Dread, I really must caution you about your many references to the"race" non-issue.
Having been born and raised in the State of Texas, I think I can understad your vehemence on this non-issue.
Why do I call it a "non-issue", you might ask. Well, I call it that because since the1960's we have had a body of Federal Law that addresses the rights and priviledges of ALL US Citizens, not just those of minorities.
When you accuse someone of being a "racist" you insult both that person and our "Law of the Land" by not perpetrating the philosophy of "Equal treatment under theLaw".
I won't deny that there are still many people in all States who are bigotted and self-righteous, but believe firmly that they are in a very small minority realative to the total population. Moreover the only ones whom I see/hear blowing the "Race" horn are the same ones who have always done so.
For the most part, these are people in very small towns who are bigotted against everyone and everything that is not as they are themselves. There were many in Iowa, Ohio and other Central US states who wouldn't vote for Romney simply because he is a Mormon. It ist hese types of people, who have a very narrow, tunnel-vision view on everyday life who have kept the "race" issue alive and unwell for the past 50 years. For the most part, these people haven't traveled outside of their small community references at any time in their lives and thus, have a very narrow perspective in everything.
The "race" issue will die a natural death if you just leave it alone and allow people to educate themselves through the natural proces of osmosis and introspection.
I don't think there was a more bigotted person alive than myself in my youth (around 15) until I was exposed to the many other peoples I was forceed to live in close contact with during my Military Career. Believe me, I had a helluva time of it for awhile until I opened my eyes to Who others were and where they came from. That was a very important educational process for me, but I did learn from the experiences I had.
it's just that some people can't shake off the experiences of their youth and have become a bitter pill to take as a result.
Think about what I have said real hard. Maybe, just maybe, you can perform a social metamorphasis and join the rest of the human race to which we all belong.

Texas Bill, thank you for a well reasoned, soothing post. that said, i beg to differ with you when you say that race is a "non issue". how can it be a non issue when 9% of americans admitted to pollsters that they would not vote for a black man? if 9% admitted it freely, you know that the number is more like 11-13, given the fact that some people, by sheer embarrassment, will not admit it. so it is an issue. and it is decisive, given the close nature of elections. any political party which starts off with 12% of the vote gratis is off to a flying start. they do not have to work to convince voters. while the opponent fights for the undecided vote , they cruise ahead with a free cushion. and, as to GC talking about the race card from the bottom of the deck; hey, dude, it is not me who says i would not vote for a black, or white, or purple candidate. i am just repeating what the news outlets say. i do not make this stuff up. you might not like it, but that is no reason to shoot the messenger. if you find this kind of thinking acceptable, then don't say i am dealing race cards. if you find it unacceptable, speak out against it. but it is not a topic to use for tarnishing other people.

Dread in your case we will use "the coded" domino when referring to this annoying habit you have....even if the word does not appear think Slimy when you see it and try to imagine the noise and flourish as you slam it on the table....It will be the dirty little secret of those in the know or as we say " the cognoscenti "

what annoying habit GC ? telling the truth? hey, man, i am not telling secrets here. racism in america is not imaginary. it is not something that malcontents fabricate. it is documented. it declined somewhat, but it never went away, and never will. you might not like the fact that i make referrence to it from time to time, but, even if i do not speak on it, it will exist. i have to wonder where you stand on racism when you make such statements. the evidence is there. 9% is not a drop in the bucket.

From time to time ?

the issue of race in american elections was not introduced by me in this thread. someone else alluded to it, and i am only concurring. always remember, GC, Edgar Allan Poe did not invent horror; horror invented him.

OK Dread but keep that slimy thing in your pocket and dont be traumitizing folks with it

who gave you the impression that my thing is slimy? and, if you are referring to your so-called race card, why should it traumatise adults? it is a reality of life. it is something we have to confront on a daily basis. if we do not confront it, it will confront us!

I have been told by the girls down at Parque-Independencia....But I was referring to the domino you also keep in your pocket

Dread, I will put the number to as high as 20%, the coded word is "white blue collar worker with only high school education " I think also there is real generation gap as well, young under 35 will vote for Obama, where the 50 and plus will align with mcsame no matter what. I got news for Texasbill racism still exist in america, my wife is mexican she has lived in Texas before.