Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

BaronChocula

(4,763 posts)
Thu Sep 4, 2025, 02:23 PM Sep 2025

I wish my history buff parents were alive to see it

I remember when the Tuskegee Airmen received their Congressional Gold Medal in 2007. Democrats had given what W called a "thumping" in the midterms three months earlier. Nancy Pelosi was House speaker and Harry Reid was majority leader in the Senate (boy, those were the days). Tradition allowed minority leaders Boehner (House) and McConnell (Senate) to make addresses. In Boehner's case it seemed like he was forced as he read off what looked like index cards nearly phonetically. In his blithering, he kept mispronouncing "Tuskegee" as if he had never heard the word.

His mish-mash was followed by McConnell who at least knew how to speak. He opened his statement with something like "Ladies, gentlemen, distinguished TUSKEGEE Airmen" being sure to emphasize the correct pronunciation. And a cheer went up from the seated guest.

I know there must have been a video of it on YouTube, but it seems to have been disappeared or perhaps "whitewashed?"

Kick in to the DU tip jar?

This week we're running a special pop-up mini fund drive. From Monday through Friday we're going ad-free for all registered members, and we're asking you to kick in to the DU tip jar to support the site and keep us financially healthy.

As a bonus, making a contribution will allow you to leave kudos for another DU member, and at the end of the week we'll recognize the DUers who you think make this community great.

Tell me more...

Latest Discussions»Alliance Forums»African American»I wish my history buff pa...