Posted by
Dan Abbett on Sunday, October 19, 2008 7:06:56 PM
There are probably many, who like me, have pondered the question of late, as to how they really feel about race, prejudice, racial stereotypes and wonder; have they actually overcome these barriers or do they still linger to some degree in the back of their minds? Before Barack Obama became the nominee for the Democratic Party, most would have not given such notions a second thought. Now, with the accusations of racism and bigotry constantly being hurled by both the Obama campaign and especially the media, these thoughts have been pushed front and center.
For those whose politics are firmly Republican, solidly conservative or believe in less, not more government, there is no confusion. They will not vote for Barack Obama because his policies, politics and vision for America are anathema to their own. For those who hold more liberal views however but who are fiscally conservative, a gray zone clouds their gray matter. They may want to vote against Obama for policy reasons but fear being tagged as a racist if they do. Using race in this way to intimidate and influence how one votes, is the tool of an ideology that will accept no deviation from their plan and agenda.
The truth of the matter is that the growing animosity toward the Democrats, the media and Barack Obama is driven by the near totalitarian effort of the Obama campaign and supporters to completely suppress any valid criticism. Those who dare to challenge this intention face having their personal and professional lives and reputations ruined. Some call it politics, most know it to be blackmail. This anger however is not directed toward race, class, ethnicity or religion, it is the rejection of the notion that the people pay blind allegiance to a political party, a socialist ideology and government control of every aspect of their personal lives.
Such is the case of Joe Wurzelbacher, an ordinary guy that asked a relevant question of Barack Obama’s tax policy for small business. Unfortunately, for Obama, his answer was caught on tape. In an unguarded moment, Obama answered the question with candor, stating he felt that taxing small business above a certain level was a good way to “spread the wealth around.” This socialist principle has not played well in Peoria however and has created serious scrutiny of Obama’s governing intentions. Because Joe crossed the line and did not pay blind allegiance to the Obama doctrine, he has been pilloried and humiliated by the Obama campaign and the press.
The Obama campaign has attempted to use the Justice Department to remove ads critical of Obama from the airwaves. Law enforcement officials have threatened to bring legal action against those who make “false” statements against Obama. As to who would make the determination of what constituted “false” was not made public. Those who dare bring the little that is known about Obama’s past and those with whom he has associated to the public’s attention are labeled racists. When racism is deemed too nebulous, fear mongering, hate speech and inciting anger and hate is alleged.
It is from this strong-arm approach by both the Democrat Party and the Obama campaign to intimidate and silence their opposition that justified anger has risen. Moreover, that anger is being used by the Obama campaign against those who rightly protest, as proof of racism in the McCain campaign, the Republican Party and its members. Yes, racism is a factor in this election but it is not emanating from Republicans, John McCain or his running mate.
So, many in fact are once again pondering the question of race relations in America, a question they believed was at least moving in the right direction before it was used as a means of intimidation by the Obama campaign. The greater question is if Obama is successful in his bid for the White House, will race become a permanent tool to ensure blind allegiance to his administration and the Democratic Party?