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Students converge on Selma
Published Saturday, November 1, 2008
Students from Tuskegee and Alabama State universities converged on Selma on Saturday as part of the NAACP’s “Think Hard, Vote Hard” bus tour.
The tour started in South Carolina last week, and Alabama was its second leg. The Tuskegee and Alabama State students’ stop in Selma came during a day that began in Clanton and extended to Demopolis. Other college students from college NAACP chapters around Alabama visited varying parts of the state to raise voter awareness.
“Given the history of Selma and Dallas county, the right to vote was a hard-fought battle, and we would not want the work of those who fought that battle to be in vain,” said Selma-Dallas County NAACP President Kobi Little. “We’re hoping that people will put voting as a priority for Tuesday.”
But Selma’s role in the civil rights movement was not the only reason the tour rolled into town. For a city that played a key role in achieving equal voting rights, Selma has traditionally had one of the lowest voter turnouts in the state.
“We’ve identified several targeted precincts that have had previous lower voter turnout and decided that these would be the precincts that we would come and do a last minute ‘get out the vote’ opportunity,” said Wendy Hamilton, public relations specialist for the NAACP’s national headquarters in Baltimore. “It’s such a historic opportunity in terms of the participation of young people and new voters, first time voters. And we wanted for the national headquarters to find a way to engage the young people.”
That’s why several of the students turned out to knock on doors on Saturday. The students that traipsed the streets of G.W.C. Homes near Brown Chapel A.M.E. felt a sense of duty to disprove a perceived stereotype that students do not have an interest in politics.
“We’re reaching out to people in our community that are underprivileged, and we need to get out word to vote,” said Joseph Brown, a Kappa Alpha Psi member at Tuskegee. “I believe it’s a big thing that we as students are coming to the community to make an impact on them.”
Though most local participants who welcomed the student-filled buses were decidedly pro-Democrat, participants made it a point not to endorse either of the two leading presidential candidates — Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain.
Their goal was simply to encourage people to vote.
“We’re hoping to make sure everyone in this community is motivated to go out and vote so we can make this election one of the most historic elections in America,” said
Tuskegee NAACP President Keosha Forrest. “It doesn’t matter who you vote for — vote for Obama or McCain — just so long as you get out there and vote.
The goal of bus tour is to get into communities and knock on doors to raise voter awareness. Many in the area did not answer their doors, but the handful that did were receptive to the students.
In the eyes of Tuskegee School of Veterinary Medicine student Jessica Bailey, that alone makes the effort worthwhile.
“If we can just convince just one person, that’s better than one. One is an improvement.”
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Comments
Posted by alabamaWOW (anonymous) on November 2, 2008 at 1:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
One word. RIGHT! Wonder who they were supporting and forcing votes upon other blacks. Sometimes I wonder if they will ever make their on choices and stop brain washing people.
Posted by Clarissa49 (anonymous) on November 2, 2008 at 9:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Their goal was to encourage people to vote-----barf!
Such movements remind me of the freedom riders who came from the North to show us Southerners how we should live. They should have cleaned up their own skeletons first. If you think race relations will improve with constant reminders and constant flaunting, you are as dumb as Jimmy Carter who looks at the world through rose-colored glasses.
Posted by SelmaAgainSelma (anonymous) on November 3, 2008 at 8:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank God Randy has waged war on ignorance. Northerners did not show Southerners how to live when they came to Selma in 1965. The local people of Selma stood up for their right to vote in 1965. Northerners came because of the injustice that was demonstrated against the people on March 7, 1965 to join in the protest. Selmians are not stupid. Obviously more information on this subject is needed and we should look a little more deeper within the principle of how humanity was and is affected rather than remaining selfishly within our own skin.
Posted by eyeonyou (anonymous) on November 3, 2008 at 9:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Where have these enthusiastic people been for the last 30 years during Presidential elections? Why now? Is it because this candidate has such a great platform that this group of people feel overly compelled to get out the mass vote? Or is it just because he's black? I am willing to bet the latter.
Posted by leo71 (anonymous) on November 3, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree,SelmaAgainSelma. Northerners--and Southerners too,I might add-- stood up for blacks not only for their right to vote but for their right to be American CITIZENS as well .I suspect that this campaign by these students is a veiled attempt to get out the vote for Obama,but they live in a country where they have the privlege to do it...some may not like or agree with what they're doing but they have every right to do it.
Posted by eyeonyou (anonymous) on November 3, 2008 at 2:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yeah, they definitely have the right to do it. Even though it's a blantant attempt to push ill informed people to Obama just because he's black. Sure. Voting on race solves nothing in this country. This man will have bigger problems to worry about other than 13% of the people in this nation alone. Anything to keep getting.
Posted by tiredofthistown (anonymous) on November 3, 2008 at 2:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Twas the night before elections And all through the town
Tempers were flaring Emotions all up and down !
I, in my bathrobe With a cat in my lap
Had cut off the TV Tired of political crap.
When all of a sudden There arose such a noise
I peered out of my window Saw Obama and his boys
They had come for my wallet
They wanted my pay
To give to the others Who had not worked a day !!!!!!
He snatched up my money And quick as a wink
Jumped back on his bandwagon As I gagged from the stink
He then rallied his henchmen Who were pulling his cart
I could tell they were out To tear my country apart !!!!!!
On Fannie, on Freddie, On Biden and Ayers ! On Acorn, On Pelosi ' He screamed at the pairs !!!!!!
They took off for his cause And as he flew out of sight
I heard him laugh at the nation Who wouldn't stand up and fight !!!!!!
So I leave you to think On this one final note -
IF YOU DONT WANT SOCIALISM PLEASE GET OUT AND VOTE !!!!!!
Posted by leo71 (anonymous) on November 3, 2008 at 2:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You're right,eyeonyou,voting on the basis of race doesn't solve anything but blacks aren't the only ones guilty of this,im sure there's some whites that will be voting for McCain for the simple fact that he's white and not his stance on "national security".America is facing some pretty existential problems right now;a faltering economy,enemies around the world who would like to see a world without us in it,a mediocre educational system,etc,etc.We simply have to stop with the factionalism and divisiveness--both black people and white-- if we keep it up we won't have much of a country left to fight over.
Posted by sel36703 (anonymous) on November 3, 2008 at 3:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
All of you will face true change soon and the idiocracy that you proclaim will come soon come to an end. I'm black and I am not voting for Obama solely because he is black and I challenge you to tell me why you are voting for McCain (political issues please not rhetoric) because I can tell you for sure why I’m voting for Obama and its not because he's black. Is the reason you are not voting for Obama because his father is black?
Posted by leo71 (anonymous) on November 3, 2008 at 3:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm black,sel36703,and though I probably won't vote for McCain--for several reasons not necessarily because he's Republican and white-- the jury is still out with me on Barack. Can you tell me why-- if not because he's half Kenyan and a Democrat-- you're voting for him?
Posted by sel36703 (anonymous) on November 3, 2008 at 3:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks for the comments leo71. I was a little concern about the tone of the remarks here and actually thought I would see an objective position from you based on your previsous positions on previous matters. I generally hold high esteem for your comments---I'm happy to see that you are indeed free of bias in this matter.
Posted by leo71 (anonymous) on November 3, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you,sel36703,and I yours. So why are you voting for Barack? Your thoughts may sway me.
Posted by pleasureme (anonymous) on November 3, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'M A CHRISTIAN AND I'M VOTING FOR MCCAIN BECAUSE OF WHAT HE STANDS FOR. OBAMA IS FOR HOMO'S, BABY KILLERS AND HE WANTS TO KEEP POOR PEOPLE POOR. HE HAS NOTHING TO LOSE BECAUSE HE'S RICH JUST AS ALL THE MOVIE STARS AND TV STARS. MARRIAGE IS FOR A MAN AND A WOMAN. NOT STEVE AND JEFF. OR SALLY AND MARY.A LOT OF MIDDLE CLASS ARE YOUR BOSS'S AND ONCE THEY CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY YOU BECAUSE OF TAXES FROM OBAMA YOU WILL BE OUT OF A JOB! AND YOU THINK ABOUT THESE BABIES BEING RIPPED APART OUT OF THE WOMB BECAUSE OF AN ABORTION. WAKE UP PEOPLE THINK ABOUT WHO YOUR VOTING FOR!!!!!!!!
Posted by pleasureme (anonymous) on November 3, 2008 at 4:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
GOD IS WATCHING YOU AND HE DOESN'T FORGET WHAT YOU DO! SO YOU BETTER THINK OF WHAT WOULD JESUS DO????? BEFORE YOU VOTE!
Posted by mccrary36703 (anonymous) on November 3, 2008 at 7:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
HELP HELP HELP!!! I wanted to vote for OBAMA. I heard the same thing that (pleasureme) is saying. But I want a change. Ok if I vote for McCain, homosexuals will still be around and poor people. If I vote for OBAMA homosexuals will still be around, and poor people. SO I think I will go for OBAMA because this man just may make a difference in everybody lives. If OBAMA is elected, he may be the one who could put everyone on one accord.It's POSSIBLE. LETS GIVE HIM A CHANCE!! VOTE DEMOCRAT on November 4, 2008. Let give this man a chance to prove himself. WE can afford a least four years of this man. VOTE VOTE VOTE
Posted by sickandtired (anonymous) on November 3, 2008 at 9 p.m. (Suggest removal)
it's time for a change. vote OBAMA!!!!
Posted by sel36703 (anonymous) on November 4, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Leo 71
Obama is intelligent and dignified, which should be the embodiment of a leader. He's smart not only because he attended Harvard but because he understands the science of organization behavior, constitutional law, bipartisanship, strategic management, and a host of others. All of these things play a definite role on the national and international stage as we face controversies with other nations. I believe that he has the whit to battle with tact. When it comes to national security, America is not in a position to be irrational and quick to battle as we are suffering fiscally and physically. Never before have so many troops done so many tours and never before have the hegemony of the world been at the mercy of the national and international economy. Obama's leadership and management of his campaign alone prove he has the ability to make lemonade out of a lot of sour lemons. Whether you support him or not, his ‘get out the vote momentum’ is evident of his abilities. Also, he has been accepted on the national stage, which is important for America when in the last few years America has lost the respect and sometimes support of so many allies. Also, his tax plan clearly indicates a tax cut for 95 % of America. You are right it is spreading the wealth: Giving tax breaks to those who truly need it and cutting the tax breaks for major oil companies and financial companies who have manipulated the American people for years; it doesn't sound like a bad idea to me. I visited McCain's site and found no tax plan. I have however seen elements of it on CNN & Fox and have found that it resembles Bush tax plan, which has proven to not work.
Posted by sel36703 (anonymous) on November 4, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Also, Obama has maintained a positive character and is a good sport. We all expect politics to be about rhetoric and misleading information, but the outright lies and malicious attracts by Republicans are ridiculous (filing a complaint on the Obama camp for using the campaign plane to visit his dying grandmother, come on people...)Leo there is much more but I fear I'm going on and on. By the way, He is a Christian for all that say he's a Muslim. Also, Obama is not pro abortion; he is pro 'right to choose' the same way God allows us to choose. It is not the government's job to police religion or what someone does with their body. Judgment day is for each of us. Also, no sin is greater than the other. Evoking fear for political gain (i.e. Obama is too radical, he's risky, he's a baby killer, he doesn't believe in the principles of the bible, ect) is just as great as abortion or homosexuality. "God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of sound mind...." I do not need a president for the sake of my religion, I know my relationship with God and if I truly believe, no matter the faith of who is in office, God is still in control. I want my president to focus on national security, economy, education, healthcare, and ect.
PS I make under 250, 000 a year and I have a BA and MSM. I have over 20, 000 in student loans and I need a break. And by no meand am I’m looking for a handout. I have done what was expected of me. I worked and attended college, and now I’m awaiting my American dream promise.
Posted by Bismillah (anonymous) on November 6, 2008 at 12:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To sel36703:
I agree.
I too make under $250,000 and I have EARNED a BS and a MPA. I have over $25,000 in student loans. WE have done what is expected of us and then some. Some people on this Post are just LOST. They are ignorant to truth and afraid of change.
Hooray for Barack OBAMA our new Commander-in-Chief. He was the BEST Candidate for the Job. Change will take time and there will be obstacles but we will persevere.
Peace and Blessings to ALL.
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