As I watched the election results from various TV sets around my island home of Dominica, I was struck by the close race that was taking place. Americans were divided by a slim margin between personal government and corporate government.
I was surrounded by black West Indians who were clearly rooting for Obama. I thought of my late parents who instilled in me an understanding that racism is a mental disease of small minded people. My late parents voted for what the candidate stood for, not the party they represented nor the color of their skin. Sometimes my father would vote “split ticket”.
And yes, that can become a tricky path to maneuver when elections seem to reflect Hollywood theatrics. Consequently I am reminded of this quote from “A Separate State of Mind”.
“The bottom line is: it’s not racism and you’re not a racist when you’re voting for someone not because of the color of his skin but because of what he stands for. It’s not racism and you’re not a racist if you haven’t really thought about a candidate’s skin color until now. Come election day, everyone—regardless of their skin color—should vote for who they believe can get their country in the right direction.”
I’m not for or against any candidate but rather support the principles that are so eloquently stated in the Declaration of Independence, “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”. Let’s hope the covert racism that sometimes circled this year’s election coverage dies a personal death as American moves forward another four years. God Bless America. I’m proud to be an American.
