No room for this in America
Goforth's "historical keepsake photo"
America has neither the time nor money to deal with people who disseminate racial hatred. Why should we spend time obsessing over backward, ignorant individuals who have been taught to look at others as stereotypes rather than as real people? We have much more important things to do if America is going to move out of this economic recession and grow as a world superpower. We don’t have time to worry about the James Von Brunns of the world.
Speaking of recession, America certainly doesn’t have the money to deal with such low-watt bulbs. If racist overtures ever become offenses punishable by imprisonment (as civil rights groups appear to want), we’d be burdening taxpayers by increasing the prison population. Convicts don’t get payday loans and fast cash loans in jail, but they do get healthcare and various other basic amenities on our dollar. That’s the American way, no matter how much taxpayers kick and scream.
Sherri Goforth would be in jail if it were up to the NAACP
I don’t support racism. I believe that Sherri Goforth should have lost her job due to her racist E-mail depicting President Obama as a pair of “spook white” eyes against a coal-black background (see the “historical keepsake photo”). That she didn’t lose her job is shocking to me. But let’s pick up the story as reported by CNN…
Tennessee’s Democratic Party Chairman Chip Forrester wants Sherri Goforth, aide to Republican Sen. Diane Black, out on the street. Black is the leader of the Tennessee Senate Republican Caucus.Goforth’s E-mail depiction of President Obama’s as two “cartoonish white eyes” alongside America’s previous 43 presidents is just too injurious to be met with only a reprimand, says Forrester. Goforth sent the image to fellow GOP staff members, but claimed later in her “defense” that she was sorry she had sent it “to the wrong people.”
Back away from the smelly carcass
According to the Tennessean newspaper, there is a note on the E-mail that claims it was “paid for by the Tennessee Republican Party.” Not surprisingly, GOP officials denied they produced it. The White House has yet to comment, probably because on their level, racist jokes, while harmful, pale in comparison to issues like war, healthcare and the economy.
However, the Tennessee State legislature has to police their own. And Sen. Black failed to do that. A reprimand will hardly change the ideologies Sherri Goforth appears to hold. Truly in this scenario, being fired is what hits where it hurts most.
Black was most concerned about covering her own behind. “I want to be sure that everyone understands that the communication was sent without my knowledge. It absolutely does not represent the beliefs or opinions of my office. I want to be very clear about that,” she said. On the advice of the state government HR office, Black issued a verbal and written reprimand. “If this should ever occur again, she will be terminated,” said Black.
Abusing the public trust
Reports indicate that Goforth has served her state for over 20 years and has had a clean record up to this time. For her part, she attempted to apologize, but she doesn’t appear to understand the real issue here. When you’re at work, you’re on taxpayer time. If you’re spending that time forwarding racist E-mails, you’re betraying the public trust. It is assumed you are doing important, state-related work when you’re on the job. “I’m very sick about it, and it’s one of those things I can’t change or take back” doesn’t change the fact that it happened. Voters and taxpayers alike deserve better.
“Is this indicative of what Senate Republicans think about our commander-in-chief?” asked Forrester. “I am calling on Sen. Black to reject this racist smear and fire this staffer who, on state government time, on state government computers, using a state government E-mail account, launched this bigoted attack on our president. Keeping her on the staff would send the message that this type of behavior is condoned by the Senate Republican Caucus.”
Tennessee needs better PR
Other state Democrats are speaking out against Sherri Goforth’s actions as well. Rep. Johnny Shaw said “I don’t think a reprimand is enough. I think this lady needs to go. I don’t think she should be a part of the people who represent the state of Tennessee.” Re. John Deberry Jr. told CNN Radio that “the last thing we need in the state of Tennessee is to send out the impression and the image that we are still stuck in some backwater mentality and culture that feels it’s OK to depict the president of the United States in that fashion.”
As Deberry’s statement indicates, this isn’t the first time Tennessee Republicans have shamed themselves, even recently. There was the “Birds of a Feather” direct-mail message that featured pictured black crows with the heads of Barack Obama and Tennessee Rep. Nathan Vaughn (who is black). There was also Tennessee GOP Chairman Chip Saltsman’s song “Barack the Magic Negro,” which Saltsman sent to RNC members during his bid for RNC leadership. Now there’s Sherri Goforth’s E-mail. Grow up, Tennessee. If you do not endorse racism, let Goforth go home.
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Sorry Mr Baker but nothing in your response shows me that Ms Goforth isn’t a racist. You tell me she cares for her family and adopted some kids. One has nothing to do with another. You can be a “good person” and still be a racist. She should lose her job because she has worked for 20 years in politics. Her job is to support her Senator who should be supporting our President in getting this country back on track.
Not buying it. Termination is only recourse. He is our President. Not the butt of a middle aged caucasian women’s sense of humor. I’m about sick to death of American’s doing this. He is OUR President. Duly elected. The deal in democracy is when a person is elected, we all back him. Just like we backed the first one. Get off your whining complaining racist butts and go out and help the freaking President! Not harm him. Or go to another country. Because I’m sick of sharing mine with all of you.
This attempted defense of Ms Goforth is not an insult to our intelligence; it assumes we don’t have any.
Many of us would rather the great and wonderful, super spectacular lover of all great and small keep her expressions of affection to herself
Alright TJ, you do have a point. The view that Republicans only care about wealthy white Christian males is a narrow one, and inaccurate. They only care about wealthy white Christian hetero males! (Sorry, that was cheap – but how am I not supposed to make that joke?) And yes, Democrats are just as bad – always have been. People forget that two largest wars, post WW2, that were far larger in scope and resulted in far more deaths of US troops and native civilians than Iraq 1 and 2 were both started by Democrats, and ended by Republican presidents. (Korea and Vietnam; Presidents Eisenhower and Ford, respectively.) And yes, I too am put off by the prospect of dedicating tax dollars to those here illegally and those who aren’t willing (but are able) to contribute through effort, as both actions are inexcusable when legal citizens unhindered in ability suffer. But what about those willing, but not given the opportunity? The lower middle class benefits least from the bulk of Republican policies, like cutting school aid and making it harder to access health care. And just to keep a historical perspective, we have pursued policy over time, and in the last 30 years it has only intensified, that has benefited the richest 10% more than the other 90%, and both parties are to blame. Can anyone honestly say, given the current problems facing our nation, that it is justifiable to continue doing so?
Peter: How can you honestly say that Republicans only care about rich, white, male, and Christian? Seriously, grow up. On the other hand it could be said that Demo’s only want to tax everybody who works so they can give handouts to all the illegal aliens and every other ‘victim’ of society who blames thier lack of ambition on everything except themselves. There are “backward, ignorant individuals” everywhere we look including all political parties, every race, every social status, and age.
With all that said, I agree she should be terminated immediatly.
everyone called bush white hillbilly from texas. say what you want just dont say nothing about minors.
Hold on!!!!!!!!!!
If a black person sent the artical, nothing would be said, double standards!!!!!!!!
“Why cann’t we get along???????”
Sounds to me like everyone is just looking for something to argue about.
As sad is this behavior is, it is not uncommon. Even though this is hurtful and she never truly apologized which she wont because she doesn’t believe this type of behavior is wrong. We cannot let it take our focus away from the big picture and that is the American people chose the president the change is taking place. Yes we have a ways to go but the simple fact that President Obama was elected has proven that people like Ms. Goforth are not the majority. America is moving forward and the people of America is letting it be known that it is no longer the color of your skin but the content of your character that is important. We have a president with intelligence, strong family values, with love and concern for all the American people not just some of them. Let us focus on that and not on the Sherri Goforths of the world.
It’s not that Republicans are racist, it’s just that they hate anyone that isn’t white. (Wait, I guess they are racist.) And they also aren’t sexist, it’s just that they hate anyone that isn’t male. (Wait, I guess they are sexist.) Republicans are also not corrupt corporate stooges, it’s just that they exchange their votes for campaign contributions. (That’s unfair, the Democrats do it too. They’re both equally as bad on that account.) And Republicans aren’t slaves to the super rich, it’s just that they hate anyone that isn’t super rich.
Honestly, it isn’t as if the sudden fervor erupting out of the Republican camp like an infected boil isn’t surprising. There’s been a Republican majority in Washington for over a decade, and it’s now becoming challenged, so of course they’re going insane. (Because they hate democracy; the people have chosen, and they don’t like it.) Humor is humor, and there is free speech after all. However, consider if Hilary had run and won – they would be making sexist jokes instead. Essentially, unless you’re rich, white, male and Christian, Republicans don’t want anything to do with you, and it’s starting to get obvious. They keep shooting themselves in the foot, and things like this is just going to further alienate voters.
Yep, this is racist. But when Hussein Obama says, “white man’s greed runs a world in need” it’s uplifting, and full of hope, or inspiring, or whatever. Oh please.
i get so tired of everyone making such a big deal of just people joking. if obama was white no one would say a word but cause he is black, everyone is afraid to say anything or joke about him. this country will never get away from bigotry untill the naacp and others like that quit making such a big deal out of everything.
Think of it like this. If a man was in the street talking to himself and acting crazy what we do? We would look briefly and keep walking right? Right. We dont spend time focusing on them and once they are no longer within our view it is as if they dont exist. People like this we should treat the same. Racism as it was is a thing of the past… most white people think so.. most black people think so.. and I think so… dont believe me? Then look at who was elected president.
It is truly disappointing to see that racism still continues to thrive in this world at these ever changing times. I too believe that firing her would have hit where it hurts the most. Especially in these tough economic times. I hope the White House keeps up the good work and their level of decency by just leaving it alone and maybe not even issue a comment. Once again DISAPPOINTING.
I’m embarrassed to call TN my home anymore. And did it on the taxpayers dime no less!
Goforth must Go!! Goforth must Go!!
Goforth must Go!! Goforth must Go!!
Goforth must Go!! Goforth must Go!!
Goforth must Go!! Goforth must Go!!
Goforth must Go!! Goforth must Go!!Goforth must Go!! Goforth must Go!!
I am in no shape or form a racist. But to be honest there is a lot worse, there many jokes out there about all races. Even though I do not agree with Sherri Goforth’s email, it is in fact her personal email. It’s not like she went up to President Obama and made a racist joke. It wasn’t nice and pretty uncalled for but seriously, there are worse things she could do. American’s make way too big of a deal about things, maybe if we just ignored the dumb they will stop trying to show off, or make horrible jokes.
Kudos to you Tarlow. I could not have said it better myself. The sad thing is that if President Obama manages to clean up Bush’s mess, he will never receive recognition for his hard work. Get pass the color and see the man for who he is. His wisdom and dedication to this country may be the only thing that saves us. By the way, for all you racists out there, what have you done to help this country? We are all AMERICANS no matter what color we are or how we got here. And, we will all suffer if we do not work together to solve the current state of affairs. Grow up!
You gotta be kidding me. You get so insulted and outraged at a cartoon with no derogatory comments or hate message attached (just a picture) when we have a president that belonged to a so-called “church” that regularly engaged in racist hate speech by a so-called “reverend”. You dare to insinuate that the aide should be jailed for the picture? Well then you little fascist, there will be many artists (not to mention Obama)that will need to be locked up if their “work” offends someone and so much for freedom of speech and expression. I guess you only support freedom of speech if you agree with what is being said. Grow up and quit whining.
I think it is particularly egregious for anyone – and even moreso for a veteran politician, or their associate -to express verbally or written anything negative in a public forum about another human being. To do so about the President of the United States is tantamount to political suicide, if not treason, and should be punishible to the strongest sense of reasonable human emotion: i.e. termination of employment and exclusion from any further party functions.
You see, I have become accustomed to many things in my life. I have been called n*****, monkey and many other names that I will not bother to mention. I have white friends who make fun of me ‘out of fun’, as I would do the same with them. I accept the fact that racism is still a huge problem today and it may be years more before we actually overcome this difference. I no longer get offended by racist jokes; every single race has one. I have no problem with different opinions on sex and color; people are entitled to their own opinions. However, cracking jokes at the president on such grounds is a very sensitive subject because our commander-in-chief happens to be black, the first colored president of the United States. Christ Jesus, there are people out there plotting to take him down not just because of his standard and beliefs, but also for the sole reason he’s black. There are levels and boundaries, as well as submission and respect. People should know when enough is enough.
She needs to be terminated, immediately.
Much ado about nothing. Tougher skin is called for in today’s society. To make an issue out of this is absolute silliness.
In Defense of Ms Goforth:
The eMail Ms. Goforth dispatched is indefensible as is her poor excuse of sending it to the wrong list of people. Ms. Goforth used very poor judgment in sending the eMail to anyone or in thinking it was funny or entertaining.
In a sound bite it is easy to paint Ms. Goforth as a racist and a hater of the disadvantaged. Sherri is anything but a racist or a hater. If Sherri were known as the person she is, it would not be hard to understand why she was not fired.
I have known Sherri since 1968, the year she began her career in state government in Tennessee. I was so impressed by her, I employed her as my personal assistant for 13 years while she was not working in State government. I found Sherri to be a loving, loyal, compassionate, and intelligent person. I never saw her demonstrate anything but respect for everyone, regardless of their race. I know she goes out of her way to befriend people; I know she sees people as human beings. I know she has a heart for everyone. Sherri is not a racist; she is not a hater. She is not stupid.
Sherri has been married to the same man for over 40 years. Their family is an example for us all to admire and imitate. She and Steve have two adopted children, biological siblings, who were removed from their unfit biological parents by the State; the children were 9 and 10 at the time of adoption. The Goforths also have a special needs biological child with Downes Syndrome, now in her 30’s. A few years ago Steve quit his job to open a small take-out restaurant for Katie so she could become independent. Katie is the chef. The restaurant has been a big success. As a result Katie has made a name for herself; Sherri and Steve have given Katie a skill that will ensure her independence when they are gone. Katie is quite a remarkable person.
Sherri’s entire life has been one of hard work, endurance, sacrifice, and love. I never heard either Steve or Sherri complain about their circumstances. They focused on the challenge and the blessing. Sherri and Steve are supporters of the Special Olympics; they also work with parents of Downs children to see the blessing they have been given.
This unfortunate incident does not define Sherri Goforth. Sherri deserves another chance. Sherri truly has a heart for the whole world, without exception. We can all learn from this incident. We’ve all had lapses in good judgment. In the end, forgiveness always trumps castigation. We are all in this together.
I’m sorry, Mr. Beker, but if Sherri were the ‘wonderful’ person you’re making her out to be, she would’ve never written, let alone sent out such a repugnant email.