A good editorial on this subject was published in the PD today -

We still aren't in a post-racial society

Disrupt IT

I can't think of a more mean-spirited, ignorant blog as this one.  "PD editors have shown their tacky Republican colors" - the Plain Dealer endorsed Obama, and Peter Jones, and etc.  ALL DEMOCRATS!!! And you give a Cheers to keeping your signs in your yard? That anyone is a Republican is a "neo-con" and a coward?  Are you nuts?  Way to be a graceful winner and bring people together.  Sounds like you hate quite a bit.

And then you accuse the PD of being racist because LeBron opened his mouth and messed up his facts, which he deserves.  He messed up facts that are taught to kids in high school regarding American History.  He messed up on facts that concern is own personal backround.  And you say there should be a threat for legal action?  You say that this is a Uncle Tom reference?  LeBron is a 24 year old kid that plays basketball for a living.  That's what he should stick to.  Who is the real racist here?  You think any short-coming, any ignoramous action that an individual commits, that it's the white man's fault, that atheletes and black people deserve special treatment?  You want standards lowered, you want to take other peoples property, all in the name of racism.  How will we have equality when the other side hates so much?  How will we have equality when one side gives and the other side does nothing but take?  How? Quit taking and give.  That will make us equal.  As John Kennedy stated, "ask not what you country can do for you....but what you can do for your country."

Obama got elected by white people.  The majority of people who voted for him did so because they wanted change....change that would make the country better.  Blacks represent roughly 14% of the population of the U.S. and more than 95% of them voted for Obama.....mostly because of race.

I support Obama, even though I didn't vote for him.  He is our President-elect and I want what's best for America.  I want him to succeed!  I didn't vote for him, not because he was black.  I didn't vote for him because he was in only his third year in the senate.  He lacked experience and I feel his spending tax cuts would hurt the economy and my family.  That doesn't make me a racist!  That makes me a proud, free-thinking man!  You should be the same.

Knowing Norm for a number of years now, and all the civic work he has committed himself to in NEO, as his friend it would be remiss if I didn’t jump in here to re-butt.

Freedom32, I appreciate your taking the time to energetically comment on Realneo.

Quality civic debate rests on honesty, and anonymity hampers in that regard… blog posts and comments that are made above the names of real persons in our community tend to avoid wasteful confrontation and at the same time lend credibility and persuasiveness to the opinions posted.

For example, when you write that you are “a proud, free thinking man” – without logging in to Realneo as a user with your own true name – how are you demonstrating your pride, or your freedom of thinking ? (no need to get to manliness).

Challenging Norm “to be the same” (free thinking proud man) as you, smacks of brick bat blogging, which is what folks like J. Murray (over on Fresh Brewed Daily) does, and which I sense you might be swaying towards here on Realneo.

On the other hand, don’t you think that Norm going after the Plain (Dirty) Dealer for their editorial positions, and signing a real name to his free speech (as Norm always does), is what fair and equitable civic debate is all about?

Productive discussions towards a quality, connected, civic space have a positive tone - allowing all the participants in the discussion a way and a willingness to “sit down together for coffee”.

You’re invited!

I don't think LeBron James is stupid. I have been watching him since he gained fame in High School. I am not a basketball fan at all but someone who cares about kids. I felt concerned for him, a young boy plunged into super celebrity status, with wealth and fame and all the tragedy they can lead to. I have been impressed, in general, with the maturity he has shown for his age. He has not only managed to stay out of serious trouble, but he has shown a desire to be a good citizen with the election. I am confident he knows that slavery ended in the 19th century, not 50 years ago, as his comment was interpreted to mean, but I think he was referring to slavery as it is part of all African American's heritage.

Unfortunately, I don't have time to address other aspects of this posting and comments.

Welcome Freedom (but, please use a close approximation of your name)!!!  To avoid monologues, we need the other side of the coin.  Thanks for logging on. You make some valid points, and I appreciate that you can make yourself heard at RealNEO.

But,remember, the SNL skit :) Dan Ackroyd's regular reply to Jane Curtin? At least, we are still talking, but name-calling does get old and I've had my share of it. Please leave the eggs and stink bombs at home.