Joe Biden’s Controversial Past: From Segregationist Policies to Draft Dodging

Joe Biden's political career has been marked by numerous controversies, but his handling of segregationist policies and draft dodging have particularly drawn attention and criticism. This article delves into these aspects of his past, examining his role in limiting federal intervention in school desegregation and his claims about draft evasion.

Segregationist Policies: A History of Opposing Desegregation

In 1974, Biden supported and sponsored amendments to federal legislation that limited the power of the federal government to enforce busing for school desegregation. For instance, he co-sponsored an amendment to the 1974 Elementary and Secondary Education Act that restricted the use of federal funds for desegregating schools. This action has been criticized as a reflection of his view that the federal government should not be heavily involved in school desegregation.

Jumping forward to 1977, Biden expressed support for his earlier efforts, indicating his fondness for his work with segregationists. In 2019, he defended his past actions alongside those who opposed desegregation, further cementing his controversial stance on civil rights.

Implications of His Stance

Biden's support for segregationist policies not only limited the effectiveness of federal efforts to promote educational equality but also reflects a broader pattern of resistance to civil rights advancements. This has not gone unnoticed, with even his Vice President, Kamala Harris, calling him a racist during the 2020 debates. The gravity of his past actions cannot be understated, as they directly impacted the lives of many students who would have benefited from fully integrated educational environments.

A Lack of Accomplishments and Originality

Beyond his policy stances, Joe Biden’s 48 years in Washington D.C. have been marked by a lack of significant accomplishments. Often criticized for a lack of productivity, many argue that his political career has been a series of rehashes and imitations. The comparison often drawn is the idea that Biden is a carbon copy of Barack Obama but several years behind, suggesting that he has not brought much new or original to the table.

Cognitive Issues and Public Image

There are also concerns about Joe Biden’s cognitive abilities, which have been highlighted by the frequency of his public gaffes and lapses in judgment. His Vice President, Kamala Harris, has publicly expressed frustrations about his need for constant guidance and support. While these issues are acknowledged, it is important to note that there are no widely publicized dark secrets or major scandals.

Draft Dodging: A Controversial But Common Practice

One of the most shocking but also controversial aspects of Joe Biden's life is his claim that he dodged the draft during the Vietnam War era. Biden received five draft deferments while he was in college and law school. When these deferments expired, he was granted a waiver on medical grounds for his “asthma” in 1968.

Biden's claims about his health have been scrutinized. Despite his self-reported asthma, he played football in high school and college and worked as a lifeguard. It is unclear how his asthma could have been severe enough to warrant multiple deferments and later a waiver, especially during a time of active conflict. His case bears a striking resemblance to Donald Trump's, who was also granted medical deferments for similar reasons.

The Political Context

The reason Biden did not face the same level of scrutiny as Trump is rooted in the political context of their candidacies. Trump's draft dodging only became an issue after he made derogatory comments about John McCain's military service. Democrats were appalled by the suggestion that a decorated war hero like McCain could be dismissed due to his service record.

On the other hand, draft dodging was a common practice during the Vietnam War era, with many people using various means to avoid serving, including asserting health issues. If Trump's draft dodging had not been linked to insulting a war veteran, it might have been seen as a more routine part of the political landscape.

The Hypocrisy Factor

For many, the criticism of Biden’s draft dodging is further strained by his failure to condemn others for similar actions. Publicly calling out individuals for draft dodging seems to be a double standard, especially when it is coupled with his own questionable claims about his health and service record.

Ultimately, Joe Biden's controversial past raises important questions about his leadership and authenticity. As he continues to campaign for the presidency, these issues remain a significant part of the public discourse, shaping opinions and perceptions of his abilities and qualifications.