Redstate

work, don't they?

In a truly equal society race is irrelevant. The attitudes and practices of blacks who overlay race on all societal considerations, as particularly demonstrated by their actions in regards to Mr. Steele, not only perpetuate the relavancy of an individuals's race but reinforce it.

I'm not from there, and don't know the local specifics, but I wonder if the Steele campaign isn't very quietly hoping and working to keep this sort of opposition alive and well all the way to election day.

How can he lose if the competition keeps up this line of attack?

Sadly, they do.

There are many related pieces of information on this available from Michelle Malkin today.

We have had several diaries on the topic.  Thought I'd round them up here:

Black Republican Movin' On Up - List and backgrounder on black Republicans running for statewide offices including Lt. Gov. Michael Steele.

Action Alert: Fight Racist Attacks Against Black Conservatives - A call to action to contact black leaders and make them aware of the fact that oreo cookies are being thrown at Lt. Gov. Michael Steele on the campaign trail.

Black Democrats: Racial Attacks against Lt. Gov. Steele Fair Because He is Republican. - More on the racial attacks on Lt. Gov. Steele.

But down 5 in MD is quite a good starting point considering the Ds have a long primary ahead of them.  Mfume isn't going anywhere.

In a recent post at newsbusters.org, this was an article cited in one blog:

In denouncing President Bush's nomination of Samuel Alito for the Supreme Court, an editorial in the Tuesday Milwaukee Journal, "A nomination that will divide," charged that Justice Clarence Thomas really isn't black. After fretting about how a "minus" of the Alito pick "is that the nomination lessens the court's diversity," the editorial writers argued: "In losing a woman, the court with Alito would feature seven white men, one white woman and a black man, who deserves an asterisk because he arguably does not represent the views of mainstream black America."

Let's face it.  In the United States, unless you're a Black Democrat, you aren't considered Black.  On a day when a civil rights pioneer like Rosa Parks is being honored, people can still act like this.  It's truly a sad state of affairs, for all of us.

OK - And if these attacks persist, he's in great shape to move up. I can't believe Cardin wants his campaign based on this line, and if Mfume wins the primary he doesn't need this line of attack.

Hence, Steele does great if this is the gist of the opposition.

I don't think it will last, cause it's too empty. The democrats have other advantages which they'll exploit. No use driving folks away when you don't need to.  I wouldn't be surprised if these attacks came back the last day or two, but they don't seem sustainable for weeks or months.

it just is.  The vast majority of Republicans are white, a sizable majority of whites are Republican, or vote Republican, even in Maryland (55-44 in Bush v. Kerry) http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2004/pages/results/states/MD/P/00/epolls.0.html
, and the Democrats are the party of putting various taxes on whites (social welfare, affirmative action, etc.) for the benefit of blacks.  Humanity being what it is, robbing Peter to pay Paul is usually popular with the Pauls of the world.  When Paul has a long history of real and imagined maltreatment at Peter's hands, all but the most principled are bound to fall into line based on simple greed and resentment.  Is this good for the Republic?  No, but I don't have a solution.  Does anyone?

Successful black Republicans.

These things are not immutable. It was only a generation ago that blacks still voted Republican out of loyalty to the party of Lincoln.

... and don't you love it when things start that way?

It is true that black conservatives are generally maligned and distrusted by liberals, but there is more to the Steele story, and it's only fair to mention it.

For those who don't know, Governor Ehrlich held a major fundraiser at an all-white country club.  Someone asked Lt. Gov. Steele about it, and he remarked that he didn't care, "because I don't play golf.  It's not an issue with me."  He has since admitted that this just-a-little-too-light answer was a mistake, but the comment really stung people.

It's not a huge stretch to read those words and think that Steele's interest on racial issues doesn't go further than an arm's length; as long as it doesn't affect him, it's no biggie.  I don't think he meant it that way, and I think if one asked it in those terms, he'd have a very different answer, but blacks and liberals aren't giving him a hard time just because he's black and conservative; it's because he's black and wouldn't take on the governor, his white boss, on this.  And it looks VERY bad.  To them, it's not that different from Steele himself holding a fundraiser at an all-white country club.

To him, it was a question about golf.  To most black Marylanders, it was a question about race.  There's a way to say his response was actually a positive sign (he didn't think 'race first, everything else second'), but it's not the way many black and liberal Maryland voters see it.  This question was so obviously about race, not about golf, that to miss the race aspect is really hard to believe.

On another note, every urban Democratic party has its share of race-baiters.  This one from Baltimore isn't speaking for all of us in Maryland.  For her, maybe it's the conservatism that makes him unlike other black people; for others, it's something else.

The first Democratic candidate to get a black majority was FDR in 1936.  They have cast their ballots for Democratic candidates ever since.

The point is still worth making; I'm just saying it's been three or four generations, not one.

...is that several white democratic leaders have been invloved with that club as well. I believe that the mayor of Baltimore had his daughter's wedding there.

So once again we get back to the double standard.

1. The golf club denies that it is white-only.
   
2. Democrats have used it for events as well. How come they get away with it? Should the black Democrats who work for them be similarly called out as well?

It was, however, about a generation ago that Southerns predominately voted Democrat. It was called the "solid South".

I think these cases highlight a broader phenomenon, which is to show the Democratic Party for what it really is. To win elections, Democrats must attract center-left support... those people I may disagree with, but they are rational and simply have different values.

But especially at the local level, the Democratic Party is often run by radical leftists of various stripes... neo-marxists, race baiters, etc. The leadership of publically communist groups-- ANSWER and the like-- is closely tied to the Democratic Party.

Republicans need to be more willing to call out extremists, whether they are black (Steele's critics) or somehow sympathetic (Cindy Sheehan).

I was watching some of the Rosa Parks funeral today and didn't notice any Republican politicians there, although many prominent Democrats. Does anyone know if first that is true - there were no prominent Republicans there? If so, the reason (not invited? declined to come? felt they had paid their respects when she was in the Capital rotunda?) Anyone know if Bush was invited?

Rosa Parks is certainly an American hero for all of us. Just wondering why it appears (and again I may be entirely wrong, because I just viewed the funeral briefly on MSNBC) there was just one side of the political aisle there to join in her funeral.

I'm sure it was communicated that they are not wanted there.

Sad.

This isn't new; this is the same vitriol used on Clarence Thomas, Colin Powell, Condi Rice, etc. etc. etc.  It's the product of years of listenting to the likes of Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Julian Bond, the Black Caucus and the rest of their so called "leaders".  What a day it will be when the black community begins to appreciate some of the real learned leaders in their community and turn a deaf ear to the ignorance of the bully crows.

I always thought that Colin Powell never ran for higher office (back when I liked him) because he figured some KKK/Neo-Nazi member would try to assassinate him. I never thought about the other side of the coin... of this type of behavior being heaped on him.

Of course, Sec Rice has had some deplorable actions against her as well since then.

I used to think that the Democrats charges of rampant Racism was overfound... however it turns out they were right. I guess it takes one to know one.  :(

Black Republicans are a threat to the most monolithic and reliable voting bloc the Democrats have, so they must be ruthlessly attacked with every weapon the Democrats have at their disposal. The very survival of the Democratic Party is at stake.

MSNBC wouldn't be likely to showcase it. Doesn't fit their agenda.

Sounds like some Moynihanian benign neglect.

It is time we hold the left accountable for their treatment of black conservatives.

Liberal leaders and the mainstream media must be put on notice that people of strong character will point out this disgusting racism wherever we see it.

The White House should look for an opportunity to get involved in this fight. If the NAACP is going to wage war against him and every policy initiative he has ever advanced, then he should publically shame them for failing to speak for the rights of all black Americans to participate in the political process as they see fit.

who happens to be a Republican, I have been on the receiving end of a lot of these types of comments. The visciousness of these attacks by the left just shows me the desperation to try and hold this demographic.  

I think we will continue to see Conservative Black Republicans in the years to come.

I hope we see more black conservatives Mike; we need their leadership, their ideas, and their ability to stand tall.  It's disgraceful how they are portrayed in the black community, and how the vitriol is justified as if it's polite criticism.  

And I won't defend those leaders.  I won't defend the club.  I won't attack it or them either, since I don't know if it's white by rule or just white by history and situation.  And I do think there's a double standard at work here that isn't right.

I'll just say that it's one thing for a white person to be involved with the club; it's another thing entirely for a black person to say something that implies he doesn't care.  Because I'd be willing to bet that a just-short-of-universal reaction from blacks who have ever been mistreated is, "How can you not care?!?"

But this particular double-standard has nothing to do with whether Steele is conservative or not.  It's race sensitivity.  This is no better; it may be worse.  I just want to make sure that when we talk about it, we talk about the right issue.

I am horrified to hear that Democrats have started throwing Oreo Cookies at Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele.

This hateful racism must not stand. Please join me in contacting these leaders. If you have other suggestions for who belongs on this list, please add their names and contact information.

Kweisi Mfume

P.O. Box 1557

Baltimore, MD. 21203-1557

ph: (410) 468-3338

fx: (410) 468-4037

info@mfumeforsenate.com

Harold Ford, Jr.

P.O. Box 190675

Nashville, TN 37219

Toll Free: 866-435-8683

ph: 615-780-7993

fx: 615-780-7991

haroldford@fordfortennessee.com

Barak Obama

713 Hart Senate Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20510

ph: (202) 224-2854

fx: (202) 228-4260

Jesse Jackson -- Rainbow/PUSH Coalition

930 East 50th Street

Chicago, IL 60615-2702

ph: (773) 373-3366

fx: (773) 373-3571

info@rainbowpush.org

Jesse Jackson, Jr.

2419 Rayburn House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

ph: (202) 225-0773

fx: (202) 225-0899

It is not necessary to even argue that Liberalism is better for blacks.

What's the point of arguing that?  Over 90% of African-Americans vote Democrat.  The argument has long been over in the black community.

I don't defend the club or the Democrats who use it.  I think the issue is different from whether he is conservative or not, though.  I think it's more about his seeming inability to understand racial sensitivity.

Note that when I say that, I'm not saying he should be holding sit-ins for blacks on the club lawn.  I understand, though, how blacks might be pretty put off by his treatment of the situation and might be, therefore, more likely to go after him than others. (Colin Powell's conservatism hasn't made him a public enemy; neither has J.C. Watts', to the best of my knowledge.)

you have three accounts and have posted from two of them.

Now you have none.

Damned if they do.

Any Republicans that tried to get their picture taken at the funeral, assuming activist democrat liars even let them in the door, would immediately and mercilessly have been attacked.

Just speaking to the NAACP is enough to get blasted.

"I'm shocked that he would have the nerve to show his face in front of any African American organization after the way they treated those people in New Orleans," Dean said.

Yes, in recent national elections, Democrats have won 9 in 10 black votes.

The beautiful thing about Democracy, though, is that there is always another election.

Many Republicans at the state and local level have been able to win a sizable portion of the black vote by going to these voters and making a case for conservatism.

I am so proud of the work that Ken Mehlman is doing at the RNC to reach out to minority voters. I hope to see other Republican Leaders follow in his footsteps.

Conservatism is, in fact, good for all Americans, regardless of their skin color, religious preference, or sexual orientation. I think it is always worth arguing this point. After all, there is always another election just around the corner.

Hey, you got something right!  That's a big ditto on that.

..."logical" step in her thinking, that conservatism = racism.  She is a disgusting woman.  

I wonder how long it would take them to label me a racist if I threw Little Debbie Snack Cakes at a black Democrat candidate.  I could defend my actions by saying he was obviously black, just like the Snack Cake, but by using cowardly attacks based on race instead of the issues I could not help but be reminded of the yellow cake inside of a Snack Cake.  LOL, the media would probably even demand Trent Lott's resignation if he was caught eating one of those delicious Little Debbie Snack Cakes...

Yum . . . Little Debbies

Statement 1:

 Lt. Governor Michael S. Steele today released the final report from the Governor's Commission on Quality Education in Maryland, which contains 30 recommendations to dramatically strengthen public schools in Maryland. The report focuses on four critical areas: Teacher/Principal Accountability and Growth, Schools and Community Linkages, Best Practices in Education and School Readiness and Early Childhood Education. - Maryland Govenor's official website, 11/2/2005

Statement 2:

"Because he is a conservative, he is different than most public blacks, and he is different than most people in our community," she said. "His politics are not in the best interest of the masses of black people." -Delegate Salima Siler Marriott, a black Baltimore Democrat (from the WaTimes article)

Strengthening public schools is not in the best interest of the masses of black people?  C'mon, this is just silly.

Please, Colin Powell was called a house slave by Harry Belafonte.

J.C. Watts was slandered by Pete Stark with suggestions that he had fathered numerous out of wedlock children because of his race.

Harry Byrd and his white n***er comments.

Examples could go on and on.

Michael Steele thought it wasn't a big deal, probably because it wasn't.  He's been around MD politics for a long time, he probably knew about the club's controversy and knew he wasn't going to win no matter what he said.  If he condemns it, he's calling out his boss.  If he dismisses it, he's insensitive to his race.  Please.

He, and other African American republicans, don't obsess about race like the Dems do.  Sure, they use their race to their advantage and get recognzied, but they also know that they have to prove their worth.  If you listen to Steele give a speech you'll wonder why he's not thinking about going to New Hampshire instead of running for the Senate.  The man can convince you to do almost anything.

I've had the privlege of meeting him a few times and talking to him on a few issues and let me tell you, he's going places.  He doesn't need to be a race hustler or grievance queen.  Let Jessee and Al play the race card at every moment, Steele is going to actually do something to help his state and the nation.

Polls of blacks at large consistently show support for various school voucher programs. Yet vouchers are just as consistently opposed by black leaders and dem leaders.

This apparent conflict makes perfect sense when you realize that the ultimate goal of the self appointed black leaders and dem leaders is not to improve the plight of inner city blacks, but rather to keep them poor, uneducated, and reliable pawns.  

The fact that the black community is almost uniformly Democrat does not mean we give up on setting the record straight, working to make political inroads, and preaching the good news.

Harry Belafonte's a whack job.  I won't go near justifying anything he does.  Powell is (as is frequently cited) one of the only people who gets overwhelming approval from both blacks and whites.

With Watts, I said "to the best of my knowledge" because I couldn't recall anything specific.  He was out of Congress by the time I started following the real grits of politics.  Only one indignant "please" per response is necessary to make your point.

As to the rest of the post, I'm glad you have found a candidate in this race to give strong support to.  But I don't think he could convince me to do almost anything.  I can't even convince myself to do much.

and so let's slightly alter the context.

Mr. X is black and he's liberal, and so he's different than most public whites who are conservative and, therefore, he's the legitimate object of discrimination and derision.

Racist clap trap any way you cut it.

These racists on the left need to be exposed and defeated.

A telephone survey of 815 registered voters by Gonzales Research & Marketing Strategies showed

[that]

In the race for the open U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Paul S. Sarbanes, U.S. Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin, a Democrat, led Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele, 47 percent to 38 percent, with 15 percent undecided. Sixty-eight percent of African-American voters said they would vote for Cardin, while 18 percent selected Steele.

Steele was ahead of former NAACP chief Kweisi Mfume, 42 percent to 40 percent, with 18 percent undecided. In that matchup, black voters chose Mfume over Steele, 70 percent to 17 percent.

I guess that's why the social conservatism of black Americans (it may be overstated at times, but on some specific issues like gay marriage, it is undeniable) is always trumped by economic concerns.  

Despite this, I nonetheless find it a bit surprising that there are so few black politicians (at least in Congress) who represent the more culturally conservative views of their constituents, or 'people' if one prefers.  The same is true of the Hispanic caucas.  It seems like there would be more culturally conservative, economically liberal minority politicians, but it just doesn't happen that much.  

It was Senator Robert C. Bryd, D-West Virginia, who uttered the "white n***s" comment back in 2001. The Senate Democrats saw no problem with having him as their floor leader for 12 years and now elder statesman of the party despite his KKK past and nickname "Sheets" given to him by Tip O'Neill.  Sheets filibustered against the 1964 Civil Rights Act and was the only senator to vote against the confirmation of both Thurgood Marshall and Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court.

[https://secure.makeacontribution.com/accounts/michaelsteele/donatesteele.a
spx Right here].

Cardin has no need for such nonsense. If Mfume wins the primary, then it could get bizarre, but probably not as we expect.

The truth about the last 50 years is that the Democratic Party has created a client-patron relationship with large portions of the black American population. This relationship has kept generations of blacks dependant on government handouts and their families and communities in perpetual dysfunction.

When is the black American community going to wake up to the fact that the perceived support from the Democratic Party is analogous to slave owners who would treat their slaves realtively well to keep them in line. I ask black patrons of the Democratic Party if they cared so much for you why have they not really solved your problems in 50 years? The reason is they are not really interested in actually helping you be independent because they need you to remain dependent so they can count on your vote.

Black Republicans are not betraying the black community but are heroes because they are paving the way to a better future.

In this context that sort of social liberalism on the part of black leaders is an attack on the legitimacy of the moral judgements of the (white) majority, who, in an axiomatically racist society (and this is an axiom shared by most liberals of every hue) are by definition hateful toward and the enemies of blacks.  The enemy of my enemy is my friend, basically, even if I find him personally repulsive.  But, of course, I write this as an outsider, neither liberal nor black.  I just suspect that is how the ideology works, and how this seeming paradox is arrived at.

Here's today's update on the reactions to the cookie crumbling:

http://www.washingtontimes.com/metro/20051103-120701-5604r.htm

Mfume's is to be expected, and completely within his interests, but the others really seem weak-kneed.

You may be right, but I am still surprised that there are so few socially conservative/economically liberal black and latino politicians.