CNN's efforts to smear Obama critics as racist gained visibility on Monday's Situation Room when the usually more sensible Wolf Blitzer, with “RACIAL TINGE TO TEA MOVEMENT” as the on-screen heading, set up a story on how, “most disturbing,” within the tea party crowds there's “a very small but vocal minority, they're targeting President Obama's race.” Though reporter Elaine Quijano said “we have to emphasize by far most tea party protesters are not casting their arguments in what could be seen as a racial light,” she nonetheless proceeded to treat as newsworthy how “a small but passionate minority is also voicing what some see as racist rhetoric.”
In decrying the racism, CNN gave national cable air time to what she described as a “controversial image that's been circulating on the Web since July,” a “doctored image circulating on the Internet and even some protesters signs like this one in Brighton, Michigan, portraying President Obama as a witch doctor.” Brighton, Michigan? So, not at the more newsworthy big national event Saturday in DC I presume.
Quijano soon went to Chicago Tribune columnist Clarence Page who saw race as the common denominator: “People are not just mad at Obama. They're mad at Jesse Jackson, they're mad at Reverend Wright, they're made at Al Sharpton, they're mad at people who have nothing to do with Obama except they all happen to be black.” Without questioning the supposition, Quijano warned: “Page says the vehement racial resistance that's emerged is another sign any notion of a post-racial society after Barack Obama's election was wishful thinking.”
Maybe it's those using race to incriminate Obama critics and distract from their complaints on health care and spending, such as Page and CNN, who are the ones injecting race and marring dreams of a “post-racial society.”
Earlier NewsBusters posts on CNN pushing the anti-Obama protesters as racist theme:
- CNN's Lemon Praises Maher for Raising Anti-Obama Racism: 'Finally Someone's Talking About This'
As a quick contrast, back in February of 2003 CNN ignored the radical-left and pro-communist affiliations of some anti-war protesters and instead celebrated their “diversity.” CNN reporter Maria Hinojosa on a protest in Manhattan:
I have to tell you, it's an extraordinary -- like New York, it's an extraordinarily diverse crowd. I have seen elderly men and women with mink coats carrying their posters. I have also seen children with their parents coming from public schools. I saw a sign with someone from the PTA of a public school. I have seen people who called themselves hippies. I have seen old anti-war folks who say that they have been coming to demonstrations since the 1960s, as well as high school students and college students who have never taken part in any demonstration who are now becoming part of the activity here.
From about 5:30 PM EDT during the Monday, September 14 Situation Room:
WOLF BLITZER: They've come together under the tea party banner, but within the movement you're going to find individuals outraged over taxes, health reform, gun control and more. But, most disturbing, a very small but vocal minority, they're targeting President Obama's race. Let's go to CNN's Elaine Quijano. She's working this story for us. Elaine, what are we seeing?
ELAINE QUIJANO: Well, Wolf, we have to emphasize by far most tea party protesters are not casting their arguments in what could be seen as a racial light, but a small group of demonstrators is using a controversial image that's been circulating on the Web since July. Within the larger tea party movement that's gained steam across the country, a small but passionate minority is also voicing what some see as racist rhetoric, including this doctored image circulating on the Internet and even some protesters signs like this one in Brighton, Michigan, portraying President Obama as a witch doctor. We took to the streets of Washington to get reaction.
WOMAN: I think it's disrespectful to the office of the President to portray him in this manner. It's racist.
SECOND WOMAN: This is appalling.
QUIJANO: How prevalent were the protesters carrying racially-charged messages? Difficult to quantify? CNN all platform journalist Jim Spellman spent weeks covering the tea party demonstrators as a whole.
JIM SPELLMAN: Only a handful of people seem to outwardly have racial issues with the President, but the more you talk to people, you could sense that it was part of a larger distrust.
QUIJANO: For their party tea party leaders disavow any racist views.
MARK WILLIAMS, TEA PARTY ORGANIZER: I saw very little overt racism or anger, and those were on the fringes and were marginalized.
QUIJANO: They want attention focused on the role and reach of government into people's lives but say that controversial protesters have the right to speak their mind.
WILLIAMS: Part of America is that there are people who are bigoted, and, you know, you're never going to convince them not to be. You don't have to embrace them, but in this country you can't shut them up either.
QUIJANO: Chicago Tribune columnist Clarence Page sees the Obama presidency as a chance for some to lash out.
CLARENCE PAGE, DC-BASED CHICAGO TRIBUNE COLUMNIST: People are not just mad at Obama. They're mad at Jesse Jackson, they're mad at Reverend Wright, they're made at Al Sharpton, they're mad at people who have nothing to do with Obama except they all happen to be black.
QUIJANO: Page says the vehement racial resistance that's emerged is another sign any notion of a post-racial society after Barack Obama's election was wishful thinking.
PAGE: It's only the beginning of the process that we are able to live with leadership that may not look like us, may not come from the same background as us but is still part of this very diverse society.
QUIJANO: Now Mark Williams, the tea party organizer we talked to, notes there's been inflammatory rhetoric in statements at events like anti-war demonstrations in the past, burning flags and hanging effigies, he says. His point: that like other grass roots movements the tea party protesters are a cross-section of America.
—Brent Baker is Vice President for Research and Publications at the Media Research Center
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Nice poster...nothing wrong
September 14, 2009 - 20:49 ET by balboaNice poster...nothing wrong with that!
Wow
September 14, 2009 - 21:37 ET by well99One poster.Why didnt the police bring out the riot squad!For all those that marched you will be judged by this.Doesnt matter if it just one person or just a few.Your all going to hell!Just a note:Should we group folks because of this loser.
http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-51906
So were all liberals in on this?
http://www.txcn.com/sharedcontent/dws/txcn/austin/stories/090608kvuemolotovfolo-mm.4f57eaa2.html
Lets have one standard.
I don't think I impugned the
September 14, 2009 - 22:04 ET by balboaI don't think I impugned the whole group, did I?
→ Not at all, bal
September 14, 2009 - 22:13 ET by Cool ArrowDon't be an impugner.
I think the poster is maybe a little too pointed in its intent.
Nobody believes Obama would try to use smoke and magic to tend to the health needs of the entire country.
On the other hand . . . I have warts.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
balboa
September 14, 2009 - 22:15 ET by well99My point was that the msm is trying to.They use a few to represent the whole.Your not with the msm are you!Just kidding.Maybe.
I'm Dan Rather.
September 14, 2009 - 22:25 ET by balboaI'm Dan Rather.
→ bal
September 14, 2009 - 22:27 ET by Cool ArrowDo you have any idea how believable that is?
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
(over the top eye roll)
September 14, 2009 - 22:32 ET by balboa(over the top eye roll)
→ Thank you
September 14, 2009 - 22:34 ET by Cool ArrowSome quips should not be passed up.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
That's about as believable
September 14, 2009 - 22:35 ET by balboaThat's about as believable as a frickasseed june bug on the 4th of July. ;-)
→ Back to you, Dan
September 14, 2009 - 22:38 ET by Cool ArrowAnd Speaker Pelosi is about as skittish as a long-tailed cat in a roomfull o' rockin' chairs.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
Wow
September 14, 2009 - 22:47 ET by well99Is this Clichés Are Us?
Yes. We're having a
September 14, 2009 - 22:56 ET by Free StinkerYes.
We're having a two-for-one sale all week.
lol
September 14, 2009 - 23:04 ET by well99Now that is scary.
Dan
September 14, 2009 - 22:30 ET by well99I knew you had alot of time on your hands.Is Mary Mapes with you?
Race as a weapon
September 14, 2009 - 21:57 ET by nkviking75If Obama were white and depicted as a witch doctor, would anyone see a racist intent behind this poster? I doubt it. The point of the poster is not race. It's that Obamacare is as unreliable as the ministrations of a primitive shaman.
What the MSM is calling racism is really conservatives getting fed up with race as a weapon.
Perhaps the next tea parties should be outside the headquarters of major MSM outlets.
“Always love your country — but never trust your government!" -- Bob Novak (1931-2009)
Color....
September 15, 2009 - 08:12 ET by adamsmithI'm assuming that the people at the protests see color like I do, the only color I think of when I see Big Brother Barack and his Brave New Worlders is RED as in Communist Red....
Soros somehow managed to get his "Use The Race Card" command out to all the lefties who are using it overtime...In another month, RACIST will be used to describe only black people, like Kanye West, who really happens to hate white people.
The country was really ready for post racial...Barack changed it from post racial to most racial...As I said before he was elected, "He will be the worst thing to ever happen to black people". I don't think I'll be proven wrong.....
Quijano warned: “... is
September 14, 2009 - 20:53 ET by magicalangelicusQuijano warned: “... is another sign any notion of a post-racial society after
Barack Obama's election was wishful thinking.”
You really can't make this stuff up can you? The folks most obsessed with race continue to be those blacks who are victimology worshippers and those whites (invariably liberal) who try to compensate for their own self-loathing through projection.
They're absolutely obsessed
September 14, 2009 - 20:56 ET by GregEThey're absolutely obsessed with skin color.
Keep it up, MSM.
Greg, if you watch
September 14, 2009 - 21:06 ET by celatorGreg, if you watch carefully, you'll see the radical left and national media has three mental filters through which they see ALL human events: 1. racism, 2. gender wars and 3. impending environmental disaster.
All phenomena MUST fit into one or more of those little jars. This is how they continue the social chaos they need to divide and destroy groups and institutions.
Been that way since the 60's.
No citizen's right to life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, or property is safe as long as Obama is President of the United States.
You're missing one other:
September 14, 2009 - 22:05 ET by magicalangelicusYou're missing one other: class war
...and lying and distortions and blaming whites...
September 14, 2009 - 21:15 ET by pantryman...damn, I get so sick of listenting to that bs....
I'm white and friggin-A straight proud of it
True. I've been listening to
September 14, 2009 - 21:38 ET by celatorTrue. I've been listening to it for so long, I'm just immune to it anymore. When I see the accusations, I just ask myself "What are they trying to hide here?" That's when you can uncover the story behind the story.
No citizen's right to life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, or property is safe as long as Obama is President of the United States.
When Apartheid was happenin' in South Africa
September 15, 2009 - 00:48 ET by Army Bratit came to light that a little girl attending a private school for whites only might have some Black blood in her.
Big controversy. They put together a panel of the whitest folks they could find. They were charged with determining if this gal was eligible to continue attending this school...determining if she was white or not.
The findings of the panel was never made known. These "pure bloods" as you might call em' found that not one of the members of the panel were not related to the girl. They all had some Black blood in their background. (Seems to reason the reverse would be true. Yes?)
Fortunately, here in Alaska we don't pay much attention to that kinda thing. Still, the local trolls have to bring race in to the discussion even here. Mostly smelly Hippies from out of state that haven't gotten the message yet. Heh..
There's nothing wrong with being proud of your race...unless you're white. But...who gives a damn? Only those that wish to play that race card..over and over...
Firstly, I'm proud to be an American. Second...an Alaskan. Thirdly...hmmm....A pest control operator I guess. Killin' Bedbugs benefits everyone.
islam is a lie and Truth is killing it.
Just look at the small
September 14, 2009 - 20:54 ET by Gone_FishinJust look at the small number of viewers this bonehead has!
Now we know exatly why.
A liberal who is actually working and not sucking on the gov teet...must be a Republican in training.
What Obama's ascension has done, through his many connections
September 14, 2009 - 21:00 ET by OxyCon...to Black nationalist organizations and individuals, is expose the fact that there are many racist, anti-White, bigoted organizations and individuals in this country, at a time when the vast majority of us want to move and get past racism.
And many of us are truely disturbed by Obama's long term associations with and ease and comfort around so many of these hardcore racists.
So, in that, Page is partly correct from my perspective. When I see Obama, I see Wright, Gates, Ogletree, Cornell West, the racist rappers who wrote racist songs in support of Obama and I could go on and on if I really wanted to.
Racial tinge? Almost a
September 14, 2009 - 21:01 ET by GregERacial tinge? Almost a Matthews Tingle.
Keep playing the Race Card
September 14, 2009 - 21:02 ET by kefkaKeep playing the Race Card MSM/dems! Keep calling the majority of Americans racists to their faces. Nothing gets your point across like screeching "Racism!!" at every opportunity.
Again and Again and Again
September 14, 2009 - 21:03 ET by richb313So much for the Era of Post Racial Politics. It seems to be all they can ever talk about. Disagree...Racists. Be for the Constitution...Racist. Like Rasin Bran...Racist. Don't like Oatmeal...Racist. Work for a living...Racist. Love this country...Racist. Breathe Oxygen...Racist. Love Sports...Racist. Pick you subject and they can make you a racist. Even Houdini could not have performed that kind of Magic.
Seems to me that if racism was as wide spread...
September 15, 2009 - 00:54 ET by Army Bratas their making out...all the racists would have been out there raising hell long before Obama became President...not after!
Why the hell would all the racism be put on hold until after he was elected? If things are as bad as the Racers are making out, there would have been l all kindsa crap BEFORE the election.
The MSM betrayed us long ago. They serve the government not the people.
islam is a lie and Truth is killing it.
"Racial Tinge to Tea Movement"
September 14, 2009 - 21:05 ET by PoljunkAre you kidding me! This is the perfect argument why perhaps this country was not ready for a black president. The media is too immature.... I thought BO was the leader that was transcending race, gender and on and on...... I guess the CNN did not get the memo! So if you're one of the millions of white Americans that voted for the first Black American Pres. I wonder how you feel about it today when CNN, MSNBC and the MSM in general cannot fail to remind how "racist" you are 'cause you happen to not agree with some of the policies that are being shoved down your throat! I guess a little PO'd, tired of hearing this racist BS!!!!!!
ENOUGH Already
The Story is.....
September 14, 2009 - 21:06 ET by pbthinkerIF there were 70,000 people, like the media said, would it be unusual to find a couple of signs that are out of bounds? Of course it's possible. The difference is, when CNN goes to some anti-war protest and they have the images of George Bush hanging, and the signs that say BUSH LIED PEOPLE DIED, they tend to hide them.
Now, let's just say there were over a million people there, is it possible that CNN might have had to go out of their way to find the signs they were talking about? Considering the crowd, I'd say CNN is doing it's normal poor reporting job.
The fact is the press is avoiding talking about Obama and the health care issue itself. If the facts are on your side you bring up the facts, if the facts aren't on your side, you go for the fluff.
It's possible that, after 4 years of Obama, there won't be another black man elected to this office for years. Why elect someone you can't disagree with, without being called a racist. That wasn't what the country bought into, so why bother, just take the race card off the table for the next election then we can disagree because he/she's a liberal Democrat.
Election 2008-God's way of showing us that elections count.
Thats my concern....
September 14, 2009 - 21:13 ET by Poljunkimagine how the race card volume will go up in 2012! I cringe juts thinking about it!
ABBO (anybody But BO)
and when Obama loses in 2012
September 14, 2009 - 23:19 ET by Ron_servative...the 'jusified outrage'. Followed by the riots, also 'justified'.
CNN is fast moving toward MSNBC
September 14, 2009 - 21:10 ET by katainkentthey are accelerating their irrelevance by leaps and bounds with this kind of coverage.
Agreed
September 14, 2009 - 21:16 ET by KC MulvilleIt's a Chinese finger-lock ... the harder you strain, the tighter the lock. The more they portray Middle America as racists, the fewer will watch, putting more pressure on CNN to rely on the radical left to support them ... and so on ...
→ True kata
September 14, 2009 - 21:17 ET by Cool ArrowJust something about Anderson Cooper confessing to Wolf Blitzer that "It's hard to talk when your teabagging, Wolf"
I'll pull a Maureen Dowd here and swear I saw a twinkle in the eye of Cooper and heard a lustful "Kiss me, you fool" from Blitzer.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
The race card just doesn't
September 14, 2009 - 22:42 ET by d1carterThe race card just doesn't work anymore. Sorry, I have been inoculated. If that is all they've got, then this thing has got the elite media runnng scared. Note: I will no longer refer to them as MSM since they are no longer mainstream.
MSM... Minority Stream
September 14, 2009 - 22:46 ET by Clear thinkerMSM... Minority Stream Media?
Big 9/13 Turnout In DC For Obamacare
http://iamnotaracist.wordpress.com/
"no longer refer to them as MSM "
September 15, 2009 - 10:34 ET by RayRaycall them the "establishment media" because that's what they are now that the reverse-bigots control nearly everything
not only that!.........
September 14, 2009 - 21:11 ET by sockit2meIf the supposition in the article is true, then it is just as likely that the marchers are also prejudiced against those who have facial plastic surgery, because there were plenty of anti Pelosi signs! It makes just as much sense!!!!
Lefty Panic Tactic of the Week
September 14, 2009 - 21:40 ET by Forest for the TreesWell, here we go, again. Illogical, panicky, left is grasping at something, ANYTHING, and this is what they use for a smear tactic?
Now it is turning up all over the panicked lefty 'news' & blog sites that any criticism of the administration's policies HAS to be racist.
Uh huh, yeah, that's gonna work so well - Oh pahleazzze...
How's that for transparent desperation?
Pathetic, just plain pathetic.
Check this out for a bit of sign humor though for the 12Sep09 Tea Party Protest:
"It doesn't matter what this sign says you'll call it racism anyway!" (found it on http://vocalminority.typepad.com/blog/ )
I stand convicted
September 14, 2009 - 21:16 ET by Joe CamelI guess I stand convicted by Clarence Page. I do have issues with Sharpton, Jackson(s), Page, Black Panthers, Rev. Wright, the past Carl T Rowan...yes I can go on. On the other hand, I have very high regard for Clarence Thomas, Thomas Sowell, Walter E.Williams, Alan Keyes to name a few. I can list many more whites I have a high disregard for here, but it is the same ones everyone dislikes, so news there. Racism is just another word today, much like hello...throw it around like they do, it just becomes another word in life..
Fighting fire with fire
September 14, 2009 - 21:23 ET by Mike76Well, I stand corrected - there WAS a poster of Obama in the traditional dress of his ancestoral kinsmen - on his father's side, that is.
So what? Can't Anti-white liberals take what they dish out?
They use the word racisist
September 14, 2009 - 21:24 ET by memcThey use the word racisist to stop the conversation, without stating the problem or providing solutions. Typical of the people who love using the word.
It only proves their argument has not foundation and these journalist are terrible at their jobs.
but--but--
September 14, 2009 - 21:28 ET by michiganruthbut here's what I don't get. when Obama was elected he had something like a 65% favorability rating. he's now at about 50%. do you mean to tell me that 15% of Americans are just now realizing he's black?
because if it was all about race, well, why did so many Americans of all colors, shapes, and sizes support him at first? I mean, if it truly was all about color, wouldn't they have simply hated him FROM THE BEGINNING?
Like Pavlov's dogs their
September 14, 2009 - 21:31 ET by memcLike Pavlov's dogs their response is the same no matter the facts. If you point it out, you hear crickets.
Michiganruth
September 14, 2009 - 21:31 ET by FeynmanFanShhhhhh. You're just making things complicated.
"Reason and persuasion are the only practical instruments against error. To make way for these, free inquiry must be indulged" - Thomas Jefferson
That's one of the best
September 14, 2009 - 22:22 ET by mattmThat's one of the best points I've heard on this issue.
From the VERY beginning!
September 14, 2009 - 22:38 ET by UnsaneI mean, if it truly was all about color, wouldn't they have simply hated him FROM THE BEGINNING? Indeed. if America is this evil, racist society the MSM so desperately wants it to be, perhaps they can explain how His Majesty The Shahinshah could even be voted in as a dog catcher, much less a State Senator, a U.S. Senator, or as President?
I wonder when the law of diminishing returns kicks in on the constant cry of "racism!"
One of the most important, refreshing things I heard uttered growing up - on tape, anyway - was of some black dude saying something, oh, I don't know, about judging people not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. Sound vaguely familiar to anybody? And here I am applying that, along with millions of others, and all we get hurled at us is "You racist!!!"
"CONSUMED DEMOCRACY RETURNS A SOCIALIST REGIME" - Slayer, "Fictional Reality", from Divine Intervention (1994)
Gates-Obama wore out the race card
September 14, 2009 - 22:18 ET by 10ksnookerIt's really time to move on.
I am only racist against
September 14, 2009 - 22:28 ET by toneyukiI am only racist against corrupt politicians and overly biased reporters.
Great job everybody on 9-12, wish I could have been there!
There is a reason
September 14, 2009 - 23:03 ET by olddog3006that they use the "racist" tactic:
“The art of leadership… consists in consolidating the attention of the people against a single adversary and taking care that nothing will split up that attention”.
Adolf Hitler
I sincerely believe they use this as a way of "consolidating" the opposition.
Small but vocal minority?
September 14, 2009 - 23:30 ET by CobraMan"But, most disturbing, a very small but vocal minority"
What's Code Pink doing there?
"they're targeting President Obama's race"
What, Obama's isn't a member of the "The Grand Old White Party," as the NYT's calls Republicans?
Come on Wolf, sauce for the goose, and all that.
The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.
The US Constitution
Unless you're a fetus.
The US Supreme Court
Racist! Racist! Racist! Racist! Racist! Racist!
September 14, 2009 - 23:42 ET by Mike76Boy oh Boy. The Liberals are screaming "RACIST!" hot and heavy on the internet today - it's everywhere. My feeling is that they are overplaying their hand, and have backed themselves into a corner.
I don't think it's working much anymore, and the antics of Kenye West and that Williams women haven't helped them - at all
I think, pretty soon, people are going to become desensitized to it, if they haven't already, and are developing tactics to counteract it.
I suspect the next move on the left will be to try to cram through "hate speech" laws and "fairness doctrine" type laws. It's the only way they can go.
Mike... Like this and
September 14, 2009 - 23:49 ET by bigtimerMike...
Like this and this.
Short and to the point...spooky isn't it?
..yet they wonder why people are marching.
People know...more than they realize.
'Go Green...Recycle Congress'
reply to bigtimer
September 15, 2009 - 07:54 ET by Mike76Yes, people know what going on, and they're badly underestimating just how fed up people are.
But I also think that they, the left are getting scared, but good. Like a wounded animal, they are lashing out at anything that moves.
Have you noticed that they always accuse others of doing what they themselves have been doing for decades? You can pretty much tell what the left is up to by the accusations they make of the right.
Unfortunately, many, if not most, Republican polititians are just as complacent as the Democrats. So I guess we are on our own.
→ Lenny Bruce effect
September 14, 2009 - 23:51 ET by Cool ArrowLenny Bruce postulated if you used the "N" word often enough, black children wouldn't go home crying.
We know that's not entirely true, some 45 years later, but I think it might work with the charge of "racist".
I know it's extremely easy to out liberals for the racists they are.
It doesn't take very much analysis to understand the direction from which they come.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
Washington Tea Party : "pretty ugly racist image"
September 15, 2009 - 00:00 ET by Rush FanSo said CNN's Campbell Brown on her show today in a continuation of CNN's efforts (as well as other leftist media) to paint the tea party protesters with a racist brush.
BROWN: This was the scene in Washington over the weekend, tens of thousands of activists venting their rage against President Obama, the man they have anointed public enemy number one. Yes, after a raucous summer, the tea party movement shows no sign of losing steam. Last week alone, angry rallies across the country culminating in Saturday's pilgrimage you're watching there to the capital.
CNN's Jim Spellman has been tracking the movement. And here's just a little bit of what he has heard. Listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)....
BROWN: Pretty strong stuff, but, hey, this is America. Politics not for the fainthearted. We are all about free speech. Still, what does it say about our ability to engage in civil discourse? I want you to check out this protester. See the sign he's waving there? That's the president made to look like an African witch doctor, pretty ugly racist image. That was a popular prop at Saturday's rally.
So, is this the work of a few fringe cranks here or does it tell us something truly troubling is brewing in this country? Can we debate issues anymore without devolving into sort of this vile smear attack? Joining me now, Joe Wierzbicki, who is coordinator of the Tea Party Express, and also NPR John Ridley with us as well, and Daily Beast contributor John Avlon joining us with us also. Joe, let me start with you. And, first off, I'm going to put up that picture again of President Obama. This is, again, decked out as the witch doctor. What do you make of it? What does it say to you?
JOE WIERZBICKI, COORDINATOR, TEA PARTY EXPRESS: It says to me that a lot of people in this country are angry about the direction that the administration and Congress are taking us. And you're going to see a wide expanse of those people. Some are going to be more extreme. Most of them are going to be in the mainstream of American politics, as evidenced by Obama's falling poll numbers.
BROWN: But talk to me about the image. Is that the right way -- or, I don't know, the most effective way to express yourself? Does that image bother you at all?
WIERZBICKI: Campbell, if you're going to represent the hundreds of thousands of people that have participated in the tea party protests that we have had across the country, then I would suggest to you that it's no different from the fact that there are some people watching CNN right now who have radical or fringe benefits. They're bad apples of the lot, but to define the entire movement by that is totally unfair.
BROWN: I'm not -- so, in your view -- I'm trying to clarify, Joe. I'm not trying to define the movement in any one way. I don't think you can do that.
WIERZBICKI: But you're...
BROWN: Is that in your view the people carrying -- clarify for me. You tell me. The people carrying those signs of the president of the United States as an African witch doctor, is that how you define the movement or is that the fringe element in this movement? You tell me.
WIERZBICKI: That is not representative at all of what this movement is about. And that's what my point of contention is. By showing that as indicative of what the tea party movement is about is misleading. As I said, when you look at polls that show 40 percent to 50 percent of the American people having opposition to Obama's and the Congress' economic policies, I think that speaks volumes about the size and expanse of this movement and the discontent. And does that represent people who believe that Obama's a witch doctor? No, of course not, totally not representative.
---------------------------------------------------
“The media is a disgrace. You have forfeited any notion that you once had of respect” ~ Rush Limbaugh
CNN's Viewership
September 15, 2009 - 00:12 ET by BondPlainBondAll six of them, must appreciate the spiffy graphics used by their "news" network of choice.
I was watching a PBS doc
September 15, 2009 - 01:53 ET by CooltomI was watching a PBS doc last night about a black lady who sued a southern bus company pre-Rosa Parks. It detailed her courage and the fact that her suit, which reached the Supreme Court, was very instrumental in ending the Montgomery bus boycott.
During the show they named the southern politicians who opposed her -- but never gave their political party. Nothing new there. This gave me a thought and I googled "Republican Segregationists."
I skimmed through the first few pages, with the most significant hits, and not one Republican name came up. The best they could do is mention Strom Thurman, who was a segregationist when he was a Dixiecrat, and the usual theory about the Southern Strategy was only an appeal to Southern racists (who of course were all Democrats when they were doing their evil deeds.)
It would take a novel length post to list all the Republican contributions to ending slavery and granting civil rights -- and it would take a 20 volume text to list the Democratic lead acts of black suppression by the KKK, Jim Crow laws, lynching, voter disenfranchisement, etc. perpetrated solely by Democrats.
The Republican Party (I said party, not isolated individuals, okay?) has never been racist. It was founded by the abolition movement, after all. All the sins that Blacks have suffered from government and polticians have solely been committed by Democrats.
And the worst of the racism has been commited after the Civil Rights era. The Blacks have been returned to the plantation, sold out by their own leaders, and tragically by a lot of them going willingly -- trading ambition, individuality, and pride for a handful of food stamps, free money, and a laminated race card.
Cooltom,quit playing with yourself...
September 15, 2009 - 08:40 ET by skypilott2Fact is, most all those Dixiecrats switched over to Republican party soon after your so-called Great Society plan took effect.
Fact is, 'states rights' trumps all, and you must be a troll if you think Civil Rights legislation has been anything but an abject failure in this country, promoting 'diversity' through integration. Once everyone is integrated, what happens to 'diversity'? Answer: there is none!
Read history with more critical understanding and you may realize that the core issues that led to the War of Northern Aggression have never been resolved, and won't be until rational people are willing to seek the cold hard truth, no matter the consequences.
So far, you fail miserably, as evidenced by your patently absurd comments.
Cooltom is correct...
September 15, 2009 - 10:26 ET by Karma...and you are a pathetic racist who will likely be gone very soon.
Healthcare...Food...Education...Housing... - What sprouted as free for some is maturing into a free-for-all.
deleted post
September 15, 2009 - 12:01 ET by Mike76deleted post
really, karma?
September 16, 2009 - 09:04 ET by skypilott2My ancestors been around since before this country was founded, and will still be here when the spirit of our Founding Fathers once again prevails, and the Constitution is rightfully restored to our Republic.
But your comment "...and you are a pathetic racist who will likely be gone very soon", is laughable to me. You are the racist, so quit projecting.
Remember, karma...what goes around, comes around!
You're right, skypilott2.
September 16, 2009 - 10:12 ET by KarmaIt's already coming around. You can add prophetic to the bio I did for you.
Oh the pain.
Hi. My name is John Q. Public, but some just call me racist.
Two Things
September 15, 2009 - 02:34 ET by DoktorFranken1. Clarence Page has been one of the most racist columnists I've ever read in the Tribune.
2. We got the Left really worried now.
I have to say he is right..
September 15, 2009 - 04:35 ET by Dragonsbreath” within the tea party crowds there's “a very small but vocal minority, they're targeting President Obama's race.”
They are called, NBC, CBS,ABC,MSNBC, CNN ect.....
“Less 1984 — More 1776"
You are right, I don't like him because he's not like me
September 15, 2009 - 04:46 ET by TheHistorianI don't like Obama because he is part of the STUPID race, and the class that thinks the government's purpose is to hand out freebies. The witch doctor there is what the general population will be left with for medicine with his wonderful program.
If there weren't a few pictures of black people used on posters, THAT would be racist. Note to the left; Obama claims to be black and associates with black people. Get over it.
"What experience and history teach is
this - that people and governments never have learned anything from history,
or acted on principles deduced from it."
G. W. F. Hegel
Want to see some racist comments?
September 15, 2009 - 06:45 ET by ThisnThatHow about these racist comments for, against and by Obama?
Jesse Jackson reportedly ripped presidential candidate Barack Obama for "acting like he's white."
Jesse Jackson: Obama isn't speaking to issues important to the black community, wants to cut his nuts off.
Obama calls Kanye West a jackass on 14 Sept 09. Can you call a black man a jackass?
Obama not black enough? Obama is half Kenyon.....that's pretty black !!!
You don't have to search for any deeper "racism" meanings here, do you?
___________________________________
"Tax the rich" is a basically unstable way of governing - The NYT
Obama calls Kanye West a
September 15, 2009 - 08:35 ET by motherbeltObama calls Kanye West a jackass on 14 Sept 09. Can you call a black man a jackass?
Only if you're another black man.
Otherwise it's racist.
You know, the unspoken "You're a jackass, boy!"
"boy"
September 15, 2009 - 10:31 ET by RayRaymeanwhile, you can say "white boy" all day long without any repercussion. There was even a VH1 show (called 'I Love New York') in which the black hostess nicknamed a white contestant as 'WhiteBoy" and of course that was fine.
This sounds like a regional
September 15, 2009 - 15:07 ET by ConservativeRexThis sounds like a regional thing if you ask me. Boy is used all the time here with no animosity taken or recieved.
A lot of it is context, inflection, and tone. You'd just have to live here to understand. I could see where folks up North would take it the wrong way, it's really all about where you were raised. It's really no big deal.
We're mad at Jackson, Sharpton and Wright?
September 15, 2009 - 06:49 ET by SickofLibsSure Clarence, whenever I think of those three, which is at least 20 times a day, I get mad all over again.
MAIN STREAM MEADIA again!
September 15, 2009 - 08:20 ET by kengieThere must be a way to keep the MAIN STREAM MEADIA quiet about this. They have no business reporting this stuff. Stick with the script!
Just another reason that I'm glad...
September 15, 2009 - 08:41 ET by OldJoeI don't watch CNN.
Maybe get a show of hands of who has sworn off the Chicken Noodle / Castro News Network???
You bet anybody with sense
September 15, 2009 - 08:50 ET by GrannyGrump42You bet anybody with sense will hesitate to put another dark-skinned guy in the White House -- IF the dark-skinned guy is a Democrat. Black conservatives don't whine and cry about racism if you happen to disagree with them.
But then, it's not people with any sense who put this joker in the White House to begin with.
(And all of this reminds me of the boyfriend I had who closed his contracting business because if a bad employee happened to be Black, he couldn't discipline the guy without the guy raising hell and getting the EEOC putting the business under a microscope and threatening to fine him for his supposed racial discrimination. He decided he'd not hire anybody at all if it meant bringing all that load of bulls**t along.)
Correct me if I'm wrong, but
September 15, 2009 - 09:53 ET by WesternGuyCorrect me if I'm wrong, but Obama is just as much "white" as he is "black", so assuming that's a firm factoid, then the witch-doctor poster in question is disparaging to white folks too.
I really hate all this "race" talk. It detracts from the fundamentally important policy issues at hand. But, I guess that's the strategy that the leftist media embraces.
Clarence Page used to be a reporter
September 15, 2009 - 09:54 ET by StarAZI think he took a weekend course from Eugene Robinson and now it's spin, baby, spin.
"the all white crowd"
September 15, 2009 - 10:24 ET by RayRaytargeting the white race is good. Black racist Bryant Gumbel even did it when referring to the winter Olympics a few years back. In the racially hypersensitive tv media, he suffered no penalty
BUT 'targeting' the black race is bad in every instance. Such are the hypocritical double standards of political correctness.
CNN
September 15, 2009 - 10:49 ET by jessieHCNN for got to mention that we are mad as hell at CNN.