DNC Vice Mike Honda Calls on Sen. Allen to Apologize- "hateful rhetoric"

[bigtree]

8/16/2006 4:50:00 PM

DNC Vice Chair Mike Honda Calls on Senator Allen to Apologize for Derogatory Comments

http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=70855

Contact: Amaya Smith of the Democratic National Committee, 202-863-8148

WASHINGTON, Aug. 16 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Democratic National Committee vice chairman Rep. Mike Honda issued the following statement in response to derogatory remarks recently made by Virginia Republican Sen. George Allen to a staffer of his opponent who is of Indian descent:

"The offensive and racially-tinged comments made by Sen. George Allen have no place in our political debate, and have even less of a place in this great country of ours. As a third- generation Japanese American, I call on Sen. Allen to apologize to the young American staff person who is of Indian decent and to apologize to the Indian and Asian American community as a whole.

"Given Sen. Allen's past record of support for the confederate flag, a highly divisive and racially tinged symbol, his recent behavior once again highlights that he is clearly out of touch with a country that is becoming more racially and ethnically diverse.

"Democrats believe in an America that works for all Americans -- not just a select few. Dividing people along racial lines and using hateful rhetoric is never acceptable and should be strongly condemned. Not only is Sen. Allen's behavior not acceptable, but it is certainly unworthy of anyone who might consider themselves a potential contender for the highest office of the land."

[MysteryToMyself]

1. Some things are better left unsaid

Is it me or is there a willing group that seems to want to make other Democrats look bad? By action or by scathing contempt? One thing I know for sure is the Democrats are not racist. Unless it is some of the New Democrats. I would like to know what was said.

I have some Indian in my ancestry but I became numb about it, when cowboys and Indians were on TV all the time. I always rooted for the good guy which at that time, was always the cowboy.

Is this DNC the regular Democratic party? It says National Democrat Committee. Or is it the New Democrats?

It is getting confusing.

[warrens]

2. Allen is a Republican, not a Democrat

Hope that clears things up.

[bigtree]

3. you do sound a bit confused

*read*

*focus*

[AlCzervik]

4. the op tells you the background, you may want to re-read it.

[bigtree]

5. Allen's "macaca" comment remains top story in campaign

Associated Press
August 16, 2006

ARLINGTON, Va. -- {snip}

Democratic Senate candidate Jim Webb, after outlining his foreign policy views to the Arlington Kiwanis Club, told reporters that Allen "knew what he was saying" to Webb's staffer, S.R. Sidarth, who was recording Allen's speech in southwest Virginia.

Webb also said Allen was wrong to bully a young campaign volunteer, especially since Allen has used the same tactic of videotaping Webb appearances.

And Webb said he was particularly irritated that, during the video clip, Allen insinuates that Webb has never been to far southwest Virginia towns like Breaks, Va., where Allen gave his "Macaca" speech.

"I've spent a good part of my life going down there not because of politics but because I have family there," Webb said, noting that Sidarth had actually stayed the home of Webb family members the night before Allen's speech.

http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/virginia/dp-sou--senate-virginia0816aug16,0,4423377.story?coll=dp-headlines-virginia