Let the debate begin! Sound off in the comments below!

“After reading the article “Sexist, Racist, and Ignorant,” there were several things I disagreed with. First of all, I wanted to address the quote from Mr. Delaney. I think it is an easy cop-out to blame the current mainstream “rap culture” for influencing teens and kids to say racist and sexist things. When it comes down to it, it is that person’s own judgment that reigns supreme, and that person knows whether what they are saying is right or wrong. Also, I disagree that people can now easily tell on other people because of the Press. No matter how easy, most people won’t tell on each other, especially if they are friends. Also, I think that just because we are part of an upscale suburb doesn’t mean we are free of racism and sexism. I would rather think that in a mainly white town where most people don’t know anything about poverty there would be more ignorance and racism than anywhere else. Personally, I am half Mexican and I do get offended when I here negative comments about my heritage, and believe me, I do. I have lived in Mexico, and also in three other towns in the U.S. so I have seen poverty, and am not simply preaching things I know nothing about.” – Anthony Brocado

“Everyone is a bit sexist and racist. The question is whether you keep it to yourself. I think the biggest things at Wayland High School are pre-conceived notions about different groups, such as the Boston students or nerds. People make fun of nerds a lot.” – Anonymous

“I believe that racism and sexism do exist in WHS. However, I think that there is far more sexism then there is racism. My freshman year a teacher clearly favored guys over girls. He also didn’t take any action when anyone said a sexist/racist comment. He just let these comments slide. I feel that because he did not say anything to the students making these comments, he is allowing these comments to be said in his classroom. Racism and Sexism do affect the community. Now, lets tackle something that is more common in WHS: Homophobia.” – Anonymous

“I do not believe that WHS as a whole is sexist and racist. I believe that this is the work of individuals seeking attention. I also think that this was done years ago because nobody ever uses these maps.” – Anonymous

“Well let’s see, seeing how racism and sexism exist EVERYWHERE IN THE WORLD, yes they exist in our school. It may not be fully recognizable on the surface, but their underlying tensions still exist in our society. We all like to think that we live in the magic world with candy and lollipops where there is none of this kind of stuff, but it’s true, it exists.” – Anonymous

“Obama is more electable because he’s simply less extreme than Hillary. Quite simply, less people dislike him. Of course you are going to have an enormous amount of bigots; however, a majority of these bigots vote Republican because their party platform responds to their needs. Obama is more electable because he has less Republicans and even Democrats that severely dislike him. This trend of Republicans swinging over to vote for Obama is evident in the primary numbers with Obama receiving many more Republican votes. Either way we have a competent candidate ready to take office and Clinton is definitely more apt to start more rapidly. However, I would rather have a candidate who is less prepared but more able to inspire/get people involved than have a candidate who is experienced but lacks the ability to bring people together.” – James Ivker

“I think Hillary should win. I’m not saying Obama is bad, but I feel like he doesn’t have enough experience to become the president of a country. I’m all for an experienced diplomat who won’t be like George W. Bush. If Obama does win, maybe he will do a good job. We’ll just have to wait and see.” – Anonymous

“Seti, I agree with you somewhat. I doubt any of the candidates whether they are democrats or republicans can change our government’s culture. With respect to Clinton, I really don’t think now is the right time for a female president, and I sincerely mean that. It looks weak right now, and frankly I don’t see her as the type of women to set that precedent.” – Miriam Nathan

“I would like Obama to get it, but I don’t believe he will be able to defeat McCain. So I hope that Clinton wins it even though I’d surely vote for Obama for president… if I could vote.” – Anonymous

“Obama has no chance if it comes down to being between Obama and McCain. McCain will win and crush Obama and save the country.” – Anonymous

“Obama is a kid who doesn’t know what he’s doing. Clinton is sunk. What we’ve got to ask ourselves is, are the Republicans the only party with a little maturity?” – Anonymous

“We need a president who will not participate in the corruption that politics is so useful for and will not honor the shameful tradition of using the presidency to profit and benefit special interest groups.

George W. Bush was an example of someone who took advantage of the presidency. Little to nothing good came out of his 8 years, and lots of bad stuff did. The only difference is that Boeing, Halliburton, etc. have a whole lot more money, tax cuts for the rich, and a huge freaking war without a point.

People who never cared about politics before are going crazy about it now. Why? Because a lot of Americans recognize the dishonesty, apathy, etc. that have been institutionalized by our current “leaders.” That’s why fringe “outsiders” like Obama and Ron Paul (>20% of republican votes in some primaries) are succeeding.

A change in our government’s culture has to come from the top, and Barack Obama is the only candidate I can see doing it.” – Seti Elmasri

“The Clinton’s have already had 8 years in the White House, do we really need 4 more of them? I’m not sure that that is the right thing for the country.” – Anonymous

“Obama would make a fantastic president, plus he can dance like no other!” – Anonymous

“I think that the race is too close to tell. Obama has a lot of younger voters on his side because he motivates people when he speaks, but has anyone noticed that he never actually says anything? Clinton has the older vote. I think she would do a better job, personally. People have to remember that she was the First Lady, and that they’re not removed from politics. Just like all of our parents talk about work, I’m sure Bill confided in Hillary about the machinations of the White House. I don’t know who will become the nominee, but if I could vote, I’d vote Clinton.” – Laura Dulude

“Hillary Clinton; she is less radical, her ideas are more plausible, and she is far more realistic.” – Anonymous

“There are people for and against all the candidates for all their various reasons, and I think that good and bad things will come of each and every candidate. I don’t want to write an essay in this comment box supporting my assertion (and sorry if I offended anyone with the characterization of “ripped apart.”)

But basically, nationwide opinion isn’t always/rarely is concurrent with the heavily Democratic coasts. In the 2000 election, most people in Wayland loved Gore. Bush won. In the 2004 election, most people in Wayland loved Kerry. Bush won. What makes you think that Obama will do better? Because he talks about change?

Candidates can talk all they want, but that doesn’t mean that when they’re President and have the power, they’ll do what they say…they re politicians, even if they may play football with their kids… Clinton has survived in the political scheme of things for a long time; she’s got to have a nice supporter base for that, and alliances with other politicians etc. I think Obama, while his speeches may be nice and his supporters may love him, lacks this.

Also, even though people in Wayland and the Democratic east coast are generally liberal and fairly unracist etc. this doesn’t mean that everyone is. It is a fact that there are conservative bigots out there.

It’s really a race for who can swing most votes from the undecided. Protestants are more likely to forgive a white female Clinton than someone with little experience and has the middle name Hussein.

I think Hillary has a better chance. I’m probably ignorant on many issues though, and as I’ve said before, I’m sure that whoever is President will make some positive changes.

James, why do you think that Obama is more electable?” – Emily Zhang

“Both Obama & McCain need independents, so if Obama wins the primary he will get elected b/c nobody wants another Republican.” – Anonymous

“Emily (See Below), why do you think McCain will rip him apart, I’m actually quite convinced that Obama is more electable than Hillary. I’d like to hear your basis for that statement so I can try to understand where you are coming from.” – James Ivker

“Definitely Hillary Clinton. She has the experience and skill to do a fantastic job as President. It’s about time that a woman ran the White House.” – Anonymous

“McCain is the man. If Obama thinks he can withstand the mighty McCain then he is CRAZY. And Clinton, don’t even get me started…she has no chance.” – Anonymous

“Barrack! Obama! Even if Clinton wins Texas or something else, Obama will still win. Because he’s just better, and America knows it.” – The Awesometeers

“I’d like you to defend the assertion that he (Obama) is going to get ripped apart by McCain. Please.” – Anonymous

“OBAMA!!!!!!” – Stuart Yamartino

“Seems like Obama is going to win right now…but hopefully Clinton will win. Because if Obama wins, he is going to get ripped apart by McCain…which is probably why so many people are voting for him right now anyway…” – Emily Zhang

“Experience is not necessarily a good thing. Clinton has the wrong kind of experience, making bad decisions. McCain is a war-mongerer, and if he drops dead in office he’ll be replaced by his VP. If he chooses Huckabee or someone of that kind, we’ll be in trouble.” – Anonymous

“Hillary has the experience, and the vision that our nation needs to lead us into a prosperous and successful future. She will win! People need to look empty promises and focus on the true solutions for a world wrought with problems incurred by the Bush administration.” – Anonymous

“Ok first of all, if you are going to say something at least have the courage to put your name on it. Also, Barack Obama will win the nomination but McCain will win the presidency because I want Obama and nothing ever happens the way I want.” – Miriam Nathan

“It really doesn’t matter who wins at this point. Hill and Mac have very similar beliefs, so the Dem’s win no matter what. Which means taxes will go up and this country goes in the toilet.” – Anonymous

“Obama has got the support of the people. Too many people just hate Hillary for no good reason; she’s a good candidate, but she’s unelectable. She would be a good VP though. Obama as President and Hillary as Vice President would be a great choice.” – Anonymous

“Now Is the Future Vote Republican: McCain” – Anonymous

“Clinton all the way, baby…” – Anonymous

“Doesn’t matter who I think will win or whom anyone thinks will win, it’s the issues, who people think will do the most good and why that matters. If you vote for whom you think others will vote for it doesn’t make sense in the end. If people do that then no one is voting based off the issues, but instead are voting based off what other people might think when no one is actually thinking about who they want so no one is really thinking at all.” – Anonymous

“I am going to have to side with Hilary on this one. She has much more experience.” – mtino12

“HILLARY ALL THE WAY BABY!” – Anonymous

“I don’t care as long as they beat the Republicans” – Anonymous

“BARACK OBAMA 08″ – Anonymous

“Obama!” – Anonymous