She Is Bigger Than That

I don't support Condoleeza Rice for president. I do think she is quite a woman though. I wouldn't support any female for the oval office, but if I did it would be her. The latest smear on her public image, is not even her doing. It is due to a conversation, of which she wasn't even a part. She was the subject of a discussion, in which a racial epithet was used. In all fairness she is open to the same criticisms as other politicians. She is a political figure, subjet to the same scrutiny as everyone else. But let's be honest here, in the year 2006. The term coon is over the edge. In mixed company you know you can't get away with that. But before we nail someone to the cross, for what actions they should or shouldn't take. We should first make sure we're placing the blame, in the right place. In this case the blame doesn't belong on Ms. Rice.

Radio talk show host David Lenihan was fired from KTRS in St. Louis. Because of a statement he made on air, that some consider racist. He apologized immediately, but that didn't seem to help matters much. He was immediately fired from the radio station. He later learned he has been suspended from his teaching job too. At first I thought, this was much about nothing. Then the more I thought about it, I'm not so sure. Let's look at exactly what he said. Then we can form a clearer picture. This is what he said :

"She's been chancellor of Stanford. She's got the patent resume of somebody that has serious skill. She loves football. She's African-American, which would kind of be a big coon. A big coon. Oh my God. I am totally, totally, totally, totally, totally sorry for that.
"I didn't mean that. It was just a slip of the tongue. She's definitely got all the attributes to be commissioner. I'm really sorry about that."

You form your own opinion about that. It has gained attention, from several people with media clout. Howard Stern and Larry Elder just to name a few. To each his own, as far as opinions are concerned.

The problem I have is, this isn't Ms. Rice's issue. Because someone made a irresponsible remark, is it her fault? She doesn't have to say anything. She isn't the one who stuck their foot in their mouth. I don't want to see something so trivial attached to her biography. This doesn't reflect her personal behavior or character. Let's not belittle her position by entertaining ignorance. If you're going to hold something against her, let it be something of substance. Don't raise a question of such small significance. She is bigger than that.