Racism Warps the Political Process

I am sure that racism in the United States has a different meaning to me than for 90% of all Americans, both black and white. As a 73-year-old African American, I look in retrospect at the numerous times I was got past the narrow gates of racial bias because I could prove my worth. While it is impossible to ignore the incidences of prejudice in our society, especially in the job market, my personal view is that racism always has an attachment to individual insecurity and irrationality.

Let me explain that statement, briefly. The only way I was able to drive my 1964 LeMans 800 miles from Chicago to New York City in search of a job at the age of 25 is that I knew I could be recognized as a contributor ( as opposed to a dependent) if I played my cards right. My parents taught me how to envision that image, regardless of rampant social moirés. Their values have sustained me through a series of challenges and achievements, some of which are described in my new novel, “Stock Power”.

Today, 45 years since I tested the lines of resistance to color in this country, America has responded to an extraordinary demonstration of confidence and panache in the Democratic presidential candidate, Barack Obama. It is obvious to me that the reason for this phenomenon is the unprecedented contribution Senator Obama has made to the Democratic campaign. Although I am no political expert, Senator Obama is probably the most natural answer to the division in a tottering administration.

The Devil We Know Versus the Devil We Don’t Know

American voters owe it to themselves to be circumspect about their adulation for either presidential candidate. I don’t see a clear passing grade for either opponent. It is unfortunate that the stakes are as high as they are where the ultimate executive position in this country is concerned. The global financial crisis is an additional albatross to the campaigns on both sides; but incidents of hate and prejudice, regardless of how isolated or private they might be, will warp the minds of voters and skew the political process.

If you look past the rhetoric and myopia in this country and try to assess the prowess of each candidate, the rational solution might be revealed. Critical questions have yet to be answered; yet, given the challenges that lie ahead, I believe the junior but more capable candidate should be the next President of the United States. That would be Senator Barack Obama.

Let us all be hopeful.

Hudster

What's Happening To The Stock Market?

(I thought I would try my hand at media hype and join the fray. It didn’t do anything for me, however; but it was fun trying.)

Headlines across the country were screaming over the incremental drop in the Dow Jones Averages that has not ended since February 12, 2007. Where else can you see excitement over a 4% (533 pt.) loss of equity following behind a run-up of more than 18%?One key benefit that we might consider is that the financial markets provided some relief from the arcane coverage of the much less dynamic political front.

We would like to contribute a few additional alarms for the sake of added distraction and higher TV ratings (as opposed to value). For example: Is the market in a correction pattern or are we headed back to 11,000. Could it be 10,000 or, worse yet, 9,000 before we get our sea legs? No doubt some creative journalist has already thought of this ploy.

I could not resist shaking my head when reading yet another refried correlation between the market and the contest on capitol hill. This puny but visible media source stated, right on the World Wide Web, that the market needed “...a decisive direction” in the presidential race. Wait just a cotton-picking minute! What will the market need after the election is over…for Al Gore to promise he will stay out of politics forever?

What the media needs to do is not let the specialty crews that cover energy markets get too comfortable. Neither Clinton nor Obama will have any influence on spot crude prices when they spoar past 90. What will either of them be able to do to control oil prices? Nothing.

Here's a fun exercise for you. Try, if you will, to image any one of the presidential hopefuls sitting across from Wen Jiabao next year and saying, “Look Ace, this is how it’s going down.”

Let’s keep it real and keep an eye on energy prices and the European markets until the sleeping dragon decides it’s time to eat. We are not naive about the role the media will play in the short run. But, we had better think seriously about what’s really happening around the globe.

More on that subject a little later on.

Hudster

Imminent Acclaim

I kind of wish Barack Obama and I were jug buddies. I'm dead serious. I like a lot of what I have read about him, and I am sure we could strike up a rapport in a split second. All I would have to say to him would be, "Hello Mr. Obama. You and I should hang out together sometime." I am certain he would find a good reason to jump on the idea.

Since that isn't happening in the foreseeable future, I'm left with the option to spout what I think of the Presidential Race and how I evaluate Mr. O's chances of being the Democratic candidate. One of the reasons I wanted to come out of my political closet is that this race is going to shape up to be the most interesting competition for top gun that we've had, probably since Truman v. Dewey. A lot of presidential nominations have gone by since then; but this one is guaranteed to be the most colorful, if you ask me.

From where I sit, Mr. Barack Obama appears to be an intellect with a few timely ideas. His opponent comes across as a nice lady who I would definitely want to sell me a house. But it wouldn't be the White House. I would prefer to see someone in office, black, green-ish, or white, who has a predilection for solving problems and forging untrodden paths. That's why I said Mr. O and I could definitely trade "war stories".It's unfortunate that the Presidential race has started so early. (This might turn out to be longest such campaign in history, I would'nt know for sure.) But, just like the pro sports seasons, the influence of the media, and the revenue that reigns as the obvious motive, we will be the audience to a political marathon.

The statement Mr. Obama had to retract re: the lost lives of some 3,000 troops in Iraq suggests a risk factor for all candidates over the protracted course that lies ahead. This faux pas will probably be forgotten by summer, especially since it was well intended; but I see where my favorite to win the race could use an ally - a deep throat, if you will - for instant polish on how to abbreviate his real convictions in front of the camera. I would be perfect for the job.

I could say something like, "See here, ol' buddy, you want to use some ammunition I've collected for you. They're called mind grommets. Either you use them at the beginning of phrase or at the end. They will give you the panache you need for this game. They will make you look like the polititian the American people really want in office."

Can you just picture me saying that to Mr. Obama? It would be nothing short of awesome. And, my buddy would be standing in front of fifteen microphones in November 2008, saying something like:"And when the last vote is counted, ladies and gentlemen, your choice of President should be my cue to lead this country to a better quality of life for all citizens." (Ya-a-a-a-a-y-y-y!)

There’s more where that came from, if you are interested. Perhaps I will write a manual on how to partition your mind when you run for office. I could call it "Never Let The Media Know What You're Thinking".

Hawk