Harry Reid: The Racist?

Preface:
Reid (D-Nev.) should vacate his office after acknowledging that he had described then-Sen. Obama as "light-skinned" and possessing "no Negro dialect" in a private conversation with two reporters. Says Republican Steele

I:
I categorize myself as neither a Republican nor a Democrat. I think the two-party system is outdated and I think those that formulate their opinions or swing their votes in accordance to their party specifically, are foolish and outdated as well. If I had to categorize myself politically, I would say; I am conservative fiscally and environmentally, moderate on values and liberal on people having the right to do whatever the fuck it is they want to do, just as long as they earn a paycheck that will cover it.

II: Harry Reid
Saying in public or saying in private a man's true feelings regarding another man's run for a public office is something that shouldn't demand an apology. Just because the man is biracial or just one race that is considered a minority, doesn't necessarily mean you have to guard everything you say. If you believe (and I do agree) that President Obama played his white cards to the white powers that be and put his metaphorical Lugz on when he visited his primarily black neighborhoods, then by all means say so.

It was an unfortunate time in our nation’s history when blacks were referred to and treated as "Negro's" but it is in fact our history. When making reference to something be it conversation or a point of fact, using the term "negro dialect" is no more or less meaningful than "black dialect", "Afro-American dialect", "Jive" or whatever else you want to call it. It is what it is, nothing more, nothing less.

As for his lighter skin having a positive influence on his status, is this really even debatable? No. It isn't. Because no matter how ugly the point is, no matter how hard it is to hear it, from a rich white politician no less, it is a historical and sociological fact that people respond favorably to lighter skin tones. Even black people of both 1st generation American origin or African origin have struggles within their own community because of how dark their skin tone is. So, you are going to try and pretend that this wasn't helpful for a person who was vying to be the FIRST black President of the United States? Are you in denial? It was a HUGE benefit (I would not say that had he been darker he wouldn't have been elected at all, that is an unanswerable question). It is without any doubt whatsoever that I believe his skin tone was a benefit in his historical campaign.

To then oust a man because he said two things (while socially not the most acceptable) that are almost undisputedly true, is just complete lunacy. We cry for transparency and honesty among our political figures and other public figures, then we formulate ridiculously delusional public norms and irrational political correctness for them to follow (which in order to "follow" they must lie to and deceive you).

Certainly, there must be a line that is followed as it isn't acceptable to say inflammatory things to people especially regarding race or other "hot topics" and I believe no matter how ridiculous, the Office of President should be respected enough as to not be insulted (note: different than constructive criticism) openly – Note: President Obama wasn't President when these statements were said.

III: President Barack Obama
Barack Obama is in my opinion a typical Chicago Politician. I think he is learning on the job, and while mightily intelligent, his debts and personal agenda far outweigh his "Presidential goals". It is pretty clear that I didn't vote for President Obama; not because of race, ethnicity nor party, but because I viewed him as a highly (questionably) decorated carpetbagger. I wasn't buying his magic elixir then and I still am not. I will admit his speeches fired me up, his energy was intoxicating and his message (while completely unrealistic and utopian) was a welcomed change after 8 years of relatively primal behavior.

However, you have to look further than just the well packaged message being sold by President Obama. You have the obligation to look at his upbringing, his family, his wife and her views and past behavior (naturally taking it with a grain of salt because we all have made statements or decisions in our past that are probably less than savory). I have to look at those religious, political or simply criminal characters President Obama has dealt with and often still deals with.

You add the simple fact that his background was in drumming up voters (no matter how cracked out, old or uneducated they are). It isn't a surprise he would be able to utilize this well honed skill-set along with his charisma and the natural propensity for idiot collegians and Liberal-minded (fancy terminology for foolish dreamers) youth to lean Democratically. He catered to the right crowd. He said all the right things to the right people at the right times. Was there a better time for a Democratic "We Want Change" slogan than after 8 years of Bush and an arrogant Republican Administration? Seeing as the entire Government is Democrat today, I would venture to say, no. There wasn't a better time. President Obama said all the right things to the right people in the right tone of voice. That is what a great pitchman does. He caters to the crowd that is listening. Honestly, who can contest with a Columbia & Harvard educated, biracial, charismatic speaker whom white America can so easily relate to, who also just happens to enjoy throwing on a Tar Heel jersey and firing up a heater? He is from a marketing perspective, the political arena's Michael Jordan, only he never did win any of the legitimizing rings...


If President Obama, becomes all he claims to be and comes through on many of his promises, I will be the first to stand up and applaud him. I will do so not with embarrassment but with pride. That said, just imagine how many “Shamwow’s" President Obama could have sold.

Mr. Carpetbagger: "This is it... one dollar a bottle. It works wonders on wounds. Works wonders on just about anything!"

Epilogue:
From reading this it is pretty evident where I stand on this situation and on our President (at this stage of his Presidential term). In actuality, this situation and subsequent coverage touched a nerve with me for two reasons, none of which related to President Obama nor Harry Reid.

First, the fact that Republicans are jumping all over this as though this is their time to shine and get some favorable coverage just feels cheap. It's sort of like starting a fight when you're out to dinner with your girlfriend/date because if you don't do something, you fear she won't believe you're a man (something, I regrettably fall prey to often). It is stupid, unbecoming and makes you appear small. I am however a mere mortal, I am no political powerhouse, so it makes sense for me to fall victim to such primal instincts, but the entire Republican party? It is just pathetic and sad. The behavior that should be shown is very similar to Walter Payton's reaction to scoring touchdowns in the NFL, he simply handed the ball to the Ref and acted like he had been there before. This is much more intimidating behavior than all the hysterics you see guys do now. Same exact thing in the political arena. Just because an opportunity arises where you can make a stink, take sides, and try to nab some TV time with that stuttering alter kacker Larry King doesn't exactly mean you should.

Act like you've been there before.

The second, and more infuriating piece to this socio-political puzzle is our stance in America on political correctness - more specifically, race relations & public figures' private behavior.

Obviously completely off topic; the recent Tiger Woods fallout (as the headlines have it dubbed). Fallout? Who fell? I didn't fall. Did you? Possibly. Tiger Woods, likes sex, a lot. A whole lot. He isn't even real choosy with his picks-to-click. Interesting to know, unfortunate for his children and wife, but not really my business, nor my interest. I like Tiger and buy products he endorsed on occasion because I think he is a hell of a competitor. I like that when he wins he shows his emotions and that I can relate to. Not because I thought; "Tiger is faithful to his family, ergo, I want his Tigerade". The exact same can be sad for political figures. Sure if they run on family values, then turn out to be sleeping with everyone but their wife, I might change my vote, not because the guy likes to fuck, but because he is a liar. If he doesn't run a "family first" campaign, then like every other person of great wealth, power, and access; I assume he has a affinity for strange and likely obliges himself often. Again, not my business, nor my concern. Can you lead or govern effectively, that is my sole concern.

This dumps off into the world of P.C. where the natural responses are "what about my kids"? I raise my kids, not Milorad Blagojevich. So I am not terribly concerned with what he does and what they see of him. Political correctness has taken our society by storm, we guard every fucking word that comes out of our mouths, we judge and label every single thing a person says on a public forum then hold it to this ridiculous code that behind closed doors almost NOBODY follows. People act like a celeb who cheated is the devil, yet they cheat on their own spouse. They act like politicians of a different religious faith are blasphemous then go out and degrade people and cut them off in the church parking lot. People are so flawed and pathetic that the only way for them to feel in control is to watch and provide commentary on the behavior of those in the public forum. Only to allow them to re-enter once they have shown some humility in order to make ourselves feel righteous and powerful.

Act like you've been there before.

Saving the most pertinent for last, "Race Relations". What does it say about us that we have a term for dealing with people of another race today? This goes both ways too, the fact that if a white man says ANYTHING that can be construed as positive or negative regarding a man of African American decent based on racial motivation, it becomes an over-the-top issue of discussion for Al Sharpton or Rev. Jesse Jackson (who are incredible hypocrites and men of little to no loyalty and moral fortitude -- by the way). To me that is just completely pathetic and becoming annoying to the point of exhaustion. Likewise, for those white people running around saying minorities get all the advantages, tax money or college tuition grants and whatever else. You want to go to college? you want to get in? Don't be a dipshit, do your homework and you will go wherever your mental aptitude will permit. Simple as that.

Act like you've been there before.

We have gotten so touchy about race now that simply implying that a decision or thought is racially motivated becomes a HUGE ordeal involving officials and apologies and contrite behavior all the while, a good portion of those people will go home and laugh at a race joke or are closet racists. I no longer concern myself with what people think about race (black, white or indigo). I have no problems with any particular skin color. I hate everyone equally. I think some races have stupid, irrational cultural tendencies just as I think many of my own cultural customs are utterly nonsensical. People need to get over themselves and realize their mortality. Idiots need to start recognizing they are stupid. People need to start tending to their own affairs and use just a little common sense when it comes to who you vote for. I would settle on even the slightest amount of accountability being shown & everybody needs to understand that accumulating a mass of wealth is not likely the most important thing in your life, you cannot keep it when you die, you do know that, right?

Act like you've been there before.