Voting based on racial/gender identification MAY ensure our destruction by rich, powerful, corp...

[Blackhatjack]

There is more that unites the poor, working poor, and middle class than individual demographics like race and gender. And Repubs will surely use these characteristics to divide us in a general election.

The rich, powerful, and corporate interests, all have every intention of maintaining the present system that protects their power over the rest of us --and they intend to use that power to crush any threat against them.

If we become divided in our loyalties because some want to cast a vote to elect an African American for the first time, and others want to to cast a vote for a woman for the first time, we may overlook all that we have in common and which candidate can best represent us all -- John Edwards.

I will vote for the Democratic Nominee regardless, but remember that we are all in danger from another Republican Administration.

We need to come together in our common interests and vote for the candidate who will best represent all of us by bringing about the change we sorely need by fighting the rich, powerful and corporate interests.

We need Edwards more than ever, and if he is elected his Administration will advance the causes of civil liberties and civil rights, remove discrimination against women and minorities, begin protecting the environment again, and restore the government to the people, just to name a few.

We need to stick by Edwards, and he will stick by us as our next President!

[ecstatic]

1. Americans have voted on gender/race since the nation was founded

The preferred gender/race just happened to be white male. Why are people suddenly concerned?

[gateley]

11. Because there aren't "anti-white male" hate groups out there.

And it hasn't been just a preference -- we weren't given a real CHOICE.

[cali]

2. White men have had the luxury of voting based on gender and

race for over two hundred bloody years. Love all their sudden concern about it. Oh, and white men still vote largely for white men even when they have other choices.

[Blackhatjack]

4. That comment about 'White men have the luxury of voting based on gender and race' is illogical...

Are you saying that women and minorities have been prevented from voting for anyone they desired since they got the right to vote?

Why reduce a candidate to only their demographic characteristic of sex or race?

I assure you that not all minorities and women vote blindly on these demographics. They use their brains to determine who will best represent their interests, and to imply that they don't is insulting to them.

To make the counter argument that 'white men' only vote for other 'white men' is insulting for the same reason.

[cali]

8. you're the one that reduced a candidate to gender/race in your OP

and neglected to mention the obvious. In addition Edwards supporters have posted ad nauseum that a woman or a black man aren't electable and thus we should all be good little boy and girls and support your candidate. I trust you understand why that's offensive.

I did not make the argument that white men only vote for other white men. I posted a fact; that white men vote vote more often for white men, even when given a choice.

NOr have I ever said that all or most minorities or women vote blindly on sex or race. Hell, I'm a white woman supporting Obama.

Lastly, of course women and minorites have long been prevented for voting for candidates other than white males. It's only within the last generation or so that there's been more than just a sprinkling of candidates who weren't white males.

I find it pretty clear that your OP and the post I'm responding to were written from a certain perspective.

[Jackpine Radical]

3. The power elite has been using race, gender, ethnicity to keep us divided

and conquered since the beginning of the Republic. If we evr get our heads on straight, we can finally take them down and claim what we have sweated and bled to build.

[Blackhatjack]

5. Well said ... n/t

[MedleyMisty]

9. For most people, prejudice comes from inside

It's psychological.

Sure, people in power do what they can to fan the flames and make it worse, but they didn't create it.

[Jackpine Radical]

10. a) Yes, it's psychological. b) It comes from outside.

Kids aren't born bigots.

[lyonn]

6. So far the media has chosen to make this Dem primary season

about race and sexism between two candidates. No mention that there is another candidate out there making speeches and racking up a fair amount of delegates, Edwards. If he can hang in there they may be forced to acknowledge his platform. Probably not. If he is mentioned it is only to knock him. Since this has become so apparent it has caused me to pay more attention to what little is written or shown on c-span about him. I like his steady stance against corps running this country instead of the people. Besides, he talks like a real democrat!!

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

7. Thanks For Your Concern, But I Think Any Of The 3 Will Do Great In The General Election.

I'm proud of all 3, and I think each of them can take down whatever fool stands on the other side.