RE: Naders Big Chance

On Tue, 9 Jan 2001, Greg Konig wrote:

> I enjoyed reading your most recent comments on the election on the 
> monkeyfist web site.

Well, thanks!
 
> It is odd for you to suggest such a high bar for a white to be non-racist, 

Did I set a specific bar in this article?

I do set a rather high bar, mostly due to an insitutional analysis of
racism, but be that as it may.

> while at the same time suggesting that a white politician such as Nader is 
> somehow finally connecting to African-Americans by attending an event in any 
> way associated with Al Sharpton.

Er...wait. Big Al contaminates *anything* he's associated with? Such that
we must shun *anything* he's *in any way* associated with? Wow, now
*that's* a tough standard.

In any case, Al Sharpton does have a genuine following among
African-Americans. As does Farrakhan. Must we ignore all those people
because they are somehow associated with these figures?

>  All he accomplished was a humiliating 
> pandering to one of the most infamous racists in US politics,

But is he the most damaging? That seems to be the more important
criterion, eh?

In a recent exchange, I was *mocked* for suggesting that the War on Drugs
might be racists. I was accused of finding a white sheet under every
bed. I was urged to be charitable toward a clearly racist post.

The very same person denounced Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton as vicous
racists.

When Strom Thurmond is 4th in line to the presidency, I think that we must
take care where we put our blows.

> who also 
> happens to be anti-semitic and a verified slanderer.
> 
> You don't have to pay attention to Sharpton, or Jesse for that matter, to 
> clearly express your commitment to equal treatment under the law for all 
> African Americans.

Well, I didn't say that Nader had to do those things. I pointed out that
that was the only thing he *did* do (well, he also met with the DC
greens). Believe me, I wondered "where was Ralph" about a *lot* of things
(the diallo verdict, Michigan, etc. etc. etc.)

But is the contrary true? That if you *cannot* express your commitment to
equal treatment under the law for all Arican Americans *if you do* listen
to Jackson and Sharpton?

I hope you recognize the absurdity of this.

>   The fact that you, as well as most progressive 
> commentators,  express this tired argument is rather pathetic.

I certainly *do* think that it's possible to express one's racism by
piling on Sharpton and Jackson *even if* your accusations are entirely
correct. Why would you think otherwise?

> Respectfully, G (UNC-CH '94)

So we overlap. Did you take any courses in the philosophy dept?

Cheers,
Bijan Parsia.