WP: Fairfax, VA, Native S.R. Sidarth Says Senator Allen's Words Stung

[DeepModem Mom]

Fairfax Native Says Allen's Words Stung
By Fredrick Kunkle
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, August 25, 2006; Page B01


S.R. Sidarth said he knew that Sen. George Allen "was injecting some sort of derogatory comment toward me that had a racial bent to it" when the senator called him "macaca." (By Rich Lipski -- The Washington Post)

S.R. Sidarth had built an impressive record of achievements for such a young man: straight-A student at one of Fairfax County's finest high schools, a tournament chess player, a quiz team captain, a sportswriter at his college newspaper, a Capitol Hill intern and an active member of the Hindu temple his parents helped establish in Maryland.

But for all his achievements, the moment that thrust him into the national spotlight this month came when Sen. George Allen (R-Va.) called him "macaca."

The remark stung the young man of Indian descent. What hurt more, Sidarth said, was when Allen gave him a sarcastic welcome to his own country, his birthplace even. It was too ironic, he thought. "I was born and raised in Fairfax County, and he's from California," said S.R. Sidarth, wearing khaki shorts, a yellow short-sleeve shirt and flip-flops a week after the incident during an interview at the campaign headquarters of Allen's opponent, Democrat James Webb....

***

He returned this week to the University of Virginia, where he is a senior majoring in American government and computer engineering.

Before college, Sidarth lived a somewhat typical, but distinguished, Fairfax County life. He attended the elite Thomas Jefferson High School, where he had a 4.1 grade-point average and scored 1550 on his SATs. He was a member of the chess club and the Spanish Honor Society and participated in the quiz show "It's Academic." At 6 feet 4 inches tall, he also played defensive end, tight end, punter and kicker for the school's football team....

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/24/AR2006082401639.html?nav=most_emailed

[Scout1071]

1. He seems like a great kid. Good for him for standing up to Allen. nt

[Scout1071]

2. He seems like a great kid. Good for him for standing up to Allen. nt

[Cassandra]

3. The last part of the article is just great.

"Larry J. Sabato, an oft-quoted political pundit who teaches a small, popular seminar on campaigns and elections, said he asked students to write an essay as part of the admission process. Eighty people applied for the course, including Sidarth. His essay was just three words long -- but it was enough to clinch one of the 20 coveted spots in the class.

"I am Macaca," he wrote."

[DeepModem Mom]

4. I LOVE that, too! nt