While I don't have a dog in this fight, as I'm not a Democrat, I still feel compelled to speak out about the recent press by Senator Oboma, of his having made an issue about the Senator Clinton reference to L.B. Johnson's use of the status of Dr. King in the promotion of his Human Rights Initiative; interpreting it as a racial slight to the memory of Dr. King.

That, in my opinion, was a shameful distortion of a historical fact made for the political gain of one political opponent over another. It seems to me that, that degrades the entire political process. Also, I believe the reflection of fault should lie where it was created rather than in the direction to which it was pointed.

I fail to see how Senator Clinton's citation of history can reasonably be considered as an affront to anyone. I do, however, understand that the use of a distortion of the history can be used as a political ploy in order to gain racial favor. This would be particularly effective when made by one of color. I believe that, because I also believe that many folks of color continue to feel oppressed and remain very sensitive to any suggestion that one of their brothers or sisters has been refused credit for their accomplishments.

It defies imagination to believe that anybody would imply a reduction of the stature of Dr. King could result from the attempts of others to build upon his accomplishments with the objective of assisting them to reach fruition. That is exactly what LBJ did. That is exactly what Senator Clinton referred to in her chosen words to her audience of color.

The distortion of this recognition of a successful cooperative effort by two prominent members of different races was complementary to both their efforts and could better be interpreted as an example for others to follow.

To imply otherwise, resulted in the creation of a racial insult where none existed before.

While I have no idea which Democrat I will have an opportunity to vote for as my next president this November, I can assure you that Mr. Oboma has not done much to earn my support by this maneuver.

I wonder how many other people feel the same way about this subject as I do?

Learn more about this author, Jerry Buerge.
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