David Scott on a racial undertone in the debate over health care reform
Just got off the phone a few minutes ago with U.S. Rep. David Scott of metro Atlanta, who underlined what he said are some worrisome racial undertones in the current health care debate.
U.S. Rep. David Scott of metro Atlanta/Associated Press
As noted this morning, Scott was the topic of a WXIA TV report over the weekend, which detailed an Aug. 1 confrontation with opponents of health care reform at a town hall meeting in Douglasville.
Scott angrily accused protestors of attempting to “hijack” the meeting.
On Monday, the congressman said he stood by those comments, which were recorded by the city’s cable TV outlet — then truncated into the WXIA report.
The edited video hit the airwaves only this weekend, but in fact was one of the first of many such clashes over health care reported around the country.
U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Decatur) will host a town hall meeting on health care this evening. His staff says 20 law enforcement officers will be on hand to maintain order.
What the WXIA report failed to capture, the 13th District congressman said, was the fact that the health care protestors intruded on a delicate, local discussion.
“That was not my town hall meeting. It was the city of Douglasville. They had worked months to put a town hall meeting together, for me to come and to explain and to give comfort and assurance [to] the community that would be impacted,” Scott said.
The topic was the $70 million reconstruction of Ga. 92 in the community. Sixty-eight homes and businesses will be destroyed in the process.
“It would go right through the heart of the African-American community,” Scott said. “These people don’t know — they’re willing to try to trust here, but they want some comfort. They want to know how their homes will be appraised. How will the neighborhood be impacted? The whole future of Douglasville rests on this road. That’s what that meeting was about. It was not about health care.”
Scott said it was the fact that the meeting wasn’t his, and dealt with a sensitive topic, that made him use the sharp tone.
“I was going to stand up and get the respect of the constituents of mine that had worked hard to put a meeting together. And I was not going to let [health care protestors] hijack this meeting. We were discussing the life-and-death issues of their future and their homes and their way of life,” Scott said. “It was very disrespectful and selfish. I had to speak up for the respect of the people of Douglasville.”
Scott said he’ll be the sponsor of a health fair in Jonesboro on Saturday. “I’m willing to take questions. But that’s mine. This meeting was not mine,” Scott said.
City Manager William Osborne, who moderated the Douglasville event, confirmed that health care protestors had to be called to order “four or five times” during a meeting that lasted nearly four hours.
The city manager said the demonstrators weren’t a surprise — Herman Cain, the WSB Radio talk show host and former Republican candidate for senator, had urged those opposed to current health care proposals to show up.
But Osborne also disputed descriptions of Scott as “ranting.”
“He was angry and he showed that anger. But he was totally under control,” Osborne said.
Scott said he understands why he was the target of confrontation. As the only member of Congress who is a member of the Blue Dog and New Democrat caucuses, plus the Congressional Black Caucus, Scott says he has begun to fill the role of go-between on the health care issue.
“I think members of Congress have to stand firm, and they have to be able to realize that we’re in a fight — that this is a serious issue, it is a deliberative issue. But we’re being hanged in effigy,” he said.
Scott said he has no problem with protestors exercising their freedom of speech.
“This is a different thing here. We’re dealing a concerted effort to use these town hall meetings to bum rush Democratic congressmen about this issue,” Scott said.
While Scott acknowledged the legitimate concerns that many Americans have when it comes to overhauling health care, the congressman also expressed worry about the debate’s undertone. Scott e-mailed me a sampling of some of the rougher health care mail he’s received — the ones with variations of the n-word.
“You were, you are, and you shall forever be but a ———-,” one fax to his office reads. The missive includes a mug of President Barack Obama with a hammer-and-sickle stamped on his forehead.
“The folks are not going to stand for socialized medicine even though most Negroes refuse to stand on their own two feet,” says another.
“These people are bringing [in] race — and ‘Negro’ and ‘colored’ and Obama,” Scott said. “We should applaud the fact that we have an African-American president and he is working on this. This is a great thing. But it should not be a racial situation. What have we done except look at the problem and move on it?”
For instant updates, follow me on Twitter.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
514 comments Add your comment
Halibut Maoir
August 10th, 2009
4:57 pm
Is there Racism in America-Duh Yes. From all Race’s-Duh Yes. Nothing agitates and perpetuates Racism more than the constant overuse of the word. The boy who cried wolf syndrome.
Red Foreman
August 10th, 2009
4:58 pm
The race card is getting wore out…
Ryan
August 10th, 2009
4:59 pm
Get Real. You can blame noone for foreclosures except the people being foreclosed on. Over the past 5 years, I have taken a 40% cut in pay and I am still in my home. I put down over 20% and bought much less home than I could afford. Again, it comes down to personal responsibility. Too many people buying more than they could afford, zero down interest only loans where the homeowner paid the minimum every month and put nothing towards pricipal etc. The blame lies with the individual…
ThaMan
August 10th, 2009
4:59 pm
When you are black and can’t think of anything to back your statements up or have anything pertinent to say, play the race card.
Mary
August 10th, 2009
5:00 pm
David Scott is a self serving —. He always has been, he could care less about the district. It’s all about him. We need to vote ALL of them out. When are these politians going to realize that they work for us. It’s a job you don’t do what the boss says you pick up your last check and go home.
JD
August 10th, 2009
5:03 pm
In a public forum, a Congressional representative should be prepared to address any issue about which they are asked. The fact that Scott became angry at one of his constituents attests to his lack of respect for his district. As for him suggesting there are “racial overtones,” I am not surprised. There are racial overtones in the new healthcare plan that select for minorities and against productive Causasians.
melissa
August 10th, 2009
5:05 pm
So, I don’t like ObamaCare and I’m a racist. I didn’t like HillaryCare either… does that make me anti-woman? Just want to make sure I’m aware of the labels.
I lived in Rep Scott’s district (south cobb) He may have an office there, but I’m fairly certain from conversations I’ve had with his office that it’s in name only…
HMO
August 10th, 2009
5:05 pm
What POTUS has asked for and will continue to ask for is for civil debate on this issue and if you haven’t read the news lately, showing up and shouting typically doesnt classify as having a serious debate…
As of now over 17% of our GDP goes toward healthcare, healthcare costs continue to rise and its time we do something about it. Saying you dont want socialized medicine like the UK (9% of their GDP) but you are in favor of Medicare is hypocrisy at its best.
I work full-time, exercise regularly, eat right and take care of my body. I am for a Government Option for healthcare because it makes sense! By allowing competition will lower costs. UPS and FED Ex continue to make money despite the US Postal Service. The insurance companies will then be forced to compete. Its time the AJC and other mainstream media stop sensationalizing the issues and offer the facts for people in a very real and common sense format.
I fall on the side of why do we need the insurance companies? If their goal is to make a profit by collecting more in premiums and paying out less in claims, how cany anyone justify that we are getting the best care as a nation based on this business model. Let’s stop letting idiots like Sarah Palin and the rest of her ilk go unchecked in their unsubstantiated claims about the health of our nation
Hit Dawgs Hollerin
August 10th, 2009
5:08 pm
OK, help me understand: Rep. Scott gets accused of “playing the race card,” when he reveals that his office has been receiving racially charged emails and faxes on this issue? But HE’S playing the race card??
Un-freaking-believable! And note that not ONE of the people blasting Rep. Scott for “playing the race card” made any mention in their comments on this blog about the faxes and emails to his office. Sad.
My grandmother has a saying: “A hit dawg will holler.!” Translation: A person will complain loudly when they are called out on something about themselves that they know deep down is true. It hurts, so they holler.
Until good Republicans decide to take back their party from the ignorant, knuckle-dragging, racist fringe (a group being openly courted — though they won’t admit it — by the likes of Limbaugh, Hannity, Beck, Coulter and Ingram) you’ll never win national elections. Nixon created and developed this “Southern Strategy,” Carl Rove took it and put it on steroids. Now this monster is eating your party. Wake up and do something … besides crying “race card”!!
SARA
August 10th, 2009
5:09 pm
I bet all of you bloggers out there against Health care reform is on some type of government assistance. Get over it — this is going to happen. Have you ever heard of the “silent majority” Well it is out there — “believe me”!! You nuts just keep up the fuss and watch the news and see how stupid you look!!!!
Let Freedom Ring
August 10th, 2009
5:09 pm
First and foremost… Race is not a card. It is not something that can be pulled out to make a point. I’m sick and tired of angry Republicans and the media using the term “race card.” The term is racist. The last time I checked my race (black) has never been an advantage in this society. So, please recognize the whole “race card” theory is foolishness created by some angry right wing conservative racist who didn’t have the ability to articulate their opinion.
Second, why do the conservatives have to use lies and unethical tactics to debate their position? Just asking.
GT
August 10th, 2009
5:11 pm
Far right confederate flag wavers are amazing. They use the N word which is about the only word they know and it is misspelled, they are anti education because it is depleting their ranks, they are religious until love is involved, and they are the number one reason health care is in the tank in the first place. Look at even the Republican leadership, not too many missed meals there, they are mostly walking time bombs waiting for the heart attack, the dibetes, cancer from smoking. Instead of following their favorite hate group around the country why don’t they go out and get some exercise, stop packing the fried chicken and sweet tea, Bill Bennett on CNN keeps a drumstick under his desk on the air. Keeping these blimps alive is what is running up health care cost, maybe Scott can have them chase him across a few parking lots blow off a few calaries.
Halibut Maoir
August 10th, 2009
5:12 pm
HMO-I can agree with your right to state your beliefs. Both sides are have boisterous voices in this matter, and by the way make sure you put those bastians of intellect Pelosi & Reid in your category mental giants with Palin.
The Truth
August 10th, 2009
5:12 pm
Its amazing to see all of the pro-democracy, pro-equality, pro-individual liberties comments around the healthcare reform issue. Where were you guys when the Bush administration negotiated with the energy industry in secret regarding the nation’s energy policy? Where were you guys when the Bush administration started stripping away all of your individual rights under the Patriot Act? Where are you pro-equality/individual liberty guys when people who looked Middle Eastern or had different names are being unjustly searched, seized, and detained? Why aren’t you guys protesting the tax breaks and incentives corporations receive from you (hard working American taxpayers) to export jobs and production facilities overseas? You think your taxes are going to increase because of healthcare reform? What effects will the Iraq War have on your future taxes? What effect will our broken energy policies have on your future taxes? What effect will having fewer and fewer jobs supporting a growing number of retirees have on your taxes? The problem I have with your argument regarding healthcare reform is that it is not consistent with your tolerance/acceptance/silence on all of these other issues that will “raise your taxes, limit your choices, and take aways your freedom.” That is why your rage over healthcare reform rings hollow and is without substance.
Get Real
August 10th, 2009
5:13 pm
@ Ryan, thats where you and I disagree. Many people didn’t by more home than they could afford. People have to file bankruptcy for medical bills, and I’m sorry but loss of job is a big factor. You can pay your mortgage with a 40% decrease in pay, but could you pay it with a 100% cut in pay? Someone being laid off from their job isn’t their fault. Do you have 18 months savings in the bank in case of job loss, medical emergency? Those who lost their homes because they bought a big house with no savings, I have no love for them. However, there are others who’ve done everything the right way and still suffer. Ignoring them to make you point doesn’t negate the fact that they still exist.
scott
August 10th, 2009
5:14 pm
white america please stop being brainwashed by OVERWEIGHT limbaugh and INSANE HANNITY..i,m a wealthy white american man that owns a business and pay for health insurance for my employees and its foolishly overpriced!!!no business can profit with these sky rockting prices..i support my president and love this country please quit acting like preschool children and face the fact that we need to do something about health care..and lot of you dont know what socialism is its just a term you heard limbaugh quote..leave the racism and name calling of our american president out of it and quit act like ignorant southern rednecks…notice;hannity and limbaugh are very rich men and are not concerned about your wellbeing
Hit Dawgs Hollerin
August 10th, 2009
5:14 pm
I trust the AJC allowed the post from “Bob from Dahlonega” to be published to make a point about the mindset of many (I won’t say most) of the folks showing up to disrupt these healthcare town hall meetings.
So I’ll just say this to good ole “Bob”: Be careful what you wish for. This ain’t the 1940’s, 50’s or 60’s. Black folks have guns, too, now. Think about that before you approach the wrong one!
Halibut Maoir
August 10th, 2009
5:14 pm
Let Freedom Ring-So in order to be racist you have to be republican? Come on
Steve
August 10th, 2009
5:15 pm
When all else fails pull the race card!
Ghost Writer
August 10th, 2009
5:16 pm
Bob @ 5:05, meet me in SW Atlanta near Greenbriar Mall and I’m sure ‘those people’ over there will have a greeting party waiting for you. You talk the talk, but can’t walk the walk!
Stop your whining
August 10th, 2009
5:17 pm
You all are the same people that voted for the governor that promised the return of the confederate flag for georgia. Please go back and think again if you think we can’t see the racial undertones. White, Blacks, Browns and Asians can see it without looking. The Healthcare reform activist are political, no doubt about it. Where were you people when Bush sent the troops to die for no reason, yeah, people can die so long as it doesn’t affect you or it isn’t an animal. Stop whining and get a life! If you have insurance then use it and get you some help because God knows you need it!
gatorboy
August 10th, 2009
5:17 pm
WOW, David Scott pulls a page from Obama playbook and scream racism!
Is ti raqcisim, that typically it is blacks looking for the free handouts? they are the receipents of most welfare benefits, lead the country in unwed children, number of men in prison. The blame lies on the black communities lack of character, and ethics.
Ghost Writer
August 10th, 2009
5:19 pm
BUSH PROMOTED AND SIGNED INTO LAW MEDICARE PART D. HOW IS THAT NOT SOCIALISM BUT THIS IS?
Craze
August 10th, 2009
5:20 pm
I can’t comment on every person who has been categorized as a “shouter”, but the ones I’ve seen on TV all have 3 things in common. They are all white, they are all middle age to elderly, and none seem to be terribly bright.
Get Real
August 10th, 2009
5:21 pm
Wrong Gatorboy, whites receive more welfare (TANF) benefits, as whites are a larger population than blacks. Lol. Where do you people get this from?
ArtVandelay
August 10th, 2009
5:21 pm
You anti-healthcare zealots don’t even know what you are fighting for.
Your healthcare dollars are already taxed: Just for kicks and giggles the next time you visit a hospital or ER request an itemized bill. What you are charged for certain things will shock you. More than likely one aspirin is $3, the supplies they use to treat you are probably marked up 30 to 50%…why? to pay for the person with no insurance who the hospital has to treat whether they can pay or not. What is that if not a tax?
Your care is already rationed: Ever hear of HMO’s/Insurance companies denying a person a required test or procedure because they don’t deem it “medically necessary”. What is that if not rationed healthcare?
Oh by the way Obama’s plan contains NONE of the things above. The current plan wants to do away with BOTH practices.
Yet you fight against a plan designed to ALLEVIATE the burden you currently bear because of your blind allegiance to a party or an ideal that doesn’t have your own best interest at heart. Have fun hurting yourselves and others less fortunate than you, you lemmings. Just don’t say you were none the wiser
Barry Frederick Howard
August 10th, 2009
5:21 pm
I was not at the meeting that was called in douglasville but from the images on television and reading the newspaper, it sounded like a fight at the ok corral. We as Americans, citizens of Georgia and in particular residents of this fine community need to be concern about how the government can come into a community and take these homes without paying fair market value. That is what the real up roar should be about. As for the health care issue maybe we need to stop and look at some of the players in this shell game of reform such as the hospitals,drugmakers, health insurance and various other health related industries that stand to loss billions and possible trillions of dollar from this reform. Less not forgot the republican party that want health care reform to fail so they can gain sits in congress in the 2010 election or behind all this chaos and confusion going on around this great land of ours. President Obama and the rest of the democratic party is at least attempting to reform the health care system as it is today, no maybe the government hand should not be involved in health care but I do applaud the effort, because for 8 long years the republican party did nothing for the people. Also remember this, throughout all this chaos and confusion people like Rush, Sean, O’Reilly and many other neoconservative have health insurance coverage. No I am not a democratic, republican, liberal, conservative but I am a god fearing american that love this land we call the United States. I hate when my black and white neighbors make this into a racial issue, when the issue that divides us is the one thing that will benefit all of us and that is health care reform. So people of Douglevillle, residents of Georgia and citizen of America we need some type of health care reform done today and not tomorrow. The time is now.
Keith
August 10th, 2009
5:23 pm
Look at the thug “Ghost Writer” being threatening. What a shocker. You want him to meet you in SW Atlanta which is nothing but dangerous. And why is it dangerous? Because of you thugs! I mean you guys did do a great job of ruining Atlanta. Sure is funny how I have lived in safe, white areas like Dunwoody, East Cobb, and Alpharetta and have never heard a gunshot. Gee I wonder why?
David
August 10th, 2009
5:23 pm
IT IS NOT A RACIAL ISSUE—-AAAGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!
Follow me here. My health insurance company plan CANNOT SURVIVE AS A BUSINESS by charging the same to the sick and elderly as they do to the young and healthy. If you have trouble with this concept, think about car insurance and if all drivers paid they same rates regardless of there record.
Within 5 years, employers can only offer plans where the insuror is barred from charging sick or elderly people more than healthy ones.
Within ESISA based plans, these will be mandated to do the same thing. There will be nothing stopping me from taking the cheap, public option when I can young and healthy and then switching to the private option when I become seriously ill. You see, they won’t be able to charge me more and this will put them out of business!
THAT WILL LEAVE ONLY THE PUBLIC OPTION, SEE? And under the public option, I do not choose my primary care provider. THIS IS THE PROBLEM.
Let Freedom Ring
August 10th, 2009
5:23 pm
My apologies. I have many Republican relatives and friends who are really great people.
Craze
August 10th, 2009
5:23 pm
To: Bob from Dahlonega,
God bless American and the constitution.
Halibut Maoir
August 10th, 2009
5:25 pm
Get Real-what you say is true in total dollars but incorrect in percentage-tell the whole story! Nice to see AMVET partake,spewin his anti-conservative rubbish, What would a day be without it.
the evil rich
August 10th, 2009
5:26 pm
Why must race be an issue in this? The issue is the government trying to run something else into the ground, like Social Security, Fanny Mae/Freddie Mac, the VA, Medicare/Medicade.
Again, I ask, just name ONE THING the goverment is involved in that private enterprise couldn’t do BETTER! Trust the government, ask an American Indian.
Halibut Maoir
August 10th, 2009
5:27 pm
LetFreedomRing-I’m a conservative married to Beautifull Black liberal,and you think you got it tough!
Halibut Maoir
August 10th, 2009
5:28 pm
I was kidding Sweetheart!
John Clavis
August 10th, 2009
5:29 pm
Nobody’s read the healthcare bill? Then how does Sarah Palin know that Obama wants to shoot her ‘tard baby in the head if nobody’s read the bill? How do Republicans know that Obama wants to euthanize their grandmas if nobody’s read the bill? How to right-wingers know for sure that the public option will make private options evaportate if nobody’s read the bill? How does anybody know that “this will take away our freedoms and destroy America!!!” if nobody’s read the healthcare bill?
Oh, I forgot. Right-wingers don’t need facts to have opinions.
And by the way, if you think private insurance companies will go away if people have a public option, then you’re admitting that private insurance companies only exist to profit the shareholders, and aren’t actually for the express purpose of providing healthcare. So you kind of admit that the private sector, by definition, only exists to profit the already wealthy, and that if we want, as a nation, to accomplish something, it’s sheer foolishness to give the task to a bunch of greedheads and tell ourselves that “the free market will solve all our problems!”, isn’t it?
Get Real
August 10th, 2009
5:30 pm
Halibut, Gatorboy said the following: “they (Blacks) are the receipents of most welfare benefits”
You said: “what you say is true in total dollars”
How am I not telling the whole story? I only said that whites received more welfare (which doesn’t even exist anymore) benefits than blacks, which even you verified. You’re speaking percentages, while I’m talking dollars spent. You tell the whole story.
Let Freedom Ring
August 10th, 2009
5:31 pm
Halibut Maoir. LOL
Get Real
August 10th, 2009
5:32 pm
Keith, I can meet you at Roswell Rd and Hammond Dr. near the Whole Foods if you like. Since I live in the area, lol. Nice of you to defend a racist (Bob @ 5:05 for everyone else). Takes one to know one.
scott
August 10th, 2009
5:33 pm
some of you on here make me a wealthy white american man shame of my race with your ignorance..didnt here you crying socialism and debt when bush was in office and having tea parties when bush was giving us wealthy guys huge tax breaks..while middle class america was being crushed and ignored..socialized medcine??you ever heard of medicare some of you will need it if you work for a living and something happens to your health..GO.MR PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA DONT BACK DOWN TO IGNORANCE AND RACISM STAND FIRM I SUPPORT YOU 150%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jessica
August 10th, 2009
5:34 pm
I wish the people who support this healthcare takeover would look closely at how that’s working out in most countries that already have it in place. The answer? NOT VERY WELL! Our current healthcare system isn’t perfect, but it is already the best in the world. The vast majority of people have access to healthcare, and most of those are reasonably satisfied with what they have. There are ways to make healthcare better (promote more competition!), but handing it over to our bloated, inefficient federal government isn’t a good idea.
I think it’s obscene when politicians call those who are protesting “un-American,” or make the assumption that those protesters are racists. Our founding fathers did A LOT of protesting when they saw freedom getting trampled, and personal freedom is a good thing for all Americans, regardless of race.
Halibut Maoir
August 10th, 2009
5:34 pm
GetREal-all I said was you could’ve stated all instead of a portion of fact. I did’nt say you were incorrect just not complete.
Ghost Writer
August 10th, 2009
5:36 pm
I seem to recall during the run-up to the Iraq War that if there was any dissent against Bush and our soldiers, you were un-patriotic. Not a REAL American. Freedom fries anyone?
Get Real
August 10th, 2009
5:37 pm
Thanks for adding that Halibut, but i didn’t see you saying the same to Gatorboy who initiated things.
Halibut Maoir
August 10th, 2009
5:37 pm
Scott-I’m middle class,last time I looked I was’nt crushed. As a matter fact I don’t know of anyone who was. Goodluck getting un-crushed.
Bob from Dahlonega
August 10th, 2009
5:37 pm
I think socialism is equal to welfare and that is why scott and obama want to see it implemented.
I will be at Hank Johnson town hall tonite wearing my flag shirt and screaming “constitution” to the top ‘of my lungs. I feel like Paul Revere before the revolution..
“the socialist welfare garbage is coming for our country beware”
Halibut Maoir
August 10th, 2009
5:39 pm
GetReal-Some things don’t warrant a response. Sometimes it just ignites it worse.
Tony Tortorici
August 10th, 2009
5:39 pm
The Dems can dish it out, but they sure can’t take it.
"C:BERRY
August 10th, 2009
5:40 pm
KENNETH COBB THIS IS FOR YOU. WE DON’T HAVE
A BLACK MAN IN THE WHITE HOUSE. WHAT WE HAVE
IS BEST DESCRIBED AS AN “EMPTY SUIT.” AN EDUCATED
IDIOT. A SOCIALIST WHO HAS NEVER HAD A REAL JOB.
AND YES I KNOW HE WAS A U.S. SENATOR. AS A SENATOR
THE ONLY THING HE MANAGED TO DO WAS TO BE THE
MOST LIBERAL, HANDS DOWN, OF THE 100. OTHER THAN
SENATOR, HE WAS A COMMUNITY ORGANIZER. PRAY TELL,
WHAT IS THAT. MR. COBB, THERE IS A SAYING, YOU CAN
FIX IGNORANT, BUT YA CAN’T FIX STUPID !! I THINK
WE ALL KNOW WHERE YOU FIT INTO THIS PUZZLE. I MAY
BE A RACIST, MAYBE, BUT I’M NOT STUPID. SO I GUESS
THAT PUTS ME ONE UP ON YOU.
Tony Tortorici
August 10th, 2009
5:42 pm
Since so many people come to the U.S. from other countries to get their healthcare, to what country will we go when we can’t get proper healthcare in the U.S. if Obama’s healtcare plan gets enacted?