2008.10.18
John McCain is no George Wallace, but...
Sorry, gang, I've been slow in the saddle this week, so I'm just catching up on the John Lewis brouhaha that caused blog newcomer Jim, er, Joe Crow to brand the civil rights icon a "Black Fool."
Most of you know that John Lewis, an Obama supporter and a veteran of the civil rights movement, last week compared John McCain's campaign tone to that of segregationist George Wallace, the former Alabama governor and 1972 presidential candidate.
Lewis said he was “deeply disturbed by the negative tone of the McCain-Palin campaign. What I am seeing reminds me too much of another destructive period in American history. Senator McCain and Governor (Sarah) Palin are sowing the seeds of hatred and division, and there is no need for this hostility in our political discourse.”
I agree wholeheartedly with Lewis in regard to the ugliness spewed at Republican campaign rallies, with shouts of "Kill him" directed at William Ayers, and racial slurs directed at a member of the media. One can't discount the context in which Lewis speaks. He had his head bashed in by Alabama state troopers on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., in 1965, during a march that turned into "Bloody Sunday."
That said, to summon the name of George Wallace in any implication with McCain is a stretch. Wallace, before a few bullets changed his outlook on race relations, was a strident racist. McCain, Senate butthole that he is to many of his colleagues, has never been linked to racial animus. In fact, he's been the target of it.
What Bush, Rove and cronies did to him in South Carolina in 2000 still reeks. They spread rumors that McCain had a black love child. (So what was good enough for Strom Thurmond was bad form for John McCain?) That was red meat to the rocket scientists in South Carolina. It sank McCain's presidential bid. In actuality, the McCains adopted a beautiful child from Bangladesh.
Also, before McCain sold his soul to the less-enlightened segment of "the base," he dissed the flying of the Confederate flag in South Carolina. (It may be your heritage, but it's my symbol of oppression.)
Truth is, McCain has no record to speak of on matters of race. I find that better than someone who has an ugly record. At least a person with a blank slate may be open to progressive ideas--unlike somebody like Trent Lott, who has made his entrenched racial views crystal clear.
Yes, some of McPalin's political rallies have fomented an ugliness that shouldn't be tolerated and should have been tamped down on from the dais. But no, in good consciousness, I can't equate McCain with Wallace.
In the words of America's greatest president, "there you go again". First of all the claims of the supposed shouts of "kill him" have been completely refuted and discounted as false by the Secret Service, so you need to stop spreading that lie.
Gleaned from various reports on the so called "incident":
"But agent Bill Slavoski said he was in the audience with an undisclosed number of additional secret service agents and other law enforcement officers and he believes no one heard the comment.
“I was baffled,” he said after reading the report in Wednesday’s Times-Tribune."
If this isn't a perfect illustration of the term "Drive By Media" I don't know what is, and it appears you, Ms. Flowers, are a member in good standing.
Secondly, I did not brand Rep Lewis a "loser", but a "Black Fool", for making divisive, disgraceful outrageous, and now provably false claims regarding crowds at McCain-Palin rallies. As a matter of fact, I believe I invoked hero status for Mr. Lewis in my remarks, although I think stupid, divisive and unsubstantiated logic he espouses like this greatly reduces it in my view.
So please get your facts straight and don't put words in my mouth. The term "Loser" came from you.
You want to talk about ugliness? - I must ask you again, what in the hell is THIS in PG County, MD with a business owner who "DARED" erect a McCain-Palin sign on his property?
From a news report:
"By daybreak, pandemonium had broken loose all across heavily Democratic Prince George's County. Many local supporters of Democrat Barack Obama, jolted by the message as they headed down Branch Avenue on their Monday morning commutes, grabbed cellphones and BlackBerrys to notify friends. Operators of neighborhood e-mail group lists cried foul to their memberships. The NAACP logged calls. Community leaders demanded boycotts of the hotel, a common venue for Democratic events."
Is this America or Nazi Germany? Again this validates a previous post I made with regard to free speech being in danger, and liberal blacks seem to be leading the charge.
What about a 7th grade girl in FLA called a racist because she dared wear a Sarah Palin T-shirt??
The ugliness seems to be coming mostly from your side Ms. Flowers, but as usual, news of it suppressed and dimissed.
I do stand corrected. "Black Fool" is much more appropriate. If the presidential cops said it didn't happen, then it didn't happen. As for your fixation on what I think of black people in Maryland, I'll hearken back to my earlier response: Does anyone ask Cal Thomas and Michael Gerson their take on all matters white?--s
Comment by Joe Crow — October 18, 2008 @ 11:19 am
The worst thing for our economy now would be to elect Barack Obama with Pelosi speaker of the the House and Reid in the senate, the democrats will control the entire government!
Do NOT believe Obama will lower taxes. Congress will never let him do it! Remember Reverend Wright said he would "say anything to win an election."
There will be no way to save money again, every business will face exorbitant tax rates, you will pay inheritance and capital gains taxes. Businesses will hire no new people. A LOT of "small" business are over $250,000 - grocery stores, car washes, restaurants, private schools andeven plumbers if they own the company!
They will censor the Internet, and end talk radio. They will take your 401K and put it into the government social security system. This economy will crumble - no investment, no new jobs, no savings, no one spending money. Its a nightmare.
Comment by Paul Motter — October 18, 2008 @ 3:10 pm
Less than enlightened?I happen to think the "base" actually does research and is way more informed on issues than these people who can't even give you one good example of leadership Mr.Obama has.Can anyone?I can give you several on McCain and Palin.Yes that's right Palin as well.
Mrs. Bryant, because you haven't been reading my blog long, you're probably not familiar with my occasional penchant for subtlety and nuance. (Just as I wasn't really saying that everyone in South Carolina is a "rocket scientist." Quite the contrary.) When I use "less enlightened," I'm typically referring to bigots. "Less enlightened" is a kinder, gentler way of saying that. Let me assure you, I wasn't referring to you.---s
Comment by Mrs. Bryant — October 18, 2008 @ 3:56 pm
Shanna I am sure you went to the Obama rally as I to see the man that might be President. I went as well I had to park some distance away all in all it was a great time to be held. Yet when I spoke to one young Black Man and told him my opposition to Obama, his disposition deteriorated to less than stellar.
When I relayed my experience on my hometown radio station WDIA, let's just say I wasn't surprised by the callers thoughts of me.
One caller said I was an embarrassment to the Black Race, another I was an ignorant S.O.B. another a flunky to the man, then one caller called me the N-Bomb and said had he been with the guy he would bashed my head in because Obama wasn't there for me and I should pray he don't know me because I don't have the right to be Black.
I respect each callers right to freedom of speech, yet the lack of moral decorum by the station to reign in callers by telling them each person is born with inalienable rights that should be respected, if I was living in Memphis would I be concern... with a murder rate of 153 for the year yes.
Have Black Americans in Memphis forgot what Martin Luther King, Jr. lived and died for in Memphis it's apparently so.
With people knowing my opposition to Obama I would exercise my Second Amendment Right "legally" to defend myself...
Being harmed in Memphis or here in Virginia for my political views by someone White or Black is absolutely wrong, I do believe in self defense and the Death Penalty.
Fearing my fellow man for a basic ideal is prehistoric.
Comment by Backlash — October 19, 2008 @ 2:44 am
Shanna, I think what the hoorable representative Lewis was speaking was right on, even if the George Wallace comparison was a bit off target. Except for his attempted blocking of the Dr. King holiday, McCain could even be considered race neutral.
However, while watching the last debate, I saw in McCain a person who seemed to be extremely frustrated, agitated and a bit uncomfortable in this element. I applaud McCain's service to this country, but, I think his time is past.
With Obama, I see the hope and dreams of people who want a positive change in the running of this country.
As for the people who predicts gloom and doom with an Obama presidency, I have the words of another great president, one FDR: The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.
What to vote for in this election is crystal clear: we can vote for the fear of the past eight years or we can vote for the hope of a better world. I tend to believe my glass is half-filled as opposed to half empty.
Comment by Shaun — October 19, 2008 @ 6:57 am
We as a country should be celebrating the first African American presidential candidate and the second female VP candidate! My children are going to view elections differently than I have my whole life.
The real point is that all candidates and their supporters should speak out again bigotry. My aunt said she could not vote for a black man, and I didn't scream racist at her, I just said, hey wait, is that a fair thing to say in this country?
And I have heard ugly things from friends about Sarah Palin, and again asked them not to speak that way about any woman.
All the candidates need to be evaluated for their stands on issues. This is a critical election. We don't need to snipe about who is more bigoted. We need to stand against all bigotry, whenever and wherever we see it.
Comment by specialneedsmom — October 19, 2008 @ 8:10 am
John McCain/Palin no George Wallace...of course not. Just as John McCain is not George Bush. However, he does represent his policies, not the man. Same thing with the McCain (mostly Palin)rallys. The reference was not so much to George Wallace (we miss the point). The reference was to the "hate speech (terrorist,Muslim,kill him) and the anger that such entails. John McCain nor Sarah Palin said these things. However, their speech was inciteful and you cannot the behavior of others. As for the young man/woman who attends an Obama Rally to show your non-support of the candidate...something is wrong with your judgment. Stay away from the rallys and vote for McCain/Palin. Simple as that.
In defense of Backlash, a "he" who is a Navy veteran: I respect his decision to attend Obama's rally. That way, he can hear directly from the candidate why he DOESN'T earn Backlash's support. I think too many people in our country are unwilling to listen to anyone with whom they disagree. It's smart business to know how the opposition thinks. One of my conservative correspondents turned me on to Thomas Sowell. I don't much agree with what Sowell says, but I REALLY enjoy reading him because he's thoughtful and makes me think. So a high-five to B'lash for attending the Obama rally.---s
Comment by Sheila Ann Lamb — October 19, 2008 @ 1:39 pm
I guess you can't equate McCain with racial politics, but you sure can place Obama squarely in the middle of it. With Michelle's comments along with Wright's and endorsements from Farrakhan and cavorting with Ayers, well let's be nice and just say he's nowhere near the center.
Regarding the Confederate flag, there are many who would say the US flag is a symbol of oppression. Remember the Native Americans? And it took 100 years after the Confederate flag flew no more in battle for minorities to get equal rights. So, we need to make sure that we do not place an undue burden of guilt and blame on Confederate memory.
Comment by Jim — October 19, 2008 @ 2:01 pm
As was pointed out earlier, there were no shouts of "kill him? directed at Barack Obama. That was proven to be a figment of a (Democrat?) reporter's imagination. Where is the Democrat anger about that reporter’s lie?
The Democrat talking points include accusations of Republican "ugliness that shouldn't be tolerated." However, if you really are interested in where that kind of ugliness is, you need look no further than the the Democrats' despicable attacks on Governor Palin, some of which cannot be printed in a respectable publication. It is interesting to see Democrat outrage over a false accusation of ugly behavior toward Obama and a very few instances of individuals in crowds shouting bad things about Obama, while Democrats are silent about a massive, extremely ugly smear campaign aimed at Palin.
It's an interesting double standard, to put it kindly.
Comment by LRS — October 19, 2008 @ 4:20 pm
Division, an "us v them" mentality, instead of "we" will be the undoing of this country.
Switching gears as it were think on this. Bundling contributions, in PAC from organizations we see the following for Barack Obama:
Goldman Sachs $691,930
University of Ca $611,207
Citigroup $448,599
JP Morgan Chase & Co $442,919
Harvard University $435,769
Google Inc $420,174
I have lots more in the same vein, but surfice it to say, failing banks contribute, and does this say they are not threatened by Obama? Why does a compant give ANY political canidate $700,000. and what is expected in return?
Neither canidate is "speaking" to or for me, and I talk to few people who have made up their mind.
The millions yet to be spent by these 2, in what unlimatly
a power trip, could feed a lot of hungy people. Their reality is not current, and I fear never will be. Retoric is just that,and a figure head, as it were can do litle, unless surrounded with
"specialist", who have the greater good in mind. Quite the opposite of what we have now, but without Bush, we would be unaware, and given that we must effect change, else we are doomed.
Comment by Dona Wheeler/Roanoke — October 19, 2008 @ 5:51 pm
specialneedsmom:
We need more folks who think like you do. I couldn't agree with you more.
Comment by Mike — October 19, 2008 @ 6:53 pm
Sheila Ann Lamb I have the right to go any where and be at any rally I please...
This not 30's thru the early 60's where a Black man would be hung for his opinion or a racists area in Texas or Louisiana.
Your comment based on the lack of knowledge The Civil Rights of People have fallen short with me.....
your ideals are no better than some of the citizens of Memphis.
Comment by Backlash — October 19, 2008 @ 7:22 pm
I read your article and was really sad to see that an election causes people to write such horrible things. When everyone should get along in this world to make a better world for us and our children, it is really disappointing. It starts when someone is not kind and says unkind things about others. Do we want this in this world? Do we not want to get along? Can people talk anymore without hate? We only have one life and never know how long we will be here. Please be nicer to each other, you will be a winner in others eyes.
Comment by Lanie — October 20, 2008 @ 12:10 am
LRS writes: "These justices are so radical"
Justices of ANY court are required to function under EXISTING LAWS and requires those before them in court to function under the existing laws. Just because a "few" demand to rule the majority based on spiritual constipation does not negate the job descriptions our system of government nor its laws.
It is not a judge's job to determine what law they do or do not like, it is their job description to HONOR existing laws to hold all accountable TO those laws and not to someone's personal hoped for loop holes.
LRS consumes Kool-Aid hooked up to an intra-venous drip.
Comment by Eric — October 20, 2008 @ 12:23 pm
No one can name a white liberal that Powell has endorsed because there is none. He criticized Sarah Palin for lack of experience, but endorsed a totally unqualified candidate in Obama. How could he endorse someone who disagrees with him on most issues? Two reasons: Obama is black (that's the primary one). Also, he's bitter towards President Bush. Finally, 95% of blacks are voting for Obama. Whites are divided. Who here is basing their vote on race?
Comment by Randal — October 20, 2008 @ 12:26 pm
Here we go again blacks not getting what they want so they play the race card. Maybe George Wallace should run again, bet he get's more votes this time.
Comment by michael ohanian — October 20, 2008 @ 12:30 pm
Hate to break this to everyone..but until Ross Perot, George Wallace received the most "3rd party"votes for president in History..I lived in Alabama..I met George Wallace and his wife,,Lurleen who was also Alabama governor..and John McCain is no George Wallace...it is rediculous an obviously ignorant for anyone to think otherwise..
Comment by Larry — October 21, 2008 @ 5:32 pm
Boy i tell ya if Obama gets in ..your gonna have 4 yrs of the race card played daily..bummer!
Comment by Larry — October 21, 2008 @ 5:34 pm
I find Gen. Powell's endorsement of Barack Obama for President, to be an honest and to-the-point assessment of the McCain/Palin campaign, as well as the general direction of the Republican Party, at this point in history. I don't believe his endorsement is whole hearted, but a frank consideration of the candidates.
I don't believe for a second that Powell endorsed Obama for the fact that he's black. Nor is it the thought that a black republican would have to choose between party and race. It's just a realistic assessment conducted by a wise and experienced public servant.
Having been made a spectacle at the UN, in the service of Mr. Bush would be a valid reason for a little payback, but I believe Gen. Powell is above that.
Comment by Shaun — October 21, 2008 @ 5:36 pm
Shanna,
When I saw Powell I was comforted, and it made me think. His wife, I believe was the one in his life who suffered from depression. And then someone sent me a youtube, John McCaine/rage, and I knew with certainty I would never vote for him.{I emailed you about this} And the I read a thing about a short term connected with the date Nov 4, and well I am still searching....as many are for the truth.
Comment by Dona Wheeler — October 21, 2008 @ 5:37 pm
I do not think about race in this presidential election...I think about experience!!! Now, if it was Powell and McCain...that would be in itself a tough choice! Both have been in wars...Both defended our country!!! Yet, in all do reality we will have a president no matter what choice is made to be in the drivers seat to our futures!!! All of this hatred I am seeing scares me and it shows me that I was right all along when I would sit back and watch people be kind and then have the face and procede into anger of destruction to all man-kind!!! We have to learn to give and take and make do with what we have and to expand it to better things for our youth and in all do reality for us that are growing older as each day passes! I personally enjoy living in peace!!!!! Allow your gut to make your choice for you in this election! For very seldom is it wrong and when we allow our minds to become bogged with negative we seem to always make the wrong choice for all concerned!!!! Also, these issues of race...Look past the flesh and look more at work put forth for all of us by an individual on an individual basis!!! And yes, I have not finihsed my rambling for today...Life it is what you make it so make it a good one for all people to benefit from and those that will be born in the future!!!
Comment by Bev Bishop — October 21, 2008 @ 5:40 pm
Backlash,
I'm so sorry that your unpopular position as a black Republican has drawn so much rage against you, but, please, get over it! You're not really surprised by people's reactions if you've been a die-hard Republican all your life. Ignorance of any kind is wrong and sad and violent reaction to one man's opinions is unjustifiable, but you come across as one of those people who says things to get a reaction. Don't be shocked when it happens. And please tell me what in the world your belief in "self-defense and the Death Penalty" has to do with this discussion!
PS: Please edit your comments before you post them. You make yourself look very ignorant when you write incomplete sentences and use improper grammar.
Comment by Lo — October 21, 2008 @ 6:03 pm
Lo who said I was a Republican genius? To date on any of Shanna's political postings you are the first person to use Party Affiliation Character Assassination which would make the readers of her column wonder why?
Yet still I could care less for bigoted idealism no matter the race. I posted comments made to show the disparity in both racial groups. And what happens when you chose to be different and make my your own informed opinion in a community. You might have to accept that we all think differently.
But why would you post bigoted verbiage as casual as "you wipe your nose on your sleeve"?
Which will leave many wondering, did you get permission to get on the internet from an adult or you assumed you were old enough......
I mean really haven't anyone taught you not to run around with scissors?
Tsk. Tsk. you have my sympathy.
Comment by Backlash — October 22, 2008 @ 10:08 am
From the time Reconstruction ended in 1877, until the mid-60's NOT ONE former state of the Confederacy elected a Republican Govenor, US Senator, or Congressman. Also, Republicans in the legislatures in any of these states NEVER numbered more than 5 until the mid-50's. In VA, there were TWO Republican state senators in 1944, and less than 20 Republicans in the 100 member General Assembly as late as 1967. During this time,the DEMOCRATIC state legislatures invented and passed the "Jim Crow" laws and "Black Codes". The US Senators that filibustered and delayed EVERY Civil Rights bill that came up were DEMOCRATS. Just a few FACTS for consideration.
Welcome home, PK. Now here's the deal. Those guys weren't exactly Democrats, as we know them today. They were "Dixiecrats." Fed up with LBJ's civil rights initiatives, they leaped at the chance to bolt the party. Because of Nixon's Southern Strategy, they found a home in the Republican Party. In other words, PK, whether Democrats or Republicans, less progressives of either party have balked at attempts for equality. Of course, you know all of this.--s
Comment by Percy Kution — October 22, 2008 @ 10:09 am
While Backlash may not have perfect grammar, his posts are well thought out and his ideas are effectively conveyed. We don't need to throw darts over spell-checking to get noticed and anyone who has a problem with a few misspelled words needs to get over that.
Comment by Mike — October 22, 2008 @ 10:10 am
It’s very cute of you, Backlash, to respond to my comments with petty insults of your own. I will take the high road and do my best to respond you as the adult you fail to respect me as.
First, forgive me for assuming you are Republican, if I am wrong. I came to the conclusion based off of many of your well thought out ideas (and for the record, I do agree that much of what you say is well thought out). If I am right, then you wasted your words.
Second, your decision to call my comments “Party Affiliation Character Assassination” and “bigoted verbiage” does nothing more than prove me right when I say that you are an instigator who enjoys getting a rise out of people. I would love to know what it is exactly that I said that qualifies as “Party Affiliation Character Assassination” and I’m sure you look forward to telling me.
Third, you accuse me of casually posting bigoted verbiage and I can only assume that you decided that because you think I am intolerant of your opinions. Let me clear that up for you: my problem is not with your ideas or your political affiliation, whatever it may be. I respect everyone's right to their opinions. My problem is with your approach. Many of your comments come off as less informative than inflammatory. If I’m the only person who thinks so, then so be it. I will NOT apologize for being turned off by the way you say things.
Finally, it’s interesting to me that you would be so offended by comments when you seem to incur so much opposition. I think it was really beneath your obvious intelligence to imply that I am not an adult simply because you disagree with MY opinions. I guess bigotry cuts both ways. Is it that I found YOUR button and pushed a little too hard????
Having said all that, I, too, offer you my sympathy. I’m not so sure I’m the one who needs it. And, for the record, my comment about your grammar was a courtesy to you, not an insult. Do with it what you will.
Comment by Lo — October 23, 2008 @ 1:03 pm