Bobby Rush, Not Done Yet
| Wed Dec. 31, 2008 9:27 AM PST
Obama's intervention in the Roland Burris situation has assured that any further demagoguing Bobby Rush does on Burris' behalf will only serve to make him look more ridiculous. And it appears Rush is up to the job. Here he is on TV this morning comparing Burris' exclusion from the Senate to the Little Rock Nine:
"You know, the recent history of our nation has shown us that sometimes there could be individuals and there could be situations where schoolchildren -- where you have officials standing in the doorway of schoolchildren," Rush said. "You know, I'm talking about all of us back in 1957 in Little Rock, Ark. I'm talking about George Wallace, Bull Connor and I'm sure that the U.S. Senate don't want to see themselves placed in the same position."
Okay, listen. No one will object if an African-American wins a special election for that seat. No one will object if the power to appoint falls to the lieutenant governor and he selects an African-American. Roland Burris' troubles have nothing to do with the fact that the is African-American. Surely Bobby Rush can understand this. And yet, he is likening Harry Reid (and by extension, everyone who is opposed to seating Burris, including Barack Obama!) to some of the most odious figures in civil rights history. Surely this isn't the smartest way to go about getting what he desires.
Update: Nice, Ta-Nehisi Coates chimes in:
Continues Below
Continued From Above
I don't know if I've shifted politically or what. But after watching a black man named Barack Obama--who couldn't get into the Democratic convention eight years ago--win Virginia, North Carolina, New Mexico and Colorado, my tolerance for Negroes claiming that we need an appointment like this--in this kind of situation--is zilch.
Look, I say this as a black dude obviously concerned about race in this country. If you want a black senator go out and do the work to get yourself one. Build the organizations, build the fund-raising, do a black version of Emily's List, if need be. At some point, you have to stop bitching about the track. You have to stop bitching about your hand-me-down spikes. At some point, you just have to go out and run. I have little tolerance for the racial grievances of upper-middle class blacks. Do for your damn self, and speak for your damn self. Keep my name out your mouth.
Comments
Submitted by Eric Ferguson (not verified) on Wed Dec. 31, 2008 11:25 AM PST.
Isn't Rush the representative Obama challenged in the 2000 primary? I start to see why he thought that was a good idea.
Personally, and I hesitate to say this because I'm not in Illinois, I would be fine with Burris taking the senate seat if he promised not to run in 2010. That would remove the taint for me.
So, it is a quota thing? AKA racism. But, if a black gets the job, it isn't racist??? Or is this "OK racism" compared to "bad racism"?
Being totally against any form of racism (quotas, affirmative action, cross burning), it is all BS to me.
And I didn't think Obama was black. But black people call him black...Again, I don't get it.
If racism wasn't as bad as it was, there would be no need for something to level the playing field, like quotas. Sometimes you have to play with the devil to get what is right. Obama is a black man. This in itself is racism Kirkbrew. If he was walking down the street you would call him a black man. As soon as blacks do something well people want to minimize it or even try to white wash it. As they have done for African history.
Pay attention to WHO invited Bobby Rush to speak at the press conference. Blago gave Rush the pulpit, and now Rush is preaching the only sermon he knows. Big surprise! It's pretty clear that Blagojevich counted on the old Black Panther to do what radicals can't NOT do...throw bombs of inflammatory language to stir things up and call attention to their OWN causes (and themselves.)
Flash! Bang! A crude but effective diversionary tactic intended to focus the spotlight anywhere but on Blago's own vileness. Save your vitriol for the perp who is trying to escape, and ignore Bobby's blathering. This is not even remotely about race.
Given the state of the public record on the Gov.'s ethical position vis this appointment, the Senate should first investigate the regularity of this appointment pursuant to Art. 1 Sec. 5. However, unless some measure of proof of impropriety is found Mr. Burris should be seated within a reasonable time.
Whatever else he's accomplished, Rep. Rush this week introduced himself to the nation as a fool and a tool. Even an old cracker like me knows that black men still don't get a fair shot in this country, that they have to exceed to succeed, and it's obvious that Mr. Burris has, but his accomplishments qualify him for the appointment; they don't vaccinate him from necessary and proper inquiry.
To whom it may concern,
I am writing you today to voice my displeasure with Representative Bobby Rush's comments regarding the US Senates decision not to seat Roland Burris. Congressman Rush's statement that this decision was racist is inexcusable. This decision would have been the same regardless of the persons color, gender, or creed. I am appalled the Mr. Rush would use his position as a US Congressman to create such racial strife. As for his position that an African American is entitled to fill this position based on the color of his skin is preposterous. The best candidate for the job should be selected. Mr. Rush is using a reverse racist opinion for his own benefit. If the position was vacated by a Caucasian would that mean the position should be filled by another Caucasian based on entitlement and the color of their skin? Absolutely not!!! Mr. Rush needs to keep his personal opinions and agendas to himself and act like a representative of the people he was elected to serve.
I am extremely disappointed with Mr. Rush and quite frankly I am embarrassed for the entire State of Illinois and our elected officials.
Submitted by james (not verified) on Wed Jan. 7, 2009 7:28 AM PST.
Bobby Rush is leading the charge for a black man in the Senate but didn't support Obama when he ran for Senate. Rush is a "On Johnny Note" type of guy and the more he speaks the sillier he sounds.
I've been listening the likes of Bobby Rush and Dorothy Tillman for years and I've grown tired of it. Yes, it would be nice to have a black man in the Senate but we should be given that opportunity at the voting booth.
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