Another awesome video.
I actually live in texas and can explain the “texas two step” a little better. It is a common misconception that you get to vote twice. The truth is that if you early vote or vote on “super tuesday” that vote only counts for 2/3rds of the delegates. then you have to go back on super tuesday and get there by 7pm to caucus, which counts for 1/3rd of the delegates. The caucus is kinda like a neighborhood meeting where you sign in and write who you are voting for and get the chance to actually sway some folks who are undecided.
Alot of people in texas had never heard of a caucus before. I think in the last election cycle
(I think it was a local election) only 30 people showed up state wide. This time hundreds of people were caucusing in hundreds of precincts in Texas. and alot of the polling locations were not prepaired at all. I was informed of my rights through the grass root efforts of the Obama campaign and I was able to tell others too. I had never caucused or heard of it before ither, but my friend is a political nerd and asked me to go to an Obama meeting and thats how I learned all of this way before 4 march and I got involved.
Your political rights should not depend on word of mouth. I think our system is antiquated and is some left over jim crow shit for real. I mean really if you lived in some rual town in texas right after black folks finally got the right to vote (remember this is just after reconstruction) and not only had to vote your private ballot and then had to go back where everyone could see your face, write down your address for all to see and who you were voting for would you do it?
You are basically giving those who would harass(read lynch) you for your political views your address, and depending on which form you sign in on, because they ask addition questions,like your age and sexual orientation,marital status and gender ect. You are giving out too much personal info for 1/3rd of a vote. Especially since some people in texas act like its 1965 not 2008.
It can be a scary thing if you think about it in terms of the legacy of jim crow, which is technically over, but we are still dealing with its after effects. I thought about that when I was early voting and at my caucus, I thought about all the folks back in the day who wanted to vote, but were too scared and those who were scared and did so anyway.I thought about all the folks who died for my right to vote. Although it was a little inconvient I left my house at 6:30pm and didnt get home untill 11:00pm I figured it was the least I could do to honor those who made my vote possible.
I’m sorry my post was so long. I’m getting off my soap box now.

this was awesome.

I love Granpa’s predictions and his views of “the white power structure.” You better just be involved and be pro-black and about OBAMA. We love him at Too [INSERT SUPER DOPE WORD] For Words!

Lovely,

Thank you so much for talking about the “two step”. I felt like it was something left over from old times as well. It screams of voter disenfranchisement. Thanks for weighing in the way you did. No need to apologize for the long blog it’s necessary.

Fabulousssss. You know we’re proud you back here in MA Shelley Nicole. Keep up the good work. On to PA…..Your Uncle Richard

Shelley Nicole continuing the political legacy begun by your grandparents!! Excellent work keep on keepin on… can’t wait to hear about PA. Priscilla

Thanks Lovely for all the insight and wisdom. Although I was out of town (and had to finagle a “real” address in order for my vote to be counted), I too caucused this year for the first time.

I thought of my great grandfather who voted in Texas every year that he could, only to find out later that all of his ballots were thown out and not counted.

I thought of all my ancestors, known and unknown, who risked (and sometimes lost) life and limb in order for me to have the opportunity to vote.

I thought of Obama and how much tender, triumphant hope I have in him.

I also thought of the leaders of my parent’s generations who were so systemically murdered when they made a stand and shared their voices.

We are in such a precious, holy time. Thank you Shelley Nicole for continuing to walk the path of political power and for documenting it for us all to see.

Baby I love ur site, I’ve watched all ur episodes and I’m lovin it. Especially seeing how its the only way I get to see my favorite family member (don’t tell ur sisters I said that. Anyway hon hope I get to see u soon, and I love ur hats Hanifah.

yay! ya’ll featured my girl, shelley nicole AGAIN!!! shelley and i went to osu together and we had a fabulous time partying and politicking! i’m so glad that you all are talking about my home state. even though they sorta disappointed me… people are talking about politics and the issues and that’s most important. keep up the GREAT work, ladies! i LOVE U people!!!!