Marc,
Today I am handing out the first ever, completely unofficial, entirely unauthorized, likely to be denounced and rejected, “John Brown Awards”. As you know, John Brown was a white abolitionist who died in 1859 trying to lead an insurrection against slavery.
In memory of John Brown I am giving awards to five contemporary white men who have demonstrated that they are down for the cause. The cause in this case is the election of Barack Obama and the end of egregious racial tactics in American elections.
The following white men are recipients of my John Brown award.
5. Father Michael Pfleger
Father Pfleger has led the Faith Community of St. Sabina in Chicago for decades. His commitment to racial justice, community development and unflinching truth-telling are well known in the city. His Q /A with a FoxNews reporter was one of the sanest and smartest moments in the Revered Wright episode. For his commitment to black Chicago and his loyalty to Reverend Jeremiah Wright, Father Pfleger has earned a John Brown award.
4. Keith Olbermann
Olbermann has been bringing down the hammer on everybody this year. He has repeatedly offered stinging critiques of the racial tactics deployed by the Clinton campaign. Brother Keith took it to a new level when he scolded HRC for her disgusting and hateful comments about the assassination of RFK. For this he wins a John Brown award.
3. Senator Edward Kennedy
Senator Kennedy stood with Barack before it was an easy or obvious thing to do. His January endorsement was a powerful indication that HRC was not necessarily the choice of the Party establishment. For his progressive politics, commitment to racial equality and early endorsement of Barack, Edward Kennedy receives a John Brown award.
2. John Edwards
John Edwards took longer to make his choice public, but it turns out that he was right on time. He showed up at the height of media foolishness about working class, white men refusing to support Obama. His endorsement remains one of my favorite moments of the primary campaign and is definitely worthy of a John Brown award.
1. Mark McKinnon
The surprise award winner is Mark McKinnon. McKinnon is a former aide and supporter of John McCain. When it became clear (to everyone but HRC) that Barack Obama is the rightful nominee of the Democratic Party, McKinnon resigned from the McCain camp. He said he refused to be part of a campaign against the first African American candidate running with the nomination of a major party. For feeling the weight of history and choosing the high road Mark McKinnon is a John Brown award winner.
Who else deserves a John Brown award?
Melissa
