Seems some of the posters at the gift that keeps on giving found this image worth discussing …
We begin with a poster who celebrates the current Republican ticket but who wants to make sure that people understand that Republicans were racists, too, even as he highlights an ad saying that they were not.
We’ve been over the issue of racism in the North and among Republicans, so let’s set that aside … except to point out that of the two major parties in the North during the 1860s and 1870s, it was the Democratic party that was clearly the party of white supremacy.
The next two comments speak for themselves. It is not until the third comment that we have some sense that perhaps it’s a mistake (in oh so many ways) to equate political divisions and partisan identities 150 years ago with those of today. I’d also argue that it is equally misleading to simply say that the two major parties have simply swapped positions. The situation is different, the issues are different, and the parties are different. Otherwise, however, we have more of the usual Confederate heritage correctness nonsense.
People twist themselves into interesting pretzels when they try to advance these arguments, but then that’s because heritage correctness advocates blur present and past in an effort to craft an understanding of the past that supports their present political leanings. I’d argue that heritage correctness advocates are not alone in that endeavor … just that the endeavor should never be mistaken for understanding the past. That’s one reason why the oft-quoted line from William Faulkner – ”The past is never dead. It’s not even past” — is richer and more complex than one might think.
Pretty funny to see a southerner not know how to spell you all. Clearly they actually are not capable of reading a real history book on Nathan Bedford Forrest.
And the video ad http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/11/blacks-should-vote-republican-ad-ohio.php
“demomarxsts” I like it when new words are created.
“I’d also argue that it is equally misleading to simply say that the two major parties have simply swapped positions. ”
I’m of this opinion as well. People seem to focus on a couple of issues and think the parties have changed, when they probably haven’t so much. For example I don’t think Boss Tweed would be a Republican today. However, perhaps Frederick Douglass might would still be a Republican.
Let me change the Douglass part to… would still support some Republican candidates.
The fog of politics was frustrating to voters, especially during the 1850-1870 era. Lyman Trumbull claimed party affiliations with the Democrats, the Republicans, the Liberal Republicans, and finally the Democrats again, in addition to co-authoring the 13th amendment. Pork barrel promises dictated so much affiliation that it became nearly impossible to fathom the real issues of the time. That “political fog” exists today, obscuring the dynamics of the current crisis that our country faces today.
Bummer
Its Funny that your Talking about ‘Republicans being Racist’… Well Brooks, it was the ‘DEMOCRATS’ who ‘LOVED’ Owning the Slaves back in the 1800′s…
I have no idea as to the point you are trying to make. Are you denying that some Republicans were racist? That would be historically uninformed. Are you denying that many of the Union soldiers who died were racist or did not see their service as aimed primarily to free the slaves? That would be historically uninformed. Are you saying that only Democrats owned salves? That, too, would be historically uninformed.
Your commentary on contemporary politics will not appear on this blog. It smacked of racism. Welcome to the spam folder.
Republicans were as racist and white supremacist as anyone else. There is nothing more hypocritical than the sanctimonious belief that one political party was more racist than the other. That is racist!!! Republicans were not intent on living equally with African Americans. They were intent on dictating which group of white people could dictate who could do anything, just as much as the Democrats. The Republicans certainly had an overwhelming interest in sending blacks to Africa, but they too believed that they could dictate and control the minority African population into oblivion for their own advantage.
I don’t think the charge that Republicans were as racist as Democrats will stand up under scrutiny. It certainly collapses during Reconstruction, when African Americans flocked to the Republican party as voters and officeholders. Indeed, you seem a bit confused and uninformed about 19th century American politics, and perhaps you should do some reading. Moreover, it appears that you fling the term “racist” about a bit carelessly, depriving it of any real meaning. Then again, you have the same problem with the term Marxism, which may be why you find yourself unable to define what you mean.
This is where you err in your interpretation of 19th century politics, you can scrutinize all you want it will not change the historical record. It will not change Republican agendas, and personal ideologies or policies they adhered to during the war or during reconstruction. It will not change their policies and pursuit of the near genocide of Native Americans, it will not change their corruption in passing legislation for Jim Crow. To deny the Republicans fare share of blame in all the latter is a distortion of history.
There you go again.
Please tell me what I have said about 19th century politics. Make sure to refer to my published work. Demonstrate where you believe I have erred (which requires that you have first read and digested my scholarship). Make sure to document your answer with proper citations.
Otherwise, there’s really no reason to take you seriously, because you clearly hold forth on topics about which you know nothing. At some point your ignorance goes from amusing to annoying, and it’s come to the point that I think it’s cruel to continue to allow yourself to be used as a pinata.
Up to you, Michael. Playtime’s over. Until I see you offer a responsible answer, it’s time to move on to commenters who have something to contribute to the discussion. You continue to use terms you don’t understand and can’t define. And please stop wearing a Virginia Tech cap. You embarrass your fellow Hokies.
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