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It's not denial. It's selective acceptance of reality.
Author: Raine
Date: 04/05/2010 12:34:06
This morning Michael Steele was interviewed by George Stephanopoulos on Good Morning America. The Chairman of the RNC said that he wasn't going to resign and that his criticism is connected to race and his "streetwise" manner of doing things.
Now let me get this straight. Race? Streetwise? Is he saying that he's a victim of bigotry? This is a man, who last February, after meeting with leaders of the 'grassroots activists' also called the Tea Party issued this statement: There is more there -- but you get the idea. He thanked this group of people who would go on to spit on a black congressman, call Civil rights hero John Lewis a n*gger, and Barney Frank a f*ggot.
This is the same group of people who have consistently used racist signs at their rallies. He was courting them for the GOP, never said anything about the actions the Tea Party has taken, but when he's criticized for this: That's about Race? No, actually it's not. It's about leadership and accountability. And -- it's about denial of a the real race issue that is going on in the GOP and conservative world.
Going under the radar since the passage of Healthcare Reform has been what seems like a coordinated effort to deny the racial and ethnic slurs that are becoming far too commonplace among the right-wing.
Steven Benen goes on to say something very interesting: According to the meme - it's the Democrats' fault that these slurs were thrown. This leads me to wonder: if Michael Steele was so concerned about race, then why hasn't he - as head of the RNC - spoken out about the racial and ethnic slurs by the Tea Party activists he openly courted in February? Why hasn't he condemned conservatives (some of whom are actually elected members of his party) for perpetuating the bigotry?
Once, again the lack of personal responsibility is stunning in this party that says it's about personal responsibility. It's either the victim's fault or it's personal persecution. Michael Steele seems to be projecting on himself what he is allowing the conservative movement to use against the Democrats in order to make himself look more sympathetic.
It's intellectually dishonest for people, especially those in a position of leadership, to pick and choose the parts of reality they like, twist the other parts to fit an agenda and ignore the rest.
and 
Raine
Now let me get this straight. Race? Streetwise? Is he saying that he's a victim of bigotry? This is a man, who last February, after meeting with leaders of the 'grassroots activists' also called the Tea Party issued this statement:
“For over a year, I have made it a priority to have conversations with different grassroots activists who are concerned with the direction of our country and today’s meeting was an excellent opportunity to continue this conversation. I thank members of the Tea Party movement and other concerned citizens for putting together this meeting and taking the time to speak with me.
This is the same group of people who have consistently used racist signs at their rallies. He was courting them for the GOP, never said anything about the actions the Tea Party has taken, but when he's criticized for this:
The target of criticism is lavish spending by Steele -- $17,000 for private jet travel, $13,000 for limousines and car services and $9,000 for a trip to the Beverly Hills hotel. But the most controversial charge is Steele approval of a nearly $2,000 fundraiser at Voyeur West Hollywood, a sex-themed nightclub in Los Angeles. The expenses were not racked up by Steele but by a staffer, in the name of entertaining young Republicans.
Going under the radar since the passage of Healthcare Reform has been what seems like a coordinated effort to deny the racial and ethnic slurs that are becoming far too commonplace among the right-wing.
"Conservative media keep pushing nutty, self-aggrandizing BS meme that Dems hatched an elaborate plot to incite Tea Partiers to racism and violence." It seems hard to believe -- aren't there other lines conservatives should be trying out right now? -- but this really has risen to the top of the list of right-wing talking points.
Cal Thomas on Fox News:Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) on Fox News:"Look, when Nancy Pelosi walked through those Tea Partiers, it was like -- what should analogize this to? Ah, the march through Skokie, Illinois, by the Nazis? It was deliberately provocative! They wanted a reaction!"Andrew Breitbart on his website:"Remember when Speaker Pelosi walked arm-in-arm in a civil rights march across Independence Avenue from the House buildings over to the Capitol," Bachmann told Sean Hannity in a Fox News appearance Thursday. "In three years I have never seen Nancy Pelosi cross the street the way that you saw in that picture. They deliberately went through that crowd perhaps to try and incite something."The natural route is the tunnels between the House office buildings and the Capitol. By crafting a highly symbolic walk of the Congressional Black Caucus through the majority white crowd, the Democratic Party was looking to provoke a negative reaction.
"So, we're to believe (a) unhinged activists didn't use bigoted language; and (b) if unhinged activists did use bigoted language, it's Democrats' fault because they walked to the Capitol."
Once, again the lack of personal responsibility is stunning in this party that says it's about personal responsibility. It's either the victim's fault or it's personal persecution. Michael Steele seems to be projecting on himself what he is allowing the conservative movement to use against the Democrats in order to make himself look more sympathetic.
It's intellectually dishonest for people, especially those in a position of leadership, to pick and choose the parts of reality they like, twist the other parts to fit an agenda and ignore the rest.
and Raine
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
wickedpam on 04/05/2010 12:52:25
wickedpam on 04/05/2010 12:52:25
Morning 
Michael Steele streetwise? Please I've more "streetwise" and that's only cause I look both ways before crossing.
Michael Steele streetwise? Please I've more "streetwise" and that's only cause I look both ways before crossing.
Comment by 
BobR on 04/05/2010 12:58:55
BobR on 04/05/2010 12:58:55
They want their cake and eat it too.
Comment by 
Will in Chicago on 04/05/2010 13:00:19
Will in Chicago on 04/05/2010 13:00:19
Good morning, bloggers!! Excellent post, Raine!!
I am sorry, but I have heard better excuses for poor behavior from grade school students than have been made by Cal Thomas, Michelle Bachmann, and others. No rational person should believe them.
As for Michael Steele, I find it amusing that the head of the party that views itself as the more responsible of the two major political parties refuses to take responsibility for his mistakes.
I am sorry, but I have heard better excuses for poor behavior from grade school students than have been made by Cal Thomas, Michelle Bachmann, and others. No rational person should believe them.
As for Michael Steele, I find it amusing that the head of the party that views itself as the more responsible of the two major political parties refuses to take responsibility for his mistakes.
Comment by wickedpam on 04/05/2010 13:07:09
wickedpam on 04/05/2010 13:07:09
Rebekah! 
Comment by 
clintster on 04/05/2010 13:07:58
clintster on 04/05/2010 13:07:58
Yay! Surly Rebekah's back!!!
Spring break for me, y'all.
Spring break for me, y'all.
Comment by clintster on 04/05/2010 13:16:59
clintster on 04/05/2010 13:16:59
I almost sat down to watch the Jesus Chainsaw Massacre this weekend - I opted for "It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown" instead.
Comment by 
Raine on 04/05/2010 13:45:25
That isn't a real movie is it?
Raine on 04/05/2010 13:45:25
Quote by clintster:
I almost sat down to watch the Jesus Chainsaw Massacre this weekend - I opted for "It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown" instead.
That isn't a real movie is it?
Comment by Raine on 04/05/2010 13:47:39
Raine on 04/05/2010 13:47:39
Comment by timcorrimal on 04/05/2010 13:56:11
I soooooo hope Michael Steele stays the RNC Chairman until after the 2010 Election. He's doing everything he can to help the Democratic Party gain more seats in both the House and Senate. Divided, they shall fall.
Comment by Raine on 04/05/2010 13:56:58
Raine on 04/05/2010 13:56:58
I cannot believe these homophobic bigots would go this far to stop a teenager from attending her prom.
They held a PRIVATE prom.
Wretched humans.
They held a PRIVATE prom.
Wretched humans.
Comment by BobR on 04/05/2010 13:58:31
welcome to the blog, Tim!
BobR on 04/05/2010 13:58:31
Quote by timcorrimal:
I soooooo hope Michael Steele stays the RNC Chairman until after the 2010 Election. He's doing everything he can to help the Democratic Party gain more seats in both the House and Senate. Divided, they shall fall.
welcome to the blog, Tim!
Comment by 
TriSec on 04/05/2010 14:01:55
TriSec on 04/05/2010 14:01:55
Morning, comrades!
Our system just crashed, so I have idle hands for the devil to work with at the moment.
In any case....does anyone else pick up the bits? I haven't been able to download them in days, iTunes tells me that the url is no longer valid.
Anything up with Momma's website or anything? Maybe I'll email Chris.
Our system just crashed, so I have idle hands for the devil to work with at the moment.
In any case....does anyone else pick up the bits? I haven't been able to download them in days, iTunes tells me that the url is no longer valid.
Anything up with Momma's website or anything? Maybe I'll email Chris.
Comment by Raine on 04/05/2010 14:02:16
At this point, I totally agree.
I could gladly live with having a difference of opinion, but the hypocrisy and the divisiveness that is being used is going to really start turning people off.
That reminds me... Whether you like him or not, Harry Reid is in trouble, and could use help. but here is a little something to think about: Do you really want to lost this seat to a teabagger? ANOTHER seat? We lost Teddy's seat, can we REALLY afford another one? It's time to be pragmatic.
Raine on 04/05/2010 14:02:16
Quote by timcorrimal:
I soooooo hope Michael Steele stays the RNC Chairman until after the 2010 Election. He's doing everything he can to help the Democratic Party gain more seats in both the House and Senate. Divided, they shall fall.
I could gladly live with having a difference of opinion, but the hypocrisy and the divisiveness that is being used is going to really start turning people off.
That reminds me... Whether you like him or not, Harry Reid is in trouble, and could use help. but here is a little something to think about: Do you really want to lost this seat to a teabagger? ANOTHER seat? We lost Teddy's seat, can we REALLY afford another one? It's time to be pragmatic.
Comment by clintster on 04/05/2010 14:09:10
Nope. Just another name for Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ".
clintster on 04/05/2010 14:09:10
Quote by Raine:Quote by clintster:
I almost sat down to watch the Jesus Chainsaw Massacre this weekend - I opted for "It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown" instead.
That isn't a real movie is it?
Nope. Just another name for Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ".
Comment by Raine on 04/05/2010 14:15:59
Ahh. I am so very glad I never watched that movie.
Raine on 04/05/2010 14:15:59
Quote by clintster:Quote by Raine:Quote by clintster:
I almost sat down to watch the Jesus Chainsaw Massacre this weekend - I opted for "It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown" instead.
That isn't a real movie is it?
Nope. Just another name for Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ".
Comment by Raine on 04/05/2010 14:25:55
Raine on 04/05/2010 14:25:55
They are talking about what I did in the blog today.
Comment by wickedpam on 04/05/2010 14:27:43
Welcome
wickedpam on 04/05/2010 14:27:43
Quote by timcorrimal:
I soooooo hope Michael Steele stays the RNC Chairman until after the 2010 Election. He's doing everything he can to help the Democratic Party gain more seats in both the House and Senate. Divided, they shall fall.
Welcome
Comment by Raine on 04/05/2010 15:06:09
Raine on 04/05/2010 15:06:09
MGM mention!
Comment by wickedpam on 04/05/2010 15:21:52
wickedpam on 04/05/2010 15:21:52
Yeah for MGM shout out 
Comment by 
Scoopster on 04/05/2010 16:01:34
Scoopster on 04/05/2010 16:01:34
Mornin' all! 
Not workin today so I just woke up!
Not workin today so I just woke up!
Comment by Raine on 04/05/2010 17:15:33
Raine on 04/05/2010 17:15:33
Well- I got my lyberry card!!! 
Comment by 
livingonli on 04/05/2010 17:28:30
livingonli on 04/05/2010 17:28:30
Good day all. Late night games are brutal. It took me forever to get to sleep and then I slept until 12:30.
At least I watched Obama threw the first pitch at the Nationals game via the MASN feed thanks to the MLB Extra Innings free preview. When he headed towards the field there were a lot of cheers and apparently one really loud teabagger who booed throughout.
At least I watched Obama threw the first pitch at the Nationals game via the MASN feed thanks to the MLB Extra Innings free preview. When he headed towards the field there were a lot of cheers and apparently one really loud teabagger who booed throughout.
Comment by Raine on 04/05/2010 17:31:15
I just watched a youtube of it. Hoohah -- that was a terrible throw-- IMPEACH!
PLUS, no mom jeans this year...
Raine on 04/05/2010 17:31:15
Quote by livingonli:
Good day all. Late night games are brutal. It took me forever to get to sleep and then I slept until 12:30.
At least I watched Obama threw the first pitch at the Nationals game via the MASN feed thanks to the MLB Extra Innings free preview. When he headed towards the field there were a lot of cheers and apparently one really loud teabagger who booed throughout.
PLUS, no mom jeans this year...
Comment by Raine on 04/05/2010 17:32:23
Raine on 04/05/2010 17:32:23
I thought the booing was a little more pronounced in this video than what you saw Liv -- I am glad you only heard that one tooly McToolerson:
Comment by livingonli on 04/05/2010 17:42:52
livingonli on 04/05/2010 17:42:52
Yes, that was a terrible pitch. Heck at that level, I could throw out the first pitch.
Comment by BobR on 04/05/2010 17:56:45
They booed when he put on the White Sox cap.
I did hear that one person that sounded like a coyote through the whole thing...
BobR on 04/05/2010 17:56:45
Quote by Raine:
I thought the booing was a little more pronounced in this video than what you saw Liv -- I am glad you only heard that one tooly McToolerson:
They booed when he put on the White Sox cap.
I did hear that one person that sounded like a coyote through the whole thing...
Comment by wickedpam on 04/05/2010 18:06:10
it sounds like one guy next to the camera going "wwwwwhhhhhhooooooo" "wwwwwhhhhhhoooooo"
Don't be so lazy people if you gonna Boo someone put "B" into it. If not you just should like Woodsy the Owl
wickedpam on 04/05/2010 18:06:10
Quote by Raine:
I thought the booing was a little more pronounced in this video than what you saw Liv -- I am glad you only heard that one tooly McToolerson:
it sounds like one guy next to the camera going "wwwwwhhhhhhooooooo" "wwwwwhhhhhhoooooo"
Don't be so lazy people if you gonna Boo someone put "B" into it. If not you just should like Woodsy the Owl
Comment by livingonli on 04/05/2010 18:08:18
livingonli on 04/05/2010 18:08:18
And now The Golf Channel, ESPNews and some local FSN regionals are airing the Tiger Woods press conference. MSG Plus here is taking the FSN feed.
Comment by livingonli on 04/05/2010 18:16:17
I guess it's hard work for the teabaggers.
livingonli on 04/05/2010 18:16:17
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
I thought the booing was a little more pronounced in this video than what you saw Liv -- I am glad you only heard that one tooly McToolerson:
it sounds like one guy next to the camera going "wwwwwhhhhhhooooooo" "wwwwwhhhhhhoooooo"
Don't be so lazy people if you gonna Boo someone put "B" into it. If not you just should like Woodsy the Owl
I guess it's hard work for the teabaggers.
Comment by TriSec on 04/05/2010 18:16:27
TriSec on 04/05/2010 18:16:27
Just heard a caller on this past weekend's Ring of Fire....
The Teabag folks are many things, but how's this comparison?
SA Brownshirts.
They were Hitler's private army and thugs; once he legally took power, he liquidated them in the "Night of the Long Knives".
Methinks the Teabaggers are in for similar treatment should there be any Republican traction in the midterms; if there isn't, expect them to become even more vocal and brutal as time goes on.
The Teabag folks are many things, but how's this comparison?
SA Brownshirts.
They were Hitler's private army and thugs; once he legally took power, he liquidated them in the "Night of the Long Knives".
Methinks the Teabaggers are in for similar treatment should there be any Republican traction in the midterms; if there isn't, expect them to become even more vocal and brutal as time goes on.
Comment by BobR on 04/05/2010 18:36:21
BobR on 04/05/2010 18:36:21
btw - TriSec. I know you're taking a sabatical from FaceCrack, but I thought you'd appreciate this picture:
Comment by BobR on 04/05/2010 18:38:51
BobR on 04/05/2010 18:38:51
Here's another couple:
Comment by Raine on 04/05/2010 18:52:38
Raine on 04/05/2010 18:52:38
Hmm-- the Dow might very well break 11,000 today. Right now it at 1074.38 (up +47.31 points)
Obama is killing this nation, clearly.
Obama is killing this nation, clearly.
Comment by Raine on 04/05/2010 18:54:20
He did better last year...
I think his Arm was worn out from all that Barack-n-Egg-Roll earlier... :D
Raine on 04/05/2010 18:54:20
Quote by livingonli:
Yes, that was a terrible pitch. Heck at that level, I could throw out the first pitch.
I think his Arm was worn out from all that Barack-n-Egg-Roll earlier... :D
Comment by livingonli on 04/05/2010 18:57:35
livingonli on 04/05/2010 18:57:35
Does anyone knew if ssg went to the egg roll with the kids
I heard she got the invite.
I heard she got the invite.
Comment by livingonli on 04/05/2010 18:59:43
livingonli on 04/05/2010 18:59:43
Randi's not doing the radio show today but she will be on Joy Behar's show on HLN tonight.
Comment by livingonli on 04/05/2010 19:01:09
livingonli on 04/05/2010 19:01:09
Ah, another crappy year of Washington baseball. Nats are losing 7-1.
Comment by BobR on 04/05/2010 19:01:44
I certainly hope he gets some pitching practice in (maybe some coaching) before next year's season opener.
BobR on 04/05/2010 19:01:44
Quote by Raine:He did better last year...Quote by livingonli:
Yes, that was a terrible pitch. Heck at that level, I could throw out the first pitch.
I think his Arm was worn out from all that Barack-n-Egg-Roll earlier... :D
I certainly hope he gets some pitching practice in (maybe some coaching) before next year's season opener.
Comment by TriSec on 04/05/2010 19:01:57
TriSec on 04/05/2010 19:01:57
Come now, you know only the pictures from Princess Juliana ever get a rise out of me.
Our "blog picture" is from the FDR memorial, yes? (it's been years, but I've been out to Norman Rockwell in Western MA and seen the paintings...)
Our "blog picture" is from the FDR memorial, yes? (it's been years, but I've been out to Norman Rockwell in Western MA and seen the paintings...)
Comment by Raine on 04/05/2010 19:01:59
Raine on 04/05/2010 19:01:59
I just watched this... It's heartbreaking.
***warning***
This shows actual footage, from 2007 of two reuters employees being killed by our armed forces (along with 9 other people). I watched the long version (40 minutes) and it matches up with this version, which is 17 minutes. I know that war is hell, But the RPG they said they saw was a long lens on a camera, and no one ever fired at the troops.
I know that there is collateral damage in war. I know -- but this just doesn't seem right. The vehicle that pulled up to help the injured man had children in it.
***warning***
This shows actual footage, from 2007 of two reuters employees being killed by our armed forces (along with 9 other people). I watched the long version (40 minutes) and it matches up with this version, which is 17 minutes. I know that war is hell, But the RPG they said they saw was a long lens on a camera, and no one ever fired at the troops.
I know that there is collateral damage in war. I know -- but this just doesn't seem right. The vehicle that pulled up to help the injured man had children in it.
Comment by wickedpam on 04/05/2010 19:03:14
I they took the kids, been down all weekend I think
wickedpam on 04/05/2010 19:03:14
Quote by livingonli:
Does anyone knew if ssg went to the egg roll with the kids
I heard she got the invite.
I they took the kids, been down all weekend I think
Comment by BobR on 04/05/2010 19:04:05
BobR on 04/05/2010 19:04:05
Comment by TriSec on 04/05/2010 19:04:05
Well, look what happened last night....two innings in and I went all "Sox are the worst team in BASEBALL!!!" and gave up.
I suppose I'll be the only contrarian in taking Duke tonight? (But Butler is a great story...I won't be disappointed either way, unless it's a huge blowout or something.)
TriSec on 04/05/2010 19:04:05
Quote by livingonli:
Ah, another crappy year of Washington baseball. Nats are losing 7-1.
Well, look what happened last night....two innings in and I went all "Sox are the worst team in BASEBALL!!!" and gave up.
I suppose I'll be the only contrarian in taking Duke tonight? (But Butler is a great story...I won't be disappointed either way, unless it's a huge blowout or something.)
Comment by livingonli on 04/05/2010 19:25:24
livingonli on 04/05/2010 19:25:24
Nats now down 11-1 against the Phillies.
If I really was a baseball fanatic, I would need DirecTV. For EI, they are doing dual fees of all the games today and sometimes you get three feeds with the games that are on ESPN and ESPN2 today.
If I really was a baseball fanatic, I would need DirecTV. For EI, they are doing dual fees of all the games today and sometimes you get three feeds with the games that are on ESPN and ESPN2 today.
Comment by wickedpam on 04/05/2010 19:32:26
wickedpam on 04/05/2010 19:32:26
shocker - Nats are losing 
Comment by livingonli on 04/05/2010 19:36:50
Does anyone wish they never left Montreal
livingonli on 04/05/2010 19:36:50
Quote by wickedpam:
shocker - Nats are losing
Does anyone wish they never left Montreal
Comment by Raine on 04/05/2010 20:00:35
Hey look at this way -- they are only barely out of first place, right?
*sigh* 4 months till Football preseason.... I know what Vel feels like now.
Raine on 04/05/2010 20:00:35
Quote by wickedpam:
shocker - Nats are losing
*sigh* 4 months till Football preseason.... I know what Vel feels like now.
Comment by TriSec on 04/05/2010 20:14:41
TriSec on 04/05/2010 20:14:41
Ah yes, I forget this is primarily a football blog... 
Comment by Raine on 04/05/2010 20:51:58
No it isn't, Tri -- I just have a big mouth... And congrats on beating the evil empire yesterday! (see how bipartisan I can be?)
Raine on 04/05/2010 20:51:58
Quote by TriSec:
Ah yes, I forget this is primarily a football blog...
No it isn't, Tri -- I just have a big mouth... And congrats on beating the evil empire yesterday! (see how bipartisan I can be?)
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 04/05/2010 22:31:24
Mondobubba on 04/05/2010 22:31:24
My office is across the street from 7 Bridges Brew Pub. This might present a problem...