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They don't represent me.
Author: Raine
Date: 09/14/2009 12:48:16
I have often spoken about racism here in this blog and in other places. To tell you the truth, being white doesn't make it very comfortable for me to talk about it, but-- my being white makes it quite necessary to talk about it. I don't know why such blatant racism is suddenly allowed in this country. I don't know why such vitriol is acceptable for so many people.
The easy answer would be to say that it's because of WHO we have as a President. That would be easy, but it's a cop out. These people are using that as an excuse to express the hatred that lies inside themselves. Where that hate came from, I don't know. TV? Radio? Does it matter?
So many people marched for Civil rights in this nation. People died for the cause. So, the questions I have are: Are we going to let a group of people who want to drag this country back to Jim Crow days frame a debate that they created? Are we going to let a small group of white people decide the direction of this country? Are we going to allow for another civil war to happen? The question I ask of myself: am I going to let those people represent me?
I am quite serious about this. What is happening in America right now, is happening right before our eyes. I am having serious moments of true embarrassment. This is no longer just a few abnormalities or isolated incidents. When I see people of color, I find myself from time to time wondering -- do they think I am one of those teabaggers? My friends know I am not, but what about people who I pass on the street? I look at history books, and think wow, white people did that? Now I'm seeing people actually advocating for the right to have separate water fountains again. One of the Tea Party organizers said over the weekend: "We want to bring back the America we had 100 years ago."
You and I saw the signs over the weekend. I don't need to rehash that gross misrepresentation of America. What I do have to do is tell you, I am not one of those people. I want to live in a country that will let me speak for those who have no voice and lets me stand up for those that can't. I choose to walk in other people shoes so I can better understand. There are things I can never fully understand, but I choose not to remain ignorant. You see, I believe our country is lifted up when we give a hand to those that have less. It's that simple. Only then will we become a nation of equality for all. I hope that we can work together making this a More Perfect Union that includes all colors and flavors-- not just white teabaggers.
& 
Raine
The easy answer would be to say that it's because of WHO we have as a President. That would be easy, but it's a cop out. These people are using that as an excuse to express the hatred that lies inside themselves. Where that hate came from, I don't know. TV? Radio? Does it matter?
So many people marched for Civil rights in this nation. People died for the cause. So, the questions I have are: Are we going to let a group of people who want to drag this country back to Jim Crow days frame a debate that they created? Are we going to let a small group of white people decide the direction of this country? Are we going to allow for another civil war to happen? The question I ask of myself: am I going to let those people represent me?
I am quite serious about this. What is happening in America right now, is happening right before our eyes. I am having serious moments of true embarrassment. This is no longer just a few abnormalities or isolated incidents. When I see people of color, I find myself from time to time wondering -- do they think I am one of those teabaggers? My friends know I am not, but what about people who I pass on the street? I look at history books, and think wow, white people did that? Now I'm seeing people actually advocating for the right to have separate water fountains again. One of the Tea Party organizers said over the weekend: "We want to bring back the America we had 100 years ago."
You and I saw the signs over the weekend. I don't need to rehash that gross misrepresentation of America. What I do have to do is tell you, I am not one of those people. I want to live in a country that will let me speak for those who have no voice and lets me stand up for those that can't. I choose to walk in other people shoes so I can better understand. There are things I can never fully understand, but I choose not to remain ignorant. You see, I believe our country is lifted up when we give a hand to those that have less. It's that simple. Only then will we become a nation of equality for all. I hope that we can work together making this a More Perfect Union that includes all colors and flavors-- not just white teabaggers.
& Raine
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Raine on 09/14/2009 13:08:57
Momma!
Raine on 09/14/2009 13:08:57
Momma!
Comment by Raine on 09/14/2009 13:13:58
Raine on 09/14/2009 13:13:58
animals.
Comment by 
TriSec on 09/14/2009 13:18:39
TriSec on 09/14/2009 13:18:39
Morning, folks!
Hypocrisy, thy name is teabag.
Add it to the list...."Patriot" day, the "Minuteman", and now "Teabaggers".
I'm pissed off beyond all measure that these names and places meaningful to ALL Americans are now being used to foster hatred, racism, and "Patriotic Stupitidy". (yes, I just made that up.)
Fuckers.
And where the hell were they the past 8 years when their boys were spending the US's money like drunken sailors?
Oh, yeah, GEORGE BUSH WAS A WHITE MAN.
Hypocrisy, thy name is teabag.
Add it to the list...."Patriot" day, the "Minuteman", and now "Teabaggers".
I'm pissed off beyond all measure that these names and places meaningful to ALL Americans are now being used to foster hatred, racism, and "Patriotic Stupitidy". (yes, I just made that up.)
Fuckers.
And where the hell were they the past 8 years when their boys were spending the US's money like drunken sailors?
Oh, yeah, GEORGE BUSH WAS A WHITE MAN.
Comment by 
wickedpam on 09/14/2009 13:19:12
wickedpam on 09/14/2009 13:19:12
Morning 
Comment by 
Will in Chicago on 09/14/2009 13:28:04
Will in Chicago on 09/14/2009 13:28:04
Good morning, bloggers!
Great post, Raine! I often wonder about the tea baggers, and wonder if they really understand their statements. One hundred years ago, people were still fighting for the right to organize, child labor was common, and discrimination was rampant. The good old days were only good for a select few.
Perhaps the teabaggers should remind themselves of a saying often attributed to Abraham Lincoln: You can only hold another man down by lowering yourself.
Great post, Raine! I often wonder about the tea baggers, and wonder if they really understand their statements. One hundred years ago, people were still fighting for the right to organize, child labor was common, and discrimination was rampant. The good old days were only good for a select few.
Perhaps the teabaggers should remind themselves of a saying often attributed to Abraham Lincoln: You can only hold another man down by lowering yourself.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 09/14/2009 13:49:02
Raine, this is so wrong. How many families have photos like the ones involved in this suit.
Before I clicked the link, I thought it was some of the usual stuff that I have come to expect from WalMart of Borg.
(Original story at Neighbors Wary as New "Borg" Walmart
Prepares to Open
Will in Chicago on 09/14/2009 13:49:02
Quote by Raine:
I would be suing Walmart too.
Raine, this is so wrong. How many families have photos like the ones involved in this suit.
Before I clicked the link, I thought it was some of the usual stuff that I have come to expect from WalMart of Borg.
(Original story at Neighbors Wary as New "Borg" Walmart
Prepares to Open
Comment by 
Scoopster on 09/14/2009 13:49:42
Scoopster on 09/14/2009 13:49:42
Morning folks!
I've been down & out for the past few days.. turns out I drank enough of the tainted water to get a really nasty reaction from it (pukes, fever, and other lovely gastrointestinal effects which I will not mention but I'm sure you could imagine). Didn't end up in the hospital thankfully, but the doc did prescribe some antibiotics. Remind me to thank the water authority for waiting two days to tell anyone about the e.coli outbreak.
Anyways, I kinda reached the breaking point with teabaggers, wingnuts, and the self-enshrined false prophets who drive their hysteria the other day - I will no longer tolerate their rantings whether they be in print, online, or on the radio or television. And I will no longer respond either - I refuse to give any more attention or response to this paranoia.
Well okay, except for satire.
I've been down & out for the past few days.. turns out I drank enough of the tainted water to get a really nasty reaction from it (pukes, fever, and other lovely gastrointestinal effects which I will not mention but I'm sure you could imagine). Didn't end up in the hospital thankfully, but the doc did prescribe some antibiotics. Remind me to thank the water authority for waiting two days to tell anyone about the e.coli outbreak.
Anyways, I kinda reached the breaking point with teabaggers, wingnuts, and the self-enshrined false prophets who drive their hysteria the other day - I will no longer tolerate their rantings whether they be in print, online, or on the radio or television. And I will no longer respond either - I refuse to give any more attention or response to this paranoia.
Well okay, except for satire.
Comment by Raine on 09/14/2009 13:54:27
Raine on 09/14/2009 13:54:27
Scoop I was sondering how you were doing. Glad you are feeling better.
Comment by Raine on 09/14/2009 13:55:17
I know. I was stunned that they would do this-- The kids were taken away!
Raine on 09/14/2009 13:55:17
Quote by Will in Phoenix:Quote by Raine:
I would be suing Walmart too.
Raine, this is so wrong. How many families have photos like the ones involved in this suit.
Before I clicked the link, I thought it was some of the usual stuff that I have come to expect from WalMart of Borg.
Comment by Raine on 09/14/2009 13:55:44
Raine on 09/14/2009 13:55:44
I love the Billionaires for wealth. I just LOVE them.
Comment by Raine on 09/14/2009 14:00:41
Raine on 09/14/2009 14:00:41
That article is in this months Vanity Fair... Scary stuff.
Manchester also discovered that Dallas “had become the Mecca for medicine-show evangelists … the Minutemen, the John Birch and Patrick Henry Societies, and the headquarters of [ultra-conservative oil billionaire] H. L. Hunt and his activities.”
“In that third year of the Kennedy presidency,” Manchester wrote, “a kind of fever lay over Dallas country. Mad things happened. Huge billboards screamed, ‘Impeach Earl Warren.’ Jewish stores were smeared with crude swastikas.…Radical Right polemics were distributed in public schools; Kennedy’s name was booed in classrooms; corporate junior executives were required to attend radical seminars.” A retired major general ran the American flag upside down, deriding it as “the Democrat flag.” A wanted poster with J.F.K.’s face on it was circulated, announcing “this man is Wanted” for—among other things—“turning the sovereignty of the US over to the Communist controlled United Nations” and appointing “anti-Christians … aliens and known Communists” to federal offices. And a full-page advertisement had appeared the day of the assassination in The Dallas Morning News accusing Kennedy of making a secret deal with the Communist Party; when it was shown to the president, he was appalled. He turned to Jacqueline, who was visibly upset, and said, “Oh, you know, we’re heading into nut country today.”
Comment by TriSec on 09/14/2009 14:19:10
Scoop, I have had a longstanding policy of ignoring, deleting, or disparaging anyone the second after they mention "Chappaquiddick" when discussing our deceased Senator Kennedy.
Following suit, I shall add anyone using the term "teabag" "birth certificate", "9/11" or anything else in similar circumstances.
I'm with ya on that one. And see below, it's doubly-irritating for me, because most of the icons they've chosen to represent their causes are ones that are meaningful for New Englanders and the Nation....because they meant something different 200 years ago.
TriSec on 09/14/2009 14:19:10
Quote by Scoopster:
Anyways, I kinda reached the breaking point with teabaggers, wingnuts, and the self-enshrined false prophets who drive their hysteria the other day - I will no longer tolerate their rantings whether they be in print, online, or on the radio or television. And I will no longer respond either - I refuse to give any more attention or response to this paranoia.
Scoop, I have had a longstanding policy of ignoring, deleting, or disparaging anyone the second after they mention "Chappaquiddick" when discussing our deceased Senator Kennedy.
Following suit, I shall add anyone using the term "teabag" "birth certificate", "9/11" or anything else in similar circumstances.
I'm with ya on that one. And see below, it's doubly-irritating for me, because most of the icons they've chosen to represent their causes are ones that are meaningful for New Englanders and the Nation....because they meant something different 200 years ago.
Comment by 
livingonli on 09/14/2009 14:36:06
livingonli on 09/14/2009 14:36:06
Good morning everyone.
Just a quick hit and run before I hit the doctor's office. Wish me luck.
Just a quick hit and run before I hit the doctor's office. Wish me luck.
Comment by Raine on 09/14/2009 14:38:17
Raine on 09/14/2009 14:38:17
Oh mah gawd.
Comment by TriSec on 09/14/2009 14:42:23
TriSec on 09/14/2009 14:42:23
Comment by 
BobR on 09/14/2009 14:54:26
BobR on 09/14/2009 14:54:26
Morning all - feeling a bit crappy this morning. Hope it's not the swine flu, me being without insurance and all...
Comment by Raine on 09/14/2009 14:54:59
Raine on 09/14/2009 14:54:59
Neil Boortz does it again:
Comment by Raine on 09/14/2009 15:03:28
Raine on 09/14/2009 15:03:28
And once again the DHS security report has been proven correct.
Police Say White Supremacist Jailed for Threatening Attack on Facebook Page
Police Say White Supremacist Jailed for Threatening Attack on Facebook Page
Comment by 
m-hadley on 09/14/2009 15:28:41
Good Luck, Liv!
Hope that the report is good
Morning everybody 
Another excellent post Raine 
Just a drive-by greeting today - gotta get back to work 
Cheers,
mfaye
m-hadley on 09/14/2009 15:28:41
Quote by livingonli:
Good morning everyone.
Just a quick hit and run before I hit the doctor's office. Wish me luck.
Good Luck, Liv!
Hope that the report is good
Morning everybody Another excellent post Raine Just a drive-by greeting today - gotta get back to work Cheers,
mfaye
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 09/14/2009 15:29:55
Mondobubba on 09/14/2009 15:29:55
Two thirds of a death trifecta.
The real Norma Rae has died.
Jim Carroll is now a person who has died, died.
The real Norma Rae has died.
Jim Carroll is now a person who has died, died.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/14/2009 15:30:51
The would be for Crystal Lee Sutton.
Mondobubba on 09/14/2009 15:30:51
The would be for Crystal Lee Sutton.
Comment by livingonli on 09/14/2009 15:53:18
livingonli on 09/14/2009 15:53:18
Back from the doctor's office. No weight change but much better blood sugar numbers. Hopefully with my pending move (still haven't locked a place in yet) that will help me lose more weight at least for that period.
Comment by Scoopster on 09/14/2009 16:02:52
Scoopster on 09/14/2009 16:02:52
Welcome back Livin! Seems like decent news all around on the medical front for bloggeristas.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/14/2009 16:04:41
Does a yoga dog do a downward human? Just wondering.
Mondobubba on 09/14/2009 16:04:41
Quote by Scoopster:
What in the hell?! (linked for large image)
Does a yoga dog do a downward human? Just wondering.
Comment by Raine on 09/14/2009 16:05:32
There is one for cats too...
Raine on 09/14/2009 16:05:32
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Scoopster:
What in the hell?! (linked for large image)
Does a yoga dog do a downward human? Just wondering.
There is one for cats too...
Comment by Raine on 09/14/2009 16:20:03
Raine on 09/14/2009 16:20:03
Comment by m-hadley on 09/14/2009 16:49:39
BobR,
Hope you feel betters soon Have you had the interview that was originally scheduled for last Wed.? Hope all goes (or went) well!
Cheers,
mfaye
m-hadley on 09/14/2009 16:49:39
Quote by BobR:
Morning all - feeling a bit crappy this morning. Hope it's not the swine flu, me being without insurance and all...
BobR,
Hope you feel betters soon
Have you had the interview that was originally scheduled for last Wed.? Hope all goes (or went) well!Cheers,
mfaye
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/14/2009 16:52:37
Oh that would just be showing off to dogs and people. Even my fat red cat can bend himself into impossible pretzel like shapes with no effort. Yeah I'm talking about you, Rio.
Mondobubba on 09/14/2009 16:52:37
Quote by Raine:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Scoopster:
What in the hell?! (linked for large image)
Does a yoga dog do a downward human? Just wondering.
There is one for cats too...
Oh that would just be showing off to dogs and people. Even my fat red cat can bend himself into impossible pretzel like shapes with no effort. Yeah I'm talking about you, Rio.
Comment by BobR on 09/14/2009 17:02:24
What self-respecting cat would do a downward dog?
BobR on 09/14/2009 17:02:24
Quote by Raine:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Scoopster:
What in the hell?! (linked for large image)
Does a yoga dog do a downward human? Just wondering.
There is one for cats too...
What self-respecting cat would do a downward dog?
Comment by BobR on 09/14/2009 17:03:27
Thanks.
As it turns out, they screwed up on the scheduling, and by the time they figured it out, they had already made an offer to someone else.
BobR on 09/14/2009 17:03:27
Quote by m-hadley:Quote by BobR:
Morning all - feeling a bit crappy this morning. Hope it's not the swine flu, me being without insurance and all...
BobR,
Hope you feel betters soon
Cheers,
mfaye
Thanks.
As it turns out, they screwed up on the scheduling, and by the time they figured it out, they had already made an offer to someone else.
Comment by livingonli on 09/14/2009 17:05:12
livingonli on 09/14/2009 17:05:12
Lynn Samuels opened her show on Sirius playing Jim Carroll.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/14/2009 17:08:36
They call it something else, like hey I can do this all day, why can't you?
Mondobubba on 09/14/2009 17:08:36
Quote by BobR:Quote by Raine:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Scoopster:
What in the hell?! (linked for large image)
Does a yoga dog do a downward human? Just wondering.
There is one for cats too...
What self-respecting cat would do a downward dog?
They call it something else, like hey I can do this all day, why can't you?
Comment by livingonli on 09/14/2009 17:11:29
livingonli on 09/14/2009 17:11:29
David Horowitz is a big turd dropper.
Comment by Raine on 09/14/2009 17:17:27
Raine on 09/14/2009 17:17:27
Horowitz is trying to make the connection that liberal are going to lead to Nazism.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 09/14/2009 17:24:43
Horowitz's arguments are incoherent, and he overestimates the threats in many areas. I find Hamas and Hezbollah to be hateful organizations, which want to establish Islamic republics, but they are not a major threat to the U.S.
Horowitz peddles fear as he has nothing else to offer.
Will in Chicago on 09/14/2009 17:24:43
Quote by livingonli:
David Horowitz is a big turd dropper.
Horowitz's arguments are incoherent, and he overestimates the threats in many areas. I find Hamas and Hezbollah to be hateful organizations, which want to establish Islamic republics, but they are not a major threat to the U.S.
Horowitz peddles fear as he has nothing else to offer.
Comment by Scoopster on 09/14/2009 17:26:59
Scoopster on 09/14/2009 17:26:59
Wow man.. digging thru some of the screenshots of FFXIV and I'm just wowed at the graphic improvements.
BTW got to play some Aion last week in the open beta and it was pretty good.
BTW got to play some Aion last week in the open beta and it was pretty good.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/14/2009 17:34:36
Horowitz with all the skills he developed as trotskyite Marxist in the 60s know a thing or two about propaganda. :coughusedSummer'sEvedouchebagcough:
Mondobubba on 09/14/2009 17:34:36
Quote by Raine:
Horowitz is trying to make the connection that liberal are going to lead to Nazism.
Horowitz with all the skills he developed as trotskyite Marxist in the 60s know a thing or two about propaganda. :coughusedSummer'sEvedouchebagcough:
Comment by TriSec on 09/14/2009 17:35:03
TriSec on 09/14/2009 17:35:03
Say gang, it's Pavlov's birthday today!
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/14/2009 17:41:20
ting!
Mondobubba on 09/14/2009 17:41:20
Quote by TriSec:
Say gang, it's Pavlov's birthday today!
ting!
Comment by wickedpam on 09/14/2009 17:42:02
damn! could I justify buying a PS3 just for 1 game?
wickedpam on 09/14/2009 17:42:02
Quote by Scoopster:
Wow man.. digging thru some of the screenshots of FFXIV and I'm just wowed at the graphic improvements.
BTW got to play some Aion last week in the open beta and it was pretty good.
damn! could I justify buying a PS3 just for 1 game?
Comment by Scoopster on 09/14/2009 17:53:40
The beauty is you wouldn't need to - it'll be on PC for launch as well!
Scoopster on 09/14/2009 17:53:40
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Scoopster:
Wow man.. digging thru some of the screenshots of FFXIV and I'm just wowed at the graphic improvements.
BTW got to play some Aion last week in the open beta and it was pretty good.
damn! could I justify buying a PS3 just for 1 game?
The beauty is you wouldn't need to - it'll be on PC for launch as well!
Comment by Scoopster on 09/14/2009 17:54:50
UGH Horowitz.. bottomfeeding LaRouche-esqe marxist to bottomfeeding Rovian Neocon.
Scoopster on 09/14/2009 17:54:50
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
Horowitz is trying to make the connection that liberal are going to lead to Nazism.
Horowitz with all the skills he developed as trotskyite Marxist in the 60s know a thing or two about propaganda. :coughusedSummer'sEvedouchebagcough:
UGH Horowitz.. bottomfeeding LaRouche-esqe marxist to bottomfeeding Rovian Neocon.
Comment by livingonli on 09/14/2009 18:03:44
The keyword is bottom feeder.
livingonli on 09/14/2009 18:03:44
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
Horowitz is trying to make the connection that liberal are going to lead to Nazism.
Horowitz with all the skills he developed as trotskyite Marxist in the 60s know a thing or two about propaganda. :coughusedSummer'sEvedouchebagcough:
UGH Horowitz.. bottomfeeding LaRouche-esqe marxist to bottomfeeding Rovian Neocon.
The keyword is bottom feeder.
Comment by TriSec on 09/14/2009 18:25:23
TriSec on 09/14/2009 18:25:23
CALGON! TAKE ME AWAY!!!
What the fuck, that doesn't work???
Friggin' advertisers!
What the fuck, that doesn't work???
Friggin' advertisers!
Comment by livingonli on 09/14/2009 18:59:21
livingonli on 09/14/2009 18:59:21
Just as long as Billy Mays isn't back from the grave selling it to you.