Letter to the Editor: A ventriloquist can always find a good dummy

"A ventriloquist can always find a good dummy.   The extreme right wing down here finds a black guy to be senator and claims he's the first black senator since reconstruction and then he goes to Washington D.C., and articulates the agenda of the Tea Party."

William Barber, president of the NAACP of North Carolina and Moral Monday fame recently made that remark concerning South Carolina senator, Tim Scott.  This is the kind of hateful rhetoric black conservatives get on a daily basis, specifically from other blacks.  The double standard and hypocrisy is astounding, as well as the fact that few are holding William Barber accountable for such a racist  comment. 

Tim Scott’s story should be an inspiration to us all.  He grew up in less than ideal circumstances, but with the help of a mentor decided he would change the direction of his life.  After getting his education, he started his own business and got involved in his community to make a positive difference, eventually becoming a legislator and a senator.  He is no one’s dummy.

Beyond his personal efforts to become successful, Senator Scott has showed personal courage to stand for his beliefs, regardless of their popularity.  With humility and grace he has basically ignored the mean spirited attack from the “moral” Barber.

Apparently the “sin” of Tim Scott and other black conservatives is they have the audacity to refuse to participate in group think.  They see the policies of the Democrat party for what they are:  empty promises which undermine the character of the American psyche.  While it may help some people justify their behavior, their beat of the drum of racism does little to lift people out of dire situations.  Senator Scott’s mentor suggested that he “think” differently and base his choices on rational thought rather than emotional baggage. 

Conservative ideals work for everyone, regardless of their skin color.  The benefits of individualism, limited government and liberty threaten the Democrats who wish to control what others do and think.  To insult someone because of a strange notion that the color of their skin must determine the way they think is the true definition of racism.

Nancy Murdoch, CCTA Education Chairman

Havelock, NC