Obama Supporter’s House Burned.

Just in case anyone thought the Obama era would bring an end to bigotry and hate, think again.

Graf’s home burned down early Jan. 18 in what authorities are calling a “suspicious fire.” Most shocking to Graf, and to some of the citizens of the county, state and nation at large, was graffiti the apparent arsonist left on scene.

Spray painted on the fence around the home it said, “Beware [expletive deleted] your black boy will die.”

While Forsyth County fire investigators refuse to comment on the nature of the statement, Graf, who moved to north Forsyth from Dover, Del., three years ago, said there’s little doubt as to its meaning.

“I do not think they were targeting me personally,” she said. “It seems obvious that this is a direct result of my support of the president. They don’t support the president, so they attack me. I’m a very easy target for someone’s racial hatred.”

“Good Crazy.”

Ta-Nehishi Coates has posted this several times on his blog and I’ve been wanting to post it here too.  Then today, his Washington Post commentary reminded me to do so.  Read his commentary here and watch the video.

“I came over here where crazy things are happening,” Lowery told his audience, and then, referring to Obama and the echoes of his own history, added: “There are people in this country who say certain things can’t happen, but who can tell? Who can tell? . . . Something crazy may happen in this country.”

[...]

Here is where Barack Obama and the civil rights leaders of old are joined — in a shocking, almost certifiable faith in humanity, something that subsequent generations lost. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. may have led African Americans out of segregation, and he may have cured incalculable numbers of white racists, but more than all that, he believed that the lion’s share of the population of this country would not support the rights of thugs to pummel people who just wanted to cross a bridge. King believed in white people, and when I was a younger, more callow man, that belief made me suck my teeth. I saw it as weakness and cowardice, a lack of faith in his own. But it was the opposite. King’s belief in white people was the ultimate show of strength: He was willing to give his life on a bet that they were no different from the people who lived next door.

How Far We Have Come.

How Far Have We Come?

One of the things that excites me about the possibilities for this Tuesday’s election is the unexpected pleasure of the US electing an African American.  It’s not something I ever expected to see in my lifetime.  Imagine how this woman feels.

Amanda Jones, 109, the daughter of a man born into slavery, has lived a life long enough to touch three centuries. And after voting consistently as a Democrat for 70 years, she has voted early for the country’s first black presidential nominee.

Black Man in an Elevator.

I can’t embed this video so click on the link here.

“Every 45 seconds a black man enters an elevator.  And some stupid white bitch clutches her purse for her dear life.”  This video is a fun laugh at racism (if that’s possible).

More Racism in Ohio.

Another scary video from Ohio.  Note that the racist man wouldn’t face the cameras live.

Sunday Musical Interlude.

From a letter to Al Giordano at The Field.

I feel that way. I write to you because I think you know how I feel, where I am coming from, and the struggle that we have all been on for so long.

If it matters, I am an African American single mother-This election means more to me than I can find the words to describe. I love this country despite all of our history.

And yesterday, I cried my last tears, after I watched the venomous, vile, and vitriolic display at the McCain-Palin rally unfold over the last few days. I was raised in a Southern Baptist church, and I was taught as a young child when things look bleak and you are backed up against a wall you just let go and let God. We as AAs have been subjected to the system and have the philosophy ingrained that we have to accept the things that we can not change.

Well here and now damn it–I have cried my last tears yesterday. I am going to fight!

I love the principles that our country was founded on–and I hate what some people are resorting to. And we will fulfill the promise of a More Perfect Union.

This is the election that will either save or end my life as I know it–nonetheless I will be different. I am different.

Just as I find comfort in the sentiments of an old negro spiritual, I find comfort in the words on your blog.  You express–in clear succinct terms what I am feeling, what I am going through, and how I can make it to the other side. I can’t cry any more.

Ignorance and Racism in Missouri.

I guess at the end of a campaign, where the GOP is about to lose big, one expects nastiness but, as stated in several posts earlier this week, the ignorance that the Republican cheerleaders are urging on is appalling.  Here is another example from Fish Wars On Cars. 

This billboard has appeared south of Mustion Creek on the west side of U.S. 63, according to the West Plains Quill [south central Missouri in the Ozark region]. The paper said it was unable to determine who is responsible for the sign.

Not Going to the Back of the Bus.

Everyone in America needs to watch Donna Brazile talking about race in the presidential campaign.  It will bring tears to your eyes. Just watch it now.

A White Male Takes On Racism! Amen!

A great speech by the AFL-CIO’s Richard Tumpka on who is responsible for the racism in white America. Watch this and tell me there is not something amazing happening in the country.