Attorney general says U.S. cowardly on race matters

Great, another race baiter.

“He’s right on the substance, but that’s probably not the most politic way of saying it.

And so the most courageous thing that some of these Americans can muster up is an attack on the messenger.

He should really come out and say what he thinks..

talk about race at this firm's US offices and anything that may be thought as negative and you are out!

BTW, this is the same guy who orchestrated a nazi like SWAT squad to enter our neighborhood to kidnap one child... Why did he feel he had to do that, are we considered dangerous? The AG needs to take a few classes on race himself.

And so the most courageous thing that some of these Americans can muster up is an attack on the messenger.

I wish I had said that. Really good observation yabits.

I do not mind his pointing out the cowardice on this particular subject, but saying "a nation of cowards" is a bit much. Americans in general are certainly cowardly about this and some other things too, but the are areas we are courageous in general as well. Just don't let it go to your head America. The cowardly points yet stand.

The so-called "cowardly points" are certainly not unique to America. For a (still) mostly white voting populace to elect a black man President of the United States is a dozen huge steps forward in race relations in America; that incredible milestone absolutely cannot be downplayed.

For a (still) mostly white voting populace to elect a black man President of the United States

He is not black. He is a mix of black and white. But the huge step in race relations is still just as huge as you say. Still it remains: the Joneses are not inviting their daughter's black boyfriend over for dinner.

Unfortunately, the reason why race is such a difficult subject to discuss is because whites are terrified to say the wrong thing and therefore get branded a racist. We have a black president and Holder himself is Attorney General. What does American need to do to make this guy happy - put Whitey in chains? He is an idiot!

the Joneses are not inviting their daughter's black boyfriend over for dinner.

Says who?

Says who?

Sorry, I meant the Thompsons. The Joneses did invite him over that one time. Luckily, there was a breakup before it actually transpire though.

Look, we are still a long way from true integration. I hail our progress, but the goal is still far ahead.

I hail our progress, but the goal is still far ahead.

Now I can agree with that. Of course we still have a long way to go. Just don't discount how far we've already come.

I hail our progress, but the goal is still far ahead." And what is that goal?

I think America needs to adopt a more Latin America culture, we have issues, but not like the ones most of you have.

If we are talking about integration, I never understood why people want to be intergrated for the most part.

For the poster who said Obama is mixed, I take that as a white person's defense; kinda like trying not to feel so out of place. First of all, Obama pretty much identifies with black. He has given is black and basically non-existent father, who was basically forced to divorce the white woman, more props than he does for those who raised him. (of course, I don't know what he thinks privately)

Can we ponder what the AG does and who he hangs with when he is not working?

Its the Tiger Woods syndrome. Both he and Obama act like they didn't have non-black mothers. Since Barry grew up in Hawaii he never experienced racial prejudices of the average "black American." I'd love to hear Obama explain why he married a black women -- he is half white after all, so he could have married either...

I just asked two Anglo Americans here what they thought this comment (not knowing I'm blogging) and they just confirmed what one poster above said that they, whites, are so afraid of losing their jobs because when they feel might lead people considering anything they say on the subject to think that they are racists.

I guess what is going to be needed is an open forum where people can vent their feelings openly.

likeitis,

We're all a mix of something. I really don't see the point in trying to make the distinction that Obama was of "mixed" parentage. In America--unless you could pass--if you had darker skin and noticeable African features, you were black. I think that's pretty much still true today.

If you are saying that the categories of black and white are intellectual perpetrations, I would agree. But in the context of needing to discuss race relations, we're going to need some kind of noun or noun phrase so that we can actually have that discussion. If you could suggest something that would get us away from the lexis of black and white without being too verbose, that might be very helpful.

In a way, I think that is kind of what the world is waiting for.

Tatanka,

Any man could have married either. I don't think Obama needs to explain why he married his wife. He could have married a short woman, a stupid woman or a rich woman, too. Again, no explanations are necessary.

Wolfpack,

Careful when pointing fingers. As my grandfather always taught me, when you point a finger at someone else, you point three at yourself.

I say that because you proved the man's point for him.

Unfortunately, the reason why race is such a difficult subject to discuss is because whites are terrified to say the wrong thing and therefore get branded a racist.

I believe, what Holder was saying is that If we TRULY addressed the race issue, you would no longer feel the need to be terrified of saying the wrong thing and therefore branded a racist.

If we truly addressed the issue, we would address the issues from all sides. Blacks could address their issues regarding lingering fear and stereotypes in other races. Whites could address the issue of some minorities playing the race card at the drop of a hat. Asians and Native Americans could address the issue of how they are often portrayed in cinema and on TV.

If we truly and honestly addressed the issues, instead of dancing around them, in "cowardice" (as Holder put it) a lot of these fears would cease to exist.

Ironically, earlier today, on another blog, I addressed someone on the subject of hate speech. The link I provided that guy would also be applicable here:

http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Lenny_Bruce

Start with the 6th quote down on the page.

Taka

SezWho: "Any man could have married either. I don't think Obama needs to explain why he married his wife. He could have married a short woman, a stupid woman or a rich woman, too. Again, no explanations are necessary."

He couldn't have married a guy :)

But that's another issue on 'progress', for another thread. I agree with most that the US and other similar countries have made a lot of progress, and Obama's election cannot be ignored as a major milestone to that effect. Still, patting oneself on the back is no reason to take a breather or stop altogether, it's a real chance to move forward at an even greater pace. There is indeed still a long way to go on this and other issues.

SezWho2,

I didn't say Obama "needs" to explain why he married a black women. I would like the hear why he chose to marry a black women. Please don't read into my comment more than I actually wrote...

We are still a nation of barriers and stereotypes. We cannot even agree on what race our new president is. Is his white half any less valid than his black? Is the half Irish half German person any less a mix of both?

I am a mixed race person and I can tell you that people are still hung up on race to help them define the world around them. When they cannot easily fit me into a minority peg hole, they decide I am white. When I stand up for my minority genetic history I get pegged as one or the other part of that heritage.

We need to move beyond race as a defintion for who peeople are. Obama should not be the black president. I shouldn't have to be the mixed guy. We should be who we are and judged according to our personality and talents and not of gene pool.

It starts with us owning up to our continued racism and working together to openly talk about it and work on making the future better. Then maybe some day we can be that great president, instead of that black president. Or that nice guy and not that nice mixed guy.

Sounds nice doesn't it?

Tatanka - I'm guessing that maybe him meeting her and falling in love with her would not be a valid reason for you?

Both he and Obama act like they didn't have non-black mothers.

Here's a newsflash: Obama's mother was white.

I'd love to hear Obama explain why he married a black women -- he is half white after all, so he could have married either...

Why should any man or woman have to justify the race of their spouse? How does quizzing the president (beit Obama, Bush, Clinton on down the line) on this issue move the discussion of race forward?

Damn! I hate it when I misread and respond too quickly! Egg on my face!

smithinjapan,

He couldn't have married a guy :)

No, he couldn't. And he may eventually have to explain that.

I agree that it's an opportunity to move forward, by the way. Of course, I also agree with those who ask, "Move forward to what? -- and how?"

Tatanka,

We don't know that he did choose to marry a black woman. Perhaps he chose to marry a woman and she happened to be black.

I don't think I'm reading anything into your words. You said you'd like to hear him explain this. I take it as almost axiomatic that only a fool would undertake to explain this unless it was absolutely necessary.

Additionally, the context of your statement seems to me to be somewhat racist. You claim that Obama and Woods "act like they didn't have non-black mothers"? Is this true? How does someone act as though their female parent is non-black? Just what constellation of behavior is this?

Also while your claim that "Barry" (didn't know you were on such familiar terms!) probably didn't have the same black experience that people on the mainland have is most likely true, I don't know what relevance that has. I doubt if the black experience in Washington D.C. is quite the same as it is in Washington State, for example. Just what are you trying to suggest by the Hawaii example? that he should have emerged from the Pacific Island cleansed of any racial baggage?

None of us--well none to my knowledge--are free of racial baggage. Our society shapes us according to our grades, our skin, our height, our weight, our perceived attractiveness, our athletic ability. Whether we have free will or not, we are still more like clay in more powerful hands. As far as Obama's personal development is much more determinative how other people perceive Obama than how Obama perceives other people.

...er...

"...development is concerned, it is much..."

Obama is black? I thought he is Hawaiian.

I really don't see the point in trying to make the distinction that Obama was of "mixed" parentage.

Its a fact. I mentioned it because calling him black is incorrect.

In America--unless you could pass--if you had darker skin and noticeable African features, you were black. I think that's pretty much still true today.

And I think its still pretty incorrect today.

If you could suggest something that would get us away from the lexis of black and white without being too verbose, that might be very helpful.

I do not mind the distinctions of black, white, and asian. But when someone who is clearly a mix is defined as one or the other, that bothers me. I mean, if you just met Obama it would be easy to make the mistake. And I am not yelling at anyone for making it now. Just pointing out that he is, in fact, a mix.

We're all a mix of something.

Some more than others.

In a way, I think that is kind of what the world is waiting for.

I am not sure what the world is waiting for. And I don't think simple definitions are going to help race relations or concepts of race. All I can think of is to hammer away at the misconceptions, and both the race hater and those who insist race is just appearance both have plenty of in my opinion. The truth is between them, but certainly closer to the tolerant one.

And what is that goal?

Many actually. One is when so many people see this cartoon, they look at the chimp and think he represents either stupidity or someone's appearance with ease and speed but thinks "racism" only with difficulty and time. Today, it seems the opposite. When this is not news because most people won't even see implied racism, we will have achieved a goal.

Another goal is when most people don't even think twice about having friends, real friends, or even lovers, of other races. When we don't even give a second thought to how our other friends or our families will react, and are honestly surprised when they react negatively (because its rare), then we will have achieved another goal.

I was there as a teenager. I am still there on goal one. Goal two I have backtracked on because of very real negative reactions in others, but they are often still a surprise to me. The first time was my very own grandmother, who preached tolerance, but I found out she had limits. It was a sad moment.

Holder urged people of all races to use Black History Month as a chance for honest discussion of racial matters, including issues of health care, education and economic disparities.

In other words, issues that are important to blacks - to be discussed within a politically correct framework, with no criticism of minorities allowed.

This is why Japan needs to keep immigration to a bare minimum.

SezWho2,

Playing the race card by saying someone's statement is "somewhat racist" is exactly what scaring white Americans -- as soon as we criticize, we're racists. I'll like to exercise my 1st Amendment right without getting shot down by people floating around in their self-righteous ether...

We don't talk enough about race??? If we do talk about race, then someone is accused of racism, and then litigation follows. Need to talk more about how race really doesn't matter. Just because this guy got appointed as attorney general, doesn't make him an authority on social issues. Stick to what you know buddy...the law.

likeitis,

I think you are making far too much of the mix. The US is a society where one drop of "black blood" made you "black" and, even if you could pass, the discovery of that drop forced you out of white society. I see little point in preaching "mixed" to a congregation that has only comparatively recently been weaned off the notion of "sub-human".

Thank heavens that is changing. It has not changed entirely, otherwise Obama would not be touted as the first black President (after Clinton). It would be an interesting experiment to ask one controlled group whether Obama was black or white, and to ask another whether he was black, white or something else. I would guess that in the first group the overwhelming majority would say "black". In the second, I would guess a significant number might choose "something else", but until we know the number and know what the number means, I'm not sure what we can say. In one very real sense, Obama is what people perceive him to be.

It would also be interesting to hear how Obama self-identifies. "Mixed" is not a category that we have traditionally recognized bit recently our census has allowed people to self-identify and that is another sign that the old ways of thinking are breaking up. If you perceive him as "mixed" I would say that is accurate, but not terribly relevant for the purposes of the discussion Holder seems to want to have.

When did the Italians first walk upright? Let us just work together and be professional. Stop blaming race/nationality on things. Now class is another whole story. Like we want our children to marry into a broken family with all sorts of problems: Drugs, abuse, divorce, Anger issues, shootings etc...Be moral and raise your children morally and we are on the same page.

Tatanka,

I see you want to get "huffy" about someone's opinion that your statements sound racist. However, I also see that you do not want to explain in what way they are not so and that you instead to prefer to adopt the role of victim because someone else ventures to call you to task.

I'm a white American and I am not particularly scared of someone "playing the race card". Why, pray tell, are you? What's that all about?

Someone needs to ask the AG who was it that said, "if you put lipstick on a pig, it's still a pig"?

Hopefully, Obama will be questioned about Holder's comment at his next Teleprompter Reading Disguised as A Press Conference.

I really want to see what Obama has to say to the American voters about the "Nation of Cowards" remark.

In a speech to Justice Department employees marking Black History Month, Holder said the workplace is largely integrated but Americans still self-segregate on the weekends and in their private lives.

Well, some of us don't like hip-hop, rap and going to concerts to watch "singers" perform simulated sex acts on the stage.

Holder also needs to look up the definition of "private lives" since this socialist nut-job doesn't know what that means.

America is funny, they talk about equality, but then turn around and make a big deal about peoples' race, like "Eric Holder, the nation’s first black attorney general".

Isn't the whole point of equality that a person's race shouldn't even register?

I'm a white American and I am not particularly scared of someone "playing the race card". Why, pray tell, are you? What's that all about?"

Well, I'm not considered white, don't look it, but I think I roll a lot more with whites than any other crowd, however, if given the opportunity to play a race card, I'd do it if it worked for my benefit and I am sure most would do the same. Can't blame someone for that.

But, I do believe that much of the very much needed conversation is very lopsided against Anglos. I am sure you won't agree but that is just from what I witness. I have never seen a non-white get fired for anything considered racist or sexist.

He's talking about integration but from what seems the norm, many choose to self segregate... there is the old saying that birds of a feather flock together and if I were back in the states, I'd probably hang out with other latinos.

I think Obama does pretty damn good at the lectern when ask questions off the cuff.

I wasn't real cool with the 'nation of cowards' comment. I think it just stirs unneeded emotions.

I also feel the cartoon was a very racist cartoon. < :-)

If you perceive him as "mixed" I would say that is accurate, but not terribly relevant for the purposes of the discussion Holder seems to want to have.

I think Holder views Obama as black. That is a problem of Holder's.

I see little point in preaching "mixed" to a congregation that has only comparatively recently been weaned off the notion of "sub-human".

I see it as the next step. Mixing, and recognizing it, clearly, as being completely ok. Deny the mixing, and you partly deny that it is ok.

We need a mixed president far more than we need a black one in my opinion. A mixed president implies mixing, and that is what Holder is talking about, isn't it?

essentially a nation of cowards

The nation just elected a black president and they're still harping about racism. The real cowards here are those who don't stand up to race pimps like this.

Americans still self-segregate on the weekends and in their private lives.

Perhaps Obama's civilian national security force can institute mandatory integration during the weekends.

Instead of targeting white guilt liberals maybe Holder should be lecturing blacks who have demanded their own history month, beauty pageants, college scholarships, TV networks, magazines and everything else under the sun.

I think Holder views Obama as black. That is a problem of Holder's.

Not a problem at all, as Obama self-identifies as an African-Amercan.

Perhaps Obama's civilian national security force can institute mandatory integration during the weekends.

Yes, one day soon in America it will be: Look, a group of 10 people standing over there and not a single black among them .... Arrest them all!!

I don't know where to begin on this but I'll start here.

This guy is the Attorney General of the United States. He is suppose to be the top dog lawyer. The number one in his profession, yet he questions why people don't talk to each other enough when it comes to race.

Race issues continue to be a topic of political discussion, but “we, as average Americans, simply do not talk enough with each other about race.”

How about this clue. Who wants to be sued for discrimination if we talk candidly and the other person finds it offensive? Who wants to lose their job if you happen to have an African American co-worker and you make a comment such as "About as smart as an O.J Simpson Juror?".

For the record I would happen to care less if the majority of the O.J Jurors where White and they reached the same verdict....They would still be as dumb in my eyes as the one the jury that was seated...... Let's clear that up right now, before someone tears into the point I'm trying to make using that as an example.

But say for example a person did say that to an African American co-worker, in "talking enough" about race. His co-worker doesn't like it reports him to his Supervisor, and wait for it............Who is BOUND by Law to prevent discrimination in the workplace and has to take action or may well have a LAWSUIT on his hands.

And our new A.G wonders why we aren't talking enough to each other??????

I need an aspirin.

As far as the "coward remark". My parents raised me from the moment I was born that all people were the same regardless of where they came from or what shade of human they came in. They taught me this in a time when the civil rights movement was just getting into full bloom. Which means they felt they way during the worst times of the Jim Crow law era and new segregation first hand. They weren't "cowards" then and they weren't "cowards" latter when I happened to come into this world. They were and are average Americans and I do find his comments rather insulting that he would call good people such as my parents, and I would hazard a guess most of the posters parents also, that they were "cowards" when they talked to you when you young candidly about race.

Rant..Over

Instead of targeting white guilt liberals"

I am going to say one thing about this, I have noticed on a great many occassions that most of these white liberals are usually wealthy, gone to all white schools with a few token minorities and NONE OF THEM WOULD EVER STEP FOOT IN A PLACE THAT WAS ALL NON WHITE.

The race issue is, whether you like it or not, black and white. The rest of us are caught in between. The both of you, get your act together!

"Eric Holder, the nation’s first black attorney general, said Wednesday the United States was “a nation of cowards” on matters of race, with most Americans avoiding candid discussions of racial issues."

I agree ! Trying to tell black Americans to clean up their act has gone over like a lead ballon. All the statistics and data simply get thrown out the window when anyone of any race confronts African Americans of their current situation. Let's hope Obama raises the bar and shows all black Americans what they are capable of... besides whining about racism !

Altria, it's just like the 'first woman' whatever, I've always thought the same thing.

Bang on, Mr. Holder! We all know that just because Americans elected Obama and threw out bush, who was the worst president EVER, from the get-go, that that doesn't mean that racism is over.Not in America, and not by a LONG shot!Anyways, my friends, people who are throwing stones from inside the comfort of their glass houses and who are simply BITTER about the outcome of the election need to remember what my toothless grampa used to say to me. He used to say, "Gopher boy, when you are pointing your elbow at someone else and saying bad things the chances are good you have five of your own fingers pointing RIGHT back at you." As for the racist cartoon I was shocked to read about,first thing in the morning, well, it's funny to watch the few remaining bush loyalists here try and defend RACISM, again!I'm not in the least surprised. But then, I guess they never got the message, bush's lily white administration couldn't go on forever, kiddies.

Gombei

Race issues continue to be a topic of political discussion, but “we, as average Americans, simply do not talk enough with each other about race.”

As a Black man I think Holder is way off. Look at today's NY Post editorial cartoon about the monkey being shot by police, and the comments that are drawn on it and now we have many Blacks like Al Sharpton crying racism since it is directed towards Obama. Or from the election, how McCain never brought up the issue of Obama's racial background, but he would use it himself to say that they would attack him because of it. The way I see it, Holder and those like him are the ones who act cowardly towards racial matters since if they see someone who may not have the same view as they, they are automatially labeled racist. Funny how when you pull up Holder's or Obama's resume that if you didn't know them, you would have thought that they weren't Black (using Holder's argument). Since they both went to universities that were not what one would call HBCU's (Historically Black Colleges & University). So it seems that they were able to adjust without as he said:

going back to Even when people mix at the workplace or after work social events, Holder argued, many Americans in their free time are still segregated inside what he called “race-protected cocoons.”

So in my opinion he is off. Does America still have racial problems, well yes. No matter how you try, people will still have prejudices rather they be because of one's race, religion, ethnic background, height, weight, etc. But we don't have the overt racism that was there in the past, and I think we are moving in a better direction.

bush's lily white administration couldn't go on forever, kiddies.

Gombei, might want to go back and do a little research. Bush was the first President to appoint a Black Mand (and woman) as Secretary of State, as well as Secretary of Education. As a matter of fact, Bush's cabinets had a little more people of color in really high places than Clinton's did (and I am from Clinton's home state and I know what he is capable of).

The election is over, Obama (not my choice) won. Let go of the BDS. Since it was perfectly justifiable to many on the left to deride Bush and make comments about him in the name of "Free Speech" shouldn't those who didn't support Obama be afforded the same right. At least they may be able to keep it a bit more civil than the left did.

I must have missed the part of the article (perhaps it was edited out at this Web site) in which AG Holder disclosed the number of white or minority friends he hangs out with on Saturdays and Sundays.

There is a reason why freedom of association is a constitutionally protected right. People can associate with whomever they choose, and may do so without the say so of ignorant close-minded bigots like Holder.

This is the kind of ignorant entitlement mentality that is bred by an Affirmative Action system that functions on the assumption that the Equal Protection Clause is a mandate for equality of results instead of equality of opportunity.

Holder has not represented the Black community well. Obama's judgment is being questioned by many. It is a shame because it puts the cause back. Most posts I have read on abc were also, what the...would not let him date my daughter with that attitude...maybe if he was younger and could outgrow it. But really how old is this man? One more mistake like this and Obama should have him resign. At least show that he (Obama)has integrity. Now Rice and Powell were dedicated and I am proud to claim them as my own fellow Americans. Holder...what the...

I like Holder but it was a poor choice of words. No one likes being called cowards, least of all Americans.

skipthesong,

So, you're not a white American but are undertaking to speak for them. I guess that's OK. Everyone needs advocates--especially if they are as disadvantaged in this conversation as you contend.

I don't doubt that your observation is true that in the white/black discussion the conversation is lopsided against the whites. However, I think that anyone who has ever studied a pendulum cannot expect it to be any other way. Fairness and even-handedness are, generally speaking, good goals (although somewhat passionless), but there is some whimsy in demanding strict equality after abysmal inequality. There is no reset button.

It's a scary thing to be asking yourself, "What did I ever do to deserve this?" But generations of slaves and their descendants up to very recently have probably asked themselves that same question at some personal level. That there is some backlash against whites and some disparity is natural and normal and is the price that must be paid for healing. I think the conversation that Holder wants to have is a conversation on how to make sure that pendulum is losing energy.

likeitis,

No, I don't think Holder is talking about mixing in the same sense that you are using it for Obama. I think Holder is talking about it in the sense of integration in civil society.

You earlier said that some of us are mixed more than others. That is not true. The offspring of generations of incestuous liasons are as equally mixed as anyone else.

That you can suggest that Obama is more "mixed" than others begs the black/white dichotomy that you wish to avoid. While I think greater mixing of "the races" would be helpful, I don't think that is the answer. I think the answer lies in how to let people be black, white, latino, asian, whatever and not have those categories mean anything.

No, I don't think Holder is talking about mixing in the same sense that you are using it for Obama.

Friendly mixing is going to lead to romantic mixing is going to lead to genetic mixing. His mixing was specific, yes. My mixing was more encompassing. But his mixing will lead to other things, guaranteed.

You earlier said that some of us are mixed more than others. That is not true.

Believe what you like.

That you can suggest that Obama is more "mixed" than others

I don't remember suggesting that. I say he is mixed. That is all.

is more "mixed" than others begs the black/white dichotomy that you wish to avoid.

Who says I want to avoid it? I embrace it.

I think the answer lies in how to let people be black, white, latino, asian, whatever and not have those categories mean anything.

The trouble is they do mean something. I think the answer is in realizing there is no quick and easy understanding of what exactly they mean however. If anyone ever thinks they can make a statement like, "this race is dumb", they have jumped the track. The only dumb one is the one who thinks that despite all those brilliant minds who have contemplated race and come up with next to nothing, that they suddenly got a clear answer. Anyone not approaching the subject with great humility is a fool.

It is necessary for everyone to understand that very few types of people could have made it this far without something going for them. That something should be valued. The strongest team has a variety of skills among its members. The weakest team is where everyone is cut from the same mold.

Not a problem at all, as Obama self-identifies as an African-Amercan.

Its a problem of not being accurate.

Barack Obama is a politician, so I make no claim as to how he really identifies himself. It is quite clear to me that his only choice of political platform was through the black community, and that means through the church or through the military. He could not do that by saying he was "mixed" all the time.

What you say might be true. I am inclined to believe it was more a political decision at worst, or acceptance of mainstream thought on the subject at best. We will never know what his true thoughts on the subject are. But the truth of his heritage is clear: he is mixed. And that is cool to me.

In my opinion, Alphaape's opinion is the only one that really matters on this topic.

If the left here REALLY wanted to start a conversation about race relations. I'd start by asking him.

He should know.

In my opinion, Alphaape's opinion is the only one that really matters on this topic.

Well, by saying that, you have just negated the opinion you just expressed.

It is ludicrous to assume the position that AlphaApe is speaking for anyone other than himself, and thereby imply that other opinions have no validity. Even AlphaApe concedes that racism is still very much in play in the US, only now it is less "overt" than it used to be. Common sense ought to tell most folks that what is covert is a lot more pernicious, ingrained and harder to deal with.

I believe that the prospect of a United States that in 20 years is no longer a country that has a white majority is something that genuinely frightens a lot of those of European descent. I believe that racism fuels a lot of the debate over immigration from countries to the south of the US.

The false belief that just because a person is black, it somehow makes them into an expert on racism prompts another question: What disciplines would enable a person to be an expert on such a thing? I suspect the real experts would be found to have a background in a study of many cultures, such as anthropologists and sociologists.

I think that if racism has become much more covert, and I believe it has, then a good way to fuel a discussion on it might be to point out all of the fear and denial that comes with the "no-talking-about-race" rules. I applaud the AG for taking a courageous stance, as unpopular as it may be.

I've been reading the post here and the below posts are just a sampling of the posts. But very relavent. These are some of the truths/beliefs that we have.

Alphaape

But we don't have the overt racism that was there in the past, and I think we are moving in a better direction.

combinibento

No one likes being called cowards, least of all Americans.

likeitis

Friendly mixing is going to lead to romantic mixing is going to lead to genetic mixing. His mixing was specific, yes. My mixing was more encompassing. But his mixing will lead to other things, guaranteed.

We haven't had a president who was a black man before. So even though Condi was black it doesn't have the impact on society as Obama being elected as president.

In the next few years questions, comments, fears and assertions will come forward that might not have come forward before. Or maybe they came forward but in whispers.

I was born in the south. I love the south. I also know what is associated with the south. I believe that I have seen more there in the advancement in race relations then in any place in the country. And the reason is we talked. Took us a long time to, but we talk, we learn from each other.

I'm glad some of these comments have come forward. There will be a few hurt feelings, from all sides, but in years to come it makes things better. Pray for peace. < :-)

Perhaps Obama being president will improve the situation. But having seen the way Bill Cosby was pilloried when he stood up and said a few unpopular things I know that the whole discussion is toxic. And that's all I care to say.

adaydream: We haven't had a president who was a black man before.

And in my opinion, we still haven't. I am perfectly happy if the pendulum does not swing to the clear other side, but stops dead in the middle. I am perfectly happy with a mixed president, as he represents both sides. No one need be jealous. No one need be worried.

sezwho,

If you get this at this time. Let me say this, I can just sit back and not say a word. As for me not being white, well, my father was Italian but looked hispanic and I already talked about my mom being very dark and mistaken for black a number of times (of course you can see there are element of African in her though). Now, am I in any position to make a statement? maybe not. But, like I tried to explain, being in large companies most of my working years, I have felt the conversation only be discussed openly amongst non-white and if a white person is to speak, they do so very nervously and yes, I have seen several white people being fired in what was supposed to be a discussion for making a comment that wasn't liked, even if it was factual.

that is all I was trying to say. I'll stay off this topic if you like because basically I get to sit on the sidelines for the time being.

I think his whole nonsensical comment about "cowardice" is simply an attempt to start more racial quotas under the name of "discussion".

Batten your hatches, more race-baiting and government social engineering to come from this administration.

AG Holder best look towards his own people, before calling anyone 'cowards' .. ..

Nobody can deny the injustices before the 1960's, but if there is any cowardice, he best look at himself .. .. No other country on earth has paved the way for equality and giving everybody a chance at success if they work for it .. .. Noone in this generation has ANY excuse .. ..

And, here in LOS ANGELES, whenever you see anybody begging, or pan-handling, at least 71%+ of the time, that person is an African-American!

Say whatever you like, but that's a fact, and undeniable .. ..

Any race/culture in the USA > be it African-American, Causcasian, Asian or Latino > will never find as level a playing surface than in the USA .. .. Still the only country in the world where if you want more, you just have to go out and earn it .. ..

I usually just like to stay out of debates of this nature, because almost no one can argue thier points reasonably. You have people who insist on blanket statements and declarations of "Race Wars", despite the fact that such blanket statements wouldn't apply to their own situation. Samminish, here in Japan, 100% of the homeless I've ever seen in my years here have been Japanese. Does that mean the Japanese lack the drive to succeed, as you suggest black people as a whole do in LA? Do you not realise that as a metropolis LA has a large minority population due to the relative availability of jobs and the relatively cheap housing, and that the homeless you see are only a fraction of that minority? Obama may have won, but as the many threats on his life have illustrated, racism is still alive. We can't afford to let this one victory as great as it is, convince us the fight is over.

I'll tell you what I'm seeing right now where I live. I'm a Native American living on an Indian reservation in the U.S. The town next to the reservation is a large farm town where everyone shops for groceries, clothing, etc. This past weekend a Native living in the farm town shot a White sheriff's deputy and nearly killed him. Most ppl in town aren't going to see a criminal shooting a deputy. They'll see an Indian shooting a White man. This is still an old belief from the turn of the century that no one's confronting and that no one will talk about. We need to work on this but no one's willing. I came out here to do some research on Japan because guns are illegal for the citizenry. I was thinking that's a great idea, but it turns out we'll just find some other way to kill each other. I like reading the news on Japan Today because I see a lot of similarities in all of us. I just wish everyone else would, too.

what exactly is a gentile coward on the weekends? is there are money to it, and where do you get such expensive cowardice? got to bankroll that one.