Reply #35: Yes

[RadicalTexan]

I haven't lived there in more than eleven years (thank Darwin), and when I go back I am always shocked at how backwards it seems to me, even compared to Austin, never mind Europe.

I totally agree with Jim Webb about poor white Southern resentment at entitlement programs for blacks - these two historically disadvantaged and maligned groups should get together and overthrow the white, petty, affluent, religiously pretentious, propertied class who have always really controlled things. But they are all too caught up in their mutual hatred to get organized, and I don't think rallies by the New Black Panther Party will really help that. I was called racist names on the playground by black classmates, particularly during PE. But I don't think all black people are represented by a few mean kids, and I don't think all black people are represented by the Black Panthers, and I don't think all black people are represented by Barack Obama. Likewise, I don't think all white people are represented by the KKK or Chimpy McSmirk. I just wish more people would grow up, realize the historical political forces at work, and form meaningful community associations across color (and socioeconomic and denominational) lines in places like Paris. I'd like to see the New Black Panther Party register voters, help create workable community organizations, provide support for our local schools, and get involved in social reconciliation. But, still, in this situation, because of the possible (probable) hate crime involved, I support them, broadly.

I could go on and on. Point is, not every rural white Southern is a clamoring knuckle-dragging racist - I am proof of that - but it's so, so complicated. Maybe I should've stayed there and tried to make a difference. But I wanted to see a wider world, and having lived in it, can never imagine going back there. I wish all the little kids there, especially the poor kids, and especially the poor black kids, had the opportunity I did, to go somewhere bigger, somewhere with a bigger outlook; to get a college education; to travel. If I had any money, I'd fund scholarships and travel opportunities for these kids.

Anyway, I can't wait for, when Obama is president and I go home for Christmas, and these weirdos are bitching about how he's a "socialist" (ha ha ha) - and I will say, "If you don't like it, you can move to Saudi Arabia!"