Why Minorities Distruct The GOP

[babylonsister]

http://ta-nehisicoates.theatlantic.com/archives/2009/05/the_power_of_appointment.php

The Power Of Appointment
Ta-Nehisi Coates
28 May 2009 02:00 pm


I think Matt makes a great point here:

I think if you look at election results over time, it's clear that a large number of non-white or non-Anglo Americans seem to have the sense that the Republican Party and the conservative movement don't have their best interests at heart. And when people see conservatives not just saying "well, I'm a conservative and Sotomayor isn't, so I'm not happy about the choice" but engaging in bizarre tirades against the "unnatural" pronunciation of her name and the evils of Puerto Rican cuisine while suggesting that the kind of resume that was suitable for Samuel Alito doesn't cut the mustard for Sonia Sotomayor, well then I think that tends to reinforce the sense that conservatives are very interested in white people's problems and not so interested in anyone else.

One problem with the GOP is that when you build your brand on Willie Horton, "white hands" and the Minutemen, you end up with a party that, well, believes in those things. People keep saying that the GOP is playing into Obama's hands. I've said similar. But as I think about this, that takes chess-match thinking to a rather silly extreme.

More likely, when you have a party, in which people feel comfortable coming to rallies and saying on camera that they won't vote for a black guy, then that party will have people asserting the right to mispronounce Sotomayor's name. That party will have people arguing that Sotomayer's food choices are evil. It's highly unlikely that that party will have some sort of sophisticated tolerence game at the ready. They are who they are.

That said, it's interesting to note the difference in tone between GOP figures with something at stake (people who have to win elections) and those who have nothing at stake. Newt has a megaphone, but he has no real responsibility. He can yell whatever he wants. He's got books to hustle, dog--not Senators to elect.

[phantom power]

1. It's what happens when 40 years of the Southern Strategy collides...

with 40 years of steady growth in non-white demographics.

I only wish this had come to a head 10 years ago, in time to prevent the 8 years of BushCo.

[sallylou666]

2. Don't forget misogyny

You forgot misogyny.

[old mark]

3. I don't really think Obama is orchestrating tor GOPers demise -

I think they are just so far gone, the few decent people left there are shutting up and leaving til after the ship finally sinks. What remains is the incredibly stupid dregs of the hate groups, the sociopaths and the "religious" ignorant (I agree, a fine line between the two)continuously being stirred up by Rush (looking for more fans/money) and Newt (Looking for more book sales/money, maybe a spot on the '12 ticket?)
and a few similar low grade scumbags like the Fox gang etc...

There is NO real leadership in the GOP now, certainly no intelligent leadership at all in sight. They are killing themselves, can't stop it, and of course blame the black Democrat President.

They are a sad, sick bunch, and as much as I love seeing them thrash around gasping for air, I wish they would all just shut up while they are doing it. But I know they won't - it will get worse before they do die and it gets a little quieter.

mark

[Libertyfirst]

4. You are correct. They don't need any help. n/t