Mr. Bush must have been very busy indeed today. The announcement of the verdict in the trial of Klansman Killen was made hours ago. [Guilty of manslaughter, three counts] Did we hear a statement from the White House? Did we hear the White House congratulate the prosecutors for accomplishing what had not been possible up to now--getting a conviction in the case of Edgar Ray Killen?
Better yet, did this White House use the opportunity to call for an extention of the Voting Rights Act, due to expire this August?
No. And, there we have the Silence of the White House.
Thoughts on this below--->
If there was ever a clearer example of the scant regard in which this administration holds African Americans, this is it. And, IF the Administration wants to be perceived as anything but the Smoke and Mirrors Gang, then it missed an excellent opportunity to do two things:
#1. Distance itself from the closing argument of the defense: an attack on "big guv'ment with paid informers," using Mr. Killen for "political purposes."
Not a word from this White House. Not one word.
#2. Congratulate the prosecutors, and capitalize on this anniversary of the death of three civil rights activists by calling for the extension of the Voting Rights Act.
Not a word from this White House. Not one word.
Why not? A person could make a pretty strong argument that those people who think Killen should have been left alone, scot-free, to spend his twilight years with his family (while the other families mourned their losses) are the BASE of the Republican Party.
Where did the GOP find the "get government off your backs" argument? In the South, during the time the Federal Government was attempting to enforce school desegregation and civil liberties?
Where did the GOP find their tried and true "Culture War?" In areas of the country in which they could label the Democratic Party the Party of "Negroes and Outsiders?"
The old Klan boys are alive, well, and probably inviting Trent Lott for another speech for the benefit of the Conservative Citizens Committee. The sons and daughters of the White Citizens Councils have their children and grandchildren 'safely' in private academies. And, the White House has't said a single word.
But, then why would I --or anyone else expect them to?-- it took a week before they acknowledged a tragic shooting on a Native American Reservation.