Insurance Agent Forum

[Mr. Bill]

Anger over welfare and affirmative action helped forge the Reagan Coalition. Politicians routinely exploited fears of crime for their own electoral ends. Talk show hosts and conservative commentators built entire careers unmasking bogus claims of racism while dismissing legitimate discussions of racial injustice and inequality as mere political correctness or reverse racism.

Just as black anger often proved counterproductive, so have these white resentments distracted attention from the real culprits of the middle class squeeze – a corporate culture rife with inside dealing, questionable accounting practices, and short-term greed; a Washington dominated by lobbyists and special interests; economic policies that favor the few over the many. And yet, to wish away the resentments of white Americans, to label them as misguided or even racist, without recognizing they are grounded in legitimate concerns – this too widens the racial divide, and blocks the path to understanding.

So I get that it's a speech, but what the heck is this guy saying? And what has he done or is going to do about it???? I'm confused....

DRUDGE REPORT FLASH 2008®

[arnguy]

Yes. I agree with you. He is a great orator, in the mold of William Jennings Bryan, but to me it sounds like a lot of empty rhetoric. I certainly do not think it qualifies him to be President. I tried listening to his speech, but was turned off about halfway through it.

[sman]

Originally Posted by Mr. Bill

Anger over welfare and affirmative action helped forge the Reagan Coalition. Politicians routinely exploited fears of crime for their own electoral ends. Talk show hosts and conservative commentators built entire careers unmasking bogus claims of racism while dismissing legitimate discussions of racial injustice and inequality as mere political correctness or reverse racism.

Just as black anger often proved counterproductive, so have these white resentments distracted attention from the real culprits of the middle class squeeze – a corporate culture rife with inside dealing, questionable accounting practices, and short-term greed; a Washington dominated by lobbyists and special interests; economic policies that favor the few over the many. And yet, to wish away the resentments of white Americans, to label them as misguided or even racist, without recognizing they are grounded in legitimate concerns – this too widens the racial divide, and blocks the path to understanding.

So I get that it's a speech, but what the heck is this guy saying? And what has he done or is going to do about it???? I'm confused....

DRUDGE REPORT FLASH 2008®

Yep, he is a great speaker. Very charismatic. I find myself listening to him in amazement at how "smooth" he is. But then when you REALLY listen to the substance, you realize how liberal he is.

The one thing I can't get past is the fact that his pastor made statements like, "The U.S. lied about creating the HIV virus as a form of genocide on people of color". How do you spin that in a way that isn't negative?

No matter what someone says of a person of color, it becomes racist. Just like the whole Geraldine Ferraro thing. I have no idea what she meant by her statement. But look at it this way, if Barack Obama wasn't black, Hillary would likely be getting more of the black vote and thus, be leading the Democrat race. But because she said "if he wasn't black" he wouldn't be in this position, it somehow makes her a racist.

[bluemarlin08]

America better wake up. He had an opportunity to explain, but instead spun everything into nothing. His speech will end up being his undoing. How can anyone, black or white vote for this guy. Is this what is preached in all black churches as he infers? Give me Hillary over this racist any day of the week.

[arnguy]

Another thing, I thought Bill Clinton was long-winded in his oratory. This guy takes the cake----a lot of fluff.

[Mr. Bill]

I think that's where people get "caught up" - they are hearing what they want to hear, reading what they want to read into it. I would argue that actions speak louder than words. So far I haven't seen a man of action, just a man of words. Personally, although I like whipped cream, I'd rather have a good cup of coffee with no whipped cream than to have a cup full of whipped cream.