Tim Reid’s Blog

Politically Insane

I was jolted into reality as I read DeWayne Wickham’s column: http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2009/08/column-white-racisms-convenient-target-our-president.html#uslPageReturn It took courage to say what many of us have refused to accept…a dangerously large portion of America has gone “POLITICALLY INSANE”. The hate and rage that is now being broadcast day-to-day brings back vivid memories of the worst events in the history of our fight for civil rights. Change the wardrobe, and the contorted faces of white Americans screaming insults, appear all too familiar. This time they use different code words: Nazi, Fascist, Socialist, etc., etc. The meaning is still the same, he’s not one of us, and he doesn’t belong where he is.

They want “their” country back, is the habitual refrain and they are willing to raise arms to take it back. Like mindless puppets they repeat the words and opinions of the cable “news” networks.  TV pundits, a bunch of over-paid, narcissistic cowards, appeal to the worst in all of us as they spew fear and loathing. Yes, Mr. Wickham, these are dangerous times. However, as my Grandma used to say, “fool’em devil.” As they seem to forget, this time the whole world “is” watching.

Gun Totin’

As I watch a white man stand outside the entrance to the New Hampshire town hall meeting, to be attended by President Obama, with a 9mm strapped to his leg for everyone to see, I worry. The so-called political pundit on TV makes a point to tell us that the man is within his legal right, as long as the gun is shown. You and I know, for a fact, that if a Black man stood outside a building wearing a 9mm strapped to his leg waiting to address the President, he would be arrested and carried away. Hell, if he was waiting to get tickets to the “Price is Right” he would be wrestled to the ground if not shot on sight.