The recent flap over what were interpreted as coded, abstract or insinuated insults regarding Barack Obama’s electability as a black candidate brought up a much deeper issue. The issue is relevant today more than ever as Jim Crow laws have long ago been ploughed under to clear the way for a cleaner playing field and now work is being done on keeping the weed population at bay. Weeds in this case are what’s left of centuries of one segment of society being allowed exclusive rights to freedom, upward mobility and power sharing. Like all areas that were once untouched, weeds in the expanded playing field are a constant struggle and have to be tended to lest any progress revert to former traditions.

With the elections this past November the country was transfixed on which way the wind would blow politically. Would this be a referendum on President Obama and Democrat policies? Would the Republican party make a comeback? Would the Tea Party protests make a difference this time around? Would Sarah Palin have an impact?

Few Americans dispute the fact we live in a country which savors freedoms and liberties. Often taken for granted, we have so many choices. We can conversate with who we choose and when. We communicate online with whomever we wish barring few exceptions. We can send mail to almost anyone. We can hear from any and all political parties during presidential elections - given they're Democrat or Republican.