.jpg)
Attorney General Eric Holder
The three words on everyone’s lips this week are “nation of cowards.”
While speaking to employees of the Justice Department to commemorate Black History Month, newly confirmed Attorney General Eric Holder said, "Though the nation has proudly thought of itself as an ethnic melting pot, in things racial we have always been and continue to be, in too many ways, essentially a nation of cowards.”
He went on to say, “Though race-related issues continue to occupy a significant portion of our political discussion and though there remain many unresolved racial issues in this nation, we average Americans simply do not talk enough with each other about race." (Read full transcript)
Boy, did he rub some people the wrong way.
Right-wing syndicated radio host Rush Limbaugh:
A nation that has spilled more blood over this issue than any other nation on earth, a nation of cowards on race? Folks, do you think there's not a chip on this administration's shoulder? Do you think there's not some anger underneath the surface here? Do you think there's not some desire to get even? (Read full comments)
Conservative syndicated columnist Michelle Malkin:
Funny. When I think of racial cowards, I think of Barack Obama at Jeremiah Wright’s church, sitting there week after week, year after year, saying nothing about the separatist demagoguery echoing from the pulpit to the pews. (Read full comments)
Syndicated columnist and author Jonah Goldberg:
First, I think this is nonsense, as we talk about race a great, great, great deal in this country. Endless courses in colleges and universities, chapters in high school textbooks, movies, documentaries, after-school-specials and so on are devoted to discussing race. We even have something called "Black History Month" — the occasion for Holder's remarks to begin with — when America is supposed to spend a month talking about the black experience. (Read full comments)
But the comments in response to the blogs were even more interesting.
Holder is just another arrogant leftie ignorantly shooting off his mouth. What else would you expect from this administration?
Affirmative-Action is the ultimate example of discrimination to prove one’s not racist. It’s not just scholarships, however, but all levels of the academia. Imagine an all-white fraternity, an all-white scholarship, an all-white university — let alone only-white? What would happen if a group of students wanted to organize an on-campus program to honor the achievement of white males — in science, literature, politics, economics, etc. — and incorporate this into a “White Appreciate Week”? Could you imagine the reaction to that?
Can you point me to the Whites only Diner?
PLease! You cant say anything or wear anything the is not PC ( PC thatnks to the Libs ).
No Muslims allowed.
Cowards?
Let Freedom Ring!
A spade is a Spade!
There were also many, many people who agreed with Holder’s words. I choose not to print them, because the above were just so much more humerous.
It amazes me that people still reference the Civil War and blood shed, as if black people should say “thank you” for this country finally living up to the words of the constitution and doing the right thing; as if for 258 years of slavery, black people did not shed blood.
It amazes me that people still think that a month is a sufficient amount of time to discuss the contributions of black Americans; that negating our stories from mainstream history is acceptable.
It amazes me that people try to compare minority or disenfranchised groups - whether black, Latino, Asian, or women - that form on college campuses to that of the majority doing so.
It amazes me that people still use racial epithets like “spade.”
However, whereas I largely agree with everything that Holder said, (please read his speech in its entirety) I think his timing is off.
We are a month into the administration of the first African-American president, with the first African-American attorney general. It’s been a long time coming, a long time coming, a long time coming, but there has been progress in this country. He acknowledged it briefly by saying, “And though the world in which we now live is fundamentally different than that which existed then...” but I think he could have gone a little further to recognize that progress.
Or maybe it is simply the choice of the word, “coward” that has people ignoring his uplifting words. Nobody likes being called a coward, especially Americans.
That being said, we are talking about race, baby.
Comments
Let's see how to put this mildly, we are a nation of separate cultures. We hang with out own because that is what we feel comfortable with. As for those who make more than the average American, where they choose to reside their race, color, or nationality should not be taken into consideration. Oprah, Will Smith are a few examples of those who can live where they can afford. The only color that people see of them is Green, the color of money. As for "a nation of cowards" that is just the way it is. But Elyce you are not going to reside a bad part of town with those of your race, you are probably going to stay in an area where you feel more comfortable with those of common values. And I do not mean a white neighborhood, a black neighborhood with less crime and violence. No we are not a nation of cowards we just choose to stay amongst our own. That does mean that we are racists or anything like that. Confused, me too. Take care.
It amazes me how incensed some of the people your article quotes become from a few words about race from Mr. Holder. I think their anger bespeaks a tendency to believe that Negroes (yeah - Negroes cuz that's how many of them wish we would still behave) should be happy that the benevolent white man has done so much for our primitive race and, consequently, they are frustrated and angered by outbursts like this from a renegade Negro like Eric Holder. Isn't it enough that he's Attorney General? How dare he complain? It's hard for me to even figure out how to dialogue with or about such ignorance. Yesterday on the View Laurence Fishburne discussed the Holder comment with the Ladies. They disagreed with the AG, but did not share the same venom some of the quotes you sample do. This was a mature and honest dialogue. And though i initially agree with Holder, because they were measured and fair and objective, I was able to understand their points and may have even come around to their side - i'm not sure. I'm still thinking about it. My point is - as long as we, whites and Blacks, run to our respective corners, circle the wagons and begin to attack across the racial divide, without open, honest dialogue and thoughtful consideration of what is really best for all this nation's people (without presumption or assumption of superiority of one group or belief that "the lesser race" is somehow indebted to its Great American Father), than we are cowards. We are just what he said. The people on the View yesterday were not that. Civil RIghts advocates and agitators are not that. But the citizen who used his right of free speech to call the United States Attorney General is. The cartoonist who depicted The President of the United States of America as a monkey is. But even moreso, the New York Post editor who denies that there are racial overtones in that comic is exactly the kind of coward that Eric Holder is talking about (I know he's Australlian -but you know what i'm saying.) The beauty and tragedy of this great nation is that they, too, sing America. To deny that they are part of the American tapestry is just silly. Heroes and cowards. Face it, guys, we are a nation of both.
Take the Mirror Test.
I suggest that everyone (including the Attorney General) take a close look in a mirror and study carefully what particular shade of skin they see on the face in the mirror; and while doing so, ask themselves if the color of that skin or any other color of skin - or eyes or hair for that matter - is really of any significance whatsoever, or whether, in fact, the real issue of concern is about what goes on inside the skull in the brain that is currently looking at the face in the mirror as well as in other human brains – the intelligence, knowledge, judgment, determination, character, experience, work ethic, honesty, language skills, learning ability, trustworthiness, personality and all the other qualities and capabilities related to a particular human brain.
Racial discrimination is illegal in our country and if instances of racial discrimination are taking place the Attorney General needs to see that such cases are prosecuted. Otherwise, perhaps we can agree that skin color is trivial and irrelevant and refocus our attention on the many significant problems we currently face, and put our brains to work on things that actually do matter.
Indeed, Elyce. A good write. Though, without reading Holder's transcript (I will!), I'll admit I've grown tired of the "let's talk about race" thing, per se. If you're black, brown, white or anything, it's who you are. As you were made. It ought to be a non-issue, like whether you're born male or female (yes, a bit of tongue-in-cheek). People play the game of "oh, I'm not whatever...I'm bi-racial or multi-cultural." It still doesn't change the perceptions that are oft times the thinnest skin from being on the surface. It still won't absolve the misery and death racism (sexism or any other '-ism') has piled on century after century. Talk is cheap. Working to change racism within our institutions so that it will be put to rest once and for all -- along with all the other "-isms" -- that's hard. And on-going. There lies courage. We have a black president so we can move pass race. That some (if not many) can refer to him as a spade president shows how far we still need to go
Columnist Michele Malkin said it all.
Thank You for helping us unpack Eric Holder’s powerful speech. Yes, perhaps the timing IS off, but also, as you say, it IS largely RIGHT ON!!
My one thought about your article AND where we all are is that even though reactions from Rush Limbaugh types are more humorous, if WE ALL ONLY quote those reactions then WE are reflecting THEIR negativity into the world...
It does, as George Lakoff says in this ground breaking progressive manual of 2005 “Don’t Think of an Elephant”, it DOES allow the nay-sayers to FRAME the reaction to Holder’s speech... If we keep focusing on their negative reactions, then we perpetuate their words...
America is very fragile right now, AND we are formulating a NEW IMAGE of OUR IDENTITY as we speak... There is a GREAT OPPORTUNITY in the nation’s dialogue to re-claim who we see ourselves to be!~
Progressive, Thoughtful, Articulate media folk, and others of us : We MUST put out POSITIVE & EMPOWERING phrases the public can ALSO latch on to. Otherwise we are letting the REGRESSIVE Party (GOP) frame our new American Identity...
thank you for your courageous words Elyce!
Elyce writes, in part, "Nobody likes being called a coward, especially Americans."
Boy howdy, I'll say!
Personally, I am extremely offended by Holder's remarks, enough so I am effecting a letter writing campaign calling for Holder to resign his position. This, of course, will never happen. Nonetheless, my message is being delivered Holder is unfit for office.
Our attorney general, like all associated with law enforcement, are charged with a responsibility to uphold and enforce our laws. None involved in law enforcement are granted a right to politicize law enforcement, although many do.
Holder has made clear he intends to effect a political agenda. Holder has made clear he intends to effect a black agenda. This violates the civil rights of all Americans, regardless of color; we are all entitled to equal protection under law.
I am giving Holder benefit of doubt. I am assuming, a risk, he simply is not bright enough to realize his words are highly inappropriate for a context of Black History Month.
Holder has, in effect, issued a proclamation he intends to enforce our laws from a Black American point of view. Perhaps this is unintentional, but I have no way of knowing.
Nonetheless, this is not my point. Holder has exhibited a personal inability to give thought to his words before utterance, an inability to weigh consequences of his words before utterance. Holder displays diminished cognitive ability. I am certain he will continue to shove his foot in his mouth.
This is not a man who should be our attorney general. He is simply not smart enough for this job. He is dangerous.
He never should have been chosen for his position, and he should now resign his position. This is a man who will, perhaps without intent, insult the intelligence of Americans and who will serve to inflame racial tensions.
Holder is obligated to resign. He is unfit for his position of power. He is a danger for our nation.
Okpulot Taha
Choctaw Nation
Clyde McDaniels adds to discussion, "I think their anger bespeaks a tendency to believe that Negroes (yeah - Negroes cuz that's how many of them wish we would still behave) should be happy that the benevolent white man has done so much for our primitive race...."
Your words are extremely offensive and are of a racist nature. You are stereotyping and you are engaging in racism.
You owe all readers an apology for your insulting words.
McDaniels' words precisely exemplify why Holder thinks us all to be cowards. Holder is not smart enough to realize the many are not too cowardly to discuss racial issues, the many simply do not want to be confronted with hateful racial remarks such as those from McDaniels.
What point is there to discussing racial issues when so many, of all colors, assumes those of a different color than their own to be racists?
Speaking for myself, rather clear I am not a coward and equally clear, I have common sense enough to avoid discussions with those who are racists yet deny their own racist behaviors.
I am color blind red skinned woman but I am not stupid, nor a coward.
Okpulot Taha
Choctaw Nation
Okpulot Taha - You are not a coward, no doubt. And probably not racist, but you are clearly not fully literate. My comments were made specifically about the individuals quoted in Ms. Strong's article ("some of the people your article quotes") and was not at all a comment about most, any or some white people in our nation. My comments go on to praise the women of The View and civil rights activists and agitators, many of whom are/were white. So, in fact, you have demonstrated your own unwillingness to read carefully or exhibited the same kind of "diminished cognitive ability" that you accuse our Attorney General of having. Rather than reading carefully, as a fully literate person would do, you make damning comments about my character based on remarks I made in response to a very specific group of people (no more than six actually.) You should read more slowly and give thought to your words before you utter them. You should also explain how or why you believe that Mr. Holder has made clear that he is going "effect a political agenda" and that he intends "to enforce our laws from a Black American point of view." I am not saying you are incorrect. I am asking for your evidence. Thank you, sister. I also don't discriminate against those who are intellectually challenged.
Clyde McDaniels refutes, "My comments were made specifically about the individuals...."
Correct. You stereotyped those people and presented those people as being racist.
Yours is the very basis of racism.
Okpulot Taha
Choctaw Nation
C'mon, Okpulot - i expected a little better than that. You still have not even bothered with any evidence of your claims about Holder's political agenda and intent to enforce laws from a Black American point of view. Don't put your stuff out there if you can't substantiate it or back it up.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!