by Shawn Borin

Created on: June 02, 2010   Last Updated: November 23, 2010

An Opportunity To Rid Ourselves Of Harry Reid

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid was recently under fire for remarks he made a few years ago regarding then candidate Barack Obama. As reported in the book, "Game Change" Reid was quoted making remarks that if made by a Republican would be considered racist.  Reid is not only taking fire from African Americans and some members of the Democratic Party, he is taking fire from Republicans as well. The Republican Party, known for their long years advocating for social equality and justice, have made a point to claim Harry Reid should be removed from power because of his remarks the way Trent Lott was removed from power for his remarks that the country would have been a better place if Strom Thurmand had been elected President when he ran as a dixiecrat in 1948 advocating against Civil Rights and for segregation.  While the comments are different, this is a chance to call for Harry Reid's resignation.  Not because of the remark, but because he needs to go.

The Republican Hypocracy

Republican outrage over Harry Reid's remarks is more of an insult than the remarks themselves. Since when is the neo-conservative Republican worried about racial justice? When you listen to the arguments made about Harry Reid, the argument is not that he should resign because of the remarks or some perceived prejudice, which would be a valid argument.  The real argument the Republicans are making is that it is not fair because when Trent Lott made similar, albeit more outrageous comments, he resigned from power.

The Republican response is simply that it is not fair. Come on Republicans, argue the bigger point one time would you. This was your opportunity to show that you had turned over a new leaf, opened up the big tent for real, and actually can live up the principles found in the Bible. Instead, Republicans turn to the old standby and show their self-centered underbelly once more. Too bad, you could have been a contender.

The Republicans Are Right About One Thing:  Harry Reid Should Resign

With that being said, Republicans are not wrong when they claim that Harry Reid should resign.  He should be removed as the leader of the Democratic Party in the Senate. The remarks he made about Barack Obama, and African Americans in general, reveal a 1950's mentality that has no place in the current democratic party, and certainly has no place in its leadership.  His remarks were

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