BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor
On Tuesday, November 6th, voters re-elected the 44th President of the United States. For the second time in history, Barack Obama has been chosen as the President of the United States.
Marvin Knight said, “I just thank God for keeping His armor over the people and the United States of America. It’s not man, it’s not money, it’s His will. So for all of the people who believe that we are a stronger force united than divided and through that we can make all things possible. The people all across the board, different status and professionals, we made a great impact that will help mold our direction and I’m thanking everyone.”
Ms. Ann Jenkins said, “I cannot express the way I feel right now, I am so full of joy and happiness that our President is in there for four more years. I kept saying, when God is for you, no man can harm you. I want to take this time to thank all the supporters, volunteers, and organizations, who got out there and stayed on course. I experience the beauty of what register to vote and get out to vote mean. I saw young adults who never voted before, registered and in record numbers came to the polls and early voted. They were brought by their mothers, fathers, grandparents and themselves.”
Danny Green said, “First of all, I would like to congratulate President Obama for winning another term. And, I want to say thank God that all of the negative ads are off the TV. Now, it is time for us to look forward to the next four years and the President moving the country ahead, as he has stated.
“I believe that America can now breathe a little easier. The fears that surrounded healthcare, the fate of the middle class, the national deficit, and unemployment, of course, have not yet been erased; but, because of this victory, there is hope. I am hoping that Congress and the Senate support President Obama for the next four years, as he carries out his plan of progress for America.”
Ms. Ann Porter said, “The 2012 Presidential Election is now over. This was certainly a historical event. There were millions of dollars spent and much time and energy donated. We, the American people have spoken, and elected President Barack Obama for an additional four years.
“There is a strong believe that we will receive better health care, education and training, climate change scientific initiatives, better jobs and entrepreneurship, social security and Medicaid. We must demonstrate our individual efforts as we move forward to advance our economy. God has again blessed America.”
Billy Wheeler said, “My greatest wish is that, when the election is decided, our elected representatives stop the chronic hyper-partisan obstruction, bickering, and posturing. I pray that they will begin to work together for the good of the country and abandon all pledges, platforms, and schemes of those who promote division, economic imbalance, and extremist policies. If not, I call on the citizens to take note and hurl them out of office at our first opportunity.”
Maurice Kemp said, “The Presidential election campaign ads of 2012 further demonstrated the unquestionable power of mass media to shape public opinion with or without the use of facts. Very little help was given to assist voters in their effort to make the most educated and beneficial choices for themselves and their fellow Americans.
“In particular, the election commercials, produced by very shrewd public relations specialists, were designed to sway public opinion by appealing to emotions — mainly fear — instead of engaging their audience to critically think about the important issues.”
James Ransom said, “The two campaigns along with “Super PACS” spent approximately $6 billion dollars on television ads alone. No amount of money spent on television ads could make anyone who already committed their vote for President Obama to change. I am ecstatic about President Barrack Obama’s re-election.
“He proved once again that when people have common interests and common goals for the greater good of everyone we can even elect and re-elect a president whom happens to be an African American.
“The contrast of the Romney supporters compared to the Obama supporters was clearly revealed the disconnect between the Democratic and Republican parties. There was a more genuine and realistic tapestry of diversity among the crowd of Obama supporters, which reflected true cross-section of America. Romney’s concession speech was gracious.”
Fire Chief Tom Forward said, “”Four More Years”, that’s the voice of the electorate from both the popular opinion and the Electoral College. This is a testimony to everyone that made the effort to discharge “their” civic duty, get out, and vote. Yes, your vote/voice does count! Now let us continue to pray for all those in leadership position that they will do what is best for this nation as a whole. Be Blessed.”
Dr. Louise Vincent said, “It was a good race. But I have said it before and I will say it again, GOP has to change the way that they do things. It is time that they address the needs of ALL people. This is a different country than it was 20 years ago. They can no longer good ol’ boy there way into the Oval Office using voter suppression and other tactics. If the GOP is not willing to re-evaluate and re-assess their core, it will be a lot longer than 4 years before they see the White House.”
Howard Harris said, “Surprising about 48% of Americans voted for Mitt the Liar. He famously stated that 47 % of Americans do not pay income taxes. Yet he advocated cutting income taxes by 20% to fix the economy and create jobs. He knew that such a tax cut would not put one red cent in the pockets of the 47% who do not pay income taxes and would only benefit his wealthy friends. Even the one armed African Americans-those beltless youth who use one arm to hold up their pants-realized that Mitt was a liar and showed up to vote. President Obama has the right formula for creating jobs: The spending of tax dollars to put Americans to work repairing roads & bridges, teaching our children and re-educating the unemployed.”
Robert Collins said, “The American People have spoken loud and clear that this country is a better place when we recognize and respect the value, ideas and opinions of all Americans. God bless America and God bless our President, Barack Obama!”
Gerald White said, “I’m extremely pleased and overwhelmed with pride that the President carried Hillsborough County. It speaks volumes for people in our community to support the President. It’s a win-win for the president and the people in the community. The heavens have spoken, it’s a great day in America.
Ms. Denese Meteye James said, “After standing in line in the rain and finally arriving at the desk to begin the process of exercising her right to vote, the problems began for my daughter Tonya. First, her name was not listed, so she completed the required document to proceed to the next step, again standing in line only to find another list without her name, this despite having a new voter’s card and proper identification. She was asked to return later as the phones to the Supervisor of Elections office for verification were down. We refused and finally she was allowed to cast her ballot. As we were leaving, we were reminded of the radio interview we heard between Steve Harvey and the President on the drive to the poll encouraging voters not to allow obstacles to prevent them from voting. We did not because we knew there were better days ahead and we were right.”
Ms. Evangeline “Van” Best said, “Praise God for the re-election of President Obama! It feels great knowing that everything that I did what came to my mind to do “in doing my part” resulted in me expanding my territory.
“My experiences included ensuring my family, extended family, neighbors and friends were registered and ID’s were current; volunteering with a variety of groups including the NAACP, the Democratic Party, the Obama Campaign Office; monthly electronic donations; and other ways of helping out.
Ronnie Moorer said, “When we prayed, and God answered our prayers. He chose President Barack Obama to retain his presidency. He ( God ) knew which candidate would lead and put the ” United ” back into the ” States of America. And yes, it may have cost “billions” of dollars, but if it will bring peace and unity to us all, it will be worth it.
It’s not about the Democrat or Republican Parties, it about serving the people who put them into office. ‘Let’s move Forward.’”
Dr. Samuel Wright said, “AWESOME! I am proud to be an American. The American people stepped up so President Obama could have another four years. Although many people of color and whites supported the President, Black people and women, in particular, must realize what an impact we all can make in any election, not just the presidential race. Believe it or not, every Vote counts!”
Emile C. Commedore MD, JD said, “President Obama’s historic re-election means that the Affordable Care Act (health reform) is here to stay. America has the greatest medical technology and best-trained providers, but that is of no consequence if one cannot afford healthcare.
“Now, the working poor will benefit from the expansion of Medicaid, people with pre-existing medical condition will no longer be denied insurance and more Americans than ever will have access to quality healthcare.”
Bill Sims, who volunteered as a Team Leader for the Obama Campaign said, “I must have knocked on hundreds of doors. I’m happy President Obama won and I’m really glad that it’s over. I’m going to have a tee shirt made that says, ‘Obama, so nice you won it twice.’”
Mrs. Marie Tarver White said, “Thank you Jesus that he won and he was ordained for this purpose.”
Ms. Ella Coffee said, “The President understood that winning in 2012 took preparation beginning in 2009. He began his ground game work then, and WE must learn from that and build upon the infrastructure. There will never be an excuse that we cannot accomplish great things in this city, county or state.
“Several media outlets including print, acknowledged what I have said for quite some time. Whichever way Hillsborough County goes so goes the state and the White House.”
Jimmie Wright said, “”For We walk by faith, not by sight,” “step by step,” in Jesus Christ’s name. We are one nation under God from the foundation of the world.”
Keto Nord Hodges said, “My take on last night’s election: As a lifelong Democrat who has voted since I became of age as well as a volunteer with Obama for America, I am pleased and impressed with last night’s victory by President Barack Obama 303-206.
Several things are notable: President Obama was able to win the popular and electoral vote comfortably even before Florida was called late. He won most major swing states. His coalition of white, Black, Hispanic voters, etc. may be even stronger than in 2008 despite the popular vote being closer. This election showed that Americans are largely moderate. Gov. Romney did not poll anywhere close to President Obama during the campaign until he re-cast himself as a moderate.
“With Black and Latino voting blocs becoming a minority/majority in the next few years the GOP had better wake up, get some common sense, and start embracing inclusive politics, instead of continuing to present itself as a party of rich, old White Southern and Midwest men.”
