Most of you have probably caught wind of this story, and I'd like to know your thoughts. I am tremendously unqualified to write about political issues, so please forgive me for that.
WASHINGTON - Prominent Democrats defended Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid Monday after a new book revealed racial remarks he made about Barack Obama during the 2008 presidential campaign. In a private conversation reported in the book, Reid described Obama as a "light-skinned" African-American "with no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one." Reid apologized to Obama on Saturday, after his remarks appeared on the Web site of The Atlantic. Reid issued a statement apologizing for "using such a poor choice of words." He added, "I sincerely apologize for offending any and all Americans, especially African-Americans for my improper comments." The President issued a statement accepting the apology and saying the matter was closed.
Well.
OK, We all say really dumb things. It would be nice if dumb things weren't published, but it happens, and they can and do swiftly end political careers (Trent Lott).
I suspect this matter will dissolve, since it appears as no Democrat wants to challenge Reid to relinquish his post.
Let us break it down: regarding Mr. Reid's conclusion that then-candidate Obama would be electable...because "he is a light-skinned African American (as opposed to a charcoal-hued African American?)
with no Negro dialect (as opposed to, well I'm not sure there is a word for the opposite, only Mr. Reid would know), and then..
Unless he Wanted to have one?(I'm drawing a blank here, what, that he will and should alter his dialect to please his audience? My attempt to stay unbiased stops here.) Reid may as well have gone on to say (and maybe he did)...the flaws that kept Jesse Jackson from succeeding in the political arena. He was too black.
Wow. We have come a long way, haven't we?
Yes, I am given to hyper-sensitivity with racial issues. I am offended. Any employee where I work would, and should, be fired on the spot for comments much less despicable than Mr. Reid's. Zero Tolerance.
I have not listened to any talking heads on the issue, but I can imagine the debate. How do the writers even begin to come up with a "talking-point" defense?
And I have wracked my brain. There are no "better" choices of words to serve as a salve to the "poor" choices of words with which we were assaulted. Are there?
Oh, how I wish President Obama would have immediately and justifiably chastised Mr. Reid. President Obama does not deserve to just disregard the appalling insult and "take it for the team". We want better for our Commander-in-Chief.
I am sad.
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I agree that it is sad that such comments are being made...esp. by people in high standing. I applaud Obama for taking the high road. No sense on jumping on that band wagon.
ReplyDeleteMean, hurtful,hateful and negative thoughts truly only hurt the people that say them or think them.
Another blatant example of the "double standard" in politics. It would be interesting to see what the media would have done with this story if a conservative would have said this. I agree with Angela that these comments are unacceptable and it is unbelieveable that Harry Reid is still in office.
ReplyDeleteHe won't be in office for long. His approval rating in Nevada is 33%.
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