Actually, I never see, and never want to see again, Sanford and Son.

However, George Wallace was a much more complex figure, and deserves a more prominent place in modern American history than you give him credit for. He was far from being a cartoonish segregationist, and whether you like it or not, he symbolizes both racism and the capability to change that marked many southern politicians in the 1960s and 70s.

Re: Wallace's "capability to change"

I'm WAY less than impressed with Wallace's late life conversion. From what I've gathered, it appears that Wallace personally didn't harbor anything close to the animosity toward blacks regularly displayed in his public actions. It was just something to do to get votes. In my book, this makes him FAR worse.

I give not a rat's ass about his private "complexities." In practice, it was pretty simple: cheap racial demagoguery appealing to the worst nature of southerners. That was his issue. This was what he was elected to do. "Cartoonish" or not, this is what he chose to stand for. This is what he will be remembered for.

In short, he was just another worthless political hack- with a particularly ugly if then common schtick.

Also, you're really missing out on Sanford and Son. You find the turd gurgling political hack GEORGE WALLACE more worthwhile than Redd Foxx? What kind of f'd up value system gives you that result?

Southern politician "change of heart" is better than the alternative regardless of era or even motivation, but era and especially motivation are relevant in determining how much credit the politician should get for same: in Wallace's case, not much.

Not at all Eric, I can't believe it but I agree totally with Al. The fact that Wallace practiced what he did not believe makes him a far worse threat to society. He denied millions in the state of Alabama and his racist tyrannical babble spilled over into Mississippi (where I live, born and raised) and other southern states.

Wallace had influence and to think he manipulated the ignorant ideologies of so many misguided souls pisses me off more because it was even more unnecessary. It proves he was in office for status not change and that is and always will be the worse type of politician.

Screw that old hypocrite, give me Grady anyday!

Also, a "change of heart" from a hack politician is not the only alternative. The other, better alternative is for the public to simply turn on them, and sweep the jackasses out the door.