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Racial differences of opinion
US News & World Report ^ | 9/16/05 | Michael Barone

Posted on 09/16/2005 7:09:28 PM PDT by flixxx

Racial differences of opinion

Here's an uncomfortable subject: Why do black Americans see some issues so totally differently from the way nonblack Americans see them?

The obvious examples before us are the polls that show large majorities of blacks saying that the Bush administration slowed relief to Katrina victims because so many of them were black, and large majorities of whites saying just the opposite. (Pause for factual note: Most Katrina victims, of course, were white: Orleans Parish has a black majority, but the other Louisiana parishes and the Mississippi and Alabama counties hit by Katrina have white majorities.) Here are results from a USA Today/CNN/Gallup poll conducted September 8 to 11.

Just your best guess, do you think one reason the federal government was slow in rescuing these people was because many of them were black, or was that not a reason?

(snip)---((table did not reproduce well))

I am reminded of the polls taken immediately after O.J. Simpson's criminal trial, which showed that a large majority of blacks thought he was not guilty and a larger majority of whites thought he was guilty. At the time, I wondered whether black respondents really believed he had not killed his wife or whether they were just expressing something in the nature of solidarity with him. Looking at results like these, I wonder something similar: Aren't these black respondents just expressing their dislike or even hatred for George W. Bush, rather than embracing the absurd position that the federal government would move slowly to rescue people because many of them—many, not most, as Gallup was careful to ask—were black?


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Culture/Society; Editorial; Government; Politics/Elections
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To: Riverman94610

Let me add something,ravel.I'm HARD on some of these young "brothers"in my school system.I'm not afraid to say things like"Oh,you want to moan about the white man this,the white man that?.Well,dig it,partner,it ain't WHITE folks that are responsible for all those young black kids dying in drive byes.Check yourself before you wreck yourself,know what I'm saying?"
Thats me paraphrasing.Yet the kids never get mad at me for saying those things or call me a racist,etc.Why?Cause they know I'll be there for them to get them tutoring,a letter of recommendation,a job,or maybe just an ear to listen to them or the one thing they almost NEVER get in their lives-A COMPLIMENT.
And thats my two cents for the evening.


181 posted on 09/17/2005 9:32:22 PM PDT by Riverman94610
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To: Riverman94610

Notice the Katrina rescue mission and how "All" of the people helping were white. Now this came from looking at TV which most people on this board knows has a slant. Is it okay to believe it for this reporting? I saw and know many blacks, whites, hispanics, and others that helped out. I know blacks would not tolerate the looting,raping, and shooting that went on. Yet, have you noticed how all of the black people in NO have been classified as looters? And much of it has been quoted on this board.


182 posted on 09/17/2005 9:32:23 PM PDT by rave123
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To: Riverman94610

Say it again Sam. Nothing wrong with the truth.


183 posted on 09/17/2005 9:35:00 PM PDT by rave123
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To: rdb3

And to me,those "stats"don't tell the WHOLE story.
I could tell many tales out of school about quite a few white kids from "good families"that got off the hook for doing the EXACT same things some ghetto thugs are doing time for now because mommy and daddy had the juice to get them a big time lawyer and thus get them off the hook.


184 posted on 09/17/2005 9:35:03 PM PDT by Riverman94610
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To: rave123

You're the truth!
Here in the Bay Area,we have pulled together as AMERICANS to gather up aid and assistance to the Katrina victims.
People of ALL races coming together to help the unfortunate victims of ALL races.
I believe I heard General Hunt on Fox saying that there were 3000 looters at the most,many of them from out of town.But even if they were just locals thats a miniscule percentage of the whole black population.


185 posted on 09/17/2005 9:38:32 PM PDT by Riverman94610
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To: WillMalven

Now I agree when you are talking about specific "individuals" causing problems. And these "individuals" you mention are persons that are IMO making victims of their "followers" and trying to keep those followers victimized in their own minds...sometimes leading to violence, drugs, etc....only a percentage of blacks fit into that category...many young blacks are breaking out of this cycle everyday (some are not even in it).

And everyday a percentage of whites fall prey to violence and drugs also, it is just that their pied pipers have a lower profile.


186 posted on 09/17/2005 9:40:05 PM PDT by del4hope (Freedom of the Press is not a license to manipulate the public)
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To: flixxx

bumping for later comment


187 posted on 09/17/2005 10:25:23 PM PDT by expatguy (http://laotze.blogspot.com/)
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To: WillMalven; rdb3; mhking
You sound like a liberal

Sorry, Will, wrong right-wingnut...

If what I've said sounds liberal to you, you've ceded the high ground on a vital social, moral, and cultural issue to the left-wing race-baiters, who will happily exploit your support of their divided America to gain and retain political power.

This society has for the last forty years bent over backware to give blacks a helping hand...

Oh, my--maybe my "divided America" was the wrong term... Do you really not consider black Americans part of "this society"? Could that have a bearing on the "deafening silence" you purport to hear from conservative black people? Might that attitude--I'll certainly admit that you're not its only proponent--bear on the difficulty that even conservative members of that "population influx" still face in "melding into the majority population"?

Come on, Will; we need you. FreeRepublic is what FreeRepublic is today, and conservatives just won another big election last November, because we're on the right side. We've moved past "it's not fair but that's just the way people are" (Post 168), and way beyond "It is for blacks to overcome their sense of 'otherness'" (Post 153).

Let's not get stuck on "It is up to the members of that community who do care about right and wrong to stand up and lead" (Post 168 again), by slapping down the folks in "that community" who are doing just that for our community.

Let's all ditch this thread and get back to countering Kennedy, Reid, Pelosi, the Rev'runs Jackson and Sharpton, and Calypso Louie--you know, that community...

188 posted on 09/17/2005 11:54:58 PM PDT by umbagi (Monthly donor [entry level])
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To: umbagi

wow good post


189 posted on 09/18/2005 12:09:29 AM PDT by cyborg (Thank you dear Lord for my new job and the breath in my lungs.)
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To: umbagi
I admire your full tank of optimism on this subject. Sad to say, but my tank is empty here.


If you want a Google GMail account, FReepmail me.
They're going fast!

190 posted on 09/18/2005 2:37:10 AM PDT by rdb3 (Non-conservative, American exceptionalist here.)
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To: rdb3
I have no animosity toward you. I am not finding the same, in your constant posts to people based on your PERCEPTIONS of prejudice, or bigotry.

That's laughable.

What's laughable? You sure are, Mr. double-standard. I stated MY opinion. I have that right. You may disagree with my OPINION, but that gives you NO RIGHT, to attack ME. Show me what I have said is wrong, either in historical, or current, context.

Nonsense. What I have a problem with is the absolute refusal of people to differentiate and apply to all the thoughts and actions of one. Gee, isn't that what you are doing? You call me STUPID, since I won't kowtow to your demands. You seem like a racist, in the mold lf Jesse jackson, when you make those sounds! You could at least get a little more rhyme going.

I was a fat nerd growing up. Do you think, maybe , that, I was ever the subject of ridicule, or others like me?

Few of us are born to look like ideals. Not all of us are willing to accept your bullshit! Don't bother posting to me anymore, bigot!

191 posted on 09/18/2005 4:25:24 AM PDT by pageonetoo (You'll spot their posts soon enough!)
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To: umbagi

Oh I sympathize with you, I truly do. And I know the difficulty conservative blacks face in "getting the message out." But if you and rbd3 are tired of hearing and countering the statements tinged with racism, I am tired of the endless "blame the whites" refrain coming from blacks. The polls which have shown that 70% of blacks actually believe that Bush was intentionally slow to respond to the disaster BECAUSE the victims were black is a horrible comment on their alienation from society.

I recognize too that there are some voices out there "in the wilderness" like Walter Williams, Thomas Sowell, Armstrong Williams, Condi Rice, Colon Powell, and a hand full of others,. I am looking for them on the local level. Everytime Rangel, or Owen, or Sharpton opens their yaps, their needs to be a black conservative there to take issue with them. I'm not talking just on camera, which is difficult, but whenever the write letters, or speak publicly.

I'm sorry that it's hard on you and rbd3, but until the "black vote" stops being a blockvote for Democrats (or to be more specific) socialist ideals, that kind of group prejudice will persist.


192 posted on 09/18/2005 4:50:40 AM PDT by WillMalven (It don't matter where you are when "the bomb" goes off, as long as you can say "What was that?")
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To: rdb3
Sad to say, but my tank is empty here.

That's understandable.

The Clinton years filled FR's tank, and outrage kept us focused.

"Fat-and-sassy" felt great for a while after January 20, 2001, but some miss the fray and find targets closer to home. It happens among sovereign nations, it's happening within the GOP, and we're seeing some of it on FR.

If I didn't believe that free nations, Republicans, and Freepers could handle these things well--if sometimes gracelessly--and gain new strength from the effort, I wouldn't be posting.

Some of "these" discussions are painfully cathartic; because of that, they're avoided by many Freepers. These threads expose our weak spots, though, the breaches in which we must stand or lose the battle and maybe the war.

This is a skirmish we shouldn't be fighting--"FRiendly fire" casualties befriend only our common enemy. None of us were born with racial prejudgments, but few were spared the indoctrination--one way or the other--of the generations before us. Together, we're big enough to get over it--if we don't run out of gas.

193 posted on 09/18/2005 6:21:08 AM PDT by umbagi (Monthly donor [entry level])
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To: WillMalven
But if you and rbd3 are tired of hearing and countering the statements tinged with racism, I am tired of the endless "blame the whites" refrain coming from blacks.

Let me be sure I understand you: All blacks tire you, because some "blame the whites," or because all "blame the whites"?

I recognize too that there are some voices out there "in the wilderness" like Walter Williams, Thomas Sowell, Armstrong Williams, Condi Rice, Colon Powell, and a hand full of others,

Let me be sure I understand you: You've got some good friends who are black? Good for you.

I used to read Playboy, but just for the articles.

Everytime Rangel, or Owen, or Sharpton opens their yaps, their needs to be a black conservative there to take issue with them.

I think I read you loud and clear on this one. There aren't many white "black conservatives," and the rest of 'em, dammit, are part of this "blockvote for ...socialist ideals," right?

There is none so blind...

194 posted on 09/18/2005 6:45:39 AM PDT by umbagi (Monthly donor [entry level])
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To: pageonetoo

Thanks for reminding me that growing up fat, ugly, and ridiculed wasn't the worst of all growings up...


195 posted on 09/18/2005 6:53:06 AM PDT by umbagi (Monthly donor [entry level])
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To: umbagi; Jim Robinson
...If I didn't believe that free nations, Republicans, and Freepers could handle these things well--if sometimes gracelessly--and gain new strength from the effort, I wouldn't be posting.

Bump to that thought.

Here, some are accused, as racist, for another's perceptions, of our thoughts, . There are those who wish to squash that "free speech" right. If the shoe fits... and sometimes, my foot might!

FReepers are kindred, but Freepers are individuals. Each one brings a different set of values, and personal histories. I have been here for a few years, and I do disagree that anything is different now (with the exception fo the constant DU idiot trolls), than when JimRob came up with the site. It is more powerful, in its impact on our nation, than when started. His little chain of ideas, and friends helping, have put together a mighty thing.

And, that is the key. It isn't just his site anymore. He is our leader, and he has been gracious enough to allow most of us, to say what we want. He is our founder, and set the rules. He has been a guide, down some bumpy roads.

We have Admin Moderators to keep us in line. I know, from getting swacked with their paddle! But, I have never intended harm, nor have I done more than fan some flames. Sometimes, though, people can't take it, so they accuse, of insensitivity. Sorry, but life is sorta like that.

History has guided our postings, and conversations, as it is being made. Sometimes, one of our FReepers friends even make it (can you hear me, Dan?). But, if it's "in the news". we may get one of mhking's "JUST DAMN" pings, or any other sort of item of interest, to which we may subscibe (ping lists).

Those are the common denominators. But, we must be prepared for controversy, and words flying in all directions.

We are FReepers. We are friends, and antagonists, to general society. Why can't we do the same here, when we disagree? Our tone seems strident to one, while others are nodding, and spewing their coffee. That's human nature.

There is one BIG difference here, though. JimRob holds the keys to the ignition! We are FReepers, by choice. His, and ours!

Thanks, Jim! We'll try to keep the dust from getting muddy!

196 posted on 09/18/2005 6:54:51 AM PDT by pageonetoo (You'll spot their posts soon enough!)
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To: WillMalven
If blacks wish to be considered completely equal in our society, they need to exercise peer pressure withing their own communities so that violence and crime are no longer considered acceptable or at least excusable because of past societal inequities...There is no excuse for these statistics except that the blacks in our society don't care. They see themselves as victims and therefore refuse to take responsiblity for their actions.

I'm sure blacks don't care about crime, they're irresponsible after all.

Now that we've established they're not considered completely equal , I'm curious, how equal are they? 80%? Can we adjust voting stats for that? Might help Republicans in some urban areas.

197 posted on 09/18/2005 6:55:43 AM PDT by SJackson (“I worry that I've seen this movie before”, Rep. Mark Kirk on aid to palestinians.)
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To: Riverman94610
Maybe I'm a little paranoid or hang out with too many liberals at work but do you get the impression sometimes that these"color of crime"quoters are not just aiming their barbs at real black criminals but use these figures to take a potshot at the millions upon millions of law abiding black folk as well?

Were that not the case, they'd be quoting "color of crime victims" stats as well.

198 posted on 09/18/2005 6:58:28 AM PDT by SJackson (“I worry that I've seen this movie before”, Rep. Mark Kirk on aid to palestinians.)
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To: umbagi
Thanks for reminding me that growing up fat, ugly, and ridiculed wasn't the worst of all growings up...

I've made it through, all right. I have five beautiful children, and have been blessed with lands, and good fortune. I have worked hard, and earned every bit of it. I never said I was ugly. I subscribe to the theory of "prove them wrong!"

I don't apologize to anybody, for my thoughts. God hears them straight from my lips!

199 posted on 09/18/2005 6:59:21 AM PDT by pageonetoo (You'll spot their posts soon enough!)
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To: SJackson

They are as equal as they choose to be. In this society you can be a victim or you can choose to succeed. No one is preventing them from choosing the latter.


200 posted on 09/18/2005 7:04:23 AM PDT by WillMalven (It don't matter where you are when "the bomb" goes off, as long as you can say "What was that?")
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