racism | Salsanis Analytics

The Wall Street Journal editorial board sharply criticized Vice President JD Vance for his reflexive defense of Young Republicans operatives who were caught sharing racist and openly pro-Nazi messages in group chats.

“The reality is that kids do stupid things, especially young boys,” Vance said, seemingly ignoring that the operatives involved ranged in age from 18 to 40. He also attacked the media for reporting on the leaked messages, calling on everyone to move on and focus on real issues.

The editorial board called Vance’s defense “deeply misguided.” They argued that by treating these actual adults as if they were teenagers and handling the matter with kid gloves, Vance contributed to a broader cultural problem of infantilization. The board wrote, “Mr. Vance in particular has blown an opportunity to set a good example for Republicans young and old. Excusing such behavior will only get us more of it. That’s how people actually ruin their lives.”

The board also rejected the notion that these messages could be dismissed as mere “jokes,” stating, “You can learn a lot about people by what they think is funny.”

Despite Vance’s attempts to downplay the issue, many within the Republican Party are condemning the leaked texts. Even Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma, a staunch MAGA supporter, repudiated Vance’s remarks: “I didn’t hear the vice president’s remarks, but I would never let my kids joke like that. That’s a solid no.”

In the wake of the scandal, several operatives have lost their jobs, and the Kansas Young Republicans group, which was heavily involved, was shut down entirely by the state GOP.

The editorial board warned, “To excuse this behavior is to outsource the right’s self-definition to the most vile and discrediting. The prospects for conservatives and Republicans would sour as a result.” They emphasized that “internal hygiene is good politics.”

As a positive example, the board highlighted Winsome Earle-Sears, the GOP candidate for governor of Virginia. Earle-Sears called for everyone involved to “step down from their positions.”

“You don’t need a Telegram account to see that this is a winning approach,” the editorial board concluded.
https://www.rawstory.com/jd-vance-2674206931/

Across Maharashtra, from small talukas to big districts and cities, streets are now filled with rallies, processions, and even hunger strikes — all demanding one thing: reservation.

The Dhangars have started a protest asking for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The Banjara community and the Kolis (fisherfolk), too, want the same. However, these demands are met with stiff resistance and protests by other communities, who fear any new inclusion will reduce their own share.

Sadly, instead of reducing the inequality gap, reservation is spilling into fresh rivalries. The state is witnessing communities locked in battles for their own share of the quota. Such is the situation that villages where communities have lived in peace for generations are now witnessing tensions, with old grudges surfacing solely over reservation. Quota politics is pulling communities apart.

Many experts see the implementation of the Mandal Commission as a turning point for the reservation issue. The Maratha community’s demand intensified in early 2000 when the Kunbi (an agrarian sub-caste) was officially granted OBC status.

Of the 12 crore-plus population in Maharashtra, 28 percent are Maratha, while 53 percent are OBC. Despite having a ceiling of 50 percent for reservation, in many states, including Maharashtra, the ceiling has been breached. Yet political promises continue to stretch the limits.

Currently, Maharashtra has 52 percent reservation for SC, ST, Vimukt Jati, Nomadic Tribes, and OBC. In addition, a 10 percent reservation for Marathas (socially and economically backward class) takes the total reservation to 62 percent.

Maharashtra has always been referred to as the land of reformers. History reminds us how several stalwart reformists and leaders — including Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Shahu Maharaj, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar — fought to break the caste system and barriers and worked tirelessly for the upliftment of the marginalized. The goal was inclusion, not rivalry.

However, as political parties have changed the definition of reforms, reservation is now seen as one of the major elements that define electoral issues. Even if framed as justice, the bigger motive often becomes, “What about one’s own community?”

Political parties, instead of coming together to find an amicable solution to the problem, are milking the situation as they view this divide among communities as an opportunity to create vote banks.

When the ruling regime — the BJP-led Maharashtra government — called for an all-party meeting on the Maratha reservation issue, the Opposition remained absent from the discussion.

Ideally, one would expect leaders to seek votes on the basis of vision and development. Instead, they are asking for votes in the name of caste.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s reaction clearly speaks about political posturing. Last week, Fadnavis claimed that the government decision had not touched or altered any quota, adding, “But if anyone still wants to play politics over it, what can be said?”

According to media reports, OBC strongman and state minister Chhagan Bhujbal has openly urged the community to teach lessons to Maratha leaders backing quota activist Manoj Jarange. On the other hand, Jarange has instructed all Marathas to ensure the defeat of OBC leaders opposing their demand.

This is a clear indication that society continues to prioritize caste over policy and progress.

For now, such parties may see short-term gains in the form of popularity and electoral votes, but in the long run, this will certainly erode social trust.

Everyone in society needs to be taken into confidence and reminded that reservation is not the only path to progress or a quality life. Creating more employment, education, and job opportunities — along with quota — are also needed if the state wants to see tangible results and real change.

Phule fought for education, Shahu Maharaj sought to break caste monopolies in Kolhapur, and Ambedkar’s cause was to bring equality and dignity.

If Maharashtra wishes to retain its tag as a reformist state, the time has come for all political parties, community leaders, organizations, and civil society to come together.

Along with reservation, making education affordable, improving its quality, and ensuring wide access to everyone are crucial. Additionally, working on upgrading the skills of the youth and addressing unemployment by providing more opportunities are imperative for the state to rediscover its vision and the spirit of reform.

If these steps are ignored, the gap will widen, rivalries between communities will rise, and the social fabric will be torn beyond repair.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/opinion/article/quota-politics-of-divide-and-rule-23594907