The one issue that media does not do a very good job of covering this election is the possibility that presidential nominee, Senator Barack Obama, faces a heightened risk of assassination. Perhaps if the subject is ignored, journalists and American citizens feel that this very present possibility will not manifest itself. Or, no one wants to deal with the stickiness of prejudice, racial segregation, slavery and the racial divide all present at some point in our country, either past or present. Either way, skirting this issue is wrong. Not only do people whisper quietly about this horrific possibility, but it is a real fear for many Illinoisans.

                  
Andrew, 22, an avid Obama support says that he was on his toes the entire time he watched the DNC in Denver. "I kept thinking, he is in the middle of this huge arena, vulnerable. He practically had a target painted on his back. I kept waiting to hear a gunshot or mass hysteria to arise." Andrew is not alone in his thoughts either. The Secret Service is also aware that more precautions must be taken to protect Obama on the campaign trail. In Denver, they foiled an assassination plot on Obama by three members of a white supremacy group. The men were stopped outside of Denver in the city of Aurora. In their possession were two rifles, high-powered scopes, ammunition and meth. In the weeks following, Obama canceled his appearance at the much touted Bud Billiken Parade in downtown Chicago. While scheduling conflicts were sighted, local media outlets pointed out that with the recent arrests in Denver, there was no way for the Secret Service to provide Obama with adequate protection.

        
While many can only speculate on this subject, or merely avoid it, it raises important questions about our country and its citizens. For instance, despite the abolition of slavery and affirmative action laws, how alive is racism in the United States? How far has our country really come since desegregation? And, if such a horrific scenario were to become a reality, would a race war break out from coast-to-coast? As the election nears and our new president takes office, these questions will all get answered (whether we want them to be or not). Any way you look at it, November 4th is going to be a historic day in our country. It is something our children and grandchildren will read about in their history books—but you do not need me to tell you that.

Perhaps you are still struggling to wrap your head around this taboo topic. Go ahead and shun me for talking about the unthinkable…But, it is a pressing matter. Still don't believe me? Then, go and GOOGLE the phrase "Obama Assassination." You will find endless websites, videos, forums, etc. that are dedicated to this very subject. Yes, some are hate groups that welcome the idea of inflicting harm on someone based on the color of their skin, but others provide great insight into how having the first African-American president in office will benefit this country (saying that the risks of an assassination are well-worth the change Obama can bring to office). Either way, this is an issue that cannot be ignored.