Playing the race card

Last week, Rep. Gary Moore, R-Standish, said there are several legislators who, behind closed doors, are saying “vicious” things about American Indians, primarily Passamaquoddy tribe members. Some of these racists, he said, are set to make a determination on whether the Passamaquoddy tribal nation should be allowed to build a racino on their land. He made his statements because he wants people to be aware of the racial undercurrents beneath the State House dome.

Moore’s statements failed on two levels: Intent and timing.

Moore’s emotionally charged comments made just prior to a committee vote show he was trying to manipulate his fellow legislators into voting for the racino. His statements had the chilling effect of intimidating opponents of the racino from speaking their minds out of fear of appearing racist. That sort of argumentation has no place in the democratic process.

Moore’s comments have generated much publicity so if his aim was to spin the racino vote into one based on emotion, he’s done a good job. Let’s only hope legislators see through his statements and vote based on their conscience, not for ducking the appearance of looking racist.

Timing is everything in life, as it is in politics. Everything Moore said is probably correct. Odds are there is at least one member in the Legislature who harbors ill will against the Passamaquoddy tribe. But good sportsmanship dictates that you don’t say it right before the vote. Find a different venue, either in a column for a newspaper, press conference or in a caucus meeting.

By wearing his emotions on his sleeve, Moore threw a grenade into the discussions regarding the merits of building a racino on Passamaquoddy land. He played the race card, similar to the famous Johnnie Cochran of O.J. Simpson legal fame.

But the racino discussion has no room for emotion. It should be based on what’s best for the tribe and what’s best for Maine in the long run. There are plenty of good reasons to both support and oppose the racino. Charges of racism need not play a role in the conversation.

To be fair, Moore’s foibles can be understood if you put them in context. He is a passionate horseman. He’s owned prize winning sulky horses, and that makes him a supporter of racinos. He believes horse racing and slot machines can combine to revive the sport in Maine.

He’s also a passionate legislator. He’s standing up for what he believes is right. When asked to apologize by a member of his committee who was offended by his comments, Moore refused saying that he is right; there are racists in the Legislature, and he’s not going to let them silence him.

While Moore’s heart may be pure, his method of delivering those beliefs left much to be desired. The forum and the timing of his comments showed poor judgment on his part. Discussion in any political body, whether it is a local town council or the state Legislature, must stick to arguments based on reason, not emotion. That way, no one is offended.

John Balentine, editor