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The opinions expressed herein are those of the author, and not necessarily those of The New Agenda.

I happen to like Chris Matthews, he reminds me of guys I grew up with on the Southside of Chicago. I picture him as an altar boy and okay, maybe an athlete though my guess is, Chris kept the guys laughing way more than he helped them score. I know enough about him to know he enjoys a long term marriage; my guess, probably to a woman perfectly suited for a guy like Chris Matthews; a woman who kept home and hearth together while he reached for the stars.

We know Chris is prone to politically incorrect remarks that at times are tinged with sexism and racism. We’ve heard enough over the years; remarks emblematic of his ‘old school’ rearing. Back in the day, white boys got to boast, brag and even be brutes while the girls giggled at the boys boasting, bragging and being brutes.

Just a few months ago, we heard him utter remarks that sounded racist though I do not believe Chris is a racist. Back in the day, one could say things like “I forgot he was a black man’ and get away with it but that remark about our President’s eloquence instantly became fodder for other politicos, especially those with an ax to grind against Chris Matthews. His most recent politically incorrect remark, aimed at a woman, went something like this, “She oughtta be tied up at the stake like a witch” his reference to Orly Taitz’s win in Nevada.

Old school guys like Chris don’t have the luxury of being unconsciously racist or sexist anymore, at least not without repercussions. People of color don’t like it and neither do women. Unlike the old days, all of us now have a stronger power base to back our disdain. I would hate to see Chris lose his bully pulpit on TV. The guy knows politics and everybody in politics knows him.

But Chris, you can’t run off at the mouth the way you do without consequences so the next time you want to applaud our president or any person of color, would you please use rhetoric emblematic of our 21^st century sensibilities?  And when you want to express your outrage that a candidate like Orly Taitz is running, don’t rely on 20^th century clichés to make your point. I know that back in the day you could get away with comparing a woman to a witch who men burned at the stake. But today, many college courses are devoted to that time in our history when men killed women ‘witches’ who it turns out, weren’t witches at all. They were just women who disagreed with men who back in their day did not appreciate back talk from their property.

Chris, a head’s up: times have changed so get with the program. A man of color is in the White House now. The June primaries offer more evidence of change. Women in politics are here to stay. Not all of us lean left, either. We represent all political and social persuasions. For sure, Taitz offers great fodder for politicos like you but reverting to 18^th century images is so 20^th century.

Perhaps you can take lessons from your younger colleagues in the business, men raised by moms who schooled them in 21^st century etiquette. Change is possible. You can do it, Chris, I know you can.