Bakery Celebrates Obama With "Drunken Negro Head" Cookies.

[cali]

And where is this purveyor of racist baked goods located? Nope, not in Mississippi or Alabama but in Greenwich Village.

"The Lafayette French Pastry bakery in the Village is super trendy. Their cakes were used on Sex and the City! And, like every other trendo, they're showing Obama some love. With, um, "Drunken Negro Head" cookies.

Yes, the shop's owner Ted Kefalinos decided to make a batch of cookies with bleary red cherry eyes and oversized nose and lips and give them the charming, sunshiney moniker. To, you know, celebrate our new darker-hued President. Adding to the insult, his sales pitch reportedly included vaguely ominous insinuations of assassination. He supposedly said to one customer:

Would you like some drunken negro heads to go with your coffee? They're in honor of our new president. He's following in the same path of Abraham Lincoln; he will get his.

So, shit. A reporter from New York's Fox affiliate went on the scene ("Shame! Shame! Shaaaame!") and met with an unrepentant Kefalinos. He said that the cookies are "not unflattering," adding, "I think it's a fun face... And anyone who says anything else should be ashamed of themselves." Plus, you know, his brother-in-law is Cuban. So he can't be racist."

http://gawker.com/5137787/bakery-celebrates-obama-with-...

[rucky]

1. Pic...

[Cha]

164. That's all his little brain could come up with

to celebrate our New President. He may have been "trendy" but he just jumped the fucking shark.

[Skinner]

2. Click on the link and take a look at the photo.

If that's not racist, then I don't know what is.

[PeaceNikki]

7. Even worse, watch this interview with the owner

http://gawker.com/5137787/bakery-celebrates-obama-with-...

The bakery owner says he’s not prejudiced. ‘My brother-in law, he’s Cuban.

[Joe Chi Minh]

144. He's the only justification for keeping GITMO, I can imagine. Just for would-be

presidential assassins and their supporters (however dim).

[hvn_nbr_2]

54. OMG! And the ruffly white paper muffin cup that it comes in looks like a baby bonnet. nt

[TahitiNut]

112. It's racist. Further, it's hateful and threatening racism ...

... equal to the worst of the 50s and the Jim Crow era.

To my shame, if I witnessed someone throwing a brick into the window of his shop as a result, I seriously doubt that I would be able to recognize them in a line-up. I guess I'm not as "law-abiding" as I'd want to be. Oh well.

[lonestarnot]

138. I wouldn't recognize anyone that had to toss their cookies at his doorstep either, even where

customers have to walk through it to get into the store.

[Ex Lurker]

161. it's a hate crime. It wouldn't be legal in Canada and many other

countries more civilized than us.

[John Kerry VonErich]

124. It's almost as bad as...

those old school leather medallions with africa carved in and the colors in Africa, but this time Obama sketch was added.

[WolverineDG]

3. Where are the Drunken Whitey Cookies

oh wait....


dg

[proud2BlibKansan]

78. Yeah I was wondering where the drunk redneck cookies are

[mmonk]

162. Running the bakery.

[mod mom]

4. Shameful! There should be a boycott of his bakery.

[cali]

5. I imagine this move will hurt his business quite badly

and that would be satisfying.

[mod mom]

9. It would be nice to see a photo of protestors outside his bakery. Some patrons might not be aware.

[PeaceNikki]

13. He's asking customers if they want a "Drunken Negro Head" to go with their coffee.

On Tuesday he "renamed" them "Obama Heads".

And he told customers that Obama is following in the footsteps of Lincoln and "will suffer the same fate."

Fucking disgusting.

[TahitiNut]

113. "Fucking disgusting." .... yeah .. and then some.

[SOS]

46. Probably not necessary

This bakery is located in the Village.
Mr. Kefalinos just committed economic suicide.

[Stephanie]

48. I agree

He will be out of business in weeks if not sooner.

[Cha]

165. He must be out of his racist fucking

mind.

[Joe Chi Minh]

140. Absolutely. Make him rue his stupidity, if not his malice.

[lurky]

6. Words... not... coming... out...

If it's any consolation, I have a feeling this guy just put himself out of business. Not to mention all the pissed-off people who are going to show up at his shop now. If I worked there, I would be scared to come in.

[TahitiNut]

114. Well, if *I* worked there ... I WOULDN'T

No way. No how. Talk about a "toxic" work environment. I have NEVER put up with that kind of shit. Ever.

[Frustratedlady]

8. This is sick. I hope he sinks. I'll bet he'll be the first one at the welfare window if he does.

People like this make me sick. When will it end?

[ColbertWatcher]

92. I'm afraid this is the baker's idea of "advertising."

He's just not advertising to you or me (or anyone who isn't racist).

[sandyj999]

10. Seeing he is so creative he should make one in the shape of an ass and call it a self-portrait. n/t

[The Doctor.]

133. nominated!

Hehehe.

[Irishonly]

11. I couldn't find an email address

but there is a face book page

http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-York-NY/LAFAYETTE-FRE...

[Carni]

56. I can't post a comment--am I stupid here or what?

I just went to the facebook page...signed in and I for the life of me cannot find a place to post a comment on his wall about what a JACK ASS I think he is.
Did they disable comments or what am I doing wrong here?

[Maine-ah]

12. lookin' for help....

http://www.yelp.com/biz/lafayette-french-pastry-bakers-...


you can also rate them here, plenty of comments too.

[Starry Messenger]

15. Ah, thank you!

(off to go Yelp)

[dixiegrrrrl]

18. You are cleverly helpful...thank you.

trotting off to Yelp...( who knew?)

[proud2BlibKansan]

83. The yelp comments are 99% negative.

you're so smart, you just put yourself out of business, congrats.

the most delicious boycott i'll ever taste!

this bakery should be in alabama, lynchings included with a nice cookie!

I hope this place loses all customers and has to close.

Do not eat here. He sells 'Drunken Negro Head' cookies as a 'tribute' to President Obama.
In other words, owner is a racist who won't support the president.

I went to this charming little bakery and they had these HILARIOUS "drunken negro" cookies. The owner/operator was such a clever and charming individual - a real artist. Too bad they gave me hepatitis

Drunken Negro ( aka the "N" word) cookies" in honor "of the country's first Black President???????????? . This guy isn't a genius. He's a pathetic racist trying to get under people's skin. I won't be putting my hard earned money in this loser's pocket. Thank God for Arnold Diaz. I wouldn't have known about his idiot otherwise.
P.S. The " Dead Geese" bread isn't too far behind in terms of being insensitive and offensive. This guy is a loser from start to finish. That much is clear.

I haven't tried your bakery, but your "Drunken Negro Head" cookies are truly tasteless. What were you thinking? I feel sorry for you because you had an opportunity to apologize on TV and you still don't think you did anything wrong!
Were you drunk when you came up with the idea? Were you drunk when you made them? They look like someone took a dump and then let a child decorate it. You call that art? It's crap.
You better start thinking about another career, I don't think your current business is going to last through the winter. Good luck buddy.

[Cha]

166. Yay! Thanks for posting, Proub2Blib.

If there were an award for the most clever way to advertise one is damn idiot just itchin' to put himself out of business ..this New Yorker gets it.

[Lorien]

132. Excellent!

Let karma bite him in the ass.

[babylonsister]

14. Video/pics here. I hope SJParker gets irate...

http://thinkprogress.org/2009/01/23/drunken-negro-head-...

[goforit]

16. There 's gonna be an "outa-business" sign on the door in no time. Keep track folks

[Liberal_in_LA]

17. wow... in less than 24 hours people have taken this guys restaurant rating into the toilet.

check it out here.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/lafayette-french-pastry-bakers-...

Apparently this is the guys Craigs listing. unbelievable.

anyone looking for a job? check out this craigslist posting:

http://newyork.craigsl ...

Part-time Bakers Assistant Needed at Lafayette French Pastry (Greenwich Village)
Reply to: see below
Date: 2009-01-23, 3:08PM EST

Lafayette French Pastry bakery located at 26 Greenwich Avenue is seeking a Part-time bakers assistant.

Responsibilities:

- Assist in the day to day running of the business: open and close, count the register.

- Help bake "Funny Drunk Negro" cookies, as they have become a hot seller and we need to continuously keep output high.

- Help come up with new controversial cookie ideas.

- Answer the phones and take orders.

Please contact Ted Kefalinos at [phone] or stop by 26 Greenwich Avenue between Charles and West 10th street.

[Stephanie]

22. OMG - I thought I was reading about Louisiana until I realized this is right in my neighborhood!

This place is a few blocks from here, I've walked by it a million times (never bought anything). I might have to take a little stroll this afternoon.

[Liberal_in_LA]

24. please don't come home with a bunch of 'drunken negro head' cookies.

[Stephanie]

27. I'm coming home with the head of that racist, asshat baker.

You can bet there will be a spontaneous boycott of this POS store.

[firedupdem]

52. Thank you Stephanie....Thank You! n/t

[Name removed]

61. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Harry Monroe]

147. And WHY would the first state to come to mind be Louisiana??

I am a native New Orleanian and I went to college for 4 years on Long Island NY. Believe me, I saw as much racism, if not more in the Northeast as I ever did growing up in the south. Please don't act all high and mighty and think racism doesn't exist in your neck of the woods and think your "shit doesn't stink" to put a crude point on it.

[Stephanie]

149. Oh chill. The name Lafayette made me think it was Louisiana

For about five seconds until I realized it was in NYC. You'll note below someone saw Greenwich and thought for a moment it was a bakery in CT.

[Harry Monroe]

150. I also saw Greenwich and I did not immediately think of the Royal Observatory in Greenwich England!

So, a story about blatant racism and you're conditioned to think first about Lafayette, Louisiana?? Why not think that it may happened in a bakery near Lafayette Park Washington DC?? Or Lafayette Indiana, Lafayette Colorado or Lafayette California?? Face it, your bias against the South is showing as evidenced at your kneejerk reaction to think of Louisiana first.

[Stephanie]

156. Your attacks are not giving me a favorable impression of the South

That's for sure. Defensive much?

[Harry Monroe]

157. My attacks??

WTF?? I'm not attacking you but simply calling you out. Can you acknowledge that there is as much racism in your part of the country as there is in mine?? It is not endemic to one part of the country you know. I was just offended that the first thing that crossed your mind was Louisiana when Lafayette was mentioned. I know of many other Lafayettes in other states, yet Louisiana was the first state that you thought of. Why?? Did you have a bad racial experience with Louisiana and Lafayette in particular or are you just stereotyping us all down here in the South? I freely admit that there is plenty of racism to go around here in the South. Can you say the same thing about your part of the world?? Maybe I seem too sensitive on the subject, but I've lived in the South and North and believe you me, the South had NO monopoly on racism and ignorance!!!

[Stephanie]

158. I have no interest whatsoever in debating with you.

You're a bore.

[Harry Monroe]

159. Oh you're one of those huh??

Think you're superior to others when called on it?? I was just wondering why you were conditioned to automatically think of the South when you read or hear something on racism??

[Yukari Yakumo]

55. Apperantly they weren't that good to begin with.

One 5 star rating and two 2 star ratings. The lone 5 star rating is from 2007, while both 2 star ratings are from 2008.

[varelse]

19. WTF

seriously...



"not unflattering"



Uh, Mr. Kefalinos? Hello - they aren't exactly flattering - to YOU or to your business.

[etherealtruth]

20. WTF?

Sometimes there is no adequate response to that level of idiocy.

[Gold Metal Flake]

21. R for more eyeballs.

It's good when the racists among us reveal themselves. it allows us to make an informed decision about where we want to spend our money.

[Stephanie]

23. Who here is in NYC?

Who wants to take a walk with me this afternoon?

[Cheap_Trick]

28. Release some cockroaches into the place and then call the Dept. of Health

or whoever....

[mt13]

41. no need...

just print these reports from the NYC Department of Health and post them on his front door:

LAFAYETTE FRENCH PASTRY BAKERY
26 GREENWICH AVENUE, MANHATTAN 10011
212-242-7580

Violation points: 7

Inspection Date: 03/28/2008

Violations were cited in the following area(s) and those requiring immediate action were addressed.

Sanitary Violations
1.) Facility not vermin proof. Harborage or conditions conducive to vermin exist.
2.) Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility's food and/or non-food areas.

09/27/2006
26 GREENWICH AVENUE, MANHATTAN 10011
Inspection Date: 09/27/2006
Violation points: 7

Violations were cited in the following area(s) and those requiring immediate action were addressed.
Sanitary Violations
1.) Cooked or prepared food is cross-contaminated.

http://167.153.150.32/RI/web/detail.do?method=detail&re...

edited to give credit where credit is due!
thanks to Kate B. for finding this out:
http://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=hEsy_mSY7i50OCu...

[varelse]

65. Facility not vermin proof.

Well hell, if it were, the owner wouldn't be able to come in to work!

This is stupidity to a degree that hurts. I'm actually feeling mental pain from pondering this bonehead move.

Oh, and THEN there's the fact that it's blatantly and unapologetically racist.

[mt13]

68. ha ha ha ha ha!

you nailed it: totally stupid and definitely racist! What amazes me is that i believe this guy thought no one would notice!

[Vanje]

126. Sanitary Violations! I wish I could rec a single post! nt

[The Doctor.]

134. I just read that as "sanity violations".

Meh... it's late.

[Stephanie]

25. Okay, I just invited 200 Facebook friends to pay him a visit

I'm pretty sure it's going to be a scene when we get there.

[Celebration]

32. Take some pics and video and report back n/t

[babylonsister]

34. You go, girl! Stir it up! He so deserves it! nt

[Stephanie]

35. It's just so galling that he would do this in New York

At first read I never imagined it would be located here.

[babylonsister]

37. I was shocked at the location, too. I hope the guy suffers for his ignorance. nt

[blondeatlast]

42. Post here as well if you can or you can find me thru both DU groups on FB. nt

[rvablue]

97. Sweet! Keep us posted. What a dumbass this guy is!

As if NYers in the W. Village aren't going to speak up and hold him accountable for this outrage!

Good for you. Let us know what happened.

[liberalhistorian]

118. Stephanie, I just joined Facebook

a couple months ago, how can I help out with that? (I'm still learning the site, actually).

This level of hateful racist stupidity is beyond even a Facepalm. Can't wait to see the fucker go out of business. I can't believe he'd even consider such a thing, let alone in New York City, let alone the Village. I sure do wish I were in NYC this afternoon instead of SD, I'd be enjoying a "walk" right now.

[supernova]

26. Spectacular flameout

for this nimrod.



I predict a going out of business sale and a site auction of all the bakery equip in the next six months.


What a jackass!!

[Liberal_in_LA]

33. I think his business is going to suffer immensely. He's definitely not going to get anymore movie

business.

[Alcibiades]

98. And it claims to be a Louisiana bakery

That guy does not sound like he's from any part of Louisiana.

A welcome departure from all those "let's bash the rednecks in the south" threads. He's set a new standard for bad taste with his cookies.

[liberalhistorian]

119. Oh, rednecks are not by any means and in any

way limited to the south. Not at all. I've lived in both Ohio and SD, and there are more than enough of them, especially in Ohio.

[Alcibiades]

160. Oh, I know that

Been to something like 45 out of 50 states. I wasn't talking about my perception of rednecks in the south, but the one sometimes voiced here that the south is chock full of rednecks. It is, but that's not the only kind of person we have, and some of them are good folks anyway.

Ohio certainly has more than its fair share--as do Michigan and Indiana.

[Stephanie]

29. Rec the thread, friends.

Let's get this out in the light of day for all to see.

[blondeatlast]

30. Shut the bastard down for good!

Disgusting, and hate-filled are the only words that work here.

[cali]

31. Ignorant? No, just malicious and hateful I won't give him the benefit

of "ignorance".

[blondeatlast]

36. You are correct and I've edited. nt

[Cirque du So-What]

38. 5th rec

I hope those who bloviate about the 'racist South' keep this incident in mind the next time they see fit to issue a blanket condemnation of that region of the country. No area is immune from racism - NOT ONE!

[Pryderi]

39. He needs to be shut down.

[Stephanie]

40. Have no doubt that will happen

This store is in the heart of the West Village. We don't tolerate this crap.

[Pryderi]

43. His racism was unknown until now?

[Stephanie]

45. It's a big city. I've never shopped in this place, just walked by.

If you watch the video however one neighbor says the guy has always been an asshat.

[lightningandsnow]

44. What. The. Hell.

[Stephanie]

47. I just sent it to the president of the Village Independent Democrats

Hopefully it will go out on their mailing list. This will not stand.

[mt13]

69. you are good...

nice work!

[Lisa0825]

49. Post on his facebook page...

Irishonly posted the link above. Here it is again: http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-York-NY/LAFAYETTE-FRE...

There is a discussion on the cookies there, but only 3 posts so far.

[blondeatlast]

50. Done with an appeal to my FB friends as well. nt

[Carni]

57. I could not post--do you have to be his friend to comment?

I have a facebook page but I have no idea what I am doing (like my myspace page)

I signed in but couldn't figure out how to post on his wall.

[Lisa0825]

59. No, you do not have to be a friend to post in the discussion.

I was not a friend, and had no problem. Did you see the discussion? I'll post the direct link. I think it is different from posting on a wall.

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=28482116792&topic...

[Carni]

60. Thank you

I am an idiot when it comes to these networking sites!

[blondeatlast]

71. You'll need to verify your membership by typing those strange-fonted words;

for some reason the "post" button was not working for me and I went in thru my own FB page.

[Carni]

73. I was able to add my two cents at the direct link

I would have liked to have said more than I did (believe me!)

[devilgrrl]

62. One of those posts lauds the racist tone

[Stephanie]

63. it's tongue in cheek

he's mocking him

[devilgrrl]

66. Will you friend me if I PM my facebook profile to you?

[chatnoir]

168. Oh that Philly guy who's "Temple Faculty"?

Whiskey. Tango. Foxtrot.

Beyond belief.


on edit: ooops, nevermind! missed stephanie's post vis-a-vis mockery.

[firedupdem]

51. Sometimes this stuff makes me really angry and other times it

just makes me cry. I just hate it. What is wrong with these people?

[DeschutesRiver]

129. Feel the same way sometimes. There is a silver lining of sorts.

I've come to the conclusion that it is far better for this racist crap to be out in the open. There are more racists out there than I'd realized, and it is not only the black/white type. Being quiet about it hasn't ended it at all. Some people are absolutely howling, barking mad with their racist conspiracies and mythologies about their particular racial targets.

At least this way, I am learning in my own area/state which businesses/people to avoid, instead of helping them earn their livings or make social contacts that are useful. In the past, it turns out that I have done many a good turn for and bought things at quite a few businesses where my contact was so superficial and light that I had NO idea the level of racism they held.

Obama's election has some of them frothing in public now, where they used to do it in private, and I accordingly find other places to do busines. Or am able to speak up and say what I think, if I am subjected to them spouting about their racism.

If I can't change it, at least I can keep speaking out about it and marginalize them as much as I can. Have to know who they are in order to avoid them, so Obama's election is helping much in my effort to rid these formerly closet/quiet racists from my life.

[Carni]

53. Someone in my mail just sent me this same link--disgusting!

Actually disgusting doesn't cover it.

I don't know what to say about this but I am appalled.

[backscatter712]

58. Stay classy!!! n/t

[aikoaiko]

64. It doesn't even look like a tasty cookie.

idiot.

[Deja Q]

67. Vila. Absolutely vile.

And Cubans can be racist too. So can black people. So can anybody. One's nationality doesn't give a free pass when it comes to racism. Unless one goes to a country that practices racism and jails anti-racism activists - in which case it's fight or conform while visiting their country.

[tandot]

70. Isn't that a threat that the Secret Service should know about?

"He's following in the same path of Abraham Lincoln; he will get his."

[J-Lo Biafra]

72. I'll take millions of hopeful people over stories about one asshole any day.

Can't believe this kind of crap still goes on in 2009.

[Stephanie]

74. Well he is sorry.

His explanations aren't very plausible but he maintains he didn't realize he was doing something offensive. He says he thought Negro was an okay word to use. He said he never used the "N word" and that the girl was mistaken. "Why would I do that?" he said. He said he made 24 cookies, that he was trying to come up with something to celebrate MLK (!!!) day and since people would be celebrating that's why he said "drunk". I don't really buy his story but he appears contrite now. He says he's done many interviews and apologized. There was only one customer while we were there, an older lady who probably had no idea what happened. The cookies are gone, of course. He claims he's had phone threats. Some people outside stopped to see if this was the place and shake their heads, but no protestors or anything like that. He's paying the price, his business will never be the same.

[all.of.me]

75. Yeah, he's sorry. Now he needs to apologize. :) nt

[cali]

76. I haven't an ounce of sympathy for him

it was ugly and racist. Tough shit if he goes out of business.

[Stephanie]

77. Agreed

[devilgrrl]

81. This is a guy who posted a picture of W on his cash register "Who's Your Daddy Now NYC"

Sorry my ass. He knew exactly what he was doing.

[Stephanie]

82. I think you're right

But he's definitely not the sharpest knife in the drawer. We talked with him for a while. I was surprised there weren't protestors out front.

[EFerrari]

96. Yeah, he did. When you call out bigots, they always don't know,

then they made a one time mistake, then they apologize. Fuck him.

[Stephanie]

100. Here's the update from Gothamist >

http://gothamist.com/2009/01/23/greenwich_village_baker...

UPDATE: We just spoke with Kefalinos on the phone and he remains utterly oblivious, telling us, "This whole thing was blown out of proportion." He says he's sold out of the "Drunken Negro Cakes" and doesn't plan to make anymore, despite the fact that many customers have been requesting them (he claims). When asked whether he understands that most African-Americans find the word "negro" offensive, Kefalinos explains, "It's a French word. It comes from the French."

Community Board 2 was quick to call for a boycott of Lafayette French Pastry, to which Kefalinos responds, "I'm sorry they feel that way because I was trying to do a nice thing." Not seeming to grasp in any way the degree of outrage he's sparked, he added, "I did it and that's the end of it and it's over."

[devilgrrl]

105. It's a French Word!

He just gets more ridiculous every time he opens his mouth. I wonder if he made cookies to mock the French when the whole "Freedom Fries" thing was going on.

Jesus, what a dolt!

[DeschutesRiver]

128. Then someone should ask this phony what the french phrase is

for the sentiment that just like Lincoln, he will get his too. I think the assassination reference was probably more offensive than the pretense of speaking proper french by saying "Negro."

He is sorry that people got cheesed off at him, and his business has obviously slowed enough that he made a pretend apology.

[kenny blankenship]

103. Sorry doesn't really cut it sometimes.

[Stephanie]

104. Yep

But it's about all he can say. He seems to feel sorry for himself as well.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

127. backpedallllllllll !!!!

ooopss, I was just joking! I didn't mean anything bad!! You just don't understand...

third grade mentality. He will get the effect for his actions.

The time for childishness is over.

[lynnertic]

135. He's sorry - its over - hence the Craigslist ad?

where he advertises for part time help making the funny cookies? because they're a hot number?

NY Scores +1 for public shaming.

[CLANG]

137. I guess I have to agree with him

If he would have called them Drunken African-American Face cookies this never would have happened!

[beac]

79. K&R for more eyeballs on this racist POS. n/t

[Waiting For Everyman]

80. Eeuuww... who would want to eat anything this guy made?

If he thinks this is appropriate on this level, I wonder what else he thinks is alright while baking?

[varelse]

86. Funny you should mention that

it crossed my mind as well. I don't see this as a forgivable mistake - it really is an outrage. Especially the oblique reference to the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. "Sorry" just doesn't cover it.

[Stephanie]

84. Here's the follow up story >

Video at link:

http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/090123_Baker_of_Racist_...

[PeaceNikki]

87. Insane. He's sorry *NOW* because he got called out and it's hurting business.

I hope he goes under.

[Stephanie]

89. I have no doubt he'll go under

His story doesn't make sense and he seems to think he's the victim.

[PeaceNikki]

90. Am I reading it correctly that you went there today and spoke to him?

[Stephanie]

91. Yes I just got home from there

We went in and he came out from the back and talked to us. He's had a lot of 'splainin to do the last few days. He said he's tired of talking. His explanation for why he did it is completely implausible but he's sticking to his story. There's already a boycott organized in the neighborhood and I doubt he'll last long. He's sorry he did it but he's also sorry Fox did the interview and brought attention to it. He claimed that Fox did a retraction but I just watched the vid (linked above) and it's simply not true. He did apologize, however. He told us he was sorry.

[PeaceNikki]

93. hmm

Well, I hope he is sorry. I don't wish harm to his person or property, but I don't wish success to someone who could ever justify such a thing.

[Stephanie]

94. As I said above, he's no Rhodes Scholar

He's basically just a dumbass and now he's very sorry but he's equally sorry he got called out on it.

[devilgrrl]

101. A dumbass that hangs a picture of Bush in his store.

And insinuates that Obama go the way of Abraham Lincoln... yep, that's one serious dumbass.

[Stephanie]

102. He'll be out of business soon

I feel sure

[TahitiNut]

125. Racism and ignorance are highly correlated.

Some things don't change and the notion that "most (decent) folks agree" seems to be common with racists. They really seem to have no sense of how they're more and more on the fringe. It may have something to do with how few friends they have and how "birds of a feather" create their own little echo chamber ... creating a 'world view' that's consistent with their own petty bigotries and hatreds. It's bizarre. It's been this way as long as I remember ... back to the Jim Crow days in the South. The perpetuation of such views depends on convincing others that there's enough credence in it that the non-bigot fears ostracism for speaking out. It used to work, too. Moreover, it was even accepted by many vocal advocates for civil rights that they were in some minority - in part due to the silence of so many. Indeed, it's especially in this regard that I am filled with joy that we FINALLY, as a whole nation, made it clear on November 4th that such attitudes are despicable, fringe attitudes -- that it's NOT some "silent majority" sharing such vile, racist perspectives. Thank God!

[Joe Chi Minh]

142. More likely just the latter. Why would he suddenly change the imbecilic assumptions of

a life-time - just when his busines is boycotted?

[proud2BlibKansan]

106. Is he sorry he lost money or sorry he is a racist asshole?

[Stephanie]

109. He's sorry he made the cookies and he's sorry he was caught

He claims they were made in innocense but his story doesn't make sense. He has a tortured explanation of why he came up with Drunk for the cookies (people would be celebrating!) and an implausible explanation for why he thought it was okay to call them Negro (thought the word was okay). It's all BS but he did apologize. I can't say he admitted it was racist, but he was sorry he did it. He is also sorry Fox put it on TV. And now he's feeling he's the victim and everyone's ganging up on him. He's had phone threats. Well yeah, people are mad. I think when I went over there I assumed the cookies would still be there but they are long gone. He did voluntarily come out to talk with us about it. He did his best to apologize. Does he really get it? Dunno. Doubt it.

[liberalhistorian]

121. Racists always think they're the "victim" when called out

or when suffering the consequences of their racism and racist actions. It's never their fault, it's always the fault of the group they're racist against. If only that group didn't exist or didn't get so sensitive to people's god-given right to hate them, then there'd be no problem; that's how they think. Fucking pathetic assholes.

[EFerrari]

95. Someone that stupid should be nowhere near a kitchen.

[CitizenPatriot]

85. i wrote that sick person and i hope he gets arrested by the ss

"What started with your "Drunken Negro" cookies as poor taste, bad judgment, and willful ignorance about appropriate social behavior has now escalated into threatening the President of the US.

The "Drunk Negro" cookies you are selling (that you renamed "Obama" cookies) speak for you, sir. Thus, your claim that you are not racist because your brother in law is Cuban is confusing, at best.

Being accused of being a racist should be the least of your worries, as your wish that President Obama "go the way of Lincoln" makes you a threat to the security of this country."

[RadiationTherapy]

88. Hahahaha... red eyes!

That is some racist shit right there!

[wildeyed]

99. Under the heading of what on earth was was he thinking.

Idiot. And in the Village, too.

[marshall]

107. Racists are everywhere

Not just in the south--there's plenty of them crawling around Greenwhich Village too.

[Lisa0825]

108. Apparently it's not the only time he's referred to assassination....

From the comments at Gothamist.com

http://gothamist.com/2009/01/23/greenwich_village_baker...

When I saw this story I knew who it referred to without even seeing the video (though I did watch the video). I stopped into his bakery two months ago - in an effort to support "the little guy" and not Balduccis, Citarella, etc. - and he immediately began a Limbaugh-esque tirade about Obama (in his nasally way), and he wondered openly about who he thought would assassinate him ("Maybe it'll be an Asian guy, like Virginia Tech"). I was stunned, and quite honestly couldn't tell if it was a put-on or not. He seemed like he could very well be mildly retarded. Truly one of the weirdest encounters I've had during the eleven years I've lived in NYC. I would completely encourage a boycott of the place, except it'll probably ruin his business and he'll end up with a LOT more free time on his hands to think his delusional yet very real thoughts about killing the President, or any other non-white person that crosses his path.

[Stephanie]

111. Wow.

So he thinks he's pulling a fast one with these BS apologies. I think the boycott is already on. He can't last.

[meuniermr]

131. I have quoted the articles

and emailed my local USSS Office about this.

[Natalya Slosky]

143. The Secret Service needs to be on to this guy.

He is more than some idiot racist business owner; he has made threats to assassinate the President of the United States. People like this make me fear for Obama's life.

[Stevenmarc]

110. This tops the list of bad marketing concepts

[Lisa0825]

115. Is there a Darwin award for business?

[cali]

116. I was thinking earlier that he's committing business suicide by cookie.

[mmonk]

163. Yes, a sweet death.

[Gwendolyn]

117. Eeeks.. guess I'll have to update my profile. Never did fit in.

I was only there on work furlough. You can't imagine what it's like to live amongst the unabashed, non-aware. Going to the grocery store with a bunch of very wealthy ladies who don't understand that it's not okay to bash your cart into those of others because they are in your way.

I suppose he was just being an idiot trying to respond to his market, but even though those women might feel what he says... it isn't okay to verbalize it. At least, not in public. And, well, just goes to show that minorities are just as bigoted as the majority. There are some mainstream welcoming people, others who just aren't and never will be. I wish Duers would understand that.

[cali]

120. huh? believe me his market is not comprised of people who this sort of shit

would appeal to. This is the Village.

And yeah, I can imagine what it's like to live among the folks you live among. I grew up in New Canaan, and most of my family lives in the area still. And he's not a minority.

Your post makes no sense.

[Gwendolyn]

123. Lol Cali, you're right. I read Greenwich.

Somehow glossed over village. Maybe it just didn't compute that this could even happen in NYC and just assumed it twas the other place. And btw, didn't grow up with those people at all. It was total culture shock when I got there and thankfully am out.

[Natalya Slosky]

122. This is just unbelievable.

It's sad that in 2009, there are still people like this out there. I predict this guy will be in an unemployment line within the next month.

[bertman]

130. Somebody should ask him to bake a "Decapitated bakery shop owner head" cookie

and see if he thinks that's funny.

[CLANG]

136. There goes the business!

And after his livelihood tanks, what respectable bakery or restaurant will hire him? Don't you just love it when these racists expose themselves to the world? Probably all their friends are racist white folk, so they begin to think it's some common, acceptable view. That's the point where they expose themselves. I hope people in NYC keep us posted on his demise. Barack is President AND a racists asshole is exposed? Priceless!

[PerpetuallyDazed]

139. No crap!

This is career SUICIDE! In Greenwich Village?? Whodathunkit?

[Batgirl]

145. no worries: Rush, Hannity and O'Reilly are in a bidding war

over his services as personal pastry chef.

[Stevenmarc]

141. I just like to know ..where are the Drunken Phony Cowboy Cookies

[Harry Monroe]

146. Racist as hell

But it also looks like Mr. Potato Head, albeit a very racist Mr. Potato Head

[Catshrink]

148. I'd love to see President Obama pop in for a visit to his bakery.

What would be the reaction? Of course, I don't think President Obama would order a cookie, but he might go for a slice of pie.

[Liberal_in_LA]

151. I don't advise people of color purchase food from folks with that much hate inside. Might getting a

serving of spit on the side.

[NashVegas]

153. No - Catshrink Is Right

Peaceful confrontation is the best way to go. Always.

[Catshrink]

154. The racist baker would probably crap his drawers

to see President Obama walk through his door.

[NashVegas]

152. How Unfortunate

This is just so not cool.

[Neecy]

155. sick. Utterly sick.

[Liberal_in_LA]

169. I'm glad this thread is still alive.

kick!

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

167. The ONLY thing this idiot can do to save himself and his business

is admit that he is the biggest dickhead in the world - he has shamed his friends, his family, his neighborhood, his profession, his customers,his country and of course, most of all HIMSELF.

And then proceed to donate some large part of his gross income for the forever future to some extremely worthy local/and or national group that works to eradicate hate and ignorance.

Aside from that, he is done.

[Yukari Yakumo]

170. No, that won't work.

His only hope is to pack up, move to somewhere else, and hope no one recognizes him.

[Liberal_in_LA]

171. He needs to become the silent partner. Put the bakery in someone else's name, stay in the back baki

baking. Don't show his face for a couple of years.

[Pryderi]

172. Any updates?

[Stephanie]

173. I've searched a little and haven't found anything new.

I'll take walk by there next weekend and see if he's still open.