by Josh Meyer
For the past eight years, the U.S. Justice Department and the Bush administration were relatively quiet on the issue of race and its place within the social fabric of America and the enforcement of civil rights and justice.
But on Wednesday, Eric Holder, newly confirmed as the nation's first black attorney general, issued a provocative call to action to Americans in and out of government, saying the United States is "a nation of cowards" that needs to finally--and urgently--begin confronting the issue of race relations before it polarizes the country even further.
``Though this nation has proudly thought of itself as an ethnic melting pot, in things racial we have always been and continue to be, in too many ways, essentially a nation of cowards,'' Holder said in a speech marking Black History Month to hundreds of Justice Department employees/
"It is an issue we have never been at ease with and given our nation's history this is in some ways understandable. And yet, if we are to make progress in this area we must feel comfortable enough with one another, and tolerant enough of each other, to have frank conversations about the racial matters that continue to divide us.''
Civil rights activists welcomed the speech as an encouraging sign that the Justice Department under Holder and the man who appointed him, President Obama, will be an active one on issues that they said were largely neglected during President George W. Bush's two terms in office, such as voting rights and workplace discrimination.
Some conservatives, however, said that Holder's rhetoric was overly confrontational and had the potential to polarize Americans on the issue of race even further.
See the rest of the story on Holder's comments as well as readers' comments on Holder's comments here in the Swamp:
In his speech, Holder urged people of all races to use Black History Month as an opportunity to discuss as honestly as possible the issue of race in all its forms, including education, their careers and why America is not truly integrated 50 years after some momentous civil rights victories such as desegregation.
Holder said Americans, through ``learned behavior,'' often consider race-related subjects to be off limits, and that such a mindset has fostered a society in which the workplace is integrated, but where there isn't much significant interaction between whites and blacks in social settings.
``On Saturdays and Sundays America in the year 2009 does not, in some ways, differ significantly from the country that existed some fifty years ago. This is truly sad,'' Holder said. ``Given all that we as a nation went through during the civil rights struggle it is hard for me to accept that the result of those efforts was to create an America that is more prosperous, more positively race conscious and yet is voluntarily socially segregated.''
Mary Frances Berry, the former chairwoman of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission, said ``When I heard it, I called over there and told them to tell Eric that I thought it was a gutsy speech, a timely speech. It was very gutsy for him to come out and talk about race in a way that Obama doesn't.''
In some ways, Holder's speech touched on some of the same issues that Obama did in his landmark address last year on race relations, in which he said Americans suffered from a "chasm of misunderstanding that exists between the races."
But Obama has since said little about the issue of race, and whether he intends to address such issues as racial inequality and social justice now that he is president. Holder implied that he plans to do so as the nation's top law enforcement official. Addressing his remarks to his Justice Department subordinates, Holder said the nation ``must do more, and we in this room bear a special responsibility.''
``Through its work and through its example this Department of Justice, as long as I am here, must - and will - lead the nation to the "new birth of freedom" so long ago promised by our greatest President [Abraham Lincoln],'' Holder said. ``This is our duty and our solemn obligation.''
Joe Hicks, a black Republican and the former executive director of the Los Angeles City Human Relations Commission, chastised Holder for his comments, saying they were incendiary, and an inaccurate portrayal of a nation whose civil rights accomplishments could not have been won without the hard work of both black and white activists.
``Here's the first black attorney general appointed by the first black American president and he's espousing views that appear to be almost ultra-left in their approach to race in America, that blacks are victims and whites are intolerant and accepting of quasi-racist views,'' said Hicks.
Numerous civil rights activists praised Holder for his remarks, and said they are a sign that he plans to make civil rights a top priority.
As attorney general. Holder is expected to weigh in on numerous politically charged issues involving race, including the future of affirmative action. The Justice Department will defend the Voting Rights Act in the Supreme Court this spring. ``The social and racial justice agenda was completely set aside by this last administration. They were silent, or hostile,'' said John Payton, the director-counsel and President of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, who was one of several civil rights leaders meeting with Justice Department officials when Holder' was completing his remarks.
Payton, a longtime friend of Holder's, said Holder has broad personal and professional experience with civil rights ``It is exactly why he is the right person to be the attorney general right now,'' said Payton. ``He sees the issues of racial justice and the role of the Department of Justice in addressing those issues in a way that no other attorney general has ever seen.''
Comments
One point we need to keep in mind is that this "is" black history month. So yes, the issue of race will come up. Another point to keep in mind is Holder was talking to "both" black and white. That being said......I think the words he choose were ill thought out. America was feeling pretty good about itself and how far we've come. To hear we are "a nation of cowards" after electing a black president certainly is going to seem like a slap in the face to many and I don't believe helps us at this time. While we have a ways to go........it can't be done overnight. Timing is everything and this seems ill timed.
Posted by: bill r. | February 19, 2009 7:58 AM
Holder's comments may have been unexpected, but every Black American who reads his words understands. Racism is alive and well and has been for my lifetime.
We can't continue to ignore it. It affects all people of color.
Posted by: Betty Lewis | February 19, 2009 8:14 AM
Holder, did you ever think we never talk about it because every time we do there are folks like Jesse Jackson to mention one that just love cramming civil rights and discrimination comments up our back sides ! Sorry its a two way street on this country. Take a look around before you say we afraid to talk civil rights.
Posted by: Jim | February 19, 2009 8:19 AM
Holder is just another arrogant leftie ignorantly shooting off his mouth. What else would you expect from this administration?
Posted by: Vast Right Wing Conspirator | February 19, 2009 8:41 AM
Look, I work in a large government system where people of color were hired with half the qualifications of other candidates on a continual basis in the better jobs. Someone even defrauded the system to give test questions to the selected applicants of color ahead of time. So if he wants to talk about race, I will. By the way, I have had an interracial marriage, so no, this is not a racist post just because I am tired of reverse racism.
Posted by: misa | February 19, 2009 8:41 AM
It would seem the real Nation of Cowards is housed in the Senate and the House and all other Goverment Corporations. Why would you let another person think for you, let alone create thoughts that can once again start the great divide. I think we are a nation of people whom are sick and tired of what Washington D.C. is forceing down our throats.
Charlene
Posted by: charlene | February 19, 2009 8:52 AM
I voted for Cynthia McKinney, by the way. So, what is Holder saying? That we need to pay out money to someone somewhere or give the new stimulus jobs only to blacks. He asked us to talk about it, but on what terms? Is he going to dictate our speech too? He has opened a can of worms but is he going to be happy with the discussion or does he have the discussion laid out as a monologue? He speaks and we listen? But Obama chose Holder. WHY?
Posted by: elena | February 19, 2009 8:54 AM
Attorney General Holder could have made his statements a dozen ways that would have been encouraging, constructive and unifying. Instead, he continues the divisive, in your face, my way practices of the past several years. One would think that with the emotional strain on our nation from financial and economic dirty tricks that has created a near seething undercurrent in our society, that a man of Holder's purported stature would not stoked the fires of distrust, resentment and turmoil that already has raised the social temperature in these matters.
Being an attorney makes it difficult to forever throw aside the combative and adversarial approach to problem solving!
Posted by: Fred Nose | February 19, 2009 9:01 AM
Eric Holder was right, and I applaud and admire him for saying it. Do we, and should we feel good about ourselves as a country because we elected President Obama- absolutely! Had I as a black person been afraid it might not happen because of his race- absolutely. Am I pleasantly surprised, and do I feel humbled by what black and white people in this country did together- absolutely. Yet I realize that racism isn't dead. And that saddens me in a way that cannot be expressed in words. So when New York Post editors still feel in 2009 that they can defend racist cartoons, Mr. Holder is right on the money and we need to educate and inform one another by talking about race!
Posted by: Angela | February 19, 2009 9:04 AM
Everytime I talk to a white person about racism, they act as if it doesn't exist anymore. As if they do not notice that the public schools in their suburban neighborhood are unfairly unequal to the public schools in the inner city. Or in most office buildings there are only a sprinkle of black and hispanic people and half of them are secretaries not executives. Or the fact the black people dominate the prisons for crimes I know white people do but have good lawyers who can get them off instead of the court appointed lawyers most black people have. All of these things are forms of racism to me, and even though we have a black president, white people still feel like they gave him to us. It is good the attorney general bring light to race issues.
Posted by: Shamiko French | February 19, 2009 9:08 AM
Yesterday's article here in the Swamp about Holder's remarks produced a good, generally healthy (and more intelligent than Vast Right Wing Lunatic, above) discussion of race, which is what Holder encouraged. But I guess my views don't matter, I'm just another arrogant lefty.
Posted by: Flo | February 19, 2009 9:14 AM
Pundit Jonah Goldberg's comments sum it up: "People have been calling for national dialogues and conversations for decades. It usually works something like this: Liberals say we need a frank discussion about race (or class or gender) in this country, and then they proceed to bludgeon any conservative stupid enough to take them up on their offer."
Posted by: Inconvenient Truth | February 19, 2009 9:28 AM
I suggest reading Alan Keys.
http://www.aipnews.com/talk/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=2407&posts=1
Reverse racism is more the norm these days by the way . Get the chip off you shoulder already . The the USA is THE most tolerant and inclusive society on earth and I dare any one to challenge me on that .
Posted by: Lee | February 19, 2009 10:01 AM
I don’t remember the last time a white top government constituent insulted America because race issues. In fact, I don’t see on the calendar the white history month, the only white racial radio program, the only white racial oriented magazine. As Hispanic instead, I hate to see the Hispanic month and all that racial nonsense. I hope to see more a more Hispanic full integrated with the rest of their communities regardless their race. I’m sorry for white America. They have been working to get over race issues (as have been demonstrated in the past presidential election) just to find many blacks can’t get over it. Sad indeed.
Posted by: Andy | February 19, 2009 10:01 AM
OPEN LETTER TO ERIC HOLDER
DEAR MR. HOLDER:
If America was a country of racist cowards, then you wouldn't have the bully pulpit you have right now to spew your racist ignorance.
First the blacks want integration, then they decide they want more segregation to "preserve their culture" and form clubs and benefits exclusive to blacks only. This was the choice of the BLACK COMMUNITY. Many of America's most successful actors, actresses, musicians are black. How did they get there? Do you think Americans are going to the theaters and buying their music because they hate black people? And let's not forget how 95% of blacks voted for a black for president. So who did you say the racists were?
You're the racist coward. You didn't have the guts to ... continued at http://bouncingrealitychecks.blogspot.com
Posted by: Emily | February 19, 2009 10:04 AM
When is there a right time and a wrong time to discuss, " liberty and justice for all " ? Come on, America, just because we chose the candidate that made the most sense, was more mature and knew the issues more thoroughly, doesn't give us a pass on past and present grievances. We, as a nation, and as individuals, know that there are certain ethnic groups, that have been, and continue to, get the short end of the stick !! For us to get all huffy because the issue of race is being discussed, openly, is absurd. It should be discussed until it is minimized, out of existence. A worthy goal, I think !! America has a chance to begin to undo the centuries of abuse and degradation it has visited upon her African-American, and other, citizens. Let's not drop this ball !! Anyone, who thinks those citizens should not be listened to and respected, should do some soul searching. i don't have to be a slave holder to disrespect and mistreat my fellow American citizens. It is about time, America began to live up to her ideals, not only in the White House, but also in the townhouse !!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, America | February 19, 2009 10:12 AM
As an educated African American living in Idaho, I think Holder's comments were mostly on point. However, I don't think America should want to be a "melting pot". Everything that goes into a hot melting pot must change into something else. America should be like a "Big Salad". No matter what a person's ethnicity or culture he / she can contribute to the "Big Salad". It only makes the "Big Salad" stronger and better. Regarding Misa's comments. It gets old hearing people talk about unqualified people of color getting jobs they don't deserve. As a Black man fight racism on a daily basis (see wwwidaho-crs.com) not only do I see people of color passed over everyday, I also see Whites hiring less qualified Whites over qualified Whites because of everything from being hunting buddies to being related to each other. Just for the record some of the most racist people I've ever met are married to someone of color or claim to have a brother in-law of color. Somehow they think it makes them wiser in the area of racism. It doesn't. Like former Senator Bill Bradley, a White man, once said, "If you have not had a serious conversation about race, with a person of a different race, you're the problem." Holder was just saying the same thing in a different way.
Posted by: Keith L. Anderson, Ph.D. | February 19, 2009 10:29 AM
holder is a disgrace and his comments only make the race relations worse there never will be harmony with race in this country as long as people like holder shoots his mouth off .
Posted by: fd yates | February 19, 2009 10:30 AM
While Holder's comments may be clear to the Black community, it leaves a majority of Americans wondering what he means. By that, what people want to know is what does he suggest? Is this a one way street where Blacks bitch at White folks or is it a two way street where both may come to understand?
Yes, the weekend is very segregated. Maybe Blacks need to stop going to the Missionary Baptist and AME churches and switch over to the Assemblies of G-D. Maybe Blacks need to move out of the innercity into the rural parts of the country. Maybe Blacks need to intermarry more. In time there would no longer be a Black community as they would be assimilated into the greater population.
On the other hand Blacks have a lot to offer Whites. For one thing, in my experience, Blacks are far better at raising children to be adults. They are tougher on their children than most yuppie Whites. Black family structure is more multi-generational with closer ties between the generations than most White families.
Church is the first place to start. Blacks need to bring more messed up Whites into the AME and Missionary Baptist churches. And Whites need to be aggressive in inviting Blacks to attend churches like the Assemblies of G-D (it is the most intergrated church in America, founded by a Black man in 1907).
Posted by: David Steele | February 19, 2009 10:31 AM
Holder is turning out to be a Disgrace to The CHANGE ADMIRSTATION.
We will never know what was on Obama's mind in appointing him and congres giving him an OK.
Posted by: Inky | February 19, 2009 10:39 AM
It is appropriate for Black History month. His comments apply not only to his cowardly treatment of Marc Rich, a huge Dem donor despite huge damage to many Americans, but the constant complaint about his department, The latest from the Madoff whistle blower is they roar like a lion and bite like a misquito. Unfortunately, that sounds like Holder. So much for the change we can believe in. How many more Marc Rich's will he let off the hook to keep the campaign contributions and job offers coming? With a tax cheat heading up the IRS, the answer is only Republicans.
Posted by: Don | February 19, 2009 10:45 AM
Eric Holder? The little coward who defended terrorist and helped give Mark Rich a pass - why would I care about anything this man has to say, he's a joke. Eric thinks he's a big man because he has a fancy title, he needs to get over himself.
Posted by: vla | February 19, 2009 10:54 AM
I'll be only too happy to talk about race. Let's talk about black anti-Semitism, shall we?
Let's talk about how hundreds of thousands of blacks were willing to march behind Louis Farrakhan, one of the most virulent anti-Semites still in America. Let's talk about how public opinion polls show that blacks are more bigoted against Jews than whites or any other ethnic group.
Think we could discuss THAT, Mr. Holder?
Posted by: sinz54 | February 19, 2009 10:56 AM
Eric Holder was right, and I applaud and admire him for saying it. Do we, and should we feel good about ourselves as a country because we elected President Obama- absolutely! Had I as a black person been afraid it might not happen because of his race- absolutely. Am I pleasantly surprised, and do I feel humbled by what black and white people in this country did together- absolutely. Yet I realize that racism isn't dead. And that saddens me in a way that cannot be expressed in words. So when New York Post editors still feel in 2009 that they can defend racist cartoons, Mr. Holder is right on the money and we need to educate and inform one another by talking about race!
Posted by: Angela | February 19, 2009 10:59 AM
This is typical lefty spin by Holder(D). He wants 'whitey' to still feel like a racist so the food stamp, section eight housing and medicaid welfare people will still have the safety net under their lazy a$$.
Paulo
Posted by: Paulo | February 19, 2009 11:10 AM
I am Asian-American and when I bring up the fact that I think that it's unfair that Wil Smith's son will have an advantage over a son of a poor Asian shopkeeper when applying to an Ivy League school, some liberal calls me a racist. Eric Holder is right!
Posted by: Lou | February 19, 2009 11:10 AM
Hope and change, baby. Hope and change.
Posted by: Vast Right Wing Conspirator | February 19, 2009 11:20 AM
Well Holder asked for a discussion....it seems he started one. Once again I point out that the timing was poorly choosen. I also point out the idiots who wish to make this a dem..rep..thing. Bravo ankle biters.
Posted by: bill r. | February 19, 2009 11:30 AM
So baffling.
This administration had better issue a directive:
the only one who is permitted to address issues of race is the President.
Holder needs to study up on Obama. Who transcends race.
Joe Biden, move over. Now you're not the only one who, when he opens his mouth, has a 30% chance of hurting Obama.
Posted by: ornery | February 19, 2009 11:56 AM
Hope and change, baby. Hope and change.
Posted by: Vast Right Wing Conspirator | February 19, 2009 11:20 AM
Useless as t.ts on a bull.
Posted by: bill r. | February 19, 2009 12:02 PM
Does Obama believe this is a "nation of cowards"? This "nation of cowards" did in fact elect Obama as president. Because this nation elected Obama, Holder was appointed AG. Holder is sounding ungracious and bitter--and it didn't sound as though he was speaking for all Americans. His bitter words could make many want to do the opposite of anything he may suggest. Holder should not play the moral police given that CLASS IS THE NEW BLACK. Holder's plate is already full with following the law--if he really chooses to follow evidence and the law for all. Best of luck to Holder in his explicit legal authority or duty as AG. Holder could choose to effectively tidy up the DOJ, or he could choose to simply maintain. It's his baby with Obama's approval.
Posted by: Vivian | February 19, 2009 12:10 PM
Heads up. It's being re run on C Span right now, in case you want to get it in its full glory--Eric in the spotlight.
Posted by: ornery | February 19, 2009 12:19 PM
Holder's a racebaiter and the more he opens his big, dumb mouth the better it'll be for the GOP.
Posted by: Jeff | February 19, 2009 1:01 PM
Blacks 13.4% of the population, whites 74%
You have a Black President,
A Black head of the GOP
A Black Attorney General
It to 390 years. "The First shall be last and the last first"
Posted by: LizinDC | February 19, 2009 1:01 PM
Nice Paulo; you certainly prove that the redneck is alive and well, as I know you love to do.
Posted by: mort | February 19, 2009 1:05 PM
The truth is we all have issues; Blacks, Whites, Asians, Latinos..etc.
People really need to take a good look at themselves. It's not about black and white in America; it's about good and evil. Greed knows no color. Disparaging others to feel a false sense of self-esteem is sad, but too common. Blaming and hiding behind others to escape self reflection is so easy. Your thought process and beliefs will continue to be ignorant, distorted and illogical as long as you choose to ignore life's realities beginning with yourself as a person.
Posted by: Roxbury | February 19, 2009 2:02 PM
Absolutely on point...truth hurts. But the truth will also make us free. African-Americans live with this truth everyday. People will get angry because when confrointed with the truth, it really hurts. Attorney General Holder's comments were timely and necessary.
Posted by: Beverly Allen | February 19, 2009 2:22 PM
I have to say that Mr. Holder's comments were bold, and true. While we've come very far we've a long way to go and in a way we've shied away from dealing with race issues in this country head on. Yes we've had the Civil Right movement, and yes like many say we have our first African American president and first Black American Attorney General, but they are but few and rare phenoms. The senate and congress are lacking in minorities as are many areas of government. Let's not make President Obama and Mr. Holder tokens of the ongoing struggle towards equality, but open dialogue which will allow the country to move forward and not make the "first African American..." so and so such a big deal, but the norm. No distinction, just action. If what Mr. Holder said hadn't touched a sensitive vein in social polictics then we wouldn't be discussing it even now. Thank you Mr. Holder for speaking boldly and honestly.
Posted by: Haitiana4Obama | February 19, 2009 2:39 PM
Life is unfair. Waaaahhh
That is what I hear out of Washington and out of our President.
Rather than the only thing we have to fear is fear itself, we hear how horrible the United States is.
It's so horrible in the USA that I feel compelled to take away the last vestages of private enterprise and individual liberty and replace it with government control.
Equality for all. Equal pay - equal dumbed down brains educated in the government schools - equal slum housing (that is provided by the government for a large part) - equal Tablants to drive -
Wow, we don't need Christ to return. With the messiah, it will be Heaven on earth.
Posted by: Ted | February 19, 2009 2:46 PM
I suggest that every individual take a close look in a mirror and notice what shade of skin they see on the face in the mirror; and having done so, ask themselves whether the skin color they see is really of any significance whatsoever, or whether, in fact, the real issue is what is going on inside the skull in the brain that is looking at the face in the mirror. Racial discrimination, of course, is illegal, and if instances of racial discrimination are taking place, Mr. Attorney General, see that they are prosecuted. Otherwise perhaps we can agree that skin color is irrelevant and focus our attention on things that actually do matter.
Posted by: Robert5000 | February 19, 2009 2:48 PM
Eric Holder should resign immediately!!! What a disgraceful comment. Imagine the backlash if a white AG said blacks were cowards. Ole Jess and Al would be all over the news .....
The Obama Administration is becoming a joke to everyone.One mistake after another .....
Posted by: Chris | February 19, 2009 3:33 PM
The Obama Administration is becoming a joke to everyone.One mistake after another .....
Posted by: Chris | February 19, 2009 3:33 PM
While I'm sure you would love to make this a political issue....his remarks were aimed to both black and white. But I'm sure you really could care less.......keep on truckin Tex....
Posted by: bill r. | February 19, 2009 4:05 PM
Every time I tell negroes to get the hell away from me, they respond poorly. Mr. Holder, what are you going to do to make them respect my wishes?
Posted by: Fred | February 19, 2009 4:18 PM
It seems to be that an awful lot of black commenters believe that anyone who is white is automatically a racist. This administration will do more to set back race relations in this country than we can even imagine.
Posted by: ConservativeWoman | February 19, 2009 4:44 PM
Chris, he didn't say whites are cowards. I'm white and I'm disgusted by the whitey reaction to this. Read the whole speech, don't just pick out a sound bite.
Posted by: rupert | February 19, 2009 5:09 PM
Every time I tell negroes to get the hell away from me, they respond poorly. Mr. Holder, what are you going to do to make them respect my wishes?
Posted by: Fred | February 19, 2009 4:18 PM
Fred...if one thing in this world is true....it's that you don't deserve RESPECT!
Posted by: bill r. | February 19, 2009 10:10 PM
Quite a few people thought you were unqualified and now you opened your big mouth and proved it. One last remark every time the subject is broached it seems the like of Maxine Waters, Al Shaprton, Charlies Rangle, or the Jacksons are screaming racism. But most folk are not racists. Its time these people get a honest job and lose the crutches.
Posted by: Paul | February 19, 2009 10:37 PM
It was Holder who decided not to appeal the Rothe Development affirmative action case to the Supreme Court earlier this month. The time to appeal ran the day after he was sworn in, and don't tell me they weren't looking at it during the transition. So who's the real coward?
Posted by: Look in the Mirror | February 20, 2009 12:42 AM
I'm proud of mostly everyone on this board. I appreciate that the majority of your comments appear to be a releasing of feelings off your chest. Even though I may experience some cringe factor in a few of the perspectives. I find this happens whenever I'm involved in a multi-ethnic dialoge on race & social justice matters. I'm a very opiniated, socially lefty, black man, and I can say that I'm glad we're talking. America suffers badly from a lack of true dialoge and debate. All we usually have is biased, force-fed views from people who show 'cowardice' in their inability to share prospectives in an open manner. Regardless if it's views on race, ecconomics,sexuality, values, equality, or politics. Too many individuals and groups believe in propagating their ideas in a vacuum, without challenge. We must continue to discuss things openly. Keep on sharing opinions.
Posted by: Wesley Moore | February 20, 2009 5:03 AM
I believe racism is a remnant from an earlier time in our development as a species.
It was a human response at very low level.
I don't believe it started as a preference.
Having said that I do believe it is perpetuated by some people. I know it was during my upbringing.
Most people would agree on the fact that it's not going away fast enough but at the same time, If patience was a commodity then it's price would surely be out of reach.
Luckily, our intellect (one would hope) affords us the ability to reason and conclude that our fears are both irrational and destructive to others, so we can then make a conscious decision to not react.
That is a preference.
It's like anything else, "Stop and Think" first.
And I concur with the post prior by Wesley that what we could all benefit from is an honest dialogue as fellow human beings.
A dialogue about everything.
I hold much hope for the future, because I am seeing a trend that I hope will continue. More people are saying the three words that I believe will restore much in the way of credibility to all humans.
Those three words are..."I don't know"
Lastly, I've also come to realize that for me it seems that the less I profess to know, really know as 100% truth, then the more likely it is that I will understand and appreciate others.
It's just that easy!
Best regards,
Rob
Posted by: Rob | February 20, 2009 2:01 PM
Could it be thar Eric Holder's remarks were directed at his own race. It is his own race that voted for a man because of the color of his skin, and not the content of his character. Had they voted for the content of his character, Mr Obama would not be president today. His past affiliations would have and should have been enough to deny him the presidency. Even his citizenship is questionable.
Posted by: Hobo Joe | February 25, 2009 3:15 PM
OK, here's my 2 cents worth. I really don't care a lick what Eric Holder (the person) thinks or feels about my opinions on the status of race relations int this country. I don't care a whole lot about the fact that he thinks we should talk about it more either. I'm not even all that concerned that he thinks we're a bunch of cowards for retreating into our race-protected cocoons on weekends, to escape from what he perceives is our obligation to have more dialog on race issues. In short, his opinion is simply not that important to me.
What I am concerned about, however, is Eric Holder (the attorney general and top law enforcement official in the land) openly using his bully pulpit to state that it is his (and the DOJ's) "duty and solemn obligation" to actively pursue an activist agenda to unilaterally force a nation to participate in conversations that a great number of us are unwilling to voluntarily have. What exactly does he plan to do? Is he going to summon us to a room and withhold food, water and sleep until we crack and spill our guts. Will he make our employers force us into more diversity training and group discussions in an attempt to exorcise the demons? If so, his "thought-police" crusade won't work. Unfortunately, at this point, one can only speculate about what Mr. Holder has in mind, because he isn't saying. I've personally written him twice in the past 3 weeks in an attempt to have some dialog on the topic. He's failed to answer either of my e-mails. So who's the real coward?
Posted by: Rick | March 3, 2009 8:15 PM
Update on America’s White Cowards
From the Better Late than Never Department: More than two weeks ago, new Attorney General Eric Holder ripped into White Americans for their cowardice.
“Speaking to a Justice Department group observing Black History Month, the new AG said, ‘Though this nation has proudly thought of itself as an ethnic melting pot, in things racial we have always been and continue to be, in too many ways, essentially a nation of cowards:’ http://www.genelalor.com/blog1/?p=847.
Two weeks is a long time to allow such an incendiary, racist remark to fester, yet fester away it did until Holder’s boss, President Barack Obama finally saw fit to comment on it. Considering the mild slap on the wrist administered by the boss, it may continue to fester until someone calls on Obama to elucidate his remarks.
The AG had gone on to say, “Americans still self-segregate on the weekends and in their private lives,” but all Obama could muster up was, “I think it’s fair to say that if I had been advising my attorney general, we would have used different language.”
Asked if he agreed with Holder’s racial putdown, according to the International Herald Tribune, Obama ”hesitated for five seconds before responding” then said, “I’m not somebody who believes that constantly talking about race somehow solves racial tensions. I think what solves racial tensions is fixing the economy, putting people to work, making sure . . .” Yada, yada, yada: http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/03/08/america/08race.php
What language would you have used to express that sentiment, Mr. President? And why the long hesitation before responding to whether or not you agreed with Holder’s inflammatory slur? No teleprompter available? And why take two weeks to mull over the AG’s racially-charged words in the first place? If Joe Biden had said that Black people were pusillanimous would you have taken a fortnight to censure him and would you have been so timid in doing so?
That wimpy rebuke did nothing except send another signal that, as far as this administration is concerned, racism is a one-way street on which a Black Attorney General may speed along slandering Whites but Whites had better just shut up and move to the back of the bus.
(http://genelalor.com/)
Posted by: Gene Lalor | March 8, 2009 4:53 PM