The Victim Syndrome
Regardless of how high they rise, some men simply remain small.
Such is the case with the new Attorney General.
It seems that regardless of the historic nature of this new administration, regardless of the remarkable racial progress made in America over the last 50 years that led up to this election, there will always be those who chose to remain a victim.
In a speech celebrating Black History Month and delivered to hundreds of Justice Department employees the new Attorney General Eric Holder called America “a nation of cowards” when it comes to racial issues. He demeaned all that has been done in removing racial barriers and all progress made in allowing the success of those who have been the target of historic segregation and repression. The irony of the content of this speech being given at a celebration commemorating Black History Month would be almost comical if it weren’t so sad.
“Though this nation has proudly thought of itself as an ethnic melting pot, in things racial we have always been and continue to be, in too many ways, essentially a nation of cowards” Holder said.
Strong words for a black man who is the head of the Justice Department in the administration of a black president. Strong words for any man serving in an administration that campaigned on the mantra of hope rather than divisiveness. Strong words from a black man who has held posts in high office of government for decades and who replaces a minority Hispanic in the office he now holds. Strong words indeed.
“It is an issue we have never been at ease with, and given our nation’s history this is in some ways understandable,” Holder went on to say. “And yet, if we are to make progress in this area, we must feel comfortable enough with one another, and tolerant enough of each other, to have frank conversations about the racial matters that continue to divide us.”
If we are to make progress? If?
This speech may have seemed relevant back in the 1950’s or the 1960’s but to question progress in racial matters while serving in the administration of a black president rings as hollow and racist as the words of the Black P Stone Nation who blamed whites for their poverty while they sold drugs to their community.
Mr. Holder certainly must feel comfortable enough to show his tolerance in calling Americans cowards. The very act itself in the setting in which it was held and under the conditions in which it was given is an insult to all Americans, white, black and otherwise.
To ignore the progress, as Mr. Holder certainly did, is to continue with the stereotypical victimization of blacks which has done nothing but help to keep them trapped in a life of hopelessness and dependence. Is there more progress needed? Certainly. Will it be accomplished by setting a tone of confrontation and demeaning epithets? Certainly not.
Mr. Holder proved his ineptitude serving in the Clinton administration where he was instrumental in orchestrating the presidential pardon of murderous terrorist bombers from the FALN and the pardon of the FBI’s second most wanted fugitive Marc Rich, a Democrat contributor of note who had fled the country to avoid prosecution. He was questioned about both of these incidents in his confirmation hearing where he both denied culpability by downplaying his influence and asked for absolution for his lack of prudent judgment. Mr. Holder assured the committee members he would not make the same mistakes again if confirmed. I guess in that sense Mr. Holder is a man of his word. He is finding a whole new area in which he can be dangerously wrong.
A “nation of cowards” we are not. We are a nation of opportunity. It takes courage to reach for that which you cannot currently touch and strive for that which you know will be difficult to achieve. But we are a nation of people who make that effort and succeed every day. The cowards are the ones who prefer to place blame and hide behind the comfortable veil of victimization.
If you want see a coward Mr. Holder, get a mirror.
