Mitt gets apologitis

Evidently, classics of American literature may no longer be referenced in political discourse. And I'm sure Joel Chandler Harris is no longer taught, as he was when I was in school.

"Tar baby is a totally inappropriate phrase in the 21st century," said Larry Jones, a black Republican and civil rights activist.
On the other hand:
What Harris, a man who despite his anthropological efforts subscribed to most of his culture's white-superiority beliefs, failed to see is that the tales he recorded for posterity undermined the very culture he worked to stimulate.

"Tar baby" is such a useful shorthand for a particular type of "sticky" situation that it would be a shame to lose it over racists' misuse of it (esp. since the story has nothing to do with race). And apologizing, and getting people used to apologies where none are needed, is a certain way to drive it out of circulation.

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