I want to express my warmest congratulations to all our African-American DUers on this historic day.

[Skinner]

There is so much to say about this election -- I have so many thoughts and feelings in my head that I am having difficulty putting it all into words. I think it might take a day or more for me to write something that comes close to expressing everything that I'm feeling right now, if I can do it at all. Fortunately, that post can come later. Today, I want to say this:

Congratulations to all of the African-American members of this community.

I wish I knew a better word than just "congratulations." I spent some time trying to come up with a better word, but nothing really fit. No word seems sufficient to express my feelings: Wanting very much to acknowledge your triumph, to share in your elation, to feel what you feel right now, and to let you know the gladness I feel for you. While at the same time recognizing that I have no clue what you must be feeling right now.

As a white man, I have been able to take for granted that for more than two centuries, the president of the United States has always looked like me. As a child, when people told me I could grow up to be anything I wanted, I had no reason not to believe them. It was something so obvious and pervasive that I never had to even think about it.

I cannot imagine what it feels like to grow up in a country where the president never looked like me. Where all the available evidence led me to believe that the president might never look like me. And then one day, against all odds, he does.

To quote President-elect Obama's speech last night:

"It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled - Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America."

America, united. Finally.

[PresidentObama]

1. Absolutely. K&R n/t

[Doityourself]

2. I want to express my gratitude to Americans of all colors...there is no way

we black americans could have done this alone!!!!

[YOY]

3. We're all in this together.

Thanks!

[BayjanDem]

56. So true

This was a win for people that embrace diversity. Obama won by appealing to all races, colors, creeds. As a 44 year old black man, I've seen my share of negative. A lot of perpetrated by us on each other. But this win...I can't even finish. Thanks Skinner.

[bjobotts]

187. I voted for Obama without even thinking about him being black

[bjobotts]

188. Me and my friends never though of race as even a consideration

[bjobotts]

189. Obama was the best candidate by far who just happened to be black

[bjobotts]

190. I kind of resent all this "historic blackman stuff" as some prime reason for his being elected

[bjobotts]

191. Especially when for so many it wasn't even a consideration. It ranks with a trivia question from tri

trivial pursuit-the game. Yet it seems to be all I'm hearing..."we finally elected a black man...a man of color will now be president" etc, etc., etc. I'll be glad when people, quit referring to it anymore than referring to Bush the white man president.

[bjobotts]

192. You never hear "Bush the white man president". Its being historic is only

coincidental to Obama being elected president. The president just happens to be black, mentioned only because it's the first time that has occured. but has nothing to do with how he will govern or why he was elected.

[AlbertCat]

212. After all 50% of his genes came from his Mother

More that 50% of his genetic material if you count mitochondrial DNA

[awoke_in_2003]

222. It is about time for all races to heed

Benjamin Franklin's word: "We must all hang together, or, most assuredly, we will hang separately". I think we finally saw some of that this week.

[Dennis Donovan]

4. Let the Day Begin! Congratulations to All!

:patriot:

[lonestarnot]

5. Yes yes yes! Pies all around! Pie Pie Pie!

:toast:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

6. My dear Skinner!

Even though I am far from being a black person, I felt compelled to respond to your most eloquent post...

Beautifully said!

Thank you for everything you do here, and for all your wisdom...

K&R

:hug:

[jaysunb]

7. Thanks

I'm just glad the best person won. All else is icing on the cake. :thumbsup:

[blondeatlast]

11. "The best person won." Someday, that's all that will matter. We moved a couple of steps toward that

yesterday.

[rocktivity]

198. PLAIGIARST!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=7789242&mesg_id=7804445

:rofl:
rocknation

[jaysunb]

201. LOL !

I'm in a sharing mood so I'll give another great mind 50% of the credit. :rofl:

[BrklynLiberal]

8. United, finally... Perfect conclusion.

:thumbsup:

[BonnieJW]

9. Think of it!

On January 20, 2009, an Afican American will take up residence in a mansion built by slaves. Tears came into my eyes in the voting booth. It's been a long time coming. I am white, but marched in the 60's for civil rights and an end to the war. Now I have grandchildren who have come into a better place. My prayer is that they take no notice of color among their playmates, that they are completely unaware of race. Then the journey will be complete.

[Rammy]

204. Please drop the African part

We are all Americans! I have gotten so numb to hearing that phrase with Obama running. Most of our darker brothers and sisters have never stepped foot in Africa, they born in North America, yet they are classified as afican-americans. Rant off!!

[kestrel91316]

218. I think some people use "A-A" rather than "black", thinking (wrongly)

that it is improper and offensive to use the term.

[XemaSab]

10. Amen

n/t

[keepCAblue]

12. I want to express my deepest sympathies to all our GLBT DUers on this tragic day. n/t

[blondeatlast]

36. And you chose THIS thread to do it? Weird. nt

[keepCAblue]

44. To make an obvious point,..a point which is obviously over yours and Skinner's heads.

[blondeatlast]

51. Explain, then--I'm sure the site administrator will be very interested

in our common intellectual shortcomings.

[Skinner]

53. The point is not over my head.

While the election of the first African-American president was a step forward for equal rights, the cause of equal rights for gay and lesbian Americans took a heartbreaking step backward. GLBT DUers have my deepest sympathy. This country still has very far to go until we live up to our own values, and everyone is free and equal.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

160. did i miss your thread about it?

[bahrbearian]

213. Good one.

[kestrel91316]

219. Good move. Attack Skinner for posting congratulations for blacks.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

234. thats a fucking lie and you know it. my implication is he hasnt mentioned his sorrow

about our loss.

:eyes:

[Chovexani]

98. The LGBT community also includes blacks.

I'm feeling a mixed bag of joy and revulsion right now.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

159. much appreciated.

[Call Me Wesley]

13. I think we all just started to

look more alike. :hi:

[blondeatlast]

57. Eeuw. OTOH, I do feel taller today...

:rofl:

[catgirl]

133. I had an extra bounce in my step today

and I felt a swelling of pride in america that I've never felt before
(or at least I don't remember ever having it before). This is a great
day for all.

[WillyT]

14. Word

:grouphug:

[iamjoy]

35. This Is What I Thought

I have perhaps been too aware of race in this campaign, wondering what kind of factor it would play in voting and people's emotions. I've voiced this awkward notion that African Americans some how had more at stake and more to lose in this election than whites. I've disagreed with people who try to say Obama isn't black because he had a white mother. That's a technicality that for many years has not been the practical reality in this nation.

But when I read Skinner's post about Obama not looking like him, I thought, well, Obama does "look" like us (whites) in every way that matters.

Here's another awkward statement. It's possible Obama may be the first "female" president similar to the way some people called Bill Clinton the first "black" president. As a woman, I am thrilled. I think Obama has many of the positive leadership/personality characteristics attributed more commonly to women than men.

OK, now I can be accused of being sexist too.

[Chovexani]

101. The "first female president"? Are you for real?

The same candidate who thought abortion should be something women pray about, that we get late term ones because we're "feeling blue" and showed a pattern of being condescending to any woman not married to him with the "sweetie" crap?

I'm not trashing the milestone or trying to harsh anyone's squee. Barack is still much stronger than McFailin on women's issues, which is why I voted for him despite my misgivings. And shit, I'm black, and I cried during his speech last night. I just think in all the excitement, to quote David Alan Grier some of y'all have lost your damn minds.

I don't think you're sexist, just on a different planet.

[iamjoy]

164. That's Not What I Meant

I didn't mean about the issues. I meant in his approach.

There is a stereotype of the way women approach problem solving - we are more inclusive and less aggressive than men. Also, that we tend to use softer language and are more conciliatory in conflict. That does not mean women aren't tough and can't get what they want - but that women are less likely to use tactics like intimidation, force or brute strength to do so. Certainly there are exceptions (note the use of "less likely". Also, I am talking about generalities and perceptions - which are not always concrete realities.

[JPZenger]

15. Today's theonion: Black Man Given Nation's Worst Job

www.theonion.com

"WASHINGTON—African-American man Barack Obama, 47, was given the least-desirable job in the entire country Tuesday when he was elected president of the United States of America. In his new high-stress, low-reward position, Obama will be charged with such tasks as completely overhauling the nation's broken-down economy, repairing the crumbling infrastructure, and generally having to please more than 300 million Americans and cater to their every whim on a daily basis.

As part of his duties, the black man will have to spend four to eight years cleaning up the messes other people left behind. The job comes with such intense scrutiny and so certain a guarantee of failure that only one other person even bothered applying for it. Said scholar and activist Mark L. Denton, "It just goes to show you that, in this country, a black man still can't catch a break."

[Ecumenist]

18. LOL!! That's what I've always believed!!

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
:spray: :spray: :spray: :spray: :spray: :spray: :spray: :spray: :spray: :spray: :spray: :spray: :spray: :spray: :spray: :spray: :spray: :spray: :spray:

[No Elephants]

132. Obama's black?!?!

[nc4bo]

16. America, the Beautiful!!! k&r

[Ecumenist]

17. Thank You so VERY much Skinner!!

I never thought I would see something like this in my lifetime.

[bridgit]

19. .......

[Window]

20. Thank you, but it would not have been possible without you and others

like you.


Peace:thumbsup:

[mtnsnake]

21. Same here. BTW, you called it almost a year ago that you thought America would be ready

for an African American president if Obama won the nomination.

[DeeDeeNY]

22. The big picture: we're all members of the same race

The human race!!
:toast: :grouphug:

[demigoddess]

225. more than that, we are all pretty mixed in our heritage. Yet there was a time

when we took pride in being pure something or other. Maybe now we can take pride in being mixed. if you want my pedigree

irish, black irish(which is part spanish) part french(who intermarried with native americans) part english (which mixed french, danes, vikings, saxons,celts) part cherokee, part Holland Dutch,etc during about 30 other generations that left no record.

Ps. most of our mitrochondrial dna comes from AFRICA

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

23. Thanks so much, Skinner. Of course we black Americans need to do more work in combating

the pervasive homophobia that manifests itself in ignorance that ultimately leads to death (HIV-AIDS rates in black America).

Now, where's my sweet potato pie??!?!? :)

[awoke_in_2003]

224. "Now, where's my sweet potato pie??!?!? "

I don't know the answer to that, but when you get it I wanna piece :)

[FloridaJudy]

24. I'm white

But I'm so damned proud of my country today! Like many of the older folks here, I marched in the Civil Rights movement of the sixties, and seeing Obama standing in front of that cheering crowd of all colors and ages made me cry with happiness.

We sure aren't perfect yet, but last night Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream came a little closer to coming true.

THANK YOU, AMERICA!!!

Thank you.

[JackDragna]

25. Someone had a good editorial on this..

..can't remember who, but it said something to the effect that Obama isn't a revolutionary figure: rather, he's the culmination of years of work by progessive people to change the landscape of the nation and make it a more tolerant, open place. I'm glad to see we've made that first baby step into a truly inclusive, open society.

[ailsagirl]

203. Well put-- this momentum has been quietly building for decades

and when Obama came along, it was inevitable we'd succeed!!

:bounce:

[FloridaJudy]

26. Oops, dupe

But it's worth saying twice.



Thank you.

[genna]

27. Congratulations? OK. Thank you. I think you mean Welcome home

If I could boil the feeling down I felt when I watched Hawii, California, and Washington state's results tipping the scales for a President Elect Obama, it would be living in a house your whole life and feeling like you are a tolerated guest.

Some blacks would say we were in the outhouse or the slave house out back. But for me, it would be treated like a guest in my own damn house.

Yesterday, I was acknowledged for belonging and being a contributor in my own house. Think about it. Every single war this country has fought, one of my relatives was in and other members of my house claim I am and my people are UN AMERICAN! Fighting and dying for this country isn't enough?


We've worked for less pay. We've cleaned houses, worked in garbage, collected pieces of the pig/raccoon/chicken, and done whatever we had to do to survive and serve these United States of America AND we still are accused of playing the VICTIM!


Obama crossing that finish line is like someone flipping on the lights when I come inside my house and that someone saying welcome home, I'm glad you're here, and/or how was your day? Just being acknowledged is the best congratulations, you, or anyone else can give me.


Thanks Skinner for this amazing resource.

[Skinner]

31. Thank you. That is exactly what I was trying to say.

In my first draft of this post, I had written, "Welcome to America." But I decided against posting it because it sounded harsh and I felt there was a good chance I would be misunderstood.

"Welcome home." Exactly.

[ClayZ]

185. Whoopie Goldberg said today,

that the feeling was kind of like, though always and American, she could fianlly put her suitcase down.




K and R

[Essene]

34. i like that analogy... a lot

And i truly hope the feeling goes for more than just African-Americans but for marginalized people across america, and also strengthens marginalized people around the world.

[KittyWampus]

41. Genna, your post would make a lovely thread all on it's own.

Thanks for writing down how you feel. Very well said.

[Lithos]

52. Truly an amazing phrase - Welcome home

The Dream is home, welcome!

Welcome, home!



:grouphug:

[political_Dem]

102. Yes, genna. Thank you for saying this. This is exactly what I was thinking.

:hug: :hug: :hug:

I teared up as I read your words. Our people have suffered so much. This day has been a miracle and a relevation to me.

I also agree that your eloquent words should be in its own thread, too.

[NOLALady]

109. Welcome Home

sums up the way I feel.

This is the first time in my life, I've felt truly at home in my own home.

[ekwhite]

197. Thank you Genna

That was a beautiful post. It made me think of something else. In his "I Have a Dream" speech, he said he dreamed of a day when a man would be judged by the "content of his character, not by the color of his skin." I am buoyed by the fact that the majority of American people chose Barack Obama in precisely that way.

[Essene]

28. This is not a "black thing" and the congratulations goes to all of those who believe in...

What obama represents.

Blacks, latinos, asians, the grey aliens who obviously voted in Montana, whites of all backgrounds... this is a win for democracy, decency, freedom and the basic commitment to be better humans living in better societies.

The best person won... and he just happens to be african-american.

The civil rights movement was not about "black" victories. It was about making sure blacks OR ANYBODY could have a chance to BE the best person.

[chimpymustgo]

40. I could not agree with you more: "this is a win for democracy, decency, freedom, and the basic

commitment to be better humans living in better societies."

My friend, you have nailed it.

[Essene]

58. glad you see it that way =D

ive been meaning to post something on this issue as a thread/blog entry for some time, so im still kinda working through my feelings and thoughts.

[noiretextatique]

64. the civil rights movement was a demand for the full rights of citzenship for BLACK PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!

PLEASE STOP TRYING TO REVISE HISTORY. THE MOVEMENT WAS ABOUT GETTING THE FULL RIGHTS OF CITZENSHIP FOR A GROUP OF PEOPLE WHO HAD BEEN DENIED THOSE RIGHTS UNDER SLAVERY AND JIM CROW. THOSE PEOPLE WERE BLACK PEOPLE.

[NOLALady]

70. That's the way I remember it also.

[noiretextatique]

75. THANK YOU

:rofl:

:wtf: is up with the revisionism? it's wonderful that our country has evolved enough to elect a Obama president, but that doesn't change the history.

[Essene]

77. the capslocks dont make the claim stronger

im not the one changing history and frankly... the fact that you think this is funny is sad.

[noiretextatique]

80. your are attempting to revise history

as you have been since you got here. everyone's on to your game and no one buys your bullshit.
:nopity:

[Essene]

84. oh i see....you just want to get personal (sigh) - and hence why you twist what ive said

You know... you can flame... call my "game" bullshit, but i'm just adding this to a long documentation of the politics of DU.

You may want to reflect on the ironies.

And you may want to take a moment to check if i have said what you are claiming i've said.

[noiretextatique]

86. i reflect on the fact that you can't seem to stop using the term

"black thing" :eyes:

[Essene]

89. no, you're just flaming... twisting words... and being hateful

and insincere.

[noiretextatique]

92. bulllshit...this is not the first time you used that term

and i doubt it will be the last.

[Essene]

95. you got that right... and we'll see if you can ever admit the potential problem there

"It was about making sure blacks OR ANYBODY could have a chance to BE the best person."

That's what i said.

You flipped out.

ou need to check your head and your heart... rather than reacting so rashly because of some twisted view you have of somebody on the internet.

[noiretextatique]

104. it was about black people having the rights of full citzenship

since we did not have those right before that movement. as our country evolved beyond the jim crow society it once was, the movement evolved as well.

[Essene]

107. ill be impressed when you reply to what i actually said n/t

[chimpymustgo]

123. Noirblu, yes it was, but it was also about America fullfilling it's founding concepts.

It was actually liberating for white people as well - so they could live up to the promise of "a more perfect union". David Gergen just said on Oprah, how much a debt of gratitude Southern white people owe civil rights fighters like John Lewis and MLK.

[noiretextatique]

126. both/and...i am just fine with handling two concepts at the same time

what i object to is the dismisal of my ancestors very real struggle in the this country to "a black thing." that's a revisionist insult...especially in this thread. you know...i understand gergen's comments on orprah, however, i wonder how emmet till's mother would feel about that. i am not so sure she would be happy hear that he son's death was for the evolution of white people's souls.

[chimpymustgo]

135. Noirblu, I really have to take issue with your stance in this thread - it seems very narrow and

unfair. And it's just not the kind of inclusion and comity most people are feeling today. Sorry.

[noiretextatique]

136. sorry...i take issue with someone who keeps using the term "black thing"

to diminish skinner's congratuations to african-american DUers...the subject of this thread.
i also take issue with the fact that this is not the first...and probably not the last time this person has used phrase "black thing". today of all days...i am not taking that. and gergen need to STFU too.

[Essene]

139. "this person" whom you keep insulting... is black & making a point about unity

you self-righteous, pretentious fool.

you want to insult? fine.

ill come down to your level... since you were unable to appreciate the original post and can only bitterly hold onto your pretentious personal insults and posturing.

i look forward to writing more extensively on the issue of discussing race on DU, and i hope you'll be ok when i use you as an example of the challenges we face... ahead.

the only thing being DIMINISHED is obama... when we reduce him to a black candidate... a black president... and his achievements as a "black thing."

it's certainly an achievement for blacks... but as i said... we oughta be congratulating ALL of us because it's more than that.

[noiretextatique]

143. i don't give a care if you are black

i am sick of you and your "black thing"

[Essene]

156. well, ive documented all your "sick of you" posts.

and will include it in future reflections on the politics of race.

how bitter you are... that you have to shit on a simple post about unity.

[noiretextatique]

157. please...i am not bitter

i just don't buy your revisionist "black thing" crap.

[Essene]

158. right n/t

[Essene]

137. thank you... as an african-american...

it takes all my strength on a day like today to deal with the nastiness noiretblu has spewed.

im glad at least one person understands where i was coming from...

must appreciated.

[Bjorn Against]

149. Self delete

As I read further into the thread I am seeing the point you were trying to make, maybe it could have been phrased better but we don't need to argue linguistics.

[Essene]

76. It was that... and so much more... just as Gandhi's teachings were more than an "Indian" thing

The struggle is not merely a "black thing," no more than Gandhi's teachings were an "Indian" thing.

I'm merely pointing out that the struggle for full rights BY and FOR blacks in America was much more than merely a "black thing." MLK himself couldnt have been more clear on this...

For god's sake... the dream wasn't merely to tear down Jim Crow laws. Or even just about a clear articulation of full rights.

It was to raise up as a people... as a society... where ALL folks are treated equal and judged by the content of their character.

It was about much more than laws pertaining blacks. It was about changing how we think, how we view the world, how we handle identity and look at the future. It was about embracing a better future where we become better as a united, diverse people.

It's impossible to separate, for example, the women's movement(s) and the civil rights movement. I think it's also noteworthy to recognize the passionate support from many jewish leaders of the civil rights movement in a post-WW2 awakening pertaining Human Rights.

It was a movement touching our deepest spiritual commitments and human sense of dignity, one which resonates for ALL races and ALL struggles of marginalized people. Not everybody in the civil rights movement had an awareness of the full impact of the movement of the time, but it was not JUST about Jim Crow laws for the leaders.

All Americans should take ownership of this struggle and the successes, not just blacks.

[noiretextatique]

78. please STOP IT: your use of "black thing" really uncloaks you

and whatever your bizarre agenda is. let me repeat this for you: it was a movement that demanded full civil rights for Black people who had been denied rights since the inception of this country. no amount of your silly "black thing" spin will ever change that fact.

[Essene]

83. again... it was that and much more... (i.e. you are swinging at strawmen)

You are suggesting I'm denying the root cause of the civil rights movement. I am not.

This is not a "zero-sum game."

Saying this is a victory for all who believe in democracy, equality and being better as people in ever-better societies... is not taking away from the pride that blacks should have about Obama. Ok? Quite the opposite.

You can attack me, get angry and try to hurl insults as arguments... but you yourself just recognized my point... it BECAME more... it MEANS more to us now. And for all the right reasons.

PS If MLK were alive... I'm pretty darn confident he would agree with the point I'm making... and I really enjoyed hearing John Lewis speak on this last night. I know my father was crying last night and I know he sure agrees with me.

[noiretextatique]

85. "black thing"...i am calling you on that

as for the rest of your argument, i have no problem with it. but it was you who ONCE AGAIN put your foot in your own mouth.

[Essene]

87. im tired of you. read what you respond to. your anger is petty

go read the message i posted.

ask yourself why you REALLY feel the need to start some petty hate-filled argument.

[noiretextatique]

88. no it isn't...your use of the term "black thing" diminishes

your argument...deal with it.

[Essene]

91. if you had read what i wrote before responding with strawman and hate...

[noiretextatique]

93. "black thing"...is there any BIGGER STRAWMAN than that? eom

[Essene]

96. it's a shame you've responded with such hate... without reading the original message

or appreciating the point and sentiment of it.

very sad.

[noiretextatique]

103. the sentiment is revisionism and dimishment...got that eom

[Essene]

114. what's being diminished is Obama's victory...

yes, that's truly how i feel about it.

That's why so many black leaders last night were emphasizing the SAME point im making.

And ironically... it's the republicans who are sooooo quick to celebrate this as a "black achievement."

[noiretextatique]

138. what...it's not a "black thing?"

funny...you are the only person who keeps saying that. and DUH...of course it isn't. it took the entire country, black, white, brown, yellow, red, green...whatever to elect obama. that has nothing to do with this thread, which is a congratulations to african-american DUers. did skinner diminish obama's victory by posting this thread?

[Roy]

231. noiretblu....

You have been a black person long enough to plainly see that that person is not.

You've tried to get that person to understand often enough to realize that understanding is not a part of his/her make-up.

The agenda of that person is to disrupt and spoil the beautiful sentiments expressed by Skinner and others in this thread as the spammer attempted at the beginning of this thread.

I put both on ignore after it's first post and believe me, it is a much better thread from that point on.

[Terran]

105. I have to agree with noiretblu

The civil rights movement was not about "black" victories. It was about making sure blacks OR ANYBODY could have a chance to BE the best person.

You are conflating actual events with the significance that has been attached to those events since then. To say that it was *not* about black civil equality at the time it was happening is an insult to all those people whose lives and deaths led up to that point in American history.

If you are not black, then there is something here you are missing and will probably never quite grasp. Obama's victory *is* a victory for everyone on multiple levels, but it's much more than just 'our side won' for black people.

[Essene]

111. (sigh) "It was about making sure blacks OR ANYBODY could have a chance to BE the best person"

That is what i wrote.

"It was about making sure blacks OR ANYBODY could have a chance to BE the best person"

What part of that do you have a problem with? What part of that do you think MLK would have a problem with?

How dare I suggest the meaning and victories fought by african-americans extend beyond "black victories." How insulting of me to "conflate" the struggle for black equality with the struggle of all marginalized people!!! How dare an african-american say that the meaning of the civil rights struggle should be taken to heart by ALL people!!!

I appreciate the point that we shouldn't forget the historical reality & roots of the civil rights movement in the black experience, and you clearly think what i'm saying somehow takes away from that. That's not what i was saying at all, and it's not a zero-sum game at all.

As i said above, this is like saying Gandhi is only significant as an "indian" thing, or that to argue this point removes the deep roots of his specific struggle.

You jump right into basically suggesting i must not be black or "will probably never grasp" these issues. Maybe you're the one missing something, and perhaps being a tad pretentious?

My dad grew up poor as hell in brooklyn. He lost brothers to gang violence and went into the military. He later became very passionate about the civil rights movement, became an activist in his own way. He's helped me be strong in the face of a heck of a lot of bad experiences I've had over the years. Frankly, I'll take the lessons learned from him... from the black mentors in my life... and hold them up to all this nasty, personal, pretentious nonsense seen by this bitter other poster...

You can come up to Harlem... get on the phone... and tell HIM how I'm wrong on this point.

Until then... please re-read what i wrote and appreciate it in the manner in which it was intended. :)

[Terran]

119. You're conveniently leaving this out:

The civil rights movement was not about "black" victories.

Your words, own them.

And that "bitter other poster" has been at DU a hell of a lot longer than you have and has over the years established a reputation as a level-headed and honest person, not given to unwarranted episodes of misplaced anger. Based on what I've seen of your posts and your dishonest and dishonorable characterization of her, I think I'll "appreciate" her posts over yours.

[Essene]

121. (sigh) i see you also just want to insult and flame... (and nice apology)

I tried to emphasize how this victory is NOT a "black thing" but a wonderfully uniting message about democracy and empowerment.

THE NERVE OF ME, RIGHT?

I explicitly acknowledged the point you're INSISTING i attacked. I tried to explain.

You claimed i must be white and could NEVER understand the real meaning of the civil rights. You suggested i was insulting all blacks and the civil rights movement. Sigh.

I tried to... calmly... respond, explaining where i was coming from... and you respond with increasingly nasty stuff.

Thanks for contributing to my record book of DU race politics.

I hope you enjoy your role when i fully write about all the hypocrisies of the "left."

[kwassa]

127. You keep avoiding her point, over and over.

Since you have difficulty remembering your words, yet accuse others of not reading them, here is your original note.

This is not a "black thing" and the congratulations goes to all of those who believe in...
Edited on Wed Nov-05-08 12:18 PM by Essene
What obama represents.

Blacks, latinos, asians, the grey aliens who obviously voted in Montana, whites of all backgrounds... this is a win for democracy, decency, freedom and the basic commitment to be better humans living in better societies.

The best person won... and he just happens to be african-american.

The civil rights movement was not about "black" victories. It was about making sure blacks OR ANYBODY could have a chance to BE the best person.

Saying that the civil rights movement is not a black thing is to deny the meaning of the civil rights movement to black people. You are imposing YOUR interpretation of the meaning of the movement, which is insulting to them. To most blacks, the civil rights movement WAS about black victories, no more, and no less. It is very personal, and you are denying them that interpretation.

The civil rights movement isn't about being the best person, by the way. It is about demanding equality, however it is done.

You are also denying the signficance of Barack's blackness to black people. He has broad appeal beyond that, but his blackness is very important to African-Americans. It may be insignificant to you, but you are not them. He represents a new height of aspiration for African-Americans.

[Essene]

154. (a sincere response) "You are also denying the signficance of Barack's blackness to black people."

Why do you think the Republicans have been sooooo quick to celebrate the "blackness" of Obama and his victory?

The road to hell is paved by good intentions, is it not?

Read this, please. http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x7750177

My post was about not losing the unifying victory of yesterday, allowing it to too quickly become reduced to a "black thing." You feel that is a "denial" of his blackness and may insist on reading it that way (when my words explicitly challenge that interpretation). I disagree and have no regrets defending a message of unity over racialized over-simplification... especially on the internet. I didn't take this thread to BE such (because the post clearly wasnt), but I posted with the concern that media and spin is moving in that direction of reducing Obama to a "black President"...

We need to be reminded of what folks like Oprah, Powell, John Lewis and others were all saying over the last 24 hours.

Go lecture them, too...

MLK dreamed of ALL God's children singing "free at last"...

Was MLK diminishing his own blackness? Hmm??? This isn't a zero-sum game... and the struggle isn't over.

I'm black. I have been chased down rural roads by pickup trucks with a confederate flag and a gun hanging in the window. I've had racism rip relations apart. I've been assaulted by cops (came close to dying). I could go on. I'm not bitter, but I am extremely sensitive to the nuances of race in America. I've been brought up by a father who from my earliest days... lectured me on the civil rights movement and how to embrace my own marginality. I think I can stand up to the most pretentious assaults on "understanding racism" from anonymous DU'rs.

Martin's dream wasn't just about black kids being equal. It IS much more.

As i said... the civil rights movement was about making blacks OR ANYBODY... have a chance to be all they can be.

The roots of the civil rights movement was obviously about black liberation and equal rights, but it IS much more than about legal cases pertaining black rights in america. This isnt to "revise" history but to fully appreciate it. The same goes for Gandhi, in pointing out that it isn't to deny the historical specificity of his struggle... to say his movement and teachings were far more than an "indian thing."

There's a line between celebrating that struggle as something powerful and meaning for humanity... and celebrating that struggle in a way that actually diminishes it.

As Jesse said last night... "Martin would not stop" and would say there is more to be done.

It's a proud day for AMERICANS and perhaps the world.

If folks want to reduce Obama and his message (or the message of MLK) to being about blackness... go right ahead. I firmly reject that.

And so did MLK.

[kwassa]

179. I'm glad to hear that you speak for MLK

I didn't know that he had designated you as his spokesman.

You certainly have a right to your opinions and your interpretations, but yours is one of the most unique ones that I've heard from any black person; your emphasis on minimizing the black experience in the civil rights movement. It is one thing to say that Barack Obama has broad appeal that doesn't necessarily depend on blackness, it is quite another to say that the civil rights movement is not a black thing, which is what you said. I think your impulse it to try to universalize the civil rights experience, which is not a bad impulse, but it also minimizes the struggles that African-Americans have made on the road to full inclusion in American society.

[Essene]

181. those are his words... perhaps you need to heed them... and obama's...

and consider apologizing for your obnoxious bs.

i see you would rather engage in more pretentious insults rather than address the very sincere points i brought up.

see you around...

[kwassa]

183. I see you would rather avoid my points altogether.

Thanks for not playing, I guess.

[Essene]

184. whatever... i wrote a long, sincere response... and look how you act

ill be impressed when you can walk your talk and address mine

[kwassa]

186. To respond to your post

you said:
"My post was about not losing the unifying victory of yesterday, allowing it to too quickly become reduced to a "black thing.""

I am not going to belabor this point, but that is not what you said. You said that the civil rights movement was not a black thing. There is a big difference. This argument is about the civil rights movement being a black thing, not Barack Obama. Should I go back and quote your original post again?

The rest of your post goes off on a tangent that follows from that misrepresentation. I don't disagree with how you interpret Obama's victory, but on your characterization of the civil rights movement is historically inaccurate.

[FlaGranny]

235. African Americans

formed and led the civil rights movement. If they had not, who else would have? Certainly not we Caucasians. Yes, the civil rights movement was a "black thing." There was no one at the time who thought it was anything else. There was no other minority large enough to have an impact on the movement. I'm old enough to remember. I'm sure that Martin Luther King was not excluding other smaller minority groups - he was all inclusive - but black Americans were the driving force. Black Americans were in those marches with a few young white Americans, mostly college kids, who saw the injustice toward blacks.

[Terran]

131. You can sigh all you want.

I want you to know that I thought your post perfectly fine until you made that idiotic statement about the Civil Rights movement. Why don't you just admit that just maybe that wasn't what you literally meant to say, that you made a mistake, and we can all move on?

Because if you did mean what you said, then you don't know shit about history. Perhaps you know, or more likely you don't, that white people, as a culture, have a tendency to steal everything they can from black people. And your statement struck me as one of those attempts to minimize something that black people basically did entirely on their own for themselves; it sounded like an attempt to rewrite history, as noiretblu ponted out, for the purpose of making everyone feel better about the past.

[Orsino]

163. And it continues today, but for a wider group of benficiaries.

It just took longer for our marginalized GLBT brothers and sisters to gain a national voice.

[Essene]

178. very true... and i'd like to think MLK himself would support that view

i think jesse jackson was right when his immediate response (after crying) was to talk about how martin would say "WE ARE NOT DONE."

i think the war to improve education, the war over equal rights for gays/lesbians, the struggle of working people, the struggle for basic health care for all, the struggle internationally for religious freedom and human rights... is all tied together at this point.

i dont see that as "taking away" from obama or the civil rights movement whatsoever.

that's precisely what obama's message truly is...

[ExPatLeftist]

217. There is not one "congratulations" to go around...

Everyone deserves congratulations today, including people of other nations.

Skinner chose to congratulate a specifc subset of all people on Earth. You seemed to infer from that the exclusion of all other subsets from the congratulations, which was never stated.

Argue away, but the root of the argument is pure logical fallacy.

[my2sense]

29. Thank You Skinner

I'm walking a little taller today but I also realize that we could not have done this alone. It took others to vote for the BEST person for the job regardless of color. The fact that he is AA is a bonus.

:hi:

[wryter2000]

207. Excactly how I feel

As a white woman, I would have enjoyed seeing someone who looked like me as President, but Hillary Clinton (as good as she is) wasn't the better candidate. I didn't hesistate before choosing Barack Obama over her. After that, I took tremendous pride that we'd nominated a person of color. As the race went on, I came to feel that he wasn't just the best in 2008 but that he was very likely the best President we've had during my lifetime.

I want to thank the African Americans who've been so vocal here in helping me to understand the many ways African Americans view this election and what it means. And, I'm honored to join in your celebration as well as my own.

[chimpymustgo]

30. I want to express my warmest congratulations to all our white DU'ers. This is really about your

opening their hearts and minds and make this nation live up to it's promise.

[FrenchieCat]

32. Thank you!

And as an African-American....and more specifically, a Biracial individual, I want to thank all Americans who voted for a truly brilliant man.

If you want to know what my faith in the American people amounts to, then read what I predicted back in May of this year in reference to this election: http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_frenchie_080517_how_in_the_general_e.htm

[Sebastian Doyle]

33. I can't say it any better than Skinner did

So I'll just give it the old K/R :kick:

[political_Dem]

37. Thank you for your beautiful words, Skinner.

As a Black woman, I am very proud, humbled and filled with dignity. But I thank everyone of all colors for their help to bring this day to fruition. I congratulate them, too.

[Clio the Leo]

38. "We cannot walk alone."

"... many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny and their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone." ~ MLK

[politicasista]

39. Thanks Skinner

From a young African-American woman with glee. :kick:

[amitten]

42. Hell yeah.

As a white American, I've been so ashamed of the racism in this country for so long. It makes me sick.

I think Obama's election proves that America is ready to heal the divide at long last. Racism will always exist in the world, but I think now it is a lot closer to becoming something from "the past". I hope and pray.

[mvd]

43. Hear hear!

It is a special time for all of us, but it is a truly historic time, too. I second your congrats.

[TexasObserver]

45. Hip! Hip! Hooray!!

[phrigndumass]

46. Amen!

:patriot:

[Hope And Change]

47. K & R!

[The Blue Flower]

48. I Have a Dream

Last night, watching President Obama's speech, I kept flashing back to being a 13-year-old watching the I Have a Dream speech on my parents' black and white tv. Nothing, but nothing, ever matched that moment until last night. I want to cry, dance, and shout all at the same time.

[mnhtnbb]

49. All us women get it, Skinner. The President has never looked like us, either.

So, I offer my warmest congratulations to everyone who identifies with Barack Obama--whether a different skin color or not. It is a marvelous thing to see the person who offered hope to all us Americans win the job.

Hugs all around. :hug:

[Skinner]

59. True.

Hopefully we won't have to wait much longer after Obama's presidency before a woman is elected to the job.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

62. As Conflicting As It Is To Say, I Hope We Have To Wait At Least 16 Years.

That is, if Biden chooses to run. 8 years Obama, 8 years Biden, then hopefully 8 years of Mrs.__________

[Essene]

63. I wouldnt give Biden a free pass

If a better candidate is available in 2016, then so be it.

If that candidate is a female, then fantastic.

[NashVegas]

66. Ah, Yes, Women Need to Wait Until It's Our Turn

I'm very happy for African-descended Americans today and all people of color in this country.

I'm relieved we're getting a Democratic president and the Bush DoJ is going to be cleaned out.

And yet, I don't see the bitterness I feel towards the white men who engaged in sexist and gender-based attacks on female Democrats coming to an end anytime soon.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

68. Ummmm, Okie Dokie Artichokie.

My only point was that if things go well for the Dems and Biden plans to run, then the first opportunity for a Democratic female candidate to truly run would be in 16 years.

Don't twist it into something it isn't.

[Chovexani]

97. It's still going on even on a day when we should be celebrating

That's the tragedy in all this. People can't even express joy without somehow trashing women.

[NashVegas]

125. Some People Can

You know what set me off? Seeing the criticism of Michelle Obama's dress. Just goes to prove how much bullshit was flying, previously.

[Chovexani]

147. I keep thinking of that Monty Python song.

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life. I'm clinging to that damn song right now for all I can.

Between that dress crap, and Prop 8, and...ugh. Always look on the bright siiide of life...

[Zuiderelle]

141. Right, what's 16 more years in the scheme of things.

Oy. :eyes:

You know, you didn't actually have to say that in this thread.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

142. Oy Yourself.

Nothing wrong with saying such in this thread. What I said makes perfect sense and is in NO WAY a criticism of a woman running for president.

Get a grip.

[Zuiderelle]

144. It was unnecessary and hurtful.

But I won't argue with you about it. I'll just tell you that it was hurtful. That SHOULD be enough.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

145. Nothing About It Can Be Construed As Hurtful.

All it is was a statement hoping that both Obama and Biden serve out two full terms, under the assumption that Biden wants to seek office after Obama.

That's a fucking no brainer if you're a democrat.

Again; get a grip.

[RandomKoolzip]

148. Can't you just understand when you're being a jerk to others and just fucking STOP?

You always twist knives after you've stuck them in. Why do you do that? Can't you just let it go? Or is the last word the most important word to you?

It doesn't matter if YOU think your words are innocuous; some other person is taking offense at them. You don't have the right to dictate what others find hurtful.

Why not just stop hurting people? :shrug:

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

168. I Have Not Been A Jerk. I Have Done Nothing But Speak A Benign Sentiment.

It is those in response to me who are being jerks, with all due respect. Not surprised though, based on the names I'm seeing.

And it absolutely matters what I think of my words. To say otherwise is highly absurd. It is not my words nor my sentiment that was hurtful. The hurt would be a product of a closed mind and warped perception of the comments themselves. In such a case, the hurt is the fault of the person with the warped perception, not the person who spoke such words.

There is not a single hurtful thing to be taken from a benign sentiment of hoping that Obama is successful enough to be elected to two terms, and that if Biden chooses to run afterwards, that he would also be successful enough to be elected to two terms, and that then hopefully the very next potential chance, that a woman be elected to that position. To call a statement like that, a sentiment like that, as hurtful, is all sorts of warped; especially on a Democratic discussion board.

So please, I ask you as well, get a grip.

[RandomKoolzip]

175. A person has just TOLD you it was hurtful. Why not believe them?

If someone said something hurtful and offensive to you, wouldn't you want them to stop? Even if the person who said it thought they weren't doing anything wrong?

In other words, it's useful to know when to NOT say something - and saying "I'm sorry and I didn't mean it like that; here's what I meant..." will go a long way toward fostering the kind of atmosphere we all wish for more than (yes, I'm paraphrasing) "You're a warped person for perceiving my words as hurtful and you should get a grip." You CAN see how the latter is aggressive in tone, and will make a person seem like a jerk (even if in real life he's probably a nice guy), while the former is conciliatory and inclusive, right?

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

176. Please Allow Me To Give You A Brief History Lesson As It Relates To The Presidency:

See, throughout the entirety of American history, it is widely known that if a president does a good job, the hope is that he will be re-elected to a second term. If the original president is elected to a second term, then history dictates that the vice president of his latter term, unless he either chooses to not run or was severely controversial during his term, will then run for the presidency and it is the hopes of the party that he wins. If he does, then it is also the hope of the party that he then does a good job, and is rewarded with a second term. Whenever a president is followed by another president from the same party, that is the general rule that is followed.

So in summary, all I said is that I hope Obama does a good job and is re-elected, as per historical standard. My desire is that during those terms, Joe Biden also does a good job and is rewarded with the presidency as well. I then hope that he does a good job as president, and by doing such is also rewarded with a second term. It is then my desire that the next president be a woman, and also a Democrat.

There is not a thing hurtful with the above scenario whatsoever. That's a fact jack. The only thing there can be is disagreement, meaning that one would rather have a woman be president sooner even if it meant she was a republican, rather than having a democrat each term. Disagreeing with that opinion is not hurtful whatsoever. It is merely a difference of priority.

So no, I will not believe for a second that my statements were hurtful in any fashion whatsoever, because they factually weren't. If one was hurt by them it is due to one of two causes. Either they are lying and causing trouble merely for sake of doing so, as their history displays, or they simply knee jerk reacted without even beginning to use critical thought to ascertain the context of the comments at hand; since the comments were perfectly benign and non-offensive. Whichever scenario is irrelevant to me. I make no apologies for someone's dishonesty nor do I have any desire to make any apologies for ones knee jerk behavior.

Goodbye now.

[kwassa]

182. Why do you think you know what others feel better than they do themselves?

What omniscient quality in yourself allows you to know others better than they know themselves?

This is quite a remarkable power that you have.

[Essene]

180. I think the issue is saying 16 years, not 8...

If you had said 8 years, I think folks could understand the point. But 16?

I understand the nice sentiment there, but it feels like you're saying Biden automatically deserves our support in 2016 and 2020 regardless of who might run against him in the primaries.

If a female candidate challenges him in 2016, I think she deserves a fair chance... and if she's the better candidate, she deserves our full support regardless of loyalty to this Obama presidency.

[WhollyHeretic]

199. Biden will be 74 in 8 years. I'm sorry but that is too old to start a term as president.

[Cha]

50. This is exactly it! THanks Skinner..

"It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled - Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America."

[SweetieD]

54. Thank you. My heart is filled with joy.

[lizziegrace]

55. Well said Skinner

:)

[Brazenly Liberal]

60. Dammit! Now I'm crying again!

I'm going to be hospitalized for severe dehydration by Thanksgiving.

[HamdenRice]

61. Thanks for that thought

There's no question that this has special resonance for us as African Americans, but there is such a mix of emotions.

One is just plain relief that the Bush era is coming to a close and McCain will not be in a position to continue destroying the country and the world.

The other is this sense of solidarity that feels like it has little to do with politics -- like when I look at the other post of reactions all around the world, and seeing faces as different as those in Australia, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, France and Kenya all hoping for America to come to its senses.

[noiretextatique]

65. thank you, Skinner

it is a historic moment, one that i never expected to see in my lifetime. i want to thank all the people of america for making the right choice...that is historic also.

[FloridaGrl]

67. Thank you

It still feels like a dream. We are truly one nation. Thanks to everyone who made this possible.

[Kind of Blue]

69. Skinner, bless you for those words and this fantastic site.

As an immigrant African kid, today was the first time in my 40-something year old life that I've ever felt at home in the WORLD. I'm finally living in the alternate reality that I wish had always existed.

[jonestonesusa]

71. Thank you, Skinner!!

It's a landmark election, and it's been a fun ride on DU this year! Thanks for keeping it real through the primary wars and the GE.

Democratic overground at last??

Much future work remains to make our nation more just, but this presidential win will certainly help.

We need to continue to challenge ourselves and challenge others with a desire for positive change but not hate. Based on Prop 8 and all the acrimony that was visible during the presidential campaign, there's plenty of reason to stay energized around a progressive agenda.

Congratulations to everyone here on this thread - we are fortunate to witness this day.

[NYYFan]

72. Thank you, Skinner

As an "old timer", I don't post as much, but lurk daily. I was proud to be an African American last night, and even more so today. I cannot express the pride I feel and the sorrow that my ancestors, especially my grandmothers did not live to vote in this historic election.

I thank the DU community for hanging tough, crying, hugging, and all the rest as one community. This is a victory for all of us.

:thumbsup: :kick:

[Blue_Tires]

73. glorious day

k+r

[jumptheshadow]

74. It's so moving

I am one of the older DUers. I have been moved to tears several times during the past few weeks as I have seen the younger generation help to heal centuries worth of wounds.

I went to an integrated high school in the 70s -- and I know that many of you couldn't imagine this -- but there was a wide chasm between the whites and the African Americans. Some people worked hard to overcome that gulf, but there were very few close friendships between the two groups when we graduated. Martin Luther King was assassinated during our junior year, and any strides that had been made were quickly erased by the emotional turmoil of the period.

Last night, I watched the kids at Spellman College. One of my high school classmates teaches there. She is one of many AA Ph.D's and M.D.'s who graduated from my high school. Knowing what a wonderful person she was, knowing how moved she would be by Obama's election, was one of the joys of the evening last night.

Congratulations. It's been so long overdue.

[MochaMan121]

79. Thank you Skinner

I have only recently started to reply to post. I've been reading post here every day for almost three years and it feels so good to be associated with so many like-minded people. I'm in Arlington, Texas. I am a Sixty year old Vietnam vet. Any DUers from Arlington? Holla Back

Peace

[live love laugh]

81. "...and then one day, against all odds, he does..." You made me cry again Skinner. Thanks. nt

[Duncan Grant]

82. I wish I could explain all those African-American "Yes on 8" and "Yes on Amendment 2" votes.

Gay people lost their rights last night. Barack Obama (and the entire Democratic party) equivocated on gay marriage.

It's the same story in California and Florida. See it for yourself: http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/results/polls/#CAI01p1

[Chovexani]

99. Religious extremism

The cancer of our time.

[ekwhite]

200. What was wrong with Proposition 2?

What does increasing animal cage sizes have to do with this discussion? I voted for proposition 2 myself.

[FlaGranny]

233. Amendment 2 - FL not CA

It was Florida's anti-GLBT amendment.

[RobertDevereaux]

90. An enthusiastic K&R!

[Kaylee]

94. Thank you!

As if I hadn't cried enough over the past few hours, when getting my daughter dressed for 1st grade this morning I broke down again. I am so overwhelmed by the realization that a Black President is part of her reality. That she will sit in a classroom with a picture of President Obama and think nothing of it. Amazing....

[TheDonkey]

100. Thank you!

[knixphan]

106. Right back atcha!

Nothing but love, baby!

:loveya: :pals: :applause:

[DesertFlower]

108. i'm 67 years old and

i never thought i would see this in my lifetime.

i'm overjoyed.

[RainDog]

110. k&r

I am proud to be an American today.

[frogmarch]

112. A hearty K&R!

[TrogL]

113. It's not just AA - there's a skinny President

I think it's the first time since Lincoln that there's been an ectomorph President.

[nichomachus]

115. I wanted to be happy for African Americans

until I learned that three quarters of African Americans in CA voted to make me a second-class citizen.

I am happy Bush will be gone.

That is all I'm happy about today.

I waited for eight years for this day -- and it was ruined.

[Number23]

116. Skinny, I get what you're trying to say...

And I know that your expression of congratulations is heart-felt and sincere.

But somehow, this idea that Obama's win is only or primarily a win for blacks is part of the problem. His win was a win for America and for America's standing in the world. Blacks may feel an EXTRA bit of passion and emotion (I loved Genna's comments upthread about Welcome Home) but I think that every thinking, REASONABLE person in this country should be bursting with pride. Lord knows the rest of the world is.

Your argument is the one that Freepers use, only on the opposite (and more loving and positive) side of the coin. Freepers too see his victory as having more impact on blacks as if Obama now will only take care of black people, and as if the idea that any white person would celebrate a black man becoming president is somehow so unnatural, so unreasonable that it cannot even be considered. If folks of all stripes could just stop focusing so much on COLOR as though the fact that someone is a different color makes everything about them different and unrelatable, the changes this would make on the world!

I appreciate you, and I appreciate your congratulations. But every American who voted for the man, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation and even political party should be congratulated for Obama's win.

[Number23]

118. SKINNER, not Skinny!!

Good grief. Maybe my subconscious is trying to tell me something!!! :blush: Better lay off the Hershey's for a while.... :blush:

[TrogL]

129. I don't think Skinner's an ecto

[KeepItReal]

117. Thank you so much! And thank you for DU.

Love y'all!!

"Yes we did!"

[Why Syzygy]

120. You can commend, praise, or pay tribute

if congratulations isn't quite the right fit.

[goodgd_yall]

122. Amen to that! n/t

[dascientist]

124. thanks

[Catherine Vincent]

128. Thank you, Sweetie!

:hi:

[No Elephants]

130. All America won yesterday and all who helped elect Obama are to be congratulated. But there is no

doubt that the event had, and will continue to have, special significance minorities and African Americans in particular, just as Hillary Clinton's run had special significance for women.

I am enormously sad about the marriage and adoption bills.

[gademocrat7]

134. K & R

[rucky]

140. here, here!

:cheers:

or is it "hear, hear"?

:shrug:

[ailsagirl]

206. It's "hear, hear"-- yes, amen to that!!

[Born_A_Truman]

146. Hard to put into words what I am feeling today...

but you put it into words nicely. Yes, America united.

[jennied]

150. Thank you.

[malik flavors]

151. Thanks Skinner! This is a great moment in American history.

[RepublicanElephant]

152. right on!

and thank you for du!
:dem:

[chknltl]

153. Thank you Skinner and my thanks to Genna's words above as well

Welcome home America

[Brigid]

155. My congrats too.

Last night, one African-American gentleman at the restaurant where I was celebrating could not stop crying once it became clear that Obama was our winner. Others, black and white, were comforting him. All African-Americans I saw had tears in their eyes. It was a sight never to be forgotten in once deep-red Indiana. :hug:

[psychmommy]

161. thanks skinner, means alot to me.

thanks even more for keeping du up all night. i wanted to share the joy or pain with my du family. we all did this. it is a triumph for dems, america and apparently the world too.

[Danascot]

162. "Until the color of a man's skin

is of no more significance than the color of his eyes." MLK

We took a huge step yesterday, and I think Obama's presidency will be a continuing series of shattering barriers.

[newtothegame]

165. What am I being congratulated for?

Because my Mom happened to be black? Thanks Skinner, but I think a sympathy thread to all the fellow DU'ers who LOST THEIR RIGHTS last night would be more in order. Am I ecstatic that Barack won? Of course. But why are we obsessing about the fact that he was elected and happened to have skin like mine (but didn't overcome any legal barriers) when thousands of our fellow DU'ers lost their LEGAL RIGHT to happiness last night? Are we out of our minds here?

edited: After a cool down period, I don't want to put all DU in the same bucket; there are lots here who worked hard to defeat Prop 8 and the other sick ballot votes like it. However, it blows my mind how many at DU are obsessed with the happenstance race of Barack when so many fellow DU'ers were PURPOSELY denied the right to happiness last night because of their sexual origin.

[Swamp Rat]

166. HUZZAH!

:patriot:

[Lil Missy]

167. Amen. K&R

[Skittles]

169. the president has still never looked like me

still, I'm happy for our AA brothers and sisters, happy for me, happy for America :)

[Qanisqineq]

216. what skittles said

:)

[Joszef Pelikan]

170. This is not just a great day for African Americans,

but a great day for all Americans! The election of an African American is indeed progress for us all.

[Love Bug]

171. I think Molly Ivins said it best:

"It is possible to read the history of this country as one long struggle to extend the liberties established in our Constitution to everyone in America." -- Molly Ivins

Yesterday, we took a big leap in advancing that struggle, and it's about damn time, too! It's a shame she, along with Kephra, Andy and our other missing DUers aren't here to see it. I think they would be mighty pleased, indeed.

[Hekate]

172. A kick for joy, fellow DUers. A chorus line of DU donkeys kicking up their heels...

:kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick:

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

Hekate

[Life Long Dem]

173. Congratulations!

And congratulations to everyone one on this board who wants Obama to be "the" representative of "the", the people.

[MadMaddie]

174. Skinner what a wonderful insightful statement you have made!

I can't speak for everyone but I know I have always felt welcome at DU! And I have always felt like I was part of a dysfunctional, intelligent and wonderful family!!

DU is the most amazing place filled with amazing people. DU has always been a microcosm of what America has always had the potential to be.

Thanks DU! Thanks Skinner for making it possible!!

MadMaddie (I think I am going to have to change my name: I am not mad anymore)!!

[Kablooie]

177. During the campaign I didn't think much about Obama's race. But I think about it now and smile.

[Dark]

193. Thanks, but for us GLBT folks, it's been a bittersweet election day.

I'm happy about Obama and the federal races, but everything else disappointed me.

Not to mention we still aren't considered equals by the Democratic Politicians.

Maybe one day we'll be able to feel what the African-Americans are feeling today. Until that day ... I don't know how I feel about that.

Nevertheless, congrats to my AA brothers and sisters. We've witnessed a historic election, and I can't imagine the joy you're feeling.

[Butch350]

194. Thank You! And thank you United States of America !

[ekwhite]

195. There are really no words that can express this

I grew up in a world where there were whites only water fountains, where African Americans weren't allowed in Whites Only laundromats or grocery stores. To go from this to an African American President-elect is emotional for me. I can't even imagine how it feels for people who were on the receiving end of that discrimination. The American power structure started looking a bit more like the real America last Tuesday.

[rocktivity]

196. We can only take half the credit, LOL--after all, he's not ALL black

But seriously, folks, I've been feeling a lot happier about Obama being the right person for the job, and I consider his skin color to literally the icing on the cake. But between your post and a conversation with my sister last night, I realize now that maybe I'm taking THAT for granted.

Our Mom has Alzheimer's--I've been trying to tell her about Obama, but she doesn't get it. My sister says she's planning to take a picture from a newspaper that says "President Obama" and put it up on her wall. She also said that she knew Obama would win when she went to vote. She was about 30th on line as of 6AM, and spotted a friend who was third on line. "How early did you get up?" she asked. "I haven't been to bed," the friend replied. "I came here straight here from the nightclub I was at."

And there was a photo I saw in New Jersey Star Ledger that I wish I'd kept. Obama was stumping in North Carolina, and there was a black boy about eight years old straining to shake his hand. You could see only the back of Obama's head, but the hope, wonder and excitement that radiated from the boy's face said it all. It reminded me of Michaelangelo's creation painting on the Sistine Chapel.


rocknation

[Maineman]

202. I voted for the best candidate (by a wide margin), but

based on how emotional I felt when he won, I cannot even imagine how it must have felt for persons of color. Wow! I sent an email to my daughters saying, It is November 5, 2008, and the world is a better place.

[ejbr]

205. Thank you Skinner and fellow DUers for your kind words

And as an African American, I must share that we are so very proud to be in an America where there are white folk who can appreciate and demonstrate the value of others. We should all be very proud!

[Plucketeer]

208. I echo this message!

:kick:

[democrank]

209. It`s a beautiful day.

~PEACE~

[kwassa]

210. My baby girl's new role model

My wife pointed out that our little girl will have her first memory of a President someone who is the same skin color as she, and will be able to grow up believing that she can go anywhere and be anything in this country, that no doors are closed to her in possibilities.

[Hard_Work]

211. Thank you, Skinner

It's been a couple of days now, and I am still in a state of shock. I have no words to express the emotions I feel either, and I'm Black. I spent Tuesday night thinking about all of the people who paved the way for this, both Black and White. I cried a little, because my mother, who NEVER let me think of myself as inferior because of my skin color, missed seeing this by seven months. My uncle, who was the role model of my life, would have loved this. He was a preacher, and a believer in the rights of ALL people to live life without limits.

As I got my son (he will be 4 on friday :) ) ready for school Wednesday morning, it occurred to me that I could tell him he could grow up to be President and not feel like a hypocrite; he really can.

I am still overwhelmed by the whole thing, but hopeful like I haven't been for a long time.

Indeed, America. United. Finally.

[CADEMOCRAT7]

214. Amen. nt

[David Zephyr]

215. Bravo!

:applause:

[Ozma]

220. Let's just thank EVERY body who voted for Obama, of all colors, ages, genders, and whatever

We are all equal under the law, have just as much of a vote as anyone else.

I salute all people of all colors who took this election seriously.

[Flatulo]

221. We watched the 'John Adams' HBO mini-series last summer.

There's some very well-done scenes where hundreds of slaves are building the White House.

I remember thinking how cool it would be if Obama could take residence there and start the process of erasing that terrible stain from our history.

[LisaM]

223. I nominate saving the posts about women and GLBT to other threads

We should, can, and will debate all of that robustly over the next four years. In fact, it sounds as if there are actions underway NOW regarding Proposition 8 that we can participate in.

But in the meantime, I think it's a fine idea to acknowledge this milestone and I want to be one of those to do it. I was walking to my bus last night (downtown Seattle) and heard shouting. It looked as if there'd just been a spontaneous outbreak of celebration the night after the election - people, mostly young, but of all races, were marching and cheering with Obama signs. It was a very heartwearming sight and I think it's a moment for people who voted in 2008 to cherish.

[livedemocarticordie]

226. Big Thanks

... Skinner.

[qwlauren35]

227. As an African-American, my feelings are actually divided!

I have feelings about ELECTING a first black president. And I have feelings about Barack Obama, the first black president. And I have feelings about Barack Obama.

They are all rather different.

Electing a black president has been the sweetest moment in my entire existence. The second sweetest was when he won the nomination, because of course, if he didn't win the presidency, the nomination was still a major milestone in American history. My 80 year old aunt gathered up a gift she had received or a momento she had from every one of her deceased brothers and sister, and her parents, and even her ex-husband, who had been a civil rights crusader in broadcasting. She took them all with her when she voted. Neither she, nor my 82 year old mother thought that they would live to see this day. And I am happy for THEM. For me, I'm still in a state of shock. 50% of the American people are ready to vote for a black president either because they want to make history, or simply regardless of color. That's the first part.

Now, my feelings about Barack Obama being the first black president are a bit more muddled. Barack Obama has absolutely ZERO kin ties to any African-Americans whose antecedents experienced the racism of the continental US. There is no African-American in the US, (okay, there's an aunt) who can call him a blood relative... except two children. So, he is, in ONE sense, not one of us. However, in another sense, of course he is, because when he walks down the street on a dark night, there will be some people who are instantly afraid. He will have trouble hailing a cab in some neighborhoods. And above all, the average white person looking at him cannot see any difference between Obama and any other African-American. The fact is, racism is THE ONLY THING that all African-Americans have in common. We are so amazingly diverse that we cross every spectrum of social, cultural and political thought. But half of white America can't see the difference. And so, this half Kenyan black man from Hawaii, this man who probably never knew the type of racism that exists in the continental US in his entire childhood, is our first "African-American" president. And yet, by the very fact that there are some Americans who would still call him a ni**er, he is one of us.

So, then, we come to Barack Obama - the Democratic presidential nominee, the agent of change, the man who promises to attempt to reverse 8 years of glorified stupidity, arrogance, cronyism and cowboy politics. A Harvard Law graduate, a Harvard Law Review president, a lecturer in constitutional law at the University of Chicago. An 8 year State Senator. A loving husband and father, a devout Christian. A unique native-born American with ties to Hawaii, Kenya, Kansas, Indonesia, California, New York, Massachusetts and Illinois. A man who is committed to bipartisan politics. A man with a viable plan for AFFORDABLE - NOT FREE (suck on that, Freepers!) health care, with a belief that illegal immigrants who have broken their backs for pennies in this country should have a route to citizenship, a man who honors Roe vs. Wade, and I could go on... THIS IS THE MAN WHO IS GOING TO BE OUR NEXT PRESIDENT.

To heck with his race. He is everything I could ever want in a president and then some. His race is virtually irrelevant. He is the antithesis of George W. Bush in every imaginable way.

He will be, with any luck, the first "American Hero" that our nation has seen in the 21st century.

And he happens to be black. So, I come back to that. The number one thing that having a black president does, in my mind, is inspire millions of black baby boys for generations to come. The number 2 thing that having a black president does is to vindicate our elders, the men and women in their 60's and older who knew the pain of Jim Crow, saw our people hosed in the streets, attacked by dogs, shot in broad daylight, and therefore didn't think this could happen in their lifetimes. And these "elders" are not just African-Americans. They are, especially, those in the white liberal churches and synagogues who marched for civil rights. And in memory of those who gave their lives.

President Obama shall vindicate the "terrorism" of Ayers. A man whose "comrades" committed acts of violence against a country that wasn't willing to embrace the principles of its founding fathers. A country that wasn't willing to extend civil rights to African Americans. A country that could send young men to their deaths for a meaningless war.

And here is Obama, the black president who will bring home our sons and daughters from Iraq. If that isn't irony, I don't know what is.

Being African-American is complex. The phrase was chosen to coincide with our other common American ethnicities: Irish-Americans, Italian-Americans, etc. Because we are American. Perhaps at conception, we are black, but the very second that we are born on this soil, we are American. We live in the same country, breathe the same air, and share many of the same philosophies and viewpoints of any other American. We only seem different because we look different. And SOME of us find ways to claim and embrace that difference. But others simply accept it, and still others find it a terrible weight. We are far more the same. Cut us and we bleed red blood.

Perhaps the one thing that having an "African-American" president will do is get more people to see how little difference there is between Americans of different races. Even though there will always be Americans of all races who cannot see past the differences, I hope that more will come to recognize how small those differences really are.

[grantcart]

236. Brilliant Reply

glad I came back to see what might have been added

[Ilsa]

228. Great post. Thanks. nt

[Swagman]

229. earlier this year our new Australian PM apologised to Aboriginal

Australians for all the neglect for decades..and yesterday America took another giant step for mankind !!

our congratulations (yes is there another word ?) to all African Americans..the whole world is sharing your joy today:bounce:

[Fire1]

230. Thank you, Skinner. Your warm thoughts mean more to many

of us baby boomers than you will ever know. I can't thank you all enough for your understanding and support. As Whoopi Goldberg so aptly put it, "we can finally put our suitcase down." God Bless.

[northofdenali]

232. Can't rec because I am, as usual, a day late -

and probably a few bucks short.

But you said it all, just the way I wish I could, Skinner.

We need another smilie - :unitedwestand: would do it!

:grouphug: