Bobby Jindal: For the Right Reasons

Although it is still way too early to make any commitments over whom to consider for the GOP nomination in 2012, it is interesting to note the slow building of support for Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal. He does in fact appear to be an interesting choice, and I certainly intend to look at him closely as I consider my vote. But the one thing I will say at this point is very, very simple. If you're going to vote for him, vote for him for the right reasons.

There have been whispers that, as we have our first African American President, wouldn't it be wonderful to get out first Asian Indian president next? That is not a good reason to support him.

Vote for him, if you will, the same way that you should vote for anyone else: on issues and character. In this day and age, ethnic background should be little more than a sidebar, a footnote to history if anything and nothing more. It isn't important that Barack Obama is black; it would be as patronizing to have voted for him because he is black as it would have been racist to vote against him on skin color. If we are intended to be a color blind society, then it is only right that we are color blind all the way.

This is not to take a swipe at Mr. Jindal, who surely isn't involved in any such efforts. Nor is it meant to lessen the pride of any particular minority group which may feel good as a result of Mr. Obama's election or Mr. Jindal's potential candidacy. It is only to say that, in the end, support the man and not the background. It is the greatest decency we could afford them.