Carter: Wilson comments toward Obama 'based on racism'

Does racism exist in America? If your white and live in a safe happy happy place called suburbia, then it does not(keep your eye on your crankhead kid). But for everyone else, racism is alive and well and living in places called every where else U.S.A....

Hey let us have some fun and let us go through all the fun happy far right wing comments about our off white President;

South Carolina GOP activist Rusty DePass calling Michelle Obama a gorilla

http://www.alan.com/2009/06/15/sc-republican-apologizes-for-comparing-michelle-obama-to-a-gorilla/

Or maybe we can see another fine far right winger using racist comments; Do not worry far right wingers, you have a good reason to worry.....psssst no one believes you any more except klan members and nazis so keep up the fine job...LOL;

http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-07-15/inside-the-young-gops-civil-war/

http://blog.beliefnet.com/crunchycon/2009/09/anti-obama-criticism-racist-bl_comments.html

http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/03/30/2617288-obama-racial-stereotypes-falsehoods-flourish

This one shows how far the far right will stoop when it comes to race..

http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_S_buck16.3d67d4a.html

You can hide behind Rush (a great far right wing racist), you can yell, but you guys keep hammering those nails in your own coffins with the bs you post.

It is hard to hide from the truth when that light is shine at you....Far right wingers are scared and they dislike our black President and would rather hunt him than argue against him.....

4thEstateDotCom at 10:00 AM JST - 23rd September "Carter ended the cold war with Presidential Directive 59, if it were not for that who knows what would have happened..." Priceless. Solid gold comedy there JoeBigs.

I can tell that you never heard of directive 59....Read and become enlightened...LOL

"Carter ended the cold war with Presidential Directive 59, if it were not for that who knows what would have happened..."

Priceless. Solid gold comedy there JoeBigs.

tigermoth,

I am not saying that all republicans are racist, I am saying the party is however. Voting patterns, demographics, zero black elected officials, a series of comments and memos from republicans officials are all proof. And the party as it shrinks to below 20% of the US population, it is 23% now, is losing moderate members and only the racist core will in the end remain. On every recent major civil rights or immigration based issue, the republicans have been on the wrong side of history.

Regarding the bush attack on mccain, that is common knowledge and well documented. Just google on it if you wish. Bush learned the nasty tricks of campaigning in Texas along with Rove. He derailed the mccain momentum in 2000 by accusing him of coddling a black baby in his family. Total lies. But of course it worked, mccain did not recover.

sorry, was the right word. had it typed in two places - time to home!

perpetuated should read purpotrated above - although both could be true

Firstly, you would have to show me where Bush actually accused McCain of having a black child. As for the gorilla comment, I wouldn't be surprised if some arse did indeed say this. But one comment, two comments, a couple of dozen, a few hundred or a few thousand - that still doesn't justify a blanket denunciation and proclomation of party-wide racism. What you're trying - rather uneloquently - to say is that party demographics would conclude that overall individuals that display racist tendancies/thinking - whatever - come from the vestiges of the far right. I would concede that as true - but to me that is different than just concluding that because you're a republican you must therefore be racist.

Let's put it another way. I used to live in our Nation's capital back when it was dubbed the 'murder capital of the world' because of a record number of homocides. Now I should go back and look up recorded statistics to back this up, but I'm confident in saying that the majority of the homocides in the city were perpetrated by black males. The easy conclusion would be to say that black males in Washington, DC were a bunch of violent murderers - right? Well, no that's not quite right. Most of this violence centered around the drug trade and involved deals gone bad, rivalry, etc. And by happenstance the low income neighborhoods where these murders mainly took place were predominantly African American. But to suggest that all African Americans in the city were somehow responsible, likely doing drugs, or violent murders is untrue, unfounded and in fact could be determined as racist.

Fifty, forty, even thirty years ago your statment might have more validity. The white, middle class 'Leave it to Beaver' neighborhoods were bastions of white, republican racism to be sure. But that's not the case today. I have good, close friends from both spectrums and find none of them to be particularly racist, but rather thought specific on certain issues, whether it be defense spending, education, immigration, abortion, etc.

I stand by my thoughts that no one - including Carter - has proven to me the Wilson's comments were nothing more than a passionate politician doing what they too often do best - being crass, rude and without class.

Zurc - just don't mention the Michele Obama/Gorilla thing again as I heard you the first fifteen times and fail to see the relevance of that one particular vulgar comment.

It fits the pattern or repeated racist comments and memos from the republican party or their operatives. Back in 2000 Bush used it against McCain in, where else, south carolina by accusing McCain of having a black child. So republicans use racism against themselves if need be.

Racism in the republican party goes way, way back and exists now in the full light of day as the republicans cannot accept an intelligent black president.

Next week or next month will be example 150 since Obama became President. And the right wingers will deny the truth of their own party once again. It is just their way.

Actually tigermouth, I think you are helping Wilson correct those lies about the and fine southern gentlemen like Wilson and Forest. Keep that flag flying in South Carolina! Well that is what Wilson believes!

Well done, keep showing everyone else that there is no racism in America, Carter was lying.......LOL

Who said there is no racism in America?? I certainly didn't, in fact my postings state the opposite - that rather those claiming not to be (mainly liberal dems) are in fact as racist as their Republican counterparts. Black folks are as racist as white folks. Hell, some people just hate everyone equally.

Everyone seems intent on making grandiose statements about how racist the republican party is and how rightious Jimmy Carter is. Throw in the usual hatred for Rush Limbaugh, some inane comments about someone calling the First Lady a gorilla. Dancing around the issue and doing your own political grandstanding; 'hey, look how smart I am'. Great for you, but not germaine to the question at hand: was Wilson's comment racist, and was JC correct in calling him on it?

I suppose the point that the libs on here are trying to hammer home is that the Republican Party is racist. Fine, concede; they're racist. In truth [difficult for most to admit for all of you I'm sure] so are those of you crying foul, so is the NAACP, etc. etc. etc.

So the 'logic' tree of your thinking follows thusly:

Repbulican = Racist Southerner = Racist Wilson - Republican/Southerner = Big time racist

Carter = Sotherner Background to formula; family owned plantation, former slave owners, endentured servitude post-war, on segregated board of education therefore should = Racist -BUT- Subtract for hypocracy, so Carter/Southerner therefore Racist - Dem/builds houses for the poor = Non-racist yet adept at condemning those who he perceives certainly are based on criteria that should make him therfore a racist (by your own theories).

Hmmmmm. Glad you're all so logical.

Carter is 100 percent right !!!!! Carter founded Habitat for Humanity International. A volunteer group that builds house for Americans, American military and other things. Check you facts before you insult this former president that helps americans. The former President (GW Bush )is a scum bag. My facts are true go to www.habitat.org The truth will always prevail It goes to show some southerns and racists want another civil war. Or civil war part deux.

Oh, I see - because he's part of 'habitat for humanity' then he must be correct. Gotcha. Because there has never been any example of a statesman,the famous, or anyone else doing good deeds yet being less than model citizens otherwise.

Conclusions; there is no evidence other than somewhat flawed theory that Wilson's remarks were racist, but it will be concluded that they are because (a) he's white; (b) he's republican; and the trifecta (c) He's southern. That condemns quite a few people. Isn't stereotying in this manner one of the high signs of racism in the first place, and why it's condemned by the thinking as idiotic?

But I'm sure you're going to tell me that I'm wrong. Zurc - just don't mention the Michele Obama/Gorilla thing again as I heard you the first fifteen times and fail to see the relevance of that one particular vulgar comment.

sailwind - I'm mad as hell and I'm not gonna take it any more! Thanks!

The wingers posts defending the racist republican party are just like their posts about WMD in Iraq. It is all a fantasy of their own making.

The republicans will appoint blacks so they appear to not be overtly racist but the voting republicans have not elected a black representative in years. Voting patterns in the last election for President show that republicans voted race in stronger numbers against Obama than for any other candidate, even when bush, their idiot failure leader, ran in 2000 and 2004.

Facts are what they are. The weak attempt to question my nationality are totally irrelevant to the truth and wrong as usual. In other words its typically republican approach to any issue. Lie, obscure, spin, ad hominem, lie again, and deny the truth totally.

Sarge,

ask yourself why Steele was not invited to the teabaggers parade in DC recently?

Answer, cause he is black.

Agreed

This guy was invited instead.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiyzZd0wO2g

So Obama's campaign slogan should have been: "Don't be a racist, vote Obama"

helloklitty at 07:52 PM JST - 22nd September Carter was and is still incompetent. He has peanut envy.

Carter ended the cold war with Presidential Directive 59, if it were not for that who knows what would have happened....

HK, you need to read a bit.......LOL

I always wonder why is it that most enemies of our country are created by the far right?

But now we dance to the next page.....

Bill O'Reilly how can we save the white christian race? I always wonder what the followers of Hera thought?LOL

O’REILLY: But do you understand what the New York Times wants, and the far-left want? They want to break down the white, Christian, male power structure, which you’re a part, and so am I, and they want to bring in millions of foreign nationals to basically break down the structure that we have. In that regard, Pat Buchanan is right. So I say you’ve got to cap with a number.

Huh? Bill do you mean that the Republic is not inclusive?

MCCAIN: In America today we’ve got a very strong economy and low unemployment, so we need addition farm workers, including by the way agriculture, but there may come a time where we have an economic downturn, and we don’t need so many.

Oh I am sorry Mister white McCain, I did not mean to insult you by speaking up. So you want me to dance a jig and be quiet while you do what you want?

O’REILLY: But in this bill, you guys have got to cap it. Because estimation is 12 million, there may be 20 [million]. You don’t know, I don’t know. We’ve got to cap it.

opps did I overstep my bounds because I did not go to Yale? What's you want from me's boss? U want's me to dance a jig?LOL

Okay what is the diff?

The "Republicans are racist" argument is self-defeating. Any American (can't speak for Canadians or Europeans etc) making it looks like a loser and a crybaby.

Carter was and is still incompetent. He has peanut envy.

Question for the people who think the Republican party is racist:

Why were the first two black Secretaries of State, Colin Powell and Condi Rice, appointed by George W. Bush, a Republican?

In the 60's we had racist congressmen from the deep south and most of them were Democrats. They hated anything Socialist and wanted to keep the South separated and white.

Now things have changed most of those folks that were Democrats are now Neo-conservatives and still following the same line.

A neo-con is a neo-con.........Joe Wilson is just that a neo-con.

Rush oh Rush, as you lead your party to the hell of certain destruction you do it with such grace!LOL

http://www.ethiopianreview.com/articles/30783

http://digg.com/politics/Rush_Limbaugh_We_need_segregated_buses_2

http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/daily/site_091809/content/01125112.guest.html Rush denying what he said, do not believe what I say, but believe what I mean! Gooooo far right!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paCx4v4rc9U Rush and what he really said. Rush blames Obama for all the hate!LOL All he says is racism racist blah blah blah.

BTW did you know that whenever any black beats up a white it is Obama's fault. But when whites do the same, it is because they are just good people and it is still Obama's fault. Rush told me so...LOL

Zurcronium, I'm sorry, but nobody who grew up in America or who is remotely familiar with the place believes that some people got invited to the recent rally in DC (made up of not just Republicans but also independents and quite a few Dems with buyer's remorse) and some people, supposedly because of their color, were excluded.

You really amuse sometimes.

Carter is 100 percent right !!!!! Carter founded Habitat for Humanity International. A volunteer group that builds house for Americans, American military and other things. Check you facts before you insult this former president that helps americans. The former President (GW Bush )is a scum bag. My facts are true go to www.habitat.org The truth will always prevail It goes to show some southerns and racists want another civil war. Or civil war part deux.

Chicago is corrupt- what do you call the Bush Administration ? The Bush Admin was corrupt from the get go.

Carter is 100 percent right !!!!! Carter founded Habitat for Humanity International. A volunteer group that builds house for Americans, American military and other things. Check you facts before you insult this former president that helps americans.

My facts are true go to www.habitat.org The truth will always prevail.

Sarge,

ask yourself why Steele was not invited to the teabaggers parade in DC recently?

Answer, cause he is black.

How quickly and conveniently some here forget that a little over a year ago Hillary Clinton was being accused by large numbers of her own party and the liberal lapdogs in the media of being racist for running against Obama in the Democratic primaries and denying the inexperienced, untested junior senator from the most corrupt city in American politics the opportunity to be our first "black" president.

"It tells me that most black people don't think the republican party has their best interests at heart"

"Does that mean that 95% of Blacks voted for President Obama because he is a Democrat? I agree with that conclusion"

Bill Clinton ( he's a white Democrat ) got a mere 83% of the black vote in 1992, and a mere 84% of the black vote in 1996. Obama got 95% of the black vote. What does that tell you?

Wingers probably think it's real funny that Joe Wilson has taken in more than 2 million dollars since his outburst.

@Sarge

Obama got around 95% of the black vote. Does that tell you anything?

It also tells me that Blacks who have traditionally voted Democrat was staying loyal to their party affiliation.

Like, the vast majority of Whites said about the Republican party when they were asked their reason for not voting for President Obama.

Carter is wrong.

Obama is wrong.

You say Carter is right. In fact he's "always right." So that means that Obama is wrong. But you say he's being Presidential. So being Presidential means being wrong?

President Obama - Democrat

Majority of Blacks belong to and traditionally vote Democrat

You say 95% of Blacks voted for President Obama. But you say there are Blacks in the Republican Party. Does that mean that the 95% of Blacks voted for President Obama because he is a Democrat?

I agree with that conclusion too. Thanks for the logic lesson, Sarge. I didn't know you were such a diehard Liberal Democrat.

Obama got around 95% of the black vote. Does that tell you anything?

It tells me that most black people don't think the republican party has their best interests at heart.

And THAT tells me that the old canard of black people being stupid simply can't be true (although in actuality, one doesn't have to be overly intelligent to realize that the republican party doesn't have anyone's best interests in mind but their own).

Taka

"they ( the Republicans ) realized they ( blacks ) are an important part of the political process. After the post Obama election"

Obama got around 95% of the black vote. Does that tell you anything?

@Sarge

Just ask yourself why the chairman of the National Republican Committee is black.

The RNC thought they would be able to court minority vote because they realized they are an important part of the political process. After the post Obama election.

But like others here have already told you and Rush himself has said he has no power. The fellow REpublicans like Rush when represents the base doesn't even like him.

"Obama is being Presidential"

"Carter is right"

Well, now, since Obama disagrees with Carter, there are two possibilities:

Carter is wrong.

Obama is wrong.

You say Carter is right. In fact he's "always right." So that means that Obama is wrong. But you say he's being Presidential. So being Presidential means being wrong?

"Just ask yourself why there are no blacks in Congress in the republican party"

Just ask yourself why the chairman of the National Republican Committee is black.

Sail,

Any comment on rush's opinion or are you going to claim it was "comedy" too?

Taka

By the way here is the link

Your comments as to to why I stayed away from this and you bring it forward?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvfEhwXFsjk

"Carter is speaking the truth" Heck, even Obama disagrees with what Carter said.

Sarge, Obama is being Presidential. I know that is something missing for the last 8 years of the bush failure administration, but Obama has the character that junior clearly does not have. He is saying what needs to be said at his level.

But the fact is Carter is right and even you know it. Carter is always right by the way. Just ask yourself why there are no blacks in Congress in the republican party.

Oh hey, Sailwind is back on this thread.

Hey Sail, you're welcome for that information you requested.

Taka

@Sailwind,

from the same article you used

Lots of Republicans harbor prejudices, too.........

Your asking to change the survey results? That would be unethical.

So when we say there are lots of racist Republicans it is not wrong, right? Your asking to change the survey result? That would be unethical.

No one denied the existence of racist Democrats. The article I posted acknowledged it. People on here have been denying the existence that many in the Republican Party are racist. You just helped prove my point.

Thank you.

@Sailwind

Read the long article I just posted. It shows and acknowledged the fact that some of the White racist in the original party stayed. That article accounts for all them.

Try again!

Lots of Republicans harbor prejudices, too, but the survey found they weren't voting against Obama because of his race. Most Republicans wouldn't vote for any Democrat for president — white, black or brown.

Your asking to change the survey results? That would be unethical.

@Sailwind

Read the long article I just posted. It shows and acknowledged the fact that some of the White racist in the original party stayed. That article accounts for all them.

Try again!

biglittleman,

Love your last two posts, to bad the Republicans and independent Conservatives and the sensible center move off race along time ago.....be nice if you did also on this.

Reality Check.........Pesky facts once again.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26803840/

WASHINGTON - Deep-seated racial misgivings could cost Barack Obama the White House if the election is close, according to an AP-Yahoo News poll that found one-third of white Democrats harbor negative views toward blacks — many calling them "lazy," "violent" or responsible for their own troubles.

The poll, conducted with Stanford University, suggests that the percentage of voters who may turn away from Obama because of his race could easily be larger than the final difference between the candidates in 2004 — about two and one-half percentage points.

About those, 'racist' Republicans:

Lots of Republicans harbor prejudices, too, but the survey found they weren't voting against Obama because of his race. Most Republicans wouldn't vote for any Democrat for president — white, black or brown.

@Sarge

Heck, even Obama disagrees with what Carter said.

Everybody knows if he openly say that in public then some of the same people who supported him like some Whites and Republicans would not like that.

No one wants to be called a Racist. Even if it is true about an individual that represents the group you belong to.

Here is some info about the Republican base for 4thEstatedotcom.

He couldn't address it so he ran from it.

When President Johnson helped pass Civil Rights legislation in the 1960s he commented that: "Well, there goes the South." He meant, of course, that now the South would become Republican as they now saw the Democrats as the party standing up for the blacks.

Following the Civil War, the South defeated what little there was of Reconstruction when in a contested presidential election the Republicans under Hayes agreed to pull out Federal troops from the South in exchange for Hayes being president. After the troops wee gone, the whites took back any remaining outstanding power that blacks had and placed blacks in a new type of slavery: this one an economic slavery through the share-cropping system.

Southerners have traditionally dominated American politics to a greater extent than their proportional representation entitled them, because, although they were largely members of the Democratic party (because the South was poor), they could quickly shift their weight to the Republican party to pass conservative legislation or to block liberal legislation. They voted virtually as a block and this ability gave them legislative power. Southern Democrats were pretty solidly racist and voted to keep the racist system in place.

Following the Civil Rights legislation, the South temporarily lost some of its legislative power as its voters and politicians switched inexorably to the Republican party. This, of course, has made the Republican party even more conservative and racist than it had ever been following the death of Reconstruction.

The South also changed its religion. As the former Democratic South changed it allegiances in politics, so did it also start to change its allegiances in religion. In the days of the anti-slavery movement, when the Anglican ministers in the South would not support racism and pro-slavery sentiment, the South changed its religions to the more personal, evangelical religions whose ministers did support racism and slavery. An insistence on maintaining a racist structure leads also to an insistence on racists values and hence racist religions. Similarly, today's Southerners are abandoning the more staid evangelical religions for the highly personalized religions characterized by the phrase "born-again Christians." Whereas, many a Methodist or Baptist preacher would not now condone racism, the Southerners don't have to worry about this with their new preachers of born-again religion.

With the abandonment by the Southern Democrats of the Democratic party, blacks became somewhat more influential in the Democratic party, because the party was now much smaller than it had been. As a result, the Democratic party is somewhat more liberal than it used to be.

So the division between the two parties grew. The Republican party represented the wealthy industrialists and other rich persons, the South, and a good proportion of the working class and middle-class who were concerned that blacks were getting too much privilege in this country. (I watched a lot of coverage of the 2000 elections and I heard no one discuss the obvious: the entire old Confederacy went for the Republicans, plus the more rural parts of the Midwest -- with the exception of Ohio. So Bush won the election with a combination of the two R's: ruralism and racism. The networks are both too biased and/or too afraid of losing ratings by offending the South and Midwest, apparently.)

The Democratic party, although losing the South, did retain some of its traditional base, working class, some of the middle class, and the blacks. But by and large, the Democratic party was much weakened by the overall abandonment of the party by the South.

The end result was that the two parties now grew very far apart from each other ideologically speaking. The Republicans now had a very strong racist backing which made the party take very conservative stances. The Democrats had a cadre of liberals that kept its ideas in the liberal camp.

LOL! It is amazing how people are so ignorant about their own history.

"Carter is speaking the truth"

Heck, even Obama disagrees with what Carter said.

Carter is speaking the truth.

I see none can refute what I found about Carter.

All they have is feigned indifference and adolescent howling about 'racism', which we all know by now is little more than an attempt to try and end debate, and in this case further exposure of how hypocritical Carter is.

It has been clear as day since palin started blackballing Obama as a terrorist to his whites only crowd in redneckland that the underlying message was dont let the darkie in the WH. He won and the message from the racist republicans is the same, he is there but he won using black magic.

The one thing we know for sure is that very soon another racist comment will surface from some high level republican. Its like the LDP fossils talking about WW2 and how great Japan was occupying Korea, China, etc. These stupid and delusional people cannot help themselves, same crowd different country.

National Review has done the work the media won't:

...yawn...

Jog my memory... didn´t the democrats boo GWB during a state-of-the-union address?

Funny thing, I don´t remember any concern about decorum or cries of racism then.

Things have changed, indeed.

Like most leftists and Democrats Carter deals with his own racist tendencies by projecting them wildly and whenever possible.

National Review has done the work the media won't:

"In his 1982 book, Keeping Faith, Carter disingenuously said he “was not directly involved in the early struggles to end racial discrimination.” No kidding — in fact, he directly and unambiguously supported segregation. When Carter returned to Plains, Georgia, to become a peanut farmer after serving in the Navy, he became a member of the Sumter County School Board, which did not implement the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision handed down by the Supreme Court. Instead, the board continued to segregate school children on the streets of Carter’s hometown."

you lie! o.k. talk about straightforward here.

Wilson's comment was disrespectful, if Obama had been white it would not have been said during a speech with Congress. I'm black American, and a lot of my friends are starting to say, "Obama just get out of office! Let whites back in, and people like Bush continue to run the country. America just isn't ready for a black president, there's still to many ignorant people going around that still base things on race. Thank God my parents didn't raise me to be prejudice with that kind of mental sickness, it's just something I can never understand. We just don't want to hear the noise machine and spot light drama! We want peace quiet.

How dare that Democrat speak out! Doesn't he know his place? Yeah he won the election, but he only won by 14%! Who cares about that! He was not even born in America!

Umm, Joe? Who are you talking about? Obama, Carter? Who? Obama won with less then 53% of the vote. Don't know how big Carters win in 76 was, but he lost big in 1980.

BUZZZZZ sorry Sarge, I know you really tried.....But the correct answer was George W Bush was the worst President in U.S History.

Please, comparing Bush to Carter is a joke. Bush was a terrible President, I agree with you there, however Carter was, bar none, the worst President in US History.

Hm, I wonder is he just spoke his mind in front of other Americans? Oh my god! He should be hung for speaking his mind! Such a traitor!!!LOL

No, not hung, however US Presidents have had this long standing tradition about not speaking out regarding how their successors are doing. The tradition goes back almost to the founding of the country, but Carter feels he can go ahead and violate that tradition. Even Clinton hasn't been as outspoken as Carter.

If there was only some way to turn the awesome force that is conservative delusion into a source of useful energy. We in the US would give up our dependence on oil in a matter of weeks -- replaced with something that appears to be literally inexhaustible.

Right back at ya buddy. If the loony libs could give up even some part of their delusions, and actually return to reality even for a bit, the country as a whole would be better off. Of course, they'd probably end up as conservatives if they did that, but meh, whatcha gonna do.

Representative Wilson is a retired colonel. If he is as racist as his opponents claim why would he have gone into the military when every American knows it is the most egalitarian, "color-blind" institution in the country?

TIgermouth,

I state facts. If you wish to pretend, like your winger buddies, that the truth is not relevant then you are indeed republican. There is no middle ground between truth and delusion.

Wake up.

Rush is an idiot. Hasn't this fool died already from Kidney failure or overdosing on Big Macs and large fries?

tigermoth at 02:49 AM JST - 18th September I'm arguing for Republicans here and I don't believe I particularly qualify as one, but that's part of the issue.

Actually tigermouth, I think you are helping Wilson correct those lies about the and fine southern gentlemen like Wilson and Forest. Keep that flag flying in South Carolina! Well that is what Wilson believes!

Well done, keep showing everyone else that there is no racism in America, Carter was lying.......LOL

Molenir at 03:39 PM JST - 18th September Where are the dignified Democrats?

How dare that Democrat speak out! Doesn't he know his place? Yeah he won the election, but he only won by 14%! Who cares about that! He was not even born in America!

America is for Americans and no one else! Doesn't that so and so understand that certain families are the ones in charge?

Oh well, he is not even an American is he?

Sarge at 09:20 PM JST - 17th September Joe Wilson's outburst during Obama's speech last week was a natural reflex upon listening to a bunch of lies. And Jimmy Carter, the worst U.S. president in history, is a doddering old foo

BUZZZZZ sorry Sarge, I know you really tried.....But the correct answer was George W Bush was the worst President in U.S History.

tigermoth at 12:08 AM JST - 18th September JoBigs - I watched the video of Jimmy Carter explaining his point, and fail to see where that proves Wilson's comments were in any way racist.

Well then keep living your dream....nuff said...<G>

Noripinhead at 03:38 PM JST - 16th September I think Carter overstepped his bounds.

So how did former President Carter overstep his bounds? Did he call for the downfall of present Government? Did he call for anyone to resign?

Hm, I wonder is he just spoke his mind in front of other Americans? Oh my god! He should be hung for speaking his mind! Such a traitor!!!LOL

Noripinhead at 03:38 PM JST - 16th September He may think what he wants, but to add fuel to the fire with this kind of public comment is disgraceful. And he's not helping the President. Jimmy, stick to building shelters.

So do you believe that their is no racism in our Country? Utopia is a communist dream.

Oh Boy! Do I get the last word? What's sad about both the liberals and the conservatives who have commented here is that they are so invested and faithful to their parties they spout back the nutty party lines. Look The Democrats and the Republican's are very close in idealogy as in they're a bunch of liars and thieves. There are very few respectable politicians and I can really only come up with 2 Joe Lieberman and Herb Kohl. You can't call racism on a whole party and you can't exhonerate a whole party either.

Wilson is the real victim here. Carter was an idiot. Noted.

Yes, and black is white.

If there was only some way to turn the awesome force that is conservative delusion into a source of useful energy. We in the US would give up our dependence on oil in a matter of weeks -- replaced with something that appears to be literally inexhaustible.

rush was "mocking."

Carter was an idiot.

Wilson is the real victim here.

Noted.

Taka

Where are the dignified Republicans with Nobel prizes who will come forward to speak for the soul of the Republican party and defend Wilson? Where are they?

Where are the dignified Democrats? One of the few I'm aware of, Leiberman, was tossed out of his own party for siding to much with the Republicans. Carter is a joke. He has been since the mid 90s. The mans comments get further and further from reality as time goes by. Sad really. Kind of like Barry Goldwater in his declining years. Shows he has lost touch with reality.

Taka, your link to the segregated busses story... Heh, go and read what Limbaugh was really saying. Its totally different from what you and Zurc were implying. If you bother to read it, you will see he was like every other rational person, mocking Carter for his idiocy.

"an author so wacky and racist that he was banned by the morman church"

My goodness. That must be something to behold.

Well, this tempest is dying down. At least one person has admitted to a world view in which everyone is a racist. The southern strategy has been revisited, which underscores that this kind of coy race-baiting is the stock in trade of the Republican party. Willie Horton---The first time Americans had a chance to vote AGAINST a black man---was during the 1980 election, that is for sure. It seems that the standard retort is that some people now think that Obama is unassailable because he is black. Yeah right. When has that been true? Obama is just skating by, isn't he... not a care in the world. Health care will get passed, and it will not be because of the race card.

Responding to general comments made by others:

As far as Wilson himself goes, the media cannot report his racism, can it? It has to rely on respectable good citizens like Carter, who is white, to stand up and call it what it is. You know the political leadership of South Carolina has a history of this stuff going back to... oh... 1861, right, but it does not make the papers.

Finally, if Jimmy Carter could be called a political cudgel, then the Dems really are hurting aren't they? Wilson paid no price for screaming at my president, and all he gets is a comment from Carter and slap on the wrist from congress. Poor baby. Beaten by a cudgel? Hardly.

Where are the dignified Republicans with Nobel prizes who will come forward to speak for the soul of the Republican party and defend Wilson? Where are they? Shouldn't Colin Powell have said something? What does Bush Sr. think of all of this Republican mockery of the president? I wonder. Rush, Beck, Cheney and the others wail on and on, but the silence of moderate Republicans is deafening, and revealing.

This is why progressives nominated Barack Obama.When opposition to his policies arose we knew we could wield the cudgel of alleged racism,against which there is no defense..Its a shame we had to resort to it only 6 months into his presidency,risking some backlash probably down the road, but thats politics.

Sailwind,

Because I'm a giver:

http://rawstory.com/08/news/2009/09/17/limbaugh-we-need-segregated-buses/

And because I'm also a teacher:

www.google.com

My work here is done.

Taka

Well...let me see...there is rush limbaugh howling for segregated busses, for one.

I'm arguing for Republicans here and I don't believe I particularly qualify as one, but that's part of the issue. Zucronium is an extreme example of this as his/her hatred of the right has him/her in a froth that I don't think anyone could get through with reason, but both sides - right and left - are guilty of this. Pick out the extremsists and then assume that those are the fundamental beliefs of everyone in that particular party. Every Republican must worhship Rush Limbaugh and therefore he is their mouthpiece. I for one don't believe that as truth. Most Americans fall somewhere in between the two extremes. They might agree with their so-called 'spokesmen' on some fundamental issues, but certainly not all. The politicl assumption is cookie cutter carbon copies. While that is true in some instances, I think it more likely their are more shades of gray. Plus we have an obvious tendancy these days to misinterpret what exacty should be construed as racism.

Which brings us back to the point. In listening to the statements made by Carter (posted up in a link by JoBigs above somewhere) I wonder if we're just misunderstanding carter to a degree. Or he's confusing himself. He talks about racism agains President Obama, but talks more about instances that clearly were - cartoons of the President with a bone through his nose, comparisons to Hitler, etc. He seems to use the Wilson incident as a method to conclude that yes there is a great deal of racism in the world today, and too much directed towared our president. And I think he expresses surprise that someone would be so disrespectful in shouting out at the President and calling him a liar. It's sort of like how Zucronium keeps going off about someone calling the First Lady a gorilla. That's a horrible thing to be sure, but has nothing to do with Wilson. The question here, which some still seem want to really understand, is not whether racism exists, nor whether some of it is directed towards the first black President - but rather was Wilson's comment toward the statement of the President's policy on health care to illegal immigrants racist. If that's what Carter was indeed concluding, he was wrong.

He did have a very good point though in comparing the meeting with congress and how in the British Parliament they yell out such things, but would never do so to the Queen as head of state. He concludes that as our head of state, the President should be afforeded the same respect, and he's right. Although one has to admit that no matter how much you hated his policies, this respect was not granted to former President Bush. And while you will all scream that he didn't deserve it, by Carter's own words the office alone demands such respect. You can't have it both ways guys - is former President Carter the wise and correct sage you claim,or is he wrong?

Taka,

and there is beck pushing an author so wacky and racist that he was banned by the morman church. He called slaves happy to be slaves and the victims of slavery the slave owners. Beck is racist for sure since he is saying this author is mandatory reading for his 9-12 teabaggers.

http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2009/09/16/beck_skousen/

usaexpat, it is fruitless to take a middle road when one party, the republicans, are so out there it borders on delusional. Obama is an alein, that is over half the republicans belief. If you are told the earth is flat you do not compromise by saying well, it could be oblong. The demos are not without flaws but racism is not one of them. They do have congressmen and woman of color while the republicans have zero blacks and just a few others. Its pretty much whites only there. So wise up. The racism is so clear after six months of insults by the republicans of Obama. In two more weeks there will be something else from one them that is racist. Like the sun rising in the morning they will be true to their racist beliefs, many simple do not even try to hide it.

Well...let me see...there is rush limbaugh howling for segregated busses, for one.

Link please.

Why else would you assume that the left and the Democratic party is any less racist than the right/republicans?

Well...let me see...there is rush limbaugh howling for segregated busses, for one.

Taka

Zurcronium: The cause of governing the country without stooping to petty squabbles. If the nutters want to shout racial slurs or claim Obama's not a citizen they should be duly ignored. I accuse both sides of using race when it suits them but I was happy to hear that Obama was taking the high road. I still don't believe the comment was racially motivated just stupid and impolite. You can't call racism on everything it's like crying wolf.

ca1ic0cat: One thing that is missing here: If Wilson was a racist I would expect that there was some other statement or writing or associations in his life that would form a pattern. I would expect the press to publish this, given all the mileage they are getting out of the story so far.

Yep, that's just what I was going to say. I was also wondering if the word "racism" even came into anyone's mind before it came out of Carter's mouth. Did anyone here read the original story about the outburst and think, "Wow, that guy must be racist." We only started talking about it because Carter said it, now some here are supporting Carter like it was self-evident from the beginning.

Evidence of racism in the US and evidence of great things Carter has done are all fine and dandy, but unless there's some kind of evidence to support Carter's remarks I'm just going to assume he missed the mark on this one. It doesn't mean I hate him, it doesn't mean I think he was the worst President ever (or whatever), it just means I think he made a stupid comment the other day without any kind of supporting evidence.

zurc: The pretend the repubicans are not racist as a party cause?

Wow, you're really going overboard on this one. I guess we can just point our finger at any ol' Republican and call him racist because racism is one of the pillars of the Republican party? Is that the case you're trying to make? Honestly, how can you not see that your comments are more representative of a racist than Wilson, Carter, or anyone here? Has the foam in your mouth reached your brain or something? Relax and think like a rational person and stop being so closed minded.

usaexpat,

what cause would that be. The pretend the repubicans are not racist as a party cause? Too much evidence to the contrary.

The republicans simply are reaping what they have sown for years by using race baiting. Remember Willy Horton? It is a tried and true republican racist formula that is tought to give up even if the President is black. And his black wife who is not a gorilla as republicans have claimed.

Zurcronium: Refer to Obama's public statement. Your off on another tangeant because you hate the Republicans so much that you want to paint them all with the same. You are detracting from the cause not helping it.

“I think Joe’s conduct was asinine, but I think it would be asinine no matter what the color of the president,” said Dick Harpootlian, who has known Wilson for decades. “I don’t think Joe’s outburst was caused by President Obama being African-American. I think it was caused by no filter being between his brain and his mouth.”

Ladies and Gentlemen, your 2009 GOP!

Taka

Tigermoth,

look up the racist southern strategy hatched by nixon after LBJ supported civil rights for blacks. That policy is still core to the republican racist strategy. After the bush massive failure the racist southern strategy, along with selling guns to anyone including mexican terrorists, is all the republicans have left. No wonder they are so angry.

Republicans have zero black representatives in Congress. Zero. Spin that. Calling Michelle a gorilla is not racist? Yes, spin that too.

Obama is playing nice in not making the Wilson statement a major issue. He should have slammed Wilson right after he yelled out and just called him a racist right then and there.

JoBigs - I watched the video of Jimmy Carter explaining his point, and fail to see where that proves Wilson's comments were in any way racist. Carter talks about the "fringe elements" and goes on to describe those who make cartoons of the President, compare his to Hitler, say he should be 'buried with Kennedy', etc. Those deplorable statements are a far cry from someone in congress stating 'that's a lie' to a stated policy that he happened to disagree with. Republican/Democrat aside, issue aside - that simply is not racist. Glad the President agrees with that. Shows he's smarter than most as well.

Well boys and girls shrieking from both the right and left. Robert Gibbs stated on Obama's behalf "The President does not believe that criticism comes based on the color of his skin," Guess I was right afterall. The sheeple here on both sides of the spectrum just get bent out of shape way to easily. Wilson was rude and out of line end of story.

Stop the Presses!!! - Jimmy Carter has now been published as stating that Kanye West's actions were "completely uncalled for" - does that means that since Jimmy is white and Kanye is black that the comment was racist?!

No less rediculous I should think.

stop pretending that calling the president an alien, a liar, a terrorist, a monkey, a nazi, his wife a gorilla and on and on is based on a critique of his policies. Its all emotion drivel motivated by racism. If you are republican you own these comments that come from all parts of the party but mostly from the idiots in the south.

What?? Your comments are always far too emotionally charged - which would be okay if they were logical and made any real sense. The article, and question at hand is whether Wilson's comments were racist, per Carter's remarks. I didn't hear Wilson say anything about apes, aliens or terrorists. There are radical wackos in the Republican party, just as there are in your party as well. You take a few quotes and make blanket generalizations, which is unfair and nonsensical. Granted it can be a stretch, but actually think about what you say (write) rather than just depending on your strong emotional hatred of the right. If you put all of the comments you mentioned together, the people who uttered these horrible remarks would be a very miniscule segment of the population. To make a blanket statement that all on the right fit this profile because of those remarks is lame at best and in fact rather counter-productive. Racism in the first place was and is peretuated by those same types of stereotypes and blanket conclusions; 'a black man shot another man - therefore all black men are criminals and killers'. Just because your directing this at a differnt segment of the population makes it no less ignorant.

The fact is, racism is in the DNA of southerners like Wilson. Always has been and unfortunately, it looks like it'll be there for at least one more generation.

Ummm - doesn't this fly in the face of your argument that Jimmy Carter is not a racist himself? You can't get much 'deeper South' than Georgia. So by this comment your concluding that Carter is a racist, and is just clever enough to hide it. Or does the rule only apply to Republicans?

I get the feeling that many of you from the left on here are a bit younger in age. Why else would you assume that the left and the Democratic party is any less racist than the Right/Republicans? Oh, it's 'cool' (or whatever the current moniker is) to pretend like you're so open minded and believe 'all are equal man!'. But somewhere down the road you've locked your door when going through a 'bad neighborhood' that was likely mostly minority - or avoided going through it all together. Famous example - Hollywood is THE den of liberalism;of course not a soul there is racist. How many black actors are there making it big? How many movies featuring them? The numbers would tell the tale rather nicely.

Flip that around. In how many predominently black neighborhoods are white people welcomed with open arms? How many times in my life have I been called 'that white boy?' (a great many).

The point (yes, there is one): racism exists. It always has and always will. Some people - left, right, center, upside down - can't get past this. It happens - not all the time, but it happens. BUT, the way to end it is not to make conslusions and accusation that every comment made against a person is not based on racial issues. This is true particularly in the political arena, and with the man who hold the highest office in the land. The President of our country has always been open to the closest of scrutiny, and harsh denouncement from political oponents from the other side. If your a black American and you made a comment against George Bush's policies, would that make you a racist? Of course not. Why is Wilson's comment seen in a different light? Because he's a politician, I think it even less strange that he would have these thoughts - just unfortunate that he chose to air them in such a manner. Is it because he's from the South? Then you've condemned your boy Carter as a racist, and any liberal democrat from the south must be as well. If Carter is making the assumption that based on his 'knowledge' of southern men - being one himself - that Wilson certainly is a racists, then his conclusions would condemn himself as one as well. His family owned a plantation after all.

The truth is, Carter likely is not a racist; you can be southern and not be a card carrying member of the KKK. There's a thing called education which is the process of bettering your mind and soul so that you lose the nasty habbit of generalizing and stereotyping, and open your mind to free thinking and realization of universal truths. Mr. Carter is certainly a smart man and an educated man followed that path. So wouldn't it be a tad bit hypocritical to brand others based on region of birth?

Not everything said negatively against the President is racist - plain and simple. If you believe that, well - there's no point in even arguing the point in that case.

One thing that is missing here: If Wilson was a racist I would expect that there was some other statement or writing or associations in his life that would form a pattern. I would expect the press to publish this, given all the mileage they are getting out of the story so far. But there's nothing that makes Wilson out to be a racist. It seems he just doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut.

So, does anybody have an example of Wilson being a racist? I'll bet nobody can cite a case. Carter is blowing smoke.

Joe Wilson's outburst during Obama's speech last week was a natural reflex upon listening to a bunch of lies.

This serves to emphasize the vastly superior composure of the Democrats being exposed of eight years of mind-bending, delusional whoppers* told by the previous administration. How Joe could spot a speck in Obama's eye when he has a beam in his own I'll never know.

*Keep in mind, folks, the Republicans who claim to purport Obama's numbers aren't what they should be are the same ones who claimed the Iraq War would pay for itself!

Joe Wilson's outburst during Obama's speech last week was a natural reflex upon listening to a bunch of lies.

And Jimmy Carter, the worst U.S. president in history, is a doddering old fool.

The joke is on the winger neo-cons.While they try and defend Wilson it seems Obama has done an end run and cancelled the missile defense programs bush promised the Poles and the Czechs.too funny!

JB: Wow, I had assumed you would of any of JT'er would have understood. What was your point by this sentence? White washed bio, huh? Was this meant as a bit tongue and check? Confused minds want to know....LOL" Even GWB's bio will be full of lillies and what nots.. come on. Again I ask, what are you saying? Are you claiming that anyone that is not a Republican is a racist because they make sure to remind people that racism is alive and well?" You of all really shock me today. You don't know what I'm getting at? You don't find it some what funny watching some go at each other even though they're from the same pool, I mean like what is it, he who has less racial attitude wins some game? Again, I like to see more of these so called libs, like carter, leave their beautiful white homes and live with the rest of us, instead of dictating. At least the GOP stays the hell out of our lives and I could careless if they don't like me.

sailwind at 03:00 PM JST - 17th September Reality Check.........Pesky facts once again. The poll, conducted with Stanford University, suggests that the percentage of voters who may turn away from Obama because of his race could easily be larger than the final difference between the candidates in 2004 — about two and one-half percentage points.

This poll goes to prove President Carter is correct there is deep seeded racism in America and it needs to be exposed for what it is.

Now about your numbers.....You may, and I mean may want to look at the full poll rather than a snippet. Let me help ya.....

http://news.yahoo.com/page/election-2008-political-pulse-obama-race

I like going to the source rather than the Republican pundits. Hate find something second and third hand.....Almost like stepping on something too many times. IN the end all you get is mush...LOL

President Carter is correct and folks need to open their eyes to this fact. Joe Wilson's remarks came from deep down inside......

skipthesong at 05:01 PM JST - 17th September I bet Carter, himself a red neck, harboured much of the same feelings as those who is accusing. He's part of the old south and all of those old white guys thought the same way. He's just jumping on a political advantage.

Pssssssst....Don't tell anyone but Carter is not running for any office. He has nothing to gain from his remarks other than trying to open peoples eyes to the truth. So to make the "political advantage" remark is a bit over the top....

skipthesong at 06:07 PM JST - 17th September I was alive when Carter was in. he comes from the old south, bottom line. I don't need no white washed bio. I've also met a lot of white southerners have you?

What was your point by this sentence? White washed bio, huh? Was this meant as a bit tongue and check? Confused minds want to know....LOL

skipthesong at 06:07 PM JST - 17th September I really have to laugh and you guys as you push and fight to prove you are less racist than the next one of you as if it will buy you points.

Again I ask, what are you saying? Are you claiming that anyone that is not a Republican is a racist because they make sure to remind people that racism is alive and well?

Props to the editor for picking up this story,allowing us to beat the wingers with the cudgel of alleged racism,and for simultaneously refusing to link any of the stories about ACORN scandals.You are doing your part to help Obama.

hoserfella: what an ignorant statement." Oh, and calling us that oppose Obama's plans racist, even when we aren't even white is sane?

I was alive when Carter was in. he comes from the old south, bottom line. I don't need no white washed bio. I've also met a lot of white southerners have you?

I really have to laugh and you guys as you push and fight to prove you are less racist than the next one of you as if it will buy you points.

skipthesong - what an ignorant statement. The only thing you know about Carter is he's from the south. Open up a book and do some research of a man I doubt you've even heard of until yesterday.

I bet Carter, himself a red neck, harboured much of the same feelings as those who is accusing. He's part of the old south and all of those old white guys thought the same way. He's just jumping on a political advantage.

Reality Check.........Pesky facts once again.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26803840/

WASHINGTON - Deep-seated racial misgivings could cost Barack Obama the White House if the election is close, according to an AP-Yahoo News poll that found one-third of white Democrats harbor negative views toward blacks — many calling them "lazy," "violent" or responsible for their own troubles.

The poll, conducted with Stanford University, suggests that the percentage of voters who may turn away from Obama because of his race could easily be larger than the final difference between the candidates in 2004 — about two and one-half percentage points.

About those, 'racist' Republicans:

Lots of Republicans harbor prejudices, too, but the survey found they weren't voting against Obama because of his race. Most Republicans wouldn't vote for any Democrat for president — white, black or brown.

Really I do love the media and their far right controllers. It makes me laugh every time that President Carter speaks they only take snips of what he said rather than the full statement. If you guys want to listen to wisdom then watch the video I linked below.

http://video.ap.org/?t=By%20Section/U.S.&p=&f=CASDT&g=0915dv_carter_wilson

Carter is correct when he speaks of the anger there is in many of the members of the far right. This anger is not based on anything other than fear and hate.

The far right has been whipped up into a frenzy and they are scared. Why are they scared? Well just look and listen at the video.

If you walk away thinking he is (Carter) stupid and anything else then you should really look deep within yourselves and get some counseling.

Hate is taught same as fear........

The angry but essentially vapid responses from the the normal band of right wing republicans just shows that their racism is being exposed. And they cannot handle it.

A republican operative, senior guy, called Michelle a gorilla a few months ago. He was a bush election leader and of course from South Carolina. Totally racist statement.

Google on it boys. As far as I know the jerk did not apologize to Michelle.

Over and over again the republicans show their racism. Most do not seem to even care to try to hide it.

WasyneRooney10- where in the heck did u get that from? Are u making stuff up or do u care to show some proof? RomeoRamell- while Carter may be old, he's hardly senile. If fact he's one of the very few US political figures with any sense of gravitas. As far as his ancestor being a southern plantation owner, please explain what that would have to do with a great great grandson's views on race? You wrote two posts, first suggesting that Carter is a racist and in the second you contradict yourself. Obama denying that nitwits like Wilson are not motivated by racism is the only course of action he can take lest the situation get out of hand. The fact is, racism is in the DNA of southerners like Wilson. Always has been and unfortunately, it looks like it'll be there for at least one more generation. Its good that Carter brought this issue to the forefront, however. Maybe a lot of Americans will look themselves in the mirror and realize where their anger is really coming from.

The only thing that really needs to be said to those who pull the Race card.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FO214IFRW1M

This should be required viewing to every one who so consumed on Race.

Mr Carter refers to President Obama as 'this black boy'. Is the old coot aright in his head?

Good to see that Obama agrees with Cater's accusation that half of America is racist ....

Oh, wait a moment:

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2009/09/wh-president-obama-disagrees-with-former-president-carter-that-most-animosity-towards-obama-is-raceb.html

read that: Southerner

Leave it to an old, senile, liberal anti-semtic Sountern whose ancestor, Robert "King" Carter (America's first millionaire) had slaves tending to his plantation in Virginia, to cry racism.

Ah, the irony.

Racism has nothing to do with anti-Obama hysteria.

Nothing at all.

;)

Zurcronium, more reactionary thinking, the only people who own those slurs are the idiots that spouted them. Once again Wilson's outburst was unbecoming an elected official but it wasn't racisim. The point is it was the lack of respect he showed that's the problem. To find racism where there isn't any is playing victim status.

tigermouth,

stop pretending that calling the president an alien, a liar, a terrorist, a monkey, a nazi, his wife a gorilla and on and on is based on a critique of his policies. Its all emotion drivel motivated by racism. If you are republican you own these comments that come from all parts of the party but mostly from the idiots in the south.

The fact is that half the republicans cant accept a black president no matter what he does and cannot believe that he is smarter than they are. Democrats have gone after Obama on his policies, such as the war in Afganistan, but they do not call him a monkey or a liar while doing so.

If you can tell the difference that will be good progress for you.

Any non-Democrat who genuinely wants to put this racist past behind them could do no better than to treat America's first black president with the greatest of deference and respect. And there is definitely a way to strongly disagree with the man's positions while still respecting the man.

This is true, but the question these days seems to be - how? If you say it and it's negative - it's racist seems to be the mantra these days.

Klein2 - In retrospect, my anamosity towards Jimmy Carter does stem from his thrashing of the economy which lead to high unemployement and my father's loss of his job. And before you might suppose - he was let go because of economics - not performance (later hired back because they couldn't do his job - for less money). My father voted for Carter; never liked him much afterwards, and even as a kid it left a bitter taste seeing the family go through this. Perhaps with less jaundiced glasses I can see that he's done a fair amount of good as well, so I'll relent a bit on this.

But having said that, and my point with the racism thing being that yes to a degree we all exercise less than stellar behavior at times (white, black, brown, red), that particular comment on that particular day was policy driven and not race driven. Not every remark again President Obama - who I voted for mind you - is racism. And it's being called far too often. It was even suggested at one time that folks like Letterman, etc would not poke fun because they would be labeled racists. Carter's remark is off-base and supports this failed thinking. As a white man I should be able to call my President to task if I feel need (although certainly not yelling insults and calling him a liar; just not cool) without being branded a racist for doing so. What kind of decomracy does that promote? And it certainly shouldn't be a liberal agenda to promote this as I always thought one of the high marks of the liberal cause was to promote freedom of speech. I always held high regards for that - but what, it doesn't count if a white man says it and the target of the comment is non-white? Even if it involves policy? That I don't agree with nor understand how you can defend it.

Do all of us Japan historians remember what for?

Yes, of course.... (Conducting the negotiations to end the Russo-Japan war.)

I totally respect your views on Jimmy Carter. I was stationed in Japan during the transition from Ford to Carter. There were some tense times in Japan-US relations at the end of the Vietnam war. I will always recall how proud I felt when, on the Keihin line from Yokosuka-chuo to Shinagawa, I held the latest copy of Newsweek with the picture of Ambassador Andrew Young prominently on the cover, casting a vote at the United Nations. Having served under three presidents, I was never prouder of the United States than I was during President Carter's term.

I am saying this to defend the wisdom and judgment of Mr. Carter, which reflect in his comments on Rep. Wilson. I fully agree that history will regard him as a leader who put before the American people the opportunity to become truly great and decent again.

I'm not a racist. I am. So are you. So is Jimmy Carter. So is Barrack Obama. So are we all. It's human nature, as unpleasant as that might be. We need to work out of that together.

And here I totally agree with you.

So when the son of Representative Wilson rushes in to defend his father by claiming that he doesn't have a racist bone in his body, I think we can both agree that this is just a son being loyal to his father.

What I do not agree with is this notion that it is the Democrats who are currently using race to further their political ends. The emphasis on the word "currently." For most of the 20th century, the Democratic Party did make something of a devil's deal with the Jim Crow South. (White southerners hated what they considered "the party of Lincoln.)

To the Democrats' great credit, they started to shed their ties to the white, southern, segregationist Dixiecrats back during FDR's time. They did this on principle, even though it was far from policitally expedient for them. What the Republicans did, much to their discredit, was to form specific tactics to woo white southern racists into their fold.

Part of me deplores the fact that any action directed towards Obama will be scrutinized for any racial component. But that is the price that must be paid for a nation that has set so much in store by its racist past.

Any non-Democrat who genuinely wants to put this racist past behind them could do no better than to treat America's first black president with the greatest of deference and respect. And there is definitely a way to strongly disagree with the man's positions while still respecting the man.

When Wilson gets a nobel prize, then all this crap from the wingers about Carter may be viable. Wilson may get an award from the KKK however for insulting the black president.

The republicans have zero, that is less than one and more than negative one, black representatives in congress. Zero. Accident, no. The last black representative from Oklahoma gave up after a few years as he saw he had no way to influence the party, because he was black. He quit in 2003.

Look at the voting patterns in 2008. McCain got more white votes in the south that Bush, the born again bible thumper. McCain called the evangelicals agents of intolerance, which they are. But he got more of their votes. Wonder why? Cause Obama is black. Its so simple.

Numbers to not lie. The whole born in Kenya movement was strongest in the racist south where Wilson and his buddies come from. David Duke. Trent Lot. The list goes on and on. Racists.

It comical how the republicans try to defend their racist party. If you are not white, angry and retired you do not matter to the republican party. They are fighting the Civil War still.

The new battle cry of the left whenever anyone questions or opposes Obama is "racism". Since Obama has begun to push America down a socialist path, those who oppose him are now called un-American, Nazis and now....racists by U.S. liberals.

Why is it that a white man in the Oval Office is fair game; however, a man of half color such as Obama has to be treated differently? By the left demanding Obama be treated differently, isn't that in itself racist?

Perhaps every time Obama tells a bald-faced lie about his policies, instead of his nose growing like Pinocchio's, his skin darkens? That would explain why the liberals suddenly sees racism.

Those who oppose Obama do so because of his ideology and would oppose any president regardless of ethnic background with the same agenda as his. This has nothing to do with skin color and for the left to play the race card is nothing more than an act of desperation to save Obama's failing presidency.

Superlib

I think Wilson's shouting of his statement at Obama was rooted in racism. I do not think that he would have done that if Obama were white.

I might be wrong, and I certainly do not know the truth, but it all stinks. Carter, a white southerner, calls foul on another white southerner. That is exactly as it should be. If Wilson were not racist, he would want to remove all doubt about this being racially motivated. He is not interested in doing that at all. He doesn't care. Why would race be important to a rich white southerner?

Molenir, I think you need a little lightning in your hammer.

Aside from just saying that Carter is loony and off his rocker, anything to add?

I am not sure what a review of his presidency accomplishes. I think history will remember him more kindly than other presidents.

Let me see if I can prop up Carter one... more... time.

All of this is from memory, by the way. I encourage people to nit pick. Extremely high IQ. Born again Christian. Was voted in after Nixon had been ousted for dirty tricks and all that. Then Ford pardoned Nixon, which made the whole thing even stinkier. Carter was pulled in as POTUS BECAUSE he was not a good old boy politician. He saved the presidency so Reagan could come in without people being overly suspicious. That did not turn out well, but it was not Carter's fault, as we know.

During his tenure, the economy became a shambles. Stagflation. Nixon had tried wage and price controls, and they did not work. To economists today, it still seems unclear what Carter could have done to solve that problem. He did not stop disco. BUT he achieved peace in the middle east. Amazing. Wars in 68, 73, then Munich in there too, and JC (no, not Jesus Christ) gets Egypt and the Israelis to sign a peace agreement. Land for peace. What a concept.

A born again Christian does a Playboy interview during his campaign, and wins.

So yeah, aside from being a really smart president (Nixon was an overachiever), and the only one with a science degree, and the only living one with a freaking peace prize in his pocket, he is a bum. There was the Iran thing too.. He lost to Ronald Reagan, one of the most popular presidents ever. That is like being the opening act for Jimi Hendrix.

I think Teddy Roosevelt was the only other pres to get a peace prize. Do all of us Japan historians remember what for?

I would disagree completely. It is quite possible that people would disagree with the president. I recall plenty of disagreement with the last one that had nothing to do with race. I'm betting that,for a lot of health insurance companies, race is the last thing on their minds.

Are there racist fools out there? Sure, just ask Kanye West. But if racism is going to be touted as the underlying cause of disagreement then I think the people saying "racist" are just trying to put up a smoke screen and discredit the people they disagree with. That's not a good way to arrive at consensus any more than shouting during a speech is.

So do people here agree or disagree when Carter says Wilson's statements are rooted in racism?

OK. Well thanks for the candor. I think you are taking "insults" a little personally. I always appreciate your sane rational discussion tigermoth. I certainly never felt the need to ask you if you were racist. If you had backed off on Jimmy, we could have been friends.

Consider that Carter has very little to gain by saying what he said, and I have even less. I think that far from being a doddering old goat or a political trickster, Carter sees the south as you and I do, full of people who call other people the n word. But he also sees the big picture, which you might still be missing.

Wilson R-SC called my president a liar live on national TV. Of the 538 or so assembled, plus other guests and media, the only person shouting YOU LIE at a non-white person, The POTUS, was a veteran politician from the first state of the union to secede because its white people saw black people as subhuman and decided they could not live any other way.

Now if that ain't symbolic, I don't know what is. Coincidence? If so, it should be smacked down doubly hard just so nobody gets any ideas. Carter did a valuable service to all Americans. Even if nobody is watching, at least he is.

So, when Jimmy Carter opined that Wilson's outburst was based on racist impulses, this was Carter's calculated attempt to use Wilson's racism as a "political tool" to further Democratic Party needs?

Well, yes. It was his attempt to vilify Wilson as an 'evil Republican racist', which only helps is party.

If your goal is a world where no one cares about race, why do you appear to care so much about it?

Well, why shouldn't I care if that's my goal? I care in the sense that some idiot politician screaming 'you lie' and another politician should not be labeled as racist simply because the person to whom the remark was directed is black. That only perpetuates the problem of racism. My opinion.

I won't pretend to be some golden boy who's so forward thinkning that at times I'm not a racist. I am. So are you. So is Jimmy Carter. So is Barrack Obama. So are we all. It's human nature, as unpleasant as that might be. We need to work out of that together. Wilson's comment wasn't based on race, and this type of crap - now perpetuated by the former president - doesn't help.

You pretend that is your goal, but folks like you and Jimmy Carter use it as a political tool to further your party needs and make the opposition a bunch of evil racist fools. Who's more racist?

So, when Jimmy Carter opined that Wilson's outburst was based on racist impulses, this was Carter's calculated attempt to use Wilson's racism as a "political tool" to further Democratic Party needs?

If your goal is a world where no one cares about race, why do you appear to care so much about it? It would seem to me that the rational approach by someone who truly felt that way would be to accept that, if racism is truly dying out, that any party which attempted to further its needs by playing to it would be in danger of dying out as well, and -- if it was the opposing party that was doing this -- you just might not want to say too much about it to them.

Yes, living in the South, I can attest that there are some "evil racist fools" down here, the vast majority of that category being white. I believe the honest approach is to look at one's self and admit that racism, however latent, plays a role in many decisions -- such as Wilson's disrespectful outburst where he failed to see his president as a person deserving of respect. (And the arrogance he displayed in his lack of contriteness.)

Lastly, a person could only believe that Carter's remarks are a successful political tool designed, as one poster put it "to pimp" minorities is revealing a healthy disrespect for the minorities being pimped. It is as if you are saying if blacks weren't so dumb the Democrats wouldn't be so successful. In fact, it is just the opposite that is true: If so many conservative whites weren't so defensive about and oblivious to their own racist tendencies, the Republicans might be more successful.

So many comments to disagree with. I'll start with what is easily the most laughable.

Carter was a good president.

Carter from the point of view of history, is easily one of the worst Presidents America has ever has. I'm sure there must be someone worse, but offhand, no one rises to his level of incompetence on both the economy and foreign policy. Others come close. But no one else seems to have managed the double dip like Carter.

Personally, I cannot be sure about why Carter assumes that Wilson is being racist by making the comment. I think he had his reasons. His observation might have been that the part of the speech that got Wilson out of his seat was the immigrant point. Xenophobia mixed with racism is a powerful cocktail that only seems to intoxicate Republicans these days. Carter has been dealing with these people all his life. He saw the buttons that got pushed on that Wilson robot and he saw the reaction. One does not need to make a huge mental leap to guess its programming, no matter what Wilson and his cronies deny the day after.

Likewise laughable. Carter went off the rails about 20 years ago. He sees things that aren't there, and seems easily led by people with their own agenda. If this man wasn't the former president, and merely a former Senator, he'd be laughed out of whatever stage he chose to speak. Consider if the same remarks came from a former Senator, or from Joe blow on the street. The anti-Israel remarks essentially blaming Israel for all the regions woes while ignoring all the problems caused by Palestinians. Calling people racists for disagreeing with the President, regardless of his skin color is disgusting. And quite frankly, anyone who tries to play the race card over this issue, is not worth listening to. If disagreeing with the President means you're a racist, then sign me up. I'll be sure to mention this 3 years from now when we get a new president, who in all likelihood will be White, and the first time a Black man disagrees with him, I'll point out his obvious racism.

“There is an inherent feeling among many in this country that an African-American should not be president.”

Now this is intersting coming from a man like Carter. If you have read about his life story, he fondly recalls how as a boy he played with Black kids while growing up in rural Georgia. Let's look at this. During this time in the 1930's Carter's family owned a peanut farm, and on this farm they had Black sharecroppers who sublet from his father, and who also shopped at his father's store on the farm.

He fondly recalls stories of his father extending credit to the Black sharecroppers so that they could buy items from his store. If anyone is familiar with the sharecropping system of the 1930's in rural America, many would know that it was not some nice benign system of kindness showed from the store owner (who also owned the land on what was really the Carter Peanut plantation) and the poor Blacks who were forced to shop there, get credit from the store, and were forced to pay back their bills with working on the farm growing the crops for the owner. This was clearly a pattern of subjigation of the white Carter family. So if Carter wants to call a fellow Southerner from South Carolina a racist, then he probably would be the one to know one.

Posters here who seemed bent on making any Rep. a "hood wearer" I would imagine that if anyone fits the bill, it would be Carter himself since after all, it was his family who owned a Peanut plantation in the south.

Simple fact of this situation is, the man felt that Obama was lying. Though he might not have used the right forum to say it, he did. It has nothing to do with Obama's race. Now if he would have followed it with a racial slur, then I would buy it but he didn't.

No see. Tigermoth. Saying that Carter is more of a man than you will ever be is not an attack. It is an observation. You are doing all the attacking. You come out swinging at a great man, and now all you can say is "everybody is a racist."

Just objectively, what are your chances of becoming an elected official or building a home for a poor family in your lifetime. OK. I didn't think so. How about getting a graduate degree in nuclear physics, serving on a nuclear submarine, getting a Nobel Peace Prize, and being a governor of a state (and not quitting) and serving as President of the most powerful nation on earth? Do you still measure up? Don't feel too bad. I can't either, but then I am not attacking the man and his administration.

This is topical because Former President Carter is a knowledgeable and respectable person. That is apparently still in dispute. His statements, which ring true, have veracity because of who said them. The article says little about Carter, and few people reading this remember him. I have something to add here.

USA EXPAT: Respectfully disagree. Smith and I are cool. He doubts Carter is correct about Wilson. I sent a message to Smith about that, which anyone is free to read. OK. And Carter makes other statements, if you read the article, that are spot on. I have been saying that the statements seem reasonable and I have been testifying as to their veracity based on my knowledge and experiences. And that is bad? How does that break the rules?

I never called anyone a KLAN member and I am entitled to make whatever statements about Republicans in general that I want to. I have observations about the very speech that Carter refers to that I have never seen in print before. Oh, and if you think I am shrieking like a child, well, don't read my posts. I will leave you to the tender mercies of Tigermoth.

Klein2 you seem intent on provocation and insults; I'm intent on sane, rational discussion, which is what this area is for. You keep claiming that Republicans - which you are convinced I am one of; and hood wearing almost seems to be the implication! - are emotional and illogical in their right-wing arguments, while you seem to be practically frothing at the mouth. You also don't seem to understand the Queen's English, which I think that I speak fairly well. My implication was not that all New Yorkers are racist, nor that all Southerners are racist - but rather that it exists in all quarters equally, and conversely to assume someone is racist or not racist because of geographical locaion or even party affiliation is idiotic.

Racism is alive and well in this country - and by that I mean from all races; white against black, black against white, Asian against hispanic. It's everywhere. Did I see racism being from the south - oh, you better believe it. But I saw hope as well. In college - in the south - the Klan wanted to march but ran in fear when folks of all color banded together and contronted them head on. You ask if I'm racist. I grew up in a family where my granparents would use the 'N' word in front of an African American like they were speaking about someone not there. A thinking man comes to realize that this isn't normal behavior and thought process, and learns that a person is a person and we all suffer the same. I honestly wouldn't have given a thought about President Obama being black if it weren't rammed down our throats every day by those like you who claim racism if someone dares question anything he does. My goal is to have a world where no one cares. You pretend that is your goal, but folks like you and Jimmy Carter use it as a political tool to further your party needs and make the opposition a bunch of evil racist fools. Who's more racist?

On Carter's book.... If only Nixon can go to China, then only Carter can tell the Israelis that they ought to stop and look around. Only Carter can say, hey, the Palestinians have their side of the story too. Only someone related to Ruth Carter can say "I lust in my heart" in Playboy magazine or whatever it was. DURING THE CAMPAIGN!

The bottom line is that the man is not false or petty. Whatever he said in his book, however unpopular, is probably true. He doesn't need this. He's done it all. Why lie? He has nothing to protect, hide, or lie about. For exactly the same reasons, I think he believes what he said about Wilson and racism. And he is not stupid, so....

If you really want to attack him, put on your tinfoil cap and go after him for his ties to Bobby Inman, Rickover, and the Tri-lateral Commission. I thought that was the typical Republican wacko fare. What is Billy Carter up to nowadays?

Klein2: The first part of your post at 12:41 goes exactly to the point of the problem in American politics and race relations. You obviously didn't read the post you were flaming thoughly enough to comment. The instant assumption is that the poster must be a Republican and a member of the klan if he disagrees with you. We are so far off topic that this whole thread will be deleted but please if you want to argue a point don't resort to shrieking like a child.

Carter is much more of a man than you will probably ever be, and he has stooped low many a time to stand tall. What did Republicans ever do for the black people living in Georgia?

How do you know what type of a man I am or might be? Name-calling and anger in arguments only proves that you know what you're saying is rubbish. Simply put, and without insulting the man, the shortcomings of Carter's administration far outweigh the good. Rankings of administrations have him as low as #34. You can argue, and possibly be right, that he's a good humanitarian, and a good person. He was not a good president. And of course you have to throw Bush in. Yes, yes, okay he was lousy. I didn't vote for him, and so what? Has nothing to do with the article and Carter calling someone a racist based on nothing except the fact that he's a member of the opposing party. Smith - I'm surprise at you on this one in supporting him on this. Usually your arguments are at least an attempt at unemotional reasoning.

Okay - you guys tell me how your beloved Jimmy is right, and that a politician uttering 'you lie' about another politician in an arena of government (and no matter how inappropriate the outburst was from a decorum point of view) is racist? Because he's from South Carolina? Then Carter is racist as well. That's all I'm saying by 'bashing' him is that your reasoning is flawed.

Smith...

Personally, I cannot be sure about why Carter assumes that Wilson is being racist by making the comment. I think he had his reasons. His observation might have been that the part of the speech that got Wilson out of his seat was the immigrant point. Xenophobia mixed with racism is a powerful cocktail that only seems to intoxicate Republicans these days. Carter has been dealing with these people all his life. He saw the buttons that got pushed on that Wilson robot and he saw the reaction. One does not need to make a huge mental leap to guess its programming, no matter what Wilson and his cronies deny the day after.

He put Andrew Young as Ambassador to the UN and got all kinds of racist carp thrown at him. He knows how deep that river runs south of the Mason Dixon.

I don't think he did it for any particular political reason though. Just like Colin Powell, he is calling em as he sees em. It is entirely fitting that a white man call out a white man for treating the president, who happens to be non white, like some kind of frat house waiter. That is why I think he did it. Like Colin Powell, he said what needed to be said and he knew nobody else would, or could.

Carter: “You lie!” This is the easiest and most effective way to tar and feather the opposition (RACIST!!!) dodge the issue and maintain the status quo. A nice trick. As an American, if you even speak out about illegal immigration from Mexico you labeled "a racist". The biggest race pimps are the Democrats who merchandize minorities for their power base.

Klein2: Speak just a little to Carter's comments. I dare you. Tell me that there are not many people who hate Obama because he is not white.

I believe racism exists, but I do not believe that Wilson's comments were rooted in racism as Carter said. That's what the real debate is. You can't just go around labeling anyone you want a racist and then say that one must prove racism doesn't exist for Wilson to be innocent.

Carter's key words:

“There is an inherent feeling among many in this country that an African-American should not be president.”

And we have seen the real lies spouted against President Obama: that he's really not an American citizen, that he's a Muslim, that he "pals around" with terrorists. And on and on.

If visceral racism was not such a major factor involved with this issue, topics like this would draw relatively few comments. Look up the word "visceral" if you don't know it's meaning. I've lived a fair number of years -- and nearly half of them in Georgia. When someone says, as his son said of Wilson, that he "doesn't have a racist bone in his body," he's either lying or ignorant.

Black or white, you can't grow up in the USA at any time in the past 100 years and not be impacted by racial identity and association.

Tigermoth Do you deny what Carter actually said? You lived in the south once. Did you see what I saw there? I wonder.

And as far as anti-semitic goes. The man has a Nobel Prize for a peace accord. I would say that makes him an expert. He brokered a deal between Sadat and Begin that effectively ended shooting wars between major states in the region AND virtually guaranteed the continued existence of Israel. The man is a hero in Tel Aviv. Again, you are nattering and blithering. Carter was THERE, in the room, with Sadat and Begin doing the deal. Some people got so angry with Sadat over GIVING IN that they shot him a few years later. Anti-semite indeed. Now you are just making things up.

smithinjapan: It should be noted that Carter has also had a lot of GOOD things to say, particularly in pushing for peace in some regions. But I agree this one is quite off the wall.

Oh I don't think you get me. I like Carter. I think he's a great diplomat. There probably aren't many men on earth who are more responsible for bringing peace the Middle East than he was. But over the last few years, and especially with his last book about the Middle East, he's raised quite a few eyebrows with some of the things he's said. Just like we're seeing here. It's becoming a pattern....and that's not good.

I want to be clear that Carter was saying what was on his mind, and frankly, he would know. He, like Colin Powell, is a reasonable, thoughtful elder statesman who is respected all over the world. His words have weight. He will be quoted in the newspapers of the world tomorrow, not some two bit pundit or Alaskan has been.

Look at all of you running him down. You really are becoming caricatures of yourselves, frothing at the mouth at the measured comments of a man who has been in the south or in the beltway one way or another his whole life.

Seriously, your icons now are who? Is it Palin or Rush or Beck this week? Or Wilson? Orval Faubus maybe? You will just ignore all of the sensible people of the world and cling to the commercial shenannigans of quitters, shills and felons? You're gullible. What seems increasingly clear is that there is a hard core of gullible Republicans who seem ready to believe anything, no matter how absurd.

Speak just a little to Carter's comments. I dare you. Tell me that there are not many people who hate Obama because he is not white. I have met some such people. Remember the Republican rallies where people shouted KILL HIM? and they were not rebuked? It is the dirty little secret that has crept into the Rep party through Christian doctrine of the mark of Ham, characterization of welfare recipients as black, xenophobia as the impetus for social policy, etc. Black people have by and large deserted the Republican party, right? Why is that? Wilson should make a special apology to clarify his equal lack of respect for people of every color.

"As a noted anti-semite..."

Smith I was making a point - which you rather smuggly ignore - that the pot calling the kettle black holds a bit less merit. Have you read Carter's book on Palestine? Interpretation is up to the reader I suppose but he seems to spend much time on the plight of the Palestinians without considering the relevance of the years of the Second World War through the the latter 1940's where the Holocaust had a huge influence on the desire to see a Jewish state. It has been deemed by many (of course, many are Jewish scholars - I'm neither) that his book is clearly pro-Palestinean and anti-Jewish. I would tend to agree, and while a do think the Palestineans got a raw deal, you have to understand the politics of the regions from the standpoint of history to know that the problem isn't simply a matter of 'stolen land'. By almost ignoring the holocaust in his book, Carter did a diservice to Jews, and given the relevance of six million or so of your race being murdered you might see that as an offense, and perhaps anti-semetic as well. Claiming that ommission as anti-semetism hold more weight than calling a politician a racist for telling a fellow politician that he's lying on an issue.

You keep chasing 'tales' as well Smith, as the ones you tell are often as good as any that Aesop could muster.

Klein2: You are bang on, my friend.

While I don't think Wilson's outburst was rooted in racism, it's become somewhat of a moot point in this debate as some nuts on here simply state that 'the idea that it was racist from an anti-semite (no proof) is foolish!' and try to drag a good man's name through the mud. I also agree that as a president Carter was far from ideal, but was FAR better than the president former to the one we have now. He beats him on EVERY level there is to measure by, bottom line.

I wouldn't judge Wilson either way until I knew a little more about him myself, but as I said his outburst wasn't about that, I think. But nor am I going to NOT laugh at the people doing their utmost to discredit Carter, who has done far more for the world (in a good way) than they could ever hope to achieve in their lives.

Over half of the republican party thinks Obama was born in Africa. Many of them still think he is muslim. Why, racism pure and simple. They cannot accept that fact that the United White States of America, in their small minds, is being lead by a black president who is so much smarter than them it just makes their heads explode.

Zucronium you make far too many assumptions based on your emotional hatred of those who disagree with your beliefs and thoughts - which is rather ironic since this type of assumptive thinking is what helps perpetuate racism to begin with. I'm not a Republican per say, but your assumption is that anyone so deemed is a slack-jawed moron. Categorizing people's intelligence levels based on their political leanings is simple party bashing on a level of a barroom brawl. I'm originally from the south, and we get the same sort of stereotypical nonsense. If you're from the south then you've likely inbred with cousins and are automatically racist. When I moved to NY I discovered that just as many people here (if not more) are just as vehemently racist (and a great many of them are dems by the way), but just better at denying it.

Following nonsensical logic such as what you have exercised, we should determine that since Carter is a white man from the south, he's automatically racist and disqualified from speaking out on someone else's racism. All Republicans are neo-nazi racist power mongers and of course by your twisted stereotypical thinking all dems are pot smoking hippy wannabee, commie freaks. Okay, that's sound thinking.

"You lie (boy)."

Did I miss something? I didn't hear the word 'boy' except in the minds of those like you who see evil behind anything you don't agree with. Are we that juvenile in our political reasoning that if you are of the opposing party you must call the 'other side' names like a pathetic child? Fear naught as you're not alone in this practice. No wonder other nations think that we're idiots. When we disagree with each other one side is automatically a bunch of nazi racists. Give me a break - and grow up a bit. And Carter is no better as he did the same thing. He really does need to go back to growing peanuts and leave wisdom to someone who has intelligent thought.

"mettle in his handling of the economy/unemployment rate. As a noted anti-semite he's an expert on racism now,"

Hey. He had to deal with OPEC. Who saw that coming? And yeah. Anti-semite. The guy got a Nobel Peace Prize for Camp David. Read up pal. Carter was a good president. He is certainly a better man than president, but compares quite favorably to a certain recent POTUS who shall remain nameless.

It is too much to ask you to be circumspect, I know, but why not speak to the issue? Carter is much more of a man than you will probably ever be, and he has stooped low many a time to stand tall. What did Republicans ever do for the black people living in Georgia? Since Lincoln, I mean.

"As a noted anti-semite..."

I so love it when people come on this thread and others railing and waiving their little fists, banging their computer keys and shouting about how such and such is not racist and we shouldn't be playing the 'race-card', and then try to qualify it with statements the like of which I quoted above. They claim in this case that any accusation by Carter that Wilson is a racist is simply ridiculous, while they say Carter is an 'anti-semite'. According to whom? more credible sources than Wilson being a racist?

Keep chasing your tails, boys.

“There is not a racist bone in my dad’s body,” said Alan Wilson, an Iraq veteran who is running for state attorney general. “He doesn’t even laugh at distasteful jokes.

Oh yeah? Say, Alan, how many close friends does your father have who are not white? Just where are these "distasteful jokes" that you claim that your father doesn't laugh at being told? Coming from where you do, you must be witness to lots of them.

Tigermoth at 10:19 you are right on the money

What a load of BS, Wilson's comment was out of line and bad form but it wasn't based on racism. The comment was based on the Republican desire to remain relevant. Unknown to the Republican leadership is the fact that derailing healthcare overhaul won't make them relevant.

It's too bad wingers lack the nuance we on the left have. Yes, a few short months ago, dissent was the highest form of patriotism. But now,dissent is the greatest form of racism.

"Another reason why the republican party is a hopeless, failed mess that will disappear in the next decade." says zurcronium. Unfortunately,when I look at how donations to Wilson's campaign skyrocketed following his outburst and the 1 million plus that marched on DC the other day I think they may be with us for some time.What we as progressives need to worry about is who can succeed Obama. Who has his charisma and his Svengali-like hold on Chris Mathews and Keith Olbermann???????

Instead of moving beyond race, as many pundits predicted, Obama is ripping the cover off of the worse elements of the republican party and its core beliefs. One of them is racism. This cannot be denied. And Wilson is just the latest example in his yelling "You lie (boy)."

Another reason why the republican party is a hopeless, failed mess that will disappear in the next decade.

I should have added groundless and baseless. The comments were in disagreement of a stated policy (or what the policy entails). All presidents - indeed all politicians 'lie' or at least exaggerate. It's part of the job. The fool simply blurted out what others likely thought. Stupid yes, but racist no - at least on this point (for all a know the dude is a card carrying member of the Klan - but not applicable to the comment in question).

What a load of utter crap!!! Anyone - even if you are a dem - who listens to Jimmy Carter is a fool. He was one of the worst Presidents we ever had & just because he builds a few 'houses for humanity' he's now something akin to Yoda. The peanut farmer showed his mettle in his handling of the economy/unemployment rate. As a noted anti-semite he's an expert on racism now, and many of you buy into it.

It IS very true that virtualy almost every criticism that is leveled again President Obama is labeled racism, which is rediculous. Wilson was a rude, pompous ass for yelling out as he did. But having a negative opinion of the President doesn't and shouldn't automatically generate calls of racism. It's our right and duty as citizens - both of the US and world community - to criticize what we don't agree with. We need to stop tip-toeing around with PC correctness and throwing out the ubiquitous race card just because this President is Arican American. Doing so is as stupid as those that truly are racist against the man. He's a man, our President; take off the race glasses and treat him as such. These accusations are foolish.

Sorry everybody. I cannot think of a more honest, moral, thoughtful presidential figure than Jimmy Carter. He has advanced degrees in nuclear physics, and served on a nuclear submarine, and went back to be a farmer on the family's land. Not beef cattle, but peanuts, for heaven sakes, and hasn't he been doing Habitat for Humanity for like... decades? He is not a political dynamo and has little to gain from these statements. He is calling em as he sees em.

Coupled with the fact that he grew up in Georgia and has been all over the south forever and ever, my only conclusion is that JC knows what he is talking about, and he is not afraid to say it. He is too old to be cautious anymore. The man is skin, bones, and conscience. Look at what his statements say. They certainly jibe with what I know of rural America.

“There is an inherent feeling among many in this country that an African-American should not be president.” YEP. That is for sure. That is a fact. People are not shy about it at all on other forums.

“Those kind of things are not just casual outcomes of a sincere debate on whether we should have a national program on health care,” he said. “It’s deeper than that.” I could say that too, but I will defer to a former president who knows what he is talking about.

On the face of it, America has made great strides in combatting racism, but the underbelly is ugly and festering. It popped up with Katrina and it showed up again at the recent Republican convention. A Venn diagram would show a large overlap of circles representing rural Americans, Republicans, and southerners, and right in that nexus, you would find racists WELL represented. If you bump around on the net a little, you figure out that Michael Jackson haters, Obama haters, and Tiger Woods haters are all the same people. A rabid mob of quasi-KKK, to whom any successful black person is a target. Republicans should make a bold statement that they will not tolerate racism of any kind in elected officials. They won't though.

Yabits - we need to choose our arguments a bit more carefully.It's well-known that Goldwater opposed the 64 civil rights act on libertarian principles. He supported the '57 and '60 acts,and called for complete integration of Arizona's nat'l guard way before Truman. And lets face it, it was reagan,not Carter, who made MLK day a national holiday in 1983.

Moderator: Back on topic please. Posts that do not refer to Carter's remarks on Wilson will be removed.

JoeBiggs, you also forgot in the "good old days" that the Sen. from my state (well known J. Fulbright(D)) voted against LBJ in his civil right amendment, and he also participated in the filibuster led by Gore's father (also a Dem). Also, sherif "Bull" Conner from Selma was also elected on the Dem ticket, as well as George Wallace (D. Alabama), Orval Fabus (D. Ark) and the Gov. of Georgia and Mississippi (remember Philedelphia Miss).

It never fails to amuse how, when people want to point out examples of racism from the "Democrat" side of the aisle, they always confuse it with the Dixiecrats of over 50 years ago, while failing to note the Republicans who were opposed to civil rights legislation. (Including their standard-bearer in '64, Barry Goldwater.)

Yeah, folks remember Philadelphia, Mississippi. That's were Reagan chose to give his very first speech after being nominated at the '80 convention, at the urging of Trent "Strom-was-right" Lott. His speech emphasized the importance of "state's rights."

Jimmy Carter knows all about the racism of southern whites like Wilson, having grown up and seen it first hand in rural Georgia.

It was an opinion by former President Carter.

He's entitled to his opinion. < :-)

Now I think Carter owes someone an apology...Carter knows that the comment is based on racism because he knows Mr. Wilson??? Nope, that isn't it. Sounds a lot like slander. Was even worse than what Wilson said to the president. They need to have a vote and formally rebuke Carter too!!!

Carter needed Kayne West to jump in and grab the microphone so he wouldn't make such asinine remarks.

Carter is hurting Obama. It's like watching Joe Biden,who by the way needs to be replaced on the 2012 ticket.

SuperLib: "Carter has made some nutty comments over the past few years, but I think this one takes the cake. In my opinion, the guy just isn't stable anymore."

It should be noted that Carter has also had a lot of GOOD things to say, particularly in pushing for peace in some regions. But I agree this one is quite off the wall.

"My guess is that people from that part of the world are not only racist, but stupid and they often tend to rape people as well."

Dude, this is just about one of the worst attempts at sarcasm or what have you that I've seen you come up with. Your attempt to ridicule Zurc on this one just fell flat on its face, regardless of where the mods are from.

Blue_Tiger: "I think it is hypocritical at the very least that Mr. Carter -- a vehement anti-Semite in recent years, blaming Israel for things they've never done -- would point the racist finger at Rep."

HAHAhaha... so you're calling Carter a hypocrite in pointing a racist finger at the very same time you call him an anti-Semite for standing up against Israeli actions against the Palestinians? Classic!

Any detraction from Former President Carter is a badge of honor. I think it is hypocritical at the very least that Mr. Carter -- a vehement anti-Semite in recent years, blaming Israel for things they've never done -- would point the racist finger at Rep. Wilson merely for speaking his mind during the President's most recent lie-a-thon to Congress.

zurcronium: Wilson is a racist as are many in the republican party, especially from the south and alaska.

My guess is that people from that part of the world are not only racist, but stupid and they often tend to rape people as well.

Surely the Mods will be OK with that, unless of course they're from the South or Alaska, in which case they'd be too stupid to even understand what I wrote above. It mostly depends on where you're from.

Carter has made some nutty comments over the past few years, but I think this one takes the cake. In my opinion, the guy just isn't stable anymore.

Molenir: "What the heck are you doing, agreeing with me on all my points in this thread? We're on the opposite side on so many issues that when you come out and agree with me, its like I have no one to argue with any more. I'm sorry, but you're not allowed to be reasonable and fair-minded. Only I can do that. P)"

Well, cooler heads CAN prevail (I'll leave it up to you to think of whose I am speaking) :).

"I don't think its this issue specifically thats going cost the Dems."

You misread me. I'm not saying this is going to cost them the election or anything that extreme. I'm just saying that whatever 'points' they got from the outburst initially, and it did help things for them, they've lost it.

"Essentially, Dems were hoping that the war would go badly. They were always criticizing, in the hope that when it went wrong, they could capitalize politically. I thought that was vile."

That's human nature, and you're right it's ugly and vile. At least YOU realize it, and if people realize it they can acknowledge and put a stop to it. I know on my part I did not at all hope the war went 'badly', but want the troops (whomever is there, regardless of nationality) out so that the countries in question can govern themselves. That in NO WAY means I want the countries to therefore to turn into nations engaging in civil war so I can say 'I told you so'. I want them to succeed as models of peace and democracy... I just can't see it happening and so don't see the point in staying.

As for wanting health care to fail because people want to see Obama fail... it's just bizarre.

Like I said, though, it's good you see it, and if more and more people see it less and less people will simply disagree with something instead turn to constructive dialogue.

What were the "good old days"? Well they were the days when minorities did not have a voice and they could do whatever they wanted.

JoeBiggs, you also forgot in the "good old days" that the Sen. from my state (well known J. Fulbright(D)) voted against LBJ in his civil right amendment, and he also participated in the filibuster led by Gore's father (also a Dem). Also, sherif "Bull" Conner from Selma was also elected on the Dem ticket, as well as George Wallace (D. Alabama), Orval Fabus (D. Ark) and the Gov. of Georgia and Mississippi (remember Philedelphia Miss).

So you point that all the Reps. want to do is go back to the good old days and are racist is off.

He yelled, jsut as others have made comments about Bush when he was speaking, and that was that. No racism in it. Hey, I'm Black myself and don't see anything racist about it. I do see it as racist when whites like Carter need to tell me that people hate someone like Obama based on his color, not on the fact that they may actually oppose his beliefs or ways of doing business.

If I was Carter I'd be playing the race card as furiously as I could . In his most recent address to America Osama bin Laden recommended two books. One was “The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy,” and the second was Carter's “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid,”

Smiths Comments - What the heck are you doing, agreeing with me on all my points in this thread? We're on the opposite side on so many issues that when you come out and agree with me, its like I have no one to argue with any more. I'm sorry, but you're not allowed to be reasonable and fair-minded. Only I can do that. P)

There is one thing I disagree with you on, in your response above. I don't think its this issue specifically thats going cost the Dems. I think if they pass health care, as unpopular as it already is and as much as its going to cost, if they go ahead and try to pass the Cap and Tax on top of that, they're going to get tossed out.

On another subject entirely, I want to mention something I find extremely irritating lately. I hated this while Bush was in office. Essentially, Dems were hoping that the war would go badly. They were always criticizing, in the hope that when it went wrong, they could capitalize politically. I thought that was vile. Not because I was a fan of Bush, I wasn't, but rather because of the idea that these people were hoping for the worst for America. I feel that way today as well. Republicans are looking at the economy and hoping it stays bad. While politically I agree with the Republicans, I find this cheering for a bad economy to be equally wrong. I think Obama is to blame for a good portion of it with his spendulus bill, and if he manages to pass the health care bill, it will be even worse, however I want to believe that everyone, even Obama wants to see a good economy. Just like I would have liked to have seen people hoping that the situation in Iraq would stabilize, and we could get the hell out much sooner then we are.

Molenir: "Fox news tries to be fair about things". What planet are you from?

I think Carter overstepped his bounds. He may think what he wants, but to add fuel to the fire with this kind of public comment is disgraceful. And he's not helping the President. Jimmy, stick to building shelters.

Helter: "'Wilson is a racist as are many in the republican party'

Actually, it's the democrats who insist on perpetuating racism, or at least the illusion of racism."

Actually, it's both parties. Bottom line.

Former President Jimmy Carter said Tuesday that U.S. Rep Joe Wilson’s outburst to President Barack Obama during a speech to Congress last week was an act “based on racism” and rooted in fears of a black president.

President Carter is correct in his assessment. This is a sign of fear within the far right. If President Obama was nice and white Wilson would have never yelled out. But his anger and hatred is deeper than he is willing to admit.

Helter_Skelter at 02:56 PM JST - 16th September Actually, it's the democrats who insist on perpetuating racism, or at least the illusion of racism.

The only reason anyone tries and remind folks that racism is alive and well is because it is.

The radical right and their fringes have such a fear of our President. If you made up some lie about our President and posted on a blog. Within a week it will spread through the rank and file as the honest truth.

The far white wingers in the Republican and nazis parties try to hide the fact the their is still a race issue in our nation. They just want no one to talk about it because then they can try to bring back the "good old days".

What were the "good old days"? Well they were the days when minorities did not have a voice and they could do whatever they wanted.

Let's see what else were the good old days, oh yeah

You hired someone because they were white.

Rented your apartment to whites only

Made sure to have separate drinking areas

Had different swimming areas

Had separate schools

Had the right to lynch'em whenever you felt.

Ah the far white and nazis good old days. Only a Republican can miss them.

Now who wanted to keep a Confederate flag flying over the S.C. capital? Could it of been Joe "put them in their place" Wilson? Why yes it was.....

You know good ole Joe "put them in their place" Wilson is a true Southern gentleman....LOL

Molenir: "Smith, many of the commentators on CNN and MSNBC have come out and suggested it."

Well, I certainly have to say that the title of this thread has changed since last comments. I think Carter's statements are bordering on moronic. While I agree that racism really has no colour, it's odd to associate people referring to Obama as a Nazi leader as hating him because he's black. The reporters you mention also don't make a whole lot of sense. This is just mud-slinging, and pretty bad mud-slinging at that.

"Pelosi calling the various protesters Nazis undercuts your case even further."

I have said before and I'll say again, Pelosi is a detriment to the Democratic party and more than flaps a bunch of nonsense at the gums. There is no more room for this from her than from anyone else, and the idea that I or anyone else would stick up for her on it is silly. The only time I stuck up for her was when she was being smeared on knowing about the torture issue (and later denying it) BEFORE there was proof. Once it was indeed proven, well, my respect for her went out the window. But as I said before, NOT ALL DEMS support this nonsense.

"Regarding this specific issue, about Wilson being reprimanded for his outburst. I think the reprimand has the odor of political opportunism."

Agree 100%, and you know what? it's going to come back and bite them in the a$$ the same way the kind of fear-mongering bit the Republicans in the last election when they wouldn't let certain things slide and even exaggerated on them. What I mean is, if the Dems who are making a big deal out of this let it slide as the president himself did during the speech, it would be all the more power to them. Instead, the public can quite clearly see they are bilking it for all it's worth, and in the end this is going to win back the support for Wilson that was lost by his fellow Republicans for the outburst, and support by others who are reacting against the 'witch-hunt'. They need to know when to let something go, if only for political gain (that goes for both parties). Now they've dropped the ball.

"He came out and apologized, and he did so directly to the President. That to me, was sufficient."

I think technically he TRIED to apologize directly but got the so-called 'gate-keeper' on the phone and not the present. His attempt to apologize immediately was admirable, but does not excuse the outburst. We'll have to disagree on whether or not that was sufficient, but I DO agree that some people are going overboard here.

Wilson is a racist as are many in the republican party

Actually, it's the democrats who insist on perpetuating racism, or at least the illusion of racism. They need racism as part of their political agenda in order to stay in power. Carter is just creating racism where there isn't any, like a good democrat. Anyway, Carter is total loser and embarrassment and needs to go away.

Not important and who cares... Look after the real problems making the country sink.

Molenir: If the Dems are so racist, why do you guys keep voting for them?

First of all, I haven't voted Dem in about 10 years. What can I say, I grew up. Second, I don't think theres nearly as much racism in the US as some people want to imply. However whether or not a person is white, is not what makes him racist. There are racists of all colors. Japan is infamous for it, but being rather off topic I won't go any further on it.

Oh, BS! There are a handful of people doing this, admittedly, but to stand on your soapbox and declare ALL Dems as being guilty of this is as bad as what you profess to be wrong.

Smith, many of the commentators on CNN and MSNBC have come out and suggested it. High ranking officials in the White House have suggested it. When multiple news outlets all report the same innuendo, you can tell somethings not right. Pelosi calling the various protesters Nazis undercuts your case even further. I won't same that all Dems are suggesting this. Its nonsense, most Democrats are smarter then to try this, and are smart enough to know, that only idiots would believe it. I don't agree much with the Democrats, but I will at least give them credit for intelligence. Usually.

Smith - That being said, THAT is what this is about: not racism, but the admonishing of a lawmaker for grossly speaking out of turn. On the flip-side those who try to defer from the topic by blaming Dems for this and that are simply upset, and rightly so, at what this man did and cannot face up to it.

I agree with you when you say that his "You lie" outburst wasn't racist. Unlike Zurcronium and others among the Dems. It does seem to be the party line, not necessarily on this issue, but rather against protesters in general. Regarding this specific issue, about Wilson being reprimanded for his outburst. I think the reprimand has the odor of political opportunism. Dems are trying keep this issue alive. He came out and apologized, and he did so directly to the President. That to me, was sufficient. When people want to demand a person apologize, and continue apologizing for the same thing, thats when things start to smell.

Witch hunt?

Classic overstatement from the GOP noise machine. Witch hunting takes time. And it is a persistent activity. McCarthy's search for Communists--that was a witch hunt, a hunt that continues today in the attempt to find big S socialists in the fabric of health care reform proposals.

The rebuke of Wilson was quick and singular. He deserved it. But for all the good it will do, the House might as well have awarded him the Medal of Honor. He'll wear the rebuke in perverse honor.

what if it can be proven that Obama did lie in that speech?

Of course it's about racism.You have to be pretty thick to believe politicians won't use all the leverage they can.

smith: news reports quote Carter said it was due to racism

That being said, THAT is what this is about: not racism" Well, its certainly being talked about on news feeds..

Molenir: "The idea is, that if you're black, you can do anything, and say anything, and if anyone calls you on it, unless they too are black, they're a racist."

Oh, BS! There are a handful of people doing this, admittedly, but to stand on your soapbox and declare ALL Dems as being guilty of this is as bad as what you profess to be wrong.

"Scare people into thinking, that if they disagree with the President, then they must be racist."

Again, utter BS, and this from someone who oft tows the party line for a party that talks about 'death panels' and that the US will become a Socialist nation if they have universal health care.

Now, before you go off half-cocked again and start misdirecting your anger and frustration, I am going to qualify what I said by again stating that ANYONE who thinks this guy is a racist simply for what he shouted out during Obama's speech is a fool. Bottom line. Now, if they have dug up instances of the man actually being racist, fine, then he is as they say, but it's not relevant to his 'You lie!' outburst.

That being said, THAT is what this is about: not racism, but the admonishing of a lawmaker for grossly speaking out of turn. On the flip-side those who try to defer from the topic by blaming Dems for this and that are simply upset, and rightly so, at what this man did and cannot face up to it.

Molenir: If the Dems are so racist, why do you guys keep voting for them?

Wilson is a racist as are many in the republican party, especially from the south and alaska.

Way to spout the latest party line. Complete drivel like 90% of your posts, but I've come to expect lies and rants from them.

The Dems latest ploy is to call anyone who disagrees with Obama a racist. The idea is, that if you're black, you can do anything, and say anything, and if anyone calls you on it, unless they too are black, they're a racist. The same isn't true in reverse of course. No black man is ever a racist because he disagrees with a white man. No, the only racists in the world are white. And 98% of them are American.

This is of course the Dems latest attempt to drum up support for Health Care. Scare people into thinking, that if they disagree with the President, then they must be racist. Just watch any of the major networks, all the anchors have their talking points from the DNC. Well, not Foxnews which actually tries to be fair about most things, but CNN, MSNBC (aka the Obama Network) etc. Sad, but there ya go.

Admonished! Oh that must hurt.

Democrats insisting that Wilson, a South Carolina lawmaker, had violated basic rules of decorum and civility in his outburst. Republicans dismissed the vote as a political “witch hunt” and a waste of precious time and taxpayers’ money.

Right on both counts.

He deserves being admonished. < :-)

Wilson is a racist as are many in the republican party.

He really meant to say, you lie boy!

He was wrong and he knows it. The party in power is able to put those on the other side in the dock. The tax cheat Rangle won't get the same treatment but that's the way it goes.