nTO (not The Onion) "Republican Congressman Refers to Latinos as "Wetbacks""

[geckosfeet]

Republican Congressman Refers to Latinos as "Wetbacks

Rep. Don Young (Alaska) referred to Latinos using the racial slur "wetbacks" in an interview with public radio station KRBD that was published on Thursday.

Young, 79, used the term when discussing how automation in industry has taken away jobs from working-class individuals.

"I used to own -- my father had a ranch. We used to hire 50 to 60 wetbacks to pick tomatoes," he said. "You know, it takes two people to pick the same tomatoes now."

Young's use of the derogatory term for Mexican migrant workers could not have come at a worse time for his party.

Ahhh.

How do these people get elected?

[LeftinOH]

1. He probably has lots of 'charming' terms for different groups people;

being 79 years old isn't an excuse, either.

[charmay]

2. What an idiot!

Never underestimate GOP stupidity.

[YoungDemCA]

3. IIRC,Young has been a long-time fixture in Alaskan politics...

I would guess that name recognition is a big factor in him getting elected over and over again.

That, and he probably has deep ties to the oil industry, which is big in Alaskan politics. IIRC, Young is also a big "pork" guy (like the late Ted Stevens). So he has done a lot of favors for some people and interests in Alaska.

[Blue_In_AK]

4. You're exactly right.

Even after this unconscionable comment, he still has many supporters here. They say, "Oh, that's just Don being Don," as if that makes it all okay. He is a buffoon.