Judgment Vote Upon America

By: Conscious Pen

On the onset of Election Day, in this cozy whether of Minnesota: home to the first Muslim elected congressman Keith Ellison. One can hardly but wonder about the possibility of electing the first person of color as the president of United States of America.  Whether you agree or disagree with Senator Barack Obama as a candidate. We need to look beyond dichotomy of politics as usual, and focus upon the societal changes happening across America (in this election cycle.)

It was not long time ago, when Americans elected John F Kennedy as the first president: who happened to profess his faith in Roman-Catholicism. One can hardly but not conclude—after studying American political history: through the lenses of religion—that this nation is fundamentally rooted in Protestantism. Hence electing JFK was a sign of a country moving ahead, in the paradigm of opening up its doors of opportunities and acceptance to other groups.

November 4, 2008, will embark the day, when citizens of America, through the power invested in them—ala voting—will have chance to elect the first person of color as their president. One can argue that Obama did not run as person of color, or for that matter as a black politician, in his race to becoming next occupant in White House. True, Obama ran through the only viable road available to him, which was on the issues. Nevertheless, Obama—whether unbeknownst to him—made American voters to cast judgment whether or not America is ready to elect first president who happens to be black.

November 5, 2008, is the day when America and for that matter the world, will see whether or not as nation we have expanded the paradigm of opportunities and acceptance?

One thing for sure, is that, this election has also shown us the deep embedded fears and xenophobia, which if McCain is elected, might have resonated with some of his voters.

Election Night Parties in MN

by Nelima

No matter how ‘non-political’ you may be, tonight you will be up until you are convinced that there is a decisive winner of this election. I’m thinking there’ll be record breaking TV viewership tonight. While some will prefer the confines of their homes to watch the grand finale of this campaign, others will venture out and celebrate their victories or count their losses among peers.  If you are still undecided or looking for an Election Party here’s a list that may help. (Sorry my list’s geared mostly towards Obama supporters, feel free to share if you have other sugestions.)

 

1. Klub Afrika in Brooklyn Park will be having an Obama-Victory Night. Admission is free as is champagne. 
2. Kilimanjaro Cafe in the Cedar Riverside area will also be having an election watch party. Admission is free too.
3. Minnesota Independent, Drinking Liberally and Twin Cities Daily Planet are sponsoring a party at the 331 Club featuring drink specials, cheap tacos and free giveaways.
4. MPR will be having a Policy & a Pint: Election Night Party from 6:30pm.
5. Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery will take off 75cents a beer for anyone with an ‘I voted’ sticker.
6. Bar Abilene will be serving red, white and blue jello shots among other drink specials until all the results are in. 

Know of anymore? Let us know…..

A deadbeat dad?

by nekessa

Last week I interviewed Edwin Okon’go a Kenyan journalist who used to live here in the Twin Cities. Edwin had just returned from a trip in Kenya where he had been researching “The Obama effect on the land of Obama’s father.” Anyway, I am interested in the take of MinneAfricans on Kenya being a deadbeat dad. Edwin’s argument:

In my view, Kenya is acting like a deadbeat dad who only returns many years later to claim credit for his son’s success. Kenyans refuse to accept that they did not raise Obama and, therefore, they should not expect him to understand their problems.

My interview with Edwin here.

Edwin’s video from his Kenyan trip– a very interesting journey that Edwin takes drawing parallels between his own life and that of the Senator from Illinois.

Obama or McCain? First-time voter is “proud to be an American”

by Nekessa

Madin Dula, first time voter.

For Madin Dula, this election is different. The thought of casting her vote makes her smile. This is her third U.S. presidential election, but the first one in which she can vote.

Ten years ago, life was very different for Madin Dula, an Oromo refugee from Ethiopia. Following a civil war in her country, Dula fled to Kenya with her family, settling in a refugee camp.

Want more?

Voting for Non-Citizens

This is a GREAT article by Ibe Kaba. I couldn’t have said it better.

This year I am going to vote, regardless whether or not I am a US citizen.

Whether you have a green card, here on a visa, or here “illegally”, you can too. And you should. For the sake of disclosure, I must inform you it is illegal for non-citizens to vote. You could be deported for impersonating a citizen. But 9-oct-08this election. And that is not even because of the candidates. Yes, there is history on both sides. Come November 5 th, America would have elected its first Black president, or first female vice-president. That is beside the point. America is at a crossroads; this election is about going left or right (no pun intended). The economy is on the line, healthcare is on the line, social security is on life support, there is the war in Iraq, the one in the inner cities; and yes, when it comes to education, your child’s name must be “no child” because he/she is being left behind.

Continue reading here.