In this thread: Sen. Robert Byrd to atheists: Leave the country. hajario has posted cites that show Byrd is a former member (Actually, a “Kleagle” – an official recruiter) of the Klan.
I think it’s fair to say that Sen. Byrd may be racist.
Twisty, the full quote and context of Byrd’s words:
december, I’ve just reviewed this thread and it still doesn’t look like you’ve given any meaningful response to the points raised in Stuffy’s OP. Why?
My response was to observe (in a regrettably inflammatory way) that, in effect, Stuffy had accused me of being overly concerned with the plight poor African-Americans. That doesn’t sound like a crime.
My response was to observe (in a regrettably inflammatory way) that, in effect, Stuffy had accused me of being overly concerned with the plight poor African-Americans.
[/quote]
No, you have once again missed the point. Stuffy’s intent, if I read him correctly, is that you are patronizing black people (You poor, suffering black folks needs the white man to lend you a helping hand.)
Further, you are using your long-past, putative participation in the civil rights movement to absolve you of any taint of racism.
Moreover, you seem to lump all black folks into one gneric glob of blackness, totally disregarding thaat black America is as stratified and segmented as white America. The goals of a black lawyer who is on the partnership fast track are far different from the needs of an unemployed single mother in Jackson, Mississippi, which in turn are very different from the goals of a 22-year-old college senior in Dearborn, MI. This is a point that has consistenly eluded you:
Black folks are individuals, not a monolithic group. Black people are not like a slightly funkier version of the Borg. Each person has his or her own dreams, aspirations and problems, and they don’t need Ole Marse December to descend from On High to tell them what time it is.
to expound on that point, to consistently wonder aloud in threads “why don’t black people support (fill in the blank for a pet project of yours)” is similar to suggesting that “if only they were as smart, learned and analyitical as I, they would see the correctness of my position, and therefore would support it”, and tends to assume that ’ they’:
Exist as a cohesive unit of humanity w/singular goals/aspiratioins, issues/needs.
Don’t really know the issue and/or
Don’t really know what’s in their own best interest.
Now, it’s perfectly permissable to wonder why or to argue for your own position/interpretation of data etc. (tho I continue to wonder about your chosen profession since you seem to often have a difficult time analyzing data), however, to attempt to suggest to such a large, diverse group of people that you know better what’s in their best interest is the condescending approach you’ve been accused of (and reminiscent of the plantation owners who believed that it was in the slaves best interest to not learn how to read, to live there in slavery etc.)
All of which causes people to suspect you of racism/bigotry/ etc.
I never really expected an honest reply from december I just wanted to point out the behavior. I’m more than familiar with his bull headed refusal to see his behavior for what it is; like his continued use of columnist to support facts, he’s incorrigible. That doesn’t mean I don’t want it recognized though.
Hey gobear, are you listening to Parliament today? I’d love to get into your record collection.
[quote]
Black people are not like a slightly funkier version of the Borg.** Best line in the thread!
Yes, that was his point. My point was as stated above.
This is true. Unfortunately, it’s common to accuse conservatives of racism, so I need a defence.
I totally deny this accusation. In fact, my expressed views have been the reverse. E.g., go back and read what I wrote about my cousin on page 1 of this thread 06-23-2002 06:37 PM. Read posts I’ve made on other threads about specific individuals I admire, like Clarence Thomas, Walter Wiliams, David Blackwell, Amalya Kearse, and Thomas Sowell.
wring Please provide some examples fo what you mean. If I really do this “consistently,” you should be able to find a great many.
BTW many Democratic politicians routinely talk about issues that are good or harmful for “African-Americans.” Are they racists?
Perhaps the underlying meaning of this thread is that *conservatives should be barred from speaking about issues involving race in America. *
Yeah, the office is deserted today, so I brought in my copy of Tear The Roof Off 1974-1980, and I’ve been groovin’ to Bop Gun, Funkenetelechy, and Flash Light.
“We shall overcome! We got to shoot 'em with the Bop Gun!”
So you think “spearchucker” was just Bob Dornan referring to the US Olympic Javelin team, then? :rolleyes:
And should I also presume that you believe Jews don’t have a right to claim they’re victims of racism, then? That ought to fly real well with your anti-Palestinian messages in Great Debates…
“Psychoalphadiscobetabioaquadoloop”
Homebrew, your taste in music and beer are getting me hot. Woof!
swoons
[quotePerhaps the underlying meaning of this thread is that conservatives should be barred from speaking about issues involving race in America. [/quote]
No, just you.
Right.
Jews may suffer from anti-semitism. Lesbians may suffer from homophobia. Racism has to do with race. Religion and sexual orientation are not races. OK? :smack:
[sup]Thanks rjung for giving me an opportunity to use the new smiley.[/sup]
Oh, dear. I can’t believe you just said that. Educate yourself, please.
*&%&^%$ coding…GRRR!!!
Sorry, bubbe, but that “Some of my best friends are…” routine does not fly here.
Don’t see those, but I do see this thread
Note that you didn’t qualify your comment by saying “some black people” or “vocal activists.”
or this:
Ah, yes, the poor, deluded dears, thinking they could compete when they all obviously come from bad schools.
ALL black people do not go to bad schools. ALL black people are not less qualified than average. You may be well-intnetioned, but your posts often come off as patronizing and condescending.
June 28, 3:53 pm:
June 28, 3:21 pm: Will the school voucher issue cause African Americans to switch from Democrat to Republican?
Put it another way:
In Tery Pratchett’s Hogfather, there is a line which goes roughly, “Charity isn’t giving people what you want to give them; it’s giving people what need to get.”
In other words, instead of you preachifying about the state of black America and pointing to having a black cousin as proof that you aren’t racist, why don’t you be quiet and listen to Stuffy, who is A) an authentic black American who lives in B) an authentically black area? I’d bet dollars to donuts that Stuffy might have more info than you.
And I’ll also bet he has more than one black cousin, too.