Friday, January 18, 2008

The Republicans and the rebel flag

Crooks and Liars:
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First, I can appreciate the fact that McCain is vulnerable on the issue. Before the 2000 campaign, McCain didn’t support the Confederate flag. Before the South Carolina primary, he switched, endorsing the flag. After the primary, he switched back, saying his pre-primary position was an “act of political cowardice.” If Huckabee wants to point that out, it’s certainly fair game, but that clearly wasn’t the message yesterday.

Second, Huckabee certainly has a unique approach to federalism. On the one hand, the federal government should have minimal input on state laws. On the other, Huckabee wants to redo the Constitution to bring it in line with “God’s standards,” limiting states’ rights on marriage equality and reproductive rights.

And third, in the 21st century, do we still need to use a Civil War battle flag as red meat for far-right Republicans?

And think this speaks to the truly sad state of the Republican party. They CAN and NEED to rely on Civil War politics to this day. And there is that segment of our population that chooses to live in 1865. It is sad, no, pathetic.

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