A YBP Facebook Debate: Barack vs. Hillary pt. 1
(Reprinted and edited with the permission of Tahani Tompkins)
Tahani: What should I make of the whole “present” voting thing? Also why does Barack keep saying he didn’t vote for the war? It’s true that in 2002 he wasn’t in a position to vote for or against the war, right? Lastly, where can i go to see his plans for the future. My main issue is that when he’s asked something in a debate/interview, he always reverts back to that handy “I didn’t vote for the Iraq war”, or he says something like “I represent change, lets look to the future not the past.” These responses don’t answer the question, but I’m sure he has to have a plan in place right?
Fredric: Well, the notion that his view and take on things aren’t accessible is fallible. You can check cnn.com for all of the candidates’ views on all of the major issues. Although it could be viewed as biased, he also has a list on his website. As for the war, Barack has to play the game to win. Politics is always about ‘what i did when’ and ‘what ive done then’ to solidify what one ‘would’ do. If anything, the politicians no that the war strikes a chord with voters, so he has to play that card, just like Hillary has to play the “this is what I’ve done, and here is my experience” every two secs.
Not sure what you mean by ‘present’ voting. If you mean the new found inspirational vote he garners from young voters and new voters, I mean, what can you really say to that? For the last 8 years, we’ve been through 9/11, Enron, a war spending trillions, recession, devastating natural disasters (Katrina, Cali fires) and just unspeakable gun-related crimes (i.e., va tech). While you can’t blame the President, you definitely look at these events as an opportunity for leadership. We’re basically seeing a visible swing in culture where the image of white men now project fears of distrust, stupidity, and control. Barack is simply trying to strike a ‘hope’ chord with everyone by using that as his platform. In addition, he’s backing it with a solid plan based on technological innovation and good ol’ midwestern values. Since our generation is so ‘tech savvy’, it makes sense that he garners a lot of this demographic.
Tahani: LOL. Now Fred, I’m going to need you to follow politics like I thought you did. When certain bills arose in the IL senate Barack didn’t vote yes or no, he voted “present” which is like I was there, but I’m not going to say yes or no to the issue. He did this OVER 130 times. Some of the bills he voted present on are
- Interest rate caps for credit card companies.,
- Disclosure limitations for victims of sex crimes. Alexis Cossey just stole my identity and I for one am not too keen on these credit card companies being able to charge whatever rate they choose on credit cards that I DID NOT ORDER.
- Further more, I work with at risk young ladies. There are men that prey via the internet based on too much information being available publicly. They seek out previous victims and with Barack’s vote, they’d be able to continue to find out who’s a victim in their area and continue to re-victimize them. There are a myriad of other serious issues he voted “present” on. You should look them up.
Now in IL legislature, present voting is a common practice and seen as similar to a “no”. However, if Barack is sooooooo firm on his principals and such a stand up guy, why not vote with a firm yes or no. Why wouldn’t he vote to protect his TWO DAUGHTERS safety? If he is all about young people, does he not recognize how credit card companies prey on college students? Why not vote to protect their credit files?
Now, regarding this war. Barack saying he didn’t vote for the war is as meaningful as me saying I didn’t vote for the war. He wasn’t in a place in his political career to vote against the war just like I wasn’t. He keeps touting that around like he stood up against the war when the FACT is he voted FOR FUNDING, not against it. Politicians that opposed the war voted against funding and stood by their opposition. Barack did not do that. I’m not biased or trying to prove a point, I’m presenting you with FACTS.
I was the biggest Barack supporter there was until I started to do my research into who he really is. He kept millions of dollars donated by Rezko and even bought a house from him. He had a PERSONAL relationship with a slum lord that raped residents on the south side of Chicago. I’m disturbed by that relationship. It bothers me to know that he won’t answer and question’s regarding why only 40K instead of the 3 million dollars of Rezko related funds were donated.
What is his solid plan? I keep looking for it and asking and no one is telling in detail. On v103, he said “I’ll use government funds for healthcare reform.” Well duh, we figured that, but which government funds? When the host asked him that, he replied “There are funds available that have not been used and I will see to it that we use them for healthcare.” Now Fred, you’re an intelligent guy, could you not have said that? My 9 year old sister could say “I’m going to use government funds to do goverment stuff.” I’m tired of Barack slinging slogans and giving blank answers or refusing to answer certain questions. I’m going to vote for him because he’s the first Black man that actually has a chance and I’d like to see him there, but that doesn’t change the fact that he’s blatantly avoiding real issues. He needs to come with real answers and plans or else they’ll make a mockery of him. Did you pay attention to how REPUBLICANS pushed for Barack to run, initially, years ago? Why? So that when their prewritten policies come into fruition, it’ll look like Barack wasn’t prepared enough and it’ll ensure another “nigger” doesn’t step outside his place. Do the math, the FACTS are out there. You just have to find them.
Part II is here. Part III is here.
Please add your thoughts below!
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Comment by Randy Nichols on 14 February 2008:
I found your site on google blog search and read a few of your other posts. Keep up the good work. Just added your RSS feed to my feed reader. Look forward to reading more from you.
- Randy Nichols.
Comment by jimdwalton on 14 February 2008:
The race is over Barack will be our President!
Comment by CF on 15 February 2008:
Tahani makes some good points. Considering the state of this nation (as far as institutional and behind-closed-doors racism goes), I thought of the last point as well. Any and every mistake he makes in office could be scrutinized and criticized as inexperience. Then, they could sit back smugly and “humbly”, saying that at least they gave ONE of us a chance. I would like to think more of our country than that, but sometimes you have to think of worst case scenarios.
On the other hand, I’m sure that if you went over Clinton’s campaign with a fine-toothed comb, you would find just as many inaccuracies as well. People are not perfect. And in the political game, candidates are trying to stroke so many people for a vote that things aren’t always 100% consistent. I’m just prayin that if Obama DOES make it into office, God’s covering remains with him…
Comment by CD on 15 February 2008:
I wonder if Tahani did any research on the other candidates or just focused on Barack because of his race? For if she did, the issues she raises pale in comparsion to the background of the Clintons. Let’s see….Clinton, (Mrs) Republican turned Democrat, Whitewater, Vince Foster, Jennifer Flowers, and as a woman and mother, stood by while a young intern was taken advantage of by an older man, and vilified this woman in the press. Now she’s mad about the ‘pimping’ comment about her daughter? Clinton (Mr.) numerous documented affairs, I puffed but did not inhale, Welfare reform, mandatory prison sentencing, ignored civil strife in Africa, and the Taliban, and as Ex-President has ‘pimp’ himself to notorious characters and has received millions of dollars for his ‘foundation’ in return. Is it any wonder they are refusing to release their tax returns? Oh yeah, your comment about the developer Rezko can apply across the board to each and every politician he donated to, including the Clintons. The difference is (1) Obama gave the money to charities (2) After exhaustive investigations, the real estate deal passed the mustard test. Can we say the same on the other side?
Comment by GIB on 15 February 2008:
I am all about changing our thinking and believing in the vision of who we can be. I hear that message loud and clearly from Obama. But, it’s not enough to think unity, think hope and think change. There has to be action, and I have not heard a lot about what he is going to actually do. See, if I could just hope the country out of war or economic crisis it would be done. But the thinking has to be followed by action, however incremental, and I don’t hear that. OK, so you didn’t vote for the war, WE ARE STILL IN IT! I remember being for the war at one point, but many of us were duped. It was based on faulty intelligence, hunger for justice, and an atmosphere of fear. It was hasty, and we are paying the price. But what now? Withdrawal is negligent. We undertook a duty (to borrow from tort law) when we took action and it is in part our responsibility to stick around for the repairs. So please, OB, help me help you by telling me how it’s going to be different Day One. Don’t offer healthcare without mandates so I still have to pay for those who didn’t “opt in” until they experience some disaster. And please tell me you’re going to do something for gays other than parade around with Donnie McClurkin. I mean really, WTH? Is that “unity?”
Thanks for the debate. Very insightful. We need to be prepared for Republicans to have a field day with Rezco and his relative inexperience. And, please tell me the “present” voting thing isn’t true. That’s like not going to vote in the general election then complaining about whose elected.
Comment by Tahani on 15 February 2008:
I’m really shocked that so many people see my point of view. I want to CLEARLY state that i will vote for Barack. AGAIN I WILL VOTE FOR BARACK. That being said, we know as young black professionals we have to work 10X as hard as the next person to get the same kind of respect. If I’m forced to check and recheck every grant I apply for, write a seamless proposal, AND act out the plan before I execute it, goshdarnit Barack should to!
Everytime you see him on TV, he’s waving and shouting cleches! No one has shown me different, and I’m fearful that things won’t change once he’s elected. This is large due to PREWRITTEN policies, and his lack of knowldge. He’s not as well versed with NATIONAL politics as he should be. There’s a part II so WATCH OUT THEAH NOW!
Now I have done extensive research on Hilary. I know all about her dirt, but at the end of the day she’s white, experienced, and planning exact courses of action that will be taken…..
2fingas and a its all a LOVE LEARNIN’ THING!
Hani
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Comment by Tahani on 16 February 2008:
GIB, the present voting thing is true, you can google it, or go to youtube.com and search for the debates from Jan 22, 2008. Hil and Jon both asked Obama to explain it and he couldn’t… I really liked your hope quote. I actually laughed out loud at work! If i could “hope” myself out of my recent credit woes Alexis Cossey would be in jail lol! AHRITE NOW! hehehe ;D
People argue that Hilary had access to better intelligence, and accordingly should have known that we were going to war under false pretenses, I haven’t found anything to substantiate that, but thinking about the “Iraq war issue” makes me wonder what Barack would have done if he actually WAS in a national political position and the Sears Tower got hit by that plane. If 3000+ Illinoians[sp?] would have perished would he not have voted to “kill them jive turkeys”? He definitely does the popular tihng…He’s NOT a feather ruffler, hmm… Republicans and journalists alike are already ?ing that Rezco fund issue because Barack made such a big deal about donating the funds. That was sloppy. Hilary would have known better than to say she donated someting she didn’t. Something to think about guys… Parading around with Donnie was ridiculous! He’s a gay gay basher. WTH?! enough said. I am really anxious to hear what Barack has planned re: AIDS. He’s yet to mention it and that’s a worthy specific yet general cause that is affecting our community at an alarming rate.
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Comment by Kris on 19 April 2008:
Hey, Tahani. Alexis Cossey also stole from me… not my identity but my check books. Last I heard she got arrested, but I guess she was out as i saw her on facebook. How did u know her? She was my roommate… she was pretty crazy.
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