Letters to the Editor
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@AKA, a little off topic
I don't even believe in race. It is an absurd cultural construct. The thought that something so damned unscientific so dominates this campaign season makes me want to giggle -- or it would if it weren't so sad.
Are you an epistemology grad? I dated one for a long time, and she had the same ignorance about race that you display. There are plenty of genetic difference between races. The philosophy of science meme that there is no such thing as race scientifically is just flat out incorrect.
While it's true we do not understand the function of every little bit of our DNA yet, scientists do in fact find, every single day, correlations between our genetic makeup and our race. If you were to repeat your statement to a geneticist, they would have a hearty laugh at your expense.
What makes Irish people pale and redheaded, and African people dark and curly haired? Pixies? Nope, it's DNA. I'm always a little surprised when I have to explain this to educated people.
No doubt this is a political hot potato, fraught with landmines. We certainly don't want to use science and money, when we investigate this issue, merely to reinforce stereotypes and prejudice. On the other hand, more knowledge is almost never a bad thing. I just think we need to approach it ethically and cautiously.
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Conason
Joe,
I used to respect you more than any other Salon journalist but you have finally jumped on the bandwagon with the rest of the Obamaphiles. Would you guys please give the "code word" nonsense a rest? If we are going to have a dialog about race, then whites AND blacks must stop the foolishness of parsing each and every word that the politicians utter. I grew up with Wallace as my governor and believe me, Hillary nor Bill are George Wallace! She spoke the truth as did Bill but the Obama campaign can't wait to inject more racism into the campaign in an attempt to win. The pathetic attempt of the likes of Clyburn and Lewis to re-write the history of the Clinton administration and to smear the Clinton name was one of the most repulsive acts I've witnessed in my many years of following politics. And yes, the Bush/Rove smearing of McCain in South Carolina pales in comparison.
In the meantime, you and other supposed journalists continue to blather on about the negative campaign of Clinton while continuing to ignore Obama's multitude of shortcomings, as in no experience whatsoever other than his activism in Chicago and his 20 year embrace of the racist teachings of Reverend Wright. Criticism of the opponent's record or character is fair game; this is not chess, it's war, otherwise known as politics! If you focus on a comparison of their records, it is a no-brainer that only one is actually qualified for the job. Obama's three years as a senator were spent preening for the presidency while Clinton, during her first three years, worked hard and actually figured out how to be an effective senator. Your premise is correct but your cause is not; the racial division is here, not because of the Clintons but thanks to the leaders of the African American community with the full support of the Obama campaign.
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Obama, Our great "......" Hope
Thank you Mr. Conason for a fair,honest treatment of the Clintons and Hillary's campaign. As a Black person who continues to support both of them I believe they have gotten a very raw deal, from black voters and the media.
I am most offended by the Obama campaign however. They deliberately set out to smear and destroy the Clinton's with charges of racism, (however subtlely it was done) is unconscionable! It is Mr. Obama and his campaign who is willing to do and say anything to get the nomination. Never could I vote for such a candidate.
The smooth, easy going, pleasant demeanor presented for public view is insult to injury.
His message of hope, change and unity is a monumental fraud. People of good will are so desparate for his message, they are overlooking all the signs that are staring them in the face. We were conned by George Bush,, you would think we would be a little more cautious about vetting the next candidate with the glib tongue and easy smile.
I have no doubt about the deceny and character of the Clintons. It is the deceny and character of Barack and Michelle I have serious doubts about.
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Amen
LIke you said, Barack Dukakis and his vulgar wife will be just fine after their November landslide defeat. So fine they won't even have to let Rezko buy their houses anymore. So will the other part of the Barry Dukakis coalition, stale old 60's acadmeic relics in midlife crisis.
Word. It's so nauseating it literally makes me vomit. I'm surrounded by lifelong hard-working people going into foreclosure, single mom's working 3 jobs literally and still having no benefits, formerly nice areas that are boarded up and abandoned and empty business parks with "for lease" signs up in front of every single one of them. The nation is quickly approaching insolvency and truckdrivers are now paying higher tax percentages than billionaires.
This election was poised to be a straight sweep for the Democrats coast to coast and a return to competent government, fiscal responsibility and economic growth.
Instead the spoiled, radical left has turned it into another Ned Lamont and a coast to coast sweep for the GOP: including the loss of Congress and he governorships and a STRAIGHT 100% solidly rightwing judiciary, top to bottom, junior to appellate, and every last justice on the Supreme Court.
The working class is sunk without a liferaft anywhere to be found through no fault of their own at all and they have every right to loathe the people responsible.
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PS
So fine they won't even have to let Rezko buy their houses anymore
Word here too. The most sickening part of all was when it push came to shove Barry and Vulgar supported Resko in the lawsuit - that over the poor blacks whose heat was being turned off in the dead of Chicago winter.
A real black man's hero indeed.