I think it's time to deny the shamans their taboos. They're not really enforceable except through self-censorship anyway, and it should be a load of fun to watch the reactions!
When we were in the security line at the airport, a bilingual security person was hollering instructions in both Spanish and English about shoes and computers. My husband found it irritating. I found it helpful and pointed out that others did too: "That Hispanic couple," I said, "was confused about what to do." My husband immediately accused me of being racist. I carefully explained to him that it is not racist to point out, in non-hostile language, an observable fact. He remained unconvinced.
Against people who are attuned to believe that any reference to race, color, creed, etc. that someone other than they make is, by definition racist, there is no way to do it right. I'm included to say that we should stop trying to argue on liberal turf when it comes to race or sex, because they make the rules and we can never win. To heck with them. Argue the issues, speaking like normal human beings, and let the chips fall where they may -- keeping in mind that there's not a snowball's chance in Hell that more than 10% of African-Americans will vote away from Obama anyway.
Your last prediction is right, Book, but don't, don't, don't accuse that 90% of black voters of being racist.
Interesting post. McCain had no problem laughing off his "gaffe" when he referred to himself as a proud liberal. Don't remember the exact quote, but he laughed it off. Who knows if he can do the same should there be a slip up referring to one of his opponents.
You are correct, however. It's no-win territory for Rep's so they just need to make their case and appeal to Rep's and some indies. Problem is, McCain has spent the last 8 years wooing the NY Times and I think he actually cares what they think. Hopefully he's been disabused at this point.
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