You Just Don't Get It, Do You?

Read an article today that attempted to examine the political motivations behind the Tea Party movement. I'll honestly say that there's quite a bit of what the Tea Party pushes that appeals to me but for some reason, I just can't warm to the group.

Anyway, the quote that inspired this post is as follows: “I would not call it a racist ‘sector’ of politics. However, I would say that there are elements of the Tea Party that use their opposition to things such as the national debt as a shield to hide behind, when some of its members are clearly opposed to Obama as a Black man being elected as the 44th president of the United States. Some of their rallies have born this out with signs depicting Obama as a witch doctor, a Socialist, etc.” - Dewey Clayton, Ph.D.

I read this and my head almost exploded.

I really have to wonder how this guy managed to pass basic general education classes with this type of reasoning ability. The witch doctor thing I'm gonna ignore, 'cause that's a whole other can of worms. But calling Obama a socialist is now a clear indication of racism? Give me a break! Here's a reality check, neighbor: Socialism is a political ideology that isn't inherent to any "race". Being called a socialist has everything to do with one's actions and nothing to do with the melanin content of one's skin. Very simply put, it's what a person does, not what they look like, that makes a socialist a socialist.

I couldn't help but be reminded of the quiz show at the end of the movie Billy Madison: “Mr. Madison, what you've just said... is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.”