Diane Abbott's true colours?

From the Telegraph:

Diane Abbott is facing fresh calls to resign after enraging London’s taxi drivers with a claim that they routinely refuse to pick up passengers who are black:

“Dubious of black people claiming they’ve never experienced racism. Ever tried hailing a taxi* I always wonder?”

And to think that this woman - in her own eyes, at least - was a contender for the labour leadership! It's a good indication of how short a step it is from multiculturalism to mentally dividing the population into homogeneous groups of 'us' and 'them'.

Wiser bloggers than I - Al Jahom, Dizzy Thinks, Leg-iron, Longrider and the Heresiarch, among others - have spilled much virtual ink over the matter of Abbott's tweets, but I think I may have the perfect soundtrack...

(With apologies to Fleetwood Mac)

Oh no, here she goes again,
Upset the public again;
If you take an anti-racist stand
You've got to have an even hand:
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa Diane!
Whoa there, Diane!

No room for doubt, it's plain:
She'll get no taxis again.
So is she getting out of hand?
Will another call from Miliband
Go, "Oh, whoa, whoa Diane!
Whoa there, Diane!"

(Repeat ad lib nauseam)

*Not that Abbott seems to have had much trouble: with delicious irony, also from the Telegraph: She was also criticised during the MPs expenses scandal, after claiming £142,000 in 2009, including £1,100 on taxis.