Every once in a while, someone comes along and says exactly what I want to shout from the rooftops.
In his latest column, Erik Rush, whose column “Culture Shock” appears on WorldNetDaily.com, has some old school observations (and an old school hat) about black leftists.
There’s a war on right now — not just in Iraq, or on terrorism, but on the home front — for the hearts and minds of Americans. No longer is it a question of what’s good for America vs. what’s not so good for America — it’s a question of what might ensure America’s survival vs. what will most assuredly destroy this nation.The far Left — which is a minority — is nevertheless a strategically placed and highly vocal minority whose influence is inordinately potent. That they espouse policies which weaken America is, to me, a given. With lines becoming more clearly drawn every day, it is becoming increasingly important for ethnic minorities to become enlightened as to the stakes involved in this war, how they are being manipulated and what is truly in their best interests.
Any mention of the survival of our nation seems to fall on deaf leftists’ ears. Back in May, I wrote their seemingly suppressed sense of survival in post called The Loony Left, and it generated a lot of comments on my old blog. Rush continues:
There are some among minorities who regularly refer to the U.S. as a “racist state.” Others are of the opinion that while progress has been made, the possibility of some racist or separatist group or party gaining preeminence in America and reversing it all is a real possibility. Those of the first persuasion, I believe, are either delusional or are simply playing the game — making their gains through intimidation of the impressionable.Apparently, some minority individuals presume people like me are wholly insensitive to — and ignorant of — issues regarding race. Based on the rhetoric I hear directed at us, we’ve obviously never suffered the effects of prejudice, never been subjected to name-calling, have somehow avoided bigotry in schools, the workplace and in housing, and certainly never, ever had to fight over race or flee for our lives from parties who sought to harm or even kill us because of our race. We grew up in an idyllic, color-blind enclave someplace, were nurtured perfectly and lovingly, attended the best prep schools and Ivy League universities, sailed triumphantly into the job market through the connections of our color-blind white pals, and have been living large ever since.
At best, we’re misguided and clueless, at worst, we’re Uncle Toms and sellouts because we do not hold the line of those self-appointed career activists who rail against the U.S. as a “racist nation,” as though blacks still had to fear being lynched in the streets, and who continue to support the same socialist programs that have not only failed for nearly half a century, but which have debased minorities to a degree unimaginable 50 years ago, and which would do an old Jim Crow supporter proud.
I personally hold that minority civil-rights activists in this country are pimps — they’ve sold their integrity for personal aggrandizement, and they’ve encouraged those whom they claim to represent to sell their collective “favors.” And for what? Mere subsistence and, most importantly, absolution from any form of personal responsibility — in perpetuity.
Beautiful. If I say another word, I’d only be repeating what Erik Rush has said. Reading the rest of his column would not be a waste of your time.
I wish I could make thousands of fully-grown clones of him and plant them all over Washington, DC.
The world needs more Erik Rushes and fewer Michael Eric Dysons. Why do I say that? Stay tuned…
{ 17 comments }
A great post. It really is sad how it falls on deaf ears. Just reading this shows how “blind” we are to what is right in front of our face.
It’s really sad how this message falls on deaf ears. Just reading this reaffirms how blind we are to what is right in front of our faces.
It’s like not seeing a train until it hits you and by then it is too late.
You said it La Shawn!
I’ve noted that whenever I attempt to discuss this with anyone that I’m instantly told You’re not a minority so you can’t talk like you know what you’re talking about
(did that make sense?)
or I’m a racist bent on oppressing and/or repressing blacks in America.
Geez, it drives me crazy sometimes. I get boggled in the mind when I think to myself I’m not looking at a black person or a yellow person or a whatever – I’m looking at a person. Why don’t THEY see if like I do???
Renee – I plan to link to one of his other columns that’s even better than this one.
Mike – I understand your frustration. Whites are branded as racists, in my view, in an attempt to stifle the debate and intimidate. Frankly, I don’t care whether a particular white person is or isn’t a racist. Too many folks focus on the wrong thing.
Nobody wants to be called or considered a racist. But my advice is to not let it shut you up. We all have a right to our opinions and to express them in certain forums. That’s why I have this blog and why I’m hard on certain commenters who insist that I write about this thing or that thing instead of what I’m currently writing about. I don’t mean to be a tyrant, but I’m in America, not the Middle East, and no one’s going to shut me up or shout me down.
Adopt the same attitude.
“There are some among minorities who regularly refer to the U.S. as a “racist state.” Others are of the opinion that while progress has been made, the possibility of some racist or separatist group or party gaining preeminence in America and reversing it all is a real possibility. Those of the first persuasion, I believe, are either delusional or are simply playing the game — making their gains through intimidation of the impressionable.”
This is an intriguing analysis, because he fails to define what his perception of “racist” is. If a poll was taken today, I would be willing to wager that the majority of African Americans hold that America is a “racist” state, because racism isn’t simply an issue of whips and lynches.
“Apparently, some minority individuals presume people like me are wholly insensitive to — and ignorant of — issues regarding race. Based on the rhetoric I hear directed at us, we’ve obviously never suffered the effects of prejudice, never been subjected to name-calling, have somehow avoided bigotry in schools, the workplace and in housing, and certainly never, ever had to fight over race or flee for our lives from parties who sought to harm or even kill us because of our race. We grew up in an idyllic, color-blind enclave someplace, were nurtured perfectly and lovingly, attended the best prep schools and Ivy League universities, sailed triumphantly into the job market through the connections of our color-blind white pals, and have been living large ever since.”
I am missing his point, this is the typical reactionary defense of those who attempt to suggest that race in America is a real sociolgical influencer based upon the culture dynamics developed over time in the US. Marketers target markets as defined by ethnicity and race, so why is it individuals want to persist with this ridiculous color blind notion, when statistical data, and business practice still shows that their are differientations?
“At best, we’re misguided and clueless, at worst, we’re Uncle Toms and sellouts because we do not hold the line of those self-appointed career activists who rail against the U.S. as a “racist nation,” as though blacks still had to fear being lynched in the streets”
Straw man argument, and ridiculous, the assumption that “racism” and “lynching” are two equated and mutually related items is a straw man polarized argument and ridiculous.
“and who continue to support the same socialist programs that have not only failed for nearly half a century, but which have debased minorities to a degree unimaginable 50 years ago, and which would do an old Jim Crow supporter proud.”
I agree to a degree…there definitely has to be a shift from a social program to an economic program but a half a century ago, blacks by and large through segregated systems and redlining to only produce business within the segregated culture, as integration occurred and the population dispersed between lower class, and middle class entpreneurialism in the urban infastructure weakened, and banking systems, and ecomonic development factors keep the urban environment from progression. So the question is, when is the conservative party going to put together holistic programs that drive economic development in urban environments so that individuals within these environments can have the individualistic, self-determined lifestyle that Cons hold up as the ultimate standard of Americanism? I know our Publican congressman is doing something, why are yours not?
“I personally hold that minority civil-rights activists in this country are pimps — they’ve sold their integrity for personal aggrandizement, and they’ve encouraged those whom they claim to represent to sell their collective “favors.” And for what? Mere subsistence and, most importantly, absolution from any form of personal responsibility — in perpetuity. ”
This is utterly ridiculous, unthought out and propagandistic. Most activist operate on the local level implementing programs such as education, drug recover etc. I hate shoe string analysis with no thought, and the national level obviously there are those whom manipulate race to keep status that is the nature of politics, no different from a Rush Limbaugh, Laura Schlesinger, or others who polarize issues and create hardline stances to attract and maintain an audience.
The fact of the matter is this, without “Activist” this gentleman probably wouldn’t have the voice he has today, nor would LaShawn.
I always find it intriguing how the minority minority stands against the majority and then actively or passively criticizing the majority as if they are composed of a majority of idiots…
Take it for what you will…
Wow, I had a long post what happened?
Something in your post must have triggered the spam filter. I approved it.
I’ll qualify this at the beginning by saying that I’m probably stepping outside my bounds here since I’m white and I’m talking about minority communities I don’t belong to, but that being said, I just can’t understand why some members of these communities are so resentful of others in their own group who are successful and thoughtful about their lives and their communities that the resentful folks turn on their own and denigrate their efforts in the community, example Bill Cosby. I watched the public forum in Philadelphia held after Dr. Cosby’s comments, and the panel seemed split along education lines into 3 factions: 1. Right on Bill!, 2.(whining) but we ARE trying, you stink for ignoring OUR efforts, and 3. you are a classist pig who wants to tear down our people. The same divisions seem to apply along the same lines with regard to conservative vs. liberal, too.
Sorry for the ramble
La Shawn, that was good and so is Erik. I’m looking forward to reading more of his writings.
This was a good post, and I enjoyed reading it.
Reading the comments has triggered some repressed thoughts, so I’m going to express. Its a little dangerous, b/c I won’t be coming back tomorrow to edit and rearrange any awkwardly expressed comments. An amateur writing off the cuff can make some goof ups. However, I trust the room, so I’m off-
I’ve lived in the South all my life(born in 1960), and I know oodles of people who qualify as racists. For instance, I know tons and tons of people who just are not comfortable with mixed race marriages. Even so, the “racist” allegation so frequently leveled by black people is generally overblown.
Most of the “racist qualified” white people I know, and I’m talking 90%+ of them, would risk their life to save a black person just as quickly as a white person, and would never give a moment’s thought to the race of the person they were trying to save. They would instantly hire any black applicant they were impressed with, only later thinking to feel relief that this would help their company’s EEOC numbers. They would be pleased to share lunch with any entertaining black person, and would genuinely appreciate the company.
These “racist qualified” white people don’t spend a lot of time thinking about a person’s skin color, unless that person shows up with a white spouse. They may have generalized thoughts about black people which equate to superstition and ignorance. The frequency of this is generally inversely proportional to their incidence of life contact and interaction with black people. But skin color is just something they notice about a person and file away with another 20 or 30 things they notice about that person, such as bad breath or pretty eyes or a fun personality.
So often, maybe even always, the black people who holler “racist” have legitimate past experiences which make them wary, but they usually give way too much weight to the “racist” charge. Race is usually just another one of 20 details that a “racist qualified” white person notices, and race is usually given less weight than a huge number of personal qualities.
This cuts both ways. I have, many times, heard white people accuse specific black people of being “racist against whites.” Even though I figure the charges have often been true, such a thing has never made me angry. I have a host of personal qualities which outweigh the color of my skin, and I figure the “racist black people” will take notice of those. Other thing is- how the heck do I really know if the accused black persons are racist? I can’t read their minds. Its a waste of time to even address the issue.
Its not a perfect analogy, but the racist thing reminds me of something Billy Graham said about homosexuality. He said he believes homosexuality is a sin, but Christians put too much emotion into condemning homosexuals. Christians sin every day. Homosexuality is no worse of a sin than all the “little sins” Christians routinely commit, and the Christian community should calm down their emotions when addressing the issue. Its not a perfect analogy, but I am reminded of it by the emotion attached to the flying “racist” allegations. The accusers put way too much stock in that charge. For the most part, white people who were as racist as some blacks think they are would be ostracized from their communities and friends because of their racist beliefs. Few people want to spend time with idiotic hate mongers. If for no other reason, idiotic hate mongers are usually not very clever and not much fun!
Having reread all this before posting, let me emphasize that there are jerk racists all over America who will hurt black people whenever they can, and they have the power and authority to do so. Still, in the overwhelming majority of cases- maybe even the vast majority of cases, black accusers put too much juice onto that “racist” allegation.
When I look at conservatism and liberalism as it manifested in my family, my father tended to be conservative in his treatment of the children, while my mother was very liberal. My Mama was very caring and compassionate. She would always be their to help the children no matter what they did. On the other hand, my Father, he was a consequence and responsibility person. If you did something, then you must accept responsibility and the consequences for it.
In retrospect, as I am an adult now, I realize that the two balanced each other. Had it not been for my mom sticking by me through thick and thin and supporting me through my failures, I would not have the standard of living and education that I have today. My father would not have allowed for my mistakes and failures, that ultimately lead to my success. On the other hand, my eldest sibling was always in and out of trouble and jail. My Mama would always bail him out when she could, which was against Fathers wishes. Had my father had his way early on, I believe, my eldest sibling would be better off today.
The moral here is that I believe conservatism and liberalism are like man and women raising family. I believe that you need the qualities of both in order to have the proper balance in life.
Just as a comment that there is hope out there -
Where I grew up, race never seemed to be an issue. I say this having since moved to places where it is. There were a lot of children of mixed parentage, so asking where someone’s parents were from was more of a curiosity than anything. (To illustrate, my grade school class, which moved as a unit, had two Hollys. Actually, it was Holly and Haleh, who said her parents were from Iran. No, she didn’t say Persian.)
I once saw a survey that called my city one of the most racially integrated cities in the nation, not by numbers but by mix in neighborhood. I personally think this is the result of no fewer than three military bases (since closed) and the particular history of the state.
I was never called a racist for being white; never told I didn’t understand the “minority experience”; and never learned to think that people reacted differently due to skin pigmentation. (And then I moved, and found that there’s some people who do. Still confuses me, and I don’t ever want to give up that confusion.)
There is hope!
Great post as always, La Shawn. Does anyone have Erik’s email address? I would love to ask him the whole story about how the Democrats got the whole black community to vote for them, the architects of Jim Crow, for forty years.
Wow, just wait until the black community discovers they are still on the plantation in 2004!
Could someone please elaborate upon this idea that Black people cannot differentiate between the “Old” Democratic party and that of the current democratic party? It this is true, then certainly it is a statement against the intelligence of those black people. It suggest that 90% of black people are not intelligent enough to know what party most represents their interest. Is anyone suggesting this is true? Are the black people who do not vote democratic the right extreme of the bell curve or the left extreme, because they are certainly not with the majority.
I find this whole politics thing fascinating. It seems to me that everyone like being part of a team competition. It gives their life purpose and meaning to be a part of a team and cause. In my own analysis, there are far more similarities than differences between the two parties, just like there are far more similarities than differences between human individuals.
I think that it is good for this nation to oscillate between the two ideologies. I think that both ideologies complement the weakness of the other. I would hate to see either ideology rein for a long period of time, because it would result in prolonged benefit in one area and detriment in another. Like I said in my previous post, society needs balance. Sometimes we need hot and sometimes we need cold.
…no one’s going to shut me up or shout me down.
Once again – you said it!!
Hey Jim,
Dude’s email is………erush@worldnetdaily.com –
and there’s also a book out named:
“Unfounded Loyalty: An In-Depth Look into the Love Affair Between Blacks and Democrats”, by Reverend Wayne Perryman.
Breaks it down “scientifically”, so to speak…..check it out if you can.
Take it easy,
Unfounded Loyalty: An In-Depth look another guy named Bob Parks
Hi, LaShawn. I’m new here…
I have a few comments:
HiRez pointed out that a clear definition of “racist” was never presented, which is true… but he then contradicts himself because he also stated: “I would be willing to wager that the majority of African Americans hold that America is a ‘racist’ state, because racism isn’t simply an issue of whips and lynches.” This isn’t vastly different than what Eric Rush said: “There are some among minorities who regularly refer to the U.S. as a ‘racist state.’”
I often find myself on the side on conservatism, and I think that Eric’s article was a good one; however, as much as he accuses certain folks of being too far to the left-he may be leaning a bit too far in the other direction. He seems to be taking a shot at minorities who point out the obvious: Race is an issue in the USA.
Is America a racist state? You betcha-Americans focus on race. We are obsessed with it, and we argue about it all the time. Racial disharmony is woven into the fabric of our country, and I suspect that it always will be.
Eric Rush said, “There’s a war on right now concerning what’s good for America vs. what’s not so good for America – it’s a question of what might ensure America’s survival vs. what will most assuredly destroy this nation.” And he is correct. Racial politics will be used by the unscrupulous as a weapon of mass distraction-it has been effective in the past, so there’s no reason to abandon it now.
VOTE-BUT PLEASE THINK ABOUT IT FIRST:
Americans are faced with a perplexing problem when it comes to our politics: There are many issues to consider. Two key issues (key because they are often used to divide) are race and class.
The key is to vote for the person who you believe will best represent your interests-BUT you must first decide what your interests are, and over the course of your lifetime your interests can shift. Another complication is that no candidate will serve 100% of your interests, so you’ve got to decide which of your interests are the most important. Are you a soldier currently deployed in support of US activities in Iraq? Are you a senior in college hoping to one day be a member of the upper class? Are you a truck driver from Ohio? Are you a female business owner? Are you a government contractor? Are you a single parent? Are you a homeowner?
An intelligent person will come to the conclusion that “racial politics” generally doesn’t serve them and their PERSONAL interests. Another thought is that attitudes about race cannot be legislated, so in general your vote should be one that is primarily concerned with your economic well-being.
Finally: America is a nation that is divided for many reasons-our history and the fact that we are such a diverse nation makes consensus damned near impossible-but I love it here. Don’t you?
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