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The GOP's Minority Outreach?
The Republican Party is always talking about outreach to minority communities – and then a Republican gets in the way.
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In South Carolina, after a gorilla escaped from the Columbia zoo last Friday, longtime GOP activist and former state election commission chairman Rusty DePass made this comment on his Facebook page: "I'm sure it's just one of Michelle's ancestors -- probably harmless."
Not having the courage of his lame convictions, he killed the page on Sunday, but not before it was captured by FITSNews, a local political Website.
What followed was even worse. First, DePass issued one of those non-apology apologies: "I am as sorry as I can be if I offended anyone. The comment was clearly in jest." Then he blamed Michelle Obama. "The comment was hers. Not mine," he said, using tortured logic about evolution. No one could find any such statement by the First Lady.
The NAACP in South Carolina still wants a "proper" apology. Good luck with that.
Polls show Michelle Obama is more popular than her husband. She is an attentive mother. She has become a presence in schools and community activities in Washington and across the country. She is an advocate of hard work and the value of education. The Queen of England loves her. Women head to the gym to look like her. And DePass is talking trash about her.
Lindsey Graham, one of South Carolina's U.S. senators, has said he is "deeply troubled" by comments about race made by Judge Sonia Sotomayor.
So Senator Graham, since statements that speak of the need for diversity on the bench upset you, I know you'll be demanding a clear apology from DePass – a South Carolina colleague -- for his comments comparing the First Lady of the United States to an animal.
Meanwhile, in Tennessee, Sherri Goforth, a legislative aide for Republican state senator Diane Black, sent out an e-mail with images of the Presidents of the United States, with Barack Obama rendered as a pair of eyes on a black background. Goforth told the online site Nashville Is Talking: "I went on the wrong e-mail and I inadvertently hit the wrong button."
"I'm very sick about it, and it's one of those things I can't change or take back." Next time, I expect she'll be sure only her racist e-mail buddies receive the joke. Goforth got a reprimand but kept her job.
When it comes to race, it is not that the GOP is tone-deaf. To the contrary, the party knows the song by heart. It has been playing it since the Southern Strategy scooped up voters looking for a home after LBJ signed civil rights legislation.
"I'm very sick about it, and it's one of those things I can't change or take back." Next time, I expect she'll be sure only her racist e-mail buddies receive the joke. Goforth got a reprimand but kept her job.
When it comes to race, it is not that the GOP is tone-deaf. To the contrary, the party knows the song by heart. It has been playing it since the Southern Strategy scooped up voters looking for a home after LBJ signed civil rights legislation.
You'd think the last election would have been a wake-up call. African American, Hispanic, Asian American – every minority community – voted overwhelmingly for Barack Obama. Retired Gen. Colin Powell – an African American and a Republican -- appeared on "Meet the Press" before the presidential election to clearly explain why he planned to vote for Obama. In May, Powell was disrespected by former Vice President Dick Cheney -- he of the five draft deferments -- when Cheney sided with radio talk-show host Rush Limbaugh in a feud between the two.
Recently, we had the spectacle of former GOP congressman Tom Tancredo saying a respected judge "appears to be a racist." That was, of course, before an actual racist apparently shot up a museum dedicated to tolerance and killed a man.
And then we were treated to extended coverage of a feud between Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and late-night host David Letterman over a tasteless joke he made about her daughter. Palin was rightly upset. Democratic and Republican officials piled on, until the comedian issued a real apology. (She accepted it.)
Republicans – Palin included – said the families of politicians should be off limits, although when they went on to add that Democratic political families are never touched, their outrage seemed more than a tad partisan. (Remember the Chelsea Clinton and Amy Carter jokes, anyone?)
Now Republicans have a chance to make it clear that respect for family goes both ways -- that their party will no longer be the place where racist jokes are excused with a wink and no one pays a price.
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Mary C. Curtis
Mary C. Curtis, an NPR contributor based in Charlotte, N.C., was previously a writer and editor for The New York Times and the Charlotte Observer... moreComments (21)
tmvh
3:34PM Jun 16th 2009
We must not forget about the numerous post cards from diffrent republican party heads in diffrent states. The watermelon patch post card "I did not know about the racist connotations" the fried chicken and watermelon, complete with monkey "It was private", Magic negro, rush's favorite. Shooting of a chimpanzee/ Obama by a right leaning paper. Need I go on?
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(2)
(2) 
escort6768
5:36PM Jun 16th 2009
I agree the remark was uncalled for, but what about the assistant majority whip in Iowa who used the "N" word during a heated discussion with a fellow state rep who just happened to be of African American decent. He did apologize saying that he was refering to kids. Does the fact that he is a democrate make it right?
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(0)
(0) David S.
3:56PM Jun 16th 2009
Conservatives went wild about David Letterman's stupid jokes, calling for his resignation from his show, saying vile things about him, organizing protests, etc. But I am betting my next paycheck those same conservatives will defend these two nitwits and their ugly racism with everything they have. I have yet to hear a "real apology" from Mr. DePass. And his fellow Republicans will certainly not seek one. As to Ms. Goforth, exactly why is it OK for a legislative aide to be looking at racist e-mails (presumably on her employer's computer) and sending them out to folks?
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(2) tmvh
4:03PM Jun 16th 2009
Our computers David, we employ her.
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(3)
(3) jsmith3244
4:07PM Jun 16th 2009
I think the Republican Party is doing a splendid job reaching out to minorities. The KKK is most certainly revitalized by the GOP's persistent bigoted racist comments towards Michelle, the Obama dog, their children and the President. The Neo-Nazis have experienced a renewed vision of 'White Power' uniting with the KKK and the GOP as the next great force for White Americans in upcoming elections. Terrorists groups around the globe are encouraged with the Republican's Agenda of "I hope Obama fails," unifying their efforts for future hopes of failure for Our Nation, Our People and Our President. Cheney is doing everything he can to encourage terrorists from without and within, to strike out against the New Administration.............just to make sure everyone realizes that he is right and they are wrong. Don't ask about the WMD or Saddam's ties to bin Laden though......still a sore subject with The Dick-Cheney!
Yes indeed, with Republicans doing everything in their power to assist any endeavor that will counter the Obama Plan for recovery, Our Nation definitely realizes that the GOP is doing everything possible to get ourside minority groups active in the cause seeking for Obama to fail.Maybe it's time for Limbaugh to play more of the 'Barrack the Magic Negro' jingle or more Gorilla comparisons made by GOP representatives. Yes indeed, the Republican Party today reflects exactly what everyone who voted against them always knew............and it still isn't pleasant!
Got Torture!
Yes indeed, with Republicans doing everything in their power to assist any endeavor that will counter the Obama Plan for recovery, Our Nation definitely realizes that the GOP is doing everything possible to get ourside minority groups active in the cause seeking for Obama to fail.Maybe it's time for Limbaugh to play more of the 'Barrack the Magic Negro' jingle or more Gorilla comparisons made by GOP representatives. Yes indeed, the Republican Party today reflects exactly what everyone who voted against them always knew............and it still isn't pleasant!
Got Torture!
RATE THIS COMMENT: (2)
(2) ssdwyer115
5:53PM Jun 16th 2009
JSmith, you are a complete idiot. As a conservative, I do not believe in only one way of thinking, much like you liberals. I believe EVERYONE has a chance at freedom. You liberals beleive freedom is only for a select few. The KKK should be in jail and given a history listen, BUT so should you. Go study. And do the right thing.
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(-4) tmvh
10:30AM Jun 17th 2009
ssdwyer... history book? Recent actions by elected repubican politicians, republican chairs, republican activists and staff members and volunteers have shown quite a proclivity for racist words, pictures, drawings, accusations and songs.
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(2) hauty007
4:26PM Jun 16th 2009
A Conservative/Feminst reaches out to America.
Of course, Palin accepted Bozo's lame apology.
"The little lady from Alaska", defends The United States of America & its' citizens while "The Beltway Brood turns a blind cheek".
BO = Bush on STEROIDS
COMMRADES:
The "One" has spoken, he will deliver the USA from Democracy to a "Socialist Utopia".
14.5M Americans Unemployed
Gov. Motors
Nationalized Health Care
19.2 ILLEGALS, wild card
Acorn
Ideology vs. Parody
Compromised Homeland Security & The United States Military
Of course, Palin accepted Bozo's lame apology.
"The little lady from Alaska", defends The United States of America & its' citizens while "The Beltway Brood turns a blind cheek".
BO = Bush on STEROIDS
COMMRADES:
The "One" has spoken, he will deliver the USA from Democracy to a "Socialist Utopia".
14.5M Americans Unemployed
Gov. Motors
Nationalized Health Care
19.2 ILLEGALS, wild card
Acorn
Ideology vs. Parody
Compromised Homeland Security & The United States Military
RATE THIS COMMENT: (-2)
(-2) jsmith3244
4:45PM Jun 16th 2009
Wait a minute..........the Republican Party is a Minority.
What are they reaching out for! Are they looking for other minority groups to replenish their Party's exile of Moderate Republicans.
It can be a good thing for the Purity of the Party, if minority groups are being touted. There goes the neighborhood!
What are they reaching out for! Are they looking for other minority groups to replenish their Party's exile of Moderate Republicans.
It can be a good thing for the Purity of the Party, if minority groups are being touted. There goes the neighborhood!
RATE THIS COMMENT: (-1)
(-1) ssdwyer115
5:55PM Jun 16th 2009
Read you history books, many, many liberal professors, moved out of cities to get away from minorities. Go Figure.
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(0) wolfsonnydiane
5:00PM Jun 16th 2009
somone observed that republican comments always reflect greed hate war mongering and raceism . so i read a lot of republican post and all mention in a direct way are a roudabout way one are more[raceism greed hate war mongering]one only has to read the post heare to see that.
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(0) ssdwyer115
6:37PM Jun 16th 2009
You are so smart, republicans are very upset with the way they are portrayed by the left. Go read a book, instead of watching a liberal talk.
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(0) hairhofla
5:07PM Jun 16th 2009
The Only Method Of Minority Outreach The Republicans Know...Is With The Back Of Their Hand And A Sneer
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(4)
(4) ebertmadwoman
6:15PM Jun 16th 2009
hairhofla, many like you have made ignorant statements and calling the republicans to be in collusion with the KKK, funny....wasn't Senator Byrd a KKK organizer? And he's a democrat. I think the Republicans have missed the boat because I truly think they just dont know how to go about reaching out to minorities.
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(-2) ssdwyer115
8:47PM Jun 16th 2009
Why reach out to minorities? Conservatives reach out to ALL, stating you are in control of your own life, responsible for your life, republicans and conservatives want YOU, an american, to have a good responsible life. We, conservatives don't put people into catogories, you as a liberal do. I want everyone to have freedom, life and liberty for ALL. Government is to support, not control your life.
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(-2) az4bo
6:33PM Jun 16th 2009
WOW.....What a bunch of very sick humans....America has many challenges right now and future.....and the airwaves are being polluted with complete ignorance....ANY elected whether Rep. or Dem....white, black etc etc.....should be removed and sent to the unemployment line for their remarks and behavior......period
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(1) az4bo
6:42PM Jun 16th 2009
The GOP is now the minority.....reaching out only to the less desirable and uneducated few that live with hate, ignorance and confusion. There is no HOPE for them.....they have generational defective genes of hate, greed and corruption....its a dying breed.....and will be dust in the wind.
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(1) tmvh
6:45PM Jun 16th 2009
ebertmadwomen.. It is very easy to reach out to minorities. put aside all your hateful white supremist thoughts and ideas. Come to the realization that ALL people are created equal, does not matter what race, religion, or culture you identify with. only white republicans does not equal right, true diversity is correct.
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(2) JefFlyingV
9:18PM Jun 16th 2009
You thought the Republicans would have learned from ex-Secretary of Agriculture Earl Butz. Goforth should resign and Depass should remove himself from politics. Oops...shouldn't be used as an excuse.
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(4) mingscream
6:42PM Jun 18th 2009
with comments like DePass and e-mail from RNCs aids like Goforth from sen. Diane Blacks office....what decent american would want to join the RNC
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