Oh come on! Even I as a black woman can say this is getting ridiculous! I think we as Marylanders deserve a polital competition that is based on the issues. If you want to talk about minority opportunities in Maryland than do so, but this attempt to turn non-issues into racial insults is getting pathetic.

"...state Senate President Mike Miller who called the black Republican an 'Uncle Tom'and that Hoyer called him a 'token candidate' in 2002..."

And the Leftist's intolerance for any Blacks who dare step off their socialist plantation raises its ugly head once again.

The people of Maryland have a clear choice when it comes to the character and intellect of its Senatorial candidates and Michael Steele is clearly the better man on both counts.

Rufus:

You silly partisan. Your postings always make me laugh.

"Michael Steele" and "intellect" just do not belong in the same sentence together.

Mr. Steele was unable -- after several attempts -- even to pass the bar exam following law school. He is by no means a great intellect (the bar exam just isn't that hard -- only a small percentage fail on the first attempt and a tiny percentage are unable to pass after several attempts).

My friends who are high-up in the Governor's inner circle admit that Mr. Steele is (their words, not mine) a "lightweight".

Don't get me wrong. Mr. Steele seems like a nice guy -- and, from what my friends tell me, he is a nice guy.

But the most qualified candidate to represent the great State of Maryland in the Senate? The best able to take on the Bush administration for the way that it royally has screwed up this country? Mr. Steele just is not qualified for that task. Far, far from it....

"Slavishly" is actually a pretty commonly used word, meant to imply that someone will be a rubber-stamp supporter of someone else. Usually it's used without consciously thinking of slavery. I don't think Hoyer meant anything racially offensive in saying it, though in retrospect he should have chosen another term, as I'm sure he recognizes.

OK, so he apologized and recognized that. Lesson learned, let's move on, except that Steele doesn't want to. Obviously he'd rather play crybaby about imaginary insults than talk about how he'd vote as a Senator. He must have the thinnest skin in politics.

And what's with this "socialist plantation" business? When Hillary Clinton called the House a plantation, the right threw a tantrum, but it's OK for rightists to use that term when criticizing the Democratic party? The hypocrisy here is ridiculous.

Rufus,
Can you get me whatever you're smoking, because it has to be some really good stuff. Steele, a man of character and integrity? This is a guy who hasn't done anything since becoming Lt. Governor except for run around the state campaigning on the taxpayers dime. This is a guy who criticizes his own party anonymously, but wants credit after he was outed for coming clean. This is a guy who says he is anti-death penalty because of his religious beliefs, and then he does a secret report that uncovers egregious problems with the death penalty system in Maryland, but only calls for a moratorium, so we can figure out how to better do something he feels is morally wrong. This is a guy who has been happy for the affirmative action that the GOP has been practicing since Clarence Thomas. This is a guy who criticizes his opponent for taking money from PACs when he has a separate fundraiser that only works on getting him PAC money. I don't really see much integrity or character there, maybe I'm missing something, because I definately didn't see it in Mr. Steele's resume.

Steele's only noteworthy job prior to being Lt. Governor was being head of Maryland Republican Party and owes his Senate bid to the Ehrlich, Bush and Rove GOP affirmative action plan. (which I wouldn't have a problem with, if the GOP wasn't trying to roll back affirmative action at every turn) Does the GOP think that just having a black face selling the same policies that black people have rejected for generations will make the difference.

Much has been made about if Steele is a GOP Trojan Horse. The reality is that in every opinion poll taken of blacks they support Democratic policies overwhelmingly. Its not that Dems have told blacks what to believe in, its that blacks believe and have believed since the Civil War that government is a place where problems can be solved. We do not believe in small government, we want expansive government that tackles the problems of society and that is why we are Democrats.

The real insult is that the GOP believes that blacks are somehow duped by Democrats into following them and we are too stupid to realize it, so we need them to find the one or two "enlightened" black people put them front and center and blacks will wake up and say, "hey, he's black and he's a Republican, why am I following these white Democrats, when I could be supporting this brother!" Irregardless of that fact that Steele says he shares Bush's convictions and regards him as his political and policy standard bearer.

Come on, now! Black people have been thinking for themselves and we have chosen to be progressive Democrats, because that is what we believe is best for our community. Now is there work still yet to be done, of course; does it mean that because the Democratic Party shares our political perspective that we will always agree on priorities or fixes, no; but I know when I'm in Annapolis or in DC and I'm meeting with elected Representatives and their staff, from top to bottom, I see a lot more color at the negotiating table on the Democratic side than on the Republican side, and that is the representation that is most important, because that is where the decisions get made!

Just what will it take before people wake up and see the contempt white Dems have for blacks? Steny Hoyer knew EXACTLY what he was saying. He knew EXACTLY how that comment was meant. And for Ben Cardin to try to say Steele is trying to change the subject is, well, trying to change the subject. But black Dems seem to be happy on the plantation, so I guess none of us should get upset. I'm waiting for Massa cardin to lop off a foot, then maybe black Dems will see the reality of the situation.

Once upon a time, the law was, a black man had no rights a white man was bound to respect. Cardin and the Dems have invaded Steele's privacy by stealing his credit records, now they're calling him a slave. And black Dems just keep on swallowing it. Cardin and Hoyer must be laughing long and loud.

It's the ISSUES stupid!

Michael Steele and Mike Tyson together (Post story today), supporting each other. That's my image of the day. Everyone wants a convicted rapist and alleged wife-beater as a friend and political supporter.

I can't say the word slavishly is racist, but if it offends someone - its fine to apologize. Mr. Steele looks bad and desperate for attention by trying to make an issue of this.

By the by, just drove through PG and there are lots of Steele signs near commercial buildings. Is that residents supporting him or just big money and business? We'll see soon. My neighborhood is quietly Cardin supporting.

The people of Steny's district should make the responsible choice in three weeks and vote for Steve Warner. It's time for Steny to go.

"But the most qualified candidate to represent the great State of Maryland in the Senate?"

Compared to Ben Cardin, yes-sir-y-bob! You better believe Steele is the man.

And you'll see it for a fact in November.

Are you a wagering man, Rufus?

I'm waiting for the day when a candidate can stand on their on feet and not bow down to the party line and not be condemned if they don't. Cardin's only message is that Steele must be for Bush since he is a republican. Has he talked about any issues? The founding fathers didn't want a two party system and now we see why. People can't be true to their beliefs.

I agree - the words Steele and intellect do not go together.
Steele is a desperate man who is trying his best to use race to his advantage by courting blacks of any party, while still being in the Republicans pocket.
This from a man who did not care that a fund-raiser for his party was held at a club that did not have Blacks.
He will use anyone to achieve his goal from (1) Russell Simmons - a highly successful black entrepreneur, (2) Don King - an idiot showoff, (3) Mike Tyson - a thug and his ex-brother-in-law.
If Steele wins, watch how quickly he sheds the blacks he has courted and reverts to his true self.
Don't be fooled folks. Black people are much smarter than that. Look past race. All that's black (Condolezza Rice, Clarence Thomas)is not good for black folks, just like all that's white is not good for white folks.

To imply that Mr. Cardin or his professional staff in Washington are racists is ridiculous and offensive. I know them and can say that they are hard-working, intelligent, thoroughly modern folk. This reminds me of the blow-up several years ago over the word "niggardly".

I'd like to concur with the posters above - what the heck *has* Steele done for this state, aside from attend Democratic events and schmooze with Democratic politicians in an oddball attempt to be a "liaison" between parties? He has not, in my recollection or any of my politically interested friends' memories, been assigned to do anything nor has he achieved anything as Lt. Gov.

Rufus, what in Mr. Steele's career has prepared him for the Senate? How is he better qualified? I await enlightenment.

What has Mr. Steele ever done for a living before he was selected Lt. Gov. by Ehrlich? I remember he was accused of practicing law without a with in the Tyson divorce. Was he ever a divorce lawyer or what did he do? Has he passed the MD Bar exam? Just curious.
I know what Ben Cardin's been doing and his fine legislative record. Its interesting that I only know about Mr. Steele's love of "puppies" and President Bush and little of his professional life.

ooops missed - practicing law without a license.

I know, proof read....

This is just more Steele whining about imagined racial insults...He will do anything to change the subject from his party affiliation and policy positions, because he knows that if PG, Montgomery and Baltimore voters realize that he's a conservative Republican, he's toast. I think it's going to backfire on him, because he's going to lose conservative white votes elsewhere in Maryland once they realize that he's African-American.

Is the Lt. Governor kidding about this? I really can't believe this, coming from the man who didn't care that his boss holds fundraisers at an all white country club because, "I don't play golf."

The FAR more common use of the term 'slavishly' is to suggest someone has no originality and simple-mindedly follows someone else's lead. That would appear to be the way it was used this time, especially given the context.

I'd say it's almost never used to denote ones slave status. What, maybe 1 time out of 1000?

Was it a poor choice of words? Possibly. But to suggest that it was racist is just plain stretching credibility.

Ah, but the trick for Steele is to NOT let on he's a conservative. The GOP now believes they should spend real time/money on this guy (really more a sign of their desperation), so the brightest (read darkest) GOP minds are at work here. Remember we are talking about people whose methods would impress Goebbels...

""Slavishly" is actually a pretty commonly used word, meant to imply that someone will be a rubber-stamp supporter of someone else."

to me, it means more of a zombielike tendency to follow the party leadership.

I wouldn't have thought of it as a *racial* comment.

At least, not before two black supposed "leaders" said that it was. One would think that black people were the only slaves throughout history.

Still I think that "zombielike" would have been a much better choice of words. But inherently I wouldn't have found a problem with "slavish". That is pretty common. Speaking as a Marylander (and accepting all the connotations of that)

"The real insult is that the GOP believes that blacks are somehow duped by Democrats into following them and we are too stupid to realize it,"

I think that's what they want Md blacks to think. I don't see how splitting blacks away from white Democrats is going to help blacks. Especially not if the alternative is white Republicans.

Dems in Maryland are pretty amazing. I think all the political correctness in our society has gone a bit too far and people can get themselves into tight situations without meaning too. My rant is more of the fact that if a white Republican ever made a remark like that, he or she'd be crucified in the media, on talk shows, you name it. Funny how the Dems in Maryland get away with it. But as we know, party trumps race in Maryland.

I know I'm posting a link that some might consider conservative, however, she hits this one on the head with Hoyer's comment. Get another opinion at:

http://michellemalkin.com/index.htm

I don't think Hoyer is a racist, I think he just made a poor word choice, and he apologized. Does anyone know if the Dem staffer who stole Steele's credit report is going to serve any time? Stuff like that is what bothers me, not stupid off-the-cuff statements.

annapolitan

It amazing to me that your trying to say something about Steele not being so smart.
I remember back in the 80's when South African was in the news seemly everyday and Barbara Milkulsi could not Answer the Question about who Nelson Mandela was on a radio show. Now that is truly stupid.

Hoyer knows plenty about race. That is why he had his congressional district drawn to largely exclude blacks and moved to his present home. What is next? calling Steele Niggardly? Mfume should have stuck to his guns and endorsed Steele. Blacks may be shut out again by smooth talking snake oil salesmen.

niceday: It's true -- Mr. Steele is flat-out dumb. Notwithstanding several efforts, he continually failed the bar exam (which is why he has never been licensed as an attorney).

Mr. Steele's only real strength as a candidate is that the Bush/Rove machine believes that a charismatic (I'll grant him that) African-American candidate might be able to win in Maryland -- notwithstanding his lack of credentials or intellect.

Notice that I didn't say that he is unarticulate, which is how I'd be forced to describe your posting (unless you just don't bother to proof what you've typed). It's filled with errrors of grammar and English usage....

Haha--you do realize the the word "niggardly" has absolutely nothing to do with the n-word right? It's derived from the old Norse word nygart, first recorded in 1366 (you know, about 250 years before Jamestown was first settled).

Several Points:
1. As mentioned above, the word "slavishly" is not racial. Yes, it comes from the word "slave" but it has nothing to do with race (there are all types of slaves--slaves to work, slaves to party etc). See any dictionary.

2. Steele is obviously grasping at (racial) straws in order to rescue a sinking campaign. He will lose in November.

3. An endorsement by a guy who bites off ears and tattoos his own face? Hmmm....

4. Speaking of misues of words, didn't anyone else notice that the great intellect Michael Steele misused the word "infer" in his statement? He should have said "...who think they can use racist terms and IMPLY things about me just because I'm an African American Republican." Where did he go to school again??

A few years ago a DC official used the term "niggardly" and got taken to task for it -- until someone found a dictionary and realized what it meant (it means "stingy" by the way). Perhaps someone should buy the Steele campaign a dictionary to learn that "slavish" means "lacking originality." Perhaps a poor choice of words in this hypersensitive era we live in, but certainly not something to get all worked up about. Unless your 10 points back in the polls and desperate, of course....

Yes. "Slavishly" must always be a racially-loaded word, because black Africans in the United States were the only people who have ever been enslaved ever in the history of the world.

Also, I'm guessing that Steele meant "imply" when he said "infer", but looking again at the sentence I suppose it could go either way.

Hmmm...lots of references to Steele not passing the bar exam and being "too dumb". I wonder, could that be because he's black?

The hypocrisy of the dems is stunning. Now they're outing gays too.

desperate, desperate people. sad really.

"Are you a wagering man, Rufus?"

I prefer to keep my money in the stock market, thank you very much, and that hardly constitutes "wagering."

Under a Republican administration, that is! ;-)

And Maritza, what Steele is NOT is a career politician looking to keep a job as well as being a man of character. Ben Cardin can't make the same claims.

Every time Michael Steele opens his mouth these days, Johns Hopkins must come closer to revoking his diploma.

What an joke.

LOL "What an joke"?

Me write good.

my mind reels. it probably was an unconscious connection (freudian slip?)still, this word is not at all uncommon--im beginning to think anything other than "is" "the" and "why?" is too complicated.

After reading all this, I think Steele's race-baiting to get attention in this election is really dangerous. I like him less with time.

The only reason anyone is asking about whether Mr. Steele failed the Bar exam is that he was charged with the unlicensed practice of law (i.e. he was not a member of the bar at that time.) The question was whether he had ever passed and become a member of the MD Bar since that charge. And, if he isn't or wasn't a practicing attorney, what did he ever do to earn a living?

Rufus drooled: "I prefer to keep my money in the stock market, thank you very much, and that hardly constitutes "wagering."

Under a Republican administration, that is! ;-)"

Once again Rufus Goofus shows his considerable ignorance. It's common knowledge that over the past 100 years the stock markets have done far better under Democratic presidents than under Republican ones.

The point of this whole story should be the hypocrisy of Maryland's Democratic Party - in control for how many years?

Republicans are courting a loyal base that they admittedly had ignored for years and the Dems do not like it at all. So all of the comments and gestures rear their ugly head...token candidate, Uncle Tom, Oreo Cookies, party trumps race, etc.

Turn the tables. If Republicans in any state made the same comments about an African American Democrat, all hell would break loose and then some. Calls for resignations would be made, protests would occur, etc. I don't think anyone can debate against that with a straight face.

So, the Dems get away with everything they say with a wink and a nod and a giggle because they think they can. It is the same way the Dem establishment in the state have treated African Americans for as long as I can remember. We're driving this bus, get in the back and sit down. Oh yeah, it's like that.

There is way too much to list to support this belief. The truth is, Republicans hit the Dems where they aren't used to being hit and they don't like it.

Again, how the Dems get away with the comments are beyond me. It is just a terrific example of the hypocrisy in the state and how party trumps race here. That is absolutely sickening.

With almost 2 to 1 Dems over Republicans in the state, and Steele pulling in mid 40% points, you can bet the Dems are absolutely scared.

And to all those criticizing Steele for being dumb or a lightweight or whatever, give it a break. He's got the Dems upset and is shaking things up in the state. Suprise on Nov 8 may await you...

http://preview.kmartin52.photosite.com/~photos/tn/5343946_348.ts1161204109000.jpg

Here's the MD Dems latest ploy, calling Michael Steele Maryland's Clarence Thomas for Senate. All they have is animus for a Black man who won't stay on their plantation.

If it's just a poor choice of words for a Democrat in Maryland to use the word "slavishly", then the same should go for a Virginia Republican that uses the word "macaca"...but it ain't so.

The Democrat's double standard is obvious.

The funny thing is that although they've thrown everything but the kitchen sink at George Allen, he's still going to win. Any bets on that race?

Has anyone actually used the word "slavishly?"

I can't belive Congressman Hoyer said it.

George Allen may have made up "macacca," but you know that the Congressman did not make up slavishly.

The Congressman shows exactly what is wrong with the democratic party. They criticize and then offer no real solutions. Here's a criticism gone wrong.

Congressman Hoyer should have used the word: "Uncle Tom."

Reminds me of the ridiculous case of the teacher who was fired a year or two back for using the word "niggardly."

Oh, and the term "Uncle Tom" is not racist. It is insulting to the receiver, and it may or may not be appropriate to Mr. Steele depending on your point of view. It describes an individual who is overly subservient to or cooperative with authority; especially applied to a black who is overeager to win the approval of whites. (per my dictionary)

I personally don't think it can be correctly applied to Mr. Steele; but it isn't a racist term.

BG from PG- Your comparison to Allen is inaccurate in so many ways.

1) "Slavish" is actually used by people (thought not oftne) and does not necessarily invoke the institution of slavery. "Macacca" is not a commonly known word and, from everything I've read, has only one, derogatory meaning.

2) Hoyer used the word in an otherwise neutral sentence. Allen followed Macacca with a "Welcome to America", leaving no doubt as to what he meant.

3) Hoyer apologized and said he did not mean to have any racist implications. Allen came up with some of the least credible excuses I've ever seen and frankly lied. No rational person believes he didn't know what the word meant (particularly given the surrounding sentences). He was catering to a rural VA crowd at the expense of the only non-white guy in the room and he can't figure out how to explain it away.

It's fun to watch Republicans get desperate.

Bill:

"Oh, and the term "Uncle Tom" is not racist."

Your correct-when the term is directed towards a black Republican. But if Barak Obama were ever labelled an "Uncle Tom", what would be the outcome? That's right, the old double standard.

AJG:

Don't make excuses for Hoyer. He's another career politician that needs to be flushed like Cardin. If by now, he hasn't figured out how to choose his words carefully, then what excuse does he have?

As for being desperate, what do I have to be desperate about? No matter what happens Nov 7, the GOP still controls the White House and has planted their seeds in the Supreme Court for years to come!

How do you like us now?

WAM: "With almost 2 to 1 Dems over Republicans in the state, and Steele pulling in mid 40% points, you can bet the Dems are absolutely scared."

Scared because Steele is pulling in the mid-40s? Not. Bush garnered 43% of the vote against Kerry in 2004 and Ehrlich won with 52% of the vote in 2002. The whole 2:1 registration advantage is overblown because many of these "registered" Democrats routinely vote for Republican candidates.

As long as he remains in the mid-40s, that is good news for Democrats. If polls show him creeping up up to 48-49% of the vote, that is a different story.

BG from PG and Rufus:

What hypocrites. It's racist for Hoyer to use the word "slavish" to refer to Michael Steele but okay when Republicans (of all races) claim that Blacks are on the "Democratic plantation."

Rufus even had the audacity to say "plantation" in his earlier posting.

Sheer hypocrisy.

" what Steele is NOT is a career politician looking to keep a job as well as being a man of character. Ben Cardin can't make the same claims."

No, Steele is a career party hack looking to keep a job. Much better.