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I apologize for the inconvenience. 

PART I

What you are about to read shortly is a true story. Only the names of the subjects have been changed for obvious reasons.

The story will most likely generate strong reactions from readers, such as anger, sadness, shame and perhaps even denial. Whatever the knee jerk reaction it may cause, I hope, in the least, it will help people realize that this issue is more prevalent than many of us think in our culture and that this story will serve as an example on how to approach the topic and how to help the victims.

My name is “Dinkinesh“. The story I am about to share with you is a painful to me as it is to many nameless and faceless Ethiopian women who have been victims of the same atrocity. An atrocity so cruel, so inhumane, in most corners of Ethiopian society it is seen as not believable, as in something that does not occur in our society, to the point where the victim is portrayed as insane, a crackpot and is even shunned from society. But my story is real and for our supposedly ‘innocent’ and ‘pure’ culture, shocking – hard to believe, not only because it is unfamiliar to many, but because it involves close members of family.

I was born and raised, along with two brothers, in a relatively well to do family in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. My father was an educated man with a well paying job, and like most other families in Ethiopia, he was the breadwinner of the family. My father was also known for his binge drinking and his frequenting the local brothel houses – especially on paydays. On those drinking paydays, my mother went door to door in the neighborhood bars looking for her drunken husband to carry him home. The running joke in the neighborhood about my father, I was told, was “wesha kemis betelebsem aymerem” (he would chase after a female dog, if he saw it wearing a skirt). My mom, a loving and caring woman, had a secretarial job at one of the government agencies for a modest salary. Although she had her own job and did not look for a handout from my father for money, she was, like many wives in Ethiopia, still the submissive wife who was subjugated by her husband.

Growing up, I was a quite and at times aloof child to the point where I was seen as strange by my relatives. But I had a secret that I was keeping inside me no one knew about. A secret too heavy to bear for a young girl my age.

The year was 1979, when political climate in the country was at a boiling point. The youth resistance movement was quite strong and the military dictatorship that ruled the country with iron fist indiscriminately jailed and killed young people. The major opposition party, EPRP (the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Party) was every parent’s nightmare, because it recruited young members at a very high rate. University and high school students were the foot soldiers of the party frequently clashing with government forces and suffering heavy casualties. Revolt against the military dictatorship by the youth was everywhere. If you were a teenager like I was in those days, you had one of two ways to show your rebellious side. You either made every demand and effort to go to America to escape the turmoil, or you joined the EPRP.

I remember it was the rainy season that same year when one day I received a phone call from my cousin “Aberra”. With that one phone call, the events that would change the course of my life forever started to unfold. Aberra was known as a trouble maker in most of the family circle and was also a member of neighborhood EPRP cell. After Aberra unsuccessfully tried to recruit “Zelalem“, another cousin of ours, to the EPRP, we were given strict orders from our parents to stay away from him. That rainy afternoon, Aberra told me that he had something very important to share with me. He also told me that he had asked Zelalem, to join us. The location for the meeting was our grandmother’s house near Shero Meda. The three of us met like we planned and were treated to a nice bekolo tibs (roasted corn) the seasonal snack. After the snack, the three of us, who were all about the same age group, walked out of the house to discuss this grand secret plan Aberra had. As soon as we walked out of the house, I was asked by both men to swear to secrecy about the plan. After assuring them that I would keep the secret, the whole plan was laid out for me in detail.

The plan was to escape the country by crossing the Sudanese border like many young Ethiopians did in those days as a backdoor exit to America. According to Aberra, his best friend’s uncle would be the one to take us as far as the Gondar province. After that, I was told, that it was a matter of walking to the Sudanese border. When the part about the walking to the border was mentioned, I could see Zelalem was uncomfortable with the idea. He looked worried. Trying to ease his anxiety, and trying to appeal to his manly side, I quipped “minew ferahende? Ene enquan setwa minim alferahum” (what’s the matter, are you scared? Even I the girl am not scared). That did not help alleviate his apprehension. He nervously started asking questions like – what if we get caught? Are you sure this is going to work? He finally admitted that he was not sure if he could handle the long walk to the border. He started blabbering something about an I-20 “Gash Hailu”, our uncle in America, had promised him. And if that did not work, he said he preferred going to one of those socialist country universities legally than risk his life. Upon hearing that, Aberra immediately dismissed him by saying “beka wore atabza keferah” (no need to keep blabbering – you are too scared for this). With that, Aberra and I made the decision to go ahead with the escape plan.

We talked about how we were going to get the travelling money. The plan was to wait until pay day and steal all available cash from my father’s pocket as well as raid our mothers’ jewelry boxes, which would be pawned for cash on our way. After several hours of intense planning and discussion, we walked back to our grandmother’s house. In two weeks time, our escape plan was finalized.

We left Addis for Gondar on a bus (Leonchina). To my surprise, there were two more guys who joined us on the trip. They were both friends of Aberra. I thought it was odd that Aberra did not mention them during our discussion. Our arrival at Gondar was the beginning of the tumultuous episode in my life. After spending a couple of nights in Gondar, we started our foot journey towards the border. As you can imagine, the trip was very difficult and trying for anyone, let alone for a young girl like me who has been sheltered all her life. The physical pain was sometimes unbearable. Walking in that equator sun was pure torture. As if that was not enough, I was soon confronted with another arduous and difficult challenge. One of Aberra’s friends started to make unwanted sexual advances at me. Some of these advances were very obvious and in the open for everyone to see. I resisted as much as I could, wondering why Aberra was not doing anything to stop it. When his friend saw that I was not budging, he went to the next hideous of acts a man can commit. He raped me! Not once, but several times. I felt helpless. I could not turn to anyone for help. To this day, I believe that Aberra was aware of his friend’s action, but he did nothing. He allowed his friend to take advantage of me. Aberra, a close relative, whom I counted on to protect me from everything on this trip, did nothing to stop his friend. I was devastated. I could not believe what was happening to me. The only thing I could ask myself was, if it this was worth leaving my home and my country. Was this the price I had to pay for causing the obvious misery I caused my parents, especially my mother, by just disappearing on them?

For part II of this story, please go to the new home of this blog at

http://lelatensae.wordpress.com/

IT’S BARACK!!!!!

Thank you America.  You have, with this election, restored the small flickering faith I had in the American people.  Even a cynic like me now can start to believe that anything is possible in America.

LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT…

BECAUSE IT DOES.

..or a Day of Wrecking America?

At this point, barring any election fraud by Republicans, I am convinced that Barack Obama will be elected president of the
United States. However, as I have noted in my previous post, I think the Neo-Cons, who want to turn this country into Fascist state, will try anything to maintain their tight grip on power.  They are already trying to prevent people from voting in many places. In Ohio, despite the ruling by the Supreme Court, the highest court in the nation, the Bush administration has asked to intervene in a case where up to 200, 000 voters may be prevented from voting because of a late challenge by the Ohio Republican Party. In states like West Virginia, Tennessee, Missouri and Texas there are reports of votes flipping from Obama to McCain on electronic voting machines.

So the question is, how will November 5th, 2008 will be remembered? Will it be remembered as a day when the long US national nightmare ended with the departure of the Bush administration or when another one began with riots and blood in the streets?  Will it be a day that brings jubilation or a day that brings a revolution? Although the corporate media is keeping a tight lid on the topic, there are indications that it could get ugly on November 5th. Just read this story  from ”The Hill” about how police departments around the country are beefing up their forces preparing for possible riots whether Obama wins or loses. Putting the subtle racist attitde and insult to black people aside, I think this action has a larger goal. Could it be that the Neo-Cons have already made the plan for the election theft and are anticipating a strong reaction from the people?  When was the last time that something like this was ever done in the United States?  Never.  Are they getting ready for a deliberate confrontation so Bush can declare a national emergency and suspend the Constitution?  Will this be the way how they will ‘save the king’?

With that rosy scenario, let me leave you with a little poem about another 5th of November, the year 1605 to be exact. Those of you who have seen the movie V for Vendetta will recognize this poem. Have they already named their Guy Fawkes , in Barack Obama?

Enjoy!

Remember, remember the Fifth of November,

the Gunpowder Treason and Plot,

I see no reason why Gunpowder Treason should ever be forgot.

Guy Fawkes, t’was his intent to blow up King and Parliament.

Three score barrels were laid below to prove old England’s overthrow;

By God’s mercy he was catch’d with a dark lantern and lighted match.

Holloa boys, holloa boys, let the bells ring.

Holloa boys, holloa boys, God save the King!

Hip hip hoorah!

A penny loaf to feed the Pope

A farthing o’ cheese to choke him.

A pint of beer to rinse it down.

A faggot of sticks to burn him.

Burn him in a tub of tar.

Burn him like a blazing star.

Burn his body from his head.

Then we’ll say ol’ Pope is dead.

Hip hip hoorah!

Hip hip hoorah hoorah!

More Election Notes

The McCain-Ethiopia connection

For those of you Ethiopians who are not happy with Meles and his administration, and are considering voting for McCain, this is for you. If you have followed the election closely, you may have heard that McCain’s “Straight Talk Express” is filled with special interest lobbyists from various corporations, interest groups and even countries. Yes, countries. Did you know that one of McCain’s senior advisors, Frank Donatelli, is lobbyist for McGuire Woods Consulting firm which represented Meles’ EPRDF in 2005, the very same year Meles stole the election, to provide “government relations and related public communications services to assist and work with Ethiopia in Washington, D.C., in promoting and strengthening Ethiopia’s relations with the United States” ? Look at the exhibit.

Something to think about before casting your vote for another 4 years of Bush like support from the US to the dictator Meles.

Be careful Obama supporters

Apparently, supporting Barack Obama can be a dangerous choice. Did you hear about the London man who got shot for wearing an Obama T-shirt? What the … It would have been funny, if it wasn’t so sad and serious. This is what this poison called racism and prejudice can do to a person. The man is not even in the United States where he can vote for Obama!

The Barracuda Lady effect

This is a very important election for our children and also shoring up our economy and we should also, it has to be about job creation too, and not fear free trade like a monster, but ultimately reducing the federal budget there in Washington and also.

Oops, I apologize. I had a Sarah Palin moment there for a second.

So, how about that “Maverick-ette” Sara Palin? It looks like people are getting to know her. Unfortunately for her, the more they hear her talk, the more they realize that she is just an empty dress…an expensive one from Neiman Marcus. Have you seen some of her interviews? People are sadly comparing her to Lauren Caitlin Upton the former Ms Teen South Carolina , the poor girl who gave that jumbled answer to a question about Iraq during the Ms Teen USA pageant. Actually that is not really fair…. to Ms Teen S Carolina !! At least she was caught off guard by the question. Anyways, the best and sobering commentary I have heard to date on Mrs Palin’s nomination is by Deepak Chopra, the famed Indian medical doctor who has written several books and articles about spirituality, self awareness and meditation. Here is the article.

And finally, a personal commentary about John McCain. Not that anyone who follows the character today’s Republicans doesn’t know it, but in the last few months John McCain has shown us who he really is. A liar, a coward, and a dishonorable man who tries to disguise himself as a straight talking ‘maverick’. Just like many of these Neo-Cons, he is willing to sell his soul to fulfill a personal life long ambition of becoming president. Yes, McCain is one of the original Neo-Cons who signed on to the PNAC early on. In fact, he was the choice by the Neo-Con leaders to be president in 2000 until G W Bush and Karl Rove came in and ran one of the dirtiest primaries ever smearing not only him, but his family.

What is so heroic and courageous about dropping bombs on innocent civilian men, women and children from 20, 000 feet? What is so honorable about going out with a beer heiress while your wife is in the hospital after a devastating automobile accident that left her disfigured? What is so ‘maverick-ish’ about cozying up with the same group that smeared you and your family a few years ago just for a chance to be president? What is so honest about lying though through your teeth, with no shame, about your opponents records and character even after you have been proven wrong and dishonest? Let’s face it, John McCain is not who he claims he is. Here is the real John McCain.

Countdown to November 4th

Only two more weeks until Nov 4^th. Things are moving at a lighting speed and it is hard to keep up. Below are some comments, observations and predictions on the election.

First, let me make a bold prediction. Now that it looks like Obama has all but wrapped this election up, I predict that the Neo-Cons, in a last attempt to cling to power, will create some kind of a national emergency, before Nov 4th election day, or January 20th, inauguration day. What do I base this on? Well, a couple of things.

Bush’s November surprise?

First, the Bush Administration has quietly signed several ‘Presidential Directives’ in the last 8 years, among which is , Directive 51 The National Security and Homeland Security Presidential Directive, which basically suspends the US Constitution and the US government.

Here are some of the things that the Directive can do.

The National Security and Homeland Security Presidential Directive (National Security Presidential Directive NSPD-51/Homeland Security Presidential Directive HSPD-20, sometimes called simply “Executive Directive 51″ for short), signed by United States President George W. Bush on May 4, 2007, is a Presidential Directive which specifies the procedures for continuity of the federal government in the event of a “catastrophic emergency”. Such an emergency is construed as “any incident, regardless of location, that results in extraordinary levels of mass casualties, damage, or disruption severely affecting the U.S. population, infrastructure, environment, economy, or government functions.

The directive specifies that, following such an emergency, an “Enduring Constitutional Government”, comprising “a cooperative effort among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the Federal Government,” coordinated by the President of the United States, will take the place of the nation’s regular government, presumably without the oversight of Congress.

The interesting phrase here is “any incident, regardless of location “. Curious, isn’t it? Why would Bush sign all these laws, if he is not intending to use them?

Second, did you also know that, as of Oct 1^st , for 12 months US combat troops, in a move that would effectively end the, Posse Comitatus Act of 1878,are now in charge of patrolling the streets in the United States? Their stated mission is the form of crowd control they practiced in Iraq, subduing “unruly individuals,”.

Are things starting to fall in place for you? Sounds like the Bush administration is lining its ducks in place.

Do Republicans like democracy?

I am sure you have probably heard of this much ado about nothing regarding ACORN, the community grassroots organization which played a huge part in registering minority voters for this election. So now ACORN is accused of voter fraud, to the point where, according to Grampy McCain “destroying the fabrics of Democracy”. The truth is, this is an old tactic by Republicans to keep poor folks from voting, since traditionally, minority voters support a Democratic candidate. Republicans do not want everyone to vote. You want proof? Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you Paul Weyrich. Weyrich is a Republican activist and commentator who co-founded the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank and “The Moral Majority”, the evangelical Christian lobbying organization with the late Jerry Falwell. Weyrich has worked closely with Ronald Reagan’s and both Bush’s presidential campaigns. So, how does Paul Weyrich feel about representative democracy in America? Here is what he said at a church gathering in 1980.

“Now many of our Christians have what I call the goo-goo syndrome — good government. They want everybody to vote. I don’t want everybody to vote. Elections are not won by a majority of people, they never have been from the beginning of our country and they are not now. As a matter of fact, our leverage in the elections quite candidly goes up as the voting populace goes down.

Watch the video.

That’s right, all of you goo-goo syndrome suffering persons going ga-ga over this thing called democracy! What are you trying to pull here?

The Hypocracy of the West

The world economy is falling apart in the process revealing the hypocrisy and the fallacy of the West’s economic philosophy, unregulated Capitalism. Even capitalism King, the big bad US of A is borrowing money in the trillions from Communist China? I bet Ronald Reagan is spinning is his grave.

Are you as confused, perhaps even as nauseatingly worried as many people around the world are about this absurdity? Isn’t it ironic that in this new age ‘globalization’ when corporate profits around the world, especially in the US, are at an all time high, a time when physical and intellectual labor are cheaper than dirt, and when information you need to make the most intelligent and savvy business decisions is so readily available practically at the tip of your fingers that we have an economic calamity of this magnitude?

This is further proof that the so called trickle-down economics devised by the Milton Friedman’s of the world and executed, in every sense of the word, by Reagan and the Bushes, has been an abject failure. It just lays another stone at the tomb of this almost criminal economic ideology. Jay Bookman of the Atlanta Journal Constitution put it brilliantly in this article.

So what is the cause of this disaster? It is obviously one of 2 things – greed or incompetence. There is also a third possibility, both. When you put them both together, unadulterated greed and unmitigated unprecedented incompetence, you get this type of catastrophe.

What is interesting about this is that the so called “intellectuals” of the West have been contemptuously and arrogantly pontificating how there was little hope for what they call the third world because of the rampant corruption and greed that is so wide spread in the systems. Who says the politicians and political system are corrupt and rigged in the so called third world countries only?

Despite the incessant flow of propaganda to the rest of the world by the West, we are learning more and more everyday that politics here in the US is really not that different from the rest of the world including Africa, Asia and S America where corruption and cronyism are rampant. It is just that the US, and for the most part Europe, have a sophisticated way running their corrupt system and are able to sell their propaganda in a more palatable way to the masses.

Politically, we saw that elections can be rigged ‘legally’ and consummated by the highest of courts in the 2000 US presidential elections when the Supreme Court told Florida officials not to count the votes and declared G W Bush the winner.

Socially we saw how corruption and incompetence by government officials of the highest level can lead to a national catastrophe in which a major metropolitan city like New Orleans was left to drown and thousands of its citizens were left to die.

As we witnessed in Iraq illegal wars and occupations which result in the death of millions of innocent people can be waged with fictitious and manufactured lies for the purpose of enriching a few powerful elites.

We even saw how religion can be corrupted in a major way to advance a political agenda both domestically and internationally. There is no better proof for this than Bush’s ‘faith based initiative’ programs that are used to get votes for the Republican Party.

And the latest one? Well, let’s just call it for what it is. With the $700 billion – no, actually $850 billion when you count all the pork, we may have just witnessed the biggest bank heist in the world. $850billion!!! That is even hard for the mind to imagine. This is almost like Dr Evil’s cajillion, faffillion type of money! The getaway truck is parked at the back door of the treasury, the drivers are picked, the engine is running and the Bush gang is ready to run away with $700 billion dollars for the farewell party.

The US government, despite opposition to this plan showing a 9 to 1 ratio, basically gave the people its middle finger. So, how is this different from Meles telling Ethiopians to shut up and sit down, despite the fact that he lost the election or Mugabe refusing to relinquish power after losing the election?

And the capper on this caper? Both presidential candidates voted for this massive bailout. So, the obvious question is why did both candidates, who could have basically been assured of the presidency if they opposed this bill like 90% of the American people, vote for it? Could it be that they were told by the real Big Brother to support it or they would see their political career fly out the window? Makes you wonder, doesn’t it?

There was even a secret deal in Congress to divvy up the votes so no one party can be blamed for it. This is how the American system of government, which proudly declares, “a government of the people, for the people, by the people” works.

The question we in the Diaspora, who constantly put on our faith in the US government to save us from our dictators is, what gives us the confidence and faith that the US really cares about our people. I mean, if they don’t care about how their own people feel, what makes us think they care about ours? Don’t you think it is time to re-think our strategy?

And finally, for those of you who do not think art doesn’t imitate life, here is one for you. If you have a couple of hours to spare this weekend and want to get your mind off what is going on in the world, and still stay informed, this is the movie for you. The title is “NETWORK” which was made in 1978 and see how eerily similar the situation is to today. You will be amazed. Here is a scene from the movie.

My favorite line from this movie is from the main character Howard Beal speaking of the American people:

“Because this is no longer a nation of independent individuals, it’s a nation of two-hundred some-odd million transistorized, deodorized, whiter-that-white steel-belted bodies, totally unnecessary as human beings, and as replaceable as piston rods.”

Well, at least that is how the US government sees its citizens these days.

Chereka

Tim Wise is one of the most active and brilliant anti- racism voices in
America. He has written several books including “White Like Me” and gives lectures in many colleges around the country on topics like affirmative action and “white privilege” in America.  He is one of the most articulate and vocal advocates of racial equality. What is more interesting about Tim Wise is that he is a white man from the South. My first encounter with his work was during a fund drive for a local public radio station. 

The issue of ‘white privilege’ in America and its relationship to affirmative action is one topic Tim Wise often discusses in his lectures.  White privilege is one of several racial issues that raise great passion and often anger from both sides. Why is it that millions of minorities in America seem to be caught up in a circle of poverty while many whites seem to be doing better?   The answer to this question differs, of course, depending on which side of the debate a person is on.  Most minorities and proponents of affirmative action like Tim Wise say that racism that dates back to the days of slavery has given whites an overwhelming advantage and head start on life. They say that many whites today are the direct beneficiaries of slavery giving way to today’s institutionalized racism which has kept blacks and other minorities from achieving the same status as whites today.

                                                                   Tim Wise

People on the other side of the debate, including some blacks like Ward Connerly assert that white people today should not be responsible for what was done by their ancestors years ago. They claim that this is just an excuse by blacks to continue receiving government assistance programs like affirmative action.  They also ironically and perhaps shrewdly claim that affirmative action is a form of racism and often cite the words of, none other than Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a dream speech”.  

The standard answer from many white people to institutionalized racism is that today’s white people are not responsible for what happened years ago by their ancestors. However, what white most people fail to realize is that most of them have been direct beneficiaries of their ancestors’ status as white privileged citizens. That means they have had head start on life, than minorities because of their ancestors’ wealth which has helped them in one way or another. This is in addition to the outright racism minorities face during employment and other endeavors. In his speeches, Tim Wise explains how he himself benefitted  from white privilege.

So, the debate still rages on. In fact, several states have decided to put the affirmative action on their ballot to roll it back just like the state of California did in 1996.

In this brilliantly and humorously written article, Tim Wise is using the presidential race as a perfect metaphor, or even a macrocosm on how white privilege works in America.

Enjoy!

A BUZZFLASH GUEST CONTRIBUTION

by Tim Wise

For those who still can’t grasp the concept of white privilege, or who are constantly looking for some easy-to-understand examples of it, perhaps this list will help.

White privilege is when you can get pregnant at seventeen like Bristol Palin and everyone is quick to insist that your life and that of your family is a personal matter, and that no one has a right to judge you or your parents, because “every family has challenges,” even as black and Latino families with similar “challenges” are regularly typified as irresponsible, pathological and arbiters of social decay.

 White privilege is when you can call yourself a “fuckin’ redneck,” like Bristol Palin’s boyfriend does, and talk about how if anyone messes with you, you’ll “kick their fuckin’ ass,” and talk about how you like to “shoot shit” for fun, and still be viewed as a responsible, all-American boy (and a great son-in-law to be) rather than a thug.

 White privilege is when you can attend four different colleges in six years like Sarah Palin did (one of which you basically failed out of, then returned to after making up some coursework at a community college), and no one questions your intelligence or commitment to achievement, whereas a person of color who did this would be viewed as unfit for college, and probably someone who only got in in the first place because of affirmative action.

 White privilege is when you can claim that being mayor of a town smaller than most medium-sized colleges, and then Governor of a state with about the same number of people as the lower fifth of the island of Manhattan, makes you ready to potentially be president, and people don’t all piss on themselves with laughter, while being a black U.S. Senator, two-term state Senator, and constitutional law scholar, means you’re “untested.”

 White privilege is being able to say that you support the words “under God” in the pledge of allegiance because “if it was good enough for the founding fathers, it’s good enough for me,” and not be immediately disqualified from holding office–since, after all, the pledge was written in the late 1800s and the “under God” part wasn’t added until the 1950s–while believing that reading accused criminals and terrorists their rights (because, ya know, the Constitution, which you used to teach at a prestigious law school requires it), is a dangerous and silly idea only supported by mushy liberals.

 White privilege is being able to be a gun enthusiast and not make people immediately scared of you. White privilege is being able to have a husband who was a member of an extremist political party that wants your state to secede from the Union, and whose motto was “Alaska first,” and no one questions your patriotism or that of your family, while if you’re black and your spouse merely fails to come to a 9/11 memorial so she can be home with her kids on the first day of school, people immediately think she’s being disrespectful.

 White privilege is being able to make fun of community organizers and the work they do–like, among other things, fight for the right of women to vote, or for civil rights, or the 8-hour workday, or an end to child labor–and people think you’re being pithy and tough, but if you merely question the experience of a small town mayor and 18-month governor with no foreign policy expertise beyond a class she took in college–you’re somehow being mean, or even sexist.

 White privilege is being able to convince white women who don’t even agree with you on any substantive issue to vote for you and your running mate anyway, because all of a sudden your presence on the ticket has inspired confidence in these same white women, and made them give your party a “second look.”

 White privilege is being able to fire people who didn’t support your political campaigns and not be accused of abusing your power or being a typical politician who engages in favoritism, while being black and merely knowing some folks from the old-line political machines in Chicago means you must be corrupt.

 White privilege is being able to attend churches over the years whose pastors say that people who voted for John Kerry or merely criticize George W. Bush are going to hell, and that the U.S. is an explicitly Christian nation and the job of Christians is to bring Christian theological principles into government, and who bring in speakers who say the conflict in the Middle East is God’s punishment on Jews for rejecting Jesus, and everyone can still think you’re just a good church-going Christian, but if you’re black and friends with a black pastor who has noted (as have Colin Powell and the U.S. Department of Defense) that terrorist attacks are often the result of U.S. foreign policy and who talks about the history of racism and its effect on black people, you’re an extremist who probably hates America.

 White privilege is not knowing what the Bush Doctrine is when asked by a reporter, and then people get angry at the reporter for asking you such a “trick question,” while being black and merely refusing to give one-word answers to the queries of Bill O’Reilly means you’re dodging the question, or trying to seem overly intellectual and nuanced.

 White privilege is being able to claim your experience as a POW has anything at all to do with your fitness for president, while being black and experiencing racism is, as Sarah Palin has referred to it, a “light” burden.

 And finally, white privilege is the only thing that could possibly allow someone to become president when he has voted with George W. Bush 90 percent of the time, even as unemployment is skyrocketing, people are losing their homes, inflation is rising, and the U.S. is increasingly isolated from world opinion, just because white voters aren’t sure about that whole “change” thing. Ya know, it’s just too vague and ill-defined, unlike, say, four more years of the same, which is very concrete and certain.

 White privilege is, in short, the problem.

The Audacity of the ‘Barracuda Lady’

Balls!  said the queen, if I had them I’d be king!

Do you get the feeling that is what Sarah “the Barracuda” Palin (as she likes to call herself), the Republican vice presidential nominee, is saying to herself these days?  Can you believe this woman and the stuff that is coming out of her mouth?  It’s like they wound up and let loose the meanest Barbie on the shelf!   Not to sound like a misogynist, but there is something unseemly about a shrill – shrieking woman who screams at the top of her lungs with a manufactured “tough gal” act in a mean and nasty way.  It feels like it goes against all the wonderful instinctive qualities a woman has like her gracefulness, her compassion, and that gentle woman’s touch.   

But to hear the Republicans speak of her, you’d think Sojourner Truth was reincarnated.  Forget the fact that the woman barely qualified and hung on as mayor of Wasilla, the Meth capital of Alaska, where she almost got recalled, or even the fact that she thinks she has plenty of foreign policy experience and knowledge only because she can see Russia from Alaska, or her declaration that the occupation in Iraq is a ‘task from God’ or her urging Alaskans to pray for pipelines to be laid in the state and the many outrageous statements she made as an elected official.   

But the most appalling thing Mrs Palin said was her belittling of Barack Obama’s record as a community organizer and by extension all community organizers, and the way she did it during her RNC speech.  It had to be embarrassing even to some of her supporters.

“I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a ‘community organizer,’ except that you have actual responsibilities,” she said in her shrill voice.

No Mrs Palin, community service is an art as much as it is politics. It’s about helping others, who are less fortunate. It is about sacrificing your time, your energy, and sometimes risking your life and become a voice to so the many people who have been disenfranchised.  It’s about going into some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in
America and talking to people one on one – without police escort like your days as mayor of that little hamlet you were a mayor of.  Major cities like the South side of Chicago, South Central LA, South East Washington DC and Harlem.   No, it’s not the same as sharing cookies and apple juice at your local PTA meeting with your friends and exchanging moose stew recipes later on.  It’s facing a forgotten and rightfully angry community and keeping that delicate balance between outrage and hope by teaching them about empowerment. Of course, you wouldn’t know the meaning of any of that, coming from a sheltered and protected life in that corner of the country. So, I don’t expect you to volunteer for community works in the south side of Chicago soon any time soon. 

I’d like to see you spend a day at in one of those neighborhoods talking to folks and finding out what their pressing issues are.  You say that’s not fair?  Well, don’t you think part of the responsibility of the office of the Vice President entails the ability to talk to all kinds of people anywhere in the country, including minorities?  At least Obama has proven that he has the ability to reach and connect with all types of people, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native America, African – you name it. You want proof?  How do18 million votes sound to you? That is a hell of a lot more than the 651 votes you received to become mayor and the 114, 000 you got to be governor of Alaska.  Of course, you would not last an hour in any of those neighborhoods.

But you know what might be good for you and might help you adjust that cocky and galling attitude of yours?  How about spending a couple of hours with Michelle Obama and her to kids in a room?   No no, nothing rough or intimidating, although you can use some of that too, but just talking to them, heart to heart. You can bring your kids too if you want.  I bet you will come out a different person with perhaps a better disposition and a more pleasant voice too.  Have you met the Obama women by the way? They really are a nice family.  Not that you would know what family manner is if it jumped and bit you on your you know what, but you will be surprised how well mannered and smart they are for an “uppity” family, like one of your surrogates called them.  So, in the slight chance that you might become Vice President, you can use some of that manner in your office.