Sad state of affairs

Dear friends (and all others reading),

I will spare you my usual rant to address something weighing very heavily on my heart. There has been some recent racial backlash in regards to the election of president-elect Obama. Now before I continue, I want you to know I will refrain from making any political statements beyond the following: I as an American tend to stand by the idealistic belief that all citizens are free to support any candidate of their choice. Neither I, nor any man, have the right to tell you what and how to make your choices. In fact I believe that you even have the right to be upset if the candidate of your choice was not the victor.

However, it saddens me (though it doesn't surprise me) to see so many reduce their displeasure in the choice of the next president to racial slurs, statements, and threats (particularly the recent activity on Facebook). Please allow me to state that not only as a black man, but as human (a child of the same higher power {regardless of what you call your god} that has given you and I life) I am beyond offended. It vexes me that there are a few of those who supported the non-victorious candidates, that can not seem to handle the loss with the class and the sophistication of the candidates themselves.

I understand that race will always be an issue, and there is nothing that I can do to reformat the dark hearts of others. But, to reduce a matter of such importance (the future of your country), to a few racist slurs not only is a display of ignorance and bigotry... but it holds back the progression of all (yes even you). The world not only looks at the nation's leader, but the reflection of the attitudes and actions of it's citizens. If we do not conduct ourselves and express ourselves (both our victories and losses) with a standard of class and sophistication, how can we expect the rest of the world to respect, care, and align themselves with (what I honestly do believe to be) the "greatest nation on Earth."

Stepping off my soapbox (with respect for you all),
Kenny