It has been hard for me to be a Democrat these past eight years. I have had to watch helplessly while criminals in the White House invaded Iraq, ruined American leadership in the world, destroyed the education system, and divided this country deeper and wider. My Democratic Party sat apathetically by and allowed it to happen. Worse than that, supported the situation with mealy mouthed platitudes and sometimes even voting alongside. I have to say that "hard" is an understatement. Indeed, it has been excruciating.
Last night I watched as Hillary Clinton deepened and widened the racial divide further - apart from that token brown skinned man they had placed in the background during her "victory" speech. While driving to work yesterday I listened to the BBC interviewing various people from West Virginia who were openly and proudly declaring they would "never" vote for a black man. I thought to myself, "Wow! What must people in England and Europe think when they hear this?" If Clinton wants to display pride in winning over a huge majority through bigotry and ignorance - well, good for her!
But what dismays me is that the Democratic Party stands silently by while she does it. Where are all those mealy mouthed Super Delegates? They should rise up in indignation and make a stand. As a woman and a feminist, Hillary Clinton does not represent me. She is divisive, privileged, and power hungry - and right now she is playing the race card in a way that causes me pain - personally, intellectually and physically. Pain in my brain, pain in my heart, pain behind my eyes, pain in my guts, pain in my soul.
I cannot believe that I am actually thinking of withdrawing my Democratic membership and becoming an Independent. How naive and ignorant I feel. How sad I am this morning. White privilege sickens me to the core of my being. And last night as I watched Hillary's deluded victory sermon, she represented everything I deplore, everything I have stood against since growing up 58 years ago in racist Rhodesia.
People are giving Clinton "her space" out of respect for her. I think of African American people watching and listening in silence while West Virginians declare their racism publicly and Clinton glows and coos to them, thanking them for it. Shame on you, Hillary Clinton.
But, more than that: Shame on you, Democratic Party for standing by in silence. I read somewhere that Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "The silence of good people is worse than bigoted acts." As I stand by helplessly on this dark day, alone and hurting, I cannot be silent. I will not be silent.
Hillary Clinton. It is time for you to go, and, if I was a Super Delegate, I would stand up and say loud and clear today: "no, I, a tax-paying, Democratic dues-paying, woman, feminist, do not want you anywhere near the ticket."
Joy - so good to hear from you about this. The days and weeks and months ahead are going to be fascinating! I've got my "hope" as fired up as can be!
Posted by: tamarika | May 19, 2008 at 12:00 PM
I totally agree with what you wrote. I've been for Obama all along and have become progressively more irritated with Hillary (Billary). I'm an older white woman from the South who is voting out of my demographic.
I can't believe nothing has been done about the war crimes and other horrible actions of this administration.
Posted by: Joy D | May 19, 2008 at 05:35 AM
Winston,
Thanks so much for the link. Much appreciated. It is heart warming for me to read the comments posted at your site about this. We are not alone. Hope is on the way!
aineliva,
It is good to hear from you again. I am starting to have a good feeling about the outcome too!
Posted by: tamarika | May 18, 2008 at 08:14 AM
Hear, hear, T. And I echo Jean's views about the Labour Party here in the UK. Am feeling sick of Hillary's tactics, and just plain sick. I feel let down by her as a woman, I expected integrity from her, and am so disappointed.
Am with you and hoping "after winter, must come spring" as Lauryn Hill sang. Please don't give up hope, I have a good feeling about the outcome, because despite all the media spin, I believe that the people of America want change, and Obama. Big Hugs.
Posted by: aineliva | May 18, 2008 at 06:45 AM
My reflection of your opinions, enhanced (I hope) by my own thoughts, is now published.
Posted by: Winston | May 17, 2008 at 07:06 PM