Generally Speaking...

By now, many Americans have heard the news of Colin Powell’s endorsement of Sen. Barack Obama.  And during a time when there are still undecided voters, I thought that the voice of a well-respected leader, former Secretary of State, 12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and decorated General would offer some direction and solace for those concerned, unsure, and/or angry voters.  But, the response has been baffling.  I am seriously amazed by the mean-spirited, repugnant, and outrageous backlash that has infected the radio waves, blogs, and the countless minds of yahoos.

No, Colin Powell is not supporting Obama because he’s African-American.  I repeat.  Colin Powell is not endorsing Obama because of his race.  Powell clearly stated in his interview with Tom Brokaw, on “Meet the Press”, the reasons why he decided to endorse Obama over McCain.  He cited his decision was influenced by McCain’s selection of Palin as a running mate, John McCain’s handling of the economic crisis, and the increasing negative personal attacks that McCain’s campaign has launched in the recent weeks.  And for those of you who may have missed it, here’s a link to the actual interview... http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032608

What it is equally astonishing to me is how quickly some conservatives are willing to dismiss Powell and do an “about face” on one of their own.  So, this highly respected figure, who served under four presidents (Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush) is now being classified as a racist, a socialist liberal, a liar, traitor, and many other nasty things that I will not reproduce here – just because he chooses to vote for the better candidate.  Are we to assume that Joe Lieberman is a racist because he chooses McCain?  No, I don’t think so!

With regards to choosing Obama based on race, Powell stated, “If I had only had that in mind, I could have done this six, eight, 10 months ago.”  I’m not going to quote the entire interview.  Anyone can read the transcript or view the video clip for themselves.  I just want to reaffirm that not all African-Americans are voting for Obama because they identify with the color of his skin.  

I get extremely annoyed every time some yokel feels that race has to be the deciding factor.  How about the fact that Obama is just simply the better candidate who just happens to be black?

Those who know me know that I am biracial – African-American and Vietnamese.  (Yes, I’m a product of the war.)  And, my significant other happens to be white.  And because of our apparent differences, we’ve had a few instances where my boyfriend’s friends were not so “friendly” towards me.  So even though we’re totally colorblind, as are most of our friends and cohorts, I can attest that racism is still alive and kicking.  But, I don’t think it has any place in this election – or anywhere else.

I’m certain there are morons out there who will vote for Obama because he’s black, just like there are simpletons who will not vote for him because he is black.  It is what it is.  As for me, I’d like to think that I am intelligent enough to weigh the pros/cons of each side, decipher all of the information that is thrown at me, filter the excess noise, and arrive at a sensible conclusion.  Furthermore, I’d like to think that I’m voting for more than a man.  I would like to see real change come to this country.

I don’t want to see another conservative judge on the Supreme Court.  I don’t want to see civil liberties thrown to the way side, and I don’t want to continue funding terrorism by bankrupting our own country (at a rate of $10 billion a month).  I want to see the United States leading the charge for an energy revolution.  I want to see better infrastructure, new job development, less greed, and more inclusiveness in this country.  And I believe that the best hope we have at achieving all of these things is Barack Obama.  

So, please, don’t belittle my choice of a presidential candidate to just being a “black thing”.  And don’t insult or be so quick to judge Powell because you do not agree with his selection.  Maybe...just maybe, he has put more thought into his decision.  After all, I don’t believe a man could get to the position he has by not using sound judgment.  

This election is so important on so many levels.  It goes way beyond racial identity; and for those who cannot recognize that fact, maybe you need to reevaluate yourself and ask what are you basing your decision on.