WP: George Allen's America

[Rose Siding]

Let's consider which positive, constructive or inspirational ideas Mr. Allen had in mind when he chose to mock S.R. Sidarth of Dunn Loring, who was recording the event with a video camera on behalf of James Webb, the Democratic nominee for the Senate seat Mr. Allen holds. The idea that holding up minorities to public scorn in front of an all-white crowd will elicit chortles and guffaws? (It did.) The idea that a candidate for public office can say "Welcome to America and the real world of Virginia!" to an American of Indian descent and really mean nothing offensive by it? (So insisted Mr. Allen's aides.) Or perhaps the idea that bullying your opponents and calling them strange names -- Mr. Allen twice referred to Mr. Sidarth as "Macaca" -- is within the bounds of decency on the campaign trail?

.....Mr. Allen, who as a young man had a fondness for Confederate flags and later staunchly opposed a state holiday in honor of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., has surely learned too much about racial sensitivities in public life to misspeak so offensively.

Mr. Sidarth, who is 20, is a senior at U-Va.; he graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Fairfax after compiling an excellent academic record. He is thinking of applying to law school. He may be forgiven if his week-long foray on the campaign trail with Mr. Allen has left him with a bitter taste. "I think he was doing it because he could, and I was the person of color there and it was useful for him in inciting his audience," Mr. Sidarth told us. "I'm disgusted he would use my race in a political context."

We don't blame him for feeling that way. But really, by mocking Mr. Sidarth, Sen. George F. Allen demeaned only himself.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/14/AR2006081401114.html

[spooky3]

1. Here's a little irony

Dunn Loring is a very upscale part of Fairfax County, with plenty of Republicans living there in addition to Dems (no offense intended to anyone). Demographically, Mr. Sidarth is likely from the type of family that Republicans salivate over--probably the son of two doctors or other professionals. Felix Jr.'s stereotyping and racist mocking could not be farther from the reality. And you had better believe Mr. Sidarth's neighbors and friends took note of this incident.

[DemoTex]

2. And here's a little more irony ..

Senator George Felix Allen's father, George Allen, Sr, was the head coach of the Washington Redskins (1971-77). With the current (renewed) controversy surrounding that team's offensive name, you would have thought G. Felix Allen would have been more careful. But like so many other politicians, Allen is probably still racist to the core.

[Virginia Dare]

4. Yes, Felix is racist to the core....just further proof...n/t

[WoodrowFan]

6. moreover

moreover, the Indian community in Northern Va tends to lean Republcan.

[Tin Man]

10. Yep, a lot of wealthy south asians in DC suburbs

I can't testify to their political demographics, but I'll say this: you can bet the republican-leaning indians of Northern Virginia are reconsidering their allegiance to Allen. You go, Felix! :rofl:

[angstlessk]

3. I am so glad this has gotten national attention...expecially the Wash Post

read in the N. VA area. What a wuss Allen is, and this brings his background to the foreground and for that I am glad he 'misspoke'!

[Warpy]

5. This kind of rubbish is why Allen will get the nod in 2008

The GOP doesn't want a winner, not particularly. They need a Democratic administration to blame the fallout of the last 8 miserable years on, and you can bet they will use the full power of the lapdog press to do it.

Allen is the sacrificial lamb, the "good man" they will all wail about who might have stayedthe course and saved us from whatever misery is around the corner thanks to current policies.

My bet is that Jebbie will be in the #2 slot, ready to run in 2012.

[durrrty libby]

7. I love it when the pugs show their truly ugly souls

There is no defense and they know it

I was hoping Allen would be the pug nom for pres,

but I fear it will be McCain, who will be tougher to beat.

[KKKarl is an idiot]

8. The republican party

has never seemed concerned about it's image as a racist party. They seem to turn a blind eye to that wing of the party. How can any self respecting non-white or white person with a hatred for racists be a part of this party. It boggles my my mind.

[Catchawave]

9. Felix owes an apology to the citizens of

Breaks, Va.

http://www.hometownlocator.com/City/Breaks-Virginia.cfm

Only because, I think he profiled his audience too? Just a hunch.