This campaign, which with the first female and first African American to have a realistic shot at the Democratic nomination, (and first Hispanic if you feel Richardson had a chance) should have been the best of times. Instead, the rampant excuse of racism and sexism from INSIDE OUR party has made it at times the worst of times. I have never seen so many so-called progressives turn their backs on issues of importance to Democrats.
The wholesale denial of sexism from some of Obama's supporters was a hideous betrayal of progressive values. Likewise, the complete denial of racism, and even open embrace of it from SOME Clinton supporters was at odds with decades of Democratic priorities and values.
I'd like to think that after the nomination is settled, we'd go back to fighting racism and sexism TOGETHER. i am 100% certain that a President Clinton would do her part to fight racism, mostly by appointing progressive judges. Likewise, i am 100% certain that a President Obama would do his part to fight sexism, again, mostly by appointing progressive judges.
But i fear we will not get to that point. the racism fanned by SOME in the Clinton campaign and surrogates like Geraldine Ferraro is threatening to put all efforts to fight sexism and racism in serious jeopardy as too many so-called progressives have now gone through the looking glass to fight on the other side, some acknowledging that they are working to elect John McCain if Clinton is not the Democratic nominee.
While many claim this is the result of bitterness, i think this is a complete cop-out. this can only be the result of one thing: RACISM. many ex-Democrats have been whipped into a retro-racist fury by the seedy racists masquerading as Clinton supporters. make no mistake, these are racists in sheep's clothing. they care little or nothing about Clinton, they are just using her as an excuse to let their racist feelings out. Real Clinton supporters care as much about racism as any good Democrat.
But have no doubt, these racists CAN SWING THIS ELECTION TO MCCAIN.
If enough Democrats join the racist anti-Obama movement, the racists (who in many if not most cases are just as sexist as they are racist) will ride this wave of racism straight into the White House.
If you are a racist, none of these things matter. if you are not, then you damn well better speak out now and stop this sickness before it spreads further inside our party and leads to a McCain presidency. which would mean the end of any moves toward Affirmative Action (which benefits white women as much as anyone), any semblance of reproductive freedom, and any chance of ending the war in Iraq.
It is up to Democrats. this election is ours for the taking. the only way we can lose is if enough Democrats succumb to these racist impulses and desert the ticket, and desert all semblance of human decency. right now, far too many seem to be doing this. it will have DIRE consequences for our country, consequences no loyal Democrat or progressive could ever stomach.
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