Councilman calls himself 'proud racist', supporters turn out

[Liberal_in_LA]

Supporters turn out for Santa Clarita councilman who called himself 'proud racist'

January 27, 2010 | 10:55 am

Supporters of a Santa Clarita councilman who called himself a “proud racist” at a recent anti-immigration rally packed the city’s council chambers to praise him for speaking out on an issue many residents find frustrating.

A few opponents called on the councilman Tuesday night to apologize for his comments, but no action was taken. The remarks made by Bob Kellar, a veteran councilman who has twice served as the city’s mayor, set off a firestorm after some residents accused Kellar of using his position to spread divisiveness and hatred.

Some out-of-area activists vented their frustration outside City Hall before the meeting. They lambasted Kellar and claimed he had violated the city’s code of ethics -- an allegation that the city’s attorney said was unfounded.

But most of the overflow crowd that attended Tuesday’s four-hour council session praised Kellar as a “caring and compassionate leader,” “a patriot” and a “proud American.”

At a Jan. 16 anti-immigration rally in Santa Clarita, Kellar referred to a statement made by President Theodore Roosevelt, noting that the United States has a place for only one flag and one language. Kellar said those remarks caused some people to accuse him of being racist, to which he replied that if believing in America causes people to believe that he is racist, “then I’m a proud racist.”

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/01/supporters-turn-out-for-santa-clarita-councilman-bob-kellar-proud-racist-remark.html

[dem629]

1. He's mocking the misuse/overuse of the racist/racism label.

Good.

[TomClash]

2. There is only one "proud race"

The human race.

[Liberal_in_LA]

3. Member of the Feline race would disagree

[TomClash]

4. Not a different race

But a different species.

Since I like cats a lot, we'll include them anyway! :thumbsup: :hi:

[KamaAina]

5. Turns out this assmunch was involved with Meg Whitman's campaign for gov

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100130/ap_on_el_gu/us_calif_governor_s_race_proud_racist

Republican gubernatorial hopeful Meg Whitman is severing ties with an elected official who described himself as a "proud racist."

The Whitman campaign issued a statement Saturday disavowing Santa Clarita Councilman Bob Kellar. The statement comes one day after state Democrats called on the former eBay chief executive to distance herself from Kellar.

During a recent Tea Party-style rally in Southern California, Kellar blamed illegal immigrants for harming the economy. His videotaped remarks were posted on YouTube and caused an uproar.

Whitman's campaign spokeswoman Sarah Pompei says Kellar's comments are unacceptable. She says Kellar has voluntarily ended his involvement with the campaign.

Bear in mind Whitman now faces only token opposition for the repuke nomination from fellow, but less well-known, Silicon Valley gazillionaire Steve Poizner; Tom Campbell switched to the Senate race. Is this her "macaca moment"?