Rand Paul Has a White Supremacy Problem
Sen. Rand Paul has a white supremacy problem, and it isn’t MSNBC’s (completely true) “lousy lies” about the Civil Rights Act, or his defense of the Southern Avenger, or his dad’s racist newsletters.
Instead, it’s with his devotion to protecting the white supremacist status quo, even as he attempts to surgically cut away some of its negative effects. Fittingly, this problem is destined to cut him back three ways: long, deep, and constantly.
Paul has been getting all sorts of credit lately, even from liberals, for his bipartisan effort at criminal justice reform. Certainly, he deserves some credit, and his willingness to work with Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) is commendable. What’s not so commendable is that, even as he was extolling the virtues of tackling “racial outcomes” in the criminal justice system in an interview with MSNBC’s Ari Melber, Paul refused to concede that the criminal justice system is racist, or even “accidentally racist,” that the “racial outcomes” are “inadvertent.”
“I think it has to do with several things; it’s easier to arrest people who live in poverty, it’s easier to arrest people who live close together, it’s easier to arrest people where there are more patrols going on, and then we also give government grants to the police force based on arrest and conviction records.”
What Paul is saying here is, of course, is complete horseshit, because even when you control for all of the factors he cites, the impact is still wildly disparate, but he’s also clearly denying the fact that racism is a major contributor to all of those factors. Black people didn’t just “inadvertently” become disproportionately poor, disproportionately urban, or disproportionately policed, those things are all the result of racist policies that continue to this day.
Paul’s refusal to acknowledge systemic racism could charitably be viewed as an effort to avoid alienating conservatives, for whom the word “racism” is a flaming red cape, or it could be viewed as the entirely consistent ignorance of someone who views the desegregation of lunch counters as a “philosophical discussion.”
A cynical person might view Paul’s entire effort at reform as an exercise in mitigating the racial impact of his own party by peeling off black voters with a condescending appeal to a narrow interest, while contemptuously dismissing the will of black voters, as expressed in the election of the first black president…READ MORE
Click here for reuse options!Copyright 2014 Liberaland
By: Tommy Christopher
Tommy Christopher is The Daily Banter's White House Correspondent and Political Analyst. He's been a political reporter and liberal commentator since 2007, and has covered the White House since the beginning of the Obama administration, first for PoliticsDaily, and then for Mediaite. Christopher is a frequent guest on a variety of television, radio, and online programs, and was the villain in the documentaries The Audacity of Democracy and Hating Breitbart. He's also That Guy Who Live-Tweeted His Own Heart Attack, and the only person to have ever received public apologies from both Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck.
75 responses to Rand Paul Has a White Supremacy Problem
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Rusty Shackleford July 31st, 2014 at 15:59
If the war on drugs was about anything other than racism, cops would be raiding music festivals.
Annie July 31st, 2014 at 21:08
I wish I’d noticed that!
Rusty Shackleford July 31st, 2014 at 15:59
If the war on drugs was about anything other than racism, cops would be raiding music festivals.
Annie July 31st, 2014 at 21:08
I wish I’d noticed that!
Eric Trommater July 31st, 2014 at 16:05
Beware the libertarian who sympathizes with your cause. They are most likely trying to steal your wallet.
fancypants August 1st, 2014 at 00:52
Dam ! thought it was the conservative who is always trying to be your friend ?
Eric Trommater July 31st, 2014 at 16:05
Beware the libertarian who sympathizes with your cause. They are most likely trying to steal your wallet.
fancypants August 1st, 2014 at 00:52
Dam ! thought it was the conservative who is always trying to be your friend ?
NW10 July 31st, 2014 at 16:49
http://www.internetweekly.org/images2/pauls_translated.jpg
(((NW10,PATRIOT! ✓ᵛᵉʳᶦᶠᶦᵉᵈ))) July 31st, 2014 at 16:49
http://www.internetweekly.org/images2/pauls_translated.jpg
Obewon July 31st, 2014 at 16:54
Randal Paul was perfect for opening the 89% white GOP outreach program in Detroit!
Largely White Audience Turns Out To Hear Rand Paul Speak At African-American Outreach Event. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/09/rand-paul-african-american_n_4409356.html They don’t have anyone whose elevator goes all the way to the top floor…
Obewon July 31st, 2014 at 16:54
Randal Paul was perfect for opening the 89% white GOP outreach program in Detroit!
Largely White Audience Turns Out To Hear Rand Paul Speak At African-American Outreach Event. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/09/rand-paul-african-american_n_4409356.html They don’t have anyone whose elevator goes all the way to the top…
Herb Sarge Phelps July 31st, 2014 at 16:56
Those on our side who think because Rand Paul has some common interest as being close to us is not thinking very deep into things. Just because the Southern Baptist back in my youth wanted to keep the county dry and the bootleggers also wanted it dry, didn’t mean they wanted the same thing for the same reason. Paul might want some of what we do, but it not for the betterment of society, it simply GREED.
Herb Sarge Phelps July 31st, 2014 at 16:56
Those on our side who think because Rand Paul has some common interest as being close to us is not thinking very deep into things. Just because the Southern Baptist back in my youth wanted to keep the county dry and the bootleggers also wanted it dry, didn’t mean they wanted the same thing for the same reason. Paul might want some of what we do, but it not for the betterment of society, it simply GREED.
Jeff Allen July 31st, 2014 at 19:32
There is no such thing as the evolution of once held positions.
jasperjava August 1st, 2014 at 00:18
This is true only of conservatives. In fact, stubbornly holding on to long held positions is what defines conservatives.
Jeff Allen August 1st, 2014 at 00:23
Gotcha, just wanted to make sure that there really is a double standard and that I wasn’t imagining things.
jasperjava August 1st, 2014 at 00:49
A double standard? Conservatives are conservative, liberals are liberals. Liberals evolve, conservatives are hidebound stick-in-the-muds. It’s not a double standard, it’s the very definition of those terms.
Conservatives are called conservative because they don’t like change. Their ideology is based on the preservation of traditional thinking, and mistrust of anything new or experimental. Didn’t you know that? It’s appalling how many people don’t even have the barest understanding of politics or ideology.
Jeff Allen August 1st, 2014 at 09:51
Well I am sure glad you schooled me on liberalism because it actually explains a lot of head scratching position changes by liberals. It must be like gambling when you vote for a liberal then. Get excited about the position they take, campaign for them, send them money, tell your friends, and then a year or two later that position changes. If taking a position during a campaign and then evolving once elected is the hallmark of a liberal the Obama is the poster child for liberalism.
jasperjava August 1st, 2014 at 16:04
Liberalism is all about progress. It’s all about finding new solutions to evolving problems, social, economic and political conditions. We expect our leaders to be creative and think out of the box, and come up with new ideas.
It’s a major part of what makes us proud to be liberal.
If you want slow-witted, slow-thinking politicians who are stuck in the 19th century, then by all means continue to vote for conservatives.
Jeff Allen August 1st, 2014 at 16:15
That’s a fine explanation of liberalism, but your stars have not demonstrated that so well. Being for something and espousing to certain audiences, then being against the same thing and espousing it to a new audience isn’t called evolving, it’s called pandering.
greenfloyd August 2nd, 2014 at 00:27
I am sorry Jeff, that’s a ridiculous statement. If it were true cannabis would not be legal in Colorado or Washington with several states on the cusp of regulating the market in a rational and compassionate manner consistent with our (American) notion of individual freedom. On pot, many politicians, although not Paul who has been against the Drug War for a very long time, are evolving at warp-speed these days.
People do change. And when they do for the better, I think we need to be able to applaud it, forgive the pass and move on.
Jeff Allen August 2nd, 2014 at 01:17
You are correct, it is a ridiculous statement, and meant to highlight exactly what it did. Liberals are allowed to safely rest behind the “evolve” moniker while conservatives are flip-floppers, turncoats, panderers, etc.. I’m only looking for a little more honest debate when it comes the standards by which folks from both sides are held. Until there is more equality of intellectual benchmarks, the fight goes on
greenfloyd August 2nd, 2014 at 01:42
I am glad we agree. Although it seemed to me your statement was non-partisan, yet your reply certainly not. True redemption and forgiveness have little to do with the letter after your name.
The real “benchmark,” I think, is learning from past mistakes.
At any rate, please clarify your position on rather or not you think, as I clearly do, this was an MSNBC hit-piece, or do you believe it a legitimate piece of journalism?
Jeff Allen July 31st, 2014 at 19:32
There is no such thing as the evolution of once held positions.
jasperjava August 1st, 2014 at 00:18
This is true only of conservatives. In fact, stubbornly holding on to long held positions is what defines conservatives.
Jeff Allen August 1st, 2014 at 00:23
Gotcha, just wanted to make sure that there really is a double standard and that I wasn’t imagining things.
jasperjava August 1st, 2014 at 00:49
A double standard? Conservatives are conservative, liberals are liberals. Liberals evolve, conservatives are hidebound stick-in-the-muds. It’s not a double standard, it’s the very definition of those terms.
Conservatives are called conservative because they don’t like change. Their ideology is based on the preservation of traditional thinking, and mistrust of anything new or experimental. Didn’t you know that? It’s appalling how many people don’t even have the barest understanding of politics or ideology.
Jeff Allen August 1st, 2014 at 09:51
Well I am sure glad you schooled me on liberalism because it actually explains a lot of head scratching position changes by liberals. It must be like gambling when you vote for a liberal then. Get excited about the position they take, campaign for them, send them money, tell your friends, and then a year or two later that position changes. If taking a position during a campaign and then evolving once elected is the hallmark of a liberal the Obama is the poster child for liberalism.
jasperjava August 1st, 2014 at 16:04
Liberalism is all about progress. It’s all about finding new solutions to evolving problems, social, economic and political conditions. We expect our leaders to be creative and think out of the box, and come up with new ideas.
It’s a major part of what makes us proud to be liberal.
If you want slow-witted, slow-thinking politicians who are stuck in the 19th century, then by all means continue to vote for conservatives.
Jeff Allen August 1st, 2014 at 16:15
That’s a fine explanation of liberalism, but your stars have not demonstrated that so well. Being for something and espousing to certain audiences, then being against the same thing and espousing it to a new audience isn’t called evolving, it’s called pandering.
floyd[@]greenfloyd.org August 2nd, 2014 at 00:27
I am sorry Jeff, that’s a ridiculous statement. If it were true cannabis would not be legal in Colorado or Washington with several states on the cusp of regulating the market in a rational and compassionate manner consistent with our (American) notion of individual freedom. On pot, many politicians, although not Paul who has been against the Drug War for a very long time, are evolving at warp-speed these days.
People do change. And when they do for the better, I think we need to be able to applaud it, forgive the pass and move on.
Jeff Allen August 2nd, 2014 at 01:17
You are correct, it is a ridiculous statement, and meant to highlight exactly what it did. Liberals are allowed to safely rest behind the “evolve” moniker while conservatives are flip-floppers, turncoats, panderers, etc.. I’m only looking for a little more honest debate when it comes the standards by which folks from both sides are held. Until there is more equality of intellectual benchmarks, the fight goes on
floyd[@]greenfloyd.org August 2nd, 2014 at 01:42
I am glad we agree. Although it seemed to me your statement was non-partisan, yet your reply certainly not. True redemption and forgiveness have little to do with the letter after your name.
The real “benchmark,” I think, is learning from past mistakes.
At any rate, please clarify your position on rather or not you think, as I clearly do, this was an MSNBC hit-piece, or do you believe it a legitimate piece of journalism?
Jeff Allen August 2nd, 2014 at 08:14
I’ll answer a question with a question. When has MSNBC had an elected (R) on and it NOT be a hit-piece? Having those with whom you disagree participate in debate is called honest dialogue, having them on for a round of “gotcha questions” and partisan lectures disguised as inquiry is called amateur hour. And just to clarify, Fox is no better when they have (D) guests. For the most part, journalism in it’s truest form is dead.
floyd[@]greenfloyd.org August 2nd, 2014 at 23:26
My .02 … I think we’re seeing the evolution of what I call “asymmetrical journalism” which is just a fancy expression for grass-roots and independent reporting, ie. Chelsea Manning, Edward Snowden, etc. I think there is a lot of good journalism happening, the difficult part is sorting it out, separating the wheat from the chaff… Thank you for your considerate reply.
tiredoftea July 31st, 2014 at 19:46
Baking a cake, eating it and having it.
tiredoftea July 31st, 2014 at 19:46
Baking a cake, eating it and having it.
greenfloyd August 1st, 2014 at 02:05
This was clearly an MSNBC hit-piece. They invite Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) to ostensibly talk about their potentially landmark, bipartisan legislation to restore civil rights and economic and educational opportunities to hundreds of thousands of non-violent Drug War felons. Instead we get a bunch of nonsense that has nothing to do with the bill. I’m not sure if it was just rude, also, to Booker who just sat there either stunned at the stunt, or perhaps a part of it?
It could be somebody at the top of the D’s heap, eyes fixed on 2016, are significantly concerned about facing Mr. Paul and his very wide base.
danah gaz August 1st, 2014 at 02:43
Your entire comment was entertaining, but the last sentence was pure comedy. Thank you for that. =)
Obewon August 2nd, 2014 at 14:50
41% Rand Paul (R) vs 52% Hillary Clinton (D) in 2016~ Landslide voter support as Fox News Polls July 20-22, 2014 and all others easily prove! http://www.pollingreport.com/wh16gen.htm
greenfloyd August 2nd, 2014 at 23:35
I think it’s too soon to put much stock in these numbers, although I sense from your and other’s responses Mr. Paul represents a viable threat to both Ds and retrograde Rs… IMHO. So what do you think: was it journalism or something else we saw on MSNBC? What about the actual topic, the bipartisan Redeem Act? Thank you for sharing the numbers.
Obewon August 3rd, 2014 at 00:12
I think Rand Paul, Ted Cruz, Bachmann & Palin are a threat to their own GOP, as are gameshow host Donnie Trump / Jeb Bush in 2016~
greenfloyd August 3rd, 2014 at 00:30
You may be right, hell you are right, about Cruz, Bachmann and that other lady. However Sen. Paul is something different, this Redeem Act, is evidence of that.
Did you watch the clip? What do you think? Journalism or not?
Obewon August 3rd, 2014 at 00:35
Paul has just 14% support nationally because his views are so whacky on Women’s HC, Civil Rights, the Federal Reserve, etc -all in denial of the U.S. Constitution! He’s a Domionist Like Ted Cruz!
He’s a big oil, climate science illiterate “creationist” like his dad: $50 M raised each time, but never making any national ballot.
greenfloyd August 3rd, 2014 at 00:47
Look. I understand you have an opinion about Paul. At the moment I did give a spit about all those other issues and you keep avoiding my questions about the act and MSNBC’s behavior.
Obewon August 3rd, 2014 at 01:11
I said I thought the clip was valid Journalism. Any responsible Journalist researches past opinions and statements for “responsible accountability” vs somebody like GOP TV’s Hannity, et al constant oral copulation of their ‘guests.’
FNC’s Alan Colmes is a great example. He holds feet to the fire but he does it in a very nice way -As I think that interviewer did Very well ‘nice and easy’
Obewon August 3rd, 2014 at 01:17
Paul has plenty to hide believe me! Like his former communications director concealing his identity with stars and bars ladies panties as the ‘masked avenger.’
greenfloyd August 3rd, 2014 at 01:22
I didn’t hear you say that. But if you wrote it somewhere above and I missed it, I applogize.
OK. I think we have closure on this and unless there’s something else you need to inform me of, let’s consider our discussion on this matter concluded? Thank you.
Obewon August 3rd, 2014 at 01:26
Sure anytime Floyd:) ‘smoke’em if ya gottem’ (unless your science job says no way Jose;)
From above: “‘4x times more blacks arrested is “Inadvertent”-Paul.’
-I think whenever Paul is interviewed on his “statements” by any Journalist he & his positions are his own worst enemy.” http://disq.us/8jj50x
Obewon August 3rd, 2014 at 00:46
‘4x times more blacks arrested is “Inadvertent”-Paul.’ Lol! I think whenever Paul is interviewed on his “statements” by any Journalist he & his positions are his own worst enemy.
greenfloyd August 3rd, 2014 at 00:51
So when he runs for President sock it to him. Meanwhile there are a few hundered thousands non-violent Drug Felons that would appreciate a little help.
Obewon August 3rd, 2014 at 01:03
A great campaign issue for the majority who now favor pot decriminalization. Decriminalization also frees up Police resources for anti-terrorism, arresting & prosecuting Illegal employers e.g any food wholesaler and retail seller, and to prosecute unregistered Gun Felons killing 32,163 in 2011, plus shooting 70,000+ each year.
Obewon August 3rd, 2014 at 00:31
The Redeem Act threatens GOP Donors private prison industry e.g. Most of AZ Guber Jan Brewer’s entire staff & reelection team are Current board members, lobbyists and former employees of Correction Corporation of America! (CCA) http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/2010-07-29/news/governor-jan-brewer-s-cca-ties-burn-like-neon-and-news-for-liberals-j-t-ready-s-still-a-neo-nazi/
greenfloyd August 3rd, 2014 at 00:34
So what? Do you care? I certainly don’t. And apparently neither does Sen. Paul…
Obewon August 3rd, 2014 at 00:42
That’s one of many reasons why the GOP won’t ever nominate Paul and why POTUS Indy’s receive just 2% nationally.
floyd[@]greenfloyd.org August 1st, 2014 at 02:05
This was clearly an MSNBC hit-piece. They invite Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) to ostensibly talk about their potentially landmark, bipartisan legislation to restore civil rights and economic and educational opportunities to hundreds of thousands of non-violent Drug War felons. Instead we get a bunch of nonsense that has nothing to do with the bill. I’m not sure if it was just rude, also, to Booker who just sat there either stunned at the stunt, or perhaps a part of it?
It could be somebody at the top of the D’s heap, eyes fixed on 2016, are significantly concerned about facing Mr. Paul and his very wide base.
danah gaz August 1st, 2014 at 02:43
Your entire comment was entertaining, but the last sentence was pure comedy. Thank you for that. =)
Obewon August 2nd, 2014 at 14:50
41% Rand Paul (R) vs 52% Hillary Clinton (D) in 2016~ Landslide voter support as Fox News Polls July 20-22, 2014 and all other polls easily prove! http://www.pollingreport.com/wh16gen.htm
floyd[@]greenfloyd.org August 2nd, 2014 at 23:35
I think it’s too soon to put much stock in these numbers, although I sense from your and other’s responses Mr. Paul represents a viable threat to both Ds and retrograde Rs… IMHO. So what do you think: was it journalism or something else we saw on MSNBC? What about the actual topic, the bipartisan Redeem Act? Thank you for sharing the numbers.
Obewon August 3rd, 2014 at 00:12
I think Rand Paul, Ted Cruz, Bachmann & Palin are a cannibalistic threat to their own GOP, as are gameshow host Donnie Trump and Jeb Bush / Liz Cheney in 2016~
floyd[@]greenfloyd.org August 3rd, 2014 at 00:30
You may be right, hell you are right, about Cruz, Bachmann and that other lady. However Sen. Paul is something different, this Redeem Act, is evidence of that.
Did you watch the clip? What do you think? Journalism or not?
Obewon August 3rd, 2014 at 00:35
Paul has just 14% support nationally because his views are so whacky on Women’s HC, Civil Rights, the Federal Reserve, etc -all in denial of the U.S. Constitution! He’s a Domionist Like Ted Cruz!
He’s a big oil fed, climate science illiterate “creationist” like his dad: $50 M raised each time, but never making any national ballot.
floyd[@]greenfloyd.org August 3rd, 2014 at 00:47
Look. I understand you have an opinion about Paul. At the moment I do not give a spit about all those other issues and you keep avoiding my questions about the act and MSNBC’s behavior.
Obewon August 3rd, 2014 at 01:11
I said I thought the clip was valid Journalism. Any responsible Journalist researches past opinions and statements for “responsible accountability” vs somebody like GOP TV’s Hannity, et al constant oral copulation of their ‘guests.’
FNC’s Alan Colmes is a great example. He holds feet to the fire but he does it in a very nice way -As I think that interviewer did, very well ‘nice and easy.’
There were a plethora of other things that any responsible journalist could’ve validly brought up!!! David Lane, a leading Christian right political operative currently working with Rand Paul. Too bad he’s calling for Christians to rise up and revolt against this country!-June 30, 2013 http://crooksandliars.com/nicole-belle/rand-paul-operative-wants-lead-domini
Obewon August 3rd, 2014 at 01:17
Paul has plenty to hide believe me! Like his former communications director concealing his identity with stars and bars ladies panties as the ‘masked avenger.’
floyd[@]greenfloyd.org August 3rd, 2014 at 01:22
I didn’t hear you say that. But if you wrote it somewhere above and I missed it, I applogize.
OK. I think we have closure on this and unless there’s something else you need to inform me of, let’s consider our discussion on this matter concluded? Thank you.
Obewon August 3rd, 2014 at 01:26
Sure anytime greenfloyd:) From above: “4x times more blacks arrested is “Inadvertent”-Paul”s statement in this article’s video.
I also posted: -“I think whenever Paul is interviewed on his “statements” by any Journalist he & his positions are his own worst enemy.” http://disq.us/8jj50x
Obewon August 3rd, 2014 at 00:46
‘4x times more blacks arrested is “Inadvertent”-Paul.’ Lol! I think whenever Paul is interviewed on his “statements” by any Journalist he & his positions are his own worst enemy.
I think it’s great that Rhodes scholar Sen. Booker working across the aisle on these issues is excellent. But do I think GOP are willing to act responsibly? “Hell no you can’t!”-Boehner.
floyd[@]greenfloyd.org August 3rd, 2014 at 00:51
So when he runs for President sock it to him. Meanwhile there are a few hundered thousand non-violent Drug Felons who would appreciate a little help.
Obewon August 3rd, 2014 at 01:03
A great campaign issue for the majority who now favor pot decriminalization. Decriminalization also frees up police resources for anti-terrorism, arresting & prosecuting Illegal employers e.g. most any food wholesale butcher, food manufacturer, retail food seller, or restaurant and to prosecute unregistered Gun Felons killing 32,163 in 2011, plus shooting 70,000+ “victims” each year.
Obewon August 3rd, 2014 at 00:31
The Redeem Act threatens GOP Donors private prison industry e.g. Most of AZ Guber Jan Brewer’s entire staff & reelection team are Current board members, lobbyists and former employees of Corrections Corporation of America! (CCA) http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/2010-07-29/news/governor-jan-brewer-s-cca-ties-burn-like-neon-and-news-for-liberals-j-t-ready-s-still-a-neo-nazi/
floyd[@]greenfloyd.org August 3rd, 2014 at 00:34
So what? Do you care? I certainly don’t. And apparently neither does Sen. Paul…
Obewon August 3rd, 2014 at 00:42
That’s one of many reasons why the GOP won’t ever nominate Paul and why POTUS Indy’s receive about 2% nationally. (Update: I first voted in 1980 for (I) John Anderson = 2%. And since then I only pull the blue POTUS, Senate and Rep lever after researching ‘GOP fabrication’ Vs fact-based reality. I like the Greens locally but not more than I detest ANY of today’s ‘war on women and against all legacy minority’ GOP e.g. (R-KY) Rand Paul~leave no billionaire or oil company behind…)
greenfloyd August 2nd, 2014 at 23:26
My .02 … I think we’re seeing the evolution of what I call “asymmetrical journalism” which is just a fancy expression for grass-roots and independent reporting, ie. Chelsea Manning, Edward Snowden, etc. I think there is a lot of good journalism happening, the difficult part is sorting it out, separating the wheat from the chaff… Thank you for your considerate reply.