I am no defender of Republican Party chairman Michael Steele. His statements last week that the Afghanistan war was “of Obama’s choosing” is false, absurd and asinine. After all, former president George W. Bush declared war on Afghanistan after September 11, 2001. Many Republican leaders from Senators John McCain (R.AZ) and Lindsey Graham ( R. SC) and Joseph Lieberman ( I. Conn) and a host of others are questioning Steele’s ability to lead the Republican Party. Some call for his resignation. Yet, I have to wonder how much of the call for resignation and outrage at his false remarks is partly due to Steele’s race. Yes, I’m invoking the race card here.
There’s no difference between the false statements made by Michael Steele from those made by Sarah Palin and Rush Limbaugh. Limbaugh and Palin have made so many false, inflammatory and outrageously absurd statements that it would be easier to contain the BP Gulf oil spill than to name them all. So why is there a double standard for Michael Steele. Is it because he’s chair of the Republican Party, African American or both. I surmise the answer is a result of both factors. Why else would Republican Party leaders allow Limbaugh and Palin to continue on their course or discourse of falsehoods, lies and fabrications without admonishment. Again, I’m not defending Michael Steele’s comments. I am saying by Republican standards that the punishment of removal from office doesn’t fit the crime. That is unless you’re black.
What do you think?
Debbie Hines blogs on race, law, politics and gender.