President Obama in Springfield, IL

[EmeraldCityGrl]

During the early 90's I spent three long years living and raising three sons in a small town on the outskirts of Springfield, IL.
One of the reasons I moved was the concern I had raising my sons in a community that still harbored profound racism.

I wonder how many people remember Springfield as the location of one of countries worst race riots in 1908.
http://library.thinkquest.org/2986/

Because of that experience I always felt it so appropriate that Obama launched his campaign from Springfield. I understand the
personal and historic connection he feels towards Lincoln, but have always wondered if he became familiar with the community
during the years he spent there.

[liberalmuse]

1. His Commerce Secretary joke was genius.

I know I needed that, and so did America. I LOVE this man.

[stillcool]

3. that was the best!..

could he have said anything better?

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. Yes, sadly racism was alive and well

in central Illinois. My mother grew up in a small town east of Springfield and they forbade people of color to be in town after dark. Even when I was a kid in the 50s and 60s I remember the civil rights demonstrations against housing discrimination. I am hoping that, in the 21st century, racism will cease to exist.