In one of the most diverse countries in the world, there is still one job in the US where it seems ok to discriminate, the highest office in our nation, the job of president. In our 220 year history, we have seen nothing but WASP men in the oval office. The only exception was Irish Catholic John F. Kennedy... but really, was that really so much of a stretch?
Now, with our country in such a state of disarray due to the control of these same WASP men, I think America is finally ready for a change. But just how much of a change can America stand?
Enter Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.
Both standing firm on issues of justice and seemingly most supportive of those who need help most rather than following any race or party initiatives. Both candidates poised to make the necessary changes that need to be made to get America back on track, but both also with their own unique obstacles. Hillary's biggest asset, her last name, can also be her biggest obstacle. While she may benefit from her husbands supporters, her sex may take backseat to her husband's sexual history when the inevitable mudslinging begins. And Barack's issue may not be as much his race as it is his lack of experience. Not only is Barack black, he is green. No one knows enough about him to mudsling, which could be problematic.
Is America really ready for a Black or Female to sit in the oval office?
We have had blacks and women running for high political office since 1972 with Representative Shirley Chisholm, but no one has made it past that point.
Historically, women are more easily accepted. While numbers in the House of Representatives are similar, in other offices the numbers vary widely. We have had 9 women governors, and 16 in the Senate compared to only 2 Black governors, and only 3 Black senators, including Obama. So the deck appears to be stacked in Clinton's favor.
However, one of Clinton's most solid sources of support has been the Black community. And according to recent polls, Obama is gaining in that area.
At this point, its too early to say who is going to take the democratic nomination... I, myself, am torn. I like both Hillary and Barack. Initially I was more of a Hillary supporter because I knew her. I was familiar with her, and her politics. I couldn't care less about her husband's sexual habits. When I read about her actions I find myself saying, 'RIGHT ON HILLARY!'
But then... I am reading 'Audacity of Hope' as we speak, and I really dig what he has to say, and his viewpoint. And Barack's point of view is in line with mine as well. And I know it shouldn't matter, but, it does. He is Black. And I want that barrier to be broken. That could reverberate throughout the entire culture of the United States giving new hope to millions of disenfranchised black folks. Imagine that?
Is America ready? I dont know... I dont care. But what I do know is that they are the only two that will get my vote. I am optimistic about this election. I am anxious to see who takes the nomination. America may not be ready, but the real question is... are YOU ready?
I am one of the millons that make up America... and I know I am. And I can't wait.
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