Who will have the FINAL say?
by: Guest
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Word Count: 855
The more I hear about and research this potentially complex delegate and super delegate scenario I begin to question if we, the American people, truly have an ultimate and final say in our voting process as it was decreed back in 1968 that the people selects the Presidential Nominee. Of course I am aware that our vote during primaries and caucuses does not determine who will be our next president. Nonetheless, I definitely understand that the “will of the people” should be validated and supported by both the Democrat and Republican parties. Considering the more accurate depiction of who the people want in office (the popular vote), no strategically selected figureheads should make the final decision on who will be the Democratic Presidential Nominee. Who are these delegates and super delegates anyway? Why is their say more important than the every day American who is justifiably concerned about their job security?
As I have discovered during my excitement about what America’s new likable celebrity, Barack Obama, has been able to accomplish, his continued whipping of Hilary does not necessary guarantee him the title of 2008 Democratic Presidential Nominee. I knew it was too good to be true! In light of this fact, we, those of us who care, are now sitting on the edge of our seats wondering if our political system will honor the Obama Revolution after the peoples’ votes are tallied at the Democratic National Convention. Will those highly prestigious persons given the title of Super Delegate listen to the roar of A Change We Can Believe In? Will they? Or, will they side with what they think is best for the party: An almost defeated Hilary Clinton?
It is obvious the Clinton Machine is desperate at this juncture. They just cannot win anywhere! The slinging of what they perceive to be dirt on Barack Obama will intensify as long as the people continue to support him with the one thing we all should cherish. Our vote. Holding it to heart has always been important. Both black and white people died for today’s blacks to exercise this right. Yeah, you have heard that before. You have heard this before too: There is no reason for us (black folk) not to take part in America’s electoral process. And, the new justification for our vote has been blurted from every corner of the United States too: If we are only voting because Barack is black we are in an essence defying and disrespecting the true meaning and purpose of voting.
All of this tired and unconvincing discourse only to say that our vote should mean something to us; and trivializing it to he is black is shallow. And, it is more than likely something Obama does not want us to do. But, with all the emphasis placed on black people to vote and how we should vote, I am wondering why is it publicly acceptable for white and a few black republicans to declare that they are not going to vote this time around because they do not like Mr. McCain? Could it be because their (white folks and/or most republicans) history is not the same as ours? Basically indicating, the only reason black people should vote is because great grandma was once denied the right to vote. What if the majority of black democrats today were in a position to proudly broadcast to the world that they are not going to vote because they do not like man-tendency Hilary and preacher-like Barack. Would there be a backlash? Of course it would. We would be called fools, and we would be accused of being shiftless and ignorant of the issues at hand.
Apparently, there is a double standard floating around out there in the political atmosphere: If a white person decides not to support (vote this election) the shoe-in for the Republican Nomination, John McCain, it is quite alright – but if a black person does not vote he/she is a pathetic loser, and in affect spitting in the face of Chicken George. Help me understand this blatant contrasting principle.
Should we (black people) do a turnaround if the Super Delegates trump the will of the people? Should we throw our support behind Hilary Clinton when and if these big shots defy America’s elderly, young, poor, wealthy, educated, and uneducated backers of Barack? Or, should we do what countless Republicans are saying that they are going to do: Not vote because they do not like their candidate? No, blacks will not do this. We will vote because it appears we NOW understand the significance of the vote even if it is for this unlikable Clinton.
Could America’s descendants of salves be coming out in droves because Barack is black, or is it because we are FINALLY realizing voting is critical? I believe Barack Obama, as he tries to defeat Hilary Clinton, has effectively inspired African Americans to value that right that was gained with Kizzy’s blood.
Election and Delegate 101:
http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/path.presidency/
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/02/delegate.explainer/index.html
Written by Brian E. Payne. Inspired by the possibility of the people’s voice being silenced by a tool to quell revolution/change.
About the Author
Brian E. Payne is a native of the former furniture town, Thomasville, NC. Brian received his bachelor’s in Physical Education/Health at High Point University and a master’s in Divinity from Howard University. While at High Point, Brian was a dynamic campus leader and he became a Five-Time Track and Field All-American, and received an invitation to compete in the 1991 Olympic Track & Field Trials. Immediately upon graduating from High Point University, Payne worked for the YMCA of Thomasville as a Youth Fitness Director, with an array of responsibilities ranging from teen fitness to adult health education. After one year at the YMCA, he entered the Peace Corps. In Antigua, Payne was responsible for developing and implementing a Physical Education curriculum. He also worked as a Peace Corps trainer for incoming trainees, host country teachers, and host government community leaders. In his most recent service with the Peace Corps, Brian served as the Recruitment Coordinator for the Atlanta Peace Corps Recruiting Office. He was responsible for coordinating all recruitment activities within six states and two United States territories. Prior to the Recruitment Coordinator position, Brian served in various capacities within Peace Corps. As a testament to his leadership qualities and productivity Brian was granted the maximum tour of service (8 ½ years). He is a devoted father of one, and a prolific writer. Several of his writings have been published in a monthly newspaper that’s dedicated to sharing local information, community highlights, and stories. The papers target audience is African American. He is also a frequent contributor for a daily newspaper in North Carolina, and just recently was published in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
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