Allen apologized
Sunday, August 27th, 2006 Letters to the Editor by IARCThe recent controversy over Sen. George Allen depicts the clear double standard that exists in American politics between Democrats and Republicans (“Allen’s lead in poll shrinks in wake of ‘macaca’ comment,” Aug. 19).
Allen has apologized, but this is not enough for his political opponents. As an Indian American, I am well aware of Allen’s many years of public service to the people of Virginia. I don’t believe he meant to offend anyone by his remarks. He has always been a friend to the Indian American community and actively promoted the United States-India civilian nuclear agreement. It would be a shame to ignore this over one incident.
If we’re serious about discussing race, let’s have one standard applied equally to all politicians. How can we question Allen’s views on race when the Democrats elected Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., as their majority leader after his membership in the Ku Klux Klan?
Raghavendra Vijayanagar
Chairman, Indian American Republican Council
Washington, D.C.
The Daily Press
Newport News, Virginia
Letter to the Editor
August 27, 2006
