George Allen, Racism and High School

Here's another article with a different perspective, from Townhall.com.

Ben, I agree with some of your points. Maybe I am infected with conspiracy theory, but the New republic article seems more like an early hit piece on a potential 2008 candidate than anything having real substance.

Before I destroy my future, let me first articulate the appropriate disclaimers: I don't support waiving the confederate flag. And although I'm now a recent Virginia resident, voter and homeowner, you won't EVER see me sporting the Stars and Bars. I don't consider myself Politically Correct in any way shape or form, and indeed, I somewhat despise that movement. I can see why the flag is offensive to many people, particularly blacks. But I can also see an argument that the flag is a symbol of southern culture or the Civil War. However, Allen's "fetish" with it, if it is indeed as detailed and long lasting as the New Republic article asserts, I find pretty weird.

BUT HAVING SAID ALL OF THAT --

If the best evidence for Allen's supposed racist past is the confederate flag pin he wore and the car he drove in high school, that's weak. At most that means he might have been racist when he was young and dumb. Eighteen year olds do stupid things and have stupid views all the time. The man is in his fifties now. Or take what might be most direct accusation, that he and some friends spray-painted a mostly-black rival high school before a football game. Assume the worst, that George Allen himself sprayed racists epithets on walls (as opposed to being part of a group that did it but not doing it himself.) EVEN if it is true, it was over thirty years ago. Are we really going to disqualify people for office based on views they had or mistakes they made in high school? Would anyone be left standing? Allen might not have a racist bone in his body. He might harbor some racist views. Or he might be a huge civil war buff. My only point is that he should be judged on his record and views from his adult life, not his high school life.

Or consider the noose hanging from the tree at his house/office (was it his house or his law office? sources differ). The guy obviously likes all thing Southern, and it very well could indicate his tough on crime mentality (string 'em up like the Wild West) -- as he says. It also could have been part of a collection of historical objects from a foregone time period (along with a wagon wheel). If someone had Swatzika emblems in their house as part of a World War II memorabilia collection - would you assume he/she was anti-Semitic? I probably would not.

Ben, I think you are right on point regarding Allen's story about driving through the racist south having made a huge impression on him. Seems too convenient. Whatever impression his drive through the south made he obviously forgot by the time he was sporting a confederate flag in high school.

However, on the whole, the article seems like early, early spin against a candidate that is the leading McCain alternative, aimed to hit before people outside the state or DC area know him. If people across the country associate the terms "George Allen" and "racist" -- then he's done. Either way, he better move fast, or he will not be the best candidate for the Republican party regardless of his true views.