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Home > Thinking Right > Archives > 2009 > January > 20 > Entry

Let’s truly bury racism

By Jim Wooten | Tuesday, January 20, 2009, 10:25 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

On ground where no black man has ever stood to take the oath, Barack Obama raises his right hand today to assume the office of president of the United States.

It is an extraordinary historical moment, a measure of how far this nation has come.

What does it mean? Plainly this: People and systems change. The political system that discriminated and the people who designed it are dead and gone. But that fact hasn’t been fully recognized yet.

Just days before the inauguration, for example, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear an important case regarding the Voting Rights Act, first passed back in 1965. The case involves a utility district in Texas created in 1987 with no history of discrimination, and whether its election laws should be subject to oversight by the U.S. Justice Department.

Such provisions under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act apply to nine states, including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Virginia, in addition to cities and counties in seven others. All had been determined to have a history of discrimination, but that was long ago.

“The America that has elected Barack Obama … is far different than when Section 5 was first enacted in 1965,” argued a former solicitor general of Texas, Gregory S. Coleman, who brought the challenge on behalf of Northwest Austin Municipal Utility District Number One.

Indeed, every state in the nation is so dramatically different that “Congress cannot forever rely on findings of conditions that existed 30 years ago” to infringe “on the rights of an entire generation of voters who were not even alive when those discriminatory practices were ended,” lawyers for the district argue.

Continuing those burdensome provisions requires a belief that plots of earth are irredeemably stained by their history, a view that would forever taint much of the world’s space.

In 2006, however, Congress voted to extend federal oversight requirements for another 25 years. It did so not because of any evidence that conditions of two generations earlier still existed, but because of the politics of race and party advantage.

We see the same forces at work in Georgia today with the decision by the chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus, state Rep. Al Willliams (D-Midway), to reintroduce a resolution insisting that the state offer an official apology for slavery. If such an apology was necessary, the new president or the Democratically controlled Congress could speedily issue it or make any other gesture that Williams and other Democrats think useful.

But, then, this is really not about apologies, is it? It’s about partisan advantage. In Georgia, the party in power is Republican.

That same sort of partisan gamesmanship has been at the core of the enormous hype Democrats have brought to the issue of proper voter identification.

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta ruled last week that Georgia’s voter ID law is entirely proper. Yes, the court acknowledged, presenting a government-issued ID is a bit of a burden. But it’s an “insignificant burden” when balanced against the state’s interest “in detecting and deterring voter fraud,” wrote Judge William H. Pryor Jr.

The decision relied on an April decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in an Indiana case that found, quite sanely, that “counting only the votes of eligible voters” is a legitimate state interest. Is, was, has been.

But then, the photo ID brouhaha was never about who votes and who doesn’t among the eligible. It was about stirring the racial pot for partisan advantage.

The hope of today’s historic milestone in the U.S. Capitol is that the nation can begin to move beyond the partisan games of race. The full force and authority of the United States is invested in Barack Obama. He and the Congress controlled by his party have the power to repair grievances if they are believed to be legitimate, to watch and prosecute those who are in fact attempting to corrupt the voting process, whether that occurs in Chicago, Minnesota or a utility district in Texas.

Then is not now and the law should recognize that.

Permalink | Comments (184) | Post your comment | Categories: Column

Comments

By George Bailey

January 20, 2009 10:48 AM | Link to this

Cheney in a wheelchair recalls in my mind Mr. Potter from “It’s A Wonderful Life.”

By catlady

January 20, 2009 11:03 AM | Link to this

We will know we are free of racism when there are no official statistics that tabulate race. We will know we are free of racism when the race of the person is only noted as part of the identification, like brown hair or blue eyes or a snake tattoo. As long as this day is labeled “historic” because of Obama’s race, we are not there yet.

By The Conservative

January 20, 2009 11:15 AM | Link to this

Who can summarize Bookman’s piece here? I have no idea what he’s saying or pointing to. Never review court cases by using the same legalese that the judges and lawyers label the cases with. Always use your own words, metaphors, and stories that have tiny little baby bunnies in them so that the red state voters understand what you say to them this day.

moron.

By Josh

January 20, 2009 11:20 AM | Link to this

“As long as this day is labeled “historic” because of Obama’s race, we are not there yet.”

Amen

By The Conservative

January 20, 2009 11:30 AM | Link to this

Bookman is the new conservative writer for the AJC! Wooten wouldn’t turn on his constituents like that. Without racism, republicanism would be finished in georgia, and wooten knows it. Forsythe county is the tip of the georgia iceberg. It’s so prevalent that well see country boys turn in their pick up trucks before they betray the duty they feel to maintain the purity of their precious bodily fluids.

Thought provoking premise: Bookman is ghost writing for Wooten.

By WPWW

January 20, 2009 11:37 AM | Link to this

“Racism” is just an overused, (often) misapplied buzzword utilized by the cultural Marxists to induce “White guilt” & thus force compliance to the socialist “political correctness”/multiculturalism/diversity agenda.

By Copyleft

January 20, 2009 11:37 AM | Link to this

Racism is not dead, and voter-intimidation tactics haven’t ended.

President Obama’s inauguration is a huge step forward for America, and not just because of his race… but the need for safeguards against small-minded little southern bigots, even more desperate now that they’re out of power and losing influence, is still present.

You can’t ignore evil, and you can’t eradicate it. You can just make it harder and harder for evil men to carry out their despicable acts. Good thing we’ve got a sane new LIBERAL government in place to help things along! Ahh, progress.

Today more than ever: It’s great to be a REAL American, and not a sick, hateful, sour-grapes Republican loser! Wheeee!

By BlackGirl

January 20, 2009 11:49 AM | Link to this

Mr. Wooten are you not aware that president Obama is not Black but bi-racial? You can call him whatever you’d like, but you can’t argue with biology. When a Wesley Snipes look alike is elected, then I may agree with you. Until then, I will enjoy this moment that a half black man is now our president, but I won’t be fooled into believing that a “black” man has been elected president.

By Hick from the Sticks

January 20, 2009 11:50 AM | Link to this

“Today more than ever: It’s great to be a REAL American, and not a sick, hateful, sour-grapes Republican loser! Wheeee!”

A real American?

Forgive my ignorance. As a small time no one from nowhere, I would think we would need both sides in this country. Both staunch right wingers, and the liberal left is what makes this country great. As you stated, you can not eradicate evil, but it reads to me like you are bordering on thought police itself.

If everyone does not agree with the government that is in place, they are wrong, “hateful, sour-grapes losers?”

Isn’t that the problem the liberals had with the former regime?

And, please, do not only limit yourself to thinking bigotry and narrow-mindedness exist solely in the south.

But, if that’s what you feel, God bless America.

By Hick from the Sticks

January 20, 2009 11:51 AM | Link to this

“Today more than ever: It’s great to be a REAL American, and not a sick, hateful, sour-grapes Republican loser! Wheeee!”

A real American?

Forgive my ignorance. As a small time no one from nowhere, I would think we would need both sides in this country. Both staunch right wingers, and the liberal left is what makes this country great. As you stated, you can not eradicate evil, but it reads to me like you are bordering on thought police itself.

If everyone does not agree with the government that is in place, they are wrong, “hateful, sour-grapes losers?”

Isn’t that the problem the liberals had with the former regime?

And, please, do not only limit yourself to thinking bigotry and narrow-mindedness exist solely in the south.

But, if that’s what you feel, God bless America.

By The Conservative

January 20, 2009 11:55 AM | Link to this

I wonder if Bookman considered multiplying the number of days in the title of his piece today by 24 to get the # of hours. Then, I wonder if he thought it would be even more clever to multiply that by 60 to get the number of minutes, and that by 60 for the seconds…..and then convert the whole thing into dog years….

I wonder about alot of things.

By One Voice

January 20, 2009 11:57 AM | Link to this

Jim,

This is what you write about today? Once again you show your lack of insight. You must not have looked at the data (surprise, surprise). 90% of white people in South Carolina, Mississippi, and Alabama voted against Obama. 75% of white people in Texas and Georgia voted against him. We can’t simply chalk this up to a lack of education on their part. The Voting Rights Act should be in effect in all those states.

And you make it seem as if “we”, the entire country has gone past racism with today’s events. No, my side has. Your side is still mired in it, as the above statistics reveal.

What am I going to do when you’re gone? It’s hard to imagine the AJC replacing you with a clown who is as entertaining as the baffoon currently in place. We can only hope.

By BT fan

January 20, 2009 11:57 AM | Link to this

I have had more African American racism thrown at me in the last two months than a lifetime..EX. open door for a black lady at Post Office, her remarks instead of thank you was”I don`t need a whitie to open my door”. Racism is on both sides of the barriers.

By ADL

January 20, 2009 12:01 PM | Link to this

Tsk, tsk, tsk Jim…don’t you know it’s only racism if a Republican does it?

By dave

January 20, 2009 12:04 PM | Link to this

Tell that to the family of the black young man shot in the back while two officers held him down in oakland,los angeles,california last month

To the idiot lady who says Obamais not black I bet he would be pulled over and harrassed by cops if he was not who he is today.

Yes whites voted for Obama but they are democrats mostly northern also

By Jimbo Christ Uber Shill

January 20, 2009 12:11 PM | Link to this

Sung to the tune of Jesus Christ, Superstar

Jimbo Christ, Uber Shill,

Lackey, Water Boy, WannaBe George Will

Of course Jimbo wants to talk about the “partisans” who opposed the Voter ID law; but he has never, never addressed that those who passed it have refused, at every opportunity, to address the fraud that takes place with absentee ballots. Thus, on this issue, he has no credibility. And he never will.

Jimbo Christ, Uber Shill

Logic out the window, credibility nil.

By Racism

January 20, 2009 12:13 PM | Link to this

Racism will only end when there are no white people in charge.

By Copyleft

January 20, 2009 12:39 PM | Link to this

By the way, Obama critics:

Why do you hate America?

Get used to hearing that for the next eight years. (snicker)

By Hollywould

January 20, 2009 12:40 PM | Link to this

Dave, Tell that to the parents of the white bartender gunned down by your upstanding thugs. Racism will never end until hyphens are not in a persons makeup.

By Vonnie

January 20, 2009 12:43 PM | Link to this

Blackgirl, i don’t know where you come from, but half black translates to black. No one would ever call him white. That has always been the case, in fact it only takes 1/4 black to be called black. Let’s not fool ourselves and try to change what have always been the case. I suggest you go back and research history. Therein lies your answer.

By Bill Shipp

January 20, 2009 12:43 PM | Link to this

The inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th president today marks the beginning of new era in American politics. Obama stands as a giant symbol that the nation’s door of opportunity is wide open to anyone of any race to rise to any height.

In addition, Obama is riding a wave of high expectations in a country fatigued by eight years of George W. Bush’s presidency and a daunting set of economic and international problems.

If someone had told me in 1962 in the midst of the riot on the Ole Miss campus, or even this time last year, that America would elect a black president early in the 21st century, I would have laughed. I never thought I would live to see someone like Obama take the presidential oath. Today is a day I hope we can remember with pride for the remainder of our history.

On a more practical level, what does the dawning Obama presidency mean for us Georgians? At a time when the incoming president is planning massive use of the federal treasury to jump-start the moribund American economy, how does Georgia compare to the other 49 states in its ability to attract needed help from the Obama administration?

The sad answer is that Georgia is in a weaker position with the incoming president than it has been with any president since Ronald Reagan ousted favorite son Jimmy Carter from the White House in 1980.

Part of the reason: Georgia voters awarded our 15 electoral votes to defeated Republican nominee John McCain, but that’s just the beginning. Several other states that Obama lost are doubtless in a better position to interact with the new president than we Georgians, thanks to Georgia officialdom’s openly hostile attitude toward Obama. No other state seems as mad at the new president.

We have few people positioned to influence the White House on our behalf. Obama’s go-to guys in Georgia are an obscure state senator, David Adelman, D-DeKalb, and Dan Halpern, confidant of the late Maynard Jackson.

In the 1990s Georgia was in a better position to influence President Bill Clinton than almost any other state, except his native Arkansas. Then-Gov. Zell Miller had done more to help Clinton than virtually any other elected official in America. Many other Georgians - elected officials and private citizens - went to bat for Clinton.

Our state’s close ties to the Clinton administration paid off with major federal help in staging the 1996 Olympics and other important projects. Georgia’s military bases were protected during multiple rounds of closings in part because of the Georgia-Clinton relationship.

When Bush was elected in 2000, many Georgians still were in the right place to deal with the federal administration. Political consultant Ralph Reed had played a key role in the Bush election. Several other Georgians had close personal and political ties to Bush. At the beginning of Bush’s tenure, Georgia had a leg up on landing federal projects. The Peach State had the opportunity to showcase itself at Sea Island when Bush hosted the G-8 summit of world leaders.

In sharp contrast to our hospitable manner toward Clinton and Bush, several of our prominent elected officials already have formed an anti-Obama bloc. Gov. Sonny Perdue taunted Obama for deciding to spend money to compete for Georgia’s electoral votes in last year’s election. The Republican majority in our congressional delegation, including underachieving Sens. Chambliss and Isakson, strongly opposed Obama. A politically connected Atlanta law firm, whose members once included many Clinton loyalists, now is strongly identified with the Republican Party.

Even our Democratic elected officials’ ties to Obama are unlikely to bear fruit. While some Georgia Democratic congressmen endorsed him, none are prominent enough to command the attention of the White House or congressional leadership. Our three statewide Democratic elected officials endorsed Sen. Hillary Clinton against Obama in the primary. State Rep. Calvin Smyre has strong national party credentials and connections, including with the new prez, but was for Clinton during the primaries. Civil rights icon John Lewis, an Atlanta congressman, backed Sen. Clinton until his arm was twisted to change to Obama.

All in all, Georgians’ political choices have put our state on the outside looking in as Congress and President Obama hammer out the biggest economic rescue and spending package in world history.

I hope nothing will confront Georgia during the next four years that requires massive federal assistance. Otherwise, we may find out that Obama is as interested in helping us with our problems as we were in helping him when he ran for president last year.

By MrLiberty

January 20, 2009 12:46 PM | Link to this

Racism will end in this country as soon as it no longer serves the government as a useful tool to distract us from thier actions. From the census to the polls, to the handouts, to virtually every government statistic, the elected in this country NEED to encourage folks to focus on our differences instead of on our similar situation as the economic engine that fuels their largesse and power.

Much like the British needed to keep the Muslims and the Hindus at war with each other, our government needs to keep the blacks, whites, hispanics, men, women, and every other category of “difference” at war with another. That is why laws are passed and policies enacted to favor one group over another, force one group to live with or interact with another, and force one group to pay for another. We may not all want to be around everyone, regardless of the reason. We no longer have the freedom to be happy with that choice.

When we finally realize that we are all human beings, and that it is really us versus them in government, racism (and sexism) will finally disappear.

By Honest Bumper Sticker

January 20, 2009 12:51 PM | Link to this

Our long national nightmare is over.

By WPWW

January 20, 2009 12:51 PM | Link to this

ADL, close…but it’s only deemed “racism” when a White person (especially when us eeeeevil, oppressive White men) “commits” it. Typical double-standard via the cultural Marxists & their loyal adherents.

By Steve

January 20, 2009 12:59 PM | Link to this

I dont ususally agree with wooten on many things but this time he is right on. Racism, at least white on black racism, is dead. It died this morning. The final nail was driven in its coffin this morning. No more whining…no more blaming…no more not accepting responsibility for your actions. You can do anything you want to do. Now is the day to stop blaming “white people” for everything wrong in your life. Now is the time to stop blaming “white people” when things dont go your way. Racism is over. Got it!!!

By The Conservative

January 20, 2009 1:03 PM | Link to this

As the conservative writer for the AJC, I noticed some things about the swearing in today…where did Barrack get that tie? What was the first lady wearing? Hey Michele: The salvation army called, they want their dress back.

Conservatism: We’re gonna need a bigger stick.

That hudson river jet had an engine failure days before the ditching. Looks like the struck-a-duck story is lame. Bush is a civilian now. I’ll have that beer now, George, looks like we fooled ‘em.

CNN just reported that Cheney had to switch to a different wheel chair after a prankster stuck a bottle of cold duck in his spokes…..

Conservatism: We’re gonna need a bigger stick.

By Ben

January 20, 2009 1:15 PM | Link to this

Um, based on many of the less-than-enlightened comments I’ve heard these past few months from many white Georgians (yes, the n-word several times), it’s pretty naive of you to suggest that racism is gone. Either you live in a bubble or you’re in denial. Or you’re a liar.

By jeff

January 20, 2009 1:15 PM | Link to this

Why should we bury racism? My personal safety is better off knowing that blacks, though only 12% of the population, cause about 70% of the crime. Also, if we bury racism, does that mean that whites should start speaking ebonics and stop working on their homes, allowing them to decay into ghettos, and then wonder why nobody wants to hire us?

I’m all for burying racism, when things are equal.

By SisRepublican

January 20, 2009 1:17 PM | Link to this

WOW! We are so sad!!!

Good article but the bloggers on AJC have to be the most hateful people in the world. I don’t know why I bother to read the comment section.

I’m sorry to say Mr. Wooten from reading the bloggers comments I don’t think racism will ever be buried. And it’s not just one way!!! Blacks are racist too. We all need to take responsibility for our actions.

Yet, I still love my country. We live in the greatest country in the world. People have died trying to walk on our soil and yet we chose to hate based on skin color. We take for granted the freedom and liberties we have and bash each other.

I pray for the President Obama and the task ahead. It’s greater than any President has seen in 40+ years. I also pray for Pres. Bush and his family. May God keep them.

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

January 20, 2009 1:18 PM | Link to this

Racist, we saw how it works when African-Americans are in charge. The Dekalb Police management (two African-Americans) were caught on audio tape, scheming to keep white officers from advancing. That’s racism. there’s the case of the man, originally from India, who applied for a program for minority architects in Dekalb County and was told he was not the right minority. Racism is alive and well in all races. Let me remind you that the African-American community comprises thirteen percent of the population of this country. Obama got my vote and the votes of 61% of the whites who voted. If whites were as racist as you make out we’d be inaugurating President McCain today!

By SisRepublican

January 20, 2009 1:22 PM | Link to this

WOW! We are so sad!!!

Good article but the bloggers on AJC have to be the most hateful people in the world. I don’t know why I bother to read the comment section.

I’m sorry to say Mr. Wooten from reading the bloggers comments I don’t think racism will ever be buried. And it’s not just one way!!! Blacks are racist too. We all need to take responsibility for our actions.

Yet, I still love my country. We live in the greatest country in the world. People have died trying to walk on our soil and yet we chose to hate based on skin color. We take for granted the freedom and liberties we have and bash each other.

I pray for the President Obama and the task ahead. It’s greater than any President has seen in 40+ years. I also pray for Pres. Bush and his family. May God keep them.

By The Conservative

January 20, 2009 1:34 PM | Link to this

Conservatism: We’re gonna need a bigger stick.

By Justin

January 20, 2009 1:37 PM | Link to this

Americans are mixture of many races…let’s just forget all of it…

This is how we used to be classified…

1880 USA Census Classifications Black 3/4 or more African Mulatto 3/8 to 5/8 black Quadroon 1/4 black Octoroon 1/8 or trace of black

By 1920, the U.S. census categories changed, eliminating the quadroon and octoroon classifications. The category mulatto was broadened to include anyone with a trace of black ancestry.

The following table reflects contemporary usage of these terms in the U.S.

Biracial: Of, for, or consisting of members of two races or combining two races.

Colored: A person of a racial group not regarded as white. A person of mixed racial strains.

Creole: 1.) A person of mixed Black and European ancestry who speaks a creolized language, especially one based on French or Spanish. 2.) A Black slave born in the Americas as opposed to one brought from Africa. Eurafrican: Of European and African descent. Relating to or coming from Europe and Africa; a person of mixed European and African descent.

Griffe: A person of mixed negro and American Indian blood. The offspring of a mulatto woman and a negro; also, a mulatto.

Half-Breed: Offensive. The offspring of parents of different races, A person having parents of different ethnic types.

Half-Caste: Offensive. A person of mixed racial descent. One born of a European parent on the one side, and of a Hindu or Muslim on the other. Also in Austrailia, one born of a white parent and an Aboriginal parent.

Hapa: Native Hawaiians used this word to describe someone who was “half Hawaiian”. In colonial times, it was often combined with the word “haole” which meant stranger, foreigner, or white person. As time passed, “hapa” was used on the Continental United States by Japanese Americans and other Asian to describe a person of partial Asian ancestry. Many Nisei - second generation Japanese Americans) considered the term to be derogatory. Today, “Hapa” is simply accepted as a way to describe a person of partial Asian ancestry.

Metisse: 1.) The offspring of a white person and an American Indian. 2.) The offspring of a white person and a quadroon; an octoroon.

Mestizo: A person of mixed racial ancestry, especially of mixed European and Native American ancestry. n., pl. mes·ti·zos or mes·ti·zoes.

ETYMOLOGY: Spanish, mixed, mestizo, from Old Spanish, mixed, from Late Latin mixticius, from Latin mixtus past participle of miscere, to mix.

Multiracial: Made up of, involving, or acting on behalf of various races.

Interracial: Relating to, involving, or representing different races; involving or existing between two or more races; involving or composed of different races.

Zambo: The child of a Mulatto and a Black person; also, the child of an Indian and a Black Person.

Contemporary controversies over racial classification systems still employed by the U.S. Census Bureau and the INS testify to the legacy of centuries of racial classification, and the difficulties of the U.S. in dealing with the reality of racially mixed citizens and immigrants. Most classification schemes today are intended as tools to describe a population, yet the schemes themselves are largely products of our history.

The widely adopted racial concept Hispanic, generally understood to include anyone with ancestors from a Spanish-speaking country, blurs ancestral heritage, family and personal identity.

By Rev. Lowery

January 20, 2009 1:44 PM | Link to this

Racism isn’t over. Just look at my asinine speach today.

By Justin

January 20, 2009 1:48 PM | Link to this

Bill Shipp,

We need to call Sam Nunn…he is out of the political scene but probably has more clout than any of the Georgians in office.

If I hear John Lewis tell us one more time about how he was beaten on the bridge in Selma, I will throw up! Many Blacks are tired of him riding that wave instead of really performing in office for Georgia.

By Chris Davis

January 20, 2009 1:49 PM | Link to this

Hey, Jim, did you read Leonard Pitts’ column this morning? To quote him: “Those who claim we live in a post-racial America are guilty of no sin greater than wishful thinking.” He puts it much more kindly than I would. Clearly, today’s inauguration is an auspicious event on all kinds of levels, not the least of which being that it is a great step in the struggle for racial equality. But to write, as you have, that “the political system that discriminated and the people who designed it are dead and gone” is pure idiocy.

By luangtom

January 20, 2009 1:51 PM | Link to this

Bury racism? Not a chance in this environment….we have State Senator Emanuel Jones from Decatur calling for “bail-out” for minority-business owners and others demanding reparations for what is “owed”. Owed, by whom? I am a first-generation American and my wife is an immigrant. We “owe” no one anything. We now have experienced our “guilt-vote”. Let’s get on with business and forge ahead………..

By Chris Davis

January 20, 2009 1:55 PM | Link to this

Hey, Jim, did you read Leonard Pitts’ column this morning? To quote him: “Those who claim we live in a post-racial America are guilty of no sin greater than wishful thinking.” He puts it much more kindly than I would. Clearly, today’s inauguration is an auspicious event on all kinds of levels, not the least of which being that it is a great step in the struggle for racial equality. But to write, as you have, that “the political system that discriminated and the people who designed it are dead and gone” is pure idiocy.

By Vexorg

January 20, 2009 1:55 PM | Link to this

Racism in this great land of ours will end, as soon as the public receives a better education on the proper usage of the word, and the continual misuse by liberal marxists in a vain attempt to foist their FAILED politics on everyone else. LEARN the differences between BIGOTRY, PREJUDICE, and RACISM.

To quote a great man who some don’t believe existed, “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone”; i.e. ALL OF US have our prejudices and practice discrimination on a daily basis in one form or another.

Bigotry, Prejudices, and Racism are not the exclusive domain of the white man or the Christian faith; ALL races and creeds practice it, and the children learn it from the parents and friends. EDUCATION cures IGNORANCE!

By atlmom

January 20, 2009 2:05 PM | Link to this

This is from George Will’s column on Sunday:

Obama won a higher percentage of the white vote than Al Gore and John Kerry got in 2000 and 2004, respectively. Mississippi now has more black elected officials — not more per capita, more — than any other state.

Just to clear a bit up, from what had been posted above. Yes, it still exists. But it is not ingrained in our psyche. My child sees NOTHING momentous about today’s inauguration. As well he should not (he is 6). He sees us getting a new president, and that is all. And that is wonderful. Change takes generations. If you run a business - you need to hire the best people to do the job, if you don’t, you won’t do so well. If you’re someone who won’t hire someone because of their skin color, you will do worse than your neighbor. It is that simple. Yes, people are ignorant and stupid and whatever, but it is no longer ingrained in us that there are differences due to skin color. My son’s grandmother went to segregated schools. And he will grow up with the first memory of a president being a black man. I find that wonderful.

By JLK

January 20, 2009 2:13 PM | Link to this

“As long as this day is labeled “historic” because of Obama’s race, we are not there yet.”

We are not there yet, but we sure are making progress. One day at a time, and never give up! That goes for everybody. Obama was not elected by minority voters alone. As for me, my “white guilt” officially bit the dust about two hours ago. FREE AT LAST! Let’s ALL fling the stains of racism into the dumpsters of our past, and move forward together with what we need: cooperation, respect, love, and the promise of America still to be realized.

By jp

January 20, 2009 2:16 PM | Link to this

BLACKGIRL, your comment was one of the most ignorant I’ve ever read! Wesley Snipes? Are you really a “blackgirl” or a little KKK spy?

By Just Nasty & Mean

January 20, 2009 2:18 PM | Link to this

Hello Jim, et al,

How will the Righteous brothers, Jesse and Al, earn a living without racism? If they don’t have racism, how in the world are they going to blackmail corporations to contribute to the Rainbow Coalition and Jesse’s multimillion dollar lifestyle?

If there is no racism, how will the Democrats exploit a victimized populace with threats of fire hoses and police dogs?

If there is no racism, how will the industry of leveraging Political Correctness get traction influencing governments and lawmakers to provide special advantages via quotas, affirmative action and like exceptions?

No racism? …ain’t gonna happen!! The race baiters won’t let it happen.

By CommunistAJC

January 20, 2009 2:33 PM | Link to this

Prejudice will always be around. People will always have a prejudice against some other person. Racism is an overused word created by race baiters like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson to divide blacks and whites.

By Barbara

January 20, 2009 2:36 PM | Link to this

The comments here are hateful and unnecessary. Race matters and will for a long time. The door is slowly opening and some will enter others will be left behind. People are hired and promoted on ability and more importantly who supports and promotes you. Most people are more comfortable with those who look and are culturally the same as they are. Obama was elected because people became comfortable with him.. The hope is that his accomplishments will leader others to look at an individual’s ability and not the ethnicity or gender. If you need proof look at Delta Air Lines the largest airline in the world and it whole senior management team is white males with exception of one white female VP of technology. Are we to believe that in Atlanta Georgia the whole Country or within the company itself there are no well educated talented Black qualified individuals? With Atlanta being the home of several major Historically Black Colleges they would at least set up a mentoring program to develop qualified candidates. I’m not so sure that several other large companies senior management make up is any different. Real diversity will make race unimportant.

By Kinetic

January 20, 2009 2:44 PM | Link to this

I’m 38 years old and thankful to have lived to see an African American become U.S. President. This has happened while racism still chokes this country. That fact, in itself, makes me hopeful that race will not be the significant factor that it is today.

To Blackgirl, President Obama is African-American and identifies as such. He does not reject his Caucasian blood, but when he looks in the mirror, and when we look at him, we all see a black man, not a bi-racial man. If President Obama does not have a problem with how he identifies himself, then why do you.

To Jeff, all African Americans are not indicative of high crime rates, low property values, and all those other stereotypes you hold so dear. Generalization of any people is dangerous and irresponsible. Judge each person by his own deeds and not those of his people. African Americans can easily, based on white American history, generalize that all of you are hateful, evil, racist, rapists, thieves, warmongers, backwater inbred trash. I could go on, but you get the gist. We have historically been a people who simply want to “be.” We can’t even have a peaceful, respectful blog about ending racism, because of racism. How unbelievabably sad.

By ME

January 20, 2009 2:44 PM | Link to this

so does this mean we can do away with the NAACraP and the United Negro College Fund???

By JLK

January 20, 2009 2:47 PM | Link to this

Barbara, you make some good points. Another thing we learned in 2008 is that sexism is alive and well in the USA, on both sides of the political fence! Women always have a few extra categories on which we’re judged. But today I’m going to dwell on the GOOD feelings! I feel blessed.

By Get enlightened

January 20, 2009 2:49 PM | Link to this

Read…”Racism: A Short History”…well written by a Stanford scholar named George Fredrickson…he starts with the 13th Century history and moves forward…Intro, 3 chapters and the epilogue…racism is not an invention of American culture, but rather a consequence of cause and effect over time…one form or another will always exist, depending on which criteria is used to define race…imagine that.

What we need is tolerance, objectivity and enlightenment of the marginalized voice and experience…then we can increase civility and non-disrespect…those are viable options.

By Copyleft

January 20, 2009 2:54 PM | Link to this

Vexorg Unintentionally hilarious! Thanks for the chuckle. I really liked this part:

“the proper usage of the word, and the continual misuse by liberal marxists”

Hey, Wordsmith: If you’re so worried about the proper distinctions between “racism” and “bigotry,” how about you do some reading on the definitions of “liberalism,” “communism,” and “marxism”?

Because only a far-right IDIOT thinks they’re the same thing.

Conservatism is dead and America wins! Yee-haaa!

By David

January 20, 2009 2:54 PM | Link to this

Does this mean we can do away with the NAACP, United Negro College Fund, BET??? The list goes on but you get the point!!!!!

By Mechanicsville

January 20, 2009 2:56 PM | Link to this

As incredible as it was to see Obama become president..

Classism and racism will forever be here.

There will always be the strong and the weak.. and those who will take from each side.

By Racewars

January 20, 2009 3:00 PM | Link to this

The reason its a “Historic” win is because he is being held up by blacks and related to what they think MLK wanted. I think thats fine if they want to correlate the two but I see it like a man winning the presidency because he worked hard, went to school and knows how to speak proper english and he wanted it bad enough. Good for him. Through out this whole thing it is my opinion that most black people are making this a race thing. sure I have heard lame comments from white people too but comon…blacks are the ones making it historic just cause Obama is black. Most of the racism I see comes more from the other side nowadays. I see it everyday at work.

By CommunistAJC

January 20, 2009 3:01 PM | Link to this

Copyleft, Nietze declared that God was dead decades ago. Nietze is dead. God still exists. Conservatism will be around long after you are gone.

Pride comes before the fall.

By Race Wars

January 20, 2009 3:04 PM | Link to this

The reason its a “Historic” win is because he is being held up by blacks and related to what they think MLK wanted. I think thats fine if they want to correlate the two but I see it like a man winning the presidency because he worked hard, went to school and knows how to speak proper english and he wanted it bad enough. Good for him. Through out this whole thing it is my opinion that most black people are making this a race thing. sure I have heard lame comments from white people too but comon…blacks are the ones making it historic just cause Obama is black. Most of the racism I see comes more from the other side nowadays. I see it everyday at work.

By RealityKing

January 20, 2009 3:10 PM | Link to this

For most clear thinking people, racism ended with Jessie Owens.

So how about let’s end prejudices: decisions made before becoming aware of the relevant facts of a case or event. As referred to making a judgment about a person based on their race, religion, class, etc., before receiving information relevant to the particular issue on which a judgment is being made. Especially in the media.

By yankee

January 20, 2009 3:12 PM | Link to this

You should have been with me today in the barber shop, out in the country. Racism you could cut with a knife. It was so over the top it was funny.

By Lily Toad

January 20, 2009 3:14 PM | Link to this

Of course it is historic. For a people who were not considered citizens or even counted as a whole person for much of our country’s existence, how can anyone not see how much progress has been made. Racism is not dead, not even close.

By Over GA

January 20, 2009 3:14 PM | Link to this

Uh, Race Wars

Historic signifies a salient and uprecedented historical moment…duh…it is not deemed so by ppl, but rather by how the occurrence of it impacted on the past cause and future effect…lol…really you are not very astute are you chile…this moment is historic because it is unprecedented in the American history…are your from GA???? NO DOUBT…lol…only in the GA

By AmVet

January 20, 2009 3:19 PM | Link to this

I wonder if that bar owner in Marietta who was selling the Obama monkey t-shirts had the inauguration on?

Some of you Cobb County boys, let us know, would ya?

By Over GA

January 20, 2009 3:23 PM | Link to this

@RealityKing

According to a sociological study conducted by Levine, et al., prejudice is definded as a thought and discrimination is defined as a behavior…one can have a prejudice without discriminating, but one can not discriminate unless they can not control the prejudice.

By GaLiberal

January 20, 2009 3:24 PM | Link to this

Moron Jim said: **Continuing those burdensome provisions requires a belief that plots of earth are irredeemably stained by their history, a view that would forever taint much of the world’s space.

In 2006, however, Congress voted to extend federal oversight requirements for another 25 years. It did so not because of any evidence that conditions of two generations earlier still existed, but because of the politics of race and party advantage.**

What MJ doesn’t tell you is this law PREVENTS the return of the discriminatory past practices. The fact that this city is irrelevant. The fact that certain people still believe that discrimination based on race is acceptable. Just look at the rise in membership in white supremacists organization. Give these people an toe-hold and before you know it the good ol’ days of Jim Crow will be back. White supremacists have made no secret that they want to force separation of the races.

It is not about party advantage - unless your party is FOR discrimination. That’s why MJ’s a good little butt-sniffing Rethuglicon. Racism is just part of their divide and conquer strategy to turn the US into a fascist state. Talk about hypocrisy.

When you vote Rethuglicon, you vote against your own best interests. And watering down the voting rights of people is living proof.

By CommunistAJC

January 20, 2009 3:29 PM | Link to this

AmVet, I wonder if Robert Byrd regrets joining the KKK before joining the democrat party? I wonder if John Lewis regrets referring to John Mccain as George Wallace?

By @@

January 20, 2009 3:34 PM | Link to this

I think it was George Will that did a good piece on the VRA and Obama’s ascension to President, Jim. I’m not gonna bother to find it, but essentially he believes that it’s time to abolish the act.

One might even think that in a gesture of good faith, blacks would concur. I don’t, however, think that it well ever happen as long as it serves a political party’s (dem’s) agenda.

I watched Obama in an interview when he was within days of taking the oath. The interview centered around “the historic moment” when an African-American would assume the highest office in the land. Basically the interviewer posed the question “In light of all those African Americans who………..How do you feel being the first………….?”

While referring to the “those” as African Americans, he (Obama) stopped short of referring to himself as African American. He actually began to refer to himself as such and then corrected.

For me, at least, it was a revealing moment. Barack Obama is first and foremost a politician within the democratic party which I have come to realize is racist to the core of the elites within it.

They will only go so far in championing the cause of African Americans, but not at the risk of the power they hold over them.

People need to wake up.

By h ryder

January 20, 2009 3:37 PM | Link to this

I have lived in ten different states during my 66 years and have voted in all but a few elections held while vacationing and had failed to request an absentee ballot. I now reside in the most detested state in the union. Four is the total number of states of my residences that have been under the voting rights abomination. Any person with a resonable functioning brain knows that voters in the covered geography are somewhat less of a United States citizen because of the preclearance clause.CONGRESS, STOP YOUR INANE DISCRIMINATION AND ALLOW BE A FULL UNITED STATES CITIZEN WHO HAPPENS TO RESIDE IN MISSISSIPPI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By AmVet

January 20, 2009 3:38 PM | Link to this

Commie, you’d have to ask them.

MOST people regret saying stupid things from time to time.

And I’ve never known ANY of us who haven’t.

Well, maybe me. (Just kidding, just kidding…)

By h ryder

January 20, 2009 3:38 PM | Link to this

I have lived in ten different states during my 66 years and have voted in all but a few elections held while vacationing and had failed to request an absentee ballot. I now reside in the most detested state in the union. Four is the total number of states of my residences that have been under the voting rights abomination. Any person with a resonable functioning brain knows that voters in the covered geography are somewhat less of a United States citizen because of the preclearance clause.CONGRESS, STOP YOUR INANE DISCRIMINATION AND ALLOW ME TO BE A FULL UNITED STATES CITIZEN WHO HAPPENS TO RESIDE IN MISSISSIPPI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By A Citizen

January 20, 2009 3:44 PM | Link to this

I have to agree with this column. The time for developing voting districts based on race is gone. Racism is a stain on the history of America and needs to be eliminated. This cannot and will not happen until our government stops using race as a determining factor for anything. When children enter school, they begin to be identified by their race by their government. When people fill out government forms of any kind, they are asked to identify themselves by race. Even admission to colleges and universities is based on race instead of academic ability. How can we, the American people, call ourselves enlightened when we can’t even see past somebody’s complexion in order to form an opinion or judgement about that person? As for the president’s race, does it matter? I certainly hope not, or this is not the forward thinking, progressive country that it should be. By the way, if you won’t admit you are bi-racial, you are slighting half of your family. Not that it matters, but it’s true.

By True Dat

January 20, 2009 3:45 PM | Link to this

@AmVet

Mess mayne…if I had a nickel for everytime I put my foot in my mouth on the front end only to have to retract it on the back end…I’d be sitting on a swill of dough…it happens…and it politics, all of the time…it’s, uh, politics at its best…lol

By The Conservative

January 20, 2009 3:45 PM | Link to this

Hey, GA lib: will U quit calling Wooten, “moron jim”? He’s going to thinks it’s me. Like Bookman falls for every troll nickjack trick in the book and thinks I’m the nickjacker. Imagine an adult man falling for old gags like that? I thought it was impossible for anyone to be THAT blog-simple but Bookman proved me wrong.

Besides, Wooten is leaving me in charge. WhatRu gonna call me, “Moron Moron?” That sounds like a movie. The adventures of an imbecile so dumb they had to name him twice. moron moron. Capture the magic that happens once he gets his helmet on and the fun begins where anything can happen….AND DOES!!

Moron Moron is coming to a blog near you.

moron.

By CommunistAJC

January 20, 2009 3:51 PM | Link to this

AmVet, My point is that people on both sides say stupid things. I’ve heard black people make racial comments about how white people act. I’ve heard white people make racial comments about black people. It seems to never end. I’ve noticed, over the years, that politicians and media types like to stir up the pot. Just a week ago I read where James Clyburn, senator from South Carolina, made racist remarks to Governor Sanford because the governor opposed the bailout. It comes from both sides and until people can talk about it without name calling we’ll always be in the same boat.

By BTW

January 20, 2009 3:55 PM | Link to this

Jim Wooten is NOT A MORON…I have had the pleasure of incidently encountering him one time…long before I even knew who he was…and his gracious humanitarian compassion at that moment made the grief I was feeling for the loss of a friend much easier to handle…he reached out and spoke to a human being…he sensed my distress and counseled my wisely…and this was about 10 years ago in Manuel’s Tavern…I will never forget that night…I was deeply touched by his compassion for a fellow human being…and btw, I am black and female…he is entitled to his opinions…hey-ale, at least he gets paid to have them…we ain’t…lol…and although there are times that I do not always agree with him…I respect his right to articulate them as is allowed by the 1st Amendment…civil disagreement is the sign of rational intelligence and nondisrespect.

By The Conservative

January 20, 2009 3:58 PM | Link to this

Prayers for Ted Kennedy.

By Steven Daedalus

January 20, 2009 4:01 PM | Link to this

commieajc, Its Nietzche. Doofus.

By CommunistAJC

January 20, 2009 4:06 PM | Link to this

Steven Daedalus, Didn’t mean to offend your other savior. Doofus.

By surely u jest

January 20, 2009 4:07 PM | Link to this

We need to remember that Mr. Wooten opines on this subject from the perspective and privilege of a 63 year old white male. Is it any surprise that he finds the voting rights act to be burdensome seeing how his electoral privilege has never once been impeded or in jeopardy?

By The Conservative

January 20, 2009 4:12 PM | Link to this

John Lennon, in 1966, entered a trendy bookstore in London with his entourage and a dozen or so movers and shakers and asked for a book written by “Nitzzy”. He had never heard Nietzche’s name spoken before and everyone there had. They all knew immediately that he was an idiot, and a pretender, and Lennons career was over and the beatles broke up and that’s why all the beatle songs now include guest solos by Sanjaya.

Nice play with “doofus”, Steven. Perfect timing. Well executed, close to the Period after Nietzche so the target couldn’t brace for it.

A beautiful thing. Lovin’ life here.

By dave

January 20, 2009 4:15 PM | Link to this

Jim, such a “humble” post today from you on this historic event…glad you STILL choose to make it an “us vs. them” piece… you’re truly evil…do you know that? First post today….from “george baily”….effin’ CLASSIC! HIRE THAT GUY!!!!! ;-)

By Umphh

January 20, 2009 4:15 PM | Link to this

Mr. Wooten opines as such because he as a justifiable thesis as an objective POV…not based solely on his race, class and gender…these factors may an influenced his experiential world view…just as they have mine…but that does not put limits on his intelligence and ability to reason…any more than they do mine…uh, I believe that would be categorically racist, sexist or classist…imagine that.

By CommunistAJC

January 20, 2009 4:18 PM | Link to this

Here is a perfect example of racism in our country. I’ve yet to see a “white church.” Since when did a church promote race before all else?

Black churches celebrate Obama’s inauguration.

By JESSE J. HOLLAND

WASHINGTON – Long a shield and sword for African-American progress, black churches around the nation celebrated with praise, songs and jubilation Tuesday as Barack Obama was inaugurated the nation’s first black president.

“We live in a time where God has moved history,” said Rev. J. Michael Little, who opened the doors of the historic Friendship Baptist Church near the U.S. Capitol so people could watch Obama take his oath of office on a large-screen television.

The African-American church has been an anchor in black Americans’ lives in the United States since the late 1700s, a place weary slaves would go for comfort and fiery abolitionists and civil rights activists would call for change.

Across the country, black churches opened their doors for early morning praise and fellowship in celebration of Obama’s victory and then turned on televisions to watch him take the oath of office.

In Lithonia, Ga., hundreds of people — from white-haired elders who grew up with Jim Crow laws to children wearing T-shirts with Obama’s image — gathered at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church to watch the inauguration on one of six big screens.

At the stately brick St. Luke A.M.E. Church in East St. Louis, Ill., Pastor Derek Bastian and two of his members watched a small color TV with rapt attention when a big-screen projector became too choppy to see.

“I don’t think anything happens out of coincidence,” Bastian said. In Obama, “I think there’s something divine. Whether you’re Democrat or Republican, it seems like at this moment in time that Barack Obama has favor.”

Olivia Kindred was among 75 people who came to watch the inauguration on a big-screen television at the Greater Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church in Dayton, Ohio. Kindred said members of the congregation wanted to be together to celebrate.

“You don’t really want to do this by yourself,” she said.

At Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, founded in 1797 on the oldest parcel of land continuously owned by African-Americans, Obama’s inauguration was being shown live in the building’s lecture hall for anyone who wanted to come by and watch.

“It is a memorable occasion,” said Dolores Lyons, the church’s facilities manager. “There are those of us who never expected to see this day in our lifetimes.

“Here at the founding place of the African Methodist Episcopal church, in a church founded by a former slave, it is consistent with our mission to make this inauguration available for anyone who wants to see it.”

Obama has praised the historically African-American church several times.

In his 2006 book, “The Audacity of Hope,” he wrote that “the historically black church offered me a second insight: that faith doesn’t mean that you don’t have doubts, or that you relinquish your hold on this world. … You needed to come to church precisely because you were of this world, not apart from it.”

At Friendship Baptist Church, one of the oldest African-American churches in Washington, a choir sang praises, and Little led the hundreds in the sanctuary in prayer before turning on a large projection screen for the teeming multiracial crowd that filled the church pews.

The Friendship crowd cheered, chanted “Obama” and stood on their feet waving American flags when Obama took the stand to take the oath of office. An usher walked around with a box of tissues to help stem the flow of tears from onlookers.

“The African-American church historically has played an important role in civil rights and the progress of the African-American race,” said Little, the church’s senior pastor, as he ushered people into his sanctuary.

“Everything that is going on in the African-American community is proposed, or composed or debated inside the church. How fitting it is to fellowship together and watch this historic moment together inside the anchor of the African-American community.”

By Fred Morrow

January 20, 2009 4:20 PM | Link to this

Cheney in a wheel chair is no laughing matter. He pulled a muscle classifying all his VP papers.

By oh really???!

January 20, 2009 4:24 PM | Link to this

it might help if there was even single black republican in congress i guess crowing from the pathetic shills can’t hurt.

By Too funny...

January 20, 2009 4:24 PM | Link to this

@CommunistAJC

Uh…historically black churches were started because white churches would not permit them to join the congregation or expected them to worship separately…or preached KKK, Jim Crow doctrines…study some history honey…lol…I can always tell when I am dealing with a less than adequately well-learned white person…they opine form ignorance not intelligence…read the history of religous development in the US sug, it might save your from sounding foolish.

By BTW

January 20, 2009 4:28 PM | Link to this

@CAJC

Also, racism is not defined by how ppl interact, congregate or socialize, but rather the race of a person is used to discriminate against a person…duh…I also suggest that you learn to use the proper terminology to label something…sheesh.

By CommunistAJC

January 20, 2009 4:33 PM | Link to this

Too funny…, I call it like I see it. Again, if we are to move forward we must get out of the past. Right? Its 2009 and churches should get past race. Calling me a less than adequate white person is racist. I can always tell when I’m dealing with an idiotic race baiter such as yourself. You always play holier than thou while spewing racist comments about my skin color. Also, I’d love to put my MBA up against yours. Troglodyte.

By CommunistAJC

January 20, 2009 4:38 PM | Link to this

BTW, Using congregations, events and pageants to promote your skin color IS racist. Putting ones skin color above all else IS racism. Black Theology IS racism. It’s promoting ones skin color over someone else’s. If a church called itself The White Church, Jesse Jackson and every other race baiter would be howling! Explain how BET and other black entities are not racist?

By BTW

January 20, 2009 4:39 PM | Link to this

@CAJC

Uh…I am the one who has posted under several moniker today…and I am the one advocating for Jim Wooten…Manuel’s incident…that’s me…the statement about reading the book by a Stanford scholar…that’t me…True Dat…that’s me…lol…I have defended the rights of ppl to state well supported opinions…you brought up race…I brought up history…go back and read several post sugah…check out the writing style…uh, that is me…check yourself.

By Glenn

January 20, 2009 4:39 PM | Link to this

Jim Wooten hits us in the gut. Gather your breath before you spill your silliness. I myself am reeling.

By steve-o

January 20, 2009 4:40 PM | Link to this

CAJC,

You’re a disingenuous assclown. Really? You don’t understand the existance of predominantly black churches? You don’t understand how the past affects the present? I’m sorry that you feel so neglected and forsaken by predominantly black churches.

By OXXOXOOXOX

January 20, 2009 4:43 PM | Link to this

@Steve-o

hugs and kisses sugah.

By CommunistAJC

January 20, 2009 4:48 PM | Link to this

steve-o, Wow, did your mom let you borrow her pc today? I hope that you clean the jizz off the keyboard before giving it back to her. Troglodyte. It’s 2009 and the last time I checked blacks can go to white churches without any hassle. We don’t live in Jim Crow country anymore.

By Whitey

January 20, 2009 4:49 PM | Link to this

The real racism was when 99.9% of blacks voted for HBO because he was black and knew nothing about his political platform. That’s racist!

By woodie

January 20, 2009 4:51 PM | Link to this

It seems to me that race has been the major issue in this inauguration. I don’t understand why, just as I never understood why race was a matter in the election. But we definitely had race as the overriding issue. The reason Obama is the first black President is because he dared to try. So there is a mental hump that goes along with being black. There is a mental hump everyone goes through just to get up in the morning. Let’s stop discussion of race and focus on issues. That’s what Obama is saying and that’s what Bookman is saying.

By CommunistAJC

January 20, 2009 4:51 PM | Link to this

BTW, Um, I don’t understand…um…uh…stupid. Speak Engwhish!

By marian

January 20, 2009 4:53 PM | Link to this

Racism and sexism is alive and well at all levels, when it suits someone. I hope all noticed that neither the minister nor our newest President, Barack Obama, mentioned his white mother or grandmother even though specifically mentioning the black father.

By ron

January 20, 2009 4:54 PM | Link to this

When I first came to the south in 1961,everything was labeled,Colored or whites only.Those signs were soon abandoned.Now it is past time to remove the rest of the crutches propping up racism.It is rampant on both sides of the aisle,by the way.

In 48 years some progress has been made,but more work is needed.From Blacks as well as Whites,please.

By CommunistAJC

January 20, 2009 4:58 PM | Link to this

marian, Were you not paying attention? The Rev. Dr. Joseph Loooooowry did indeed bring race in to his prayer.

‘Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around… when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right.

Last time I checked, blacks could sit anywhere they wanted to and whites do embrace what is right.

By Canuck girl in GA

January 20, 2009 4:59 PM | Link to this

Reverse racism is just as prevalant in this country as anti-black racism. Far too often, I hear black comedians making fun of Caucasians, insulting them far beyond what is acceptable (Chris Rock is notorious for this, but he is just one of too many). If white comedians made the same jokes about Africian-Americans (or any other race for that matter), they’re labeled racist (Michael Richards - aka Kramer- for example.), but it is deemed “acceptable” for blacks to be so offensive. White people are frustrated. No, they’re not perfect, and yes, many in the South are still racist. But so are the blacks here, sometimes more than the whites.

I’m glad our new president is a mixture of 1/2 black, 1/2 white. He represents both races, so neither of us can can put him down based on his race. Maybe we can finally get over the race issue and focus on what the country really needs.

By Scottie in the House...

January 20, 2009 5:01 PM | Link to this

CAJC

By home church is a historically black church…and it is integrated…and it opened its doors to the Hispanic community to establish a place of worship that is culturally relative for that community…in the 60’s it provided a place for the first integrated daycare in my city…ppl worship where the message is pertinent to their need…not their color…and sometimes segregation happens…I do not worship where ppl preach homophobic hate…but I do prefer the flavor of the black church…the music…the cadence of songs…the style of praise…the color of the message…and I am not into organized religion…left that at 13…go figure.

By CommunistAJC

January 20, 2009 5:01 PM | Link to this

ron, glad to see someone else on here with common sense.

By A Canuck Girl in GA

January 20, 2009 5:06 PM | Link to this

Reverse racism is just as prevalant in this country as anti-black racism. Far too often, I hear black comedians making fun of Caucasians, insulting them far beyond what is acceptable (Chris Rock is notorious for this, but he is just one of too many). If white comedians made the same jokes about Africian-Americans (or any other race for that matter), they’re labeled racist (Michael Richards - aka Kramer- for example.), but it is deemed “acceptable” for blacks to be so offensive. White people are frustrated. No, they’re not perfect, and yes, many in the South are still racist. But so are the blacks here, sometimes more than the whites.

I’m glad our new president is a mixture of 1/2 black, 1/2 white. He represents both races, so neither of us can can put him down based on his race. Maybe we can finally get over the race issue and focus on what the country really needs.

By CommunistAJC

January 20, 2009 5:09 PM | Link to this

Scottie in the House… , It’s interesting that you and BTW have the exact same writing style. Interesting indeed. By the way, homosexuality is wrong. Don’t know what kind of preaching you’ve heard but my Bible says its wrong. Says it in the old testament as well as the new. Any preacher who says it’s not a sin is not reading his/her Bible. You also mentioned that you like the COLOR of the message. I’m guessing that message is geared toward your skin color or you would not have brought it up. The only time segregation happens is when people let it happen. My church happens to have people from all over the world in it. We hear preaching from the Bible and the message is directed at what GOD wants for our lives and not what WE want out of our lives. We don’t live for ourselves. We live for God.

By Terrill

January 20, 2009 5:10 PM | Link to this

Great post by @@. People do need to wake up.

They will only go so far in championing the cause of African Americans, but not at the risk of the power they hold over them.

Reagan said the nine most frightening words in the english language should be “I’m from the government and I’m here to help.”

Boy was he ever right!

Say it loud and proud Sister @@!

By DawgsStink

January 20, 2009 5:11 PM | Link to this

Hey CommunistAJC: is it not also racism to put the country of israel above all else? The recent mass murder in Gaza is a prime example, I have seen jews practically have a seizure if another American citizen says Israel is wrong to be murdering over 300 infants and children. So far, the racist in Israel have murdered over 1,000 arabs in gaza, and seriously injured over 4,000 other arabs. So far only 10 israeli soldiers and three civilians have been killed, and most of the ten dead israeli’s were kill by Israeli tanks firing into what they thought were innocent palistinian homes, hoping to murder more arabs, but instead killing there own soldiers. Poetic justice in my opinio, ha ha ha.

By CommunistAJC

January 20, 2009 5:14 PM | Link to this

A Canuck Girl in GA, I agree. My point, before several “bloggers” called me an unlearned white person, was that it comes from both sides. I do see it more from black people because they seem to have a certain hate in their hearts against white people. What I find funny is that a lot of black people who like to be called African-Americans, have never set foot in Africa. I went to graduate school with an African from Kenya who could not understand this title. Like I told him, race is an issue that will never be erased because there will always be people who hate each other. In Africa they have different tribes killing each other all the time. Yet, rarely do we ever hear black people talk about it. Hypocrisy at its best.

By CommunistAJC

January 20, 2009 5:17 PM | Link to this

DawgsStink, Why do you not blame Hamas for starting the war? Are you anti- semitic? You don’t understand how Hamas works. Hamas sets up its missiles inside an innocent home and shoots off its rockets at Israel. Israel sees the rockets being fired from the home and has no choice but to fire back. You should actually do some studying up on how Hamas attacks before pointing the finger at Israel. I’d say you’re either anti semitic or a self-hating Jew.

By DawgsStink

January 20, 2009 5:19 PM | Link to this

Well, I have accused the American media and journalist of cowardice in the face of jewish americans and their fanatical support of israel, BUT I have to give Jim credit for allowing my post to flow thru…ah guess Jim is not a coward like so very many of his peers. Hats off to Jim Wooten….

By Fred Morrow

January 20, 2009 5:20 PM | Link to this

This reminds me of the Neurenberg Trials. If we listen to the aliases of the right’s trolls here, we are to believe that blacks are the racists and have been all throughout the fight for civil rights.

The Nazis claimed they were merely traffic cops and did nothing wrong.

Heetler unt his frauline Teetler invented the Leiderhosen Slap-Dance and nothing more.

Conservatives are so far off message, that I dont think they can find their way back.

By DawgsStink

January 20, 2009 5:22 PM | Link to this

CommunistAJC: Go to Gaza and live as an Arab for six months, then come back and tell me about it….

By CommunistAJC

January 20, 2009 5:24 PM | Link to this

Fred Morrow, keep telling yourself that. Drink the Kool aid.

By Scottie

January 20, 2009 5:25 PM | Link to this

@CAJC As I have stated…I have posted under several monikers today…lol…truly…and I really do not disagree with you…just how you said it…I left GA because I have never in my life seen so much bloody cultural racism…black or white…it it anti-thesis of how I was reared…and in the VA, I have found less of that and more interaction with PEOPLE…I have lived with black, white, native american ppl since I have lived here…so way cool…on jobs, in social settings…none of that matters…and that is what I prefer…I am a Social Historian…so I support any thesis I have with historical fact…and I support many different POV’s….I am from the North…still do not and never will understand the latent hate in post-Jim Crow South…duh…you should check out my facebook interaction…integrated…bilingual…lol @ you…you do not know me.

By Fred Morrow

January 20, 2009 5:27 PM | Link to this

Obama is simply lovable. Period.

How long will this honeymoon last with the Amerikanishern Volksen? Only der heetler knows.

By Fred Morrow

January 20, 2009 5:27 PM | Link to this

Obama is simply lovable. Period.

How long will this honeymoon last with the Amerikanishern Volksen? Only der heetler knows.

By Duh...

January 20, 2009 5:28 PM | Link to this

African Americans are Americans of African descent…Chinese Americans are American of Chinese descent…Mexican Americans are Americans of Mexican descent…lol…I grew up in the Midwest with Polish Americans, German Americans, Italian Americans, Swedish Americans…as they so defined themselves…lol

By EdwardRMorrow

January 20, 2009 5:29 PM | Link to this

From the Front: A home made Palistinian rocket landed in an unused sand field in israel today, killing all the sand in the area. American made and paid for F-16’s flown by Israeli pilots then dropped over 50,000 pounds of American made and paid for bombs on Palistinian schools, hospitals, and UN safe houses, claiming the “terrorists” must be hiding there, since that is where the israeli masteminds would hide if in the same circumstances as the Pals. 30 infants and children were killed, and 20 were maimed for life, but the Pals were taught a lesson, do not kill Israeli sand….

By CommunistAJC

January 20, 2009 5:30 PM | Link to this

DawgsStink, Been there, done that. Lived there for 1 year and half.

Scottie, Never said that I knew you. I lived in Georgia for 26 years and my best friend, besides my wife, is black. He was best man at my wedding and not ONCE, have we ever had a racial fight, argument or debate. I’m sorry that your time in GA was not a good one. I now live in Chicago and for the most part race is a non-issue. But then again, I’m a north sider.

By CommunistAJC

January 20, 2009 5:34 PM | Link to this

Theodore Roosevelt said it best.

There is no room in this country for hyphenated Americanism. When I refer to hyphenated Americans, I do not refer to naturalized Americans. Some of the very best Americans I have ever known were naturalized Americans, Americans born abroad. But a hyphenated American is not an American at all. This is just as true of the man who puts “native” before the hyphen as of the man who puts German or Irish or English or French before the hyphen. Americanism is a matter of the spirit and of the soul. Our allegiance must be purely to the United States. We must unsparingly condemn any man who holds any other allegiance. But if he is heartily and singly loyal to this Republic, then no matter where he was born, he is just as good an American as any one else. The one absolutely certain way of bringing this nation to ruin, of preventing all possibility of its continuing to be a nation at all, would be to permit it to become a tangle of squabbling nationalities, an intricate knot of German-Americans, Irish-Americans, English- Americans, French-Americans, Scandinavian- Americans, or Italian-Americans, each preserving its separate nationality, each at heart feeling more sympathy with Europeans of that nationality than with the other citizens of the American Republic. The men who do not become Americans and nothing else are hyphenated Americans; and there ought to be no room for them in this country. The man who calls himself an American citizen and who yet shows by his actions that he is primarily the citizen of a foreign land, plays a thoroughly mischievous part in the life of our body politic. He has no place here; and the sooner he returns to the land to which he feels his real heart-allegiance, the better it will be for every good American.

Addressing the Knights of Columbus in New York City 12 October 1915

By WPWW

January 20, 2009 5:37 PM | Link to this

I have no problems with Blacks (or any race) expressing racial pride…it’s perfectly natural to be proud of one’s racial makeup/background. BET, Miss.Black Universe, Black colleges, etc. don’t bother me. The issue is the ever-present double standard pushed by the cultural marxists. Whites are far too often demonized solely on our race, and are expected to bow at the alter of socialist political correctness/diversity/multiculturalism. Let the 1st Amendment stand & allow all races to embrace racial pride/identity!

By EdwardRMorrow

January 20, 2009 5:37 PM | Link to this

Commie: Where gaza or israel? It makes all the difference, one is a slave living in a concentration camp with no way out, the other is the master with all the guns, food, water, fuel, and access to the outside world.

By Uh-huh

January 20, 2009 5:38 PM | Link to this

@CAJC

Oh so you up in my nekc of the woods…no race ain’t the same ball of wax as it is down South…yes, there is racism but there is also a tolerance and nondisrespect of civility uptop…we can not change historical events or the past…today one of my homegirls on FB…who happens to be of Italian descent ask her friends and family to post their thoughts on this day…well, I choose to make an inclusive statement about all groups of Americans who have been marginalized, oppressed and discriminated against…and not one time did I mention African Americans…but the other brothers and sisters whose forebearers have borne the burden of discrimination…we need to recognize the whole as each part has a place at the table…this is America…and the voices are many.

By dw

January 20, 2009 5:41 PM | Link to this

Just a related comment. The so called “Rev” Lowery was good until his last comment. Then his bias showed up, subtle as it was. I guess in his opinion no whites embrace right. What a load of b.s.!!! You (Mr. Lowery) had to make a stupid comment that divides instead of builds togetherness. Shame on you!!!

By No Kidding

January 20, 2009 5:42 PM | Link to this

@CAJC

My daughter lives on the N’side too…no offense intended…but the Westside is like a dog barking…ruff…lol

By Webster

January 20, 2009 5:47 PM | Link to this

Fred Morrow said: This reminds me of the Neurenberg Trials. If we listen to the aliases of the right’s trolls here, we are to believe that blacks are the racists and have been all throughout the fight for civil rights.

Not true! Many of the conservative sites I visit have great respect for the message and efforts of MLK. The content of a man’s character should precede his race.

I have white neighbors as well as black. If either had a flaw in their character (one that caused me to question his or her integrity) I would tell them. I have a responsibility to do so in their interest, my interest, and society’s interest. With them, I have no fear of being called a racist just because I shared my opinion.

Fortunately, for me, all of them are of good character. I would not hesitate to assist any of them, and likewise, they me.

By In Reality

January 20, 2009 5:48 PM | Link to this

Hypenated American distinction serves to identify various groups of Americans by marginalized experienced…Americans did not walk the Trail of Tears…Native Americans did…Americans were not interred in concentration camps during the war…Japanese Americans were…Americans were not enslaved by racial identity…African Americans were…and this is the history of America…a heterogenous amalgamation of ppl from a myriad of places believing in one experimental dream…America.

By Headslap Spit Take

January 20, 2009 5:49 PM | Link to this

Wow. The Obama Era is only a few hours old and the wingnut brigade is already coming unhinged. Delicious. Can’t wait to see the crazed postings that come when Obama actually begins to enact policy.

bwahahahahahahahaha

You guys are the funniest. 8 years of solid entertainment coming our way as one wingnut head after another explodes in impotent fury. I’m looking at you, CAJC, MBA and BMF. Yes, impotent. Look it up.

And thanks to Wooten for his best column ever. If his intention was to lure out and lay bare the naked racism that still festers in this nation, he is at last a rousing success.

By CommunistAJC

January 20, 2009 5:50 PM | Link to this

EdwardRMorrow, Both home slice. Both places. I might add that you should study up on your Palestinian history and understand why they are there. How they tried to push the Jews in to the sea and instead wound up homeless and without a country. You mentioned slavery. Last time I checked the Jews knew more about slavery than anyone. HELLO EGYPT!

By dw

January 20, 2009 5:57 PM | Link to this

To Webster,

No, this conservative troll says the comment is to indicate that all races can be bias and racist.

If you think that is not possible then you are delusional.

The fight for civil rights and equality is not racist.

What would you call Mr. Lowery’s comment “white will embrace what is right”? I call it biased at a minimum, irresponsible, and unnecessary.

By GetReal

January 20, 2009 6:12 PM | Link to this

Whitey, you post “The real racism was when 99.9% of blacks voted for HBO because he was black and knew nothing about his political platform. That’s racist!”
What’s really racist was voiting for McCain because he is white and knowing all about his political platform

By One Voice

January 20, 2009 6:17 PM | Link to this

Communist AJC,

You do know an MBA isn’t a real degree, don’t you? LOL!

By David

January 21, 2009 8:09 AM | Link to this

Will someone tell Joe Lowery that race relations will neve move forward, as long as some keep going backward. Joseph you may be a Rev., but you sho nuf not a poet!

By TCB

January 21, 2009 8:13 AM | Link to this

There are simply no excuses now. The race baiters have nothing left but empty words now that a black man has risen to the most powerful position in the world. He is the race baiters’ (Jackson, Sharpton, et. al.) worst enemy. It is definitely not good for the race card business.

By EdwardRMorrow

January 21, 2009 8:41 AM | Link to this

Commie AJC: The Pal families (~100%) have been in Palistine since pre historic times, while 80%+ of israeli jews were born else where. The mass murder in Gaza is a land grab, pure and simple. There will be no peace until the Pals have equivalent military and political power to israel, so they might defend themselves against the ethnic cleansing Israel has been engaged in since 1948, under cover of protecting its citizens from the big bad arabs. I demand an end to all American financial and military support for these mass murdering israeli monsters. Make it so…..

By req

January 21, 2009 8:43 AM | Link to this

Racism seems to go both ways and wont end until BOTH sides choose to end it. Ask Joe Lowry, a supposed reverand.

By mark

January 21, 2009 8:58 AM | Link to this

I think an apology is in order, to the effect:

The state of Georgia apologizes to all people, black and white, for its part in the grinding away and substitution of a culture where education of its own young people has no significant importance. That Georgia is frequently last in educational measurements bears witness to this tragedy.

Hopefully the formerly oppressed will take a cue from our newly elected President and understand that parents must get involved in their cheeruns education, for it is proven as of Jan 20 2009, that the sky is the limit.

By CommunistAJC

January 21, 2009 9:10 AM | Link to this

One Voice, Want to compare salaries? I thought not.

EdwardRMorrow, Israel does not want Gaza. Again, why aren’t you questioning Hamas, a terrorist organization hell bent on killing Jews, about this war? Go sell your Jew hating garbage somewhere else. Troglodyte, enough with your garbage.

By cranky old man

January 21, 2009 9:12 AM | Link to this

Our system of drawing voting districts is completely insane. Whatever party is in power in a given state tries to rig the system to eliminate the possibility of the other party ever unseating them. And the favored solution of gerrimandering districts along racial lines has had the unfortunate side-effect of polarizing politics. If you are an elected official with a homogeneous electorate, you have no incentive to compromise on any issue.

Ideally, and I know this will never happen, we would have a national standard for redistricting. If a given state was allocated, say, 15 representatives, we could start at the northwest corner of the state and draw a square (or as close to a square as the state border allows) 1 mile across and 1 mile high. If that does not contain 1/15th of the state’s population, add another square to the east. Then a square to the south of the original. Then a square to the east of that. And continue until you have an area equal to 1/15th fo the population. Then start the next district immediately to the east of that one, and the third district immediately to the south of the original. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

By Not a Democrat

January 21, 2009 9:24 AM | Link to this

Racism will not end until black people want to end it. They are the most racist people I know. They hate ALL white people. They are the ones keeping racism alive and well in the US.

By CCROSS

January 21, 2009 9:26 AM | Link to this

COL Jim

Good article which needs to come true. I must add that folks of all races must be accountable for their behavior and until that happens our justice system will remain disproportionally black.

Hate to see that you are retiring. Congrats!

By One Voice

January 21, 2009 9:27 AM | Link to this

Communist AJC,

So is all that money going to buy you some intellect? Because your fake degree surely didn’t. But I’m sure you make big money as a life-long pencil pusher. It certainly has given you a sense of entitlement. LOL.

By CommunistAJC

January 21, 2009 9:41 AM | Link to this

One Voice, wow,, some hack “blogger” who calls him/herself one voice is poking fun at so-called lack of intelligence. Oh, what will I ever do? Please enlighten this “unintelligent” person just how far you went in college? I mean, I have an undergrad and graduate degree so you’d better have your PHD in something other than pottery making if you want to put me down. Moron! Go sell stupid somewhere else.

By Bobby

January 21, 2009 9:57 AM | Link to this

None Of You Hillbilly Whites From The South Voted For Obama, So Don’t Take Credit For The Other Whites That Did. Now, A Comment, Then A Question. The Republican Party Was Once Filled With Anti Slavery Whites And Abolitionists, It Was The Democrat Party That Led The Nation In Hatred Of Blacks. LBJ Signed The Civil Rights Legislation In To Law In 1964, He Was A Democrat. Afterwards, He Made The Statement That The Democrats “Had Given The South To The Republicans”, Because The White South Would Not Support A Party That Supports Voting Rights For Blacks(He Was Right). One Thing I Have Learned By Living In This Country Is That White Southerners Are Viewed By Other Whites As Ignorant,Stupid Racists. They See You Guys As Pickup Truck Driving, Confederate Flag Waving, Barefooted, Tobacco Chewing, No Shirt Wearing, Snuff Dipping,Inbred, NASCAR Loving, Backwoods, Missing Teeth,Moonshine Drinking,Uneducated, Country Music Loving,Pickup Truck Driving, Shotgun Carrying, Dimwits. Having Said All Of That, Here’s Two Questions. Why Is It That Southern Local News Anchors Are Told To Lose Their Southern Accent If They Want To Be On Local Southern Television? Also When Will The Day Come That A White Southern Person, Complete With The Hillbilly Accent And Everything Else, Win The Republican Parties Nomination For President? I Predict Never, Because The Republican Party Is Controlled By Northern, Northeast And To A Lesser Extint, Western, Money Barons, And There Is Simply No Way In Hell They Will Allow One Of You To Represent Their Party. They Can Always Count On You For Your Vote, But They Want Nothing Else To Do With You. McCain/Palin, W. Bush/Cheney, H.W. Bush/Quale, Reagan/Bush, Gerald Ford, Richard Nixon,Eisenhower..No Southern White Males Anywhere To Be Found. There Never Will Be.The Real Republicans Would Never Allow It. They Take You For Granted. Wake Up. America Has Changed And Is Leaving You Guys Behind. Florida Is Not A Southern State, By The Way. You Guys Want To Claim It, But It Is Not. Mississippi, Yes & Georgia,Yes. Florida? No. Sorry. Obama And All Of The Americans That Voted For Him, Just(Indirectly) Changed The Republican Party As We Know It. Couldn’t Happen To A Better Bunch. Thank You.

By chuck allison

January 21, 2009 10:21 AM | Link to this

If we bury racism, what will the civil rights leaders and liberals do with their lives? Without racism, how can we continue to justify special treatment and affirmative action? How can people show their nobleness of mind if we are not dedicated to further improving the condition of those we are determined to see as downtrodden? Without the race card, people would have to compete equally on level ground. Burying racism sounds wonderful, but it must endure because the self acclaimed champions of justice cannot afford to be without a cause.

By zeke

January 21, 2009 10:29 AM | Link to this

Right on Jim! In truth if blacks were not racist, Obama would simply be an American President! Maybe, we do not know for sure if he is a natural born American! But no matter about that, IT IS ONLY A CONSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENT AND THAT IS NOT IMPORTANT! We do not hear that a President is a German American, and Irish American, an English American and so on, do we? First place that is fostered is the stupid race or origin questions on the census! All the government needs to know and was originally authorized to know was how many people reside in a particular state! If we do not get back to the Constitution, it will not matter anyway, WE WILL BE LOST AS A GREAT NATION! Those blacks who moved North for jobs have as rough a time or worse there than in the South! I have spoken with many who have returned to the South and every on, no exception, say it is far worse in the North! The voting rights act is simply not Constitutional unless it applies to each and every state, and, the Supreme Court has no integrity if it does not rule such!

By Truth Only Please

January 21, 2009 10:29 AM | Link to this

The laws to prevent racism need to stay in place in the south. It’s still here and very healthy. Don’t believe it? Travel outside of Atlanta or into Alabama or Mississippi - among others. Yes, let’s hope that the changing systems in our society help to stamp out racism, but yesterday was just a step - it isn’t over yet. Your guess that it may be time to remove these laws just is not supported by the actions of these states.

By One Voice

January 21, 2009 10:39 AM | Link to this

Just now finishing a PhD in psychology. The smart guys in business aren’t pursuing graduate degrees and the “professors” in business programs usually aren’t even sucessful business people; they’re teaching because they weren’t successful. Hence, pencil pushers teaching wanna be lifetime pencil pushers. Professors in the other disciplines are more likely to actually be the top scholars in their field. But keep typing. I do find you amusing, if not bright.

By steve-o

January 21, 2009 10:57 AM | Link to this

To all of those who think Obama is not truly a black man because his mother is white, you are wrong. If you look black and are perceived as black then you are black. There are not many black people in this country who don’t have some white relative somewhere in there lineage. It is all too common. Obama is black. Halle Berry is black. Soledad O’Brien is black. You don’t have to have really dark skin to be black. Now about racism: Wooten may want racism taken off the table but I remember during the campaign a restaurant owner in Cobb County made Obama shirts with Curious George on them which was a racist act. Many of the people on this blog could not understand why that was racist and the main reason for that is that they are too deep in the forest of bigotry to see the trees. Racism is alive and well in the South which is one of the reasons the GOP does so well here. Remember the sea of white faces at the GOP convention and at all the McCain and Palin rallies? Black people and other minorities know a racist party when they see one. You may want to deny that but it is true.

By lkufg

January 21, 2009 10:59 AM | Link to this

SOUNDS LIKE BOBBY@9:57 IS RELATED TO LOWERY

By whatever!

January 21, 2009 11:01 AM | Link to this

Slavery is over …so get over it!!! Blacks have laws that protect them from racism; they have their own colleges, own scholarships, a large number of various black organizations, they cry racism in every thing … the judicial system, the education system (which by the way is why the USA’s education system has sunk to an all time low in standing among world countries . . because standards have been lowered to accomodate minorities); they have large numbers in political positions, in private companies, in sports, in the news media and they still whine and complain. When is enough enough!!!!!

By JR

January 21, 2009 11:19 AM | Link to this

Truth Only:

You are confusing the actions of individuals with the actions of a government. If you can bring up one iota of proof that the Georgia State Government is being prejudicial based on race, then there is cause to continue Federal monitoring. Otherwise, there isn’t. There will always be prejudiced individuals, of all races. That doesn’t mean the government will re-institute racist policies.

By Lauren

January 21, 2009 11:19 AM | Link to this

Whatever- the chip on your shoulder is huge! Yes, black people have made significant advancements but racism still exists. Do some play the race card too often and for not very good reasons? Yes, sometimes they do, but that does not mean that every cry of racism is illegit. Your post is socially and historically ignorant and full of anger and attitude. Slavery is over but the civil rights era is still a very recent event. There are still lots of black people living today who can remember not being able to drink from the same water fountains or eat in the same restaurants. They can remember having dogs and firehoses turned on them by the police. And today they see racism today as well. Denying it won’t make it go away. We have to fight it whenever we see it. You come off like an igornant jerk. But I am sure you are comfortable with all of that.

By whatever!

January 21, 2009 11:22 AM | Link to this

MLK said he looked forward to a time when men were not judged by the color of their skin but by their character. Well … blacks seem to think they only applies to them… that they shouldn’t be judged by the color of their skin. H-e-l-l-o!! I think it applies to ALL. You don’t want to be judged by the color of your skin … maybe you should also practice what you preach.

By steve-o

January 21, 2009 11:23 AM | Link to this

Chuck, as long as Republicans and conservatives live and breath we will have a cause. Don’t worry about that. You guys do enough evil to give us plenty to protest and fight against.

By steve-o

January 21, 2009 11:32 AM | Link to this

Ahh! Poor Whatever!! He is such a victim! Always being judged and punished for being white. Cry me a river you big baby. When is your mommy coming over to powder your tushie? Or maybe you still live with her? You remind me of those idiot frat boys on Borat. “Boo hoo. We have it so hard as white guys. Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen…” Let me guess, you are also upset that black folks can use the N-word and you can’t. That’s another one that sticks your mighty behind. Right?

By thogwummpy

January 21, 2009 11:39 AM | Link to this

BY FAR…the most racist element of our culture now resides amongst black people. They trot out the race card for everything they can get away with, whenever something doesn’t go their way. From Rev. Wright…to little common things we all endure such as getting cut off in traffic…it’s “race, race, race” obsession in the black community. Whenever a black person gets caught doing wrong——like Michael Vick, notice how “he’s targeted because of his race” becomes the excuse. Hell, even Joseph Lowery in his benediction, proved his racism by implying that ‘white people don’t ALREADY embrace what’s right.’ I guess it’s because they are raised to fixated upon race, but all my black associates are obsessed with race and exploit it at every turn. They’re otherwise good folks, but at the end of the day, they can’t get their heads out of it. ANYTHING doesn’t go their way—-racism is the default reason. It is sooooooooooo played out that I’m sick of it!

Bank on this: for the next four-eight years; anyone that challenges Obama's policies will be automatically denounced as racist (I'd bet the AJC---particularly with Cynthia Tucker...a bigot in her own right---will help carry that water). Fact is, outside of plattitudes, most folks voted for Obama BECAUSE he's black...because he is still a huge unknown in terms of what his policies will actually be. Candidly, if he'd been a white guy, he'd have been laughed out of the Dem primaries! [NOTICE: I refuse to use the term "African-American" anymore...you're either American or not...and I'm no longer going to honor the "special status" black people narcistically afford themselves---you're no better or worse than anyone...it's time to grow up and recongnize that the human family is one family. I didn't own slaves, I feel no guilt for things I didn't do---so get over it.]

By Hillbilly

January 21, 2009 11:48 AM | Link to this

TO: BOBBY You’re mostly correct when you call us (your quote) Pickup Truck Driving, Confederate Flag Waving, Barefooted, Tobacco Chewing, No Shirt Wearing, Snuff Dipping,Inbred, NASCAR Loving, Backwoods, Missing Teeth,Moonshine Drinking,Uneducated, Country Music Loving,Pickup Truck Driving, Shotgun Carrying, Dimwits but we’re not in prison,nor waiting for the mailman to deliver the next welfare check and our food stamps, getting free college because weeze black and play sports, nor watermelon,chittling lovers,pig ears,pig feets eaters, never marry. drop kids like b*** dogs, starting at age 13 (5th grade) to help mama wid her welfare crack money,we know who our daddies are,you usually have 6 kids, none with the same daddy and the mama is only 19 yrs old and granma is only 34 and greatgranma is only 47, get the picture now.Eyes lives in Acworth and my Daddy tells me about the good ole days )40s & 50s) when living in GA meant something and streets were safe, and ropes were free for the right use.We know who our daddies are—do you??

By whatever

January 21, 2009 11:50 AM | Link to this

hogwummpy, you are absolutely right (especially with regard to Tucker!); I, too, refuse to say African American. Barack isn’t an African American anymore than I am. Just shows the ignorance of blacks. They want so bad to put someone with skin color other than white in that they will call them African American even when they’re not. Sad.

By whatever

January 21, 2009 11:55 AM | Link to this

hogwummpy, you are absolutely right (especially with regard to Tucker!); I, too, refuse to say African American. Barack isn’t an African American anymore than I am. Just shows the ignorance of blacks. They want so bad to put someone with skin color other than white in that they will call them African American even when they’re not. Sad.

By whatever

January 21, 2009 11:56 AM | Link to this

hogwummpy, you are absolutely right (especially with regard to Tucker!); I, too, refuse to say African American. Barack isn’t an African American anymore than I am. Just shows the ignorance of blacks. They want so bad to put someone with skin color other than white in that they will call them African American even when they’re not. Sad.

By whatever

January 21, 2009 12:00 PM | Link to this

hogwummpy, you are absolutely right (especially with regard to Tucker!); I, too, refuse to say African American. Barack isn’t an African American anymore than I am. Just shows the ignorance of blacks. They want so bad to put someone with skin color other than white in that they will call them African American even when they’re not. Sad.

By whatever

January 21, 2009 12:08 PM | Link to this

BTW, steve-o …I’m not a guy… I’m a woman with over 60 years of life experience. I don’t live with my mother and haven’t in 43 years. Your post sounds like a school kid’s post … it is time you grew up.

By Hillbilly

January 21, 2009 12:12 PM | Link to this

When one calls themselves African/American , it should be because they’re from AFRICA not because they have nappy hair and are black, so if you can’t spell Africa,never been to Africa or cannot find it on a map then you ain’t African.None of you living today came over on some boat skippered by BLACK slave traders, so get over it. As long as 90% of you or your relatives are on WELFARE and have been since the signing of this stupid plan by FDR in 45, call yourselves what you are. I’m glad Obama wid de deceased white mama is ashamed of being half and half, we waste billions of hard earned taxpayers $s every year giving to the stupid USAID program and Israel getting the biggest cut, we invade Iraq, they invade Gaza and all of a sudden on the DAY (20 Jan 2009) the day of infamy, Israel decides to withdraw on Obamas day, they will be asking for an increase in their Foreign Aid share of Americas wealth or whats left of it. Most Mexicans come to America to work,just wait until all the boat people from Africa,Haiti,etc etc start coming because of de blackman in charge, lotta freebies in America for black folk.Come on over my people, eyes will take care of you, says Obama

By williiebkind

January 21, 2009 12:13 PM | Link to this

A good start would be not to federally fund the racist organization the NAACP

By Jason

January 21, 2009 12:16 PM | Link to this

“Barack isn’t an African American anymore than I am. Just shows the ignorance of blacks.”

Barack Obama’s father was from Kenya, which is in Africa. Barack Obama is from America. Therefore, he is an African American. I think you’re the ignorant one.

By The Devil You Say

January 21, 2009 12:21 PM | Link to this

Hillbilly - congratulations. You have managed to offend almost everybody with your post at 12:12. You are the type of person who gives a bad name to 98% of conservatives. 98% of us are not rude, crude, socially unacceptable racist, ignorami! There is enough nastiness from the liberals about conservatives, and little or none of it is true. I am sure that you also call yourself a Christian, but Christ, I am sure, has a hard time opening the pearly gates for the likes of you. As it says in Proverbs: It is best to sit quietly and be tought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.

By letjustmoveon

January 21, 2009 12:24 PM | Link to this

It really doesn’t matter whether Obama is black, white, purple or green. He is something different than what we had before. Can he change the world, not by himself. This is just a waste of time, going back and forth about whether or not he is an African American, black, white, whatever!! who gives a damn!! Can’t we all just agree that he is a man that can possibly make changes!! He has not said one time he is the 1st black president, the media labled him that. He is not the president for black people, white people, yellow or red!! He is the president of all people, whether you voted for him or not, whether you like him or not, does not change the fact that he is the President right now. Whatever mistakes he makes/whatever accomplishments he achieves, he is still a man!! Simple as that. We all say we want to move past race and learn to accept one another, the only way to do that is to remove all lables. Accept that we are all different, we are the way God wanted us to be!! We had no choice in choosing our parents, our genetics, race, personality traits, nothing!! We are all designed in HIS image (Not Barack’s image)the Lord and Savior. For those of you that have an issue with someone being black, white, rich, poor, fat, skinny, whatever your issue is, you need to take it up with God!! We have no right to judge people, as we all have our own issues to deal with. His campaign is about unity, hope and working together. He didn’t say he was only working for black people or minorities, he said “We all have to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and move forward.” Let’s try to make the best of this situation, let’s pray for him and his family, and each other. You would be amazed at the difference we can all make in each other’s lives. Be blessed everyone.

By whatever!

January 21, 2009 12:36 PM | Link to this

Just because your skin is black does not make you African American . . if you put 100 black people in a room . . how could you look at them and decide which were “African Americans” …some might be from Canada or German or UK . . but yet you would want to call them African Americans just because they are black? Let me see… so anybody in this country who is black is African American???
Technically Obama is mulatto n. , pl. -tos or -toes . A person having one white and one Black parent. He is bi-racial … Jason, you are the ignorant one. Just because most folks don’t question you black calling every black an African American doesn’t make it so.

By Hillbilly

January 21, 2009 12:38 PM | Link to this

Last one and then back to WORK,Obama was elected only because of his color half/half. 90% of all black voters voted because they want to see a blackman in the prez office, wrong. If it were not for his supporters at ACORN paying people to register this was in the NYPost (By JEANE MacINTOSH Post Correspondent PAWNS IN ‘FRAUD’: Freddie Johnson, yesterday in Cleveland, and Lateala Goins told of filling out voter registrations multiple times in the ACORN scandal revealed by The Post yesterday.

Last updated: 9:10 am October 10, 2008 Posted: 4:00 am October 10, 2008

CLEVELAND - A man at the center of a voter-registration scandal told The Post yesterday he was given cash and cigarettes by aggressive ACORN activists in exchange for registering an astonishing 72 times, in apparent violation of Ohio laws.

“Sometimes, they come up and bribe me with a cigarette, or they’ll give me a dollar to sign up,” said Freddie Johnson, 19, who filled out 72 separate voter-registration cards over an 18-month period at the behest of the left-leaning Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now.

“The ACORN people are everywhere, looking to sign people up. I tell them I am already registered. The girl said, ‘You are?’ I say, ‘Yup,’ and then they say, ‘Can you just sign up again?’ ” he said.

NOW that the truth is out, without these paid votes, the old man would be prez.and Obama would be back with his crooks in Il, who hes getting into his cabinets. Actually, voters had NO choice this year, kinda like the last 12 yrs with the BUSH clan,and before that the Clinton clan. We haven’t had a decent prez since JFK and I’m not old enough to remember him but he was good, so he screwed around with Miss Monroe (wouldn’t any of you??) Whats the matter Te Devil You Say—you didn’t mention my truthful post oF 11:48?? And you’re correct in one thing—-I don’t believe in the INVISIBLE MAN in the sky, first off a true GOD would have never created such a despicable race of people, you know who. Gotta go. check out newnation.org sometime.

By CommunistAJC

January 21, 2009 12:40 PM | Link to this

One Voice, enough with you and your pointless rhetoric. You don’t know me from anyone else on this blog. PHD in Psychology? Wow, if there ever was a degree that meant so little it would be Psychology. I love how psychologist seem to know all the answers, or at least pretend to, yet they can’t even solve their own problems. Now, as far as your analysis on my job you don’t even come close, comrade.

By GaPeach

January 21, 2009 12:49 PM | Link to this

When the likes of Joseph Lowery, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and John Lewis quit being racists, then maybe, just maybe the rest of the world will stop. It is those mentioned above that keep it alive. John Lewis made the statement just yesterday, that ‘blacks haven’t arrived yet’ …they are never satisfied and they keep racism alive and stewing!!!

By Maria

January 21, 2009 1:03 PM | Link to this

A caucasian associate of my husband made these comments at the Bowling Alley last night. ‘I know you’re happy.’ I didn’t understand what he meant because I talk politics. When I asked him what he meant, his response was, ‘I bet you’ve been happy all day.’ I realized then & stated, ‘I never thought I’d see this in my lifetime.’ He replied me neither. Everyone was making that same statement. A QUESTION TO ALL AMERICANS, not just ‘African-Americans. IF WE ALL FELT/THOUGHT LIKE THIS - IS RACISM REALLY DEAD/BURIED? The work isn’t over!

By Maria

January 21, 2009 1:03 PM | Link to this

A caucasian associate of my husband made these comments at the Bowling Alley last night. ‘I know you’re happy.’ I didn’t understand what he meant because I talk politics. When I asked him what he meant, his response was, ‘I bet you’ve been happy all day.’ I realized then & stated, ‘I never thought I’d see this in my lifetime.’ He replied me neither. Everyone was making that same statement. A QUESTION TO ALL AMERICANS, not just ‘African-Americans. IF WE ALL FELT/THOUGHT LIKE THIS - IS RACISM REALLY DEAD/BURIED? The work isn’t over!

By Russ

January 21, 2009 1:13 PM | Link to this

Whatever, you are a old, smelly douchebag. Thank god you will be dead in a few years. That’s the only way we will really get rid of racists like you—-see them die out. Get goin’ already.

By Copyleft

January 21, 2009 2:23 PM | Link to this

“Bank on this: for the next four-eight years; anyone that challenges Obama’s policies will be automatically denounced as racist.”

Wrong, Thog: They’ll be automatically denounced as unpatriotic, America-hating, troop-denying, cowardly, and treasonous.

Just like all criticisms of the last President have been for the past eight years. Hope that shoe fits comfortably!

By Fred

January 21, 2009 3:18 PM | Link to this

Its time for the AJC to close this site and let everyone get on with their life under the control of the new prez.

By One Voice

January 21, 2009 4:21 PM | Link to this

Communist AJC,

I wouldn’t expect you to understand science or research or how psychology is related to biology, education, behavior, or neurology. You’ve already shown that you lack the ability to cognitively process evidence.

Unfortunately, that vast amount of money you have cannot buy you intelligence, integrity, or insight. You can push all the pencils you want to and it won’t improve your inherent nature as a less-than-stellar human being. Shame.

By whatever

January 21, 2009 4:34 PM | Link to this

Russ . . you may be dead long before me what with all the carjacking, home invasions, etc. being done primarily by minorities so I wouldn’t get so excited if I were you …especially since I am in “A” perfect health!!! And, I have children and grandchildren …

By whatever

January 21, 2009 4:40 PM | Link to this

Russ . . you may be dead long before me what with all the carjacking, home invasions, etc. being done primarily by minorities so I wouldn’t get so excited if I were you …especially since I am in “A” perfect health!!! And, I have children and grandchildren … And, you won’t be rid of racists until you and the others like you (Tucker, Sharpton, and the like are gone too). Why do you think you and those like you continue to say there is more work to be done … you don’t plan to quite whining until you are in complete power that within itself is racist. Perhaps you need to look “racism” up in the dictionary.

By whatever

January 21, 2009 4:43 PM | Link to this

Russ . . you may be dead long before me what with all the carjacking, home invasions, etc. being done primarily by minorities so I wouldn’t get so excited if I were you …especially since I am in “A” perfect health!!! And, I have children and grandchildren … And, you won’t be rid of racists until you and the others like you (Tucker, Sharpton, and the like are gone too). Why do you think you and those like you continue to say there is more work to be done … you don’t plan to quit whining until you are in complete power that within itself is racist. Perhaps you need to look “racism” up in the dictionary.

By CommunistAJC

January 21, 2009 4:57 PM | Link to this

One Voice, some diagnosis there doc. I married a medical doctor so I’ll leave the science and research up to her. As far as my intelligence goes, you know absolutely NOTHING about me. You don’t know what schools I’ve attended, nor do you know anything about how I completed my education. But I will add, most of my undergrad was paid for by scholarships that I’d earned. My graduate work was paid for by private donors and through part-time work. Speaking of shame, its a shame that most psychologist can’t find work. Have fun waiting tables at Long Horn, comrade. Shame indeed. Go sell stupid somewhere else.

By CommunistAJC

January 21, 2009 4:59 PM | Link to this

Russ, You and One Voice should hook up for a one night stand. Maybe One Voice could diagnose your disease while giving you a reach around.

By One Voice hears Two Voices

January 21, 2009 5:07 PM | Link to this

One Voice, this is your other voice. Stop pretending to be a psychologist today. Get back to being a chef. Yeah, that’s it, you’re a chef now.

By Tina Trent

January 22, 2009 8:33 AM | Link to this

Hi Jim. My nomination for a new conservative columnist would be Mary Grabar. Sharp as a whip, literate, thoughtful and deeply concerned for her students as well — I think she would tap into the concerns of an important part of the readership.

Thanks,

Tina Trent Ruskin, Florida (by way of Kennesaw)

By Rod

January 22, 2009 4:32 PM | Link to this

Funny how some people think racism is dead. Please look at some of these posts when you talk about race and tell me it’s dead. This is the worst economic crisis in over 70 years yet the states that set up their own party in the 60’s couldn’t support change. We have REP-Westmoreland here is GA calling Obama uppity and saying he didn’t know that word’s history-please We have made great progress but Racism being dead is not one of them.

By Carol Wilson

January 27, 2009 9:33 AM | Link to this

Regarding ending racism, not sure it will ever end as long as people of any color want to have their cake and eat it too. Amazing that black folks want to be treated as one and the same when it comes to status in freedoms, status in life, etc., yet they want to remain separate when it comes to their separate colleges, beauty pageants, etc. While, on one hand, they never want to be discriminated against because of the color of their skin, they’re willing to use it as a crutch when it will work for their advantage. And for 11 months out of every year, they don’t want to be reminded in any way that the color of their skin is different, yet they take the entire month of February to celebrate their heritage. They want to be treated as equals in every way, yet they still want to be identified as African-American. So when it all comes down to brass tacks, unless blacks are willing to rid themselves of their own separateness, racism will always exist!

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