This is my first attempt to communicate with a large number
of people via the internet I am certain that you will enjoy
this journey into my mind. As it is too complex to be explained
away in simple terms, suffice it to say that hardly a day goes
by that I don’t fall upon some tidbit of idiocy, hypocrisy,
tarnished notion, misplaced directive, or act of stupidity.
Most, fall in the realm of ‘well-do- gooders’ who have their
own simplified version of the universe and hold it out as an
umbrella for all of us to stand under. The problem is that
when you stand to close, you run the risk of being drawn into
narrow mindedness and intolerance, often masquerading as truth.
There is no end to the amount of exposition and the infinite number
of topics that I intend to broach. I will often switch back and forth
between the pseudo intellectual and the ignorant sidewinder,both,
up to their heads in crap, but determined to find an audience.
I view my purpose much as the Sunday drunk longs for his 40 oz.
before the stores open; the need is there, but nary a drop of
satisfaction can be found. Perhaps you may even view this indulgence
in terms of the expression “all dressed up and nowhere to go.”
Alas, I am dressed up and I do have somewhere to go. I also have
something to do and that is too reach out to the hundreds, thousands
of our kind who long for a bit of sophistication in life.
I do not subscribe to the notion that the vast number of us are
inherently naive, therefore it becomes impossible to educate on any
mass scale and that any effort to do so would be met with a resistance
comparable to swallowing a cucumber.
While we are certainly prone to dim-witted behavior from time to time,
the average person would certainly object to being classified or grouped
into this type of category. For certain, it’s not pleasant and this is
the exact reason a sounding board from both ends would benefit us all.
Many of our actions and behaviors toward others may not be conscious
acts of malice or a willful aim to disparage an individual or group;
nevertheless, the result is often the same as if the exercise were
deliberate.
If we allow ourselves to categorically ignore that which we know to be
wrong and do nothing about it, then we are complicit in creating an
unsavory environment, whether intentional or not. At the opposite extreme,
any good that comes from such ‘lack of action’ may have unintended
consequences to which we cannot lay claim.
We are not pawns in the conduct of our lives and the way we coexist
with our neighbor. We do have choices. Conscious or unconscious acts
influence our world and the way we view it. Choices allow us to chose
freely and the freedom to act without coercion carries a responsibility:
thoughtful and considerate deliberation on points of agreement as well as
dissension.
This is the very essence of what this sight hopes to achieve. So if
you find some of my opinions annoying, tell me so. If I hit the mark,
give me a pat on the back. If I’m way off course or completely out of
line, I want the feedback on that also. I’m here to offer opinion on
various topics, but I’m also here to learn. I want that to be a life
long process and I promise I won’t cower or pull back from my stated
viewpoint in the face of opposition; yet, that very dissonance may
be a pivotal point to reexamine my position on issues.
I don’t know and I can’t say how I’ll react as this site engages more
and more interaction. For now, let’s just get on to the first topic
at hand.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Young Black Males: What Has Gone Wrong?
A certain percentage of Black Males have drifted far from Mainstream America, marginalized themselves of their own doing, skirted their responsibilities as fathers, become willing participants in crime, taken to higher incarceration rates in prison as opposed to getting a college education and in general become problems for society. If this continues, the emasculation of the black male will become reality. Witness an Atlanta Judge and his comdemnation.(The Cultural Strategist, blog Archive, April 24,2008)
I am a black male, okay biracial. I'm writing this article in the
hope and in part from the recent remarks brought to the forefront
by Barack Obama, that the black community needs to stop operating
with blinders on, open up their eyes and address "pipe dream mentality",
where sports is seen as the only way to succeed, while ignoring education.
Black America doesn't like to air its dirty laundry. Both Barack Obama and Bill Cosby have tred on uncomfortable ground in speeches that highlight problems with black males within our society; in specifics, the preoccupation with sports such as Basketball as the only means to achieve. Both Cosby and Obama's delivery is caustic but timely.
Barack likewise tuned into the misleading and detrimental effects of "rap" on black males, and its contribution to the sloven, carefree attitude of many young males, yes, even some young white males. Obama also spoke of the undo influence of Basketball, and in this context as well as my opinion, any popular sport, seeded in the black community and inordinately idiolized.
Sports and Rap compose the pipe dream construct as a way to escape poverty. Jesse Jackson didn't like Barack's comments and made it known through some nasty remarks of his own. Unfortunately, these remarks were picked up by a microphone that Jackson assumed to be off.
But the issue here is not about white males, they have their own set of problems. They also have much higher rates of matriculation through college and influence within our society. Now, before we go there, which is another topic, and we can point to past injustice all we want, but the issue is real- a sizable percentage of young black males lack the wherewithal, fortitude and drive to succeed in our society.
How many times can you walk down the street, go into a store, go anywhere for that matter, and you see Black Males behaving in a embarrassing manner? When you see them, how often do they appear to be "scowling," angry at the world? Unfortunately, this is more of the norm than exception. As bitter a pill this is to digest, it is present reality and effectively acts as a shackle about the necks of young and middle age black males.
The very actions of these males in trying to somehow make themselves seem 'unigue' or 'exotic', now make them prisoners of their own device.
I live in a neighborhood which borders the hood. Every day, and it never ceases to amaze me, how many aimless young black males are walking the street with no direction and with no sense of pride and self-esteem. If this continues we will most likely have two generations of black males lost to what I call "attitudinal suicide."
The black community cannot let this happen.We need to step up to the plate when we see wrong: when we see the elderly treated with disrespect by black males, when we see young blacks watching the school bus as it goes by them, when we see them congregating in gang" like groups, when we see them dress like old time sharecroppers, sloven by choice not by economics, when we hear disrespect toward women in rap lyrics and when street talk or Ebonics takes precedence over speaking the English language properly. These are just some of a multitude of actions that threaten the black community and the world community at large.
We are here as one, separate cultures, yet bound to a common humanity. That humanity must flow from every dimension of our civility toward each other. We need to address that which is 'poison' to our ranks, because the metastasizing effect of ignorance and neglect has long range implications for the race, for the nation and for the world.
I am a black male, okay biracial. I'm writing this article in the
hope and in part from the recent remarks brought to the forefront
by Barack Obama, that the black community needs to stop operating
with blinders on, open up their eyes and address "pipe dream mentality",
where sports is seen as the only way to succeed, while ignoring education.
Black America doesn't like to air its dirty laundry. Both Barack Obama and Bill Cosby have tred on uncomfortable ground in speeches that highlight problems with black males within our society; in specifics, the preoccupation with sports such as Basketball as the only means to achieve. Both Cosby and Obama's delivery is caustic but timely.
Barack likewise tuned into the misleading and detrimental effects of "rap" on black males, and its contribution to the sloven, carefree attitude of many young males, yes, even some young white males. Obama also spoke of the undo influence of Basketball, and in this context as well as my opinion, any popular sport, seeded in the black community and inordinately idiolized.
Sports and Rap compose the pipe dream construct as a way to escape poverty. Jesse Jackson didn't like Barack's comments and made it known through some nasty remarks of his own. Unfortunately, these remarks were picked up by a microphone that Jackson assumed to be off.
But the issue here is not about white males, they have their own set of problems. They also have much higher rates of matriculation through college and influence within our society. Now, before we go there, which is another topic, and we can point to past injustice all we want, but the issue is real- a sizable percentage of young black males lack the wherewithal, fortitude and drive to succeed in our society.
How many times can you walk down the street, go into a store, go anywhere for that matter, and you see Black Males behaving in a embarrassing manner? When you see them, how often do they appear to be "scowling," angry at the world? Unfortunately, this is more of the norm than exception. As bitter a pill this is to digest, it is present reality and effectively acts as a shackle about the necks of young and middle age black males.
The very actions of these males in trying to somehow make themselves seem 'unigue' or 'exotic', now make them prisoners of their own device.
I live in a neighborhood which borders the hood. Every day, and it never ceases to amaze me, how many aimless young black males are walking the street with no direction and with no sense of pride and self-esteem. If this continues we will most likely have two generations of black males lost to what I call "attitudinal suicide."
The black community cannot let this happen.We need to step up to the plate when we see wrong: when we see the elderly treated with disrespect by black males, when we see young blacks watching the school bus as it goes by them, when we see them congregating in gang" like groups, when we see them dress like old time sharecroppers, sloven by choice not by economics, when we hear disrespect toward women in rap lyrics and when street talk or Ebonics takes precedence over speaking the English language properly. These are just some of a multitude of actions that threaten the black community and the world community at large.
We are here as one, separate cultures, yet bound to a common humanity. That humanity must flow from every dimension of our civility toward each other. We need to address that which is 'poison' to our ranks, because the metastasizing effect of ignorance and neglect has long range implications for the race, for the nation and for the world.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Original Poetry: "The Laylords of Summer"
They sit on the banks where a mighty river once flowed
and cry the tears of so many wrongs. Their bodies are
tanned, darkened to bronze, like taffy that flows in luxurious
waves. They stretch their already knowing forms to receive
the cool mist that rises.
They must extend further this year,
The end of a great satisfaction is near.
They relax in the felled patterns of lazy summer
wearing. Clothed, in the nonessentials, they lay beside
the other’s dream and speak of unkept treaties that
ravage the splendor where they once banked,
and speak in hushed tones that catch the air and fall on
silent ears.
They have seen the mighty river flow,
The mighty Colorado.
For a brief reminder, they imagine that the river rises:
that they can feel the flush of foam as it spews into the
treacherous ravines, leaving them awe inspired: so much
desired of the times when caution would move them back
up the banks. Now, they challenge what little is left of its
might.
If they return next season the river will be too low,
Destiny plays folly on their plans, takes bounty
on the dreams that flow.
Dark feet rub toes together to catch whatever it is,
before it is no more. They rush the moments of
simple pleasure: each outdoing the other in their
remembering. They touch, feel the ephemeral
wash that has caught them daydreaming.
They stretch for more.
This will be the last of the summers haunt,
beneath the towering wings that cover them
and pull together the shade. The last of something
that man has destroyed, that nature made.
Each holds back the tear that glazes from knowing
eyes. They put together their memories,
and signal,
their last goodbyes.
and cry the tears of so many wrongs. Their bodies are
tanned, darkened to bronze, like taffy that flows in luxurious
waves. They stretch their already knowing forms to receive
the cool mist that rises.
They must extend further this year,
The end of a great satisfaction is near.
They relax in the felled patterns of lazy summer
wearing. Clothed, in the nonessentials, they lay beside
the other’s dream and speak of unkept treaties that
ravage the splendor where they once banked,
and speak in hushed tones that catch the air and fall on
silent ears.
They have seen the mighty river flow,
The mighty Colorado.
For a brief reminder, they imagine that the river rises:
that they can feel the flush of foam as it spews into the
treacherous ravines, leaving them awe inspired: so much
desired of the times when caution would move them back
up the banks. Now, they challenge what little is left of its
might.
If they return next season the river will be too low,
Destiny plays folly on their plans, takes bounty
on the dreams that flow.
Dark feet rub toes together to catch whatever it is,
before it is no more. They rush the moments of
simple pleasure: each outdoing the other in their
remembering. They touch, feel the ephemeral
wash that has caught them daydreaming.
They stretch for more.
This will be the last of the summers haunt,
beneath the towering wings that cover them
and pull together the shade. The last of something
that man has destroyed, that nature made.
Each holds back the tear that glazes from knowing
eyes. They put together their memories,
and signal,
their last goodbyes.
Monday, July 7, 2008
An Eagle Scout Lament:Boy Scouts of America: Shame and Intolerance
I come from a very successful troop, both in its approach to Scouting, its matriculation of Eagle Scouts and the parental and financial commitment to our troop. We were Troop 916 of the Buckeye Council. Stark County, Ohio
Our Scoutmaster was a beefy male in his 30's who embodied the concept of tough yet compassionate discipline, possibly owing from his blue collar upbringing. He could be jovial and serious, disciplined yet playful, intelligent yet down to earth and most of all, we had a lot of fun. We were made up of steelworkers kids, doctors kids, and the mix in between. We were indeed varied and racially diverse.
Much of the fun and camaraderie that we had when we were off the serious tract would not be allowed in today's paranoid society> You see, we all wrestled with each other, sometimes gleefully rolling around in prolonged matches of spirit and exuberance. We laughed, boy did we laugh and there was nothing wrong with our play, then.
Today, that might be another matter. While not involved in the physical act of wrestling with us, since we were kids and our scoutmaster was a hirsute adult male, he did have a habit of pinning us down, tickling us until we couldn't stand it anymore and running the rough stubble of his beard over our faces. We hated that one, but it was all done in the spirit of commaraderie. Today, I relish that an adult could be so playful, clowning, like the little boy inside the man.
Now, he would be hauled off, locked up and charged under any number of statutes which have their base in the fear of child molestation, but much deeper, in the fear of open male to male expressions of friendship and affection. Although, it would be denied as a cause, the reality lives in the present.
So then, was I surprised to learn a while back that the Boy Scouts of America had taken to interpreting morality, based upon a heterosexual code of conduct. Put simply, Gay scouts were no longer welcome, and the implication was that the lifestyle itself was somehow in conflict with the Scout Oath. Don't confuse this with the twelve points below, these points aren't the problem.
There are twelve points which form the Scout Law > they are as follows:
A Scout is,
1)Trustworthy 2)Loyal 3)Helpful 4)Friendly 5)Courteous 6)Kind 7)Obedient
8)Cheerful 9)Thrifty 10)Brave 11)Clean and 10) Reverent.
Now, here's the Scout Oath or Promise, Guess where the problem rest.
"On my honor, I will do my best, to do my duty to God and my country. To obey the Scout Law. To help other people at all times. To keep myself physically strong, Mentally Awake and Morally Straight."
Got a clue? Yep, you got it. It's that "Morally Straight" part that gets the gay scouts in trouble. I don't even know if they're interpreting the word "straight" literally, as in "heterosexual". or merely the concept of being "morally straight" as inconsistent with a gay lifestyle.
During my passage through the ranks of Cub Scouts and through the ranks of Boy Scouts, finally culminating as an Eagle Scout, I never once encountered any openly gay talk or hostile talk, It just wasn't done. There probably were gay scouts, but that issue as well as the lifestyle was closeted. Perhaps, because it was assumed that all Scouts would assume their rightful place and carry out their duties, all,
within the framework of a heterosexual upbringing.
Now, in recent years they seem to have cared enough about it, to have opened a Pandora's box of hostility and resentment against Gay Scouts. What a ridiculous waste of time, as is any venture into this area. Being Gay simply has nothing to do with fulfilling the Scout oath. I find it deplorable that supposedly well meaning, concerned adults have seen fit to crucify those that are different.
For a well placed collection of views on this type of intolerance and a history of the Scout movement, please visit this site.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Independence Day-Freedom from Tyranny!
Happy Independence Day, everyone!
Much as the founding fathers of this country sought to escape tyranny, we are faced with a similar situation in the administration of George W. Bush.
We have the power to change it and draw from it, the lessons of a better tomorrow. America is a repository of potential, of abiding hope and strength drawn from our past, indelibly etched in the collective psyche of its people. This is where true freedom abides: open, resolute, and borne of a shared dream.
That dream is rising again, a ways down the road, just around the bend, a new day is coming. Let's make it happen.
Now...go and watch a parade!
Monday, June 23, 2008
Politics: George W. Bush-"A legacy of Shame"
I can't recall any president in modern times who has acted in a such a reckless and reprehensible manner as George.W.Bush. His actions bring me to believe that possibly he does have some underlying mental issues. No one person, especially the President could act with such wanton disregard of public opinion and the outcome of his actions. Is he for real? Is he balanced or way off center when it comes to his personal beliefs as weighed against the beliefs of the average American citizen.
Currently, George W. Bush ranks as one of the most, if not the most unpopular President in the recent history of record keeping. Polls now put his popularity at 29%, and yet he continues to get everything he wants from our newly elected do-nothing Congress.
They capitulate to his every desire and show little backbone in facing him down on issues that are obviously important to the American people; otherwise, they wouldn't have thrown out so many Republicans from the last Congress and elected a democratic majority.
Well tough luck on that issue. With their number's reduced, the Republican minority still rules the roost and supports the most unpopular and incompetent boss in our lifetime.
George Bush's fanatical pursuit of his own set of ideas in favor of the interest of the American people reminds me of child in a candy factory. His seeming religious fervor seems to put him to a mind set that he needs to spread democracy around the world and what better way to make money for his friends, the monied oil interests, than to start an unnecessary war over oil.
Only recently, it was revealed that after being Nationalized by Saddam Hussein some 36 years ago, several large oil companies are moving back into Iraq to claim their renewed stake in that country's oil. Coincidence?
My belief that George Bush doesn't get the large picture is not limited to this foolish war in Iraq, oh no, I find him incompetent on almost every front. His willingness to shield, resort to subterfuge, falsify, lie, deceive, and any manner of treachery, when it comes to protecting his interests is legendary. He is not a man for the country but a man for himself living in the country.
He should have been impeached, but our fearless Congress would have none of that, although we attempted that over the single act of Bill Clinton's indiscretion, while the Republican's were in power.
An extended rant as a tribute to George Bush's legacy is really needed here, but that could promote an endless reading cycle. Books could be written on the fallacies of this man. Anytime, the head of our country acts with such wanton disregard for the American people and plays it off as Patriotism, acting over and over again in like manner, without compromise, then there is something wrong with that person.
I believe that George Bush actually believes in his actions. That belief extends to the observation that what he really needs is truthful mental assessment. Narcissism aside, we have a troubled person at the helm of this ship. Fortunately, we can throw him overboard in a few months, Hopefully, our next President can undo the remarkable damage to our prestige in the world, produced by his administration and his loose hold on right versus wrong.
Currently, George W. Bush ranks as one of the most, if not the most unpopular President in the recent history of record keeping. Polls now put his popularity at 29%, and yet he continues to get everything he wants from our newly elected do-nothing Congress.
They capitulate to his every desire and show little backbone in facing him down on issues that are obviously important to the American people; otherwise, they wouldn't have thrown out so many Republicans from the last Congress and elected a democratic majority.
Well tough luck on that issue. With their number's reduced, the Republican minority still rules the roost and supports the most unpopular and incompetent boss in our lifetime.
George Bush's fanatical pursuit of his own set of ideas in favor of the interest of the American people reminds me of child in a candy factory. His seeming religious fervor seems to put him to a mind set that he needs to spread democracy around the world and what better way to make money for his friends, the monied oil interests, than to start an unnecessary war over oil.
Only recently, it was revealed that after being Nationalized by Saddam Hussein some 36 years ago, several large oil companies are moving back into Iraq to claim their renewed stake in that country's oil. Coincidence?
My belief that George Bush doesn't get the large picture is not limited to this foolish war in Iraq, oh no, I find him incompetent on almost every front. His willingness to shield, resort to subterfuge, falsify, lie, deceive, and any manner of treachery, when it comes to protecting his interests is legendary. He is not a man for the country but a man for himself living in the country.
He should have been impeached, but our fearless Congress would have none of that, although we attempted that over the single act of Bill Clinton's indiscretion, while the Republican's were in power.
An extended rant as a tribute to George Bush's legacy is really needed here, but that could promote an endless reading cycle. Books could be written on the fallacies of this man. Anytime, the head of our country acts with such wanton disregard for the American people and plays it off as Patriotism, acting over and over again in like manner, without compromise, then there is something wrong with that person.
I believe that George Bush actually believes in his actions. That belief extends to the observation that what he really needs is truthful mental assessment. Narcissism aside, we have a troubled person at the helm of this ship. Fortunately, we can throw him overboard in a few months, Hopefully, our next President can undo the remarkable damage to our prestige in the world, produced by his administration and his loose hold on right versus wrong.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Voting Rights Injustice: Felons with Criminal Records Can't Vote
In the USA, the majority of those labeled by our criminal justice system as felons have no voting rights. The mix of rights depends entirely at what stage you are in prosecution. Rights vary from those charged with a felony, those actually convicted and incarcerated, to those on parole, even extending to those on probation.
Keep in mind that what constitutes a felony can differ from state to state. Obviously, the more serious crimes such as rape and murder would all be classified as felonies by each state, but their are a host of lessor offenses that can elicit a felony conviction, based upon what state you reside.
Currently, reputable sources put the number of people labeled as felons, or in some stage of this process at 4.7 million
to 5.3 million.
Various factions, depending upon if you're for or against the rights of felons to vote, use different justifications for inclusion or denial of voting rights. One source says that denying felons the right to vote stems from Ancient Rome and Greece, and that Europeans extended those beliefs to this country when they settled here. That same source also claims these laws denying felons the right to vote were on the books prior to the civil war and the abolition of slavery; therefore denying the vote to felons was not and has not been racially motivated.
While there may a trace of truth in this as it concerns the history of denying people voting rights from a historical context, it is evident that the precivil war and in more modern times, many of these laws were devised as a means to deny the vote to blacks, since a high percentage of felons are black. Yet, there are those that also contradict the assertion that felony laws are racially motivated. Some, fairly enough, point out the history behind voting rights and are more casual in their explanation as to the denial of voting rights to felons.
Another source points out, that in 1800, there were no states that denied felons the right to vote. The felon statutes came back into play prior to the civil war and the subsequent abolishment of slavery. Many believe that this was to further limit the access to voting by blacks.The New York Times, Washington Post and a host of other reputable sources also attribute felon statutes as directly rooted in " efforts to marginalize, dilute and limit the black vote."
In other words, a racist past is in a large part responsible for felons statutes as they exist today and not the argument that these laws reflect hundreds of years of tradition. If this was so, then there wouldn't have been any time when the laws were not on the books.
Even if this was in part true, one could argue that these laws were strengthened and extended by some states after the abolishment of slavery, purely as a means to limit the black vote. In fact, some criminal acts were added to felony roster in the south, solely for that purpose. Accessing the fact that certain crimes were committed primarily by blacks, the addition of these crimes to the felon statutes is absolute evidence that the laws were in part or possibly in whole, racially motivated.
Voting rights disenfranchisement for felons may be a controversial issue, as well it should, but their is no denying the impact of such laws, especially in recent times and instrumentally in this forth coming election. Felons tend to vote overwhelmingly democratic. Who knows what the outcome would have been in Al Gore's race for the white house, had felons been allowed to vote. Not only did Florida deny that right, but other sates as well.
For the first time in this nation's history, a black man, Barack Obama, has the democratic nomination for the office of President. He is poised to efectively compete and possibly win the Presidency. The vote of felons could be the deciding factor. Unfortunately, no politician has the guts to take on this emotive issue, and thus, we'll probably never know what role the felon's vote could have on the outcome. And, that's the way some want it,as expressed by someone in the know.
Keep in mind that what constitutes a felony can differ from state to state. Obviously, the more serious crimes such as rape and murder would all be classified as felonies by each state, but their are a host of lessor offenses that can elicit a felony conviction, based upon what state you reside.
Currently, reputable sources put the number of people labeled as felons, or in some stage of this process at 4.7 million
to 5.3 million.
Various factions, depending upon if you're for or against the rights of felons to vote, use different justifications for inclusion or denial of voting rights. One source says that denying felons the right to vote stems from Ancient Rome and Greece, and that Europeans extended those beliefs to this country when they settled here. That same source also claims these laws denying felons the right to vote were on the books prior to the civil war and the abolition of slavery; therefore denying the vote to felons was not and has not been racially motivated.
While there may a trace of truth in this as it concerns the history of denying people voting rights from a historical context, it is evident that the precivil war and in more modern times, many of these laws were devised as a means to deny the vote to blacks, since a high percentage of felons are black. Yet, there are those that also contradict the assertion that felony laws are racially motivated. Some, fairly enough, point out the history behind voting rights and are more casual in their explanation as to the denial of voting rights to felons.
Another source points out, that in 1800, there were no states that denied felons the right to vote. The felon statutes came back into play prior to the civil war and the subsequent abolishment of slavery. Many believe that this was to further limit the access to voting by blacks.The New York Times, Washington Post and a host of other reputable sources also attribute felon statutes as directly rooted in " efforts to marginalize, dilute and limit the black vote."
In other words, a racist past is in a large part responsible for felons statutes as they exist today and not the argument that these laws reflect hundreds of years of tradition. If this was so, then there wouldn't have been any time when the laws were not on the books.
Even if this was in part true, one could argue that these laws were strengthened and extended by some states after the abolishment of slavery, purely as a means to limit the black vote. In fact, some criminal acts were added to felony roster in the south, solely for that purpose. Accessing the fact that certain crimes were committed primarily by blacks, the addition of these crimes to the felon statutes is absolute evidence that the laws were in part or possibly in whole, racially motivated.
Voting rights disenfranchisement for felons may be a controversial issue, as well it should, but their is no denying the impact of such laws, especially in recent times and instrumentally in this forth coming election. Felons tend to vote overwhelmingly democratic. Who knows what the outcome would have been in Al Gore's race for the white house, had felons been allowed to vote. Not only did Florida deny that right, but other sates as well.
For the first time in this nation's history, a black man, Barack Obama, has the democratic nomination for the office of President. He is poised to efectively compete and possibly win the Presidency. The vote of felons could be the deciding factor. Unfortunately, no politician has the guts to take on this emotive issue, and thus, we'll probably never know what role the felon's vote could have on the outcome. And, that's the way some want it,as expressed by someone in the know.
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