I did once try to get more involved in Democratic politics, in 2002. It left a bad taste in my mouth. I tried again in 2006, anyway, but same taste. I won't spend time denigrating anyone who chooses to get involved that way, there is nothing I can provide to show it doesn't work. I do believe that the Democratic party has listed toward the center because of uncritical support from its constituents, and so I feel that I would rather put my efforts into adding that to the mix.

Don't know who RWM would be, but disregard this post whoever you are...

I posted a link to this a few weeks ago, but decided to post it again. This is an article that appeared in Electronic Intifada by the respected Palestinian writer and activist, Ali Abunimah. Ali met a young and pro-Palestinian Obama in his state rep years, and chronicles his perspective on Obamas evolution into a politician on the issue.

http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article6619.shtml

Point taken.

Of course, I'm voting for Obama. I don't see how any sane person could argue. But it is important to note these issues. We have to put them on the table at some point, we have to be critical of our leaders, even when we kind of like them.

...that when Obama laid out his geneological line during his speech, I did feel a flutter. That's my story too, and the story of so many Americans whose stories have been invisible for years. To think that a man running for president is a transnational, a person of color, really is amazing. If only he had started talking this way--about his white mother, Kenyan father, and Indonesian half-sister, etc. I would have had a lot more respect for him.

Israel did come up in his speech. And the reference to Palestine seemed occult but strong, he said, in referenec to Wright...

"A view that sees the conflicts in the Middle East as rooted primarily in the actions of stalwart allies like Israel, instead of emanating from the perverse and hateful ideologies of radical islam [Palestine? At least in part.]"

Your analysis marginalizes peanut butter M&M's. You disgust me.

The term "off topic" comes to mind.

Glenn Said:

"I found the whole Wright "controversy" manufactured and relatively petty from the start..."

I agree, strongly. I failed to see the issue and why it is so timely now. Wright's views and the video in which he espouses them, have been public knowledge for a year or more.

"It was as candid and sophisticated a discussion of the complexities of race in America as any individual could possibly manage in a 45-minute speech, particularly one delivered in the middle of a heated presidential campaign and a shrill political controversy."

I didn't think that the speech was that amazing, to be honest, on its own merits, but when uttered by a presidential candidate, yes truly revolutionary. I especially was moved by his declaration of multi-ethnic identity, which for many of us of mixed race, was a sorely needed intro.

But this...

There were numerous manipulative tactics which the average cynical political strategist would have urged him to employ, and none of those were found in his speech.

...this was a bit of hyperbole. Perhaps you missed, this tulip from Obama...

[rejecting Wright's comments] "A view the sees the conflicts in the Middle East as rooted primarily in the actions of stalwart allies like Israel, instead of emanating from the perverse and hateful ideologies of radical islam"

That is a musty and manipulative tactic if I ever heard one, and I am sure, given his evolution on this issue from being pro-Palestinian to viewing Israel as our "stalwart ally" and Palestinians as perverted and hateful, this obviously came from a political strategist.

Just for the record.

You said: "but I don't take the reference to be directed specifically at Palestinians. I know the Israeli/Palestinian conflict is at the root of much of the problem in the ME, but it is not the only problem."

I agree that it wasn't said in so many words. I assume he was referencing Al Q'aeda to a certain extent, but its hard not to conflate Palestinians into that, given the subject matter. Surely, he knew that. To be honest, I do think that its necessary to keep bringing it up. But do I expect a democratic to ever stray from this spineless position when running for high office? Please.

You're right, he didn't say Palestinian. But I think it would be disingenuous to assume that he did not know that the comment would be taken to encompass Palestinians as well as other groups. He is too able a speaker to leave such a loose thread, without some advantage. Surely, if he wants to counter that sentiment, he could have said something by now. But even GWB has a better record on pro-Palestinian issues. Obama, being of color, is probably even more scared than the average Democrat to come out with a pro-Palestinian comment.

I also want to emphasize that its not the biggest issue for me. I do have family there, the unfairness of the issue, the complete offensive disregard Americans show for Palestinians, the utter injusticce of it, makes my blood boil. But I'd be a fool to be voting on that issue given the stakes and the unanimity on the Democrat and Republican sides.

I do agree with you about the muslim issue, and tend to forget that Obama has so many minefields to cross...

I've posted this link before, but I think its a unique window into Obama that I haven't really seen anywhere else. If you're really curious about Obama's views regarding Israel, this would be a place to start. ..written by Ali Abunimah last year, based on his encounters with Obama over the years. Examines Obama's evolution on the Palestine issue since he became a viable candidate for the big leagues...

here it is

http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article6619.shtml