Good-Hearted Hopes

On my drive home, listening to Hannity, I heard an Obama supporter, a black guy, who in the glow of Barack Obama's election, described his dearest hopes for a bright future, in which all Americans are united. He expressed himself with such sincerity and sweetness, I teared up in sympathy.

He believes he saw "America United" last night while he watched the crowd of all races celebrating Obie's victory. And that vision is the inspiration for his joyful hope.

He admitted he knew nothing about politics, (he wants to learn), but that the emotional feeling he had because of Obie's victory was overwhelmingly great.

It was clear that his joy made him want to love everyone, to celebrate the "unity", that made Obie's victory possible—and that the Obie phenomenon represents to him.

It was a revalatory moment for me. His simple joy in seeing a black elected was powerfully communicated. I could almost feel it. And it felt good.

He sort of ruined the moment by saying that what he'd love to see is both candidates be black. (It's never quite enough, is it?) But let's move on.

Of course, this man doesn't have any idea what Obie's politics are. So naturally, he can't imagine why anyone would oppose the joyful, intoxicating possibility he represents. And it made me sad to realize that he will be so disappointed when people like me refuse to share his innocent joy and hope. That my recalcitrance will confuse and hurt him. That his dream will be dashed by the persistent criticism and opposition of people who do know what Obie's politics and character and values are and have rejected them.

And I can see the very real possibility that because we refuse to join the kumbaya multi-racial Obie cult, he will see us as racists, unwilling to join with other whites and cross the race divide to unity.

And that makes me very sad too. And angry.

And I blame Obama. He pretended to be the racial healer, even as he was using race to his advantage. He said that those who don't support him only do so because they don't like "people who are different" than themselves.

And when millions of us don't embrace the chimera and drink the Kool-Aid, so many people like this lovely, good-hearted (if ignorant) man will take it personally, and racially. And we'll be no better off than we were before the Great Historic Election.

What a sad, sad mess.

God, how hard would it have been to find a moderate, qualified, experienced, accomplished black candidate? One we could have unified behind—because it ought to be thrilling to elect the first black president.

But instead they gave us Barack Obama.

What a goddamn crying shame.

The Gunslinger