You know, it's interesting that lately, I've seen an increase in articles on the web about Michelle, and specifically, how she is being attacked. I think I've even seen the term "Hillarized."
And yes, I fully agree that such treatment of her is out of line -- the way it was with Hillary 16 years ago.
I suppose, sadly, that perhaps watching Michelle get abused might provoke Democrats to recognize the issues of sexism, even if they've turned a blind eye when it comes to Hillary. This doesn't mean I hope Michelle will be mistreated -- I wouldn't wish that on anyone. I guess I would just hope that some good would come from it.
I feel for Michelle, because we know she's about to face some real ugliness. The irony, of course, is that the one person on the planet who would understand best, and be able to advise her best, is, of course, Hillary Clinton.
I know. That is a tragic irony. And one some of the more extreme Hillary supporters (maybe they're not even supporters but trolls) seem unaware of.
I rarely go over there, but some diarist here linked to NoQuarter today and Larry Johnson is inciting some disgusting comments about her. Please, tell me these people are republicans
http://noquarterusa.net/blog/2008/05/16/ will-barack-throw-mama-from-the-train/
I admit, I have taken a look at the more extreme pro-Hillary sites on occasion, but I don't understand those people. Their total hatred of Obama really puts me off -- and I'm someone who doesn't much care for the guy.
And some of the delusions just make me laugh. I'm all for keeping your chin up and fighting to the last and all that good "Hillary will never give up" stuff.
But the reality is that she's not getting the nomination. And to continue to put forth diaries that suggest Obama is going down, or crashing, or (as I think I saw on this site), "readying to concede" totally undermine the credibiilty of these supporters -- and all Hillary supporters.
I really hope that when the primaries are over, Democrats will find a way to come together again. I think it will be a lot harder than some people are willing to admit. I think it is a huge responsibility for Obama -- and I hope he can live up to it.
But we shall see...
Obama is only the presumptive nominee. He can help, but it's up to democrats to heal the wounds. It takes brave and tough actions by someone like yourself, a true democrat who has realised their favored nominee is unlikely to make it, trying to build bridges between both sides.
On the other hand, I'm completely convinced - in fact I've had posters here confess to me on three occasions - that there are a lot of republicans who, after it became clear McCain was going to win, came to sites like this and Noquarter and Hillaryis44 to cause trouble. And out and out white suprematicist posting with the name of Pagan Power here the other day about blood purity etc.
So all of us have a duty to expose these trolls, and the kind of undemocratic thinking they espouse. They've posed as Hillary supporters - I suppose it could have been the other way round had the primary race gone a different way - but they have no real loyalty to her, and certainly not to liberal progressive causes.
duende.
You're British correct?
You're not an ex-pat.
I was marveling at your interest in our elections.
Just curious what your political background is in England? Also what do you hear folks in GreatBritain say about this election.
Thanks,
12 dogs
Gosh. How long have you got?
Yes, British living in London. Though I have lived, worked and married in the US. I wish I knew why I was so addicted to this election: I'm hoping it's because it will be seen to be a watershed in US history, and thereby world events. I first got involved here in 2004. I also have several close friends involved in these election
Though a fiction writer and dramatist by trade, I've always been a Labour supporter, activist and occasional speechwriter. From that perspective, it's not hard to see who my favoured candidate is, and why I favour him.
The UK, as much of the world, has been fascinated by these primaries. After the long onslaught of the last three months I would say the two big themes are:
1. POSITIVE: How amazing the US has the openness and mobility thrown a biracial candidate with the stature of RFK or JFK.
2. NEGATIVE: how typical that he is being destroyed by the press/Hillary Clinton/american close mindedness.
One of the reasons I persist on coming here, despite having my privileges removed, is to explain - nicely if I can - to Hillary supporters, that the rest of the world is REALLY excited by Obama's candidacy. Not so much by Hillary's. And this isn't because she's a woman, but because she's part of a dynasty.
Fiction writer and dramatist?
Would we have an oportunity to read your work here in the US? I'm all for giving a writer a chance to talk about their work. Not an easy profession and one where the author should get lots of chances to promote their work.
Besides if you are or become well known we can all pat ourselves on the back for having virtually "met" you and have you as a fellow writter on myDD.
