PROGRAM SUCCESS – NOVEMBER 2012 PAGE 31
Publisher ' s Editorial Darryl A . Barrs rRevenge Jacksonville , Florida November 2012
REVENGE
Barack Obama was just elected to serve a second term as President of the United States of America . As spectacular , historic and electrifying of an election , it was stilled filled with hate , division , and deceit . They say ‘ all is fair in love and war ’ but has the 2012 election redefined America ’ s culture to an era of shame we thought was dead and buried or has it simply pull back the sheets covering ideology we cherish and keep hidden ?
This was a campaign that portrayed our President as un- American , a liar , a derelict in protecting American lives , and a divider . The campaign went even further attacking the poor , those receiving any type of federal assistance , the woman ’ s right to choose , and anyone not sharing common ideology - thus alienating Blacks , Hispanics , Students , Gays , Seniors and Women .
The biggest scar on America from this election has to be the voter suppression . Shamefully , Governors across the country devised schemes to keep fellow Americans from exercising their right to vote . Their unproven allegations of voter fraud gave them cover to hinder Senior Citizens , the Poor , Blacks and Hispanics from casting votes . They produced discouraging bill boards , faulty and misleading ballets , and long lines by diminishing days and the opportunity to vote .
The most bazaar of all these hindrances occurred in Central Florida at a polling place where two mysterious packages were found on the same day , hours apart and in both cases the bomb squad was called in and detonated both packages on the spot at the polling place . This was a cruel and unusual message . A threat that you could be killed while exercising your right to vote complimented by the sound and effect of a bomb actually exploding while you are standing in line – not once but twice in one day . Imagine the lasting affect of such an incidence and the twisted minds of those devising such a plan .
It was easy for anyone to view this election as ‘ us ’ against ‘ them ’. During a campaign rally President Obama tempered his supporters by telling them “ don ’ t boo – Vote !” Then one day at a rally , the President went even further to say , “ voting is the best revenge .” In a climax of highly tense emotional feeling , Barack Obama demonstrated brilliance in channeling anger , depression , and neglect away from violence , looting , and disruption - to a focus determination to vote and be counted . This was no longer an Election - it was now a Movement .
My father once told me “ in life people will call you everything but a child of God … you just don ’ t let it be true .” This campaign was filled with all types of innuendos about people who were unable to defend themselves on a national stage . These people had only one weapon – their vote . Because there were no marches and protests on the streets , the offenders thought their plan of slander and suppression would work . Election night was shocking and the result spelled REVENGE .
Barack Obama fought against not one but many Billionaires and their money and their venomous message of control as if we live in an elitist monarchy where only money matters . The casualty of their success would not only be his presidency but our American democratic way of life including our individualism . The people took revenge by voting . By voting the people said Yes - we matter . By standing in long lines the people said No - you can ’ t dictate to us .
History will note this election as spectacular and electrifying not because of its element of revenge , but instead because this election gave Power to the People .