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Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 7542
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, November 17, 2008 - 10:56 am: | 
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After Obama's win, white backlash festers in US
The election of a black president triggered at least 200 hate-related incidents, a watchdog group finds.
By Patrik Jonsson | Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor
from the November 17, 2008 edition
RSS Reporter Patrik Jonsson discusses the position of a Southern white nationalist group toward President-elect Obama and the future of the US government.
Atlanta - In rural Georgia, a group of high-schoolers gets a visit from the Secret Service after posting "inappropriate" comments about President-elect Barack Obama on the Web. In Raleigh, N.C., four college students admit to spraying race-tinged graffiti in a pedestrian tunnel after the election. On Nov. 6, a cross burns on the lawn of a biracial couple in Apolacon Township, Pa.
The election of America's first black president has triggered more than 200 hate-related incidents, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center – a record in modern presidential elections. Moreover, the white nationalist movement, bemoaning an election that confirmed voters' comfort with a multiracial demography, expects Mr. Obama's election to be a potent recruiting tool – one that watchdog groups warn could give new impetus to a mostly defanged fringe element.
Most election-related threats have so far been little more than juvenile pranks. But the political marginalization of certain Southern whites, economic distress in rural areas, and a White House occupant who symbolizes a multiethnic United States could combine to produce a backlash against what some have heralded as the dawn of a postracial America. In some parts of the South, there's even talk of secession.
"Most of this movement is not violent, but there is a substantive underbelly that is violent and does try to make a bridge to people who feel disenfranchised," says Brian Levin of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino. "The question is: Will this swirl become a tornado or just an ill wind? We're not there yet, but there's dust on the horizon, a swirling of wind, and the atmospherics are getting put together for [conflict]."
Though postelection racist incidents haven't posed any real danger to society or the president-elect, law enforcement is taking note.
"We're trying to be out there at the cutting edge of this and trying to stay ahead of groups that are emerging," says Special Agent Darrin Blackford, a spokesman for the Secret Service, which guards the US president.
"Anytime you start seeing [extremist propaganda] floating around, you have to be concerned," adds Lt. Gary Thornberry of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, a member of the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force. "As far as it being an alarmist situation, I don't see that yet. From a law enforcement point of view, you have to be careful, because it's not illegal to have an ideology."
After sparking conflict and showdowns in the 1990s – think Ruby Ridge, Waco, the Oklahoma City bombing – white supremacist and nationalist groups began this century largely splintered and powerless. Though high immigration levels helped boost the number of hate groups from 602 in 2000 to 888 in 2007, key leaders of such groups had died, been imprisoned, or were otherwise marginalized.
But postelection, at least two white nationalist websites – Stormfront and the Council of Conservative Citizens – report their servers have crashed because of heavy traffic. The League of the South, a secessionist group, says Web hits jumped from 50,000 a month to 300,000 since Nov. 4, and its phones are ringing off the hook.
"The vitriol is flailing out shotgun-style," says Mr. Levin. "They recognize Obama as a tipping point, the perfect storm in the narrative of the hate world – the apocalypse that they've been moaning about has come true."
Supremacist propaganda is already on the upswing. In Oklahoma, fringe groups have distributed anti-Obama propaganda through newspapers and taped it to home mail boxes. Ugly incidents such as cross-burnings, assassination betting pools, and Obama effigies are also being reported from Maine to Alabama.
The Ku Klux Klan has been tied to recent news events, as well. Two Tennessee men implicated for plotting to kill 88 black men, including Obama, were tied to the KKK chapter whose leader was convicted in a civil trial in Brandenburg, Ky., last week, for inciting violence. The murder last week in Louisiana of a KKK initiate, allegedly killed after trying to back out of joining, came at the hands of a new group called Sons of Dixie, authorities say.
"We're not looking at a race war or anything close to it, but ... what we are seeing now is undeniably a fairly major backlash by some subset of the white population," says Mark Potok of the Southern Poverty Law Center's Intelligence Report in Montomgery, Ala. "Many whites feel that the country their forefathers built has been ... stolen from them, so there's in some places a real boiling rage, and that can only become worse as more people lose jobs."
In an election in which barely 20 percent of native Southern whites in Deep South states voted for Obama, the newly apparent political clout of "outsiders" and people of color has been unnerving to some.
"In states like Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama, there was extraordinary racial polarization in the vote," says Merle Black, a political scientist at Emory University in Atlanta. "Black Americans really do believe that Obama is going to represent their interests and views in ways that they haven't been before, and, in the Deep South, whites feel exactly the opposite."
But for nonviolent secessionist groups like the League of the South, the hope is for a more vigorous debate about the direction of the US and the South's role in it, says Michael Tuggle, a League blogger in North Carolina.
Mr. Tuggle says his group isn't looking for an 1860-style secession but, rather, a model that Spain, for one, is moving toward, in which "there's a great deal of autonomy for constituent regions" – a foil to what is seen as unchecked, dangerous federal power in Washington.
"To a lot of people, the idea of secession doesn't seem so crazy anymore," says Tuggle. "People are talking about how left out they feel, ... and they feel that something strange and radical has taken over our country." |
Troy
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Troy
Post Number: 1596
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, November 17, 2008 - 11:26 am: |
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Obviously some media will continue to seek out and focus on what negativity they can find.
Obviously, many more positive things, including the election result itself, should tell us all that these fringe groups are inconsequential -- anchronistic even.
We have overcome my Brother! Rejoice and go forth with that knowledge Chrishayden |
A_womon
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 2445
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: 
Votes: 3 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, November 17, 2008 - 11:36 am: |
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Troy,
We have not overcome. Tell me, what has really changed since Obama got elected?
I think we have taken a STEP toward overcoming, but we still have a lOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOG way to go. |
Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 7545
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, November 17, 2008 - 11:37 am: |
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We have overcome my Brother! Rejoice and go forth with that knowledge Chrishayden
(This is exactly the reaction we must reject.
WE have overcome NOTHING. OBAMA will have overcome nothing until he is re elected and has preserved his Democratic Majority or Increased it in 2010 and 2012.
We HAD to keep McCain out.
Now we got to keep Obama's feet to the fire.
If he didn't want that he shouldn't have run for office.
More negativity--gun sales among whites have gone up.
Continue to sleep on, my brother--) |
Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 7547
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, November 17, 2008 - 11:48 am: |
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From Chrishayden's Homegirl, the AngryBlackBitch!
AngryBlackBitch
Practicing the Fine Art of Bitchitude
Monday, November 17, 2008
Less a prank and more a symptom…
A ••••• just read this article about the surge in racist acts post-election. The article is brief and describes the acts as mostly pranks that “haven't posed any real danger to society or the president-elect”.
Although this ••••• agrees that there is a difference between a physical attack and someone spray painting racist graffiti on a wall, I have to disagree with whether that shit is a real danger.
Racism and bigotry eat away at society. Symbols of racism and bigotry that are not taken seriously create the feeling of freakish agreement…that other people feel the same way and that the expressions of hate is okay.
But the real power of these so-called pranks is how they jump up in a person’s head.
A cross-burned under the cloak of darkness in front of a person’s house makes the victim question every stranger…her or his neighbors…and wonder who hates them that much. The victim wonders why their house was spared and what act will be next.
So, a ••••• has little tolerance for those who casually dismiss acts of hate…who try to explain them away as unfortunate jokes of youthful misbehavior.
These acts have power and that is why they are being investigated and monitored.
But ig’nant acts of hate also identify a disease in need of treatment.
They can inspire the silent to publicly voice their support and those who are skeptical that racism still exists to question that opinion.
And they can empower communities to get about the business of doing the inner work required to advance beyond hate…beyond tolerance…toward respect.
All that is possible only if folks incidents or hate for what they are…less a prank and more a symptom of something real that has been festering below the surface.
And we have miles upon miles yet to walk… |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 13066
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, November 17, 2008 - 02:40 pm: |
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Barak Obama is a man of destiny at the crossroads, one of which will put him on a collision course with martyrdom. Unfortunately, nothing can really protect him from anybody who decides they want to take aim at him. If anything happens to him, he will complete the triumvirate of MLK and Malcom X.
The day may come when Obama will feel the impact of the old admonition about "being careful what you wish for". He is now between a rock and a hard place, because the other cross road is fraught with almost insurmountable hurdles.
Our incoming president will most certainly need the hope he is audacious enough to harbor because the problems confronting America have no foreseeable solutions. It will be TIME that will bring appreciable change, - not Obama.
Once again, I go on record as saying I hope that I am wrong... |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 10226
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, November 17, 2008 - 03:35 pm: |
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Chris,
I don't know whether to be bothered or turned on by a Black woman who continually refers to herself as a "b*tch" in the third person. |
Ntfs_encryption
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Ntfs_encryption
Post Number: 3485
Registered: 10-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, November 17, 2008 - 04:01 pm: |
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"Obviously some media will continue to seek out and focus on what negativity they can find."
So true. End of subject....... |
Carey
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Carey
Post Number: 1361
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, November 17, 2008 - 05:14 pm: |
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A_womon
Are you and Chris sleeping with each other!?
Why all the negativity?
You cry when we give our opinion of Tyler Perry's movies, As if our views should be silenced or only spoken in dark corners. You look up in the sky like it's falling down when we praise Obama. The roads less traveled always seems to be bumpy for you.....AND CHRIS.
Come over to my house. You need a hug and a kiss. You need some lovin'  . |
A_womon
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 2446
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, November 17, 2008 - 05:26 pm: |
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Carey,
Now you are asking for it--but I'mma let that one go...
What you mean all of this negativity? I made a statement that we haven't overcome and we havent. YET. Now anyone who thinks just because we have a black prez that all of our troubles are over...well I don't agree. This is just the beginning. I stand by what I said. |
Carey
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Carey
Post Number: 1363
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: 
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, November 17, 2008 - 05:45 pm: |
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A_womon
I'll use NTSF's line; my statement stands.
We have overcome, to think otherwise is looking back, it's negative. If we haven't overcome, Obama would not be president. That's a fact. Now, it goes without saying that we are at a new horizon, yet, to overcome means we've jumped-OVER some barriers. It does not say we've arrived!
Thanks for the pass, you know you my girl. But every once in awhile I have to give you a spank on the a** to make you know I still care for you. Complacency can ruin a love affair . |
A_womon
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 2447
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, November 17, 2008 - 06:48 pm: |
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AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH shaaaaaaaaaaadddddddddddduuuuuuup! |
Carey
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Carey
Post Number: 1365
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, November 17, 2008 - 08:27 pm: |
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NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOo a thousand times NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! |
Troy
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Troy
Post Number: 1597
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, November 17, 2008 - 09:19 pm: |
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Lord have mercy. Chris, A_womon the very fact Barack was elected indicates that something deep and fundamental has changed since Rosa Parks refused to relinguish her seat. Can't you see that?
In fact this change was not overnight -- this is just the most blantant and irrefutable evidence of that change. You'd have to be completely blind or or irrationally stubborn not to see this.
Chris I bet if you checked you'd probably find that guns sales go up every year. Besides what are you suggesting, that that rabid white folks are arming themselves for a race war? Seriously what are you trying to say?
Now that we have overcome lets get down to work. The alternative would be to sit around getting paranoid about a handful of racists.
 |
Staples87
Newbie Poster
Username: Staples87
Post Number: 5
Registered: 09-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 - 10:37 am: |
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WOW |
A_womon
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 2448
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 - 07:34 pm: |
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Troy,
I have a lot to say but no time right now. I'll be back soon... |
Tonya
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Tonya
Post Number: 7659
Registered: 07-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 - 07:07 am: |
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Chris: More negativity--gun sales among whites have gone up.
What's that all about? I keep hearing "white folks out buying guns." For what? |
Tonya
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Tonya
Post Number: 7660
Registered: 07-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 - 07:47 am: |
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Election backlash feared in church fire
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/2008/articles/2008/11/12/election_backlash_f eared_in_church_fire/ |
Troy
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Troy
Post Number: 1601
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 - 05:54 pm: |
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A_womon I'll be here...
Tonya, the actions of a few individuals with relatively little power, does not reflect the beliefs of the vast majority.
Racism, evil, will ALWAYS be with us. It is part of the human condition. One of the greatest battles won in this country was the battle against legalized racism.
Where Supreme Court, Chief Justice Taney wrote in the infamous dred scott decision: <i>[blacks] “beings of an inferior order, and altogether unfit to associate with the white race, either in social or political relations, and so far inferior that they had no rights which the white man was bound to respect.”
Of course there are people who still believe this. But they are a fading minority. We do ourselves a diservice, no harm, by behaving as if all white people feel the way Justice Taney did -- I doubt even Taney would not feel that way were he born after 1970.
I honestly feel THIS (Blacks thinking we in a country full of white racists stopping us at every turn) is the main reason many of us are struggling now. We quit without even trying. I hope the Obama presidency will help quash the idea that we have no opportunities here.
 |
Ntfs_encryption
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Ntfs_encryption
Post Number: 3489
Registered: 10-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 - 07:06 pm: |
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<i>"Tonya, the actions of a few individuals with relatively little power, does not reflect the beliefs of the vast majority.
Racism, evil, will ALWAYS be with us. It is part of the human condition. One of the greatest battles won in this country was the battle against legalized racism.
Where Supreme Court, Chief Justice Taney wrote in the infamous dred scott decision: [blacks] “beings of an inferior order, and altogether unfit to associate with the white race, either in social or political relations, and so..........
..........struggling now. We quit without even trying. I hope the Obama presidency will help quash the idea that we have no opportunities here."
Nice post Troy. I agree with your comments and I really like your referencing Supreme Court Justice Roger Brooke Taney. Recently, I have been doing some research on him and Lincoln. It was really hip to read your reference to him and his strident belief that were blacks subhuman and completely unworthy of Constitutional protection and consideration. And like you, I'm hoping some Negroes can grow past their cancerous victimization and entitlement mindset and do what other blacks have done for generations -deal with adversity head on and excel past the stereotypical racist limitations and low expectations of many Americans -and other blacks! |
Troy
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Troy
Post Number: 1604
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 - 08:36 pm: |
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Ntfs_encryption -- thanks.
Actually the quote was inspried by a piece from Kam Williams: A Child of the Fifties Reflects on Obama’s Win http://reviews.aalbc.com/a_child_of_the_fifties_reflects_on_obamas_win.htm |
A_womon
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 2452
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, November 21, 2008 - 04:12 am: |
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Troy and NT,
I interrupted my re-writes specifically to comment on ya'll's "free at last,free at last, thank God amighty we free at last" stance. But I spent the time commenting on the gay marriage thang, so it will have to wait till I take another break... |
Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 7550
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, November 22, 2008 - 11:30 am: |
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Chris: More negativity--gun sales among whites have gone up.
What's that all about? I keep hearing "white folks out buying guns." For what?
(That is a good question... |
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