← Autodidact Archive · Original Dissent · Okiereddust
Thread ID: 12782 | Posts: 5 | Started: 2004-03-18
2004-03-18 08:08 | User Profile
2004-03-17 By Carmel Snyder The Oklahoman
After a week of criticism about his comments about Hispanics and Mexicans during a House debate, Rep. Bill Graves issued a statement today saying he regretted the comments.
[url=http://ada.oklahoman.net/ramgen/mpeg/m17hispanic.mp3]Graves' original remarks[/url]
"During debate, I inadvertently stated that we have too many Hispanics and Mexicans," Graves said in his written statement. "I meant to say that we have too many illegal Hispanics and Mexicans, as well as other illegals. I regret that I offended the many Hispanics and Mexicans who have gone through the process of becoming legal immigrants, who are assimilating into our culture and who have learned the English language."
Hispanic organizations have planned a press conference later this afternoon to demand an apology from Graves.
"He gave somewhat of an apology last week to a television station, but we're still calling on Rep. Graves to give a sincere apology for what he said," said Ed Romo, president of the Oklahoma League of United Latin American Citizens.
Graves did not back down from all his statements.
*Interesting controversy made by Bill Graves what was actually, if you listen to it, a fairly low-key speech in opposition to immigration. Of course the news media and left in Oklahoma are jumping all over it.
Listening to the television here they also noted that the NAACP and ACLU (sort of the epicenters of left-wing thought here in Oklahoma) are leading the opposition to Graves, in addition to of course the local (fairly low-key actually) hispanic organizations. They have Bill Graves getting up and saying "some things slip out in the heat of battle" amending his remarks saying he asn't talking and worried about mexicans and hispanics per se, just those of them that were illegal. Obviously done under immense political pressure. I think, considering, he held up very well, especially in a state where neo-cons have gained an iron grip over the establishment GOP and "conservative" media.
We spend a lot of time cursing the darkness around here. I think the couragous Bill Graves could use some words of support, whether you want to call, write or e-mail him. His addresses and phone numbers can be found on his web page. [url=http://www.lsb.state.ok.us/]Rep. Bill Graves, District 84,Republican[/url]*
2004-03-18 08:37 | User Profile
Whatta wuss. Oh wait, he's a Republican. Of course he's a wuss.
[FONT=Arial Narrow]He's not a jew either, is he? He must be under the Jews' control, though. They're a crafty people, them jews.[/FONT]
2004-03-18 09:04 | User Profile
[QUOTE=Kurt]Whatta wuss. Oh wait, he's a Republican. Of course he's a wuss.
[FONT=Arial Narrow]He's not a jew either, is he? He must be under the Jews' control, though. They're a crafty people, them jews.[/FONT][/QUOTE]Did you even listen to his remarks? I don't think so. It's a very good speech, whose main points I don't think he's backed down from one iota.
Hearing someone whining from the anonymous safety of the internet call someone like Graves a wuss after what he want through, is a little like hearing the neo-con chicken hawks talk about military action. Actually a lot like them.
You want to be a big hero? Call up the NAACP, ACLU, Oklahoma League of United Latin American Citizens, and news media outlets and say you are a (whatever you want to call yourself) and say you're disappointed Bill Graves wimped. Or better yet, show up in person here and schedule a counter demonstration. Whatever you do, you have to use your real name, address, and occupation of course. Standard media rules.
Com'mon you big Aryan supermen. Here's your opportunity to shine, and prove you aren't like dogs ferociously barking at bigger dogs behind the safety of a fence or inside a car, like most of the VNNers are.
2004-03-18 09:08 | User Profile
His remarks mean even less to me than yours, if that's possible.
2004-03-22 16:16 | User Profile
[QUOTE]"I meant to say that we have too many illegal Hispanics and Mexicans, as well as other illegals. I regret that I offended the many Hispanics and Mexicans who have gone through the process of becoming legal immigrants, who are assimilating into our culture and who have learned the English language."[/QUOTE]
I think this is a brilliant "retraction". He doesn't retract a thing and doesn't back down from his comments. Uncommonly plain speaking in this day of political correctness.
Even small victories should be celebrated.