Today, I had a 'networking' lunch with three colleagues at Negril Chelsea in Manhattan: NYPD detective (John Jay College trained M.
A.
in Criminal Justice; African-American female); a college professor (Columbia University trained Ph.
D.
in Sociology; Caucasian-American female) and a high school principal (NYU trained M.
A.
in Mathematics Education; Hispanic-American female).
They critiqued my past essays: lauding my writing style and skillfully argued (except for the principal) why Hillary should be the next U.
S.
President.
In turn, I argued (I'm not totally sold on his candidacy but I preferred him over Hillary and McCain) why Obama should be the next U.
S.
President.
In the end, we agreed to disagree..
..
Nonetheless, we had an enjoyable meal - Jamaican cuisine.
Karl: "Who did you vote for?" Detective: "Yesterday, I struggled with my vote.
I wanted to vote for Hillary but I voted for Obama, at the last minute.
Now, I regretted my vote.
" Karl: "Why?" Detective:"I think my vote was wasted.
I believe Republican operatives are hyping Obama because he's more beatable than Hillary in the General Election.
Bluntly, I don't think White America is ready for a Black President.
Like in New Hampshire, they won't vote for him.
In Hillary, she will be able to overcome sexism with Bill's help.
Frankly, I like Hillary.
" Professor: "I have to agree with [the detective].
I think we might have another Dinkins on our hands if Obama should win the General Election.
I don't think they would 'keep him in the loop.
' Colin Powell is the perfect example.
Did you notice his treatment by the Washington establishment?They mistreated a great man as if he was 'a lightweight.
'That being said, I voted forHillary.
However, I would support Obama if he should be nominated..
..
" Principal: "Well, I am not a fan of Hillary despite the conventional wisdom that Hispanics lean toward her.
I was struggling between Obama and McCain.
" Karl: "McCain?" Principal: "Yes, I'm an independent.
I figured if he's hated by Rush Limbaugh and the other 'right wing nuts,' then he must be doing something right.
However, I switched my vote to McCain after I was unable to vote for Obama because of the malfunctioned voting machine.
Actually, I think the machine was rigged against Obama voters.
" Karl: "Did you ask for help?" Principal: "My son unsuccessfully tried to help me but I had to return to work for a meeting.
" Karl: "Where did you vote?" Principal: "I voted in Fresh Meadows, Queens.
" Professor: "Karl, who did you vote for?Let me guess - Obama?" Karl: "Yes, you're correct and I understand your viewpoints.
Howbeit, I think youshould join me in ordering some Kool-Aid - the Obama Kool-Aid.
I want to make you - fervent and fanatic believers in the legend of Obama.
I'm just kidding!I'llorder a Virgin Pina Colada.
"