Governor Dean Writes a Letter
Posted by on September 12, 2006 at 05:36 PM
College Republicans are at it again, this time with some help from the RNC:
Morgan Wilkins, the intern hired by the Republican National Committee to win the hearts and minds of Michigan 20-somethings, is planning events that some may find odd. To others, they may be offensive.
One such idea is "Catch an Illegal Immigrant Day," in which a volunteer would play the part of an illegal immigrant and hide somewhere on campus while others try to find him. The winner would receive a prize.
Her other ideas include an event called "Fun with Guns," in which young Republicans would use a BB gun or paintball gun to shoot cardboard cut-outs of Democratic leaders such as Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) and Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.)
Well this isn't the first time College Republicans have used such hate-filled tactics to try and win the hearts and minds of their peers. They've tried to do it before, at Penn State and at the University of Texas, and we think it has got to stop. So does Governor Dean, and today, he wrote a letter Republican National Committee Chairman, Ken Mehlman, telling him so.
The letter was hand delivered by James, a senior at Iona College and an intern for the DNC's American Majority Partnership (The AMP is a division of the Chairman's office which coordinates constituency-related activities across all DNC departments).
James, on his way to deliver the Governor's letter.
Signing in the letter
Read Governor Dean's full letter, below.
Ken Mehlman, Chairman
Republican National Committee
310 First Street, SE
Washington, D.C. 20003
September 12, 2006
Dear Ken,
A troubling article today reported that a Republican National Committee-hired intern is planning events that can only be described as divisive, potentially dangerous, and discriminatory to promote the Republican Party's agenda at the University of Michigan.
Promoting "Catch an Illegal Immigrant Day," which has been used by the Republican Party in other states including Pennsylvania and Texas, is not only offensive, it promotes discrimination for political gain. And an event titled "Fun with Guns" that encourages young Republicans to shoot cardboard cut-outs of Democratic leaders further promotes intolerance and violence. These un-American activities cannot go unchallenged.
We'd read that the RNC would use its funds to engage in negative campaigning in a desperate attempt to hold on to power and mobilize Republican voters in November, but these un-American attacks and violent, inflammatory campaign tactics are beyond the pale. As Chairmen of America's two major political parties, we have a responsibility to elevate the political discourse in America. Whether this is directly an RNC funded activity or not, I ask that you not only order such events ceased but also denounce these types of campaign tactics that breed only hatred, division and fear.
You said yourself to a gathering of Hispanic elected officials that America is a "nation of immigrants.a nation united by ideas, not race, creed or place of origin." That same day you also acknowledged that "we are all held to account by a common rule of law," and that "respect for this basic concept is critical to an America where we are all treated the same." To demonstrate your commitment to these words and ideals you must immediately act to have these desperate, inappropriate attacks stopped. America's democracy can only continue to work if we respect each other, and uphold the values that have made our country great. I hope to hear back from you on this important matter promptly.
Best regards,
Howard Dean, Chairman
Democratic National Committee
Comments (14) «
Big props to Chairman Dean for acting quickly on this issue. The YDA and College Dem chapters spoke out last year on this from a local level and now that it has gone to a whole other level we are proud of our Chairman taking a stand.
Should I be surprised at the depths of mean spirited bad taste the Republicans can sink to? I'm glad Chairman Dean addressed the issue, but I doubt Mehlman will rein in his sophomoric Rove-in-Training.
Thank Goodness for Rapid Response from Howard and the DNC.
Too long this party has sat back and let Republicans spew this type of discrimination, and hypocriscy and hatred and it is time to call them on it!
I only wish that Howard can get that letter in the newspapers in Minnesota and other leading papers around the country
Way to go Howard Dean!! Great response, intelligent and call for unity.
Waiting to see what response is received.
It's events like this that confirm the many assertions made about Republicans being no more than a national White Seperatist Racist Political Party.This is disgusting and at this point,anyone who still consideres themself a Republican is either pure evil or plum stupid.There are no other explianations.
P.S. Good for Chairman Dean.I'm glad he spoke up and said something.
This could be used to show just how racist and classist these people are. Instead of trying to shut down this event expand upon it beyond their wildest dreams. Have volunteers show up at one of these rallies to portray other persecuted minorities from the past. They could play "catch a slave" and have volunteers in KKK outfits run around trying to catch an African-American. Or, incarcerate a Japanese. That was popular during WW II. How about Senator McCarthy blacklisting alleged communists? Many other examples come to mind.
These people should be reminded that these "games" are not games but examples of the real danger when we set up a class or race as a scapegoat. It has been done in this country before. Do they really advocate for it to happen one more time? Reveal their insensitivity for what it is.
well i would like to say dean sure must not be busy if he is worrying about some stupid game college kids are playing. even though i doubt it is really happening. i am sure dean is making up crap to piss off all his dumb ass belivers. like you all what a sad little man. you lost last night little man. you will lose in november so go fuck your self. you fools who blindly follow anyone are just plain stupid. i think you all have a lot more to worry about then what a kid is doing in college. and i have seen the demo-rat faced little punks at colleges do a lot worse. like spitting on service men. is that what you are all about. i think so lies and more lies to keep them all pumped up ducky. howard the fucked up duck loser number one. see you in 2008 when america votes another republican in office. and your left holding the bag you piss ant. oh howie by the way na na na na na na hey hey hey goodbye
Chairman Dean,
I applaud you letter in an attempt to clean up the republican nasty campaigning. I would also encourage the party to speak out more vigorously
against all the lies and misleading facts presented by this administration regarding security and the war in Iraq. The Washington Post and the NYTIMES editorials have had some very good ones recently. Not only should we be taking them down but promoting our agenda more vigorously and more often. Let's get a theme and then let's all be saying the same thing over and over&over& over & over. Luke M Drescher
I strongly dislike the tactics of Karl Rove type Republicans.
I wonder if the Democratic Party is remiss in not pursuing the same tactics. They say a good offense is the best defense.
I totally detest Bush's policies. He has been an unmitigated liar from the start. If you have read the Program for the New American Century (PNAC) you would realize that it is the "Mein Kampf" of Bush and the Republican Party.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
An open letter from the Florida Black Republicans to Carol Jean Jordan
Carole Jean Jordan, Chairman
Republican Party of Florida
George Bush Republican Center
420 E. Jefferson Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
To the Honorable Carole Jean Jordan,
Why blacks will always be the buffoons of the Republican Party.
Because the RPOF refuses to acknowledge that there are creditable blacks in the party not just window dressing.
Because the RPOF refuses to seek out the best and the brightest instead the RPOF continues to seek those blacks that will not speak up and will allow the RPOF to exude total control over their thought process.
Because the RPOF refuses to engage in an open and honest dialogue with black republicans in the state of Florida
Because the RPOF refuses to acknowledge the contribution that black republicans have made and are making to the Party.
Because the RPOF refuses to continually engage black republicans in the RPOF.
Because the RPOF has persistently shown continued hostility to any black that is a republican that refuses to just be a window dressing.
Because the RPOF has continued to create an environment of hostility toward black republicans
Where by the RPOF having persistently and continuously shown utter disregard to blacks in the RPOF.
We hereby challenge the RPOF to engage in open and honest dialogue with black republicans.
We hereby again challenge the RPOF to engage in open and honest continuous dialogue with black republicans not only during election cycles.
We challenge the RPOF not to just hear us but to listen to our concerns.
We challenge the RPOF to stop acting like the Democrats and GROW UP.
We challenge the RPOF to stop trying to put black republicans in their place and open a seat at the table.
We challenge the RPOF to stop approaching black republicans only when you need a black face in the room.
We challenge the RPOF to allow black republicans to not have to carry around a label of black republican to get respect.
We challenge RPOF Chairman Carol Jean Jordan to begin to treat black republicans like human beings not chattel
We challenge RPOF Chairman Carol Jean Jordan and all RPOF leadership to begin to openly and honestly communicate with black republicans.
We challenge RPOF Chairman Carol Jean Jordan and all RPOF leadership to stop only engaging us in the process as a mire afterthought
We challenge RPOF Chairman Carol Jean Jordan and all RPOF leadership to begin to look past the color of our skin.
We challenge RPOF Chairman Carol Jean Jordan and all RPOF leadership to begin to treat us as equals.
Cordially,
Florida Black Republicans
Tired of being put in our place.
No, not "big ups" to chairman Dean.
Take a lesson here. The Republicans are kicking your ass when it comes to creative ways to attract people on campus.
While the content of their activities is racist and obnoxious at best, the model is sound. These activities are fun and engaging and in tune with the vibe on college campuses. You should take a page from their playbook.
I've blogged about this here at Future Majority and here daily kos.
Also, what is up with that graphic on the top of the page? This is the Students and Young People section. Why is it populated by a bunch of old guys?
I see this as a win or lose situation. If it is the correct reporting, then actions should be corrected on all reported and responding parties. If it is not, then we should look at it in a different light. I don't agree with the issue of target practice on fellow politicians, but let's be sure who is providing the targets.
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