Properly Subversive/Sherman R. Frederick
What goes around comes around in the unforgiving world of hypersensitivity to perceived racial slights. The ever so touchy-feely Biden White House is discovering that political rubric the hard way this week as the First Lady returns from San Antonio accused of using a new, racial slur: “Breakfast Tacos.”
I kid you not. Here’s the scoop.
Dr. Jill Biden spoke to a luncheon for a group called the LatinX IncluXion. She attempted to praise Raul Yzaguirre, the former CEO of LatinX, for building “this organization with the understanding that the diversity of this community — as distinct as the bodegas of the Bronx, as beautiful as the blossoms of Miami, and as unique as the breakfast tacos here in San Antonio — is your strength.”
These were prepared remarks rehearsed and read by the FLOTUS. Unfortunately for her, she mispronounced the word “bodega” as “bodiga” and drew instant criticism for comparing American Hispanic diversity to the many forms of breakfast tacos.
The National Association of Hispanic Journalists called on the first lady “to take the time in the future to better understand the complexities of our people and communities,” adding, “We are not tacos,” and “do not reduce us to stereotypes.”
The Loyal Opposition, of course, pinned her ears back for the gaff. Mercedes Schlapp, a former Trump strategist (Trump had strategists? Who knew?) said:
“Let’s set the record straight: Jill’s rehearsed speech was out of touch, insulting and derogatory towards Hispanics. The problem is even deeper than just her words. It starts with the fact that she spoke at the LatinX incluXion luncheon. The vast majority of Hispanics reject the term “LatinX.” Yet the Democrats insist on forcing their language doctrine on the Hispanic community. What will come next? LatinX Hispanic Heritage Month?”
The Washington Post called the whole deal a “minor flap.” But let’s be honest. If this were Melania Trump, would this still be a “minor flap” in the headlines of the Post? Gudgawd, no! It would be a scandal worthy of a special prosecutor.
All I’m sayin is this episode in American dialogue illustrates how much we need to dial down the faux outrage over alleged racist slights. Team Biden used this tactic as a billy club on its political opponents many times in the past. Now there are traces of Jill Biden’s skull and hair on this race-baiting weapon.
Breakfast Tacos?
Let’s stop this madness.
STUPID IS …
Speaking of stupid behavior, isn’t it time for California to ditch the ban on spending state money in supposedly anti-LGBTQ states. First, passing this kind of judgment on other states does nothing other than make California look a bit whacko. Secondly, from a practical standpoint, it is fraught with unintended consequences.
Gov. Gavin Newsom ran afoul of the ban when he visited his in-laws in Montana because he has to travel with state-paid bodyguards? Whoops.
And UCLA can’t join the Big 10 Conference because it incurs similar entanglements with a number of so-called “anti-LGBTQ” states.
Let’s be reasonable and drop this wholly ineffective folly. It’s stupid.
FRYING PAN
The much troubled Sausalito Marin City School District will push out its superintendent at the end of the year. Itoco Garcia’s contract will be up then.
At the risk of being too blunt, the question for the school board will be this: Who in their right mind would take that job after all this? It’s a cauldron of budget woes, racial strife and ever-declining student performance.
All of Marin wants – and I would argue needs – this district to succeed. I hope it does. On the current trajectory, however, chances look slim.
SORRY, CLOSED
I don’t know why the lobby at the police station in Novato is closed on holidays. Seems to me all police stations should be open every day for citizens walking in. Am I wrong on this?
TURN OUT THE LIGHTS
The Fairfax Town Council’s meeting on July 6 came to an abrupt end when the power flickered off. Town Clerk Michele Gardner reported that the meeting was adjourned and reconvened for July 12. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve covered city council meetings and wished the power would go off.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
A temporary mooring field for anchor-outs is “not a proper, prudent expenditure of taxpayer money” – Steve McGrath, head of Richardson’s Bay Regional Agency
ONE MORE THING
– Do you understand people’s fascination with ancestry? Isn’t knowing your current family bad enough?
– I used to work on a farm collecting eggs. Then, I got laid off.
– When people are sad, I let them color in my tattoos. Sometimes they just need a shoulder to crayon.
That’ll do it for today. Until next week, avoid soreheads, laugh a little and always question authority.
(“Properly Subversive” is commentary written by Sherman R. Frederick for the Novato Advance, San Rafael News-Pointer, Mill Valley Herald, Ross Valley Reporter, Twin City Times and the Sausalito Marin Scope. Mr. Frederick is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Battle Born Media, a news organization dedicated to the preservation of community newspapers. You can reach him by email at shermfrederick@gmail.com.)
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