Filled With Pride, Enthusiasm
November 4th, 2008 at 11:01pm B Jon Traylor 199
I phoned a dear friend earlier, and I could barely speak. I am man enough to say that even an ol' rough/tough cowboy like me can get a bit emotional sometimes.
I called Patrick out in California. Patrick and I have been buddies since the seventh grade. The first time we ever met, he sat behind me on the bus as we bussed over to the other side of town for football practice, and he punched me in the back of the head. I said I word to my seatmate, a word I didn't really even know the meaning of.... I said the word nigger. Patrick leaned over the seat and clocked me.
I grew up farming/ranching, working the oil fields in West Texas. My adoptive family were all products of the farming/ranching life. They also were extremely bigotted, prejudiced, and judgemental and provencial. I heard that ugly word all the time in my younger days.
Whats beautiful is that I was completely ashamed that I had called this really cool guy, who happened to be black, a word that is so incredibly ugly. I credit God for allowing me to be overwhelmed by feelings of guilt and shame. I also credit God for the fact that within weeks, that same kid, Patrick, would become one of my best buddies, and remain so throughout the rest of our school years. Today, he is truly one of my closest and dearest friends. He wasn't welcomed out at our place during high school, but I sure was welcomed at his folk's place, anytime. And damn, could his momma cook!! In fact, my father absolutely hated the fact that one my buddies was, as he referred to them as, "a nigger." I loved standing up to my father, and I remember the day, on horseback, when I told him that my friend Patrick was more of a man than he was, and that I was more of a man for judging a man on his merits, and not his skin color.
I was there back in 1988 when he loaded his Ford Escort station wagon with his belongings and headed to L.A. to become an actor. Sure enough, it wasn't long before he was a regular on a popular sitcom/Cosby Show spin-off. He has done quite well for himself, and I couldn't be more proud. Well, actually I could. We'll get to that later....
After (what seemed like) a few minutes of silence, knowing the tears were probably streaming down his handsome face, like they were mine.... I said the following:
"Patrick, all I can think of right now is that night at our football banquet, when the banquet was over, and they had awarded the team MVP to that jerk Peterson. You were our best player that year, and (jokingly) I was probably a close second. Remember when we went to the restroom, and you, I, and Peterson were all standing at the urinals? Remember how you congratulated him for his award? Remember what he said to you? He said, 'surely you didn't think they'd give this award to a nigger, do you?'
(Gotta stop here for a sec...)
I started to weep, on the phone, after saying that. Folks, that was real. I was there. I witnessed it, first hand. But, sadly, thats only one story... because there are so many others he's dealt with his entire life. For him to be as succesful as he has, overcoming all the discrimination and hatred he has... well, I'm proud to call that brother of a different color my buddy. And tonight, for the first time in our country's history, we have elected not only the right man for the job, we elected a man of color. And Ed Troy? It was good to talk to another good buddy brother of another color tonight. I'm thinking alot of you, and how proud you must be.
And I was watching CNN, and there, in the crowd at that park in Chicago, amongst whites, blacks, hispanics, asians, crossbreeds, whatever..... stood Jesse Jackson, tears streaming down his face. I think thats when my heart sent a message to my tear ducts. I was proud for him too. I don't necessarily like him, but I was proud for him. Even more so, though, I'm just proud for all Americans right now. A new day is dawning, and better times are coming.
Another close friend of mine, Joe Mike, a farmer/rancher in Texas, called me tonight too. He was happy. He has always voted Republican. He said not this time, though. He said, "I don't care what the color of his skin is, he is the right man for the job, right now for this country." And he said,"I sure wish L.A. was here to see this tonight... even my grandad would be proud right now that a black man finally became president" L.A. is the initials of his grandfather, who passed away while we were in college. His name was Lawrence, and he was fine man.
In summary, I said earlier that I couldn't be more proud, then followed that by saying, "well, actually I could." It was about 9:05, mountain time, when it was announced that Obama would be our next president. I went upstairs to find my daughter still struggling to get to sleep. She didn't want to go to sleep until she knew that Obama, who she wanted to win, had indeed won. I said, "Sweetie, its official, Obama will be your president when you wake up in the morning." She turned over, looked at me, and she broke out the most amazing, beautiful, big smile. And you know what she said? She said, "Daddy, I guess its cuz you and me went door to door on Sunday urging people to vote for him!" Wow.
Thats a proud moment for me. Thats one of those Kodak Memory Moments. I'll go to bed with a satisfied, fulfilled heart tonight.
God bless the United States of America.
Entry Filed under: Aspen
14 Comments Add your own
1. reckless G | November 5th, 2008 at 8:45 am
Jon,
I share your pride, enthusiasm and tears.
For years I'd given up on America. I thought it was broken, that the neocons had a firm grip on our balls and were squeezing hard.
So it's with much relief that I say now; I was wrong. America is great. Americans are free. Americans can change.
Yes we can!
Love you bro.
2. Mitch Mulhall | November 5th, 2008 at 10:34 am
A few weeks back, Joe Biden indicated Obama would be tested.
Today, Russian leader Medvedev deployed Iskander missile systems in Kaliningrad.
And then there's this.
That didn't take long.
Cheers,
3. reckless G | November 5th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Isn't Russia still Bush's problem? I think George has a few more months in office. Or do you think he'll just ignore this and shove it off on Obama?
[And then there's this.] At the end of the article is this statement; "President elect Barack Obama has said resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict would be a top priority for his administration. "
I believe him. Obama has long sympathised with the Palestinian cause. He even said; "No one is suffering more than the Palestinians." I assume that means they are suffering more than the Israelis are.
With Obama as president and if Tzipi Livni is elected prime Minister of Israel in January, I believe we will have a fair chance of seeing an end to the occupation and the creation of a Palestinian state next year. That would have been impossible with McCain in office, and if Netanyahu wins, no amount of effort by Obama will work to end the conflict. Netanyahu will mean the permanent end of Palestine.
I for one, intend to flood Obama's office with letters in support of the two-state solution, something I gave up doing long ago with the Bush administration.
4. Mitch Mulhall | November 5th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
[Isn't Russia still Bush's problem?]
Bush has been a lame-duck president pretty much since the 2006 elections. Medvedev didn't do this to see what Bush will or will not do. He already knows. He wants to get a notion of Obama's plans for the proposed U.S. missile shield in eastern Europe. It's a chess move, and a smart one too.
I share your interest in the Israeli election. If Livni prevails, the conditions may be ripe for progress. That said, Obama has indicated a willingness to change the U.S.'s relationship with Israel, which may cause Israelis to vote Likud. We'll see.
Cheers,
5. B Jon Traylor | November 5th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
Y es, Mitch, I saw and heard about that today. I spent most of the day in my office... sheesh.. who needs television anymore when we get online prompts of breaking news? !!
I agree with you, its a chess move, and it is smart. But, honestly, I think its a bluff. Every rogue faction out there, for whatever agenda, is gonna test us, and test now and within the next 6-9 months. I'd like to see Bush Jr. grow some balls and do something besides being a lameduck, ceremonial, cocktail party, impromtu photo op.
I'm ready for a leader as my commander in chief.
Today, Rush was bashing Obama's speech last night. Are you freakin' kidding me? I sat there, and watched, listened, and for the first time in over 15 years, was ready to go to battle again. I thought Obama was incredible last night. I thought he was solid, grounded, rooted, inspirational, humble and definately presidential. He said, okay... lets get to work, now. Wow.
But, yes, did you see whats happening in the Gaza strip today? His election is having a profound affect throughout the world, already. And yes, in my own layman optimistic way... I see something awesoem and profound and constructive in that. -- J
6. Mitch Mulhall | November 5th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
Jon,
Russia doesn't fall into the category of "every rogue faction out there." Hours after Obama's election, Russia deployed a missile system to counter our plans to protect former soviet satellites.
I'm not going to piss on your post-election campfire. Enjoy. But understand our new President's salt is already being tested.
Cheers,
7. reckless G | November 6th, 2008 at 11:37 am
[But, yes, did you see whats happening in the Gaza strip today? His election is having a profound affect throughout the world, already.]
I fail to see any connection. What happened in the Gaza strip is nothing new. It is simply the same old tit for tat retaliation that this unresolved conflict has been engendering for years.
As for Russia, I still submit that is the current commander in chief's problem. Obama can offer opinions, suggestions, and the like. But until January, he has no power to confront the situation in any meaningful way, and by then it might be a moot point.
8. Mitch Mulhall | November 6th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
[I still submit that is the current commander in chief's problem.]
I think it worth noting that President-elect Obama will receive the same briefings "the current commander in chief" receives from now until Obama is sworn-in. Ideally, the two would work in concert, putting into place a policy that would carry forward when Obama takes office. In reality, it's anybody's guess what will happen, and that's precisely what Medvedev is betting on.
Cheers,
9. B Jon Traylor | November 6th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
My phone has not stopped ringing. I'm gettin' calls from all over,,, how about Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, New York, Kanas, Oklahoma, Texas, Nevada, Calfornia????
Something happened two nights ago. Even my republican farmer/rancher buddy in Texas called me to tell me he voted "for the right man for the right job for our country and our world!"
Lets play chess. Mitch? I'd love to play you.
Lets put defense missiles in russia and the ukraine. Lets get real and see what happens. Surely you don't think this brother or a different color will back down? Actually, I am sure he will tell them to "stick it where the sun don't shine!"
Prognosticate all you want Mitch, but please don't fall into the Rush and Hannity hyperbole. You are are far more intelligent and respectul than that.
I'll refrain from more comment until I start to see some substance. I think his pick today for Chief of Staff is an indicator of what could happen. I applaud that. -- f
10. Mitch Mulhall | November 6th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
[Lets [sic] play chess.]
Jon,
Ask anyone.
I am the village idiot, low hanging fruit, plain easy pickens.
Your first move is Rahm Emanuel?
You're sure you're OK with this?
11. reckless G | November 7th, 2008 at 7:08 am
YIKES!
I believe this falls under the heading; Be careful what you wish for...
“Rahm Emanuel (Hebrew: רם עמנואל) was born in Chicago, Illinois. His first name, Rahm, means "high" or "lofty" in Hebrew…Rahm’s surname was adopted by his family in 1933, after Rahm’s paternal uncle, Emanuel Auerbach, was killed in a skirmish with Arabs in Jerusalem. His father, the Jerusalem-born Benjamin M. Emanuel, is a pediatrician and former member of the Irgun, a militant Zionist group active in the British Mandate of Palestine between 1931 and 1948.”
Oh Palestine we hardly knew ye!
12. Mitch Mulhall | November 7th, 2008 at 9:02 am
abcnews.go.com reports:
Cheers,
13. infowars.com | November 8th, 2008 at 9:56 am
Not only that, but Emanuel is a duel citizen of Israel and was fired from the Clinton administration for spying for Israel (the FBI is still investigating this case wink wink)
there is no change here, its business as usual
14. infowars.com | November 8th, 2008 at 11:30 am
more.....
from the Wayne Madsen Report
November 6, 2008 — Obama faced with security problem at outset of transition process
WMR has learned from informed U.S. intelligence sources that prospective Barack Obama White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel has an active FBI counter-intelligence file maintained on him. Emanuel’s rise to the Chief of Staff position may pose a significant security problem for President-elect Obama if the FBI insists on conducting the full background security investigation normally required for senior White House officials.
Questions about Emanuel’s links to the Israeli intelligence service, the Mossad, were allegedly so great that President Bill Clinton was forced to dismiss Emanuel from the White House staff in 1998. One of the FBI agents who discovered Emanuel’s dealings with Israeli intelligence was, according to our sources, the late FBI counter-terrorism Assistant Director John O’Neill. O’Neill retired after being set up in a smear operation involving a temporarily stolen brief case in 2001. O’Neill and another FBI agent who still works for the bureau and shall remain nameless at this point to protect him and his career discovered that Emanuel was heavily involved in the decision to place intern Monica Lewinsky close to President Clinton. O’Neill accepted the top security position for Kroll Associates at the World Trade Center. O’Neill was killed in the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center. WMR has also reported that O’Neill was a close friend of slain retired Houston CIA station chief Roland V. “Tony” Carnaby, who was similarly investigating Israeli intelligence operations in the Houston area when Houston police shot and killed him last April.
Emanuel reportedly had knowledge of Israeli intelligence penetration of White House communications systems and Lewinsky, in sworn testimony before the Office of Independent Counsel, stated: “He [Clinton] suspected that a foreign embassy [it is now known that embassy was that of Israel] was tapping his telephones, and he proposed cover stories.” Lewinsky continued, “If ever questioned, she should say that the two of them were just friends. If anyone ever asked about their phone sex, she should say that they knew their calls were being monitored all along, and the phone sex was just a put on.”
WMR has learned from U.S. intelligence sources that Emanuel was discovered to be part of a political intelligence and blackmail operation directed against Clinton by Israel’s Likud Party and Binyamin Netanyahu to sink Clinton’s proposed Middle East peace deal. We have also learned that the FBI investigation of Emanuel is part of a file code-named the “Mega file.” “Mega” is a reference to a top-level Mossad agent in the Reagan administration who was said to have run a number of Israeli agents, including U.S. Navy spy Jonathan Pollard.
__________________________________
Obama’s choice of Rahm Emanuel as Chief of Staff indicates that Obama will continue the same corrupt policies that caused the subprime mortgage mess in the first place as a reward for his financiers on Wall Street and off it, such as George Soros.
While the media is refusing to vet Rahm Emanuel, a man at the center of the sub-prime mortgage mess, it’s up to the American people to demand accountability from this ethically challenged administration.
By bringing in Rahm Emanuel, Obama is bringing over a fellow Chicago thug with a long experience with both dirty politics and dirty money. This is the sort of fellow Obama has decided will be a great Chief of Staff…
At a dinner to celebrate President Clinton’s first election victory, Mr Emanuel began to name those who he believed had earned his enmity. As he listed the names of those he saw as traitors, he grabbed a steak knife, stood up and began plunging the knife into the table and shouting “Dead! Dead! Dead!” after each name.
“When he was done, the table looked like a lunar landscape,” one witness recalled. “It was like something out of The Godfather. But that’s Rahm for you.
You can bet that wherever he is Rahm Emanuel is stabbing tables too and getting ready to stab people too in his new role as “Obama’s Godfather.”
The LA Times blog, hardly a right wing partisan source, describes Rahm Emanuel as a “political assassin” who “enjoys being a bad guy”
The Illinois congressman, after all, is best known as something of a Democratic political assassin. From his days as a top aide to President Clinton to his recent role leading the Democrats to a House majority, Emanuel has relentlessly attacked his foes and gone ruthlessly after anyone who stood in his way.
That’s just a taste from the War on America that we can expect from the Obama Administration, more Chicago style corruption and thuggery.
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