So is "a serious star-power staff, a ground game, chits to be called in by the candidate or the candidate's influential network of friends of influence" how Obama got his nomination? If we're the same way, then we're just as pathetic. But I think the "fed up factor" this time is genuine and will work in Cain's favor. Also I see his mini book tour as serving his campaign instead of vice-versa. I think this shows Cain is image savvy & has a chance. But if our purpose is to convince ourselves and minorities that neither Blacks or Republicans are monolithic, then we really do have to break out of the "fat cat" mentality and not vote for someone strictly b/c they are "most likely to win".

For most of the article it looks as if Mr. Thomas is saying "I like and agree with her on everything but... she's whining and playing the victim card". Then at the end he writes that she energizes the conservative base and her optimism is refreshing (she just has sharpen her intellectuals cred's a little). So which is it?

...I'm glad I haven't had to explain this to my 9 y.o. daughter so far. There's so much horror of adults exercising their selfish desires over children while guardians and other adults blithely overlooking it for their own selfish purposes. Hollywood should really be ashamed of itself (uh, yeah...)
Joe the Social Worker

...Black and Conservative, I respect the line, which is not already readily visible, that is walked between disagreement and disrespect. Even with a POTUS with brown skin, we're still a looooong way from being a color-blind society. Yes respect has to be earned, but even we (or maybe especially WE!) as conservatives know that is not a given. And historically, even through today, people still are shown disrespect BECAUSE of their skin color. So again, Mr. Jackson is right, we have to not buy into the baiting and do what we can to ensure that our arguing and protests are aimed about policies and people's actions and not the persons themselves.

...that dissent, no matter how personal, is totally American and righteous when it comes from the Left and racist and unAmerican when it comes from the Right. That shiboleth you and others are uncovering is being used as a tool to squelch healthy debate and avoid work on valid issues at hand.

...is that there is no objective proof that they are indeed acts of providence. It's usually said that correlation does not equal causation. I'm not even sure I see correlation. Any speculation on it would be subjective at best. As Mr. Olasky said, there was a positive spin that no one was hurt. And having said that, I amen that I am grateful for Deity's mercy, whatever form that it may take, whether I/we are conscious of it or not.