Just need to have a quick word with my fellow African-American voters

[journalist3072]

Just wanted to talk for a minute, with my fellow African-American voters in particular.

I was really struck this evening, as I watched the local evening news and they showed Sen. Barrack Obama coming into Virginia to campaign for Jim Webb. Speficially, Obama was brought in to help galvanize the African-American vote. They noted that since Webb is a former Republican who served in the Reagan administration, there is some skepticism from African-Americans in VA. Is he sincere?

The news report noted that it will be the African-American vote that can help carry Webb to victory in Virginia, and so they will be looking to see what the turnout among African-Americans will be.

As I was watching, I thought about something that Tavis Smiley says ad nauseum. He is always reminding us that we cannot afford to lose elections becasue of the "margin of our absence at the polls."

In other words, when we show up, it is often our votes that make the difference.

So my personal hope is that we all get out there and vote next week. I hope that we vote our own best interests and remember that just because someone looks like you (say for example, Michael Steele) doesn't mean they share your values.

[GoGo1]

1. I agree, there is strength in numbers.

Good post.

:hi:

[Raffi Ella]

2. Hear,Hear!

K&R! :kick:

[savemefromdumbya]

3. I hope people don't vote for Michael Steele!

[journalist3072]

5. Unfortunately, I think a lot of them are

Especially a lot of African-Americans in Prince George's country, from what I've been hearing.

Also, Kathy Hughes (who ownes Radio One) has been doing ads for him on her radio stations here in the area.

I think it will be very close. I hope Cardin call pull it off.

[Jazzgirl]

4. Already voted.

I cast my vote yesterday. Even if they "flip" it at least I tried.

JG

[journalist3072]

6. Awesome!!!!! That's great! eom

[Solomon]

7. We're not as dumb as they think we are. Clarence Thomas forever

stands as the beacon light. If anything good could ever be said about that man, it is that he serves as living proof that color is a state of mind. not a skin shade.

[journalist3072]

8. Tavis mentioned that very point on this week. During his commentary

on the Tom Joyner Morning Show.

I think you'll enjoy what he has to say. If you want to listen to it, you can go to http://blackamericaweb.com/site.aspx/sayitloud/smiley and click on the audio for 10/31/06.