Obama.

I'm really reluctant to post my personal opinions on politics in any public forum, mostly due to my painfully average amount of knowledge on the specifics, details, and in this case, the candidates running. However, on the contrary, now more than ever it's becoming easier for the average American to vote if they just put forth the effort to do so. Sure there will always be issues for the advanced intellectuals to mull over, and certain topics are more important to others, but what I see it coming down to in this upcoming election is: Past vs. Future, Change vs. Stagnation. The common cynic and disillusioned would argue "It doesn't matter whose president, etc etc" but unless you're doing something more than sounding smart, it makes sense to me to choose the person who best represents what you want.

Anyways, a recent article was brought to my intention regarding Barack Obama's run for the White House and the obstacle of race. I have to say it's the single most frustrating aspect of the election thus far for me. The fact that it's even an issue, much less the quotes that are coming out of some peoples' mouths, illustrate the proof that American is stuck in a bullshit traditionalist time warp, and we need to catch up with the rest of the world culturally.

I know it's a pipe dream to imagine race will have no bearing on the election whatsoever, but come on, some of the things people are saying make me want to bang my head against a wall.

Here are some quotes from the article:

''I don't think our country is ready for a black president,'' Susick, who is white, said in an interview in the paint store where she works. ''A black man is never going to win Pennsylvania.''Susick said her personal objection to Obama is his inexperience, not his color. ''It has nothing to do with race,'' she said.

Contradict yourself much?

''His middle name bothers me a lot.'' That name is Hussein.

What is this 6th fucking grade? Now we're voting based on people's middle names?

''To me, it was almost a code,'' Akers said. '''He doesn't wear a flag pin.' It seemed like code for 'He's not one of us.'''

Yerrr see. Git to wearrr yer flag pin, udderwise it ain't 'merican-like.

Dixie Pebley of Johnstown, 71, explained her distaste for Obama, saying, ''black doesn't bother me, but Muslim does.'' When reminded that Obama is a Christian, she conceded the point, but added: ''He was born Muslim and raised Muslim, that's enough for me. He just scares me to death.''

Well if the Bush administration succeeded at nothing else they were successful in implanting the fear post 9/11 and obviously it's still prevalent. People like to be afraid it seems. Of course the subject of "young voters" has been highly contested over the last few elections but I can't seem to think of a time in history where it hasn't been more important for them (us) to step up. Everyone quoted is over 60.

Here's the article in full: http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/washington/AP-Obama-Race.html?_r=1&oref=slogin