I do believe that some of what Obama said was nothing but political rhetoric. I also believe much of what he said was the absolute truth. There is still racism in America. Chels' story is but one example. This racism causes anger and a chasm that needs to be filled. That chasm must be filled by everyone, not just one side or the other.

I had the pleasure of experiencing racism in TV on Monday night. A friend called to say he was in the area and could visit for a few hours. I picked him up in the Miata and we drove to Applebees so he could say hi to Jess. I took him back to his vehicle by I-75 in Wildwood around 10:30 that evening. I was pulled over on Buena Vista. I wasn't speeding, had run no lights or stop signs, made no illegal maneuvers, my car was legally tagged and, so far as I know, the Miata was not on any "hit list." I can only assume I was pulled over because I had a rather well-muscled black male in the passenger seat. While it was not confirmed this was the case when I specifically asked, I was told that it was policy to pull over cars that were "questionable." Gee, never been pulled over before in TV in my car. "Just doing my duty, ma'am. And what's your business in The Villages? Isn't it kinda late to be driving around?" EXCUSE ME???? Ken is holding my arm, trying to calm me down. I'm ready to get out of my car and read the cop the riot act. As it was, I'm sitting in my car muttering quite a few deprecations under my breath. Had Ken not been in the car, I would have not been saying things under my breath. I would have been blasting this cop with every ounce of my being. Of course, I wouldn't have been pulled over had Ken not been in my vehicle.

After I was given "permission" to leave, Ken and I talked about what happened. He was used to it. I'd had it happen before in California about 20 years ago but not since. My friends are my friends -- their color, sexual persuasion, sex, size, etc. are irrelevant. To think that someone I care about is used to being subjected to police harassment simply because he is a man of color makes me sick to my stomach and brings tears to my eyes.

While Obama may not have wanted to say what he did and while there is no question it was politically motivated, it was needed. People need to understand there is a lot of anger in this nation. The riots of the 70s may never occur again but the anger that fueled them is certainly very much alive. Until the day comes when the color of someone's skin truly doesn't matter; when we all say we are first and foremost American rather than German, Irish or whatever even though our families are at least one generation removed from the proclaimed "homeland;" when women actually make the same wage for the same work; when equality is more than just a word but a true way of life, the words of Obama and others like him are needed. I just hope that those who think all is well and that equality is here hear what was said and take it to heart.

So, I will stand by my comments that Obama's words were not crap. I just wish we could all get past the politics that caused the words and feel shame that they were needed.