Who is a real American?

One of the implicit (though at times explicit) strategies of the McCain-Palin ticket during this election has been to ask the question “Who is a real American?”  Ultimately, it is their argument that people who support McCain-Palin are pro-American, or part of the real America, while a vote for Obama-Biden is essentially anti-American. 

What is interesting to me is that this strategy appears to be loosing steam and it is my prediction that in years to come this strategy will make little sense at all.  Now don’t get me wrong, this strategy has definitely motivated a lot of people, and I think it will in years to come.  However, eventually the people who are the “real America” in Palin’s eyes will be the minority in this country.  Every year the populations of urban areas grow while rural areas decline.  Furthermore, it is estimated that by 2042 less than half of the population of American will be white.  

Population Projections

                                        2008           2050       

Non-Hispanic whites        68%             46%

Hispanic                            15%             30%

African Americans              12%             15%

Asian American                   5%                9% 

In years to come it will be political suicide to state that one is for the “real America” if that “America” can’t give a person enough votes to win.   

 Does this mean that the Republican Party is doomed?  No, not at all.  I think the principles of a free-market economy, state’s rights, a strong national defense can still have appeal in the pluralistic America that is emerging.  However, the Republican Party will be doomed if it does not change its marketing strategy.  They need to move beyond the divisive rhetoric of “real” and “anti” American and adapt to the changing cultural landscape around them.  

For a humorous look at this issue check out yesterday’s Daily Show.

Fuel to a Fire

CNN recently reported on the rage that is growing at McCain-Palin campaign rallies.  Republican supporters are frustrated and upset that Obama appears to be pulling away.  One aspect of the McCain-Palin strategy to cut into this lead has been to focus on Obama’s relationship with Bill Ayers.  McCain-Palin assert that Obama hasn’t been truthful about his relationship with Ayers, and therefore the American people should distrust him.  

What is scary to me about this whole thing is one of the results of this strategy (intended or unintended you be the judge).  It is not uncommon to hear people yell the word “terrorist” or other unpleasantries in response to hearing Obama’s name.  Wither McCain-Palin like it or not there is a certain level of hatred that is being incited as a result of this strategy.  

Last Spring I heard a lecture by Emile Townes, a remarkable theologian.  She is the chair of her department at Yale and the president of the American Academy of Religion.  I believe in both instances she is the first black woman to hold either of these positions.  During the Q&A someone asked her opinion on Barack Obama.  She said several things, but one of the things I remember was that she honestly feared for the safety of Barack Obama in light of the historic significance of his pursuit of the presidency.

I write all of this not because I think Conservatives and Republicans are racists, and they don’t like Obama because he is black.  But rather to warn our country that fuel is being put on a very dangerous fire.  If Barack Obama is demonized and labeled as an American hating terrosist, I fear of a violent backlash that could happen if he wins.  

So to any Republican/Conservatives who might read this blog, its fine if you are angry and disappointed that your political party is loosing seats in congress and might lose the presidency.  Promote your canidate if you believe that he has better ideas, and the right kind of experience for the job.  Critique Obama if you think his ideas are wrong for you.  That is what Democracy is all about.  But at the end of the day when this thing is all over, whoever is in charge has an enormous task ahead of them.  Let’s not make it worse by inciting hatred and labeling sides as evil.  

McCain-Palin please don’t fuel a dangerous fire.

Reverend Wright

I sat down yesterday and actually watched one of Reverend Wright’s recent speeches (the one he recently gave at the National Press Club) in its entirety.  So many things were being said about this man that I thought “wow he must be completely wacked out of his mind.”  So I prepared myself for all sorts of craziness as I started to watch.  What I heard though was an articulate explanation of black liberation theology, a thoughtful interaction with the ethnic and religious plurality that exists here in America, and a biographical report of the many good things that Trinity Church has done over the years.  At many points in the speech I was greatly moved, encouraged and challenged.