Obama: A view from Georgia, USA

[brer cat]

I was born in 1946 in rural South Georgia. Every city, town, and rural community was racially segregated. The only black people I knew were house maids, and they knew their "place"; black yard-men were employed, but viewed only from a (safe??) distance; black children were never in my presence. I was 20 years old before I sat in a classroom with a black student, and they were very few and far between. I was in my 40’s—that is NOT a typo (1980’s for the math-challenged) —before I worked in an office with black co-workers other than the night cleaning staff.

How did I come from these roots to passionately support Barack Obama? I believe that it is because I was raised by Democrats, with the core values the party has represented and supported.

I was brought up to care about neighbors, to help feed, clothe and care for those going through a hard time, and not discuss or 'cuss how they happened to get into that state of need. I was brought up by a woman who worked "outside the home" when it was NOT the thing to do, because she wanted more for herself as well as her children. I was brought up to welcome a Pakistani educator who was visiting America for the first time, and introduce him to my church despite the hard stares we got because of his dark skin color. I was brought up by parents who cared for the elderly, whether related to them or not, because they deserved respect for their life’s work, whether at home caring for children or in the corporate world.

Democratic values…Obama values.

Don’t ever forget our roots, and don’t apologize. We.can.do.it!

[Beregond2]

1. Thanks for a lovely post.

[TooRaLoo]

2. Happy to be Rec'er #2. Great post! nt

[tblue]

3. I thank God for YOU! You have what I call moral courage.

Wish I could clone you!

[brer cat]

10. Thank you.

I don't have to be cloned...there are many of us out there!

[gateley]

4. Beautiful post. And you must be so proud of your parents.

I know, if they're still around, they're proud of you. If they've moved on, they still know. :hug:

[brer cat]

8. I believe that they do!

Thank you.

[The Traveler]

5. As a fellow Georgian

All I can say is ... amen, Brer Cat. Amen.

Trav

:toast:

[Frances]

6. My story is similar to yours

I was born in southern Alabama in 1941. I went to public schools from 1st grade through college in totally segregated schools.

I am 1000% for Obama.

[brer cat]

9. we learned a lot, didn't we! n/t

[gateley]

16. You understand the way things were that most of us can only imagine.

That you grew up in such an area in such a time and yet were led by your heart and love for your fellow man, speaks volumes. I'm proud to "know" you. :pals:

[oldleftguy]

7. Great Post!

Solidarity.

[Arctic Dave]

11. K&R My southern brother.

[provis99]

12. I love hearing from other Southerners that are liberal

Living in Mississippi, I used to feel like I was on Bizarro World, politically.

[brer cat]

13. We are not alone

and we are growing. The South will rise again...Democratic and FOR Obama.

[President Decider]

14. GREAT POST! .... ATLANTA FOR OBAMA IN DA HOUSE RIGHT HERE!

[brer cat]

15. Thank you. n/t

[gratefultobelib]

17. Born in 1942, also grew up in segregated town in central MO. Like you I

never thought to credit my liberal views with having been raised in a Democratic home, but hey, I think you're right! My username says it all, and by the way, my 4 grown children have the same views as I do!

[brer cat]

18. Mine do too! n/t

[Frances]

19. My two children and their spouses do too

I am so grateful for that.