I am an American. What are you?
One of the worst parts of political campaigns is the targeting of various groups within our society. When politicians refer to "blocks" of voters by race, ethnicity, gender or religions, if I could, I'd smack them!! This divisive reference to an all American population in this way suggests that we are not all in the same country with common needs and expectations for the simple fact of our accidental differences instead of our commonality. To me, these references reflect a true bigotry and stereotyping of the worst kind for selfish motives. I am certain that within each of these "blocks" there are substantial differences of opinions but politicians try to portray them as robots like themselves. They promise special treatment but rarely deliver.
I have never voted for anyone simply because they were Italian or a Catholic. I believe it is wrong to even reveal or question a candidate's religion or heritage since it has no bearing on his/her abilities or competence. Although it's true that often a candidate's appearance reveals something about his ethnicity, Obama's election proves once and for all that it is not a critical factor. If you vote FOR or AGAINST someone because of his race, ethnicity, gender or religion, you are a racist or bigot.
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If we are truly a "melting pot", lets stop trying to "unmelt" the product. If anyone thinks of himself as anything but an American, he should return to his native land, then he could always "vote" for someone just like him/her.
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