The NAACP is doing what conservatives have done for decades in demanding that liberals and progressives separate themselves from left-wing extremists who trashed America, burned flags and praised foreign dictators. The racists are the Tea Party's flag-burners. It's fair to ask the democratic left to condemn extremism. It's fair to ask the same of the democratic right. (Note the small "d.")
Guilt by association is wrong, but it's legitimate to insist that those who believe in democracy and freedom take forceful steps to disassociate themselves from people in their movement who peddle racism, intolerance and fear. That's what the NAACP is asking. (E.J. Dionne Jr., Washington Post, 7/15/10)
The NAACP wants the Tea Party to denounce those “in their movement” who are racist in the same way that conservatives demand that liberals denounce flag burners and Castro-loving leftists. First of all, there is no credible evidence of racism within the Tea Party. Andrew Breitbart famously offered $100,000 to anyone who could prove that black congressmen were called racist names during the health care vote. Breitbart still has his money. Second, we have never heard anyone on the left do what Dionne is asking the Tea Party to do. Until Sean Penn gets criticized, we ain’t buying this nonsense.
Lashing and Venting and Accusing and Undermining
House Democrats are lashing out at the White House, venting long-suppressed anger over what they see as President Obama’s 's lukewarm efforts to help them win reelection -- and accusing administration officials of undermining the party's chances of retaining the majority in November's midterm elections. (Washington Post, 7/15/10)
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