On Jan. 4, 1848, South Carolina\u2019s most revered statesman, John C. Calhoun, made the following remarks to Congress when he was faced with the reality that \u201cAll Mexico\u201d might be incorporated into the United States as a result of our victory in the Mexican American War:
\n \u201c[W]e have never dreamt of incorporating into our Union any but the Caucasian race\u2014the free white race. To incorporate Mexico, would be the very first instance of the kind, of incorporating an Indian race; for more than half of the Mexicans are Indians, and the other is composed chiefly of mixed tribes. I protest against such a union as that! Ours, sir, is the Government of a white race\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Racism was at the root of the Mexican issue in 1848 and racism is at the root of it today. Anyone who actually believes Sen. McConnell and Rep. Harrell when they tell us that \u201cimmigration is the most important issue facing South Carolina today\u201d should suggest to them that we prosecute illegal Canadians first\u2026 and watch what happens.<\/p>\n
Immigration is at the top of the legislative agenda this year because pinning all of our state\u2019s ills on those who don\u2019t have the ability to fight back has been the favorite sport of politicians in South Carolina for centuries. <\/p>\n
McConnell and Harrell are morphing into Tillman and Blease.<\/p>\n
Charlie Smith, Charleston<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
On Jan. 4, 1848, South Carolina\u2019s most revered statesman, John C. Calhoun, made the following remarks to Congress when he was faced with the reality that \u201cAll Mexico\u201d might be incorporated into the United States as a result of our … Continue reading