By Andrew Padula

I never thought that I would see the day when I would voice my support for Rush Limbaugh and Juan Williams in the same sentence. Life has gone from the sublime to the absurd. To me, the question of whether or not Conservatives are Racists is as perplexing as it is vexing. How has such an ugly image become attached to a political philosophy which is based upon the traditional patriotic values of individual liberty, freedom, and opportunity for all.

A question was recently posed to me. As a Conservative, how could I know if I was a Racist? At the risk of being Clintonian, I say that it depends on the definition of what a “Racist” is. Let me assure everyone that although I am currently wearing a dirty white T shirt, I am not, nor will I ever wear a matching hood. I have been here writing, learning, and growing for a few years now, and that should count for something. My words and deeds are my testimony. Am I completely free of prejudice? Is anyone? Personally, I try not to judge people on their race or religion but I do have an aversion to individuals who emulate negative cultural stereotypes, White or Black. But I digress.

About a year ago I was having a heated debate with a very wise friend about something that now seems very unimportant. I casually used the interjection “ you are crazy if …”. This faux pas sent my friend into a tirade which prompted her to impart to me a jewel of wisdom for which I am very grateful. She told me to never call her “crazy” because it was an insult that dismissed her intellect and viewpoint. No matter what she said subsequently, it would be viewed through a prism of initial unacceptability. Well, accusations of Racism seem to be the crazy of the week.

Since it’s inception, The United States of America has been struggling to overcome Racism. In the past half century since the height of the civil rights movement, there have been many legal, and cultural changes regarding Racism. It is no longer just a distasteful personality trait. It is perhaps the most damning mark that a person can carry. In many instances, it’s manifestation is a prosecutable crime. In the world politics, the accusation of Racism has become a staple of negative campaigning . It is an effective tool for destroying an opponent but it requires an easily identifiable issue, object, group or individual to which the negative images and attributes can be attached. Unlike my slip of the term “crazy”, the intended objective of negative campaigning is to have all future actions associated with the accused be tainted by the prism of negative public perception. I pose to you these questions. How much unnecessary frustration and anger is created by challenging every Conservative policy position to overcome the pre ordained cloud of being racist and what will be the breaking point? Are these attitudes an ugly and unwelcome hinderance to bridging the Racial divide?

Contributor Andrew Padula observes racial issues from an unusual perspective. Andrew is a white, politically conservative, socially Libertarian, blues musician who’s been teaching and touring the U.S. and Europe since 1993. He can be seen with blues legend Bobby Parker on B.E.T. Jazz Central as well as on Carlos Santana’s recent DVD release “Montreux Blues Summit”. But lately, Andrew has moved into politics. In 2008, Andrew ran a Congressional campaign for a Republican candidate in Maryland’s 8th district. More recently he ran for office himself. Andrew’s point of view is critical to our mission facilitating intercultural conversation. And as Andrew says: “You gotta turn the topsoil to plant a crop!”