Here it Comes: The Police are Gearing UP

[liveonearth]

Some worry that if Barack Obama loses and there is suspicion of foul play in the election, violence could ensue in cities with large black populations. Others based the need for enhanced patrols on past riots in urban areas (following professional sports events) and also on Internet rumors.
from
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/police-prepare-for-unrest-2008-10-21.html

This is good news to me, really. Not the police part. To me more police is bad news. But the thought that blacks might rally, along with a few all-color Obamanauts, to protest should the election go to McCain, gives me HOPE. The blacks have been a force to contend with in the past. Maybe they will rise again, in a new way.

I wonder who the Latinos favor? If Bill Richardson had been picked as Obama's VP, they would be in with the blacks. But I suspect that Richardson was ruled out not because he lacks for qualifications, but because he is Mexican. That would have been far too exotic for some people, though I wonder if it would be more people than those who vote against Obama because he's black. I don't believe there are that many simpleminded racists left in this country. But I know there are some, because my uncle is one. I'm glad he's part of my family; he is my unreality check.

Comments

[genoochy.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure if this is a good thing, I personally think Obama, as McCain will be a disaster. However, the many (and I know many) soft-racist will see either post-McCain victory riots as a way of reinforcing their beliefs that 'all blacks are thugs' (a near quote from my father, sadly) or a disastrous Obama presidency to prove 'a black just couldn't do it'. Along with a crashing economy and society, as violence flares over resources, lack of jobs and increased police violence (which is inevitable), non-whites could face the brunt of the backlash.

I also worry about either way increased violence against non-whites either way. My girlfriend is biracial, so naturally I fear for her. Namely since we live in a white dominated, still racist part of the country. We already have concerns that our alternative dress styles can lead to attacks (Google: Sophie Lancaster), not to mention 'mixed' couples still get some negative attention (which I have discovered).. I hope we can both get to Europe as soon as possible.

we need to get a third party candidate elected

[liveonearth.livejournal.com]

You're right, that attitude is out there.....and blacks have a fine line to walk to be assertive without actually crossing the line to apparent thugdom. I think that violence will increase in prevalence as people are increasingly stressed by their financial situations--against all minorities.

I agree that Obama will be disastrous, same as McCain, but there are at least a few bright spots (ex: stop subsidizing insurance co.s) in the potential of his presidency. When I look critically and put aside my frank distaste for McCain's mannerisms, affect, and strategy, I see that a McCain regime also has bright spots (ex: 45 new nukes).....in an overall dark probability. I will be voting for Cynthia McKinney and I hope that there is a strong turnout for all the "third" parties, though I expect Obama to win easily unless the neocons are able to cheat McCain in. The hope for America comes in the possibility that enough Americans will educate themselves enough to realize that the existing two-party system is corrupt and our nation is a like a train headed off a cliff. Odds of us stopping or turning in time are minimal......but I can't help but to hope, and to push in that direction.