Not all against Obama are racist

Kathy Groiss Charlottesville
Published: September 22, 2008

I am writing in response to the letter to the editor titled “Obama critiques conceal racism” (The Daily Progress, Sept. 18).

Let me get this straight. The writer declared that since 84 percent of people are dissatisfied with the current administration, they should then logically vote for the candidate who says he is for change. The writer asserts that even though people have problems with his inexperience, his aloof manner, the fact that he is unknown – these objections can only mean that they are racist and that the objections are really a smokescreen for their true feelings.

So when the same charges are leveled at Gov. Sarah Palin (she is unknown, inexperienced, etc.), should I then logically assume there is a hidden agenda with these voters — secretly they can’t support white, female candidates?
This thinking is too simplistic, as are the insinuations that if you don’t like George Bush and you don’t like Barack Obama, then you are racist.

I have no doubt that there are some people who will not vote for a black candidate under any circumstances, as I also have no doubt that there are some people who will vote for a black candidate precisely because he is black. Racism exists without a doubt in this country.
However, this type of mindless generalization of people’s intents when voting is one reason we have this kind of racial divide in this country.
Yes, it is actually possible to be unhappy with the current administration, want some sort of change and not want the candidate that you are told is the best one for change. People disagree, and it is not always or even generally about race.

The letter writer said that all of us need to confront our prejudices. The author needs to take his own advice. We may disagree with Obama and we are not all racists.

And it is offensive for the author to think he knows the hidden thoughts of anyone who disagrees with him.