (anonymous) on November 7, 2008 at 9:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It is kind-of ironic that most of the hispanic votes were for Obama and the hispanics are criticized by the blacks on a daily basis.

Posted by regis (anonymous) on November 7, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The state of Alabama has been celebrating Confederate Memorial Day for MANY years (last week in April). I have never once heard of a minority state worker protesting that holiday. I guess having another day off work means more than protesting against such a racist tradition. Amazing how people's priorities are exposed in real-life situations.

Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on November 7, 2008 at 9:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey...unless the price goes to $500 instead of $5.00. for an egg McMuffin...and if I can still afford an occassional egg McMuffin in the next 4 years...I'm a happy camper...

Posted by shiftingshadows (anonymous) on November 7, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

how is confederate racist? you obviously don't know much about history... you just listen to mainstream media tell you what history was.

Posted by regis (anonymous) on November 7, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

And you listen to Fox news to know how to think. Yeah, yeah, yeah...come on...tell me all about how the civil war was just about defending state's rights, blah, blah, blah. Whah, evuh. Give me a freakin' break. That is so weak.

Posted by Trevino (anonymous) on November 7, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I find it uniquely odd that this man (Barack Obama), did all he could to run a race based on policies and the concerns of common people and not a race based on his race...but here in this forum we have proven how simple-minded we are as individuals even to this very day. White America, wakeup...the times of old is over, either you embrace the change that is coming/here or you get left in the wake of desperation and solitude. Black America, Barack Obama’s victory is certainly further confirmation that possibilities do exist to pull yourself up from your boot-straps regardless of race, which is also a testament to the ground-work laid by many before him both African-American and White American; however, let us keep this in prospective...his victory is not the end all or be all to the problem of our society, this victory was not a defeat of white man and white policies but the defeat of tired old policies that have burden our society for 8 years. It was a victory for the poor and middle class and it was a victory for what could be right in this country. If you want to defeat racism and inequality…then educate, motivate and inspire young African-American children to take up the cause of education and progressive thinking and diligently carve out paths that produces the next great minds and community leaders. It will not be easy…it will not be easy for White America to let go of a way of thinking that teaches self-entitlement by the nature of their race and it will not be easy for Black American to let go of a victim-minded way of thinking that certainly have become our own internal battle. President-elect Barack Obama spoke tirelessly about the very thing that this forum represents; divisiveness. America cannot and will not ever be the country it can be until we understand and except the differences between races and classes; as well as disallow disenfranchisement of any group.

Posted by trojanman01 (anonymous) on November 7, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Caucasion History Year yes whites get the a whole year the only times black or white kids learn anything about black history is during Feb. lets be real being a Confederate supporter means you are not a U.S. supporter b/c if you remember the confederate states tried to leave THE United States in other words they were traders or terrorist or better yet they commited Treason witch i do believe is pusnishable by death so all you people riding around with your confederat flages and tages might not be racist but you sure are Terrorist!!

Posted by regis (anonymous) on November 7, 2008 at 11:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well I seed English grandma and compestition be suffered a brutle defetes.

Posted by shiftingshadows (anonymous) on November 7, 2008 at 1:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tell me how supporting my southern heritage is racist or terrorist, you are very ignorant... keep believing mainstream media about it being all about slavery and racism... you probably still think george wallace hated blacks til the very bitter end... LOL and as far as fox news telling me who to support? did fox news endorse Ralph Nader at all? i dont remember such an endorsement.... but nice try... you guys are insulting your own intelligence....

Posted by cree1972 (anonymous) on November 7, 2008 at 1:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We all need to take a chill pill and move on. The american electoral process worked the way it was suppose to, we need to accept the outcome as we do every 4 years. Whites should stop making it a racial issue and blacks should be proud, but realize is just a man who happens to share characteristics...He can only do as much as he is allowed by the american electorate.

Posted by republicangirl (anonymous) on November 7, 2008 at 1:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Whites making it a racial issue I DON'T THINK SO! When I hear children say "I got me a black president" or "We are free now". Since when have they not been free? I think they have been free for quite a while! When you teach your children to think and act like you I think we all know there is going to be a problem! I think you should take a look at who is being racist!!

Posted by regis (anonymous) on November 7, 2008 at 1:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Who said anything about you being a racist or terrorist? That doesn't mean your ancestors may not have been. You may assume you think on a higher mental plane than the rest of us "ignant idgits", but you learned everything you know about the civil war just like the rest of us: based on something somebody else wrote. You did not witness it. So don't act like you have incontrovertible insider information. You believe what you want based on your own biases. And finally, voting for Ralph Nader is a waste of time as long as the two party system is so strong. But if it makes you feel like you better have at it hot shot. Oh, one last thing, I do not get my historical information from the media. I know better.

Posted by regis (anonymous) on November 7, 2008 at 1:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And, Shadow, you sound like a Limbaugh dittohead with your talk of the "mainstream media". I know you are smart enough to think on your own without having to use such abused phrases.

Posted by cree1972 (anonymous) on November 7, 2008 at 1:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yeah, i am taking a look at who is being racist, its quite clear. If a young black person is proud to have a president who happens to be somewhat black, does that make that person racist? I think it represents Pride repubgirl..Just as you may be proud to have a confederate flag in your yard, many blacks are proud of this moment and potentially what it may represent, although in reading these posts I am doubtful it means that enough people have changed their minds.

Posted by shiftingshadows (anonymous) on November 7, 2008 at 1:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mainstream media is all you probably learned anything from :) voting for Nader was never a waste of time, sounds like you've been watching fox... and as far as you trying to discredit what ive learned about history and the civil war? well you just discredit yourself if you think thats a valid excuse....

btw, if everyone thinks like you as "nader is a waste of time as long as the 2 party system is so strong" then the 2 party system will never fall... I made the moral choice, the only one that believed the way i did and even would have made a good president... the other corporate candidates were all garbage... i can live without knowing every night that i took part in electing one of those corporate yes men.

Posted by shiftingshadows (anonymous) on November 7, 2008 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)

by the way, back in this time, republicans were for big government the democrats were for smaller state governments .... wonder which party was the party of all the southern states... oh yes the one Mr. Obama is in...

Posted by regis (anonymous) on November 7, 2008 at 2:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And Wallace was a democrat. So what? Don't you think things are a little different now. (God why do I feel like I am going to be sorry I asked?)

By the way ghost, I think they were being patriotic because Union soldiers were shooting at them in their own back yard. What the hell else were they gonna do? Otherwise, sounds like things have not changed much. And thanks for giving your opinion. Can I cite you as a source when I pass along this useful knowledge?

Posted by cree1972 (anonymous) on November 7, 2008 at 2:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think a lot myths are being thrown out as facts today, lets not rewrite the Civil War....it was very uncivil ...racism existed then and certainly exists now in a slkightly different form.

Posted by shiftingshadows (anonymous) on November 7, 2008 at 2:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

@Regis

First off, they were patriotic because they believed in state rights... second, lincoln is the only president too ever raise an army to invade his own country, horrible president... third you are the most moronic person ive ever commented too...

Wallace was on the board of trustees for an all black school, tuskegee... he received the NAACP's endorsement... he appointed more african americans to high offices than any other governor in this state... EVER...

yes i see how hes a racist democrat... :) its quite obvious where you get your history from... mainstream media, and too me that includes fox news... they are one of the worst...

Posted by shiftingshadows (anonymous) on November 7, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

and i forgot to mention his 1982 campaign... he received the majority of african american votes :) OOOH BOY cause if im a black guy i want to go vote for the most racist man on the ballot OH AUNTEE LETS GO VOTE FO MISTA WALLACE!!!! HE BE SO RACIST!

Posted by regis (anonymous) on November 7, 2008 at 2:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

God I admire you. You could very well be the smartest poster in the history of the Troy Messenger forum.

By the way, how long did it take you to "Wiki" yourself to the level of self proclaimed genius?

Posted by regis (anonymous) on November 7, 2008 at 2:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Do you mind if I start calling you Cliffy?

Posted by shiftingshadows (anonymous) on November 7, 2008 at 2:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

awwww poor regis... i would say someone "wiki"'d their sources too if i had just been completely destroyed intellectually by someone with a different opinion and facts that didnt support mine :)

Posted by shiftingshadows (anonymous) on November 7, 2008 at 2:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

regis i can not help that you listened to john mccain on the 3rd debate and keep trying to source that as a reason wallace was sooooo racist.

Posted by regis (anonymous) on November 7, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You still live with your parents don't you?

Posted by regis (anonymous) on November 7, 2008 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think it had more to do with the "segregation today, segregation tomorrow" thing. I know what Wallace was all about. He was a phony that did whatever it took to be on top politically. I read the same books you did.

Posted by Jack_Bauer (anonymous) on November 7, 2008 at 3:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Obama would never have been elected if the Troy City Schools had not implemented UNIFORMS

Posted by regis (anonymous) on November 7, 2008 at 3:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You need to get some professiohal help for that multiple personality thing.

Posted by shiftingshadows (anonymous) on November 7, 2008 at 6:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

if you read the same books i did you would know the NAACP endorsed the man and really now... a racist?

He sounds more like a civil rights activist... with the NAACP endorsing him, being board of trustees at tuskegee institute to get blacks a higher education, the majority of blacks voting for him, and the appointment of the most blacks ever to higher government in alabama...

plus he got the first woman governor in office for alabama...

Sounds like Wallace is a civil rights leader for women and blacks not a racist. :)

Posted by zztrojan (anonymous) on November 7, 2008 at 8:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I wish it had been a tighter race in Alabama for Obama, 'cause if he decides to go for re-election in 4 years he might offer folks here $10 an hour to canvas for him like he did in other places this year. We have folks that could use that money just like those in other states, but he wrote Alabama off at the start. Too bad he's not keeping his promises to pay all those workers he hired in the swing states.

Posted by Showdown2 (anonymous) on November 8, 2008 at 3:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think the world needs a new start and I wish for nuclear proliferation.

Posted by cree1972 (anonymous) on November 8, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As evidenced by this message board, Alabama would never have been a truly close race...there is still too much ignorance and prejudices...Most democratic national candidates would be poorly served by spending excessive campaign dollars ..unless they could find one of those backwards dixiecrats that have plagued southern politics for long.

BTW, Wallace was no saint in any regard....Even his daughter mentioned recently she was doubtful he would have voted for Obama...However, I simply saw him a horrible man during most of his political career who finally saw salvation after being crippled by an assasination attempt...Maybe not salvation, but realization that perhaps not everyone thought the way he did...he may have had a slight change of heart later, but I doubt he was much of a CHANGED man.....

Posted by Trevino (anonymous) on November 8, 2008 at 3:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Alabam, keep thinking the way you are......I guess you certainly can not have a progressive state when the inhabitants would prefer to have things remain the same as in the Wallace days of racist manipulation......

Posted by shiftingshadows (anonymous) on November 8, 2008 at 4:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

you guys know NOTHING about Alabama history and Wallace... Wallace probably wouldnt have voted for Obama... but because of policy... he would have voted indepedent... likely Chuck Baldwin... but whatever!

Nader/Gonzalez '08

Posted by bdhs4 (anonymous) on November 8, 2008 at 7:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

you know if you rode by the area of the armory over by the Troy U ballgame today that should make someone understand better. you couldn't hardly get through for people walking out in front of you without even looking both ways and the loud music was terrible. TPD should've done something after all isn't there a noise ordinance in Troy? There is no excuse for that mess.

Posted by White_Lightning1 (anonymous) on November 10, 2008 at 7:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Talk about raining on America's parade! I'm as southern white as the Conech river is long, and I certainly appreciate the historical significance and importance of America finally electing the first African-American President. You'd have to be one heartless, insecure, ignorant hump to have been taken aback, appalled or astonished in the fact that African-Americans would want to celebrate and take pride in Obama's achievement.

I can only imagine if it were the other way around. The first elected white President after 200 plus years of black majority rule and 43 black Presidents. You'd better believe there would be white folks dancing in the streets shouting to high heaven, "Thank Gawd Almighty! Finally, a President that looks just like me."

Maybe after America elects it's second or third African-American President the "novelty" will wear off and we will finally be able to elect a candidate base only on his or her character. Until then, trying to negate African-American pride in Obama's victory just comes off a tad insulting, condescending and as a weak attempt at minimizing this great achievement.

Posted by toocold4ya2002 (anonymous) on November 20, 2008 at 12:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If you have not been afraid for the last 8 years then there is something wrong with the way you see the world. This country use to be a major power but the last administration managed or shall I say mis-managed it to the point that we are looked upon as a threat to the rest of the world (a bully). We have very few alllies and no one trust us. We have sold this country to others (China, Japan, and Germany) to name a few. The dollar has strunk to almost invisibility. There are no jobs, the market is falling more and more daily. The last administration raped this country, place us in a war that is worse than Vietnam could ever be, robbed it through the high gas prices. Now here we sit debating wheather the new President is black or white. Anything and I mean anything would be better that what we have been through in the last eight years.

If you were not afraid through these last 8 years you should have been. Do not be afraid now. Hope is all I have - change is all I want.

A poor displaced black girl who was born and raised in Troy, Al. A small town in which I love and is much disappointed in today.