• This is a political forum that is non-biased/non-partisan and treats every person's position on topics equally. This debate forum is not aligned to any political party. In today's politics, many ideas are split between and even within all the political parties. Often we find ourselves agreeing on one platform but some topics break our mold. We are here to discuss them in a civil political debate. If this is your first visit to our political forums, be sure to check out the RULES. Registering for debate politics is necessary before posting. Register today to participate - it's free!

Can one be open regarding his"Racist" beliefs without consequences?

F

FrankieM

Member
Joined
Dec 20, 2016
Messages
74
Reaction score
7
Location
Orlando, FL
Gender
Male
Political Leaning
Independent
Carl Paladino, a Trump Support, Says Racist Remarks About President Obama and Michele Obama (First Lady)

Story:
The New York Times has a story on Carl Paladino saying racist remarks about the Obamas. Mr. Paladino comments we're in response to a survey asking what you like to see "go away in 2017?" Mr. Paladino meant to send his remarks to friends via email. Instead, he sent it to Artvoice ( a weekly newspaper based in Buffalo, New York) which published his remarks. Mr. Paladino is now backpedaling because of the reaction from his community. Mr. Paladino has apologized for his for his remarks and believes he corrected his mistake.
I believe, Mr. Paladino intentionally sent his response to Artvoice to express his frustrations about the Obamas publicly. The questions are Can one be open regarding his racist beliefs without consequences? Does racism impact society?

My Thoughts:
It's not a crime if you are racist. If Mr. Paladino chooses to be racist, he can. I learned from an early age that I have to get along with others even though I did not like that person. And that's the fact! If I choose to be racist, I can. And what's wrong with racism? It "does not matter" what others think about me. It's my self-concept of who I am which matters.


Let's go with the hypothetical. Let's say I hate black people. Let's say you hate Cubans. Let's say your next door neighbor hates Germans. How can we as a society police each other core beliefs? And what's the difference between racism and hate? What is the difference between Malcolm X and Carl Paladino?


There's not a magic pill that can solve this problem. But at least we can take responsibility for our actions. And that's all we can do.

Carl Paladino apologizes to 'minority community' for Obama remarks; explains motivation -


http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/27/nyregion/carl-paladino-michelle-obama.html


220px-Paladino_Gubernatorial_2010.jpg
 
Last edited:
It's not a crime, nor should it be a crime simply to be "racist". I don't really see many people advocating for it to be a crime.

However, things aren't just "crime or not crime" on the scale of "is something bad and how do we deal with it".

There is no right to being free of consequences for your beliefs, actions, or words. If he's getting blow back on it, he has only himself to blame. Part of owning your comments is owning that people will react to them.
 
No offense to your thread.

But will the day EVER come where Americans will shut the 'F' up about 'race'?
 
DA60 said:
No offense to your thread.

But will the day EVER come where Americans will shut the 'F' up about 'race'?
Click to expand...

not while a far-right press can make money off it.
 
FrankieM said:
Carl Paladino, a Trump Support, Says Racist Remarks About President Obama and Michele Obama (First Lady)

Story:
The New York Times has a story on Carl Paladino saying racist remarks about the Obamas. Mr. Paladino comments we're in response to a survey asking what you like to see "go away in 2017?" Mr. Paladino meant to send his remarks to friends via email. Instead, he sent it to Artvoice ( a weekly newspaper based in Buffalo, New York) which published his remarks. Mr. Paladino is now backpedaling because of the reaction from his community. Mr. Paladino has apologized for his for his remarks and believes he corrected his mistake.
I believe, Mr. Paladino intentionally sent his response to Artvoice to express his frustrations about the Obamas publicly. The questions are Can one be open regarding his racist beliefs without consequences? Does racism impact society?

My Thoughts:
It's not a crime if you are racist. If Mr. Paladino chooses to be racist, he can. I learned from an early age that I have to get along with others even though I did not like that person. And that's the fact! If I choose to be racist, I can. And what's wrong with racism? It "does not matter" what others think about me. It's my self-concept of who I am which matters.


Let's go with the hypothetical. Let's say I hate black people. Let's say you hate Cubans. Let's say your next door neighbor hates Germans. How can we as a society police each other core beliefs? And what's the difference between racism and hate? What is the difference between Malcolm X and Carl Paladino?


There's not a magic pill that can solve this problem. But at least we can take responsibility for our actions. And that's all we can do.

Carl Paladino apologizes to 'minority community' for Obama remarks; explains motivation -


http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/27/nyregion/carl-paladino-michelle-obama.html


View attachment 67211686
Click to expand...

It's not a crime to be a racist so long as you are not infringing upon the rights of others in the process. Is it ok? I don't think so, I think it's rather ignorant. But that's my opinion on the matter, and like the racist I can express it. Everyone is allowed to think as they want, even if it's ignorant.

That's not to say that there are never consequences. You can run your mouth and so can others. If you offend a lot of people, they may not be so friendly to you; but again so long as they aren't infringing upon rights of others, then it shouldn't really be illegal. So maybe you run your mouth and your community hears/finds out and they don't take kindly, and maybe you have to issue an apology because of it to try to smooth things over. Nothing illegal has been done, no government force enacted; but actions have consequences, just a fact of life. Gotta abide by those consequences and take responsibility for them to move on.
 
DA60 said:
No offense to your thread.

But will the day EVER come where Americans will shut the 'F' up about 'race'?
Click to expand...

I would think DA60, that day will only come when there is no longer an ability to get money and power from using it.
 
Ikari said:
It's not a crime to be a racist so long as you are not infringing upon the rights of others in the process. Is it ok? I don't think so, I think it's rather ignorant. But that's my opinion on the matter, and like the racist I can express it. Everyone is allowed to think as they want, even if it's ignorant.

That's not to say that there are never consequences. You can run your mouth and so can others. If you offend a lot of people, they may not be so friendly to you; but again so long as they aren't infringing upon rights of others, then it shouldn't really be illegal. So maybe you run your mouth and your community hears/finds out and they don't take kindly, and maybe you have to issue an apology because of it to try to smooth things over. Nothing illegal has been done, no government force enacted; but actions have consequences, just a fact of life. Gotta abide by those consequences and take responsibility for them to move on.
Click to expand...

I agree. One has the "right" to have and express his feelings, thoughts, and opinions. One has the right to not feel guilty. One has the right to do things other people do not approve of. One has the right to f feel and express his anger and etc...
 
Because we are a nation of immigrants, and truly a melting pot I am surprised how intolerant we've become on race, religion, etc.

When Obama was elected in 2008 I didn't vote for him, but once he won I thought it might be good having a different face in the WH. Because we are a nation of immigrants even if he wasn't Black, if someone who's name ended in a Vowel was elected it might have been cool.

Man was I wrong. I didn't realize how racist and insecure some white males are in this country.
 
SenorXm/Sirius said:
I didn't realize how racist and insecure some white males are in this country.
Click to expand...

Fill in the blank, please: You didn't realize how racist and insecure some white males are in this country until (blank).
 
imodium said:
not while a far-right press can make money off it.
Click to expand...

That fits: the press was overwhelmingly in support of Mrs Clinton so that makes her far right too. Just what I thought all along.
 
We generally cant do either tolerance or humor anymore, we are so uptight. It is a very sad situation. I would not comment on what this guy said unless I got to see all of what he sent as answers to a questionnaire, I might be willing to pass it all off as humor if many of the rest of his comments were funny. I looked around a bit, I dont see anyone willing to provide me with the context.
 
Ahlevah said:
Fill in the blank, please: You didn't realize how racist and insecure some white males are in this country until (blank).
Click to expand...

Until a Black man was elected president.

To be fair I think if a Hispanic Dem or someone else with a name that ended in a Vowel was elected POTUS there would be similar hatred. Not as much, but close.
 
FrankieM said:
Carl Paladino, a Trump Support, Says Racist Remarks About President Obama and Michele Obama (First Lady)

Story:
The New York Times has a story on Carl Paladino saying racist remarks about the Obamas. Mr. Paladino comments we're in response to a survey asking what you like to see "go away in 2017?" Mr. Paladino meant to send his remarks to friends via email. Instead, he sent it to Artvoice ( a weekly newspaper based in Buffalo, New York) which published his remarks. Mr. Paladino is now backpedaling because of the reaction from his community. Mr. Paladino has apologized for his for his remarks and believes he corrected his mistake.
I believe, Mr. Paladino intentionally sent his response to Artvoice to express his frustrations about the Obamas publicly. The questions are Can one be open regarding his racist beliefs without consequences? Does racism impact society?

My Thoughts:
It's not a crime if you are racist. If Mr. Paladino chooses to be racist, he can. I learned from an early age that I have to get along with others even though I did not like that person. And that's the fact! If I choose to be racist, I can. And what's wrong with racism? It "does not matter" what others think about me. It's my self-concept of who I am which matters.


Let's go with the hypothetical. Let's say I hate black people. Let's say you hate Cubans. Let's say your next door neighbor hates Germans. How can we as a society police each other core beliefs? And what's the difference between racism and hate? What is the difference between Malcolm X and Carl Paladino?


There's not a magic pill that can solve this problem. But at least we can take responsibility for our actions. And that's all we can do.

Carl Paladino apologizes to 'minority community' for Obama remarks; explains motivation -


http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/27/nyregion/carl-paladino-michelle-obama.html


View attachment 67211686
Click to expand...

I'll tell you what one of the consequences should be. He should be booted from the school board on which he serves. He did it as a sarcastic joke and hit REPLY instead of FORWARD. He's too STUPID to serve on the school board quite apart from his supposed sense of humor at others' expense. He says his biggest regret is explaining to his 17-year-old who sees dad as her hero. Yeah, that bell's been rung, that's for sure. And he blames others, apparently, for making a big deal about it.

There are some few times in our lives that "I'm sorry" doesn't cut it. This is one of those times. Elections have consequences. So do big mouths.
 
FrankieM said:
Carl Paladino, a Trump Support, Says Racist Remarks About President Obama and Michele Obama (First Lady)

Story:
The New York Times has a story on Carl Paladino saying racist remarks about the Obamas. Mr. Paladino comments we're in response to a survey asking what you like to see "go away in 2017?" Mr. Paladino meant to send his remarks to friends via email. Instead, he sent it to Artvoice ( a weekly newspaper based in Buffalo, New York) which published his remarks. Mr. Paladino is now backpedaling because of the reaction from his community. Mr. Paladino has apologized for his for his remarks and believes he corrected his mistake.
I believe, Mr. Paladino intentionally sent his response to Artvoice to express his frustrations about the Obamas publicly. The questions are Can one be open regarding his racist beliefs without consequences? Does racism impact society?
Click to expand...
Backpedaling? No.
He still stands by his remarks.


Racist? No.
You can't even say he is prejudice against blacks.
So maybe folks should stop making false claims and start using appropriate terminology if we want to get a hold of the issue.
 
Let's go with the hypothetical. Let's say I hate black people. Let's say you hate Cubans. Let's say your next door neighbor hates Germans. How can we as a society police each other core beliefs? And what's the difference between racism and hate? What is the difference between Malcolm X and Carl Paladino?
Click to expand...

If others perceive you as hating them and treating them unfairly, absolutely expect blow back. Many of those who feel slighted, if they have any kind of self-worth and pluck, probably have a tendency to keep a score card... and given opportunities, aim to even the score. I keep a score card. Do you?

Socialization and facing consequences have helped shape my core beliefs. I don't want to feel the need for constant vigilance. I do not want to fear incarceration or violence. Thus, I try to conduct myself in ways that increase the quality of life for myself and others I influence.

I have read far more about Malcolm X than Carl Paladino. Malcolm X spent years in prison.... during which time he converted to Islam. Upon his release, his influence grew to a worldwide following. African Muslim leaders hailed him. The FBI infiltrated his organization. Weapons became a part of the Nation of Islam culture. The assassination of Malcolm X did not come as a surprise. Carl who? I never heard of Paladino until he became a national story this past week. I don't expect any foreign leaders to treat him like a dignitary.
 
SenorXm/Sirius said:
Until a Black man was elected president.

To be fair I think if a Hispanic Dem or someone else with a name that ended in a Vowel was elected POTUS there would be similar hatred. Not as much, but close.
Click to expand...

Honestly, Obama didn't help with his emphasis on racial division throughout his two terms in office, which, incidentally, required a few votes from "Deplorables." He was supposed to be a unifying force, but ended up being quite the opposite.
 
Excon said:
Backpedaling? No.
He still stands by his remarks.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-ally-carl-paladino-i-was-emotional-when-i-wished-obama-dead-and-insulted-the-first-lady-183444824.html

Racist? No.
You can't even say he is prejudice against blacks.
So maybe folks should stop making false claims and start using appropriate terminology if we want to get a hold of the issue.
Click to expand...

You're Right!!!

["In a previous interview with the Buffalo News, Paladino did not claim his answers were a mistake. He stood by the comments and said they had “nothing to do with race.” Paladino also told the News that he made the remarks “just for” Rod Watson, one of the paper’s black editors.
“Tough luck if you don’t like my answer,” Paladino said to the paper.
In his statement on Tuesday, Paladino took shots at liberals criticizing his comments and media outlets who are reporting on the controversy.
“What is horrible is watching my family and friends react to the rabid hordes of attacking parasites we now call activist progressives,” Paladino said. “As for the vanquished*progressive haters out there spewing their venom at anything that is a reminder of their humiliating defeat, irrelevance is tough to chew on.*For the mean-spirited, disoriented press trying to find grounding and recover legitimacy on my back, pray that you still have a job next year because you have lost all credibility with the people,” he later added.
Paladino concluded with a vow that he won’t leave the school board and by wishing people a “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.”]
 
SenorXm/Sirius said:
Because we are a nation of immigrants, and truly a melting pot I am surprised how intolerant we've become on race, religion, etc.
Click to expand...

Part of this is because, right or wrong, we no longer ARE a melting pot. We are a big salad.

The analogy of a melting pot is talking about a situation where disparate ingredients are added to the whole and end up providing a hint of their flavor to the final dish but ultimately they just become part of the whole. Items added to the melting pot become nearly indistinguishable as an individual item but are simply part of the whole, unable to be removed from the main entity.

With a big salad, the individual ingredients remain separate comingled. You can easily get a bite of a tomato, lettuce, cucumber, chicken, and carrots all at once. But you could also just eat the tomato, just eat the lettuce, just eat the chicken, etc. They're not mixing together to form one cohesive item, but rather they're intermingled with each other.

It's the difference of assimilation and integration; of becoming one of many, instead of many as one. And while this may seem like a small thing, I think it plays heavier than people realize. Yes, even in the earlier days when assimilation was more the goal, we still had pockets of groups that held on tightly to their heritage as their primary identifiable mentality. But those were, by and large, the exception rather than the rule or it occurred in a strange hybrid form of both. But the notion of coming to America and being AMERICAN and living the AMERICAN DREAM and integrating into the American society and celebrating America was more stressed.

As we've embraced the notion of holding onto your previous culture, going from American of x descent to hyphenated American to X in America, we've created a segmented society that has actually intensified the idea that we're separated along these cultural and racial lines rather than attempting to remove them. And when you combine that with the way things have been going with the expansion of technology empowering the ability to self segregate, that's what ends up happening.

We're a tribal people by nature; you either embrace that and use it, or you get ruined by it. And right now, society by and large is fueling the ability to highlight disparate tribes rather than attempting to create a unified one.
 
SenorXm/Sirius said:
Until a Black man was elected president.

To be fair I think if a Hispanic Dem or someone else with a name that ended in a Vowel was elected POTUS there would be similar hatred. Not as much, but close.
Click to expand...

Do you think it would've occurred if Obama was a Republican with political views similar to that of Ted Cruz?
 
FrankieM said:
Carl Paladino, a Trump Support, Says Racist Remarks About President Obama and Michele Obama (First Lady)

Story:
The New York Times has a story on Carl Paladino saying racist remarks about the Obamas. Mr. Paladino comments we're in response to a survey asking what you like to see "go away in 2017?" Mr. Paladino meant to send his remarks to friends via email. Instead, he sent it to Artvoice ( a weekly newspaper based in Buffalo, New York) which published his remarks. Mr. Paladino is now backpedaling because of the reaction from his community. Mr. Paladino has apologized for his for his remarks and believes he corrected his mistake.
I believe, Mr. Paladino intentionally sent his response to Artvoice to express his frustrations about the Obamas publicly. The questions are Can one be open regarding his racist beliefs without consequences? Does racism impact society?

My Thoughts:
It's not a crime if you are racist. If Mr. Paladino chooses to be racist, he can. I learned from an early age that I have to get along with others even though I did not like that person. And that's the fact! If I choose to be racist, I can. And what's wrong with racism? It "does not matter" what others think about me. It's my self-concept of who I am which matters.


Let's go with the hypothetical. Let's say I hate black people. Let's say you hate Cubans. Let's say your next door neighbor hates Germans. How can we as a society police each other core beliefs? And what's the difference between racism and hate? What is the difference between Malcolm X and Carl Paladino?


There's not a magic pill that can solve this problem. But at least we can take responsibility for our actions. And that's all we can do.

Carl Paladino apologizes to 'minority community' for Obama remarks; explains motivation -


http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/27/nyregion/carl-paladino-michelle-obama.html


View attachment 67211686
Click to expand...

It's not a crime to be racist, but there is absolutely no place for it in the government or schools. If we do let overt racists remain in positions of power, you get situations like the one where president Eisenhower had to send the 101st Airborne into Arkansas to protect those kids who were only trying to go to school.
 
Hawkeye10 said:
We generally cant do either tolerance or humor anymore, we are so uptight. It is a very sad situation. I would not comment on what this guy said unless I got to see all of what he sent as answers to a questionnaire, I might be willing to pass it all off as humor if many of the rest of his comments were funny. I looked around a bit, I dont see anyone willing to provide me with the context.
Click to expand...

I "posted" a letter explaining his reponse.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom