This is an interesting article (thanks for posting it). I've been watching Simon's new HBO series, Treme and I like it a lot (as much as The Wire) but I've also been taking shots at some of the politicalization in it. I'm wondering if it's the same guy in teh Playboy article (I really need to go find it) but it says the same thing so I'm guessing you nailed it.

In Treme, it's the opposite, I think; where all the blame lands on the Republican Party, George Bush, etc. .... and the racism is overplayed (I think). I went after it (Treme) a few times on my blog (including yesterday): http://temporaryknucksline.blogspot.com/2010/06/more-kind-words-marilyn-me-president.html