Why, why, why?
One of the most interesting things about my recent pilgrimage to Jamaica was watching the locals get very interested about the current US POTUS race, or should I say, Mr Obama's Wild Ride.
All over the island, it's Obama this, Obama that, pins, shirts and reggae songs abound.
This song was composed by legend Cocoa Tea, who says in the first verse 'it's not class, race or creed but what the people need'...
But that's clearly not the case. What has Obama suggested that would do anything positive for the poor black people of Jamaica?
Unless they feel Cuban and decide to get on a raft, they aren't getting any 'free healthcare or education' from the USA.
As a matter of fact, Obama's clear signal to raise the taxes on the upper 5% will only result in LESS tourism to Jamaica, which is 1/3rd of thier entire GDP. The middle class familes that travel to FDR will not be getting any 'relief' from Obama's tax structures, as we all know that when you raise the capital gains taxes and further tax those 'evil top 5%' that means less payroll and benefits for those middle class tourists that they employ.
Now, one could make the case that Brooklyn has a large ex pat community, so maybe that's why CT likes Obama. Or, maybe, just maybe, he's doing it because 'it is about race', and lots of Jamaicans living in the USA will buy his songs.
Now, I'm pretty sure if a German Polka artist wrote a similar song in German praising McCain, it would be compared to Hitler before you can say 'Achtung Baby'. But, somehow, even pointing out that Cocoa Tea only loves Obama 'cause he is black......Well, that's racist.
Look, dumbass. You are making your bed, so be prepared to lie down in it. If you thought you were mad at the 'injustice' of Air Jamaica cancelling your 2 hour flight, get ready to see your tourism revenues fall even more. Since oil prices have skyrocketed, even those wonderful European tourists have tapered off. Now, let's tax the rich and middle class people from the USA that are keeping your stupid little monarchy afloat, and how do you think that's going to workout?
I just wish people would just be honest and say 'I wont vote for an old white guy' or 'I just want to say I voted for the first black president' instead of using those ridiculous words such as 'hope' and 'change'....
So, Cocoa Tea: you better 'hope' McCain wins, or you won't be getting any 'change' from your eeeeeevil rich white tourists.
Also, what's with the MLK/Obama wear? MLK and his church's message was about 'inclusion'. Obama's church is not about 'inclusion', in fact, it's about 'us vs them', which is pretty ironic considering they are 'all about Jesus' up in there.
If it truly 'is not about race' then they shouldn't be using MLK's image and words to promote themselves. Just sayin'. Content of character, not color of skin.
2 comments:
Hey Evan, thank you for your comment on ForwardEver, I've responded to it.
I respect your opinion and whomever you choose to vote for in the next US presidential election. I do want to point out that for myself, the Obama campaign is inspiring because he has an organizing background in Chicago, an global perspective rooted in his upbringing and less political baggage than many in Washington.
So, no, it's not just about electing the first black president, but everything that the man is about. He's by no means a perfect politician or the most experienced foreign policy expert -- McCain has been to Iraq and elsewhere many more times. But for me and a lot of voters, Obama does not represent status quo American politics and at this point, it seems a better option to change course from what Clinton and Bush years brought us. That's all.
Is it also inspiring to many voters that we may have our first African-American president. Sure. Firsts are always historical, and particular significant to those who feel they've been excluded from participation from the full-spectrum of American politics, economy and life. But, the historical aspect alone will not elect Obama, most voters (the center) are more savvy than that I believe.
But anyway, thanks for your blog and raising many good questions about the significance of race and politics.
Now there's a sensible guy. Well put.
I just don't understand why anyone in Jamaica would even want to write a song about a USA politician at all....And I think an Obama presidency is going to hurt jamaica rather then help.
I would agree with you that 'change' is needed, though. Just not sure if Obama can really bring about positive 'change' for the average poor Jamaican.
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