[
Views
]
[
Top Five Views
]
IF YOU'RE DOING IT BIG, Sen. Barack Obama thinks you could give a little more come tax time.
THE 4TH OF JULY weekend is nearly here. I don't know about you, but I have mixed emotions about this holiday.
AS MUCH AS I enjoy a good Obama-bash, I have to disagree with you on this one. Given your penchant for calling me idealistic and naïve about therealpolitik of presidential campaigns, I'm surprised that you're tripping about UnityFest 2008.
[
Blog Roll
]
Discuss:
Lest We Forget: An open letter to my sisters who are brave.
Member Comments
-
- Reply
- Report Abuse
Posted By:
MaryRuthD at 06/21/2008 7:17:30 AM
Comment:
What do we know about Congresswoman Lee except that she voted against the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Terrorists in 2001? Do we know what she would do to handle this economic mess we are in? What is her stand on health insurance? For Ms. Walker to "adore" having Congresswoman Lee as president based on her one vote is shameful.
The long introduction about Miss Montgomery and her racist ways and the racist ways of southern men and women was a set us up for this: She carries all the history of white womanhood in America in her person; it would be a miracle if we, and the world, did not react to this fact. How dishonest it is, to attempt to make her innocent of her racial inheritance. Ms. Walker was no longer talking about Miss Montgomery at this point, but Hillary Clinton, but the message was as mixed as well as Bush, Cheney, and Rice mixed their message about Iraq and bin Laden.
This isn???t a novel wherein Ms Walker can make the characters out to be anything she wants them to be. Hillary Clinton is not Miss Montgomery. Barack Obama is not a miracle. They are both dedicated and apparently strong-willed public servants. The Democratic Party had an embarrassment of riches this year in that both candidates brought about great changes in this country by being capable and viable candidates for the Office of President of the United States. Obama will now go on to make more history by becoming the first African American president. He, too, has racial inheritance, but to imply not so subtly that his inheritance makes him a better person and better leader than someone who is white is to be racist.
Shame on you, Ms. Walker.-
Posted By:
parresources at 06/23/2008 10:53:46 AM
Comment:
You're right it isn't a novel with chareacters and plots. It is simply (as discribed) "an open letter" to sisters and in being one of those sisters and an obvious political enthusiast I would hope that you would be open to Ms. Walker's right to share her perspective from where she stands...the best thing about this country is that we all have a story to tell...some of us just tell it better than others. Thank you Ms. Walker!
-
Posted By:
Mahmoudah Young at 06/17/2008 6:02:32 PM
Comment:
am happy to have received this essay written by miss walker.
today mr. obama is the democratic parties presumptive nominee for the president of the united states of america. never has the usa meant so much to me. what a great time in our history to be alive!
diane b. clarke, brooklyn, ny -
Posted By:
MariaHopeful at 06/16/2008 11:18:50 PM
Comment:
My goodness! Ms Walker, you paint with your words and the picture I am seeing is just mind-boggling. Wow! Wow! Thank you! -
Posted By:
Armando Pequeno at 05/29/2008 10:19:10 PM
Comment:
This is, of course, a brilliant articulation of how and why we are to be active participants in our communities and society at large. I would like to make one correction to what Ms. Alice Walker stated. This is that Barbara Lee was not the only congress member to vote against the war in Iraq. There were over a 120 Democratic House members and over 20 Senate Dems who also vote against the Iraq War.
What Congresswoman Lee did was vote alone against authorization for war in Afghanistan in Sept. of 2001. I think Ms Alice Walker was getting at something much more profound in our reaction to 9/11... In Sept of 2001 we were in need of answers to why such an tragic event would happen. She wanted the how/why/what would bring about such horror and mayhem for us on this land... She was alone to saying wait.. let us figure out these questions. The president, the Congress acted quickly for revenge without an understanding of why or the consequences of our own actions. Barbara Lee voted "no."
I agree with Ms. Alice Walker: I would vote for Barbara Lee. She acted with thoughtfulness above vengeance. That is what we want in a leader. Mrs. Clinton has demonstrated nothing more than what we have seen. Nothing progressive. -
Posted By:
wewhodream at 05/29/2008 8:04:54 PM
Comment:
You have given prose to the wordless knowing I felt the first time I heard Barack Obama speak; everything you wrote here I felt in an instant. Thank you. -
Posted By:
wewhodream at 05/29/2008 8:01:19 PM
Comment:
Magnificent. Everything you have written here about Barack Obama I felt in an instant the first time I heard his voice (and I was not even in the room.) You've given prose to the wordless certainty I knew on that day. Thank you, from a 51 year-old white man...peace. -
Posted By:
BlkSpear at 05/27/2008 4:40:11 PM
Comment:
I've always loved Alice Walker, in person and spirit. She is where I aspire to be, not afraid to discuss spirituality and wisdom from her soul, not from script. She is right. As a black male, it took me a while to accept Obama. He did not appear strong enough for me (not black enough mind you - just strong enough). The reality is, however, such a Black man to me would not ever have been tapped to run this race. White men of the democratic party, indeed have vetted Obama. I do not think there is anything out there they do not already know about, and have assigned some weight to. It is the same for Hillary. I believe those weights (or negatives) for Hillary have been slowly making themelves known over the months. I only decided on Obama after listening to his wife, Michelle. If it were me, she'd be my candidate. -
Posted By:
SpoonE at 05/23/2008 10:41:57 PM
Comment:
Great letter, thanks for sharing, but Barbare Lee will never get my vote. Her failure to respond/take action when it was brought to her attention that my daughter was placed in a Berkeley public school classroom that was glaringly racially imbalanced. The public system failed my family miserably. If not for the private school, that I can not afford, taken her in, my straight A student would have been railroaded to mediocrity. -
Posted By:
pana at 05/22/2008 6:40:47 PM
Comment:
As a woman of color I certainly can relate. What an intelligent and masterful piece of writing. Go Obama! It's so sad that there is an entire generation of Americans who have never experienced a great president, but presidents who are just served their greed and self-serving interests.
Yvonne Siu-Runyan, Ph.D.
Professor Emerita -
Posted By:
pana at 05/22/2008 6:38:14 PM
Comment:
As a woman of color, I sure can relate. What you wrote is true. What a masterful piece of thinking and writing.
Thank you, Alice Walker!
Yvonne Siu-Runyan, Ph.D.
Professor Emerita -
Posted By:
insymp at 05/15/2008 3:36:14 PM
Comment:
This is not only a masterpiece, it should be shared and shared and shared. There is hope for civilization as long as there is Alice Walker. -
Posted By:
LARRY at 05/11/2008 12:20:48 AM
Comment:
I would like to post this thought on this site because it relates to the issue of color in this election.
Many people discuss Barack Obama???s race as being an identity issue. African-Americans support him because he is black, and liberal white guilt is supposed to propel the rest of us. But most of us who support him do not think like Geraldine Ferraro. We feel that his color is in fact irrelevant. He is simply the most competent, intelligent, soulful, inspiring, and trustworthy politician we have seen in our lifetimes. Some of my friends and relatives would date the dry spell only as far back as JFK, which would make the above statement inapplicable to older Americans. But I do not have any of the reservations about Barack Obama that I had and still have about John Kennedy and his brother Robert, who worked for Joe McCarthy. I think Barack Obama???s Philadelphia speech already matches anything Ted Sorenson ever wrote for JFK, and according to his campaign staff Obama wrote this speech himself. Just as BHO wrote two beautiful books himself, unlike the attributed author of Profiles in Courage. While both attended Harvard, Obama conquered the heights at Harvard by being elected president of the law review. These are just a few comparisons where BHO surpasses JFK. There are others. -
Posted By:
LARRY at 05/11/2008 12:20:29 AM
Comment:
To find the likes of Barack Obama at this level of our public life I think we need to go back all the way to FDR, who makes the list because, as a disabled person, he found redemption for his class advantages that helped him rise to the historical occasion and come down on the side of democracy. Otherwise we would have needed to roll all the way back to Lincoln, the spirit of whom I think all who can discern do feel secretly we are lucky enough to witness coming out of the Land of Lincoln again when we most need it. But I would choose Roosevelt, who presciently said on November 4, 1938, ???If American democracy ceases to move forward as a living force, seeking day and night by peaceful means to better the lot of our citizens, fascism will grow in strength in our land.??? (quoted in Chris Hedges, American Fascists). If the Obama presidency is going to rank with Roosevelt???s, then we can once again speak as frankly about fascism as Roosevelt did.
Whether one chooses 1947 (Eric Larsen, A Nation Gone Blind), 1960 (Eisenhower???s unheeded warning about the military-industrial complex), 1963 (Kennedy assassination and cover up), or 1980 (ascendancy of Ronald Reagan, through the Bush-engineered October Surprise) as the date when democracy stalled out in America, any observant citizen knew that fascism had grown considerably in our land by the time of Bush and Cheney, the torturers, warmongers and fearmongers of an unrestrained military empire, creators of newspeak such as making war on a subjective feeling ??? terror - which in fact they deliberately fostered, who did make war on science and rationality and even competence when inconsistent with their faith-based ideology. All part of the fascist technique, along with the big lie which they mastered. In America fascism colonized Christianity like a cancer and under that cover has festered in the federal government. -
Posted By:
LARRY at 05/11/2008 12:18:42 AM
Comment:
Though it is not possible to insert this understanding through or even across the propagandist mass media that still dominates the public channels of conversation in the US, many of us know that Obama is a valiant leader, who arises to get American democracy moving forward again just at the point where fascism seemed ready to carry us all over the abyss. The widely discredited and 71% reviled George W. Bush lacks the power of Putin to choose a successor fascist like himself. So this time around we are instead offered the friendly version, whether of the opportunistic (Clintons) or sincere (McCain) variety. If this two-step from fascism to friendly fascism and back succeeded once again, the ensuing frustration (bitterness) by the end of their charge, resulting from the friendly version failing to achieve any democratic goals or even truth, would be guided yet again by the propaganda system to move the pendulum of power back to the hard version, without democracy in the meantime having moved a single yard down the field, a la Bill Clinton.
Obama steps into this historic moment offering an authentic democratic alternative to fascism. Although we do not talk about it in these terms, I think it is important that some of us understand exactly what is at stake and just how heroic and meaningful Obama???s leadership is in picking up again the cause of democracy in these times.
From my perspective, I do not believe that it is the color of Obama???s skin that appeals so much to most African-Americans. Obama had to win over most African-American voters. I think that the support eventually became so lopsided because African-Americans are - as the largest and longest enduring victims of American fascism - most familiar with its contours and most sensitive to what it takes to fight it. After all, racism is one of the essential aspects of fascism, which at its core rejects all diversity and insists on uniformity and regimentation within its totalitarian framework. A different race with its own culture within America is a foundational affront to the fascist mind, though its leaders will coopt a high profile specimen or two to help achieve their goals. Racism is essential to the fully realized fascist mentality, just as, for different reasons, is patriarchy. (Isn???t it interesting that stand-by-her-man Hillary ??? a persona designed to garner votes from the majority gender - comes pre-packaged with her own abusive patriarch?) -
Posted By:
LARRY at 05/11/2008 12:15:44 AM
Comment:
It was difficult for African-Americans to believe that an African-American could effectively lead a majority of voters in the struggle to save democracy, until Iowa and following elections persuaded otherwise. It was naturally assumed that the white liberal majority coalition partner would provide the leadership needed to defend democracy.
Now that Obama has all but won the first, and possibly most difficult, phase of this two part battle against fascism, I find it interesting to reconsider this question of his race, retrieving it from the calculations of politics that have dominated the discussion. I think we now that race is not why he won. And we now know that it need not be the cause of his defeat either. But race is not entirely irrelevant to the cultural phenomenon we are experiencing. That the incredible person who Obama is happens to look like what the largest base of fascists cannot tolerate in America is itself a necessary weapon of his and ours against fascism. It is precisely because the friendly fascist Hillary Clinton can go out the day after the Clinton Restoration evaporated and make the intentioned self-fulfilling prophecy that white people will not vote for him, that Obama, the leader of the democratic insurgence, must be an African-American. This provides the sharp edge to clearly distinguish what must now be distinguished in the confused conditions sown by our propagandist media: democratic spirit from fascism. It is as important for this free, intelligent, totally self-actuated African-American to lead the resurgent democrats, as it is for the silent Clarence Thomas to assist the project of entrenching fascism in our constitutional structure.
Obama???s color is more providential at this point than it is political. If we democrats are really making a goal line stand ??? as many perceptive observers feel we are (one of the best, Gore Vidal, gave up and left the country years ago) - then we need as our quarterback someone who we are all confident is going to do everything in his power to lead us all in moving that ball well down the field before it is taken away from us again, and will not just turn it over to the fascists at our one yard line where they left it, as we know the Clintons will do. The Clintons, who could pardon the greedy, March Rich, but not the good, Leonard Peltier. This leader who we are all together going to have to defend and support with all our heart and strength is one who???s ineradicable and self confident color itself stands in defiance of fascism. This is the leader we need in this struggle and it is the one we have been given.
Adios -
Posted By:
Elizabeth at 05/10/2008 1:47:43 PM
Comment:
I also love Barack Obama. I love him for his strength, his courage, his tenacity in reminding all of us, in this arduous, yet glorious process of self-discovery, individually and as a nation, that this is, indeed, our time to choose who will best lead us (US and the world) out of the slippery slope to the potential demise we face. There is one thing I grapple with. Alice's observation of the Palestinian people. I agree whole heartedly with her, but wish to add, it is the Jews of Israel who too, are oppressed.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth Crawford
Milwaukee, WI -
Posted By:
LARRY at 05/09/2008 9:45:15 PM
Comment:
There have been many beautiful statements inspired by this stunning human being, but I think this may be the most comprehensive. What particularly strikes me is what I take as the culminating point: "it may well be beyond his power to lead us toward rehabilitation. If he is elected however, we must, individually and collectively, as citizens of the planet, insist on helping him do the best job that can be done; more, we must insist that he demand this of us." He is going to win, and this is going to be our task. And I hope there is a special role for Alice Walker in helping to accomplish what we need to do together. -
Posted By:
jobitek at 05/08/2008 4:30:30 PM
Comment:
Americans forgot and they still do. Lest we forget, after WW2, lest we forget after Rwanda, we forget northern Uganda, we forget Darfur, Tibet and a myriad of places that are inconsequential as we go about our daily lives, following the price of oil and whose rhtoric speaks more to its fall.
My cynicism comes from the colonial devastation that continues in language, and the fact that the earth will not stand still in shock after 30,000 children go missing in Acholi, northern Uganda, but that the pope will find a prayer for one white child. I read the 'woman' and 'black man' the same way I read of 'ethnic Africans' muslim fundamentalists' ethnic balkans' and so on.
As long as we continue to accept this status quo, the earth will continue to spin, and I dizzy with the ghosts of Acholi children will keep screaming into the ether every time I read: Lest We Forget.
Juliane Okot Bitek,
Vancouver, Canada. -
Posted By:
fantasticME at 05/06/2008 12:37:57 AM
Comment:
What a great letter! I thoroughly enjoyed the personal anecdotes given the great successes you've enjoyed. Many of us can readily identify with the trials and tribulations of parents and grandparents who suffered indignations and abuse. When you think that "black" blood has been spilled in every war this country has known ,starting with the American Revolution up to the present war, yet the questions still remains--Is Obama patriotic enough? Have "we" as black people proved ourselves to the point of saying--how long are "they" going to stop playing that "record" --the legacy of slavery still pervades this caustic atmosphere. "The sins of our fathers" hang like an albatross around our necks. -
Posted By:
sthenno at 05/05/2008 2:57:06 PM
Comment:
I try not to use my heritage as any starting point for anything; my mixed relatives have long been dead before I was birthed. My experience growing up was one of "white poverty", as my dad went in and out of the armed forces, suffering from depression and alcoholism, and my mother worked as much as she could while raising me and my brother.
I dont look at Mrs. Clinton and see a woman with a similar past. I see a woman who was given every opportunity to succeed from her family, a woman who has never had to fight for anything but a place at her husband's side. It sickens me that she has used her husband to rise in politics; she is just like most rich women.
I heard Obama speak on TV at the DNC a few years ago. I knew right then I wanted him to be president. For the first time in my life, a politician brought tears to my eyes. For the first time, I felt hopeful. If it is all taken away again, like in '04 when I cried myself to sleep after the nomination was read, I dont know what will happen. Enduring another set of 4 years underneath an undeserving leadership seems too much. But I am hoping that if it happens, Obama will come back to us and will not lose any of his self in the process.
Mrs. Walker, you give me hope. Thank you for a beautiful piece. I voted for Obama in the Indiana primaries. Love, Nati. -
Posted By:
sthenno at 05/05/2008 11:03:17 AM
Comment:
I try not to use my heritage as any starting point for anything; my mixed relatives have long been dead before I was birthed. My experience growing up was one of "white poverty", as my dad went in and out of the armed forces, suffering from depression and alcoholism, and my mother worked as much as she could while raising me and my brother.
I dont look at Mrs. Clinton and see a woman with a similar past. I see a woman who was given every opportunity to succeed from her family, a woman who has never had to fight for anything but a place at her husband's side. It sickens me that she has used her husband to rise in politics; she is just like most rich women.
I heard Obama speak on TV at the DNC a few years ago. I knew right then I wanted him to be president. For the first time in my life, a politician brought tears to my eyes. For the first time, I felt hopeful. If it is all taken away again, like in '04 when I cried myself to sleep after the nomination was read, I dont know what will happen. Enduring another set of 4 years underneath an undeserving leadership seems too much. But I am hoping that if it happens, Obama will come back to us and will not lose any of his self in the process.
Mrs. Walker, you give me hope. Thank you for a beautiful piece. I voted for Obama in the Indiana primaries. Love, Nati. -
Posted By:
meme at 05/05/2008 9:41:41 AM
Comment:
The world is looking on at how Obama is being treated, dont take that for granted. He has being unjustly castigated beacause of statements made by Wright not accusing Obama of any thing but expressing his own contrary views. Obama is honest, resolute and descisve, and does not play the dirty politics but there are some facts that would help him. He needs to use them to his advantage and to the advantage of the american people. His democratic opponent is forgetful, dishonest with records and issues just playing dirty politics to win, and does not connect truly connect with people, Obama needs to use these facts and use them well. Would superdelegates blindly ignore Obama and the youth of America. -
Posted By:
Donna405 at 05/04/2008 11:58:59 PM
Comment:
Being the same age as Ms. Walker, I certainly can understand her viewpoints. The only difference is that I am Caucasian. Fortunately, I was brought up in an area of Virginia which is predominantly Military. Fortunately, I grew up understanding that we all are equal, no matter what age, gender or race. I, too, marched on behalf of African-Americans, in fact, all races for equality.
My history is the reason I have volunteered my time here in SC for Obama. Yes, he is for change. But change is not all of it. I agree with Ms. Walker regarding the change for politics, humanity, morality, etc.
With Obama as our President, we will all win.
Donna -
Posted By:
tangenjill at 04/29/2008 6:55:14 PM
Comment:
Thank you for writing this; as a Jewish American of some Native American and Asian, although "predominately" caucasian ancestry, I support Senator Barack Obama for the reasons you stated.
It has saddened me that Hillary, who on occasion claims to be part-Native American, embraces the inequities of power in the American system. Had she walked in Obama's shoes, I think we'd see more of a woman we can all relate to...even if she's Rodham Clinton and not just Rodham (they're all our daddy's names, mostly).
Anyway, I find kinship in what you stand for, as I do in what Barack Obama does. Blessings!
tangenjill -
Posted By:
loucity at 04/28/2008 8:25:36 AM
Comment:
Once upon a time in America, African Americans were considered to be 3/5 of a person - thereby denying them education, civil rights, and freedom. Well there was this guy named Lincoln who tried to do away with all that and he was white.
Once upon a time in America we had JFK, RFK and MLK who stood for justice and equality for ALL.
I believe Obama is the next JFK (hopefully with better protection) and that America is ripe for a president like him.
Today in America we are so ready for Obama and his platform of CHANGE! It's a coverall word but I believe Obama understands that everything in America must change. Economically, Civil Liberties, Constitutionality, Humanitarily - that's how Obama will lead AND he'll end this horrific Occupation in Iraq and bring peace back to us, even as we mourn for the more than 4,000 dead Americans whose lives were wasted on this ludicrous endeavor of Bush/Cheney. B/C have done everything in their power to negate the legacy of FDR, socially and ecomically.
We are in desperate need of a strong Democratic president who will reestablish America's place in the world through diplomacy; reestablish America herself as a nation connected on all levels by truth! -
Posted By:
lhayes at 04/27/2008 9:10:36 AM
Comment:
I agree with Ms. Walker. In US early pre-civil war history the debate on the table was the equality of "white" men, the idea of equality for women and people of color wasn't even on the table. If it weren't for the abolitionst and folks north of the mason-dixon line the morality question about slavery wouldn't have been brought into the open. A black man in office may pave the way for a black woman to take office. I would vote for Maxine Waters if she were running, but we all know any black woman running is out of the question. Look how Cynthia McKenny was attacked. -
Posted By:
GabiClayton at 04/24/2008 11:53:17 AM
Comment:
A wonderful article, but as good as it is, I cringed in response to one phrase in this statement which was otherwise glorious:
"We have come a long way, Sisters, and we are up to the challenges of our time. One of which is to build alliances based not on race, ethnicity, color, nationality, sexual preference or gender, but on Truth."
-- Ms. Walker uses the term "sexual preference" which is problematic because it implies that sexual (or affectional) orientation is a choice. -
Posted By:
ahimsa at 04/24/2008 2:24:08 AM
Comment:
I think the reasoning behind Ms. Walker's article is dangerous. It is not that I prefer any of the other candidates, but what I see in Sen. Obama is a man who appears to disavow the part of his heritage he actually knows best while embracing the mystique of father and a country he actually did not know at all. If he were running as a melting pot candidate or even a biracial candidate, there would be some coherence to his campaign, but he is running as black man and getting a lot of mileage out of the fact that this uniquely qualifies him to understand those who are disadvantaged. However, he grew up in a white family and attended private schools and made what would appear to be excellent political decisions about how to cast himself into something the people want. Yet, the fact is we don't really know much about him and he is at a loss to explain a good deal of himself and his past and his roots. I think a man should sort himself out before seeking high office, not learn what he needs to know through one crisis after another. The country is in economic peril and he has no qualifications as an economist. Frankly, I don't care whether Sen Obama is black, white, purple, red, green, blue, or rainbow colored, I just want someone mature who can keep his feet out of his mouth. -
Posted By:
ahimsa at 04/24/2008 1:54:04 AM
Comment:
Coming from Alice Walker, this post is disappointing because she rehashes the inequities of our shameful history without actually making a case for why Sen. Obama is qualified to lead us somewhere better. Unlike Ms. Walker, he is not the son of plantation workers but rather someone who was brought up in a white family in a multiracial state to which he seldom refers. He is making history as a "black" candidate, but the truth is I knew his father better than he did and he doesn't even know his roots. This said, despite everything, he might be the better of the three candidates but let's hope a fourth appears who is both qualified and worthy. -
Posted By:
DrewReason at 04/18/2008 7:54:13 PM
Comment:
I hate this article with every being in my dna. First off, What about Michelle ? I don't hear the author whining about MRS. OBAMA being anything other than Mrs. Obama, yet Hillary Rodham Clinton should drop her last name.
This article lacks clarity, truth, and focus. -
Posted By:
Burdock at 04/18/2008 10:03:00 AM
Comment:
I am a white woman who supports Obama. I would NEVER vote for Hilary Clinton due to her policy on Israel. I greatly appreciated receiving and reading this post. -
Posted By:
minx at 04/17/2008 1:09:58 PM
Comment:
Alice Walker has truly articulated my feelings on the current presidential election. As a lifelong feminist, and black woman, it maddens me to no end to read about white women's comments concerning Hillary (i.e., I am a woman, therefore Hillary is the only relevant choice/ Hillary represents change only because she is a woman/Anyone not for Hillary is really a closet sexist/Woman who don't support Hillary are brainwashed, etc.), and yet, they completely ignore the potential for change embodied in Obama. They dismiss his campaign, and dismiss him, simply because he is a black man.
What is worse, they ignore Hillary's shortcomings - which are severe. I am shocked at how many among this group I've heard berate Bush and others for getting the U.S. involved in the current Iraq situation, but these very same women will have us ignore Hillary's involvement, and Hillary's hawkish voting record. In other words, for many in this group, HIllary doesn't even represent their ideals, yet they will vote for her simply because she is a woman.
A commenter below says it is a fallacy to compare racism and sexism. I agree. To compare the suffering of any group against another is silly -- its all suffering and it doesn't help anyone. It only minimizes and trivializes the others suffering when we weigh and compare. (The person who made the comment below then goes on to weigh and compare the suffering of women with blacks, anyway)
Inreading this piece, Ms. Walker does not seek to minimize the suffering of women, nor does she seek to show that women's suffering has been less than blacks. She did point out that white women, purely based on their race, have garnered some privileges. And their current "race criticisms" of Obama run completely contrary to their historical position in this country. Not only that, but they aren't in the same position as women of color- a truth many still ignore or fail to recognize.
That being said, it was a privilege reading this letter. -
Posted By:
lauderse at 04/15/2008 9:47:29 PM
Comment:
Thank you Alice Walker. Like other readers before me who commented, I too had tears come to my eyes as I read your article. I have never felt so strongly about a candidate as I do about Barack Obama. I don't know if voters recognize the significance of his statement that we must "end the politics of fear". We as a nation suffer from PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), I believe caused by FEAR, primarily after 9/11. We are insecure and in fear over perceived terrorist threats, over the healthcare crisis, the environmental crisis, the economy, the national debt, our standing as a nation in this global economy and a host of other issues. Because we can't predict the future, we have fear of the unknown and anyone that looks, speaks, and acts differently than us, or than we expect. But Obama reminds us that we are all members of a club called humanity. In our humanity, we are all brothers and sisters, and therefore, must do as God has called us to do, LOVE each other. Obama's purpose is to lead us as a nation as we walk through this consciousness of fear and make our way towards LOVE.
S. Lauder, Cleveland, Ohio -
Posted By:
s4font at 04/13/2008 10:34:15 PM
Comment:
To place racism above sexism as an oppressive force is a fallacy. The argument tend sot be based on the legally sanctioned institution of slavery, and yet discrimination against women has been and continues to be not only legal but considered socially acceptable. Remember that black men could vote right after the civil war (though there were definitely barriers) and women could not vote untlil 1920. Women, like racial minorities, continue to earn less than white men. Women continue to be blamed for their own rapes and beatings at the hands of men. They are socialized to hate their feminity and see it as inferior to masculinity. They are objectified and degraded, and then blamed for the objectification and degradation. They are confined to the stereotypical submissive female role or risk being called a ***. Many women won't vote for Hillary because they are threatened by her. She is smart, assertive and unconcerned about being 'nice'. When the news media cover her, they talk about her pantsuits and wonder why she doesn't try to be more likable. When they cover Obama, they wouldn't dare discuss his outfits or label his assertion as aggression. They can stereotype Hillary endlessly without repercussion,, but if someone dares hint at racial stereotypes, they are shredded by the media. Bill Clinton dares to say that Obama's war record is a fairy tale (based on his voting record, he makes qutie a point), and he is immediately labelled a racist. Yet, Obama's attacks on Clinton are not sexist. Perhaps I just don't get it. -
Posted By:
s4font at 04/13/2008 10:30:25 PM
Comment:
To place racism above sexism as an oppressive force is a fallacy. The argument tend sot be based on the legally sanctioned institution of slavery, and yet discrimination against women has been and continues to be not only legal but considered socially acceptable. Remember that black men could vote right after the civil war (though there were definitely barriers) and women could not vote untlil 1920. Women, like racial minorities, continue to earn less than white men. Women continue to be blamed for their own rapes and beatings at the hands of men. They are socialized to hate their feminity and see it as inferior to masculinity. They are objectified and degraded, and then blamed for the objectification and degradation. They are confined to the stereotypical submissive female role or risk being called a ***. Many women won't vote for Hillary because they are threatened by her. She is smart, assertive and unconcerned about being 'nice'. When the news media cover her, they talk about her pantsuits and wonder why she doesn't try to be more likable. When they cover Obama, they wouldn't dare discuss his outfits or label his assertion as aggression. They can stereotype Hillary endlessly without repercussion,, but if someone dares hint at racial stereotypes, they are shredded by the media. Bill Clinton dares to say that Obama's war record is a fairy tale (based on his voting record, he makes qutie a point), and he is immediately labelled a racist. Yet, Obama's attacks on Clinton are not sexist. Perhaps I just don't get it. -
Posted By:
lakshmikerner at 04/12/2008 5:41:30 PM
Comment:
With all my heart I thank you, Alice Walker. What an incredible human being you are! My body was wracked with sobs as I read your article and my heart is filled with hope. I am an older white woman and I am totally devoted to Barack Obama and his becoming President of the USA. YES, HE CAN; YES, I CAN! YES, YOU CAN! Lakshmi Kerner, Oakland, CA, barackobamamama.com -
Posted By:
m777 at 04/11/2008 1:26:21 PM
Comment:
Thank you Alice Walker , For once again giving a clear voice to those among us in the choir and those who have no voice yet . erungu@yahoo.com -
Posted By:
Wandrei at 04/11/2008 9:28:34 AM
Comment:
Heart-opener first, mind-opener second. I have NEVER (till now) seen the role of white women in the on-going racism in this country. I have alone borne the guilt of compliance, but I have five white daughters who need to immerse themselves in this beautiful harsh expose. David Wandre -
Posted By:
CPP at 04/10/2008 2:59:05 PM
Comment:
As a woman of color, at the beginning of this nomination process I was excited about the possibility of the "First" Woman, Latino or Black president. I considered myself in a win-win-win situation, however it played out.
After Gov. Richardson withdrew, I threw my support behind Hillary Clinton. Over time, though I questioned some of her assertions as being false. Long before the Bosnia story, there was her forceful declaration that she ".. was against NAFTA from the beginning." As First Lady, wasn't she expected to support her husband's policies? So I gave her the benefit of the doubt. But the more she touted her experience and her NAFTA stance, I, a political junkie at heart, began searching for any indication that post-White House, she had spoken out against NAFTA during her term in the Senate. Rather I found that she voted in favor of extending it on at least 4 separate occasions. In fact, as far as I can tell, it wasn't until it became an issue in this campaign that she expressed dissatisfaction. Every time I think of all those poor people in Youngstown, Ohio, and Pennsylvania whose jobs have disappeared as a result of NAFTA and Clinton smiling in their faces as she claimed to have been against it from the beginning, knowing that they struggle to keep their heads above water and feed their families, I like her less and less. Coupled with the Bosnia story, taking responsiblity for peace in Northern Ireland and voting for the Iraqi war, I not only question her truthfullness and judgment, I've doubts as to the extent of her experience as well.
As I said, I thought of this race for the nomination as a win-win situation. It is not. Nor is it about electing the "First" African American. Back in the day, I could not vote for Jesse Jackson simply because he was a Black Man, because I believed he was the wrong Black Man to lead this country. I now find that I can not vote for Hillary just because she'd be the "First" Woman. I believe, sadly, that she is the Wrong Woman. For me, Barack Obama is not the right "Black Man" for the Presidency.. He's the Right Man in all respects.
It truly is about change, hope and the future. -
Posted By:
Debanice at 04/10/2008 12:43:17 PM
Comment:
My G-d. That was the most beautiful, awe-inspiring whole heart that I ever laid eyes on. -
Posted By:
bamadebee at 04/09/2008 2:53:30 PM
Comment:
I have always had the utmost respect for Alice Walker, have read all her books and enjoyed them thoroughly. I don't think I can adequately express my disappointment and sadness at reading this letter. I have always (and always will be) been a supporter and activist for equal rights for all - no discrimination based on color, religion, sexual orientation, etc. But to say that Senator Clinton cannot separate herself from the past of her white brothers and sisters and what they have done to oppress blacks.... I think that is unfair and far from the truth when you look at Senator Clinton's record and work. I like Senator Obama and am happy to see him running for President. However, to me it sounds like Ms. Walker's letter is telling everyone that regardless of either's qualifications, that all African-Americans should vote for Obama BECAUSE he is a black man. I guess I have kidded myself in thinking that we had come further than this. -
Posted By:
ljimglas at 04/08/2008 3:02:37 AM
Comment:
It was obviously terribly traumatic for Alice Walker to gfrow up in the south, especially considering the attitude of her white relative, but she should realize that many whites--including myself-- fought for civil rights, because we honestly believe in equality. That whites have also faced discrimination in the US--EVERY immigrant group ("No Irish need apply"), Catholics (especially in the south--remember the "Know-Nothings"), Jews, of course... That if people (I mean I) am supporting Clinton, it's not because she's a woman, or white, but because she's older and has more experience than Obama, though I think he would also be a good President (though a BETTER one in 8 years, after gaining more experience--as VP or in another capacity--in a Clinton administration). -
Posted By:
ljimglas at 04/08/2008 3:00:31 AM
Comment:
It was obviously terribly traumatic for Alice Walker to gfrow up in the South, especially considering the attitude of her white relative, but she should realize that many whites--including myself-- fought for civil rights, because we honestly believe in equality. That whites have also faced discrimination in the US--EVERY immigrant group ("No Irish need apply...), Catholics (especially in the south--remember the "Know-Nothings"), Jews, of course... That if people (I mean I) am supporting Clinton, it's not because she's a woman, or white, but because she's older and has more experience than Obama, though I think he would also be a good President (though a BETTER one in 8 years, after gaining more experience--as VP or in another capacity--in a Clinton administration). -
Posted By:
venusatpoise at 04/08/2008 1:17:35 AM
Comment:
Finally! Someone said the truth clearly. Finally, I am glad to read what I have been feeling. And I am so glad that those words came from you, Ms. Walker. So, thank you. -
Posted By:
Sprout at 04/07/2008 12:56:57 PM
Comment:
Enjoyed the article but note a factual error: Barbara Boxer was NOT the only member of Congress to vote against the authorization to invade Iraq. Quite a few others did. Rep. Boxer was the only one to vote against the attack in Afghanistan after 9/11.-
Posted By:
CPP at 04/10/2008 2:24:09 PM
Comment:
Please read again. Ms. Walker refers to the vote by Rep. Barbara Lee ((D - CA)), and NOT Barbara Boxer as you quote her.
-
-
Posted By:
CharlieJohnson at 04/07/2008 12:57:34 AM
Comment:
I think the author contradicts herself by cataloguing Hillary into a rich, white mold and essentially weakens her own argument "...to build alliances based not on race, ethnicity, color, nationality, sexual preference or gender, but on Truth." Her judgments of Clinton as a politician are based upon Clinton's race and class history. She made the point several times that she judges a person by the quality of their character and not the color of their skin or their class. However, one of her main qualms in the article with Hillary, while referring to her niece's desire to vote Clinton '08 is that "there is little memory, apparently, of the foundational inequities that still plague people of color and poor whites in this country." This is an observation of our society, not one person, and it is unfair to generalize Hillary in this way. I am sure she means to implore that Clinton cannot be a peacemaker among races nor a visionary in regards to equality. But why? The only reasons I see are that Hillary is rich and white and, not only, can she not empathize with those that have been beaten down and trodden upon, but she may also possibly be a symbol of inequality, disparity, and injustice. Maybe she does have objective reasons for believing Hillary is not the best candidate for the job, but she does not relay them in this article and consequently undermines her own position of transcending the issues of race and class, when she herself reversely discriminates against Senator Clinton. -
Posted By:
CharlieJohnson at 04/06/2008 11:11:46 PM
Comment:
I think the author contradicts herself by cataloguing Hillary into a rich, white mold and essentially weakens her own argument "...to build alliances based not on race, ethnicity, color, nationality, sexual preference or gender, but on Truth." Her judgments of Clinton as a politician are based upon Clinton's race and class history. She made the point several times that she judges a person by the quality of their character and not the color of their skin or their class. However, one of her main qualms in the article with Hillary, while referring to her niece's desire to vote Clinton '08 is that "there is little memory, apparently, of the foundational inequities that still plague people of color and poor whites in this country." This is an observation of our society, not one person, and it is unfair to generalize Hillary in this way. I am sure she means to implore that Clinton cannot be a peacemaker among races nor a visionary in regards to equality. But why? The only reasons I see are that Hillary is rich and white and, not only, can she not empathize with those that have been beaten down and trodden upon, but she may also possibly be a symbol of inequality, disparity, and injustice. Maybe she does have objective reasons for believing Hillary is not the best candidate for the job, but she does not relay them in this article and consequently undermines her own position of transcending the issues of race and class, when she herself reversely discriminates against Senator Clinton. -
Posted By:
ken armond at 04/06/2008 9:52:26 PM
Comment:
I thank God for people like Alice Walker, someone with the wisdom and foresight of a Mandela. a visionary with the sensitivity of a Aung San Suu Kyi, a person with the passion of a Sidney Poiter. Now we are blessed on this earth with Obama. I pray god looks after him and keeps him invested with the hope of a generation. -
Posted By:
Megan46 at 04/06/2008 9:39:21 PM
Comment:
He is intelligent, well spoken and can bring those who have experience and vision into his cabinet and surround himself with people whose best interest is the American people. (can't say all the fore amention things about the present president.) Many have experience in politics, but it does not mean they can govern.
He (Obama) has widsom to deal with mean-spirited, bigoted, code-speaking, self-absorbed, pseudo-christian Bible-thumping warmongers who have hijacked the Whitehouse for their own personal and sad agendas.
I am willing to take a chance! -
Posted By:
pelaezdeverdad at 04/06/2008 8:30:37 PM
Comment:
Thank You. It is simple...there is either truth or there isn't...subjectivity not withstanding. And there is either integrity or there isn't; the desire to make life on this abused planet better or not. There is no inbetween. We cannot forget the legacy of our ancestors as we are the ancestors of our grand and greatgrand children, nieces, nephews, cousins. The Maya world looks to six directions, inculding the above and below....We are in that time, all of it converges in a sneeze. And all our pasts are here in the present affecting our future. If you believe we should have a future, look to the person who too sees that moment at hand. It does not take courage tjo step beyond the "tried and true," it only takes will. Will you?
Please reach past the morass of constant failure. Vote Obama...there is no one else running with a legacy for fundamental, bold, honest, humane, loving change for our dying "civiliazations."
Thank You Ms. Walker.
Annette Pelaez -
Posted By:
marion@haikuteam.com at 04/06/2008 3:48:18 PM
Comment:
I am a white woman of 56, grew up in post-World War II Germany, came to the US when I was 10, and have not had a difficult life. When they say that older white women will vote for Hillary Clinton, they???re talking about me. She has been a true hero to me for quite some time. However, I was impressed many months ago when a black man on a news talk show was asked if he and most black Americans would vote for Mr. Obama and he answered with only a slight snicker that he and most black Americans would vote for the candidate they felt was best qualified. On the other hand, I was sorely disappointed when two of my long time heroes Gerri Ferraro and Gloria Steinem made seemingly disparaging remarks about Barak Obama. We are women, and we will vote for the candidate we believe to be best qualified and who will best represent us. Period. To do otherwise is to get caught in our delusion, to believe our personal issues to be more important than the collectives'. Mere race or gender will not make a better president. No, there is much more going on here, and that these great women need to denigrate the process of choice saddens me. Women were supposed to be better than that. But Mrs. Clinton has resorted to tactics that embarrass me. She is not rising above it; she is not taking the high road; she has become a true politician listening to pollsters, advisers, and her husband, spitting out negativity and saying what she thinks will get her elected. She appears to not be able to listen to herself. We do not know what she stands for. She has also sorely miscalculated the negative impact Bill and her continuing admiration for him has on her candidacy. We don't want Bill in the White House again. We don't want the old sneaky ways, or the deceit. Nor do we want to risk more shame. We want to have hope and someone who brings a new paradigm. Mrs. Clinton has learned the politics and personal life of behind-the-doors deal making, and it is time for the more open and honest process of which Mr. Obama speaks. I am an older white woman and I changed my vote the night of the Caucuses here in Hawaii, so you can no longer count on me Mrs. Clinton. -
Posted By:
RosaMayP at 04/05/2008 10:49:40 PM
Comment:
I am a single white woman, nearly 64 years of age, born like Alice Walker, in 1944. I teach English in an urban community college, and I teach Miss Alice Walker's work.
When I watched Senator Obama's televised speech at the DNConvention in 2004, I stood up out of my bed, and, with tears streaming down my face, I cheered and, in my nightgown, I danced. No, I actually jumped for joy. I wanted to call my working-class mother and father, who taught me--in our racially charged Brooklyn 1950's neighborhood--good values and an uncompromising commitment to equality of persons. Unfortunately, since they're already Beyond, I couldn't reach them by phone. But it's all right because I know they knew.
Senator Barack Obama is an extraordinary human being. He is honest, brilliant, and human. I have been waiting, sometimes hoping against hope, for a visionary leader since the Spring of 1968, when our country lost two of its greatest leaders--Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Senator Robert Kennedy, my Senator from NY. It's been a long wait. If my white Movement sisters cannot understand and appreciate what we have in the junior Senator from Illinois, he and we will just have to damned well win without them.
Amen. -
Posted By:
Denise L at 04/05/2008 2:17:13 PM
Comment:
The time is now for Senator Barack Obama to lead us out of this mess of reccession, depression, war, lack of education, and lack of hope. He is the leader of the future for the country and the world. He is needed to fix the mess we are in so it can't and won't get broken again. -
Posted By:
Golden Hair at 04/05/2008 10:25:12 AM
Comment:
Thank-you Alice for expressing my own views so eloquently, truthfully and tactfully, something I have difficulty doing. I am a white woman but I intermarried and all of my descendents are now African/Native American because of this. Therefore in this sense I am on the same page, looking at life through the same (but my own) experiences with living in a European/British dominated society. I may have a little privilege when I travel without my family, (not being stopped by police, airport security, and not those glances) but I know of what you speak because I have seen the activities from the same view as you because I have traveled with people of color and seen the world right along beside them. The one thing we can thank the Clintons for is really displaying that bad racial behavior/relations had no place in their life style in the White House. Many black people called him the first black President because they felt his sincerity. I give the Clinton's, mostly Bill, A+ for that national feeling of inclusion, I mean he even came close to freeing Leonard Peltier, but the FBI gave him the option of forgetting about that or they would go ahead with all of those things they had against him. And life goes on. I remember Dr. King, right now, still in my heart and soul forever. Peace -
Posted By:
June Paula at 04/05/2008 7:35:57 AM
Comment:
What a beautiful statement by Alice Walker, of what has been and what can be. All with dignity, free of bitterness for the present and future, even for the past. Despite those who would deny, distort or try to bury that history, this is what America was to millions of poor people in the South. I have known of and understand what Alice Walker describes. After sacrifices of millions, the Civil Rights Movement brought many corrections to American life for millions like her. Corrections to a great America that those millions helped build.
Now all of America can exercise another tradition, new for many: a peaceful independent powerful great movement to achieve what our republic has always espoused in theory.
What a God given opportunity to be part of this important last step, voting for a singularly prepared, brilliant consensus builder who can not only navigate raging waters at home but around the world.
We are all of one blood. Obama was prepared by his parents love, by his mother's love of people and his education and dedication to America and its role in the world. He is singularly prepared and equiped to reclaim the best of America's legacy. There is no question who we should choose. Senator Barak Obama. -
Posted By:
BAC at 04/04/2008 5:41:42 PM
Comment:
"...as the Hopi elders would say: Who do we want in the boat with us as we head for the rapids?"
For me there is no question who I would choose -- Sen. Hillary Clinton. I can't imagine anyone more capable of taking on the raging waters, and getting us safely to our destination.
BAC -
Posted By:
BAC at 04/04/2008 5:36:28 PM
Comment:
"...as the Hopi elders would say: Who do we want in the boat with us as we head for the rapids?"
For me there is no question who that person would be -- Sen. Hillary Clinton. I cannot imagine anyone better to navigate the raging water. I admire her ability to take the strong hits, and keep standing. We live in difficult times, and I want a leader with the capacity to withstand all that will surely come their way. For me, that person is Sen. Clinton.
BAC -
Posted By:
flashgordon at 04/04/2008 5:35:11 PM
Comment:
I thank you for your expression; its refreshing... -
Posted By:
Gretchen at 04/04/2008 3:52:02 PM
Comment:
This is in response to Mrs. Jones comment below (ti wouldn't let me post where it said reply).
I voted for Senator Clinton in the Connecticut primary, although I would have voted for Edwards given the opportunity. I certainly like Senator Obama, and when the time comes, will gladly support his candidacy. But like Ms. Jones who finds it "quite amusing when people who do not support Obama think that those of us who do are ignorant, naive, politically inept, historical morons who drank the 'Obama kool-aid'", I see the same reaction from many Obama supporters (and others) regarding those of us who have chosen to support Clinton. Right after the New Hampshire moment when Clinton got a little choked up, and then won the primary, it was attributed to us emotional womenfolk.
I disagree, with this poster, that Alice Walker's analyisis is based on what is important to her and not based on race. Much of her article speaks about the her life experiences are sharply colored by the way her race impacted her life, or more accurately, the way her life was impacted so deeply because of her race. Clearly she isn't saying she is voting for Obama becasue she's black and he's the black candidate, but certainly she speaks of a kinship of experience. And don't we all do this? Even when there's three white guys running (and there usually is!) don't we all select the one that has an approach, or an agenda, or a position on an issue that resonates within us? Like that old bumper sticker from the seventies says, All politics are personal.
Lastly, and out of order, I do see that some folks have responded to a small portion of Ms. Walker's article, and it is sometimes out of context. But,as did another poster, I felt that Walker's comment about Clinton not being "Self assured enough to use her own name" was gratuitous, and deserving of comment.
What I do like is reading everyone's posts, and the dialogue, here and in many other places. No matter who wins the primary, I hope to continue finding interesting and thoughtful "conversations" long after the election. -
Posted By:
lizabethj2 at 04/04/2008 3:50:18 PM
Comment:
Like you, I am dismayed when I learn that someone I respected is not supporting Barack Obama. I expect racism to be part of some non-supporters - I don't condone it - but I expect it. But when someone like Maya Angelou supports Clinton, I am crushed. Not because she's not supporting someone who's black, but because she's supporting someone who's so dishonest and who has run her campaign AGAINST Obama making the campaign about race.
After Bill's comments comparting Obama to Jesse Jackson (because all black people are the same, right???) and Ferraro saying that he's only winning because he's black (since when has THAT been an advantage) I'm finding it difficult to understand how there's even on black person still supporting Clinton. If they do, they're not black enough for me and I'm a 50 year old white woman. -
Posted By:
lizabethj2 at 04/04/2008 3:42:27 PM
Comment:
Like, you I am so disappointed when people that I had faith in, do not support Barack Obama. Not supporting him because of his race, is part of our society that I expect - not condone - but expect. But, when I heard that Maya Angelou was supporting Hillary Clinton, it saddened me deeply. To me, her support of Clinton signals an acceptance of dishonesty and dirty politics. By the way, I'm 50 and white.
After Bill's comments comparing Obama to Jesse Jackson (because all blacks are alike right???) and Ferraro saying that Obama's success is only because he's black (since when has that been an advantage?) , I can't imagine even one black person supporting Clinton. If they do, they're not black enough for me. -
Posted By:
Atlanta WAND at 04/04/2008 2:39:14 PM
Comment:
Alice Walker???s letter is amazingly written. This article combines current happenings, like the election with Alice's unique history. Her style combines her great experience and nostalgic tone with her brave and bold opinions.
Her newest book ???We Are The Ones We???ve Been Waiting For??? is terrific. The title is derived from a June Jordan poem and has been quoted by Barack Obama in numerous speeches. Alice is truly an artist, an activist, a shero!!
The next time Alice is coming to Atlanta is for Mother???s Day for Peace sponsored by Atlanta WAND on May 6th, 2008 at Spelman College, where she graduated.
I am reading this book with my Mom and then I got her tickets and we will see Alice Walker make the keynote address. This is truly going to be a wonderful event and memory for my mom and myself.
If anyone is interested tickets and information are available at www.atlantawand.org . -
Posted By:
rimarboot at 04/04/2008 1:57:24 PM
Comment:
I am a 58 year old white woman who was greatly moved by this article. I too, am very disappointed in my sisters who think it is required that they vote for the first woman running for president over any other consideration. I see Clinton and her husband (very much a part of this race) as old-guard, politics as usual, with the same old distortions of the truth, animosity and endorsing of the status quo. Obama gives me real hope for a better America, a uniting of all it's citizens for a better society that recognizes the potential and talents of all. I support Obama because, as you said, he represents a fresh choice, a chance to do things better. I believe i would vote for him no matter his color or sex. I heard a commenter say that it's so refreshing to hear a candidate talk to us intelligently, and i have to agree. I'm so sick of politics as usual and i think that's exactly what the Clintons (and they seem to both be running) represent. I am so sorry, Alice Walker, for all the injustice you and your people have endured. I admire you so much for not only trying to make things better, but wanting to move forward and reach a higher goal, see all people live better lives. I agree with you on so many points and want to see that 'grown-up' attitude in our politicians toward the rest of the world in general. Like you, i believe our leaders must learn to talk to other leaders, other people, even our so called enemies. Without that, we are left with nothing but the primitive weapons of war. Our future does depend on our ability to think and reason and have meaningful discourse with each other. I want a president capable of these things, someone who continues to learn and educate himself and lead by example. Thank you Ms. Walker, for your courage and humanity and for being an inspiring voice in the wilderness. -
Posted By:
rimarboot at 04/04/2008 1:35:07 PM
Comment:
I am a 59 year old white woman who was greatly moved by this article. I was already convinced, however, to vote for Obama, even though it has been a life-long dream to see a woman as president. But it must be the right woman. Though i think Hillary is smart, she also has proven herself less than honest on more than one occassion and ready to play nasty politics to achieve her goals.
She also carries old political baggage and ideas. I am very dissappointed in my sisters who think the only issue here is to vote for a woman without weighing who that woman is and what she represents, other than her sex. I think Obama is every bit as smart and i love the way he handles himself, with dignity and calm. As i heard some commenter say, he's the first candidate in a very long time who talks and acts like an intelligent grown-up person. His responses are intelligent and thought out and i don't feel they are dictated by a legion of advisors who are expert on what the public wants to hear. We live in a dangerous and complex world and need a leader up to the challlange. Not another puppet, propped up by lobbyists. Alice Walker, i am so sorry for the injustices done to you and your people throughout your and their lifetimes. I only hope that the future will bring a more equal society where all of us are allowed to live our dreams, be treated with respect and matter to our country, allow our talents to bloom and make our contributions. What a waste of human potential to have it not be so. Obama, i believe, is our chance at going in a better direction, having real discussion, involving all our people and their special skills, in the building of a real democratic society. -
Posted By:
Primarycloud at 04/04/2008 11:27:42 AM
Comment:
I find it so sad that so many of us believe that we have to carry the past with us as a major part of who we are and motivates our actions. No progress, no growth in consciousness. Can it not be possible for personal change no matter how dark and painful our upbringing. I disagree, I believe that we are all on a personal journey of growth and change. That all though the past is a foundation, it is what we do to overcome and grow, what we do, be it a small step or a big step, to infuse that foundation with new light, new possibilities not only for us but for those who follow. No matter how privileged or depressed, tortured or nurtured it is for us to learn, grow and change. To be alight in the dark. No matter the gender, economic standing, intelligence level or racial sub group, we are all, knowingly or not, on the same voyage. we are all searching, seeking, reaching for "? ".
So it is that it saddens me to see people who re saddled with the past and/ or personal experiences a as prism, a fulcrum around which their lives revolve and are directed. May we all reach for the ineffable that is at the core of all being. -
Posted By:
HAWAH at 04/04/2008 10:19:39 AM
Comment:
Your words ring so loud and clearly. I was writing an essay myself about this same topic. Me as a 30 year old young person of color. I was writing that I may not agree with all his policies, but I do sense within Obama such a deep sense of conviction. He is on a quest, as many of us reading, for equality and justice. He is truly a remarkable man, and you Ms. Walker, are truly a remarkable woman. Thank you for sharing your spirit with the world. In service to love for life. HAWAH (www.everlutionary.net)