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Los Alamitos mayor’s White House email called rascist
February 24th, 2009, 4:38 pm · 83 Comments · posted by Martin Wisckol, Politics reporter
UPDATE: Read Register reporter Jaimee Fletcher’s story here.
Los Alamitos Mayor Dean Grose is finding himself in hot water after sending out this fake photo of watermelons on President Barack Obama’s White House front lawn.
Grose’s email included the heading, “No Easter Egg hunt this year.”
“I think he’s saying that since there’s a black president, there will be no need to hunt for eggs since they’re growing watermelons in the front yard this year,” said Keyanus Price, an African American who was among those receiving the email. Price told Fletcher that she considers the email rascist and offensive.
“What I’m concerned about is how can this person send an e-mail out like this and think it is OK?” Price said. “He’s putting the city into a bad place and he is a liability.”
Grose apologized to Price, city council members and others.
“It was just poor judgment on my part and I am deeply sorry,” he said.
Fletcher is writing a story on the incident. When it’s available, I’ll put a link at the top of this blog item.
This may remind you of the email sent last October by the Chaffey Community Republican Women, Federated. It had this image of Barack Obama’s head atop a donkey’s body on a food stamp, along with pictures of fried chicken, watermelon, and ribs. You can read the blog post about that one here.
The group’s president, Diane Fedele, resigned because of the incident.
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DENA BUNIS, Washington bureau chief, 202-628-6381 or dbunis@ocregister.com
BRIAN JOSEPH, Sacramento correspondent, 916-449-6046 or bjoseph@ocregister.com
JENNIFER MUIR, County government reporter, 714-796-7813 or jmuir@ocregister.com
JOEL WALSH, Washington bureau intern, 202-628-6381 or jwalsh@ocregister.com
MARTIN WISCKOL, Politics reporter, 714-285-2867 or mwisckol@ocregister.com twitter.com/MartinWisckol
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What on earth was this doofus thinking?
So what is wrong with enjoying a nice cool watermelon? What’s wrong with Kentucky Fried Chicken? People are taking stuff way too seriously. Don’t you think Obama can take it? Because if he can’t take the heat he shouldn’t be president.
if you can’t handle the heat in the kitchen then move out of the house. Thought this was apprpriate
that is awesome. everyone knows cotton is more profitable.
Oh man, what a bad idea! But Spence, you have a good point about the tough skin. However, you could make an equally good point about a mayor having more common sense than what is exhibited by his sending this e-mail. Yikes. I see a resignation coming…
This article speaks volumes to the statement that was made a few days ago by Eric Holder. We are avoiding the real issue being racism still runs rampant in our society. And we are afraid to speak to that directly. I have lived here over thirty years I quit arguing with my famiiy and friends in the south about California being any different when it come to racial temperment years ago.
I am with Spence.
Don’t you dare criticize or say something negative about the chosen one.
I agree with everyone, it really was a stupid and naive thing to do. But I doubt Obama would give it a second thought unless it had a political perspective. Like the mayor is a Republican or something. Then he might be upset…… Mostly to get him replaced with a Democrat. But I doubt he would be actually offended by anything. I really hope the current POTUS isn’t that thin skinned……. No matter what color that skin is. We are all people. The notion of race is racist.
I wonder how differently the people who post here would have responded if Obama had been Jewish, and the mayor had made a joke about the holocaust, ovens or lamp shades?
I agree with SpenceOC. If Dave Chappelle sent this out, Obama would invite him to the White House and Ms. price would be laughing about it. Funny how certain cultures choose their “racist attackers.” My other comment is, from now on I would like the media (including you Mr. Wisckol) to refer to all whites as WHITE AMERICANS since blacks insist on being called AFRICAN AMERICANS rather than just Americans (and the media honors their request). Even Obama, who is only half black wants to be known as the first African American president. Isn’t he an American, like the rest of us? When you separate yourself from the rest of the country, expect comments to be made.
I doubt if the President is too worried about what some ignoramus mayor of some podunk white bread enclave said. However, it was a stupid, stupid thing to do. Does the mayor have no brains or class at all?
Wow…you folks are amazing. Yes, all folks need a thick skin, but to say that this type of racist email is OK tells me that you need to have your head examined…come on folks it’s 2009!
Welcome to the OC. The mayor reflects the County’s John Birch origins, and he’s the type of politician the County unfortunately continue to elect. For all you “thin skin” apologists allow me to point out that there is a difference between a remark made by an elected official and that same remark made by a comedian. The truth, difficult as the bubble County crowd might find it, is that the real joke is on you, the mayor, and your Neanderthal mindsets.
Absolutely hilarious how white people on this thread try to justify the use of racism. With all the twist and turns put in their statements I swear no one can be that ignorant.
Its no surprise idiot racists have their minute to display their intelligence whenever an article like this comes. Keep up the good work!!
It’s rather boring…
This is typical of BIGOTS like the mayor who has such an inferiorty complex that he sends out an Email reinforcing his bigotry and then “apologizing” and calling it an “error in judgement..” The ERROR IN JUDGEMENT is the mayor himself who sent this Email to people thinking that it would be received as a “joke.” What is funny about sterotypical people like the Mayor of Los
Alamitos who is obviously an exhaulted member of the John
Birch Societ6y?
Mayor Grose is a prime example of the level of stupidity that we accept in politicians. With this type of judgement impaired leadership no wonder we are in a crisis today. When are we going to learn to stop voting for these people?
Pres. Obama and many Americans of all colors have plenty of armour to shield them from idiots like Mr. Grose. That does not mean all Americans should not be outraged at Mr. Grose’s incredible lack of common sense. Obviously there is a world of difference between a comedians joke and a private email sent by an elected official that perpetuates a racial steriotype. The people of of Los Alamito should send their mayor’s resume to Comedy Central where he can be officially recognized as a bad joke.
This is typical of the mayor of Los Alamitos who sent this Email to people of color thinking that it would be received as a joke. There is no humor here, only stereotypical behavior on the part of the mayor.
Who cares? People are way to sensitive. Should Italians be upset because they are associated with spaghetti, or mexicans associated with burritos, or portuguese sardines, french crepes, indian curry, whatever Ms. Price get over it. If I had a dollar for every time I heard a black person speak badly of another race I would be rich.
I am very offended and embarrassed for a fellow American, public servant at that, for such a trite and unimaginative racial slur. Sure Obama “can take it”, but what about Sasha and Malia and countless others whose sensibilities were disregarded. This type of thing should be beneath any thinking person. What an idiot!
RACIST. Not Rascist. Damn.
Give me a break! All you people saying it’s all in fun, don’t criticize the chosen one, if you can’t take the heat, etc, etc…It just shows how racist America still is.
Isabelle Says:
“Who cares? People are way to sensitive. Should Italians be upset because they are associated with spaghetti, or mexicans associated with burritos, or portuguese sardines, french crepes, indian curry, whatever Ms. Price get over it. If I had a dollar for every time I heard a black person speak badly of another race I would be rich.”
Italians get pissed off when they are associated with the Mafia, matter of fact they banned the cast of the Sopranos from a parade in NYC if I’m not mistaken. Jesse Jackson was roasted for calling NYC “Hymie Town” and if somebody sent out an email showing Loretta Sanchez picking strawberries or a lawn full of burritos in front of her house…there WOULD BE outrage. I’m tired of everybody always telling black people to get over it. Until a holocaust joke comes out, then everybody is anti-semetic, right?
Bottom line is this IS racist AND stupid for a public official to be sending this out privately or not. In this day and age…you KNOW it’s gonna come out. Apologize and move on…but don’t tell me it’s not racist or a big deal, because it is.
Also…this from the LA Times:
“Grose confirmed to the Associated Press that he sent the e-mail to Price and said he didn’t mean to offend her. He said he was unaware of the racial stereotype that black people like watermelons.”
Reeeaallyyy?? LMAO! Then what’s the joke?
Unbelievable.
I am positive that President Obama can take it, I am also equally positive that he shouldn’t have to nor should anyone else. Elected officials have a duty to represent their district and I am sure that Los Alamitos is not made up entirely of racist biggots. The mayor must think we are all stupid to think he can get away with lying about being unaware of the stereotype. I think its time for a recall.
I agree with you Bperiod. I agree.
Really Nicole? You racist skank, you thought it was appropriate? This is why Orange county remains a little bit of Alabama right here in SoCal.
In response to Polish Dave’s comment….not all “black people” insist on being referred to as “African Americans” — again people insist on generalizing. I personally believe that if you ‘re born in america than you’re american period however society insists in labeling people. As for Obama not acknowledging his “white” side, you should do some research, the law states that if you’re have 3% black in our blood than you are considered black. My half black & white niece and nephew’s birth certificates both say they’re black — totally excludes their father but this is the world that we live in.
“Post-racial” America, huh? Thanks, but no thanks …
And to all those who say “Get over it” or “Stop whining” all I can say is, you’re a bunch of inbred hillbillies! What? Don’t like the truth? GET OVER IT! STOP WHINING!
So he sent an email with a bunch of watermelons laid out in the front of the White House but was unaware of any stereotype associated with it? Ok, now he just needs to be caught with his fingers in the cookie jar to earn the trifecta: racist, lying, theif.
Don’t you guys have spell check on your computers?
Get over it? The President is the President of the United States, not the President of the racist companies, Academic Schools that have done business for decades in the United States. The KKK has traded in it’s sheets for suits. Incompetence and Ignorance is a understatement on this mayors part. Can you imagine how many other people, officials in public office and society feel the same way. Why do white people feel just because it is funny to them that it is going to be funny to everyone else, not. ie Isabelle, SpenceOC. The only thing good is that it reveals the racist element. Whites, say we did not enslave blacks, we are not responsible for what our fathers did, but you still rep the benefits/ill gotten gains of free labor in this country.
I’m sure Obama is used to the ignorant things white people say as am I. But, normally they aren’t city and state officials who have the ability to influence laws. I see Archie Bunker is still alive and well. How stupid this mayor looks.
A few years ago, the leader of the women’s branch of the KKK said that the organization has changed its method of recruitment & attack tactics - become more veiled & “civilized” with their approach.
Thanks Mr. Mayor - apparently you got the message & he knows that works in the OC!
To some, it will never EVER matter whether we’re educated, clean, civil, Christian, etc - thier “rage” is deep & unsatisfied by anything we can ever… do! Its the fact that we… are!
Bperiod - I completely agree.
Same old racism, same old defenses: “You’re all thin-skinned! You need to take a joke!”
Idiots. Evolutionary throwbacks. Racism is proof that humanity has a long way to go before we can call ourselves enlightened.
OMG — this looks like a place where racist gather.
Racism is dangerous. Frankly I’m getting sick of looking at old white men. Seriously. I think we will be better off after a certain generation moves on.
This is not a question of President Obama having “tough skin,” because he was tested, weighed, and prevailed. It’s about people showing their true colors! The difference about racism in the South is that it’s overt; however, we work and interact with people everyday on the West Coast; but the racism is covert. None the less, it’s inevitable that it will rear its ulgy head. Anyone agreeing with this type of freedom of expression needs his/her head checked.
I have been saying ever since Obama got the nomination that this would bring out the ugly underbelly of racism all over America, and people (including a number of the commenters above) are proving me right with monotonous regularity.
White privilege: when you can send an overtly-racist e-mail to a mailing list that includes black people and not even think about what you’re doing. Racism in disguise: “Oh, it’s just a JOKE, where’s your sense of HUMOR?”
For the record, I am white — but I hope I would have the common decency, not just to not send an item like that, but to back off from any relationship with the person who sent it to me. That kind of friends I don’t need — and neither does America.
For all of you who think this is not a big deal. Think again. This is not just about an insult to the president. This is a blatant insult to a race of people by a public official.
This is about a public official in power who is a racist and makes decisions from his extremely skewed filter.
Enough.
When the most powerful and prominent black man in the country is subjected to this, he more than likely (and we have evidence from the campaign) has more than enough thick enough skin to bear it. And since it wasn’t sent to him by the mayor, he won’t have anything to say about it.
But once it has made it to the public domain, it is our place to say “NO” to this racist stupidity, not in order to protect President Obama, but to protect any member of his shared minority from the mainstreaming of racist stupidity.
If a new African-American store manager gets a photoshop of his storefront–watermelon rows in the parking lot–taped to his door, do we even want acceptance of this incident brought into the response:
“Awww, aintcha seen that watermelon White House photo? We all got a laugh outta that; nobody cared. He can take it. Why can’t you?”
And if one thinks that something like that couldn’t happen, then one is as supremely ignorant as the mayor.
WOW… I see ignorance runs deep in the OC just like those stupid Housewives…
Even down here in Mississippi, we can recognize a boneheaded ethnic slur when we see one. Some sense of humor ya got there, Mr. Mayor. Hope you were anticipating early retirement.
Being a little old white woman who grew up in the segregated South, I often consider myself lucky to have escaped a very close-minded, bigoted part of the country by moving to California. Guess the 21st century hasn’t quite made it to Los Alamitos yet. This pasty-faced moron should resign.
Does anybody know if this guy is a Democrat or a Republican?
What an awful liar your Mayor Grose, but what a fitting name! If you people in Los Alamitos really have grown up past such childish stereotyping, organize a recall, pick a replacement then campaign Obama-style with discipline and no drama, replace him and take your town into the 21st century. That, or rename your town White Supremecito. How embarrassing for you.
It’s racism and inappropriate in any way. Especially from leadership. I live right down the street and will be asking for his resignation. It’s time for all of us to be accountable. We all need to ask how we can be better, do better, and expect better…. again, especially from leadership.
The picture (and who created it), the Mayor sending it and some of the comments here just proves that racism & hatred still run deep here in the U.S. Shameful indeed for the most powerful country in the world to continue such insensitivity in the 21st century. Racism does not benefit anyone whatsoever - and for those who are on end of spewing such hatred only show their ignorance, weakness, fear and - possibly - overcompensation resulting from the smallness of their nether regions.
Also, most of seem to think that what Obama feels about this is key. It is not! This man represents the views and opinions of the people of Los Alamitos. He was elected to represent you. Where are the people of Los Alamitos. Does this man really reflect who you are?…. How disappointing.
just like the Obama waffles and the chimp and the Obama bucks and the Obama cookies, the watermelons are a product of racism. I don’t care what kind of spin you try to put on it, it’s racist. if you all think we are too dumb to see through it then we are not the dumb ones…
Kemah
Unbelievable . . . it is inconceivable that a political figure doesn’t seemingly know any better than to realize that such an action would be incendiary and offensive. Congratulations, Los Alamitos - you have a mayor who is clearly telling the 25% non-white population of his own city that they can all go crank themselves.
Disgusting . . .
Shame on him.
Posting the complaints here is a waste of time. You should be writing to or calling the City Council that elected him: 3191 Katella Ave.
Los Alamitos CA 90720 562.431.3538!!!!
For what purpose Mr. Mayor? With purpose! should be the first thought of any public official. Does the watermelon email uphold your oath of office? I know not. Each of us has a responsibility to our families, our communities, and yes… the global community. We older adults have the greatest responsibility to children. Ours, our neighbors, and children of the world. What we teach by example is far more important than what we teach from our lips. What message did this email send to the Obama children, to other children? One that is derogatory at best. IT’S TIME FOR ALL OF US ADULTS TO OPPOSE THIS TYPE OF BEHAVIOR BY SPEAKING AGAINST IT AS IN THIS BLOG.
Oh please. The only reason I wish that this picture wasn’t shown is to keep myself from hearing all the black whine and complain about the racism in this country. I’m sick of hearing black people talk out of both sides of their mouths. It’s OK for them to insult white people and make racist jokes, but as soon as a white person does the same exact thing, it’s disgraceful, it’s racist… they’re all a bunch of bigots. Please… I’m sick of the hypocrisy. GET OVER IT. None of you were slaves. None of your recent descendants were slaves. There’s a (partially) black president, a black AG, and many powerful, rich black people across the country. What is it going to take to make you all happy?
Try taking responsibility for your own lives and shortcomings before blaming everyone else.
Was this picture stupid? Sure was. Does it mean this country is racist? Absolutely not. FInd something else to complain about.
enjoy your next job idiot….comon, how stupid can these people be…..on top of that, its not even funny……….
Pete:
While I can understand your displeasure with how black people respond to racism, please try to understand why race is always such a tender spot. True most black comedians use race as a punch line however, being black in a world that tolerates you rather than view you as equal is not easy to deal with. Sometimes, it is easier to laugh rather than enternalize. The Jews will never forget the holocaust (and they should not) and black people will never forget slavery or the aftermath of such. We will always “wonder” what life would have been like if we were born free in Africa rather than the offspring of the stolen.
We may not always say or do the right thing when trying to express our feelings but, we are entitled to have serious feelings about slavery. I was a horrible act of cruelty. We have lived our lives listening to stories from the elders in our families telling how it really was to be black in America 30, 60, 90 years ago. You will NEVER understand. You can’t cause you and your family have always been free in this country. Your great-grand’s were not forced to do the things that my great-grand’s were. The were not called “gal” or “boy” at 50 years old.
We as a people have earned the right to never forget. As for the watermelon picture…… I could care less!! There have been white people who have hated and made nasty comments about white presidents. Not a big issue in the least. I just wanted to comment on you thinking we shoud just “get over it”. Have a good day.
Every time a Republican does this type of thing, more Democrats get elected. Some people still think it’s 1955.
I am sure this was an honest mistake and no harm was meant. Consider all the emails you receive on a daily basis as I get hundreds a day. The country is in a sad place currently considering a good part of our nation is jobless and have lost or in the process of losing their home. A bit of humor is a nice break from reality. I’m not saying this as an excuse but can see how this could happen.
The town of Los Alamitos and the rest of America should call for this mayor’s resignation. You folks in O.C. crack me up with your comments
This man is a racist, period. Should you not agree then you too are racist.
What a shame.
John:
How on earth does this qualify as an “honest mistake”? A”bit of humor?” And you “can see how this could happen?” What the heck are you saying? The mayor has nothing better to do than send out inflammatory emails that feed rascist thinking and expect people to find the humor? Are you that totally out of touch with reality? There is absolutely nothing humorous or honest about this so-called email “joke”. It is sickening, disgraceful, and totally unacceptable, especially coming from an presumably well-educated, elected public official. Some leadership!
I am a 4th grade teacher in Los Alamitos and I am disturbed by the lack of sensitivity and leadership the mayor has shown. We work hard to build the reputation of Los Alamitos and to create a welcoming place where people of all color, race, and creed can learn and live. We even have a group of student ambassadors that meet each week to discuss how they can be part of the process that brings the world together, not just for tolerance, but to celebration our uniqueness. Racist jokes from a city leader are not acceptable! They are crude, archaic, and disturbing. We all make mistakes however when we take public office we are called to a higher standard. This standard has been tarnished in Los Alamtos and demands change.
i THINK IF THE GUY IS STUPID ENOUGH TO SEND THIS IN AN EMAIL TO A BLACK PERSON THAN HE IS STUPID ENOUGH TO THINK IT WASNT RACIST OR OFFENCIVE.
AND FOR BEING THAT STUPID SHOULD RESIGN.
Why doesn’t the story identify this man as a DEMOCRAT?? If he was a republican it would be in the story 5 times!
I’m not really sure why this story is getting so much play. If it says anything at all, it says that Dean Grose isn’t bright enough to be mayor, but maybe he’s got what it takes to be a comic. Maybe he just chose the wrong profession. There are plenty of sitting Senators or past presidents who probably feel the same as Grose, that the email was funny, but wouldn’t get caught jeopardizing their career by sending or forwarding it.
On second thought, I don’t think Grose would make it as comic either. If every comic called the police after some food item was thrown at them…
Oh, please. This overly-sensitive society is becoming its own worst enemy. There are just way too many politically correct, whiny pantywaists wetting their beds over anything.
If folks don’t think the mayor was in his rights to send a private email to friends with some off-color humor, then they really need to check themselves…..and while they’re at it, send Obama an email and tell him to stop calling certain people “brutha.”
I really have more of a problem with the so-called “friend” who betrayed a trust than I do with the mayor’s email. She knew darn well that going public with the email would ruin the mayor’s career. And that’s a friend? She thought it was such a big deal that he deserved to have his career destroyed over it? This was just an opportunity seized by a black person to ruin a white person’s career. She probably sees it as an opportunity to elevate herself.
“I don’t want to hear another person, typically of the non-minority persuasion, claim that racism is dead in America or blame people of color for “playing the race card” whenever we criticize obvious acts of insensitivity, bias, racism, and pure unadulterated hate. I’VE HAD ENOUGH!!
People of color know all too well that racism is alive and well in America. Yes, the election of Barack Obama gave us hope, but never the false impression that racism was fully eradicated. If anything, the election of Obama brought to light all the closet racists hiding just beneath the polite and politically correct surface of society. And not just the racists, but also those persons who find their behavior acceptable, so much so that they are rushing to excuse and defend it.
The latest act of racism? An email from the Republican Mayor of Los Alamitos, California - Dean Grose. In an email sent to local businesswoman and volunteer Keyanus Price (who happens to be black) this past Tuesday, the mayor attached a picture of the White House with a watermelon patch on the front lawn. The picture contained the following caption: “No Easter egg hunt this year.”
In response to the outrage that the picture sparked, the mayor issued an apology. Wanna guess what words it contained? It shouldn’t be too hard. It’ll be something along the lines of, “I had no idea it was offensive.”
This is the reason why we as African Americans are telling our young boys that they need to work harder than the average (white) man. Imagine all the pressure that is put on African Americans, Hispanics and any other race that is a minority. We can’t just send our kids to school and tell them to enjoy their youth, their college years, and to pick a career that satisifes them! No…we start early with our children telling them how hard they need to work to get ahead instead of allowing them to live their youth.
Racism will always exist! People thought that ohhh this society has overcome racism-well guess what? With Obama as President it has shedded some light on how some people still view African Americans!!!
Peace,
Nina
While I agree the email is offensive I feel it is a bit premature to resign. How does sending an email, offensive or not, equate to no longer being able to effectively run the office. He has apologized but some people wish to gain notoriety in whatever way possible. What about all the negative comments made about the previous white presidents? Am I to believe that no one of color ever made a comment or sent an email about any of the white presidents? Each freedom impinged upon will lead to yet another freedom lost. Mrs. Price, have you never done anything in poor taste, or made a comment you later wished you had not? Where is forgiveness? We all need to wake up and lose some of the “political correctness” before we lose much more! Our prayers should be with President Obama as he has much hard work ahead of him and it has nothing to do with race. Everyone knows he is an intelligent, accomplished man. It is my prayer that we can pull together and move our wonderful country forward. As humans we will never be in total agreement but that is the way it was intended to be. Each person will answer to a much Higher Power for their own actions.
to Pete,
it’s not all right for a black person to insult a white person as is likewise. you complain that you are tired of blacks complaining but realize that all this is just a by product of racism, racism that blacks did not create and still deal with every day! just because we have a black president or a black AG does not mean we have cleared the last hurdles of racism. the Obama cookies, the Obama waffles, the Obama money, the watermelons are an indicator of this. as long blacks are subjected to racism there will be a reaction. if you get tired of blacks “complaining” then do your part to help fight racism and stop complaining about blacks complaining about that which has been such a grave injustice for hundreds of years. you have actually took a racist action and then blame blacks for reacting to it. I’m glad there is a reaction to racism and until it stops I encourage everyone to react peacefully and with substance.
Kemah.
LET THE HATER’S HATE!!! I LOVE CHICKEN, KOOL AID & YES WATERMELON TOO AND IF MY PRESIDENT AND HIS WIFE ARE AS COOL AND LIBERAL AS THEY SEEM THEY WILL JUST BRUSH THE HATER’S OFF AND KEEP IT MOVING!! YES RACISM IS STILL AMONGST US & APPARENTLY ITS NOT GOING NOWHERE, SO ALL WE CAN DO IS KEEP OUR HEADS UP, TURN OUR CHEEKS AND STAY PROUD!! KEEP THE PEACE BECAUSE OUR CHILDREN ARE WATCHING
For those that say that as president he needs to have tough skin, this is true. And those who say that it was just a joke, don’t take things too seriously. I say that I guess it would be the same response if it were Hitler depicted on the white house balcony with the SS troops on the White House Lawn saying something like they were going to have a “Jew Roast”.. would that be as funny!! When it comes to ANY other race in this country who has had to deal with a issue of discrimination it is focused on but when it is the discrimination of Blacks (African Americans) then it is stated “They need to stop crying, it was just a joke” I think that is because Discrimination of Blacks is the forefront of this society. All other races have gone through discrimination but none as much in this country but Blacks. We need Thick skin as much as those who think that this type of joke is fine, need to SHUT UP!!!!!!
To Polish Dave and Pete,
I don’t think we as a people REQUEST from the media to be labeled as African Americans, Society itself labels us as such. Current applications and census data kept as far back as early Post-Segregation days labels us as such. We are Americans, just like you and everyone else born here on American soil.. I don’t blame white Americans for this next coincidence but what about Hispanic Americans or Asian Americans are called in that regards.. I guess they are requesting that the media categorize or as you say separate them as well, right? And as mentioned by one of the other intelligent bloggers, that the American birth certificate doesn’t have a mixed option.. You can either be one or the other.. And you say President Obama calls himself Black as if he had a choice.. Do you think YOU or our society would accept him as a white American? Judging from what I see, you’re obvious level of ignorance causes you to have these close minded simpleton views of what we as people dictate or what society as a whole places upon us and many other minority races within the AMERICAN people. We are a African American race, like the Hispanic American or Asian American race, however we are ALL American in nationality. I think you are confusing the two… As far as this being a joke.. I think it is.. A regular old racist joke.. And I’m not surprised or appalled by ignorant racists and idiot’s displaying their level of intelligence and bigotry in emails.. It just reminds me and them that they are beneath me and every other INTELLIGENT AMERICAN, ……black, white, Asian, Hispanic or any other race that makes up the melting pot of a nation. Please, continue to remind me and the world of your stupidity.. It’s amusing!
As for assuming race in this discussion- I didn’t know one can tell the race of an individual by black and white text on the computer screen and the majority who post don’ t readily admit their race while blabbing out their mouths. Furthermore, why isn’t the media stating this Mayors political persuasions? A very good point was brought up in a previous post- “I doubt Obama would give it a second thought unless it had a political perspective. Like the mayor is a Republican or something. Then he might be upset…… Mostly to get him replaced with a Democrat.” Could it be the liberal media doesn’t want a fellow Democrat to be exposed as racist? They might lose a few votes. You know if this guy was a Republican that would be cited each time his name was mentioned!
So it’s ok to re-publish these highly offensive (RACIST?) photos, after they’ve caused a man to act honorably and resign his seat? You fools! You Sheep!!! If posting a picture makes one a racist, then for sure the Los Alamitos police, the FBI and CIA should be scowering the streets to find the culprits that threw that watermellon onto the Mayor’s doorstep, because using the same rationale, the people/person who did that was a TERRORIST!! If he was caused to step down because of a picture, where the HELL does that put Eric Geitner??? YOU try and get away with not paying $36,000 worth of income taxes and see where that gets you, you lost, lost sheep!
I weep for America and it’s distracted people.
Didn’t read all of the comments…several are pretty inane. I did want to address the “Polish Dave” comment with something fairly simple. To begin, it isn’t particularly true that, “blacks insist on being called “African Americans.” You know Polish Dave; using African American does not refer to color or separate one kind of American or other. It is ued to refer to ancestral origin. It is similar to the use of “Japanese American” or “Mexican American.” I am certain your worldly self is aware of that. “White” Americans are likely French or English or Spanish or German Americans and so forth. I just haven’t figured out the ancestral origin of “White.” Thick skin is not the prerequisite characteristic for recognizing humorous intent. Being offended is the occasional result of the surprise experienced when people in responsible positions express their simple-minded inferiority by insulting others with humorous intent (racism?)
Whats the big deal its just humor - Found the joke to be funny
wish there were more people with the guts to send them out
then all can yell and yell
You all can send all the racist garbage you want the fact is the pres. is BLACK deal with it!
The constitution gives us the freedom of speech but says nothing of the freedom of not being offended. Being a public official does put this mayor in a different light, however, freedom of speech does extend to EVERYONE!!!!!
It’s good to see the White House lawn being put to good use in these tough economic times. “Let them eat watermelon” can become our collective mantra. LOL
This is obviously a stupid thing to do. I notice, however that alot of non racist thinkers have no problem calling people “podunk” or “white bread” or any other kind of stereotype of their own. Where was the outrage when the left wingers were throwing oreo cookies at the RNC chair in a case of premeditated racism? I mean, where was the progressive thinking that went into that stunt and many others like it. Perhaps when it was conceived in some Liberal enclave, or on the way to the store to buy the cookies or in the careful planning of getting into the event for these racist purposes, not to mention the otherwise reviled “violence” of throwing anything at anyone for any reason. You can stop with the fake outrage over stupid human actions from individuals unless you want to prove your politics and deplore the racism on all sides. Call him an idiot, but not a Republican I can cite unbelievable racism on the left, but I must be honest and blame the individual.
Now lets get this streight, its OK to put watermelons on the whithouse lawn, but it is not OK, to have your daughter date a Blk. Man. Lets be real, and face the facts,,,,,,,,,,,You Republicans, are really hurt that a Blk Man became president doing your life span, and there isn’t a dam thing you can do about it, but set on your red-neck get a life ass and complain..Lets face it, You lost, You sent a Cripple there to run for President, and He got blasted, and mind it now, 46% of the votes was
from Whites, who voted for Obama. Instead of looking behind you, You should be looking ahead, and you will see that Blacks are running the country, Blacks are running Sports, Asian have all the businesses, and The Mexicans have all the jobs, so where in the hell do that leave you? Now I see why you are looking over your shoulder, and if you were snart, you would give it up, because old days are over, and the way you were raised. The past is history, and you might as well face it, there are no winnners on the internet that sat on their fat ass all day writing Obama Hate Emails. Get a life, go make love to you mate, cut the lawn, and enjoy the life infornt of you and stop being such a Racist………………..Yes that is what you are, ask your kids.
Im white, and like watermelon and chicken, so I fail to see why the old stereotype of blacks and chicken is always used.