Fear Factors
In my continuing efforts to present all points of view, I recently had three of my “liberal blogger” friends on the morning show. The guys from The Bilerico Project and Chris Warden of iPOPA. It was a fun discussion over state and local issues. We obviously disagreed, but it was a lively, spirited and respectful conversation.
What’s funny about all that is that after appearing on my show Chris received grief from some of his fellow Democrats for coming on my show and advocating their point of view! Here’s some of what he had to say…
… I’ve caught some grief from my own party for appearing on Abdul’s show. I’ve been called a turncoat, a sucker, and a few other unpleasant things. You see, Abdul Hakim-Shabazz is a Republican in name and Libertarian in spirit, which means we disagree on almost everything. Also, he’s run some stories on his blog and radio show that have been inaccurate and/or caused headaches for local Democrats. In fairness to Abdul’s Republican detractors, he’s irritated them almost as often.
The thought process among my kinsmen seems to be that Democrats should boycott Abdul because he doesn’t play nice and appearing on his show gives him legitimacy.
Luckily, Chris is a Democrat with a pair who will fight for what he believes in…
Sorry, but Worden genes don’t permit punking out for any reason, and the last time I checked, politics is a rhetorical contact sport.
Tuesday night at Congressman Andre Carson’s volunteer appreciation rally, he said, “Don’t let anyone silence you.” He was telling Democrats to not only speak out among the general public, but also within our party ranks. The Congressman knows that the courageous will say what needs to be said without regard to their own standing. That’s why I will follow his lead and shake off the haters.
But I would be lying if I didn’t say that the criticism for doing nothing but defending Democratic values walloped me psychologically because it made me question both the spines and abilities of some people in my own party.
You see, I’m a Democrat because I believe steadfastly that we get it right more times than not. And if you’re afraid to defend a position or go toe-to-toe with your political opponents just because you don’t have home field advantage, maybe it’s because you can’t. Sorry, but I’ll travel any distance, walk into any lion’s den, and suffer whatever arrows are slung my way for the chance to tell somebody why I’m proud to be a Democrat.
To my critics I ask, “Why won’t you?”
Because somebody hurt your feelings?
Maybe its time for my party to quit cowering when we don’t own the mic. That cowardice and “I’ll take my ball and go home” mentality is embarrassing. Amos Brown has burned many a Republican, and yet they still go on his show, don’t they?
Sorry, but you won’t find yellow here at iPOPA, only blue. If my party has the courage to live up to its ideals, every time I come off Abdul’s mic, people will know that on election nights 2010 and 2011, G.O.P. will mean “go out peacefully” in Marion County.
There are plenty of Democrats in Indiana at the local and state level that I like and have great relationships with. They represent their constituents well and are really sharp. We have philosophical differences but they wet their pants and cry like babies when challenged. But like I always say, if I were afraid to debate me on the issues, I’d try to boycott me too.
And Chris, thanks and you’re always welcome on my airwaves!
