In Tennessee, testing the limits of liberalism

Here's some interesting background on the white politician who pushed through the House's apology for slavery. Seems he's had a difficult time being accepted as the representative of a majority black district in Tennessee:

One black candidate publicly pointed out that Cohen's election would mean that "for the first time in thirty years," the city "could be without African American representation." Another paid for a push poll in which recipients were reportedly asked, "Are you more likely to vote for a born-again Christian or a Jew?" A third, just three days before the primary, went even further. Pouncing on Cohen's pledge to join the CBC, longtime Shelby County Commissioner Julian Bolton sneered, "The only reason he wants to join is that he wants to get money for Israel."

He managed to win the election, but it seems the Old Guard in the Congressional Black Caucus judged him by the color of his skin rather than the pedigree of his liberalism:

Before being elected, Cohen told reporters that he would seek to become the first white member of the Congressional Black Caucus, but later decided against attempting to join after members of the CBC (influenced by co-founder Bill Clay) indicated that they would not allow a non-black to join.

Why -- they excluded Li'l Stevie for racial reasons! Cue Bruce Hornsby:

They say hey, little boy, you can't go where the others go,
'Cause you don't look like they do.
Said, hey, old man how can you stand to think that way,
Did you really think about it before you made the rules?
He said, Son,

That's just the way it is.
Some things will never change.

Will Cohen's beachhead advancing slavery reparations earn the grudging respect of the Congressional Black Caucus? Stay tuned!