Is "The Machine" a Metonym for "Ku Klux Klan"?

[Townhallsavoy]

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- In interviews with the Crimson White student newspaper several members of the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees have confirmed their knowledge — and in some cases, experiences with — the Machine, a secret political coalition of traditionally white fraternities and sororities.


In an interview last month, Paul W. Bryant Jr., president pro tempore of the board and son of legendary football coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, spoke about his time at the Capstone.

"When I was in school, the Machine was there," he said. "I knew who from my fraternity went to whatever the meetings were."

Bryant also said he was unaware of its existence today. However he said, "We've got board members who were SGA presidents and were likely in the Machine back then."

Trustee Finis St. John confirmed he was endorsed by the Machine in his run for Student Government Association president in 1978. He was defeated by independent candidate Jerry DeVaney in a run-off, according to Crimson White articles from the time.


FILE University of Alabama System Trustee Finis St. John at September board meeting. (The Huntsville Times/Robin Conn)
St. John said he was not influenced by the Machine and added the Machine was more of a loose campus political organization in the late 1970s.

Asked about whether the current university administration should do anything to address the influence of the Machine on campus life, St. John deferred to UA President Robert Witt.

"I trust Dr. Witt and his team to deal with those issues," he said.

The Crimson White has pursued of number of articles and editorials this semester about behind-the-scenes influence on campus politics.

http://blog.al.com/tuscaloosa/2011/12/trustees_tell_crimson_white_of.html

What the fuck is this "Machine" I keep reading about?

[Saniflush]

It's all part of the process.

[chinook]

it's for the gooder of the university. 

[GH2001]

It is this

[Ogre]

Edumucate yo self

[AUChizad]

What the fuck is this "Machine" I keep reading about?

It is that in which I rage against.

[Kaos]

It's the junior REC, basically. 

It's there, it exists. 

It was born of the Klan, yes.  Same as most Alabama fandom can be traced back to the Klan belief system. 

If you are an Alabama fan and did not attend the school, particularly if you are one of those who are a fan "becuz my diddy and my granpappy wuz bammer fans" you are most likely perpetuating the Klan attitude whether you realize it or not. 

Why was good ol' uneducated granpappy a disciple of the Bahr?   White power, baby.   

[GH2001]

It's the junior REC, basically. 

It's there, it exists. 

It was born of the Klan, yes.  Same as most Alabama fandom can be traced back to the Klan belief system. 

If you are an Alabama fan and did not attend the school, particularly if you are one of those who are a fan "becuz my diddy and my granpappy wuz bammer fans" you are most likely perpetuating the Klan attitude whether you realize it or not. 

Why was good ol' uneducated granpappy a disciple of the Bahr?   White power, baby.

THIS guy knows.

[Saniflush]

It's the junior REC, basically. 

It's there, it exists. 

It was born of the Klan, yes.  Same as most Alabama fandom can be traced back to the Klan belief system. 

If you are an Alabama fan and did not attend the school, particularly if you are one of those who are a fan "becuz my diddy and my granpappy wuz bammer fans" you are most likely perpetuating the Klan attitude whether you realize it or not. 

Why was good ol' uneducated granpappy a disciple of the Bahr?   White power, baby.

Isn't white powder there?

[AWK]

Forrest Gump was a racist?

[Vandy Vol]

Forrest Gump was a racist?

[Buzz Killington]

Forrest Gump was a racist?

I'm sorry I ruined your Black Panther party.

[The Prowler]

The REC is the Ku Klux Klan in Brooks Brothers suits. The uat "Machine" is one step below.