Deal expresses regret for ‘ghetto grandmothers’ remark
The list of forbidden phrases in Georgia politics grew by one this morning: “Ghetto grandmothers.”
On Saturday morning, before a breakfast gathering of the Cherokee County GOP, congressman and candidate for governor Nathan Deal was describing his role in legislation to demand proof of citizenship for federal or state health care benefits.
Said Deal:
“We got all the complaints of the ghetto grandmothers who didn’t have birth certificates and all that. We wrote some very liberal language as to how you can verify it. My mother was born in 1906 and she didn’t have a birth certificate. They didn’t give birth certificates back then. But we got her one, because you can do it under the proper procedures of your state.”
Unfortunately for Deal, videographers from the rival campaigns of Karen Handel and Eric Johnson were there to record the moment. One of them provided this:
This morning, Deal issued the following statement: “I regret my choice of words and in no way meant to offend anyone.”
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301 comments Add your comment
Ghetto Grandmother
October 5th, 2009
10:44 am
Well, first he get’s rich off of a state monopoly no bid contract, now he is flat out racist in talking about grandmothers…
I think it’s safe to say this is one wrotten deal…
GoOx
October 5th, 2009
10:52 am
Deal, Real, Steal, first he makes himself rich. Now he show’s his raciest tendencies. He is one of the top 15 most corrupt members of congress. He should do Georgia a favor, drop out of the race, retire from congress, and go spend some of the cash that the tax payers of Georgia have funded for decades.
Lil T
October 5th, 2009
10:54 am
Why was it necessary to use such terminology? This is degrading, cynical, sinister, unnecessary, unwarranted and rude.
jconservative
October 5th, 2009
10:58 am
He used the terminology because he knew it would go over well with his audience.
David
October 5th, 2009
11:02 am
Plain and simple, he’s a bigot. Any other claim is horse-hockey. Being a white male, many of these cretins just blurt out bigoted statements in front of me assuming that I agree.
More white Georgia males are bigots. But, it’s Georgia. What do you expect?
Bob
October 5th, 2009
11:03 am
Enter your comments here
Unfortunate choice of words, but still the best candidate for governor.
Smokewagon
October 5th, 2009
11:04 am
Ya’ll might just want to get over the ghetto grandmother thing. Lump it in there with “honky” and “cracker”.
Urban
October 5th, 2009
11:06 am
So, it sounds like it’s OK for African Americans to use this terminology; however, when someone else of another cultures uses it, it’s racist? Double standards, right?
amy
October 5th, 2009
11:06 am
racist? who made the jump that all “ghetto grandmothers” are of one race? since when is “ghetto” a racial slur?
the guy is an idiot, but that’s no excuse for making ignorant statements in turn.
He will NEVER win
October 5th, 2009
11:07 am
Wow! It’s amazing now that President Obama is President of the U.S. how all of these racist people are coming out of the woodworks. He was very wrong for saying that.
There are a lot of people, American people who do not have birth certificates for one reason or another, but that does NOT give anyone a right to disrespect them!!! He will NEVER WIN!!! He will NOT get my vote!
Sam of Georgia
October 5th, 2009
11:08 am
Thanks to this recording, the voters can decide if he deserves their vote. I hope that they vote for a different person besides this individual.
Grace
October 5th, 2009
11:08 am
I’m not going to lie. When I saw the headline I thought he was going to be referring to all these 36yr old grandmothers in the hood.
Judy
October 5th, 2009
11:12 am
Enter your comments here Oh, give me a break! get over it….if it was old white crackers it would not have a headline!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Sherm
October 5th, 2009
11:13 am
David, obviously from your comments we can assume that you’re a bigot as well. And no, you’re not a “white male” so stop pretending. What Deal said was wrong, but I’d bet a million bucks that you’d have no problem if the tables were reversed.
Moved South for the Food
October 5th, 2009
11:16 am
I wasn’t going to vote for him but now I am. At least he is willing to say what is on his mind unlike the others. They are all racist, both the white and the black ones. A slip of the tongue will not derail him.
Molly
October 5th, 2009
11:17 am
Ditto, Amy.
Sadly, 99% of those who play the race card now have no clue what real racism is. For them a racist is nothing more than a white guy from the South.
Real Stupid
October 5th, 2009
11:17 am
Deal. Real. Stupid.
Linger Longer’s Jamie Reynolds
October 5th, 2009
11:17 am
I don’t know about Deal, we know he is a crook but aren’t they all. The real Deal question is what does it cost to buy him. If it’s only $300,000 a year like he is taking from the Georgia taxpayer, we can work something out.
Westside Chris
October 5th, 2009
11:17 am
Why is he racist for using the word ghetto? I have people living in my ghetto who are white like me and probably are grandmothers who don’t have a birth certificate. The R card is so tired. Blacks rap about their ghetto but whites can’t say it even when we live in it. I’m with Amy, lose the ignorance.
Deal is a traitor
October 5th, 2009
11:19 am
This just shows how proud the republicans are of their ignorance and racism.
Concerned About Your Ignorance
October 5th, 2009
11:24 am
That shows people’s ignorance… Ghetto is not just black people, ghetto is where poor people live. And in history, was a place where Jewish people resided due to economic struggle. He was not incorrect on any sense. People are so quick to get offended and pull a race card but never seem to read between the lines. If you actually learn and comprehend what a GHETTO is… you wouldn’t be acknowledged as GHETTO! Look it up on Wikipedia! Stupid butts….
rukidding
October 5th, 2009
11:25 am
Is this the type of person we want representing out state? We the Georgia tax payers have payed him millions over the past decade. Other than stuffing his own pockets, what has he done since he was in congress.
His insensitive remarks are uncalled for.
Parker Wills
October 5th, 2009
11:25 am
Funny how liberals are the first to cry racism, yet they’ve proven to be the most intolerant and bigoted people in the country.
And now, back to more predictable comments by ignorant lefties…..
Rod
October 5th, 2009
11:26 am
Well he is being honest and I respect that. It is good when a person shows their true colors. I wish more people would be honest. Anyway he just lost my vote. It is also funny how people like Sherm say if it was reversed people would have no problem. That is nonsense. He basically said that the people who complained had no business complaining. The last time I looked this is a America where we respect the right to complain. Also I know it wasn’t only “those” grandmothers who complained. Also I am reporting Judy and Smokewagon for using the word saltines those other words in their comments. Oh yeah trying to use the code words doesn’t work. People are always trying to claim they are not racist/bigots since it is not PC anymore. What a joke. I say go have a conversation with your black, latino or jewish friends about racial/bigoted issues so we can really get along better.
Judy
October 5th, 2009
11:27 am
Deal, it doesn’t matter if your a republican….its ignorance!!! from both sides….reverse discrimination is now the topic!! you must be black… and westside is correct..
How does this help
October 5th, 2009
11:28 am
Shouldn’t Deal be focused on creating jobs, and trying to get people out of the ghetto? Instead he puts them down and insults them. The Governor represents all citizens of Georgia.
True Atlantan
October 5th, 2009
11:29 am
Here we go again…like every AJC blog this one will turn into a race war. Just let it go people…there are bigger problems in the world other than a politician using the word “ghetto.” Also, I’m white and I live in the ghetto
Ghetto Grandmothers Baby Daddy
October 5th, 2009
11:29 am
Everyone that posts is racist, sexist, anti-Semitic, homophobic, etc, etc. So what? We each have to deal with our own shortcomings. I am more inclined to listen to someone that speaks their mind in a direct manner and make my decision based on that, vs. a politician managed by handlers to be 100% politically correct. Say what you mean and mean what you say!
Twon
October 5th, 2009
11:29 am
There are several words or phrases that white people can’t say whitout having some sort of racial backlash, we all know one. The term ghetto has turned into something that refers to lower income areas, those areas often lived in by blacks. Therefore when a white person makes a reference to the ghetto, he comes off looking racist. Don’t know where Mr. Deal stands on the issue of race personally but me being a black voter the statement didnt help his chances of getting my vote.
Dan
October 5th, 2009
11:30 am
Enter your comments here
WRONG WRONG WRONG–the point is that they are ALL wrong. The state of Georgia (Vital Records) does not issue delayed birth certificates. They did years ago, but not now. Check with Vital Records. Karen Handel should know that her Archives division is constantly inundated with requests because Vital Records cannot supply a 1906 birth certificate. Also, many births in the 1920s were not properly reported. Just ask any genealogist! Do any of these people have an idea about this constiuency? And most are not ghetto grandmothers, but very old people from around the rural parts of the state.
Judy
October 5th, 2009
11:31 am
Hey and truck drivers swear, and then there are those religous people…will the world never quit?
Wow
October 5th, 2009
11:31 am
Sonia Sotomayor… thats all you have to say.
IAMNOTSURPRISED
October 5th, 2009
11:32 am
HE IS A REPUBLICAN, NEED I SAY MORE????
D
October 5th, 2009
11:34 am
ghetto
–noun, plural -tos, -toes. 1. a section of a city, esp. a thickly populated slum area, inhabited predominantly by members of an ethnic or other minority group, often as a result of social or economic restrictions, pressures, or hardships.
2. (formerly, in most European countries) a section of a city in which all Jews were required to live.
3. a section predominantly inhabited by Jews.
4. any mode of living, working, etc., that results from stereotyping or biased treatment: job ghettos for women; ghettos for the elderly.
Doesn’t say anything about African-Americans in there does it? Sorry, but the word ghetto doesn’t belong to you and yours. It belongs to the Jews. So shut ya mouths!
billy bob from cobb
October 5th, 2009
11:34 am
he spoke the truth
IAMNOTSURPRISED
October 5th, 2009
11:34 am
AND TRUST ME, HE DOES NOT REGRET WHAT HE SAID. HE MEANT IT. IGNORANT FOOL.
Greg
October 5th, 2009
11:36 am
There is no such thing as reverse discrimination. Prejudice is prejudice and the sooner people realize that, the sooner we can stop all this nonsense. Calling it “reverse” is nothing more than excused retribution. When was the last time you read about “reverse rape” or “reverse spousal abuse” or “reverse assault?” Reverse discrimination is a political term that attempts to mask and justify true racism.
Judy
October 5th, 2009
11:37 am
HEY TWON, whatever color, ghetto is not just black…got a problem get ovet it! Its a saying??? and germans do lutafisk.
Mel
October 5th, 2009
11:38 am
@Molly – Not so fast. I am DEFINITELY not from the South and I can tell you that you are WRONG in your thinking…..I do question why I moved here but you are incorrect.
Fletch
October 5th, 2009
11:38 am
I guess it is OK for memos to be sent out to stop a white mayor from being elected at all costs, but you refer to someone as “ghetto” you are a pariah. This is why the dem support across the board is plummeting – the double-standards are getting tiresome.
Maery
October 5th, 2009
11:38 am
Deal is “my” Congressional Rep. During the Bush fiasco, I wrote to him and asked why nothing was being done about the blatant disregard for the American people, regarding the war in Iraq the Scooter Libby incident and other issues. I asked his why Clinton was nearly impeached for lying to the American people about sex, but Bush could lie about anything he wanted, spend millions and millions on a war nobody wanted, etc. “MY” Congressional Rep wrote and chastised me, his constituent, and told me Bush knew what he was doing, and I should basically shut up and let him do his job – well he did his job, all over us. I would not vote for Deal even if he was running alone – he’s made enough money robbing North Georgia of decent and fair representation. Forgive any typos please, I do know how to spell.
Judy
October 5th, 2009
11:39 am
Hey Greg, which planet do you live on?
me
October 5th, 2009
11:39 am
Why do some ignorant and pitifully racist white folks always try to fend off their bigoted ways by using the childish excuse “Well, if he does it, we can do it too”……
Here’s the deal: stop being racist, race-baiting jerks and you won’t have a problem with most black people. And note to you: 99 percent of the black folks here in this country haven’t called white folks “cracker” and “honky” in decades. We all laugh at how y’all stupidly think that!
three jack
October 5th, 2009
11:39 am
Definitely pandering to his audience, or at least leadership of the Cherokee County Republican Party.
Or was he calling his own grandmother ‘ghetto’ since he immediately caught himself and moved to talking about her? Either way, Deal’s time on the political scene is done…he should have been prosecuted for the no-bid state contract he worked to maintain using the authority of his congressional office.
Fair and Balanced
October 5th, 2009
11:41 am
So is Deal saying his mother is a “ghetto grandmother”?
Judy
October 5th, 2009
11:42 am
OK Me, where have you been lately…..I’m new to the south and just heard that….HERE in Georgia!
Cracker!!! and not a cinnamon one either.
Me2
October 5th, 2009
11:45 am
I prefer the term “Trailer Trash” to “Ghetto Grandmother,” but let’s discuss it over a beer at Cracker Barrel.
Marcos
October 5th, 2009
11:46 am
So typical. But he represents the majority of voters in his district. And obviously they are as racist and ignorant as he is. And obviously he is a birther who is stupid enough to believe that President Obama was born in Kenya or some such idiocy. And to think, this moron could be our next governor.
Alex
October 5th, 2009
11:47 am
This is partisan nonsense……
Peter
October 5th, 2009
11:48 am
Gotta love this guy……..
” Hey I regret I opened my moth and said what I really meant ! ”
” Hey I forgot my White Hood today ! ” I guess that is really what he meant !
Marcos
October 5th, 2009
11:49 am
PLEASE! All of you people saying that “ghetto” does not refer to African Americans are too much! We all know what he meant so don’t try and educate us about the original meaning of the word. What ghetto meant 20, 30, 40 years ago is not what it means today and you know it. So quit being so duplicitous.
go to www.altshirt.com
October 5th, 2009
11:51 am
it takes a racist to call someone racist.. just give it up already!
Billy
October 5th, 2009
11:52 am
He is just a typical Georgia politician. I was surprised to read about how corrupt he is.
Antonio Roberts
October 5th, 2009
11:53 am
Politics as usual…People cant change what they are deep inside…I wouldnt call him racist, Ignorant is more like it. If it wasnt for the cameras in the room this comment would have never escaped the wall of the meeting area. His audience appeals to this sort of language. What can you do…well first off raise your child not to hate. Step 1
Fletch
October 5th, 2009
11:54 am
Hey ‘Me’ – you all sitting around laughing at white folks for using outdated racial slang is just sad.
He should have used a different term but I would be more upset that “ghetto” is universally synonymous with “black” than the fact that a Gubernatorial candidate used the term. By being upset about this, you are lending credence to that stereotype. You recognize that term and its implications – Deal didn’t create this issue, he referenced it. My biggest problem with the dems is their inate ability to attack small symptoms instead of actual problems.
Captain Midnight
October 5th, 2009
11:54 am
“Typical white person”
Reign
October 5th, 2009
11:56 am
Just like the N-word, ghetto is not only an African American term. The definitions for both of these words can be used when describing anybody that fits the description. Unfortunately, African Americans in American seem to carry the load for all of America’s ills so we tend to attach the words to them, but the descriptions can fit anyone. The use of these words are more ignorant than racist…most times.
Locke
October 5th, 2009
11:58 am
You lie!
Keith
October 5th, 2009
11:58 am
“Ghetto” or “thug” means black. So what? It’s not our fault that most blacks are thugs or don’t have money and live int the ghetto.
Judy-WHITE
October 5th, 2009
11:59 am
ghetto is ghetto I don’t see color involved? captain midnight…stupid!
Brenda
October 5th, 2009
12:00 pm
I have absolutely no respect for Karen Handel, John Oxendine or ANY of their staff. All I can say is “Look at the pot calling the kettle black”. There is PLENTY of dirt on both of them.
I have been to two rallies where they and their staff are present and they are nothing more than POLITICIANS lying to the constiuents.
Ray
October 5th, 2009
12:02 pm
Just when I thought GA couldn’t represent itself any worse, here comes the Imperial Wizard of North GA, Congressman Deal.
What’s sad is most of North GA is ghetto, they just don’t know it. They’re the white version – Trailer Park Trash.
Jasonh8@hotmail.com
October 5th, 2009
12:03 pm
Did you know Lestor Madox was a Democrat.
Did you know that Richard B Russel was a segrationist.
Did you know that Mayor Hartsfield was a segrationist but worked hard to maintain balance in the City of Atlanta.
Yes, the airport is named after Mayor Hartsfield ….neat how history works that way.
Did you know EVERYBODY was a Freakin’ segrationist in the first half of the 20th century.
Did you know that is is up to you….to walk into each room with an open mind.
Nonya
October 5th, 2009
12:03 pm
@ Grace: I’m a 33 yr old black female and I was LMAO after reading your comment…I actually KNOW a few grandmothers from the “hood” in their mid-to-late 30’s. Too funny!
ForReal
October 5th, 2009
12:04 pm
Ok, please allow me to step up to the soap box…..PEOPLE, since when is it that every single word with even a hint at “race” is offensive to a Black person? Yep, I said Black, mainly because of the fact that I don’t agree with the “African American” stance. If you want to be African American, first you should make sure that you are FROM Africa, not just your lineage. I guess I should be Irish, Scottish, German, Indian-American put that on your birth certificate! Also, just one more thing before I go….Why is it ONLY racism if it is towards a person of color? Racism happens EVERY DAY towards those of us that happen to be “Caucasian” also, probably more so but that will never be reported. It is 2009 already, are we EVER going to get over this???
Dudleydoright
October 5th, 2009
12:04 pm
Is that Ghetto White, Ghetto Black, or Ghetto Other as they come in all styles.
Chris
October 5th, 2009
12:06 pm
Nonya, that says a lot about you black folk. Pretty sad. Why do black woman have so many kids at such a young age? Are condoms too expensive or are they waiting for the government to give them to them for free?
eazy
October 5th, 2009
12:07 pm
The last thing we need in Georgia is another good ole boy at the helm. I personally beleive this is why the Ga State legislature does nothing or pass any worthwhile bills or laws. Then on top of that he has got rich of state and place family members in some real good spots. ask him what his brother would be doing if it wasnt for him. Then he play up to his constituants by using race based wording. Then the funny thing is when you here people say race has nothing to do with the whats going with the health care bill or politics in general. Well he just told on hisself. Then he need to goe. he needs not to be representing Gainesville in the House or Georgia as a head of state. I am sick and tired of theese backwoods politicians making our state look like we are still in the 60″s
Judy-WHITE
October 5th, 2009
12:08 pm
After just moving to the South, I have learned black people here think they rule, if you disagree with them they will talk over you and they are racist…. I never knew a racist until I moved here….and their all black
Stephen
October 5th, 2009
12:08 pm
It would help a lot of you misguided half wits to get some FACTS before you spout off at the mouth, you’re ignorance is showing. The “deal” that Mr.Deal has with the state DOES NOT INCLUDE A PENNY OF YOUR TAXES. All the fees paid to Mr. Deal’s business are paid by PRIVATE individuals and companies, NOT THE TAXPAYERS OF GEORGIA. His Service keeps dangerous cars off the road. Get over your ignorance first, then make an intelligent comment, PLEASE! As for his comment, the FACT is, we have ghettos in this state, duh, it’s a fact, not an opinion.
BPJ
October 5th, 2009
12:10 pm
The people railing about “the liberals” might want to notice that it’s Deal’s fellow REPUBLICANS
Dana Dane
October 5th, 2009
12:10 pm
Okay, White People? Listen up! Stop pretending that you DON’T KNOW that “ghetto” is the new euphemism for ni**er, okay?! When was the last time you heard of a white person described as ghetto????? And you can bet Nathan Deal knew WHO he meant to describe when he said it!
Born a poor black child
October 5th, 2009
12:10 pm
sorry, but the ghetto does not belong solely to the african-american’s there are many white folks, as well as others that have been born and raised in the ghetto, in Atlanta alone, there are num areas that 20 years ago were very nice and today you would go no where near after dark and vice versa…
q
October 5th, 2009
12:11 pm
“Ghetto” is a german word, used when Hittler had the people of the Jewish race gathered together in a concentrated area for containment and control. Public housing was started during the depression to give working Americans out of work a second chance to restart their lives. When public housing became a 3rd and 4th generation lifestyle for some, it became known again by the German term ghetto or getto, and the blue collar worker associated it with those still on public assistance. There are blacks in the ghetto’s, along with white, hispanic, asian and many other races. Ghetto is not exclusivly black, unless you stick the lable on your own back! I am American Indian (not Native American, for if you were born here, you too are Native), and I have family in the federal sponsered GHETTO.
BPJ
October 5th, 2009
12:12 pm
The people railing about “the liberals” might want to notice that it’s Deal’s fellow REPUBLICANS making a fuss over this.
And please don’t defame Mayor Hartsfield, who presided over the integration of many public facilities, and was very popular with black voters for that reason.
Nonya
October 5th, 2009
12:12 pm
Chris, I agree, it is very sad. But since I’m only one person who can’t speak for an entire race of people(BTW, young grandmothers come in all colors), I don’t think I’m qualified to answer your dumb-ass question. What you should probably do is go find a 36-yr-old grandmother (of any race) and ask her yourself. Let us know how that works out for you.
captain Lou Rawls
October 5th, 2009
12:13 pm
Enter your comments here: Why is it assumed that the ghetto grandmothers are Black. Are there no elderly white people that are poor and live in broken communities who want everything given to them? His point stands. Of course you should have to provide proof of citizenship to be given government funded health care and if there are people out there that cannot or will not go through the appropriate avenues to receive medical care on the states tab then so be it. Darwin anyone?
Will
October 5th, 2009
12:13 pm
Because he is a suspect moderate and pragmatist, Nathan Deal knows that he must campaign to the right of Handel and Oxendine to have any chance to dispel character attacks (pretty telling of the Georgia Republican base when being a pragmatist is the kiss of death for a politician), hence this type of racist language that is confused with “tough talk”.
Of course the problem with trying to run to the right to these two radical right wingers is that it is just about impossible. I don’t think there is anything to the “right” of these two American radicals!
The Snark
October 5th, 2009
12:14 pm
I don’t think there is any question about who Mr. Deal had in mind when he tossed off that comment about “those ghetto grandmothers.” That’s an little glimpse into an ugly, familiar old state of mind. You lost my vote, Mr. Deal.
Lisey P.
October 5th, 2009
12:14 pm
@ Judy – WHITE: First of all, learn the difference between “their” and “they’re” okay? And if all the racists you’ve known in GA have been black, then it is because you have, purposely, been trying NOT to recognize the others.
General Sherman
October 5th, 2009
12:16 pm
David @ 11:02. You are just an idiot!
Nativeson71
October 5th, 2009
12:17 pm
Ghetto is not the new word for N—-er…’urban’ is. LOLz
The last Boy Scout
October 5th, 2009
12:18 pm
For the whole world to see. This rascist biggot wants to be governor? Then his responce is,“I regret my choice of words and in no way meant to offend anyone.” Hell I am a white male and I was offended. This should at least put an end to the id debate It was developed to push out African Americans from the elections.
toggle
October 5th, 2009
12:19 pm
Sad comment while pandering to the base, but I can assure you that Nathan Deal is no racist.
Too bad that this comment may sink his campaign.
Pat
October 5th, 2009
12:22 pm
Shouldn’t that have been “Section 8 Grannies”? The former ghetto dwellers are now our neighbors in the suburbs – thanks to the taxpayers.
EB
October 5th, 2009
12:24 pm
Gotta disagree. If he had said something along the lines of “old, white trash crackers” in front of the Cherokee County GOP, it might be an even bigger story and prove that he’s a bigger idiot than suspected. Pretty funny that videographers caught him pandering to his base but, in the end, made him look like a fool.
No one with a firm grasp of reality expect Roy Barnes or any other Democrat to win, but the cast of Republican clowns running for governor is trying their best to make it interesting.
curt
October 5th, 2009
12:27 pm
No wonder southern politicians are perceived as idiots in the rest of the country. We keep electing corrupt bozos like Deal.
Greg
October 5th, 2009
12:28 pm
What is the point of trying to debate his intent and meaning in using that reprehensible term? Either you find offense in it, or you don’t. Vote accordingly.
SamE
October 5th, 2009
12:29 pm
why is everyone so dissillusioned? So your saying “Ghetto Grannies” don’t exist??? Please wake up People!!
Actually THINKS
October 5th, 2009
12:29 pm
To all of the African-American voters on here saying that “Deal lost my vote”. 95% of you were going to vote Democrat anyways, so he really didn’t lose anything from you.
HAH
October 5th, 2009
12:34 pm
I’m voting republican in the primaries just to vote against coxendine….I think I just found the perfect LOL throwaway vote candidate
It's a Ruger, thank you
October 5th, 2009
12:38 pm
It’s the truth; plain and simple. The truth hurts, that’s why we have all the libs stating that it’s racist. It is time here to call things as they are…a spade a spade, a hoe a hoe and I am talking garden inpliments here
Hollywould
October 5th, 2009
12:41 pm
Pat, you are dead on!!! Hud has invaded my neighborhood. I used to be proud of my ‘hood.
It is starting to look like the Ghetto. Can’t cut the grass/throw trash everywhere/ pants down to their ankles. Sorta like the pic in College Park in today’s AJC. Somebody help us!!!
TD
October 5th, 2009
12:43 pm
Actually Thinks – you are rude, stupid, and racist. What statistics do you have showing that 95 percent of the African-American voters on here are Democrat. Go Read a Book!
Mike
October 5th, 2009
12:45 pm
As always you have another local politician saying those buzz words and phrases that insinuate black folks are doing something wrong or illegal. The trick is to say it and then apologize. I dont expect anything different from these southern politicians or a lot of the people they represent. They seem to have this inherent problem when it comes to people who look a little darker than them. Its ok to blame all the ills in society on those other folks. Stop beating around the bush and call them what you and yours have said though out the last 400+ years. It is nothing new, it is what we dark people expect from you all.
Dokka Phill
October 5th, 2009
12:47 pm
He’s got my vote. Not for the comments, but because his back-stabbing crooked opponents were there secretly video-taping.
BS Aplenty
October 5th, 2009
12:47 pm
Barack Obama attended the Trinity United Church of Christ, Chicago, Illinois, for almost twenty years. Attended, taught, learned, worshipped and sang along with his wife and children until his abrupt resignation in May 2008. That resignation was brought about due to heightened national awareness of the “nature” of Obama’s congregation. A nature that was further brought into focus by unsavory sermon tapes of former TUCC minister, Jeremiah Wright. But for all the bluster and ignorance reflected in his sermons, Wright’s ranting from the pulpit only hinted at a deeper, more troubling truth about TUCC and Obama.
What is it that made TUCC such a political liability to the first African-American nominated by a major political party? The answer to that question lies in the doctrine and teachings of TUCC. In short, this congregation, unlike ANY other United Church of Christ church in the United States, adopted, endorsed and promotes the doctrine and teachings of one James H. Cone. Cone systematized what has been called black liberation theology as outlined in his two books, the first entitled, “Black Theology and Black Power” and a follow-on, “A Black Theology of Liberation”. These are the only two books sold by the Trinity United Church of Christ on its website. TUCC didn’t sell or give away the BIBLE on its website – a circumstance I found very telling.
The two books mentioned are, to say the least, “interesting” reads. “Black Theology and Black Power” is the seminal work on black liberation theology and “A Black Theology of Liberation” is a follow-on. Cone viewed his theology as, “…complete emancipation of black people from white oppression by whatever means black people deem necessary. So-called (white) Christianity, as commonly practiced in the United States, is actually the racist “Antichrist.” “Theologically,” Cone affirms, “Malcolm X was not far wrong when he called the white man ‘the devil’.” And, there’s more – much more – but you get the picture.
So there you have it, the principal doctrine endorsed and promoted by the Trinity United Church of Christ teaches the overtly racist sentiments of James H. Cone. The preaching and “ignorance”, as some say, of Wright is shown to be symptomatic of that larger racism. The entire TUCC congregation accepts the doctrine of Cone under the guise of a Christian church and Wright was just its mouthpiece. It’s the congregation, including Obama, which endorsed and promotes this racist doctrine.
ANY person or group that attempts to systematically demonize another group because of race is, by definition, RACIST.
After twenty years of commitment to TUCC, Barack Obama finally, cynically made a decision to leave. A decision his avid campaign supporter, Oprah Winfrey, made several years earlier as she cynically managed a business agenda of her own. One would have to be patently naïve not to understand the motivation behind both departures. Nor is it much of a political stretch to acknowledge the release of these sermon tapes focused attention on the fall-guy, Wright, while diverting a direct, and potentially, campaign-ending blow to Obama.
What one is left with after all the media lights have dimmed is this unsettling fact. For twenty years Barack Obama accepted the racist doctrine of his church – twenty years. And, only when this inconvenient truth was brought to national light did he decide that maybe that doctrine was no longer acceptable.
Ninety-five percent of African-Americans voted for Barack Obama having FULL KNOWLEDGE of his lengthy racist background. Now, this same black community whines that Nathan Deal made a generic reference to a “ghetto grandmother?”
Hypocrites.
DrinkSlinger
October 5th, 2009
12:54 pm
I think calling him a racist is a stretch. Really. He didn’t say Negro Grandmothers or Honky Grandmothers. He said Ghetto Grandmothers. Grandmothers who live in ghetto’s would be that, right?
Black Man's view
October 5th, 2009
1:00 pm
I did not see it as a racist comment. Ghetto is not associated with a race, Poor is not associated race, Underqualified is not associated with a race. Depending on Age grandmothers of any race in the south may or may not have a birth cert. He should have used better judgement in his choice of words but I do not understand how ghetto is a race. Are poor white people ghetto? Are poor blacks ghetto…nope they are both just classified as poor.
Jessica
October 5th, 2009
1:01 pm
Wonder how many times that video is going to be played when the Governor’s race really heats up! He did it to himself so he has no one to blame but himself. I don’t know if he is racist or not, but it doesn’t matter, PERCEPTION is everything in politics!! Deal or no deal! I say, “NO DEAL Howie!”