Nagin is Nuts

Off Topic Politics and World Issues
41

I have been in his corner since before the hurricane and remained in his corner up until yesterday. So you are dead wrong in even implying that I don’t like him.

In addition, it’s not about the words he said nor their intent. It’s about him representing this city in a professional manner that brings the community and nation together in the wake of Katrina and Rita. It’s about the perception that will be the fallout from these remarks. Conventions and businesses that were planning events in this city have already started canceling. His job is to help the city, not state things that further divide and allienate us from getting help. His remarks have been nothing but negative. Even the black leaders of this community are flabbergasted by his decision to say these things knowing this city’s current status and how we are being watched to the n’th degree. Plain stupidity on his part.

You mentioned something about true colors. Well, I live here and you don’t, so it’s nothing to you. Will you be at ALL affected by his comments?

Just know, his words hurt this city and state, and all you can come up with is that it’s much ado about nothing or that we must not like him. That’s pretty shallow thinking…imo

42

[quote]Professor X wrote:
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think he meant one thing “racist” by it at all aside from counterpointing the issue raised by MANY that blacks are being excluded from the rebuilding of NO. You do realize this is a belief in some black communities? Do you still not understand the context? Are you still claiming he meant that whites should be excluded from the rebuilding of NO?[/quote]

So, how did his speach help any of these matters?

Note: I agree with the basics to what you are saying. And that is, he did not mean whites should be excluded. I know that is not what he meant.

But again, how did his speach help blacks feel they were not being excluded?

And how can blacks “feel” excluded when nearly every person on the rebuilding committee is black?

43

[quote]Professor X wrote:

Well, I have already said that he needs a speech writer. I don’t give him any credit at all for his public speaking skills, however, to associate what he said with “racism” is utter bullshit.[/quote]

If the mayor was going to use the power of the government to focus on the racial make-up of New Orleans, soley for the point of achieving some sort of racial make-up in New Orleans, that would be racist.

If I misunderstood because of his poor public speaking or my lack of context, my bad.

44

X being sensitive to race , just like i said in the bob sapp thread, really works both ways. Apparantly at least some people have taken this the wrong way no matter what was meant by it because its all over the news. BTW, we should keep ohio white not to mention beverly hills Utah and all areas of Cali that blacks dont go white because thats the way it is now. J/k but it doesnt look welcoming does it? Anyay you look at it he is pretty stupid for making that remark and tactless to boot.

45

BB,

You got it right.

"Nagin also promised that New Orleans will be a “chocolate” city again. Many of the city’s black neighborhoods were heavily damaged by Katrina.

“It’s time for us to come together. It’s time for us to rebuild New Orleans _ the one that should be a chocolate New Orleans,” the mayor said. “This city will be a majority African American city. It’s the way God wants it to be. You can’t have New Orleans no other way. It wouldn’t be New Orleans.”"

BB, nagin didn’t leave much room for doubt as to his intentions.

Don’t let pox cloud the issue. The truth of the matter is that pox is a complete hypocrite on racial issues.

Imagine if you substituted Trent Lott in the place of nagin?

pox, would be up in arms!!!

I believe I can speak for some of my fellow posters when we state that it’s the hypocrisy and double-standard that pisses us off.

Let’s make up our mind. If we trully want to deal with racism, we must deal with it on BOTH SIDES. No more of this "Oh, he really meant “chococate milk.”

What a crock of shit.

Call it for what it is.

THEN, we have a chance to deal with it.

JeffR

P.S. hillary “in 2008-2012-forever!!!” using Martin Luther King Day to call the House of Representatives a “plantation” is absurd and reprehensible.

46

I have got to agree with the barrister even if I am an old hippie. It may not be racist but everyone would claim it were if it were made by any white politician. I can not believe a man of his stature refers to people as flavors. I have not heard of that depth of intellect since child hood. I also believe there was no malice intended

47

[quote]thabigdon24 wrote:
X being sensitive to race , just like i said in the bob sapp thread, really works both ways. Apparantly at least some people have taken this the wrong way no matter what was meant by it because its all over the news. BTW, we should keep ohio white not to mention beverly hills Utah and all areas of Cali that blacks dont go white because thats the way it is now. J/k but it doesnt look welcoming does it? [/quote]

Right. If there was a huge natural event that caused the evacuation of the majority of the people in an area, and there was a nationwide perception held by many that the response to this natural disaster had a basis in “who” was being rescued, and there was also the perception that the goal was to keep that particular group of people out of the city as it is rebuilt, speaking to those people directly is racist? I don’t even agree that the response to hurricane Katrina had a basis in race. I think they were just incompetent. However, I am perceptive enough to know that there are those who do hold that opinion. With that in mind, how is speaking to that group directly racist? I think you are stretching here. I think Nagen helped that stretch with his poorly worded speech. I think it is childish to act as if you didn’t really understand the context, however.

48

Nagin’s comments were not the best choice of words. He should be welcoming all people with open arms, and not showing preference for black people.
When he mentioned a “chocolate” city, he definitely meant a mostly black city, and not a white and black city. Chocolate = black in the context of his comments.

If a white politician were to say what he said, he would be labeled a racist by many people. But because a black man said this, there is no backlash to the same degree. All one has to do is replace the words he said with “vanilla” and “white” and you can see the difference it would make if a white person said something similar.

Original comments:

Nagin also promised that New Orleans will be a “chocolate” city again. Many of the city’s black neighborhoods were heavily damaged by Katrina.

“It’s time for us to come together. It’s time for us to rebuild New Orleans - the one that should be a chocolate New Orleans,” the mayor said. “This city will be a majority African American city. It’s the way God wants it to be. You can’t have New Orleans no other way. It wouldn’t be New Orleans.”

Now, replace the words:

also promised that Anytown, USA, will be a “vanilla” city again. Many of the city’s white neighborhoods were heavily damaged by Katrina.

“It’s time for us to come together. It’s time for us to rebuild Anytown, USA - the one that should be a vanilla Anytown, USA ,” the mayor said. “This city will be a majority white city. It’s the way God wants it to be. You can’t have Anytown, USA no other way. It wouldn’t be Anytown, USA.”

If a white politician said this, his comments would be construed as racist.

49

[quote]Professor X wrote:
thabigdon24 wrote:
X being sensitive to race , just like i said in the bob sapp thread, really works both ways. Apparantly at least some people have taken this the wrong way no matter what was meant by it because its all over the news. BTW, we should keep ohio white not to mention beverly hills Utah and all areas of Cali that blacks dont go white because thats the way it is now. J/k but it doesnt look welcoming does it?

Right. If there was a huge natural event that caused the evacuation of the majority of the people in an area, and there was a nationwide perception held by many that the response to this natural disaster had a basis in “who” was being rescued, and there was also the perception that the goal was to keep that particular group of people out of the city as it is rebuilt, speaking to those people directly is racist? I don’t even agree that the response to hurricane Katrina had a basis in race. I think they were just incompetent. However, I am perceptive enough to know that there are those who do hold that opinion. With that in mind, how is speaking to that group directly racist? I think you are stretching here. I think Nagen helped that stretch with his poorly worded speech. I think it is childish to act as if you didn’t really understand the context, however.[/quote]

I never said it was racist. I did say that it was racially insensitive even given the circumstances of the natural disaster, to say such things. I also said it was a dumb move politically so I think you are misinterpreting what i said.

50

[quote]futuredave wrote:
As long as they pay for it with chocolate coins and not my tax dollars, I’m fine with their mayor being a racist Willy Wonka-wannabe.

[/quote]

That was great! Best laugh I’ve had in a long time!!

51

[quote]Professor X wrote:
vroom wrote:
You guys just don’t like Nagin.

Look, I saw the explanation (and speech) on CNN (a few times now). His explanation was about dark chocolate and white milk being mixed to make something special. He also said New Orleans was chocolate before the disaster.

So, that part is a non-issue.

Now, if you can’t handle him believing that New Orleans should be rebuilt the way it was before, big deal.

Also, if you can’t handle him using the concept of a conversation with MLK, big deal.

This is much ado about nothing. All you guys are doing is showing your own colors in this matter.

Although, there is certainly nothing wrong with finding Nagin an incapable or corrupt politician, if you like.

I watched the speech and still don’t see the big issue. If New Orleans was predominantly black BEFORE Katrina, what is racist about pointing out that his goal is to return it to the way it was in terms of what gave it life to begin with?

If a white mayor said he wanted his/her city to be a ‘snow city’, what would your reaction be?

52

[quote]singram wrote:
Well guys, Nagin just apoligized on Fox News for his comments yesterday about US being punished by God for invading Iraqi.I also listened to his comments about NO being a chocolate city,he said it was a mix of white milk and dark chocolate coming together to make something really great,and thats what NO was,and thats what it will be in the future.I don’t see anything racist or bigoted about that,his other statements make him sound pretty flakey though.[/quote]

And just like Marion Barry, guess who’ll win the next mayoral election. Why would anyone, black or white, vote for this person?

53

[quote]Professor X wrote:
vroom wrote:

Go out and look for examples of white racist behavior as diligently… you certainly won’t have to work as hard to find it.

Apparently, they are all too busy when those particular issues come up to become involved. However, should a black person make a statement that can even be twisted into sounding racist. it is cause for a new thread and call for the head of the speaker.[/quote]

Isn’t there a hint of racism in your answer, Professor? You appear to be assuming that we are all white and that we would not protest against racism, if done by a white person.

I am, as always, open for correction.

54

Also X, i think that if you dont admit and say that this was somewhat insensitive, being one of nagin’s vanillas, then you might lose credibility when decrying racism or insensitive remarks from people of all races. Remember this isnt a cultural fight of white versus black but we are trying to find a way for us all to live together.

55

[quote]So, how did his speech help any of these matters?

Note: I agree with the basics to what you are saying. And that is, he did not mean whites should be excluded. I know that is not what he meant.

But again, how did his speach help blacks feel they were not being excluded?

And how can blacks “feel” excluded when nearly every person on the rebuilding committee is black? [/quote]

Rhino,

Thank God, somebody with a brain. You make some good points in this post and in your previous post.

If you want to quibble about the fact he went about things the wrong way, that is a different kettle of fish.

His statements will reassure people that various communities will also be rebuilt, but perhaps it might have been better if he himself stayed away from racial issues and simply said that.

As a politician, his role in helping race relations can certainly be assessed and commented on. Did he cause a media ruckus by his comments? Yes. Could he have avoided that? Yes. Did he need to reassure some segments of the community that they would not be excluded? Yes. Could he have done so in another way? Yes.

Draw your own conclusions and think the man is a fool or an idiot at will. Nobody is trying to deny you that, just pick a good or real reason. Stupidy or inability to communicate his message are good reasons.

As someone said on CNN this evening, the word he might have been looking for was Neopolitan…

However, if everyone who screws up in a speech must be eliminated, then boy oh boy is Bush ever in trouble!

56

[quote]vroom wrote:
So, how did his speech help any of these matters?

Note: I agree with the basics to what you are saying. And that is, he did not mean whites should be excluded. I know that is not what he meant.

But again, how did his speach help blacks feel they were not being excluded?

And how can blacks “feel” excluded when nearly every person on the rebuilding committee is black?

Rhino,

Thank God, somebody with a brain. You make some good points in this post and in your previous post.

If you want to quibble about the fact he went about things the wrong way, that is a different kettle of fish.

His statements will reassure people that various communities will also be rebuilt, but perhaps it might have been better if he himself stayed away from racial issues and simply said that.

As a politician, his role in helping race relations can certainly be assessed and commented on. Did he cause a media ruckus by his comments? Yes. Could he have avoided that? Yes. Did he need to reassure some segments of the community that they would not be excluded? Yes. Could he have done so in another way? Yes.

Draw your own conclusions and think the man is a fool or an idiot at will. Nobody is trying to deny you that, just pick a good or real reason. Stupidy or inability to communicate his message are good reasons.

As someone said on CNN this evening, the word he might have been looking for was Neopolitan…

However, if everyone who screws up in a speech must be eliminated, then boy oh boy is Bush ever in trouble!
[/quote]

Perfectly worded. Or is that “non-bush/nagen-ish”?

57

Ok, my first post was a little harsh but damn it, I was pissed off. So to make up for it, I offer up this to further our discussion.

http://imnotchocolate.com/

58

I will go on the record and say “Ray Negan does not care about white people”.

Rhino… that is about his speed. He and Blanco are washed up. He is doing all he can to repair his immage in the eyes of black men and women of New Orleans and throughout Louisiana. The majority of evacuees that I come across who are displaced in my town cannot stand Negan.When he came to visit the evacuees picketed. Blanco did not waste any time to rebuild, she just remodeled offices in the state capitol in the tune of 500k. Fucking morons!

59

It’s truly sad.

I listened to his entire apology today via radio. It’s a shame because the guy has been the best mayor…imo… since I have lived here (15 years). He is not corrupt (by LA standards) and had done some really good things in the business sector. He comes from the business sector as a former executive for Cox Communications. He brought new revenue to the city by getting Hollywood to start filming movies here. And pre-Katrina they were doing so in a big way - movie after movie was being filmed here.

He likely will not get re-elected and that has both positives and negatives. It will all depend on who we have to select from come next election.

While I truly believe his apology is heartfelt and sincere, he has likely destroyed his political future. Which is sad, because I truly like the guy. He just said some things that were to easily misconstrued. Now his city, state and political future will share the burden of recovering from it.

60

[quote]vroom wrote:
So, how did his speech help any of these matters?

Note: I agree with the basics to what you are saying. And that is, he did not mean whites should be excluded. I know that is not what he meant.

But again, how did his speach help blacks feel they were not being excluded?

And how can blacks “feel” excluded when nearly every person on the rebuilding committee is black?

Rhino,

Thank God, somebody with a brain. You make some good points in this post and in your previous post.

If you want to quibble about the fact he went about things the wrong way, that is a different kettle of fish.

His statements will reassure people that various communities will also be rebuilt, but perhaps it might have been better if he himself stayed away from racial issues and simply said that.

As a politician, his role in helping race relations can certainly be assessed and commented on. Did he cause a media ruckus by his comments? Yes. Could he have avoided that? Yes. Did he need to reassure some segments of the community that they would not be excluded? Yes. Could he have done so in another way? Yes.

Draw your own conclusions and think the man is a fool or an idiot at will. Nobody is trying to deny you that, just pick a good or real reason. Stupidy or inability to communicate his message are good reasons.

As someone said on CNN this evening, the word he might have been looking for was Neopolitan…

However, if everyone who screws up in a speech must be eliminated, then boy oh boy is Bush ever in trouble!
[/quote]

I could hear Al Gore or Ted Kennedy if George Bush referred to black people as Chocolate. The only defense would be that black men reserve the right to use the very offensive ?N? word, and a white man that would use the term politically or socially would be a fool. It just keeps the racial pot brewing