Constitutional Opinions
Answering Peggy Noonan: Why Sotomayor Should Withdraw
A columnist’s call for Republicans to grow up gets a response.
(Page 2 of 4)
I attended school at a thoroughly modern high school, grades 8-12. There was a duplicate a bare six miles away — for the black kids. Except that this was 1965 and integration was arriving. There was one black girl in our school — one among about a thousand white kids. Maxine was her name. She was in my French class and rode my school bus, since we both lived on the same route. While she was actually closer to the “black” school her parents wanted her to go to the allegedly better “white school” — and thanks to the 1954 Supreme Court decision Brown v. Board of Education, she could and did exercise that right. Now that the law was slowly — very slowly — taking effect, she was literally the first black child in the area to do so. Shy but friendly, I made friends with Maxine because, it finally struck me, I was one of the few kids who would speak with her. We were both outsiders, something that her blackness and my new face and New England accent only emphasized. (“He talks like one of them damn Kinidy boys” was a comment I overhead.)
After about two weeks, I began to realize that when Maxine boarded the school bus coming and going every day, something odd happened. School buses have seats for two, and as such the safety rules require only two kids can sit in the same seat. Curiously, I realized the other kids were scrunching three and sometimes four in a seat with the silent assent of the bus driver — because no one would sit with Maxine. I talked with my parents. I knew who Rosa Parks was, and I certainly knew of Dr. King. But there was no pretension to leading some sort of teen-age crusade. I was just mad. Maxine was being deliberately, quite publicly humiliated because of her race. Since she was picked up in the morning well after I was, my chance would only come in the afternoon when everyone boarded the bus at the same time. That next afternoon, as school ended and we all clambered noisily aboard the bus, I took a determined breath and sat down with Maxine.
You could hear the proverbial pin drop. For the entire ride to her home no one said a word — except Maxine and me as we shyly chatted about French class. When she got off the bus, the silence gave way to taunts. Friendly kid that I was, I just grinned. And did it again the next day, and the next and the next. Friends were eventually made, and after a very long time — almost the rest of the school year — Maxine got other seatmates than me. But it was abundantly clear that racism, as thick as it could be cut, was in the air.
Meanwhile, Dad had a bigger problem. As was his customary practice, he would always leave the house after dinner and go tour the hotel one last time for the night. Checking to see that all is well in the disparate parts of one of these operations, he said, was a managerial must. That particular night he walked into the hotel coffee shop, stumbling into an incident that would change his — and our — lives. The hotel owner, perhaps intoxicated, was in the process of publicly berating a frightened waitress. She was black. The owner, white. Dad said racial epithets filled the air. Loud. Abusive. Humiliating. Very, very public. In an instant my father physically positioned himself between the terrified, tearful black waitress and the white owner, telling the owner that whatever the young woman had done or not done (it was something of a trivial nature), this behavior towards an employee was unacceptable. Whereupon the owner promptly fired both the waitress and my father. On the spot.
Now what? Dad had moved our family hundreds of miles from familiar turf. Civil rights — racism — was no longer an abstract. This wasn’t grainy gray images of Walter Cronkite from the old Zenith. This was real life, vividly so. Shaken but determined, Dad decided to try again. Taking the family savings he bought an old diner in the middle of town, turning it into one of the new fashionables of the day — a pancake house. There was a glistening new grill in the window so passersby could see the product being made. He interviewed for cooks.
Now came “mistake” number two. The best qualified cook was a black woman. He gave her the job. A job that meant she had supervisory authority over others — who were white. Word spread like wildfire that Dad had made a black woman a boss over whites — men and women both. Only months ago as the manager of the brand new hotel in town he was a new part of the town gentry, a regular attendee at Rotary meetings and the like. Now, his restaurant was boycotted and he was the subject of scorn, fighting for his —- and our — economic survival. I will never forget the sight of my dad, the collar of his old World War II jacket up to protect against the cold (a jacket that bore the insignia of a Captain of army artillery) walking the streets to hand out fliers advertising his pancakes, all too frequently to be brusquely ignored. Sometimes, after school or on weekends, I went with him.
It was no use. Phone calls were coming into the house now. Ugly, whispering anonymous calls to my mother. The “n… lover” phrase snarled through the phone line. The water was cut off, requiring a special trip to the water department to verify that yes, the bill had already been paid. Did Mom wish to register to vote as a Republican? Sorry, said the registrar — the books were in the attic. Get them, Mom said with a smile. I’ll wait.
There’s more here, but you get the idea. After two years of this Dad simply had to yield to common sense and our family retreated across the Mason-Dixon line to Pennsylvania, which is the family home today. He passed away just shy of 90 not long ago. I mentioned this story in his eulogy, startling his friends who had never heard it. Mom, I assure you, has never forgotten.
As a lesson in racism, this was, for me, a “defining moment.” Kids being kids, I spent lots of conversations discussing race with my white classmates. Gingerly at first, curiously and eventually quite openly, my classmates opened up. Both boys and girls. Racism, I learned, was not a gender thing. I heard many arguments about the importance of the white race. About the superiority of the white brain. About the need to maintain racial distinctions and accept the wisdom of whites over blacks. To my mother’s horror I was invited to a Klan meeting as the guest of a classmate’s uncle. Politely, the invitation was declined. My classmates and I just agreed to disagree on the subject. I made friends, was elected a class officer, had a girlfriend. But I was exposed to the very hard reality that racism could so permeate someone’s thinking that they never think twice about it. Casual racial references are made that are simply off the charts — yet no one speaks up because in that universe this behavior is considered the norm.
WHAT DOES ALL THIS have to do with Judge Sotomayor?
There is much more to her now-famous “wise Latina” speech.
Here are other sections from Judge Sotomayor’s speech, the full text courtesy of the New York Times.
To illustrate the point I have changed the racial and gender references:
* “I intend tonight to touch upon the themes that this conference will be discussing this weekend and to talk to you about my white identity, where it came from, and the influence I perceive it has on my presence on the bench.”
* “The story of that success is what made me and what makes me the white man that I am. The white side of my identity was forged and closely nurtured by my family through our shared experiences and traditions.”
About the Author
Jeffrey Lord is a former Reagan White House political director and author. He writes from Pennsylvania at jlpa1@aol.com.
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Robert Rosencrans| 6.2.09 @ 6:33AM
The answer to Peggy Noonan's question is quite simple. Simply compare her to other racists or look at the effects, both long term and short term, of government edicts requiring, perhaps insisting on mandates that are hard to quantify and just about impossible to implement.
As a result of those mandates, millions of jobs have left America and millions more will go. Diversity which is mandated is no longer diversity, it simply leads to a racist dictatorship.
In the meantime here are three links. The first is from a so called African American web site. The second link shows why a color blind society may be attainable at some point. The third is from David Duke, who has made statements similiar to the Sotomayor racial philosiphies in the past.
That leads to a real question. What is the difference between David Duke and Sotomayor? Perhaps that leads to a third question. What is the difference between David Duke, Sotomayor and Peggy Noonan? Let's not leave out the Republicans who want to stick their heads in the sand. One body endorses racial preferences by their silence, while David Duke and Sotomayor endorse it by their statements.
The David Duke statement is ironic, because it points out racism, and defines Sotomayor as a racist. But then again, he's no Peggy Noonan.
http://aapoliticalpundit.blogspot.com/2009/04/reverse-discrimination-in-dallas-police.html
"It seems clear based on his evaluations, work and experience that he was much more qualified than the individuals taken," Burleson said. In September, Castleberg filed an unsuccessful grievance with the department after he was not selected for Westry's squad.
He later filed the complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission."Sgt. Westry has never, in his history as a narcotics unit supervisor, since 2005, chosen a Caucasian officer for his squad," Castleberg wrote in a letter to the department.
"Sgt. Westry's current squad, including the detectives chosen for this position, consists only of minority detectives."Castleberg, who has been a narcotics detective for more than four years, wrote that the two minority detectives chosen for Westry's squad both had less experience than he did. He also has a clean disciplinary history. Department records show the racial breakdown of the detectives chosen for Westry's squads is four blacks, four Hispanics and one American Indian. One of the black detectives was chosen twice. No whites have been chosen for his squad, the records show. More HERE
http://www.adversity.net/0_Education/Seattle-Kentucky/scotus.htm
On Thursday, June 28, 2007 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the school systems in Seattle, WA and in Louisville, KY had violated the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment by their use of a student's race in deciding whom to admit to particular public schools.
Ward Connerly, of the American Civil Rights Institute, declared the Supreme Court's decision to strike down the Seattle and Louisville school district racial preference scheme as a "glorious victory."
In the cases Meredith v. Jefferson County Board of Education and Parents Involved in Community Schools (PICS) v. Seattle School District a majority of justices voted to again limit the use of race preferences in American life, with 4 of the justices advocating for a total elimination of race as a factor in public institutions. A fifth justice, Anthony Kennedy, joined the majority in its 5-4 determination that the school districts' use of race was unconstitutional, but in his concurring opinion Justice Kennedy placed limits on his enthusiasm for elimination the use of race in school assignments.
http://www.davidduke.com/general/sonia-sotomayor-and-obamas-idea-of-justice_10283.html
When you think about it, Sonia Sotomayor is the perfect pick for the Supreme Court — in Barack Obama’s America.
Like Obama, himself a beneficiary of affirmative action, she thinks “Latina women,” because of their life experience, make better judicial decisions than white men, that discrimination against white men to advance people of color is what America is all about, that appellate courts are “where policy is made” in the United States.
To those who believe the depiction of our first Hispanic justice as an anti-white liberal judicial activist, hearken to her own words.
Speaking at Berkeley in 2001, Sonia told her audience, “I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experience would more often than not reach a better conclusion (as a judge) than a white male who hasn’t lived that life.”
Imagine if Sam Alito had said at Bob Jones University, “I would hope that a wise white male with the richness of his life experience would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a Hispanic woman, who hasn’t lived that life.”
Alito would have been toast. No explanation, no apology would have spared him. He would have been branded for life a white bigot.
Judge Sotomayor will be excused because the media agree with her and she is a Latina who will use her court seat to impose upon the nation the values of the National Council of La Raza (The Race), of which she is a member.
Indeed, she sees this as her mission. Speaking at Duke in 2005, Sotomayor declared: “(The) court of appeals is where policy is made. I know this is on tape, and I should never say that because we don’t make law I know.” She and the audience joined in the laughter.
drudge ette obama| 6.2.09 @ 6:58AM
Excellent response, Mr. Rosencrans, and Jeffery Lord, you are on point. I can only think that the white guilt component has tempered the reaction to little Sonia's statement. It is only clearly illustated when the substitution game is played, putting the established racial victims in the place of the white male.
I believe little Sonia has antipathy towards the gringos. It is built into her Newyorican culture. It may even be too big for her to overcome; hence, her prepared statement to a very supportive, like-minded, white-guilty Berkeleyians.
Colorblind goes all ways. Everyone must play by that rule. To give some groups a pass for an occasional bigoted remark sets back any progress made.
She doesn't have the judicial temperment to be a Supreme Court judge. I know a number of federal judges who are extremely smart, but they are biased as hell and on occasion, abuse the privilege they have been given. Everyone knows it. But we are stuck with them. I would hate to be stuck with little Sonia.
Steve| 6.2.09 @ 7:04AM
No surprise here; just another good reason to ignore Ms. Noonan and Northeast elitists. Of course, Ms. Sotomayor is a multi-culti racist. So's Obama, or he would have walked out of Rev. Wright's church on day one. No shocks there. Ms. Noonan believes it to be fashionably acceptable racism, however. No shock there, either. Ms. Noonan has never had an original thought in her life; like depressingly large numbers of folks, she simply takes her cues from the dominant media voices and plows ahead, like a good German absorbing the talking points of Dr. Goebbels. Brains rusted shut.
No, no surprise from Ms. Noonan.
Er| 6.2.09 @ 7:23AM
It is Peggy Noonan who is the racist with her bigotry of sof expectations.
Like most libs, Noonan looks at blacks and Hispanics as children who are not fully accountable for what they say or do.
ds80| 6.2.09 @ 7:33AM
David Matthews has been masturbating since 6:43 AM.
Oh, and I must be racist for saying that. I'll even throw in "senile".
It's pretty clear, and the commonly accepted, consensus is: Sotomayor is a Newyorkrican racist. Nominated simply to satisfy Liberal feel-good bean counting.
No matter: Liberal Sotomayor replaces Liberal Souter.
Melvin| 6.2.09 @ 7:42AM
Come on people, lets be honest here. Everyone and I mean everyone has a bit of bigotry in them. Like many things in life the majority won't admit this in public let alone admitting it to themselves.
There is nothing wrong with it, and it is perfectly natural to express it.
And ethnic minorities are not the sole receivers of bigotry either. How many times have we been in a crowded elevator or a situation where we have observed someone, man or woman and their very existence for some reason is completely repulsive to us.
It doesn't mean that we are bad people, it just means that humans are bigoted toward each other for a myriad of reasons from time to time.
Racism is an overly used word for maximum impact and shock value and the vast majority fail to grasp the original meaning.
But Ms. Sotomayor's statement at Berkley was indeed a racist comment because she felt that a Latina Judge was intellectually superior to a white Judge.
A lawyer let alone a judge who is worth his or her salt just doesn't make comments like that.
Ms. Sotomayor apparently feels that she has been maligned somewhere by a white judge and has carried that chip on her shoulder through her career.
If anyone needs to grow up it is Ms. Sotomayor.
Bram| 6.2.09 @ 7:54AM
I'm shocked, people still read Peggy Noonan?
billy| 6.2.09 @ 8:01AM
David,
When did you progress from simple religous whack-job (http://www.geocities.com/dmathew1/introwk.html) to All Knowing Smiter of Mortals?
And who's billy mathews?
Siegfried X| 6.2.09 @ 8:04AM
Peggy Noonan is a Democrat who endorsed Barack Obama before the election. It is true that she worked for President Reagan, but she left the Republican Party, became a RINO, a long, long time ago.
Bilwick| 6.2.09 @ 8:31AM
So the new definite of "grow up" is "submit quietly to Il Dufe"?
stu.b.con| 6.2.09 @ 8:32AM
As always Mr. Lord provides thoughtful, intelligent insights in his commentary. And kudos to Mr. Rosencrans for his post as well. This nomination serves to remove all doubt about the racial agenda of Obama and his gang of affirmative action gangsters, in the words of Rush, Obamessiah has a giant chip on his shoulder.
Odd, that. Considering his life story and that of Sotomayor. If America is supposed to be in such a need for "hope and change" how do we explain the ability of Obama, Michelle, Sotomayor and millions of others who take full advantage of the American dream to attend the best schools, receive a great education and opportunities galore? Or explain how he was able to be elected to the highest office in the land with a threadbare resume? Or explain Oprah, Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Will Smith, Justice Thomas, and on and on and on?
Sotomayor is clearly a racist with a racial agenda, and her nomination to SCOTUS should be fought tooth and nail by everone who truly aspires to a "color blind" society.
p.s. davey, as usual, your intelligence, insight, and articulate posts are up to your usual high standards. Jackass. And while you stroke your tiny, tiny ego calling me a racist bastard I will be working with my future son-in-law this morning on his golf game. Oh, did I forgot to mention he is, like obamessiah, the son of a "mixed race" couple, in his words a "halfrican"? I only mention it because it matters so much to jackasses like you, as for myself, he is just the person that loves and cares for my daughter.
Jackass.
Melvin| 6.2.09 @ 8:34AM
No, David Mathews your quite wrong about your analysis of stating that I am a, "Racist." I'm bigoted not racist.
I don't know you if you have the intellectual capacity to differentiate between the two.
But I will say this with all candor, "I am bigoted toward David Mathews," and I could really give a rats ass what you think or feel.
Bilwicl| 6.2.09 @ 8:36AM
Erratum: I meant of course "definition" and not "definite."
Don't you wish "Dave Matthews" would write an "Erratum." Scenes We'd Like to See: "Hey, I just read Hazlitt's ECONOMICS IN ONE LESSON,
Bastiat's THE LAW, and Aristotle's LOGIC--and boy, is my face red! I just can't believe I was such a lockstep party-liner for statism! From now on I'm going to stick to concerts and recordings with my band and donate heavily to the National Taxpayers Union and the NRA! Freedom now, bro!"
JJ JR| 6.2.09 @ 8:37AM
Y'all and Jeffrey,
Circular error probable: zero. Direct hit with high order denotation observed!
Outstanding literary piece--telling the newly evolved Manhattan socialite Peggy Noonan to "stick it where the flies are thick!"
Bravo!!
Deborah D | 6.2.09 @ 9:00AM
Thanks for teaching Peggy Noonan a lesson I'm sure she'll refuse to learn, Mr. Lord. I'm so sick of the NY-DC know-it-alls trying to tell the rest of the country to bend over and take it. No, it's not time to do that, it's time to fight. All I can think of these days is the poem by anti-Nazi Pastor Martin Niemoller:
"In Germany they first came for the Communists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.
"Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.
"Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.
"Then they came for the Catholics,
and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant.
"Then they came for me —
and by that time no one was left to speak up."
If we don't speak up and speak out against not just this appointment, but against all of Obama's radical ignoring of the Constitution, we'll live to regret it regardless of party or where on the political spectrum your philosophy lies (talking to you DM).
Thanks, Mr. Lord, once again your wisdom and knowledge point the way.
Bilwick| 6.2.09 @ 9:16AM
Submitted for your consideration . . .
A world recovering from the impact of a comet. Life has survived pretty much as we know it--with a few peculiar exceptions. For one thing, the words "racist" and "racism" have disappeared from our minds and vocabularies, as if they never existed.
Meet one "David Matthews." A poor soul whose fantasies of being a rock star alternate with wet dreams of being fisted by Michelle Obama in a leather Ilse She-Wolf of the IRS costume, Dave thought he had found his calling as a commenter on the blogosphere, known and feared by all pro-freedom bloggers and commenters for his devastating critiques of pro-freedom thought. At least in Dave's mind. Others who read his posts don't see "devastating critiques" as much as "foaming-at-the-mouth party-line regurgitation" in the service of his hero, the beloved president known to his loyal subjects as "the Lightbringer," and to others as "Il Dufe." Now Dave's world is crumbling. Deprived of the words "racist" and "racism," Dave suddenly finds himself unable to post. "Words fail me . . . cannot communicate . . . " He wonders, shuddering" "Must I now try to refute what my opponents are actually saying, instead of attacking straw men? Must I now resort to--*gasp*--logical argument and not ad hominem attacks??!! Help me, Great Lightbringer, help me, help me!" A pitiful near-mute, he wanders the post-comet world helpless and afraid, with not even his beloved Obama to give him guidance.
For you see, in addition to eliminating 90% of Dave's vocabulary . . .the comet has also destroyed all teleprompters!
Bill| 6.2.09 @ 9:24AM
Brilliant piece. Thanks for continuing to fight the good fight.
John Navratil| 6.2.09 @ 9:27AM
Excellent article. But -- I know, sigh -- I am a racist. But it doesn't take DM to tell me, I was so informed in August 1973 when I was approached by a young man to sign a petition to create MLK day. I declined as I thought, and still do, that just two Federal holidays were enough. No matter why, the result was the same. Because I didn't agree with the outcome this man desired, I was a racist. I suppose if he had been petitioning for a Rose Parks day, I could have been sexist, as well.
Like Mr. Lord, I grew up in the deep south and have seen the misery, the struggles and the riots. I was young then and confess a bit of schadenfreude when racial strife appeared in Boston and the Northeast that I regret now. We have endured too much as a nation to let the racial hucksters and identity politicians co-opt this issue to Balkanize his nation again. Racism is pernicious and caustic to the society and a nod and a wink to "one of ours" is completely unacceptable no matter who "we" are.
John in MD| 6.2.09 @ 9:27AM
Mr. Mathews - you need a job.
Ms Noonan may have been Present at the Creation, but she's off the reservation and her articles get wackier and wackier.
John Navratil| 6.2.09 @ 9:28AM
Oops! - I misspelled Rosa Park's name.
Jack | 6.2.09 @ 9:31AM
Fine piece Mr. Lord. Very thoughtful follow up Mr. Rosencrans. I suspect you know abit about racism as well.
Many forget that Peggy Noonan does not write for identified conservatives alone. She has a history of appealing to the center, including moderate wings of both parties. There has always been this dimension to writing which is why both the hard left and hard right fear/dislike her. Ms Noonan does not need to make a hard/upfront attack on a person or policy to have effect. Her effect is measured by a movement of incremental degrees of understanding and self examination. The is speaking to a very large segment that see reasonable discourse as the only communication worth paying attention too. After all if we can't all compromise together around a centrist core of principles, none of us will be happy.
Mrs. Jackson| 6.2.09 @ 9:34AM
Very thoughtful piece Mr. Lord. Thank you. Yes, Sotomayor should be withdrawn.
Ms. Noonan's thoughtfulness needs a closer look. Her charming and seductive song has flowed effortlessly from her columns for years now, bestowing generous portions of wisdom and knowledge of the past and future. All the while lulling her audience into a restful and heavy sleep.
But the good times have departed. Ms. Noonan seems not to have taken note. She is still singing her soft seductress song. But is it a song of true wisdom and knowledge of the past and future? Or is it the song of the Sirens? The song that lures men to her, only to have them crash upon the rocks and be ravished not by her, but the sea?
Redheart| 6.2.09 @ 9:38AM
Why do we continue to give Peggy Noonan the attention she craves? Maybe she'd have some sway with the modern day GOP if she'd tackle some really troubling issues, such as yesterday's decisions not to press charges against New Black Panthers that threatened voters or denying the state of Georgia to verify whether or not voters are even legal citizens. Instead, she drones on and on about her idea of a perfect party. We are tired of her and her worn out rhetoric that isn't viable or relevant in terms of the issues of the day. Judge Sotomayor is being criticized based on her past rulings, her comments and her personal record. Enough with the biogtry and bias and racism claims. It was Republican Martin Luther King, Jr., that prompted us to judge people by the content of their character, yet every time a conservative sets about to do that, people like Noonan take issue. Let's hope Ms. Noonan, Arlen Spector, Col. Powell and others of their mindset stop criticizing those that don't share their ideals and simply go off and form their own perfect union somewhere, or at least, their own party. I respectfully request that American Spectator simply disregard Peggy Noonan in the future. She gets all the laud and honor and high praise she needs when she shows up on MSNBC talk shows.
Cam| 6.2.09 @ 9:49AM
I call on the Editors of the American Spectator to refuse to print the diatribe of the one calling himself "David Mathews." This person's(s') vile screed is venomous, unhealthy and nonproductive, and adds nothing but contention and distraction on the issue.
No doubt, as soon as this person's comments become summarily deleted, they will come up with some other name and begin again to post their pathetic distortions, accusations and attempts at personal ridicule. Their motives are transparent. They mean to shut-down and discourage all from expressing themselves, and do so by verbally haranging any who dare to protest against their maliciousness, or who dare to make reasonable argument.
Therefore, please, Editors, allow those that blog on this site to report such "abuse" immediately so as to defeat the liberal antic of attempting to dominate (hog) the conversation, allowing the rest of us to enjoy the conversation from others more worthy of our attention.
As most of us recognize that yelling "fire" in a crowded movie theatre is immoral, illegal, and has nothing to do with free speech but an abuse thereof, so is such dribble from the Mathews' camp, which has no interest in adding to the freedom of conversation, but to destroy it.
To allow such a sickness to be repeatedly printed only encourages the disease to spread, and persistently drives others away.... which only satisfies their agenda.
It's interesting to note that no such infamy is rarely if ever found (or indeed allowed) on liberal blogs. Even conservative opinion, no matter how tastefully articulated, is rarely if ever allowed within the liberally controlled media.
Though I think that honest debate should be productively embraced and differences explored, I question why the template of the Mathews' racist screed is allowed, since it is basically dishonest, distracting, and disinforming. Again, nobody should need tolerate such expression since it's real intent is to shut-up ever one else who doesn't agree with them. Their whole idea is to hold everyone else to a standard they never have agreed to hold themselves.
Surely, such a person(s) has wantonly worn-out the right to be heard. These are of the ilk of being cruely narcissitic, trantrumingly inane, brattish and ill-manered, and should no longer be given the attention or the time they obsessively crave. Such a malformed ego structure should be silently "gelded" so that it discourages others of their tribe to participate. No apologies.
Big J| 6.2.09 @ 10:00AM
"I have a dream. That one day my children will be judged not by the color of their skin, but the content of their character."
Profound words from a brilliant man - Martin Luther King. Unfortunately, his dream has never and will never come to pass.
Racism is big business in today's society. The Ku Klux Klan has been replaced by the Rainbow Coalition and the ACLU, all equally dangerous to societal peace and harmony. Without racism, the leaders of these organizations have no job, no income, no sense of purpose.
Unfortunately, I fear these people and organizations will always exist. It does not matter who gets elected to what office; it does not matter what reparations are made; it does not matter that a "minority" has more opportunity for free college, a better job regardless of qualifications, and many other benefits that I have no access to, because I am white. That was not Dr. King's dream.
Personally, I care not for the liberals (especially the likes of Dave Mathews) branding me a racist because I do not support this woman for the Supreme Court. I base my conclusion on her record, her statements and her philosophy. Period.
The racist label has worn out it's welcome in my world. It is tiresome, boring, and simply not true.
The "Dave Mathews" of the world can keep on using it for all I care. Insignificant race-baiters mean nothing to me.
RoadKing| 6.2.09 @ 10:05AM
Is david mathews a real person or a broken record? Same sh_t, different day.
John Navratil| 6.2.09 @ 10:11AM
Cam,
It's kind of like SPAM. Just delete it and move on. At least he posts with the same name so we know what to skip.
NavyBrat| 6.2.09 @ 10:12AM
Excellent piece, Mr.Lord. Well written & very telling. I remember thinking the same thing about her comment when I heard it. I thought that her statement was indicative of a deeply held racial superiority complex that is not unlike that held by the Dixiecrats.
Only in Dave Matthews Land does a white man calling out a minority about blatant racism equate with said white man with being a racist. Tell us who is more concerned about race when the entire liberal ethos is based on identity politics & classifying people by group & race. Our country was founded on the merits of the INDIVIDUAL, not the "group" to which that individual is SUPPOSED to belong. We believe the following:
"Be not intimidated.. nor suffer yourselves to be wheedled out of your liberties by any pretense of politeness, delicacy, or decency. These, as they are often used, are but three different names for hypocrisy, chicanery & cowardice."...John Adams
"It will be of little avail to the people, that the laws are made by men of their own choice, if the laws be so voluminous that they cannot be read, or so incoherent that they cannot be understood; if they be repealed or revised before they are promulgated, or undergo such incessant changes that no man, who knows what the law is today, can guess what it will be tomorrow. Law is defined to be a rule of action; but how can that be a rule, which is little known, and less fixed?"...James Madison
"The more laws, the less justice."...Cicero
This is what lefties like DM & our Dear Leader believe:
"All our live we fought against exalting the individual, against the elevation of the single person, and long ago we were over and done with the business of a hero, and here it comes again: the glorification of one personality. This is not good at all."...Vladimir Ilyich Lenin
"While the State exists, there can be no freedom. When there is freedom, there will be no State."...Vladimir Ilyich Lenin
"Ideological talk and phrase mongering about political liberties should be disposed with; all that is just mere chatter & phrase mongering. We should get away from those phrases."...Vladimir Ilyich Lenin
"1. Abolition of property in land & application of all rents to public purposes. 2. A heavy progressive or graduated income tax. 3. Abolition of all rights to inheritance. 4. Confiscation of the property of all emigrants & rebels. 5. Centralization of credit in the banks of the state, by means of a national bank with state capital & an exclusive monopoly. 6. Centralization of the means of communication & transport in the hands of the state. 7. Extension of factories & instruments of production owned by the state; the bringing into cultivation of waste lands, & the improvement of the soil generally in accordance with a common plan. 8. Equal obligation of all to work. Establishment of industrial armies, especially for agriculture. 9. Combination of agriculture with manufacturing industries; gradual abolition of all the distinctions betweentown & country by more equable distribution of the populace over the country. 10. Free education for all children in public schools. Abolition of children's factory labor in its present form. Combination of education with industrial production, etc."...Karl Marx
The parallels between this last one & what's going on today is more disconcerting than one can possibly imagine.
Tim| 6.2.09 @ 10:18AM
A thousand points of slight...
Siegfried X| 6.2.09 @ 10:19AM
Peggy Noonan is left, not center. She said this in her column endorsing Obama:
"But let’s be frank. Something new is happening in America. It is the imminent arrival of a new liberal moment."
It is ridiculous to let liberal Obama-supporters tell us how to run the Republican Party. Doing so would mean that we are just a wing of the Democratic Party.
The tent cannot be so big that we support the other party's candidates. If it were, we would have one party government.
It's not surprising that an Obama supporter like Noonan would push us to rubber-stamp his nominees; it is surprising that we listen to her. Dem0cratic Senator Chuck Shumer wants us to approve Sotomayor too -- should we spend time discussing his arguments, as though he was a Republican?
Bob| 6.2.09 @ 10:21AM
Jeffrey, here is the problem with your argument -- you bring up racism! The problem with you and other right wingers is that identity politics have meaning. If you really believed we lived in a meritocracy, then there would be no need to even bring up the topic.
This is where the Republican party makes its mistake. We should judge Sotomayor, and any other judge, on the basis of their actions, not their identity politics. If you believe there should be no racism, then don't use racism as a measuring stick. Why do you overlook the fact that in 80% of the discrimination cases brought before her, she decided against the minority? If she were really swayed by racism, would this be the case?
And by the way, Noonan has not changed over the years. Reagan would never have made the charge of racism (in part because Noonan wrote many of his speeches). You worked for the guy, and I think you know that. Have you not learned anything from Reagan?
The Republican party is the whitest it has been in decades. In the last convention, there were fewer blacks (only 32), than there had been in a number of decades. Couldn't the Republican party be charged with "racism" because by their actions, they have "pushed out" minorities?
By the way, if racism really offended you, why didn't you do more to stop it? Perhaps you should have become a community organizer...
Our backgrounds are virtually mirror images. I was a white guy growing up in a poor black urban neighborhood. Only 4% of our high school was white. I didn't experience racism in the hood because whites were not a threat. Virtually all of my friends were black and so were the girls I dated. Getting out of that community and going to some of the best schools in the country was a unique experience.
So, given my experience, let me tell you what racism is really about. It's about underperforming schools where you have to fight to learn. It's about having communities so poor that you can't find summer jobs. It's about not being exposed to successful professionals. It's about not learning how to speak properly.
Like Sotomayor, I had to relearn grammar and improve my vocabulary in college. I didn't have the benefit of working with study groups because after I went to school all day, I had to work at night as I have paid my own way since I was 15.
Like many in my community, I went into the Army and fought in Vietnam as getting deferments were not part of our vocabulary.
So, Mr. Lord, I'm not sure you really understand racism. If you did, you would not throw the word around so loosely.
By the way, the reason I became a Republican is that I believe in a meritocracy and not in identity politics. Growing up in a ghetto, is not a meritocracy. We, as a country, should look for leveling the playing field -- and then people can succeed on their own merits.
As long as race is demographically tied to socioeconomic status, we will have some form of "affirmative action". I believe the position of the Republican party should be to strive for a meritocracy along socio-economic -- not racial -- lines. There are numbers of poor white communities where "getting out of the hood" is almost as difficult.
For those reasons, Republicans should stop talking about identity politics, and start talking about equal playing fields (not reparations). As Noonan says, you do a disservice to Republicans to make this a racial issue. Leave identity politics up to the Democrats and don't fall into this trap.
Anthony| 6.2.09 @ 10:28AM
Noonan is a tired old fool who, along with a fair number of beltway elites, decided some time ago, that if you're in the relevance business, it's best to go along with the current leftist hegemony. What about Sotomayor's insufferable myopia to the paradigm of multiculturalism doesn't Noonan get? How much more explicit does Sotomayor need be? The woman is the quintessential product of leftist elite academia, combined with a hard core distain for western civilization, which translates into anyone who is white. She wears it as a badge of honor, or can't you see that Peggy?
Noonan has long since stopped being relevant or insightful to us conservatives. She, like Colin Powell, boasts of Republican bona fides that simply don't exist anymore, if they ever did, but it's great fun to be the "reasonable" Republican amoung the leftist media crowd. "Oh Peggy, how do you put up with those Neanderthals? it must be sooo tiring. "If only they'd listen to you and Colin, Peggy, they'd be soooo much better off".
Of course, if Noonan spent 10 minutes reviewing how the left and the Democrats in the Senate, particularily the reprehensible Chuck Schumer, treated Thomas, Estrada, Alito, Roberts, Scalia and especially Bork, this fool would see that the Republicans, as weak and feeble as they are, have a duty to expose this radical racist for who and what she is. For Noonan and her ilk, standing for principle is so antiquated, unless if course, it's the new Obama Marxism that's all the rage in Washington.
No, Noonan is just a hack sell out, like her fellow insider travelers, for whom remaining important is all that matters. Ignore her as you would Colin Powell.
Grzmlyk| 6.2.09 @ 10:30AM
Thank you, Mr. Lord. You are right on target.
I read that Peggy Noonan piece; I guess I shouldn't have been surprised, given her increasingly callow and embarrassing track record, but I was.
Not only does her precious, treacly writing continually induce insulin shock, but she has devolved into the basest of "Republicans:" those who preach victory through surrender and moral suasion through craven emulation.
No doubt she has burned her NRA card in favor of an ACLU lifetime membership. You go, girl! You are now officially Oprahfied. Hope you enjoy that rarefied Marxist air, where everbody's equal and the only racists are white males.
I say this to Peggy: Instead of writing cloying hagiographies of liberals, why don't you and Mr. Obama just get a room?
ds80| 6.2.09 @ 10:42AM
Still waiting for you to say something intelligent, David Matthews, that doesn't include the words "racist", "stupid", or "bigot". You're so predictable. Do you realize we're all laughing at your banal, juvenile antics?
Tea? Nope. I drink coffee.
Anyway, have another thrill reading your name in print.
Son Of Sam | 6.2.09 @ 10:47AM
Peggy Noonan says that we should be "grownups" about the Sotomayor nomination. I agree: we should start acting like grown men and women,and American citizens to boot. Grown ups will not be told how to feel or what to think. Unlike certain so-called "leaders" we don't bow to the dictator of a foreign country. Nor do we believe that our nation is a cow to be milked or a piggy bank to be broken into, neither by cheap demagogues trying to stir up race hatred through quotas and set asides and calls for "reparations" or lying politicians who want to grant "amnesty" to those who flout our laws and piss on our borders. Most of all, we will NOT consent to the idea that unelected unaccountable judges are the ultimate arbiter of what is best for our society: that is a job that belongs to "we the people"
Sonia Sotomayor believes that her insights are intrinsically better than mine based on her skin color and her lack of a Y chromosome. If that'snot racism and sexism, what the hell is?
stand strong until freedom dawns
Son Of Sam
http://www.samadamassos.bravehost.com
Pete| 6.2.09 @ 10:49AM
This is all ridiculous. Everyone knows full well that if a Republican nominee (or anyone else for that matter) had ever said, "I think a martian would often arrive at a better conclusion than (pick a non-white race)," whether they believed it or not, whether or not martians are real, whether or not that person had been injected with some drug without their knowledge, they would have been shredded by the liberal media and dismissed summarily. You see, only liberals are allowed to play the race card, and only when it suits their needs.
As an aside - That was the grand comedy of the D primary, where the old Clinton trick was rendered impotent by an actual ethnic candidate (don't get me wrong, though that was funny to watch at the time, the joke is now on us all, because as corrupt and sleazy as the Clintons are, I don't believe they fundamentally hate the US like Osama clearly does).
Siegfried X| 6.2.09 @ 10:56AM
Name calling, like saying "grow up", is a typical liberal tactic. Noonan becomes more and more like her fellow Democratic party members every day.
Of course RINOs use much the same language. They don't like uppity conservatives who dare to speak up instead of letting the RINO party establishment run everything. According the RINOs, conservatives are supposed to keep quiet and out of site, doing nothing but providing votes & money at election time.
Joe| 6.2.09 @ 11:07AM
Davey, poor little racist bigot. I feel for you. Dr. Martin Luther King wanted a color blind America. I am sorry people like you and Judge Sotomayor are shut big racist and religious bigots you can't see past you nose to smell it. I watch an old movie that was just like you last night. It was called the Manchurian Candidate. If you are something, hide it and all your opponents it first and no one will every suspect you. However, we are now too smart for you, Sotomayor and Obama.
gs54| 6.2.09 @ 11:23AM
Thank you Mr. Lord for another thought provoking column. Thank you for engaging Ms. Noonan in a respectful debate of ideas that focuses on part of the message and does not descend to focusing on the messenger.
What does Ms. Noonan advocate in her piece in the WSJ? She encourages debate. She believes that the arguments that Republicans can make are winners. She is not asking the opposition to lie down.
Challenge the nomination!!! Do so with sound argument. Do not prejudge. Ask incisive questions. Not to win the debate, but to understand. That requires listening to the answers. Go where the answers lead unless the answers are evasive or misleading.
Mr. Lord, your article is a well thought out arguement. It takes a high road. May the Senate Republicans and Democrats for that matter expose the nominee's judicial temprament and thinking by means of a high road.
Leadership involves taking a principled road that is often less traveled and very often more difficult, like sitting next to a girl on a school bus.
Tim| 6.2.09 @ 11:30AM
So Peggy, perhaps calling her a cold racist is a wee bit over the top.
But her Statement and many of her rulings suggest shall we say a very strong Biased against whites in general and others in particular.
Now where I come from we used to say that folks that excercized that kind of talk and decision making were racist, but I suppose in this new kindler and gentler world we can agree to just call her simply Biased.
Either way, she is not fit to serve on the high court.
Biwick| 6.2.09 @ 11:31AM
Briilliant rebuttal, Dave! Up to your usual high standard--maybe even better!
To paraphrase Brian the Dog on "Family Guy:"
"You are the Thomas Aquinas of crap."
dnha14| 6.2.09 @ 11:44AM
"So if I sound like I am against whites, you are correct. "
That's probably the most racist statement in this entire thread. Please go spout on the KOS. At least they might think you have some credibility.
Bilwick| 6.2.09 @ 11:46AM
Provided he can handle all the big words (those being most words that aren't "racism" or "racist"), Dave Matthews might profit from looking at this:
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2009/06/02/its_not_fair_to_casually_call_people_racist_96778.html
1Freeman| 6.2.09 @ 11:47AM
Hello David,
You are so full of hate and racism as to make most Americans sick. Your posts are filled with anger and name calling. Your lack of intellect is astounding; you missed the meat of this article and just want to name call. You pathetic looser! How about I start the American United Caucasian College fund. Or how about I begin a Political Action Group called "Oppressed White Americans" or any number of mirror equals to the racism you and your Democrat losers push on a peaceful nation? The stench of your hypocrisy would overpower a sewer.
We all know you live in an apartment. Please post the actual apartment number.
Once again we all wait in hope of a forum moderator to remove David Mathews hate speech and name calling from the board. Mathews is a troll who will attack any reasonable piece... has for a long time.
Cheney's Hammer| 6.2.09 @ 11:49AM
I went to a VERY Liberal University in the 1980's, where I was repeatedly hammered with left-wing gobbledy-gook and other assorted attempts at indoctrination.
One of the talking points that these lefty, res-ed types tried to cram down our throats was the convenient idea that minorities could not be racist.
It was all based on a formula, you see.
RACISM = Oppression + Power
In other words, blacks and hispanics who held the most vile and stupid ideas about whites (and especially about Jews) were given an automatic pass for their hatred, based on the ridiculous assumption that they have "no power". "Power", and it's attainment, were of course always conveniently defined by the left.
For this reason, racist, anti-semitic scum-bags like Calypso Louie (Louis Farrakhan) were welcome to speak on campus, but P.J. O'Rourke was not (in fact, the University intervened and revoked O'Rourke's invitation from a Conservative student group).
This type of nonsense has been going on for over 3 decades, and it's no doubt that Sotomayor was herself indoctrinated with this drivel during her tenure as an Ivy-league undergrad and law student. It's not posturing - she probably sincerely believes it, and is likely unsure as to what, exactly she said that's actually wrong.
The only good to come from this discussion will be the open debate (not in the Senate; the Republicans have no stones for that), but in the public, and on the internet. It's high-time that the racist attitudes of many minorities be open for debate. Anyone who thinks blacks can't be racist is a complete fool.
As far as I'm concerned, the Civil Rights struggle ended on November 4, 2008. I didn't buy the left's racial-whining in the 80's, and I don't buy it today.
Oh...And who really gives a damn what Peggy RINO Noonan thinks, anyway. She's an irrelevant figure in the coming Conservative revolution...
Rich| 6.2.09 @ 11:53AM
Chimps can type! Reading David Mathews' posts tells me 1) he has no job, otherwise he'd be too busy to make all of these obnoxius, tho unintentionally funny, posts 2) he's a software designer who has a program to randomly pick words and construct his posts or 3) he's a MoveOn.Org nutjob who's job it is is to spam sites that don't toe the Stalinist/Obama line...
Ed| 6.2.09 @ 11:54AM
To David Matthews:
You certainly seem to have a lot of time on your hands. Why don't you get a real job and stop being a troll?
Thomas Paulick| 6.2.09 @ 11:59AM
This was a terrific essay. Thanks from one of the readers.
Big J| 6.2.09 @ 11:59AM
Who is Dave Mathews?
"Sunset, Sunrise, Flying Machines
by dmathew1
Mon Jun 01, 2009 at 12:30:51 PM PDT
Nature's glory displayed itself as the sun sank into the Gulf of Mexico yesterday and Nature performed an even more glorious light show this morning:
In addition, there are birds ... of couse, birds are beautiful and absolutely irresistable ... and the mangrove forest, and USF St. Pete's shoreline and library.
On this day filled with so much tragedy and sorrow I encourage everyone to devote your attention to beauty and calm your soul. Difficult days are approaching and our civilization is quickly running out of time.
Tags: nature, photography, sunrise, sunset, birds, wildlife, beauty, peace, violence, the economy, creativity, boundaries, limits (all tags)
Angry Gator, Osprey w/ Parrot
by dmathew1
Sun May 31, 2009 at 11:39:19 AM PDT
Nature was positively glorious today ...
Including a close encounter with a grunting large male alligator, ospreys, baby ospreys, butterflies, parrots, flowers ... and the glorious blue sky above.
Nature accomplishes at least a billion things every single day which are more impressive than everything that humankind has accomplished over the last 10,000 years. I encourage everyone to spend their time in the living Universe and abandon, as much as is possible, the dead technological universe.
Tags: nature, photography, baby birds, alligator, osprey, parrot, wealth, poverty, capitalism, consumerism, socialism, communism, extinction (all tags)
Baby Pelicans! & Nesting Skimmers
by dmathew1
Sat May 30, 2009 at 02:02:39 PM PDT
Something wonderful in this world ...
Today's beauty in three folders:
Nesting Skimmers - Black Skimmer nesting area with lots of birds
Sunny Beach - beautiful but painful jellyfish with shore birds
Baby Pelicans! - delightful baby pelicans feeding, flock of roseate spoonbills and baby osprey
Tags: nature, photography, birds, baby pelicans, human nature, peace, war, pollution, extinction, climate change, the future, God (all tags)
Upper & Lower Mesa Falls
by dmathew1
Fri May 29, 2009 at 03:52:05 AM PDT
A trip through Idaho beginning with Pocatello then to Idaho Falls and ending at spectacular Upper & Lower Mesa Falls, including two zoos and lots of flowers:
Just a little reminded that this Earth is filled with beauty, so much beauty that it is inexhaustible, and that the greatest beauty of the Earth is life itself ... Nature has maintained this planet in a living state for billions of years and that is the only reason why there are waterfalls and wildlife and wildflowers to appreciate."
I am especially curious about this statement:
" I encourage everyone to spend their time in the living Universe and abandon, as much as is possible, the dead technological universe."
Why not follow some of your own advice, little Davey? Leave those of us that appreciate the technological universe to our own devices of "self destruction". I can't say you would be missed.
1Freeman| 6.2.09 @ 12:03PM
David Mathews,
Please continue to show the world the ignorance that drives you and defines the political party you love so much.
Everyone else: It is time we either leave "The American Spectator" and read our news elsewhere OR ask them to require a log-in so posts are moderated, abusers like the pathetic DM are blocked and the discussion can be thoughtful and enlightening or, at least, contained within the limits of polite speech.
Had enough of the hate speech of DM? Then you need to join me and ask this board to require a log-in and have better moderation.
GS54| 6.2.09 @ 12:06PM
To Cheney's Hammer:
Yes, make the debate public. If Sotomayor's nomination is to be blocked, that happens in the Senate. The Republican's must make the arguments.
Yes, debate in public and on the internet. As much as I like American Spec. it is a niche market.
What is amiss in Noonan's WSJ article? Beyond Mr. Lord's insight into the racism question, I find her proposed approach reasonable and responsible?
Bill Carson| 6.2.09 @ 12:12PM
Don't be conned by Noonan. She used to be a conservative until the going got tough. Now she is every New York liberal's favorite Republican. Reader may not know it, but she is on all kinds of boards and stuff in the Big Apple. She is in the process of mostly writing pieces that liberals love to hear from a "conservative." She occasionally writes something truly conservative to throw people off the trails and not accuse her of a quick sell-out. But sell-out it is! She's learned that she either does that or invites to big social events and boards will disappear. Peggy is out to take care of Peggy. So almost everything she writes is designed to keep her in an elevated position in NYC.
Skull and Bones| 6.2.09 @ 12:14PM
"You are losing your privileged status and that is why the Angry White Males panic."
Calling someone else racist while you people are explicitly and repeatedly racist is pure irony. "
- Dave Mathews
Hi, Dave Matthews!
Dave, I have a question for you:
Did you ever see a cornered dog fight?
It's kind of cool...And frightening, too. A cornered dog, when threatened, will fight to the death. He'll use every ounce of his strength to rip your throat out. The only way to defeat him is to kill him.
Same goes for a dog protecting his/her pups. Try and take or harm what's rightfully theirs, and they will chew you to pieces.
Soemone's been kickin' the dog Davey. And he's been a compliant dog for a long time, but the dog is mad. He's had enough. And he's getting ready to pounce.
So keep kicking, Dave. You and all your liberal buddies. You'll scream like little girls when the dog bares his teeth.
Grrrrrrrrrr.......
NavyBrat| 6.2.09 @ 12:17PM
"Hello Cheney's Hammer (this is the part of Cheney's anatomy that a teabagger especially loves):"
For someone who claims to be part of the group that sticks up for gays, I'd have thought that this type of humor would be taboo to little turds like DM. It makes one wonder how Dave took that handle to mean something pertaining to Cheney's crank. Maybe his boyfriend tells him, before they do the deed, to "get ready for the hammer." Then again, Dave's familiarity with fellatio is glaringly obvious in the way he describes his love for all things Obama. Maybe you need some kneepads, Dave?
Doorgunner| 6.2.09 @ 12:33PM
Well, somebody is irritable with a poopy diaper today.
What's the matter, Davey? Were you blocked from yet another site today?
Aw, shucks, little feller. Don't fret. The ignorant, racist, stupid, in need of a tissue (we know you got plenty), irrelevant, big, bad, poor little Spectator boys will always give you a place to stamp your little size-five feet. Come on, let it all out. There, there.
Doorgunner| 6.2.09 @ 12:33PM
Well, somebody is irritable with a poopy diaper today.
What's the matter, Davey? Were you blocked from yet another site today?
Aw, shucks, little feller. Don't fret. The ignorant, racist, stupid, in need of a tissue (we know you got plenty), irrelevant, big, bad, poor little Spectator boys will always give you a place to stamp your little size-five feet. Come on, let it all out. There, there.
Big J| 6.2.09 @ 12:34PM
1Freeman,
I have joined you in a request to abolish little Davey from this site. Excellent suggestion. I have made 2 or 3 promises to myself and other posters not to respond to this moron, only to break the promise upon provocation. I have had enough, like many others. I believe that if enough people request this, they will comply.
I can even deal with the Bobs and Drews: it's not about squashing free speech or opposing viewpoints. The point is, there is no point to his ridiculous ranting about racism, teabagging and whatever else his cohorts at the Daily Kos told him to say that day.
I hope that AmSpec takes action on this.
Cheney's Hammer| 6.2.09 @ 12:38PM
Hey, Dave Mathews!
The Affirmative Action Committee called! Since you've never been able to achieve anything on your own without hand-outs from Whitey, they have more guv'ment cheez for you to chew on!
But act fast! Obama used-up a lot of the credits (Columbia, Harvard, White House), so there's not much left!
I'd say "First come, first serve", but that's far too meritorious for your sensibilities. So instead, I'll say:
"First come, first subjected to confiscatory social policy so losers like Dave and his bros can get a leg-up..."
Doctor Right| 6.2.09 @ 12:42PM
As I've said before, I'm completely AGAINST any effort to ban Dave Mathews!
Davey's post are beautifully illustrious examples of both Orwell's maxim ("Ignorance is Strength"), and the vapidity of left-liberal thinking.
Davey, have no fear...No matter how bad things get for you, the white guy is always here to help! (But you're used to that by now, aren't you?)
Doorgunner| 6.2.09 @ 12:42PM
Yeah, it's time.
BLOCK DAVID MATHEWS
NavyBrat| 6.2.09 @ 1:02PM
Doorgunner. I agree with Dr. Right on this one. Why not let his mental midget post his unoriginal & repetitive bile as an example to all of us of what will become of our country should more people like him procreate. Reading his pre pubescent ramblings about "racism" & "bigotry" in every post, no matter WHAT the subject matter, is telling. The race card is all these charlatans to Dr. King's memory have left. One day soon, that card will be played out. People are inherently sick of it. Then, the only people who will be in the minority are those who identify themselves as part of the "group" they've been told they belong to by socialist/Marxist bootlickers like Dave. The majority will be those who identify themselves as AMERICANS first, THEN they might mention their lineage.
betsy| 6.2.09 @ 1:02PM
Mr. Mathews
YIKES Do you have a job? I saw one of your posts at ABC the other day. On my lunch hour. Same kind as this. I think this site is too intellectual for you. It requires some thoughtful analysis and perhaps introspection. I think you lack both. Please stay at ABC.
Gill O’Teen ✝✡| 6.2.09 @ 1:16PM
We will never end racism as long as we have laws which are based on race. All laws must treat all Americans exactly the same without any consideration of their race, religion, color, creed, country of origin or financial resources. saint sonia proved she does not believe this when she ruled in ‘Ricci v. DeStefano’ that something called ‘disparate impact’ justified discrimination against persons who had successfully passed a test for promotion because of their racial background. However, I do not think obumassiah picked her because he was seeking to appoint a Latina in order to meet some quota. No, he views our Constitution as a flawed document and wants Justices who will help him correct it. I think they are NOW taking bids on recasting the statue of Blind Justice to depict an eagle eyed woman holding scales. In one pan are placed THE LAW and THE CONSTITUTION. In the other No Longer Blind Justice’s thumb is squarely placed tilting the balance to that side.
I am not a fan of "David Mathews". I find the few posts of his which I have accidently read to be trite, redundant and filled with bilge water. Nonetheless, this is still America and obumassiah has not yet rid us of those pesky bits of Our Constitution such as Freedom of Speech and of the Press that make it a flawed piece of paper. Davy still has the right to post his inane opinions in this forum. I cope by ignoring at least 99% of his venom. I am working towards 100%. I do regret acknowledging his existence here. But I cannot stand by while others seek to deny him the rights so many Great Americans fought and even died to preserve. Normally the best way to counter an argument is with fact and logic. Ignoring this, Davy has reduced debate to a playground diatribe in which Child #1 calls Child #2 an obscenity, so Child #2 shouts back. “I know I am, but what are you?” He’s like poison ivy. The more it’s scratched, the more it spreads. The best treatment is to avoid the plant completely.
NoToObama| 6.2.09 @ 1:39PM
David Mathews is an angry closeted gay man who hates himself and therefore cannot like anyone else. Did your mama not love you enough? Or more importantly, your daddy? You are pathetic Mr. Mathews and need to be put out of your own misery. I feel sorry for you if you think the leftist party will be there for you in any way, shape or form. Especially mental health care, which you sorely need.
Now, go suck your thumb.
Bilwick| 6.2.09 @ 1:43PM
I'm sure that between typing his many Internet comments and what he does as he gazes at those paintings of a naked Obama with unicorns, Dave's hands probably get pretty tired. I have a suggestion. I live in Atlanta (southern hub of "Obama Nation"), in a decent neighborhood that unfortunately is near "fabled" Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta's skid row. There's a guy, Willie the Bum, who roams Ponce ranting to himself, mostly incomprehesibly, although every fourth or fifth word comes through, and it's usually "racist." I could set it up with Willie that for a big forty-ounce bottle of his favorite malt liquor, he set himself up at one of the public access computers in the Ponce library (better known to locals as "the bums' library"), and he could take over writing Dave's comments for a while, giving Dave much-needed rest. I don't think the quality of the prose or the logic would suffer much, and who knows? Willie may even be an improvment.
Don't thank me, Dave. I was put on this earth to serve--or as Michelle Obama likes to say, "give back."
Big J| 6.2.09 @ 1:45PM
Gill:
You raise a good point. Being the "free" country that we are, we should all have a right to express ourselves as we see fit.
I see where you're coming from, but not quite sure it applies in this instance.
If I am a regular at a restaurant (while open to the public, it is a private business), I have two choices upon encountering someone like Davey: 1) Stop going to the restaurant
2) Contact the owner regarding Davey's conduct, and hopefully said owner bans Davey permanently.
Notice option 3 was NOT to sit there and listen to the vile comments made by little Davey. Sure, he is free to express his opinion. Maybe there are people out there that would just sit at their table and put up with it. I am not one, nor are many others posting on this site.
I don't see anything wrong with sending a request to AmSpec to ban this fool. They might actually increase readership, advertising revenue and profit levels.
THAT is the American Way!
We have all put up with this nonsense for months. Apparently, many are tired of it.
I know I am.
Siegfried X| 6.2.09 @ 2:00PM
The first amendment restricts the government, not private parties such as this American Spectator web site. So they have perfect freedom to block whoever they want from accessing this forum. That's a key part of the freedom of association, deciding who belongs to the club.
somnolence| 6.2.09 @ 2:13PM
Matthews, you have a very shallow grasp of history if you believe that all conservatives are racists. Does that include Jeremy Bentham, Edmund Burke, both Pitt the Elder and Younger, the Whig Party, the Abolitionist Movement, Susan B. Anthony and countless others? All of these persons and movements contained vital philosophies that mirrored modern conservative thought which in turn encouraged a loathing of racism. You want to talk racists, I suggest you look thoroughly at Woodrow Wilson or FDR, and stop your infantile approach at pulling equally childish epithets out of the air.
Mike| 6.2.09 @ 2:32PM
Unfortunately, what Dave has failed to grasp, is that when one side of an argument resorts to name calling, pigeon holing, and demonization, the other side is left with no alternative but to shutup or put up. Dave has declared war against what he perceives to be enemies of his brand of America. His complete lack of compassion, empathy, and idealogical truth, in making his arguments, boils down to we won, you lose. I truly believe he would be willing to go as far as murder and assasination to force his views and opinions on others if he could. We have all heard these same types before. Dave is quite simply a Hitler. His type of rhetoric leads to wars as those won't shutup decide to put up their lives in exchange for thier beliefs. I guarantee you, if came to it, Dave the coward would run rather then fight if he were ever called to the mat for his special brand of racism. You can't reason with him, you can't compromise with him, and you can't work anything out rationally with him. He is to put it mildly, hate in it's most human persona, what a waste........
Doorgunner| 6.2.09 @ 2:33PM
I, like Big J, do not equate denial of a forum -or for that matter newspaper editorial space, the publishing of one's conspiracy tale, or, for legitimate security concerns, even a street corner- as censorship. That is an argument libtards try.
However, this space, this crackle of electrons, isn't yet clearly defined, in a legal sense anyway. And I think most of us are aware of the "cyber-security" concerns of the current administration; concerns that may generate definitions freedom-lovers abhor. As such I am loathe to curb speech.
The question is: Is David Mathews exercising free speech, or, is he a feces-flinging juvenile baboon?
NavyBrat| 6.2.09 @ 2:47PM
"The question is: Is David Mathews exercising free speech, or, is he a feces-flinging juvenile baboon?"
Geez, Doorgunner, this question is about as difficult to answer as "what is the sound of one hand clapping" & "if a tree falls & no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound?" If you can answer that, then you can tell me the meaning of life.
twculver| 6.2.09 @ 2:51PM
In spite of the title, this column has little to do with Peggy Noonan, who is a waste of time to read. It's more about how vile Judge Sotomayor's ideology is, how it is part and parcel of the history of Democratic thinking and tradition, and why it must be vigorously opposed.
Conservative / Republican leaders need to articulate these kinds of arguments to set themselves apart from the Dems' racist, anticapitalist policies. None of the Dem's policies are popular, but Republicans hide under the bed rather than make the argument and remain steadfast when they are criticized. Thus, the Dems win by default.
Of course we will be criticized and told that speaking forthrightly about the issues will turn off the moderates. Meanwhile, the Dems engage in base character assasination, and no one tells them they are turning off the moderates. Let's quit being suckers at engage in the batte of ideas!
Mike| 6.2.09 @ 2:52PM
I might add, if I may, that quite possibly, Dave is a plant. It's his job to cause as much strife as he can by attack politics on these various forums. He doesn't seem to be illiterate or stupid. I would bet next weeks paycheck he gets paid by some organization to do this. And quite possibly Dave is not just one person, but several, who are sent out to attack websites attended mostly by Americans who espouse traditional values of work and responsibilty over affirmative action and race baiting. His statement of whites becoming a minority is very on track with what we have seen from him so far, or them. I would not ban him either, not for free speech reasons, but rather that we really need some comedic relief, and as such, his time here is well spent to our benefit. May God bless you Dave, and keep up the wonderful mantra that keeps us aware of the danger you pose to society at large while making us smile at the same time.
NavyBrat| 6.2.09 @ 3:01PM
Somnolence. I could expound on your list in an international way, if I may. William Wilburforce was a Tory (conservative) MP in Britain. It was he who was responsible for ending slavery in the Empire, quite some time before we did.
Cicero was also a conservative. His 14 orations against the usurper, Mark Antony, known as the Philppics, are some of the best political philosophies in the western world, right along with the writings of Plato & Aristotle. Cicero, like Brutus & Cassius, recognized the threat posed by Caesar, Mark Antony (after Caesar's death), & those who followed them. His duty was to the Republic, not the Consul or the eventual Caesar, of Rome. After his death, Pompei's, & those of Brutus & Cassius, Rome ceased to be a Republic & became an Empire. And while powerful & of huge influence to us today, it was a FAR cry from the Republic that it was originally founded as.
"The budget should be balanced, the Treasury should be refilled, public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled and the assistance to foreign lands should be curtailed lest Rome become bankrupt. People must again learn to work, instead of living on public assistance."...Cicero
Doesn't sound all that different from today's conservative thoughts, does it?
Marc Jeric| 6.2.09 @ 3:06PM
Ladies and gentlemen - please let us agree to ignore this ACORN thug David Mathews. Soon he will go mad at our inattention; you see he gets paid by Abu Hussein's stimulus money to infect these conversations.
As for La Sotomayor - she is an ardent racist, and worse yet, she is a revolutionary marxist. Her life parallels that of Obama. Both were typical products of affirmative action; both were nurtured by the tenured marxists at Princeton and Yale. Pity we do not have a specialist in high-tech lynching like that bloviating gasbag Biden or that killer of innocent girls like Kennedy - our Republicans are "gentlemen" you see, which is another word for wimps.
Doorgunner| 6.2.09 @ 3:08PM
Mike,
David is a self-planted whack-job crusader. He's widespread web forum-wise. He even has a diary on daily kos where, even there, most of the commenters hate him.
NavyBrat,
The meaning of life is the maintenance of the conciousness continuum. For the young to proceed beyond where the elder has travelled the elder must be willing to limit his own travels so that he may guide those of the young. Repeat cycle. Endlessly.
Ergo, Mathews shouldn't be allowed to fling poo; we do him a dissservice else.
Doorgunner| 6.2.09 @ 3:10PM
i.e., pupose is meaning.
Observer| 6.2.09 @ 3:26PM
How ironic that by her own words Ms. Sotomayor makes herself the LEAST able to "empathize" with any of those who bring their own individually unique backgrounds before our courts. She is sooo wrapped up in her own identity that anyone who lives outside of that she is obviously unable to understand - always assuming that her own "richness" is beyond others on, shall we say, the "outside". For that "richness" of background could not stop at only one category of "others" outside her identity. And the stupidity of the statement itself is that obviously she could not empathize with men, any men, anyway, period. Is she some kind of channeler or something?
And since she and her soul brother of empathy, the Obamassiah, lecture the objective servers of the law about what they lack in judging others, I would like to ask the two if they personally have been victims of terrorists - or have they been terrorists (well, there are those personally historical associations, so perhaps in that area there is reason to believe that there is and would be empathy for that particular group!) or are they so omniscient to know the hearts and minds, backgrounds and circumstances, benefits and refusal of benefits, etc. in the history of each and every person coming before the court?
Let us just say that, yes, there is definitely reason to fear coming before such a judge ... if, say, you just might fit the bill for being in any category where your background may lack in the unmeasured "richness" of opinion of certain limited adjacent brain cells of a "one" looking down upon you from such lofty a perch of judgment.
Claire Solt| 6.2.09 @ 3:28PM
Whereas there are fifty languages being spoken in our cities,that diversity is being refined by the PC police into three flavors, the chocolate, vanilla, and Strawberry of Blue Bunny icecream from Iowa. A lot gets ;ost in translation.
When my daughter wans engaged to marry a man from Columbia, he explained that there is no such thing as Latino or His;anic. These terms lump together people from countries that don't even like each orher, So forget empathy and rule on the law.
Helen Donnelly| 6.2.09 @ 3:33PM
Dear Mr. Mathews,
May I suggest you take a long hard look at racism within the democratic party since its inception until the present. Or is that asking too much - to actually look truth in the face. Probably....
NavyBrat| 6.2.09 @ 3:35PM
Doorgunner. Thanks for the above post! Got a kick out of it. I'm a believer in social Darwinism. If Dave is too socially handicapped to know that the fecal flinging he's engaged in will hamper his social development, then why should I care? It's WAY more fun to watch his fecal tantrums & then watch all the smelly stuff he has flung hit the fan & spatter right back on him.
Mike| 6.2.09 @ 3:43PM
Doorgunner,
I suspect you are right (the whack job part), but it is fun to see if I can lure him out in ways that are challenging and make my point as well. The article above is quite an inspiring story. I do not believe the author is self ingratiating as he explains his perception of racism in American and his effort not to conform to it. I honestly believe that a vast majority of American whites do not accept afirmative action as fair to anyone of different colored skin and that it promotes exactly what it aspires to remove. Instead of lowering standards to accomadate, why not focus on lifting up those who have been deemed as lacking in educational skills. I'm white and do not believe for one second that makes me smarter then anyone else, black or otherwise. I mean, come on, it's the education that counts. I have met many people of color in my life, and the only ones I pity are the ones who think of themselves as victims of white people and use that to persue a life of inadequate fulfilment based on racism. The other's who didn't fall into that trap are the ones who persue learning, knowledge, bootstrap hard work and a sense that they are responsible for themselves. When I see that in a man, he earns my respect regardless of skin color. And isn't that what is deserved by any man or woman who regards themselves as individual Americans, with Liberty and Freedom for all?
Rick| 6.2.09 @ 3:44PM
A wise Latina would keep her racism to herself. But what we have here is a rather coarse and common bigot. What Sotomayor shares with SkinnyHitler and the Arkansas Skirtchaser is revealing: the lack of a father, who might have taught her some manners. This is the Ivy League Trailer Trash brigade. They came from nothing, nurtured their class envy at marxist indoctrination centers, and learned to use the government to give them the power and wealth they couldn't achieve legitimately. You can take the trash out of the trailer, but you can't take the trailer out of the trash.
hughglass| 6.2.09 @ 3:45PM
lil cutsie Peggy is so yesterday. Like many writers who have lost it, she is merely chasing the buck by going over to the dark side. Reminds me of a female Norman Maine. Maybe Mrs Haversham. Her glory days are long one. Time to retire gracefully (or consider a swim in the ocean). Whatever. For conservatives, peggy ceased being missed a long time ago!
Oldefarte| 6.2.09 @ 3:47PM
As a elderly white male who was born, raised, educated [and who is still residing in the South], I'm astonished at the typical liberal whose every second word is RACISM or RACIST. Usually these liberals are white Yankee liberals that hypocritically use this word as their weapon of choice; and their experiences with blacks have traditionally been limited to structured associations with small numbers of the black population. They went to school with SEVERAL blacks, had SEVERAL blacks in their surrounding neighborhoods, attended church with SEVERAL blacks, worked with SEVERAL blacks [as adults] in a plant, office,etc.. Through reading their public school textbooks and listening to their public school teachers, they [and their majority white schoolmates] learned the horrors of racism. As adults, they now apply the word RACISM or RACIST as a political branding-weapon against those they disagree with politically speaking; describing their political enemies with the tag RACISTS. These individuals are, in a word, HYPOCRITICAL! Their Yankee neighborhoods were/are, even though integrated, mostly all white in population; and their fellow church attendees, business workmates, club associates,etc are again, mostly all white. Yet they still scream RACISM at every turn. Due to the high economic cost of living of most middle-class neighborhoods in the North, there were/are very few blacks in these homesteads of white Yankee liberals. In the South, however, due to its much lower economic living costs, most middle-class nieghborhoods now contain a substantial proportion of blacks. Consequently, many blacks and whites exist together in commercial establishments and businesses as consumers and workmates [though not as yet in their churches, which are still seperated]. Whites in the North are typically Democrats, while in the South, whites are mostly Republicans. The former, with their limited daily associations with blacks, brand the latter, who conversely have numerous daily associations with blacks, as racists. This situation can be vividly seen by the author's choice of words ["....Our Northern roots made us "Yankees" in the vernacular of our new Southern home. The news of the day as brought to us through television in Massachusetts had been about the racial turmoil of civil rights marches, fire hoses and police dogs. It was appalling -- but distant. There was not a black soul to be seen in Northampton as I recall...."] in this editorial!!!!!!!!!
Everly Waverly| 6.2.09 @ 4:00PM
Excellent column!!
Sonya Sotomayor is accomplished and is deserving her due, but is it as SOCTUS justice, where opinion uncluttered with racial bias is paramount as Jeffery Lord's piece clearly illustrates.
I quit reading Peggy Noonan about six pieces ago. Seems she went rogue, began seeing things from some convoluted notion that capitulation is somehow going to achieve conservative goals.
Do the leftists give-up on their goals of total dominance? The leftist crowd plays the game to win and will do almost anything to achieve that goal and that has its effect on conservatives and how far they're willing to insult their own conscience. Example: Read any number of dissenting comments on this column, their crazed, delusional, whacked-out, separated from reality, and in general, how jimmied beyond all recognition they are and compare with most conservative comments, quite a contrast....
Nick in Virginia| 6.2.09 @ 4:13PM
I've said this before, but it bears repeating:
"A wise man never argues with a fool, because passersby can't tell the difference."
In which case, I will post no response to Dave Mathews, regardless of how tempting it is to take shots at such an easy target.
AJ Johnson| 6.2.09 @ 4:22PM
It really bugs me that no matter what website I visit, if a destructive troll gets on a thread the otherwise intelligent posters invariably lose their heads and allow themselves to be distracted from discussing whatever the subject at hand happens to be, in this case the Sotomayor nomination. As conservatives we need to stop taking the bait. "Dave the depraved" never has anything even marginally intelligent to say, he repeats the same smears over and over, ignores the issue under discussion, then sits back and allows the thread to degenerate into sheer carnage while he either takes a break or moves on to another website to annoy the conservatives present there.
THE LITTLE PUNK SIMPLY ISN'T WORTH BOTHERING ABOUT. After reading two or three posts from him it was obvious to me what he was all about. Responding to his taunts makes about as much sense as stepping in a pile of cat poo when you could just step aside. Allow it to get on you and the stench will follow you around until you make a special effort to get rid of it.
Why let anyone so pathetic ruin these threads, which are otherwise inhabited by thoughtful people? Refuse to take the bait and stick to the topic at hand--that is the last thing he wants to see happen: conservatives being the intelligent, well-informed people that even the most warped leftists know we are rationally discussing important issues.
AJ Johnson| 6.2.09 @ 4:24PM
Nick in Virginia: good, concise job of essentially saying the same thing I wanted to say but needed much bloviation to express.
Angel| 6.2.09 @ 4:25PM
Dr. Right--you're right! You white guys are always there to help, and you're damned competent, too.
I just want you white guys to know that you have a big fan in me. My Dad was a white guy and I adored him; he's been gone a long time but I still miss him every day.
God bless you, Gentlemen.
Conrad Spiracy| 6.2.09 @ 4:40PM
I once heard an in-depth interview with a psychiatrist on the radio (NO davey - NOT Rush, or Sean, or Mark, or etc.). This was a PSYCHIATRIST
Conrad Spiracy| 6.2.09 @ 4:48PM
Sorry - accidentally hit the crammit key early.
I once heard an in-depth interview with a psychiatrist on the radio (NO davey - NOT Rush, or Sean, or Mark, or etc.). This was a PSYCHIATRIST (MD first) not a Psychologist.
This is real. He claimed he and others conducted clinical research on the liberal (not John Stuart Mill liberalism) mindset. According to their results, they have determined that current-day liberalism is a mental disease.
I guess that little davey bears that out, quite demonstrably. GO DAVEY GO
Conrad Spiracy| 6.2.09 @ 4:48PM
Sorry - accidentally hit the crammit key early.
I once heard an in-depth interview with a psychiatrist on the radio (NO davey - NOT Rush, or Sean, or Mark, or etc.). This was a PSYCHIATRIST (MD first) not a Psychologist.
This is real. He claimed he and others conducted clinical research on the liberal (not John Stuart Mill liberalism) mindset. According to their results, they have determined that current-day liberalism is a mental disease.
I guess that little davey bears that out, quite demonstrably. GO DAVEY GO
Bilwick| 6.2.09 @ 4:51PM
Apology accpted, Dave. "Know thyself." My offer stands, and Willie the Bum tells me he stands ready (or sits ready, in his own waste products) to fill in for you at any time. Actually he said: "**mumble** . .. *mumble** . . . racist . . . racism . . .*mumble** . . . ." But I guess that's some kind of "lingua franca" (or "lingua lefta") you guys communicate in.
Spicy Joker| 6.2.09 @ 4:56PM
I also remember being told that "racism = oppression + power." It's as mindless a statement as a statement can get.
ruth| 6.2.09 @ 4:56PM
Great column, Mr. Lord; you're always a terrific read. Thank you.
Mike| 6.2.09 @ 5:33PM
Dear Dave ,
I was kinda hoping you would respond. Your tactics are quite interesting. I remember my daughter saying everyone hates her because she wasn't allowed to do something she wasn't old enough to do. Honestly, I have no desire to peg you as a moron, or an idiot, or a racist. I did call you a Hitler, but really, that was to goad you into coming back with a response. I sincerely apologize for that tactic, I can demean with the best of them as I'm not the perfect example of American excellence myself. I'm hoping you might explain what your experience with people of color other then yours has been, and what has led you to think conservatives as a whole to be detrimental to your way of life. As to the above article, do you think the author has any valid points to make, or is it your wish that your leaders be so trusted that they cannot be suspect of any other motive other then your well being? I myself believe both of our parties have not served us well, as the current flaming from both sides seems at first quite destructive to American morale, but perhaps is healthy after all. If you will, could you please tell me what would make you more happy, no conservatives at all in the country with one leader and everything done for you, or, a country with many views, opinions, disagreements, fights, ups, downs, etcetera etcetera that always end in a ok lets agree to disagree cause really we're on the same side (you know, kinda like a normal family). Quite simply, I won't hate you no matter what you say, can you say the same to me?
Nate Roth| 6.2.09 @ 6:05PM
A very good response by Jeffrey Lord, but those posting would be wise to remember that he acknowledged that Peggy Noonan's piece was thoughtful. Disagree with Peggy Noonan to be sure, but calling her a racist is absurd. There appear to be a number of knuckle-draggers with too much time. Perhaps some of you can get a public works job courtesy of Obama. That would be the only benefit from Obama's spending spree.
Scarlett| 6.2.09 @ 6:22PM
Who called Peggy Noonan a racist? Don't know what you read, Nate; but the only knuckle-dragger I saw on this thread was David Mathews. I think you're the one with too much time on your hands.
Thom| 6.2.09 @ 6:41PM
Nick in Virginia, here is one to add to your list from a sign that used to be on the road into Welch WV. "Don't drive like a fool because you might meet one". That came right after the sign that said, "Watch for falling rocks". At that particular location they meant it.
Mike| 6.2.09 @ 6:59PM
I just got home from work and wanted to check to see what other resppnses came on, and see that DM's post have been removed. I find this unfortunate. The main point of this article , as I see it, is to show there is cause for standing up for what is right when it comes to treating others with respect regardless of skincolor and social station. Our goal as conservatives is to show that we believe this to be true and to exercise that at all levels. God knows I'm not the most shining example of this, as I said some derogatory things to DM myself here. Be that as it may, his postings allowed for a demonstration of what this article proposes, that there is no half measure when it comes to racism. You either are or you're not a racist. You can't have it both ways. DM, in his own self styled way, reminded us of what happens when you lump evryone into a general catagory to suit your own desire for validation. I caution us to do the same. DM does not represent all who would disagree with me on this. Granted, I have not been very impressed by what has happened in government since the administration changed, and I question the current scotus nominee on her ability to not be biased, but I am willing to hear her out. DM and the responses to him are a very good indicator of where we are concerning the debate of conservatism vs liberalism. As Mr Lord makes very clear, niether philosophy can stand by and let a majority bully the minority and not pay a price. Peggy may not be a racist, but would she sit next to the young black girl on the bus even if it cost her to do so, would you?
Thom| 6.2.09 @ 7:02PM
Bob,
Your argument won't make any sense to those 19 firefighters that made the effort to make the objective standard that would reward them for their individual efforts or the whites that didn't make the grade. Call it what you like, the end result of not promoting them because of concern for a racial quota system is what it is, identity politics or racism for short. The playing field was level but just like every other endeavor in life not everyone makes the “grade”. Would you have wanted “affirmative action” to be the deciding factors in the selection of your Platoon Leaders in Nam?
Mike| 6.2.09 @ 7:22PM
Mike, we have a right speech, expression, etc but not a right to be "heard". What DM does is intrude into conversation like a drunk and say things that add no value. Not everything I submit gets its 15 minutes but I have no right to be heard either. There are common protocols for constructive conversation and DM does not employ them at all. I don’t read or respond but it does waste my time to bypass his manifestos. DM sets the standard that ultimately renders anything he says moot regardless of any possible merit. You probably wouldn’t “suffer” DM in person trying to carry on an intellectual conversation with people whom you value so why make an exception on a BLOG where anonymous sign ons protects one from the likely consequences of similar behavior in public? DM can grow up or continue to be treated like he acts from sun rise to sun set.
Andrew Smith| 6.2.09 @ 7:47PM
1) I was reading Mr. Lord’s excellent commentary at work, but I had no time to read the responses. Then I get home and DM's sophomoric rants are gone, but the comments to them are still there. My question is: should have they been removed by the moderator?
2) Anyway, Mr. Lord’s commentary was very informative. I think he is dead on in all of his comments. I am a product of several generations of conservative Republican Christian Texans. My family and I were always taught to reject racism and to respect individuals on their individual merits. My family roots on all sides go back to the American Revolution and the South during the Civil War. As a wee lad, my mother would tell me stories of her great grand parents who fled the South with their slaves, who willing came, and set them free when they arrived in Texas. Another family story is how her cousins hid an American/Japanese family so they could avoid the internment camps during WW2.
3) To add to Mr. Lord’s premise, the introduction to the National Black Republican Association’s web site says: “History shows that the Ku Klux Klan was the terrorist arm of the Democrat Party. This ugly fact about the Democrat Party is detailed in the book, A Short History of Reconstruction, (Harper & Row Publishers, Inc., 1990) by Dr. Eric Foner, the renowned liberal historian who is the DeWitt Clinton Professor of History at Columbia University.” (just a simple Google search: KKK Democrats)
4) We all know that “modern” Democrats seek to keep African-American and Hispanic political hostages to keep their power base. Sotomayor is just another pawn in this political game.
Mike| 6.2.09 @ 7:54PM
Yes, I agree with you that being heard is not right. And yes, his comments were juvinile at best, and he certainly does not provoke one to rational discussion. However, it does represent for us a chance to show the better nature of our common desire to examine the current climate that exists between liberals and conservatives as pertains to the main topic. As you can see, it has become very clear that those who have gained power in our country are trying desperately to silence dissent, especially the new media proganda machine that is currently led by the whitehouse press corps and press secretary. The no right to be heard argument is one of thier favorite tactics when they make the claim we won you lost argument. Do we dare apply that here at our convience simply because we don't like him? Is this tit for tat? Please understand, I certainly would want him to shut up and go away, but at what cost to me? If I can't deal with a drunk, or a fella who has anger management issues in a way that reflects positively on me, and maybe, just maybe (I know, pie in the sky) has a positive effect on him, then battling racism is a losing proposition and this whole article has no meaning. If I'm off on this, please do instruct me to a better understanding of how you deal with people who would step on your freedoms without denying them theirs, other then shooting them, which seems to be very vogue lately (not meant as a joke as we all know the latest happenings). DM provided us with a great example of what we are up against, and you know what they say, know your enemy. Can't do that if you don't listen to what they have to say, even if it is crapola of the highest order. P.S. Thank you all for allowing me to be here and express myself, I don't do this much but hey, DM got me involved hehe
Andrew Smith| 6.2.09 @ 8:18PM
"The no right to be heard argument is one of thier favorite tactics when they make the claim we won you lost argument. Do we dare apply that here at our convience simply because we don't like him? Is this tit for tat? "
Thanks, Mike, that was the answer to my question. Although I don't post much, I read this site and love what it has to say, but by not letting the "other side" to speak their mind (or mindlessness) in this forum seems to me like the AS is playing the Obama/Leftist game.
Thom| 6.2.09 @ 8:40PM
Mike, I think when you have to wade through pages of rant back to back by DM you are serving his purpose not those of TAS. He posts the same rant at sunrise on several stories as soon as they are loaded in the morning. His purpose is to be disruptive and waste my time. Such disruptions will turn away readers (and ultimately revenue for the Blog). I’ve never been able to reason with a snake. Some times you can’t ignore it too. DM’s purpose is not to reason but to insult and be provocative for the sake of being provocative. What DM represents is the consequence of anonymous posting and the negative consequences it has on intellectual pursuits using the Web. Like the biased politically motivated media we have after a while nothing you hear in the Media has any value and is all noise. We diminish the value of Free Speech, Expression by letting its value be reduced to zero with the garbage that passes for reasoned thought these days. DM is a symptom of the problem in our culture and how the Web enables the worst to become mainstream. Since I don’t think DM is a pen name for Bob Tyrrell all I ask is his post not become the topic of every article.
Thom| 6.2.09 @ 8:43PM
Andrew Smith, would you pay the extra cost to buy a Newwpaper with pages of stuff like DM says repeatedly in the same article and on every article? The space used to store and present this stuff isn't free btw.
Missy| 6.2.09 @ 9:23PM
Rick @ 3:44PM--great comment. You nailed it so well it's almost scary!
ruth| 6.2.09 @ 9:33PM
Mike @ 6:59PM: In answer to your question, yes I would've sat next to the young black girl on the bus; or the fat girl, or the boy who was always unkempt, or any number of kids who didn't fit in.
If that simple decency was good enough for Jesus Christ, I figured it was good enough for me.
Missy| 6.2.09 @ 9:38PM
What a funny thread--the object of our derision isn't even on here anymore. Ha ha!
Thom| 6.2.09 @ 9:41PM
Missy, pretty much how it goes as the day goes on. The "rants" become the topic and if it goes on long enough the name of Hitler will show up sooner or later.
Mike| 6.2.09 @ 10:05PM
Ruth, I have a smile for you. Couldn't have said it better myself.
Missy, it was never about the object, it's about the lessons we share as people who actually care about others at personal expense. This doesn't make us better then those who don't, it makes us honest about who we want to be. Mr. Lord was careful not to assert any moral superioriority, but rather to show humility in one's effort to see the plight of others and to fight back against evil. Yes, I said the E word. No one is immune to it, I've excersised my fair share, but one can certainly call it by name, and one can fight back when your own soul demands you do so. This will be my last post on this, as my lengthy posts have likely grown tiresome to some and a worn out welcome is a poor stradegy for making a point.
bobmontgomery| 6.2.09 @ 10:11PM
Sincerely doubt that Barack Obama, the "Constitutional scholar and professor" has any appreciation whatsoever for the historical context provided by Mr. Lord on racism in re the courts, American history and the Democrat Party. Nothing in Obama's demeanor or statements since becoming a national figure indicate he is anything but a product of POST- Martin Luther King -era radicalism. If Sonia Sotomayor shouted "Brown Power!" from the bench, Obama would rationalize it. HE SAID HE COULD NO MORE DISOWN JEREMIAH WRIGHT THAN HE COULD HIS OWN GRANDMOTHER, EVEN AFTER WRIGHTS DIATRIBES WERE PUBLICLY AIRED. How clear does he have to make it to the Peggy Noonans and the Kathleen Parkers of the world that he is ultimately about REPARATIONS?
Marcia C| 6.2.09 @ 10:37PM
Republicans you have a problem - if Sotomayor is a "racist" then all the more so is Alito THAT YOUR PARTY PICKED AND VOTED FOR. And Sotomayor was appointed by George HW Bush to the circuit court. I know you guys are pusing a lot of your own under the bus, but are you going to say Bush I was also RACIST?
ooopsie!
Here's your guy Alito at his confirmation hearing:
"When I have cases involving children, I can't help but think of my own children and think about my children being treated in the way that children may be treated in the case that's before me. And that goes down the line.
When I get a case about discrimination, I have to think about people in my own family who suffered discrimination because of their ethnic background or because of religion or because of gender.
And I do take that into account.
When I have a case involving someone who's been subjected to discrimination because of disability, I have to think of people who I've known and admire very greatly who've had disabilities, and I've watched them struggle to overcome the barriers that society puts up often just because it doesn't think of what it's doing -- the barriers that it puts up to them. So those are some of the experiences that have shaped me as a person."
LemonZinger| 6.2.09 @ 10:41PM
Since when have Republicans been against racism?
Oh yeah, since Obama picked a "racist" for the USSC!
I'm sure that dead Republicans are writhing in their graves as they listen to Republicans who won't admit their racism. Like Strom Thurmond and that ilk, you big heroes.
You guys are lol| 6.3.09 @ 12:00AM
Peggy Noonan? Oh my , thats fucking hilarious.
Peggy Noonan| 6.3.09 @ 12:02AM
ITS OVER!
Jeffrey Lord| 6.3.09 @ 12:08AM
Why wont Peggy meet me? I don't understand the reasons! Can it be that I'm a dumb fuck? That I am even dumber then her? No, she's a woman. That cant be it. Why havnt I met her? *sob*
Jeannie| 6.3.09 @ 12:15AM
Marcia, did Judge Alito say that as a white man he would make a better judge than a brown woman? Did He? Of course not, or liberal duds like you would have been squealing bloody murder. Please hush now, you've embarrassed yourself.
Oh Jeff| 6.3.09 @ 12:18AM
"I recall exactly the moment I first saw her -- she entering the West Wing as I was leaving -- and thinking to myself: who was THAT girl in the black turtleneck?"
Youre creepy, not cute. What in the fuck.
Angel| 6.3.09 @ 12:26AM
A little history lesson for Lemon. What was the political party of Abraham Lincoln the emancipator of slaves? Do you know? Yes, that's right--THE REPUBLICAN PARTY!! What party did the KKK who lynched and terrorized blacks belong to? Do you know? Yes, that's right--THE DEMOCRAT PARTY!!!
'Bout damn time you liberals admit your sordid racism.
Aaron| 6.3.09 @ 1:14AM
Mr. Lord,
Thank you, I know where your coming from. In kindergarten, walking home holding hands with Rochele I was called a n**** lover. I had no idea what it meant but she did and ran home crying. I still remember vividly to this day. I'm glad I was raised in a good home in a poor, mixed community.
Alan C | 6.3.09 @ 1:42AM
Mr. Lord,
What a great article.
www.dyedinthewoolconservative.blogspot.com
Sue| 6.3.09 @ 8:59AM
You left off the Supreme court case, Bakke, which was decided in favor of the medical school applicant, but because of a 5-4 decision, the dissenting judges views have been upheld instead of the majority opinion judges' views. This is a travesty of racial equality in our Country which the current Supremes can rectify. I think the white/hispanic candidates in Ricci may win with a 5-4 decision, but the 4 dissenting opinions will be the ongoing implementation of the right to "cultural diversity." Of course, the diversity excludes the "white" culture and elevates other cultures as more important to the success of the Nation and even superior to what our forefathers gave us in the form of the Constitution.
I've been comtemplating letting my subscription to the Wall Street Journal laspse because I simply cannot bear opening up the editorial pages on Saturday and being "noonaned" on an off day.
Besides, this woman can put the words down, but not the coherent thought. Let's face it, she got lucky with one speech, "The Points of Light" thing, which I thought was terrible.
Racism is having the power to inflict damage upon another person's soul. Prejudice is denying yourself and the other "not like you" person the opportunity to learn from each other. Both parties lose out.
Judge Sotomayor will have the "power" to inflict racism upon all of us through her opinions. I, personally, would rather chose someone who exemplifies belief in the principles of our founding fathers and the Constitution, not their own personal prejudices.
John Adams didn't own slaves. Why can't we follow his ideals? The ideals worked for Massachusetts didn't they?
Roy| 6.3.09 @ 8:59AM
Did somebody block "Dave Mathews"? SWEET.
Oh right, substance. I think Mr. Lord's article is way over the top, but not wrong. I have no idea if Sotomayor hates whites as much as some of the people he remembers hated blacks(and hence, it is over the top to imply that she does without more evidence than that). But I certainly think she buys into the multicultobabble that she is superior on account of being a racial minority.
Speaking completely anecdotally, when I was in high school there was an interesting phenomenon. There were far more black women in advanced classes than black men - the whole "acting black" thing doesn't really apply to women. Without race card goodies, they would have been just fine. But with race card goodies they were in fact a little more advanced, in some cases, than their academic records might have justified and could be extremely self-righteous and defensive about this fact. An attack on identity politics, and therefore on the race card goodies justified by it, was an attack on them. Before long, I imagine, people totally internalize this and soon enough they are claiming they are a racially superior "wise Latina".
So anyway: No, I do not think a white man would get a fair shake from a Justice Sotomayor if his adversary were a Hispanic woman. That really should be enough.
Sue| 6.3.09 @ 9:10AM
Please read the 5,000 Year Leap and reread it if you read it years ago.
These are the principles our Nation needs to return to. All other ideals/arguments just clouds the picture and prevents us from keeping our freedoms. Once the majority of our citizens understands this, we will stop being led like sheep to the liberal slaughter pens.
Invest $20 in this book, I beg you and pass it around to everyone you know. It's an easy read, just like the Constitution.
JoeS| 6.3.09 @ 9:50AM
Why is anyone listening to or reading this old, has been phony?
Sirius| 6.3.09 @ 10:08AM
Victor Davis Hanson has a brilliant piece on the byzantine and imbecilic nature of our policies on race. The piece starts as follows and only gets better.
---------------------------------------
One of the unexpected results of the Sotomayor nomination is a refocusing on the politics of racial identity and the fossilized institutions of affirmative action — or the belief that the U.S. government should use its vast power to ensure an equality of result rather than a fairness of opportunity.
--------------------------------------------------
I hope posting a link is not against the rules of this forum.
http://www.victorhanson.com/articles/hanson053109B.html
Quotas Now While We Can| 6.3.09 @ 1:47PM
We cannot follow the ideals of John Adams for so many reasons that are quite adept to our current situation. For one, he signed a law known as the Sedition Act which imprisoned several outspoke critics of his Administration. They were later freed by Thomas Jefferson who overturned the law.
Adams was criticized for being a "royalist" who believed in a Monarchy.
Does any of this sound familiar?
Sirius| 6.3.09 @ 3:08PM
QNWWC
John Adams bitterly regretted later in life his signing of the Sedition Act. He called it the greatest mistake. Not sure what the monarchy bit has to do with anything.
He was an ardent supporter of the rule of law especially when it came to resisting the crown. He recruited George Washington to join the cause. He enlisted Thomas Jefferson to draft the Declaration of Independence and had a great hand in the final product. He negotiated various treaties with allies that saved the early United States, including securing a large loan from the Dutch when things got dicey during the Revolution. He was out first ambassador to Great Britain, etc, etc, etc. His ideals and influence were extraordinary, and imho, are tarnished only by the reprehensible Sedition Act.
Respectfully submitted,
Richard Baker| 6.3.09 @ 4:46PM
SotoM sounds more like Bull Connors and the Klan when she speaks her racial poison. Can you imagine the reaction if Jesse Helms had said similar? Originally, minorities wanted dignity, (remember the signs which simply said, "I AM A MAN)?, and equal treatment as preached by Dr. King and Medgar Evers, among many who heroically strove and suffered. Now we endlessly hear that minorities deserve special laws and treatment. It is amusing to see the reaction of the race hustlers when they are caught by their own words and actions. To think that many good people died for these modern day racists.
k.t.| 6.5.09 @ 12:23AM
Great article. Re: the comments -- no matter what the provocation (or the provoker), please do not violate Godwin's Law.
K.| 6.18.09 @ 11:41AM
Mr. Lord, I believe you and the majority of the commenters here have missed something important, especially in your straw man argument of "let's trade this word for that one."
The white male perspective in America is the default perspective. A quick once-over of Congress, the Supreme Court, the state governors, and CEOs of businesses and you'll see white men. White men have this power thanks to a history that has favored them at the expense of others. When that privilege is challenged, the challenge has been met with extreme animosity. Your story regarding your father should, if anything, highlight that.
Sotomayor was attempting to illustrate that one's background and, especially, it would seem, in America, one's race and gender shape one's experience and understanding of the world. Since the default and dominant perspective is white and male, Sotomayor is saying she brings something very different to the table.
That's why the two scenarios (what Sotomayor actually said vs Mr. Lord's straw racist) aren't the same, not by a long shot. That race and gender were subjects she addressed and are important to her does not make her a racist; it makes her self-aware.
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