Allen opens another can of divisiveness

George Allen’s inner cracker popped out again in yesterday’s debate, bristling at the suggestion that he was some Jewish heritage. From the Post:

At a debate in Tysons Corner yesterday between Republican Allen and Democrat Webb, WUSA-TV's Peggy Fox asked Allen, the tobacco-chewing, cowboy-boot-wearing son of a pro football coach, if his Tunisian-born mother has Jewish blood.

"It has been reported," said Fox, that "your grandfather Felix, whom you were given your middle name for, was Jewish. Could you please tell us whether your forebears include Jews and, if so, at which point Jewish identity might have ended?"

Allen recoiled as if he had been struck. His supporters in the audience booed and hissed. "To be getting into what religion my mother is, I don't think is relevant," Allen said, furiously. "Why is that relevant -- my religion, Jim's religion or the religious beliefs of anyone out there?"

"Honesty, that's all," questioner Fox answered, looking a bit frightened.

"Oh, that's just all? That's just all," the senator mocked, pressing his attack. He directed Fox to "ask questions about issues that really matter to people here in Virginia" and refrain from "making aspersions."

The American Heritage Dictionary defines aspersion as “An unfavorable or damaging remark; slander”. Is this how Allen feels about Jews? Is he really saying that insinuating he may have some Chosen blood equates to a form of insult to his character and “good” name? Kos summed the whole situation perfectly:

…Allen accused the moderator of insulting him by suggesting he had Jewish blood.

That can only mean one of two things: 1) he's an anti-Jewish bigot, or 2) he's afraid he'll lose the bubba vote if people think he's a Jew. And neither of those two speak well of the man.

Absolutely correct.