So, on the 5 minute commute to work each day, I often end up listening to 5 minutes of Rush Limbaugh. 5 minutes is usually about all I can take.

Today, Rush was up in arms by the news that Barack Obama’s mother’s ancestors may have owned slaves and what would it mean if he were elected President? Usually, I get all up in arms about whatever nonsense Rush is espousing. But my only reaction was “so what?”

Now, don’t get me wrong. Slavery is a heinous, horrible stain on our history and should not be marginalized or dismissed. But, come on! Just about every person in this country with roots back to the Deep South pre-Civil War is either connected to a slaveholder or a slave. It’s hard to get around it. While most of my ancestors weren’t wealthy enough to have a slave, I’ve tracked at least one ancestor who had at least one. I hardly think that, 6 generations later, that is a reflection of my values or beliefs!

By the way, John McCain and John Edwards also have connections to slavery. Of course, Rush didn’t mention that one of the Republican Mr. McCain’s ancestors had at least 52 versus Mr. Edwards’ 2…….

So, at least one of Barack’s maternal ancestors owned slaves. So did mine. And?

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