CNN

I would like to clear up to all that believe blacks can be racists too. Racism is the belief that one race is superior than another. only whites have a history of racism in america. Most whites are not racist, but most are prejudice as well as blacks, latinos and asians. Therefore, we must continue to educate our children about the good of all races instead of the bad.

You people just over reacted. It was a JOKE. People did/said a lot worse about Bush

This isn’t a case for the ACLU, nor is it some violation of free speech. This is public outrage at idiotic comments. If he was fired for these comments, I’d be more angry that the guy could get fired for a comment, no matter how dumb. But he is resigning as a result of public outcry. That's the basis of a free country, right? Vote with your wallet and criticize stupidity. These aren't violations of his rights, but they are the consequences.

I’m white and I enjoy watermelon, but I also know the racist history of this statement. In the future, here’s a test you can use: If the same email or comment could have been used while Clinton or Bush was Prez, would it even make sense, let alone be funny?

Lighten up...
It is evident that racist is still thick. How can you lighten up anything related to 400 years of rape, murder, enslavement, mental, physical, emotional, social degregation?

Watermelon patch... oh: To those of you who were not "up to date" on your racist comments. This is not a Wikipedia update. These are well documented and understood examples of hate speech. Sometimes people can't see racist because they are immersed in it. They think it, and act out on it without questioning the ingrained hatred (predjudice) woven into their insular community.

Talk to Black (or other minority) people. You would be suprised about what you don't know, as well as what you keep getting wrong and someone is too polite to point out.

*************PLEASE POST CNN************************************

@ JC...... sure we have a sense of humor......BUT NOT AT SOMEONE ELSE'S EXPENSE!

AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL WHO REPRESENTS MANY PEOPLE, NOT JUST........WHITES.........THIS MAN HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO BE FAIR, POLITE AND JUST.

WHAT'S WORSE........ IS THAT I BET THIS MAN..........CLAIMS TO BE CHRISTIAN!

Along as people demand that they be recongnized/treated as being of a certain race, it will always be about race.

I must say that I found your remarks quite insulting about living under a rock. I most certainly have never lived under a rock and I had no idea that referencing watermelon or fried chicken was racist
--------------------------------

No offense intended. Either you are very young or you are somewhat out of touch. It's a common stereotype.

Whats with all the racist stories in the media lately?? Just a couple months ago, all we heard was how America has matured so much and how far we had come re: racism. Racism LIVES as long as there is media and Al Shapton in this world. As the saying goes. You cut the head off the snake, and rest will die.

To the people on here that are saying to lighten up...it is clear that you have never benn in the shoes or felt the pain of racism; so in that you will never understand the hurt and pain that people of color fells about this subject... you or your parents have been called a monkey, baboon, koon or anything else that would make you feel less of a human being... you never had to try and change your appearance because of not being so called beatiful because your skin is too dark; hair is to nappy or lips to big... all this is part of America's racist & segregated past that is not so distant... yes we do have a black president in the white house but that still doesn't delet years of slavery & opression... now I am for making fun of the president or anyone else in the public eye as long as it doesn't cross that line... for people who say they didn't know lets be real here we all have heard our share of jokes on race religion & sexual orientation to know what is & isn't right... if you want to make jokes fine but leave race, religion & sex preference out...

If watermelon and fried chicked are racist, then, so too, are steak, veal chops, nabisco crackers, and Milky Way candy bars.

Personally, I think it is all garbage. There are over 200 million people in this country. Who eally cares what 1 idiot says?

To hide behind the thin veil of a perceived ignorance is just that,ignorant.If that is the mentalitly of the man,maybe he should not have been Mayor in the first place.

Boo hoo hoo Get a life folks. This is not a capital offense. You want real racism or bigotry or anti semitism – Listen to Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton – two of the biggest racist and anti semitic people on the planet – Mr Righteous and Mr No Brains

Do you GOP right wing haters seriously think that racist humor is acceptable? what part of the klan do you guys belong too? to actually mislead people into thinking you don't know why watermelon jokes is offensive to black people truly shows the election of Barack Obama as president truly as not changed the hate in some peoples minds.

After reading some to the comments on this topic, I can see why the new AG called us a nation of cowards. Watermelon on the White House Lawn....Good Grief Charlie Brown.

Black histoy should be added to our schools curriculum. Then maybe, just maybe more White people would show empathy when addressing topics such as these.

@ Kirsten March 2nd, 2009 12:22 pm ET

If it's not racist then what is the joke?

Bob, if this guy is so weak that he would quit just because a few million people were hurt by his actions that is on him. He was not kicked out of office he quit. All of you white folks who think this guy got a bum deal need to look up to him for taking the action he thought was right. If I tell you to jump off a building would you do it? If I told you to quit your job would you do it. He quit so he can sleep at night because he knew he did not deserve the publics trust so don't cry on my blog about how you are tired of Blacks standing up for themselves. We have free speak also and just because we tell you to stop does not mean you have to be so open to suggestion.

B you want us to get over idiots like this mayor who fan the fire of racism? Maybe its easy for you to get over because you don't have to face on a daily basis.

References to watermelons isn't racist towards blacks. Just like references to trailer parks, sleeping with blood relatives and 'Deliverance' banjo music isn't racist towards Conservatives [with their bastardized American version(s) of European Christianity] or Poor Trash Whites....

The Ship of Fools is a biiiiig boat!

This was the act of a real MORON that America doesn't need. Feed him to the Taliban.

These openly racist people have no business in leadership roles.
I am ashamed of them, and ashamed of anyone that stands up for them.
John McCain and Sarah Palin were the frontrunners of the republican racist party....their hate and filth during their campaign brought racist out of the woodwork, and now they're running rampant....and the main stream media gives them all the air time they want to spew their hate and filth.
Shame on all of them!

Dave- keep this in mind, black people didn't start all of the problems we have pertaining to race in this country, however, we as americans (all people regardless of color) have to come together to find a solution to end some of the racial problems that still exist. If you are tired of black awareness month, that's fine for you but for me, we need to be acknowledge because our history which has always been apart of american history, has been ignored for so long. It's called Black History Month not awareness. Blacks have contribute alot to this country and have never been given credit for it, until a decade ago and just little by little. If you are tired of affimative action, that is an issue that falls on your peoples' shoulder, because if some of you knew what being fair and honest and how to treat people equally, there wouldn't be a need for affirmative action. if you are tired of race baiters being concerned about blacks, keep in mind, if blacks weren't treated so badly and if black people lives' were equally as important as white people lives, then there wouldn't be a need for these race baiters as you put it. I don't know where people like you got the notion that you are better or held to a higher standard as you put it, but christianity and the bible is our basic instruction before leaving this earth. I have read the entire new testament and I never read anything about white people in the bible or that God holds you people to a higher standard and every one else is beneath you, because your not. Know your bible, know why Jesus walked the earth, because he certainly does not look at color and he will not when we all stand before him for judgement. Also, you spelled "until" incorrectly.

No one forced him to resign, he resigned on his own. There was no speech police, no trying to take away his rights. Get a grip.

Apparently no one has a sense of humor anymore. All of these so-called "People that get offended" need to get over themselves. Get a hobby or something.

Good, he should resign. Racism has no place in public office, he should be ashamed of himself. He needs to remember that Obama was elected by the MAJORITY of Americans. It is beyond childish to send these racist emails around. Grow up, big, fat, stupid white Republican man! I saw him speak on CNN (if you want to call it speaking) and he comes off as a bufoon! CA is much better off without him.

OK Time for the black comics to stop making racist jokes about their own people, rednecks, Jews, Catholics, Christians and white people. Gosh, they would not have anything to joke about.

OK Time for the black comics to stop making racist jokes about their own people, rednecks, Jews, Catholics, Christians and white people. Gosh, they would not have anything to joke about.

Did anyone else here the one about WalMart banning BOOKS

So let me get this correct...is a statement of fact racist? For example, if I say :"All of the slaves were negros"– would that be racist?

aaah CNN, you just "had" to go ahead and post the pic on here ! you TOO are now guilty of spreading hate and violence..

dave March 2nd, 2009 12:17 pm ET

Blu
100 percent correct

If you dont like it go back to Europe!

I'm sorry, but there are "code" words and pictures that are nothing but pure "racism" not inside jokes or innocent "fun" – just plain undercurrent racism. If you see it you know it and you can defend it or be offended – the fact remains – there was a reason and it was racist. I know I live in the south – I've lived in the west and in the midwest – there are code words, glances, etc. looking to connect that you "agree" and are one of "them". NOT! – I am tired of letting other people run who my friends may be or who I vote for – based soley on color or religiion or gender – I make the choice and I choose "character" and "ability" – we don't need to keep promoting the obvious meaness that still lurks under the surface – America is ready to come forward and give "Character & Ideas" a chance – thank "God".

I thought only Republicans were racist? Where's Jesse Jackson when the country needs him? Preparing another secret speech about the castration of our President? Al Sharpton, we need you, too!!

Republicans are a dwindling party of hate-filled fear mongers. Do they really think that people dont mind losing their jobs, homes retirement as a result of 8 years of hypocracy? Peole wake up. Eventually everyone wakes up. The only people still pushing hatred are the ones making money.

Greg in Jax; you are a putz . The watermelon joke wasn't even that funny or original. Now if the joke was about pigeons crapping on chairman Maobama, that would have been funny.

Tired of black awareness month. tired of miss black america
Tired of affirmative action. Tired of race baiters who only worry about blacks. isnt that racism

The reasons we have,and still need these things, is because of idiots like this. Its so "White" to tell people how to feel. That is NOT being understanding. We cant fix a problem until we admit there is a problem and saying something is NO BIG DEALor GET OVER IT is not a good start!

Ignorant scumbag. Good riddance as if he can REALLY make offensive comments...

Good Riddance.

I don't know whats worst....the racist implication or the fact that he pleaded ignorance.

I'm not black, but I do love watermelons, OMG – I guess that makes me a racist. Where is the stimulus to wipe out all watermelon growers? They must be stopped! Aaaaahhhhhh! The sky is falling.........

You'd think as a mayor he'd have more intelligence..but that's Reoubs for you...always play dirty..and then whine when you get what you deserve!!

Its obvious that this country has made great strides in getting beyond matters of race. But Clearly you can see that there are still people who are racists. You cannot deny that it still exists and to a great extent that it affects the daily lives of Black Americans - for example the Black employee that received this email message along with others. No one whether your Black, White, Male, Female, Gay, Straight, Transgender should have to be subjected to jokes mocking their race, nationality, or lifestyle.

This email was clearly intended as means to demean and mock Black people. If you can't see that then you are not being honest with the way things really are in the United States.

How lame... like that cartoonist who didn't see the racism in using a chimp to portray the president or that southern Republican who didn't see using "uppity" to describe Barack Obama as in any way racist... just exactly WHERE is the "state of denial" located? Egypt?

I've lived all over the United States and I know racism when I see it. Why not just put some fried chicken and waffles on the lawn, too? Puleeze.

Good riddance to bad garbage! Birds of a feather STILL flock together!

Im black, when a white person act racist,, it only hurts people of color when it affects them getting a job or having equal access to something. Racist acts like this one and what the NY Post did arent hurtful to us, neither is the N-word. but these are potentially harmful becuase some white citizen will get the wrong impression that its totally okay. Therefor he must be punished.

Jim From The OC WROTE:

"The guy's obviously an idiot……but lighten up folks – should it really be a career ending act? Let's first talk about the tax evaders in Obama's cabinet..!!"
***********************************************************************

Yes, it should be a career-ending act. He is an elected official and the citizens should hold him to high standards! I bet they forced him out,. That's democracy at work. If they decide racist mayors is a disqualifier, the better. The citizens need to do this more often. Maybe this will improve the quality of those who occupy our govt offices.

Why do you think we can't discuss this racial issue and tax evaders at the same time? What is the correlation? Of course we can. I hope we all can walk and chew gum at them same time!

True colors shining through! Who will be the first to cast a stone?

To Mo in NY, you and I alike wish that he was a republican but in fact he is a democrat. We all have that member of the family that just doesn't get it. Of course he knew african americans like to consume watermellon more than their white counterparts otherwise there would be no joke. The same as the NY Post cartoonist knew that blacks resmble monkeys otherwise there would be no joke in that either. This all has to stop!

There was nothing racist about it

Thank God we live in America where we have forums like this one to state our position. Mine is that the photo was in poor taste and the guy made a dumb mistake. However, to all those who have sent him up the river to his doom via hate comments, I sincerely hope you feel that this would be in poor taste no matter whom the sender. What I'm sick of on both sides of the race fence is that blacks can joke about blacks, whites can joke about whites and blacks can joke about whites – all without recourse. But whites joking about blacks – that's purely racist? I don't get that. I'm so glad I have friends of all backgrounds and we have fun with life, with our differences and mostly our similarities. We need to maintain our sensitivity, but we really need to lighten up.

WHITES EAT WATERMELON TOO, SO HIS RACIAL SARCASIUM WAS IGNORANT

I really thought we had gotten past this kind of stuff. It is sad when all we should be feeling is proud of how far we have come. Instead, we have a public official acting like an idiot. Hopefully there are only a few of these left.

He that has no transgressions should throw the first stone. Racism will be here as long as the human race exist unless there's some sort of divine intervention. If you're true to yourself, then you realize that all of us have things that we do or maybe views that we should be ashamed of; however, public officials are supposed to represent the public and may not have the same privacy of a private citizen. I don't know the contents of the email but I do know me. I'd like forgiveness and a chance to make things up if I did something that effected someone else in a negative manner. Can we do that for someone else if he asks for forgiveness and a chance to make right his wrong doings? No one is perfect!

In other news, the Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan is claiming that he didn't know that wearing a white hood was racist.

To my fellow white folks who are whining about this and claiming that everybody's picking on you: grow up. Racism still exists, and it's a stain on this society, and we are the dominant race whether you acknowledge it or not. That doesn't mean you should feel guilty, but it does mean that a little self-awareness and willingness to listen and learn is called for.

The Bu....per your comment...."In this country, HISTORICALLY, my race (blacks/African-Americans) have been stereotyped as those who like fried chicken, collard greens and yes, watermelon. It has been a racist stereotype that has lived on since the time of slavery. Sadly, some in "white America" have seen fit to use these stereotypes as "jokes."

Where was the outcry when the movie "Soul Food" came out depicting the stereotype of African Americans eating certain foods? Who was feeding on that stereotype, and why would those actors being involved in doing so as you state, since it is historically racist? Who is ultimately responsible for perpetuating the stereotypes?.......Everyone owns the responsibility to stop and break the cycle of those stereotypes.

I think this mayor epitimizes stupidity and frankly, ignorance seems to be the real crime.....we would all hope people who vote for those like him would research a candidate a little deeper before heading out to the polls and not allow people of such little integrity into public office.

When are y'all going to learn that racism is not an acceptable form of speech any more?

Racism, to us, seems like a sinister sin surrounded, sometimes, by sensible/senseless skepticism. We have hard time describin' it and ignorin' it, but, nonetheless, it sould be sacrileged as a single most stumblin' block, standin' in the way of sanity.

Kevin you are indeed a RACIST you filthy pig and ask your grand mammy if she love black eyed peas ,collards and fried chicken I betcha she does

The fact that he thought it was a joke makes it racist! He knew exactly what he was doing.

Images of watermelons are not being used to disenfranchise blacks. The only thing at play here is hurt feelings and a sense of entitlement that one group has a right not to have its feelings hurt. It's an empowerment grab, plain and simple. A condition in our society that allows one group to claim woe-is-me status over everyone else to the point that it develops the victimhood "compensation mentality" that they must be compensated for everything they feel badly in response to anything. Where were the blacks outraged by Dave Chapelles racist asian commentary on his show? Sitting in front of the screen laughing.

If the mayor knew he was wrong (and I truly believe that he did)....he did the right thing by stepping down. To anyone who doesn't want to admit racist behavior when it smacks you in the face, you don't need to (we don't need your understanding in order to help us see that we are right). However, you also don't need to comment negatively because it doesn't help.

I'm sorry but I think all races should embrace the "jokes" about their culture. I'm Irish and don't mind the alcoholism or baby poppin' jokes that get said about me or my family. As long as they are said as a joke and not trying to hurt me. Was this guy trying to hurt Pres. Obama? I don't think so. We all need to learn that words are just words. They can't kill, mame or hurt unless you let them. Grow a thicker skin or learn some whit and make jokes right back. You never know, you might make someone like me laugh.

To everyone saying "this shouldn't cost him his job," it DIDN'T! He wasn't forced out of office, he resigned in shame. It's not like the cops came and arrested him and told him he had to leave.

That being said, this is disgusting. Would it be ok for him to send an email with the front lawn transformed into a rice paddy with someone in a rain hat working the fields if we had just elected our first Asian president? It's not time for minorities to "lighten up," it's time for everyone of every race to "smarten up."

Thank God he needed to resign.

It was a stupid and racist email. But then again where was the outrage when the stupid incensitive and insulting cartoons where about Bush.

Good.

another Democrat not mentioned as such by CNN

why does CNN (almost) never mention party affiliation when it's a Democrat?

hmmmmmmm

Why didn't he send out an email with cracker all over the front lawn when ALL of the other president move in the white house?

For those who complain that the "thought police" are eroding our rights, let me say this: people are free to say whatever kind of racist things they want in this country, but that does not mean that they are protected from criticism.

This guy was not prosecuted by any government entity for the email he sent, nor should he be; it is within his rights as a human being to think what he wants. For the citizens of this country to hold each other to a higher standard of tolerance in no way erodes our rights as a free people.

It's all fun and games......until you lose your job!

The Bu March 2nd, 2009 11:55 am ET

Let me explain something to those who "don't understand" why watermelons could appear to be racist. And let me speak to any other thing that could be taken as such. In this country, HISTORICALLY, my race (blacks/African-Americans) have been stereotyped as those who like fried chicken, collard greens and yes, watermelon. It has been a racist stereotype that has lived on since the time of slavery. Sadly, some in "white America" have seen fit to use these stereotypes as "jokes." This is 2009 and for ANYBODY in this country to say that they didn't know that people of color have been put equated with monkeys, fried chicken and collard greens and, yes, watermelons, is utterly ridiculous and I would really love to know what rock you have been living under. I'm not necessarily a proponent of firing someone who makes a racist remark or gesture. I think that's why we have elections, so we can learn the good, bad and ugly about our politicians and if they are not who they say they are, we gladly elect them OUT of office. All I say, is, WAKE UP AMERICA!!! It's time out for claiming ignorance and wondering why people get so upset. How in the world could this guy not understand why watermelons in front of a White House now occupied by a black family was insulting at the least, is beyond me. He could have picked peaches or pears or some other fruit. No more claiming ignorance people. Everyone in this country should be intelligent enough to know what offends people of other races and religions, so just stop doing this crap. It's about time that this country began to come together, instead of always dividing itself.
--------------------

I couldn't have said it better. Maybe you have educated someone who doesn't realize how hurtful this kind of thing really is.
Thank you

To Greg in Jax:

You need Prozak dude.

News papers and now a mayor who is a sitting goverment official that black votes help get him where he is now.I have never seen a campaign or election that was so full of racial tones as 2008 and still going into 2009.Sure a black man was elected president and predjudice was expected but these public outbreaks of racial remarks features depicting african americans is unacceptable especially when it is an african amrican that we have as president.So much hate mongering as if the slaves did not suffer enough...and to continue race baiting from people especially that one would think would be people of intelligence.Yes he should have resigned and I hope he leaves with his head down in shame

what ever happen to jessie jackson's comment a obama? nothing, wonder why

Is he racist if he didn't know it was offensive? Yes, because they said so.

I have overheard many jokes about white men from black men. Whitey this, cracker that...I am sure good old Rev Sharpton has plenty, but I must be an evil racist to even question God's annointed.

UGLY is grossly obese Limbaugh standing up there sweating like a pig, shaking from his overdose of Oxycontin, and babbling like a complete idiot. THAT's ugly.

what ever happen to jessie jackson's comment a obama? nothing, wonder why

@ Len

Racism has just one party : the party of idiots

Gald he was taken off the trail. He should look like a fool now, but when he sent the email he was laughing until he was crying. Cry cry cry now fool.

I'm white and I love watermelons. Come on make a joke about that and see if I get offended. Good grief, since Obama got in officea person can't say anything anymore without being called a rascist. We don't need to fight outher countries, we got enough fight in our own country.

Once you vote Black you get to see how racist your friends really are.

Im white and my wife is black. I make these jokes all the time to her.... guess im a racist. They say acceptance is the first step.

If anything comes from a white person...It is racist... , I am sick and tired of Everything people say or do is a racist remark... BLAH BLAH BLAH!!! People get a life!!! Lighten up!!! this is exactly what keeps racism going!!!

THE MAYOR IS A REPUBLICAN! Not a Democrat.

I guess he wasn't a "coward".

This is what Holder was talking about. He was not saying that White People are racist or cowards, he was saying that our conversations about race were too imature. Think about it, if this guy and the council women had mature conversations about race over the years they have known each other she would know where he stands on the issure. Then an e-mail like this might have been seen as the joke he meant for it to be. But because she does not know how he really feels she has to take this in the worst posible way. I have White buds who say all type of stuff in gest. But because I know them I know how they really feel about blacks. So when the tell me this is funny I can take it with a grain of salt. But if this was the only thing I know about them I would be hurt. America, lets talk about race.

If anything comes from a white person...It is racist...It is ok for the Attorney General to catogeorize AMericans that way, I am sick and tired of Everything people say or do is a racist remark... BLAH BLAH BLAH!!! People get a life!!!

to DawnS: "And he's a Democrat! Racism spans the political spectrum."

You wish. Dean Grose, the mayor of Los Alamitos, is a Republican. I'm pretty sure that there are plenty of racist Democrats, but Republicans are the only ones so far out of touch they don't know WHEN they are being racist. And when it's pointed out to them that they are, in fact, racist, they actually think it's acceptable because they weren't aware of it. In other words, they think it's OK to be ignorant. That's their problem.

No matter what the Mayor's party affiliation is.........who cares? His
depiction of the white house lawn was not sent during the former President's term..........? And then he lies about not being aware of the overtones of his e-mail......what a joke that is!

Maybe Rush Limbaugh will hire him as his sidekick.........good pair....different party lines, but similar in views and dumbness.

Bu...I read your comment and I agree, somebody would have to be pretty stupid or ignorant to not know those things.

My question for you and anyone who would care to answer is this...

What about the rappers and hip-hoppers? Why is it OK for them to use racially derisive terms, but if somebody outside of the circle uses the same language then they're evil.

BTW- Where's the outrage over Chris Brown beatin' the piss out of Rhianna?

Do you think we'd be hearing from the good Reverand Al Sharpton if it was Kid Rock instead?

You bet'cha....that's what we Republicans call a double-standard.

How does it feel to be the subject of ridicule Mr. Bungles?

Better not joke about Italians and spaghetti, or Polish sausages, or British and warm beer, or Mexicans and Tacos, or Germans and sauerkraut etc, etc.. What kind of insanity is this country coming to? Ther e is no such thing as humor anymore without someone expressing self righteous insult.

He should be put in jail right away. We don't need free speech rights anymore...wake up, this is the 21st century.

I wonder how this guy was missing in action at the CPAC. I'm sure as hell the audience there would have found his "joke" to be funny.

I am white and love collard greens, fried chicken, and watermelon. I think it's more of a southern thing sorta like sweet tea. I remember so many photo's of President Bush that was awful. They cartooned him as a monkey, killer and everthing else you can think of. I saved a cartoon out of my paper this morning of Bobby Jindal and of course he looks black and I could cry racism but I get it, everyone that is in the spot light gets made fun of and joked about. I know the late night shows are scard to joke about obama and that's really let's me know there's a lot of thin skinned folks out there. Get over it.

Dearest "The Bu"...

I must say that I found your remarks quite insulting about living under a rock. I most certainly have never lived under a rock and I had no idea that referencing watermelon or fried chicken was racist(i'll give you the reference to monkeys). I would say that, more likely than not, if people did not know that those words could be racist it would be because they themselves are not racist and therefore are not "up to date" with racist references. And its ridicuolous that every little thing now is being termed racist.

The mayor not making the connection of Watermelons and African-Americans is an absolute lie. He's a politician. Politicians are both good and bad at lying which is evident. I think that these kinds of acts are deplorable and that people in these types of positions shouldn't be there. I will say however that I find it interesting that racism on all sides is not covered and eradicated. You never see anybody making a scene about offensive things said by hip-hop artists or Black leaders on television stereotyping whites and saying offensive things about white people. I have encountered many things in the media said about white people by african americans that I found extremely offensive, and its treated like it is ok. Its not right and makes white people that aren't racist start to look at things the wrong way because they are justifiably offended. Thats why it needs to be eradicated on all sides. Even worse than this was the New York post cartoon. I cannot believe that there is still this much ignorance in people that are in places so close to the media and public service.

Another Republican/Conservative hate monger bites the dust. These people are truly disgusting.

If anyone knows anything about the town of Los Alamitos Calif, there is definitely a section of all white affluent section of the city and this guy knew that WATERMELONS are used to portray blacks. Should he have stepped down, you americans who feel that FREE SPEECH is part of our freedom is this country however, when in an elected position your rights to FREEDOM OF SPEECH is somehwat limited as you are the voice of the people who you represent I don't feel that all of the people in the town where he is the mayor feel the same way he does. IE: How would the american people feel if President Obama looked over to the good ol boy group of the Republican party and said to them "LOOK WHITEY" blah blah. So yes he should have stepped down.

Of course all of white America is racist – at least that's what you're told you have to believe if you want to be a good Democratic and an Obama supporters. Don't believe me? Just read to some of the statements that Obama's Head of the Justice Department has to say recently with regard to race in The United States.

I think everyone needs to just lighten up–we've heard more about racism in the past six weeks than we've heard of in almost the whole 8 years of President Bush's administration.

To those of you who are saying something inane such as, "But it's just a joke," or "Lighten up," I say to you: If he has the right to forward a stupid, racist, idiotic email that offends someone, then that someone who received it has the right to be offended and to call him out. Freedom of speech goes both ways, people. Yes, you might have a right to think racist jokes are funny. I have a right to be offended and to call you out. And let's just let the political chips fall where they may, hmmm?

While I find the e-mail disgusting and offensive beyond words, the fact that the mayor is being asked to step down for exercising his freedom of speech is disturbing. Racist speech is not illegal or outside First Amendment limitations. While this e-mail used obvious racist imagery, the next time it won't be so obvious. Out next mayer might be called racist and fired for language that's much less obvious.

Thank God he's OUT! I have suffered at the hands of racism and trust me it's not cute when you're called out of your name or racial jokes are said in front of you. It's absolutely insulting and puts you in the frame of mind as if you are less of a person which we are not. No race is better than the other. Racism will always exist but if we try to teach the younger children to co-exist together in this world we would all be much better human beings.

@ Kevin – you are a jerk and CNN should banned you. If you can't give your opinion w/o using racial overtunes, then you shouldn't wright anything at all.

The guy's obviously an idiot......but lighten up folks – should it really be a career ending act? Let's first talk about the tax evaders in Obama's cabinet..!! (and yes..I'm a Dem.!!)

i wasnt aware of watrermelon as being racist...I am white and i think watermelon is goooooooooood!

What a Moron! What was he thinking? Oh Wait...Did I say thinking? He should apologize for this terrible email.

Everyone should be offended at this kind of thing...Not only is it stupid but it shows what kind of person he is! This must never be tolerated by anyone. Hate and bigotry have NO place in society and must have consequences.

I want my apology for the sexist thrivings from CNN! Why CNN do you hate racsim but employ its sister, sexism?
and why did you remove the Utube video of sexist comment by James Carville?

oh wait, they will not publish this comment

Well, Good that he lost, his job. And CNN, some of the things that you guy report. You guys are becomming an extension of the Republican Party. I just heard Dann Bash meticiously picking the items that she referes to as "earmarks" in the current spending bill designed to get the government through Sept. She implied that the WH was somehow being disingeous becasue these earmarks are in this current "Bush Budget", but the president would sign. I did not hear here mention the Republican Senators Kyle, Graham, and others also have earmarks in the budget bill. She is also prone to interjecting her opinions and heresay as "news" If she is going to be so bias, perhaps she should work for the RNC.

Blu
100 percent correct
Now unerstand this isnt just a white issue
As a white man i am held to a higher standard than a person of color
Any thing i say that can any way be mistaken for racist could cost me my job.
If i dont vote for obama its because im racist.
Tired of black awareness month. tired of miss black america
Tired of affirmative action. Tired of race baiters who only worry about blacks. isnt that racism.
Utill people of all color see all sides, this will continue.
It starts with you and I
Not just I

Any thoughtful person in this county, who has any sense of our nation's history, would realize there is a racist message in this cartoon. The mayor is either racist or ignorant and either way should be out of office.

I have not heard anything about blacks and watermelons until now.

Thank God he's OUT! I have suffered at the hands of racism and trust me it's not cute when you're called out of your name or racial jokes are said in front of you. It's absolutely insulting and puts you in the frame of mind as if you are less of a person which we are not. No race is better than the other. Racism will always exist but if we try to teach the younger children to co-exist together in this world we would all be much better human being.

@ Kevin – you are a jerk and CNN should ban you. If you can't give you opinion w/o using racial overtunes, then you shouldn't wright anything at all.

This is actually a pretty good story. The guy wasn't fired so there's no free speech infringement or censorship to lament. The court of public opinion did its job – the guy is stepping down due to public outcry. That's what's supposed to happen when stuff like this goes on. Pat yourself on the back America.

People need to lighten up. All this political correctness is madness.
Its ok to make fun of some things.
Here's the tragedy – you make George Bush look like a monkey and everyone laughs, you make a cartoon about Police shooting a monkey and its linked to racism against Obama.
This reminds me of that Dutch cartoon drawing of Prophet Mohammed.
Whats the difference between the good folks in middle east who got upset with that and the blacks and others who got upset with that cartoon ?
The point is – its ok sometimes to let it go. No need to look for racism in every word anyone speaks.
We need to put away real racists like Rush Limbaugh, Al Sharpton etc.

Please don’t insult our intelligence by claiming that you didn’t know it would be offensive. You are either a liar or too stupid for your own good. Either way, good riddance you jerk.

@ The Bu

I think your statement is the most balanced, reasonable thing I have read on this issue so far. I wish you could write a column somewhere.

I would not confuse a racist with someone who has a tasteless sense of humor. This was a tasteless sense of humor and nothing else. If you want to decry racism, stop the Ms. Black America Pagent, ban all black clubs and organizations. Lets get realistic about the dual standard that exists....

Good riddance, and it needs to be done far more often. Free speech comes with a price, and those holding a professional office have also a responsibility to professionalism, manners, and decorum, and if they can not uphold these traits equally, then find someone who can.

Yup- this is a no brainer.

Gump's Momma was right.

Stupid is as stupid does.

I do think people need to lighten up. America has became a poster child for political correctness, just because a few people get their panties in a bunch, then a good man who made a mistake resigns. Does anyone know what he actually did for his city, maybe he was a great mayor who impletmented various laws that has a positive effect on his community. But as soon as he sends out an "offensive" email his head is on a chopping block. People of America, WAKE UP.

JC, Marc in Virginia...racism isn't funny. Period. It's ignorant and hateful. Disguising hatred with humor is putting lipstick on a pig–it's still hatred.

A "joke" might be *receiving* something like this from a friend who is black, and the two of you sharing a good-natured chuckle over stupid stereotypes. *Sending* this out to people whom you do not know closely shows insensitivity, poor judgment, and yes, racism. These are not qualities I would want in my mayor, or my friends. If the man can't figure out or doesn't care what might be offensive to others, he shouldn't be in public office. This was a matter of common sense, and he obviously doesn't have any.

Thank God he's OUT! I have suffered at the hands of racism and trust me it's not cute when you're called out of your name or racial jokes are said in front of you. It's absolutely insulting and puts you in the frame of mind as if you are less of a person which we are not. No race is better than the other. Racism will always exist but if we try to teach the younger children to co-exist together in this world we would all be much better human being.

@ Kevin – you are a jerk and CNN should ban you. If you can't give you opinion w/o using racial overtunes, then you shouldn't right anything at all.

I'd love to see the day a man has to step down from a position of power because of something sexist he said.

While I think racism is wrong, I get so tired of all the fake people who get all crazy about it and then go on ignoring other types of discrimination. People like that are incapable of thinking- they just do what they are told. The talking heads tell them racism is bad, so they follow along. It doesn't occur to them that other types of discrimination are wrong too. Honestly, can we really credit these types of people for being open minded and caring? I don't think so- they're just robots.

Why would someone put their job, career, and financial future at risk over a dumb stunt? Especially in these economic times?

It was a stupid, insensitive e-mail, sent by an obviously stupid, insensitive person. Does he need to learn something? Yes? Should he lose his job over this? Not according to the copy of the Constitution I use. If the public had voted him out next time, that's another story.

I'm so sick of people coming out of the woodwork saying, in effect, "I don't care what the constitution says," and acting on emotion. Al Sharpton is a prime example of someone who never uses his brain in an issue like this.

To the blogger called "Obama", Really! This California mayor is a democrat. Just like another poor democrat role model we had in the White House a few years ago.

Once again the democrats are seeing their own true colors but yet they have to make themselves feel better about this by attacking republicans. This mayor is a democrat not a republican.
By the way I am a republican anbd no racism in my body!!!

This guy should have resigned for two reasons: (1) making a racist comment, and (2) lying when he said he didn't know it was a racist comment. I'm a 61 year old white guy and I know a racist comment when I hear it, and this former mayor knew it too.

If he didn't know it was racist, what did he think the watermelons in front of the White House meant?

What's the punchline to that joke?

RACISM IS SO 1960s!
----------
I luv this quote

DawnS,

True, racism has no party affiliations,ask puma-ettes.

whats wrong CNN??? He's a DEMOCRAT!!! Why not say it in the article??? WHEN it's a GOP lawmaker, you rush to put GOP or Republican in the article!! now that its a Dem, you leave it out...coincidence???

I live in Houston TX and as a black man, it's my responsibility to correct people when their ignorance is showing. I don't get angry I make a strong attempt to educate.

If that doesn't work...then I get my baseball bat...

Maybe some people in America have gotten past this and don't consider it worth bringing up every 5 minutes. You want to get past racism....then don't find a reason to get ticked off about every little thing. You think you have it hard....try being Irish-American Indian. Yeah, there haven't been any jokes about alcohol or wife beating ever in my life....noooooo. Anything can be construed as a derogatory comment by anyone.....enough is enough.....let's get a life and get past the kindergarten antics.

where is the ACLU on this one?

I would also be certain, that many elected officials received SEXIST e-mails about Governor Sarah Palin. What a bunch of two faced hypocrits!

The guy is a liar if he claims he didn't understand the reference........The rednecks are starting to reveal themselves and they are stating they don't know that they are rednecks.........The black president will have to watch out.he probably has some closet rednecks working for him already............but they can't keep it silent for too long...........they are just that way

Watermelons aren't grown in rows like that – that is far too neat for a watermelon patch. So not only is this guy a racist pig (no offense to pigs), and not only is he wasting taxpayer dollars by sending this from his office, he also knows nothing about real watermelon growing. Whoever believes that this moron was not motivated by racial animus is equally stupid. Whoever thinks we thinks we should not be offended by this because it was"just a joke" – all I have to say to you is "He jests at scars that never felt a wound."

Bobby Jindal is as big a moron as Palin.

Racism is pathetic. Only ignoramus does not know that.

I'm glad he's gone and this should serve as a lesson to those who continue to do this kinds of crazy mess that offends one particular race. I know it may sound like it's no big deal to some, but if you haven't been through what most black people have been through, you may never get it. Trust me, this kinds of stuff is very offensive and hurtful to blacks.

What was he thinking, I know he was not thinking, Why didnt he send the email out when BUSH was in office oh Bush is WHITE and not BLACK

I always chuckle when people of color are told to 'lighten up'.

Imagine the irony.

Jokes are for comedians to tell,like me.Its what we are not being told that will really want to make you cry.Tell me how to get stocks in the fedreserve,the worlds biggest private bank.They will make trillions from a total collapse of the system.I have offshore untaxable accts.,a private island,plane and will be having a drink in the sand when you are all standing in bread lines.I am taking my golden microphone with me though,hahaha,bye.

to his defense, my wife did not know watermelon as racist. But if he did not understand that reference, then there is not punch line to the picture. If it made no sense and was not funny, why we he forward it?

Lets face facts, he understood what it meant, he included more people on his email alies then he thought, and got called out for bad behavior.

As for why he quit, if he gave a full thoughted and meaningful apology, he could have continued and not taken the cowards route.

Mayor Grose isn't resigning because of his long years of racist jokes and obnoxious sexist emails . . he's resigning simply because the "source" of the photo he inserted into his email came from a White Supremacists' blog bloated with direct links to hard core porn.

His denial that he didn't 100-years symbolism of watermelons will work for the mouth-breathers in the nation who think such 'humor' is humor, his denial and resignation is deflecting those same family values mouth breathers from knowing the Mayor's surfing habits online.

Not to worry, he is a Repub and as we all know, the more vile, perverse and inhumane one of their members are outed to be . . . the higher they'll elevate him in political office.

Thanks to his being outed for his blatant racism, he'll be a rising star in the GOP.....post haste.

Good God, isn't there more important things to rant about than a poor joke? This is just part of the race business running amuck.

Oh,so now no one can ever talk about watermelons,fried chicken,black eyed peas,but there isn't even a comment about someone throwing a shoe at our former president.You liberal phonies should get a life!!!

YES I KEEP SAYING AMERICA, THE REPUBLICANS WANTS ALL WHITE IN THIS COUNTRY. THE REPUBLICANS ARE ALL RACISTS, THESE KKK'S ON THE RIGHT WOULD LOVE NOTHING MORE THAN SEE THIS COUNTRY FAIL UNDER A BLACKMAN. I WISH AND PRAY EVERYDAY THAT ALL REPUBLICANS AND ALL THE RACISTS ON EARTH BURN IN HELL SOON. I WOULD LOVE NOTHING MORE THAN TO HEAR THESE IMMIGRANT HATERS, THESE KKK'S AND THESE BIGOTS ON THE RIGHT SCREAM WHILE THEY FLESH RUNS OFF THESE BODY. LISTEN REPUBLICANS AND RACISTS ON THE RIGHT, YOU ALL ARE IMMIGRANTS, YOU DONT OWN AMERICA WHITE PEOPLE.

It is 2009.............time to grow up!! Good riddance.

YES I KEEP SAYING AMERICA, THE REPUBLICANS WANTS ALL WHITE IN THIS COUNTRY. THE REPUBLICANS ARE ALL RACISTS, THESE KKK'S ON THE RIGHT WOULD LOVE NOTHING MORE THAN SEE THIS COUNTRY FAIL UNDER A BLACKMAN. I WISH AND PRAY EVERYDAY THAT ALL REPUBLICANS AND ALL THE RACISTS ON EARTH BURN IN HELL SOON. I WOULD LOVE NOTHING MORE THAN TO HEAR THESE IMMIGRANT HATERS, THESE KKK'S AND THESE BIGOTS ON THE RIGHT SCREAM WHILE THEY FLESH RUNS OFF THESE BODY. LISTEN REPUBLICANS AND RACISTS ON THE RIGHT, YOU ALL ARE IMMIGRANTS, YOU DONT OWN AMERICA WHITE PEOPLE.

So apparently I can not post that watermelons have feelings too. Can someone please think of the watermelons here? seriously!

also impeach obama!

Patty in CA has the right idea, except, being from California, she naturally thought of orange trees...

Pres. Obama hails originally from Hawaii, so if this doofus now-ex-mayor had really wanted to make a funny joke instead of a racist joke, he'd have posted a picture with a pineapple field, complete with the red earth of Hawaii. Even then, though, I"m not sure it would have been funny in that sense to the majority of us.

These are serious times. I don't see much reason for laughing.

hate groups have grown by 4% and now racist jokes are on the rise.i'm seriously not upset about this.what we should be upset about is that cpac rally that was held with comedian rush whatever as the leading joke.it almsot seemed like a kkk rally.i wanted to laugh at his jokes but it just wasn't that funny

Racism will take a long time to weed out of the population. The most racist people I know have grey hair. Full toleration may be five generations away.

To JC:

Simply put, NO! The American people are to smart to be sitting around laughing about garbage. We leave that to the idiots. Which are you?

Well heres one for fat head limbaugh, let him follow that loud mouth idiot.

I'm an African American, [born in the South] and that has lived mostly in the Northeast. I'm now in California.

I do see less racial hangups in SoCal. Interacial marriages ... black, white, asian, latino ... many mixed parties with more than just the "token" diversity of the one "asian" or "latino" friend.

That said, I find it surprising that a mayor was not aware of the sterotypical reference to watermelons and blacks. It is suspiciously strange to me that this "cartoon" depicted watermelons on the whitehouse lawn as a lead-in to no room for Easter eggs. Why not squash, tomatoes, eggplant .... why watermelons?

With two young daughters and with his clear Christian faith, if anything, this year's easter egg hunt will be bigger than ever with President Obama in the Whitehouse.

I BET YOU HE'S A REPUBLICAN.......THEY JUST CAN'T HELP IT.

So what was the joke supposed to be?

The comments were racist, but within the context of a joke so who cares? You commie liberals need to lighten up and have some fun once in a while; is that possible for a liberal?

What ever happened to the people that produced the movie "White Men Can't Jump"? Is that not racist?

All this furor but what a rapper (Jay Z) said in a HUGE public setting on inauguration night is acceptable? Doesn't sound fair to me. Shouldn't ALL RACES be held accountable for these types of remarks?

Get over yourselves, it was a joke.

It was a funny one too.

If he didn't know, he wouldn't have gotten the joke. Why is he playing stupid? News flash, race is a sensitive topic in this country. People should probably tread lightly. Also why the increase in hate groups over the economy? That's like joining a pancake hate group because you slipped on ice and broke your arm. The two are completely unrelated. Seriously people.

People need to lighten up.

Peace... forgiveness...

I'm usually opposed to the PC Thought Police, but this jerk deserves whatever he gets.

For him to say that he didn't know that a Watermelon patch is a negative racial stereotype is absurd. Of course he knew what the implication was.

My question is: Why did he think that anyone would think it was funny?
What kind of people does he hang out with?

How is calling names going to do any good. Make you feel better?
Save your job, save your money or pensions?
The 13 a week is for you to pay higher taxes on your energy and gas bills. Just a different way of paying higher taxes than taking them out of your check evey week. The tax tables aren't changing or going down. You will just have to pay it at the end of the year or get less of a refund. But they will get it back.

My question: If he didn't know the watermelons were considered racists stereotypes, why did he consider the email funny?

I agree this is offensive so why is there a picture of it on this site?

I do not support racist statements and think anyone who holds such prejudices are idiots...

However...

When the speech-police govern all forms of thought and bias... we have begun the erosion of ALL our rights.

I think people of other races eat watermelons too!

Give the guy a break. At least he didn't say anything about fried chicken, collard greens, or black eyed peas.

Let me explain something to those who "don't understand" why watermelons could appear to be racist. And let me speak to any other thing that could be taken as such. In this country, HISTORICALLY, my race (blacks/African-Americans) have been stereotyped as those who like fried chicken, collard greens and yes, watermelon. It has been a racist stereotype that has lived on since the time of slavery. Sadly, some in "white America" have seen fit to use these stereotypes as "jokes." This is 2009 and for ANYBODY in this country to say that they didn't know that people of color have been put equated with monkeys, fried chicken and collard greens and, yes, watermelons, is utterly ridiculous and I would really love to know what rock you have been living under. I'm not necessarily a proponent of firing someone who makes a racist remark or gesture. I think that's why we have elections, so we can learn the good, bad and ugly about our politicians and if they are not who they say they are, we gladly elect them OUT of office. All I say, is, WAKE UP AMERICA!!! It's time out for claiming ignorance and wondering why people get so upset. How in the world could this guy not understand why watermelons in front of a White House now occupied by a black family was insulting at the least, is beyond me. He could have picked peaches or pears or some other fruit. No more claiming ignorance people. Everyone in this country should be intelligent enough to know what offends people of other races and religions, so just stop doing this crap. It's about time that this country began to come together, instead of always dividing itself.

He is not actually "gone." The "former" mayor is now on the City Council in Los Alamitos so he is still functioning in an official capacity as a public official. Be sure to put that out the viewers CNN. In 2009...that is ashame. There is no place for this in today's society, especially in a "leadership position." Where's Al?

I would see it as a way to "go green", but then, I am not looking to be offended by every little thing. Now I would be mad if this email was sent from an office computer during work. I have been sent a number of emails that I have found in poor taste and I simply ask to not be sent further emails of that nature and go on with my work.

He didn't like Black people sooooo much that he ended up giving his job to one! Smart! Anybody else wants to give their job should hurry up and come forward. Don't waste anymore of true American's time!

One would have to ask . . . how long has he lived in the U.S.--that he did not know of the connection.

He comment, only confirms he was a Palin Supporter!

It was a joke and I thought it was funny! Of course I never subscribed to the PC nonsense so I still have a great sense of humor and because of this I am NEVER offended. You people should try it some time.

loser.

WE WANT TO TALK ABOUT RUSH LIMBAUGH... he is a racist and a drug addict.. once an addict always an addict.. and a hypocritical one at that..

RACISM IS SO 1960s!

These days everything is racist. It's a good defence strategy for some people.

And he's a Democrat! Racism spans the political spectrum.

Why would the mayor have thought this racist joke was funny if he didn't know what it was about? What a liar. We don't need our public officials behaving this way.

He knew about it, or else it would not have been funny. What makes watermelons in this case funny...the caricature of blacks and watermelons...that's the punchline.

People are stupid if they believe he was ignorant about this.

That's the real problem. These people have no idea that this kind of joke or remark is offensive because it smacks of racism. It's a throwback to slavery when black slaves were branded and forced to pick cotton and had to subsist on water melons like so many cattle.Thank God that these people, mostly republicans, are a dyeing breed. Luckily there are people around like Nancy Pelosi who have loaded AK47s who can take out pit bulls with or without lipstick and real jokes like Rush Limbaugh. Good riddance to bad rubbish.

100 racist idiots in government you take 1 down you kick him around 99 racist idiots in government.

sounds like a great new song for the kids to sing at the back of the bus on those field trips. I might need some help with the lyrics.

He doesn't look smart enough to have created the email, so where did it orginate from is the question.

JC...Racist behavior isn't a joke it's offensive and hurtful.

Unfortunatly, Kimberly in Azizona, rascist are all over this country, and most of the people running this place have some level of it in them. Sorry if this blows up the small bubble in which you live, but it is a fact. Not saying it's right, but it's out there....

As a black man, I find all of this 'outrage' over racist cartoons a little exaggerated. No, not a little, but a lot. If Chris Rock made any of these cartoons, people would be laughing.

The mayor is a JOKE!!!!

this is just the beginning more and more will continue to show their ignorance

@s.positive "Another Idiot goes down. They should carry on talking until they are all flushed out…"

There won't be anyone left in government except a few Green Party and Libertarians.

DNC + RNC = total idiot load.

Double standard...

why not another fruit....

why not a cat instead of a momkey

why..............

JC, how did watermelons become synonymous with black people?? Doesn't everyone eat watermelon?? Jokes are supposed to be funny. This just wasn't. And if you did think it was funny, would it still be funny if it were done while Bush was in office?? Because I believe white people eat watermelon as well. Think about that and get back to me.

>>IT IS A JOKE!!! Doesn't anybody have a sense of humor anymore?<<

Spoken like a white guy who is clueless about racism. Yes, watermelon/black people jokes would definitely be considered racist.

So racist jokes are okay JC???

I just hope he did not poison the rest of the staff in city hall before he resigned. Good riddance to bad rubbish.

Wow... stupidity and ignorance actually DIDN'T pay!??!?! What is America coming too!

good riddance.........

Unfortunately, there are far too many people in both government and private enterprise positions who really don't see a joke like this as racist. Their racism is so integrated into their culture and daily lives that they don't consciously say to themselves, "oh, I better not send this out, it's insensitive..." In their minds they don't believe they are racist. You will likely hear them say, "why, some of my best friends are black (or Asian, or Latino, or gay, or Arab and so on)." Many people are afraid to address their prejudices and biases head on. They find it easier to carry on their ignorance of people who are different from them.

@JC...I do have a sense of humor but i don't find anything funny about this!! This is blatant racism. Alot of people may not be aware of the racist connection between african americans and watermelons but this mayor sure did. Just think about it...why watermelons? Why didn't he use some other fruit, vegtable, or etc.? Why watermelons? You know what, i can respect a person who just comes out and admits that they are racist. What annoys me are these closet racists. They make racist comments & suggestions and then swear up and down that they didn't mean it or that they didn't know.

Good Riddance! Would he have sent out such emails if the POTUS was white? Higly unlikely. Many will go the way he has during the Obama adminstration because they cannot help but put their feet in their mouths. The world has changed; apparently the mayor did not get the memo. Whats most shocking is that he was a major in the State of California of all places. Let him look for work now in this terrible economy.

Hey Isaac, should Republicans take respncibility for the tumbling dow? Oh wait, that's happening under Obama's watch, but your to much of a bufoon to notice.

I don't agree with the e-mail, but if this mayor was forced to step down,why do we still have Rush limbaugh and Ann Coulter? They spew more venom and hate than the mayor's poor taste in humor.

Those who are happy that the mayor has been forced out due to wild and unfounded accusations of racism need to understand that one day the ire and hatred of others will be directed at them. That is the danger of our growing intolerance.

The fact that you have to ask if anyone has a sense of humor anymore, shows your ignorance as well. If I were to draw cartoons of white officilas w/ a saltine crackers replacing their face, i dont think you would laugh then. ITS CALLED IGNORANCE. I'm glad he is gone, should have been sooner.

It might be a joke, but IT'S NOT FUNNY! And it's inappropriate.

That is not a joke ! What is really funny is that some people say something is a joke when it is specifically aimed at one segment of the population. EVERYBODY knows that the racists have used watermelons as a stereotype aimed at back people.
BTW-I am white and I see nothing funny about it.

I'm glad that this idiot mayor at least had enough brains to quit.

another Democrat not mentioned as such by CNN

that is in fact the stupidest thing i've ever heard

As a psychotherapist, it is important to note the level of mental illness that the Republican party, GOP/RNC, and many republicans in certain parts of the country exhibit. Racism, hatred of nonwhites, "us against them" mentality, paranoia, fear mongering, blaming the victim, denial, extreme Xenophobic perceptions, bigotry, religious delusions, rigid belief systems, etc. are not only signs of mental illness, but also are the same symptoms that the Nazis had in Germany in World War II before they committed horrible acts. I am concerned that the US is experiencing a rise in hate-related ideologies as we saw at CPAC. This isn't a joke anymore!

It may be a joke, but it's a racist joke. Oranges would have not been racist. Anything else wouldn't have been, except for maybe pieces of fried chicken.

The old stereotypes are in people's minds still. You know, that blacks only eat fried chicken, collard greens, and watermelon. Just like saying an Italian is a member of the mafia. Not true, but still racist stereotypes.

how pathetic.. i am an older white woman and YES i am ensulted!!! this stuff has got to stop before america will be disgraced as a nation. we ALL need to support our new president and show the world that we are a cival nation and all want the US to succeed. you republicans out there need to get over yourselves....YOU LOST THE ELECTION! move on and either sit down and shut up or voice your opinions without being rude and so dam negative about how the dems are trying to rebuild the mess your guy left obama holding!!

Yeah...take a memo, DEMS

jc---- I`m a white, Southern boy and you can`t tell me the mayor doesn`t have some deep seated resentment or hatred for Blacks. If this is "humor" , it is tasteless and perverted.

The mayor knew exactly what it meant and that's the reason why he sent it. Mr. ex-mayor, all people eat watermelon including you.

ive said for years theres nothing dumber then a human!!!!

will the repugs ever learn? nope not with fat Rush leading them.

if only he had been caught on tape smoking crack, he could have moved to DC and run for mayor or city council!

Everything is offensive. Get a life people. Can we focus on things a little more important–like the fact that the US economy is going to cave in on itself. No, it's much easier to spend time on these types of things. Perhaps we can use part of the stimulus package to launch an inquest against anyone using watermelons in their business or personal communications. I find this article offensive–can the editor of CNN please step down.

That a public servant would put out such crap is reprehensible. I don't believe he didn't know it was pure and simple racisim. That he decided to resign is a sign that he knew exactly what it meant. Also, knowing that he would probably never be re-elected....

I don't care if you're conservative like me or liberal, there is NO PLACE for racism in the US of A.

The mayor claimed he didn't know the racist connotations of watermelons and African Americans. That's the biggest load of bull I've ever heard. If he didn't know, then why exactly did he choose watermelons to replace Easter eggs for Obama's White House? Just an innocent coincidence? Yeah, right....

of course it was meant to be racist.

All one has to do is draw a racist picture, make a racist comment, or send out a racist e-mail and say I didn’t know! That sounds like a two year old child. Racism is a problem around the world and one that has been in place since the beginning of time. It is nothing more then evil that has been used as a divisive and depriving tool of economics. Its day is coming and the end of its ways in near. Those who use it will pay, and God is real!

Good.

Another republican tool

Anyone who thinks they are better than someone else because of the color of their skin should talk to the Creator about it. Maybe ask Him to remove them from the planet because he/she can't deal with the beauty of different colors of humans, flowers, birds, fish, animals and every beautiul colorful thing under the sun.

Apparently, this guy never grew up into adulthood with this childish display. I'm certain someone thinks it was funny but disrespecting our President does not a laughing matter make!!!

It's too bad public racist remarks by the NAACP fly under the radar of news organizations, but the moment a mayor of a small town sends a racist email out, CNN is all over it. Good unbiased reporting.

If California's potheads have their way we will see Mary Jane growing in front of the White House. The way the economy is going and this country is going to socialism we are going to have to put gardens in every front and backyard to have something to feed our families. That is all but the social elitist!

Loved the cartoon. Thought it was great. Sent it to all my friends and they laughed, too. Fortunately, I don't let CNN define for me what is "racist" and what is not. It's the difference between critical thinking and not thinking at all. But you better believe CNN is happy to do your thinking for you. In fact, they prefer it.

I am not sure what planet issac comes from, but, watermelons and blacks has been a racist sterotype for years. Where it came form is interesting, and why blacks are targeted when white and other Americans eat as much watermelon per capita as blacks is unsure. Jokes are jokes, but, people need to be more careful. The good thing is that President Obama's election is helping to bring this stuff to the forefront. It goes on all the time, certain white people still think their skin color places them in some sort of superior place, ain't true people.

And I guess we will have to paint all the chimps held in zoos across the nation, White so not to offend Al Sharpton.

If he is so stupid not to know about watermelons being a racial sterotype to blacks then he should resign.

The mayor and Isaac the forced Catholic didn't know this was racist? What planet are they from?

Why are these idiots sending these types of emails anyway? Don't they have work to do?

If we are ever going to come to terms with race, people have to be held accountable for this kind of behavior.

Proclaimed ignorance that watermelon is part of ugly caricatures going back over a hundred years is no excuse.

this peoples have no sense about that america has change fron 1795 to 2009,

they will loss their jobs one by one by because of theirs stupidity.

Old news from last week. Day late and a dollar short. Another GOP idiot without a clue. Orange County to boot. Wasn't that a hotbed of the John Birch Society in the 1960's. Hasn't changed much!

If that clown is "the voice and the intellectual force behind the Republican Party", the GOP is in deeeeeep doo doo.
It is astounding how he and the party mis-read the mood of the country.

GOOD! This is unreal to me that this idiot then comes out and says he didnt know that watermelon was racist. What a joke this guy is. I hope he never gets a job again. I am sure rush limpballs or ann coulter will be glad to have a racist like him in their camp though. Racist people have NO place in this country! Shame that he was ever voted in for anything, what a scum!

IT IS A JOKE!!! Doesn't anybody have a sense of humor anymore?

I admit, I did not know about watermelons and african americans was a racist remark. But I am glad once the mayor found out (if he didn't know before the email was sent) he is taking responsibility for his ill actions. I wish more people were like this... I am talking to you republicans!

Another Idiot goes down. They should carry on talking until they are all flushed out...

Okay, if he had no intention of being racist, why the watemelons? Why not orange trees? Can he answer that?

Good riddance – ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

what is our world coming to? These are supposed to be role models