[X3pilot]

Reid's remarks in his home state were his first in public since the weekend disclosure that he had described Obama during the 2008 presidential campaign as a light-skinned African-American "with no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one." Those reflections appear in a new book, "Game Change," by Time magazine's Mark Halperin and New York magazine's John Heilemann.

What exactly is a Negro dialect? Ghetto, Ebonics, Massa talk?

"I've apologized to the president," he said, and to everyone "within the sound of my voice that I could have used a better choice of words." He spoke in Apex, Nev., his first public comments since the issue flared over the weekend.

Why is it that they only apologize AFTER they have been outed in public??

And Reid has rallied the point that he was a leader as a young man in Nevada for civil rights. That ranks up there with "Why, some of my best friends are black!"

Hey Harry, remember this guy and the ass whooping he took?

The National Republican Senatorial Committee said in a statement "voters are reminded" of when then-Majority Leader Trent Lott, R-Miss., said in 2002 the country would have been better off if Dixiecrats had won the presidential election in 1948. Lott spoke at a 100th birthday party for Sen. Strom Thurmond, who sought the White House a half-century earlier on a platform of racial segregation.

Now, a renewed call for "serious and open" discussions concerning race in this country. Well, who wants to start the conversation?

And oh by the way, I speak with a severe southern drawl, a mix of north Georgia and east Texas, and I can speak with it when I want to, so feel free to categorize me as well.

Where's my rage based? No rage, just pondering the obvious double standards, again.

 

[4xBoy]

Why is it that they only apologize AFTER they have been outed in public??

Do you apologize to a woman before you know you did something wrong?

Just my thought, I'm always apologizing after cause I never do anything right.

 

[BurlyShirley]

Where's my rage based? No rage, just pondering the obvious double standards, again.

Isn't the bigger/more obvious double standard coming from "outraged" conservatives?

Suddenly they're pushing for political correctness?

What a crock of sh*t.

 

[Silver]

Link to actual black man explaining the difference for people out there who have trouble understanding some really basic concepts:

http://ta-nehisicoates.theatlantic.com/archives/2010/01/on_harry_reid.php

The whole thing is worth reading, but here is the money shot:

Leaving aside political cynicism, this entire affair proves that the GOP is not simply still infected with the vestiges of white supremacy and racism, but is neither aware of the infection, nor understands the disease. Listening to Liz Cheney explain why Harry Reid's comments were racist, was like listening to me give lessons on the finer points of the comma splice. This a party, rightly or wrongly, regarded by significant portions of the country as a haven for racists. They aren't simply having a hard time re-branding, they don't actually understand how and why they got the tag.

 

[Pesqueeb]

Isn't the bigger/more obvious double standard coming from "outraged" conservatives?

Suddenly they're pushing for political correctness?

What a crock of sh*t.

Quoted for truth.

 

[sanjuro]

I agree with the criticism of Harry Reid. If it was not an ally of Obama, that person would have been excoriated.

However, most of the criticism comes from conservative whites, whose are just as likely to make the same kind of faux pas.

Ultimately, I believe many in power rarely deal with blacks and other minorities, specifically on their terms. They might know successful and educated blacks, like Obama, but the rich and powerful are rarely in the milieu of minorities.

 

[X3pilot]

Isn't the bigger/more obvious double standard coming from "outraged" conservatives?

Suddenly they're pushing for political correctness?

What a crock of sh*t.

I don't think they're pushing for political correctness, I think they're pushing for retribution for the obvious outrage that comes out every time that comes from the liberals when a conservative person screws up with a stupid racial remark.

Reference my Trent Lott part of the post.

 

[X3pilot]

I agree with the criticism of Harry Reid. If it was not an ally of Obama, that person would have been excoriated.

However, most of the criticism comes from conservative whites, whose are just as likely to make the same kind of faux pas.

Ultimately, I believe many in power rarely deal with blacks and other minorities, specifically on their terms. They might know successful and educated blacks, like Obama, but the rich and powerful are rarely in the milieu of minorities.

True, imagine Sharpton coming to the defense of a Republican that would have said this. (and probably did and much worse things, same as some of the Democrats. Ahem, Robert Byrd)

Everyone makes the "faux pas". It's called the simple fact that we are all racist to some point, whether we want to admit to ourselves or not.

 

[BurlyShirley]

I don't think they're pushing for political correctness, I think they're pushing for retribution for the obvious outrage that comes out every time that comes from the liberals when a conservative person screws up with a stupid racial remark.

Reference my Trent Lott part of the post.

So in other words, they don't actually care about what Reid said, it's just about trying to cause problems for a democrat whenever and wherever they can, even if it conflicts with their personal values.

Sounds about right, but doesn't explain where your rage is based.

 

[dan-o]

I don't think Reids comments were that different than people gauging Romney's viability due to him being a filthy mormon. The issue of whether a black candidate had a real chance of becoming president was valid. The fact that obama crossed lines with his complexion and educated honkey-speak dramatically improved his appeal among folks who would/did balk at candidates like Jesse Jackson. The repub outrage and Dem brush-off is all for show to mask the fact they both suck.

 

[jonKranked]

 

[4xBoy]

I love that ad.

 

[Silver]

I don't think they're pushing for political correctness, I think they're pushing for retribution for the obvious outrage that comes out every time that comes from the liberals when a conservative person screws up with a stupid racial remark.

Reference my Trent Lott part of the post.

Didn't read my link at all, eh?

 

[Silver]

At the same time, I'd hardly be shocked that an old white Mormon has some racist feelings. Is the same statement worse coming from a Republican? Of course it is, because the Republican party is the party where the professional racists go.

(Note: No, that doesn't mean that every Republican is a professional racist. Spare me the false outrage.)

However, saying that Obama is actually electable because he can act "white enough" is a little different from Trent Lott saying that electing a segregationist would have meant that a lot of problems would have been solved.

Again from the Coates link:

You can quibble about the "light skin" part, but forget running for president, code-switching is the standard M.O. for any African American with middle class aspirations.

I'm sure everyone remembers the uproar when the Obamas acted a little too black for Fox News and threw out the "terrorist fist jab" on stage? They probably should have thrown in a stilted hug to make the Larry Craig wing of the GOP happy, I guess...

 

[jonKranked]

every Republican is a professional racist.

look at me! I can manipulate what people have said into what I want them to say! I should work for Fox News!

 

[jasride]

Link to actual black man explaining the difference for people out there who have trouble understanding some really basic concepts:

http://ta-nehisicoates.theatlantic.com/archives/2010/01/on_harry_reid.php

Trent Lott's wasn't forced to resign because he said something "racially insensitive." He was forced to resign because he offered tacit endorsement of white supremacy--frequently.

And thats the simple difference in this case. Trent Lott was know to endorse racism where Reid has no know past of racism. Plain and simple. I guess this is all we can go by.

 

[Silver]

look at me! I can manipulate what people have said into what I want them to say! I should work for Fox News!

Now, that's hardly fair.

A lot of Republicans are amateur racists, that's actually what I meant...

 

[splat]

Well Now it looks like Billy Boy Clinton has his own problems about race too

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2010/01/10/2010-01-10_bill_clinton_told_ted_kennedy_that_president_obama.html

Bill Clinton helped sink his wife's chances for an endorsement from Ted Kennedy by belittling Barack Obama as nothing but a race-based candidate.

"A few years ago, this guy would have been getting us coffee," the former president told the liberal lion from Massachusetts, according to the gossipy new campaign book, "Game Change."

 

[jasride]

Well Now it looks like Billy Boy Clinton has his own problems about race too

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2010/01/10/2010-01-10_bill_clinton_told_ted_kennedy_that_president_obama.html

"A few years ago, this guy would have been getting us coffee," the former president told the liberal lion from Massachusetts, according to the gossipy new campaign book, "Game Change."

Does that quote just mean that he thought Obama was still just a young guy?

 

[sanjuro]

Does that quote just mean that he thought Obama was still just a young guy?

Or that he looks like a young campaigner?

 

[4xBoy]

Or that he looks like a young campaigner?

Yeah the discrimination under tone is there, but the slip has other meanings, a few years ago he would have been a Jr. senator and Clinton was President.

But nobody is going to believe that was the meaning.

 

[X3pilot]

Didn't read my link at all, eh?

Actually, I did. Just because you posted it, doesn't mean it has to change my mind.

My point, and there is no outrage, is simply that it's interesting to watch the proceedings when a liberal makes a racist remark. (and it was if you apply the standards for offensive racist remarks across the board) as compared to when a conservative does.

My other point is how public figures are always quick to apologize after they've been caught and it becomes a PR nightmare that detracts from what they're supposed to be doing, be it playing ball, making movies or legislating the country.

 

[sanjuro]

Yeah the discrimination under tone is there, but the slip has other meanings, a few years ago he would have been a Jr. senator and Clinton was President.

But nobody is going to believe that was the meaning.

There was an episode of Star Trek which Lt Uhura was referred to as a Negress.

Out of context, it might seem like a horrendous slur, and you would have to question the writers' intent.

The character that called Uhura a Negress was a clone of Abraham Lincoln, and he apologized for using a term which he said was "a description of property".

Uhura immediately forgave him, and she said, "In our century, we've learned not to fear words."

Apparently, in the beginning of the 21st Century, we still fear words.

 

[Silver]

Actually, I did. Just because you posted it, doesn't mean it has to change my mind.

If you read the link, and you still think Harry Reid and Trent Lott are the same situation, you're Palin-level retarded. And not mildly retarded like Trig, full on retarded like Sarah...

 

[sanjuro]

If you read the link, and you still think Harry Reid and Trent Lott are the same situation, you're Palin-level retarded. And not mildly retarded like Trig, full on retarded like Sarah...

I thought it made a good point.

It would be like referring to Jews as Hebrews or Yids.

In comparison, what Lott said would be like, Hitler had a good idea but...

 

[X3pilot]

If you read the link, and you still think Harry Reid and Trent Lott are the same situation, you're Palin-level retarded. And not mildly retarded like Trig, full on retarded like Sarah...

OK, once more for those spring loaded to the retarded insult position. Not comparing WHAT Reid and Lott said but comparing reactions anytime ANY racial remark or statement is made and how they all come out apologetic AFTER they've been caught. I guess we can never judge intent from behind a forum, but is Reid saying that Obama essentially isn't that niggerish any worse that Lott suggesting "things" would have been different if Jesse had been elected? Of course they would be different and we all knew what he meant, but if you want to start picking fly sh!t out of pepper...

 

[Silver]

OK, once more for those spring loaded to the retarded insult position. Not comparing WHAT Reid and Lott said but comparing reactions anytime ANY racial remark or statement is made and how they all come out apologetic AFTER they've been caught. I guess we can never judge intent from behind a forum, but is Reid saying that Obama essentially isn't that niggerish any worse that Lott suggesting "things" would have been different if Jesse had been elected? Of course they would be different and we all knew what he meant, but if you want to start picking fly sh!t out of pepper...

Yep...Sarah.

 

[syadasti]

As with any potential discrimination (sex, race, religion, etc) case in a legal and actual sense intent (from the speaker or perceived intent from a third party like white GOP) has no bearing on the actual impact of the incident from the receiving discrimination group. If African Americans aren't offended/impacted, its not racism/discrimination just like among themselves they can use racial slurs as long as both parties don't view the impact of the slur as offensive.

 

[X3pilot]

Yep...Sarah.

OK then.

Curious, do you ever bring anything to a discussion other than your self assumed correct opinion and an insult?

 

[johnbryanpeters]

V3pilot:

The salient difference would seem to be in context.

Lott represents the deep well of really virulent racism that still exists, notably in but not limited to the south, and argued in favor of the continuation of his flavor of evil..

Reid, recognizing that that reservoir exists, is discussing the realpolitik of marketing a candidate.

 

[X3pilot]

V3pilot:

The salient difference would seem to be in context.

Lott represents the deep well of really virulent racism that still exists, notably in but not limited to the south, and argued in favor of the continuation of his flavor of evil..

Reid, recognizing that that reservoir exists, is discussing the realpolitik of marketing a candidate.

Noted. Didn't mean to turn this into a Lott vs. Reid debate but I guess I did.
Lott got his punishment. I guess if the President accepted Reid's apology, considering it was aimed at him, I guess it's a done deal.

Having grown up in the segregated South, I understand how that should never be a condition we look to go back to. Still think it bears consideration what my main points were intended to be and that is how some politicians can get away with obvious racial remarks and some can't and how we can fine tune racism and bigotry to how someone speaks.

See, who says you can't learn something from Ridemonkey.

 

[syadasti]

Still think it bears consideration what my main points were intended to be and that is how some politicians can get away with obvious racial remarks and some can't and how we can fine tune racism and bigotry to how someone speaks.

Again, the offender's intent or perceived intent/interpretation from third parties has no relevancy in discrimination cases. The only thing that matters is the reaction/impact to the party in question discriminated against. If they aren't offended, what anyone else thinks is moot legally and in reality.

 

[Silver]

OK then.

Curious, do you ever bring anything to a discussion other than your self assumed correct opinion and an insult?

Didn't feel the need for this one...