Wednesday, November 7, 2012

THE TIMES THEY ARE CHANGING!

 (Memphis, TN.)  One thing the election last night taught us,  "the times they are ah changing!" About five years ago, I remember the headline "America is now Brown!" Tuesday, November 6th that fact was never more poignant than with the Hispanic and female votes cast during the Presidential Election.  

The make-up of the American family is changing so much following the 2010 census, political pundits predict states that have always been referred to as "swing states" will get a tan as well.  Now more than ever, more Latina families are calling living in Georgia, Texas and Arizona home.

After more than two years of watching the candidates on the campaign trail, the Latino community  patiently waited to hear anything that sounded inclusive from the Republican Party. Apparently, they're still waiting.

Last night they joined women, young people and other people of color in saying "we matter!" They showed up and showed out.  Latinos made up more than 71 percent of the votes casted during the 2012 Presidential election. Barak Obama  received 93 percent of the votes from African American voters, while an overwhelming number of white men voted for former Governor Mitt Romney. But,  it wasn't enough.                  

It wasn't like the "whites" stayed home, they were simply out numbered. Women also made up an intricate driving force behind this election. Single women chose sides and joined "Team Obama", making up 67 percent of the votes. Voters ages 18-29 made up 60 percent of the votes cast in Tuesday night's election.

No doubt I'm not the only one who is happy The Presidential election is over.
The people have spoke and the focus should be about "the people's jobs," not who wants the top job as Commander in Chief.

As we all try to figure out how to move,  images on the campus of Ole Miss will be forever etched in my mind. It was heartbreaking to wake up to the headlines of a students in a major protest at The University of Mississippi minutes after the official winner was declared.  It was an ugly scene that included racial slurs and yet more people choosing sides.

Tuesday night's protest will forever be is a black eye for an institution that has worked hard to change its image. But, here's a kicker;  it is not just a "southern thing!" Detroit, Michigan turns out is another "hot spot for racial divide!" People living near Grand Circus Park in downtown Detroit woke up to graffiti that said "F&*# Obama!"  Really?

Honestly, if your don't like the man,  can please at least respect the Office?  I debated about even discussing the racial slurs. I am one who believes, 'if you shine a light on racial epithets it only encourages small minded people to continue to spread their poison.'

Here's hoping President Obama is right when he said Tuesday night, "the best is yet to come."  A declaration I pray will finally resonate from the Oval Office as Barak Obama gets another four years to reach across the isle.  An olive branch that must be extended to Mitt Romney and the angry white men like Donald Trump and Rush Limbaugh who feel they now live in a country where they have no representation.

It will be interesting to watch and see if campaign promises are kept over the next four years. It will also be interesting to see Barak Obama, an "ordinary man on an extraordinary journey" can truly united this country.  But for now,  the day after the election the "real work begins", because after all folks--we are in this thing together.


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