Organize the South

Seriously, what’s going on in Virginia? Below is an article I pulled from the Daily Press about the latest Virginia politician to step in the poo poo. First it was Sen. George Allen (the macaca controversy) and then Rep. Virgil Goode (R-Rocky Mount) warning the country that voters would be electing muslims unless immigration was cut off. This time it’s Frank Hargrove who has managed to attack Blacks, Jews, and Native Americans all by just opening his mouth. Read more below or directly from the Daily Press.

In the spirit of being constructive, I’d like to offer these words of advice to Virginia politicians.

1. Shut up.
2. If you are a white male, particularly one born of class privilege, you may feel the need on occasion, or even all the time, to talk about things whether you understand them or not. If you feel one of these moments coming on, refer to rule 1.
3. If you ignore rule 1 and open your mouth, there’s a good chance something stupid came out. In this case issue a one line press release saying, “I’m sorry. I will shut up now.” Under no circumstances should you speak to the press since this will involve opening your mouth. If you feel the need to explain your actions, see rule 1.

LAWMAKER SAYS BLACKS SHOULD 'GET OVER' SLAVERY
By Kimball Payne
247-4765
January 17, 2007
RICHMOND -- The day after lawmakers honored the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr., a member of the House of Delegates stirred furious and tearful debate in Richmond with inflammatory comments about African-Americans and Jews. Del. Frank Hargrove, R-Hanover, triggered controversy while talking about an impending House resolution that would formally apologize for the state's role in the slave trade. He said African-Americans should "get over it" because no one alive today was involved in slavery.

"Are we going to force Jews to apologize for killing Christ?" Hargrove asked.

His comments appeared in the Charlottesville Daily Progress on Tuesday, and lawmakers reacted quickly when the House opened session that day. Hargrove, 79, responded by denouncing slavery but was met with groans and awkward silence when he suggested that a Jewish delegate, whose grandparents escaped Nazi-occupied Poland, was being hypersensitive about the comments.

"I think your skin was a little too thin," Hargrove said.

It marks the third time in the last five months that a Virginia Republican has stepped into racial controversy. And it comes as the state is poised to welcome the world to Jamestown for the 2007 celebration, where it will mark the contributions of American Indians, Africans and English settlers and the beginning of the state's complex racial history.

Last year, incumbent U.S. Sen. George Allen lost his seat after using an obscure racial epithet to describe a worker for a rival campaign. Allen's campaign never recovered after he twice called a videographer for his opponent "macaca" - a genus of monkey and a racial slur in some French-speaking African countries.

Last month, Rep. Virgil Goode, R-Rocky Mount, touched off outrage when he criticized a Muslim Congressman for using a Quran at his swearing-in ceremony several weeks ago. Goode has not backed down, instead warning that not speaking out could lead to the election of more Muslims.

On Tuesday, three delegates stood on the House floor to condemn Hargrove's words.

Virginia Black Caucus Chairman Dwight C. Jones, D-Richmond, said Hargrove's statements were narrow-minded and exclusionary. Then Jones recalled the horrors of the slave trade and the struggles for civil rights.

"When somebody tells me I should just get over slavery, I can only express my emotion by projecting that I am appalled, absolutely appalled," Jones said.

Jones said Hargrove desecrated King's memory. Del. Donald McEachin, D-Richmond, talked about the stories of his family's bondage that have been passed down from his grandmother who will soon turn 103 years old.

"Quite frankly ... it's hard to get over it," said McEachin. "When there is a wrong committed, there needs to be an apology."

Del. David Englin, D-Alexandria, explained his family's exodus to the United States to escape fervent anti-Semitism in Poland prior to World Ward II.

"There are members of this body whose families came here in chains," said Englin, who sits next to Hargrove on the House floor. "My family came here in hope. ... I know the gentleman meant no harm to my family. I hope we can all use this as a learning opportunity."

When Englin finished, Hargrove rose to respond. He condemned slavery and said he didn't mean to offend anyone. But after describing the plight of American Indians, Hargrove continued to explain why he was against a formal state apology for slavery.

"I didn't have anything to do with mistreating Indians," Hargrove said.

Hargrove then addressed Englin specifically.

"I didn't know you were Jewish. I don't care what your religion is," Hargrove said. "I think your skin was a little too thin."

Afterward, delegates from Hampton Roads had a variety of reactions.

Del. Mamye BaCote, D-Newport News, read Hargrove's words early Tuesday morning and said she was not surprised.

"Even though it's 2007, there are still people who believe that an apology isn't necessary," BaCote said. "Some things haven't changed."

Del. Jeion Ward, D-Hampton, was taken off guard.

"It was shocking to see," said Ward. "It was really saddening."

Del. Lionell Spruill Sr., D-Chesapeake, said there was no excuse for what Hargrove said.

"What he said, you can't dress it up," said Spruill. "The man said thin-skinned? Come on, now. This kind of stuff has got to stop. He's been around a long time. He knew there was a problem a long time ago. How can we get over it by these kinds of remarks? It won't go away."

Asked how outsiders would view Virginia in light of this latest racial controversy, Spruill said: "They will say, well, Virginia's still in the South."

Some black delegates were more forgiving.

"He's been one of those delegates who has always reached out to me," said Del. Onzlee Ware, D-Roanoke. "He's given me good sound advice. We've had plenty of conversations. I've never felt any racial tension between us."

Ware said Tuesday's debate could have been handled differently by those who responded to Hargrove.

"Although we disagree with Del. Hargrove's statement, this is America. It's OK for him to feel that way," he said. "But my job is to enlighten him, not to try and further incite the debate. That's the only place where I think we missed the opportunity."

The slavery apology resolution is to be brought for a vote within the next few weeks.