The "macaca" controversy also followed Allen in Buena Vista. As Allen rode down Magnolia Avenue, Kent Massie of Lexington shouted, "Senator Allen, I'd like to introduce you to my macaca grandchildren."Massie's son Allan, his 5-year-old grandson and 2-year-old granddaughter were with him. Allan Massie's wife is from Bangladesh, and he considers the word "macaca" a slur.
"Anyone who's comfortable using racial words like that doesn't belong in the Senate," Allan Massie said.Allen responded to the shouts by saying, "Good morning," and turning his attention to the other side of the street. There were other mentions of the "macaca" episode along the parade route, but Allen later said he was unruffled by them.
"I'm going to keep my poise," he said.
But he said more. From WHSV
Allen called the taunting he received at the Buena Vista parade partisan sniping."The Webb people are going to try to be derogatory like that," he said. "I'm going to keep my poise."
Let's take a closer look at that response.
Webb people: Are the Massies Webb people? Perhaps. I hope so. If they weren't before, they probably are now.
derogatory: tending to lessen the merit or reputation of a person or thing; disparaging; depreciatory
Did the Massies lessen George Allen's merit? I don't think so.
partisan: an adherent or supporter of a person, group, party, or cause, esp. a person who shows a biased, emotional allegiance.
Sounds to me like Kent and Allan have emotional allegiance to their family. That is to say, they have family values.
snipe: a shot, usually from a hidden position. Or to attack a person or a person's work with petulant or snide criticism, esp. anonymously or from a safe distance.
The Massies certainly were not in a hidden position on Magnolia Street in Buena Vista during a parade. They were neither petulant nor snide. They certainly weren't anonymous, because now we all know who they are. Hopefully they were at a safe distance from George Allen and his steed.
poise: a dignified, self-confident manner or bearing; composure; self-possession
I'm afraid you can't keep something you don't have in the first place.