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Voting Voices: Barack inspires the South
Topics: Voting Voices, barack obama, Bakotopia, Bakersfield, blog, election, 2008
Posted by tashkajones Tue Feb 19, 2008 14:33:30 PST
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Voting Voices: Barack inspires the South
Democratic choices help to uplift the promise of a real ‘American dream'



By Tashskajones, Bakotopia.com contributor

It is extremely refreshing to see that Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have continued to triumph during the 2008 presidential primaries.

Looking at the cultural and genre make-up of Clinton, a female, and Obama, of African-American heritage, I can only think of where our country is headed.

Is our nation is finally in a collective state of mind where all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed from the moment they announce their candidacy, regardless of race, creed, color or gender?

Surprising to me (in a good way), Obama has won the primary elections in a majority of states thus far, particularly in the South — states like Alabama and Georgia. I would have assumed that given the choice between a white woman and a black man, a woman would win.

Historically (and if you're familiar with the South), you’ll find that the majority of the population in our Southern states is African-American. It’s also no secret that there’s still an abundance of racism in the South. Unfortunately, the greater part of this particular Southern demographic does not typically have the highest of education levels, but a propensity to be poverty stricken and a tendency to vote less.

But from what I’ve heard on the news and in the media, so far more people in the South have voted during the latest primaries than in previous years! It seems to be that a candidate like Barack Obama has given people the desire to participate in the process more than ever.

Many times I have heard people say, “It’s only one vote” or “What does my vote really mean”?
 
Well, if Obama has inspired individuals and given them a sense of importance, then it’s job well done regardless of who wins!

I love the idea that if Obama loses the overall presidential election that it will be based solely on his politics rather than the color of his skin.

It does make me smile though - the thought of equality. We have a way to go, but I feel like each year we get one step closer to a real American Dream come true.

Visit:  www.sos.ca.gov/elections to find out how to register to vote in your area.

To find out how to register to vote in your area, visit: www.sos.ca.gov/elections/


Originally printed in Bakotopia Magazine, issue 22, 2-21-08

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Comment From: matt

Great article! The 2008 election is already changing the world!