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August 30, 2010
Racial Acrimony; and, Political Strategy by Colonel Bob Pappas, USMC, Retired
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Racial Acrimony; and, Political Strategy
by Colonel Bob Pappas, USMC, Retired
For those who do not pay attention, today, August 28th there were two major events in Washington, D.C.. One on the Mall between the Lincoln and Washington Memorials, the other between a Dunbar High School and the site on the Mall where a memorial to Martin Luther King Jr. is to be built.
The size of the respective groups is likely to be the subject of talk shows and media “pundancy” for a week or so but pales into insignificance when compared to the tone of the respective organizers’ remarks. The substance and tone of what TV and Radio Host Glen Beck had to say on the one hand and Rev. Al Sharpton had to say on the other were in stark contrast to one another.
Beck honored the Nation’s founders and military members; and given the anniversary date of his “I have a Dream” speech on that same location, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. He appealed to all Americans to support military members, in particular those who have suffered wounds while fighting her wars; and to return to God as the source of National strength. He spoke of God-given rights, the nation’s heritage of greatness, and of American “exceptionalism.” Other speakers at the Mall event including Dr. King’s niece reflected and reinforced that same theme.
Sharpton on the other hand was decidedly negative accusing Beck of intentionally choosing the anniversary of King’s famous speech in an effort to hijack the Civil Rights movement, implied that Beck’s efforts were disingenuous with the underlying intention of advancing a political agenda or movement; and sounded more like a spoiled child than a Civil Rights Leader. This is not an attempt to recount today’s events; rather it is to take note of the decidedly toxic quality of Sharpton’s remarks.
One is mindful of Obama’s oft stated campaign pledge to bring unity, albeit he sat in a hate-America-first church for twenty years without lifting a finger to advance racial conciliation and harmony. There is nothing here to suggest that racial minorities, blacks of African origin in particular have had no grievances; they have and still do in some quarters. What is no longer a secret is that the evident chip on the shoulders of leaders like Sharpton, Wright, Farrakhan, and Obama does nothing to advance conciliation and unity; rather they work to intentionally divide the nation.
People that I know, most who are “white” would welcome open and honest racial dialogue, but after listening to Sharpton, Wright, Farrakhan, Elder and having read Obama’s books I find little evidence that desire is reciprocated at the leadership level. Sharpton’s attitude today showcased the contrast. Objective Americans observed racism and divisiveness today, and it was on the part of Al Sharpton.
When the word “racism” is hurled at those who have honest disagreement with the direction that Obama is taking the country, the glaring question is, “racism on whose part?” One cannot help but call to mind the oft quoted phrase, “united we stand, divided we fall.”
In today’s environment it is clear that “triangulation” or “divide and conquer” is the operative political strategy. By creating multiple competing factions the strongest minority emerges with the spoils. That is how politicians whose agenda is not representative of the mainstream in this county gained power; and now hope to retain it.
Take Florida’s Senate race as an example of “divide and conquer.” Governor Charlie Crist revealed by his actions over the course of his stewardship that he is not the conservative that he made himself out to be during his gubernatorial campaign. Upon Crist announcing his Senate aspirations upstart Marco Rubio emerged and began to clobber him in the Republican Primary race.
Enter the real Charlie Crist. Similar to Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, Crist dumped the Republican Party to avoid certain defeat at the hands of conservative (albeit with warts, Rubio) moving well to the left. Crist scrubbed his website of conservative positions and has openly courted democrats, including there being reports of having former members of the Clinton team as advisors. In the meantime Democrat Candidate Meeks won the Democrat nomination.
Given tepid support by the Party the majority of democrats will vote for Crist over Meeks and when combined with Crist loyalists within the Republican Party might be enough to defeat Rubio. Put differently, the political calculus is that the new out-of-the-closet Crist will garner enough support from democrats and Crist loyalists to emerge the victor in the three way race; “divide and conquer!”
Rubio’s best hope would be for Obama to come to Florida and openly campaign for Crist. And that may be possible given Crist’s announcement in an interview that had he been in the Senate at the time he would have voted for “Obamacare.” But, not so fast! He changed that to, “I misspoke” when confronted with his pronouncement.
Crist, like Obama is a duplicitous liar and deceiver and is the absolute political worst of what is wrong with Washington. It’s time to clean house! How long is it until November?!
Semper Fidelis
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Wild Thing's comment.............
Col. Pappas is so good, I always love to read what he has to say on the various topics. This was is really good!!!!!
....Thank you Mark for sending this to me.
Mark
3rd Mar.Div. 1st Battalion 9th Marine Regiment
1/9 Marines aka The Walking Dead
VN 66-67
Posted by Wild Thing at August 30, 2010 05:50 AM
Comments
It's hard to believe there are people in Florida that would support Crist but then we do have to remember the "hanging chads".
Posted by: BobF at August 30, 2010 09:46 AM
Wasn't MLKs' speech in essance, judging one by the content of what is in their hearts and not the color of their skin. How did the black leaders go from that, equal treatment, fair play to their misconstrued idea that whatever they want they will be given without so much as a whimper from those who are paying the bills of this country. In other words Social Justice, redistributing the wealth, because of the injustices of the past.
Thats what it sounds like to me.
With the Civil rights act of 1965 and the war on pverty, which has been going on for 45 years when do we call it even.
I thought MLK was talking about equal opportunity for everybpdy so everyone could become the best they can be. I don't think he was talking about lowering the standards for blacks and using this as a criteria for equality. Which is what it has become.According to sharpton and ILK they are still down and it's all the fault of the Angry White Male.
With that attitude we will be divided forever.
Posted by: Mark at August 30, 2010 10:00 AM
If we are divided forever, then Sharpton, Jackson and other race hustlers will have a cause and money pouring in. Thyey want us divided, even if it is bad for "their people".
Crist is a pure politician, a sleezy opportunist. It would be gratifying to see him lose the general election.
Posted by: TomR, armed in Texas at August 30, 2010 10:24 AM
TomR, you're absolutely right. As long as Sharpton and Jackson can draw breath, they'll keep racism alive in America. As long as they can do that, they'll have a power and money, lots of money.
Posted by: BobF at August 30, 2010 12:42 PM
Great input thank you so much.
Posted by: Wild Thing at August 30, 2010 10:59 PM
