Bush Vs the NAACP
The President finally visited the NAACP today for the first time in his presidency, and he gave a very interesting speech. Highlights include:
Blacks have a reason to distrust the Republican Party. First, Bush's Civil Right's record isn't that hot. Second, the events of the last two presidential elections have made blacks uneasy about Republican-based voting tatics.
His closing words, however, where both soothing and omnious:
Thing is, bigots in politics have been fighting the VRA for years, and now it seems that some Southern Republicans are continuing that battle. Unfortunately, from Harriet Meyers to Terri Schiavo to immigration, Bush has been unable to control his own party (despite being a towo-termer) and has opted to simply appeasing his base enough to keep his approval near 40%. His words may be comforting, but as usual, they're just words.
THE PRESIDENT: And I want to thank the NAACP for recognizing that it's important to help our seniors sign up for this benefit. (Applause.) We put politics aside. We said, the day is over of arguing about the bill; let's make sure people receive the benefits of this bill. Bruce Gordon has shown leadership on this important issue, and I want to thank you for that. (Applause.)
We'll work together, and as we do so, you must understand I understand that racism still lingers in America. (Applause.) It's a lot easier to change a law than to change a human heart. And I understand that many African Americans distrust my political party.
AUDIENCE: Yes! (Applause.)
Blacks have a reason to distrust the Republican Party. First, Bush's Civil Right's record isn't that hot. Second, the events of the last two presidential elections have made blacks uneasy about Republican-based voting tatics.
His closing words, however, where both soothing and omnious:
For many African Americans this new found began with the civil rights movement and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. A generation of Americans that has grown up in the last few decades may not appreciate what this act has meant. Condi Rice understands what this act has meant. (Applause.) See, she tells me of her father's long struggle to register to vote, and the pride that came when he finally claimed his full rights as an American citizen to cast his first ballot. She shared that story with me. Yet that right was not fully guaranteed until President Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law. President Johnson called the right to vote the lifeblood of our democracy. (Applause.) That was true then, and it remains true today.
I thank the members of the House of Representatives for re-authorizing the Voting Rights Act. Soon the Senate will take up the legislation. I look forward to the Senate passing this bill promptly without amendment -- (applause) -- so I can sign it into law. (Applause.)
Thing is, bigots in politics have been fighting the VRA for years, and now it seems that some Southern Republicans are continuing that battle. Unfortunately, from Harriet Meyers to Terri Schiavo to immigration, Bush has been unable to control his own party (despite being a towo-termer) and has opted to simply appeasing his base enough to keep his approval near 40%. His words may be comforting, but as usual, they're just words.
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