My favorite moment in the 2003-2004 debates was at the economic and trade debate in New York City. In response to a question about bad trade policy Al Sharpton stood tall and declared he was the embodiment of bad trade policy. Hands down it was the most memorable line of the election season. Now a genealogical study reveals the activist is descended from slaves owned by Sen. Strom Thurmond's ancestors.
No wonder Sharpton is so determined to fight for equality, the horrors of being owned by the racist Thurmonds must run deep in his blood. The former presidential candidate's great-grandfather was a slave. That means Sharpton is only three generations removed from a time when one person could own another.
The juxtaposition of the two men's lives is amazing. Thurmond was one of the foremost racists of the U.S. Senate in the last century and Al Sharpton is such an ardent fighter for equal rights, rights which Thurmond fought ferociously to prevent. This story makes me think of two things: how recent slavery was still legal in this country, and what a small world this really is.
I understand that, like George Wallace, Strom Thurmond wasn't much of a racist and adopted vile views and statements for political purposes. That may be worse--more immoral--than actually believing the crap you spew.
Posted by: Joyful Alternative | February 28, 2007 at 08:05 AM
So what's worse, being a racist or pandering to racists for their votes? I don't see much difference. We have a County Commissioner here (Mark Scott) who is a panderer and he enables the racism with his pandering. I find him as offensive as the actual racists.
Posted by: John Morgan | February 28, 2007 at 08:54 AM