In the wake of President Obama's personal comments on race and the Trayvon Martin shooting, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) said Sunday that the president's remarks were 'impressive' and the country still has a long way to go in addressing racial inequalities.

When McCain lost the 2008 presidential election to Obama, the Arizona senator mentioned race in his concession speech saying that "America today is a world away from the cruel and frightful bigotry of [a century ago.]. There is no better evidence of this than the election of an African-American to the presidency of the United States."

But on CNN's 'State of the Union' Sunday, McCain said that "we were probably too optimistic' after the election of the nation's first African-American president.

"I think old prejudices die hard," he said. "We have made significant progress, but I think recent events highlight the differences that remain."

McCain also said he doesn't question the jury's decision to acquit George Zimmerman in charges related to the death of Trayvon Martin, but said 'Stand Your Ground' laws throughout the country, including Arizona's, should be reviewed.

The distinction of ethnic origin, my Northern friend is not out of context. Every group identifies their origin. All who are born in America are truly Americans. It's all about what word you choose to make that identification. When I first wrote, I didn't call myself Negro, yet you decided that's what you wanted to label me as. It doesn't really matter what you call me as long as you treat me fairly. Here is a fact you probably have not considered...Africans were the only ethnic group brought to this country against their will. Now that we have made our contribution to building this nation, free labor to the economy, fighting in wars to secure and protect freedoms, we are considered a burden to "Americans". Africa is the land of my heritage but not of my birth. I reject anyone's response to go to a land not of my birth simply because I recognize that dark skin color is perceived by some as inferior and undesirable.

Well, lets see--I think Negro is a lot nicer than the other 'N' word you guys call yourselves. American is American is American. "against their will"--yep agreed but you weren't so it's really not a argument--slavery is gone and no one owes anyone anything from 150 years ago. You're the one that said dark skin made you feel less an American so that says you aren't that happy here therefore go where you will be is the thought that comes to mind. Can't blame anyone for not though---I wouldn't want to go one of those sh*t holes either. Also I never said you were inferior or undesireable. Lose the chip on the shoulder.

Like I said, it doesn't matter what you call me as long as I am treated fairly. If I feel that Black people in America are denied access to the economic and social benefits of this country, I have a responsibility to express it. Contrary to what you think my friend, slavery is not gone; not as long as there is no official apology for it. The indigent people of America have been apologized to, the Japanese have been apologized to for their WWll detainment, why not the Americanized Africans? Slavery is a crime and if it is not recognized as a transgression against an ethnic group victimized by it, then slavery and its mentality still exists. Africa was not always a s*hole, at least not until the West tried to carve it up and exploit its resources. That is what has made it undesirable and inferior to being somewhere better. It is no chip My friend of the Great White Way, it is a yoke and your only solution for resolving it is to send us back. 150 to 300 years ago I would agree with you but today I reject that solution. I'm staying and saying.

Well, lets see--I think Negro is a lot nicer than the other 'N' word you guys call yourselves. American is American is American. "against their will"--yep agreed but you weren't so it's really not a argument--slavery is gone and no one owes anyone anything from 150 years ago. You're the one that said dark skin made you feel less an American so that says you aren't that happy here therefore go where you will be is the thought that comes to mind. Can't blame anyone for not though---I wouldn't want to go one of those sh*t holes either. Also I never said you were inferior or undesireable. Lose the chip on the shoulder.

If I might join in...

What's with 'the other N word you guys call yourselves'?

When they use that word about each other, it doesn't stand for degradation, as it does when you (we) use it. Get over it...don't use it; don't even refer to it.

The white man abducted these people 400 years ago, and deprived them ever since. There was no chance for their decent education until about 1965.

We destroyed their family unit for our own commercial convenience, and even now, we try to keep them from voting.

You wouldn't want to go to those sh*t holes, but you don't mean to insult--just his entire culture and heritage.

Pardon me for barging in, it just seemed so uninformed, and so unjust.

I'm gone new...

If I might join in...

What's with 'the other N word you guys call yourselves'?

When they use that word about each other, it doesn't stand for degradation, as it does when you (we) use it. Get over it...don't use it; don't even refer to it.

The white man abducted these people 400 years ago, and deprived them ever since. There was no chance for their decent education until about 1965.

We destroyed their family unit for our own commercial convenience, and even now, we try to keep them from voting.

You wouldn't want to go to those sh*t holes, but you don't mean to insult--just his entire culture and heritage.

Pardon me for barging in, it just seemed so uninformed, and so unjust.

I'm gone new...