Slaveholders and Slaves, Both Feet In Mouth.

Not only has Governor Dean offended nearly everyone with his reference to the Confederate Flag, but he hasnt got American political and economic history right either," says Regina Mullen, Director of African Americans for Democratic Leadership.

Not only has Governor Dean offended nearly everyone with his reference to the Confederate Flag, but he hasnt got American political and economic history right either," says Regina Mullen, Director of African Americans for Democratic Leadership.

Todays poor white is not likely to be the descendant of a plantation slaveholder. More likely, he is the marginalized descendant of an immigrant who lived in conditions of indentured servitude, which mutated into a serf-like existence under slavery. His ancestors were more likely drafted to fight the Civil War right off the boat, coalminers who died of black lung, sweatshop workers, soldiers or veterans. He is more likely the member of a legacy welfare family or an Appalachian who has all but dropped off the national political radar, than someone who owned slaves."

Lower class whites form an underserved demographic, because no one wants to admit that they exist. Its not just poor whites with off-brand flags who are victims of the military-industrial-prison complex, its the disheartened poor of every color.

Race/class distinctions have served both Northern and Southern aristocrats equally in maintaining status-envy, and if the Democrats dont make that message clear in 2004, they are no better than Republicans. Howard Dean can pump up the poor white vote all he likes by equating them with slaveholders, but at the end of the day, what are Democrats really going to do for them? Black people want to know."

Its not about Northern carpetbaggers, and its not about political correctness and apologies. Its about dismantling social control based on racism and class-ism. Americans dont want pandering followed by politically expedient apologies,--Americans want a candidate who understands the needs of all demographics s/he will serve as President. Democrats have less than a year to get a winning policy communicated to the American people. After the losses in Kentucky and Mississippi, they should stop serving up facile MLK sound bytes and pay better attention to the needs of all Americans without artificial distinction. At the 2004 dance, Democrats need both feet on the floor, not in their mouths."