Subscribe to Breaking NewsWithers: Senator Inhofe calls new justice a racist
I’m stealing this from Ta-Nehisi Coates, who got it from fellow Atlantic Monthly writer Andrew Sullivan, who picked it up from Think Progress’ Ian Millhiser. Not exactly six degrees of separation but close enough for this morning. Here is Oklahoma Sen. Jim Inhofe coming to the support of former Sen. Trent Lott, when Lott said if the country had elected a segregationist for the White House we would have avoided so many headaches (like the Voting Rights Act).
“In an effort to honor the life and service of Strom Thurmond, Senator Lott made some comments that he probably wishes he had phrased differently. I do not believe Senator Lott meant to be malicious or racist with the comments he made. I believe he was merely honoring a great American on his 100th birthday [...] I do not believe he harbors racist sentiments in his heart.”
A few days ago, when talking about now Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the Oklahoma senator had this to say:
“There is no other way you can interpret [Sotomayor's "wise Latina" speech]. She thinks that a woman with her experience can make a better conclusion than a white male – and to me, I consider that racist.”
Oh and by the way, Inhofe is certain of what is in Sotomayor’s heart even though he never talked to her. This logical dissonance is no surprise because the senior Oklahoma senator has made a career of kookiness for votes (no wonder he loves him some birthers).
Inhofe also gets tongue tied when the topic comes close to LGBT stuff . Who can forget this line in 2006 during the Federal Marriage Amendment debate?
“I’m really proud to say that in the recorded history of our family, we’ve never had a divorce or any kind of homosexual relationship.”
Oklahoma brothers and sisters: what’s the deal with your elected officials?
gurls and girls …I’m not racist… I just get tired of the poor me I’m Latina …and it was Withers et al that brought up the Latina argument. If you are going to hide behind the poor me I’m Latina ,,,, then expect to be confronted on that issue.
Next time talk about a Soto as a person not a Latina woman……what does Latina or woman have to with what she does?
How do those things make her uniquelly qualified to do her job. Stop making a big deal out of that crap and I’ll stop making a big about it too!
@Bruce, I’m a white male. I definetly disagree with your views of “people of color” are racist to you. Nobody, needs to apologize to you. You may need to read the article several times over, before you let the crap seep out of your mouth. “Oh, poor me, I never get what I want, because I am white”. Please grow up, before posting on here again. Throughout history, America has been run by rich,racist,white men. Now that you’re starting to see color in the White House, you want to throw out the racist cards. I voted for Barack Hussein Obama, and I’m still damn pleased that I did. Although he hasn’t completed all of his promises, I still have faith in him. All of the people on this site that berade President Obama, are probably 98% white. So now, keep your mouth closed, and stick to just reading.
I stand by my comment; you incorrectly classify Latinos as racially separate from what you perceive to be your origins. Sweeping monolithic classification has historically been an argument for “otherness” from xenophobes.
I don’t owe you an apology.
Withered…. you account for 20% of the comments on yor own column LOL
Boys, gurls and bottoms….. please read my comments again; then think about what I said and then you may apologize for your rude inappropriate comments!
Has anyone considered the notion that a latina woman who grew up in the projects in abilities just might HAVE a broader range of experience and understanding than an pampered, privileged, conservative, rich, white male, which is what the Court has mostly been populated with since the Founders?
It’s impossible to defeat an ignorant man in an argument, but here goes:
Bruce :”Just because this person is a latina woman does not mean that she is not sexist towards men and racist towards whites.”
How MANY times does it have to be stated that Latino is NOT a race?? Are you of the Polish race, the Irish race, the English race, or the dense and ignorant race?
Bruce,
Could be women call you sexist because you write drivel like this:
“This is an argument brought forward by feminists, you know ugly women, and this argument is used to beat up men and dismiss their opinions as not valid.”
James
There is no other way you can interpret [Sotomayor's "wise Latina" speech]. She thinks that a woman with her experience can make a better conclusion than a white male – and to me, I consider that racist.”
I have had to deal with the “your a bad white man” because I’m a white male!
This is an argument brought forward by feminists, you know ugly women, and this argument is used to beat up men and dismiss their opinions as not valid.
I think this Senator, may have hit a nerve by calling and ace an ace and a spade a spade.
Just because this person is a latina woman does not mean that she is not sexist towards men and racist towards whites.
I get tired of being beaten up by people of colour because I am white or by women because I am male.
This Senator may have all kinds of flws but he may be absolutely correct in this instance!
I guess it takes one to know one. Why are we still reporting on Inhofe anyway. The guy is as far right and nutty as it gets. The sad thing is the majority of Oklahomans don’t seem to have a problem with this so they keep voting for these types.
“Clearly a closet case like Obama.”
Ha!Ha!Ha! Oh, please. Are you still peddling that hot mess?!?!?! You are just too fuuny! Thanks for the laugh. Give my best to Mr. Sinclair!
James
And he’s not a racist? Or sexist?
He’d totally know a racist when he saw one as he can speak from experience. One female politician telling it like it is and Mr. Man can’t handle it. Clearly a closet case like Obama. They both get too nervous around GLT issues.
Sounds like we need to do some rooting around and find some divorces and gay folk in the Inhofe family.
As a progressive gay Oklahoman, I am regularly embarassed by Inhofe and Coburn, but sadly they enjoy such electoral support that it is unlikely they will be voted out. They certainly do not represent all Oklahomans. At least on this he can grouse all he wants, she is still the next Justice.
Who cares what Inhofe says about Sotomayor. She won. But I find it arrogant that he says “I’m really proud to say that in the recorded history of our family, we’ve never had a divorce or any kind of homosexual relationship”. The kicker is that “recorded history of our family”. The last time I checked, down-low men don’t record their homosexual encounters. Contrary to popular belief, black men and latino men are not the only men practicing the “down-low” homosexual encounters. Oklahoma is home to one of the sleaziest gay hotel complexes in the United States. How dare he try to come off as holier than thou, LOL! The Joke is on you Senator Inhofe!