Monday, January 11, 2010

Harry Reid's Racist Remark

Harry Reid is quoted in a new book as saying that Barrack Obama was a "light-skinned" African-American "with no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one." Republicans are saying that Reid should resign his post because of the remark. I agree with them. Several politicians have been called to task over the years for their insensitive remarks.

Although Reid's remark was not as inflammatory as some, it still does not reflect well upon him. Politics being politics, Democrats have come to Reid's defense, saying his remarks were not as bad as others before him. The President has closed the issue, saying he has accepted Reid's apology. I expect the President to do just that and rise above the turmoil and politics.

Reid should step down from his position, (not resign his seat) and admit that his remark was inappropriate. I think that Democrats should hold him to the same standard to which he would be held if he were of the other party. This is not the time for double standards. Republicans have long been guilty of protecting their own, unless the heat become unbearable for them. Democrats should rise above that kind of practice and ask Reid to step aside.

2 comments:

Diane J Standiford said...

As I see it, he was speaking a much discussed truth about how many white voters would perceive Obama. Don't kill the messenger.

Stephen Fox said...

Reid has already done all he needs to do on this matter.
Nowhere near the history of the likes of Lee Atwater.
More interesting politics are in the new collection by David Maraniss. Good stuff on Jackson and MLKing, and some excellent reminders and insight into Clinton and Vince Lombardi

at www.davidmaraniss.com