This election will effect race relations for decades to come...

[eeyore]

This election is obviously monumental in terms of race relations. For the first time, an African American can support a person who, at least on the surface, reflects their American experience.

At the beginning of this election, however, many black people were skeptical of Obama. It was almost as though there was a reluctance to hope, to believe in the possibility that a black person could actually even make it through the primaries, let alone the Presidential election. But against their best self-protective instincts, African Americans began to hope and dream, and perhaps for the first time in decades experience something seemingly foreign - a sense of unlimited possibility.

What will happen to this country if he loses? All of these people who overcame their well founded cynicism, how will they react? Will a generation of young African Americans be inspired by seeing their parents support him? Will he be a role model for the future? Or will their parents tell them that they were foolish for allowing themselves to hope in the first place? Will their parents reactions to a loss teach them that dreaming isn't realistic, that there will never be true possibility for black America.

Throughout this election I've spoken with black friends and neighbors along the way. I've watched as they've overcome their skepticism, as they've let go of their collective experience and decided that it could just be possible. For the first time, a segment of our society is being given reason to dream about true equality in this country.

I truly cannot allow myself to believe that this is not possible. I see all of these young black men in my neighborhood, hanging out on the corners, and I just have to wonder what would happen if these kids only had a role model. For most of their lives they've had no reason to hope, no reason to dream of even leaving the neighborhood. Now they see someone who looks like them a few months away from becoming President.

This election means so much to the future of this country. Whatever the turnout, an entire generation will be hugely effected by the results. We can't afford to let it slip away.

[wilt the stilt]

1. I have beeb registering voters

and primarily African Americans. They know it's there shot and they are so excited. I spoke to 2 different individuals and they want to help me register other people. It would be the greatest for this country and maybe for one we can muzzle the racists. GoBama!!!!!

[eeyore]

5. That's great!

I think the even bigger challenge is making sure they are allowed to vote, sad to say. After what we saw in Florida in 200 and Ohio in 2004, I don't put anything past the bastards.

[SwampG8r]

2. i hate to say i

but i am ashamed of some of the people i know
i have always been at the low pay end of the spectrum
i love what i do so i never cared about the money
in my work only talent and ability matter
i have a large circle of friends and family and coworkers
all who spoke with moral superiority on racial issues as those issues presented themselves
they talked the talk
now
i find myself confronting fellow americans who
when given the opportunity to live up to their words
say they wont do it
older women who spent lives working on womens issues
are willing to go against every gain since 1920
people who have worked to promote racisms end
are telling me that race and rae alone will decide for them
i never knew them to be so frightened
or so hypocritical
they dont walk the walk

i am truly ashamed
but i am using the power of my disappointment to change minds
if a friend says hes not voting obama
i go directly then as softly and calmly as i can to explain how they are hurting me by their actions
how they are hurting their mom their sister their daughter themselves
how they are hurting veterans with their actions
but most of all i let them know that i am personally ashamed they can think that way
shame is power too
ask a catholic

[eeyore]

4. Aaaah...Florida

What a strange and complex place Florida is. Keep up the good fight, my friend. All we can do is talk to those we know and meet. From there, for better or worse, it's in their hands.

[SwampG8r]

7. true about florida

people read hiassen an dorsey books and think they are satires
usually they are non fiction
i am a life long resident and im starting to feel like we are americas shriveling dick

[elkston]

3. If he loses and is ahead in the polls before election day, race relations will be destroyed.

It will be a crushing blow and I tell you personally that I will be demoralzied about what is possible in this country.

[eeyore]

6. Agreed...

But if he wins, the positive effect would be immense. I know it's hard, but we have to believe it's possible.