By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Analyst

Sept. 14, 2009 – The weekend had no shortage of commentary on the rude outburst by a relatively unknown southern conservative member of Congress Rep. Joe Wilson (R- S.C.).  As I watched and listened while Wilson’s behavior was analysis and dissected, it became more evident what we as a nation were witnessing:  the ugly realities of racism. 

President Barack Obama ascension to the highest office of the land has been touted as ushering in a new chapter in the nation’s history.  But Black American is now realizing his presidency is also ushering in a revival of race bating, hate mongering and fear that could consume any hopes of progress in race relations.

 The shout “You lie!”  by Wilson during the president’s speech topped every conversation I encountered with friends and family this weekend.  Everyone asking ,  “Is all of this happening because the president is Black?”

My answer, “I believe so.”  

The president standing before a  joint session of Congress last Wednesday was just too much for some folks to take. Wilson’s outburst was the tip of the iceberg.  His other Republican colleagues hoisted and rattled papers throughout the speech, some made childish faces and booed when they disagreed with the commander-in-chief.

 The New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd wrote, “The congressman [Wilson], we learned belonged to the Sons of Confederate Veterans, led a 2000 campaign to keep the Confederate flag waving above South Carolina’s state Capitol and denounced as a “smear” the true claim of a black woman that she was the daughter of Strom Thurmond, the ’48 segregationist candidate for president. Wilson clearly did not like being lectured and even rebuked by the brainy Black president presiding over the majestic chamber.”

Even Republicans are denouncing Wilson’s shenanigans.  Political strategist Mark McKinnon who has advised President George Bush and Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) called for folks in South Carolina to “Send Joe home.”

“I’m a Republican, but I’d rather have a Democrat in Congress who I may disagree with but who has some fundamental character and decency that Wilson clearly lacks,” he wrote in the dailybeast.com blog.

“So, today I’m volunteering for Republicans for Rob Miller, Wilson’s opponent, a former Marine and Iraq veteran, and am sending him a $1,000 check,” he said.

McKinnon recognizes the growing  number of moderate Republicans deciding to leave the party rather than fight to keep it. I looked at Wilson’s second district in South Carolina and over 26 percent  of his district is African American with three percent Latino, it’s doubtful he’ll be getting any of their votes in 2010.  Wilson managed to insult both minority groups at once with his outburst.

Wilson’s cowardly apology to the president isn’t really a surprise.  He made it clear he was only doing so because the Republican leadership told him to.  Now there is talk he will be reprimanded by his colleagues.  

But one of  the highest ranking elected Black officials from South Carolina House Majority Whip Rep. James Clyburn (D) is fuming over Wilson’s behavior and thinks the White House down playing the incident is a mistake. “They’re going to have to develop ways in this White House to deal with things and not let them fester out there. Otherwise, they’ll see numbers moving in the wrong direction, “Clyburn told the Times.

I agree with Clyburn, but I like McKinnon idea better.  “Send Joe home.”

By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Analyst

Aug. 26, 2009 – Congressional condolences poured in from Black lawmakers when word Sen. Kennedy Edward (D-Mass.) had lost his battle with cancer and died Wednesday.  Kennedy is being remembered for his life’s work in the Senate by his colleagues, friends and sometimes even adversaries. 

But for Black lawmakers, “The Lion of the Senate” was always there for them when issues they cared deeply about needed a lions roar to be heard.   Members of the Congressional Black Caucus reflected on their friendship, respect and admiration of a man Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) called, “One of the finest, most dedicated, and committed political leaders of our time. “ 
 
Lewis, a Civil Rights advocated who marched alongside the Rev. Martin Luther King in the 1960’s has known Kennedy for close to 50 years.  “It has been my greatest pleasure to work with him in the Congress to try to tackle many human problems, but I am especially gratified by his contributions to the cause of civil rights and voting rights.” Lewis said in a statement. 
 
“He was a wonderful, devoted friend—so caring, so sharing, so giving.   I loved him like a brother,” Lewis said.

These sentiments along with condolences to Kennedy’s wife Vicki, his family, and their colleague Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.) were found throughout their expressions of sympathy.  Here are excerpts of statements from members of the Congressional Black Caucus:

 
House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.)
 
“America mourns the loss of a legendary leader and public servant, Senator Edward M. Kennedy.  His body of work spans a near half-century, but will live forever. He was the protector of the least of these and the champion of equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity for all Americans.  Whether it’s civil rights, education, public health or a livable minimum wage, his work has improved American lives in a myriad of ways.  
 
As we move forward with health reform legislation, his absence will be palpable.  But let us use his inspirational words as our guide, to rise to our best ideals and finally provide decent quality health care to all Americans as a fundamental right, not a privilege.”

 
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus

 
“Today we mourn the loss of a man whose life has shown us the true meaning of ‘to whom much is given much is required.’ Ted Kennedy always showed great compassion for those less fortunate and dedicated his life to improving the lives of others throughout the world.
 
“His body of work spans a near half-century, but will live forever. He was the protector of the least of these and the champion of equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity for all Americans.  Whether it’s civil rights, education, public health or a livable minimum wage, his work has improved American lives in a myriad of ways.”  
 

Rep. William Lacy Clay (D-Mo.)

“My father [Rep. William Lacy Clay, Sr.] and I revered Ted Kennedy as a friend and colleague. We send our thoughts and prayers to his wonderful family who must bear this terrible burden.

America has lost a magnificent public servant and I have lost a dear friend. “

Rep. Marcia L. Fudge (D-Ohio)

“He was and will always be one of the single most important public figures in American history for his courage to unfailingly stand for what was right. 

Sen. Kennedy was a champion for justice, advocate for the vulnerable, and proponent of equality. Our Nation is demonstrably better for his selfless contributions and commitment to the public good.”

 
Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D- Va.)

“Last year, in spite of his personal health challenges, Senator Kennedy worked tirelessly to elect Barack Obama our nation’s 44th President, because he felt President Obama embodied the same spirit, hopes and dreams that the Kennedys have represented for over a generation.  His absence on Capitol Hill will be especially felt as Congress and President Obama work towards one of his most important life goals – providing affordable access to health care for all Americans.” 

 
 Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.)

“I will miss Ted’s partnership, particularly on the most important District issues.  Ted was always there with us and for us.  No matter how deep the controversy – from public funds for public schools to our struggle for D.C. Statehood, and when statehood was not then possible, for the House and Senate vote, and today for the D.C. House Voting Rights Act of 2009 we are so close to achieving.  Although ill in Massachusetts, he was the first to call to assure me of his continued work on D.C. voting rights, and he continued to help us during his absence from the Senate.  “
 

Rep. Kendrick B. Meek  (D-Fla.)
 
“Senator Kennedy did not simply live for the Senate – he was the heart of the Senate.  Respected by all of his colleagues, Senator Kennedy’s thoughtfulness, conviction and passion were attached to signature pieces of legislation that have profoundly shaped our nation for the better.  From strengthening the quality of education for our students, to improving the quality of health care for our seniors, to ensuring equality and civil rights for all Americans, Senator Kennedy was a leader unparalleled in our nation.”
 
Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.)

“Today, I join the world in mourning the loss of a man who will forever be a true American hero. For decades, Senator Kennedy has been a stalwart in our community, fighting for our children, for our seniors, and for the best interests of millions of families across the nation. Through his last day, we witnessed in him the same courage, determination, and selfless service that have characterized his constant efforts to lift up the lives of all Americans.”

Rep. Diane Watson (D-Calif.)

“The world mourns the enormous loss of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, a giant among public servants, and the last of a generation of Kennedy brothers who leave a peerless legacy of public service.   With his passing, Camelot’s flag furls at half-mast for the lion and closes an era of vast accomplishments.

Kennedy immersed himself into the cause of public service. In the U.S. Senate he found his passion, his voice, and his work. He committed himself to establishing a safety net that guarantees the protection and welfare of Americans.”