Reply #17: Bold of you to accuse me of hypocrisy just like the freepers do. [View All]

[Mythsaje]

Very few people have ever leveled that charge at me. I do not deserve it. I am almost pathologically fair-minded, a fact to which the vast majority of people who know me IRL would attest without reservation.

My issue with the Clinton camp at this point is that you refuse to admit that, if nothing else, some of the comments were very racially insensitive. I'm seeing what appears either to be a stunning level of arrogance, or a remarkable amount of defensiveness on your part.

You do not get to determine what is or is not racially insensitive. Those who are affected by it get to make that determination. Which, it seems, they have.

The question is whether it was intentional or simply stupidity in action. I'd like to give them the benefit of the doubt. I tend to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. My criticism of the Obama camp in this regard is that many of those here automatically assumed it was intentional rather than acute insensitivity, and a sign of inherent racism on the part of the Clintons. I do not believe they are. Now it's possible, but hardly likely, that these comments were made as a part of a deliberate campaign to bait the other side. I also think, or at least hope, that this is not the case.

Both sides are refusing to accept that the other MIGHT actually have a point, and it's leading to a disgusting level of hostility that I'm afraid might never be healed. It's much worse, in my opinion, than that which was generated by the LAST Presidential primary because it plays on emotions on a far deeper level.

I abhor racism, sexism, and homophobia. I nearly left DU the last time because people were using Obama's race and the possible existence of bigots who'd never vote for a black man, to suggest we couldn't actually consider nominating him. I will not tolerate any argument that suggests that we should let racists or misogynists decide who our candidate should be.

I will also not tolerate being called a hypocrite without cause. I expect an apology.