I have refrained from commenting or writing anything about Jimmy Carter's accusations that those who disagree with President Obama are racists. I was so frosted by his comments I didn't trust myself.
In case you missed his quote: "I think an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he is a black man, that he's African-American. Racism…still exists, and I think it's bubbled up to the surface because of a belief among many white people…that African-Americans are not qualified to lead this great country."
President Obama, an African-American, was elected in 2008 in a country where African-Americans make up only 13% of the population yet he received 53% if the vote. Mr. Carter, 87% of America is not African-American and yet we elected an African-American president. Where is racism in that picture? Race wasn't a factor.
Thankfully, President Obama doesn't agree with the peanut farmer from Georgia. In 2006, Michael Steele, a Republican African-American, ran for office in Maryland against his white counterpart. Obama supported his white opponent and made this statement, "Listen, I think it's great that the Republican Party has discovered black people. But here's the thing…You don't vote for somebody because of what they look like. You vote for somebody because of what they stand for." Mr. Carter, was Obama demonstrating a racist attitude because he refused to support an African-American candidate? Race wasn't a factor.
I, among many, was very surprised last year when California voters cast their ballots in favor of changing their constitution to abolish same-sex marriage. The deciding factor in that vote was probably the African-American vote against same-sex marriage. Obama strongly opposed this action. The California black voters who voted Obama into office opposed him on same-sex marriage. Race wasn't a factor.
Since coming into office, Obama decided to increase the number of troops in Afghanistan. Most conservative Republicans supported him on this issue. Race wasn't a factor.
Joe Wilson was overtaken by emotion when he blurted out the words, "you lie." He was referring to a policy, not a man's skin color. Race wasn't a factor.
When Bill Clinton was president his wife tried to push through a similar health care bill being parlayed in Congress today. Republicans opposed her then as they do Obama today. They didn't oppose her because of her race or her gender. They opposed the policy. Race wasn't a factor.
Mr. Carter, Americans are opposing the socialization of their country, not the color of their president's skin.
I'm thinking maybe the former president would do less harm as a Walmart Greeter rather than of a former "statesmen".
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