The group "Color of Change," which "came together in the wake of [Hurricane] Katrina to use the organizing power of the Internet to give Black Americans and our allies a renewed and strengthened political voice," has called on George Allen to "step down" from the US Senate. In addition, the group is calling on the Republican Party to "withdraw all support for Senator Allen's candidacy" in light of his racist "macaca" remarks. Here's the entire statement, addressed to Republican National Committee chairman Ken Mehlman:
Dear Mr. Mehlman,During Senator George Allen's campaign stop on August 11, 2006 in Breaks, VA he spoke to the crowd about running a "positive and constructive campaign" and how we must "motivate and inspire people for something." Sadly, the comments that followed were the kind that only inspire hatred and divisiveness. Racial slurs are not positive and constructive in any context, and certainly not as part of a political campaign.
In his speech he called a staffer from his opponent's campaign "macaca" or "macaque"+óGé¼GÇ£ a word that means "monkey" in French and that is used as a racist and derogatory term in French-speaking countries and by white supremacists in the United States. His claim that he is unaware of the word's meaning is dubious, given that the senator speaks French, and that his mother is from Tunisia, where the term has been used.
After using this epithet twice, Sen. Allen "welcomed" the staffer -- S.R. Sidarth -- to America and Virginia. This young man of Indian descent is no less American than George Allen -- having been born and raised in Virginia. Ironically, Sidarth is more of a real Virginian than the senator, who grew up in Illinois and California.
George Allen is in fact the one who needs an introduction to the real world of America. In the America we live in and believe in, no politician should think that it's acceptable to single someone out because of their skin color, to assume they're not "American" based on their ethnicity, or to call them "monkey." America requires better and Virginia deserves better in its representation.
To continue to endorse, as a representative of the GOP, a man who has behaved in this manner would call into question the values and priorities of your party. Out of respect for the citizens of Virginia and the values of our country I encourage you to withdraw all support for Senator Allen's candidacy for re-election to the Senate.
Sincerely,
[your name here]
Go sign their petition now. Let's see where the Republican Party stands on raw racism, as expressed by one of its leaders, in this day and age. Will they condemn these remarks by George Allen and withdraw support for him, or will it be business as usual for the Trent Lott of 2006?
P.S. While we're at it, can we get rid of this guy too? Seriously, is this guy George Allen's soulmate, blood brother or what? Blacks can't swim?!? What. The. Fuck?!?
Lowell Feld is Netroots Coordinator for the Jim Webb for US Senate Campaign. The ideas expressed here belong to Lowell Feld alone, and do not necessarily represent those of Jim Webb, his advisors, staff, or supporters.