Why did Martin Luther King Jr say this about Republicans?

Question

Five points for best answer.

"The Republican Party geared its appeal and program to racism, reaction, and extremism. All people of goodwill viewed with alarm and concern the frenzied wedding at the Cow Palace of the KKK with the radical right. The "best man" at this ceremony was a senator whose voting record, philosophy, and program were anathema to all the hard-won achievements of the past decade."

"It was both unfortunate and disastrous that the Republican Party nominated Barry Goldwater as its candidate for President of the United States. In foreign policy Mr. Goldwater advocated a narrow nationalism, a crippling isolationism, and a trigger-happy attitude that could plunge the whole world into the dark abyss of annihilation. On social and economic issues, Mr. Goldwater represented an unrealistic conservatism that was totally out of touch with the realities of the twentieth century. The issue of poverty compelled the attention of all citizens of our country. Senator Goldwater had neither the concern nor the comprehension necessary to grapple with this problem of poverty in the fashion that the historical moment dictated. On the urgent issue of civil rights, Senator Goldwater represented a philosophy that was morally indefensible and socially suicidal."
- MLK Jr, The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr
http://www.stanford.edu/group/King/publications/autobiography/chp_23.htm

Answer 1

Because he was smart?

Answer 2

Yep. Pretty cool. Now look up Lyndon Johnson, Jesse Helms, Robert Byrd, and the numerous other racist southern democrats. You need to study a little more American history before you start slinging that smelly mud. You're gonna get it on yourself.

Answer 3

it doesnt surpirse me that MLK would say something like that. Rev Jackson and Al Sharpton continue that hate all the time.. Democrats, particularly black Democrats always say Republicans are racist and homophobic, insensitive and mean spirited.. but who really supports keeping blacks and other minorities separate and poor, keeping them on welefare. Its the DEMs.. unless you are a NBA star or a rapper, if you are successfull and get out the inner-city, blacks call you an Uncle Tom

Answer 4

He said that not of republicans but of the "radical right" these are two completely different groups. Just as one can not group leftist extremeists with Democrats.

Answer 5

cdjack I couldn't say it better myself! Bush is having press conference about long lines in the airports instead of racial problems in his own country, wait does that say about republicans.

Answer 6

Sounds about right, but LBJ was a real loser, too.

Answer 7

I thought "best answer" was worth 10 points. Damn!!!!!!!!!