Sorry, Jesus
In his Oct. 12 syndicated column [“Obama’s associations are indeed relevant,” Opinion], Charles Krauthammer maintains that Sen. Barack Obama’s association with the radical pastor Reverend Wright and 1960s radical William Ayers reflects the senator’s lack of character.
The same argument was of course used in the 1950s during the McCarthy era. Acquaintances and even relatives of communists were considered to be sympathizers who were to be ostracized by society.
But this issue of guilt by association reminds me of an event that happened much further back in history: Once, there was a fellow who traveled with prostitutes, pickpockets and money-changers. He seemed to have the misguided notion that his association with these flawed people might actually help them, and also serve as a positive example to society.
But, according to Krauthhammer’s logic, this particular fellow would, like Obama, lack character.
Sorry Jesus, maybe you’re not a favorite of conservative Republicans after all.
— Alex Zedicoff, Seattle