Brownback proposes panel on race relations

Washington Times ^ | 1/06/03 | James G. Lakely

[kattracks]

A Republican senator wants to establish a temporary congressional committee on race relations that will address such issues as a national apology for racial segregation, construction of a black history museum on the National Mall and reparations for slavery.

Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas said he will broach the subject officially with his Republican colleagues as they meet and organize this week on Capitol Hill. He said "feedback has been positive" since he sent a letter proposing the special committee to incoming Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist of Tennessee.

[Jeff Chandler]

I got yer race relations right here, buddy.

[Libertarianize the GOP]

Why do I get this strange feeling that this committee will simply make things worse?

[dixiechick2000]

Taking away another issue?

[mrustow]

This Sen. Brownback is a dangerous fool. David Almasi is the only person mentioned in the article who seems to have a lick of sense.

[flaglady47]

Taking away another issue is just a euphemism for giving in and becoming a dem. We don't need more dems and their issues becoming bad law or policy; we need opposition to their very bad ideas, and Brownback has a bunch of bad ideas of theirs here. I can't believe a Pub is pushing reparations and an apology for slavery. Yeah, like I, umpty nine generations later should be apologizing for what happened years ago. I had so much to do with it. Geez, Brownback, shut your trap and stop the appeasement approach. It never works. The dems and the black caucus will continue to bully you and loathe you anyway.

[power2]

If Republicans don't address racial issues directly with this special committee, Mr. Brownback said, "we'll be put on the defensive" at nearly every legislative turn, especially when President Bush's judicial nominations are submitted.

Mr. Brownback, if you give in to blackmailers, you will always be on the defensive. Always stand for what is right, and what is good. Giving a voice to vehement black racists, or encourgaging talk of reparations is destructive. I'm utterly disappointed at your stance given your previous courage and position on issues (not the least of which is your pro-life views).

Although most of us on FR would support getting conservatives justices on the SCOTUS, many of us would not support doing so by caving to those who are the most vile and race baiting indiduals among us (sharpton, jackson, etc.). Besides, we (you) will never win the votes of those Senators who are liberal, no matter how many commissions you form or reparations you propose. All you will do is alienate your conservative base, in Kansas and in the Country.

So, please, stop pandering to those who don't agree with virtually anything you stand for. It is wrong on principle, and since it won't get you anymore votes anyway, it is wrong strategically.

[rwfromkansas]

What in the freaking hell is he doing?

Brownback is a great guy, but this.....wow. I am shocked he is pushing this.

We need to freep him.....the Washington water is not doing him good on this particular issue.

Brownback, Sam - (R - KS) Class III
303 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-6521
Fax:(202)228-1265
E-mail: brownback.senate.gov/CMEmailMe.htm

[rwfromkansas]

Kansas Freeper bump.....Brownback is doing something weird...he wants to explore the issue of civil rights in Congress, including reparations (though I am sure he is against them). Still, we need to Freep him and tell him not to push for this nonsense!!

[rwfromkansas]

bump....I notice you are from KC..hopefully from the KS side, so thought I would bump you....:)

[Ken H]

What a damnfool idea.

[per loin]

Mr. Brownback said Republicans could "improve our standing in the African-American community

Why not just draft Al Sharpton as the Republican candidate for president? I'm sick of whites who think they need to suck up to blacks.

[MAKnight]

Brownback is a good man and a Conservative, which is why I wouldn't immediately dismiss this as a sneaky move ... like if it was McCain or some other so-called "moderate".

FREEP this (uncharacteristic) stupidity out of him! Conservatives already have a fully respectable agenda and philosophy of civil rights. The only thing we need to figure is a strategy for getting it out convincingly.

[Bahbah]

Thanks, rw. Yes, I am on the Ks side. I think Brownback has gone off the rails from a glance at the article. I'll go back and read it through.

[David Isaac]

I am sure there are some who will say that the only reason the Republicans are allowed to be in power is so that they can accomplish things that Democrats would not be allowed to get away with (i.e. serious infringements on constitutional freedoms).

[Lion's Cub]

I am sure there are some who will say that the only reason the Republicans are allowed to be in power is so that they can accomplish things that Democrats would not be allowed to get away with (i.e. serious infringements on constitutional freedoms).

Well, I wouldn't want to disappoint you on a Monday morning, so I'll say it. The only reason the Republicans are allowed to be in power is so that they can accomplish things the Democracts would not be allowed to get away with.

Forty-some years of pannels was enough. This isn't about race--it's about communism and The Third Way--which is the real party both Democrat and Republican leadership belong to.

[David Isaac]

Believe me, I am not disappointed. And you, of course, are in the ball park.

Communism is more a means to an end, as it is the polar opposite of capitalism. Dictatorship needs no other labels.

[dd5339]

If you get the chance fire off an email to Sam.

As Prime Minister Chamberlan found out, appeasment does not work.

Semper Fi

[TroutStalker]

...Republicans should take a lesson from the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, which was set up on a temporary basis during the Eisenhower administration. The chairwoman, Mary Frances Berry...

This is all I need to hear to know where this proposal will lead us. Come on Sam, appeasement will get Republicans nothing but the back of a hand across the face. If you want to attract black support away from the democRATs, school choice is the answer. Give them real opportunity in America, not the crumbs of tokenism offered by the RATs.