All White’ is all right for left

ANALYSIS/OPINION:

When it comes to Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse’s family membership at Bailey’s Beach Club, we must be charitable to the good senator before chastising him (“Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, R.I. Dem, defends continued membership in all-White social club,” Web, June 21). After all, the club was formed in the late 1800s for those who wished to avoid being around common people while sunning on the beach. The thought of plebes ogling the sunbathing women of the well-to-do was just repugnant to these upper-crust men. As the good senator said, “It’s a long tradition in Rhode Island.” Until proven otherwise, I believe this is actually a class issue, not a race issue.

However, if I were not a Democrat and a Democrat started talking about race, the first question I would ask is, “What were your on-the-record remarks during the Sheldon Whitehouse/all-White beach club revelations?”

 

STEPHEN YOUHANAIE

Oswego, Ill.