Carter Racism Charge Triggers Next U.S. Race Debate

Christian Science Monitor:

In asserting that some Obama foes are prejudiced, the ex-president rekindles a difficult discussion. The right sees it as a way to squelch legitimate opposition to administration policies.

Former President Jimmy Carter's assertion that racism is behind much of the political opposition to President Obama marks a stunning moment in America's centuries-old racial drama.

Read the whole story: Christian Science Monitor

Comments

[forbitten]

I admire President Carter's courage. He knew the Right Wing Extremist would stone him with their words, but he stood strong anyway.

There are some out there who will NOT acknowledge racism at all. And the few on the right who does acknowledge it, will say only a few (something like 1%), but all the experts will tell you that at least 10% are racist. And, the rest of the party will not speak out against those who are overtly racist.

That’s one thing I liked about John McCain, in some cases he would try to correct the racist, but he couldn’t do it alone against the Limbaughs, Becks and Hannitys of this world, because they would criticize him in such an ugly manner.

[forbitten]

Thank you, Mr. Carter. I'm so glad you are not afraid to tell the truth. I'm sure you know why President Obama cannot openly agree with you, but I believe he agrees with you in his heart.

God Bless you Mr. Carter!

[bandit09]

Right sees this as a opportunity to squelch legitimate debate? Apparently the birther movement is a legitimate debate. When we the last legitimate debate the republicans brought about? Death panels? These people's double standards are absurd.

[ejhickey]

"When we the last legitimate debate the republicans brought about?" What does this mean? Please provide a link for translation.

[RiggsMD]

Racism will always be alive and well in this country. If Donald Duck were Pres. there would be contraversy because he's a duck and not a squirrel. Jimmy Carter is 100% correct in what he said. White America has been stumped by African Americans and Hispanics. The real problem lies within the insecurities of white men. White women tend to be more open without the influence of their male counterparts [just look at interracial marriages and dating]. White men feel very inferior, they cant and don't control anymore as they once did. Their women, jobs, opportunities, self esteem and almost every other moral fiber within them are abandonning them at a alarming rate. Politically, a African American Pres. [woman or man] was and has always been their worse fear. Now that that time is here, they're scrambling to do everything within their now limited power to get back something they can't conceive as lost forever. Pres. Obama has destroyed their party. The Republicans picked an African American [Steele] to allegedly counter an African American, which hasn't and will not work. Now, like sharks and snakes, they have turned on themselves and attack themselves foolheartedly. Karma is a m*therf*ck'a!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[gatboy3]

Carter, the racist, was the worst president in history - soon to be bumped to #2.

[The Hedonistic Pleasureseeker]

I like Jimmy Carter. My parents voted for him. But the racism charge is (IMHO) over the top. Calling racism is something you do in the face of true bigotry, not when you're projecting your own prejudices and/or anxieties on people who disagree with your politics.

Over 99% of the people I've encountered in the real world (not the provacateur-shill-filled blogosphere) are angry at Obama and disagree with him for his politics. They don't like the creeping statism. They feel angry and betrayed. They think their Constitutional rights are being as trampled today as they were during the Bush administration. The 1% represents the ONE crazy bigot I have the misfortune to know.

This is how Joe Sixpack is responding to the left-wingers' racism charges:

http://whatreallyhappened.com/IMAGES/callitracism.jpg

So yeah, Middle America is on to the smear campaign and they're super-bored with it.

However, I do overhear folks being worried that some crackpot patsy is going to (be paid to) do something terrible someday, and it will all be blamed on the conservative/patriot movement and used as (another) tool to crackdown on dissent. Since that's a classic counter-intel technique used by the FBI I don't blame them for being concerned.

[foofoobunny]

I don't think anyone that is, at the very least, semi-informed, is saying that every one opposing our President is racists. We ARE saying that those in the crowds and in the town halls holding up racist signs, yelling racist epithets, and acting racist are, well, in fact, racists.

Nothing our President can or does will satisfy them - Ever. They are mad that a black man is in the highest office of this land. They don't oppose his policy. They don't even know what his policies are about. If they did, they would be supporting him/them since most of them would benefit those very people.

Although I do not agree, I respect the (legitimate) people out there voicing their opposition in an adult manner. I do NOT support those that attack our President because he is not white by saying he is not a legal citizen, by saying he is a socialist (most don't even know the meaning of the word) and those that continue to spread lies. Fight on the basis of facts and you will continue to have my respect (but never my vote).

[sparky73]

I think SNL last night did a great job of showing how nutty Carter is over this racist debate. If you get a chance, watch it.

[SimJack]

Good on you Mr. Carter, bringing what we've known all along out into the light of day. I think a Nobel Pace Prize winning democrat ex-president from the south might know a thing to two about racism and is perfectly competent and experienced enough to make a statement about the issue.

[mapmaker515]

President Carter is 100% on the money and I can understand the Republicans running and denying it,but here is just one more example of a stupid stance by this administration. After he caved to criticism about his Cambridge Police Dept opinion, he has now run in an opposite direction. Of course not all of this is about racism but if you don't think teabaggers,birthers,Joe Wilsons,Glen Becks,etc have to do the first black president, beer needs to banned at the White House. Call them out Mr President.

[whodoyouvoodoo]

Jimmy Carter & Barac k Oba ma:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2w4xjcRzqts

[nancychatter]

SOO, Carter was talking about him being a black boy growing up in America and overcoming the odds. What is wrong with THAT?

[nancychatter]

Jimmy Carter has done wonderful things for the country (Habitat for Humanity) and the world(montoring elections in south america.) (talking for peace) It irritates me that when in was in office and now he is protrayed as just a "peanut farmer". He graduated from the U.S. Nacal Academy and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. I am POSITIVE that George W Bush or Dick Cheney will never be nominated for any Nobel Prize, surely not the peace prize.

Anyone is doesn't recognize that racism is a HUGE reason that is driving a majority of these people who are trying to bring the President down is just naive at best. In addition I will add Intolerance(which has racial components at it's core. I have been traveling for the last 6 months and I been in the trenches, so to say, most recently to the 9-12 march at the capital.
I am 60 year old white woman,walked through the crowds and didn't say a word. I got alot of rolling eyes, I can only suppose, because of a tye-dye shirt(of course, the accepted uniform among the pro-healthcare socialist). If these people can't tolerant a person because of their clothing, how does the color of one's skin affect them.
It is one thing to sit around and read the news etc. and form opinions, it is a totally different thing to be out there seeing it first hand. VERY few people will admit they are racist.

[Indie2008]

Good observation about the clothing. Many of these people may be safe in declaring that they are not hard core racist, but there is an undercurrent of prejudice that is being deliberately tapped into by the right wing media and politicians who are fully aware that it is easier to sell their message to people who are already suspicious, or biased. These protesters should ask themselves- If it were a white progressive President putting forward the same agenda as President Obama, would they be calling him, among other names "socialist, not a US citizen, fascist, or comparing him to Hitler"?-- Is it only a coincidence, in light of this nation's difficult history, that Obama is the first President to be called a liar during an address to congress by a member of that body?

[nancychatter]

Also, Obama is a loving husband and father ( talk about family values), a person who helped the poor and disadvanged, If were white and a republican, he would nominated for sainthood and they would embrace his "socialist" ideas.
The Republicans can only dream of person such as Obama in their party

[dadw5boys]

Jimmy Carter knows if you name the act some widh to keep hidden they will stop that behavior usually and move on to something else.

It had to be said President Carter. Thanks you once again had to bring Americans back to earth and reality.

[learntofly]

Exactly. Carter spoke the truth. Most reasonable people know it too. The media who oppose Carter on this issue are looking pathetic (ie the Morning Joe panel..).

Re-fanned, again!

[MadridFrank]

I sincerely respect and admire the elderly,but this crusty old,say what's ever on mind schtick is getting tired Jimmy.

[nomobull]

it's called truth.get used to it

[FogBelter]

Why is anyone shocked by President Carter's observation? What people are having a problem with is the same thing when a family member puts family business on the street. Everyone around the Thanksgiving table may know that Uncle Stan is a drunk, and cousin Margret's husband beats her, or that Dad's a philander with a gambling problem, but you don't talk about it outside of the family. Racism is an American Family problem.

[StephenJK]

Racism is a human condition. Not an "American family problem". The world over has a problem with racism and we're not even in the top 50 anymore.