“Republicans are now firmly committed to the view that we should do nothing to respond to the economic crisis, except cut taxes — which they always want to do regardless of circumstances.”  –  Paul Krugman

It appears she does.

E. J. Dionne notes that in her Republican Convention speech she made the following charge against Obama –

“Al-Qaida terrorists still plot to inflict catastrophic harm on America; he’s worried that someone won’t read them their rights.”

If Obama is for constitutional rights – for human rights – and therefore against torturing our prisoners; where does Sarah Palin stand?

And why does the Republican audience think demeaning human rights is such great fun?

“If you don’t have anything good to say, keep your mouth shut”

– most moms

This traditional advice seems to explain why the Republican presidential candidates are boycotting the PBS forum focusing on the concerns of black voters.  They have no constructive ideas to offer.  The Democratic candidates participated in their forum in June; but the Republicans have now declined to participate in the one planned for them. 

The recent Republican track record has shown they are primarily concerned about tax breaks for the super rich, so what does that have to do with minorities?

Bob Herbert reports…

The radio and television personality Tavis Smiley worked for a year to have a pair of these debates televised on PBS, one for the Democratic candidates and the other for the Republicans. The Democratic debate was held in June, and all the major candidates participated.

The Republican debate is scheduled for Thursday. But Rudy Giuliani, John McCain, Mitt Romney and Fred Thompson have all told Mr. Smiley: “No way, baby.”

They won’t be there. They can’t be bothered debating issues that might be of interest to black Americans.

Newt Gingrich does not think the Republican boycott is a good idea…

I’m puzzled by their decision. I can’t speak for them. I think it’s a mistake. I wish they would change their minds - they still have a few days - and I wish they would in fact go to the debate Thursday night.

I think Republicans could have, if they had the nerve to do it, a tremendous message.

Obviously Gingrich doesn’t have the nerve to spread the tremendous message of the Republicans for minorities. One wonders just why they are all so hesitant to give it if they have it. 

What can be so good about this

tremendous message

if the presidential candidates are not willing

to talk about it?