1/08/2004

not everyone has the right to take offense

NO rational person could possible conclude that Hillary Clinton has no respect for Gandhiji-saheb from her lame attempt at humor while paying tribute to the father of Indian independence.:

The New York Democrat made the remark at a fund-raiser Saturday. During an event here for Senate candidate Nancy Farmer, Clinton introduced a quote from Gandhi by saying, "He ran a gas station down in St. Louis."

After laughter from many in the crowd of at least 200 subsided, the former first lady continued, "No, Mahatma Gandhi was a great leader of the 20th century." In a nod to Farmer's underdog status against Republican Sen. Kit Bond, Clinton quoted the Indian independence leader as saying: "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win."


(emphasis mine. It applies to Howard Dean's campaign, BTW) But if there are any irrational people out there, you better be of Indian/Pakistani descent before you take up arms. It's ME and my fellow subcontinentals who are the butt of the gas station and Quickie Mart stereotype. Go find your own outrage to manufacture.

On a completely unrelated note, why doesn't Gandhi ever get mentioned in Pakistan? I mean, yay Jinna and everything, but is there any recognition of Gandhi's role? (I'm displaying the gross ignorance of Pakistan that results when your last visit was six years ago)[1]. Zack? Zachary?

as for the rabid Clinton-haters, who cares what they think? They'd take offense at Hillary praising Reagan or insulting Hitler.


[1] Though I bet "Down with the USA!" is still spray-painted on Teen Talwar in Clifton :)

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