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Will Thomas

The Huffington Post

John Conyers To McCain: "We're Not Just African Americans"

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April 4, 2008 05:24 PM


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Rep. John Conyers excoriated Sen. John McCain today over his belated apology for voting against a holiday bill honoring Martin Luther King. Conyers himself authored the bill over 25 years ago when he and McCain were in the House together.

For Conyers, McCain's apology has come a little late. "It's incredible that all he can do is show up on April 4th and think that everything is OK. We're not just African Americans, but we're most people."

MSNBC's correspondent defended McCain, telling Conyers that the Arizona senator had just apologized for repeatedly voting against King's legacy. The comments prompted a sardonic response:

Conyers: Yea, well look. I'm happy. That was in 1983, he didn't make any apology, he didn't make any apologies in 1987, so I guess I'm thrilled and forgiving that finally when he's running for President he remembers to apologize. No, that's great.

 
 

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The most disturbing part of the affair is that McCain, being a bright man and not a complete Neanderthal, probably always respected King and realized all along that he was a courageous man. His negatve vote was just to appease his more conservative supporters. IMO that's the mark of a true dirtbag. Maverick my ass.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 10:38 AM on 04/06/2008

Again, fix your headline please. He didn't say:

"It's incredible that all he can do is show up on April 4th and think that everything is OK. We're not just African Americans, but we're most people."

He said:

"It's incredible that all he can do is show up on April 4th and think that everything is OK with not just African Americans, but with most people."

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 11:36 PM on 04/05/2008

I am a veteran and a caucasian, and I say that Martin Luther King and Rev. Wright had every right to condemn the United States for its atrocitiies in Vietnam and in Iraq. The U.S. is not beyond reproach. Those that condemn them today are wrapping themselves in the false patriotic flag of nationalism, just like Mussolini or Hitler. LBJ and GW Bush are two of a kind, Nixon was no better, they all murdered human beings in the name of the United States government including US Soldiers. Facism is alive and well in the USA, and it is called REPUBLICAN WAR MONGERING. Go ahead vote for more war, vote for McCain, I man with experience in dropping bombs on innocent civilians.

Vote War, Vote McCain in 2008

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 09:17 PM on 04/05/2008

Here am I, on the other side of the world, born after MLK was killed. However, I apparently know more about the Civil Rights Movement than McCain. This is the man who wants to lead you. The most amazing things to me is that McCain can vote against commemorating something TWICE whilst claiming that he didn't know what he was voting against.

He may care to use excuses and that would be semi-acceptable - excepting that the man is running for president.

While some say better late than never, like Anchor Barbie. This isn't just about forgiving and moving on. This is about how a man who would be a major influencer on the world - just look at what G. W. Weed has done, AND not done. He just didn't know.

Your country's influence over the rest of the world has a great deal of effect. I am curious as to who you will choose for your leader, but unlike you I have no choice. But it does affect us all.

Sure it's politics, but what bloody rubbish. As they say in my country "Oh McCain, you've done it again".

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 08:56 PM on 04/05/2008

now will any member of the king family apologize for dr. king's hateful words against the troops while mccain was a POW? probably not, because they are all busy cheating on their wives like dear old dad!!!

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 05:42 PM on 04/05/2008

Even though this thread is not active anymore, I hope that you will come back and check the follocing speeches for what you say are hateful words against troops. After investigating this claim, not one 'hateful word' was made against troops, but rather claims of injustice were made against the administrations who sent them there. If you can be bothered, hopelessobama, to educate yourself go and read the following quote and it's full text:

""taking black young men who had been crippled by our society and sending them eight thousand miles away to guarantee liberties in Southeast Asia which they had not found in southwest Georgia and East Harlem"" From "Beyond Vietnam" speech ap 4, 67

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 06:59 PM on 04/07/2008

Why does a man have to be perfect to fight for tolerance for his fellow man? If McCain were fighting for the same things as MLK, equality, justice for everyman, and a battle against poverty - then it would be worth listening. Sadly, I don't see that in his other speeches.

What happened to McCain in Vietnam is appalling - let's take that individually. But magnify what is happening to each suffering person in American minorities over FORTY years after MLK was shot, what do you have but rank inequality.

So since you've put it on the table - find for me the speech in which MLK spoke hateful words against troops.

I challenge you to find one sentence that preaches hate against those who were sent to fight from your country, and from mine.

Your time starts.... NOW.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 11:44 PM on 04/05/2008

MLK spoke truth to power when he spoke out against our foreign policy at that time. We lost a whole generation of men (black and white) during that war . . . and exactly, what did that war do for us? Don't hide your racism behind the American flag. A white sheet would be better.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 06:19 PM on 04/05/2008

To some of the well intentioned commenters: Honoring Dr King has little to do with race. His life wasn't about black and white — it was about right and wrong. It was about fighting the good fight against all odds. He was the sort of person we can all look up to - doesn't matter what you look like.

John McCain was wrong then and is wrong now. Sorry or not, that he continues to discuss Dr Kings legacy purely in terms of race only shows that he still doesn't get it.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 05:19 PM on 04/05/2008

The headline of this thread is a misquote.

What John Conyers actually said in the video while referring to John McCain's vote against the MLK holiday is: "It's incredible that all he can do is show up on April 4th and think that everything is OK -WITH not just African-Americans, but with most people."

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 03:56 PM on 04/05/2008

I sure agree with Conyers, maybe it is time to call these dimestore americans the Euro-Americans and leave American to the Real Americans... Bet he would love that....

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 03:42 PM on 04/05/2008

I think some people are missing the point. I seriously doubt McCain was trying to get African-American votes. The vast majority (over 90%) vote Democratic. The ones who are Republicans will either have to vote for McCain the Republican nominee, someone else, or no one. And it doesn't matter because their numbers are so small I daresay it's a waste of time for Republicans to actually reach out to them (at this point in time).

This is about not looking bad and possibly LOSING votes he has. McCain isn't trying to appease black citizens as much as he's trying to look good for white ones. Most blacks I've noticed think he's full of crap. The whites I've seen talk about it have a much more mixed reaction and most of it seems neutral/positive. And these are Democrats I'm talking about.

McCain isn't stupid but at the same time I can't believe how many people out there can't see right through him.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 03:36 PM on 04/05/2008

McCain got what he deserved for his opportunistic apology...pathetic. I like Conyers.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 03:35 PM on 04/05/2008

McCain didn't care about African American voters because there are so few of them in Arizona. Only two cities in Arizona have as much as 5% AA population, and some cities have 0% AA population.
http://www.idcide.com/lists/az/on-population-african-american-percentage.htm

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 03:20 PM on 04/05/2008

Trivial critisism, that want hurt McCain, if anything it will help.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 03:09 PM on 04/05/2008

You're right . . . it will help McCain lose in the GE

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 06:20 PM on 04/05/2008

Yes.... by pandering to his racist base.. like you.

Ignoramus.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 03:48 PM on 04/05/2008

You're probably right: considering McCains constituency, voting against the MLK holiday probably will help him.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 03:44 PM on 04/05/2008

John Conyers, for crying out loud, McSame is campaigning....what do the majority of politicians do when they are campaigning? Lie thru their teeth to win. I remember the Democrats saying things like "We have the power of the purse" blah, blah, blah ....so what do they do, they get voted in and give the purse to Bush.
John you also wrote articles of impeachment against this administration before the democrats took a majority and wrote about it....remember? What has happened since then? NOTHING. Subpoena's to Rove and Meyers....nothing happens.
What do you think would happen to democrats if bush starts engaging his signing statements or executive orders because of staged 'some unforseen event'? MLK would have been disgusted with McCain, the GOP and the democratic party if he was with us today, I know I am

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 02:52 PM on 04/05/2008

Dwell in the past and it can eat you alive.....forgive people for their stupidity and narrowmindedness and celebrate those of us who welcome equality for all!



Talking about criminal deeds of the past by any race serves no one. It just ignites hatred and anger i.e. Rev. Wright. Those were Rev. Wright's words not Obama's words so why is everyone blaming Obama for someone's elses thinking or oratory?



The past teaches us lessons. It's called history and we should use those lessons to make sure that history doesn't allow us to stop in time or repeat it if it infringes on our liberty or freedom. Judge not lest ye be judged.......that's my motto.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 02:49 PM on 04/05/2008

One's actions in "the past" is how we JUDGE one TODAY.

We must NEVER forget, lest we repeat the injustices of the past tomorrow.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 03:50 PM on 04/05/2008

So I guess you agree with my last paragraph? I'll leave the judging to you. Who am I to judge?

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 11:48 PM on 04/05/2008

McCain is a nationalist (natio = race) and not a patriot (patriota: fellow-countryman). Indeed, McCain stands up for the white race and values which exclude non-whites. A patriot, on the other hand includes all, regardless of race. A patriot demands liberty and just for all--not just whites.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 02:35 PM on 04/05/2008

John McCain apologizing on this issue is comparable to the case of murderers who suddenly find "God" and "salvation" when at the door of death.

And you know what, the same evangelicals who rush to the defense of these new converts, because they have taken "Jesus into their life", will feel the issue of Senator McFriends begrudging people of color the road to dignity is now behind us.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 02:08 PM on 04/05/2008

I saw the interview and Mr. Conyers did an awesome job

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 02:05 PM on 04/05/2008

I so want to have a beer with John Conyers. "No, that's great." Ha!

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 01:49 PM on 04/05/2008

Who is this blond hag republican shill and why is she defending John McCain? Good on John Conyers for sharp, biting sarcasm.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 12:45 PM on 04/05/2008

Why is she a (1) hag (2) republican (3) shill? She's a MSNBC talking head, that's who she is. She pointed out that McCain apologized for opposing the MLK holiday. No need for your rudeness.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 03:09 PM on 04/05/2008

She said that because he appologized, then all should be forgiven. We would have no need for lawyers if we accepted everyone's appologies after they have asked for forgiveness.

No need for your support of racism. Remember this person was a member of a national body and he sought national law.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 05:11 PM on 04/05/2008

What gets to me is that, why would you apologize now that you are running for president. McCain voted against a national holiday of a historical black figure in America giving us minorities a sense of pride and accomplishments that have been made by are own. I will not forgive you especially because of all the time it has taken McCain to apologize about his stereotype vote, yes that is exactly what it is. Sorry majority if you do not understand and I do not execpt you to, no hard feelings to anyone, "it is what it is". When you are minority or poor in this country you allways feel a sense of division or outplacement from the most fortunates. What I am trying to say is that McCain does not understand that by going to Memphis where MLK was killed by a white man is not going to forgive him. Just like anyother humanbeing in the world, to accept and forgive you have to work for it and earn it, 1 speech is not enough look what it took MLK to have us respected as typical citizens in our U.S.A. the most precious thing given to man, his own life. In my comment I am not criticizing every white person there are great white people that I love and respect. I am only critisizing the stereotypes that we have to live with.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 12:22 PM on 04/05/2008

I will say this much... I don't believe McCain's apology... I don't like how Hillary changed the fact that the subject was about Dr. Martin Luther King to Women's rights... (Oh yeah, didn't she say she was a Watergate girl?) And I don't feel that Obama said enough. So there!

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 12:16 PM on 04/05/2008

She does that every time she speaks to black people or about black issues. She twists the story into the feminist paradigm. That's her reference point because feminists rode the back of the Civil Rights Movement. Its insulting and selfish since she can't show empathy unless she turns the narrative back to her OWN interests.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 02:38 PM on 04/05/2008

Yeah, I noticed that too. I don't mind it once in a while but I would have thought that this one time she could have given it a rest.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 06:53 PM on 04/05/2008

Wow, I think if they stuck McCain's wife in that "interview" instead of this Big Hair , she couldn't have done a better job of defending McCain.
Bravo MSNBC, we thought you were almost as bad as FOX, but now we know that you really are as bad as FOX. You stink!

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 11:41 AM on 04/05/2008

Could this woman be any more condescending? What the hell is she doing on TV, with that smug, unprofessional attitude? Conyers is right ON, and his history and his career warrant more respect than this anchor is offering him. Shame on MSNBC.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 11:18 AM on 04/05/2008

Yeah she did not want him to make his point on T.V. and she really sounded like she was saying "what more do you want black people" She was very distasteful on the matter of the issue. She sucks and should probably campaign for McCain instead of doing it on MSNBC.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 03:59 PM on 04/05/2008

"typical white person" That's why they are still scratching their heads wondering why King is such a big deal and why Rev. Wright so mad.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 02:41 PM on 04/05/2008

What exactly is smug and condescending about her stating the fact that John McCain offered an apology ?

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 01:52 PM on 04/05/2008

Someone defecates on your car seat and slaps your baby TWICE, 25 and 21 years ago, now they want to run for city council and they finally decide to offer a convenient apology, would you want to hear this pundit's tone implying you should be thrilled and just happy the other person finally got around to being adult enough to admit they were wrong? She acts as if McCain bumped Conyers in the supermarket.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 05:44 PM on 04/05/2008