What's Race Got To Do With It?

Just when I think that perhaps we are becoming more civilized, I read where the majority of white, working class voters in Pennsylvania have cited race as the primary reason they are not going to vote for Barak Obama for President. Granted, I've been an Obama supporter for some time now, but even I have my reservations. It's just that they have nothing to do with race.

I do think it is valid to be concerned about Mr. Obama's relative lack of experience as a national politician. Like it or not, it is necessary for POTUS to be able to manipulate the Washington political machine, and that takes experience. One can only hope that he will fill his staff positions with people experienced and capable in negotiating the rapids of Congressional politics. I do think it is valid to be concerned about Mr. Obama's foreign policy credentials. He has not served any long period of time on any committees dedicated to foreign policy, and again I think we can only hope that he will choose cabinet members and staff with experience in negotiating international mine fields. Neither candidate has an impressive economic background, but I do find Mr. Obama's statements on this issue to be more credible than Mr. McCain.

But what the heck does race have to do with any of this? I simply do not understand why and how people can continue to cling to the old cliches of prejudice in the face of role models like Condi Rice, Bishop Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandella, Colin Powell, Oprah, and the thousands upon thousands of ordinary people of color who, like you and I, work and play at every level of our society.

That Black men disproportionately populate our prisons says more about the state of criminal injustice in our country than any proclivity toward crime in the Black community. Percentage wise, more young white males abuse drugs than black males, but black males are for more likely to be arrested and incarcerated. The economic, educational, and judicial disparities that exist in America between Caucasians and persons of color are indicators of how our society promotes and sustains inequalities. They are NOT due to any lack of desire or inherent defect in persons of color, and it is long past time for us to give up such notions and make some real steps toward equal opportunity for everyone.

Personally, I'm rather tired of old white men being President. And the young white guys weren't much better. I'm not saying that a young black man, or a white woman, or a hispanic, etc. ad nauseam, would automatically do better. I am saying it's a lousy criteria for choosing a President when your choice is the old white guy or the young black guy. And those who cling to prejudice over qualification will ultimately get what they ask for. Those white, blue collar workers in Pennsylvania need to think again, if they think they are going to get better treatment from the rich white guy than they will from a young, energetic politician who apparently cares a great deal about all Americans and their opportunities, not just the rich ones.