Ralph Northam and Ilhan Omar have each done something offensive. Governor Northam's was being photographed in blackface thirty-five years ago; Representative Omar expressed anti-AIPAC sentiments last week.
Blackface
As a sitting governor with African American constituents the common wisdom among pundits and politicians is Northam should resign. I see this as a knee-jerk response from public people who feel compelled to react immediately, before knowing 58 percent of his black constituents want him to stay. The near universal call to resign by Republicans is understandable—their interest lies in discrediting a popular Democratic politician.
Northam's deed, revealed by a right-wing provocateur, was repulsive yesterday and today, but is not indicative of his character. The governor's actions during his medical and political careers belie accusations of racism. Northam is clearly not a racist. His costume for a party while in med-school should not be held against him.
Imagine the Republican outrage if a photograph of Mitch McConnell being kind surfaced.
Anti-Israel?
Republicans love their Israel-centric Rapturous wet-dream, but they don't like Jews. Despite arguing the Democratic party is rife with anti-Semitism. The Evangelical wing of the Republican party accuse Jews of killing Jesus, therefore they are worthy of spite. Seventeen members of the current House are Jewish. Fifteen of those are Democrats.
Representative Omar, a Muslim, repeated a common anti-Semitic charge: The American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) pays politicians to support Israel. Even House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called on Rep. Omar to reject anti-Semitism in all forms. Omar could have chosen less dogwhistly wording.
AIPAC is a political action committee, whether it provides financial resources to members of congress or not. The U.S. government rarely (as in never) criticizes Israel for any action it takes on Palestinians, who are Muslim, that live within the borders of Israel. I contend that holding Israel accountable for its actions does not equal anti-Semitism.
Representative Omar tweeted her apology, “I unequivocally apologize. At the same time, I reaffirm the problematic role of lobbyists in our politics, whether it be AIPAC, the NRA, or the fossil-fuel industry. It’s gone on too long and we must be willing to address it.” Again, we have a knee-jerk reaction by public people who relish shaming before hearing the whole story.
Conclusion
Northam should have immediately owned up to his deed and made clear that it doesn't reflect how he feels today. He didn't—that's on him. But it doesn't change his value as a governor.
Even Liberal Jewish groups support Omar's claim. "[A]ccurately describing how the Israel lobby works is not anti-Semitism."
For my part, I'll admit if the shaming was being done to Republicans I'd be among those piling on. Republicans are vile. They hate anyone who isn't them and pretend to embrace outsiders only when it suits their money-grubbing needs. But I hope I'd be willing to wait for the rest of the story and not engage in offense archeology.
I accept my views will probably be unacceptable to some. Fire away.