(CNN) – Maine Republican Gov. Paul LePage is keeping up his reputation for blunt language, telling an unhappy NAACP chapter that they can "kiss my butt."
The governor made the comments to CNN affiliate WCSH after being asked about criticism he received from the organization for refusing to attend an event it is sponsoring on behalf of Martin Luther King Day.
"They are a special interest. End of story...and I'm not going to be held hostage by special interests. And if they want, they can look at my family picture. My son happens to be black, so they can do whatever they'd like about it," LePage said.
The governor has an adopted son from Jamaica, according to WSCH.
Specifically, the NAACP event involved meeting with black prisoners at the state prison. Le Page maintains the organization rejected his requirement to meet with all prisoners at the event.
"That wasn't acceptable to them," LePage said. "So, tough luck."
During his campaign for governor, the Tea Party-backed LePage faced fire when he said he would tell President Obama to "go to hell" if he was elected. LePage later said he regretted the bluntness of his words.
From CNN Politics
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Typical foot in mouth disease from the descendants of a slave owning society. Strom Thurmond had some black people in his family too; in fact, he had a black 'love child'. Tokenism taken to an extreme. This guy is still a racist with a big mouth. He is not helpful to the public discourse in any way. Just the dark outgassing of a centuries old institution of white supremacy and male dominance here.
wow... what a breath of fresh air.... naacp has been a racist, shake down group who have out lived there usefulness ...thanks govenor !
I see another Chris Christie in the making. Good for America!
Nice. Very dignified. Mainers must be proud.
What happened to watching what we say as a public official!!!!
Ah, yes, this is the new civility–Republican style.
I am sure he could have accomplished the same thing with different language. BTW, the NAACP is NOT a special interest group. You would think he learned his lesson the last time he spoke off the cuff and had to back track.
I love it! About time someone spoke their mind and didn't worry about been so PC!
I wonder if it had een the NRA in lieu of the NAACP who didn't meet his directive if the answer would have been the same? I tend to doubt it... just another Tea-bagger/GOP'er biggot.
There are So many way to say no
Our politician always chose the words which make them hero sad
The NAACP is the epitome of racism in America, and should be treated as such.
So much for civility. I kinda miss the days when our elected officials kept those comments to themselves until they got to back rooms full of their old cronies. At least then we gave the rest of the world the illusion that the United States had made some progress from it's horrible past. Now, we and all the world know that little to no progress has been made... How sad...
Just another example of Tea Party intolerance.
When he says the NAACP wasn't
willing to meet with ALL the prisoners
did he mean they would only meet
with black prisoners ?
If that's the case it sounds like
the NAACP is a racially predudiced
organization.
There's no room for hate groups
in America like that. It's 2010 people.
The story is misleading, he doesn't want to go to the event simply because he would have had to speak to the inmates. I'm sure he probably doesnt care for them at all since inmates have no voting rights or because the vast majority are indeed criminals and why should he have to pander to convicts in the first place?
Disgusting! Embarassed he is in office. Resign Now!
I guess this hot headed tea party person did not listen to Pres.Obama's speech Wednesday evening.
It's a great day when somebody is able to stand up against the racist NAACP special interest lobby.
Is every Republican polictian completely without any class at all???
This is the same guy that appointed his 22 year old daughter to a 41,000 a year job in his administration.Plus she lives in the govenors mansion at tax payer expense.You have to hand it to the tea party.Have your cake and eat it too on the tax payers dime.Can you say hypocrite?
That's from another mean spirited Republican. That's all they know how to do.
This is the future. If we cannot look past color as we know is right, then it remains an issue. These organizations that survive by spreading the "we are victims" mentality, only keep thier people oppressed and unhappy. How about spreading a positive message. How about spreading a message of personal responsibility. How about backing Bill Cosby when he tries to teach a man to fish. As long as the NAACP, Al Sharpton, and Jesse Jackson have thier way, color will be a barrier. They keep racism going from both sides. Kids wouldn't care about color if they weren't taught to be victims or held accountable for racist crimes they never committed. Great job Le Page. You don't need to bow to this hypocrisy.
Another reason blacks and hispanics should vote Republican.
ANOTHER ignorant republican. What can I say?
Good for him. I am so tired of the hyper-sensitivity regarding race. The "race card" is being way over-played, and therefore watered down. Rev. Al and the gang need to focus on important issues rather than chasing after ghosts.
Racism is real, but is not going away. However, it exists in the minds and hearts of ALL races. The difference is, some races do not have watchdogs to point it out when they are "insulted". Is it an insult to caucasians (or whites, crackers, etc.) that there is a BET? Perhaps, but nobody is filing lawsuits of discrimination or racial injustice. I wonder if the same would be true if there were a "White Entertainment Television" network, or a "White History Week"?
I am personally against injustice to anyone on the basis of color, but injustice today is very subjective.
sooooo suave.
Coming from a black women... Lepage shouldn't be obligated to attend any event outside of his duty. He may have his personal reasons for not attending, who know but Lepage. I completely respect the NAACP. As Lepage insinuated, it is a special interest group. As a Grown man and governor he should be able to make decisions that reflects where he stands on some issues. PSA: Just because you have a black kid in your family picture does not mean you like black people
wow....what a NICE guy these Tea Partiers have endorsed.....
I guess manners and a civil tongue are lost on this group of nare-do-wells. What a waste.....
Hmm. Methnks this man needs some therapy or counseling. A little unhinged, I 'd say. I know–it's tough being a grown up and talking and acting like a grown up. Adolescence is much easier. He doesn't have to attend the gathering if he doesn't want to but he needs to know how to talk and not sound like some petulant tennager.
I see the time for civility is over.
OK!!! Here we go again! Have they learn anything over these past few weeks.The negatitve tone and language is un neccessay. He should have handle it differently. He needs people of color votes to get ahead. We do not nor listen to that tone. Negative tone create negative reaction. Let that be lesson learn. 2012 is coming soon!
This is the type if racist trailer park trash the TEA KLIX KLAN supports. Just like Sarah palin and wacknjob Sharon angle and the crazy Tucson shooter as well.
There has not been one tea party person condeming the tucson shooter on television. Theses sickos are really the KKK. just look at the ideology of the idiots they back and support. They are racist terrorists.
It doesn't surprise me one bit the he's Tea Party-backed. "Hey look everybody I adopted a Jamaican! That means I'm one of you!!!"
It's time to end ALL special interest functions. The wealthy farmers do NOT need subsidies (Bachmann's family gets paid by the government), the blacks and hispanics and whites have equal access to education and jobs now, and women can get put in prison the same as men for breaking the laws (although it does depend on how good looking she is and who the judge is - ha).
Stop the special treatment.
Having a son who happens to be black doesn't mean you're not the typical racist republican pig.
More power to him and also all the Obamanites can kiss mine.
"kiss my butt" and "go to tell" comments from a Gov I see y the US is considered a joke to other countries...just look at some of our politicians...how embarsssing.
Unemployment is at 16% in the blackamerican community and even higher for older blackamericans. What can we do to escalate the real issues faced by this segment of the community?
I would like to agree with the governor to meet all prisoners and not only black prisoners,but when you tell some one to Kiss your butt that is very unprofessional.I am a jamaican born and now a citizen of the United States and i know his adopted son of jamaica is not proud to hear him represent his office in that rude manner.Gov:Lapage should apologize!
im sure they're saying(NAACP) the sane thing about him so.......tit for tat.
So a tea party leader is racist. Big surprise.
I don't disagree with the governor's actions, but his language is unbecoming and sadly typical of his ilk.
They can pucker up and kiss my butt too.
It's his choice not to attend the event and he shouldn't have to defend that choice, but enough with the mellowdrama – No one his holding him hostage – unless he's anticapting a prison revolt at the event.
Go to hell, LePage!
Uare an ignorant Governor, u lack talking manners , no decency in ur gene. U are probably one of those pack of rascals with no mandate that's looking to hijack this conutry for their selfish sake. Idiots bunch,
Such hatred.
Actually, he Gov is right. Why does any public offical need to jump when the NAACP or any other group says to? If you are going to meet with Prisoners meet with al of them regardless of race.
Great work Governor LePage. Why not speak with ALL prisoners?
Baggers have no business in government.
What a sad state of affairs when our elected officials act like spoiled brats. Disgraceful. I'm sure he'll make time for photo ops.
They elected this twit so they could have a good laugh now and then! Right?
Awesome!! Some one needs to take a stand against these peeps
Ooooh, what a tough guy. I wonder what the NC governor is going to say about the NAACP filing a complaint against the teatard-laden school board on one of NC's counties that is trying to re-institute segregationist policies and practices. Got my popcorn ready for that one. Oh, what's that? The "news" media is going to bury that story because it puts the lie in the claim that the Teatards aren't motivated, at core, by racism, bigotry and a desire to make sure that minorities are kept in their place lest they think they can take the country away from the white people who were supposed to own it? Wait...the "news" media acting to protect it's carefully constructed story of Teatard legitimacy? Who'd a thunk?
This guy sounds like a real gem. I'm sure his son would be proud.
Just who we need representing us, a lot of class. glad he has shown just how civil his is even when he disagrees.
way to go Govenor
Nutjob and a fat ugly one to boot.
So – having an adopted son who is black is a license to insult millions of people and the values they hold? You sir, are an idiot. How typical of the tea-party racists.
Just another idiot with an agenda. But hey, if that what the majority of voters want...I have no problem with it.
I think LePage should do something in observance of MLK day for .... at least he should do it his son. Furthermore, He could have shown some leadership is proposing to do something else constructive if had objections to NAACP's request. But that kinda tone we took with them is simply not right.
Love the new attitude of truth and bluntness! Good job, Governor!
I hate it when White people say they are not prejudice – or they like black people – or they have nothing against Black people – and the reason why it’s true is because one of their best friends is Black or in this case, “I have a son that’s Black” – Maybe he adopted the Jamaican son just to get Black votes – who knows???
LePage should have been more sensitive to the NAACP because he HAS a Black son – Whatever!! The NAACP is not going to "kiss any butt" and they will continue to exist, as LePage puts it, as a "special interest group." As far as LePage’s job as governor is concerned, that may be history!!
Don't they marry their own kin in Maine?
The Governor certainly has the right to refuse the NAACP or any other group he may choose. I just hope he remembers who he has instructed to "Kiss His Butt" come next election when he wants votes.
Good for him, when a public group requests a public meeting, elected officals refuse 1000's of events, they do not have enough time or travel money, over looking MLKD might not be polite, he should have given a reason but CNN would never tells the whole story.
So we don't know, but we know the NAACP called CNN to bad mouth the Maine elected officals! NAACP never miss a opportunity do you?
This is what the GOP considers "minority outreach".
And you can french kiss mine!
I am surprised LePage hasn't announced running for president yet, as he seems to have all the bagger qualifications.
Dont any of the GOP have manners or respect for anyone or anything but themselves. Bipartisan government is an impossibility with them because if its not thier way its no way. if they become more dominant in 2012 we can kiss our country goodbye. we'll be run right back into the gutter President Obama pulled us out of.
His "bluntness' is going to get his "butt" in a fix. He just can't say anything he wants to say and there not be repercussions, no matter what.
Glad to see somebody stand up to that racist group finally.
What a sorry excuse for a governor and an American. Nice going there Main.
Maine that is.
I don't understand why this guy states to look at his family....what does it mean if you adopted a black person from Jamaica? This guy needs to grow up and stop being disrespectful. Is that what he's teachinig is adopted child?
All he needed to say was that he will not attend.
Dr. King was for all people as I remember.
As a democrat who voted for Obama I will simply say this....as much as I HATE the current day republican party and how far they have strayed from reality I reluctantly have to admit that I agree the NAACP is a special interest group, like any other, that has an extreme pro black agenda that undermines the advancements this country has mend the terrible race relations of our past. Just like how it shouldn't be all about whites it should not be all about blacks either. As noble as the NAACP beginning might have been they have morphed into a hypocritcal gr
oup that cares only about their own and not what's best for all Americans collectively.
That is poor choice of words to use but i can understand where he is coming from. The black and white issue should be done this is not the 50's we are all americans. The NAACP should have agreed for him to meet wIth all prisoners the NAACP would have raised hell if he was to meet with only white prisoners.
It is about time a politcian stood up to a special intrest. I hope he stands up to all special intrest the same way. Also why would the NAACP only ask black prisoners to the meeting, not all prisoners?
LOL, that was a good one..... NAACP and the NCAA are just too close! Judgey McJudgemental (me) needs to just be quiet.
Another populist who appeals to the belligerent special interests. He loses any point he is trying to make by being a boor.
Some of my best friends and sons are black!
Someone that physically unattractive should learn to be more diplomatic. You'd think he'd know that, being a politician.
Bravo the naacp should respect the gov. wanting equality for all not just blacks, or whites
The voters of Maine knew what they were getting when they elected him. He spoke like this when he was running for election, so it's no surpirse that he is such a rude person. There are ways of declining invitations without insulting people. Some people think that being a jerk is something to be proud of.
Finally, someone with half a brain. If he's meeting with prisoners, why not meet with all of them?
I realize the NAACP has it's agenda, and while I often disagree with them I do think they are necessary. But, if they can't agree to meet with all prisoners instead of just African-Americans, then they're wrong.
What an ignorant Governor my home state has elected. Sad.
If you want to talk about a group spreading hatred, look no further than the NAACP. If you do not agree with everything they say or do then they claim you are a racist they try to force their beliefs on everyone. They are responsible for keeping racism alive in the country along with their two buddies Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson!! Kudos to Mr. Lepage!!
FINALLY! A politician with testicles AND a spine!
Maine Republican Gov. Paul LePage is keeping up his reputation for blunt language, telling an unhappy NAACP chapter that they can "kiss my butt."
The "Tea Bagger" Republicans are going to take the whole Republicans party down by 2012. Keep up the good work at dividing this country and by 2012 the whole Republicans party will come to an end.
Wonder what he tells his black son you think?
To a Tea Freak, anything that is not white is a special interest. But they are not racist. Really.
You are an embarassment to our great state, LePage
finally a politician who says what he feels! i just love maine.
No question a stupid remark to make, especially for a governor. However, the question posed to him was: "What's your response to them saying it's more than one instance but rath...er a pattern?" In context, and the immaturity of remark aside, it appears he is criticizing the NAACP for asserting that he repeatedly snubs them. I would note he's been governor for only 9 days, so there could be some truth to the notion that he could not possibly have a pattern of declining the NAACP's invitations. Regardless, this is the type of remark that's going to push buttons.
Hmmmm....another "don't have a clue" human. Disrespectful articulation toward the President of the United States shows pure ignorance, especially from a ranking individual within the State Government. Paul LePage remember that what goes around comes around. Just because you have a "Jamaican" son does not mean that you don't have prejudices against people of color. Such a sad piece of human being governing the State of Maine!
The "Tea Bagger" Republicans have won most of the Governor jobs thoughout this country and they will be the dealth of the Republicans by 2012 and most of them will not be re-elected because they would have destroy with is left of this country with their hate mongering toward any body that is not white.
Obvious racist is obvious.
Well, at least he's giving them a very very very big target !
It's not like blacks are citizens or anything, or deserve to have their representatives represent them.
What is America coming to when whacko wingnuts like this guy gets elected? We are in for a couple very weird years in politics.
This is just like a racist fools. it like saying my best friend is black and that is suppose to make them not racist. He is a racist fool and I feel sorry for the black kid he adopted for whether reason. Money is not going to sovle this black kids problems because wants he walks out of the white man house is going to be treated like a black man and if this man do not understand money will not help this kids in the long run.
I am black and I agree with the Mayor. If he doesn't want to go, he doesn't want to go. People whine too much. Though I will say, "kiss my butt" is kind of childish. But in principle, he is right!
The man thinks he is being forthcoming- he's an inappropriate bully.
Name calling & innapropriate responses are wrong for anyone, but form a politicain, its's just plain wrong.
No one but Michelle has the right to tell the President where to go and "kiss my butt" is not the way to reject a request whne you are doing so in public as a people's representitive.
Governor- grow up.
What do you expect from a pig but a grunt.
Civility has gone by the wayside. Does one really have to wonder about the violence in the world? Just listen to how we talk to one another. Makes me almost happy that I am 64 and won't be here much longer.......
I applaud this governor's bluntness and honesty. How refreshing to hear in this age of 'political correctness.'
This makes me think the only reason why he adopted this black boy to brainwash this kid to become a Republicans since no blacks in their right main would become a Republicans. Just look how they have treated Michael Steele and I am no fan of Michael Steele. He should at least get correct for winning back the house and getting Nancy P fired instead the Republicans are throwing him under the bus like a hated black man.
who care a tea party nut like maine governor Lepage who sound like it's a big deal by adopted a black child from jamaica why didn't he go to a country that is trying to recover and give some money by telling President Obama to look at his back side saying this easy you are fat and out of shape now look at your own butt.
I have to admit...Mr. LePage is right on this one. I am so proud of the contributions made by my African American ancestors , but it's up to our generation to move forward and progress as Americans...PERIOD! The NAACP needs a fresh vision for ALL Americans. Don't get me wrong, people of color are still suffering on an unacceptible scale but it's important the NAACP focus on bringing everyone together to bring attention to "inequal opportunity" across the board. They also need to put more heat on elected officials serving in poorer inner citiy and rural districts.
Let's eliminate poverty, & joblessness everywhere...not just in Detroit but also Appalachia. Every American deserves a good quality of life. if groups like the NAACP would look at things from that prospective, maybe they'd have a lot more support. I'm no TeaParty'er but it's time for NAACP to stop depending on outside groups to help us, only WE (African Americans) can uplift our communities.