An old civil rights veteran explained to me why Charleston, a city once steeped in Jim Crow Laws, never got ugly during the fight for equal rights in the sixties. It was simple- “Charlestonians are much too polite-we would never, ever riot or throw things at one another in the street, we just weren’t raised that way-black OR white.” And true to our municipal character, Wednesday’s Tea Party Protest went down like a smooth brew. There was none of the histrionics or hate-filled rhetoric of a Sarah Palin rally. The signs were tame, with repetitive slogans pulled from a website specifically constructed to provide inspiration to the teabaggers. While I personally disagree with everything they stand for, I do believe they have every right to rally for their cause. Had these Tea Parties happened five years ago, they would have credibility in my eyes, we would have been standing side-by side. A few observations: I didn’t see a single black, Latin or openly gay person. The crowd thinks Glen Beck is some kind of sage; and Obama elicited a strong chorus of boos and hisses.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Tax Day Tea Party-Charleston, SC
An old civil rights veteran explained to me why Charleston, a city once steeped in Jim Crow Laws, never got ugly during the fight for equal rights in the sixties. It was simple- “Charlestonians are much too polite-we would never, ever riot or throw things at one another in the street, we just weren’t raised that way-black OR white.” And true to our municipal character, Wednesday’s Tea Party Protest went down like a smooth brew. There was none of the histrionics or hate-filled rhetoric of a Sarah Palin rally. The signs were tame, with repetitive slogans pulled from a website specifically constructed to provide inspiration to the teabaggers. While I personally disagree with everything they stand for, I do believe they have every right to rally for their cause. Had these Tea Parties happened five years ago, they would have credibility in my eyes, we would have been standing side-by side. A few observations: I didn’t see a single black, Latin or openly gay person. The crowd thinks Glen Beck is some kind of sage; and Obama elicited a strong chorus of boos and hisses.
Contemplating The Enormous Debt They Will Inherit
Don't forget kiddies! First you've got to pay for the Iraq War!
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