VP debate...who did she think she was winking at?

Woo hoo, I guess I've been told.

Or is that a man's opinion doesn't matter?

Or that fact that I am caucasian (german, english, irish, and scottish ancestry, I just can't get any more white bread than that, although, thanks to the Texas sun, my skin is as dark as any mexican) that my opinion doesn't matter?

Or are you trying to prove to me that sexism and racism still exist by giving me some? It won't be the first time I've been subjected to both.

I think I'll have the leftover Atlantic Salmon and couscous tonight and play some heavy metal. I'm trying to find a stereotype to fit into and I'm not having much luck.

You must be so proud.

Dog_ma

badrap

ron2

 

This is an historic election year but I can't wait until 4 years from now when having women or ethnic minorities in the race means absolutely nothing. It may be a big deal to some right now but eventually, it should not amount to a hill of beans.

a-freakin-men.

 

 Sorry, racism and sexism run deep. Like either will be gone in 4 years????

It is easy to say that gender and race aren't a big deal when you're the "right" ones.
 

Well, I'd reply but I've already been told, in so many words, that my opinion won't count because I had to misfortune to be born male and white. Congratulations, you made your point. Racism and sexism still exist, even if you have to engage in it to make sure you win the point of debate. Whoopeee .... yeah

I will admit to a mistake, however. I mistakenly thought I was discussing with adults, here. My bad.

ron2

Well, I'd reply but I've already been told, in so many words, that my opinion won't count because I had to misfortune to be born male and white. Congratulations, you made your point. Racism and sexism still exist, even if you have to engage in it to make sure you win the point of debate. Whoopeee .... yeah

I will admit to a mistake, however. I mistakenly thought I was discussing with adults, here. My bad.

Stop with the pseudo passive aggressiveness, Ron. I never said your opinion doesn't count. I meant what I said, and I wasn't implying anything extra.

Racism is a daily reality for so many people in our country. So as much as I'd love it if race or gender were no longer problematic in 4 years, I highly doubt that will be the case. It is not uncommon for people who have a certain privilege (be it race, gender, SES, etc) to not be aware that the privilege exists.  

I see those things, too. But it doesn't stop me from looking in the direction we need to be going. And the future starts with me. And you. And Alieza. And Joe Redneck, etc.

badrap

are you not aware that I am a woman?? I have been mistaken here before.. *edit to add* you guys are all being a little reactionary. I personally never implied that gender didn't matter. QUITE the opposite. I was simply sharing ron's wish for that utopia we reach for where this conversation doesn't even exist. To imply that I am somehow less than aware because I dream of a day when someone like Palin can behave normally and still expect to represent women on an international scale is small-minded and it tells me you haven't read my posts at all. This bickering is exactly what The Powers That Be depend on. divided we fall.

I was responding to Ron's statement, and you happened to agree with it.

It isn't the dream I take exception to - I share that dream - it was the idea that in 4 years these issues won't be in play.  

Dog_ma

It isn't the dream I take exception to - I share that dream - it was the idea that in 4 years these issues won't be in play.  

Agreed.  Sexism and racism are so deeply ingrained in so many people that I can't see them changing their minds in four years ....  most likely it will be at least a couple of generations.  I too share the dream that it will happen some day.

Joyce

Chelsea - That chart - I was hysterical! =]

I'm not a Palin supporter. That is all.

I think Palin held her own really well in the debate. I'm not going to get too far into this, but I gotta say that I think one of the reasons many women dislike her is because of her looks. You'd be surprised - women can be MEAN to women who, in their minds at least, are more attractive than them. It's sad.

The thing that shocks me is that some people say how Palin scares them, but have they ever REALLY thought about Obama's past choices and his current proposals? The man is truly frightening. I just hope that people wake up by Nov. 4th and vote as smart citizens, not just victims to the hype.

IrishSetterGrl

I think Palin held her own really well in the debate. I'm not going to get too far into this, but I gotta say that I think one of the reasons many women dislike her is because of her looks. You'd be surprised - women can be MEAN to women who, in their minds at least, are more attractive than them. It's sad.

I can't speak for all women, but the women I know don't like her because it embarrasses us to see an unqualified woman put up as a token. Period.

Palin is nice looking, but she's certainly not better looking that the majority of my friends. They're not movie star material, but neither is she.
 

Dog_ma

I can't speak for all women, but the women I know don't like her because it embarrasses us to see an unqualified woman put up as a token. Period.

You can speak for me! Looks are far from everything - and if people are so naieve to think that just because she's pretty she'll make a great VP - they are dead wrong.

IrishSetterGrl

I think Palin held her own really well in the debate. I'm not going to get too far into this, but I gotta say that I think one of the reasons many women dislike her is because of her looks. You'd be surprised - women can be MEAN to women who, in their minds at least, are more attractive than them. It's sad.

SP is indeed attractive, but I certainly wouldn't say that she's so gorgeous that she puts other women on the defensive. Most women, at least the reasonably intelligent ones, aren't that petty about looks anyway. I had questions about her as soon as I knew that McC offered her the position the first time he met her, and the more I listened to her the less I liked her.  Good Grief!!  What would you say to a son or daughter who came home and said they met someone at a party and proposed?? Wouldn't you encourage them to wait until they knew the person better? Yet here he is .... making a huge snap judgment decision that could affect not only him but the entire country. Not too bright on his part, IMO.  That is what's scary!

Joyce

 And this entire thing makes me glad I live in Canada.. *slinks away from the politics...*

I just had one more stupid question and I await the the replies.

What are the qualifications to be VP? I keep reading that SP is unqualified. Evidently the leadership of mayor and governor is not enough. Taking on and ticking off oil companies and old cronies in her own party isn't enough. Being honest about your personal beliefs isn't enough. Is she supposed to have been a senator, even though there is more direct executive experience as governor? If she isn't qualified, what are the qualifications and does Biden meet those?

And I'll repeat it once again, because it's getting lost in the melee. Teddy Roosevelt had been governor only two years when he was a VP candidate. OTOH, he had it in for the native americans, so maybe that made it okay, back then.

The last I remember, to be Pres, you had to be a natural american citizen, 35 years old or older, and free of felony convictions. And Vice Pres was nearly the same. It didn't say anything about having served in one branch of govt or the other. Anyone could run, even Frank Zappa ("A troubled man for troubled times";). If Kinky Friedman can run, why can't Palin? What would make Friedman more qualified than Palin? What makes Biden more qualified than Palin? He is quite a bit older. Are we now to use agism as a deciding factor? She hasn't been in govt as long as Biden but she has gotten a lot done in a short amount of time.

As Spiritdog says, people have their political preferences and none of this will change anything.