During a campus interview with the Bangor Daily News Thursday afternoon, November 6, 2008, University of Maine student Javan Belcher reflects on Barack Obama's victory in the presidential election. Buy Photo
“If you were to [leave aside] race, Barack Obama had everything this country says it wants in a leader.”Esther Rauch, Glenburn
BANGOR, Maine — On a Saturday afternoon more than nine months ago, Sterling Dymond left his house on Walter Street, got into his car and drove over to the Bangor Auditorium with the intention of getting into a rally held by Sen. Barack Obama, who at that point was a candidate for the Democratic nomination for president.
As Dymond turned his car up Buck Street, he couldn’t believe the number of people he saw waiting to get into the Auditorium.
“The line was clean past Third Street,” the 88-year-old Bangor native said. “I’d never seen that many people in a political rally in all my years in Bangor, Maine. I couldn’t get near the place.”
He turned around and went home and waited for a relative to come back from the rally to share his experiences.
Dymond didn’t have to get in a car or wait in a line Tuesday, Nov. 4, to experience history. That night he sat on his couch with his children and watched as Obama was elected president of the United States, the first time a black man has been elevated to the nation’s highest office.
“I felt elated,” said Dymond, who is black. “I was really elated. I’ve been waiting 88 years for this. So finally it has happened.”
While the majority of American voters picked Obama over Republican John McCain last week, it was an especially emotional moment for Dymond and other blacks living in the Bangor area. In Maine, where 96.7 percent of the population is white and just 0.8 percent is black, according to 2006 statistics from the U.S. Census, 58 percent of the electorate voted for Obama. That’s five percentage points higher than Obama got at the national level.
Maine has the second-smallest black population of any state that voted for Obama. Vermont, where 67 percent of the electorate picked the Illinois senator, has the same percentage of white people but is 0.7 percent black.
In Obama, said several black members of the community, voters clearly saw something presidential, regardless of the color of his skin.
“The man is smart. This is not about black, but about brilliance,” said Esther Rauch, a former University of Maine English professor who has served on boards for the University of Maine System, Eastern Maine Medical Center, Eastern Maine Healthcare System, and the Maine Humanities Council. She also held a chair in humanities at what is now Husson University in Bangor and is retired from the Bangor Theological Seminary, where she was a vice president.
“If you were to [leave aside] race,” she said, “Barack Obama had everything this country says it wants in a leader.”
One community leader believes Obama offered voters something different from previous black candidates, such as Shirley Chisholm and Jesse Jackson, who made runs for the Democractic presidential nominations with platforms that emphasized civil rights.
“A lot of black people didn’t even look at [Obama] as a black man,” said Old Town’s Jim Varner, the founder and president of the Maine Human Rights Coalition and former head of the local NAACP chapter. “For the first time in a presidential election in this country, period, I think they had an opportunity to look at a black man as just an American.”
That attitude, Varner added, seemed to be championed by young voters who helped sweep Obama into office.
“They see beyond race, they see beyond gender, they see beyond lifestyle,” he said. “They see Americans as people.”
The election seemed to energize young people on the University of Maine campus, said two UMaine students who are active in the school’s Black Student Union and recently served on a planning committee for the university’s new Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King Memorial Plaza.
Brandon McLaughlin, a UMaine junior and the newly elected BSU president, and Jovan Belcher, a senior, said the election was a frequent topic of conversation for the school football team, of which they are both members. McLaughlin voted for Obama. Belcher didn’t vote this year, but said he was excited about the outcome of the election.
“Just judging by the voter turnout, more people were paying attention to politics than ever before,” said McLaughlin, who is from Pittsburgh but is registered to vote in Maine. “The young generation got out to vote, and I think they’re definitely seeing the power they have to create change.”
During a spirited discussion at the Penobscot Job Corps about the election and the issues facing the U.S., some students said the pride they feel in having an African-American president will drive them in their own lives. Obama, they believe, is someone the community can emulate.
“I think he’s a very good representative for us,” said Natasha Baptiste, a 25-year-old Job Corps student from Boston who did not vote this year. “Of course he’s not perfect. No one is. So we need to [back him up] just like he’s representing us. It should make us want to work 10 times harder because this is a historic moment. Why would you want to slip, because now we have someone backing us. We have somebody on our side.”
Obama’s win also has affected and inspired those who weren’t old enough to vote.
“Anything is possible now that we have a black president,” said LaTrice Rocker, a Job Corps student from Hart-ford, Conn.
Not everyone was for Obama, however, or was willing to vote for a candidate just because he’s black. If Shelima Dickerson could have voted — the Job Corps student from Middletown, Conn., is 17 years old — she would have picked McCain because she agreed with his stand on abortion.
She probably wouldn’t have voted for a candidate just because he or she was black.
“I watched [an Obama-McCain] debate on TV, and after listening to both, I was more for McCain,” she said. “Everyone’s like, oh yeah, black president. But I thought, do you even know what he’s talking about? Yeah, I’m happy we have a black president, but I was more for McCain.”
The election has Job Corps student Omaira Salcedo, a 22-year-old native of Lawrence, Mass., wondering if another presidential first is within reach.
“This gives me hope that I’m going to be alive when we have the first woman president,” Salcedo said, eliciting cheers from the Job Corps group.
Rauch, who declined to say for whom she voted, said it’s traditionally been blacks who have tested the U.S. Constitu-tion, which is what she saw happen in this election.
The Constitution, she said, was written at a time when its authors likely didn’t foresee blacks voting, let alone being elected president. African-Americans were given the right to vote in 1870 by virtue of the 15th Amendment, while women waited until 1920 when the 19th Amendment was passed.
“It was [a test of], do you really believe in equal justice for all, and that all men should have equal opportunity,” said Rauch, who was born in Ala-bama in the late 1930s. “That’s what we’ve done, and we’ve done it again. For the first time in American history, a majority of the white community has said, OK, we’re willing to ac-knowledge that merit trumps race. In that sense, it’s not a victory for black people but a victory for all of America, be-cause it has lived up to its promise.”
Varner, 75, was no fan of McCain, but appreciated the Republican’s concession speech in which McCain called Obama’s election “historic” and recalled the 1901 visit of educa-tor and author Booker T. Wash-ington to the White House at the invitation of President Theodore Roosevelt, the first time a black man dined at the White House with a president.
The night of the election McCain told his supporters Obama’s win was evidence that “America today is a world away from the cruel and frightful bigotry” of its earlier history.
Obama will continue to make history when he is inaugurated Jan. 20, 2009. Varner hopes to be in Washington, D.C, for the swearing-in ceremony as he has been for several of Obama’s stops along the way.
Unlike Dymond, Varner made it to the Bangor Audito-rium for Obama’s February appearance and said he had even agreed to be a fill-in speaker in case the then-candidate was running late. Varner was able to shake Obama’s hand and a few months later went to Denver for the Democratic National Convention.
“I’m gonna be at that inaugu-ral on Jan. 20,” he said. “Jim Varner’s going to be in that audience somehow.”
BDN photographer John Clarke Russ contributed to this report
jbloch@bangordailynews.net
990-8287
BANGOR DAILY NEWS PHOTO BY JOHN CLARKE RUSS
Penobscot Job Corps Academy students Natasha Baptiste (right), 25, of Boston and Britney Bar-boza of Ocala, Fla., express their support for President-elect Barack Obama as he prepares for his first term in the White House.
On 11/13/08 at 4:32 AM,
tewhiti wrote:
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This isn't a great nation it is a glorious nation. We're not just mouthing words when we say, "One nation under God with Liberty and Justice for all." We are too patriotic not to pick the very best leadership for this country we love so much. The world loves us once again and our hearts are filled with pride. God has blessed America.
On 11/13/08 at 6:58 AM,
zachary wrote:
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I'm elated with the change. Busch, I my opinion should have been removed from his duties years ago. Eight years of hell. Clinton has been the best president in my memory and who cares what he did inside the White House or on the White House steps for that matter, at least we didn't have a deficit and we didn’t have to bail anybody out financially.
On 11/13/08 at 7:47 AM,
opinionatedinbangor wrote:
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Tewhiti - News Flash..... Most people in America do not say "one nation under god with liberty and justice for all" ... Its sad I know... But those words are words of the past. Hopefully that will change
On 11/13/08 at 8:22 AM,
boogyman wrote:
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I know I am going to take a lot of heat about this, but mayby now we can put an end to all of this "Blacks don't have the same opportunities as whites" nonsense. There are blacks in every level of society, business, entertainment, sports public service, and now president. That should prove right there that Blacks DO have the same opportunities as any other American. Hopefully the likes of Jessie Jackson. Louis Farakahn, and the rest of those public figures that have made their living creating an artificial divide for their own personal gain will fade into the woodwork. However, I doubt it.
On 11/13/08 at 8:43 AM,
pcme2000 wrote:
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boogyman I have to agree with what you wrote. But I would be willing to bet it is still said.
On 11/13/08 at 8:44 AM,
RocklandPhil wrote:
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Obama has said, (to paraphrase) "it's not black or white;we are all Americans." I agree. So I guess my question is: what is the point of this BDN article? Would those in the article be just as proud if white John McCain had been the winner? Would the BDN have done an article like this? I doubt it.
On 11/13/08 at 8:55 AM,
1wonders wrote:
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I am a white american and i voted for Obama because i think he's our best hope for a future .What bothers me is that with this election i think alot of blacks voted for Obama because he is half black.. I just think that is discriminating because they are voting for someone based on their skin color.Discrimiantion comes from many sides not just 1 and we need to see ourselves as human first and not a skin color. I grew up in Nj in a predominatly black neighborhood and i was discrimated against because of my skin color.I celebrate this election because theres a new sense of hope and pride for our nation and this is just the beginning of great things to come i agree with you boogyman and don't forget Al Sharpton.
On 11/13/08 at 9:24 AM,
RussHermon wrote:
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Boogyman..Well said..The black leaders of this country epitomize the word racisim. Jesse Jackson and the Rainbow coalation will stop at nothing to keep a divide between blacks and whites in this country. If you think that President elect Obama sat in church with yellow ear plugs in and never heard any vile verbal vomitt from the good Reverend Wright used to push his views about whites forward....UNDER THE VAIL OF GOD....you live in a fantasy world. He is a very prominent black leader..what more can be said about this man? Did you notice that Jessie Jackson who never ever ever stops at anything speak on behalf of any black person in this country was very quiet throughout this election? The same can be said about Louis Farakahn and his gangsters. Before all the white people get all warm and fuzzy about how wonderful it was that the " chosen one" was elected, and that we have come so far in terms of racism, educate yourself. Hmmm wonder where Jacson, Farakahn, and Sharpton were when the boys from Duke university who were wrongly accused of rape of a black woman? Did you see them come to the media and appologize for their support of this young woman?...NO... and you never will! This is a very well concieved plan. To even debate in an open forum such as this one about race, and be educated enough to speak intelligently about your views on racism will cause back lash. Watch this blog and see..I will be called a racist before the day is out...
On 11/13/08 at 9:49 AM,
RocklandPhil wrote:
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From now on i demand to be known as a British-American
On 11/13/08 at 10:08 AM,
Tikitorch wrote:
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zachary I disagree. Ronald Reagan was the best president in recent history,and it will take great feats to surpass him! I amglad that our country has evolved enough to vote in a person of color to this post BUT, don't let this further seperate the races; by discrimination or by the races seperating themselves out (which happens as often as discrimination nowadays).
RocklandPhil, I agree, the BDN would not have done such a story and I whole heartedly believe that if Obama had lost, riots would have occurred accross the nation. and I also agree to quote you "The black leaders of this country epitomize the word racisim. Jesse Jackson and the Rainbow coalation will stop at nothing to keep a divide between blacks and whites in this country.
I will demand to be a Scotish-Female-Native- American
On 11/13/08 at 10:10 AM,
listenup wrote:
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“If you were to [leave aside] race, Barack Obama had everything this country says it wants in a leader.” Esther Rauch, Glenburn (THANK YOU)!!!!
- Unless you have walked in the shoes of any person from another culture or race than your own, you have no right to speak for anyone. Of course everyone living in the US has the same opportunity as the next Joe The Plumber, however sadly there are still alot of people living in the STATE of ME whom are prejudice and yes your race does play a big factor in whether or not you get that job! I know you you don't want to hear this and the truth does hurt for you but that's life. People who are from different races EVEN some white peoeple have to work 10X harder at getting any postion, unless the co is filling their quota for the year and not ONE black man OR WHITE MAN speaks for his entire race. AND NOW you turn this article into a racist blog for all to read, this article is about "Bangor area blacks share their views on Obama victory" not Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton or what your view on racisim. Let's stay on the subject something we learn in school.
AND YOUR RIGHT "RocklandPhil" HEL# NO would BDN write the WHITE JOHN MCCAIN OR THE WHITE PRESIDENT OR BANGOR AREA WHITES. I have seen this kind of ignorance from the BDN in the past and is why I refuse to purchase a subscription from them.
On 11/13/08 at 10:26 AM,
musician wrote:
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BARF!
On 11/13/08 at 10:37 AM,
SpecialEd wrote:
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I once walked in another man's shoes. But there were so small it cut off the circulation, and I had to take them off.
On 11/13/08 at 11:12 AM,
1stn8ion wrote:
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The reason I voted for obama wasn't because of the color of his skin it was because President Bush did not have any regard for our Constitution. i felt President-Elect Obama would.
On 11/13/08 at 11:47 AM,
Deschain wrote:
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Race is only relevant because the media makes it so. Like most Americans, I. Don't. Care. What. Color. You. Are.
On 11/13/08 at 11:52 AM,
sewmama wrote:
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Hey "listen up", How come you read the BDN on line if you don't buy the paper because you think they are biased. And as far as walking in shoes of another culture or race I think that whites ARE THE OTHER CULTURE OR RACE and we have been discriminated against and called whitey, honkey, white trash and alot more for a good number of years so I wouldn't say that it's just the whites who are racists. And in a job line non-white people trump regardless of qualifcations. The only difference between the white racist and any other color is the Whites make the news.
I don't think racism is going to stop with a black man in office because Obama is a racist himself.
On 11/13/08 at 12:11 PM,
boogyman wrote:
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Yeah RussHermon, Jackson was quite, except for that little comment about cutting off Obama's male anatomy. Anyone recall why he was so mad? It was because Obama made a comment something to the effect of Minorities need to look at how they conduct their own personal lives before they go blaming white people for all of their own problems. One of the only times I ever heard Obama say people need to take responsibility for thie own lives, and one of the few things he ever said that I am in agreement with. Jackson was mad because he felt that Obama was "talking down" to blacks. He does not want the black population to see that they actually have to power to change their own lives, that would be counterproductive to his own personal agenda, and put him out of work. The same thing happened to Bill Cosby when he said in a speach that the problem in some black communities is a result of their own failure to look at their own actions as a cause. That being said, in all fairness, the same can be said of some white communites. He was blasted by all of these self serving black leaders that want to perpetuate the notion that they are owed something just because they are black.
Slavery ended over 100 years ago. Get over it. It is a black mark (no pun intended) on US history. And yes, there are still bigots in this country, there always will be people who want to pin thier own failures on someone else, that will never change.
On 11/13/08 at 12:23 PM,
ChrisM wrote:
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If Obama has his way, "one nation under God" will be wiped from our history books. And to say this race was not about race is ridiculous. I can guarantee that a poll of Obama voters would name race as a factor in their vote. Most of Obama's supporters do not even know what he stands or what his policies are. To them, he is a nice guy who talks well. It is interesting that if he applied for a federal job he would never get hired as he would be considered a security threat! I also find it interesting that basically only Bangor and southern Maine voted for Obama, which is where most people from away live.
On 11/13/08 at 12:28 PM,
ChrisM wrote:
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1stn8ion - I guess you haven't followed the news reports (few though they were) that Barak feels our Consitution is flawed and he would change it to give more power to the federal government to take it away from you. And your comment about Bush just shows how unthinking most Barak supporters are. The election was between McCain and Obama, not Bush and Obama. Unfortunately, McCain did not do enough to point that out.
On 11/13/08 at 12:28 PM,
Amanda1982 wrote:
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Do you know that kids in school no longer say the pledge to the flag? My son is in 1st grade and he has no idea what Im talking about when I ask him about pledging to the flag? Just cause it says one nation under god they no longer say it, is what I was told? Well then just skip that part and say the rest...I know it has nothing really to do with this article..but just thought Id mention it..haha. With all the articles that have been on line about the racism..I do agree with Rockland Phil with his comment about we are all Americans..and if John Mccain won would they go around interviewing the white folks? Probably not, BUT because it is the first African American President I guess thats why they are getting that races opinion..I just hope we all stick together with this..black, white, hispanic, chinese, whatever...we all need to unite as one and stand tall and proud and FIX this country!
On 11/13/08 at 12:32 PM,
Amanda1982 wrote:
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Oh and ChrisM...guess my previous comment on the hole One Nation Under God...is already pretty much wiped out...not from Obama..but because of Bush! Just googled when that stopped being said in schools..and looks like good ol Bush took care of that, with of course others help Im sure...so ChrisM guess u can re think about that hole thing...
On 11/13/08 at 12:39 PM,
Amanda1982 wrote:
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One LAST thing...CHRISM.. Are you serious? Obama claimed victory in every county in Maine except one...still have the Bangor Daily Newspaper from day after election, when they showed tally on county voters. Wasent just Bangor and southern Maine, like u think. Security threat? Are you serious..why dont you do a little more research? Also, u think blacks only voted for Obama cause of his race? What do you think the white folks who didnt want black president did? Voted for the white guy running...so sweetie, it goes both ways!
On 11/13/08 at 1:03 PM,
centralmaine wrote:
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I'm still waiting for the day when we will judge a man based on the content of his character rather than the color of his skin.
On 11/13/08 at 1:45 PM,
1stn8ion wrote:
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ChrisM what President-Elect Obama was talking about was in regards to Black People and the fact that when the Constitution was enacted it did not take into account the fact that Black people would ever be anything more than slaves. I do read and listen to the NEWS and the fact that McCain went away from what he stood for and voted with Bush 90% of the time just said to me more of the same.
On 11/13/08 at 2:02 PM,
jims5k wrote:
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I think it is great for our nation to have a multi-racial president in office, hopefully it will strengthen the bond between all Americans.
I just can't help but wonder what percentage of Americans cast their vote solely based on race. It amazed me when I listened to Howard Stern (not my favorite person) interview three black males at random in the streets of Harlem asking them their opinion on Barack Obama being elected as President .they all agreed he is the best candidate. When asked what about his running mate Sarah Palin? They were all in total agreement "she will make a fine Vice President".
On 11/13/08 at 3:20 PM,
RocklandPhil wrote:
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"I just can't help but wonder what percentage of Americans cast their vote solely based on race". jims5k, based on your opening statement I would have to guess that you too voted for Obama for precisely that reason.
On 11/13/08 at 3:58 PM,
bethany wrote:
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who cares why they voted him in...that is their opinion and their right. most people vote because they believe he will bring change to our nation which is what we need. color of skin does not matter. oh and the quote that obama made was "i am not democratic...i am not repubilcan....i am AMERICAN". that is what we all are...remember that!
On 11/13/08 at 4:00 PM,
knine620 wrote:
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I am not racist, but Obama is multi-racial. His mother was white.
On 11/13/08 at 4:16 PM,
1stn8ion wrote:
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so maybe we should ask white people what do you think about a white man in the White House? Just a thought!
On 11/13/08 at 9:04 PM,
jims5k wrote:
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Rocklandphil, my opening statement only indicated that at least one good thing came out of Obama being elected. I would have much rather seen McCain elected and bring our troops home with honor.
On 11/13/08 at 10:39 PM,
JimfromNY wrote:
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We are about to enter an age of pure Liberalism being led by secularists who want nothing more than to banish God from our schools and from our lives. To accomplish this we must allow for choice, read the choice to kill innocent lives at the whim of mothers who think they have the right to destory life. We have elected a man who will ensure that this slaughter of innocents will proceed at an accelerated pace. We are entering the final chapters of this once great nation that promised so much to so many. Just where did we go astray and turn our back on all the moral background that was provided by our ancestors.I truly believe that Americans were so intent on replacing the present President that they failed miserably in checking out the full background and intents of Mr. Obama. We will come to rue the day that this wolf in sheeps clothing was elected to the high office of Presidency. I say, "God help us all".
On 11/14/08 at 12:28 AM,
dirigodad wrote:
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Wonder what Mr. Varner's and others' reactions would have been had the Republicans nominated JC Watts as their presidential candidate...
I think they'd be singing a different tune...something with the words "uncle" and "tom" in it...
On 11/14/08 at 7:11 AM,
wallyo wrote:
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Why is a man thats one half black called black.
Couldnt he be called white just as easily.
On 11/14/08 at 7:14 AM,
wallyo wrote:
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I guess i'll just call him president Obama
On 11/14/08 at 7:51 AM,
RocklandPhil wrote:
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jims5k, thanks for supporting Senator McCain
On 11/14/08 at 8:47 AM,
cathy12 wrote:
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As long as we perpetuate the words 'white" and "black" this issue will not die. It's not always about race, we have a lot of disparities in our cultures; we need to take a good look at ourselves from within and do what we can to change our lives and perspectives one small step at a time but eventually positive change will happen or not. We need (as my grandparents would have said) to take the high road, be honest and accountable and always have God in our hearts and lives.
On 11/14/08 at 11:46 AM,
Amanda1982 wrote:
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Like I said in previous comments...Rockland Phil....Maybe do you wonder what percentage of whites voted for Mccain cause they didnt want black president? Goes both ways sweetie..just keep that in mind. And also like I said before...I talked to a black gentleman in Walmart the other day that voted for Mccain...so not every single black american voted for Obama...I voted for him because Im ready for change. Im 26 years old and sick of struggling to raise my boys while working my ass off and not getting ahead. Why not give him a chance to see what he can do for our country? With Mccain voting with Bush 90% of the time...that swayed my vote as well.
On 11/14/08 at 1:51 PM,
hrdwkngmom wrote:
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You people are the ones whom keep racism afloat.....Always refering to others by the color of their skin..Whites...Blacks...Who cares who Joe Blow voted for..And who cares of the skin color of whom Joe Blow voted for?? Reminds me of the birth of my son when the Dr repeatedly referred to him as Bi Racial........Like it matters......Bi racial, Black, White....Try referring to others as a person...It reminds me of my mom 14 years ago when my son was born, she used to call people COLORED...I would laugh and explain to her that she was "colored" as well.....For if she were not of "color" she would be transluscent.....I am of "color" White that is..haha.....I voted for Obama and am proud of my vote...I never looked at any aspect of him other that what he was offering to my children's futures....McCain, well giving tax breaks to the already rich and NOT ONCE mentioned an education plan for my children't future.....McCain our "friend" wanted to make sure people whom owned more than one home got a tax break when people like us who work our ass off have to worry about how we will make the mortgage for ONE home!! It's NOT about color, race, nationality people...Is's ALL about the FUTURES OF OUR CHILDREN.....Think of that the next time you make a ridiculous statment...
On 11/17/08 at 8:27 AM,
RocklandPhil wrote:
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Amanda, I was quoting jims5k and his comment. You gotta get with the program ,sweetie.
On 11/17/08 at 10:52 AM,
ChrisM wrote:
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Amanda1982 - I didn't say that blacks only voted because of race. I did say that "Obama voters would name race as a factor". You inferred I was speaking of a specific race, which I was not. Which just goes to show. Also, regarding the vote in Maine, I should have specified areas. If I remember right, which maybe I do not, their were more red areas in Maine than blue areas. It was just that the blue areas accounted for a higher percentage. Furthermore, what school does your son go to? It is your specific school that maybe has dropped the Pledge. I know of Bangor schools that do say the Pledge of Allegiance. The Pledge is part of heritage and just because someone doesn't like part of it does not mean it should be dropped. You should make a stand in your community and request the Pledge be added back to school. It's time we stop being so PC. This is the United States of America and it IS a nation founded on an understanding of God as our Creator (read Constitution, Gettysburg Address, etc.). If someone does not like the idea of God, then let them just not say it, or go to another country. Also, can you please explain, "Just googled when that stopped being said in schools..and looks like good ol Bush took care of that, with of course others help Im sure", since Bush has written several letters supporting the Pledge of Allegiance (i.e. https://ideotrope.org/index.pl?node_id=34324, www.whitehouse.org/news/2002/062702.asp).
1stn8ion - the whole 90% thing with McCain, again, maybe I'm wrong, but I do not believe that the President enacts bills, not does he vote on bills, so how accurate is it to say McCain "voted with Bush 90%"?
All things said and done, Obama is the President-elect and we shall see what happens. Just last night he urged everyone to ignore the nation's debt for a few years. Unfortunately, this is what many people have been doing for too long, and now our nation is almost as bankrupt as many of it's people. Debt should never be ignored and any financial advisor worth their salt would urge getting out of debt as soon as possible, not ignore it for a while. We have been warned already, though to not be alarmed by his decisions as they may not seem the right ones to us. The majority of voters have voted for someone who they think will take care of them financially, but who doesn't really value life (i.e. does not support protecting babies from botched abortions, let alone protecting from abortion used as birth control). Remember, do not trust in the strength of man but in trust in God.
On 11/17/08 at 11:13 AM,
ChrisM wrote:
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Amanada1982 - Sounds like you are single mother. You say you're "sick of struggling", but I praise you for being strong and striving to raise your son and provide him what he needs. You also mentioned "working my ass off and not getting ahead". Who are you trying to get ahead of? We all waste too much time complaining about what we don't have and not being thankful for what we do have. There are very few of us who can say that we have less than our parents did at whatever age we are. We tend to become too complacent and feel that we are "owed", when we are not owed anything, except what is put forth by our Constitution, that is, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Obama is being touted as our great Hope, but our hope should not be in man, but in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. When our hope is in flesh and blood, it will always fail. I pray, Amanda1982, that you persevere in your stuggles, and find your strength in Him who is able to do all things.
On 11/23/08 at 8:12 PM,
gville wrote:
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Wow - the media and Oprah get behind Obama and all of you fall into place - Wow !!
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