Comments on: Full Text: U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder Remarks on Black History Month, ‘Nation of Cowards’

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Mon, 15 Jun 2009 04:04:18 +0000

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By: Emahunn Campbell

Emahunn Campbell — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 14:51:07 +0000

What I find interesting is that in his rendering, Attorney General Holder is, quite effectively, being a coward. There is a fundamental distinction between “racial” and “racist.” By his estimation, every country in the world from time immemorial has a racial past and a racial present. But if one were to say that this country has a racist past and, through institutions more than direct, individual encounters, a racist present, then this becomes more precise. In short, great job of being what you were criticizing, Mr. Holder.

By: Maria Varela

Maria Varela — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 23:13:24 +0000

Now IS the time for straight talk about race in this country. Thank you AG Holder for putting it out there. But more than the controversy about his ‘coward’ remark…..read closely. Now IS the time to integrate the history books. Treating this topic during Black History month is an old concept that needs to be laid to rest. Educators need to be integrating across curricula from K through PHd programs, the truth and accomplishments of a variety of cultures and races who people this country. Only then can we say that we have educated our youth to be authentic global citizens.

By: Karen Harper

Karen Harper — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 03:26:53 +0000

Lou said that he got from that speech that Attorney General Holder was saying black is good, white is bad. I honestly don’t see how in the world he got that. I have to wonder if he even read the whole speech.

But interestingly, Lou’s response is a prime example, evidence, if you will, of what Atty Holder is talking about. The speech was about the need for open discussion of race issues between various races in this country. Lou’s response to the speech is a clear indication that this is necessary because he failed to understand the meaning and reacted with emotion to what he viewed as an attack on him and ‘white’ people.

If we don’t talk about race issues in this country, they aren’t going to go away. If we keep up our masks of polite society that we’ve been striving for in the last half a century, we aren’t going to advance human relations in this country. It’s not about us and them, either or, black or white, blue or red, it’s about human relations.

I for one would be glad to openly discuss race without fear of repurcussion. I happen to be a white person. I admit I don’t understand what it is like to be black. I admit I’m curious and interested but afraid to talk about it. I would love to be able to talk about it openly.

Thank you Attorney Holder.

By: Caren

Caren — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:12:22 +0000

Reading is fundamental. It is clear from you post that you did not read the speech. I will agree with on element of your rant. Though not written as I have here. I have seen that poverty is an equal opportunity destroyer. I have seen poor main stream americans ( white) who seem also to have been disenfranchised from the american dream. Instead of realizing that the African American “power structure” has not done this but capitalism would be a worth while endeavor. In fact, African Americans are affected by poverty and every other adverse action at a higher rate. Yet we do not blame main stream american instead we seek to have the laws already in existence simply be enforced to ensure our rights as citizens of america.

By: c.vincent

c.vincent — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 21:59:38 +0000

There has never been an honest discussion where both black and white people discuss the issue of skin color in this nation. That is too bad; the discussions are always biased and usually spoken from positions of those in power. For too long blacks did not want to talk about their pain and white folks encouraged the silence. But, a sore which is seeping cannot be hidden for long, no matter how thick the bandage. And, behind all of the fake smiles, shallow friendships and make-believe fantasy of “we are all the same now” comes a shattering event like Latasha Harlins, Rodney King, or Emmit Till to remind us, the wound never goes away. Where is the discussion; I remember one Jewish radio commentator who has passed away, tried to have the discussion in a townhall meeting back during the great civil unrest. It was great; it was on Wilshire blvd and I went. We met several times I believe but that is the type of thing we need in this country today. Young blacks do not always “get it” but they will after they have sons who are stopped DWB. They will one day get “IT”. There is no other group of people who because of the color of their skin is judged at a distance so far their facial features cannot be seen. This “badge” of color has been what has set the tone for many of those who are in “control”. That is the key issue. Those who control are in positions to hire, fire, shoot to kill, are generally white. And, why would those who are not the victim, clamor for a discussion on race? Paint yourself black and walk in my shoes for about 15 years, then we can talk; as for those blacks like Larry Elder, live poor and throw away your credit score, republican friends and influence and then you too will be believable.

By: Holder may have point about race in US « Houston Gadfly

Holder may have point about race in US « Houston Gadfly — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 05:24:24 +0000

[...] { Uncategorized } { } Did Eric Holder somehow know of Sean Delonas’ cartoon before making his speech [...]

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 04:21:27 +0000

I don’t get that at all. YOu need to read it again and take your blinders and bias off this time.

By: Don Gugliuzza

Don Gugliuzza — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 23:39:24 +0000

I am not a coward, Mr. Attorney General. I’m just tired of being called a racist. The White people in the country have been browbeaten by the Black community and the liberal press.
There is the National Association of Colored People who’se sole purpose is to defend the African American community. There’s the United Negro College Fund. Doesn’t fund college education for poor Whites, only African Americans. There’s the Black Miss U.S.A. White women need not apply.
I think that all of these are racist. But if I go public with that sentiment, I’d be drawn and quartered.
I remember the Miss America Pagent didn’t have African American contestents and the pagent was villified for that. However, no White person could complain about the fact that there are no White women in the Miss Black America.
The NBA continues to be taken to task because there aren’t 14% of the front office people that are Black. After all, we all know that Blacks make up 14% of the population. But if the NBA decided to apply that same standard to the multi-millionaires that are the players, they would be called racist, picketed and what have you. No, Mr. Attorney General, we’re not cowards, we just see that the deck is stacked against us. The Black community wouldn’t allow an open and honest dialoge. We would all be called Racists. So, Clean up your own house before you ask me to clean mine up.
I’d be happy to hear a reply from you.

By: Lydia

Lydia — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 12:40:13 +0000

AG Holder’s speech should be read IN ITS ENTIRITY. I am a 51 yo white woman (oringinally from the SOuth, living in MN for 20 years).
Racism is alive & kicking in the USA–& NOT just in the SOuth. AG Holder’s speech was made with both honesty & hope for the future. IT IS LONG OVERDUE for my fellow white Americans to STOP with the defenseiveness, STOP with the “reverse racism” bs & DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Learn FACTS aobut historical & current racism. Continued ignorance is the problem & there’s no exucse in the 21st century!THIS IS NOT ABOUT “dividng black and white people”! That’s a FALSE charge that is always made when African-Americans (or any ethnic group that’s nto white) tries to ell the truth of their experience. DROP THIS NONSENSE!

We certainly need to ahve more conversatons publicly & privately about race. Black History Month could e given more meaning by having it become our annual opportunity to do so–and perhaps, mroe of us will be inspired all year long.
I say BRAVO to AG Eric Holder! It took guts to make his speech. Now can some white people ahve the guts to do soem SELF-EXAMINATION(for a change)???