Trash TV is a whole different episode of Donahue. To answer the question though, in reference to The Chocolate News' David Alan Grier's assertion that Barack Obama may not be black enough...I thought someone might bring up the point about wanting 'incontrovertible proof' that a 'black' candidate is capable of being elected as President in the US. I completely agree about the insanity Grier is drawing attention to by highlighting that Obama is 'only' half black. Do whites like KFC? Are more than a few whites on welfare? This is a conversation that the GOP does NOT want to have. 

Divisive politics only work, as long as those being divided believe that they have little or nothing in common. Then they are free to dislike (perceive of) their opponent as strongly as they want, and to characterize them in any way they see fit (watermelons, ribs etc..) What does this mean to us? The last frontier in this country is just not Puerto Rico. To some degree, they have made greater strides in race relations, than even the mainland. The 800 lb gorilla in the room is class, rather than race. The carrot must be dangled in front of all who aspire to capture it, in order for the deception to be made accessible to all. 

That Americans cling to 'race' says more about our character than does clinging to both guns or religion combined. Both of these are choices, and defensible by spouting endless and empty rhetoric. Calling Sean Hannity a journalist, or Headline News news, still doesn't make it so. If we must search for such things, can't we find better reasons for disliking people we think we disagree with?  Like I dislike Fox News for saying that  Sarah Palin irritates traditional feminists, essetially, because she doesn't share their world view. Hah! 

 No one thinks Sarah Palin is actually stupid; she was elected twice. The people of Wasilla, Alaska  may just see things differently. Alternatively, they could be the stupid ones. Yet I don't think that to be the case. Lest I digress further, people don't like Sarah Palin, because she is not the brightest crayon in the box. She may have the brightest smile, or the shiniest rifle, but no one but maybe her daddy will accuse her of being the sharpest knife in the drawer. 

That brings me to another point: wearing glasses is not necessarily an indicator of intelligence. Nor does looking like a librarian, or even reading stuff, guarantee either a proper education, or a mind fit for a rational interpretation of what was read.  Nor does supporting your children broadening their horizons by watching them playing soccer or hockey from across the field, necessarily guarantee being pro-middle America. Both on the Obama-Biden side, and the McCain-Palin side, character is defined as much by personal conduct, as it is by the nature of the ubiquitous character assassinations that have plagued politics for generations. 

We all witnessed the 'Obama bucks' manure, which when characterized as not being a race-based attack, truly insults the intelligence of those who are paying attention. Where is McCain-Palin's WWJD indignance now? Fair is fair, but 'arguments' that are beneath one's dignity...are simply degrading to both the fabric and character of the American people - in both parties. Does posting an ignorant characature of Sen. Obama qualify the culprits to cater soul food? This is not the 60's. Racism is, and will remain among us for some time.

The question is, how much power will irresponsible Americans grant to politics that clearly exploit irrational fears? Remember, it was the Keating 4, just as much as it was the Jackson 4, + Tito. At the end of the day, whether one is black or white, Barack Obama is yours, a native son who is no less American than is apple pie, football, and yes....even racism.

The sixties and seventies in this country, finally saw an attempt  to make good on the promises of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness..." for everyone.  That attempt was only effective because, in addition to the consciousness moment taking place at that time, those who would rather have not been conscious during all the change that was taking place, were sometimes legislators who were directed both by their consciences, as much as their constituents.

What's more, Senator Barack Obama just may be the right 'one' for the job of guiding all of us through the gray area we now find ourselves in, socially, economically and otherwise. The 'last' frontier has historically been where our country has begun to further define its character: to lead again. What would Jesus do then? Would Sarah still be waiting for The Rapture? My guess is, Jesus would do the right thing, no matter how vehemently the establishment he rebels against fights 'progressing' our country.

 Now that's a maverick, "youbetcha!"