Nevada Republican Issues Worst Apology Ever For Racist, Homophobic Remarks
After several columns were revealed that were penned by Assemblyman Ira Hansen (R-Sparks) who was tapped to be the next speaker of the Nevada Assembly, he has apologized. Sort of. Well, not really.
[su_center_ad]The Reno Gazette-Journal published his apology, in which he attributes his views to be taken out of context, which is a standard apology for someone that’s not sorry at all.
“I am deeply sorry that comments I have made in the past have offended many Nevadans. It is unfortunate that these comments, made almost 20 years ago as a newspaper columnist and talk radio host, have been taken out of context and are being portrayed as intentionally hurtful and disrespectful. These comments were meant to be purposely provocative in various political, cultural and religious views. I have the utmost respect for all people without regard to race, gender, religious or political beliefs.
Stop right there.
His ‘taken out of context’ views state verbatim that “[t]he relationship of Negroes and Democrats is truly a master-slave relationship, with the benevolent master knowing what’s best for his simple minded darkies.”
On Martin Luther King, “King’s private life was trashy at best. … King Jr. is as low as it gets, a hypocrite, a liar, a phony, and a fraud.” In another piece, he wrote that “[t]he lack of gratitude and the deliberate ignoring of white history in relation to eliminating slavery is a disgrace that Negro leaders should own up to.”
He uses the term “negro.”. His misogynistic views were documented by him. His homophobia was detailed – by him.
But it was “taken out of context” he says.
Senate Minority Leader Aaron Ford (D-Las Vegas) issued a statement on Thursday.
“As the Democratic leader of the State Senate, and more importantly as a father and citizen of Nevada, I wholeheartedly condemn Speaker-designate Ira Hansen’s racist, sexist, and homophobic remarks. I am saddened that I once again find myself in a position where I have to explain to my children why and how someone who was elected to office in our home state would make such antiquated and bigoted comments. Mr. Hansen has stated that his words were meant to be ‘provocative.’ They certainty provoke, but more than that, they are offensive.”
“The Nevada Senate Democratic Caucus is one of the most diverse caucuses in the nation, with male and female members belonging to the African American and Hispanic communities, the LGBT community, and multiple religious communities. Our caucus reflects the cultural diversity of Nevada, and we will continue to condemn remarks like the ones unearthed today. We are committed to representing the communities to which we belong. Moreover, we will represent all Nevadans to foster an inclusive, accepting environment for everyone.”
U.S. Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) weighed in as well.
“Assemblyman Hansen’s past comments and positions on race, religion, and gender that have recently been reported give me great concern. These comments were insensitive, wrong, and extremely offensive and insulting. Statements like these do not have a place in public discourse.”
Hansen keeps a Confederate flag on his wall, which I’m sure he’ll tear down any minute out of respect for the “darkies.” [su_csky_ad]
ExPFCWintergreen November 21st, 2014 at 6:19 pm
“Almost 20 years ago” AKA “30 years after the Civil Rights movement” and “25 years after ‘Negro’ and 60 years after ‘Darkie’ were acceptable terms, in even the loosest-possible definition of ‘acceptable.'”
rg9rts November 22nd, 2014 at 2:29 am
But , but , but “they” knew their place
mea_mark November 21st, 2014 at 6:24 pm
I said what I said but it doesn’t mean what you think it means because I think it should mean something else when you hear it. — Sure buddy, whatever you say.
StoneyCurtisll November 21st, 2014 at 6:39 pm
I’m surprised that he did not begin his racist tirade with, “I’m not a racist, some of my best friends are black, but”…
Anomaly 100 November 21st, 2014 at 7:05 pm
I’m surprised he didn’t start it with, “Anti-racist is a code word for anti-white”
StoneyCurtisll November 21st, 2014 at 7:08 pm
Boom~!..
I have seen that line too many times…
Always from racist pukes.
Anomaly 100 November 21st, 2014 at 7:35 pm
Whenever we’ve done KKK posts, that line inevitably gets in the comment threads (before we delete them).
StoneyCurtisll November 21st, 2014 at 8:11 pm
Bravo on the deleting them…
I have seen those comments way too often on other sites..:)
tracey marie November 21st, 2014 at 11:12 pm
channeling the robo racist
tiredoftea November 21st, 2014 at 6:49 pm
Translation: “I’m sorry if I offended anyone who is not white by my superior whiteness. While I feel sorry for you that your inferior birthright has caused you to misconstrue my remarks as being offensive. They were intended to reinforce that being white in Nevada is still the preferred race, and not intended to remind you that you are not white.
Cheryl Christopher November 22nd, 2014 at 5:09 pm
Love you.
mmaynard119 November 21st, 2014 at 8:55 pm
Nevada voters should have known his views when he used Ol’ Man River as his campaign song.
Tommy6860 November 21st, 2014 at 11:16 pm
Many Nevada voters were probably singing it when they voted for him.
Ron Jackson November 21st, 2014 at 10:20 pm
Again it is getting harder for those that say not all right wingers are racist to defend that position
Tommy6860 November 21st, 2014 at 11:07 pm
What an asshole, trying to scale down the contrast of his racism with his lame affliction of whiteness!
rg9rts November 22nd, 2014 at 2:28 am
What can you expect from a skinhead
rg9rts November 22nd, 2014 at 2:27 am
Open mouth ….insert other foot
allison1050 November 22nd, 2014 at 7:03 am
And unfortunately well never mind.
Pundit456 November 22nd, 2014 at 8:09 pm
However. ” “[t]he relationship of Negroes and Democrats is truly a master-slave relationship, with the benevolent master knowing what’s best for his simple minded darkies.”” is a true today as it was then although most democrats would not refer to them as “darkies” these days.
http://thepundit456.wordpress.com/2014/09/03/cultivating-racism/
Kamen November 23rd, 2014 at 4:50 pm
Nope Republicans do that. You’re a special kind of Stupid.
Pundit456 November 23rd, 2014 at 6:09 pm
Ad hominem attacks always portend the lack of a cogent argument germane to the issue; that is the context in which your comment is taken.
youshouldknowbetter November 23rd, 2014 at 2:01 am
So a man thinks; so he is whether, it was 20 years ago or 2 days ago. He is a racist and always have been; this time he got caught just like the other racists. Think before you speaks works for everyone. Makes me wonder what is he teaching his children?