My answer to a racist voter

At work, I'm trying to convince everyone to vote for Obama. I'm a Democrat, and Barack is truly a Democrat.

Anyway, when I had stripped every reason to vote for McCain from this guy who works at the track, but is not a union member, he finally came right out and told me he wasn't voting for the black guy. This discussion took place in front of 5 other white men.

I then asked if he would answer a hypothetical question for me. "If your son was hospitalized and, for what ever reason, the only one who could save his life was a black man, would you deny your son the opportunity that might save his life?" After a long pause and no answer, I said to him, "that's why I'm supporting Obama for President."

And I switched the focus from Obama personally, to the parties. The Republicans did this.... the Democrats did that.... to help win over a friend of mine who is racist.

Comparing political parties

A shame that racism still exists today in regular life.

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

I hope he took notice, because that's exactly what's at stake here - the very survival of our democracy.

that one drop makes you black...

:sarcasm:

They might be surprised at what shows up in there! LOL

He's from Africa.

So's his wife.

is related to Dick Cheney, so...

Do the MATH! 75% is still a majority! :evilgrin:

which I must admit, I hate hearing. He says this from time to time and more than once has said this to another white guy who states that he cannot vote for a black man. But then today he said something in more of the right direction to this other guy. "Black folk have come from nothing in the last 50 years and look at them now. You think the white man gave them anything? No, they fought for everything they got. Maybe it's time to follow them for awhile."

The older I get the more I'm convinced that adult racists will continue to be racists until they die. So, you have to take the positive where you can get it and if that means biting your tongue in the midst of an insensitive mea culpa, then bite down hard. But when they simply won't listen to reason and would vote against their own self interest because of race, that's when I just get insulting about it. In my case, "dude, you're a fucking moron" is always a great place to start.

Sad we need it, isn't it?

I'm not sure I was ever aware of the degree of racism in this country until this year. I knew it was there, but not how widespread and prevelant, even in my own family.

I think Obama is the best thing for this country on so many levels (smartest, best-run campaign, most inspiring, most mature and level-headed), but can you imagine if he is able to change people's perception about race as well?

...Why is it okay for a black US soldier to fight and die for this country but not be able to achieve its highest office.

That usually leads to a long silence as well.

.

to reason with a bigot. That's what prejudice breeds. I know when I talk to them I try to convince them I'm supporting Bob Barr because he's the real straight talker. That I support Obama doesn't matter. If I can get them to vote for someone other than the Republican I've done my job.
Taking votes from McCain counts as much as voting for Obama. Cynical yes, but effective.

So relevant. Who fucking cares if he's black or not when it's a life or death situation? Anyone when they are pushed to that extent would realize just how petty that kind of thinking is.

Thumbs up for you!