This has been an extreme week for me and I just need to vent. Three days ago I was talking to some guys while waiting in line at the post office. We started talking about the upcoming election which was a mistake. The guys (who were both white) said some horrifying things that made me want to puke. One said, “I hope Obama gets his head blown off.”
The other said, “If I see him, I’ll kill him. If he dies, I’ll freaking celebrate and throw a party.”
I stood there mortified. I cannot believe how much hatred and racism still exists in America. They said much more, but I’ll leave out the disgusting profanity and racial slurs. The feelings are on both sides, not just on one. Many McCain supporters literally hate Obama supporters and vice versa.
An African American friend of mine is voting for McCain as he’s a republican. His family has disowned him over it. His mother told him, “You spit in the face of everything we’ve ever stood for.” He was crying and in tremendous pain. All this gruesome hatred and racism has to stop.
I had to block 23 people this week on Twitter for saying sickeningly disgusting things. I did screen shots of all 23, but I’ll show you this one – it’s the LEAST offensive of all the ones I found; the others were 10 times more repugnant. I blocked out the face and all names:
Hatred and Racism is Everywhere
I may not agree with Obama or McCain, but I do not hate them. Whoever gets elected, I wish them the best and hope they can do something positive. I’m not voting for either because I disagree with their politics, but that’s as far as it goes…I simply disagree. I think Obama will win, and though I don’t support his beliefs, I will be proud of him for being the first African American president. I truly worry that both Obama and McCain have people out there that would love to see them die. People actually hope they will be assassinated. It makes me nauseous to think about. Both candidates are after all, people with families.
Politics breeds hatred. I seriously hope nothing happens to either candidate or their families due to the hate filled people out there. Hate is such an ugly feeling, it permeates throughout your body and mind, filling you with profane sickness. Personally, I refuse to be filled with hate and racism. I have heavily criticized both candidates, but after this week, I’m taking a different approach. From now on, if I can’t write a logical and meaningful critique, I will not write one at all. Politics is apparently not my cup of tea. It’s making me feel bad all the time so I’ll be writing much less about it.
No matter who wins, it will not be the end of the world. My life is really no different than it’s ever been, no matter who the president is. I will live my life happily until the day I die regardless of what congress does. My personal happiness will not be based on the government. Try some peace and love for a change people.
#1 by Shinade at October 22nd, 2008
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Bobby I feel exactly the same you do. I detest racism and hypocrisy more than anything else.
And it is starting to look like O’bama will take the election.
I know this is to your dismay.
But if he wins people better start being careful with such loose talk.
For if they make comments about a siting president it is a federal offense.
But you already know that.
Thanks for speaking up again Bobby!
Now come see my picture okay?
http://shinade.blogspot.com/2008/10/wordless-wednesday-opal-of-time.html
And Bobby now that you vented try to let it go. racism runs rampant all around the world.
All we can do is take a stand and call the racists’ on their remarks.
Hope to see you!
#2 by Revellian at October 22nd, 2008
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Hi Jackie! If Obama wins, I wish him the best and hope he does a good job. I might not agree with him, but I do like him – he’s a very personable guy. You’re right, it’s a federal offense to threaten the presidents life; however, millions of Bush haters have said things like that! We do have to draw a line somewhere. I’ll be just as disappointed if McCain wins – jeez I’m hard to please! I would love to come see your picture…thanks so much!
#3 by J.C. at October 22nd, 2008
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Bobby this is one of the many reasons why I support Obama, if he gets elected it would be a huge or at least symbolical breakthrough, and racial issues will be a less of a factor. I cannot understand people voting for republicans on upcoming elections because of so many wrong estimates they have made. But also, as you, I respect everybody’s decision.
#4 by Revellian at October 22nd, 2008
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Hi J.C.! As you know, I support a third party candidate, and I hope things work out for the best. I will point out that it’s not the republican’s fault – it’s both parties. Most all democrats voted for the Iraq war, so they are equally at fault. I agree Obama’s election would be symbolic, but I still disagree with his big government policies.
#5 by Mitch at October 22nd, 2008
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That sux, Bobby. I feel your pain.
Let’s go do something fun, okay!
Cheers,
Mitch
#6 by Revellian at October 22nd, 2008
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Hi Mitch! I guess you can tell I’m over politics and can’t take anymore of it. Sure let’s go! I’ll fly out right now!!!
#7 by teeni at October 22nd, 2008
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People are not mature enough to just disagree on something without hatred it seems (nobody deserves to have their heads blown off or worse because we don’t agree with them – they have freedom of thought too). Funny since that is what we try and teach our kids. But it’s sad that the adults can’t master it. It’s all so disgusting that I’m sick of it. Time to start a new nation.
#8 by dcr at October 22nd, 2008
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It’s going to ridiculous levels.
Now apparently you’re a racist if you call Obama a socialist.
http://voices.kansascity.com/node/2493
It’s just nuts. No wonder you can’t have any kind of real discussion on politics in this country. If you disagree with certain policies, you get labeled as a racist or hater or something else. It just goes right to name-calling and skips any substantive discussion of policy.
#9 by Miss Moneypenny at October 22nd, 2008
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While their behavior is a reprehensible act, I believe you have uncovered one of the major reasons why the Political Divide and Conquer Agenda has benefited Politicians so well.
I wonder if McCain and Obama enjoy creating their campaign spin which causes some voters to fight over their rhetoric and empty promises?
To remove the bad taste of politics, Paul Revere and Sam Adams will meet you and me at Buckman Tavern, which faces Lexington Green, to quaff some Samuel Adam’s Boston Lager!
#10 by Revellian at October 22nd, 2008
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@Teeni: No matter what anyone says, the 1st amendment must be protected. If the government tries to quell personal opinion, that would make this country a fascist nation like Nazi Germany. The scary thing is what people think and say in the privacy of their own homes – sometimes, their real opinion slips out and it’s disgusting!
@DCR: Hahaha! Obama is a socialist and everyone knows it, but that is not racism, it’s a fact. Of course, Bush and McCain are also socialists as they voted for the bailout and support corporate welfare. The fact is, neither candidate is a capitalist, and that is why I oppose both of them. 90% of the media is biased towards the left and that is also a fact…lol.
@Debbie: I’ve watched the campaign rallies on both sides and neither have ever said one objective or useful thing; it’s all lies, defamation and spin. To call someone or their beliefs anti-American is considered slander and hate by many people. I’ll point out that personal welfare, socialism and corporate welfare are anti-American in a sense because they are antithetical to the capitalistic roots of what has always made this country so great!!!! See you at the Buckman Tavern
#11 by candy at October 23rd, 2008
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Hey Bobby
To be honest, it makes me feel the same way, which is why I usually don’t allow myself to ‘go there’… although I obviously do and have sometimes.
You’re so right about everyday life not really changing that much depending on which president represents a country. Someone has to do the job, and even if a person doesn’t ‘like’ them, they have to accept it anyway.
I do think that the pieces you’ve written are worthwhile though. I think that we need people with a perspective like yours… to balance out all the fanatical reactions.
I mean, it’s reaching the point mass hysteria.
#12 by Revellian at October 23rd, 2008
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Hello Candy! Obviously, this election is more incendiary than any in the past as Obama is African American. What’s amazing is how the police are mobilizing all across the U.S. fearing an all out riot if Obama doesn’t win – but there is hatred on both sides. If my life does change in some major way because of any president, I’ll get upset at that point. Overall, I think things will be fine. It’s just another president and I doubt much change.
#13 by Brent at October 23rd, 2008
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A month and half ago I was interested in the election. Now I am just burned out. I am sick and tired of being deluged by political ads.
#14 by Revellian at October 23rd, 2008
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Hi Brent! I think the entire world is burned out on it. I will vote, but there’s not much else I can do.
#15 by Michelle Gartner at October 23rd, 2008
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Fortunately I don’t follow very many people-
I really don’t want to know what kind of crappy stuff strangers are up to. I guess that’s why twitter hasn’t become a vice for me. I have heard from other bloggers that some like to go looking for off the wall Tweets and like to follow scummmy tweeters.
Scummy Tweeters- I think I invented a new double entrende… now all we have to do is get someone really nasty to sing a song about it.
Don’t ya wish you had a scummy tweeter??? La la la …
Look for that on the next Paris Hilton album- I heard she sings?
#16 by Revellian at October 23rd, 2008
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Hi Michelle! What I do is follow them to see what they’re about – if they are foolish and rude, I unfollow them. I wouldn’t know if Paris Hilton sings or not haha!!! Whenever I see her, I change the channel immediately. Sounds like a hit song though, perhaps you can record it!
#17 by ~willow~ at October 23rd, 2008
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did you see one of the postcards on this week’s Post Secret (link here, dunno how long it’s going to be valid)? “It’s only a matter of time”: an assassination is expected? Threatened? it’s unclear, of course, all such “secrets” are open to speculation. But still.
It’s really distressing that this country is so racist even though it claims not to be. Once I would have said that racism in the U.S. “mutated” from overt to insidious covert,,, but I take it back: it’s here in the whole spectrum.
There’s too much hate.
Everywhere.
So sad.
#18 by Michelle Gartner at October 23rd, 2008
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I’m not that kind of girl…
#19 by Jean Chia at October 23rd, 2008
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hi bobby! actually i’ve typed a lengthy comment here wt rgds to the racism in my country but i deleted it. I am afraid that i will get caught for arrousing angers or whatsoever. There hv been a number of bloggers getting interogated by our enforcement for writing about racism in their blog. I do not know what’s the limit but it is better to just keep quiet. It’s really heartbreaking. What happen to freedom of speech you may ask. I say, speak at your own risk.
Well, i hope whoever wins at your side, no one will get hurt.
#20 by MonaVie at October 23rd, 2008
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Hey Bobby,
That is probably the best standspoint to have in this election. I’m with ya on the fence post, I don’t fully agree with either candidate. I just don’t think anyone is completely right with everything…plus who gets to decide what is “right”? Whether the new president is black or white, and the new VP is man or woman, I hope the best for them. I think there is a little bit of good in everyone and that either way, they will both do a good job with some things, and they’ll do some things I won’t like. I just try to stay out of politics. I got in a big heated discussion with someone (they were saying the same things that those guys said to you). It’s not worth arguing about. People shouldn’t have such violent hatred for people they don’t even know.
Anyway, sorry for the rant. There is how I feel with the upcoming election. It will be interesting, to say the least. Hope you’re doing good!
#21 by Revellian at October 23rd, 2008
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@Willow: It is sad, but is probably true. People should realize arguments about which candidate is best blinds them from the truth. The truth is, the entire government is corrupted and we really are facing a one world government. One army, one bank under one body of power. Both candidates are the same to me. I don’t hate them, but I oppose their unconstitutional socialistic positions. The fight between democratic/republican, race and everything else is a big lie. As long as we have this hate mongering two party system, the world will only get worse.
@Michelle: Yes you are…hahahaha!
@Jean: Interrogated? That’s what is happening in America. Free speech will probably end in America before long, much like in your country. The two candidates America has are power hungry and the worst possible choices we could possibly have. I will speak freely until they physically shit me up! Just to know you fear saying something upsets me! I wish your government allowed you to say what you want!
@Monavie: Well, I’m not on the fencepost. I’m voting for Chuck Baldwin of the constitution party because he’s the only one who believes in that great document upon which America was built. The fight between democrats and republicans is the WRONG fight! The fight is between freedom and an overpowered, corrupted government. I can only vote for someone who bases their political beliefs on the U.S. constitution. McCain and Obama apparently have never read it. You’re right, hatred is bad. Americans should realize they are being shoved in to a world of slavery, not freedom – and that is where the real fight is. Thanks for reading and you can rant here anytime you wish!
#22 by Aaron Cook at October 23rd, 2008
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I definitely agree that politics breed hatred…at least in one form or another. It’s one of the three main divisive mechanisms in our society that forces a strong divide between people…where each side thinks they’re better and the other side is completely wrong. Sports and religion are the other two divisive mechanisms.
Unfortunately, some people allow these to have too much power over them. But thankfully, most people don’t. As we know, there’s a big difference between simply disagreeing with someone, and hating someone simply because they disagree with you.
Good post as always, my friend.
#23 by Revellian at October 23rd, 2008
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Thanks Aaron! All this hate is like a prison, keeping people from seeing the truth. We are falling into a world of socialism, corporatism and nationalism – we will all become less and less free. By the way, I am watching the debate between Chuck Baldwin and Ralph Nader on Cspan. I am following Ron Paul’s advice and voting for Baldwin. After hearing his constitutional beliefs, I am sure he is the best candidate.
#24 by Shinade at October 28th, 2008
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Oh Bobby I just hit the first dang comment button I saw…forgive me…this is wayyyyyyyyy off topic.
I just wanted to say hi and here’s a hug!!:-))))
#25 by Kima at October 30th, 2008
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Hi Bobby,
I wanted to comment badly that day, remember I asked you if your blog was down on twitter? I could read everything from bloglines, but when I came here something was wrong. I couldn’t access the twitter image you have pasted here that day too.
I had a lot of stuff to say then, but now forgot what all I wanted to say
Anyway I must say racism anywhere is ugly, and although psychologists have proven that all of us are at least a little bit racists deep inside, the power to let that reflect on our actions lies purely with us.
Back there the main problem you have is just black versus white when it comes to politics. Here in India it is BADDDDDD as politicians create a divide among those who are fair and dark, those who speak one regional language from the other, those who belong to one caste from another, etc etc… as each group constitute a major vote-bank.
#26 by Revellian at October 30th, 2008
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@Jackie: Thanks for the hug!!!! Here’s a hug for you too
@Kima: I don’t believe that all people are somewhat racist deep inside – maybe most people, but not all…hey, I have to believe that. For me, politics has nothing to do with race, it’s all about ideology and perspective on how government should work or not work – nothing more, nothing less.
Personally, at this point, I don’t care who wins as I disagree with both of them lol! I hope the political system improves in your country. As much as I complain about American politics, it’s really great compared to many other places. I am so over politics, I won’t be writing much else about it…it stresses me out
#27 by Joey Logano at November 14th, 2008
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It is amazing the amount of racism that I still have heard even after Obama has been elected president. And yes you are right, It is on both sides. Both sides are guilty of racism. I don’t think things will change in our lifetime. I only believe that things will change, after about another 50 years. The reason… because those who still remember times of un-equal rights, will not let it go, no matter how many times a black president gets to the office, etc.
It is amazing how many people who still think that blacks and minorities are treated unequally in this country, and even the fact of seeing a black man reach office, does not change their mind. Sometimes… its the unwillingness to change on both sides, that makes things hard.
Let’s hope that things get better…..