Thursday, February 21, 2008


Who will have the final say?

The more I hear about and research this potentially complex delegate and super delegate scenario I begin to question if we, the American people, truly have an ultimate and final say in our voting process as it was decreed back in 1968 that the people selects the Presidential Nominee. Of course I am aware that our vote during primaries and caucuses does not determine who will be our next president. Nonetheless, I definitely understand that the “will of the people” should be validated and supported by both the Democrat and Republican parties. Considering the more accurate depiction of who the people want in office (the popular vote), no strategically selected figureheads should make the final decision on who will be the Democratic Presidential Nominee. Who are these delegates and super delegates anyway? Why is their say more important than the every day American who is justifiably concerned about their job security?

As I have discovered during my excitement about what America’s new likable celebrity, Barack Obama, has been able to accomplish, his continued whipping of Hilary does not necessary guarantee him the title of 2008 Democratic Presidential Nominee. I knew it was too good to be true! In light of this fact, we, those of us who care, are now sitting on the edge of our seats wondering if our political system will honor the Obama Revolution after the peoples’ votes are tallied at the Democratic National Convention. Will those highly prestigious persons given the title of Super Delegate listen to the roar of A Change We Can Believe In? Will they? Or, will they side with what they think is best for the party: An almost defeated Hilary Clinton?

It is obvious the Clinton Machine is desperate at this juncture. They just cannot win anywhere! The slinging of what they perceive to be dirt on Barack Obama will intensify as long as the people continue to support him with the one thing we all should cherish. Our vote. Holding it to heart has always been important. Both black and white people died for today’s blacks to exercise this right. Yeah, you have heard that before. You have heard this before too: There is no reason for us (black folk) not to take part in America’s electoral process. And, the new justification for our vote has been blurted from every corner of the United States too: If we are only voting because Barack is black we are in an essence defying and disrespecting the true meaning and purpose of voting.

All of this tired and unconvincing discourse only to say that our vote should mean something to us; and trivializing it to he is black is shallow. And, it is more than likely something Obama does not want us to do. But, with all the emphasis placed on black people to vote and how we should vote, I am wondering why is it publicly acceptable for white and a few black republicans to declare that they are not going to vote this time around because they do not like Mr. McCain? Could it be because their (white folks and/or most republicans) history is not the same as ours? Basically indicating, the only reason black people should vote is because great grandma was once denied the right to vote. What if the majority of black democrats today were in a position to proudly broadcast to the world that they are not going to vote because they do not like man-tendency Hilary and preacher-like Barack. Would there be a backlash? Of course it would. We would be called fools, and we would be accused of being shiftless and ignorant of the issues at hand.

Apparently, there is a double standard floating around out there in the political atmosphere: If a white person decides not to support (vote this election) the shoe-in for the Republican Nomination, John McCain, it is quite alright – but if a black person does not vote he/she is a pathetic loser, and in affect spitting in the face of Chicken George. Help me understand this blatant contrasting principle.

Should we (black people) do a turnaround if the Super Delegates trump the will of the people? Should we throw our support behind Hilary Clinton when and if these big shots defy America’s elderly, young, poor, wealthy, educated, and uneducated backers of Barack? Or, should we do what countless Republicans are saying that they are going to do: Not vote because they do not like their candidate? No, blacks will not do this. We will vote because it appears we NOW understand the significance of the vote even if it is for this unlikable Clinton.

Could America’s descendants of salves be coming out in droves because Barack is black, or is it because we are FINALLY realizing voting is critical? I believe Barack Obama, as he tries to defeat Hilary Clinton, has effectively inspired African Americans to value that right that was gained with Kizzy’s blood.

Election and Delegate 101:

http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/path.presidency/

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/02/delegate.explainer/index.html

Written by Muata. Inspired by the possibility of the people’s voice being silenced by a tool to quell revolution/change.

18 comments:

MUATA NOWE said...

We cannot confuse candidates with the cause."

The cause will be here long after Barack. He will do his part, and then we will have to continue with the cause. It appears that so many of us are 'convinced' that Barack will be the savior for blacks. He cannot be everything for everybody thus the reason he is asking us to be agents of change. A great leader encourages others to MOVE. He has done just that. So, those who blew his decline to attend out of proportion should chill. The man is bigger than one event.

-Muata

MUATA NOWE said...

Reader shares video with Muata. Great clip. Cut and paste into your web browser.

http://thinkonthesethings.wordpress.com/2008/02/06/video-interviewer-picks-the-wrong-obama-supporter-to-try-to-railroad/

MUATA NOWE said...

call me cynical...call me jaded, but i am so tired of a good speech filled with hope and change tidbits that has been touted time and time again by idealistic men and women. and, even by ministers who fail to understand the realities of his congregation. while i appreciate idealism, and respect it because i have lost it; talking about change and implementing change in the United States is on opposite ends of the spectrum. oh, how i was mr. idealism while working overseas in impoverished villages. but, after about 8 months it became real to me. life for the people i was serving became real: CHANGE is difficult to acquire when the governmental structure is imbedded with non-change thinking people.

what we have is talk and the possibility of inaction. this inaction will not be because Barack will not try. he will. and, for now my vote, belief, and support is in him. however, REALITY is what it has always been in america: change costs. with that understanding, how many of these "moved" by a speech, delivered by a dynamic orator, persons is willing to sacrifice? i am not even sure if i have it in me to sacrifice anymore. for what?

i can't be moved by a skin tingling talk anymore. my almost feelings of shouting like i was taken over by the holy ghost was left behind with the Yes We Can Speech.

i want you, Mr. Obama, to stop with the change chatter. it does nothing for me at this stage. i have been to church, got happy, and now life is in my face again!

one thing barack and his camp knows for sure is that hope, faith, and change talk is attractive to people who are marginalized, wounded, dissatisfied, anti-government, insecure, weak, overly/blindly hopeful, liberal, needy, and sympathetic to the downtrodden.

-Muata

MUATA NOWE said...

Reader of Muata's most recent comment responds:

I do agree with a lot of your statements, however if this country is going to take the necessary steps to progress it will take change, of mindset, ideology and beliefs. Are we to believe that the status quo works or supports our community and the country as a whole. I know not. Barack is a great orator and has the kind of passion that one would need to take on this challenge. He will have to keep his sleeves rolled up everyday of his presidency. We as a people have to embrace the entire message because it will take a different mindset to turn the tide, it want be easy and to be honest it will pain the country to keep up the work to make this change, and most importantly coming from a brother. One problem we have as a society is we forget too quick, we are pumped and pried to easily but that's not his fault that's inapt to us a a people( which is not a good trait). My thoughts would be to continue to stay grounded and understand the political spin and publicly support this brother with all the vigor one can have.

-RS

MUATA NOWE said...

Reader Responds:

I acutall was a Hillary supporter until about 3 weeks ago. I noticed her quest to be president supercedes anything associated with goodwill and clarity. She hasn't attacked Barack really on the issues. She has attacked him with her mudsligging (Carol Rove) tactics. I find them distasteful and somewhat ignorant. I think Bill Clinton is showing his age and his cockiness by leading this type of campaign. Hillary has expereince. I thought that was enough. But integrity is what's missing from her. She is so hell bent on winning that she is willing to insult the guy at every cause. The trick they pulled in Ohio and the fact that many republicans are voting democrat and voting for her is terrible as well.

It's politics for sure but dirty is dirty.

Hillary should concede.

-LS

MUATA NOWE said...

Muata responds to LS:

We are acting like politics are suppose to be clean and nice. They are not. Never has been. Even other countries politics take the most dirtiest twist. This is what gets people excited in some way or another. Barack taking the high road is commendable - but the road he is taking by not attacking may just hurt him in the end. NICE GUYS NEVER WIN! It is evident Hilary's new way of slinging mud worked to some degree. Like I said, he needs to stop preaching and do what it takes to win. This is what people want. Someone who will fight. He is behaving like a hurt kid. Get tough, BARACK!!

-Muata

MUATA NOWE said...

Muata responds to EJ:

why do you have to always take the dialogue to a place no one wants to go: offensive and to a place where no one can learn something? WHY??

change begins with a seed of inspiration. i am inspired. now, let's stop with the sermon feeling rhetoric and focus on the issues.

-Muata

MUATA NOWE said...

EJ responds to Muata:

because some people need to be shocked into reality. What you said sounds as stupid as what I said. He should be offended by nasty politics because he has chosen "change"/a clean campaign! For you to suggest that people want to see him "sling mud" goes against what he stands for and is an ignorant apporach. Or should I say more of the same thing! That does not represent change. If he looses, then so be it....but he will stand on what he believes in....Win-Loose or Draw!

-EJ

MUATA NOWE said...

Muata responds to EJ:

to win at times it takes one to beat the opponent at their game. all he has to do (in my humble opinion) is expose her. make her appear to be weak without getting too dirty.

"ignorant" ???

ohio and texas voters may have not thought it was ignorant. do you really believe those of us supporting barack will be pissed if he fights back? NO! malcolm, megar, denmark, farrakhan, marcus, and countless others fought back. americans like to see BACKBONE.

please keep in mind as i be critical of barack today that i am in his corner. you on the otherhand appear to be unable to be critical of him. almost like a dedicated church member who is "in love with pastor". let's challenge barack to give us more in speeches. he sounds so played now.

-Muata

MUATA NOWE said...

EJ responds to Muata:

Barack is smarter than all of us put together. He expected to lose Ohio because of the demographics of the voters in that region. He just wanted to keep it close. What you fail to understand is that he doesnt have to play her game to win. He exposes her without and dirty politics....(read again what larikus wrote) he speaks the same voice that most EDUCATED voters speak. Pay attention to who is voting for barack....educated white men...blacks....educated white women. Now....think about what you are really suggesting he should do.

-EJ

MUATA NOWE said...

LS Responds:

Seriously EJ and I agree so there must be some truth to it. HEHE

He stands up for himself enough. Boxing is a brutal sport. But you don't hit below the belt and you don't hit them in the back of the head. Politics is politics? Geez.

You are an educated person and you realize that no matter how cynical you become truth is truth. The truth is simple. Hilary insults Americans intelligence with her fear mongering tactics. Politics is not just about making the other person look bad. It's about conveying and idea and convincing others to believe in it. She is deceptive and sneaky. Distasteful.

-LS

MUATA NOWE said...

EJ Responds:

In 2004 Bill Clinton gave a speech in which he stated (i paraphrase)...when given the choice to vote for someone who will give you hope and teach you to think....it's best to vote for that man. They played that clip on the Warren Valentine show yesterday. It can be pulled up on youtube. Barack's answer about the 3am phone call exactly right.....his message is that if you make sound decsions in the beginging...you want need to answer the phone at 3am. He has stated that over and over again! She voted for the war when he said frome "DAY 1" that it was a bad decsion.

-EJ

MUATA NOWE said...

Muata responds to EJ:

I guess we are headed to an utopia with Barack. That would be nice. Seriously.

I respect your hope and faith - but REALITY always ALWAYS trumps hope and faith. But, this does not mean I have lost both. No, I am just viewing this world differently these days.

-Muata

MUATA NOWE said...

PM responds to "Muata's attitude":

Forgive Muata,

He seems to be jaded by his dissapointment with the progress of Black America. Is it half empty or half full? I'm soo glad I'm starting to see things beyond the scope of blacks in america.

-PM

MUATA NOWE said...

Muata responds to PM:

PM, please. I have been viewing things from an international perspective for years. Thus the reason I lived and worked overseas. As I traveled to countries where all the people had white skin I still saw the unnecessary poverty. Me seeing things only in a black perspective is entirely off base. There is no way that I am that shallow when in fact for the past 10 years my work has been with international development.

This dialogue has more to do with me being a critic and supporter of Barack. I have only done with this conversation what I believe needs to be done to spark debate. I was successful.

Also, I am just tired of blacks making immediate emotional decisions with politics. Dang, we need to think issues through. The average black person has no clue what NAFTA is, but yet their jack leg behinds are supporting a candidate. Tell me I ain't right!

-Muata

MUATA NOWE said...

RS ask Muata a GREAT question:

have a question for you Brian: You have 15mins with Barack and the reason for your meeting is to give him advice on how he needs to proceed. Keeping in mind he's running for President of the US not NAACP. How do you suggest that he has a universal message that all will support. What do you tell him?

-RS

MUATA NOWE said...

Muata responds to RS's questions as if he is speaking directly to Barack:

Barack,

I believe at this point in the election process you may want to consider countering Hilary's criticism of you with a little more substance that does not put you on the defensive. You may want to detail a few of her weaknesses so the American people will see that you are not only aware of them - but are stronger than her in those areas. Do tout that you are the BEST candidate to answer the phone if their is a crisis at 3am. Don't say, 'we can't be certain how a president will respond at 3am considering neither one has been president before.' No, Barack say, 'Hilary, I am prepared because of my record.' And then ask her what makes her more prepared.

Barack, we may have to move into a territory that is not reflective of your campaign. However, we have to do what it takes tastefully to win for the people. The people want a warrior. A fighter. Someone who will protect us. Stand for us! Show the world you are this man. We are behind you. You have inspired us. Now, inspire us more on that election battle field with hard hits.

Make her appear to be incompetent. List her short-falls and highlight yours with dignity.

Stay on substance. Talk about fixing things even in your victory speeches. Detail a plan to the American people like you have so eloquently done during the debates. Americans can be forgetful during times of emotion so give to us what you gave when seated right next to Hilary during all the debates. You were sharp when she was not. You were on point when she was not. Unfortunately, the change talk may be losing its appeal. Mix-in: This is what I will do if...

We want answer from you at all times!

-Muata

MUATA NOWE said...

Unknown Reader:

Why is it that a Black Man can create a tiny piece called a filament (electric light - Lewis Latimer) that allows people to see in the dark? But can't be seen fit to lead a country to the true light. Why is it that a Black Man can create an instrument (clock - Benjamin Banneker) that all people use to tell time? But people don't think it is time for him to run a country. Why is it that a Black Man can design a place for the high authorities to meet in & a place for the president to live in (The Capital & the White House Phillip Reid (a slave) & Pierre L'Enfant)? But not good enough to lead these meetings or live in himself. Why is it that a Black Man was brilliant enough to do the first open heart surgery (Dr. Daniel Hale Williams) and show the world how to get and preserve plasma (Dr. Charles Drew)? But not good enough to put a program in place where everyone can afford this surgery. Why is it that a Black Man was creative enough to design an instrument (traffic light - Garrett Morgan) to bring multiple people (traffic) to a halt? But not seen creative enough to design a plan to bring all this unnecessary and worthless fighting between countries. Why is it that a Black Man could create the soles (shoes - Jan Matzeliger) that people walk on everyday? But not seen good enough to fill the shoes of a bad president. Why is it that a Black Man was smart enough & brave enough to teach himself (Fredrick Douglas &Thomas Fuller - both slaves) and others how to read, write and/or calculate math?But not seen smart enough and bold enough to calculate a platform to be President to a country that sure needs another first by us.So you see my Brother and Sisters what I am saying is let us not forgot our past, which led us to our present and can definitely be the backbone to our future. We were good enough, smart enough, creative enough, and bold enough then, so lets all give Obama the chance to show that we are still these things and more. We all are as strong as our weakest link, so don't be that weak link that denies our people that chance to show we still can OVERCOME & BE THE FIRST!

-Unknown