Comments last week caused a stir because they were construed as racially insensitive. I think the comments in question probably weren't intended to cause any harm, but may have reflected some deep-seated prejudices that all of us struggle to overcome. It's tough to fight hundreds of years of propaganda.

More importantly, however, we've got our eyes on the prize. Let's remember my unofficial 11th Commandment: Thou shalt not speak ill of your fellow Democrat.

Poor word choices that don't seem to be motivated by hatred don't, in the end, amount to a whole lot. Especially when compared to decades of racially motivated legislation and politicking. Remember Katrina? Remember the repeated and systemic attempts to intimidate and suppress the black vote? Remember the refusal to just raise the minimum wage without any extra tax kickbacks? Remember all crazy judges ready to do away with affirmative action and hate crimes legislation.

If you want to talk about politicians who are hurting black Americans, I think there are a whole lot of Republicans who have a lot to answer for. There's a reason Democrats win 90% of the black vote.

So, again, if you want to criticize a Democrat, don't. Find a Republican to blame instead. They make it so easy.