"Red": From Commies to Neo-Cons
Today I got an email from Diane Tebelius, chair of the Washington State Republican Party. She invited me to a charity event in support of the state GOP.
"...'Rhapsody in Red' is the premier fundraising event for the state GOP until just prior to critical elections in November, when we plan to paint WASHINGTON RED ALL OVER on the political map. We must reclaim our U.S. Senate seat, increase Republican seats in Congress and retake control of the state legislature."
Had this been a personal invitation instead of a generic e-mail sent to a pre-formatted mailing list, I would have sent Diane very personal regrets for my not-so-ostensible absence.
See, I'm bothered (actually very bothered) by the adoption of "Red" as the symbolic color of the Party. Undoubtedly, Dick Nixon is rolling in his grave, and the Gipper -- louder than the choirs of angels surrounding him-- is screaming in agony.
Commies are red. Socialists (commies-lite) are pink. No doubt there is some connection, too, between socialists (a.k.a. pinks) and gays (pink triangles). Although, maybe not.
To call a state a Red State (a.k.a Wyoming) is okay, because everyone knows that place only ever voted Republican. And the context fits the label. However, to call it a state full of Reds sounds a bit odd. Just try to imagine a communist cowpoke and not giggle.
Anyways, I digress. Thanks Diane, but I'm not eager to come to a party for a Party that celebrates my inner "Red".
