Allen Shows General Lack of Home Training

Allen Shows General Lack of Home Training

Published in The Multiracial Activist

August 17, 2006

I'm a bit late in blogging this, but what the hey.  Let's talk about it.  On Monday, Jessica Vanden Berg, Campaign Manager for Webb for Senate sent her newsletter email list some disturbing news.  Apparently the "Honorable" (and I use that term lightly) George Allen (R-VA), referred to a Webb for Senate volunteer videographer in a demeaning and racial manner:

"This fellow here over here with the yellow shirt, Macaca, or whatever his name is. He's with my opponent. He's following us around everywhere. And it's just great. We're going to places all over Virginia, and he's having it on film and its great to have you here and you show it to your opponent because he's never been there and probably will never come."

"…Lets give a welcome to Macaca, here. Welcome to America and the real world of Virginia."

The gentleman on the receiving end of Allen's remarks was S.R. Sidarth, born in Fairfax, Virginia of parents of Indian ancestry.  Someone, please tell me what part of Sidarth sounds like "macaca" to Allen?  I am unable to find the similarity.  I think I'm a bright guy.  Maybe I have a blind spot, but I just can't see it.

In a Washington Post story, Allen claims he was confused and meant to say mohawk, in reference to Sidharth's hairstyle, which is actually a mullet.  Umm, okay.  Mohawk and "macaca" sound nothing alike to me.  But hey, this is Allen's delusional rambling, not mine.

"Macaca" has a few meanings, none of which translate to Democrat, cameraman, mullet, mohawk, or political opponent's spy.  It can, however be used in a nasty racial manner, equating Sidharth to a genus of monkeys.

So, we have a sitting senator referring to a Virginia born and bred American of Indian descent as a monkey and welcoming him to America.  On videotape.  The mind boggles.

And Allen is surprised that people are shocked.  Taking things further down the stupid hole, his profanity spewing campaign manager (who apparently failed PR 101), believes this type of behaviour is just fine.

Senator Allen, it is time to sit down and shut up.  You have shamed yourself beyond belief.   While you are at it, please fire the idiot you call a campaign manager.  He clearly isn't up to the job.

James Landrith is the notorious editor and publisher of The Multiracial Activist and The Abolitionist Examiner, two cyber-rags dedicated to freedom from oppressive racial categorization. Landrith can be reached by email at:  editor AT multiracial DOT com or at his personal website/blog.