Obama Wins -- For Black and White Americans... What's Next?

The Presidential victory of Barack Obama now seems to have settled in, and we are in the midst of a kind of Presidential "lull" as much of the country waits impatiently for one president to leave (and he seems quite anxious to do so), while they wait equally as impatiently for a new president to move in.

But what strikes me as somewhat ironic is that so far, we have seen traditional interest group politics give no sign that "real change" is on the way as everyone is shoring up their constituent base and all the major issues facing us are being discussed in the framework of the same traditional political calculations -- except one -- which hasn't been really discussed much at all -- and that is the real significance of this election of the issue of "Race" in America and what we can expect, demand, and hope for from both White and Black Americans. There's been some tip toeing around this issue and some perfunctory commentary about how this election shows "how far America has come" etc, and that's fine -- but no beginning yet of the deeper analysis that I believe must at some point take place.

So already, we see Democrats leaving Joe Lieberman in place not out of the goodness of their hearts but because they smell a filibuster proof victory possibly in the works and they need Joe Lieberman happy and staying just where he is. And we have the far left more engaged now on fighting gay marriage bans across the country than on engaging on what new policy and changes will really be implemented to get the country out of the war in Iraq -- a good move as I have predicted for some time that the troops are not coming home anytime soon, and president Obama is not going to quickly contradict the advice of his commanders on the ground.

And we have liberal commentators angrily contradicting the notion that the country is still "center to right" -- and they are wrong on that as the country is still center to right and the defeat of gay marriage amendments and even affirmative action, both of which I support, on every ballot except one demonstrate this point most effectively -- but they are not the strongest evidence to support that assertion. The fact is, I still without hesitation maintain that even with all of the advantages the Democrats had in this election, if the economic crisis had not exploded on the weekend of September 15th, overshadowing everything else including an unstable and declining economy that existed before that weekend, John McCain today would be president of the United States. Why, because until the weekend of September 15th this election was a referendum on Barack Obama, and after September 15th, the election became a referendum on the economy and on John McCain linked to President Bush.

And with the depths of this economic crisis now fully exposed on that weekend, even many White Americans uncomfortable about voting for an African-American for president now took the position that "if I'm losing my job and maybe my house while Wall Street gets a bail-out, then I'll set race aside for four or five weeks and let this guy get in there and see if he can help me keep my house and get my job back. And once the election was not about Obama, and instead became about the economy linked to the Party in power, and linked to a Party in power led by a president with the lowest approval ratings in history, McCain really had no chance.

But without that Sept. 15th weekend, McCain wins, and if he had won, no one would be arguing against the notion that the country is still center to right in its political social core values.

And what else is being discussed? Everyone is taking predictable sides on the issue of financial assistance for the big three automakers, and it strikes me as inconceivable that we would authorize 700 billion for Wall Street banking houses with no oversight (Hank Paulson has a blank check and so much authority that he has unilaterally changed the basis for allocating funds three times since the legislation was authorized with no review or oversight). Yet, it appears that with the automakers, who are asking for 25 Billion for all three, not 700 Billion, we seem to want so much oversight that perhaps we could see the House Judiciary Committee overseeing the design of next year's Mustang or Impala models. Give me a break -- give us all a break -- and give our automakers a break -- if we can bail out the leaders of investment banks we can help bail out the workers whose pensions and futures are invested in the hedge funds and derivatives of those investment banks thanks to the "advice and guidance" of those investment bank CEO's.

And of course, we're talking about Hillary Clinton, and I must be the only one who just does not understand why Hillary would want to be Secretary of State and take herself out of the conversation on Health Care, Education, Women's and minority rights, and jobs -- issues she clearly cares so much about with Obama's support -- and then put herself right into the middle of the conversation on what to do in Iraq, an issue where she has had clear differences with Obama on policy. And even though Dick Durbin, Richard Lugar, John Kerry and of course Ted Kennedy may appear to have more influence with the new administration, Hillary has one thing no other Senator has -- 19 million votes.

And finally, let's insist the media take a time out. Haven't they done enough damage all ready? Just in the last day the media asserts that the Hispanic community is "outraged and upset" with the Obama team as no Hispanics have been named to the Cabinet and Hispanics voted 2 to 1 for Obama. First, most likely one Hispanic spokesman mildly indicated that he or she "hopes Obama will name Hispanics to key positions in the administration, and all of a sudden it becomes the "entire community is outraged and upset."

And secondly, so far only 4 top appointments have actually been announced, and with the total Cabinet and top White House positions approaching close to 40 to 50 nominees, it's a little early to talk about a rift between Obama and Hispanics because of the first four appointments.

So this is the backdrop for the quick points on the future on race and what it could mean, as that is the only topic so far that was featured in the campaign (although misrepresented and even abused as a campaign issue) and yet not really seriously even discussed yet if just to lay out some launching points for the new administration once they actually take office.

For White Americans, the election of Barack Obama does NOT mean the conversation on race Is over, nor does it mean we are past race as an issue, and nor does it mean we can now forget about affirmative action (which was never about taking away seats -- it is about adding seats), and nor does it mean we can cancel Head Start since Obama was President of the Harvard Law Review. And in fact, it does not give anyone a license to say "I'm fine with race since I voted for Obama" -- even though as I assert, many of these same voters would have voted for McCain with race definitely as an issue if the September 15th weekend economic crisis had not exploded. But on the positive side, hopefully many Whites will now see the image of Blacks and particularly the wholesome, proud and loving Black Family image so marvelously presented by Barack Obama (perhaps his greatest strength for changing America's perception about race) as a path to a new road for their thinking, and in reaching that road, perhaps now resumes with the name "Laquecia" won't get tossed in the waste basket while resumes with the name Susie Jo... get a first thing Monday morning interview. That will be good.

And for African-Americans, there has to be a real effort to prevent a potential arrogance from setting in (we have the White House so we rule -- especially among young Black males), an attitude that if it spreads will retard the progress many Whites may be able to make in this same area. And besides, African-Americans did not elect Barack Obama president -- neither did Hispanics although they actually helped more by delivering States Dems don't win -- NO, it was actually White Suburban women who put Obama in the White House as his lead among that group was larger than Al Gore's and John Kerry's combined - 30 points. And that group gave him Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina, and Indiana -- the birthplace of the Klu Klux Klan -- and those States gave him the White House.

But most important for going forward on the race issue, African-Americans must learn and learn quickly that every time someone harshly criticizes President Obama, it's not racism and doesn't necessarily reflect racism. And if the community uses that "default" race position as a final defense against criticism of President Obama, Whites will ultimately say "enough" and re-unite around issues of race and wipe out Democratic gains in 2010 and set the stage for a defeat of President Obama in 2012 -- still a tall task since Obama may be able to raise ONE BILLION dollars over the next four years for his re-election efforts.

But what will Obama do? One, he will restore American prestige and good will around the world and raise the level of worldwide appreciation of diversity and the multi-cultural make up of both the world and the United States. Two, he will be able to elevate the understanding of racial issues in the US and, if he's smart, launch a nationwide series of Town Halls around the country, perhaps with the participation of John McCain, to truly have the conversation on race we still have not had in this country - and really would have had if the September 15th weekend hadn't happened. And he will change perceptions and cause Human Resource managers and CEO's to take a second look before rejecting a minority or female for top positions in the corporate world. And finally, let's hope that the new president may be able to launch a national campaign to finally get the "N" word banned from the vocabulary of all of America. It is a new era in America -- let's all usher it in!

Carl Jeffers is a Los Angeles and Seattle based columnist, TV political analyst, radio talk show host and lecturer. E-mail: [e-mail]

Comments

[zepfan81]

This article makes many good points as far as the attitude blacks have towards Obama and that we are still a center right country. I do take some issues though. First is affirmative action. It needs to end. The resentment it breeds outways the benefits. Yes there is the argument that it only helps those that are qualified, but if they are qualified then why do we need it? A lot of people say, "well we still have racism, so we still need it." As long as we define ourselves based on race, there will be racism. Do we really think there will be a day when racism just disappears anyway? Colleges and universities aren't going to discriminate. As far as businesses go why would I want to work at a place that wouldn't give me a job or promote me unless they had to? I don't want to work in that environment. It's time we moved to socioeconomic affirmative action. Then there's what he says last about banning the N-word. I hate the word, but banning it? How about banning the C-word to. And MF. If it were banned what would be and someone used it would they get a fine or something? It's not only a dumb idea, it's impossible to enforce and goes agaist everything we stand for.

[MyNameIsJames]

I want to address this idea that the nation is 'center right". What is the basis or proof that this is the case?

With Generation Y coming of voting age, a group larger than the previously dominant baby boomer generation, how can you say this? Gen Y is very liberal and expects the govt. to play an active role in the lives of our citizens. Furthermore, with the combination of liberal whites, rapidly expanding Latino voters, and African american voters how in the world is the nation-- "center right?"

Do you buy into the "MYTH Of the HEARTLAND" - news for ya - most people don't live in the so-called "HEARTLAND"

Who are all of these center right people - what is their demographic? Then compare them to the coalition of voters that I described in the proceeding paragraphs.

I waiting breathlessly for your response

[MyNameIsJames]

I totally disagree with your points about affirmative action. Affirmative action does breed resentment among Whites - SO WHAT!!! These same Whites were quite comfortable with Jim Crow and every other form of discrimination that African Americans had to endure for many years. Affirmative action along with other governmental interventions are the only tools that created a market for hundreds of thousands of African Americans to get jobs that Whites would have otherwise denied them.

I suspect that you are young and don't know much about the history of discrimination in this nation. You talk as if you grew up at a time when your parents and others were indeed protected by racial dsicrmination laws.

The word Qualified is a funny word because it usually implies that the only ones qualified are the ones who have traditionally held positions and power and it ignores that FACT that "others" who were qualified have been denied access to the field of competition in the private job sector.

[Intelligentia]

For racism to end, Blacks will have to subject Whites to slavery for centuries, followed by Segregation, Jim Crow Laws, 43 Black U.S. Presidents, all White Congress, all White Supreme Court for the same period of time; then, followed by an incremental integration of Whites, "with deliberate speed", until Whites get to the point of where their version of Barak Obama would be elected President. I know that all these will never happen and I will never wish them on my fellow White citizens. The point I'm trying to make is that merely electing a Black President will never alter centuries of systemic racism. Yes, Obama will be the President; however, there would be no elections to replace my racist managers. I will still be subject to their control and invidious racism and lack of equal opportunity. I will still have to resort to the courts to fight for what I should have received based on my "objective superior qualifications". The states and local officials, CEOs of major corporations, and hiring managers at the federal, state and local levels, will not become Black because Obama has been elected President. Let's not over exaggerate the impact of Obama's presidency. It would indeed have a positive psychological and social pathologiocal impact on the psyches of Blacks who have been dehumanized for centuries by Whites. It would also have the same effect on non-racist Whites who have been dehumanized for the racism of other Whites. Economically and politically? A different story!

[MyNameIsJames]

Well said-- The only thing that I would add as a point of conversation is that there are now MANY Americans who WANT racism to diminish and they hope that Barack Obama is a sign that racism is on the decline. I am slowly and cautiously coming to believe that this sentiment is indeed sincere even though it is often overly naive. It may well be time to figure out how to engage this emerging new reality --

Thus far, White Americans have made out very well in the Obama deal. They have elected the best qualified person and they are patting themselves on the back for doing so....

Let's see how this affects the everyday life chances of African Americans. Obama has become a celebrity and that doesn't make him a realistic example of how African Americans live on a daily basis.

[DrewRicketts]

Obama's Green is the New Black, which is to say that he will only be able to confront social challenges as he simultaneously shows how he can handle other universal issues. The first of these initiatives, in coupling with the auto industry, is the "Green" economy.

http://newsone.blackplanet.com/nation/ricketts-obamas-green-is-the-new-black/

[MyNameIsJames]

I'm feeling you MAYBE. If the new green is equal opportunity - let's start the party.

If the new green is run by the same old SOB's that traditionally run the economy then its time to call out Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton to raise hell for equal access!

This would be the FIRST time (green economy) in American history that Whites actually accepted African Americans as equal partners in an economic endeavor. I like what Van Jones is saying about all of this.

I THAT HOPE YOU ARE RIGHT!

[stop the politics]

I think a good general rule is that if something would be considered racist if it were for white people, then it is racist if it is for any other specific race. For example, if there were a group called the White Congressional Caucus, many people would claim that it is racist. Why? Because it excludes people who are not white. Well, if the White Congressional Caucus would be racist since it excludes non-whites, the Black Congressional Caucus in racist since it excludes non-blacks. If it is racist for one group to do something it is racist for all groups to the same thing.

As long as people keep trying to exclude other because of race or try to get benefits because of race, racism will never go away. People need to see each other as equals, as Americans, not as white Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, etc. Those titles promote racism by their very names. The best fight against racism is inclusion. If everyone is included, people will realize that people of different races are not that different.

[Nommo]

Funny, that's what all the CR struggles were all about, inclusion. I would suggest that you learn the difference between segregation and racism. Segregation is a by product of racism, and racism has been a practice, by law and custom for a few centuries and despite the best wishes of all, ain't going any where anytime soon. Black PE and all.

Congress has pretty much always been a "white congressional caucus". But you couldn't tell that by looking, right?

[stop the politics]

I know the difference between racism and segregation. To stop racism, people"s mindsets need to change. I think one of the best ways to change people"s minds is to stop exclusion. As long as people do not assimilate and try to segregate themselves people will view them as different and racism/hate on both sides will ensue.

Yes, the law has supported racism. Slavery and the Jim Crow laws supported racism, but so do affirmative action laws. Anytime any person is given any preference (no matter how justified, well meaning, or enlightened the intent may be) because of their race that is racism. Only hiring white people is wrong and is racist. But hiring someone because they are black is also racist. Yes, it may be helpful or necessary for some segments of the population and in some periods of the past or future, but it is still racism.

[Nomccain]

When does so called "equal rights amendments" and "quotas" and "affirmative action" end? When are people just given opportunities based upon their education, abilities, work ethic, and honesty instead of the color of their skin. I'm sick and tired of these programs that have divided this country and created as much hatred as racism itself. Obama has proved that anyone can do anything so long as they're willing to work, get an education, struggle and keep focused and perservere on what their goals are. Lets end the free rides.

[DogBreath1]

Nomcain......

"When are people just given opportunities based upon their education, abilities, work ethic, and honesty instead of the color of their skin?" I've been asking myself the very same question for quite some time. Sadly, in our history as a nation, people of color have always taken a backseat when it came to opportunities....simply because of their skin tone. THAT is the reason why Affirmative Action was created. Actually, Affirmative Action benefits more WHITE WOMEN than it does people of color. Besides, Affirmative Action only benefits those individuals who are QUALIFIED!

Blaming the causes of hatred and racism on Affirmative Action makes as much sense as blaming Mr. Obama for the current financial crisis here in America. Sure, Mr. Obama has achieved the unthinkable--being elected president of one of the most racist countries in the history of mankind. Be that as it may, Mr. Obama is ONE black man....ONE black person. His success doesn't necessarily translate into success for all black people. He only serves as a reminder of what could be in America given that opportunities are afforded....and we all know that opportunities aren't afforded to all people.....for various reasons.

Your last statement...."let's end the free rides"..is a telling statement, especially given the fact that white privilege is a very real phenomenon in America. So...if you give up your white privilege...I'll give up my "privilege". hahaha!!! Let's all give up our "free rides".

[plafayette]

The reason that these programs have "divided the country" is that people have NOT reached a point where the color of someone skin is no longer an issue. Sadly, without the very programs that you target in your post there could very possibly be no PE Obama. Obama proves more that because of these amendments...given the chance at a level playing field people of color can and will rise. Contrary to your thinking there has never been a free ride for black people...that was not first bought and paid for in blood and murder, including I might add, many white people's blood. You really should read more of the history behind these issues.

[smag]

Will you please tell us when we meet your level of satisfaction as far as race relations? I'll be waiting and hoping that we can meet your expectation. Meanwhile I'll continue to treat people with the same respect that I would like to be treated. No more - No less. Fighting racism is like fighting a disease. You can't see it but you can see the result and it is real. That does not mean that everybody in the country needs to be vaccinated for the disease unless they need it. And I will not allow someone else to tell me that I need inoculation without reason to believe that I am vulnerable to the disease just because I am white.

[lastcallmd]

Interesting gathering of thoughts...many of which I disagree with, some I do not. I am no fan of Obama--he is nothing but an extremely gifted politician. And he will face the same criticisms when he goes wrong that Bush, Clinton, et al endured. He will get no free pass for being black.

That said, I'm glad this country has elected a black man as President. It is probably the most important step forward we could take to get past race. I agree up to a point with the author; it doesn't take us past race. But the grievence based guys, it's all whitey's fault, are shown to be flat out wrong. And this is probably a plus for every black person in America.

In the end, Obama is a classic liberal and will probably govern as such. I'll feel no guilt or latent racist thoughts as I speak out against the usual commie, pinko stuff. Black or white, naive is naive. I guess that is equality.

He does seem like a pretty cool guy though, and definitely passes the presidential test of who would you like to sit and drink a couple of beers with. Of course, so did Bill........

[numerouno]

Carl
The only time I hear the N word is by blacks. Sorry man but when you refer to yourselves that way I leave my respect at home. I do not use the word and when I hear it it is soooo fricking weird but always by a black youth..

[noel08]

I agree, as a black man, it also makes me cringe, but it's going to take some deep social and individual self examination. The notion of the reclamation of negatively charged words has to be confronted over time and with great objectivity, imo. Some younger black individuals and gay individuals as well are going through this process. It is in the nature of youth and process to move centrepitally from the "karma" and state of their family groups and seek to establish a 'tribe" amongst their own peers. I not only cringe, but also experience further, shame, 'especially' when it is a casual and public exchange. Whose problem is this? My own. That is the best starting place for me. Youth most always makes a significant imprint on all of us, by the recapitulation of the cycles, levels and aspects of human relations, often allowing a fresh look at what for us, still has not been resolved to its optimal understanding and wisdom. We first need to agree to what is practical to expect and what 'is' optimal for human behaviour. Perhaps we are confronted with its seeming so "fricking weird", because it still 'deserves' an appointment at the table and should not be dismissed for reasons of what 'seems' to be expedient or not wanting to "step on anyones corns", so to speak. What seems apparent to some of us is plainly not apparent to enough of us: This issue has not yet reached critical mass.

[Suse]

We are involved in two active wars, and the economy is imploding, and we remain dependent upon oil from the Middle East and financing from China and Russia and other opportunistic not-so-friendly trade partners. And you write an article about race and affirmative action ?
There is a belief that Barack Obama is intelligent and dedicated enough to help turn around the economy and restore the Americam Dream for millions of people who are scared to death about what has happened to their lives and future security over the past 8 years. Millions of people voted for Barack Obama based on faith and hope and a belief in his capabilities. I do not believe that McCain would havebeen elected once he chose Sarah Palin as his running mate. McCain lost all of the Hillary voters and millions of independents when he chose Palin, and he would have lost even if the financial system had not blown up prior to the election. If you want to start a dialogue about whether he is appropriately choosing all of the right colors from the crayon box in his appointments, fine, that's your right. But, I don't think that he needs that kind of input or pressure right now.....let him choose whoever he thinks is best without counting up how many Hispanics or Afrtican Americans or women he chooses.

[GrainOSand]

I see your perspective. What if in a year the economy is worse? How many people will be prefacing negative comments about Obama with references to his race? How many will be guilty of not letting the N-word die then? Mr. Jeffers did not raise this conversation because he likes discussing the ugly, harmful, stagnating issue that is race relations in America. He raised it because it is fact. He raised it because the media (not he) as he describes, continue their lame attempts to stoke racial tension. They are the ones constantly involved in dissecting the demographic makeup of a still unfolding cabinet -- not Mr. Jeffers.

We are all under the gun regardless of race. On September 12, 2001, we were all under the gun, but Muslim and Arab (and even Indian) Americans, felt a little more pressure due to potential backlash from the haters amongst us. Mr. Jeffers is not minimizing the current situation in his treatment, he is saying the race issue is still with us on top of all of that and in fact, it is with us more due to the high visibility of the president-elect.

Mr. Jeffers is also telling African Americans that they have no cause to strut as if they won the door prize. The real work on healing race is to be done now, because never has the opportunity to have a real conversation existed. We cannot solve all the other issues if race can easily distract/divide us.

[Yermammy]

Well said, GrainOSand, per usual. Peace.

[jazzdrummerb]

This post and all the responses have my mind going a mile a minute on this. A few thoughts...

"But most important for going forward on the race issue, African-Americans must learn and learn quickly that every time someone harshly criticizes President Obama, it's not racism and doesn't necessarily reflect racism. "

I couldn't agree more.
Prejudice exists among EVERY group on planet earth. I'm black and I'm here to tell you there are just as many prejudiced black people as there are prejudiced whites as there are prejudiced everything else. That's just a fact. The thing is, in America bigotry doesn't hold the power it used to in the 60's when I was born. So we need to accentuate the positive, tell our children they CAN do WHATEVER they want to do and let's try to move forward. It ain't 1964 anymore kids. No one's trying keeping me out of libraries or schools.

Waiting for "the white man" to make a better way for me is patently absurd. I'm perfectly capable on my own, thanks.

I do believe in giving a helping hand those at the bottom of the economic ladder. I think the long term solution isn't found purely in governmental solutions though.
My $0.02 for now

[Shrinath]

In an inflation adjusted figure (now happening every 10 minutes), you two cents just became one cent! I agree with you fully.

*stands on a up turned box*

Racism exists through out the world. Not just in America. It is just evident and glaringly so. As an Asian (Indian to be very precise) who has traveled all across USA, I have seen the good and the ugly side. Living in CA was a dream. It is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural micro universe. New York city was even more exhilarating. I worked my tushie off, as a campaigner for Kerry. In disgust, I quit and went to Singapore in 2004. What amazed me is not the city. I have been there on many occasions. There was racism too! Even though I could speak one of the national languages of the country.

But, I found resilience of the people in USA the best. Having numerous relatives, I heard my sister, casting her ballot proudly in the deep red state of TX. And yes she voted for President Elect Obama. More importantly, they will be paying more income tax under his plans.

It is unity, education and the opportunity to have that education which will end the bigotry. Let us help our fellow humans to rise and live a free and fair life.

*steps down from box*
Cheerio!

[stephanemot]

I thank America for this Historic moment, but let us not forget the main issue which makes it historic, and has nothing to do with race :
http://e-blogules.blogspot.com/2008/11/stolen-election.html

[Steamboater]

The conversation (or rage even) about Gay marriage and equal rights for Gays and Lesbians is what we need to talk about and with Afraican Amercians and Latinos especially. Gays and Lesbians are the last minority targeted for hate in this country and that needs an upfront approach and quickly and especially from Obama who promised us so much yet turned his back on us with his stance (because of religious reasons--here we go again) against same-sex marriage. Until we get that right and all rights equal to every other U.S. citizen, talk of a conversation about race is less than meaningless.

[bronzy]

Why did you say President Elect Obama turned his back on gays and lesbian? I mean he's not in office yet and his plans of strengthening civil rights has an extensive number of things to support gays and lesbian and ensuring they are given equal rights, so is that you feel that he will not uphold this or is it that you want it done right now and it just can't wait with everything else going on in the country?

http://change.gov/agenda/civil_rights_agenda/

[Steamboater]

Yes bronzy. I want it now and want it in my lifetime with Obama as president. Sure, he talks about equal rights for Gays BUT....and that's the rpoblem. Don't tell me you support Gay rights BUT don't support, because of your religion, the same rights for us that heteros have and he doesn't. Civil unions are not marriage and seperate but equal has sort of an old ring to it doesn't it? One of the "problems' for your information, and if you were Gay you'd know this very clearly, in this country is intolerance and hate. It just doesn't apply to blacks or latinos etc but to us too. We are NOT a trivial matter who's votes need taken advatage of just to give others a seat at the table. When I went into that voting booth during this election I kept thinking of Mathew Shephard and his parents. Maybe you should too.

[beaupritchard]

I wish people would just drop this black white dialogue ... don't you get it ... its over. Anyone in america can be anything in america if they try.

[Cogitoe]

It would be wonderful if "Affirmative Action was never about taking spots away from white men, it was and still is about refusing to overlook qualified - in some cases more qualified - minorities and women, who have long been held to a different standard." I think all people of goodwill want a color and sex blind meritocracy (yes LGBT too). But, that is not how Affirmative Action worked for much of its existence. In earlier days it was very much based on numerical quotas. The theory was that until you hired large numbers of less qualified disadvantaged candidates, there would be no base of support from which they could rise to their natural levels of equal qualifications. While the concept may be logical and can even to some degree be said to have worked, it does not take away the fact that one segment of our citizenry was unfairly punished for the sins of their parents. Maybe at the national scale that was a form of long overdue justice, but at the individual level it was unfair discrimination and unamerican. Can you really blame white males for wondering when they will finally stop being the whipping boys.

[papapj]

..Cry me a river...

[Cogitoe]

What happened to... "the ultimate American destiny...a place where the term 'race' has absolutely no significance whatsoever, as it should be in in the minds of all civilised, thinking men"

Weren't those your words? If so, shouldn't we cry for any injustice regardless of race?

[Turtleposer]

How were those spots for white men anyway? Was there an affirmative action program for white men I didn't know about? Nothing against white men, my dad's one & so is my husband. However, affirmative action merely widens the playing field. You're not just competing against other white men but everyone.

By the way, on what basis are you assuming that everyone else is not as qualified? I know plenty of unqualified white males in jobs. At my work, I've been passed over for jobs by both blacks and whites of both genders. I've also gotten jobs over black and white candidates too.

Your competition is more diverse now. Get used to it. I have.

[obidennvr]

Compared to me, everyone is unqualified.

[Nommo]

The Dred Scott decision was affirmative action for white men. Plessy v Ferguson and the resultant Jim Crow laws were affirmative action for white men. Be serious.

[steamboat]

Carl, Pres.-elect Obama during the campaign had the BEST answer I ever heard concerning Affirmative-Action:
" I believe in we need to keep Affirmative Action. But I would like to see it applied to economic need and hardship. A wealthier African-American or woman does not deserve preference over a poorer white."

Carl, do you agree?

[Cogitoe]

yes, far more enlightened and reasonable, but the question still remains....who gets the tie?

[gotborked]

Does this mean an employer has to hire whomever is poorer (or at least be forced to defend whomever has more money)?
Doesn't the fact that someone is applying for a job mean that they probably don't have much/any income--a fact that would apply to both candidates?

[weatherwaxx]

Take a promotion as an example: If two equally qualified applicants are applying for a job, and one is a racial minority applicant who is currently employed at a middle-management level and has a spouse also working, while the other is a single white mother who has been doing work at the level for which she is seeking promotion, and has just completed the degree that gives her the credentials -- she would fit Obama's description. (Come to think of it, that describes Barack Obama's grandmother, doesn't it...)

[Taiyo]

"And secondly, so far only 4 top appointments have actually been announced, and with the total Cabinet and top White House positions approaching close to 40 to 50 nominees, it's a little early to talk about a rift between Obama and Hispanics because of the first four appointments."

- - - - -

If I'm not mistaken, there are two Hispanics -- Xavier Becerra and Antonio Villarigosa -- being considered for two cabinet posts. Secretary of Labor and HUD Secretary. So I seriously doubt that the Hispanic community is "outraged."

We should all give Obama time to select his entire cabinet before anyone, MSM included, starts raising the "bias" issue.

[steamboat]

This is overrated......lets try something new------get the best people-period ! And please no Penny Pritzker.

[Shieldmaiden]

There was some report that she's not taking the job.

[steamboat]

BTW, I'll tell you two very qualified and experienced people who happen to be Hispanic-----Bill Richardson and Henry Cisneros