PLATFORM : There’s at Least a Chance for a Change of Heart

The NAACP’s decision to oppose the nomination of Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court is a wrong decision. Even though I strongly disagree with Thomas’ rightist views on affirmative action, abortion, welfare and government spending, these are not reasons for rejecting him.

Why? When Thomas takes off his robes and drives through the streets of any city, he can be arrested and harassed like any other African-American. The point is that in a color-struck society, Thomas’ black conservatism will not shield him from racism and the dangers it presents. All blacks are forced to be sensitive to discrimination and that includes Thomas. Also, the poverty background from which Thomas emerged glaringly reflects that history of black oppression. He can’t hide or escape from that past.

So there is the chance that his heart--and political consciousness--can be stirred when the era of political enlightenment returns.

If Thomas is rejected and the next nominee is an even harsher doctrinaire idealogue, there is almost no chance of personal change. And if Thomas is not confirmed that’s precisely what we will get.

Let’s not be naive. With Bush calling the shots, his next nominee will most likely pass all the rightist litmus tests with colors that will fly much higher than Thomas’. Nominee Thomas is certainly not my choice, but there is nothing better.