The (non-GOP) elephant in the room

There have been enough assassinations, and thwarted attempts, of United States presidents in the country's history that every candidate for the office is well aware that they're a potential target. That goes for any candidate, regardless of party or policies or race or gender or sexual orientation. Presidents are famous, and there are always kooks out there who would cut them down them simply to get some fame-by-association.

That the risk is higher for Barack Obama is something that hasn't, to my knowledge, been brought up very frequently in the mainstream media - although it has certainly been a topic of conversation among family and friends and, I'm willing to bet, millions of people around the world. I think no one wants to bring it up too publicly for fear that speaking the words too loudly will make them come true. But the fact is, Obama's mixed-race identity makes him a target for lunatics with a particular racist bent, in addition to the garden-variety lunatics that might ordinarily take a shot at any president.

I was reminded of this grim fact when I read this story, outlining an actual plan that was derailed, thankfully, by the authorities. Seems like the two neo-Nazi losers behind this plot had little chance of success (even they acknowledged that they'd probably be the ones eating the bullets), but it's nonetheless chilling to read about the depth of racial hatred they felt, and the violent steps they were hoping to take in order to satisfy it. 

It's disheartening to think of Obama and his family, on the verge of a historic victory, having to keep these terrifying scenarios in the back of their minds. If he becomes president, he'll have no shortage of incredibly complex challenges to face right out of the gate. A real shame that, as long as he is in office, he and his Secret Service team will probably also have to face the stupidest and most basic ones, too.