What is the extent of racism in Kentucky?

[LiberalFighter]

Is that something that plays in Kentucky politics? Or is Rand Paul just a born again idiot?

[ChoralScholar]

1. It makes Arkansas look downright liberal in comparison. EOM

[Enrique]

2. he probably didn't want it to come out like this

anti-Civil Rights republicans have figured out a way to hide it, and reporters don't ask about it very much, and Rand Paul was simply not prepared to answer the question.

[TheKentuckian]

3. It varies on where you are but on the whole while it could be better, it could be much worse

I don't know if there is some standard measuring stick but I've been more generally uncomfortable at times in the north but there are still horrendous pockets here where my ass will try to avoid after sunset.

Regardless, these views are not something Paul is running on or anything.

[BootinUp]

8. I think he's going to be forced

to run on them to some extent.

[BootinUp]

4. I guess we are going to find out.

I am thinking it won't do real well, but I tend to be optimistic about these things.

[stray cat]

5. Paul thinks you should be able to choose not to hire a person like Rush Limbaugh

in your small business even if he were the best qualified on paper. However, a non-private company like the government would still have to hire him.

[BootinUp]

6. I would add that it is probably worse in tough

economic times. That seems to be the way these things work.

[WI_DEM]

7. A lot of those appalachia states have a high level of racism

Look at how Obama did in KY, TN and WVA compared to rest of the country. Basically you have many uneducated working class/poor whites who think that blacks and other minorities are taking their jobs. Of course racism is all over the place even in the bluest of states.

[Rebubula]

9. The Same Everywhere

Racism has been a problem since the beginning of time...in all parts of the world and oppressing all groups.

Heck...the most openly racist people I have met were in Boston and outlying areas. Blue\Red - it does not matter...racism is alive in all sectors and colors.

I remain unconvinced that the humans can overcome this problem.

[onpatrol98]

10. Klantucky

I have a friend who calls Kentucky, Klantucky. Me personally, I agree with the poster that said racism is everywhere and in many forms. There are some people who will fight for your right to eat at a lunch counter, but are the first to move out of a neighborhood if people of color move in.

Not to mention, die hard civil right supporters that feel mortally wounded if their friend or child were to marry a person of color.

Or the famous, "Well, I guess if that's what you want to do, but I could never ..." (you fill in the blank)

I think most people have prejudices of some type and sometimes these prejudices can lead to racist behavior. I think its prevalent in both political parties as well.

It's just that my own party attempts to buy its way out from time to time with special treats or goodies and the other party doesn't bother. Now, if that goody bites you in the butt later, that's your own problem.

I have no doubt that if a magic wand was waved and people of color stopped supporting the democratic party, many politicians would find a different interest to champion. Then the big tent party would find groups of people with one blue eye and one green eye to "champion" for. Or, people who wear blue jeans on Monday.

I think very few politicians truly have a heart for the causes they push.

And, I think that's one of many reasons we'll always have racism.