What Happened to Our National Ideal? – That everyone is Created Equal – Those pushed into categories about to wake up. Black Activists In Chicago Make a Valid Point

Chicago Activists Unchained, Destroy Black Leadership – video by Rebel Pundit via UTube

At one time, during the 1950’s and 1960’s one knew there was deep-rooted racism, and that racism existed from the north to the south, west and southwest, east and northeast. There were those who wanted change, and those who fought for change, and those who saw the changes taking place. There were political party divides, and the Civil Rights Movement was the defining moment of the greatest generation in concert with the baby boomers.

Then power and greed and political corruption got the best of our combined leadership – black, white, Republican, and yes, especially Democrats. Watching everyone become pigeonholed by race or gender over the decades, while seeing opportunities disappear, has been a heartbreaking event. More so, perhaps, because there were those who believed that it was no longer necessary to concern oneself with those pockets of racists or sexists that we had evolved into a society that would not stand for one person being less than another – having equal opportunities.

Then politics stepped in and assured all of us that this cancer not only still existed it was prevalent, and then the Us vs. them began.

It needs to end, and perhaps, just perhaps with dedicated individuals looking about at the destruction of our great society, taking matters to heart and doing good work by calling out those corrupters, will bring enthusiasm to all of us to work as one society again. Call it idealism or something found in several documents, not least among them the one that guides our nation’s laws – the Constitution.

The Gender Bias Factor 2008 - Happy Halloween

Throughout this election process, there were a lot of ism’s tossed around; racism, ageism, and of course, sexism; calling into question gains that were thought to have been made to eradicate all isms by this great country. It goes without saying that all three exist, and will, undoubtedly continue to be fostered; by those on the right and the left. What is most astonishing is that, as a group, women are a “safe” target; especially those who would dare to break with “tradition” and attempt to assume roles that are traditionally male. From the beginning of the primary season, 2007 to be exact, conversations around one Massachusetts family event astounded this Bay Stater. In discussing the field of contenders the male voters (All family members are generational Democrats, with one notable exception) immediately dismissed Hillary Clinton – why? “Who would elect a woman”, their choice at the time: John McCain – McCain? At that time, McCain was considered as the least likely (minus Ron Paul and Tancredo) of getting past Iowa – the reasoning, there was simply no-other candidate on the other side with similar ideals. The argument from the conservative feminist was simple: Clinton is a moderate and the best your party has to offer, give her a chance – indeed, by sheer numbers, women have the upper hand, and would tip the balance in her favor – a viable candidate, that would, in all likelihood grab some Republican votes alone the way. (The irony is: Clinton went on to win the Massachusetts Primary and McCain, as a result of his win of the Republican nomination, quickly fell out of grace - but Obama, a man, who was not a Republican, was perfect!)

As the months wore on and the primary season began, the treatment of Hillary Clinton in the press and by a certain Campaign disintegrated into an all out anti-feminist rant. Clinton was, as promised, an open book, no baggage that anyone didn’t already know about – she was upfront - she was, above all, a moderate. It was the devil we knew that got our attention. What shocked women, of both parties, to attention was the reality that the male establishment continued to dominate; not just our salaries, but our position in the grand scheme of things. The other emerging Candidate, Obama, was accepted, based on gender – by a percentage of the base. Unlike Hillary Clinton, Obama was not put through “the wringer”, no one questioned him, and the press continues to protect him (referring to most recently, the video tape of Obama at a Khalidi dinner party that the LA Times refuses to release). Clinton, who ran a brilliant campaign, was thwarted by the male bastion that makes up the DNC – Dean, Reid, Kennedy, Kerry, aided by one power hungry Nancy Pelosi (women can be their own worst enemies – that’s the central theme of women’s studies courses). The process was long, and after revelations including “bible clutching, gun toting” Pennsylvanians and radical pastors, were made clear, Clinton proceeded to dominate the remaining states. Too little to late, regardless of the popular vote, the process was undermined by the Super Delegates, and those Super Delegates were men (and Nancy Pelosi and her daughter Christine (who cast the tipping vote in favor of Obama).

Enter Sarah Palin, a popular (with the Republican Base) conservative vice-presidential candidate (Also of note: McCain has surrounded himself with women, they receive higher pay to boot, the Obama Campaign is not so "liberated" - fewer women in positions of power, making less than their male counterparts - this may have been the trouble vis-a-vis a male relative) – she is being eviscerated at every point – not on politics – but on her gender. If the left-leaning press were willing to eat their own (Hillary Clinton), they apparently have decided that with Palin, a conservative, nothing is off limit. Gleeful reports came from local and national news outlets over a disgusting display in West Hollywood, which depicted an effigy of Palin being hung from the rafters. This was not a problem, because gender is not protected – race and sexual orientation are protected under hate crimes legislation – but gender is not. That in and of itself, is the reason that women, more than ever, regardless of party, need to make their voices heard – and push for legislation that includes gender on an parity with race. Historically speaking, women were the last “group” allowed to vote, it is high time a message was sent; as women, enough is enough. One way to send that message is to vote for the McCain/Palin ticket – if, one is so opposed to a moderate Republican Senator who votes with Democrats more frequently that his base approves, and Palin, because she is a Republican woman – then do something and ask your congressmen and senators (and any women you might find that hold these offices) – to make crimes against women – hate crimes. The video below, depicts an Obama Halloween nightmare – don’t let it fool you – it is specific to the treatment received by Hillary Clinton at the hands of her own party –not because of her policy – but because of her gender. A thank you is in order to all those Clinton Supporters who refuse to bend to party and are doing everything they can to put an end to this type of bias. For more information visit: Hillbuzz Women working for women, regardless of party, because of bias. Perhaps, just perhaps, a message will be sent this Tuesday, that gender bias will no longer be tolerated in this great nation. The polls certainly are moving in that direction. McCain/Palin 08, Palin vs. Clinton 2012. It's a win-win for a "Majority-Minority" that has been last on the agenda since reluctantly given the vote in 1920. Let us not let another 24 long years go by before we see another woman elevated to the top or the bottom of a major political party ticket.

McCain vs. Obama - Age and Race Poll at CBS - Opinion

McCain and Clinton - crossing party lines - Age and Gender a Factor?

Does age or race really matter in the day to day lives of average American’s when it comes to picking a president? CBS News conducted a poll which asked those two questions and the answer (according to CBS) is definitely – yes. That said, when looking at a neighbor, pastor, police officer, school teacher, doctor, nurse, or other person upon whom one must rely in a life-promoting or life-threatening situation – neither race, ethnicity, (which are parallel), gender, age, or religious affiliation seem to matter. Why then, is there such a focus on these issues during this 2008 election cycle. Does racism (add ethnicity) exist in America? Of course it does – because it is taught at the university level (college courses abound on race and its significance), it is perpetuated through our music (rap specifically), our media (program aimed at targeting – it exists at all levels – whether a person is Hispanic, Black, Asian), and now, it is brought up daily by the news outlets – the later because it sells. – Friction between race and gender, like a car crash, is news. One would think, given the homogonous society in which we live, entrusting the care of our children and our lives to individuals of varied ethnic and racial backgrounds, that race would be a non-issue.

Barrack Obama and Chris Dodd - Race and Gender bias?

When it comes to choosing a president – the reality of the situation for the most part (giving that poll a generous 10% credence) is that neither race, nor age really matters – it is all about the Party - the political experience and the ideology of a particular candidate.

Gender and religious affiliation, on the other hand, have played a significant role in this particular election cycle. The “news” outlets consistently referred to Hillary Clinton in the most denigrating gender based reporting seen since Geraldine Ferraro was chosen as Walter Mondale’s VP; only in Clinton’s case it was far more blatant and far more frequent. Mike Huckabee, the former Governor of Arkansas, was consistently introduced in print articles and in broadcasts as: a Baptist Minister, with no or late mention of the fact that he was a 2-1/2 term successful Governor of the state of Arkansas.

Now the focus has shifted, and McCain and Obama are treated daily to comments regarding race and age. So, does it really matter? Try this simple poll with neighbors, family and friends: McCain or Obama – which one and why? The answers are varied, but what it comes down to is experience and trust. One might hear the following:
Re: Obama – “We don’t’ really know much about him, how can we trust him?” He’s a Democrat, but too far left”, “The Party shoved him down our throats” “He’s too guarded in his statements – not natural”. On McCain: “He’s not Obama” (No kidding), “He’s got the experience”, “I think he’ll continue to reach across the aisle and get some work done” The Respondents (this is Massachusetts): Independents and Democrats. (The lone Republican was asking the questions).

Neither age nor race was considered – Also, of note: neither candidate was a first choice which was made clear. People do agree that it is time for a change, but feel that little has changed in the quality of candidate. The only factor that is a bit different this election cycle from the last is that one party has been left far more divided that the other. It remains to be seen how the obvious “witch hunt” (irony), within the party vise a vise Hillary Clinton will impact the outcome of the general election. All of this is a bit premature, as neither political party has gone through the convention process (rather a moot point one would think), where the polls generally reflect a “bounce” or increase in interest, for each Party’s nominee. Once that dust settles and October rolls around, the real issues will come to the forefront, whether it is economics or national security, and who is more trusted to lead their party and the country for the betterment of the nation. It will not be a vote against one or the others race and/or age, rather the vote will be against or for the political affiliation and personal ideology of the candidate.