Despite Eagle Forum claim that issue is dead, Buttars criticism continues

It's open mike at the state Capitol. The topic: "Discrimination in the House."

The event planned this Friday at the Capitol is aimed at speaking back to racism and discrimination in response to Sen. Chris Buttars' use last week of the word black to negatively describe a bill.

During a Feb. 12, Senate debate, Buttars, R-West Jordan, had said "This baby is black, I'll tell you. This is a dark and ugly thing."

Jeanetta Williams, president of the Salt Lake Branch of the NAACP, has since called on Buttars to resign. Buttars, who declined to be interviewed Wednesday, has said he's apologized publicly, and that he wants to move on.

On Tuesday, a planned meeting between Williams, other NAACP members, and Buttars fell apart, when Buttars declined to attend because of a media invite.

At least one individual was at the Capitol Wednesday to show support for Buttars, wearing a pro-Buttars t-shirt.

Gayle Ruzicka, president of the Utah Eagle Forum, said Wednesday she's cancelled a planned rally to support Buttars because it's no longer needed.

"He's got unbelievable support," Ruzicka said. "The other side would be smart to let it go."

However, it appears that those concerned about the issue aren't letting it go.

"On what authority can Chris Buttars say when 'this issue is done'? On what authority can Chris Buttars reference himself as a victim of lynch mobs?," says a press release announcing the Friday rally.

The rally is calling on people to recite poems and prose to share their feelings, frustrations and experiences with racism, along with their hopes.

"Buttars has a history of discriminatory and hateful remarks and legislation, but he's by no means the only racist or bigoted legislator on the hill," the release continues. "Have you had an experience with discrimination and your representative or senator? Come share your experience!"

Betty Sawyer, president of the Ogden Branch of the NAACP hasn't returned Deseret Morning News phone calls.

However, in an e-mail to branch members, she said that while the Salt Lake branch is taking the lead, "I have informed (Williams) of our concerns and the desires of members from the Northern Utah Community to be involved in any response and direct action on this issue."

And Michael Styles, director of the Utah Office of Black Affairs, said in an e-mail, that he supports the NAACP.

"Please let's stand united on this one," the e-mail said. "There is power in numbers."

However, when contacted by the Deseret Morning News, Styles said the e-mail was meant to show support for the NAACP and not the issue of Buttars.

"I support all our organizations that are trying to be change agents," Styles said. "I am supportive of the NAACP and of the Center for Inclusion."

Styles said the issue of political and civic participation will likely arise at a panel discussion scheduled for Friday on the State of the Black Community, along with education and health care.

"The issues of education and health care are of concern to our community, more so than what's conspired in this past week," he said.

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E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com