Turnabout is not fair play

Liberals critics sometimes ridicule the Bush administration Justice Department for worrying about voter fraud and/or electoral improprieties that might abridge the rights of white voters, while failing to bring voting rights cases alleging discrimination against blacks. Yet it’s far from inconceivable that in some jurisdictions dominated by African-Americans, the powers-that-be might not fully respect the rights of white voters.
The Washington Times reports on a Justice Department lawsuit arising from Noxubee County in rural Mississippi, a jurisdiction that’s nearly 70 percent black. The suit, the first “white voting rights case” ever brought under the Voting Rights Act of 1965, focuses on local political boss Ike Brown, a convicted felon. It alleges a pattern of discriminatory action that has denied the rights of white citeizens to participate fully in the political process. The alleged practices include attempting to prohibit white voters from voting in Democratic primaries, racial discrimination in the selection of poll workers, and intimidation of white voters.
These allegations may or may not be true, but if they are supported by the evidence does anyone believe these offenses are not worth addressing? And can anyone point to comparable offenses against black voters that the Bush Justice Department is ignoring?

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