Castro: Racism in US keeps many away from Obama

Marno, He's already got all the Radical communist, socialists,and marxist votes it doesn't surprise me, Obama should feel right at home with his endorsement

I don't think it was an endorsement.

But Fidel is right: there are racists in the USA and they will not vote for Obama. Even a broken clock is right twice a day. 

It's obvious that many nations seem to think they would benefit from an Obama presidency. McCain has the foreign policy experience and a lot of the world doesn't want him. Says a lot.

Sure does say a lot. Look at the people in those nations that want him to be President. I think there is more to the picture than people are willing to look at.  McCain won't play their games with them and invite terrorists to sit down and talk. America is in big trouble if Obama is elected. I am not a rep. or a dem. But we are in big trouble. I hope and pray i do not get the chance to say I TOLD YOU SO. God Bless America!

That's interesting, Joseph. Hmm, I wonder why that isn't reported in MSM?

Yes, Kenny. Indeed, God bless America.

Thanks Kim, a voice of reason in what appears to be a sea of wierdness....

Well, Mr. Collymore, I see you bring a double-decker bus filled with sunshine on an otherwise California cloudy day. >:-/

Professor, sir, you shall receive an A for surpassing the word count of a typical post, a C for having done some research, a C for spelling and grammar, a C for formatting, a B for condescension, and an F- for manners.

"To Mike M. You're the classic moron and, what's more, you relish in being one because you're too dumb to actually see yourself as you really are."

Professor Dr. Stanley Collymore
London, England.

It just goes to show you that an education doesn't necessarily guarantee decorum or wisdom. Ah, well. Don't forget to vote on November 4th.

Oh, wait. You're a Londoner. My bad.

"God save the Queen!" <rimshot>

Stella--I agree with the grades--although really, an F minus?  *haha!*

And you're right--my mother always said that a pig, dressed in silk, is still a pig...

Dr. Collymore needs to go back to school--perhaps Ms. Manners has an opening... 

Oh, my, Lkessler! You ought not to have provided me that mental image of a pig, silk, and uh...er...

Hahaha!

<curtsy>

You are correct. But you fail to look at the big picture. Its not just republicans that are racist. Give me a break. If Obama was republican i guarantee you would not be trying to pull the racism card. I am a sick and tired of people saying its because they are black thats the problem why they won't vote for him. There will always be people that stoop down to a level that don't like people because the color of their skin. Ok we all understand that.  A person or people say racist remarks at a rally. I am sure if the tables were turned the same thing would be going on. Lets blame Sarah Palin for a few racist people that were at a rally. Give me a break. Him being black or whatever he may be is not a problem with me. Read Obama's book then you tell me who is RACIST!

I've heard more sexist comments coming from the left about Sarah Palin over the past month than I've heard racist comments coming from the right about Barack Obama over the past two years.

Apparently to the left, racism is bad but sexism is okay.

Thanks, Ron. Kudos.

Sexism and racism have been flung from both the left and the right during this election.  It was bound to happen with Hillary, Obama, and Palin.  The "old" guys are getting tweeked, too (McCain & Biden) None of us are perfect and sometimes we try to make a point and don't realize we're slamming a whole group of people in the process.  Still it's good that we're forced into this conversation -  the most important thing that's happening is we're separating the knowledgeable from the ignorant in the process - no matter the race, age, or gender.

My twist on RD Snyder's comment - Most of the time enemies are the best source for telling you exactly how you're screwed up.  After all they're the ones relentlessly focusing on your flaws.

Well, I'm off - so I'm sure someone's going to serve me some humble pie soon enough somewhere on these blogs.

Sunny,
(No humble pie). I like your take on it! If we don't examine our beliefs, we may not even become aware of them ourselves.Newsvine makes us "road test" our ideas and ideals to be sure they "work" and have solid foundation.  I like your thought about the value of the opposition's view, too.

That said, the crap toss that passes for analysis and discourse on NV, especially on the weekends, is detrimental to our discourse.

I'm sure Obama isn't happy to get a Castro endorsement today. I hope he examines himself to discover why.You may disagree with me, but I notice he sure does attract a radical, collectivist element.

Ron- you have heard more sexist comments because people are being heard that. I hear racist comments about Obama regularly. Granted I personally know people who say the comments.

But Castro is 100%. I am one to say yea i voted for one of the two evils but it definitely was not the black one! it was the white one! I am not racist to the full extent of the word but its in my blood and thats how i am!

Ellie Phatt- Castro's comment is a condemnation of America. Barack's name is just being used as a convenience for Castro to comment.

If this campaign has taught me anything it's that candidates have to appeal to a general audience and in doing so many people consider themeselves part of the norm or average collective.  That's how you get "radicals" on one side and "murderous chanters" from the other.  What's more important is that neither candidate has leaned towards these extremes in any significant manner.

girl to girl.  Just because a sleazy guy approaches you and you talk to him, it doesn't define you as a person.  It means you had an encounter as an acquaintance, it doesn't define you as a person.

RepublikanChick -

I am not racist to the full extent of the word but its in my blood and thats how i am!

You're comment sounds like someone saying they're a little bit pregnant.  Either way these paths gives full birth to experiences that you or others will have to deal with and you can't take either one of them back.

In addition, racism isn't in your blood - it's in your head.  The very proof of it is how children get along very well until they're programmed otherwise. 

Sunny,  Your last sentence is something I can totally relate to! :-) I believe I said below that Obama was probably not happy about any perceived "compliment" from Castro, Hamas or Chavez (see 7.2 below). 

Hi ElliePhatt - I'm coming back in after a break but I read beyond to 7.5 below.  "Castro's perceived endorsement" appears to beg for discord between people.  I believe Obama's name is being used to needle the nation.  Castro is no Obama sympathizer and vice versa.

I would say Obama is pretty indifferent to any "perceived" endorsement since he has stated he plans to continue the establised trade sanctions against Cuba... and of course, Castro doesn't like this.

I guess my biggest concern is that there seems to be an overtone that somehow Obama is in cahoots with unfriendlies -- and that hasn't been established.  The cart keeps being put in front of the horse in these types of cases.  Equally, I don't think McCain wishes ill will toward Obama but you wouldn't be able to tell by his very vocal supporters, nevertheless, he's been accused of it. 

So, I'm not sure if I'm addressing your comments thoroughly, but I think I'm in sync.  

"I don't think McCain wishes ill will toward Obama but you wouldn't be able to tell by his very vocal supporters....."   ---  Sunny Side

Having kept an eye on this election, as I'm sure you have also, can you give me any instances where an Obama supporter has been attacked or vandalism has occurred to an Obama supporters property?

1) A female McCain supporter was beaten in the face with a stick by an Obama supporter in NYC.

2) "KKK" was scratched into the side of a McCain supporters personal car.

Let's not give the perception that McCain supporters are evil while giving Obama supporters a pass.  There is viciousness and anger on BOTH sides, and whichever candidate wins will have his policies and agenda severely scrutinized for any signs of selling this country out, or trying to diminish our constitutional freedoms such as the 1st Amendment (Fairness Doctrine) or 2nd Amendment (Confiscation of guns or prevent the sale of ammunition).

I'm afraid that trying to pass the Fairness Doctrine will result in a major uprising in this country.  Unlike in the 70's, there are now just way too many people that listen to conservative talk radio, and many of these people will take their anger into the streets.  I don't even want to think about the outcome should they attempt to confiscate Americans guns or prevent the sale of ammunition.  This would be a HUGE miscalculation.  There are already way too many on the right that are extremely skeptical of Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and Harry Reid's agenda.  In my opinion, any attempt to do one or both that I mentioned would confirm their suspicions and would bring about a nationwide revolution of disasterous proportions.  Scary stuff!

Regardless who wins this election, we are in for a rocky road as a country, and this insurmountable division between liberals and conservatives may ultimately be our undoing as a nation.  Some will feel that there are just some things worth fighting for.  The 1st and 2nd Amendments being two of them.  I think I'll head for the hills until after the smoke clears.

and now its up to us to prove his decrepid old ass wrong

By voting into office Barack Obama!

God Help Us if that comes true.

There's nothing sadder than a rude Democrat. Please stop. I wouldn't resort to name-calling of Obama or McCain because that would be wrong. And I wouldn't call McCain  "decrepid old ass" any more than would say anything of the sort of Obama. Besides, I would surely be labeled a racist.

I am not voting for Mr. Obama, not because I'm racist. He is appealing and I appreciate his openmindedness, but I simply don't agree with him on too many issues.

Very well said Stella.

A few things

Snyder, soon you too will be a decrepit old ass.

Kenny, please just shut it. See my comment below.

Joeseph, keep being afraid, and don't EVER look outside your suburb.

Has anyone on this page even been to Cuba?

Sorry Snyder, that was for the dude above you.

~8-x

I will not say anything bad...I will not say anything bad...I will not say anything bad...

Zep:  I've been to Cuba.  A few notable things:

 - the streets/sidewalks in Cuba are the cleanest I've seen in my life.  Not a speck of garbage anywhere--or graffitti/gum/etc.

- the police presence is omnipresent--and while you may feel self-conscious, you can be assured that, if you are a woman, you can walk late at night and not feel in fear of being assaulted.

So, while you can feel very safe, it's a very restricted sense of freedom.

Lkessler I live in South Florida, and have Cuban friends,

While you may be clinically correct in your statements, I strongly disagree with the use of the word "Freedom" when talking about Cuba.  You probably would not feel so safe walking around at night, or during the day for that matter, if you tried to exercise a freedom to disagree with the government.  You might end up dead!

http://cubaarchive.org/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=20&Itemid=93

Please note the 2001 quote at the top.

Oh, and in reference to your statement about women feeling safe!  It may be a little dated but you get the idea..

http://www.globalpolicy.org/socecon/develop/2003/0326cuba.htm

Tired:  As I said:  it's my view from my own personal experience having traveled to Cuba and spending actual time with the locals.  I will say though, the old generation especially doesn't seem to find anything wrong with Cuba.  I beg digress, but the younger generation sees plenty wrong--which is why they flee in droves in rickety boats...

Peace!  And that's precisely why I said it is a restricted sense of "freedom."  It's not really freedom at all.  Ask any member of "Operation Pedro Pan" about what it was like to experience true freedom aboard a plane on their way out of Cuba, for good. 

Tired:  As I said:  it's my view from my own personal experience having traveled to Cuba and spending actual time with the locals.  I will say though, the old generation especially doesn't seem to find anything wrong with Cuba.  I beg digress, but the younger generation sees plenty wrong--which is why they flee in droves in rickety boats...

Very true.. If you look at the younger generation in both countries, the U.S. and Cuba, I think the attitude is the same.  I realized your position after I read a few more of your posts.. Sometimes I wish I could edit my comments even after time expires.  Thanks for getting back to me..

Tired: inasmuch as I could have been offended--I realize we're all human (and from time to time, misunderstand or make mistakes)...  That's just being human.  Don't beat yourself up.  Instead, take time to go vote and to be at peace once you do--once we all do what we must (hopefully just once!), we can go to bed knowing we did what we could to get our candidate (whichever one) elected.  That's all that can be done.

As for Cuba--well, the only thing the embargo truly deprived us from are fabulous Cuban cigars--and those can still be smuggled out...  *LOL*

Really? You must not be paying attention, because thing have not really changed as much as you have been told......

So, you are not from here?  I guess you don't live here either?  BTW, today is November 4, 2008 and I've been watching the news all day and I don't see: 

 "Racism in this country is going to rear it's ugly little head again in the next three weeks like you haven't seen since the sixties"

Would you like to take a moment and correct your earlier posting?

Ron, you use the word Marxist rather freely here in reference to people like Castro and Farrakhan. My suspicion is that you may not understand Marxism, so for your benefit I have put down some of the main principles of Marxism. Marxism is:

 A belief that capitalism is based on the exploitation of workers by the owners of the means of production (does this sound like the typical working relationship in America?)

A belief that people's consciousness of the conditions of their lives reflects the dominant ideology which is in turn shaped by material conditions and relations of production ( read this one a few times and then think about America).

An understanding of class in terms of differing in relation to one another and as a particular position within such relations. ( From the Slaughterhouse Cases to 1964, this is evident within the Civil Rights Movement of America) 

An understanding of material conditions and social relations as historically malleable. ( Since when has America ever fought a war in which they were not the proud champions of freedom?)  

A view of histroy according to which class struggles with the evolving conflict between classes with opposing interests, structures each historical period, driving historical change ( Think, pretty much, of the creation of our nation and the struggles between the elite and the poor for power).

A belief that this dialectical historical process will ultimately result in a replacement of the current class structure of society with a system that manages society for the good of all, resulting in the dissolution of the class structure and its support (more often than not including the nation state).

I think that about covers it.

The point, Ron, is that Marx and Engles are deeply inbedded in many aspects of society, from religion to medicine, and not all of marxism has been rejected by the modern philosophies of socialist democracy which, by the way, is what America has evolved into. 

Marx, it could be argued, took his philosophical underpinnings from the formation of the United States and the subsequent class struggles he saw there.

In short, America may just have given birth to the idea.

You obviously know very little of Cuban politics.

Fidel is LOVED in Cuba.

Check the facts, then get back with me

What I do know is from the Cubans that I've known here & they hate him.

Zep,

If Castro is loved by cubans, why have so many put their lives at risk to get out of his 'Worker's Paradise'?  Why do those that get caught trying to leave this paradise end up in prison?  If he is so loved, why has he not opened up to allow all political parties (not just the government approved brand) to form and function and to place candidates (real candidates) on the ballot?  Wouldn't that prove that he is truly loved if he was elected by 90% of the electorate instead of being elected by rigged elections?

By having to state openly that "I'm not racist but..." gives you away.

You may not be openly racist, but you are not really being honest in your statement now are you?

Think about it. 

"I'm not racist but..."

Looks like you took the liberty to misquote me. I never said "but" about it! Your inaccurate quote of me gives you away.

I'm no racist. Simple. Nothing more to think about. I don't see myself voting for Obama, but not because of his race. I have wrote in Colin Powell in the past, even though he dropped out of that campaign. I voted for Bradley when he ran for governor. What you choose to believe about me is something I respectfully suggest you think about.

Indeed, I added the but

Taken as a mistake, thank you.

It just seems wierd that you would go through the trouble to state this opinion at all if there was not something you were being dihonest about.

Really what is the point of your statement above?

What is the point of putting a violent act next to a black mans name up there?

See, this is where the disconnect happens.

Perhaps I should not over think your statement

Forgive me if I am wrong, no disrespect intended.

What is the point of putting a violent act next to a black mans name up there?

Jesse Jackson, Sr. said that "violent act" and I wanted readers to be sure I wasn't saying I would vote for the Sr.! The point is the Jr. denounced his father's uncivilized comments, and I wanted readers to know that I'd prefer Jr.- or Powel, Rice, or Ford, Jr.- over Obama. I wanted to make sure readers knew I was NOT endorsing Jackson, Sr. at all! Thats my point! I have very low regard  for Jackson, Sr but admire Jackson, Jr.

The larger point is something like this- just because someone doesn't want to vote for Obama, doesn't mean that person is a racist, in spite of what many Vine Obama supporters want to contend! At any rate, I mean no disrespect to you as well, and I hope you, and all other registered voters, vote your conscience! Peace.

Yeah you are right about that.

The whole thing is getting a little out of control right now, as is evident by our exchange here.

God help you if you want to criticize Obama at this point, there is just too much caustic crap around the whole thing to say anything legitimately concerning about him.

Pretty masterful campaign strategy on his part. Looks like it will get him elected.

Peace

God help you if you want to criticize Obama at this point, there is just too much caustic crap around the whole thing to say anything legitimately concerning about him.

I am just discouraged and disappointed about the Vine debates regarding this campaign. I guess its almost over! Thankfully, Nov. 5th is just around the corner! Have a great day, zep. Peace.

I have nothing against Blacks, nor  against Sen.  Obama.  In my coat-of-arms there is a little black boy whom my ancestor saved life, being thereby knighted centuries ago. But I am troubled by Gen. Colin Powell's endorsement of Sen. Obama. Gen. Colin is a hero and perhaps rightly so. But he has committed an awful blunder at the United Nations, on the question of Somalia, causing one of the most shameful defeats in American history, by denying the crucial armaments to the soldiers in Mogadishu! This to me appears to have been part of Sen. Dole's plan to upstage Boutros Boutros Galli's reelection as Head of the UN - a dubious personal agenda to take control. Dole knew that he would succeed if Somalia venture, Boutros Galli's crown jewel decision, turned out to be a fiasco. This I call one of the gravest misjudgments in American history. As an ordinary citizen, I had corresponded with Boutros Galli, and had supported that intervention, proposing a huge desalination plant and a U.S. military base to protect Israel and the Gulf of Aden. Boutros Galli believed in the plan. But Mr. Clinton apparently had different ideas. He ordered Gen Les Aspen to de-escalate the U.S. involvement, and not to send the crucial armor to the Expeditionary Forces! From that point on, the U.S. Marines stood no chance! Not only Somalia was lost, but 18 U.S. soldiers were dead and 84 gravely wounded! Today we reap the results of these Machiavellian political intrigues, as we observe the anarchy and piracy in Somalia! This is why I am troubled by Gen. Colin Powell's endorsement of Sen. Obama! For me, his judgment is tainted! As far as Fidel Castro's judgment, it's irrelevant!

Compelling info, desert voice.

Did you forget that you already posted this diatribe in #1.7?

Apparently so.

Stella, you are great! :-)

"Nah! You ahhh!" replied Stella, in a Bostonian accent.

"We ALL are!" said everyone, in a unified voice with a ...oh...I guess human accent? A little help?

I kind of like Ahhnold's (Schwarzenegger's) accent. In fact, I save all of his robo-calls during election season. I could make a "great hits" CD by now.

I love "Kah-lee-fone'-ya!"

gotta love Arnie! And Maria!

Maybe Dr. Ruth could lend her accent for us? I don't know how to type it, but probably has to have lots of woo sounds and a liberal dose of the letter 'd', ya think?

I think we've gotten off-topic, worldknightboy!

Where were we...?

Ah, yes: Who cares what Castro thinks about Obama? His people are willing to risk life and limb on open seas to find freedom from dictatorship in the United States of America.

Sorry, I wandered. No doubt Castro the dictator will die a bitter, stubborn fool! Freedom for Cuba!

Herb, on this one, we'll have to agree to disagree--I think that if there was any truth to racism being a factor here, Mr. Obama wouldn't even have had the chance to run, let alone win his party's nomination.  That's crazy talk, and if I were Mr. Obama, I would absolutely distance myself ASAP from any comment made by Mr. Castro.  Not only is he dealing with his all-too-bloated intestinal track (the result of feeding and eating too much BS in his lifetime) but he's dealing with people in America, whom if they actually cared what he thought, they'd be living in Cuba, not here.

I don't think racism is a determining factor but I have met more than one person that doesn't want to vote for a black president. It makes me sick and I couldn't agree less with the idea but it is out there more than I think a lot of us non racists realize.

It's like if you smoke weed you know a lot of people that smoke weed. If you don't smoke weed you may know the same people and think noone you know smokes weed. Ifeel racism is similar if you are a racist then you know a lot of people who share your feelings if you aren't a racist the racists you know keep it to themselves.

Yea, racism is so horrible here in America.  That's why people of all colors are trying to get in but nobody is trying to get out.

I'm trying to get out. It is harder to get out than it is to get in.

I am neither republican or democrat and as an American I feel ripped off. The home of the free? What exactly are we free to do that isn't entirely regulated and restricted by the government. I know that we are a country in denial but Canada is a lot closer to what America is supposed to be than America currently is.

Herb- To bad you feel the way you do. If you want to go. Then go. No one is stopping you. 

I agree with you, Kenny.

Paid for by the grace of God and the blood of patriots, Mr. White has every opportunity to lawfully express his opinions, as well as actually do something to effect change via his votes or a run for office. He also has the good fortune to be able to come and go from this country as he wishes.

I hear airplane tickets to Canada are lots cheaper when bought in advance of the holidays. The irony is, more than a couple of Canadian 'Viners have expressed support of Mr. McCain's policies or the GOP platform in general.

Perhaps too many Americans take her own liberties for granted?

Which is why so many come here, to America, to find freedom.  Just ask me how many clients in our firm (ironically, an immigration firm) ask how much longer 'til they can get their green card.

I tend to think it cannot possibly be so bad here, when so many want to be in America so badly.

Thanks, Lkessler.

By the way, if you have an idea of how long the average wait time is to receive a green card (and is it possible to "average" out a wait time?), I'd find that interesting to know. Thanks again.

Stella:  With our firm's clients, I'd say it takes anywhere between 5 and 10 years from the approval of the I-485, but the process to the N-400 taking effect (citizenship) can be from as little as 6 months to 2 years.  So, it's really a huge ballpark when it comes to that process...

Which explains why the fees are so entirely outrageous... 

Geez. Considering the dilemma in my state, that doesn't make the case for legal immigration any more doable. There's got to be a better way.

Absolutely, Stella...  You can imagine the stress...

That doesn't count the screaming, issues of non-payment, huge waits, etc, etc, etc, that plague practices like this one where I work.  Sometimes I wonder why I don't get out.  But I'm aiming to...

Lkessler...gives new meaning to "on the front lines."

Blessings, peace, and humor be yours!

The humor part is always mine--my husband agrees that I am "easily amused."  ;D

So must involves speaking Flemish or Basque when processing new cases, no? Or maybe a bit of interpretive dance?

Heck, I would. Gotta mix it up a little now and then.

------------------------------

@{ |8-}   <-----  Hey, look! My Sarah Palin impersonation!

Stella:  anything that will amuse me and make the day go fast is a must for me when processing new cases.  Of course, some of the claims are downright outlandish!  You should see some apps.

We all must mix it--who's bringing the mix and who's bringing the alcohol?  I'll bring my drip...

@{ |8-}   <-----  Hey, look! My Sarah Palin impersonation!

Dang, that's a good impersonation!  The beehive look is fantastic!

%{ :-)    <---chopstick in bun, no glasses or make-up.

Er...back on topic: Boy, that Fidel is a hoot, ain't he? I wonder if he watched the election on Tuesday? Hoo-boy!