Well, I'm a little bit disappointed.

I got this in my mailbox this morning from Richardson's former campaign. The crux of it: vote for Obama.

During the last year, I have shared with you my vision and hopes for this nation as we look to repair the damage of the last seven years. And you have shared your support, your ideas and your encouragement to my campaign. We have been through a lot together and that is why I wanted to tell you that, after careful and thoughtful deliberation, I have made a decision to endorse Barack Obama for President.

We are blessed to have two great American leaders and great Democrats running for President. My affection and admiration for Hillary Clinton and President Bill Clinton will never waver. It is time, however, for Democrats to stop fighting amongst ourselves and to prepare for the tough fight we will face against John McCain in the fall. The 1990's were a decade of peace and prosperity because of the competent and enlightened leadership of the Clinton administration, but it is now time for a new generation of leadership to lead America forward. Barack Obama will be a historic and a great President, who can bring us the change we so desperately need by bringing us together as a nation here at home and with our allies abroad.

Earlier this week, Senator Barack Obama gave an historic speech. that addressed the issue of race with the eloquence, sincerity, and optimism we have come to expect of him. He inspired us by reminding us of the awesome potential residing in our own responsibility. He asked us to rise above our racially divided past, and to seize the opportunity to carry forward the work of many patriots of all races, who struggled and died to bring us together.

As a Hispanic, I was particularly touched by his words. I have been troubled by the demonization of immigrants--specifically Hispanics-- by too many in this country. Hate crimes against Hispanics are rising as a direct result and now, in tough economic times, people look for scapegoats and I fear that people will continue to exploit our racial differences--and place blame on others not like them . We all know the real culprit -- the disastrous economic policies of the Bush Administration!

Senator Obama has started a discussion in this country long overdue and rejects the politics of pitting race against race. He understands clearly that only by bringing people together, only by bridging our differences can we all succeed together as Americans.

His words are those of a courageous, thoughtful and inspiring leader, who understands that a house divided against itself cannot stand. And, after nearly eight years of George W. Bush, we desperately need such a leader.

To reverse the disastrous policies of the last seven years, rebuild our economy, address the housing and mortgage crisis, bring our troops home from Iraq and restore America's international standing, we need a President who can bring us together as a nation so we can confront our urgent challenges at home and abroad.

During the past year, I got to know Senator Obama as we campaigned against each other for the Presidency, and I felt a kinship with him because we both grew up between words, in a sense, living both abroad and here in America. In part because of these experiences, Barack and I share a deep sense of our nation's special responsibilities in the world.

So, once again, thank you for all you have done for me and my campaign. I wanted to make sure you understood my reasons for my endorsement of Senator Obama. I know that you, no matter what your choice, will do so with the best interests of this nation, in your heart.

Sincerely,

Bill Richardson

Okay. Nicely worded, he eventually was going to endorse someone (though I'm willing to bet this is the first time ever when candidates have really wanted the governor of New frickin' Mexico to endorse them), blah blah blah.

But...seriously: are we picking our favorite candidate based on their stance on racism? Or are we just picking them based on their race? Either way is utterly idiotic.

It's not 1962 anymore. Yes, there is still racism and yes it sucks. There will always be racism. As long as there are different races there will be racism. That's humanity for you. As long as there are differences between groups of people - nationality, religion, race, political beliefs, whatever the hell else, some people will be upset at the existence of 'not us'.

If we want to really make meaningful change and really get equality, here's what we've got to do: Focus on the real social issues. Attack poverty, do away with idiotic 'faith-based' initiatives that encourage separatism, funnel as much money and time and effort as humanly possible into our schools, improve urban infrastructure, make the government more accessible - then we'll start to see progress.

Or you can be Senator Obama, make lots of speeches about "Look at me! I'm black(ish)! Therefore I have a deep and natural understanding of the racial issues in this country! You should vote for me because I'm a charismatic black man! Policy? Uh, I'll get back to you on that! See how many college kids have hard-ons for me?"

I accept that at this point, it's almost a given that he'll get the nomination. I'll vote for him, probably, because...we'll, I'm not going to vote for Nadar or McCain, and Obama is the least obnoxious of all of them. But I'm not going to be happy about it, because Obama's busily promising us another four years of the same ineffectual bullshit.

*sigh*