Ain't Nothin' New

[scififanatic]

I should just turn off the internet. Yes, that's what I need to do because these stories about minorities being harassed and disenfranchised is making my heart race:

Latinos in Nevada were called from "official Barack Obama representatives" to take their "vote by phone." (This would keep them away from the polls on Tuesday.)

Two Latina women were threatened by their community members in New Mexico to vote Republican or "face deportation." (They are really citizens of this country and were rightly offended.)

African American communities in Philly received expensive glossy professional-looking mailers that said "because the voter turnout is expected to create long wait lines, there will be two voting days: Tuesday and Wednesday." (This is supposed to keep African Americans at home because we are expected to actually vote this year.)

And it goes on and on...

I've been talking with my family and close friends. We're hoping with all our hearts Barack wins and we pray for him and his family daily but will we be surprised if he doesn't make it to the White House? Hell no. These tactics are not new. Being black, nothing surprises you and you learn to wait before officially celebrating. (For those who don't know their Black History, Juneteenth is a great example of this.)

Tuesday is going to be a long day and something tells me we'll have to fight for this, even if Barack Obama is declared the next president.

Comments

[tinaconnolly.livejournal.com]

UGH. I agree, there were a bunch of times I wanted to turn the internet off this last month. I can hardly stand the wait.

[scififanatic.livejournal.com]

I know! Part of me just wants to close myself off from all the rumors, hype, and bad vibes so I can wake up Wednesday morning to a new day (and with Barack Obama as the new president).

[stinglikeabee.livejournal.com]

That was the sentiment at the rally too -- don't take anything for granted, least of all that the candidate everyone most wants to win will actually be voted into office without a fuss.

There so much to worry about: long lines, faulty machines, the possibility of being challenged based on eligibility... that even the most optimistic of us was talking about making a pact to call in sick on Wednesday and have a mass cry-in if Obama doesn't win.

But I'm going to believe in the US. Because it's exactly what Obama would want us to do.

BTW are you planning to do NaNo on Tuesday? I don't know if I can handle being at a party and trying to type at the same time...

[scififanatic.livejournal.com]

That's right! If the American people won't have their voices heard in this election, I think millions of people should stay home on Wednesday. Hopefully, it won't come to that! :)

I was thinking about going on Tuesday. I've barely made the word count these last 2 days. Then again, if I'm around the wrong people on election night (as in McCain supporters), it might not be the best thing for me. Are you going to the one in Long Beach or somewhere else? I'd love to join you and your friend at the 24 hour coffee shop in Redondo sometime! :)

[stinglikeabee.livejournal.com]

I hadn't figured where to go on Tuesday. There's the free and open Election Gala over at the Hyatt Regency in LA, but more than 6000 people signed up! I'm willing to bet that's a fire hazard right there. It's a shame though because it's going to be HUGE with actors, singers, and big wigged politicos.

Yep, I'm thinking Long Beach after all. If you'd like to come with, we could carpool that night :D

Thanks for reminding me about the 24 hour place. It actually isn't open all hours anymore, I've just found out :( But in a pinch, there's always Dennys or IHOP.

[scififanatic.livejournal.com]

Wooowwwww, the Hyatt is gonna be hoppin' Tuesday night. I don't even want to think about what the parking might look like. Scary. Though it would be fun to drool over the cool. I love that Samuel L. "muthafuckin' snakes on a plane" Jackson did a voice over for a No on Prop 8 commercial. I can imagine there'll be a lot of heavyweights and news camera crews.

Carpooling to Long Beach sounds like a good plan if you decide to go. :) This year, I haven't been able to focus while writing unless I get out of the house, which is the total opposite of my NaNo experience from last year.