Totally Agree...

I have heard Mr. Schapers argument before, and while there is truth in his article it does not wisk away the issues that Colin Powell talked about during Meet The Press.

However, I must say if Mr. Schapers argument is to blow off what Powell and many others have said then I say...Republican party full steam ahead!

The party did not learn from 2008 and got torched and embarrassed (see Karl Rove and Ohio Results) in this cycle. If the party does not want to recognize its current identity problem then they will prove Powell and others correct.

And just because Powell (a Republican) has decided to support Obama does not make him a turncoat. Its folks who simply vote party who are the problem.

I commend people like Powell and other Republicans who can see that the Republican party as it stands now has very serious problems and want those issues corrected. Those who want to talk about the party from 200 years ago are the folks with the identity problem. They are not facing reality's of the present.

Thanks for the backup, Greg. It can get lonely on these threads ;)

GGY isn't a man, man...and you can forget about getting anymore than a government programmed opinion out of her.

I already told him that, Rman. As I have also already pegged you, it is your type that is programmed. I am a free thinker, do my own research, come to my own conclusions. You get yours the easy way, evidently - just repeat what you hear that you like, over and over.

You already told him you were programmed by the government? That was very uncharacteristically nice of you.

Racer said . . . "GGY isn't a man, man . . . " More evidence of poor reading skills. I think this is a very male problem.

idiot

That's my girl, back to normal, whew.

LOL...I thought you were a he also. Then when you told one of the weirdos that he dislikes women, I thought you were a gay man. I figured it out when the weirdo said you're a she. No matter what, you rock and you're the ultimate badass in my book!!!

Haha, Amy! Thanks! At least I have one fan ;) Those guys would never attack a male like they have me, except a very smart and nice man whose first initial is also G. But they don't get as ugly with him and he takes it in stride.

Tammy, Gen. Powell isn't trying to rewrite history and neither am I. He stated he was raised Republican. He's loyal to his own history, evidently. There are still a few different flavors of Republican left. The landslide was in the electoral college vote. My point is that the General was talking about the current RP, and this column is about the history of the RP - long past history.

Tammy....you wrote:

"I'd like to ask Mr. Powell why he became a republican when nothing he stands for is. Maybe because of his military background. Who knows. "

Look no further than what has been written. The Republican party was different years ago. It was then probably more appealing to Powell then. He is talking about the party now. He still identifies with the party as it was back then...his concern is why the party has become somewhat radical and would like it to return to sane leadership as it was when he joined the party.

Republican party of old is no longer the filled with thinkers and doers in Washington. Its filled with followers of Yes men/women to Boehner and party leadership (plus special interests) and the Party of NO to compromise and the American People.

Its a party of holding us hostage instead of doing what needs to be done to keep us moving forward.

I thank you for writing about history. Its important for people to understand what has happened in the past.

With that being said...past history of the Republican party is not governing the party today. The things that Powell mentioned ..."Shucking and Jiving" came from a party leader in recent history. Powell is talking about the party today and the party moving forward.

The problem...stop talking about the past it means nothing to the Republican party of today. With talk of "shucking and jiving"....the past seems alive and well from Powell perspective and he should not be proud of his party for keeping that flame alive.

Greg:

Did you even read my post?

LBJ called black people "N---gers". Biden said "Chains, y'all!" The link which talks about LBJ's invidious remark will lead you to a number of racial epithets out of Democratic politicians' mouths, like Jesse Jackson's remark about New York, which he called "Hymietown" -- totally unacceptable.

Black unemployment is "twice the national average" -- without being too crude about, President Obama is very much the "White Man's President", since it was and is the white vote which has gotten him elected, or the lack of a white vote which caused Romney to lose.

Yes, demographics are changing in this country, and that is good. I only wish that Democratic Party elites respected everyminority voter, not just hitting them up for votes then dropping them.

Hispanics, blacks and white women re-elected President Obama.

OMG, Racer. If ever there was a racist comment it's yours above. You don't give an entire race of people much credit, do you? I don't see a true statement in any of that. As a white person, I'm embarrassed about you.

You need to look up the welfare stats, by state (red vs blue) and by race. And, you should know that 5% of the federal budget goes for corporate welfare (subsidies) and only about 3% for individual (people) welfare.

The propaganda on this is coming from your folks, not mine.

You probably do need to CC if you're as offensive in person as you are online.

"To date, seven African Americans have served in the United States Senate. In 1870, Hiram Revels of Mississippi became the first African American senator. Five years later, Blanche K. Bruce of Mississippi took the oath of office. It would be nearly another century, 1967, before Edward Brooke of Massachusetts followed in their historic footsteps. Carol Moseley Braun broke new ground in 1993 becoming the first African American female to serve as U.S. senator. In 2005, Barack Obama of Illinois became the fifth African American to serve and third to be popularly elected. Upon Obama's resignation to become president, Roland Burris was appointed to fill the vacancy, becoming the sixth African American senator and the third to occupy the same Illinois Senate seat." (from the website for the U.S. Senate) The Republican SC governor appointed Republican Tim Scott to replace Tea Party favorite Jim DeMint.

Racer must have deleted his comment ;) Or was it removed by Patch? There are many more of his comments he or Patch should use that button on. He probably did it. I know from experience that Patch doesn't act that quickly. If only I had copied and pasted his post inside my own. Oh, well it's probably for the best that it was removed.

Good Grief, "Good Grief"!:

First you call Tammy's comment "racist", but then you switch to talking about corporate welfare (which I think should be repealed, too). Where['s the connection?

Then you call Tammy's comment "propaganda", when she is shraing information that has been verified before.

Then you call her "offensive", yet fail to explain what is offensive about her or her comments.

These ad hominem attacks are meaningless, but when someone has neither facts nor law on their side, they will pound the table, as you have chose to do.

"Good Grief, Y'all!" Good Grief, indeed!

Wrong, Arthur. I was replying to Racer X's comment, which was deleted. I wasn't talking to Tammy in that post. You do know how these reply buttons work, don't you.
See, my comment begins, "OMG, Racer." ?

I wish I had copied and posted his comment since you obviously didn't see it. It was so bad, so racist that you might be embarrassed.

Good Grief - yes indeed, Arthur Christopher Schaper, good grief, indeed.

May I expect an apology?

And Arthur, Tammy is the first person who introduced the accusation of propaganda in this post, not I. Then it was Racer X. Propaganda is a word oft and wrongly used by mostly Republicans. Geez, talk about knee-jerk, jump-to-conclusion reactions!

GGY- Patch removed my comment as it had more truth in it than they could stomach.

Well, Racer, that makes more sense. You don't see the error of your ways, ever.
Congratulations to Patch for quick action. That must have taken a lot of flags.

I guess the author, Arthur Christopher Schaper, doesn't do apologies. He accused me of something I didn't do, then ignored the correction without so much as an acknowledgment, much less an apology. Mr. Schaper, however, is quick with his gratitude to those who agree with him. I have waited patiently while he continues to post and reply, defending his views or appreciating his supporters.

Keep waiting baby sister. When you get up this morning, look in the mirror, if you can stand it, there lie your issues.

Racer, you're right that my wait will be indefinite. Methinks Mr. Arthur don't wanna touch on this subject again. Not very nice of him to skip the apology he owes me. He must be taking lessons from you.

GGY
6:23 pm on Thursday, January 17, 2013
"Good Grief - yes indeed, Arthur Christopher Schaper, good grief, indeed.
"May I expect an apology?"

I'm sorry that you choose to insult people with insolent comments and denigrate others people because of their political views.

I'm sorry that you chose not to have a civil discussion with other individuals on this post.

I'm sorry that you have resorted to invidious comments which manifest a bigotry born of misunderstanding, fear, or misdirected anger.

I repeat: I provided facts, history, and personal accounts in my post. Often from people on the other side of these political discussions, I witness nothing but race-baiting and name-calling, which basically means: "You have proved your point. I have no point to prove, so I will just point imagined faults and slights.

I forgive you your unkind comments, and I believe that this post has opened a much more fruitful discussion, one which ties civil rights and limited government together, for no one can separate such close friends (to paraphrase Abraham Lincoln)

Instead of "Good Grief" I receive "God's Grace" -- and I do not apologize for that, either.

ACS....you speak eloquently and have nailed GGY for who she is with laser precision. I really enjoyed your blog.

Mr. author, all I deserve from you is an apology for your wrongful accusation against me. Instead you chose to attack me with a hurtful, hateful diatribe. That is not a nice way to treat your very first poster. You should probably thank me. Without my starting post, it's doubtful you would have received such a response thread. But, I'm not looking for any appreciation. A simple apology for your wrongful accusation would do. But, I'm a realist. I no longer expect that.

I haven't insulted or name-called anyone, except the couple of people who attacked me first. They delight in goading such a response from me, and they enjoy it. Would you deny them? We have quite the history on such exchanges.

I hope you won't take too much glee in your endorsement from John B, as he is my most avid stalker-harasser. Nothing to take pride in there.

I forgive you your harsh words.

Now why do you need to bring my name into it...I think you have an obsession with me...I wish you would stop stalking me........

The above message is brought to you by our Federal Government. Reading messages like the above can lead to lethargy, bloating, mood swings and blaming everybody but yourself for your problems. Do not operate heavy equipment after reading the above message.

Thanks again, Racer, for proving my point about yourself. Attacking, bullying and insinuating with lies. What IS your hangup about hormones, man? Another reason to be embarrassed about you. Grow up. Didn't you say your mother was a teacher? She forgot to teach you social etiquette, good manners and respect of other human beings, especially women. All that is just my opinion :D

His resume is outstanding. His party should listen to him.

If Powell endorsed Romney would you still say his resume was outstanding?...answer yes and you're full of more crap than a xmas turkey....please remove your programming chip............

You ask me a question that you dictate be answered with a pre-qualified response? No thanks, JB, I have no appetite for that turkey.

you just answered the question.....

General Powell's resume has nothing to do with his political choices. It's still outstanding either way. My answer . . . not yours.

And like I just posted, it's not the same party. But, again, not quite for the reasons he gives....

Great Point, Ed!

I had so much respect for Mr. Powell as Secretary State. Sadly, it appears that he has sold out and wants to profit from the color of his skin instead of resting in the content of his character.

Republicans don't tolerate criticism or questions. Gen. Powell hasn't bitten his party. He has been bitten by his party, and he ain't the only one.

And I agree. The voters are starting to rebel, which is where the Tea Party came from. Or, I guess, more accurately is why they have any power. They are what the GOP SHOULD be. Unfortunately, I find a huge disconnect between the GOP and Republicans, although the terms are really synonomous.

Karsten, dream on little dreamer. The TP isn't so popular any more. By 2014 they'll make barely a whimper. The GOP is a nickname for the Republican Party - Grand Old Party (gag).

GGY
You may just be surprised with what happens concerning the tea party as you call it …

R, the Tea Party will be the most surprised as those folks are not only obstructionists, but they are delusional about their popularity, and they act as an albatross hanging from the necks of Boehner and McConnell. And, it is not my name or term for them - it is theirs, and they seem to like it. So, what is your point about their name? Karsten introduced the Tea Party into this thread, not me. Didn't you notice?

Again I politely contest your assessment, the leaders you refer to are the real embarrassment hanging around the peoples' neck at this point.

ANYONE can fill a position of LEADERSHIP by surrendering as a first response with or without a crying towel, that is until they RUN out of things to surrender. "Compromise" is made of both GIVE and TAKE - some to this point have been all give, while others are all take and this course cannot hold...

R, I can't believe we agree on something. I concur, except I didn't give an assessment of Boehner and McConnell. They are indeed an embarrassment to their constituency, their party, their Congressional houses. Maybe, more accurately, they and the Tea Party are mutual in their albatross state. Oh, except for the part about their surrendering or compromising on anything as neither of them have. I disagree with you on that point. I do appreciate your good manners, so thanks for that!

Nothing speaks as strongly as personal experience.

I'll assume that the good minister does need a white liberal such as you GGY to legitimize or validate her experience. How condescending and in fact extremely racist. Who exactly anointed you? What a phony.

Hello, Jerk B. Who appointed you judge of anyone? Nothing I said was condescending or racist. I think you're emitting your own bias.

"I believe the Republican Party is taking a hard look because if they don't, they will experience minorities staying away because the party has nothing to offer them."

With double-digit uenmployment for African-Americans, twice the national average, and with 50% of black youth unable to find a job. it would appear that President Obama and the Democratic Party do not have much to offer African-Americans.

Please visit the following YouTube clips, where you will find an extensive archive of black men and women, then and now, who associated with the Republican Party.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvw3l5r7NQU&playnext=1&list=PLQ1DlCIouNCCnWwtJq8G1xP9LrELAhB_j&feature=results_main

And yet, they still support him. Perhaps they realize that he is doing what he can, and that Congress and the Republican voters must do better because they can but won't.

Resorting to name calling GGY? You hurt my feelings.....I'm telling the PATCH on you...waaaahhhhhh...............

JB- Careful, you'll overload her micro-chip and she will have to be programmed all over again.

Anything would be an upgrade to the current software version..........

Name calling? Why that must have been a typo, JB. :D

Mr. Arthur,
That is correct. Because of who I am in Christ that what gives me the boldness. I am who I am because of Jesus Christ. You are right I can't speak for all Repubicans. I can only say what I experienced. I have met some very nice people in the political arena. I was only giving an example. I have been on the local, state and federal level. They have never been disrespectful. I learned that no matter what party that many of these politicians have made tremendous sacrifices and love this country very much. In the political arena, I have only seen respect even when we disagree. It has been an awesome experience for me. I am glad the Lord trust me in this arena. Sincerely REv. Harriet Bradley

I wrote a response under my FB but I don't see it. I will see if it post before I write again. I can say this because I am African American, other African Americans talk freely to me. Many have told me that they don't trust the Republican Party. They say that the Republican Party is for rich White People. Many have been taught since they were born to NEVER vote Republican. I am repeating what I have been told!! One issue - My parents worked and retired from General Motors. With the help of unions, my parents made a GREAT salary which caused them to not only provide the basics but I was able to have the extras. At the age of 16, I was an exchange student to Sweden with Youth for Understanding. My parents had the money to do that for me. I saw an article written in the New York Times by Gov Romney in 2008 where he wanted to reduce the salaries of the autoworkers. My parents definitely didn't support the Republicans. I am from Michigan. My family and friends were definitely blessed that the automobile industry was saved. Their jobs were saved.

"TAUGHT NEVER to vote for a party" seems to run counter to voting the CHARACTER of an individual but that’s OK - some must have missed that concept along the way ...

R, voting for character and his choice for POTUS regardless of his party affiliation is exactly the beef that Arthur Christopher Schaper presents against Gen. Powell. What was it Romney said, "what's sauce for the goose . . . " or some nonsense like that.

Tammy:

More people need to shed light on the extreme abortion plank of the Democratic Party. They condone abortion at any time on the public's dime.

That's just wrong.

I have spoken with many Democrats who do not hold so extreme a position on abortion. Even Joy Behar of "The View" candidly admitted that she does not like abortion, and she definitely does not support partial-birth or third-trimester termination of the baby.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDrnKlFC63s

(between 2: 00 and 5: 30)

That's called war. Not what we need. What we need is a common friend to lead us, someone who will uphold and respect our Constitution while helping those who really need it.

And, that's exactly why President Obama was re-elected :D

Not a common enemy, but mutual agreements on limited goverment, local control, individual liberty.

President Obama has been a divider. Reagan was a uniter, and a 2016 GOP candidate will do the same.

President Obama is not a divider. It's the people who hate that a black man, a Democrat was ever elected once, and twice, why that's just the end of their world. It started with McCain's ill-chosen running mate who fanned the flames then and still, though now she's just a Fox-paid big mouth. And you've got Donald Trump and Orly Taitz and the other birthers, then the Gov of Arizona prominently disrespecting the President. It's people like that Mr. Arthur, who are the dividers. There's where the shame lies.

Holy crap, did you really just pull the race card out on us? Seriously? So I don't like Al Gore because he's black? Oh, that's right, he's not. You know, it IS possible that we just don't like his policies. He's the one that claimed the Republicans were going to have to get on the bus with his side, but we'd have to sit in the back. Yep, very much the 'bring everybody together' guy. What crap....

Oh, and what's funny is I've never heard anybody really come up with anything specific negative about Sarah Palin. Oh, let's see - she balanced the budget in Alaska, resulting in citizens actually getting refunds. She sold off the governor's jet, because it was extravagant. She lived in her own home rather than the nicer governor's mansion. Yeah, I just don't know what's wrong with that woman.

You guys just couldn't stand the thought of a woman in the #2 position, possibly the top seat in the country in another couple of years. That had to be it.

It's not a race card (we need to add that phrase to the list of words that should disappear) if it is true. There is plenty of evidence of that. Much of it by elected Republicans who did not call out others in their party who were more blatant. Sarah Palin was then and is now a money ____. If you never heard anything bad (true that there was much bad) about her, it's because your ears weren't functioning while your eyes were popping out of your head. My own brother, a very well educated Republican, said it didn't matter about her many negatives because she was hot. He's not the only one I have heard make that ridiculous comment. She was and is a dangerous political idiot. Thank you John McCain. He'll go to his Maker not being able to admit how badly he screwed up and inflicted great damage to his country. Save your fake outrage for a more worthy subject.

You have just validated with the SP admiration what I was beginning to suspect.

You mean that it IS possible to speak to people WITHOUT a teleprompter? BRAVO!

Karsten Torch
5:59 pm on Friday, January 18, 2013 ---

"Holy crap, did you really just pull the race card out on us? Seriously? So I don't like Al Gore because he's black? Oh, that's right, he's not. You know, it IS possible that we just don't like his policies. He's the one that claimed the Republicans were going to have to get on the bus with his side, but we'd have to sit in the back. Yep, very much the 'bring everybody together' guy. What crap...."

Keep Torching to torturous race-bating, Karsten! No one has the right to scream "racism" and play victim anymore.

Thanks again for your comments!

R, all presidents have used teleprompters since their availability to them. It is so much better than seeing someone reading note cards - badly. GWB should have stuck to his more than he did and not ad libbed so much - strategery. Romney used them, too.

That's an old, invalid slam. It's what is written on the teleprompter that matters. Do you think presidents and public leaders should memorize every speech, which would entail a lot of rehearsing? What a colossal waste of time. If this president did that you guys would accuse him of narcissism even more than you already do.

They do if they are victims, Art.

"Brief History": That was not the case at all. I touched on Reconstruction, the Early 1900's, after World War I, after World War II, the 1960's, and then there was Ronald Reagan who took down Carter in 1980 with an impressive landslide then swept 49 states in 1984. It was not just the "white vote" that helped Reagan win.

Please also visit:

http://www.thefrontpageonline.com/articles1-12194/MainStreetConservatismNotWallStreetIsWhatRepublicansAreAbout

http://www.thefrontpageonline.com/articles1-12163/ABushelofPlumGOPIdeasifOnlyDemsWillTuneanEar

For More information.

Colin Powell misrepresented the Republican Party with his invidious remarks. Republicans have assumed too often that people know their history. Republicans have not reached out enough.

I am one of many who is changing this false perception of bigotry and intolerance being unjustly invested in the Republican Party.

Thanks for writing.

X-...Yes it's old and tired but surely hasn't run its course and probably never will at least not in our lifetime. You can't disagree with the president without race being thrown in there....as witnessed by comments on this forum. It's the easy button for many including white liberals who seem to think that minorities need validation from them for whatever plight they may be facing. Condescending if you ask me.

Watch out there, Art. You don't want the "community organizer" label. You know, in case you ever run for the presidency.

It's even more ignorant when the race card is thrown out there by whites.....

Tammy, I am sick of the phrase "race card". That is most often used as a deflection from reality. Because, the reality is, whether we admit it or continue to deny it, racism is alive and kicking in these United States, especially in the South. My personal perspective from this article and some of the comments is the inference that Gen. Powell voted FOR President Obama because they're of the same race, and that Gen. Powell renounced his party loyalty for race loyalty. That reeks of racism to me. I don't know if others see that, but it is highly likely.

White people didn't put President Obama in office because of his race and their hope that he would improve race relations - isn't that analysis, in and of itself, racism? - but because they saw him as the best candidate. After all, they took into consideration who the opposition was, both times.

I, too, can cite many ugly racist comments heard from friends, family, acquaintances, co-workers and colleagues - people who are mostly intelligent and "Christian". Some of the vilest of names have I heard the President called by people whom I love. My consolation is that I didn't raise them. The only thing I will say as an example, and I know you have heard this, too, is that it is common lingo to refer to all black people as Democrats. I never heard that usage until 2007. Wonder why?

It is the height of arrogance to claim to know the minds and feelings of someone else - including on matters of race.

So, JB, whites (Caucasians) aren't a race? Have no right to an opinion on race? Any race? That's what is ignorant.

Not when it's not your race GGY......The minorities I know don't want you pandering to or for them...they are proud and despise people like you...stop patting yourself on the back.....

JB, you continue to judge me. The shame for that is on you. I've never pandered a day in my life. Unlike you, what I say and write here is sincere AND truthful. You, mister, cannot make that claim.

Also, Tammy, the General has done more for the Republican Party than it has done for him. Sorry, I disagree with you on that, too.

I would ask you to take into account the reason for my comment was that the author claims it is the President who is the divider. As is my right, I took exception to that and commented honestly on it. It is the haters against the black man, and some of them may have other reasons added to that, who have done the dividing. That was my point. I could cut and paste documentation all day and into the night to support that. But, let me just give you a couple of examples which I had on my mind when I wrote my comment. During the campaign, John Sununu - Romney campaign surrogate and former NH gov. - said that during the first debate the President was "lazy". That's very offensive - ask some of your black friends, if you think they can be completely open with you and don't feel that they must stick to polite talk.

The most offensive comment came from the less than honorable half-term former governor of Alaska, the one and thank God! only Sarah Palin with her comment that the President was "shuckin' and jivin' "? Pray tell, what black person have you ever heard use that phrase about another African American? Ask 'em!

The General cited those very two instances on MTP.

I come in peace and I leave in peace.

You didn't REALLY go there over "shuckin' and jivin' " did you? With that I must accept your moniker Good GRIEF!!

BUT the PRES is a divider simple fact.

He dislikes those who cling to their GOD and guns or did we miss that because he DIDN'T build it?

No, R, Sarah Palin went there. General Powell took exception to it. I do, too. She went there deliberately - it was no gaffe.

No, again, R. The President is not the divider. There is plenty of documentation on video, internet, in print - including in this blog and comment thread - giving proof of the dividers.

The author himself is divisive. He introduced race baiting into the discussion in his article - his words, although he misspelled. He is making that accusation because he wrongly assumes it validates his opinion and "facts", and as a not-so-subtle warning that no one dare introduce comments to the contrary and risk being declared racist. He and a few of the commenters have called my posts condescending, phony, pandering and racist. The condescension and racist comments fit into the author's and his supporters' view that General Powell abandoned party loyalty in favor of race loyalty. They're looking down on him for making his own independent voting choices. In the process, the author and his supporters, have shown that they are the ones with condescending, racist overtones in their words.

John B's comments attacking me as phony and pandering are untrue, judgmental and worth nothing except to document his continued venom and his wish to take away my 1st Amendment rights.

GGY...really? The last thing I want to do is take away your 1st amendment right. Please keep posting as you add daily entertainment...and it's free. Keep it phony as always...

Yes, JB, really. You do, and that's why you continue to attack whatever comment I make in a personal and insulting way. You hope to run me off. You don't like what I have to say, ever, or the way I say it. Your problem, not mine.

GGY:
It's Sunday at 9:00 a.m. It's going to be a lovely day. I'm ready to do my P90X Kenpo and then settle in for some football. Go Falcons! I hope you enjoy your Sunday. It's ok to walk away from the computer sometimes. Have a great day.

Tammy, I didn't watch and read every comment made by everyone who had something to say in the recent long election season and decades past. My comments were relative to the blog about Gen. Powell and the examples he cited. That's pretty straight forward. I didn't dig up past ghosts. I based my posts on the immediate conversation. The comments by the people Gen. Powell mentioned (he didn't even call them out by name, just their words) were made by the people who were prominently quoted and most in the news headlines. I don't dwell on everything said. There are often apologies after such comments, some genuine, some CYA.

Like others, you can't bring me around to your way of thinking, so you choose to dismiss me. No one can have a conversation using those parameters. Where's the polite "we must agree to disagree"? Have a nice trip.

You seem to be forgetting that it was the Republican party that ended slavery against the strong opposition of Democrats. The Democrats have continued to enslave the black Americans through entitlements. Are you and General Powell suggesting the Republicans drop their opposition to slavery and join the Democrats in enslaving American citizens?

I think what we are suggesting is that there is no resemblance of the party of Lincoln in today's Republican party.

And what I'm suggesting is there is no difference in the Democratic party of Lincoln's day. To paraphrase a great writer...Slavery by any other name still stinks.