A Beaten Down Democracy

Dear Afrika,

It has been a grip. Honestly, there has really been nothing interesting to write about. Let me rephrase that, nothing interesting that I wanted to write about. That feeling has not been stirred up in a minute. The fact that that the time between these last two primaries has been so long that I have become disinterested.

I mean really, can this be over already. The longer it goes on the more I lose interest. I’ve officially pledged my support for Obama (thought you’d like to know), so one decision has been made. However, I’m not feeling to good about his chances when it comes to the Democratic Convention. He has been getting beat up a lot recently and I feel like he could do more to defend himself, especially now that he has been branded as an elitist. Obama, the community organizer an elitist? It is laughable really. I mean, this whole process is elitist isn’t it? The mere fact that “super delegates” (called that b/c supposedly they know better than we do) can overturn the popular vote and delegate count and choose the nominee b/c they know “what is best for the party” is an elitist idea and I wish that he would address it as such. The very idea that a group of people can overturn an election (sound familiar) because they know what is best is not democracy at all.

And although I think that Obama gave a great speech about race in America, I think the situation could have been handled a bit differently and still could. “God Damn America!!” So what. I know plenty of “patriots” who have uttered that phrase one time or another. Heck, I’m sure a few of our founding fathers uttered the phrase during the time of the American Revolution, the drafting of the Constitution, the Civil War, etc. Is it really that big of a deal? Why not mention the fact that Rev. Wright served for years in the U.S. Navy. And he enlisted during the Vietnam War, he wasn’t drafted. The man actually left school to go serve his country. He served more time than George Bush, Dick Cheney… Hillary Clinton. Anyone who served their country at a time of war has the right to say whatever they want about America. It may not be accurate or something that you or I agree with, but the 1^st amendment guarantees that right.

I thought dissent WAS American and very patriotic / the fact that we condemn opinions is very idiotic. And since when do you have to condemn everything you disagree with. I mean, isn’t saying that you disagree enough? I don’t agree that abortion should be illegal and that women who have them are murderers. I wouldn’t condemn the people saying it or their views. I just don’t agree. Hell, it’s all semantics really. They mean the same thing…

It’s just tiring. It is the reason I would never run for public office. I could not constantly defend/condemn statements that I did not make. And I would not want to justify other people’s opinions, just my own. Plus, I know I associate with what some people would term “shady” characters. But haven’t we all?

Anyway, I went off on a tangent. How has life been otherwise? Still hardcore grant season? We’ll see what happens today in PA.

Sincerely,

Akil