There will be a time in the Presidential race that Barack Obama needs to stop hiding behind the "race card."  The Wall Street Journal published an editorial on the proposition this week.  Concurrently, we've had Geraldine Ferraro drummed out of the debate because she compared his race to her sex.  I don't spend alot of time defending Ferraro but her comments were a relevant part of the discussion. 

Race is becoming the elephant in the room that tramples all other arguments:  Ask a question about Obama's minister?  "Racist."  Ask about a lack of substance and his speeches?  "You don't understand his cultural message (undertone: "racist")  Disagree with Obama?  "Racist."

Politics is a rough business.  Democrats have pinned themselves in with their own rhetorical instruments.  That is part of the reason that Hillary Clinton has struggled against Obama.  Now Obama has called those who point out what could easily be described as racist comments by his former minister as "the forces of division."

I submit that the forces who are reinforcing division reside squarely in Obama's camp.  Clash of ideas is essential for democracy to survive.  Obama wants to short-circuit that process.  He shouldn't be permitted to do so.

He may get away with it in the primary season, but it will be necessary to examine all issues during the general election.