Reading newspapers is a good thing, isn't it? It probably is if you try to understand what you read or have the desire and time to look deeper into various issues.
Today I watched Nuovomondo (The Golden Door) and reflected on intolerance and racism. Italians emigrated all over the world in search of a better life. Many were from the Mezzogiorno. They could not read read or write and were treated like animals in Ellis Island (and so did other immigrants). Most of them worked hard and led law abiding lives. A minority did not.
In Florida you are interviewed when you buy a condo. A family friend warned me I would never pass the interview if the board knew my husband to be was an African. She was an Italo-American. She was a good person but believed 'the Blacks' should be kept apart.
Racism and fear of diversity are now rampant in Italy, UK and USA. I am only talking about countries I know because I lived there. I prefer to deal with openly racist people than people who pretend not to be racist or are in denial. At least I know where I stand.
A Dutch couple was nearly killed in Italy by illegal immigrants being exploited and living in appalling surroundings. It seems they will be expelled as soon as possible. If you treat people like animals, they will behave like animals.
Obama has a white mother and a black father. I read his biography and did not like the fact that he opted for half of his heritage. At the same time I understand his wife saying that she was finally proud of being an American because society was ready for a change. I have just seen one of the last Republican adverts about Obama's half brother living in a slum whilst his senile (and word challeged) opponent lives the American dream in 7 or more houses.
There is so much hypocrisy around. Our society must change. The sooner the better.I am so tired of being politically correct. We have a moral duty to speak about the way we feel. It is the only way to erase prejudice.
A change we need
I will not deny I preferred Hillary but that is history. Obama can break the mould and I hope he will.
I am switching from an American network to another to BBC news.II will probably be up all night as I could not possibly go to sleep. New York and Chicago are teeming with people waiting to know. I wish I could be there and not watching it on telly. Ohio might go for Obama. If it does, it will be a miracle. This state is my idea of hell on earth, cultural desolation. I remember a head teacher in a bright green jacket welcoming me with a 'You come from London, France'! I remember driving around for hours in a blue Spitfire, being refused wine in a Toledo restaurant as I did not have my driving licence with me, getting lost along the never ending Turnpike. Also my nephew's host family saying 'We were not quite sure if you took showers in Italy'. And the night receptionist at the motel I was staying at: young, huge and adoring as I lived in London. She had never left Fremont and wanted me to tell her about the Queen and Buckingham Palace before she let me go to bed, night after night. What a relief it was returning to Europe
Ohio has just been called. 195-76. The dream is getting nearer. Will it change our world too? CNN gives 174-69. Cleveland has not come in. It is too early to say anything. How many Joe bloody plumbers are there? They care about themselves only. Well , suddenly we have 194-69. I will take a break and have a walk around the house. And a drink.
I came back to CNN 206-89. Senate looks good too. Is it going to be a landslide? I remember the elation of this country when Blair was first elected and what followed. Still, Obama is not Blair.
Andrew Pelling came to our meeting tonight. He looked good. It would be great to have a real change in Croydon. He has got a brain and he is an excellent orator. Somebody might regret a hurried choice. Perhaps they have not got much to choose from.
McCain is conceding defeat. Graciously and with dignity.
We are starting a new journey. I am really happy and so relieved the Palin woman will go back to Alaska.
Yes, we can when we try hard enough.
04:40 AM in Daily comments | Permalink | Comments (1)