George Allen and dividing and conquering
Senator George Allen has taken a lot of heat in the last few days because he referred to a demonstrator who was apparently working for his opponent as "macaca," which can be interpreted as an insult meaning "monkey," or worse-a racial slur (the demonstrator was of Indian background).Here is the context of Senator Allen's remarks.
Now I have a confession to make: I haven't yet decided who to support for the White House in 2008 because I never like to make that kind of decision before the field is closed, but I like George Allen quite a lot. I have always thought highly of the man because he has been unafraid to say things that make people uncomfortable. He has especially been outspoken in standing up for States' Rights (he once called the Late War "a four-year struggle for independence and sovereign rights.") and for pro-life issues. Allen's conservative credentials simply can't be questioned. These kinds of positions make me more likely to support the man, not less. The day such a man is sworn in as President of the United States, I want to be at the inaguration and I think the Marine Band should play Dixie and God Save the South-it would be sweet revenge for Appomattox.
Rob Huddleston even has a new blog up in support of Allen and tackles the issue of Allen's apparently off-the-cuff remarks at a tour stop in his latest post.
The problem is simple here. I don't think Allen meant to be racially insensative or harmful to that fellow (who was acting silly by all accounts), but that is not the point. I am a believer in States' Rights and Compact theory as much as the most ardent member of the paleocon Old Right, but this is still 2006 here. It isn't just for the sake of politics that we ought to desire the lack of racial bigotry-we ought to desire that because all men are equal in the eyes of God and we have come to recognize that. I think Senator Allen does too, but we must be careful of the things we say and do in the most conservative of conservative circles, because it does not matter that harm was not meant by words and actions, all that matters is that the Enemy seeks to divide us so that they may conquer.
(Hat tip: Kleinheider)
posted by Deacon David Oatney @ 7:24 AM
9 Comments:
he didn't MEAN to be racist? that guy is a moron..and to fall back saying that he overheard his staff say the words.. and meant shithead instead?
you want to vote for this bigot?
please....
To certain of our Leftist friends, anyone who does not accept their vision of the world is a bigot.
Agreed. Of the candidates, I have also been most inclined to support Allen due to his classic Reaganesque conservatism and appeal as a speaker and candidate. We'll see, but right now Allen is in the lead in my book.
Regarding racism, yes... I have a post on my blog regarding racism and the two parties somewhere... the Republicans have traditionally been the party of racial liberation and equality. Anyone who truly believes George Allen is a racist is overly sensitive and appears to not care about record and true issues.
I agree Charles-right now Allen appears to be the champion of conservatism in the field. Let's see if he can make it to the New Hampshire Primary and survive.
Sen. Allen is simply the latest in a fairly long line of Republican politicians that have learned to memorize the main points of "conservative" philosophy and then regurgatate them at the proper oppertunities. He's as phoney as a three dollar bill!
Also, the Civil War was a four year act of collective treason and nothing more. The "State's Rights" position came about in response to,and opposition to laws regulating interstate commerce (ie: Slavery). The same type of frame was used when the first admendment "right of association" used to justify and defend Jim Crow laws.
Why and how the Confederate States of America remains a object of admiration is the single biggest failure of Reeconstruction.
SteveMule
I have a friend here in town, Dave, that used to live in Virginia. He told me, and I can't remember how he said he know of Mr. Allen's background, but nonetheless, he said that Mr. Allen is a stand up guy.
Like you, if Mr. Allen can survive New Hampshire I'll vote for him.
And if they do decide to play Dixie and the like at the inaugural, I'll be there with you :-)
Steve;
It is probably wise that you and I not discuss the issue of the Late War between the two of us, it may come to such a nasty stalemate that it would cause such mutual admiration that exists between us to be brought quickly to an end.
"Collective treason": I believe it was Dr. Franklin who said "if this be treason, make the most of it."
As for Reconstruction, I fear it has worked all too well. Unfortunately, much of the American Left is not satisfied with that-they will be pleased with nothing short of cultural genocide.
Bill;
I have not yet decided whether to back George Allen, as I prefer to wait until the field is filled before making a final decision. I do think, however, that if Allen can survive New Hampshire, he might just get my vote.
David,
OK, I will readily agree to disagree and leave it at that rather than enter into a fight neither is going to win and will cause only pain.
SteveMule
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