Reid, Blagojevich to Black America: "I am sorry"
Mainstream media and the Internet started to buzz over the weekend when Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV.) apologized publicly for a private comment that he made about Barack Obama. Reid described then-candidate Obama as a black candidate who could be successful thanks in part to his "light-skinned" appearance and speaking patterns "with no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one." The President quickly issued a statement that accepted Reid's apology, but Obama should have demanded Reid to resign. Of course, Obama does not want this unexpected news story to slow down his ambitious plan to reform the nation's healthcare system.
I am curious if Black America will accept Reid's apology so quickly. His comment about Obama reveal the paradigm that Democrats have of blacks. Clearly, Reid believes that candidates should be "light-skinned" for them to win elections or that black candidates have to be dark-skinned to attract black voters. Neither assumption have any validity. Furthermore, the fact that his comments were spoken in private should cause all voters to wonder what else is discussed behind closed doors. Reid's comments remind me of a question that Malcolm X once asked ... "Do you know what they call a black man with a PHD..."
NAACP and Sharpton both accepted Reid's apology. Attorney General Eric Holder placed a special call to Reid and offered his support. Unquestionably, if any white member of the GOP would have made a similar comment in private, Sharpton and Jackson would be outraged. Republican Senator Trent Lott was chased out of office for his racial comments, but the Congressional Black Caucus is preparing a campaign to demonstrate how much Reid has fought for black voters on social justice issues and to counter-attack the GOP. The same group that chased Lott with pitchforks are embracing Reid with open arms.
Why do Democrats get a pass? Many blacks either do not know or choose to ignore that the Democratic Party is rooted in slavery, secession, and segregation. The Democrats now want to the be the party of "Black America", but the Republican Party fought to end the expansion of slavery, secure voting rights for all men, and to preserve the union. Liberals are now trying to create a socialist plantation with the expansion of government programs and the introduction of national healthcare. Blacks only need to look at a history book to be reminded that all slaves on the plantation had free healthcare, free food, but no freedom.
I have been attacked by black Democrats and called an "Uncle Tom" or a "sellout" for being a registered and card carrying Lincoln Republican. Is it okay to demean or slander blacks as long as you follow the Obama Democrats? When the GOP claims a "double-standard" on race issues ... they are correct.
I am more than just another "negro" from East Winston that learned how to speak well. I am a leader that is committed to fulfilling my purpose, achieving my vision, and making a contribution to the world. Mr. Reid, your apology to Obama was a good first step, but you also should apologize to Justice Clarence Thomas for your comments five years ago when you stated that his opinions are "poorly written" without being able to provide one example, you should apologize to all Americans for your actions that clearly divide and do not unite our country, then you should resign.
"Blago" is back...
In a completely separate story, outsted Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was quoted saying, "I am blacker than Obama" in an interview with Esquire Magazine. "I shined shoes, I grew up in a five-room apartment, and my father had a little laundromat in a black community not far from where we lived. I saw it all growing up," he said.
Of course, we have to consider who is making these remarks, an ex-Governor that seems to embarrass himself publicly like clock work. Blagojevich quickly apologized, "what I said was stupid, stupid, stupid," he told NBC.
Blagojevich's comments simply reveal an underlying paradigm that many people have of Black America. Does every black American have to come from a struggle? Yes, I grew up in an environment that was full of personal struggles, but I have no intention of allowing my daughter to come from the same environment. Does that make her less black?
For the record, Obama lived with his grandparents in a two-bedroom apartment ... take that "Blago"!!!
Categories: Community, Politics, Culture
Tags: algenoncash algernon reid blagojevich black obama naacp sharpton negro
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Great Post!! I'm an independent myself, though I felt like Obama was the best candidate for our previous election. As for Reid, it doesn't suprise me. Born and raised here in the south, I've experience racism, even to this day. Reid just said what most senate members were probably thinking to be quite honest. Maybe he should resign, but I don't think it would make a huge difference either way. As for Blagojevich, he continues to want to be the center of attention. His ridiculous remarks simply show us how a number of black people think. It all boils down to the point of: It's not where you from, it's where you're at and where you're going..... SEE YOU AT THE TOP!
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Good article Algenon. I have a real problem with your comparison to Trent Lott though. Mr. Lott basically said he was "proud" to "vote" for a segregationist candidate. I am not excusing what Mr. Reid said in any way but it is important to put it in the proper context. We all know that what Mr. Reid said is probably 90% true. The fact that we think it was politically incorrect does not change the truth. Also, your assertion that blacks are "blinded" by the Democratic Party and we support them because we are eager for some "socialist" handout system is incorrect in my opinion. Black people are not a monolith. We are just like every other race politically. Personally I am fiscally conservative and socially liberal (as I think most people are regardless of race). I put different weights on them depending on the circumstances. The Lincoln Republican party unfortunately has been adopted by those who supported the exact opposite of the party’s foundation since the 1960’s. In fact the very candidate (Strom Thurmond) who Mr. Lott voted for and publicly supported stating that the country would have been “much better” under continued segregation left the Southern Democratic Party and joined the Lincoln Republican party as a result of the Democratic Party’s push to champion Civil Rights for minorities. Mr. Thurmond was so vehemently opposed to Civil Rights for minorities (mainly blacks) that he famously filibustered for 24 hours to prevent the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1957. Correctly or incorrectly to many, the mission statement of the modern Republican party was written by the Strom Thurmond’s of the world. The Republican faces may change but the heart and mission do not. Just like you go to Chick-fil-A for chicken sandwiches, you go to the Democratic Party to support justice and opportunity for minority and underprivileged communities. You can provide me with all of the “charitable” Republican Party examples you want but at the end of the day most of the legislation they support helps those who financially would be fine without it (97% of those people tend to be non minorities). It is also important to note that the laze fair ideology that promotes unbridled capitalism as a way to cure America’s ills is the exact ideology that allowed, supported and institutionalized chattel slavery for over 400 years. A system that leads to the belief the blacks were inferior and separate, which ironically was the premise for Mr. Reid’s unfortunate choice of words. I have had the pleasure to get to know you over the past few years and I would defend you to anyone (black or white) who would insult your character because of your party affiliation. You are a good human being trying to make a difference and that is all that is important to me. No one deserves to be harassed because of their political views. I am sure though that you at least understand, given your intellect and talents, how some can not reconcile your political affiliation with your race.
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If you want an example of of a "poorly written" decision by Mr. Clarence Thomas please see Batson v. Kentucky. Illogical assertions based on the evidence provided and ironically his contention that everyone had been "swayed" by race when it is clealy evident that he was the only one affected by race in this case. Check it out.
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Hey, Algenon,
Thoughtful piece, however, calling for Reid's resignation would be so contrary to Obama's nature (and good sense). The President has again shown the tremendous advantage gained by taking the high road.
Even as a dyed-in-the-wool Republican (well, except for those Libertarian years of my youth!), I applaud the President and anyone else who walks the walk of personal virtue and integrity.
Later,
Clarke
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