Sir,
I just watched one of your commentary videos (specifically, the episode recorded on April 13, 2021) in which you discuss Colonel Allen West, and your debate with him on the issue of voter ID (1).
Obviously, I can't claim to speak for Col. West. Nevertheless, I feel the need to comment on some of your remarks (yes, I'm aware they were recorded a while ago).
First, by implication, you seem to be stating that all Republicans are racists and segregationists. This stereotyping could not be further from the truth. I know of many Republicans that judge African-Americans “not on the color of their skin, but by the content of their character”(2).
To imply that all who vote Republican are somehow racist is wrong, and in itself racism.
Second, to support your view, you trot out the name of Lee Atwater. I am aware that man had a...let's say rather colorful...history on race.
Even so, you fail to mention several other interesting names. George Wallace, once governor of Alabama, was an unabashed segregationist. So too was Robert Byrd, the long-time Democratic senator from West Virginia.
In fact, here's a noteworthy tidbit about Byrd; in the 1940s, he organized and led a chapter of the Ku Klux Klan. But I digress (3).
Do you deny that these two men were Democrats? If you admit to this, then what makes the Democratic Party any better on matters of race?
Third, you claim to be “a real Texan”. On this, let me say that I did some digging. It seems that, although you were born in Texas, your family origin is in Louisiana. And I see that you once were a newspaper editor in Chicago (4).
Those being facts, why are you lying about being "a real Texan"? I could say that I'm "a real Floridian" because I once lived in the state; that doesn't make it true (I'm actually from Connecticut).
Finally, you go on to insult and disrespect Col. West’s military record. I must ask; have you ever been part of the military? Have you ever picked up a weapon, or stood a post?
I have good friends who were badly injured in overseas combat. Can you say that you stood alongside them, or someone like them? If you can't, then please spare me the self-righteousness.
Mr. Martin; I have no doubt that you're committed to your cause. And you're obviously fond of the sound of your own voice.
That said, I think that before you paint Republicans like me "with a broad brush" again, you should study your history a bit more, and perhaps not exaggerate your own qualifications.
After all, "those who do not study history are doomed to repeat it".
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