Steele decries black critics as racists (MD)

The Washington Times ^ | November 7, 2005 | S.A. Miller

[neverdem]

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The Washington Timeswww.washingtontimes.com

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Steele decries black critics as racists

By S.A. Miller
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
Published November 7, 2005

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Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele said black Democratic leaders who call racially tinged attacks on him fair game because he is a conservative Republican have exposed themselves as racists and cast shame upon the state.

    "I think it diminishes their leadership," Mr. Steele said in an interview. "But most importantly, I think it embarrasses our state to have elected officials speak in those terms. Marylanders now have a sense of the content of their character, because that is what [Martin Luther King] wanted us to judge each other by, and that's enough for me."

    In a wide-ranging interview, Mr. Steele voiced support for affirmative action and the war in Iraq. He also expressed offense that black Democrats would accept branding him an "Oreo cookie" or an "Uncle Tom" because his campaign for the U.S. Senate espouses a message of personal responsibility and individual empowerment.

    The lieutenant governor, who is the first black man elected to statewide office in Maryland, said he bristled at a report in The Times on Wednesday that several black Democratic lawmakers condoned racial attacks against Mr. Steele because his political positions do not reflect those of the black community.

    "Party trumps race, especially on the national level," said state Sen. Lisa A. Gladden, a black Baltimore Democrat. "It's democracy, perhaps at its worst, but it is democracy."

    Delegate Salima Siler Marriott, a black Baltimore Democrat, said Mr. Steele invites racially charged criticism -- including labels such as "Oreo cookie" and "Uncle Tom" -- because his conservative philosophy is...

[pbear8]

About time he spoke up!

[neverdem]

ping

[Soul Seeker]

Rightly so, to label them bigots and racists. Skin color is not a preventative or an indicator of these sentiments. It's a outpouring of the spirit within. They've exposed theirs to be soulless. Dark. Ugly.

I hope he demolishes them in '06.

[driftless]

Is a "white" person considered weird and to be stigmatized because he or she has political views not in accord with the majority of the members of his or her so-called ethnic group? Why should a black citizen who has views different from the majority of other black citizens have to suffer slander from liberal racists? (Actually liberal fascists is an apter appellation)

I remember at one time up to the sixties, the Republican Party had a 45% membership rate with afro-Americans. Prominent black celebrities like Jackie Robinson and Wilt Chamberlain voted for Nixon in 1960. When did it become a crime for afro-americans to vote for parties other than the Democrats? Yes, let's put an asterisk next to everyone who doesn't agree with the political opinions of the majority. We are livng a bizarro world.

[BlessedBeGod]

In a wide-ranging interview, Mr. Steele voiced support for affirmative action...

He's whining about racism when he supports affirmative action?

[nopardons]

bttt

[Nomorjer Kinov]

Delegate Salima Siler Marriott, a black Baltimore Democrat, said Mr. Steele invites racially charged criticism -- including labels such as "Oreo cookie" and "Uncle Tom" -- because his conservative philosophy is...

Apparently Del. Marriott believes it would be fair if she were referred to as "Aunt Jemimah" because she is injecting divisive name-calling into an election compaign.

[SuziQ]

They don't like him because he has the temerity to be PROUD of being off the plantation.

[sport]

He is right. They are.

[onyx]

He's exactly right.

[Calpernia]

I don't know anything about these politicians; but I would be honored to be called Aunt Jemima. Aunt Jemima is remembered with love and respect and her role was a powerful one.

[sgtbono2002]

I sure wouldnt want to be called Aunt Jemima.

Maybe because I am a man.

[Calpernia]

:-)