I don’t think the blck white thing is getting worse. Sorry Theresa (Great name). I think some fearful people are trying to make it worse so that they can hold onto the power (or their own anger) just a little longer Talking about this stuff is what helps. And getting out and being around others of different races. It’s harder to hate someone you eat with regularly, or who prays with you on Sundays But if nothing else, talk about it. Get it all out there and look at it in the light of day.

I don’t care if you are black, white, brown, yellow, red, purple, green or pink. People are people. Cultures may vary, but no race has a corner on being a good or bad person. That is up to each individual.

While there are some cultural differences (those from Greek roots may celebrate Christmas differently then say those of Vietnamese heritage) there is probably something other then ethnicity that determines who exhibits what specific conduct or has specific character traits (like loyalty, honesty, desire to get ahead, etc.) The things your parents taught (or modeled for you) the type of neighborhoods you grew up in, the amount of personal drive you have, the choices you personally make…. those things are varied to be sure. But they are just as apt to influence you as your race.

Some stereo types exists because they are true often enough. But not always. And not for indivduals who exercise freedom of choice.

Stereotypes may be a handy short hand for figuring things out, but they are dangerous tools in the hands of a dull mind intent upon finding fault There are plenty of stereotypes that don’t hold up under close examination I have known plenty of white people who don’t have jobs, have bad credit, are late all the time, and blame everyone else for all their problems And I have known plenty of black people who work hard, are on time, pay their bills on time, and take personal responsibility.

So what does that mean - are the lazy whites really black deep down and vice versa? Or are they simply that way because of personal choices?

Is being loyal (or not loyal) really a trait that can be laid at the door of one race or another? Or is being loyal - or any other human trait or conduct = really a personal choice made by each of us?

I don’t care about Rev. Wright. I don’t care about any other candidate’s church either. Next thing you know, some genius is going to start printing excerpts from the Methodist Book of Discipline, especially where it refers to homosexuality. But what difference does it make if it “says” something about their character if they aren’t qualified in the first place? With the current front-runners, it’s a lose lose lose situation.

Of the three, I wish I could like Obama more. Charisma is important for a US president, especially with the tricky days ahead internationally. Clinton reminds me of Al Gore with her stiffness (sorry, Hillary you can’t hide it). And McCain carries himself like the oldest little schoolboy I’ve ever seen. (OK, I’m just going to say it here. There are thousands of surviving POWs, and I respect them all. But this is not qualification for the highest office).

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I wish we had a legitimate conservative as a choice. Not a sniveling little fool, like GW, but someone with some real background and intelligence. Someone that can pronounce nuclear. Along these lines I wish Colin Powell hadn’t squandered himself in the Gdub administration.

All in all, I don’t think either party is putting policy forward that will make a substantial difference. Most of the Iraq war discussion is face saving. None of the economy discussions have any basis in reality. Immigration rhetoric doesn’t address the fact that current law hasn’t been enforced (12 million? Gosh how’d that happen? Gee, what do we do now? How bouts a FENCE?). Give me a fucking break. National health care will never exist in the United States of America.

As far as race in America, I don’t know. I work, take care of my family, and drink a beer when I have time. While I don’t allow ghetto speak from my kids (I swear to god there’s nothing stupider looking than a little white kid saying “yo, yo, dog”), I teach them to respect everybody. The only reason I consider race at all is when these thinly constructed bruhahas hit the press. “Did you hear that? He said something that could be considered (insert elitist, racist, sexist, whateverist…) by someone with the character of a fucking feather!” Gnash teeth now.

when they should be held up as an example of what you can do with your life when you shed the institutional chains of somebody always telling you you aren’t gonna make it, cause whitey is keepin you down.

As for whites we just don’t give a damn either way, you wan’t help to achieve your dream, I’ll be right there, giving tou a hand, you wan’t to screw off and mess up your life? fine by me too. just don’t tell me it’s somebodey elses fault, all I’m gonna do is roll my eyes then give you a dollar so you can get yourself a tall steaming cup of STFU. CAUSE I DON’T CARE.

Dad told me long time ago “friends are great, but the only person you can count on to get you to where you wan’t to go is yourself.

Sorry to hear about the wall - clearly, I’ve been remiss in my projection of Evil Right-Wing Mind-Control Rays.

Fresh Rays are en route.

Again, my apologies.

- MuscleDaddy