I guess this is his version of “but some of my best friends are black.”
We’re past the first decade of the 21st century, do politicians (or anyone for that matter) have to say things like this? Apparently, but who he dated is none of my business. Nor do I really care.
You can see a politicians view on racial issues more so in their voting records and reactions to racially tinged events vs. their personal relationships. After I read this story, I checked out one of my favorite go-to websites: On the Issues (Paul Ryan) I learned:
- Voted NO on $84 million in grants for Black and Hispanic colleges. (Mar 2006)
- Rated 13% by the ACLU, indicating an anti-civil rights voting record. (Dec 2002)
- Demand enforcement of immigration laws, without amnesty. (Aug 2012)
- Rated 83% by USBC, indicating a sealed-border stance. (Dec 2006)
After the shooting at the Sikh temple in his home state, he attened the memorial and wrote on Facebook:
My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and everyone in Oak Creek who has been impacted by this tragic act of violence. I’m deeply saddened by this malicious crime and remain grateful for the selfless, dedicated service of the emergency response teams and law enforcement officials who continue to investigate this matter. As additional details are gathered, I am hopeful that we will all come together, united in a shared desire for peace and justice, and stand with the Sikh community as we grieve this loss of life.
While I’m sure this was requisite behavior for a Congressman representing the state where this tragedy occured, I thought the Facebook comment was especially nice. And it seemed sincere.
So from these couple of examples, I see a mixed view. He is sympathetic during tragedy, but that sympathy doesn’t extend to illegal immigrants. This is way more telling than what race his ex was.
Spinny Liberal 
August 23rd, 2012 at 6:43 AM
“… who he dated is none of my business. Nor do I really care.”
Agreed. But I suspect this may not help him much in those still racially tense enclaves around the country, especially in the deep South with those who insists (wrongly) that Obama is a Kenyan. Not that these people will swing their vote to “that Muslim”, but may be less inclined to go to the polls at all in November
August 31st, 2012 at 8:26 PM
Ah OK. I see where you’re coming from – as in they’ll just not vote.
August 23rd, 2012 at 9:49 AM
For Ryan – what an odd unnecessary statement. When you find yourself resorting to that to defend your civil rights record — you’re reaching pretty low in the barrel and seem desperate.
I have an allergic reaction to the automatic “My friends are black (or gay or whatever).” It is benign but offensive. Over the years I’ve had a number of people say, “Oh, I don’t have anything against gays, my cousin is gay” etc… and I always think “Wow, I’m so glad you like a gay person – otherwise you might shove me off a cliff.”
August 31st, 2012 at 8:26 PM
😆 OK I never thought of it that way – the shoving off a cliff part. It’s true, huh? So sad.