Another week, another ugly primary. This time around, the mud is being slung in South Carolina, where character assassination has always been in the DNA of their political petri dish. During an online interview last week, state senator Jake Knotts referred to GOP gubernatorial candidate Nikki Haley as a "raghead" and implied that the government is being taken over by Muslim radicals. As this article points out, Haley's parents are Sikhs of Indian descent, but she converted to Christianity in her early 20s. Though Knotts half-heartedly apologized several hours later, the damage might already be done. During this campaign, Haley has twice been accused of philandering by men with connections to her opponent, SC Lt. Governor Andre Bauer. Luckily, this potential sex scandal was dismissed as mere heresy, but the "raghead" slur carries heavy connotations in a state that's still shaking off its association with segregation 45-plus years after the Civil Rights Act.
Even though Haley is the chosen Tea Party candidate and nabbed an endorsement from Sarah Palin, I would rather see her take her party's nomination over Bauer. Proving that the Palmetto State can make social progress and cut down on race-baiting is one thing, but Haley would also wipe out an incumbent with strong ties not only to the ineffectual mainstream GOP but his infamous ex-boss as well. It's largely speculated that Bauer wasn't in command when former Gov. Mark Sanford disappeared to Argentina under the guise of a hiking trip, nor did he take a stance when the scandal broke out. In short Andre Bauer might be, regardless of whether he's Democrat or Republican, the single least-deserving candidate in an otherwise wide-open race. When South Carolina goes to the polls today, I hope they make a logical choice.
Other notes:
+ First Glenn Beck tries to connect Catholicism with socialist theory, now he's endorsing the writings of an anti-Semetic blowhard? How does anybody take this guy seriously?
+ Shameless plug: from now until Friday, June 11th, WDCB 90.9 FM in Chicago (my old work) is holding its quarterly pledge drive. If I somehow converted you into a WDCB listener in the past or you have a general appreciation for music-oriented public radio, feel free to pledge at http://wdcb.org/ or call in at 630-942-4200. Every contribution helps, regardless of the amount.
+ No word yet on how I did during my Second City audition, but I'll keep you guys posted.
+ No word yet on how I did during my Second City audition, but I'll keep you guys posted.
Also, next week will be my 5th anniversary blog, just so you know. :)
ReplyDeleteI can't believe TV.com would let you get away with promoting WDCB. I learned that apparently I contributed lots of money to the station during my time at C.O.D., since 1/3rd of tutition goes to the radio station. I was also told or heard years ago that Blagojevich cut like $31,000 of state funding to C.O.D. or IL community colleges or something.
ReplyDeleteSo how is that bastard site going? I've actually found very little to talk about from the past season of television. I think "The Office" is fading and I'm spending more time watching old reruns & baseball instead.
FUCK YEAH!!! Chicago Blackhawks are the Stanley Cup Champions!!!
ReplyDeleteNever thought I'd ever see that in my lifetime.
My words exactly; I never thought I'd see the Hawks win a cup, either. I watched the game at Cabana Charlie's on Rt. 53 with my dad. When Kane slipped it past Leighton, the whole restaurant want batshit.
ReplyDeleteAs for TV.com, there hasn't been a whole lot going on. Forum traffic has been pretty slow as of late. As for "The Office," I will agree that the show isn't as consistent as it used to be, but there were two or three all-time great episodes in the past season. Little denying that P&R is the top comedy in that lineup, though.