American Morning
Carter: Racism plays major role in opposition to Obama
(CNN) - Former President Jimmy Carter said Tuesday that racial politics played a role in South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson's outburst during President Obama's speech to Congress last week and in some of the opposition the president has faced since taking office.
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/POLITICS/09/15/carter.obama/art.carter.nbc.jpg caption="Former President Carter tells NBC Nightly News that racism has surfaced in opposition to President Obama."]
"I think an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he is a black man, that he's African-American," Carter told NBC News. "I live in the South, and I've seen the South come a long way, and I've seen the rest of the country that shares the South's attitude toward minority groups at that time, particularly African-Americans."
"That racism inclination still exists, and I think it's bubbled up to the surface because of belief among many white people - not just in the South but around the country - that African-Americans are not qualified to lead this great country. It's an abominable circumstance, and it grieves me and concerns me very deeply," Carter said.
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Racism is definitely a factor contributing to the opposition to most everything our President tries to do. Jimmy Cater was absolutely right about that. And, I'm certain that Joe Wilson is a racist, despite the fact that he and his son have denied this. What do think the chances are that a public official, especially a Southerner, would admit to being a racist ?
If you want to see proof that racism is alive and well in the USA – browse the blogs about our President and his family on AOL.
Sickening comments that from my view, shouldn't be posted.
First, two words for President Carter: You lie!
Let the record show that even though Carter is a sanctimonious, self-righteous, dishonest old prune of a caucasian, that race had nothing to do with my written outburst.
Carter is just carrying water for the party and engaging in a favorite old past time of Democrats: suggesting that the party of Lincoln is somehow more racist than the party of slavery, segregation, Jim Crow, and now knee-jerk race baiting. And which party were you a member of in the 50's Jimmy?
One of the more hilarious signs of Jimmy's hypocrisy are the complaints that people have used Nazi imagery to protest Obama. Yes, that *never* happened with George W. Bush. Democrats never booed him during the SOTU address and people always treated him with respect.
A story some people tell about W is that during a ride somewhere someone on the sidewalk flipped off the President as he passed in his motorcade. Bush's response: "Not a fan." Obama's surrogates would be asking where the guy left his white robes and hood at.
The GOP's not worried though. Only the mindless, the easily duped, the dishonest, and the cynical will buy into the notion that resistance to a president's attempts to massively increase spending, take over health care, and otherwise push the US down the path of western socialism is because of racism. The majority of Americans know desperate when they see it.
When Jimmy Carter becomes the face of an argument from the Democrats, that has "desperate" written all over it.
The debate is about Obama's actions, not his race, which is immaterial. Sure there's racism in life (just look at Jeremiah Wright for an example of someone with racist views – proving that no race is immune to the phenomenon) but when unscrupulous politicians like Carter play the race card so dishonestly, they distract from the real racial problems in our society. When Obama allows this to happen without correction, it simply demonstrates that he is far more concerned with his own political survival than with actually dealing with racism in America.
Its comical that we push our pseudo democracy on other countries. Carter is right to a point. The south's racism is alive and well and has been passed down like an heirloom. However this country is still growing and I pray that the majority of Americans are educated and not ignorant because their parents or GP were. White Americans are taking a lot of the heat for the racism but Latin Americans, Asian Americans, AND Black Americans are ALL racist. The entire planet has race issues. It is not just America! For other countries to look at us like we are weak for the way this President is being treated is the pot and the kettle.
What is the matter cnn? Afraid to add my comments to the blog?
For all of the commentators that are belittleing Former President Carter, he has wisdom that you would never understand, It's alright to agree without being disagreeable, with you calling him names, then you must feel that he is calling you out as well
Let history reflect, most revered Presidents were not popular in their day but as time goes on, the decisions they made and actions they took are better judged. Obama as our commander in chief is a testament to the fact that for a brief period of time, Americans DID table race. Granted Obama had a flawless campaign, one for the ages, voters eventually signed off. What is disheartening, is how fickle the American people are. Are we that influenced by media? Are we so shallow to disapprove so quickly? I have theories why the psychology of American society is what it is, but the bottom line, the end of story, is time will tell all. Knowing that, it would be nothing more than civilized to let Obama do his thing. Hold him accountable like any other leader, but let him lead. We should all be praying for him.
I am the adopted parent of a 12 year old son who is of African American and Spanish decent. I can tell you first hand racism is alive and well. It has always been there but when your child is affected because of it, you recognize it more. Do not let these bloggers, pundits and radio talk show host convince you of anything different. It is NOT just having a different opinion. It is young minority children being kicked out of the swimming pool at The Valley Club in Philadelphia because "a lot of ‘kids’ would change the complexion and atmosphere of the club." My mother in-law seems to all of a sudden always be preoccupied or have a headache when I ask her to babysit. She never had this problem with my daughters who are white. My wife is so sensitive she has refused to let the children visit her parents despite my vehement disagreement. One day I went to pick up my kids from mother's and they all were sad and teary eyed. I later found out that my mother had unwittingly allowed my kids to over hear her listening to Rush Limbaugh and the "Barack The Magic Negro" song. I was so angry I was shaking violently. Good thing I have African American friends to help me with my son in times like these. I could go on and on about the various experiences but you get the point.
Our family is a microcosm of our society. The elders are set in their ways regardless of how much it hurts the children and others like me. I worry that I may subconsciously neglect my daughters because I constantly have to address unfair treatment with my son, or that my daughters are often teased because of their brother. My wife and I can't say we weren’t warned by our friends. I guess we were naive and in just as much denial as many Americans.
There is no doubt in my mind that race is an issue. I live in the south and heard it said about how a black man (other words were used) can't be in control. And some are very upset. I am white and it's plain to me. Many do hot bother even attacking the policies but the man himself by the posters and such. Much of this is personal with people.
There will always be racists on both sides. Percentage wise, every study I have seen shows more racists in the minority groups then that of white people. Maybe that is justifiable. Who knows. Who cares. Like an earlier comment said, "it is what it is". All I can do about it teach my kids the right path, try to stay away from haters, and do my best not to judge until I know a person well enough to stay away or invite them in. Get back to the issues people. Racism is a sidebar to distrack us from congress fixing the issues with the bill. Since Joe's very shameful outburst, the house has added citizenship varification to the bill. It had been voted down twice before. I'd say the process is working.
As for Obama-I feel very inspired every time he talks. His ideas seem right on, but his actions (or lack of action) tells a different story. One fact is that he lets the congressional leadership walk all over him. Obama-Stand up and lead! Until that happens, we will not know whether he just has good speech writers or actuallly want to do what is right for the country.
Are you serious? I think that Joe Wilson's comment was rude and disrespectful but just because a white man got mad at an African American doesn't make him a racist!
I didn't vote for Obama and I'm not happy with a lot of things he is doing right now. Because I'm white, does that make me a racist?
Get your heads out of the sand! Sadly racism is alive & well in this country. Why don't we hear about them? They have just gotten a little smarter, staying out of the news, and using the "RIGHTS" of our nation to continue their perveted thoughts! Media coverage is concentrated on Iraq-Afganistan, and like countries. They could have a "mini, more likely a major series, covering the hate groups that exsist in our country.
One blog says that President Obama is working hard. All I see is campaign speech after campaign speech. Please tell me where I am wrong?
I find it hilarious that white people are yelling about the race card being played, when their gods Glenn Beck and Rush have been playing since Obama got into office! This is comedy gold! As for Carter's comments, judging by some of the responses here, I guess the truth really does hurt.
Hey matt, there is no way on earth that you attended a Tea Party. That is not true. I have been to several and people of all races and walks of life attended. You are a racist to even say what you said. This is about policy. This is about a radical agenda. This is about our country going the socialist route. It is so typical of you liberals, who cannot argue or discuss on the merits of a topic, to play the race card. And to take people out of context is the keystone to your duplicity. To have to go as far as to lie about attending a tea party shows what lengths your mindset will take you to justify your position. Debate on the merits of a subject, think things through and make a compelling argument with facts, not emotion. It is ok to be passionate about your beliefs, just let the facts get in the way. I take umbrage with your blog entirely.
Former President Jimmy Carter, spoked on behave of President Obama, thank you.
The first Black President, and he did not mentioned once of race, smart and intelligent, finally.
Former President George Bush, has a book out, saying President Obama, is not qualify for the job, Sarah Palin, and Secretary Hilliary Clinton. We had decades of this nonsense.
The rally this past weekend at the White House, there were signs.
After the rally, one anchor person asked one person from the rally, Where do we go from here. The replied was, We go back to our state and local governments. They had people who couldn't go because of money they didn't have. Some of them were there to express their fillings toward the President. Is this a form of backwardness?
The fact that the right is backing & supporting Joe Wilson is proof enough. The fact that he was wrong because the House bill explicity excludes illegals from receiving taxpayers funds has been lost in the argument. So has the fact that he disrespected the President in front of millions of viewers, including children. The same children he & hisa supporters didn't want to hear the Presidents message of work hard & stay in school. I'm sure al-Qaeda loves the clip in their recruitment efforts. Telling recruits, see he lied in America so he was lying in Egypt. It's outrageous that the right is contributing to the anti-American sentiment in the world.
I was very disappointed that American Morning didn't bother to bring up with Serena William's, her use of the racist term "gook" in reference to the line judge. Double standard? Had a white player used the "n" word, they would have been (correctly) called out on their racist views. I am very saddened by the lack of integrity on the part of your journalists.
Amazing how demented Carter has become. He's totally lost touch with reality. Racist to call the President a liar? Who were the racists in Congress that called Bush a liar? Who were the racists that booed President Bush's State of the Union address? Who were the racists that referred to Bush as Hitler? It's all a double standard initiated by the left and perpetuated by the leftist press, otherwise known as the main stream media (MSM). Carter needs to stay on the farm and take credit for his Habitats.
Jimmy Carter's statement is completely absurd. While it would be foolish to say that their are no racists in this country, to say that Joe Wilson's outburst was motivated by racism is completely ludicrous. These allegations of racism are just another political tactic to deter the American public from the real issue at hand. Many of the posters seem to "forget" how democrats booed Bush during his address to congress. While this is no excuse for Joe Wilson's behavior i would ask you to recall if any democrats apologized to bush or if any disciplinary actions were taken against them. You know the more i watch the news and see how both sides make absurd allegations toward each other, the more I feel like I am watching a bad reality TV show.
People say they go to tea parties to protest spending,but they always show up with racist posters.
I do believe that most of the opposition is due to the President's race. I have never seen anything like this in this country and I have never seen a President work as hard and sensible people would credit him for that. Why would you ask two white men if they feel that this is racism? The pictures and the peoples words alone at the Tea Party paint the picture of pure racism!
Everyone is thinking it......Jimmy Carter just said it thats that, I hate to disagree with James Carvel but when the other former presidents tried to past health care reform there was no such outburst toward them, Clinton etc. If the media CNN included stop tip toeing around race they'll get to the bottom of the issue.
I rarely agree with President Carter, but on this one he hit the nail on the head. I disagree with James Carvelle and more so with Ed Rollins on their comments. There is racism in America and regrettably it is alive and well. I am not African American myself, but I view this as the negative elements surfacing as the President Carter said. We have an eloquent CIC and with that power, many who are still racists cant see an educated young black man do it as good as others have prior to him. Until we get over this black, socialism, communism, marxist, and all the other descriptions of what Barak Obama supposedly is, we will never make ground. We have tons of business to do in this country. I wish we could spend just a qtr. of our energy and passion on constructive things that produce results than waste time on things like this. Yes its important, but let keep our eyes on the ball and to get the country back on its feet.
Racism plays a role in the hatred towards obama. The south declared war against its own country, set up jeff davis as its president, and hired lee to lead the fight against the north. The south went to war mostly because of slavery. If you wave signs saying the president is a monkey, he's a muslim, he was born in africa, and you wave the rebel flag you might be a racist. Carter is right.
Check the tea party crowds carefully. You hardly will see any blacks, hispanics or orientals. This is a crowd of whites, who cannot stand,
that their "supremacy" is over. KKK is resurfacing in the US. I am a
white (European descend) and hope that American people are living
up to their constitution they always hold up like a shield. These
protesters are pure and simple racists who have decided to play with
the fire and hope that someone will fire a gun ... And this is the democracy
we want to bring to other countries and we are surprised that they don't
want this "model of freedom". But we bomb them anyway...
What President Carter said is true. His comments affect those who actually feel racism everyday - not for those who are far removed from the world of the black man and black woman. Of course they wouldn't know.
As Rick Sanchez pointed out yesterday, Joe the Liar has a history of affiliation w/ the Sons of the Confederacy, which is associated w/ white supremist groups. He also voted to keep the Confederate flag waving above the SC State House.
Though he's on a govt-run health program, Tricare, he has voted against funding for it & other Veterans programs: http://vetvoice.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=3155. It appears he is more concerned about Veterans of the Confederacy than the Veterans of today, Viet Nam, WWII & the Korean Wars.
He also voted for a Republican bill in '03 that provided taxpayer funds to illegals, as Rick also pointed out. Anyone who doubts the racism behind the attacks on our President need to look no further than the HBO documentary; The Right:Feeling Wronged. It followed & interviewed McCain/Palin supporters during the campaign. They were not shy about not wanting a black man in the WH. They used more racist terms than black man however. It was before they called themselves teabaggers but they are some of the same people. Anyone who denied the racism behind much of the criticism only needs to read signs, comments & a history book. It's sad but true.
I agree with former President Carter.
I believe the media is simply “Preaching to the Choir.” It’s like interviewing
Bernie Madoff about how the US should balance the budget. You have these
imbeciles on like Mark Williams who believes our President is the “Racist in
Chief… and a Welfare Thug!’
If you truly want to know how racism has bubbled to the surface, go to
one of these Tea Parties and see for yourself as I did. Where are the
Asian, African, Spanish, and Indian Americans who are just as outraged?
In fact, where are the White Americans under 40 years old? Also,
interview a foster or adopted parent of another race who has a black child
and watch the emotions pour out. Interview a spouse of an African American
who had no idea this sort of intolerance still exists.
Jimmy Carter is just fueling the situation. Like I said before, he was a looser a a President and that hasn't changed. I listen and judge by all the media, and I find all side sadly lacking in the reporting of facts.
I don't understand why the USA media has to try to slant the story there way. CNN is a pile of liberal Democrats, Fox is a pile of religious Repubilcans, MSNBC has fallen off the left side and ABC, CBS and NBC do not count any more.
We have seririous issues in the USA right now and don't need to be fighting between ourselves. Rascism exsist on both sides of the fence. White, black and other. If you can't see that you should only listen to your choice of slanted news media hide your head in the sand and get passed by.
Lets wake up and join together and make our nation greater that it already is.
Oh, and by the way, while he was wrong to say it, Rep, Wison was correct. House Republicans tried to insert a passage saying you had to prove citizenship to get the public option (i.e. insurance that someone else will pay for) and the Dems shot it down. After the incident last week, the Dems quietly inserted some similar language over the weekend. So when the President spoke, the bills in play at the time had no way of stopping illegal immigrants from getting taxpayer provided insurance.
To the poster "James" who claims to be Native American. You refer to "my people". Well in my case "my people" are fellow Americans. I'm not driven to identify myself ethnically, culturally, socio-economically or regionally. I'm an American. If more people had this attitude they could worry about fixing problems instead of labeling all of us.
I always find it interesting when people tell us what they think is behind certain issues because it tells so much about the person making the statements. To leap to the racism claim, as people from Pres. Carter to Maureen Dowd have done, tells me that they are the ones who harbor racist feelings.
I think Pres. Obama is probably a great guy. He's smart, well educated, has a beautiful family and probably would be a fascinating guy to have dinner or a beer with. But I think his policies are disastrous and will change our country for the worse for a long time, possibly forever. It has nothing to do with his race, it has everything to do with him being wrong. I didn't like Pres. Carter for much the same reasons.
In a very short period of time white middle America has seen their dream fade only to appear in other segments of our population! Call it racism if you may but most of it is changes Obama is making that does not benefit them but only other people! To redistribute the wealth of these people and give it to segments of the population who either did NOT work for it or did NOT work enough! White middle America was the reason Obama was elected in the first placde, without all of these so called racist people we would not have our first black President! Bite the hand that feeds you and this is what you will get!
First and foremost Yes I do believe that this has much to do with race. George Bush helped kill the nations economy and their children for eight years . No one said anything. "Tea Parties" ha! The leader of those so called tea parties sat on fox the other night and basically said that Obama was a racist. Racist against who? He said racist against the real American. He, himself said it had nothing to do with the bill? So what does it half to do with? To me with the comment he made, he was the real racist. I mean wake up people racism isn't gone and now days people don't even try to hide it anymore. My sister took a foster child in that was only three and he used the N word when referring to a black man that was jogging down the street not really knowing what it meant. Who do you think taught him that?
What a load of bricks this guy is. The fact that this is news to you shows your integrity as a news organization. Racism is evil to its core and to trivialize it the way the peanut farmer has is unjust. Because Mr. Wilson disagreed with Pres. Obama over the largest government takeover ever, with the passion he displayed, does not make him a racist. It is not racism, Jimma. For you to say that, is racist. I see people for who they are, not the color of their skin. President Obama is half white. I suppose if a black man dislked President Obama, that would be the reason? I think not. The democrats better start talking issues on their merit, overtly and fairly or it will be 1994 all over again. Except, this time, the Republicans will have a mandate to go way right with fiscal policy.
President Carter is absolutely right! Death threats against the President have increased over 400%! There's a minister in Minnesota telling his congregation to pray for President Obama to die!
Mark Williams calls President a "Indonesian Muslim turned welfare thug and racist in chief". What do you think that means?
Where were all these people the last eight years? President Obama's been in office eight months and everything is his fault?
I think that Rep. Wilson's outburst marked a new turn in the contentious behaviour in the US Congress that is so damaging toward the need for us as a whole country to negotiate differences in a positive, intelligent way to address and RESOLVE huge problems that we are facing.
Wilson's behavior is a model for people who want to continue to fight against success of the overall government, not just President Obama.
We are in desperate shape – economically, from a health care delivery and cost perspective, from an environmental situation, that we need intelligent people of good will working together to come up with the best ideas from all different perspectives. He has done President Obama and the whole country a serious disservice.
whats going on wiht the gas prices whe the best president ever born was in power we use to pay .99 a gallon for regular gas.our presideb\nt at that time was the one and only bill clinton. hats goin on with obama .he went to the arab oubtry and could not make a deal for cheaper oil
The whole matter comes down to respect, have respect for our president, even if that was the way he felt he should have kept it to himself. I think he felt it was ok because our president is (black) and he could get away with it.
Yes it is racism, the signs say it all . I think cnn and msnbc should get some of these protesters on their shows and ask them what their protesting , and I would be willing to bet they don't know. The fact is they just don't like Obama because he is black...by the way I am white and I see it so clearly......
I agree with Former President Carter. The outburst that we see and hear is racially motivated.
I have never known the public to follow a president as much as President Obama has been followed. The President can't sneeze without someone asking that he apologizes to the public because there are patients in the hospital that can't sneeze due to respiratory problems.
If Former President George Bush had been monitored as closely as President Obama, the country would not be in the condition that it is today; Maddoff would not have gotten away with financial murder.
If President Obama had lashed out as Senator Wilson, the public would protest. Senator Wilson needs to make a public apology, not private or subtle. Critics would expect President Obama to make a public apology.
The bottom line is, the public needs to allow the President to do his job the same as they have allowed Presidents that have come before him. President Obama is not perfect nor were the ones before him. The problems that the President inherited were not overnighters, therefore, he can't fix them overnight. How is it that a country with such strong division is labeled as beautiful. We all need to take a second look at beauty.
North Carolina
Jimmy Carter go get in your rocking chair and stay there ! Who cares what you think.
Joe Wilson for President !!
He is there for the people, something most of the politicians are not !!
The issue with Obama has absolutely nothing to do with race, but his policies and direction he is taking us in. Big Government has never been the solution, but certainly is the problem.
What makes me angry is the built in race card that blacks and/or liberals can play whenever they don't get their way. Don't like what somebody says to/or about them, then it is, or they are a racist. A number of blacks have a racist chip on their should just waiting for someone to knock it off so they can go ballistic.
Thank God for Pres. Carter stating what is apparent to us in the real world. It would take a truly myopic minded individual – or just plain ignorant – to state otherwise. I experience the ignorance of racism day in, day out ... and it definitely is not a " fringe group" . Some of these people cloak themselves in so called patriotism, when they are nothing more than cowardly bigots. Hypocrites ... they say one thing in private and another in public.
I agree with President Carter. It can be nothing but racism when you consider the hate group organizations Joe Wilson has been, or is affiliated with! Look at the signs the protestors are bring to these TEA party rally’s. Everyone of them reflect some sort of racial overtone directed toward the president. I'm all for free speech, it's everybody right! Groups that are granted a permit to protest should not be allow to bring individual posters, but instead the organizers of the protest should carry a banner at the head of the protest to reflect the views of their cause. And to think that all this up roar is about universal health care, which mainly center around whether or not a “public option" should be allow is nonsense. I'm a 31 year worker, and I have good insurance. I think it's selfish not to care if everyone has the same opportunity to health care as I do. The people participating in these TEA parties protest only make up a fraction of a percent of the whole of this country that are in favor of universal health care. The intent of these protest is to defeat the president in his efforts to make this happen!
I think Jimmy Carter is very off base-he should go back to picking peanuts!
President Carter is right everything is racial, I didn't vote for Obama but I respect the office, I guess our law makers forgot how to be repectful. I am72 years old and if these lawmakers get paid off from the insurace companies and drug companies and forget there are people out there who really need help wth their health care, and like a lot of my friends (who are college graduates) have lost their health insurance, and me,medicare sucks (pardon me). So people like Congressman Wilson forget your racial ideas and get on the health insurace track, oh by the way how much are you paid off must be pretty good by the way you act.
The question is had racism been foster by the Republicans party.we the american people see what going on..IT NOT ABOUT HEALTH CARE.The Republicans Party dont care about the american people health.
Yes these tea party folks are lost an filled with hatred . I find it offensive that they question weather Mr. Obama is a US Citizen since his mother was a Us Citizen. I am a Us Citizen, my child is was born in the United States and his mother is from Kenya. When watching the State Union address on Health Care, and Rep. Wilson gave that outburst, stating that President Obama lied I was shocked. Never in my 20 some odds years of watching a Presidential address had I seen such disrespect. It just shows me as a black man in America we still have a long way to go. The fact that we are still questioning this mans direction as President tell me this. The fact also these other groups like the Tea Party are even attacking Presidents Obama's kids. At times make feel ashamed to be American, wondering what other countries around the world must think of us.
Thanks, Reggie from Iowa
Thank you so much President Carter. its about time that someone who isn't African-American, has the guts to say what we all know to be true. That there are still many people who can't stand the thought of an African-American President. And unfortunately for them, now that the President is African-American, will do anything to discredit him. These individuals vehemently oppose his policies regardless of their effects on the Amrican people. They want to try to limit him to one term, and most of all, they want make sure we never again elect another African-American in "their" country.
Wow, heaven forbid anyone go against Obama and the Democrats for fear that we'll be called racists. Get real. These are non-violent protests of healthcare, spending, and the liberal agenda. That's it people. Get over yourselves. Just because Obama won the election doesn't mean this country is just gonna sit by and let crazy ideals be thrust upon this nation. These protests are against the policies not racial. Maybe you should look in the mirror of your own hatred. You are sad, sad, sad Americans.
Bravo Jimmy Carter.I'm a full blooded Native American Indian.Ex Pres.Carter Hit the nail on the head of what My People have always known and seen in these United States.Rep.Joe Wilson is a biggoted racist and so is the Republican Party for not condemning his actions.Made me sick watching C-SPAN and how they defended his actions.
"Tea Parties"...looks like the KKK has given itself a PR name makeover
Without a doubt! Race has certainly played a majot role in the opposition that has been propagated by birthers, tea partyers, joe wilson's recent outburst against President Obama. I've had several conversations last week with various individuals of various ethnic backgrounds and overwhelmingly they all agree. The unfortunate aspect of this is the fact that this something fueled by the republican party who all claim to be God loving and God fearing individuals. I don't think they have read the Bible recently regarding God's ordained appointment of an individual to an office of authority, and also the fact that God will remove or judge those individuals who come against his appointed. We've already seen this taking place and God is not finished. It is really sad when even today people are so filled with hatred, bigotry, and ignorance that they miss the opportunities to improve this country. America is not longer the world power that it claims, and certainly is not the moral compass for the rest of the world that it once held title to. A major double standard. WAKE UP AMERICA!
Carter needs to shut his mouth and let Obama fight his own fights! Had Obama kept to his campaign promise of helping out the middle class and no more free giveaways to people who dont work for it then he wouldnt be in this position! Stop helping people who dont help themselves! Had Obama made sure to include the words you have to verify to enroll in this new health program, Wilson would had no need to call Obama a liar! When Obama jumped the gun and called the police names and sterotype them without knowing that it was a black man who ran his mouth and got himself arrested, had nothing to do with racism! Black people are quick to call anything that involves them racist! White men are being tased here in Michigan by the dozens and not one of them claim its because they are white!
Stephanie is right. No one is calling Kanye West a racist. Jerk...idiot...jackass...but not racist. That wasn't about race, it wasn't about Beyonce, that was about Kanye...and stupidity. But comparing a rapper to the President of the United States is a little like racial profiling. These two men operate on totally opposite ends of the spectrum. But you would realize that if you looked at them and saw something other than just two black men.
The issue is NOT the insignificant MINORITY who attempt to "color" the debate with racial overtones, the issue is an administration that seeks to CENSOR all critics.
You all know perfectly well that, those so called tea parties are served up with much Racism. We know even a stupid jack ass can see that. I do believe that this will back fire on our nation. Other nations will speak out against this nation for their Racism against people of color.
It is a shame that so many or intimedated and have great fear of any person, place or thing that they do not understand.
Because this president is black a lot of people believe he deserves less respect. I believe this was Joe Wilson's belief....I am sure he does believe that Obama was lying and many others in the room probably thought he was lying. But Mr Wilson acted on his belief that THIS president deserves less respect that past presidents. I don't believe ALL of the tea party protesters are racist but I also don't see them condemning those that are participating with clearly racist messages. I am a white moderate and I am disgusted with the fact people cannot see this for what it is.
The roots are not overt racism or hatred of Blacks. It is cultural fear. Universally, people find it difficult to trust those they perceive as so different that their motivations might be beyond their understanding,
Those with a very insular view of what their culture is, thinking it’s only people very like themselves, are the problem. Those who see blacks as outside their mainstream, are easy to convince that Obama is a sinister figure, with secret incredible motives. Easy pickings for Demagogues.
I would go further and say racism is the cause of all of this vitriol. Mr. Wilson's "concern" about "illegal aliens" is a racist discussion cloaked under healthcare reform.
I also feel the weekend demonstration by the extreme right documented several real threats that should be considered insurgent dialogue and should be investigated by the secret service.
This is our country.
This is our president.
Obama won.
The south lost ... again. Get over it.
Thanks Thomas
I do not believe the Tea Party protests are race motivated. It is called havign a different opinion, something our country was founded on. As always, there will be the few that are ignorant. This is the land founded on free speech!
Of course Racism is playing a part in this. Maybe not all of Tea Party. But the people spreading false information about the new Health Care plan, to people who honestly believe it. Like the whole stupid, OH the democrats will take our guns away misinformation. Now the Republican party is being lead by who? Rush Limbaugh and didn't he say Racist things on the radio?! So lets follow a guy who is racist against a president who is black?
Half of the information being thrown around is all horribly miscreated right now. Of course a lot of racists and people with racists views are jumping in with all the anti-Obama maniacs. Next time someone makes a picture with the Joker make up on anyone it needs to be Rush Limbaugh.
I believe reacism may be one small factor in the kind of behavior being exhibited by people against President Obama but I suspect the primary reason is rooted in ideology. There's this unsubstantiated belief that President Obama wants government to take over our lives. I think the broader issue may be the failure of our educational system to educate Americans.
I believe everyone knows very well that the mass protest and opposition to health care reform (and other measures being put forth by Obama) is being fueled primarily by racism, but very few people want to admit that for some strange reason. They took issue with Obama's citizenship in the beginning, then they called him a Nazi, then a Communist and a Socialist, then, after that, he was both a Nazi AND a Socialist; after that, they criticized his motivational speech to children, urging them to stay in school- and tried to dismiss it as socialist indoctrination and brainwash.
These are the absolute worst people in all of creation, bar none- too bad they're all situated right here in the United States of America.
I don't agree with all of President's Obama decisions, however, he is the President of the United States of America and deserves our respect. It is one thing to fight about policy, it is another to make personal attacks about his ethnicity. Also, I find it egregioius when the media time and time again call him Mr. Obama instead of President Obama; all three networks and cable news make the "Mr. Obama" remark on a daily basis. I never heard President Bush called Mr. Bush as head of State. We live in a racist society where racism is pervasive.
I believe former President Jimmy Carter has hit the nail on the head. He is the right person to "Call out" white America and the Radical Right on this. I have never witnessed the hatred or disrespect towards this President. The last time I remember these types of feelings was in the 60's during the Civil Rights movement.
As with former President Bush, we don't have to agree with him, but the President deserves the respect of being the Most Important Person in the Free World.
As a white woman living in the south, my response to President Carter's comments about the role of race in the demonstrations against President Obama is that it absolutely plays a major role. Consider the background and comments of the South Carolina Congressional delegation and the response from their constituents – very racist.
With the lone exception of President Carter, this discussion is divided along racial lines...so what does that tell you? He had nothing to gain by voicing this position, but he is a welcomed lone voice in what has become a wilderness of ignorance and denial. If African Americans ever say anything about race, it's called "playing the race card." So I thank President Carter immensely.
I am almost 50 years old and I have never seen the kind of disrespect for a president to which President Obama has been subjected; not even President Nixon during the Watergate scandal. There are probably some who truly disagree with President Obama's policies, and there are those who just rabidly dislike Democrats: any Democrat anywhere. But there are those scared, insecure, inferior-feeling, ignorant racists (because that's what racism is about) who have jumped on that train to try to have some semblance of legitimacy, and they have hijacked that train.
Of course racism will play a major role in the entire political life of Obama in the White House. His race played a role prior to his Presidency and will continue to arise until the end of his time there. The race fault lines in the US are so deep and wide, its only a matter of time before more Wilsons start to rear their heads from the cracks.
Mr. Carter put it well when he questioned why white people have a belief that African Americans are not well placed to lead this country. The lack of respect being afforded to this President is shameful
Racism...racism...racism. Even my blind dog, Scruffy, can see how much racism is not only playing out in politics, but across the United States as a whole. Being so dissatified and angry at President Bush, most of the voters were more than willing to put anyone besides a Republican back in the White House. Even a Black man inspite of the fact that some of them were the "biggest racist" around. Now that reality has hit, their true colors are beaming bright and clear. Instead of "he can do no wrong", everything he does is "wrong" simply because he is a BLACK man. When we die, we die with a racial identity; when they do an autopsy, we're all the same on the inside. In the beginning, all of our ancestors were from the continent of Africa and all of us are God's children....even though he shakes his head behind some of our actions with disbelief.
So when the democrats booed President Bush during the State of the Union, was that principled behavior? When the democrats spent the last 8 years calling Bush a liar, that was a well functioning democracy, and this must be racism?
i agree with carter, if you look at the eyes of Wilson and the man on his right you can see the hate. Its not the look of men disagreeing with a health issue,its we got you black man!
Pres Carter is clearly becoming senile and shouldn't be quoted. Pres Reagan went into hidding as he lost his mental factulties. He referenced the 1960s as if it were a lot more relevant to 2009 – someone needs to wake him up from his somber and tell him that the one person in a thousand that might have that view doesn't overshadow the other 999 that are disapointed in Pres Obama.
Jimmy Carter was a looser as a President and that hasn't changed. To give him credit is a major set backwards.
Jimmy Carter should just be quiet. People disagree with Obama's policies and that has nothing to do with the color of his skin. If the country was as racist as Carter believes how did Obama get elected president? Carter just wants to be in the news.
This Country lives in a state of denial. Of course racism has to do with all this bickering. This is just like the “Reconstruction”…let the black man do his thing and prove that he doesn’t have what it takes. Poor guy they are going to make his life miserable and then when he fails (and fail he will) they will turn around and murmur. “You see, I told you! You can dress a monkey but he will always be a monkey.”
Wakeup people! Racism is alive and well in this country. Shame on us all!!!!!!
Wednesday, september 16, 2009–6:14 am CST
Morning Amfix,
All the Protests and Tea Parties sound very racist to me, and I agree with former President Jimmy Carter. I see more whites than blacks at
those TEA Parties.
I also agree with President Obama, "the time for bickering and game
playing" needs to end, and start getting busy on working Health Care.
I think some statements you hear from protesters, such as "we want our country back" are clearly racist. On the other hand, I remember seeing "Impeach Clinton" bumper stickers within six months of his taking office.
The real problem is that many on the right only believe in democracy when elections go their way. When they lose, they use every means at hand to subvert the will of the majority.
There is racism and hatred in the hearts of a vast majority of people. They may not admit it, but it is there! But even though we see it, some people are ashamed to address it. Until we as a nation and a world stand together, small groups of radicals will continue to bob up and down. These radicals come in the form of terrorists, racists, and political figures. We all watched when Obama was elected president and I for one had goose bumps. This symbolized a time of change was at hand. Unfortunately, society is watching closely to every move that is made. Mistakes are common among all.
I definitely believe racism is a factor. At protest meetings, I see signs like "send the idiot back to Kenya" and none of the protest leaders do anything. They are constantly questioning his birth certificate even though there is overwhelming evidence that he was born in the U.S. (also the constitution only requires that a parent be American).
Lastly the protest of his speech to education was definitely due to racism. White Presidents like George Bush (41) and Dwight Eisenhower gave a speech to the schools (with a lesson plan) and had no issue. President Obama is clearly not getting the respect he deserves.
The SHOuT heard round the world.
Former President Carter is absolutely correct.
Do these people think they are in isolation from those of us who share this planet? The atrocious treatment of your first black President, and the rabid "pile-on" frenzy discredits the U.S. image world-wide. President Obama is due to talk to the U.N. shortly. Recent images of hatred againhst hijm may serve to marginalize your President's influence in future discource on very important issues.
Lincoln – lawyer from Illinois – Republican President – helped free the slaves
Obama – lawyer from Illinois- Democratic President – first black President
Sounds like a bi-partisan outcome, however, while I do believe that Lincoln would have smiled broadly at the recent Innauguration, he is now probably weeping – wondering if the Civil War was won in reality.
I can see how some white people might say "no this has nothing to do with race", however these same individuals will cross the street or grab their purse when walking past a black person. They don't recognize they are racist. Blacks have been victims of racism for hundreds of years in this country I do believe if most blacks see and feel racism concerning this topic it is what it is.
forget that Democrats boo-ed Bush during his 2005 state of the union address (oh, wait – perhaps that doesn't count because a lone voice isn't exactly the same as a much larger group loudly showing disdain for their President); forget that the media vilified Bush's faith based initiatives but is silent about this administration's 100% adherence to those very policies; forget that this administration is claiming to initiate health reform for the people but is unwilling to consider even simple reforms such as allowing individuals to seek health care providers across state lines (which would give consumers greater choice in health coverage and markedly reduce insurance costs as it would dramatically increase competition); forget that the last administration was vilified for its big spending and programs yet this administration is praised for trying to secure the biggest government spending and the biggest programs in history (to the tune of the biggest deficit in history, also); and forget that war was bad last year but good this year. I could go on but I think the gist is apparent. None of this, according to Carter, Dowd et al, really means anything. What really matters is that when Joe "the Congressman" said "you lie" to this President, all legitimacy of exception to his administration's actions and policy were reduced to racism. The litmus test, all seem to imply, is that those who are not deeply offended by his remark are racist and those who are offended are not racist (and good). Phew, thanks for putting that in perspective. Here I was thinking it was merely a (rude) expression of frustration. Silly me!
All kidding aside, we need careful and nuanced thinking – not trumped up charges of racism when your politics are losing. Surely we can understand that dissension need not be reduced to such an easy dichotomy. You can call Congressman Wilson rude and uncivil, but the charge of racism here is not only facile, but of late appears at every turn and is quickly becoming the charge du jour. And besides, isn't "you lie" similar to "acting stupidly"? The Congressman did not call President Obama a liar, anymore than President Obama called Officer Crowly stupid.
Of course it's racism. Wilson never ever would have said what he said to Obama if Obama had been a white president.
Let's see it was last wednesday went Joe Wilson called the President a liar when the President stated that illegal immigrants will not be covered under the health care plan...but the plan did NOT state that the patients will be verified to be US citizens...what did congress do last Friday night under the cover of darkness and out of the media light? The passed an amendment to require verification of citizenship to receive care....hmmmmm..was Joe Wilson wrong?
When you see people with purple faces and engorged veins screaming about health care it just doesn’t make sense. Are all these people employed by insurance companies or are they angry that a black man is in a position of power? Even the one female caller I heard on your show minutes ago had such contempt and disgust in her voice while denying racism, that I’m afraid she gave her real feelings away. Let’s face it, some white people are dangerously upset.
I see it every day with people for whom I know their history, you see a different standard with this president because he is black. We can ignore the reality or as Carter did, address the issue and recognize it for what it is...change.
Racism has been the elephant in the room for some time now. It has been fostered by hate mongers like Beck and Limbaugh and most of all by email. I think most Americans deplore it. The Republicans claim that bringing it out in the open is playing the race card. Well, the cards are on the table now, and one of them is racism.
It's not the fact that a black man is not capable of running this country. It's the fact that neither political party has shown that they are capable of running the country. Republicans went on a spending spree after gaining control of Congress and were voted out of office. Democrats are doing the same thing. I think that the issue of race arisess because some blacks, not all, think that anyone who questions the President or his policies is a racist. This is just a bunch of bull.
There is growing resentment among African Americans who have been watching behavior at these protest. We don't understand how legitimate protestors can associate themselves with obvious race based protestors (Obama as African witch doctor and so on)...unless they agree on some level. It makes it hard to trust White Americans period!
I am absolutely positive that the tea party express advocates prejudice and bigotry, and I believe Fox News is their megaphone. In the little bit of coverage I have seen on tea party protesters, I have noticed that they are all white people. Hardly in that crowd do you see the minority sector that had alot to do with putting the President in office.
to me it is pure racism.....just look at the demonstrations and the signs.shame on the united states
jim w
i Agree with President Carter
The idea that people who disagree with President Obama’s policies are “racist” is ridiculous. I’m sure there is a small percentage of people who actually are but, for the most part, people are extremely concerned about over-spending and big government. It has absolutely nothing to do with the color of someone’s skin. Kayne West got up and humiliated a white woman to stand up for a black woman and no one is calling him racist. It appears to be a double-standard and one that is being used unfairly to people who legitimately disagree with what is currently going on in the government.
Is race an issue? Did Doctor David McKalip send around a picture of Barack Obama as a witch doctor which was held up at tea party protests?
Were there signs saying Obama and his arrogant wife should go back to their own country?
Are people still calling him a Muslim, a charge would is purely rooted in race?
I think you have your answer.
In some ways I do believe Carter is right. I mean come on...Just two weeks ago you had parents crying about how so afraid and scared that this president was talking to there child. Something that has gone on all my lifetime. President make these general address about staying in school and being good citizens. Whats different? This guy is talking to our kids. The most powerful man in the country...a black man...oh no! I do believe that this is a hard pill to swallow for some Americans. Grow-ups can deal with watching Fox news or CNN while there kids play video games and watch cartoons. But now you have this black president in your classroom talking to your kid without your permission. Shame on him!!!
Now to this outburst in congress. This is unheard and uncalled for in my standpoint. If you disagree with president cool but to call him a liar from the bleacher like you are at Yankee game is a little bit cowardly and just plain disrespectful. Unlike most presidents he is such an easy target. What makes him so different. Bush has lied and nobody called him on it. Clinton lied to us on national TV about his affair. Nobody disrespected him. Please guys use your brains...not too long ago blacks were considered almost less than human in this very same country. I am pretty sure these feelings creeping in a lot of peoples minds and things that they might not say usually are coming out, but now they are in the situation where you have this president, who is black and you are not use to treating this person on this level. Bottom line!!!
Surprise, surprise...it is finally being played....the race card...if you disagree with the President and his policies you are now labled as a racist...I wondered how long it would take...now it's here..not really surprised though..that is always the way of the left when facts don't support their positions
In some ways I do believe Carter is right. I mean come on...Just two weeks ago you had grow parents crying about how so afraid and scared that this president was talking to there child. Something that has gone on all my lifetime. President make these general address about staying in school and being good citizens. Whats different? This guy is talking to our kids. The most powerful man in the country...a black man...oh no! I do believe that this is a hard pill to swallow for some Americans. Grow-ups can deal with watching Fox news or CNN while there kids play video games and watch cartoons. But now you have this black president in your classroom talking to your kid without your permission. Shame on him!!!
Now to this outburst in congress. This is unheard and uncalled for in my standpoint. If you disagree with president cool but to call him a liar from the bleacher like you are at Yankee game is a little bit cowardly and just plain disrespectful. Unlike most presidents he is such an easy target. What makes him so different. Bush has lied and nobody called him on it. Clinton lied to us on national TV about his affair. Nobody disrespected him. Please guys use your brains...not too long ago blacks were considered almost less than human in this very same country. I am pretty sure these feelings creeping in a lot of peoples minds and things that they might not say usually are coming out, but now they are in the situation where you have this president, who is black and you are not use to treating this person on this level. Bottom line!!!
I agree with President Carter. Racism permeates much of the criticism directed at president Obama.