Saturday, October 11, 2008

How Can We Even Have A Discussion?

If everything is going to be labeled as racist, how can we even have a discussion?

I am so disappointed in the ridiculous statements by Congressman John Lewis.

Rep. Lewis compares McCain to Wallace
WASHINGTON, Oct. 11 (UPI) -- U.S. Rep. John Lewis, a Democrat that Republican presidential nominee John McCain has hailed as a hero, has compared McCain to segregationist George Wallace.

Lewis was elected to Congress from Georgia after years as a civil rights activist. McCain praised him in his book, "Why Courage Matters," and said in an appearance at an evangelical church that Lewis is one of "three wise men" he would seek advice from if elected president.

In a posting on Politico, Lewis, who supports the Democratic nominee, Barack Obama, accused McCain and his running mate, Sarah Palin, of "sowing the seeds of hatred and division."

"George Wallace never threw a bomb," Lewis said. "He never fired a gun, but he created the climate and the conditions that encouraged vicious attacks against innocent Americans who were simply trying to exercise their constitutional rights."

McCain called Lewis' posting "shocking" and "beyond the pale."

"I call on Sen. Obama to immediately and personally repudiate these outrageous and divisive comments that are so clearly designed to shut down debate 24 days before the election," McCain said.

An Obama spokesman said the Illinois senator does not believe McCain is in any way comparable to Wallace. But he said Palin's rhetoric is "baseless and profoundly divisive."

1 comment:

Stella by Starlight said...

According to your post, an Obama spokesman concurred with McCain. I was glad to read that and think Lewis was beyond the pale in comparing McCain to Wallace.

I wouldn't go so far as to compare McCain to Wallace, but I take exception to his "You probably didn't know about Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac..." comment to an highly educated African-American audience member, which I found extremely condescending.

Later, McCain pointed to Obama and uttered the infamous "that one" statement. I did find his behavior at the debate bordering on racist.

And the Palin rally? I still find her annoying, dangerous, and ignorant, but would in no way categorize her or rally members as racist because of two people.

You are absolutely right, Maggie. Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.