They aren't racists, they're the loyal opposition

The local daily here in Minneapolis chooses one letter to the editor to feature each day, the "Letter of the Day," which is printed above the others and in larger type.  In today's specimen, one Ray Snell, of Plymouth, loudly proclaims that, notwithstanding President Carter's opinion, he (Snell) is not a racist.  Mr Snell is in a state of high dudgeon on this point and manages to work into his letter several of the most predictable defenses to the unleveled charge of racism.  Why, he's going to the Gopher football game today with his black friend!

General principle: people who say "I'm not a racist" before anyone says they are a racist have already convicted themselves of being racist. 

In Mr. Snell's defense, at least he's protesting.  The really appalling ones are proud to be bigots.  Here, courtesy of AMERICAblog, are a few works of art displayed by the loyal opposition at their tea parties.

Matthew Yglesias photographed this nicely adorned American midriff at the tea party closest to him:

This fellow, whom I found at Majikthise's site, sums it up.