"Miss Jean Louise, Stand Up, Your Father's Passin'."

[K Gardner]

(I first want to apologize for posting about this topic yet again, after so much has already been said. But I have to get this off my chest.)

It takes awhile, they say, for the result of a debate to settle in. A bit of time for the words and images to weave their way into our souls and deposit there a lasting image – the impression we then take away for all time. I guess that is why the pundits get it so terribly wrong so very often. They’ve allowed no time for the settling. And anyway, they see what they want to see, what they’re told to see; and from there, try to influence and mold what we see.

I’ve been mostly sad today. I left the TV off. And I didn’t know why until I watched a re-run of “To Kill a Mockingbird” and was dumbstruck by this line, this scene:

“ Miss Jean Louise, stand up, your father’s passin’.”



The people relegated to the balcony stood in unison as Atticus Finch passed. A silent gesture of respect, of honor, to a man who struggled to do what was right, no matter what the personal cost. A man who fought for principles greater and far beyond himself.



And I cried, realizing then that I was thinking about Barack Obama and how hard it must have been for him to stand on that stage and talk to a man who refused to even acknowledge his presence. Who refused, out of a meanness of spirit unfathomable to me, to look him in the eyes, man-to-man; human being to human being, Senator to Senator. I realized then why the picture of him hugging Michelle afterward touched me so. She alone would understand how that hurt him. A hurt he would likely never voice to anyone but her. Yet he stood there, for 90 minutes, without acknowledgement from his opponent. Stood there brave and calm and unflinching, fighting for us and for the principles he believes in.



I turned, as I so often do, to “Dreams from my Father”, to Barack Obama’s own words to try to find some meaning, some salvation; perhaps to assuage my own guilt over the affront I felt was afforded to Barack Obama. And I found, in pages 156-158, words he wrote about people on the South Side – how they felt about accomplishment and the obstacles they had to overcome to be accepted; and how often they were not accepted.

“So, despite the deserved sense of accomplishment these men and women felt, despite the irrefutable evidence of their own progress, our conversations were marked by another, more ominous strain. The boarded-up homes, the decaying storefronts, the aging church rolls, kids from unknown families who swaggered down the streets – loud congregations of teenaged boys, teenage girls feeding potato chips to crying toddlers, the discarded wrappers tumbling down the block – all of it whispered painful truths, told them the progress they’d found was ephemeral, rooted in thin soil; that it might not even last their lifetimes”. (snip)



“As it had for the men in Smitty’s barbershop, the election had given these people a new idea of themselves. Or maybe it was an old idea, born of a simpler time. Harold was something they still held in common: Like my idea of organizing, he held out an offer of collective redemption.”




Even after this, when the man who refused eye contact stumbled painfully upon a name, this remarkable American said to him with a soul full of humility and compassion, "That's ok John, that's a hard one."

That is the mark of greatness. The man who stood there without being acknowledged, unflinching and without a spark of bitterness in his heart, is the next President of the United States.

It’s about Respect. It’s about Hope and the Future of a nation. It’s about the struggle for Human Dignity throughout the ages.

It is, most of all, about Equality.

“Miss Jean Louise, stand up, your father’s passin’.”

[WCGreen]

1. Every time I watvh that movie...

Tears come to my eyes at the point...

I have that pic of Obama holding the little boy close in as my screen saver.

[truedelphi]

216. The tears we shed when we watch that movie

Are for all of the pain and the lessons we have had to experience or watch others experience.

I never ever understood what it meant to be an American until one dy I sat inside a Danish cafeteria. I was just passing through that country with two friends. I would never see that cafeteria again.

But I felt oddly out of place. At first I didn't know why. Then I realized that with my NOT BLOND HAIR, and my NOT BLUE yeyes, I stood out like a sore thumb.

Everyone but me and my friends sat in that cafeteria looking pretty much like each other. I mean occasionally one person or another stood out slightly: somewhat too heavy set or somewhat too skinny. or way too tall or way too short. But the hair coloring was identical, the eye color was identical. Three hundred people and they pretty much looked the same. Basically cousins.

I felt so alien I cannot decribe it. And I was a white person sitting with a bunch of other white people. I cannot imagine how it would have been if I was totally different - Chinese or Black, American Indian, Muslim from Dubai. (Of course maybe a black person from the uSA would have been so familiar with the alien feeling I was experiencing that it wouldn't have registered for them.)

I was suddenly struck by a new found love and respect for my country. I believe that we all, as both individuals and as a people, choose our reality. And the most racist person in this country, on some level they are struggling with the concept of racism. Whereas simply by being born in Denmark they could have escaped that concept as an life issue.

America is a melting pot. Sit inside any cafeteria in any big city and you can see it.
Yes prejudice is alive and well. And every time I watch To Kill a Mockingbird i get the shivers when the people in the balconey nudgeing Atticus' daughter to rise to her feet. But we're all working on it. Some more than others.

And McCain is simply a bitter old man. He lost his prime years to a tiger cage.
Chances are good he will lose this election to Barack Obama.

It must rankle his heart and his soul, but I am not sure it is prejudice. I think it is the feeling of someone who has stayed in the political world months if not years before he should have gotten out. And so he cannot bear to see the young lion that is becoming the alpha male. While McCain retires to chew over a few odd bones and wonder why he didn't get his chance years earlier.

[rurallib]

2. another tear in my eye - about the tenth time this month

hard to be tough and macho when this guy and his family provide living proof that America can be America. It is just causing me to relieve decades of emotion.

[Muttocracy]

3. beautiful post, thank you.

[Flying Dream Blues]

4. Beautiful post. nt

[mamalone]

5. That is my absolute favorite cinematic moment of all time...

and it was made more poignant when you realize that Atticus Finch never even knew that was all going on in the balcony above him. He never knew the love and respect that the people felt for him. and in the final analysis I don't know if it even mattered. The man did what he did because it was the right thing to do- the only thing he could do, being the man that he was. The parallel with Obama is well drawn.


This was a great post... really great. K&R

[K Gardner]

17. Now you've made me cry again :-) I hope Barack knows how much he is loved, and how much we

all made eye contact with him during that debate. God love him.

[mamalone]

21. God love him, indeed!

:hug:

[babylonsister]

6. Now you made me sad.

And I cried, realizing then that I was thinking about Barack Obama and how hard it must have been for him to stand on that stage and talk to a man who refused to even acknowledge his presence. Who refused, out of a meanness of spirit unfathomable to me, to look him in the eyes, man-to-man; human being to human being, Senator to Senator. I realized then why the picture of him hugging Michelle afterward touched me so. She alone would understand how that hurt him. A hurt he would likely never voice to anyone but her. Yet he stood there, for 90 minutes, without acknowledgement from his opponent. Stood there brave and calm and unflinching, fighting for us and for the principles he believes in.


I hope Obama can feel the love from all of us. And you're right about McCain's mean-spiritedness. It makes him so much smaller to those paying attention.

[Iris]

170. but what makes me sadder is that so many don't seem to be paying attention

or if they are, it's sadder still that they are not outraged.

[Kerrytravelers]

7. I have To Kill A Mockingbird on tv right now. I read it every summer.

I makes me a better person.


Your OP was incrediable. A hearty kick and recommend from me.


kt

[Misskittycat]

14. So do I, and I'm reading the book. I'm right at the beginning of the

courtroom scenes. It's one of my favorite movies of all time.

[Misskittycat]

38. The movie just finished. I'm blubbering as usual. I noticed for the first time

that the movie is in black and white. Very effective.

[grantcart]

8. "John that's a hard one"

While McCain was ripping into Senator Obama he stumbled on the pronunciation of Ahmadinejad and Obama interupts his rant to say "That's ok John that's a hard one."


It was pure Atticus Finch.



basically her only published work

thank you Harper Lee


and thank you for a masterpiece of a thread

[K Gardner]

12. Thank you.. I didn't have the exact quote.. editing :-)

[grantcart]

47. mine isn't exact and it is inaudible but that is what was happening

[dchill]

197. That worked on so many levels.

;)

[Demi_Babe]

9. Damn...what an excellent post

[NanceGreggs]

10. Oh.My.God.

If they gave Pulitizers for posts, this would be the first recipient. An absolutely beautiful essay, and truly moving.

I am literally out of words.

[K Gardner]

18. Thanks Nance.. and to everyone taking the time to read :-)

[shadowknows69]

208. I'll second that for Ms. Greggs

That was an exceptional thread K.

[timber84]

11. Kick

Best post i've ever read here.

[lumpy]

24. Unusual in expressing what we call heart. Extrordinary.

thank you all

[Erin Elizabeth]

13. McCain desperately wants Obama and all he represents

to remain The Invisible Man.

But he stopped being invisible a long time ago. And he will never be invisible again.

[liberalmuse]

15. What an unbelievably beautiful post.

My favorite book of all time is 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. If anyone wants to know what true liberal values are, read this book. I had the same thought as you did when seeing that picture of Obama hugging his soulmate right after the debate. We will never hear from his lips how much McCain's disdain, no, utterly undeserved comtempt last night hurt him. This is a man of remarkable strength, and he's no doubt come across this kind of ugliness before. I would like to thank you for sharing your beautiful, unique perspective. I'm crying for the third time today. Thank you.

[No DUplicitous DUpe]

203. Such a beautiful, beautiful post....

Thank you so much for opening my eyes to your perspective.

on edit - I meant to reply to the original message, but your post was great, too.

Also, I have never seen so many reply, using the word beautiful. You have deeply moved this community.

[Phx_Dem]

16. That was beautiful. n/t

[senseandsensibility]

19. Thank you for the moving post

I think many of us felt what you did without having the ability to put it into words. I am so glad that you wrote this, and I feel that you should SEND it somewhere. I know that Thom Hartmann often quotes DUers, and I think he would appreciate this, and perhaps share it with his listeners.

[FrenchieCat]

20. Touched. Thank you.

[Window]

22. *Sniff, sniff*

:kick:

[snacker]

23. Okay, that gave me goosebumps. n/t

[vanderBeth]

25. Thank you for your post.

It was simply beautiful.

[me b zola]

26. Tears rolling as I read your post

I think that Skinner needs an entirely different class of rating for a post such as this. My simple recommendation just isn't enough. Your post is really something special.

[K Gardner]

28. Just think of how we'll all feel on Inauguration Day ! Thank you.

[AZBlue]

27. Wow. What a beautiful post.

K&R

[blondeatlast]

29. Great book, great movie, exceptional moment--and a perfect analogy.

I'm sobbing--and I like it.

k/r

[ladyVet]

30. This is what that "must read" button we tested would be used for.

Thank you for putting it into words. I think Obama is a great person, and his compassion shines through during these moments that almost get overlooked when there is so much going on.

[Born_A_Truman]

31. ...beautifully written, heartfelt post

We are Barack America.

My prayer is for my grandchildren to grow up remembering Barack Obama as the first president they knew, and for the America he brings for their future.

[virgdem]

32. What a beautifully perceptive and elegant post..

your writing is so evocative of the hope that I feel Obama represents for this country. Seeing Obama and McNasty standing side by side at that debate, I saw a man that was full of a meanness of spirit and one that represented a generosity of spirit. The same generosity of spirit that Atticus Finch had, while surrounded by mean, hateful people. That movie is also my absolute favorite, as is the book.

[samilla]

33. This is an absolutely beautiful post ...

...about one of the finest human beings we've nominated to the office of the presidency in generations.

Last night I listened to the post-debate roundup wanting to hurl every time one of the white, geezer male pundits took Barack to task for not cleaning McCain's clock. Not one of them considered the delicate tightrope Barack has been forced to walk this entire election season. Had he pounded McCain as they advised, Barack would have been excoriated as an angry black man picking on a war hero.

Racism is alive and well here in the US of A.

I've seen it first-hand in my northern suburban community when my one of my good friends who is black and I decide to window-shop together after lunch and an overly-solicitous saleslady rushes to my friend's side asking if there's anything she can help her with. I know what the sales woman is thinking. And I marvel at my dear friend's quiet composure, dignity and grace when she replies - usually with a smile, "Thank you. I'm just looking." I saw that same composure, dignity and grace - along with a keen, measured intelligence and judgment- in Barack Obama last night. It's no surprise because that's who Obama is.

I really do wonder if we Americans are worthy of this man who has stepped forward with courage and at great cost to everything he holds dear to lead us through this horrible mess we're in.

So, K. Gardner, I stand with you and Miss Jean Louise. Mr. Barack Obama is passin.'

[K Gardner]

35. Welcome to DU, Samilla. You're so right about the "tightrope" and your post is

beautiful.. you will be a welcome addition to DU ! :hug:

[TheMickster]

178. if I may

Make a small correction: Miss Jean Louise, President Obama is passin' ;-)

[blue sky at night]

214. wow.....talk about timing.....

what an awesome post you responded to for your very first POST!!! Welcome to DU and keep up the good work!!

ps, where have you been all this time?

[FKA MNChimpH8R]

34. Thank you - this is a gorgeous and touching piece of work n/t

[kestrel91316]

36. This man is the living embodiment of the word "presidential".

K&R

[Lifelong Protester]

37. Thank you for eloquently putting voice to the thoughts of many

I was so angry last night at the smallness of that over-privileged petty man, I was just livid. OUR Barack is such a class act, such a HUMAN being, not the robo-man he was debating. When he helped said those kind words to McCain when he stumbled over that name, that is a direct appeal to people's affective domain. Makes him so human and HUMANE to me.

[Mimosa]

39. Great post, KGardner: Obama is like Atticus!

I love your pics and insight.

I feel like crying.

[sandnsea]

40. A mere mortal as great as Atticus Finch

Yes, I do believe we may have found one. Beautiful post.

[Vattel]

41. Reality check

Do you really think McCain's not making eye contact with Obama hurt Obama's feelings all that much, and that Michelle "alone would understand how that hurt him?" I mean, let's not get carried away here.

[Kind of Blue]

83. K Gardner's post is absolutely beautiful and I was welling up until

reading Obama's feelings being hurt and Michelle alone would understand. Please, the one thing about Obama is that he KNOWS his rival all too well, better than any of us. Not looking Obama in the eyes because of meanness of spirit, I doubt it. McCain was floundering and exposed for the fraud he is well before the debate. McCain knows and we know that at every turn during his politicking that he was bested by a superior candidate and still had to go through a debate he truly tried to avoid.

I'm going to venture to say, from my experience, I don't think many blacks can achieve a position like that of Obama's without at least expecting some form of mild, indirect, or blatant racism. There's no way to strive and progress without turning hurt feelings, of any kind from any source, into a strength; and I believe Barack is well beyond the hurt stage. While I truly think empathy is a great virtue, I don't understand why so many choose to believe that Obama was hurt. Why the transfer of hurt feelings to Obama?

I saw a weak, snarling insecure old man fighting any way that he could for his world to remain the same. And there was Obama totally aware and confident leading a crusade for a better world. There I fully agree with K Gardner that Obama is to Atticus as McCain is to the townspeople.

[K Gardner]

107. I agree.. see post #105. I didn't mean to try to speak for Obama.. I

think my own feelings, I just transferred over to him :-)

But IndyOp had a good post on this, down the thread a bit. Thanks for responding and sharing your viewpoint. It helps me understand my reaction to this. :hi:

[Kind of Blue]

112. Now, you've really made me cry and I see why you're so well

loved here. I hate when tears spring up like this and burn my eyes. I was afraid to post and decided what the hell if I get flamed. I truly didn't expect such a kind response. Yeah, I guess we're all dealing with the same history and moving in the same direction even though we see it from different perspectives. So thanks for not being mad at me and keeping the conversation going. :pals: :loveya:
Got to get tissues now.

[nini]

128. You may not have spoke for Obama...

but you spoke for all of us.

The infuriating disrespect shown by that old school pathetic creep hurt me for Obama - it angered me. I think you're right on some level it had some kind of effect on Obama - how could it not? However, he is one tough cookie and I'm sure he expects that kind of treatment from old codgers like McCain who see the tide turning. McCain is on life support in this election and he knows it. He's pissed and he can't keep his sense of entitlement under control.

[13 Hawks]

174. A minority . . .

Anyone who is a part of a minority grows up knowing
"nuances" of bigotry, which include snickers and
sneers, glaring eye contact or, in this case, no eye contact
at all. At the least, it was rude of McCain and showed
culpability and guilt on his part. I expect a president of the
United States to look every citizen in the eye.

[crankychatter]

237. someone disses me that way; I have to restrain myself from slapping the impudence from their face

I do it well

So did my man, Obama

check this reality...

John McCain wouldn't treat a beggar that way at a city bus stop without Secret Service protection

a Wino just might stab you

John McCain is a little bully and a physical coward

edited to add:

I'm sorry he got tormented for years and has PTSD

But the rest us aren't on the planet to restrain ourselves and maintain a safe environment for deranged little wack jobs like McCain

Talk to the docs... take your meds and for godsake, stfu and go home

[SeattleGirl]

42. Stunningly beautiful post.

Thank you.

[Odin2005]

43. OMG, that post made me tear up!

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[DogPoundPup]

138. Me too....

:patriot:

[qanda]

44. What a beautiful, beautiful post this is...

I wish I could frame it and put it on my wall. And I wish somebody would get me a tissue!!!!!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

45. I cannot even begin to say how very moved I am...

This is, bar none, the most beautifully written post I have ever read here.

You reduced me to tears, my dear K Gardner!

I thank you...

K&R

:patriot:

[qanda]

46. I just woke my husband up and told him I had to read him this post

I cried my way through it-- again. I think this may be the best post ever written on DU.

[OwnedByFerrets]

48. Kicking, because....nt

[TrogL]

49. I was wondering about that

I couldn't watch all of the debate. I was too tired, and McCain was upsetting me so much I was afraid I'd throw something through the TV and I can't afford a new TV right now.

I wondered what it was about McCain that was creeping me out.

I have Asperger's syndrome. I am absolutely crappy at eye contact, but I know that so I will make the effort 'til it hurts. I kept looking at the debate and wondering, "what's wrong with this picture". Now I know. I didn't keep the DVR recording but I'll bet somebody else has it and can prove it.

McCain would NOT make eye contact.

They tell me that means something. McCain ain't no Aspie.

[Odin2005]

54. I'm an Aspie too and I made that exact same observation! n/t.

[FKA MNChimpH8R]

135. I had the same response

I am DXd Asperger's and had the same "something's REALLY wrong here" feeling while watching, but also couldn't figure out just what it was until Chris Matthews went on about it in the post-debate analysis. McSame is scared to death of Obama and resents him to to his miserable, rotten, sold-out core. He knows that O is a better, smarter, more accomplished man than he is and it is eating him alive.

[dgibby]

50. Somewhere tonight,

Harper Lee is smiling. Thank you for such a beautiful, eloquent post.

[joop]

51. what a moving post

and so full of truth and hope. I am so proud of our president.

[asdjrocky]

52. Thanks so much for this.

One of the greatest American books and films of all time. I even preformed in 2 different productions of the stage play, in 2 different rolls. A big K&R!

[vaberella]

53. OP can you send this email to KO. I just think MSM has to recognize this as a voice of a people.

It was beautiful, poignant, and spoke the words that came also from my heart. It showed years of struggle of oppressed people of any race of any income back ground who fought for recognition and never got it. It showed the people fighting for recognition from the oppressive and unilateral government. I'm glad Obama is our voice and representation in big government, because we can't afford nor tolerate any more invisibility.

[nini]

55. This is the best post I have ever read on DU in the 6 years I've been here

You captured the incredible integrity of our next President.

Thank You

[lizziegrace]

164. I second that

thank you

[BrklynLiberal]

56. I will always watch that movie when it is on...Atticus Finch and Gregory Peck were among

the great liberals of my lifetime.
Your post was truly inspired and eloquent.
I feel that you captured the depth of feeling that Obama felt, and the relief of being able to find consolation in the arms of his wife.
A wonderful, memorable post.
:thumbsup: :hi:

[lonestarnot]

57. That small little yellowcornteethed piece of crap will rot in hell for

his lack of love for his fellow human beings, and on top of that the phoney bastard is a jealous creep. Barack towers over him in so many ways that the cheap rich fuck couldn't even look him in the eye without imploding.

[tblue]

58. The hero on that debate stage was Barack Obama.

You are so insightful to point out the intersection of two indelible heroes, Barack and Atticus. To Kill a Mockingbird is my favorite movie of all time, and I watch it every year or so. That courtroom scene is soul-wrenching. I will never be able to watch it again without thinking of Barack.

And now my mind is reeling with other parallels between that movie and this campaign. The lynch mob is not unlike the Republican attack machine, the bigots and bullies of that party. We, the people, are Tom Robinson, with freedom and justice denied. And the one man standing guard and defending us, of course, is Barack/Atticus.

And like Atticus on that porch, the hero on that debate stage was Barack Obama. McCain tried his best to make Barack invisible, and like Scout, we will shine the light where it belongs. The debt of gratitude we owe Barack..........

Your post has touched me more deeply than I can say. Thank you so much. :hug:

[Tatiana]

59. K&R for an outstanding post, lady.

No words, only tears...

[Hutzpa]

60. K

This was truly touching and it reaches that place that we sometimes
ignore, yes indeed, Thank you very much for such a wonderful anecdote.

God Bless...

Peace!!!


:thumbsup:

[Carla in Ca]

61. I couldn't believe it when I saw the quote!

Of course I knew it instantly. THE best book written in the 20th century and your use of it was done in a very moving way. Thank you for the beautiful post.

BTW, I have a signed copy of the book given to me by my mother about 5 years ago. I was something I'd wanted for years. I will cherish it always.

[Zomby Woof]

62. Thank you

[cilla4progress]

63. Really beautiful.

Thank you.

[ClayZ]

64. .

:cry:

[saltpoint]

65. A knockout.

Strongly recommended.

[myrna minx]

66. Beautiful post. K&R n/t

[Starry Messenger]

67. k&r

[madaboutharry]

68. Thank you for such a beautiful post.

There is really no more that needs to be said.

[Roon]

69. My Father is a lot like Atticus Finch

The only difference is Atticus was am attorney and my Father was a computer programmer.

[Maureen1322]

70. Nothing to add, except thank you.

[Hepburn]

71. Words ~~ I cannot find the ones necessary to express how wonderful your post is.

Thank you for such a beautiful offering to all of us on the DU.

Last evening, I was out to dinner with a friend. We are both white and we are both seniors. We both clearly remember the 1950s and 60s and the struggle for civil rights and we both commented on how we do not understand prejudice and discrimination. I said to my friend, "It is about time..." and we both knew that I was referring to having a POTUS who is black.

Yes, it is about time...and it is about time that repect is shown for what a person is and not what he/she looks like and most particularly, the color of his/her skin. It takes a small person, a VERY small person, to measure the worth of another by the color of his or her skin. John McCain has again proven that he is indeed a small man, a VERY small man.

[glowing]

72. I got a chance to talk to my mom..

I asked her if she watched the debate. She said she wasn't going to, and then she started and said it was so good, she couldn't flip the channel. She said before the debate if someone asked me 5 reasons why I would vote for Obama, I couldn't tell them... Now, I see what you see in this man. He's the one, he's the leader.. AND I get why he can't become the "angry" black man.. he has to let a few punches just land.. But she felt very comfortable with him as our leader and SO much less comfortable with McCain... She can't wait for the VP debate, she hopes that the little wood chuck falls flat on her face.

[1Hippiechick]

73. What an awesome tribute! Hope it gets so many recs that it breaks a record!

Bittersweet tears are rolling down the face of this ol' 60s hippiechick as I read and re-read your post. As someone who lived through the 60s assassinations, the riots, the Civil Rights Act, Voting Rights Act, the draft, VietNam--all of those memories have bubbled to the surface during this campaign, and I am easiily moved to tears. The reference to To Kill a Mockingbird put me over the edge. That movie and Mississippi Burning are my all-time favorite movies about civil & human rights, and activism and our responsibility to right the wrongs of this nation.

Thanks for an unforgettable post.

[Guava Jelly]

74. This is a great thread.

I doubt Obama was hurt very bad at all by McSames refusal to look at him.
He is a smart man who needs not to have the approval of Mr votes 90% w/Bush.

This is a wonderful thread..It teared me up a little. Thank you

[BumRushDaShow]

75. One thing to note about Barack vs Michelle is that fortunately

he doesn't carry the "baggage" that Michelle and many of the rest of us multigenerational AAs carry and often internalize - the numerous stories of past hurt, oppression, anger, frustration, and unfairness heaped upon our elders during their lives here in the U.S., and this then piles onto our own heart-breaking experiences in our lifetimes. And although the message of hope and patience and determination and resilience resonate from those same stories, it has been difficult to see the light at the end of the long dark tunnel.

Fortunately Obama's father didn't have that background nor did his mother. And this I think is why he can float above the nonsense so casually. This does not diminish the fact that he has his own negative experiences through life. But he's not weighed down by his family's history, and is thus able to rise up and lift the rest of us up with him.

[1Hippiechick]

77. Being an activist who is not AA, I appreciate these moments of enlightenment from someone with

first-hand experience. While I have not suffered as an AA, my Creator gave me an activist's broken heart and a fighting spirit to stand up against oppression and those who perpetrate it.

[IndyOp]

100. Thank you for your thoughts on this - they will stick with me and they help

me understand just a bit better how and why Obama is rising above. He must still be feeling the punches at a deep, deep level.

The shame I feel when I see McCain beating up on Obama is the shame I feel when I think of whites who disrespected Martin Luther King. Courage is when a great person stands up again and again after having been figuratively (or literally) spat upon. When I think about MLK having been so profoundly disrespected and how he stood up again and again I feel great, great shame.

I come back always in my mind to Booker T. Washington's eternal observation, "You can't hold a man down without staying down with him." It stuns and saddens me that McCain and others don't see this, but they don't.

[K Gardner]

105. I don't even pretend to speak for Obama, or even to pretend to know what is in his

heart.. there has been some discussion about what was probably my transference of my own pain at watching this, to Obama. So, I apologize if I seemed to be projecting feelings onto Obama that were probably mine. Did McCain's "diss" hurt him?

I have no idea. But as you just said, Indy Op, I do think he must at least "feel the punches at a deep, deep level." I thank you for those words, for that further explanation. I'm still struggling with my own shame, as you are. And I'm proud we have a hero who will stand up and take the punches, and not complain.

[Waiting For Everyman]

76. Barack has a magnanimous spirit. It comes from within, from who he is, you can tell.

That's why he reminds me of our best leaders of the 1960s. They had that quality too, which hasn't been seen in a long time. I was struck by it right away like a pitch on a tuning fork, when I saw his Keynote Speech in 2004. He has something very rare, something we need at this moment of history. I found it so interesting that the Kennedy family recognizes it too, and said so. All of us who see it can't be wrong! (And I'm sure we're not.)

I wonder that I didn't think of the parallel between him and Atticus before. Of course you're so right. I think you put your finger on what bothered so many people about the lack of eye contact during the debates that we couldn't "place" exactly.

It's funny how a moment of thinking about that, and then having the movie happen to come on as it did, can open up a truth. Thank you for "receiving" it and sharing it with us, because I believe that's just what it was. Very beautifully expressed too, and thanks for the extra effort of adding the pictures. Beautiful. And so true.

The funniest thing to me, is that some of the pundits are still saying that he "doesn't connect with people". Are they paying ANY attention? Look at his supports, everywhere the same. Are we not touched by him, do we not feel a connection? OMG! And this is not a "flash" thing, this has been a long election race.

[terrya]

78. This is a magnificent post. Thank you for posting this. Recommended.

[TorchTheWitch]

79. Oh my! Stunningly beautiful piece!

What an extraordinary gift you have! I don't think I've ever read a more moving and eloquent post anywhere before. I had to read it over and over again, and it's just as powerful the last time as the first... just like both the book and the film To Kill a Mockingbird that you referenced. You chose the perfect photos to illustrate it as well... it's almost as if the photos were made for the sole purpose of accompaning your words.

I can't even come up with a response fitting enough on my own, but it did make me recall the reaction of Antonio Saliari from the film Amadeus to the work of Mozart - "It is miraculous." To me, your post is indeed miraculous. I am in awe.

[OneGrassRoot]

80. A strikingly beautiful sharing. Thank you. n/t

[endthewar]

81. This needs to go viral!

Too good to just keep it here. :patriot:

[workinclasszero]

82. Great post

Obama and his family symbolize to me what is great about America. A man who loves his wife and kids and tries to better other peoples lives as well.

A perfect example for "family values" voters to chose right?

But no..

They would rather have a 3 times married, white, rich, angry, sullen, insulting man like McCain instead. I would say their politics outweigh their religion and morals.

[Adelante]

84. Don't you apologize for nothin'

Your OP is a great gift to all of us -- as is Obama.

Thank you :loveya:

[livvy]

85. This is superb. May I pass this along to my email list?

Not only is it a well-written essay, but it really touched me, and reminded me of what it is about Obama that I find so appealing. It is the essence of his humanity, his ability to go beyond prejudice, beyond insult, beyond inequity to persevere for what is right, fair, and just for all Americans, no matter how "ugly" they may be. He believes, and so those of us who listen, believe, that a better America is possible. And a better America means a better world as well.

[uponit7771]

86. Progression of pictures and your point is top notch writing, GREAT POST!!!!!

[Glorfindel]

87. Thank you. Your post is a treasure

I'm saving it to read again and again.

[yellerpup]

88. Beautiful.

Simply beautiful. K&R!

[chiffon]

Ya know, I don't post much, but I had to respond to this one.

It was indeed a pleasure to scroll through and read such an original post. Sometimes our artistic interpretations are more profound than we know.

What a great movie!

I know and I hope you know that this is purely quite profound.

[Dystopian]

89. This is one of the most touching posts ever. KandR

Beautifully written....heartfelt thanks.


peace~

[lolamio]

90. Your post brought tears to my eyes. Beautiful. Thank you.

:hug:

[Uncle Joe]

91. A most excellent tribute.

Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, K Gardner.:thumbsup:

[TuxedoKat]

92. Thank you for your beautiful post.

I was really angry with the disrespect John McCain showed to Barack Obama too but I hadn't had time to analyze it so thoroughly as you did, and I too felt sad about the debate the next day despite polls saying Barack had won. Now I know why. I think if McCain loses the election his debate performance will be a big reason why. The disrespect shown to Sen. Obama will resonate with the majority of Americans. He has shown the US and the whole world that he doesn't have the temperament or the character to be President.

[volstork]

93. Outstanding.

Just outstanding.

[Veruca Salt]

94. K&R

No words I could ever say would give justice to the beauty of this piece.

[Eurobabe]

95. I was standing right in front of that man (last photo from Berlin)

and felt slightly overcome by the emotion that Barack has brought to the world, let alone the USA.

When it is quiet at night, I find my thoughts drifting to the 4th of November, and saying a few words to the world spirit: "please rid us of this evil, bring us all hope and change."

[K Gardner]

108. I'd love to know the story behind the picture.. it's absolutely one of my favorites. I

had forgotten you were there! Do you know anything else about how this picture came to be?

It so represents how the world must feel !

[Eurobabe]

122. IIRC, we were standing behind the Hotel Adlon

most of the people thought Obama would be going in on the front side of the building, MHC and I were walking through the Holocaust Memorial, when we came out at the end near the Adlon we saw a small crowd and many Police cars. There were dozens of photographers behind the barriers and we heard buzz that Obama would be coming soon, so we waited. There were several people from Africa up close to the metal crowd control piece, and I believe this man was one of them. The other guy had on a similar t-shirt, but I think his had a graphic with the African continent on it (?) After BO waved and went into the hotel these guys just broke into song, and were swooning. It was really cool. :D

[K Gardner]

127. Thank you.. what a wonderful story. I'm so glad it was caught on film !

[GalleryGod]

169. Now you made ME cry

D.H. ! You scamp!:hug: :pals: :loveya:

[Lena inRI]

96. Thanks so much for your perfect analogy, K Gardner. . .

. . .because your comparison underscores what I've thought all along. . that Obama's natural statesmanship comes from having to be challenged all his life as a mixed race person. . .adjusting to all the subcultures that he was a part of but had to work at being FULLY accepted into.

Practice makes perfect. . .he's not afraid of failure because he knows daily how being magnanimous wins your enemies over every time.

This statesmanship naturalness is the very thing that makes other politicos pea-green with envy. . .and makes some give tepid instead of unflappable support for Obama by saying ambiguous comments. . .or some who cannot look him in the eye. . .these politicians are

P R O F O U N D L Y J E A L O U S.

These less "centered" politicians are intimidated by Obama and won't ever admit it.

BUT. . .yeah, there is a big "BUT". . .how are you coping with the huge possibility of electronic voting fraud looming ahead because the Democrats still haven't rallied for a nationwide supervised paper ballot after all the fraud revealed since 2000?

I'm saddened and sickened at the thought that after all the wondrous goodwill and fortitude of Barack Obama and his supporters for the past 17 months, these damn voting machines could hijack the true will of the people ONCE AGAIN come November 4, 2008!

Really. . .I'm depressed about this possibility. . .because we are so powerless in the end. . .how, K Gardner, are you dealing with this possibility?

I need your further inspirational analysis. . .thanks. . .

:shrug: :shrug: :shrug: :shrug: :shrug:

[K Gardner]

180. LenainRI.. I guess I'm naive, or maybe too hopeful, but I don't think this

election is going to be close enough to rig. I fully agree the last two WERE. I think Obama will win in such a landslide that it will prohibit any fine tuning.. not there there will be SOME tinkering, there will.. but I simply think it is going to be a blowout. I hope I'm not proven wrong. We do need to keep our eyes and ears open, stay vigilant, monitor polling places and spread information about voting.. there are wonderful groups and advocates out there that are truly on top of this. Bobby Kennedy recently did a great radio show on efforts of the Republicans to vote cage.

There are more of us.. and I do believe we're ready for them, this time.

God bless you and the wonderful state of RI.. I spent a year there and would love more than anything to go back someday, to live !

[archiemo]

97. Unbelievable post...nailed it! n/t

[Terri S]

98. What a beautiful post

Your comparison to my hands-down-all-time-favorite movie still has me with goosebumps on my arms and tears in my eyes. I'd never made the connection between Atticus and Barack but it is breathtakingly spot on.

Just absolutely beautiful! Thank you.

[cyberpj]

99. Outstanding. And expresses what so many of us felt but couldn't speak. Thank you.

[RBInMaine]

101. Atticus Finch was voted THE #1 movie HERO of all time, and rightfully so !! And,

Gregory Peck was wonderful in the role. He PERSONALLY wanted to play that role, and he did an excellent job ! One of his best performances ever, really deserved the Oscar for it, and a really terrific person both on and off the screen. He was perfectly cast, and captured the character spot on. Indeed, everyone in the cast did a great job, as did the film makers. I have the DVD version with all of the "making of the movie" footage. A great book which I read TWICE in both grammar school and high school. Nice analogy too. McCain is taking heat BIGTIME for being so sour as to not even look at Obama. I'm not saying it was necessarily a racist thing, but VERY undignified nonetheless.

[nevergiveup]

102. One of the best posts I have ever read on DU

I too have been haunted by this debate. Thanks so much for the cry. It was a cry I needed.

[jamesatemple]

103. Absolutely wonderful!

You know how it is? When you love something, you want to share the experience with someone you love? When I read your post, I had no choice ~ I went to the kitchen and said, "Baby, can you spare a minute? I've just got to share something with you."

We sat together as I tried to read aloud your words, viewed the pictures, wiped our eyes, re-committed to one another to do whatever we can to get Obama elected. Your contribution has some far-reaching, positive effects. I'm grateful for your insight and your sharing.

[JNelson6563]

104. Well done!

:toast:

[Mad_Dem_X]

106. Damn, that made me cry.

That was beautiful, thank you!

[LibDemAlways]

109. Thank you for an inspiring post. The very least that the

American people should expect of a President is people skills, the ability to be gracious toward another human being in a public forum. McCain failed that test miserably.

I certainly hope the second debate opens with the following question posed to McCain,"Senator, why did you avoid eye contact with Senator Obama throughout the first debate?"

Thank you for making the connection to To Kill a Mockingbird, the finest work of American Literature I've ever been privileged to read.

[hisownpetard]

110. K - you've left me speechless. Thanks for putting this into such beautiful and exact words.

I also felt absolutely pained, watching McCain's disgusting disdain for a man as
gracious and tolerant as Obama.

Speaking to my son on the phone the next day, I said it made me think of Jackie Robinson who, when signed to the major leagues by
Branch Rickey, had to agree to the terms that he would not retaliate or in any way react to the slurs and derision that were
sure to come his way, for a period of three years.

He was spat upon, cursed at, had things thrown at him from the bleachers. He and his family were constantly threatened.
Other players told him to carry their bags, shine their shoes. He was vilified in every manner imaginable by people in
all walks of life, but he held his tongue and did his job.

By the time the three years had passed, he was a baseball hero and had decimated the racial barriers in sports, forevermore.
And then, for the first time, he told about what he had gone through,
and was able to hold his head high as he did so.

That's who Barack reminded me of, as he kept earnestly addressing his remarks to McCain and being deliberately and insultingly ignored by him
throughout the entire 90 minutes.

For many people, that debate was their first major exposure to the two candidates. Regardless of their platforms, regardless of the questions that
were posed or the answers given, I have a feeling that people who witnessed that will come away with the impression that Obama is, indeed, a
conciliator, always looking for some common ground - even with the opposition candidate - before expressing his own differing views.
And that McCain, with his gaze firmly and deliberately fixed on some point other than Obama's face, with his lizardly lip-licking, excessive eye blinking,
inappropriate affect, condescending rhetoric and outright lies - well, he totally revealed himself to be the mean-spirited, self-promoting-at-all-costs
Rovian robot I always thought he was. This is not the kind of human being we want to have as President. Been there, done that!

[K Gardner]

114. It's a SHAME for this response to be buried in this thread :-) I did not know that about Robinson..

but how stunningly familiar is that scenario to what we've seen in this campaign?!

I'm so tired of hearing people berate Obama for "not fighting". Instead, Barack "holds his tongue and does his job", and he wins every time.

Please make this an OP at some point.. it is touching, revealing and very appropriate to what we're seeing today.

Thank you !

[Manifestor_of_Light]

222. Keith Olbermann mentioned Jackie Robinson in this context.

Olbermann used to be a sportscaster; he mentioned that Jackie Robinson could not react in any way to the insults and things hurled at him. I do believe this was after the debate, comparing Obama to him.

McCain just showed how petty, small-minded, and clueless he is. Dissing Obama. That won't work anymore.

[hisownpetard]

234. Did he? I wish I had heard/seen that. Keith is one of my heroes.

:hi:

[yardwork]

111. Beautiful post. Thank you so much for sharing that with us.

[Irishonly]

113. Thank you

I sit here with tears streaming down my face. Your post is wonderful.

[lynettebro440]

115. Thank you for an absolutely beautiful post

made me cry this morning. And I agree with you 100%, Obama is the classiest guy I have witnessed in my lifetime....Can't wait till he is our president.

[TxBlue]

116. Thank you for such a poignant post. Tears & Chills.

I doubt Obama was "hurt" because to withstand what he has to date, requires a thick skin. However, the lack of respect reflects the darkness of McCain's soul but does not diminish the light of Obama's stand for hope.

[Midlodemocrat]

117. Incredible post.

Thank you.

[KoKo]

118. Very Good...K&R

[GreenEyedLefty]

119. That was beautiful.

Thank you so much.

[Honeycombe8]

120. K&R. nt

[Left Brain]

121. Bless you, K Gardner

and thank you.

That was beautiful.

[Bette Noir]

123. Don't feel sorry for Barack.

He's going to win this election, after all.

Ten years from now, people will say, "McCain who?"

[MasonJar]

124. I think we found out today why the spoiled brat, John McCain, didn't

even look at Barack when he shook his hand. Apparently Obama took McCain to the cleaners at the White House meeting.

[life long demo]

125. Thank you for reminding us and Thank you Barack Obama

I speak as a white woman closing in on 66 years old, who believes in Barack Obama. I've seen a lot over the years. I support what Barack stands for. I have spoken out for him at work. I wear my Barack Obama tee shirt proudly to the mall to show the world my support. And watching McCain at the debate on TV, I felt like it was back in 1962, '63 & '64.

[happygoluckytoyou]

126. "Tequila Mockingbird? I don't know what's in it, BUT set me up a couple". Pres G W Bush 2008

[K Gardner]

129. Oh no.. dear lord, I hadn't heard that. That hurts my heart!

[mckara]

130. That's My Favorite Scene from the Movie, Too

Atticus Finch embodied the American patriot who struggled to implement ideas that should be universal truths. Liberalism, and Christianity, taught us that all people are equal in the eyes of the law and God. For centuries, people affected by the Enlightenment, struggled to etch that self-evident truth into the hearts of all.

:patriot:

[dgibby]

131. Reflection

I believe the real reason John McCain can't make eye contact with Obama is that he loathes the image of the morally corrupt, dishonorable, vacuous little poseur reflected back at him. McCain is not fit to stand on the same stage with Obama, and somewhere deep in his reptilian brain, he knows it.

[Unbowed]

132. Incredible, insightful post.

Beautiful perspective on what we have all probably been feeling but unable to verbalize. It drives home just how remarkable a human being Barack Obama is.

He's got it all, brains, strength, dignity, respect, humanity, common sense, compassion, humility and so many more of the qualities we crave for and need in a leader. And honor. Obama has honor. He has true strength. The kind of strength that comes from within, and does not require demeaning someone else to prove one's own superiority.

After reading your post, the words, "we shall overcome," which I am old enough to remember and to feel what that time was like in America, have been running through my head. Those words must run through the heart and mind of every human being of African American descent. I can only imagine and it does bring tears to my eyes.

There is strength of brute force and of bullying, but that is not true strength, it is just what passes for strength in a society where people feel personally powerless. We worship the Rambos because we are frustrated, but the Atticus Finch's are the strong ones. They endure. They stand up for what they believe in. They never back down from their core principles.

The other man who shared the stage with Barack Obama was not compassionate or honorable. A petty and mean spirit is not strength. A two-year old is capable of a temper tantrum. An adult, especially a leader, is supposed to control their baser instincts and temper their lowest impulses with honorable behavior. Obama's "opponent" proved to the American people that he doesn't deserve to be on the same stage with this great man, our next President of the United States, Barack Obama.

[K Gardner]

134. Absolutely beautiful and thought-provoking, thank you !

[bronxiteforever]

133. Great post k & r

[WillyT]

136. Big K & R !!!

:applause::kick::applause:

[newrisk]

137. Many THANKS!!

Many THANKS for your insight! Will begin rereading the book TODAY!

[DCofVA]

139. Hey Boo

At the risk of this being buried among all the other great responses, I'd like to say something else about the movie, To Kill a Mocking Bird, and how it relates to this Presidential election more than ever, so here I go:
Of all the scenes in that movie, the one that gets to me the most is when Scout sees Arthur (Boo) Radly clearly for the first time, and she simply says, "Hey Boo," and then takes his hand.
The children had been taught that Arthur, was a monster, a dangerous maniac, and he was shunned by the community, while all the time, the real monster walked freely in the streets.
This is what the right wing pundits have have been trying to do to Obama as well. They are constantly demonizing him, through endless lies and misinformation.
I just hope that the American people can see in time, that Obama is not a threat, that like Arthur, he is really here to help, and guard us against those who would do us harm.

Great post K Gardner!

[K Gardner]

141. I made that connection also at the end.. a very touching and moving analogy, thank you !

[dgibby]

150. Well said!

[djp2]

140. Racist

It seemed to have a Racist appearance to it...like, I don't even acknowledge your presence, Boy...

[DeepModem Mom]

142. I'm overwhelmed by your post, tears in my eyes. Thank you. nt

[Raksha]

143. Wonderful post! Amazing pictures too.

Thank you for evoking that unforgettable scene in "To Kill a Mockingbird." And for making the connection between then and now.

[PatSeg]

144. What a beautiful post

Very touching.

[Arugula Latte]

145. Just beautiful.

:applause:

[Surya Gayatri]

146. This has left me speechless... K & R

Stunningly beautiful post. Tearing up here, just like when I read "Mockingbird" for the first time.
Thank you for putting your feelings into such touching words, K Gardner. SG

[stoge18]

147. Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful

First time in a long time that a piece of writing has brought tears to my eyes. The good kind of tears, anyhow. Thank you.

[redqueen]

148. You made me cry.

Remember when McCain kept talking over him, and Obama tried to answer at first, but then waved Jim Lehrer on when it became clear McCain wasn't going to allow Obama to give his response?

I wonder if he's surprised or disappointed at the level the McCain campaign has sunk to, after the claims McCain made early on... or if he expected this to happen. I wonder the same about McCain's supporters.

[Doodler71]

149. This is what I'm talking about!!

A man of character, conviction, and honor.

Great post.

[understandinglife]

151. One of the finest OPs I've ever read on DU, or any other blog. Thank you.

:thumbsup:

[Beaverhausen]

152. wonderful post. Thank you

[valerief]

153. I dunno. Sen. Obama has been around the block a few times and has

built up a thick skin, I imagine. John McCain's disregard for him was representative of many other peoples' disregard, and that disregard must be something Sen. Obama is well aware of and well-equipped to handle.

I don't think it was hard for him. He's very smart and knows what he's doing. I think it was hard for many, many people watching it play out on that stage. If that hurts, it's a good thing. It's all the more reason to ensure Sen. Obama becomes President-elect Obama this year.

:headbang:

[The Wielding Truth]

185. We are all human and his heart holds such love for this country

Liberal must have bothered him that another major party leader could be so disrespectful to an equal competitor.

He and his party have shunned minorities before.

http://www.observer.com/2008/politics/mccains-gesture-moderation
"Recall that the N.A.A.C.P. held its convention at this same time last year, when McCain was running a (seemingly hopeless) campaign for the Republican nomination. At that time, he’d been knocked from his early front-runner’s perch largely because of a concerted campaign against him and his immigration reform plan by the conservative grass roots. Making peace with the right was then McCain’s sole political imperative; this was no time to be seen reaching out to a “liberal” organization. And so McCain, just like every other Republican candidate, shunned the N.A.A.C.P. convention. And two months later, when PBS organized a debate that would focus on issues relating to minority voters, McCain again refused to take part."

I know he fought against Martin Luther King Day. Maybe some country would want their President to display this kind of behavior. It is not America.

[Applan]

154. You made me cry, you bugger

Great, great post. Obama must be our next president- it may be our last chance.

[TwilightGardener]

155. Very moving post, thank you.

[Miss Chybil]

156. Now you made me cry. nt

[Debi]

157. Great movie and great post~!

:hi:

[Bernardo de La Paz]

158. It's simple. McCain thinks he is owed the Presidency & nobody should stand in his way, black or not.

[JackBeck]

159. Absolutely amazing.

I'm totally crying now.

[October]

160. You've moved me to tears

Wow.

That was powerful. Thanks for that.

Who needs church on Sunday when you have DU'ers. :)

No offense intended.


To Kill A Mockingbird - favorite book!

[Rosa Luxemburg]

161. Thank you! A very thoughful post!

[Flaxbee]

162. Incredible post, K Gardner. Thank you so much

Beautifully, movingly said.

[calimary]

163. DANG, what a great post!

I LOVE "To Kill a Mockingbird." LOVE it. One of the greatest films ever!

Really good analogy. Stand up. Your new president is passing.

[Lancer]

165. Beautiful, elegant and fitting analogy. Thank you. n/t

[Serial Mom]

166. The movie touches, but your words were touching also....

Thank you and I felt as you so aptly stated:

And I cried, realizing then that I was thinking about Barack Obama and how hard it must have been for him to stand on that stage and talk to a man who refused to even acknowledge his presence. Who refused, out of a meanness of spirit unfathomable to me, to look him in the eyes, man-to-man; human being to human being, Senator to Senator. I realized then why the picture of him hugging Michelle afterward touched me so. She alone would understand how that hurt him. A hurt he would likely never voice to anyone but her. Yet he stood there, for 90 minutes, without acknowledgement from his opponent. Stood there brave and calm and unflinching, fighting for us and for the principles he believes in.

[Joe Chi Minh]

167. We've just entered and come out of a dimension the professional admiral's son would have very

little acquaintance with, and understanding, none at all.

Generosity of spirit, whether expressed in heroic compassion, or in acknowledgement of it in someone else - both exemplified in that scene in the courtroom - will bring tears to the eyes of strong men and women. Not so, to the eyes of the mean little suit and the grifter.

[ooglymoogly]

168. KR, A wonderful post; A wonderful comparison....but

it was the pictures that brought a tear to my eye.

You have a solid eye on truth.

[Piewhacket]

171. McCain - just another bigot?

I hadn't noticed, but now that it is pointed out....

Eventually we end up talking a little about ourselves, because
how we react to things and what we say depends sometimes
on who we are and where we were when. In talking a little about
ourselves we provide context and meaning to our words.

Yet in doing so we are asking others to trust us, to believe that the
context that we provide is 'true', and 'sincerely given'. Alas,
the world is so replete with liars of convenience that our first
question is often "is this person just another liar?"

So here I am, asking DUers to accept that I am a senior WASP democrat,
and that the debate was uncomfortable to watch and I did not
watch it all. I saw Obama repeatedly address issues in a substantive way,
and John McCain repeatedly make unsupported and improper personal attack
after personal attack. Truthfully, I was ashamed of McCain, and somehow for myself,
as I had previously thought better of McCain. In the debate, as in the
campaign Obama took the high road, and McCain took the low road.
Obama won the debate, but it was painful to watch,and I did not watch it all.

So here I am, now looking back at the debate through the prism of DUer
K Gardner's above comments, and I can say that during the debate I did not take note
of McCain's posture. I was not sensitive to it. But looking back at the footage
it is plain to see for any who look. Even a WASP can see it.

How did it come to this? It seems McCain hates Obama the person, not just Obama the
candidate. His posture, demeanor, and personal attacks say that loud
and clear. Then the question arises... what is it about Obama the person
that McCain so disdains.

It could be a tactic to appeal to the racist vote, of course. McCain might feel
he needs that. Or was it something deeper? Now we wonder, why did he really cancel
the debate? In 'town hall' he wouldn't have to address Obama.

McCain says (on 'This Week') that it wasn't an intentional slight of Obama.
Oh, my. So now people need to ask.... 'was that a big fat lie?'

Our country deserves better.

[K Gardner]

194. There's nothing wrong with being a "WASP", PW.. you have heart, that much is obvious..

and I am touched by your sharing your thoughts with all of us here. I don't know if McCain is a bigot.. what I do know, beyond any shadow of a doubt, is that he is a mean, spiritually-stunted and minimally evolved soul. He represents the worst of humankind, at least in my book he does.

It WAS painful to watch, although at the time I didn't realize just how much it bothered me. Like a hangover, those feelings bubbled up the next day and left me feeling drained, empty.. sad.

I feel much better now after reading the responses of the WONDERFUL people on this board. :hug:

[Piewhacket]

235. Thank you. Your post touched our 'better side'...

with an empathetic view.

'To Kill a Mockingbird' is a favorite of mine, with more than one message.
It is about respect. Yes. And you have shown us that.

It is also about courage. Courage to face a peril, whatever the outcome.
To stand, not in anger or opposition, but in supplication, with the humility
that comes when your principles give you no alternative but to stand up FOR a principle.

It is about a higher courage... the courage of personal sacrifice, not for yourself,
but in the service of others. The heroic courage to stand before a mob bent on violence, to stand
before their fury, yet somehow to find within yourself the ability to speak gently to
avert their anger (Atticus Finch). The courage to interpose yourself before the advancing hoard
(Leonidus of Sparta, Horatius of Rome ),to fall upon the grenade, to walk
UP the stairs in a burning and collapsing building.

These ideas are a part of monothesim, and Christianity (Matthew, John), but
not unique to them. I suggest these to be found in nearly every culture, and in ancient times.
I suggest these precepts are part of humanity. They are IN us.

Yet such deeds do not alone define heroic courage. Such courage may be found in the simplest of things.
In standing for your father as he passes.
In refusing to carry out an illegal order (Lt. Col. Darrel Vandeveld, and others re Gitmo).
In standing before the world to take humiliating blows one by one, without anger, without losing
focus on WHY YOU ARE THERE, and that its NOT ABOUT YOU.
These are also examples of the courage to stand up FOR others.

So your post also showed me something else about Barack Obama, something that he has. Courage.

[snappyturtle]

172. K&R Thank you K Gardner! I wanted to shake mr. mcsame and

tell him to mind his manners! He was rude, arrogant and aloof evidenced by his total lack of Sen. Obama's stage presence. May I make the supposition that McCain's silver spoon never served him any etiquette. This morning on one of the Sunday talkies he was asked why he didn't look at Barack. He answered that he was focused on the monitor or busy writing!

[K Gardner]

179. Oh my.. I didn't hear THAT excuse, easily proven false. One of his surrogates I believe said,

"He wasn't looking AT Obama, he was looking THROUGH him." I can't back that up with a link, but read it somewhere. Sheesh !

[snappyturtle]

186. Oh, that excuse I sighted came directly from the horse's mouth to my ears!

In a few clips I've seen since I heard that I only saw mcsame fidgeting with ???? on his podium and looking downward or out toward the audience. Lying is in his genes!

[LuckyLib]

173. This man is our next President. We've been waiting a long time

to have respect for a person who understands the complexity and the nuances of governing. Here he is. Your connecting him with Atticus Finch was wonderful. Thanks.

[GrannyK]

175. Thank you. n/t

[JimDandy]

176. Powerful post. Thank you.

Remember McCain team's DEMAND for deference from the media and the public? That is the point that I identify as the beginning of the end for their campaign.

"Respect cannot be demanded - it must be given freely."

[snappyturtle]

177. Kicking here so more can read this outstanding OP!

:kick:

[Beregond2]

181. A magnificent post. Thank you so much.

[leveymg]

182. I also watched that movie the other night, cried, and thought of Barack

When McCain refused to look Obama in the eye, he spat in the face of Atticus Finch.

I didn't believe John McCain is an evil man, but now I'm convinced of it.

[kimmerspixelated]

183. Not only is this the greatest post of the day or week,

It should earn a spot in the GREATEST DU Post of all time-PERIOD!

Like many others have stated, you moved me to tears, K.Gardner, and it all started with a quote from one of my favorite movies. Oh, Atticus Finch, my hero, really the kind of man all men should strive to be! I do feel that Obama has that kind of greatness about him. I'd forgotten that McCain didn't acknowledge him during the debates, and I'm so glad you brought it to everyone's attention, once again.

Your crowd pictures are very moving. Thanks so much for sharing!

[Cyrano]

184. Beautiful, outstanding and filled with the simple truth of human decency.

[blue sky at night]

187. in case you are still looking at responses....

i wanted you to know I copied out the Gist of what you are saying here and it is presently printed out and hanging inside the right rear window of my car; FOR ALL TO SEE, and I travel around a lot. Thanks, a Great Post!!

[K Gardner]

190. I am speechless, overwhelmed and humbled by the responses to this. Of course,

I'm reading them all, and I take heart that SO many people are so moved by Barack Obama; that so many feel for him and with him on such a visceral level. Thank you.. thank everyone.. I wish I had the time to write to all who have responded.

I guess you've got a pretty big "bumper sticker" now, huh?! Thank you, again.

[blue sky at night]

209. Hey, thanks for the reply....

I feel really special. I think we should all be sporting signs in our rear windows....October is near and it is now time for all good men and women to come to the aid of their Country. I will take some photos of my car and post them here soon.

thanks again and I am keeping an eye out for the next post!

[sonias]

188. Thank you, K Gardner!

What a wonderful post. You brought in some fabulous Obama quotes and tied it in to a great movie we can all remember. This is all about respect and moving our country forward. And a big shout out to the people who do stand up for what is right like Atticus Finch, our recently passed Paul Newman and our future president Barack Obama.

Yes we should and yes we will - stand up for everyone!

Sonia

[krispos42]

189. Wow.

:patriot:

[obiden]

191. Great observation, what's more Obama is reality

not just wishful thinking on our part....an intelligent, righteous, generous, courageous guy who can defend for himself and also stands up for the poor and the weak. Who leads and inspires not just the supporters but even the 'enemy'....

[Stardust]

192. A beautiful book, movie and candidate. Thank you.

[Ronbeaux]

193. It is hard to cause me to moist eyes...

...a tough guy thing. But you have managed to choke me up with this post.

Thank you for putting things into perspective and reminding us all what life is about.

:hug:

[K Gardner]

202. Welcome to DU, Ronbeaux, and thank you :-)

[tpsbmam]

195. Wow! Just WOW! because I'm speechless. Beautiful. K&R! n/t

[nini]

196. I think we should ask Skinner to keep this pinned to the top until after the election

or until President Obama is sworn in.

This is one for the ages.

[TorchTheWitch]

232. Exactly what I was thinking!

I just really don't know how to go about requesting such a thing or if a certain number of people need to agree or what, but I absolutely feel it should get pinned or somehow given some other equivilent recognition. I keep coming back to read it and the responses again and again.

[OneGrassRoot]

198. Some brilliant DUer should, with your permission, K Gardner

translate this to a youtube video in some way, with you reading the text perhaps.

And/or, perhaps you can get it on HuffPo or SOMEWHERE to spread the word, because this is such an incredibly moving, touching, BRILLIANT post.

:)

[dchill]

199. K&R

[riverwalker]

200. thank you for this

I had the same feeling but unable to put it into words.
Thank you.

[casus belli]

201. Beautiful, poignant, essential read. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. n/t

[Condem]

204. I keep coming back to it. Nothing more needs to be said, K.

[Beaverhausen]

207. Me too. I've read this at least 6 times today and now a friend sent a link to it via email

This should go viral!

[ellacott]

205. What a beautiful post

This must go viral.

[EffieBlack]

206. I am speechless with emotion and admiration - for both Barack and you for writing such a beautiful

post. This is one of the most moving commentaries I have ever seen. Thank you so much.

[mahina]

210. Thank you for putting this into these words.

It was bothering me so much, and I really didn't think of it this way. Mahalo.

[redhatgirl]

211. Wow!

Your touching message gave me much to think about.  You are a
person of great compassion.

[barbtries]

212. beautiful.

i read the book last year for the first time. it's wonderful.

[trickyguy]

213. You have expressed my deepest feelings about the debate.

The utter gall and beligerence of McCain to not offer Obama a glance, a nod, nothing.

It was the most glaring aspect of what went on. I could hardly concentrate on the questions.

And didn't Obama look Presidential. My respect for him grows daily.

And especially after the treatment he suffered from such a mean, dis-spirited man like McCain.

I'm going out and working harder to get Barack elected.

[racaulk]

215. This is a beautiful and exceptional post.

I literally have tears in my eyes and I just have no words. Posts like this one keep me reading here at DU. Thank you!

:pals:

[Condem]

217. We named our cat after Jean Louise. Scout.

[dgibby]

238. Me, too!

I named her Scout and her brother Boo Radley, based on their purrsonalities!

[crazy_vanilla]

218. beautiful !!! nt

[Starry Messenger]

219. I would also love a permanent place for this post.

I keep coming and looking at it when it gets kicked up. So here's another kick.

[Bensthename]

220. In McCain's defense

He knows he is full of shit. It is hard to look another person in the eye when you are lying..
McCain is such a piece of worthless shit.. It pissed me off to.

Also, dont be so down. Obama did great, the nation thought so too.
Obama will win there is no doubt.

[FirstLight]

221. I am going to send this to everyone on MY list!

It has ben a long time since I read TKAM, and I remembered my son, a junior in HS, reading it recently. I called him in to read the post, he grinned because he got it, too...

Obama doesn't speak about the poor and downtrodden to make his campaign appeal to people, it is because he gets it on a visceral level. His conviction and passion and LOVE for this country and the rights of ALL of us, is real, honest, and contagious. I recall him saying on the stump that he loved this country TOO MUCH, to let her be broken by these men. I think we are answering that rallying cry and I am so happy to be a part of it.

Growing up in Oakland, I had friends of so many diverse backgrounds. I miss that diversity in my hometown now...but I could never know the hardship that AA's went through, because I was from a white middle class home. (It wasn't until I was a single mom at 22 and having to start over with the help of social services...and again at 32, after fleeing my 2nd husband's abuse with 2 more kids and a preteen ful of anger...)

I understand more of the condition of the downtrodden now than before, but happliy, it doesn't mean I had to change much about my beliefs. I have always been an idealist, and Barack Obama is my hero!


Thank for this post and the chance for me to

:kick: & Rec WHOLEHEARTEDLY


BTW, I am going to get Obama's books, and give "Dreams of My Father" to my teenage son, who has never known HIS dad either!

[Samantha]

223. I have read this thread three times now

and haven't remarked about it because it has been so hard to appropriately respond. Tonight it occurred to me I better jump in and congratulate you on such a beautiful thread, and to let you know how much I appreciate it. I think it is destined to become a DU classic.

Whenever I read this thread, I immediately revert to my teenage years to that day when I crawled into my room and read To Kill A Mockingbird. I didn't want anyone in my family to know I had it, it was so controversial, and I was sure it would be taken from me, as others had been. I, of course, had to find out what all the controversy was about.

I stayed there in my room until I finished the book. As a person who originated from the South, but never as a child truly fully grasped the level of racism there, I felt so ashamed. I did not talk about the book because I felt like I was carrying around some guilty secret, how shockingly racist the geographical area I came from was. And, of course, discussing the book with my family was out of the question. So I carried the secret around. Little did I know how many others were reading this book and labeling it a classic.

Those guilt feelings, maybe feelings of shame is a better expression, rears up whenever I read this thread. Here we are decades later and we witness appalling sights like the recently-held Presidential debate. The contrast between the two men, Obama and McCain, as they stood on that stage was a stark one. That word bitter that many have used here seems so appropriate when describing McCain. But the emission of his bitterness appeared discriminatory. Obama was the epitome of Presidential conduct under devastatingly awkward circumstances.

When the dust from the election settles and Obama is inaugurated, I believe political historians will note the conduct of the two during the debate, as opposed to the substance, as the night Obama broke away from McCain in the eyes of the voting public. And you have recorded the essence of why perfectly.

You make us all so proud with your wonderful work.

Sam

[K Gardner]

229. Haven't seen you in awhile, Sam.. thank you so much for this wonderful, touching

response ! Good to read your writing once again, always a pleasure :-) :hug:

[beac]

224. Beautiful post.

Barack Obama is pure class in every way.

John McCain is SCUM.

[Kiwinet]

225. Thank you for this post

It is because of this post that I decided to join DU.

[FirstLight]

226. Welcome to DU!

:grouphug:

[K Gardner]

230. Welcome to DU ! Hope to see you around for many years to come :-)

[juno jones]

227. I'm a tad late to the party my dear

But I'm crying like a fucking baby.

And crying to the tune of all the replies to this post.

Thank you. Thank you.

We shall overcome.

[K Gardner]

231. The responses in this thread have restored my Faith in Humanity.. we SHALL overcome, indeed !

[OakCliffDem]

228. Kick

[elizfeelinggreat]

233. Thank you for this beautiful post.

I was at first affronted that Lehrer told Obama (twice!) "Say it directly to him", and then he said something like, "I'm determined to get you to talk to each other." It put me on the defensive because I'm not crazy about Lehrer and don't trust him anymore but perhaps he knew what was happening and was making a point of highlighting it because when five minutes had passed and McCain still hadn't glanced Obama's way I was outraged. Then he pointedly asked McCain to respond directly to Obama and McCain would not do it. It was an undercurrent as I watched, and I did not see the whole debate but in the parts I did see McCain was clearly refusing to acknowledge Obama. McCain's demeanor was that of a bigoted bully.

Like many others I was ashamed because it reminded me of the racism that still exists in our country. I remember as a young child being admonished not to look at "them", as if by not looking they didn't exist and were no danger to me. The older people in my family outgrew that thinking many years ago, thank God. To see someone who had achieved what McCain had showing that old decrepit behavior so blatantly - that was infuriating and shameful.

[FrenchieCat]

236. KICK!

[Starry Messenger]

239. kick

[ailsagirl]

240. K Gardner, that was absolutely beautiful

Thank you

[1Hippiechick]

241. Kick - wish I could recommend again and make it 300! 14,240 views! n/t

[me b zola]

242. Too beautiful to let go

...

[me b zola]

243. ...

[democracy1st]

244. kick