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Feedback ForumNOW wants to hear from you! Send us your opinions, reactions and ideas about "Virginia's Vote & A Better Bailout?"Submissions for this question are no longer being accepted. Previously submitted comments appear below. Comments may have been edited for content or space. Poster: Lily Comment: Though I am a minority, I will never vote for someone based on what they can do for minorities, but rather, what they can do for all of mankind in the US and abroad. I will endorse McCain and Palin 100%. Poster: Robert Comment: I was disgusted that PBS would allow such a closed minded , narrow viewed so called christian zealot air time to express her ill informed beliefs. What was the purpose of this exercise? To show that there are ignorant and stupid people that are allowed to vote? Not ONE single utterance out of this woman's mouth made any sense whatsoever or was based on any fact or political persuasion. It was based solely on her misguided christian beliefs that god would show the way. Next time PBS comes calling for public funding I am going to remember this total waste of air time and my money. Poster: A. Satori Comment: Just a quick thought-- Unfortunately, I started watching the 10/17/08 program a number of minutes into its airing. I saw the ex-governor speaking rationaly about racism, then appeared the, quote Christian enquote, woman who literally made me go slack jawed. Although I shouldn't be shocked or amazed any longer that the people who shout the loudest about being Christian are usually (in my subjective opinion) the least Christian people I run across, sometimes they don't even seem to qualify as quasi-Christians. Can anyone who is familiar with the teachings and philosophy of Jesus Christ, look at what the Virginia woman said about Obama and conclude: That's exactly what Jesus Christ would be saying about Obama. Can you? Poster: Barry Comment: It makes no difference whether Obama is Christian or not, consorts with questionable characters or not. My bottom line for voting is whether after holding his right hand up and swearing to uphold and defend the constitution from all enemies...etc. that person then votes in any way to abridge or change said constitution. That leaves both McCain AND Obama off my list so I'll be voting for the black candidate. The green party ticket of Cynthia McKinney and Rosa Clemente....wait, that's two black women!!!....God Bless America. Vote 3rd party...does'nt matter which. Just refuse, as I do, to condone the same demopublicrat self service we continue to have. Poster: Tiger Woods Comment: Racial prejudice is wrong, regardless of who is doing it. Making a judgment about a candidate is not wrong. That's called voting and politics. I just hope, for our nation's sake, that more people are making informed judgments. If people agree with you, you tend to think they are informed. If they disagree with your world view or political choices, you think they are ignorant. There are many forms of bias. Par for the course. What about the bias against people who believe in God who designed and cares for this complex world? Is it not ignorant to observe such complex systems and say they are products of chance and to then ridicule those with different views? [I think I just hit a birdie!] Poster: KAREN Comment: Why is it that everyone says some white people won't vote for Obama because he is black. What about the black people who are voting for Obama BECAUSE he is black? I have seen young black republicans being interviewed on TV who said they are voting for Obama because it is history in the making. Another thing that bothers me is this----being of black and white, as Obama is also, why does he distance himself from his true nationality? He is being fake in that regard. He would have had more support from all people if he had accepted his white heritage. With distancing himself from the white heritage makes me feel like he is himself being prejudice. Poster: Ladonna Comment: I am astounded at some of the comments of my fellow American citizens - to discount someone's Christian faith, when don't anyone dare criticize a muslim, hindu, athiest - how hypocritical can we be? As far as Barack Obama, yes, he has an Arab name, no experience, only a gift for gab, & yes, lots of shady friends with money! WE are the people, black, white, brown, yellow, very rich, poor, middle-class & I feel Mr. Obama is at the heart of the us against them climate in the US! How ridiculous - we all live as one nation under God - though there is no perfect candidate - McCain & Palin have the international/military, & the front-line everyday citizen issues & concerns for internal affairs government in the bag. I like Sarah because she is a Non-A-typical Washington Politician - who can clean out some closets in DC! I say give her & McCain your vote! Poster: Josh Slocum Comment: Tracey's ignorant parochialism was just the living end. Others have said everything I would have. What bothers me now is the reactions on this page from obviously well-intended people. Too many are dancing around the issue, tying themselves up in religiously correct circumlocutions to avoid stating the obvious: the undeservedly privileged place religion holds in public discourse is the problem. Not one's interpretation of the Bible. Not one's interpretation of the Koran. Not whether one is a 'true Christian.' Unlike an earlier commenter, I don't 'honor' Tracey's faith. For goodness' sake - what could that mean? What is there to honor in her mean-spirited ranting? We Americans are so blinkered by the ingrained idea that religion is an unalloyed good that we'll do anything - no matter how intellectually muddled or untenable - to avoid criticizing that which should be loudly condemned by all people of good will. We need to wake up. Religion (yes, you can say it - calling yourself 'of-faith' is a way to avoid stating it honestly) doesn't deserve 'respect' or 'honor' just for existing. Have blind faith and acting on it as a member of society is not a good thing. It's irresponsible, and its intellectually and ethically bankrupt. Note that there is a difference between respecting religion and respecting people. People deserve respect; ideologies don't. Do not misread this to mean 'people shouldn't be allowed to believe what they want.' Of course they should. But they don't get a free pass from moral, ethical, or political scrutiny just because they label their opinions 'faith-based.' I think if we're honest with ourselves, we don't really honor or respect anyone's racist or hateful ideas - don't let the faith card keep you from criticizing nasty ideologies that deserve scorn Here's what I respect, and I suspect most people - religious or not - also respect: 1. Democracy 2. The right to freedom of conscience 3. The urge to lift all people out of poverty, degradation, and disenfranchisement 4. The right of citizens to pursue their own path to fulfillment 5. A public space and political system in which passionate debate can be held, but which stops the ranting majority from stripping rights away from those who don't subscribe to their metaphysical obsessions None of this requires religion. Agree or disagree with any of these statements, but stop playing the religion card. Stop pretending personal statements carry more weight just because they appeal to your faith. Poster: Vince from Ohio Comment: I believe the lady in the interview who wouldn't vote for Obama because she thinks he is Muslim is typical of a majority of the Christian right. Many people who consider themselves Christian, seem to have only a grade-school-level understanding of religion in general, and Christianity in particular. I went through Christian education through high school and one thing I learned was that practicing Christianity is rarely simple and almost never black and white. The Bible is rife with stories of hatred, adultery, deceit, murder, etc., yet we call it a Holy Book. I think this underscores the necessity of needing a good understanding of philosophy and theology in general if you want to really understand the Bible. In addition, it is extremely helpful to know something about the folks who wrote it, the history and politics during the time it was written, and the traditions, customs and mores of the culture of the period. These are all helpful because people write with words and meanings within the context of their experience. We know that words and meanings change over time--especially when being translated into different languages. Thus the Bible should never be taken literally, rather, one needs to look for meaning and understanding. Unfortunately, grade-schoolers don't have the capacity to understand complex issues. Just because someone claims to be Christian, doesn't make it true. Poster: Marilyn from Miami Comment: Although I did not see your show on racism.............I would like to comment on the amount of racism I have noticed after talking to several people..........It is truly frightening and sickening to hear people say why they do not want to vote for Obama. But I am encouraged by the sane people in this country who are not bigots. I hope that sanity will prevail.........and that racism will banish from the face of the earth. And please air the show again, as I would like very much to see it. Poster: Wayne DeAngelo Comment: It was interesting, albeit disturbing, to watch the devout Christian woman being interviewed in your Virgina's Vote story. She couldn't conceive of having a President Obama as if uttering those words should somehow be an affront to the sensibilities of the average American. Perhaps she should be aware that there was a time in America when people would have taken offense at President DeAngelo (my Italian-American name)or President Goldberg or President O'Sullivan. She further states that we should all be concerned that Sen. Obama had a Muslim father, as if ANY association with Islam automatically makes you suspect and should bar you from aspirations of political service to our country. She then has the audacity (ignorance?)to imply that she somehow has a hold on what real or proper Christianity is. I don't know the America she grew up in or the Christianity that she studies, but the America that I know embodies the principles of inclusiveness, tolerance, freedom to worship all and any religion, and equal opportunity for all citizens regardless of race, religion, gender, or ancestral origin. And the Christianity that I know (and grew up knowing)embodies love of your fellow brothers and sisters, regardless of who they are, where they're from, what their name is, where or who they worship, or their life history. It occurs to me that this woman reflects neither American ideals, nor Christian principles. Hate is ugly no matter how you may cloak it in devotion to religous faith or promotion of patriotic duty. Poster: John G McDonald Comment: I found the comments of Ms. Curly (Curley?) depressing. It seems she has missed the core messages of the teacher Jesus Christ. Where is the 'caritas,' where is the forgiveness, where the tolerance of others? Her rigid ideas about Christianity and her 'you'd better believe it or else' body language paint a picture of unchanged and unchanging attitudes that have brought so much grief to this country. Poster: J Feddis Comment: Wow! Mrs. Kerlee are you aware that the Lord that is talked about in the bible was not American? How about His name? Do you know the correct way to pronounce His name? Doubtful. While you are preying I will pray for you and your family. Poster: andrea, south dakota Comment: When you interview people who are unstable in their personal views, such as the bigot who can't wote for someone because of his last name, a religous cripple, what do you expect. This poll is bias towards the liberal side, that is obvious. what I cosider is a man or woman's past voting history, affliations, personal and political, when I vote. I don't care if Obama is pea green, the issue of race or last names has nothing to do with it. I don't like his past associatiions and he hasn't shown me that he understands the broad picture of dealing with the threats from outside countries. I don't consider this poll fair and unbiased. When are the media going to be balanced and not support their own agenda? Andrea in south dakota Poster: Steve in Wyoming Comment: I really felt bad for the lady in the Virginia story that was not going to vote for a President based on his name. Even Barack Obama has said his name is unfortunate. I man with such great vision for this country deserves to be judged on his character and merit. She had also said that God would help her family through its economic hardships. While I honor her faith. I don't believe God is offended by our choice of president. I hope God does help her family, no matter who becomes president. God help us all. I personally will vote Democratic. It's time the people help themselves with the help of government. We need social security reform, health care reform, transportation reform, the list goes on and on. The last eight years have done too much damage to the people of the United States. Poster: Paula Comment: While I'm happy that the woman at the Virginia employment agency will be voting for Obama, what was she thinking when she voted for Bush? Finding out the facts before casting our votes is our patriotic duty. Any voter who cared even one whit about becoming informed would have found an abundance of information showing that Bush would be a disaster for our nation. If someone's decision to remain ignorant and vote for Bush adversely affected only that person, I wouldn't be so upset. Unfortunately, we are now ALL paying the price for his/her lack of diligence. The republican party didn't let this woman down; she let herself down! Poster: Jo Comment: Not my kind of Christianity? Did she really say that? Are we on the edge of a religious war in this country, not unlike what happened in Ireland? This is beyond unacceptable. I'm frightened by the implications. Poster: Megan Comment: I was struck by the woman who was interviewed on your last program (Virginia's Vote). She is obviously a devout Chirstian, as am I. However, I was concerned about her response to questions about Barack Obama. She said she can't imagine having to call an American president, President Obama, and that we should all be worried about his background. I don't know where she goes to church, but I was brought up to believe that Jesus taught us to love others, despite our differences. It is not our job to judge others; rather, God will be the final judge. It is because of Christians like her that we are viewed as hypocrits. What a shame! Poster: Rebecca Hulsey Comment: Will someone tell that woman it's not about religion. When will we as a nation truly separate religion and government. I'm not of religious affiliation and don't see how that should come into play. It's scary to me to think that people are voting on religious beliefs. I'm voting on who can get us out of this devastating economical crisis where I finally got a job after 2 yrs and am being laid off after 2 months...and it didn't have a thing to do with religion!!!!! Poster: Tom McKenna Comment: Your 17 Oct segment interviewing people about whether they would vote for McCain or Obama was about as biased as possible toward Obama. The African-American former marine was the only credible supporter for McCain. The woman who was a Jesus freak was too strange to be credible on any issue, and you knew that when you used her as a McCain supporter. Her husband was undecided so we can't count him for either candidate. That is one total, the marine, for McCain. To support Obama you twice used the dignified, credible, former governor of VA, plus the unemployment office woman, an unemployed woman, and another man. That's five to one for Obama. What we have come to expect from PBS, which functions like a house organ of the Democratic Party. Poster: Jamie Malloy Comment: It concerns me that people still continue to say that Obama is Arab or Muslim and also somehow not American or anti-American. Obama's father is African not Arab or Middle Eastern. Arab Christians have Arabic names so just having an Arabic name doesn't automatically make someone Muslim. Whatever his families religious background Obama made the choice to be Christian. His wife is Christian and the have decided to raise their children as Christians. Even if Obama was Arab or Muslim that wouldn't automatically make him anti-American. Poster: Patricia Robson Comment: I look forward to watching NOW every week, but was extremely troubled with the segment on Virginia in particular the interview with Mr. & Mrs. Kerlee. I consider my self a Christian. I try to live a good honest life and would never judge someone because of his or her name or for other members of their family. I look at the person and their values and how they lead their lives. Mrs. Kerlee said she would not vote for someone because of his name or because she believes they are Moslem, like it's a bad thing. She calls herself a Christian but I think the name of her religion is Bigotry. And the scary part is she is raising two children to have that same hatred. If she is upset about the church Senator Obama attended then she should look into the church Governor Palin attended. If Senator McCain wins the election Palin would be just a lipstick tube away from the Presidency. At her rallies Governor Palin goes on about Senator Obama being a Terrorist. She is fueling the hate that Mrs. Kerlee and other ignorant people are buying into, and Senator McCain does nothing to rein her in. Senator McCain was extremely upset about someone bringing up the racial overtures of his campaign, but he continues to let Governor Palin go on. Approximately 75 years ago this world was in a financial disaster. People all over the world were losing their jobs and homes. Everyone everywhere was hurting. In one country a man came along with Great Ideas. He was going to lead his country out of despair. People believed him, but in his speeches there was blame. He blamed a certain group of people for all the wrongs. Many years later after a great war it was discovered six million of these people were slaughtered. He didn't start out murdering these people he started by fueling the fire of hate. I am so glad I don't worship the same Christian God that Mrs. Kerlee does, because she seems to worship the same one he did. Poster: Sheryl Comment: Tracy, the woman with the husband that works for the paper plant stated that she doesn't like the idea of a President Obama. Who does she think she is? She would rather vote against her family's best interest than vote for a black man because of his name? The other excuses she gave were beliefs of other people, not Senator Obama. She obviously receives her news from one source and I think we can guess who that is. I wonder what excuse she would come up with if Senator Obama's last name was Jones or Smith? I'm so tired of so called Christian's wrapping themselves in the American Flag and Bible, as though they are the only people that love this country and know what is best for it. Republican's have tried that already, and look at the fiasco this country is in now. Poster: Jackie Lira Comment: I am not a member of Now but I have a few comments. Why is Now not all over the tv supporting Sarah Palin? It does not matter if we all agree on the same topic's right now, just getting a women in office is wonderful. Later we can work on our issues and at last we would have a women in power to see and feel our views. Thank-you Poster: nero Comment: Let's just hope that Mrs. Curly is a distinct minority. Her reasons for choosing a president were truly frightening. It makes one doubt the viability of democracy. Poster: Susan Comment: It's scary to think that people like the wife of the papermill worker may determine who our next President will be: such ignorance, such prejudice, such self-righteousness. I've come to realize that, beginning with Ronald Reagan and southern white flight to the Republican Party through the 2004 anti-gay marriage vote that swept Bush into a second term, that it is our prejudices, our intolerance that have led us to where we are now as a nation. Any people who have the right to vote, in the final analysis, get what they deserve. Poster: Richard Mordecai Comment: On last night's show, the wife of the paper mill worker was going on about how as a Christian she could never vote for Obamaa because he's a Muslim. When it was pointed out that he and Michele were faith based, she said she couldn't vote for him because of his name! Now I believe one of the tenets of Christianity is tolerance and embracing your fellow man: black, white, Muslim, Christian, etc., whatever their name. May I be bold enough to suggest to that woman that perhaps she should re-examine her faith as well as her politics? Poster: Withheld Comment: I was embarassed and sickened when I heard the words and facial expressions of Tracy Kerlee of Franklin, VA. Obviously any self awareness or love that the Bible teaches has not penetrated the shroud of hatred and prejudice that she has and unfortunately justifies by claiming that others are not in line with the Lord and Christianity. To use this to justify such hatred is most unfortunate. I used to live in Chesapeake and worked at the mill in Franklin. I made the mistake of moving my child and I to Franklin to be closer to work. I was amazed and bewildered by the white people that live in this town and how the underlying prejudice against blacks drives so many decisions and actions. I found it intolerable. The Christian principles that I was raised with teaches tolerance and love for all not just people that look like you. Hopefully, her children will be able to overcome this and contribute to society in a helpful and healthly way. But I want to thank her for invading in her husband's interview because it has helped me decide how I will vote in November. I will vote for a better America. Poster: Doris Comment: Now of 10/17 was indeed scary re: the interview with that couple, the man undecided but the women afraid of a President (with the last name) Obama, he is Muslim, and she would pray for her husband to do the right thing, pray, pray and pray, how sick is that! Poster: Tim Kelly Comment: I was really taken aback by the position expressed by the wife of the undecided voter who was profiled. Her entire response was an indefenceable, glaring example of irrational thinking and religous bigotry. We can do without it. Poster: Pete-o Comment: The part of the program where the woman is voting on her christian values, that Obama is a Muslim, is very scary, in that there are people like that in this country. We have been dumbed down to the point of idiocy. Poster: Susan Morse Comment: Thank you for introducing us to Doug Wilder. He is really an impressive person. What a terrific interview.I wonder what he has been able to do to control Republican voter suppression in Virginia,and to assure that voting machines are not rigged, as described in Bill Moyer's Journal prior to your show. Thank you for your program. Poster: KL Comment: I am a resident of Virginia, former welfare recipient, single parent, a woman and an immigrant. I would like to dispute a few things: 1. Governor Sarah Palin's qualifications: if we are questioning governor Sarah Palin's qualifications to be Vice-President, we should question also Senator Barack Obama's qualifications. What makes Senator Obama more qualified than Governor Palin ? They are both relatively young. They both have college degrees. They both are new political faces. Senator Obama has not done any relevant or extraordinary things for this country yet, while Governor Palin has been successfully governing Alaska. 2. that racism still exists and may be a great factor in this presidential election: I disagree with this. As a non-white voter, I am leaning toward Senator John McCain not because he is Caucasian. If Senator John McCain had not accomplished anything like Senator Obama, I would vote for Senator Obama, because Senator Obama is efficient in public speaking. The fact is Senator Obama has not proven to me yet. I am looking for records and facts. Therefore Senator McCain earns my trust. 3. issues (economy crisis, war in Irak): First I think that National security is the foundation for strong economy growth. Without a strong national security, we cannot talk about economy and jobs and family. Look at Irak. Terrorists keep throwing bombs in order to not allow Irakian economy to flourish. Also, we do not vote for someone impulsively due to the current economic crisis because he promises change. The economy crisis is common fault. We are all at fault: Democrats, Republicans and individuals. We have the habit to live beyond our means. About injustice, I do not see any real injustice in this country since I am here. If there is real injustice, I would not have survived and would still be living on welfare. I do not know if my fellow Americans realize how lucky they are to be born here and grow up here. I realize that the American predecessors have fought very hard for us to have what we have now: freedom, good political system, good school system which allows anyone to go to school at any age. Our school system is unique, non-discriminatory, and non-elitist. Success really is very personal. These are a few thoughts. Poster: Mell Robinson Comment: I watched the lady talk about being a republican because they were the the party of god. She would pray for her husband to vote right. I know that many believe God is a Republican I however, am just as certain that as a Democrate, God is my with me.I will pray for the Virginian lady and her husband. As far as a canidate's name goes, we had that discussion in our house. I have read newpapers and heard stories from my family and friends about World War 1 and 2. Many were mistreated just because of their names,I came to the oppinion that it was unChristian and wrong to judge by name alone. Poster: Michael Snow Comment: After watching your broadcast of 10/17 and listening to the comments of Tracy Curley, I realize none of us are going to hell, we already live there. How depressing to know that there are people who will base a vote on some one's name, their skin color, and how they interpret ancient texts. Poster: Norm Spier Comment: While you, Damon Silvers, and all of us citizens are pretty worried about the current banking meltdown and its handling, I hate to point out that we have a different possible meltdown in the works. Specifically, in a few spots of enlightment on the web, the analysis has been posted that the McCain healthcare plan, specifically because it allows insurance to be bought across state lines, causes a deregulatory meltdown of the (limited and very imperfect) protections those of us in most states have against getting stuck without health insurance because of ill health (i.e. pre-existing conditions problems). In the 5 states that curently have community rating or modified community rating : NY, NJ, MA, VT, ME, (which prevents discrimination against people with pre-existing conditions provided they have maintained health insurance continuously prior), the McCain proposal allows healthy people to buy cheap insurance in unregulated states. This leaves only people with pre-existing conditions to buy insurance in state, and policy costs may become $100,000 a year for those sick people. There is also a likely meltdown of the high-risk-pool system in the numerous other states that rely on that for some limited pre-existing-condition protection. Firstly regarding high-risk-pool states, McCain is clear on his website that he will keep the high-risk-pool system that exists in most states. (He changes their name only to Guaranteed Acceptance Plans but they are the same animal.) Secondly, regarding the high risk pool states, many of those states fund the very expensive care they provide by assessing a charge on the policies of people who don't have pre-existing conditions and therefore can get private-insurer insurance. (To find those states,go to this Kaiser table, http://www.statehealthfacts.org/comparetable.jsp?ind=610&cat=7 , and look for where the Financed through insurer assessments column is Yes.) What will happen in those states is that people with no pre-existing conditions will buy cheaper insurance in states that do not have a high risk pool, since the lack of the assessment will make the insurance cheaper there. Then, the high risk pools in all of those states (with pools) will lose those subsidies, and the premiums may need to rise to $60,000 or $100,000 a year to cover the medical costs of the only-sick people in those plans. (For those interested, I've actually done some looking into this meltdown issue, and the state-specific situation with pre-existing conditions, posted at: http://www.nastechservices.com/HealthInsuranceUSAPolicy.htmlMy page there has links also to a by-state table, where you can see what your risks are for being finanically wiped out by a pre-existing condition under even the current system. Currently, in 35 states, people in the middle class who have saved substantial assets can have them all wiped out by pre-existing conditions. ) Also, let me direct you to some other sources, by certified health economists and policy people on the web, pointing out these kinds of insurance meltdown issues with the McCain plan. If you read what all of the three health economists at the 'WebMD Reality Check' ( http://www.webmd.com/election2008/realitycheck ) have to say, the mechanism of the meltdown becomes apparent. Also, the Ezra Klein blog entry (http://www.prospect.org/csnc/blogs/ezraklein_archive?month=09&year=2008&base_name=mccains_health_care_plan_a_ful&25 ) gives a nice exposition. Unfortunately, though these sources do exist, the press mainly isn't shouting 'Another meltdown in the works!' as they really should be. Just in case McCain does manage to get elected, the press, educated public, and policy wonks need to mobilize and stop the catastrophe. And since the country really doesn't seem to be terribly good at catastrophe-preemption, I'm frankly pretty scared. Poster: Ron Comment: The blonde woman who wouldn't vote for Obama because his mother was an atheist, or because his father was a Muslim sounds like a typical, backwoods, racist hick. Poster: Daniel J. Hannon Comment: I found your show tonight (10/17) to be difficult to watch, bordering on offensive. While you are attempting to cover racism in the presidential election from the perspective of dispassionate journalists, I found your coverage to actually appear to be encouraging it. The person interviewed who said she wouldn't vote for a person named Obama, who perpetuated false accusations about Senator Obama's religious faith, and who justified her convictions as being bible based should never have been given that chance to speak on national television. You did not offer any countering opinions beyond Mayor Wilder's accusation that it was racism, and he even tacitly implied that it was OK. Granted, he did not appear to have seen the footage of the interview, so perhaps his reaction would have been stronger. But he seemed to be accepting of racism since at least there is now an African American candidate. Covering racism is difficult, no doubt. But, as a society we have taken a stand against it. Any coverage on your part that does not come out and say that it is wrong tells viewers it is OK for them to hold these views and act on them. The country does not need to be reminded that bigotry exists. We encounter it every day. Exposing racism as you did, without further shining a light on it, strengthens the resolve of the narrow minded, the uninformed, and the under educated. None of these are values we need more of, and they are certainly not the values I expect to be supported by PBS. I encourage you to rethink your approach. Racism is evil. It is not a matter of choice to be left to differences of opinion. I expect NOW on PBS to know that. |
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