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

O.J. Simpson The Perennial Enigma

The O.J. Simpson story is a volcanic nemesis to society as evidenced in the recent report about a restaurateur in Louisville, Kentucky who refused to serve him. I had no interest in voting with my opinion of whether or not he was treated fairly on the AOL poll, except that I was somewhat curious about the public’s reaction to the story. To my amazement, I found a blaze of racist comments that I suspect was instigated by Mr. Simpson’s lawyer’s attitude toward the restaurant owner.

I was suddenly reminded that we can count on blatant ignorance and bias to erupt from the simplest of incidents in the United States of America. What’s more amazing is how our social system manages to thrive in a so-called free world. It’s worth pondering. Here now is a copy of my response to the variety of horrible counter-communal expressions elicited by the story.

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I've eaten in some of Louisville's finest restaurants and it was strictly because I wanted a particular menu - not because I'm a wannabe anything. I'm African American, by the way.

In 1970 I opened the doors to my first business in midtown Manhattan with a partner who needs not be characterized by his race. He was gentleman with a lot of respect for my skills. Together, we promoted our tiny business until we began to attract some of largest advertisers in the world, from here to Osaka. I hope everyone knows where that is.

I also remember flying to St. Louis to the headquarters of America's most prominent beer manufacturer. I was invited out after several phone conversations leading up to the invitation. Yes, when I arrived with my partner, there was a definite element of surprise registered on the faces of some of the brands managers who attended our meeting. We're in 1972 now, so stay with me.

This company gave us a complete tour of the production plant for one of it's brands where I learned at least a semester's worth of knowledge about cost control. My partner and I returned to our office in on west 45th Street in New York without a contract but with a lot more knowledge about how the big guns make money. We turned in one of our best years in '72.

Some of you need to know (perhaps) that I lost a handful of bids because I was black. It didn't mean I had to be ignorant and start marching on Madison Avenue for my equal rights.

I was not refused service ever in some of the finer restaurants although at times I was treated rudely. If I felt it would make a difference, I brought the issue to management's attention, not the newspapers.

I don't like attorney's who prey upon the emotions of the public. There's only one obvious reason for this story to cause such a stir. It happens to be........ready?.......ignorance!

I don't remember seeing 'buckwheat' on TV. I'm sure I did. My parents helped me to chalk up that kind imagery to being a fault in our society at the time. Because of them, I have built two businesses and am currently in the process of creating the third. I'm going to make a comment now that all of you can accept or dismiss. Seven out of eight total investors in my new venture are not African American.

Get up off [your knees] and stop mopping floors with antiquated ideas. You're hurting the wrong person. God help us all!

BH