STL Streetfighter

This happened about two months ago and I saw it just the other day. I remember quick mentions in the news but what he says is worth watching. The above video is of the AFL-CIO's Richard Trumka on Racism and Obama.

What he says re-inforces an idea that I have had for awhile and I believe I have read some diaries to this effect. I believe that the choice that all Americans face on November 4th, for the first time in American History, Americans Black and White will have the choice to vote for a Black or White Candidate for President. The fact that we are faced with this simple choice changes America in perpetuity.

I believe that Barack Obama on the ticket changes our collective national psychology and view points on race in this country. Black Americans, as well as Americans of all colors, now can tell their children, and internally for themselves know that even the highest job in the land could be theirs. The mental barriers that exist in our minority cultures from years of systematic and social discrimination have reached a tipping point in the lives, the inner self-worth and dreams of our African American and minority brothers and sisters. This simple choice.

However, I know, this isn't anything revolutionary. But the unseen and unheard side of this equation is that this simple choice doesn't just socially enfranchise minorities in America. White Americans are also faced with this choice. And no matter if you live in an Urban Area and have voted for Black politicians for years, or never had an African American on your ballot. I think the mere fact that White Americans conservative and liberal, racist or not, will be forced to make a decision in the voting booth will move forward the cause of equality in this country.

No matter the outcome of this election, no matter if a white racist enters a voting booth and votes against Obama BECAUSE he is black, people will still be faced with making that decision. Because we are all human, we all have to make a decision on election day, and even the racist who will not vote for Obama because he is black will still have to cross that line, make that decision, and even if it is for a nano-second, contemplate the possiblity of voting for an African American for President.

I am not naive to believe that this will be some sort of magic elixir for the ills of racism in America, but there is no escaping the choice in one's mind of being forced to make that decision. Even if you don't vote, I imagine a person would think about it.

Consequently, I think that the collective national psyche and our collective viewpoints on racism will progress forward tremendously because of the mere fact that ALL Americans are confronted with this choice on November 4th.