[lehighguy]

Pre 1960s the Dems controlled the south and were the major proponents of state sponsored racism. They opposed efforts to bring civil rights to southern blacks and often worked hand in hand with the KKK. They used the filibuster to block civil rights legislation (yes, Johnsons legislation).

Most progress before the 60s came from republicans. Brown v Board of Education was supported by conservative judges. Most state interference and discrimination against blacks was opposed on the grounds of small government. After all, what business is it of the government who can ride on which seat of the bus.

Things have changed alot since then, and they are no longer the same parties (or I would argue parties at all). Heck, what did they represent only 5 years ago? Certainly not what they represent now.

Parties are tools of charismatic politicians, and thier posistions are posistions of political convienence. They change constantly, and comparison to anything more then a decade old is almost meaningless.