Governor Ehrlich, Steele denounce Democratic Party as racist

Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. called the Democratic Party "racist" in its appeal to blacks Monday and was seconded by his African-American lieutenant governor, whom the Republicans are show casing today in a prime-time speech at their national convention here. "I saw a message coming out of the Democratic Convention: If you happen to have black skin, you have to believe one way. You have to. Or you are a traitor to your race," Ehrlich said in remarks to the Maryland state delegation at its hotel. "That's the message we've seen from a number of conventions. That's why it's important that this lieutenant governor speak to this country. That's racist." Ehrlich was joined by Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele.  Speaking to reporters later, Ehrlich reiterated his comments. Steele said he agreed with the sentiment: "Absolutely. You are putting people in a box, and you are saying you can only believe or think or feel a certain way because of the color of your skin." "I did a national talk show this morning, and the first question out of the box, on an African-American station, was 'How can you be a Republican?'" Steele said. "How can you be a Democrat, is my response. Justify your existence. I don't have to justify mine." [more ] and [more ] Pictured above: Ehrlich and Steele

• On May 11, 2004 Governor Ehrlich  told WBAL radio that he rejects the idea of multiculturalism. "Once you get into this multicultural crap, this bunk, you run into a problem. With respect to this culture, English is the language," he said. "Should we encourage young folks here to be assimilated, to learn the culture and values? Of course. There's a major distinction to ethnic pride and multiculturalism." "We need to get back to our roots," he said, adding that his view on multiculturalism "is a common-sense view held by everyone." [more]