I was very excited yesterday when I learned Colin Powell was endorsing Barack Obama. Now that excitement has been tainted by these nasty insinuations going around that Powell only endorsed Obama because he's black. Is it really that simple? I mean, really. Does race trump everything?
When Joe Lieberman--who only 8 years ago was on the freakin' democratic ticket in the race for the White House--endorsed McCain I didn't hear anybody cry racism. I personally didn't think twice about it. Maybe Lieberman doesn't want a black man to be president and that's why he endorsed McCain. Now how ignorant does that sound?
Yet, General Colin Powell, one of the most respected men in the world and perhaps the most distinguished black man on the planet has been reduced to just a black man sticking up for another black man. I mean WTF???
This historical election has revealed so much about this country. Although the double standards are troubling, I've come to realize how far we've come as a nation. I honestly never thought Obama would make it this far. I thought Americans were far too narrow-minded to consider a black man for the presidency. And some are. Even those who may vote for him may do it with reluctance. But they are brave enough to take a chance on a good man...and that says a lot.
I believe part of that willingness to take a chance on Obama is the direct result of General Powell's prominence in American politics. To believe this man, who served under W. of all presidents, would use race to determine his endorsement is nothing short of absurdity.
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