Reply #35: Would I equate McClurking with the KKK? No. Do I necessarily think that, in terms of perfect ... [View All]

[cloudythescribbler]

handling of the situation where someone was coming, was popular with Obama's constituents (or hoped for constituents) as a singer, etc was ideal? No. He probably could have selected someone different to appear as 'the gay representation', and made sure that this individual both spoke at the opening in a very general way about 'universal humanity' and acceptance of our brothers & sisters, etc. WHO ALSO WOULD BE SCHEDULED TO HAVE THE LAST WORD.

Obviously, Obama's campaign was in a situation where EITHER some gays OR some of his other constituents would be very offended. He tried to pursue a course that would be least offensive to all concerned overall. Was his handling perfect? No. Do I equate McClurkin with an organization with a history of over 125 years of murder, rape, and lynching of thousands of victims? No. McClurkin's views about gays are more fairly compared say, with Moynihan's views on 'the black family' (for which Dr King took him to task) which are so widely offensive to many African-Americans and non-African American progressives. Although violence against gays is widespread, I am not aware of the existence of ANY national organization or network comparable to the KKK; further, McClurkin, to my knowledge is neither a practioner nor an advocate of the kinds of violent attacks on anyone for which the KKK is infamous.

I would add that there are plenty of people who would take deep offense at the analogy to the KKK, thinking that the evils of the latter have been belittled. Political correctness should be a vehicle for people to avoid offense (essentially like 'protocol') and not a goldmine for people to use to magnify tensions and differences in society. (It is in keeping with the latter notion that I myself merely try to refute your analogy rather than take offense at it -- as MANY progressives would).