Reply #8: This goes way beyond avoiding cries of hypocrisy; this is about racism in America [View All]

[crankychatter]

Senator Obama is very wise to withhold attacks, guilt by association and scandal-mongering. Since 9-11 and the drumbeat for war, there has been an explosion of racialism, ethno-centricity and xenophobia in America. This has manifested in more than anti-Arab or anti-Islamic feelings. There has been a resurgence of anti-Black and anti-Hispanic sentiment, and even hate crimes.

To curry public support for the Iraq War, the propoganda machine has worked overtime, in not so subtle ways.

If Senator Obama is too confrontive with his opponent, Senator Clinton, public sentiment would explode AGAINST him in a heartbeat. It would kill his campaign.

The travail of Shoshana Johnson, shot in both legs and kept prisoner in Iraq for 22 days, was downplayed in the media. It lacked propaganda value. During the same time frame, the Jessica Lynch story was hyped and misrepresented to the public because she is White. The historical defensiveness of White men to a perceived threat to White women, (especially Southern White women), from men of other races and cultures was the secret ingredient.

The U.S. Government catalyzed more support for the war, by covertly adding the nearly primal elements of sexuality, racism and ethno-centricity.

Sen. Obama and his advisors are fully cognizant of this dynamic. Beyond keeping a consistently civilized campaign style, for ethical reasons, this is matter of survival and strategy.

This is one of the reasons for the Clinton Camp's relentlessness. If they can get a "rise" out of Senator Obama, they know the race is over. They will win.

http://www.commondreams.org/headlines03/1025-04.htm

"Insult to Injury: Raw Deal for Jessica Lynch's Black Comrade-In-Arms
by Lee Hockstader in Austin, Texas"