Polimom Says

Neanderthals Next Door?

There are so many news stories about former drug “czarâ€? and US education secretary Bill Bennett’s revolting comments the other day, it was hard to find just one to link. I used this one, from MediaMatters.org, because it includes a transcript of the call, an audio clip, and his attempts at rationalization yesterday. I’m dizzy just imagining a rational person suggesting, much less defending, the termination of an entire generation of people.
Now, I don’t know Bill Bennett. Just as well, because I tend to have trouble controlling my reactions (and my big mouth) when I come across racists as overt as this one. It’s lucky for everybody, no doubt, that he lives far away (er…. doesn’t he?) – although I do feel sorry for his neighbors.
For some totally irrational reason, I usually assume that raving idiots like that are far from me. Surely, if I encountered somebody who thinks genocide is a reasonable solution (to anything!), I’d know this, right? I mean, wouldn’t they have fangs, or red eyes, or something?
Wrong. I’m amazed how many bloggers are speaking out in support of Bill Bennett’s asinine remarks. Who are these people? Are they shopping, dining, laughing in my community? Are their children going to school with mine? AAaaack!
No – not everyone discussing Bennett’s nastiness (makes me shudder) is in the defensive position. I just don’t see how anybody could be!