OK, Republicans, never mind Trent Lott, here's your real big chance...

[holzman_tweed]

...to repudiate bigotry within your ranks.

Because, let's face it, Lott's gaffe wasn't all that big a deal, it was just a pretext for Bush to put someone he liked better into the Senate Majority Spot without looking like he was doing it.

Two Washington State Republicans walked off the floor of the House of Representatives during a prayer delivered by a Muslim Imam. One claimed it was an issue of "patriotism" to publicly disrespect this clergyman and his religion, the other claimed "lack of interest."

Right here you've got a bona fide incident of bigotry, and in their official capacities, to boot. I'm very curious how it will be handled. Will they be shunned? Will their resignations be called for? Will they be removed in their next party primary? Will this be ignored?

I'm very curious to see how this plays out.

Comments

[salsuginous.livejournal.com]

I've been mortified by McMahan's commments all day. I'm embarassed that I live in this state and that the people who are supposed to represent the best interests of this state are behaving so poorly. I'm really going to enjoy the local news the next few days and pray that the backlash is going to be fierce.

jo

[holzman.livejournal.com]

Could you let me know how it goes? I've no confidence this is going to stay on the national radar.

And, by the bye, how are things looking for your eventual visit to my neck of the woods?

[rtbyjack.livejournal.com]

I missed this tidbit in the news. Thanks.

"Because, let's face it, . . ." I never know if you are serious when you say things such as this, or it is done tongue in cheek?

What makes you call these people bigots? I am trying to understand your reasoning.

[holzman.livejournal.com]

In this instance, "Because, let's face it..." is quite serious. The people who made the most noise about Lott needing to step down over his remark at Thurmond's birthday were conservatives in the Beltway and the media, and it went down the way it did becuase of the working of internal Republican party politics.

These people publicly disrespected an Imam for no reason other than the fact that he is Muslim, and the one who had comments to make about it made specific reference to stereotypes about Islam -- completely ignoring the fact that the Imam was praying a pro-US prayer. That's bigotry.

If it's customary for legislators to walk out on Chaplains delivering an opening prayer, I could see the "I wasn't interested" explanation as something other than a cynical dodge, but Condotta hasn't exactly gone out of his way to specificly point out that he intended no disrespect.

Re:

[rtbyjack.livejournal.com]

* The people who made the most noise about Lott needing to step down over his remark at Thurmond's birthday were conservatives in the Beltway and the media,

This may be true. I have no reason to dispute this.

*and it went down the way it did becuase of the working of internal Republican party politics.

I believe I understand your point now. Again, it may be true and I have no reason to dispute it.

*These people publicly disrespected an Imam for no reason other than the fact that he is Muslim, and the one who had comments to make about it made specific reference to stereotypes about Islam -- completely ignoring the fact that the Imam was praying a pro-US prayer. That's bigotry.

I disagree. Bigotry involves being overtly partial to one's own views - bordering on obstinance without reason - and unreasonably intolerant of the views of others. It is more than bad manners, or partisanship.

Based on the news account you sited, I agree with Iman, "The walkout reflected ignorance."

It was bad manners and ignorance. It will be interesting to see if the people of Washington feel comfortable being represented by the ignorant.

He went on to state that, "Even if half of them leave, it's OK for me, . . . As a Muslim we have to respect what people believe and we have to forgive something because of ignorance."

Well stated, Iman and the belief of this Christian too.

Jack

[holzman.livejournal.com]

I think you may be confusing chauvanism, which is simple partiality to one's over views over alternatives; and bigotry, which is an intolerant devotion to one's prejudices, but that's a minor point.

Re:

[rtbyjack.livejournal.com]

I don't think so. There is a differnce of opinion as to what bigotry is. I do not think it is a minor point, this difference of opinion. People must be able to have a meeting of the minds before they can have concord.

[trcabbage.livejournal.com]

Around this house if you say something that others decide to take three ways from how you meant it it's called 'being Lotted'.

But watch these two get away with really doing something out of line.