There is a running joke in the black community that begins with the phrase, “what had happened was…” Generally, those words are followed by an excuse or an outright lie. The political version of that seems to be, “it happens on both sides.” In both cases, the obvious inability to accept the consequences of your actions is really what is at play. Once again Fox News host Laura Ingraham is trying to extricate her foot from her mouth. In the opening monologue of her nightly program a few nights ago she postured the fear of losing the white domination of America, “Massive demographic changes have been foisted upon the American people; and they are changes that none of us ever voted for and most of us don't like." She went on to make a reference to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the Democratic party in an obvious attempt to divert attention from her obvious bigotry, “This is a sure way over time to remake and reshape America. This is exactly what socialists like Ocasio-Cortez want. Eventually diluting and overwhelming your vote with the votes of others who aren't, let's face it, too big on Adam Smith and the Federalist Papers,” said Ingraham.
Backtracking after the outcry from the decency that exists outside Fox World, Ingraham sought to clarify her position Thursday night, “The purpose of last night’s angle was to point out that the rule of law—meaning secure borders—is something that used to bind our country together. And despite what some may be contending, I made explicitly clear that my commentary had nothing to do with race or ethnicity, but rather a shared goal of keeping America safe and her citizens safe and prosperous.” What was missing—was the phrase, ‘what had happened was…’ This is the second time in less than six months that Ingraham has let it be known that her disrespect for people of color is worn on her sleeve like a corsage, “Shut up and dribble,” LeBron.
Ingraham famously said she did not want political advice from someone who bounces a ball for a living but she defends a TV reality star who juggles the truth like a circus clown. Hmm, I wonder what the difference is? LeBron James just built a multi-million-dollar school, aptly named ‘I Promise’ and he inspired the kids at the school’s opening and talked about their dreams and future promise. The Trump Foundation in 1989 donated $7 to the Boy Scouts and as President, Trump gave an embarrassing speech to the group of kids, at their annual Jamboree, filled with self-aggrandizement and attacks on his perceived enemies.
Following each of these incidents with either the President or Ingraham, the standard conservative retort is “both sides do it.” If your response to the questioning of your character is to point a finger, your trouble is in your mirror. If you have no conviction in your rejoinder and hope the other side makes your case by putting them on the defensive, then you have revealed your argument is both weak and transparent. Laura, you can try again, but when the echoes of, ‘what had happened was…’ is ringing in my ears, you are making it hard to hear you.
Vote in ’18 for Change.