(CNN) – Democratic Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina said Thursday that GOP governors who oppose the stimulus bill are giving African-Americans “a slap in the face.”
Clyburn has been sparring with his state’s governor, Republican Mark Sanford, who has been a leading voice of opposition to the stimulus package. But the highest-ranking African-American in Congress said his frustration with the bill’s opponents isn’t limited to Sanford.
“The governor of Louisiana expressed opposition,” Clyburn said of the bill at a roundtable in Columbia, according to WIS TV. “Has the highest African-American population in the country. Governor of Mississippi expressed opposition. The governor of Texas, and the governor of South Carolina.
“These four governors represent states that are in the black belt. I was insulted by that,” he said. “All of this was a slap in the face of African-Americans. It had nothing to do with Governor Sanford.”
A spokesman for Sanford, Joel Sawyer, accused Clyburn of playing the race card.
“Representative Clyburn is no stranger to playing the race card, because he has no defense for the runaway spending and the deficits contained in this so-called stimulus bill that will hurt our economy,” he said. “Spending money at the federal level that we do not have represents a future tax increase on all South Carolinians, regardless of their color - and in the process of doing so, he's ripping off everyone he claims to represent.”
Sanford indicated Thursday he was leaning towards taking the federal money despite his opposition to the bill.
From CNN Politics
© 2011 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertising practices | Advertise with us | About us | Contact us | Work for us | Help
It never ends.
Oh... the Race card...
Change you can believe in!
Couldn't be that the Stimulus package is a joke... of course not... must be racism...
PS: DOW at 6 year low today... nice job fellas
News flash all of them will take the money because if they don't they will be voted out next election.
Any time a person has to use race to put someone down or to use it as ridicule , is lacking in their own life. If they were secure with theirselves race would not even come to mind.
Please Representative Clyburn, do not turn the stimulus bill and the resulting opinions into a RACE issue.
Just add race issues to political issues and then top it all off with partisan issues and we have a recipe for further disaster.
alcohol issues....
gender issues...
behavior issues...
social issues...
family issues...
relationship issues...
Please god, will it ever end?!!
I hope everyone from Sanford's state AMBUSHES his office with calls regarding his infantile statements. Idiot.
come on we're not stupid only 12 cent of every dollar is going to help the economy. this is just Obama giving money to Democrat pet projects and calling the Race card is not an excuse anymore. Wake up America !!!
Republicans seem to hate minorities, facts, honesty, truth, justice and the American Way. Hope they keep up their fervent jihad to become irrelevant, considering how much damage they've done to taxpayers and our economy.
You know, if these Governors are having such great problems with the Stimulus Funds they should make the people of their states aware of the fact that they are not going to accept any of the funds.
Oh Gee, they can’t do that because it is political suicide. Well they will take the money and then complain. Yes, that is the politically correct thing to do. It appears that Republican leaders are doing everything they can to cause bumps and problems for President Obama in his efforts to pull us out of this mess while many of their party are so angered at them that they are either becoming Independents or Democrats. The Party Of NO just doesn’t get it. They do not realize that this a time when all Americans should be standing together to pull our country back from the brink of total destruction
Sanford has bankrupted South Carolina.
It's schools are the worst in he country, and he has no plan except a tax break for people whose kids are already in private school. ISouth Carolina has become the most violent state in the country under his leadership, and he cut law enforcement by one-third. It is the state with the highest rates of stroke and heart attacks, and he has cut almost every health care program and even the public hospitals. South Carolina has the third highest unemployment rate in the country and he has done nothing except cut back on programs that would help those who have lost their jobs.
He has provided the rich in SC with tax cuts. When the Bush Administration was pushing through its tax cuts for the rich - which added TRILLIONS to the national debt - Sanford was cheering all the way on that one.
In South Carolina most of the African Americans are poor and have borne the brunt of Sanford's arrogance. Clyburn was too easy on him.
Good lord! Here we go AGAIN....
Bush get's cartooned for 8 years... but the FIRST time Obama gets cartooned... ITS RACIST.
The new Attorney General calls Americans COWARDS for not fitting his opinion about race discussions.
Now, anyone that disagrees with a Pork bill RAMMED through the Congress (24 hrs to read 1100 pages) – is now a RACIST.
Hell...let's just cover all the bases.... unless your a black democrat – you are a racist. Is that good enough, Mr Clyburn??
HE SHOULDN'T TAKE A DARN THING!
ALL SENATORS (DEM & REP) SENATORS WHO OPPOSED THE BILL, SHOULD NOT RECEIVE ANY FEDERAL FUNDING.
REMEMBER ITS ABOUT PRINCIPLE. NOW TRY TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR ECONOMIC STATE WOES ON PRINCIPLES ONLY. WHILE BLUE STATES THRIVE.
Clyburn is an idiot. I thought once we had a "black President" these rabid morons would shut up about race, but it never ends, does it? Always blaming whitey for something. Dam&, I'm sick of it!
SHUT UP... The stimulus bill had NOTHING to do with race...
I wish I was black, I could blame all my hardship on race...
What a bogus argument. If you disagree with Obama, it surely must mean you're racist. It can't possibly be that his idea is complete garbage.
Wow, Pull the Race Card. Yes tell the AG where racism comes from. It comes directly from a black congressman.
There is an original trick. Clyburn needs to get over himself.
Why is it racially motivated to be against spend spend spend.
Apparently it is very pro african american to wastefully spend and create a bigger welfare state. Is that what african americans want is a hand out. How about getting them jobs. How about creating safe neighborhoods. How about raising the standard of living by requiring people to work. How about employing everyone black white green. Maybe with business incentives to pull people off the welfare rolls and give small business a tax break for hiring or building in the city.
If Sanford and these other GOP governors are so opposed to the stimulus bill they should not take the money for "shovel ready" projects and anyone employed in their states should continue paying the previous tax rate. The "shovel ready" projects is an investment in the countries future, what do we need another bridge collapse to realize our infastructure is fallin apart around us. This bill is meant to try and stop job loss which will also stop the loss of tax revenue. Stupid GOP, tax cuts is all they see but if no one is working there are no taxes to collect anyway.
OH COME ON!!!!! I supported the bill and opponents of it make me very angry, but COME ON!!!! They oppose it because they wanted more tax cuts to destroy the tax revenue and capital with which Obama and the Dems in congress would have to work. They opposed it because they want a Dem administration and Dem congress to fail. They opposed it because they still can't admit that their ideology does NOT dictate to reality and that the facts and evidence are contrary to their claims that trickle-down voodoo actually works. DON'T CRY WOLF. It ruins our credibility.
Taking the money in spite of his opposition, how hypocritical.
Black Belt? Where the heck is that? This spending bill is for blacks? You have got to be kidding me. This is why we can't talk about race in this country, Holder!
Before you yahoos start in with the "if you are against the spending don't take the money" let me tell you I will be happy to forego the money if I can also forego the debt that goes along with it!
Please, God, let states start breaking away so the true Americans who believe in personal responsibility and hard work will have a place to go. And then we will see how long it takes Obama to go bankrupt without the people who actually work and pay taxes.
Why are the republicans acting like they are they only one who pay taxes in America?
Their response to every problem is tax cut and small goverment. They are against every spending even if the money is to be spent to fix America.
I mean i've never seen such HYPOCRITS in my entire life.
Another thing is when I hear the poor or those living on food stamp calling democrats socialist (like if socialism was a bad system) it's just shows how dumber and dumber people are becoming in this country. ONLY RICH PEOPLE DON'T LIKE SOCIALISM.
No system is perfect.
SOCIALISM render people lazy and Capitalism makes the poor become the slave of the rich. COMMUNISM cease freedom from induviduals
For crying out loud.....do we have to play the race card at every tun if issues don't fall your way? Knock it off, it's you, yourselves, that are insulting African-Americans and I might add, ALL AMERICANS.
This is becoming habit-forming. Every time a minority group wants to get its way, it plays the race card. They use their sense of victimhood to manipulate a situation, or even an election. Clyburn should be ashamed of himself.
So now opposing a bill by Democrats is racist. Next thing any one who opposes Obama will be charged with a hate crime.
I personally don't believe that this is some racist plot. Could be something else in common.. like.. hmm... these are die hard "Red" states. Not a surprise.. every "conservative" state leader is opposed to the bill.
That being said... I say if they want to save money.. whatever money is allotted to their state should be put back into the government pot and their state shouldn't receive any of those funds. If the people of that state disagree with this decision.. they can vote out their representatives on a future date.
All of a sudden, everyone is insulted by someone. We have become a nation of petty whinners if we don't get our way.
So where was the governor when George Bush took a surplus and turned it into the largest deficit in history? How come he suddenly found religion–after Obama was elected? Could it be the governor is himself playing the race card–opposing a stimulus bill, but really opposing Obama? And even after such strenuous opposition, he's still going to take the money and run. This would be like someone opposing abortion, but permitting it if a relative or friend was involved; or supporting the Ten Commandments in public, but allowing murder, adultery, and theft. The utter hypocrisy of the Republicans is beyond being repugnant and detestable.
I am a Democrat and I have to say I find Rep. Clyburn's remarks way off the wall. I don't know how he can say that the rejection of the stimulus bill by these governors is a slap in the face to black people only. It is a slap in the face to all the citizens of these states, who are some of the poorest in the entire country. I also don't think that the aim of this law and of the President is to make poor folks rich through handouts. Mr. Obama never once said that was the case, although many ignorant people believe he did. Mr. Clyburn just did a great disservice to the black residents of the aforementioned states with his comments.
Wow....can someone explain how trying to be fiscally responsible for your state is a "slap in the face" to blacks?
Most federal monies distributed to the state's come with strings attached – either in matching funds by the state or interest charges. How is reviewing long term financial impact to your state anything other than what these officials are paid for?
It's always a race thing–get over it. I'm sick of hearing this as an excuse for everything.
"Sanford indicated Thursday he was leaning towards taking the federal money despite his opposition to the bill."
I think that says it all.
No one whines like a Rebublican with their hand out.
This Democrat says: Shut up Jim.
If you're going to play the race card, make sure there's at least a remotely logical reason for doing so.
Clyburn must figure he can say anything, no matter how stupid and arrogant, in the age of the Great One, and get away with it. And the fact is, he's probably right in thinking that. What a country.
Sanford does not care for South Carolina!!
He is just playing a political game that will fail and America will Raise
Hypocrate shalow and stupid that is whatt you are
Exploiting his race to get something done. Maybe it's idiots like this that Holder was referring to.
A bit confused.......
Last I looked dollars do not discriminate between black and white.
People, like this idiot Representative discriminate between black and white.
What is up with Black Americans this week? Holder cause us a bunch of Cowards, yet offers no solutions only his opinion and critisism. Rev Al needs some attention so he thinks a cartoon chimp is suppose to represent Obama and ignores the obvious connection to the story of the chimp going wild that happened a day or two earlier. Now this dummy thinks all blacks got a slap in the face yet offers no reasoning for this comment.
Why do these people get a free mic to just say anything they want without any explaination or backing things up with facts?
And its okay to say the "N" word if you are black.
That does not make any sense. Maybe Clyburn should look in the mirror.
Republicans don't care about Black People or Poor People or Immigrants
they are settle and don't want to share the piece of the pie with anyone
Please more spending for the People
What a joke.... How the hell is that in any way an insult. That man is a bigot and a liar.
Wow, insulting African Americans. It just get any nastier than that.
Wow, this story makes the problems with the economy pale in comparison.
Wow, let us push aside the large numbers of unemployed – African Americans have been insulted.
Wow, let's alert Al Sharpton – there's money to be shaken down.
Every time you turn around a black politican yells race card race card, racist. This is ridiculous. Refusing to accept the idea of the stimulus is NOT racist. IT IS REPUBLICAN.
Republicans are trying everything they can do to make this administration look bad and keep them from pulling us out of their's and bush's mess. Give it up. It is bad enough the republicans are fouling up to we have to listen to this racist stuff again.
Most white Americans especially democrats, don't see black as blacks they see everyone as Americans and if the black politicans would accept that fact we would put an end of racism for once and all.
@Matthew Detroit
There is no welfare in the bill, although there are extended unemployement benifits and additions to Social Security. In addition there are small business tax breaks as you are requesting. There are also number of spending bills that will be used to create or retain jobs. Read the bill, don't just listen to Rush. He didn't read it either.
I was thinking it was more of an insult to EVERYONE in the country that the GOP opposed the bill on the grounds that Obama and the Dems would not push it through based entirelly on the GOP's tired, disproven, tax-cut trickle-down fairy tale. I bet Obama was pretty insulted when he invited them to the White House and they told him that's what they wanted instead of bringing fresh new ideas to the table. I bet the rest of congress was pretty insulted when the GOP said it was their way or no way. And I'm pretty sure there's a majority of the country that's pretty insulted they continue to play these silly games and impede our progress.
Rep. Clyburn is correct. Sanford was a full-blown racist when he lived in Charleston, SC. It is evident by his attitude now, that he would rather see his residents suffer, than vote for a Stim-Pack giving money (as he sees it) to a Black man. Leopards don't change their spots. Jindal has "dark" skin, but he does not categorize himself as a "minority." He feels that Blacks are inferior. They all pretty much share the same beliefs; they just put a different spin on their ideologies. The truth will set you free, if you have the courage to admit it. Eric Holder is speaking the truth.
He is going to take the money....I never would have guessed!
A Lesson In Civics:
What the Republicans are doing is criminal,it is tantamount to embezzling tax payer money and failure to comply with Congress obligation as mandated by the Constitution of the United States of America. Congress is obligated by Article I, Section Eight, Clause One of the Constitution "To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States."
So far, the Republicans have not been in compliance with their duties and obligations to this nation.
"The Black Belt"? What is that supposed to mean? Martial arts? What is it with politicians these days?
And as there are federal taxpayers in those states, their governors are not hypocritcal if they take stimulus money. Why should they turn down funds that their citizens put into the federal pot of money?
How about if we cancel ALL credit payments and we ALL start from scratch? No blackmarks on the credit report
... oh, gee, the banks might have to come clean about how they hiked interest rates and fees. Talk about loan sharks!
Stimulus opponents insulting African-Americans?
Might as well just come right out and say what everyone already knows:
The only use Republicans have for minorities is as token figureheads.
While I don't agree with these governors opposition to the stimulus package, I also don't believe their opposition is based on race. All of these governors are ultra-conservative and are therefore against large amounts of government spending. It is part of their ideology, not prejudice. For example, take Clyburn's governor Sanford. Mark Sanford vetoed a unanimously supported bill to build a monument to fallen police officers at the State Capital!!! Of course his veto was over ridden but he still vetoed it of principle against, in his opinion, wasteful government spending. I think you can do better than the race card Jim.
He will take the money Stanford did a whole lot of posturing. The funny thing is even in the Reddest of Red states low taxes and small government is a myth, it does not exsist on any level.
After the ugly Alabama high school brawl yesterday I can see why there are mixed feelings about the stimulus bill. There is no need to be insulted because there are a lot of decent , kind and successful African Americans too who fortunately have been taught to outlive the past. Some have chosen to go overboard. I wonder if AG was referring to this old mentality of being the victim. Well at least he gave Cyburn an African American a reason to speak his mind on the bill.
The GOP wants to keep the poor people poor so their wealthy people's money will be worth more – it's simple. Republicans just won't accept the fact that they lost the election. You are no longer the majority...get it? Accept it, that's the way it is.
Matthew do you remember KATRINA!!
You have GOT to be kidding- sounds more like YOU are "playing" the race card yourself, Mr. Clyburn. This petty whining (regardelss of the color of your skin, Sir) needs to stop. Let's get on with the business of picking up the pieces of this country- and all stop this childish finger pointing. It's destructive- and a complete waste of time and energy.
Where were these protests to run away spending 6 months ago? 6 years ago? Last Fall? Where was congress when Bush was handed a blank check? when investment funds were handed a balnk check and spent 14 BILLION on bonuses?!?! Oh wait I forgot, 3 months ago the GOP party line was all about spending the country into trillions of dollars of debt, and now they have to blame everyone but themselves....
"...because he has no defense for the runaway spending and the deficits contained in this so-called stimulus bill that will hurt our economy..."
Odd, most Republicans had no trouble taking a huge surplus from Clinton and turning it into a huge deficit for illegal wars, tax cuts for the rich, and other things; but when it comes to voting to help the American people, they are all of a sudden deficit hawks. Very odd...
"Sanford indicated Thursday he was leaning towards taking the federal money despite his opposition to the bill."
Hahahaha! Of course he is! He's apparently not THAT opposed to the stimulus after all! Typical GOP hypocrisy.
So you think States (their taxpayers) should contribute but not accept money. You must be a Democrat. I think they should take the money if there are no strings attached( there probably will be) and put it in a rainy day fund. They will be able to keep going when the money has been spent by the other states and there is no more to be had.
When will you people realize that the only reason this so called "race card" exisit is because black inequity exists and has since the founding of our nation. You should stop dismissing these outcries and consider how our current state of race relations came to be, this is not a new problem. there wasn't a time when it was great for blacks in America and we found ourselves here, it has always been a struggle to have black skin here by dismissing it as a 'race card' phenon. you expand the divide of misunderstanding
Hilarious. Wish I were that ignorant, maybe I could hold public office.
Some people on this blog are 'cowards' about racism. If you are offended by discussing it, you are being unrealistic.
I think ALL Republicans who oppose it should NOT take any of the money. Let the states, like my state of Pennsylvania, where Senator Specter put us first over Rush Limbaugh.
THANK YOU SENATOR SPECTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We have an African American President so I think they ought to let go of this stuff.
By the way, why is there a Black Caucus? Is it the only racial caucus in Congress?
Absurd, but true.
It's not a slap in the face, it's a kick in the pants to get out and work for what you have.
Why is it racism when a minority feels like they have been cheated out of an "entitlement"? The government (the people) don't owe him or any of his constituents one red cent; or did I miss something is this stimulus money suppose to be civil rights reparations?
Anytime you oppose Obama you're racist, right?
My parent gran.Great Great grand parent were born in this country and I only seen a half a dozen Afro.American in my life time and I am more that three score in ten . I am just a plain American. God bless.
Sick to death of the phrase "Race Card". You are governing people of all ethnicities. Get over yourself and do your dang job....
Oh please! The banks and the housing market needed to be fixed. The stimulus bill is nothing but pork. Yes, we need more money spent on infrastructure and building schools, but that goes in the budget, not a 'stimulus bill'.
Is this what we have to look forward to for the next 4 years?? Everytime someone disagrees with the President it is because of race??
And yes, Texas Teacher, I have alot of letters behind my name. Hope you are feeling better.
So in one day Holder accuses us of being "cowards" on discussing issues of race, while Clyburn goes off the cuff again. Maybe it's that white people under the age of about 40 have lived our entire lives being told that every time a black person has a bad day – it's racism, it's our fault, and we should be sorry. When did being Black become synonymous with being infallible and permanently victimised. I don't accept it. I'm tired of being blamed for everything because I'm white. I'm tired of being told we need racial equality, except when applying for jobs or schools. I'm tired of being told that it's OK to have a blacks-only fraternity on campus, but racist to have a whites-only fraternity. Everytime someone mentions the possibility of cutting funding to black colleges like Howard, it's racism, but if you even SUGGESTED a "white college" it would be racism. You want racism? Look at Clyburn, Jackson, Sharpton and so many other self-righteous "Civil Rights" leaders. They don't want equality – they want revenge.
Anybody ever notice how blacks play the race card whenever they don't get what they want?
Clyburn is a black racist and a disgrace to this country.
It's not just hurting African Americans, it's hurting ALL Americans living in those states. The GOP is the party of the selfish – me, me, me.
Clyburn should NOT be playing the race card.
I agree.
But I will say this...............the 5 governors that are supposedly against this stimulus bill have NOT put up any plan of their own. They have done nothing but complain. But yet they will all take the $$ and run with it, like they say, money talks, and everything else walks.
Enough said.
Are you serious???? I'm a registered african american democrat from South Carolina and Mr. Clyburn I hate to be the one to break it to you but.......YOU sir are dead wrong in your comment of this being a "slap in the face" to all African Americans. It's people like yourself, Jesse Jackson, & Al Sharpton who get on my nerves always playing the race card and somehow thinking you're the spokesperson for all African Americans. Why throw race in it at all, why not just say it's a slap in the face for all Americans as everyone is suffering now because of the economy not just the African-Americans. Please sit down!!!!! So i guess since I'm democrat and I oppose the stimulus bill too, that makes me a traitor to my "african american" people. Please!
Why is it anytime someone brings up racial prejudice or unfairness, they're accused of playing 'the race card'? And why are Republicans so against spending now?? They weren't complaining when Bush was creating the deficit we're in. They spent trillions of dollars on wars that aren't doing anything for our citizens except getting us laid off.
What's with playing the race card on an ecomonic issue? The 60's are over already!
Get with it Clyburn – It's all about the obstructionist GOP, not your race.
Your comments are really cheap opportunism to grab the lime light and intellectually insulting to those of us – regardless of our skin color – who know it's a ideological fight over economics not a race fight...
THIS is EXACTLY WHY the Republicans are going to continue to LOSE more seats in the Senate and in Congress.
YOU have these Governors and Senators in the South who still have a LOT of racists mentality dictating their governing policies, despite the fact they are hurting their own state!!! I've never seen such lunacy in my life.
YOU have Mark Stanford of SC and LIndsey Graham is a PERFECT example. They would RATHER make their STATE pay the PRICE even more for their stupidity when it comes to the Stimulus package, based on their greedy political ambitions.
FINE..... DON'T TAKE THE MONEY!!! Let's see how long it takes your constituents to figure out that they've been royally SCREWED AGAIN by their own incompetent, stubborn, bigot and selfish Governor and Senator!!!!
Here we go again: Playing the Race factor? Both sides are doing it.
Time to stop. Remember there is only one race,the Human race!
As for spending,think of unfettered Free Enterprise of the last eight, or so, years.Where did it end up in the universe,led by the good USA?
I'd say: High time for more controls even by Government.. Greenspan himself has made a 180 degree turn and proclaimed that nationalisation of banks is a sound possibility...Call it socialism if you like,but please do not get hung up on Capitalism only.
A bit of government involvement does NOT necessarily create a
welfare state.Government interference can be, and should be very timely as it is today.
Race card being abused again.
It's played out.
People realize it is being used to manipulate and deceive.
There is nothing racist about being against the spending of trillions of taxpayer dollars.
Clayburn, get over yourself.
You are an aging activist trying to recreate the 60s.
That tactic is played out. It is not even relevant to the subject.
Mr Clyburn would etter serve his constituents by focusing on SOUTH CAROLINA and not worry about Texas, Louisianna, or Mississipi.
Until the RNC continue to be ignorant about matters that plague African Americans like me, then they will never be accepted by us.
I've really just about had it will all these Negro Politicians!
When all else fails, PULL THE RACE CARD!
Look at Bobby Rush in Chicago, he's the direct reason Roland Burris
is now seated, UNDESERVEDLY!, in the U.S. Senate. And now,
everybody, and I mean EVERYBODY wants his lying butt gone.
With blacks, everything under the sun is about race, and nothing else!
Put a sock in it!
The thing that is frustrating is why these governors continually go on every available network that will let them air their frustration. But when it comes down to it they know they will take the funds. Due to the state of our states and how the american people are hurting. Do what's right for the people you swore to serve.
Yeah. That's right. Take the money Sanford. Criticize the bill, rip it to shreds, say the spending is hurting our economy, but make sure to take the money you hypocrite !!!! Unbelievable. Keep playing politics GOP, I hope you partisans on either side get thrown out of office. You clowns still don't get it ... America is looking for you idiots to work together. Saying one thing and doing another Sanford ... You're a moron.
not in agreement with "slap in the face of African Americans" as w/o the funds all of different ethnic backgrounds suffer also; however he is spot on in that it is 100% hypocritical to say "it won't work";then take the money.
Just stand on principal and don't take the money. The state Legislature can still take the funds and the folks who voted for the Gov's will decide if they made the right decision in due time.
James Clyburn is a "slap in the face" to African-Americans.
Why do white people go insane with rage whenever someone indicates racism may still be a problem in this country?
I'm African American, and I don't see how this insults African Americans . . .unless you are saying provisions in the bill specifically target African Americans . . . .It is no secret that African Americans have a higher unemplolyment rate even in good times. But to automaticlaly link race to this is race bating at it's best . . . .everything can't be about race . . . .
Race card or not, Barbour, Sanford and any other governor who refuses the funds hurt all their state's citizens no matter the race. They don't care. Barbour's family made millions ripping off oil and gas rights from poor blacks in Yazoo County, Mississippi in the 50s and 60s. He is set and does not give a hoot about the his state or its people.
have them read the willie linch letters
come on Clyburn, get off the race card. Let me get this.
To oppose the stimulus plan is a slap in the face of African-Americans. Come on. That's like saying George Bush was right on every thing he said.
Sounds crazy. Yeah.
The Governors who are against the stimulus plan, should refuse the money.
Their citizens will be so proud that their Governor is looking out for them and standing up for his convictions.
If the state's budget is sound and they don't need the money, why take it? Maybe saving the taxpayers a few dollars by not spending money on unnecessary projects is the wisest way to go. Personally, I prefer politicians who respect taxpayer money over those who waste the money.
All shut up with this crap Congressman. It's a free lunch plain and simple and I don't like paying for it!
what?
Everything is racial. isn't it?
These people make me believe that Rush Limbaugh is an intellectual.
Thank You! I was wondering how much time would it take to finally voice this reaction! I always wandered how come some oppositions came from Louisiana where the help is no needed....now if officials are taking the money even after opposing the plan then supervision needs to take place openly on which projects will be selected to create jobs and which help will be given to help the most vulnerables!
@Clyburn you need to shut The H_LL UP ....I am an hard working african american and is very pleased with all Americans although we may have different Views ......you are not speaking for me...you old Racist Goat !!! I am sick and tired of you and Sharpton
Please. Pulling the race card once again. How about calling ourselves all Americans if you are born in the US? Leave the African, Asian, Mexican, etc prefix out of it. I'm a descendant of Swedish and German heritage. You don't hear me or any other white people calling ourselves European-Americans.
@ PATRICK AND MATTHEW YOU BOTH ARE 100% CORRECT. THE RACE CARD WILL ALWAYS BE PLAYED WHO EVER OPPOSES OBAMAS IDEAS. I AM GETTING SICK OF IT.................
You know, I am far left liberal. I voted for Obama enthusiatically (but only supported him after Kucinich dropped out). I fully support the stimulus package the President sought and signed into law.
BUT, I cringe when I read of a black congressman accusing these Republican governors of racism because of their political posturing on the stimulus money.
I agree with them it has nothing whatsoever to do with racism, and I would hope black leaders would distance themselves from this unsupportable accusation.
Their opposition to it is rooted in a political philosophy that has failed and harmed this country. Their opposition to it is political posturing so they can say, 'see, told you so..' because they are convinced the stimulus package will fail. They want to be able to stand up and say they stood against it and got it right. Problem is, they are getting it wrong, and if they reject the money based on their ideology, it will only hurt the businesses and people of their states, both white and black.
Since it will hurt white people too, would that make it racist?
I agree with other posters.... stop playing the race card on every issue that comes up. There are other, far more legitimate and truthful ways to fight these guys...
I am a proud Black woman and I have to stand up and say RACE CARD.
Seriously....I don't even get how the heck he is connecting that dot. Just the one...only one dot there.
"Taking the money in spite of his opposition"
***
Even though you don't support a government policy, you can take the benefits from it. Why? Because you are still liable to PAY for it.
I think Social Security is bad public policy for the nation as a whole. But as long as I am forced to pay into it, I want my checks when I retire.
The only people insulting African-Americans are the people that use the race card for every single situation that they disagree with.
These Governors mentioned are straight up idiots....Republicans at there best!!! And you want to know why our economy is going down the tube???? Again, Vote no more Republicans!!!!!
I don't know that this is outright racism, but it definatley feels like place-ism. Keep money out of the hands of the have nots and the GOP is happy. The devil is in the details here because the less you help the have nots the more minorites you affect- – without being outright blaitanly racist
As much as I love to slam republicans, I'm not getting much of a race vibe here.
I think he forgets the race card has expired
Cowards!!! Shame on them for opposing the ridiculous stimulous bill, and yes in case it has not been mentioned already they maybe posturing for a run at the White House.
No Blacks dont wont a handout. We want to work like everyone else in America and yeah if Blacks wasnt the last one hired and the first one fired and if we were not oppressed for all these year then maybe would have less crime
I'm a dem. I support the stimulus plan. And I think this man is OUT of control.
Matthew, Detroit....honey, please get real. He is playing the race card here, but racism wasn't invented by Black folks. Think of how stupid you sound to suggest that the people being discriminated against created the game to be against them. Racism may be polarized by some elders who are still hypersensitive because of all they were put through by people like you (let's be honest...you are clearly one of the few racists left
)...but, that doesn't mean it's imaginary anymore than most whites NOT being racist means that it's over and done.
The simple fact that you try to deny it shows you are guilty. Just like how Ike would beat Tina and say he didn't beat her, she just acted out because she wanted people to feel sorry for her.
Why everything has to be based on race?Does an African American in the white house means that everything has to be accepted without question? Does it mean that if anyone oppose the idea of present administration means opposing african american race? Its sad.
OBAMA IS NOT THE PRESIDENT OF BLACK PEOPLE... HE IS THE PRESIDENT OF ALL OF US!
IT'S AS THOUGH ONLY BLACK PEOPLE CAN TALK ABOUT HIM.... ONLY BLACK PEOPLE CAN ONLY COMMENT ON HIS ROLE IN GOVERNMENT!
COME ON , CNN.... YOUR WHITE SHEET AND CONE HATS ARE SHOWING! I'M NOT BLACK... BUT I KNOW PREJUDICE WHEN IT IS LOOKING ME RIGHT IN THE FACE!
The BLACK BELT?? That's a new one, of course leave it to a democrat to bring up race when all he really wants is a slice of that stimulus pie for himself.
Stimulus opponents don't know jack about economics.
I think the governors are wrong-headed should they refuse the stimulus which is so sorely needed. BUT: Clyburn is WRONG. PERIOD. And he does himself and the black community NO service to infer – with no evidence whatsoever – that the governors' refusal was racially motivated. It's bad enough that there still exists REAL racial discrimination. You just make it worse if you accuse someone of being racist just because he opposes you. It is silly, and may do real harm (remember the boy who cried "wolf!" once too often?) – the peril is that people just become so "desensitised" that they can't see it when it really happens (which is difficult enough because so much of it is covered/buried/subtle/unconscious these days).
You old man, You should be used to insults by now. Deal with it. It is not a perfect world. I am insulted everytime someone tries to push their race down my throat. If I don't like you, for whatever reason, that is my business and priviledge.
I think that what the congressman is saying is that many of these Southern States have large numbers of African Americans who alos are suffering 18-20% unemployment rates. To appose theStimulus Bill is insulting. Also, this is sending a very strong political message to to the political center to get ready to change the SOUTH!
We are tired of the politicsof devision.
As an African American, it sickens me to hear him speak. I have never used my race as any gain–hell, I went to college on my merit. And I don't like seeing career politicians use race to make political statements. I am so sick of these cheap shots.
I am so glad I live just far enough outside his district, because I would never vote for him. Clyburn: Get a back bone and stop blaming social ills on the public and the opposition. It makes bad, poor execution of politics.
People, not limited to ethnic groups, have to seriously take responsibility for their own issues and problems. People do more for themselves by handling their problems than depending on someone else. Politicians–get with it. Please stop the blame game because it's extremely old and we, the people, want something new and sensible.
I don't really think opposing the bill is racist, but accepting money that you fought against spending is just wrong
***Our leaders of all different races are incompetent***
But they're are going to take the money anyway. If they oppose the stimulus so much, why are they going to take the money??? They're just mad because this round of monies will be monitored and they won't be able to steal some it. That's the truth behind all this opposition.
'Spending money at the federal level that we do not have represents a future tax increase........'
I know it has been said before, and time after time, but what are Republicans thinking? What do they call what happened under the Bush administration with approval of a Republican-controlled Congress, to the tune $6 trillion dollars!!!
I suspect that what Rep. Clyburn is saying is that most of the people of SC who will benefit from the stimulus package are poor and/or minorities. This is probably a true statement.
Hey blacks how about fixing the 85% single familys and the criminals it produces. This guy should be out of office. What a racist.
We did not have money during WWII but we spent the yang out of it. The women worked. Who paid them? The companies. Who paid the companies? The government. Where were the men? At war. Who paid them? the government. It's called Keynesian economics, it worked then it can work today! Who was watching the money back then? No faxes, no internet, nothing but a bunch of powerful greedy men. At least today we have a high level of transparancy.
jeez, very pathetic, when is there gonna be black man in power that doesnlt HAVE to use th race card?
Ya know what's a slap in the face to African-Americans? That if they are most concentrated in the so-called "black belt", then how are these stimulus foes even elected there?
Why are we insulting them? That is pure crap and another racist remark like Mr. Holder's. I think that those who are trying to keep race alive by their comments are the racist. Is the stimulus just for African Americans?, if it is then that is discrimnating on whites. This is a new twist to the stimulus, Clyburn seems to be saying that Obama's stimulus is for African Americans, oh, I thought it was for all Americans. I honestly think that Mr Clyburns statement is Racist towards whites and the rest of the Americans.
but look who is bringing up race, its another black complaining.
Why the heck does everything have to turn into a race issue?
He has a point. Louisiana, more than any state, needs the stimulus money for infrastructure- yet Jindal is denying this money out of his own pride.
Pride is a sin, you know..
stop wit da race card plaese
Why is EVERYTHING always about insulting African-Americans! We elected our first African American President. That should tell you something. Get over it already!
I understand why he's saying it, but I don't think it's necessary to say it this way. These governors are talking about not taking money to help people in their state, which happen to be mostly Black or have mostly Black people out of work and will quite possibly be out of their homes.
Let's look at it another way ...there's another election coming up in 2010. With so many Black people displaced and unable to vote, it could change the election or so they hope.
Repugs don't do much without a srategy.
Just something to think about.
Thats odd
Clyburn may have a point. Its funny how you people are tired of hearing the race card in america. Do you mean that if its not played it does not exist? This country is based on race. We keep Cubans but send Hatians back. We let the Irish in but not the Africans. Getting mad at Clyburn plays right into what Holder was talking about. Instead of dealing with what Cyburn is saying you just reject him out of hand as if by reflex. If you are sick of it how do you think your victims feel?
All I know about this kind of spending is that we may all become slaves to it just to try and repay it.
Why does it always have to be about race?
the only racists i've seen lately is the ones in the black caucus and those that addressed them.