Identity Politics and Anti-White Racism by Bud White

by Bud White
Recent polls show that approximately 30% of Hillary voters could defect to McCain if Obama is the nominee. That such a large swath of Democratic voters might defect should be disconcerting to superdelegates, to say the least. I've been reflecting for several weeks on my own unease with Obama, a man who was once my second choice for president.

Last month I attended a Passover dinner and the conversation predictably turned to politics. (For those who don't know, a Passover Seder is perhaps the first liberation theology ceremony, celebrating the Jewish people's Exodus from slavery in Egypt).

One of my dinner companions was a computer salesman from New Jersey and an avid Obama supporter. I told him that Obama's (largely) successful effort to paint the Clintons as racists had me doubting if I could vote for him if he were the nominee. He responded by saying that it was good politics and showed that Obama was willing to do whatever it took to win.

His acknowledging that Obama has been playing racial politics has me rethinking the idea of a racial dog-whistle, the notion that only African Americans, for example, understand that when Obama says "hoodwink, okie-doke, bamboozled," he means that the Clintons are treating them like fools, attempting to undermine the Clintons' hard-earned reputations as advocates for all Americans.

Most Americans who are paying attention, I suggest, understand Obama's use of race. Obama's problems with Bitter-gate and Rev. Wright underscore that Obama is not the uniter he claims to be, but rather a shrewd practitioner of identity politics.

I think most Americans are more culturally literate and less racist than the neo-liberals think (and perhaps as some neo-liberals are), regardless of their income bracket. Hillary voters understand that Obama, in cahoots with the Obamablogs and much of the media, has been willing to do whatever it takes to derail Hillary, and this includes smearing the Clintons as racists.

Click here to read the rest



Display:


I laugh when people say that HRC will... (2.00 / 3)

do anything to win this nomination.  

And it's usually an Obama Supporter/Hillary Hater who says it.

I.  Don't.  Think.  So.

HRC is so solid, so strong, so wonkish, so smart that she is, IMHO, the best candidate for POTUS that I have had the pleasure to see in my lifetime.

She's great!!!


by CoyoteCreek on Thu May 01, 2008 at 11:23:58 PM EST

amen (none / 0)

I am in Ohio, and I know about 10 Hillary people who will certainly vote for McCain.  Maybe that's the wrong thing to say on this blog, but it is reality.   and the people I know who would switch to McCain aren't blue collar workers.  they all have college degrees.  So the doubts about Obama run deeper than one would expect.


by MidwestTracker on Thu May 01, 2008 at 11:37:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: amen (none / 0)

Let me add that you can still be a blue collar worker and have a college degree but hopefully you see my point.


by MidwestTracker on Thu May 01, 2008 at 11:39:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I can name 12 friends of ours who... (none / 0)

feel the same way.  In fact, I only know 4 people who are "inspired" by BO...but that was 3 months ago.  

I think I'll give them a call and see what's up now.


by CoyoteCreek on Fri May 02, 2008 at 12:01:12 AM EST
[ Parent ]

what doubts? (none / 0)

can you name any?


"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!
by Al Rodgers on Fri May 02, 2008 at 12:20:32 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: what doubts? (none / 0)

Experience

National Security

Honesty

Judgement

These are the reasons people tell me that they will vote for Hillary first, McCain second, Obama not at all.

Reagan Democrates (and the ones old enough voted for Reagan too)


by J Rae on Fri May 02, 2008 at 01:16:47 AM EST
[ Parent ]

who are you voting for (none / 0)

if god forbid, Hillary doesn't get the nomination what will you do?  

will you vote for McCain or stay home and help McCain indirectly?

What if, I god forbid, Hillary doesn't will the nomination, but joins the ticket as VEEP?

We those people stay home and prevent Hillary from becoming the first female Vice President in history?  Will those people deny us Hillary?

National security?  that's an odd one. what's that about.  If anything, he opposed the quagmire will have in Iraq.


"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!
by Al Rodgers on Fri May 02, 2008 at 01:26:24 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: what doubts? (none / 0)

Experience: The wrong kind of experience over a long period  is better than limited experience?

National Security: THe guy who is on board the Iraq war disaster? And he foolishly compares the situation in Iraq to Germany when it comes to long term occupancy , if needed?

Honesty: The guy who denounced a bunch of morons in 2000, and yet he kisses their feet for their support 7 years later? Oh, and the Keating 5.

Judgement: Iraq war and his pandering to his neocon buddies. Remember, Bill Kristol used to be a big advisor in his 2000 campaign.

J Rae, if you were a real democrat, you would havec known the answers to all of this why McCain should not be preferred to any democrat.


by Pravin on Fri May 02, 2008 at 01:31:31 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: amen (2.00 / 1)

Yeah, they would rather vote for McCain who has groveled at the feet of the same people who insulted him and his family in 2000. He groveled at the feet of people who have ruined this country for the last 8 years. He may have had military courage. But he lacks civil courage. Oh , let's not forget keating 5.

Yeah, sure. Your  10 friends are voting for McCain based on sound reasoning!


by Pravin on Fri May 02, 2008 at 01:06:18 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Oh, and Bud...glad you're here at MyDD! (none / 0)


by CoyoteCreek on Fri May 02, 2008 at 12:02:41 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Right... (1.50 / 2)

And it's usually an Obama Supporter/Hillary Hater who says it.

From what I've seen there have been a lot of lifetime Clinton supporters saying it.

Oh, and Bud, keep your trash on NoQuarter.  Thanks



Lost rate and rec for issuing a '1' to a trollish comment. The troll, not so much.

by map on Thu May 01, 2008 at 11:36:40 PM EST

right on (2.00 / 1)

it amazes me when people call larry johnson a hero.

Does anyone know who his partners are at their quaint little blackwateresque firm?


by ameridad on Thu May 01, 2008 at 11:42:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Racism by Bud White (2.00 / 1)

If pointing out something you think is race-baiting makes you guilty of race-baiting (which seems to be the charge against Obama), then what does that make Bud White guilty of?



Lost rate and rec for issuing a '1' to a trollish comment. The troll, not so much.

by map on Thu May 01, 2008 at 11:42:52 PM EST

Re: Identity Politics and Anti-White Racism by Bud (none / 0)

could never have been pointed out better. You would think people subjected to racism their whole lives would be averse to doing it unto others.


"there is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right in America"-William Jefferson Clinton, forty-second President of the United States
by DiamondJay on Thu May 01, 2008 at 11:51:24 PM EST

what racism? (none / 0)

what racism are you talking about?

be specific.


"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!
by Al Rodgers on Fri May 02, 2008 at 12:22:17 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Identity Politics and Anti-White Racism by Bud (none / 0)

Did Wright lynch someone? Did he deny jobs to someone?  Wroght may be prejudiced and maybe a little paranoid about a couple of things because of past experiences, but he is not racist from what I see.  TO equate Wright(who has admittedly said some stupid things) or Obama with past racism is ridiculous.


by Pravin on Fri May 02, 2008 at 01:34:36 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Identity Politics and Anti-White Racism by Bud (none / 0)

no, but that period is long over. he really should live on with his life instead of going day to day harkening on it. it just makes him angry, bitter, and a liability to a campaign. Racism is racism, whether you were oppressed in the past or not, and Wright should learn that. Saying "US of KKKA, United States of White America" is RACIST which ever way you cut it.


"there is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right in America"-William Jefferson Clinton, forty-second President of the United States
by DiamondJay on Fri May 02, 2008 at 11:13:19 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Identity Politics and Anti-White Racism by Bud (none / 0)

So let's move on from 9-11 and forgive those looney muslims from Al Quaeda if they end up shifting their focus to Europe?(just putting out a hypothetical scenario).


by Pravin on Fri May 02, 2008 at 11:44:26 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Identity Politics and Anti-White Racism by Bud (none / 0)

Al Qaeda murdered in cold blood 3000 Americans in an act of terrorism and almost destroyed our financial system. There is no comparison.


"there is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right in America"-William Jefferson Clinton, forty-second President of the United States
by DiamondJay on Fri May 02, 2008 at 02:42:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Identity Politics and Anti-White Racism by Bud (none / 0)

And many African Americans were not brutalized by white Americans last century?


by Pravin on Sat May 03, 2008 at 10:09:39 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Identity Politics and Anti-White Racism by Bud (none / 0)

To be clear there are still many white americans of that era still alive. What Wright is doing is making wild statements at times to get back at them, i guess. that is still not equal payback. He is not saying "kill whitey".

We wont want to move on from 9-11 and want to kill Osama. Be thankful, blacks did not try to kill whites who condoned the environment of lynching after the 50s were over. We could have had a major war. So there will be more lingering backlash from them because they never got real closure


by Pravin on Sat May 03, 2008 at 10:15:51 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Revenge of the Bitter Voters (1.28 / 7)

I'm a White Male Catholic Union leader & a lifelong Democrat.

There is one super major issue right now that the media, the national liberal democratic party leaders, the Obama campaign & its supporters Do Not Comprehend nor Understand.

And that is, the Anger & Disdain felt by millions of white working class democrats towards the Obama/Wright/Bitter  saga. This is very real right now.

Unless you are one of us or live within our community, you have No Idea what is in store in November for millions of white working class reagan democrats.

No amount of money, no amount of TV & radio ads, no amount of political endorsements  will change the minds of the white working class community.

Anyone who hopes things will get better in a  few months do not understand the feelings & views of our community.

You are not going to see any marches in the streets like what the NAACP & Rainbow coalition do when they feel this way. You are not going to see any press conferences like what Al Sharpton loves to do.

But there is one thing you will see in November.

It will be a massive, outrageous number of white working class democrats from the highways of Florida, to the swamps of New Jersey, to the factories of Pennsylvania, to the streets of Ohio & Missouri, to the roads of the entire South & Rocky Mountains states- Millions of bitter democrats Crossing Party lines on November  4th.

This is real folks. Very Real.

Its not a threat nor a tactic. Its simply a reality.
There are 20 times more of us than elite liberal whites. There are 50 times more of us than black voters. Come November, we bitter working class americans will be heard.

"Yes, White men can't jump, but we sure can vote - in fact you will feel our votes in the  millions."
And yes, the person who called us bitter will be one bitter person at the results of November 4th. It will be the Revenge of the Bitter Voters.

We are a peaceful, loving people. We will let our votes on the ballot box do the talking.


by libdemusa on Thu May 01, 2008 at 11:58:14 PM EST

So are you gonna riot? (2.00 / 1)

And that is, the Anger & Disdain felt by millions of white working class democrats towards the Obama/Wright/Bitter  saga. This is very real right now.

Why did Obama win Wisconsin by 17 pts?

No white anger in the cheese state?

So let me see: 4,000 dead Americans in Iraq, inflation, a recession, soaring food prices, gas prices, a diminishing manufacturing base, Bin Laden is still at large, Guantanamo, warrantless wiretaps, a plunging dollar, runaway deficits, and you say a whites are INSTEAD freaking over a nitwit preacher?

HA!


"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!
by Al Rodgers on Fri May 02, 2008 at 12:15:04 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: So are you gonna riot? (2.00 / 1)

Seriously, what you say is not smart.

Wisconsin voted before the Wright pastor story and before Cling-To-Guns/God-gate.  


Lifelong Democrat, civil rights advocate, former volunteer for Dem candidates. Now Independent.
by BPK80 on Fri May 02, 2008 at 12:41:02 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Question still stands (none / 0)

Are you saying a kook minister and bittergate are more important than 4,000 dead Americans, a collapsing dollar, and Bin Laden??

Huh?

Speak up!

Is that what you are saying?

then those people are unAmerican!!


"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!
by Al Rodgers on Fri May 02, 2008 at 01:04:14 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Question still stands (none / 0)

Al - Just say what you feel needs to be said and lay off the troll rate button. We all dislike Jean Schmidt and no one here is not upset about any of the issues you bring up. You had no right to troll rate someone who was expressing an opinion, even if you disliked what he had to say. Why don't you write a diary about Jean Schmidt?
John McCain is a liar. Erratic, poor judgment.
by Jeter on Fri May 02, 2008 at 01:58:20 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Question still stands (2.00 / 0)

Al,

You argued that Wisconsin voters didn't care about the Cling-gate and Wright scandals.  That was completely disingenuous because Wisconsin voted before any of those scandals broke.


Lifelong Democrat, civil rights advocate, former volunteer for Dem candidates. Now Independent.
by BPK80 on Fri May 02, 2008 at 02:16:40 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: So are you gonna riot? (2.00 / 2)

Seriously, what you say is not smart.

Wisconsin voted before the Wright pastor story and before Cling-To-Guns/God-gate.

Naw, it's you that just don't get it. This election is about regionalism. Hillary Clinton may be able to play off people's fears in certain parts of the country (mainly the South and Appalachia), but no such fears exist in the Upper Midwest or the Northwest. Nor do we have a particular interest in the bullshit a lot of you folks call 'politics.' Hillary Clinton would lose Wisconsin today same as she did then (and as she continues to do against John McCain in the polls) because she's phony and she focuses on bullshit issues and the majority of the people in this region of the country are smart enough to see it.


by RP McMurphy on Fri May 02, 2008 at 02:05:01 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: So are you gonna riot? (2.00 / 0)

I think you missed the chain of communication here.  The poster argued that Wisconsin voted for Obama despite Wright/Cling.  I simply pointed out that Wisconsin voted before these stories broke.

Your Upper-Midwest pride is nice.  I don't agree with your characterization of the region as a super-smart utopia where there's no racism but I'll refrain from extolling my region (Northeast) and ragging on yours.  


Lifelong Democrat, civil rights advocate, former volunteer for Dem candidates. Now Independent.
by BPK80 on Fri May 02, 2008 at 02:24:44 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: So are you gonna riot? (2.00 / 1)

I think you missed the chain of communication here.  The poster argued that Wisconsin voted for Obama despite Wright/Cling.  I simply pointed out that Wisconsin voted before these stories broke.

And I pointed out that it wouldn't have made a damn bit of difference because it's a stupid issue.

Your Upper-Midwest pride is nice.

Thanks -- we have a lot to be proud of in Minnesota. We have the highest voter turnout in the country, our elections are incredibly clean, fair, and substantive, both of my senators voted against the AUMF in 2002, and we haven't voted Republican in a presidential election since 1972 and only three times since 1932. Oh, and my 70% white congressional district just sent a black Muslim to Congress.

I don't agree with your characterization of the region as a super-smart utopia where there's no racism but I'll refrain from extolling my region (Northeast) and ragging on yours.

I said nothing of the sort, but there clearly is less racial tension here than in many of the areas in the East, political patronage machines are nearly non-existent, and the bare-knuckle politics you folks often practice certainly wouldn't be tolerated here.      


by RP McMurphy on Fri May 02, 2008 at 03:54:01 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: So are you gonna riot? (2.00 / 0)

"And I pointed out that it wouldn't have made a damn bit of difference because it's a stupid issue."

I was correcting someone who seemed to not understand the chronology of the scandals with respect to the Wisconsin primary.  If you wanted to chime in by saying those scandals "wouldn't affect the election either way," you could have made that point without the invective, "Naw, it's you that just don't get it."  I mean really, how much can you possibly assume that someone "do[es]n't get" from a two line comment about when the Wisconsin primary occurred?  

"but there clearly is less racial tension here than in many of the areas in the East."

There's less racial tension in the Midwest because there's less racial diversity.

"The bare-knuckle politics you folks often practice certainly wouldn't be tolerated here."

Is Chicago not part of the upper Midwest?  


Lifelong Democrat, civil rights advocate, former volunteer for Dem candidates. Now Independent.
by BPK80 on Fri May 02, 2008 at 05:02:52 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: So are you gonna riot? (2.00 / 1)

There's less racial tension in the Midwest because there's less racial diversity.

Yeah, there's probably some truth to that, but the fact remains.

Is Chicago not part of the upper Midwest?

Not to my mind, no. But I have a very specific notion of the region I inhabit. I'm talking about MN, WI, IA, ND, and SD. Geographically, Illinois and Michigan should probably count as well, but their political cultures are much different. The amount of corruption tolerated in both states far exceeds what would be tolerated around here. So perhaps I should talk about 'Prairie Populism' rather than geography.    


by RP McMurphy on Fri May 02, 2008 at 01:28:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: So are you gonna riot? (none / 0)

shrug

I don't know much about Minneapolis political culture, so I can't really comment honestly on whether it's as civil as you describe it.  If so, that's nice to hear.  


Lifelong Democrat, civil rights advocate, former volunteer for Dem candidates. Now Independent.
by BPK80 on Fri May 02, 2008 at 10:07:21 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Revenge of the Bitter Voters (1.66 / 3)

Libdemusa, yours is one of the most clear and honest statement about how thousands and thousands of us feel. Thank you.


by aroundtheblock on Fri May 02, 2008 at 12:27:31 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Revenge of the Bitter Voters (2.00 / 0)

This was a good comment.  There's no basis for downrating it.  You're not supposed to troll rate something just because you disagree.  Troll rating is reserved for profanity and attacks that call other people out by name, personally.  


Lifelong Democrat, civil rights advocate, former volunteer for Dem candidates. Now Independent.
by BPK80 on Fri May 02, 2008 at 12:44:06 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Did you vote for Ronald Reagan (none / 0)

you stated, "working class reagan democrats"

Did you vote for Reagan?

If so when and why?

Help the elites out, be specific.


"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!
by Al Rodgers on Fri May 02, 2008 at 01:06:46 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Revenge of the Bitter Voters (2.00 / 1)

If that is true, then you have your answer why dumb people vote against their own interests. If they choose the REpublican party which has been a disaster(let's face it, McCain will be delegating a lot of stuff), and then they whine about their continued lost jobs, well they can stop the whining a few years from now.

It's like that stupid white lady who questioned Obama about some stupid lapel when there are bigger issues to worry about.

Well, hillary reminds me of power hungry Tracy Flick from the movie Election. But i am not going to switch my vote to McCain just because of that.


by Pravin on Fri May 02, 2008 at 01:09:40 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Revenge of the Bitter Voters (2.00 / 1)

Oh yeah, so why do you sound so bitter?????You claim not to be bitter, yet when you get unhinged at one comment, there had to be some past bitterness.

I am from the north. I go to NFL bars and hear a few racist comments about African Americans from time to time from so called union democrats like you. The sad reality is people like you are so bitter about race that they dont concentrate on taking the republicans to task enough for disastrous economic policies.

If people like you actually got angry more at important issues like fake patriotism and issues like the war, maybe, just maybe we would have had more money to spend on retraining out of work union members, better healthcare benefits, and education so your kids do not have to be at the mercy of some arrogant manager.


by Pravin on Fri May 02, 2008 at 01:14:39 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Revenge of the Bitter Voters (2.00 / 0)

You don't stop racism by scolding people as "racist."  That only infuriates people.  


Lifelong Democrat, civil rights advocate, former volunteer for Dem candidates. Now Independent.
by BPK80 on Fri May 02, 2008 at 02:26:53 AM EST
[ Parent ]

How about sexism (none / 0)

do you stop sexism by scolding sexist like Tweety and David Schuster?

You guys are sad and ridiculous, to say the least.


"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!
by Al Rodgers on Fri May 02, 2008 at 02:19:36 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: How about sexism (none / 0)

You don't stop sexism either by scolding people as sexist.  Ditto for homophobia, classism, anti-Seminite sentiment, etc.


Lifelong Democrat, civil rights advocate, former volunteer for Dem candidates. Now Independent.
by BPK80 on Fri May 02, 2008 at 10:09:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Revenge of the Bitter Voters (none / 0)

I wasnt trying to stop racism with that statement. it is a sad fact of life that there are even northerners that have no problem using the word "nigger" or make black jokes.


by Pravin on Sat May 03, 2008 at 10:11:28 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Revenge of the Bitter Voters (2.00 / 1)

By the way , libdemusa, some words of advice. Since you like to use right wing smears of liberals, let me give you back some meanness. When you vote for an idiot in the White House, I wont be affected from a financial standpoint. Maybe some of your buddies in Michigan will.  I will still be making good money in my job developing software. Outsoucing, you say? I got backup options. I will still drive a nice car. I won't have to worry about unemployment ever because while some of you bitter white working class spent school time playing football instead of hitting the books, I took the trouble to get well versed with not just math and computers but management.

I know this. I won't have to retrain myself. I got enough savings. You can make gas 6 dollars a gallon and it won't affect me.

Oh yeah, I will suffer in one way. My vacations to Europe are going to be borderline unaffordable because of the stinking dollar decline. Oh well, I guess it affects me a little. But you are going to pay for your decision. Live in fear by people who act like the War on Terror is the only real big issue facing americans while more people are at risk of dying of lung disease or a heart attack because of poor health care.


by Pravin on Fri May 02, 2008 at 01:40:48 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Revenge of the Bitter Voters (2.00 / 1)

By the way, I only talk this way to give a small taste of the attacks we are going to bring on your type. That is not my style. You start bitching about blacks and NAACP marching it is obvious that you have been bitter about this kind of stuff even before Wright.

You are going to act so self righteous, then I am going to talk to you in a condescending manner. And I could hit below the belt even more if I choose to about the fate of the people you claim to represent.


by Pravin on Fri May 02, 2008 at 01:55:37 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Revenge of the Bitter Voters (2.00 / 0)

Pravin,

These rants aren't helping your case.  You're epitomizing a stereotype.  If you want to catch flies, dish out the honey, not the vinegar.  


Lifelong Democrat, civil rights advocate, former volunteer for Dem candidates. Now Independent.
by BPK80 on Fri May 02, 2008 at 02:29:03 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Revenge of the Bitter Voters (2.00 / 1)

If these types constantly put out diaries against "elitist liberals" , do you think I am going to give a crap anymore about how people react to my rants?


by Pravin on Fri May 02, 2008 at 11:47:12 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Revenge of the Bitter Voters (none / 0)

If you don't care what anyone thinks about your rants and are essentially speaking to no one, why bother writing them?


Lifelong Democrat, civil rights advocate, former volunteer for Dem candidates. Now Independent.
by BPK80 on Fri May 02, 2008 at 10:10:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Revenge of the Bitter Voters (none / 0)

To show new readers of MYDD that all MYDD members are not bigoted morons.


by Pravin on Sat May 03, 2008 at 10:07:09 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Well if it is real then what should Blacks do? (2.00 / 2)

If whites are going to abandon Obama because of his assosiation with the Black Community, then what should blacks do? Should blacks vote for Hillary out of fear of White Racial animosity in 2007? Should Blacks do the same and refuse to vote for Hillary if she wins?

I think Republicans have been fanning racial animosity via people like Sean Hannity. The White working class has been a pawn in there own down fall for decades. The White working Class voted for BUSH in the first place. Yeah in Politics you have to win, but honestly appeasing these people is not making the party stronger, its turning the party into REPUBLICAINS!!!


by edtastic on Fri May 02, 2008 at 12:11:15 AM EST

Anti-White Racism by Bud (1.00 / 2)

And that is, the Anger & Disdain felt by millions of white working class democrats towards the Obama/Wright/Bitter  saga. This is very real right now.

Unless you are one of us or live within our community, you have No Idea what is in store in November for millions of white working class reagan democrats.

Fuck 'em, and fuck you too. I'm sorry that it isn't fair, but given the history of this country (and others -- see Germany, Nazi) working-class whites don't get to have their own racial identity, nor do they get to vote en mass against an African American candidate and call it anything other than racism. There's a reason that the NAACP is allowed to exist, Reverend Wright (and others like him) is begrudgingly tolerated, and minority students are given a leg-up in college admissions: It's called 400 years of slavery and oppression. Life ain't fair, but it's a whole lot less fair for some people. And no, you don't get to play the victim in this situation. When you and others like you (see Lin Farley) threaten some form of white retribution, you're simply projecting your own inadequacies. Lin's currently projecting her anger and dissatisfaction with the course of her life at Barack Obama because a black girl beat her out of a internship 30 years ago. If you're truly a member of the white working-class (and I really doubt you're any closer to said group than Ms. Farley), the source of your anger isn't Barack Obama, Reverend Wright, African Americans, gays, Jews, Italians, or Irish -- it's your own poverty relative other white people. You see, just as black people are constantly bombarded with messages as to what it means to be 'black', white people are constantly told what it means to be white -- and 'poor' isn't one of those things. So, as is human nature to do, you've found yourself a convenient scapegoat for your own misfortune. Everyone is guilty of this -- including a multitude of minorities -- but the reality is that you've got a much weaker case in this respect than they do. So let's drop this faux-victimhood and dispatch with the obvious glee you feel toward the possibility of racial division.

And one more thing: You may be a piece of shit, but remember, God loves you -- and so do I.              


by RP McMurphy on Fri May 02, 2008 at 01:55:55 AM EST

Re: Anti-White Racism by Bud (none / 0)

This is the extended version of Obama's Cling-to-Guns comment.  I'm not sure why we Democrats think it's okay to climb ivory towers and piss down amateur sociology lessons on people who are not like us or people who won't vote for our favorite candidates.  Is a post like yours designed to change a mind?

"Eureka!  You're right!  My own abject poverty is the reason I don't trust AA's and Gays.  Thank you for showing me the light; now I'll vote for Obama."  

Or are you reveling in strutting your self-styled intellectualism vis-a-vis a man who represents a segment of the population towards which you are prejudiced?  


Lifelong Democrat, civil rights advocate, former volunteer for Dem candidates. Now Independent.
by BPK80 on Fri May 02, 2008 at 02:45:43 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Anti-White Racism by Bud (none / 0)

This is the extended version of Obama's Cling-to-Guns comment.  I'm not sure why we Democrats think it's okay to climb ivory towers and piss down amateur sociology lessons on people who are not like us or people who won't vote for our favorite candidates.

Oh, there's a helluva lot more there than someone who won't vote for my favorite candidate. The author is essentially celebrating the possibility of a working-class white backlash against the probable African American Democratic nominee. In America, you don't get revel in such a hypothetical without your opinions on race being seriously called into question. Call me an elitist if you'd like, but I don't respect bigots regardless of how poor or stupid they are.      

Is a post like yours designed to change a mind?

There's no mind there to change -- just a shriveled husk of poison and old prejudices.

Or are you reveling in strutting your self-styled intellectualism vis-a-vis a man who represents a segment of the population towards which you are prejudiced?

1. I'm not a self-styled anything; I've worked numerous factory jobs with individuals just like this one. 2. I have nothing against working-class white people; where I live the majority of them know what to do when they get inside the voting booth. This doesn't excuse the fact that there's a considerable correlation between poverty, education, and prejudice. I pity people born into economic cesspools, but I'm not about to tolerate their ignorance.      

One more thing: I've noticed that around here, statements in opposition to Obama on the basis of white solidarity are generally ignored or encouraged whereas statements pointing out the inherent racism of such sentiments are ardently criticized. What's the motivation behind such behavior?


by RP McMurphy on Fri May 02, 2008 at 03:39:48 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Anti-White Racism by Bud (none / 0)

"Oh, there's a helluva lot more there than someone who won't vote for my favorite candidate. The author is essentially celebrating the possibility of a working-class white backlash against the probable African American Democratic nominee. In America, you don't get revel in such a hypothetical without your opinions on race being seriously called into question. Call me an elitist if you'd like, but I don't respect bigots regardless of how poor or stupid they are."

The contributor expressed rejection of Rev. Wright and the Cling-to-Guns comment.  He did not say or imply, "We're voting against him because he's black."  He stresses that his demographic is not likely to vote for a man who scoffs at white working class voters as church-opiated gun-toting xenophobes.  That demographic would have the same negative reaction were the words uttered by John Kerry.  You've imputed the racism onto him based on your own stereotypes of the white working class.          

"There's no mind there to change."

I see.  There was simply an excuse for you to unleash aggression on a single person for whatever wrongs you feel his demographic has done or is capable of doing in November.

"This doesn't excuse the fact that there's a considerable correlation between poverty, education, and prejudice."

That correlation is quite independent of race.  I really couldn't answer whether I would prefer to be a Black man in Appalachia or a White man in North Philadelphia.  The racism in both "economic cesspools," to borrow your own words, is pretty overwhelming.  

"One more thing: I've noticed that around here, statements in opposition to Obama on the basis of white solidarity are generally ignored or encouraged whereas statements pointing out the inherent racism of such sentiments are ardently criticized. What's the motivation behind such behavior?"

There are thousands of posts/comments on this site every day.  You can generalize them however you see fit.  


Lifelong Democrat, civil rights advocate, former volunteer for Dem candidates. Now Independent.
by BPK80 on Fri May 02, 2008 at 05:19:41 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Think I would rather be white in North Philly (none / 0)

You would be better off being white in a Black Ghetto than Black in a white Ghetto. Black people dont see whites as the enemy they just think the society at large is an oppressor. Even uneducated blacks have an advanced  notion of race relations. Whites are readily accepted because blacks dont really know how to be racist against them. It is simply not apart of black cultural history to oppress white people, we would not know how. So for the record, its better to be white amongst poor blacks, than black amongst poor whites in America. American Whites are simply all too familiar with how to hate.

Another thing you only need a tiny fraction of whites to be racist to give a black person hell. If a black person lived in a all white community and 5% of the whites were racist he would feel like it was 30% because of the assumption of silient racism.


by edtastic on Fri May 02, 2008 at 11:06:32 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Think I would rather be white in North Philly (none / 0)

suuuree, just look at Jeremiah Wright. Calling our American country "US of KKKA" and calling our American United States "United States of white America" in a clearly disparaging way. Oh, he CLEARLY doesn't see white people as an enigma. In black ghettos like Harlem, South Bronx, Hartford, Compton/South Central, etc. you don't see whites ever getting mugged or stabbed of killed at all.  your comment is ridiculous. While blacks would have it rough in a white "ghetto," and do have it rough,  lets be real: most whites wouldn't survive a minute in a black "ghetto". Also, if anyone just "assumes" the worst in people like racism, its no one's fault but his own, unless he actually sees it or experiences it


"there is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right in America"-William Jefferson Clinton, forty-second President of the United States
by DiamondJay on Fri May 02, 2008 at 11:22:10 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Think I would rather be white in North Philly (none / 0)

"Another thing you only need a tiny fraction of whites to be racist to give a black person hell. If a black person lived in a all white community and 5% of the whites were racist he would feel like it was 30% because of the assumption of silient racism."

I think that's true.  

I don't agree about warming up so easily to the idea of being a white man in North Philadelphia.  Go there sometime, alone, if you don't know what I mean.


Lifelong Democrat, civil rights advocate, former volunteer for Dem candidates. Now Independent.
by BPK80 on Fri May 02, 2008 at 10:12:56 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Identity Politics and Anti-White Racism by Bud (none / 0)

The entire Wright and Ayers affairs are just guilt by association right wing smear jobs that Hillary was happy to take part in. The views and backgrounds of neither of these individuals says anything about Obama or his character. Just as she was happy to engage in dog whistle politics and then use the old Rove standby of accusing your opponent of doing what you are in fact doing knowing that Obama can not win when the subject is race. It's a straight up Hannity hatchet job.

Hillary will get her turn if she gets the nomination. All the crap that Obama has refused to use against her and the Republicans are holding in reserve should she be the candidate will be unleashed on Clinton. All her new found right wing friends and defenders will turn on her. When you lay down with dogs don't be surprised when you wake up with fleas.

Even after the barrage of the last 3 weeks Hillary's negatives are higher then Obama's and her new Republican friends have not got started on her. They will have mountains of material to work with. I'll spare you the list of incidents and associations she will be skewered with, it's not hard to find online. It's not getting play now because she is not the assumed candidate and Obama won't go there.

While Clinton's campaign and surrogates like Blumenthal have worked hard to get right wing smears against Obama moved from the right wing hate sites into the main stream press Obama's campaign has done no such thing. They are not flogging the various juicy bits of right wing slander that will hit the cable networks 24/7 if she is the candidate.

The threats of Hillary's supporters staying home or voting for McCain? Hillary could not even win NY state without the black vote so that threat cuts both ways. The election is months away. Voters are going to be more concerned with their own welfare then that of a couple of millionaire politicians come November. The primary will be long forgotten by then.


by hankg on Fri May 02, 2008 at 05:34:52 AM EST


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