Hardly Monolithic

It appears some African-American leaders are refusing to follow the line set down by Jesse Jackson and others -- instead, they are willing to criticize local and state leadership (regardless of gender or color) for the inadequacy of their response to Hurricane Katrina.

It's a healthy sign for American politics when African Americans are willing to look beyond color in assessing responsibility for the hurricane's aftermath. But one is tempted to doubt that Mayor Nagin's critics will be giving the airtime and prominence that President Bush's have received.

Even so, it's important that they're speaking out. Just like it's important that, as I argue here, Republicans clarify that the shortcomings in racial progress in America aren't the sole responsibility of one party. Yes, Ken Mehlman -- quite rightly -- is looking to increase African American turnout. But it's important, even as Republicans express regret for any increase in racial divisions attributable to their politics, that the Democrats be asked to accept their share of accountability. Otherwise, Mehlman's efforts at responsiveness and reconciliation will be spun by their political adversaries as a unilateral assumption of guilt.