Few things are more insufferable in politics and in life than manufactured outrage. It is the endless screaming that the sky is falling, the claim that everything is the return of Jim Crow, that America’s democracy is always at stake, and that everyone you do not like is a fascist.
We saw another example of this from Alabama Democrats this week when SCOTUS approved Alabama’s new congressional map, erasing our state’s racially gerrymandered second district. This overturned the ruling of a 3 judge panel, which claimed the map did not give African-Americans proper representation. Of course, this logic is inherently racist itself.
Arguing that Black Alabamians require special representation because they cannot have their voices heard on their own is insulting. The Democratic Party argues that African-Americans need them to have any chance; they cannot do it on their own. It is all because of those racist white Republicans, though.
“Those Republicans want to take your rights away, and we’re here to stop them!”
Please. It is exhausting, and you sound ridiculous.
Let’s discuss Congresswoman Terri Sewell’s reaction first. Terri Sewell, who is only still in power because of the unwillingness of Alabama Republicans to push for a full 7-0 map. She said, “The state of Alabama is trying to deny Black voters a seat at the table, and the Supreme Court just rewarded them for doing it.”
Let me ask you this, Congresswoman. What exactly about this map denies Black Alabamians a seat at the table? Are you saying that if Black Alabamians can’t have their own district to themselves, that their voices can’t be heard? Are you claiming that Black Alabamians can only be properly represented if they have a Black Representative? This is segregation. Purposefully dividing Black Alabamians from their neighbors, and sowing even more division.
Doug Jones, the Democratic nominee for Governor, claimed that Alabama has just “re-joined the old Confederacy” with this new map. This hyperbolic nonsense is unserious and is only intended to drive up the temperature. Even for an Alabama Democrat, the obsession with the Confederacy is a bit much.
Then there’s the liberal media in the state, who have nothing better to do than constantly claim Alabama is racist. They want their listeners to believe that Alabama is still like that of the 1960s, plagued by racism and racist white officials. Fear-mongering is how these outlets profit. In a state full of Christian conservatism, contrarian cynicism is bound to stand out. This is not in the pursuit of truth, however. It’s simply to cause a commotion by extreme virtue signaling and a refusal to let go of the past.
How ironic is it that the same demographic they claim to be fighting for, they desire to stay on the ground. If Black Alabamians stopped listening to their drivel about them being disenfranchised, then they would have no viewership. Why then would they tell them the truth if it would stop the money flow?
Here’s the kicker, and this is why it’s manufactured outrage. Alabama Democrats know that they got lucky. Congresswoman Sewell knows she got thrown a bone with a 6-1 map. Alabama had every right and opportunity to draw a properly drawn 7-0 map, and they chose not to. Terri Sewell, Doug Jones, and every liberal talking head in the state know this full well.
Yet, they choose to keep Alabamians divided. They choose to say these outrageous comments to stir up hatred. Black Alabamians are not being disenfranchised, and they’re not misrepresented if they aren’t guaranteed a Black representative. Is it impossible for Black Alabamians to be Republican? Who says a Black Republican can’t win in a red district? This seems quite…racist.
No, Alabama’s 6-1 map is not racist. The Supreme Court did not give Alabama free rein to join the old Confederacy, and there’s no Jim Crow. This was all race-baiting charlatans doing what they do best, sow division. And ultimately, this was the pot calling the kettle black. The real racists are those who refuse to accept that African-Americans can speak for themselves.
As Attorney General Steve Marshall said, perhaps they would benefit from some new conservative leadership in their districts. Because the Terri Sewells of the state have done nothing for their district except prop themselves up and push their constituents down.
Justin “JP” Plott is the executive producer/co-host of “The Rightside with Allison and Amie Beth” and co-owner of Rightside Media. You can find him on X @JPRightside. Watch “The Rightside with Allison and Amie Beth” every weekday from 10am-12pm CT at www.rightsidemedia.org.
