HarryReidWatching the parade of liberals come forward to defend Harry Reid’s indefensible and yes - racist comments, it makes you wonder if they really know the damage they are causing themselves for years to come. For instance, can you now imagine that both Al Sharpton and the Congressional Black Caucus would both come out in Reid’s favor and attempt to sweep his comments under the rug?

“Sunday, January 10, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington D.C. – Today Rep. Barbara Lee, Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement in response to Republican demands that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid step down:

“I have had an opportunity to speak with Senator Reid and he apologized for his unfortunate remarks concerning the President and he understands the gravity of such remarks. There are too many issues like the economy, job creation and energy for these regrettable comments to distract us from the work that must be done on behalf of the American people.

“Over the years, I have had an opportunity to work with Majority Leader Reid. Senator Reid’s record provides a stark contrast to actions of Republicans to block legislation that would benefit poor and minority communities – most recently reflected in Republican opposition to the Health Bill now under consideration. I look forward to Senator Reid continuing to serve as Majority Leader to guide this important agenda through the Senate.

“The Congressional Black Caucus believes that thoughtful engagement and civil discourse on race is needed, as our first “Dialogue on Race” in November 2009 demonstrated. There is a deep unease about race which cannot be swept under the rug. I appreciate Senator Reid’s apology and look forward to our continuing work.”

Note the script? Sharpton used the same language:

“”I have learned of certain unfortunate comments made by Senator Reid regarding President Barack Obama and have spoken with Senator Reid about those comments. While there is no question that Senator Reid did not select the best word choice in this instance, these comments should not distract America from its continued focus on securing healthcare or creating jobs for its people. Nor should they detract from the unquestionable leadership role Senator Reid has played on these issues or in the area of civil rights. Senator Reid’s door has always been open on hearing from the civil rights community on these issues and I look forward to continue to work with Senator Reid wherever possible to improve the lives of Americans everywhere.”

The Democratic Leadership is in full cover-ass mode on Reid and the likeness of the language used to support Reid is no mistake. In fact Reid’s political career IS dead, he will not survive the 2010 election, if he indeed survives this. Black democrats should take note, your constituents most likely don’t feel the same as you do about Reid’s words, but then according to polls you’re not in step with what they feel anyway. Note this response from Rep. Earl Perlmutter (D., Co.), an African American:

“When someone like Reid can insinuate that one group of Americans has a substandard dialect in comparison to the rest of the country, that’s alarming and, frankly, disturbing,” says Frazier. “This isn’t a Republican or Democrat issue, it’s an American issue, and much broader than being about President Obama. When I first heard the statements, I wondered: What exactly is a ‘Negro’ dialect? Anyone looking at this ought to ask that question. Obviously I’m black, but I’m still not sure what Reid’s talking about. And if the Democratic party is okay with this type of statement from their leadership, well, that speaks volumes.”

It does, but in trying to salvage Reid they’re doing most of the damage to themselves and their cause.

But let’s again look at the context of Reid’s words. Reid said this in a “private conversation”. Now, what do we say in private conversation? That which we do not want others to hear in public, that which we truly believe. Reid could have well have said, “Hey I like that Barack, he’s a good black, you know, “clean”, doesn’t speak that negro language. Hell, he’s almost white!”.

Again, the language that Reid used is the key not the setting. What exactly is a “Negro” style of talk. Is such talk for African American candidates “fortunate” along with of course being “light-skinned”. So the clear meaning of what Reid was saying in private is that blacks can be good candidates so long as they don’t act black.

Note that we haven’t heard a US Senator use the term “Negro” in relation to blacks since, well, Senator Robert Byrd - a former KKK member, and yes, Strom Thurmond.

There is no other logical reason for Reid’s words. Now the question comes whether or not Reid’s words should cause him to step down from the role of Senate Leader. Again, that question has an obvious answer - yes. If he doesn’t and Democrats continue the ridiculous and hypocritical defense of him they they will go down with him.

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