A friend--and fellow liberal--sent me a couple of Salon magazine items this morning wherein the writer was apoplectic because George Allen asked a tall reporter what position he played, assuming to have been a basketball player at one time.The writer made the assumption that Allen was a racist because of the question, asked of an African American. I think that's a stretch by somebody looking for another "macaca" moment to hang on a right-wing candidate for Virginia's soon-to-be-open Senate seat.
As I explained to my friend, "I'm going to disagree with you on this one. I don't think asking a very tall man what position he played is unusual, presumptuous or necessarily racist. People who played sports ask those questions of others who might have played. It's a male bonding thing [maybe female, too] and I don't have any problem with it. This is a case of looking for something to get George with. Let's get him on policy. There's plenty there to make us queasy."
He does still demonstrate a strong skillfulness in stereotyping.
ReplyDeleteWasn't George a fourth string QB/place kicker for UVA?
ReplyDeleteHowever, this is the SECOND time Mr. Allen has made this remark to the SAME reporter. He did it about 5 months ago, and he even apologized for it! Now, he's gone and done it again...simply put, Mr. Allen is a simple minded racist.
ReplyDeleteI've met this reporter and he is not tall...maybe 6'2" with shoes on. Allen is actually taller. I'm not sure what is up with Allen and these comments. I don't think they are racist just stereotypical. A seasoned politician should know better especially when the said reporter has tweeted about these comments before. Allen is demonstrating that he is slow on his feet. He needs to get into game shape fast before his lead on Kaine disappears because of more gaffes.
ReplyDeleteIf you didn't know George Allen was a few bricks short of a load before these remarks, you weren't listening. But then, he perfectly fits the profile of the new legislators who have been sent to Washington of late. Do I need to point to Morgan Griffith as far more typical than most of us want to admit?
ReplyDeleteNewt: He was a backup QB at UVa and, actually, a good athlete. You don't play division I football as a physical klutz and he is not one. It's about what's between his ears, though, not his passing arm.
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