One last comment on email-gate, race and the Republican Party
By Brian Schoeneman | Wednesday, October 20th, 2010 | PoliticsI don’t want to beat a dead horse, but there’s been more criticism (and even more!) across the interwebs of my post yesterday condemning Lowell Feld and Blue Virginia for trying to use the two racist email leaks against Scott Rigell in VA-2. I am confident that we are going to beat Glenn Nye and I am glad to see that Rigell simply condemned what happened and did not let this pathetic attempt at an October surprise derail his campaign.
That being said, I do have a serious problem with the fact that it took months for whoever it was to step forward and release these emails. Lowell was wrong for using them the way he did, as was DPVA - they didn’t care about rooting out racism, they wanted to score cheap points against Rigell. If they cared about racism, wait til the race is over, release them then and let’s have a long discussion about race outside of an election cycle. But ignoring Lowell’s ethically challenged behavior, the more fundamental question remains and I don’t want the debate over these issues to obscure that question. And that question is why this ever happened in the first place.
I have been working with Terrence Boulden and a number of other black Republican activists to try and increase participation in the party of groups who I believe are underrepresented – that includes ethnically diverse people, gays and lesbians and other groups that one doesn’t think of when one thinks Republican. I believe the Republican party’s message has an appeal to everyone, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or any other divisive grouping. Fundamentally, we as Republicans believe in freedom, limited government, low taxes, free enterprise and the value of human life. That’s not something that’s limited to old white men. They are as close to universal values as one can find.
When someone, especially a leader in the party, sends out what can only be described as a racist email, it undercuts the message me, Terrance and other big-tent Republicans are trying to craft. It reinforces the negative stereotype that exists and gives Democrats – who seem to care less about racism than they do about calling Republicans racist – more ammunition to use to ensure that they can maintain their electoral base without having to represent it. People need to recognize that what happened here was wrong – sending those emails out was wrong. It was unnecessary and it damages far more than simply those who sent or received the emails. It damaged the party, and – more importantly – it damages all of us who want to live in a world where racism is a thing of the past.
I want to know who leaked these emails. Not because I want to punish them for leaking them – I think leaking them was the absolute right thing to do (something that not all of my colleagues agree with). What I don’t understand is why it took months to do it. No one is arguing that sending these emails out was okay, or that the content wasn’t racist. My biggest issue with how they were released is that by waiting months, the releaser let them be turned into a weapon for use against Scott Rigell. That makes me think that the releaser doesn’t think these emails were wrong or racist, per se – simply that they look bad and can be used against Scott Rigell. And that attitude is just as bad and needs to have the cleansing light of day shown down upon it too.
I call on whoever leaked these emails to come clean, admit who you are, and explain why you did it. If you did it as an October surprise, admit it. If you did it because you thought they were racist and needed to be broadcast, tell us why you waited months to do so.
Racism is a problem that must be confronted head on by people in both parties. And part of doing so is to stop treating it like some kind of political weapon that can be turned against an opponent. Just one read through the various threads on these issues on Blue Virginia makes it clear that some Democrats are desperate to believe that all Republicans are racist and we do our best to use race as a way of “boost the sense of community and esprit de corps among . . . Republicans.” That’s idiotic. Most Republicans – but unfortunately not all – recognize racism for the evil that it is, and are proud of the role that our party played in ending state sponsored racism before the Civil War and during the Jim Crow era. I am one of them.
That’s why things like these emails, or the use of a ridiculous TV ad telling hispanic voters not to vote at all out in Nevada, infuriate me so much. This country has come so far on issues of race and so have both the political parties. The Democrats are no longer lynching people and denying blacks the right to vote. Republicans have reached out and welcomed ethnic communities into our ranks and have been quick to throw out racists and those who would try to play overt racial politics. I was proud of how quickly Scott Rigell reacted Monday and yesterday to these emails. I know both parties have a long way to go, but we, as a country are making progress.
These types of events hinder that progress. As Coby Dillard said yesterday on his blog, “the first part of doing outreach is making sure you’re not slapping the people you’re supposed to be reaching out to.”
The bottom line, for me, is that things like this can’t happen. No more racist jokes. No more snide comments about the President and First Lady. None of that. If we are truly going to live in a post-racial society, it is going to be Republicans who are going to have to make it that way. The Democrats are perfectly happy with the status quo – they can go on accusing us of racism while they ignore issues that are important to black and Hispanic voters and they’ll never complain. It’s up to us to turn the idea of a post-racial American into reality. And we can start by cleaning up our own messes.
No more racist emails. No more jokes. No more hiding racism behind the moniker of just being “politically incorrect.” I don’t want to give the Democrats any more ammunition and – most importantly – I want to move politics beyond race.
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About the author
A veteran political professional, long-time Republican party activist and attorney Brian W. Schoeneman has been offering his opinions at Bearing Drift since 2010. He serves on the Board of Virginia Line Media, LLC, which operates Bearing Drift and spends his days representing the U.S. Merchant Marine in Washington, D.C. He hails from Fairfax County, Virginia, where he lives with his wife and son.
Comments
26 Responses to "One last comment on email-gate, race and the Republican Party"
Great post, Brian. But I am afraid no matter what is said or what actions are taken by conservative and Republican candidates and bloggers – even the right and responsible actions – some on the left will always choose to throw out “racism” and feign offense in their vain and twisted effort to score political points.
My heart hopes you’re wrong, my brain thinks you’re right.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Bearing Drift, Isn't it obvious?. Isn't it obvious? said: THANK GOD! You guys need to let it go. RT @bearingdrift: One last comment on email-gate, race and the Republican Party http://bit.ly/d8PNNj [...]
JR, you’re right. No matter what we do, these incidents are the ones that will endure.
That’s why it’s so important that we cut this off…and sooner rather than later. Time can heal the wounds these emails open, but only if we stop re-opening them.
You all seem to gloss over the fact that the local GOP leadeship in VB had sent the email to each other. It may have been six months ago but it should not have happened to begin with. It is the underlying racism that happens in this city. It is wrong on every level. It should never have happened at all. They have to know what they did was wrong and can’t be acceptable in 2010.
I agree it is time to move on but one can’t ignore the fact the leadership sent, forwarded and recieved these these emails. Once can be excused as a “stupid mistake” but this isn’t the first time we have seen an under current of discrimination in the local VB GOP. Sorry but somebody has to say it. JMO
No, Brian has it right: if there aren’t any racist jokes or racist songs or racist posters or racist e-mails, then we can’t very well criticize you for them. It’s as simple as that. Stop being racists or tolerating racists amongst yourselves and the problem goes away.
Good luck.
Richmonder,
I see. And when Hillary Clinton was running against Barack Obama and Bill Clinton claimed that the Obama campaign “pulled the race card on me,” there was no racism in the Democratic Party?
Doesn’t it hurt in the least bit to be holier than thou?
No HisRoc,
The Richmonder will turn a blind eye to the fact that he’s from the party of “Trig Palin: Down with the Syndrome” or “Sarah Palin is a C***” There was never an apology.
And, he’ll turn a blind eye to the fact that once this became public knowledge Scott Rigell was the first to slap it down.
It’s standard Democratic fare. When you’re out of ideas, when your out of hope and change, scream racism.
The difference is, we clean up our own house. And, on November 2nd, we’ll be cleaning up theirs as well.
Well, like I said: good luck.
Clean up your own house, eh?
Who’s running for the Republican nomination for Senate in 2012?
The Question – two folks so far, Bob Marshall, and George Allen, who has apologized and been amply punished for what he did.
Now **this** is the right type of post. It addresses the problem, how each side can attempt to solve it, whether you believe there can be common ground in the approach to purge the behavior that started the whole “email-gate” thing, and highlights your qualm about the delayed leaking of the email without naming names or going on a witch hunt. You simply ask that the person reveal themselves. This is the kind of post that doesn’t spawn the type of negativity that I’m sure eats at us all in one way or another but it isn’t soft on the issue of delaying the leak of the email, either.
Very well done.
Brian, I appreciate you sharing what the ideal Republican Party should be like. Unfortunately, the GOP strays far from what is ideal, and doesn’t govern according to the values you shared.
I’ve seen deep racism from many Republicans, expressed without any condemnation in public forums. This shouldn’t be surprising considering the modern GOP is the outgrowth of the opposition to Civil Rights Act.
Still, political parties do change, and there is hope for the next generation. I would like to see the sort of trash shared amongst VB Republican leaders not shared in the future. I would also like to see the GOP actually support limited government on issues like gay marriage. I know not all Republicans are racist or homophobic, but, unfortunately, like every party, the GOP has to play to their base, and currently their base forwards the type of emails that surfaced this week, and would support the spending of billions to keep gays from marrying.
Ideals are one thing, reality is another. I’m glad your working on trying to bring the two closer together. More people should join in the effort. The chasm is wide.
Joel, it is refreshing to read your comments and I too agree with your sentiments and rationale.
The present day gop is not all pre 60′s era southern democrats, who Goldwater sternly warned us about in the past, but many of them have taken the reigns of the gop and galloped off course. Reagan is rolling in his grave.
I want the gop that my generation and an older generation took from you. I cannot rely on many of my generation who screwed it up in technicolor but your generation can rebuild a bigger better tent and restore the party better than anyone should expect mine to. The lesson learned is that age and maturity are not to be confused with better judgement and experience unless that better judgement and experience can be backed up by a proven track record. Use due diligence and choose principled conservative leaders after thoroughly vetting them while keeping your eye on the youngest generation coming up after you. Work for THEM.. they are your best guide.. someday they will be your constituents and they will judge your generation by what you leave them with.
Sorry to disappoint you with some of what my generation has left you with, regardless of party affiliation.
Brian: I’d agree with you that loss of a U.S. Senate seat would be ample punishment for the “Macaca” incident…if you believe that incident is the sum total of George Allen’s backward attitude on racial issues.
However, if you believe that, you’re wrong.
Definition of BIGOT: a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially one who regards or treats the members of a group with hatred and intolerance.
Brian, great post. Unfortunately, there remains a huge disconnect between what Republican leaders say, and what they do.
Our party sold its soul in the 70s for financial backing and a guaranteed, dependable base – to the Moral Majority. 30 years later, we remain committed to electing bigots and right-wing Christian evangelicals.
Where are those Republicans who called over and over, again and again, for the GOP to have a big tent? With few exceptions … they sit mute on the sidelines or are completely absent from local/state/national party leadership. I was boots on the ground during the primary and witnessed the (non-negotiable) litmus test for candidate viability: ban gay marriage and champion pro-life. In spite of well-written statements and outreach, it remains, unfortunately, an indisputable fact VB Republicans elected the one primary candidate who promulgates incredible bigotry in words – and deeds!
Our party’s rigid stance regarding social issues drives away young, minority, women, and like-minded centrist voters. And unfortunately, until our actions and policies actually exhibit a big tent, statements of outrage (at racist comments) remain suspect, hollow, and unconvincing… regardless of how sincere they may actually be.
Jay D,
Despite what some of our blogger friends on the left accuse us of, have faith in this website. We just might surprise you through the years.
All of you White, suburban, whiners for a post-racial society make normal citizens want to PUKE!
This is especially true when you whimper crap like, “…I don’t want to give the Democrats any more ammunition and – most importantly – I want to move politics beyond race…”
Dumb-ass! If those who grovel before the altar of political correctness can get you to SELF-CENSOR, then they have WON! They don’t even have to keep spouting all of their wigger-wannabe trash-talk, since you will have voluntarily, shut the Hell up.
Race is part of politics and shall always be a part of it. To ignore this fundamental tenet ti to detach yourself from reality.
A better approach would be to tell those who are always telling others what they can and can’t say, is to remind the censors that in America we have the freedom to express ourselves and to associate with those who we like, so piss off and stick you PC worship where the sun won’t shine!
JR, Thank you. I do have faith in this website and find enough intelligent conversation and opinion pieces to keep me coming back and engaged. IF our party’s leaders reflected and the same core beliefs as many BD bloggers & posters, I would have high optimism and faith we can – and will – turn the train around and give our kids the same (or better) opportunities to build rich, fulfilling lives.
My opinion: We MUST be inclusive in order to be effective. As long as we separate people into acceptable and unacceptable groups, we do not deserve – or earn – the right to the ‘high ground’.
The silence from BD readers and fellow Republicans on this subject is deafening. Not a peep from Rigellites (who mine this site hourly) on my last post. Why? They can not defend our nominee. The facts are as follows:
Scott Rigell was a leader in splitting up the Galilee Church (Episcopal) and accused the church of heresy. Why? Because the Episcopal Church ordained a _______ as Bishop… in New Hampshire. http://hamptonroads.com/node/238361
Insert ‘black’, ‘woman’, ‘disabled’, ‘overweight’, etc. in the ________ above, and one would find almost 100% revulsion and outcries from Republicans. Insert “gay” …. and most Republicans look away or choose not to engage. Why? Because TV evangelicals make it OK (and socially acceptable) to place gay and lesbian citizens in the ‘throw away, less than us” category.
@ Clarise Starr … two words: “bite me”. (And apologies to BD readers who are offended.)
JR, Thank you. I do have faith in this website and find enough intelligent conversation and opinion pieces to keep me coming back and engaged. IF our party’s leaders reflected and the same core beliefs as many BD bloggers & posters, I would have high optimism and faith we can – and will – turn the train around and give our kids the same (or better) opportunities to build rich, fulfilling lives.
My opinion: We MUST be inclusive in order to be effective. As long as we separate people into acceptable and unacceptable groups, we do not deserve – or earn – the right to the ‘high ground’.
The silence from BD readers and fellow Republicans on this subject is deafening. Not a peep from Rigellites (who mine this site hourly) on my last post. Why? They can not defend our nominee. The facts are as follows:
Scott Rigell was a leader in splitting up the Galilee Church (Episcopal) and accused the church of heresy. Why? Because the Episcopal Church ordained a _______ as Bishop… in New Hampshire. http://hamptonroads.com/node/238361
Insert ‘black’, ‘woman’, ‘disabled’, ‘overweight’, etc. in the ________ above, and one would find almost 100% revulsion and outcries from Republicans. Insert “gay” …. and most Republicans look away or choose not to engage. Why? Because TV evangelicals make it OK (and socially acceptable) to place gay and lesbian citizens in the ‘throw away, less than us” category.
@ Clarise Starr … two words: “bite me”. (And advance apologies to BD readers who are offended.)
Apologies on the duplicate post.
Starr: Often in error, but never in doubt.
@ steve vaughan: Interesting quote, worth a look-up. Found this article. Thanks!
http://realconcepts.blogspot.com/2008/02/often-in-error-never-in-doubt-humble.html
jAYd: That was interesting. I had no idea who was supposed to have said that, although you do hear it quoted often.
After disparraging Americans who’s came here from India and broad brush connecting them to 7-11 & Dunkin’ Donuts………
After his statement “I mean, you got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy. I mean, that’s a storybook, man.”
After bragging that he wouldn’t be seen as a north eastern snob by southerners because Delaware was a “slave state”……….
I’m still waiting for David Bartholomew to call on Joe Biden to follow his example and do the right thing (resign).
As for the timing of the release. Sure, it is disgusting if the email was saved to use later as a weapon. That said, I don’t feel sorry for Bartholomew or those associated one bit.
People NEED to know that being a racist pig will get you seriously scorned by the public. If this incident is more painful due to the timing, so be it. Maybe this will be a good life lesson.
We all should condemn Republicans that do these things(as many have). Then again, we should condemn all people guilty of racism. That includes Democrats. Why the Democratic party makes excuses for their own idiots, I have no idea. Pretty hypocritical.
I called Lowkell out last night about how many times he posted about Racism between 1 March 2010 and 14 October 2010. Somehow my post was inadvertently deleted. Go figure. Tells me everything. What a coward, what a hypocrite, what a shill for the DEMS!
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