Deseret News | Reader comments: NAACP calls for resignation

Reader comments
NAACP calls for resignation

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Stenar | 12:12 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

If only he would resign. That'd be a great thing for Utah.

Let's Hope | 12:17 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Let's hope his decision to leave the Capitol is permanent. He believes black babies are dark and ugly, he's a segregationist who thinks Brown v. Board of Education was wrong to begin with, he drafts anti-gay legislation, and supports anti-immigrant legislation. The only think dark and ugly is Mr. Buttars' heart.

I don't accept the apology | 1:00 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

I'm not shocked that Chris Buttars would say such a thing since it's obvious that he's a racist but what can you expect from a legislator who was only elected as a result of the votes of racists and bigots.

I won't say any more on this subject as I'm sure many others will not because it's fruitless to do so. He will not resign and the racists who voted for him will probably re-elect him but I don't accept his fake apology or the apology of those who voted for him. Their actions both as voters and as a legislator are reprehensible.

Comments continue below

CTR | 1:15 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

This is so dumb that people are freaking out about this. Just because he referred to something as black, people get all upset. Black is a common color that people use to illustrate bad. It does not mean that he was talking about black people. And have you not ever heard someone calling their car a baby? Common people...relax

Oh please | 1:43 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Buttars made an unfortunate comment and apologized as soon as procedure allowed him to do so. Big deal.

Now, one of the nation's most racist organizations, the NAACP, is calling on him to resign.

Shame on the NAACP for doing what it does best - blowing an issue out of proportion in order go grandstand - and shame on the Deseret News for carrying water for such a morally bankrupt organization.

mamapapaluv | 1:54 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Only in Utah. An apology and that's it? Buttars blasphemed an entire race of people. And, it wasn't the first time. An awful disgrace. It calls for immediate resignation or expulsion from the legislature. That won't happen, of course, because, as I said, this is Utah.

Now I can't wait for the Deseret News editorial telling us that Buttars' apology was commendable and showed great courage.

vern | 4:25 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

If a sincere apology isn't acceptable then someone else it appears,is prejudiced.

Anonymous | 5:07 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

NAACP, get over yourselves. Jeeze!

Time To Go! | 5:16 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Passion is what makes Senator Buttars and good man. However in his position where he takes very hard topics and approaches very sensitive issues, if he uses such degrading statements without the realization of the harm it brings to others, then he should NOT be in a leadership or any political position. No one should. It shows exactly the core of who he is, a bitter, prejudiced, and bigoted man who's only concern is to force a community to live they way he would have them live. This is the very same plan Satan presented to God in the pre-existance. To force the Children of God to live according to God's plan instead of allowing them to choose for themselves. Senator Buttars is a disgrace to this community.

Jim F | 5:31 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

I agree that Mr. Buttars words show that he probably still harbors a lot of racism and should not be in the legislature. His stand on many issues would seem to bear that out. However, it seems that the NAACP is the group that came out a few years ago and said that racial abuse is impossible if the person being abused is white.

Tom Lindsay | 5:36 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

The NAACP does not have the authority to trump the good senator's constituency. That they think they can "call for his resignation" and anyone will care what they want, is a sign of dimentia and a grotesque sense of self-worth. We don't care what you want!

Carl | 5:47 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Buttars is a bigot and has NO place in politics. He should resign immediately.

Anonymous | 6:05 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

African Americans need to get off the "race" horse. Blacks do not own the word "black", it is used in many contexts and for many purposes. If every other group got apoplexy over supposed offensive words, the world would never get anything done, we'd all be so bound up we couldn't even speak.

Buttars felt bad? | 6:13 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

good. he should.

offended again | 6:09 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Come on. Using "black" as a negative, as opposed to white is anm analogy that was its root in the bible back to the time of man. surely the NCAAP dosn't think the bible should be retired too.

Anonymous | 6:38 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

I don't think Buttars should resign mid session despite his vile words the other day. I would prefer that happens at the end of the session so WJ can have representation.

If he doesn't resign, we should vote him out, and the rest of the bad Republican flunkies (and the Democrat ones that are as well) and for once look into who we are having represent us.

Opportunity for Growth | 6:40 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

If Senator Butters would use this as an opportunity for reflection it this whole incident may be a positive. He could reflect on the fact that God didn't make all people like him, neither in race or other categories. He could reflect that perhaps he needs to be more accomidating and respectful of people that are different than him

russ | 6:48 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Well, and you wonder why black Americans did not vote for Romney? True, I have heard worse language used toward minorities, but that was while growing up in the warm and lovely environment of Utah.

The humor in this is the NAACP.
The NAACP is caught shouting: "What there is gambling here in Las Vegas?" Just say, "Utah is bigoted" and move on. Nothing new at this crime scene folks, move along.

Dave | 6:53 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

I Have lived in Utah for fifty years. It seems as though many how to speak or understand Utahn. I understood EXACTLY what he said. The word ï¿½babyï¿½ means ï¿½thingï¿½ in e Utahn. An example is ï¿½this baby sure can goï¿½ means ï¿½this car sure can goï¿½.
Buttars said "This baby is black, I'll tell you. This is a dark, ugly thing," Which means: ï¿½This bill is a sinful, dark, reprehensible, sinister and ugly thingï¿½. Absolutely no offense or reference to another race was intended. His apology should have been, "I am sorry I slipped into speaking Utahn and I can understand how you may have misinterpreted my speech." That is it.

Slick | 6:58 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

I am African-American and my wife is Hispanic. We moved to Utah last year and have yet to experience racism in this state. Being from the South, I have seen prejudice first-hand, and Utahns are far from ever reaching that level.

With that said, reading Sen. Buttars comments made me gasp, but listening to the context of the words...I felt he was not attempting to offend the black race. Had he said, "Black babies are dark, ugly things," then there'd be a problem. He immediately apologized.

NAACP always wants to get people fired for slips of the tongue, but how many of their reps have made blatantly offensive statements?

Bill | 6:54 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Given the history of Mr. Buttars, does anyone really doubt that he does harbor racist ideals? It very well could have been an accident, but the things that this mans says that he feels no need to apologize for are really quite amazing. No, I don't think he should resign, but the folks in his district should not send him back to the legislature another time. Enough is enough.

who is the bigot??? | 7:01 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

I am appalled at what Mr. Buttars said and I believe he needs more than just an apology but probably a censure at least. But the real bigot here is the idiot that posted the third posting under the heading "I don't accept the apology". You have your right to believe what you believe about what Mr. Buttars said. But to label the ENTIRE voting constituency that put him in office as racists and bigots shows your intolerance. You, sir or maam, showed just exactly who the bigot really is.

Anonymous | 7:00 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

You know, if this was the first time he made a slip I'd accept his apology and move on. But he has a string of racist comments to his credit, which leads me to believe he has no business working in the Utah legislature. I hope the NAACP forces him to resign. I hope the good folks of SLC will picket the legislature until he does the honorable thing.

UtahBob | 7:07 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

I agree. Racism is alive and burning in the hearts of many.

Jesus said; "Let him who is without sin cast the first sin."

From my vantage point I see a lot of sinners casting stones for the sin that is within them.

Get over it! Because others do not see things through the prism of your eyes and minds does not make one a racist. It makes them human.

Roy | 7:12 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

NAACP wants you to resign? Dang, that's the best compliement anyone could get.

Black is a color, get over it.

How about the NAACP resigning, that sounds more logical? More of their remarks are racist than anything.

2008 in UTAH | 7:21 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Let's see now hispanics are on the downside, gays are not worthy, blacks are suppose to just take it from someone who holds the priesthood and public office as a mis-slip as white is always right...seems to me someone is using his race card very well in the good ol' boy system on the hill. I hope this makes national news because it illustrates how a certain sector feel about race and are really good at deflection rather than reflection. And the bible was used alot to justify the group with white hoods and burning crosses also so surely the race horse is justified there also!

Rob | 7:16 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

I don't know this man but I wonder how many of us make mistakes in wording that a few could get offended by. We all do it. Black is a beautiful color and does mean other things. I wonder if we would lose our jobs if we said something wrong accidently. I think we hold people in the public eye to a much higher standard than we could ever live. I don't believe in knocking people down because of their race.

Ed | 7:39 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

This is not the first time Senator Buttars has made public comments that were construed as either racist, homophobic or xenophobic in nature. At what point in time do we as an electorate say "Enough!"??? Hopefully in November of 2008.

Leave | 7:38 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

He didn't say a dark idea, he said black baby. There is a huge difference. For those who say it was simply an analogy or a metaphor, his analogy or metaphor was racist, period.

Not Fooled in Utah | 7:47 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Even more appalling that Buttarsï¿½ obscene comments are those by his defenders in these comments. No, the word ï¿½blackï¿½ in and of itself is not offensive, but all you need to do to realize the extent of the racist comment is to read the quote in its entirety. He was not using ï¿½blackï¿½ as a description of bad, he was very clear that ï¿½This baby is black. It's a dark ugly thing.ï¿½ Pretty hard to interpret those words as anything OTHER than the racist connotation in which it was meant and delivered. Regardless how you may spin this, Buttars is racist and should go.

Woosh! | 7:49 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Man the NAACP is getting old. I guess now every race is going to need an organization to go around and call for people to resign. Or show how offended everyone is. We as a people in the last 10 years or more have decided as long as we can hear it chances are it offends us and someone must quit their job except the offended Brothers Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. (I called them Brothers and now will have them after my JOB) (brothers in a family sense) Anything those guys say is gold and of course couldn't be offensive. Maybe the wonderful NAACP could quit worring about everyone else and take care of there leaders for doing the same stuff.

nottyou | 7:50 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

I think Williams should resign. She is a member of an organization that is degrading to black people. To represent an organization called the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, is offensive to me as a white person. My mother, bless her heart, spent her life teaching me to call African Americans ï¿½blackï¿½ not ï¿½coloredï¿½...then to have an organization that uses Colored People as part of its title...well, I'm completely offended. Her immediate resignation is appropriate.

Bart | 7:54 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

All by one statement? There are so many defamation out there who are much worse than this statement about the baby? THERE are many rude remarks to the Deaf people, to Irish, to women, and so on. Nothing much was done about it but not to Black people? What's wrong with this picture?

Buttarball | 7:55 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Do you think Senate President Valentine will take action against Buttars? Forget it. Remember floatgate where school funds and employees were used to build a Republican Party float? Remember when state senators used campaign money for car repairs and halloween candy? What is a racist bigot compared to that? In Utah politics, ethics don't count.

Dave Hansen | 8:04 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Chris Buttars has done far more for the minority community than the Democrats' race-baiting politics. Buttars created a drug rehabilitation program that has helped cut down on drug-related crime, which occurs most often in low-income neighborhoods. He also started the Boys Ranch that has helped trouble youth of all races get their lives in order.

It's funny that some people get all outraged any time that a Republican says something that could be construed as racist, but when Democrats say it, they might care a little, but they always give them the benefit of the doubt, as if Democrats have a monopoly on being non-racist.

Bad choice of words | 7:59 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

This whole thing is blown way out of proportion. Asking for his resignation is a little extreme in this scenario. It was a bad choice of words and he recanted.

To CTR | 8:05 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

You are an idiot, black baby is a racist term that white people have been using for years. Chris Butters needs to leave the capital! I care what the NCAAP thinks and so do most white people. It is sad to see so many racist mormons.

Utah | 8:06 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

You and Buttars are a perfect fit.

Not just a Homophobe, but a bigoted racist homophobe.

To: the earlier poster: The NAACP is Racist in taht they try to elevate the African American Popularion from years of Government and Economical imposed slavery at the hands of the White Population, Jim Crow voting laws, seperate bur equal doctrine and institutional racisism that still continues all the way from the south to Former President Bill Clinton in his wifes campain for President.

Senator Buttars is racist in calling an African American child an "Ugly Thing".

He hate Gays and people of color.

...but as posters have said about his homophobe registry debate, if you don't like it here in Utah, keep moving...

Thurgood Marshall | 8:02 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Chris Butters should not resign because he is an "alleged" racist, he should resign because he is an idiot. This senator is the face of all issue based, short-sighted, Lavar Christensen created, Gayle Ruzicka inspired, time wasting legislation that is discussed in the session every year. I call on all the good people of West Jordan (Senate District 10) to put us our of our misery and vote this guy out. I am sure you will find another gorilla with an "R" after his/her name that you can feel good about voting into office. However, in the name of everything that is good and holy give the rest of the state a break a send this guy into retirement.

Wake-up West Jordan | 8:03 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Senator Buttars is a piece of work. Constituents report he carries a Book of Mormon with him while he campaigns door-to-door. He brings out everything "black" in misguided Utah politics.

NAACP = Racism | 8:08 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

I think the entire NAACP should be disbanded.

I saw a commercial yesterday for the "NAACP IMAGE AWARDS" and every person on the commcercial was black. It's that people get connected and everything, but just think how the world would react if I created an ALL CAUCASIAN organization and banned membership based on race?

Its all together sick. How dare this organization even exist. Its an affront to equality for all!

Was this comment made to you | 8:16 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

I know the chat boards go crazy when people talk about Mormonism and degrade it especially in this last election with Mitt Romney. All kinds of people say how wrong that person is. This man said "black baby", that is wrong. I have adopted a black baby and guess what he is very cute. The problem here is what do you tell a black child about this issue? This man is a loose cannon and really showed some true colors. Just because someone said they are sorry everything is ok? If you are in a public office representing all kinds of people you can't demean any specific race.

re: I don't accept his apology | 8:22 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Butters comments were racist. He should resign. However, your comments that those who voted for him are racists and bigots is also a form a prejudice and bigotry. I did not vote for him (he is not in my voting district) and I would not have voted for him. But I am equally offended by your comments that are based on bigotry. Eliminating prejudice, bigotry, and racially incensitive comments is a two way street not a one way street.

Pitiful | 8:23 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Like mad dogs picking over an old bone already dry, the zealous, over reaction is appalling. The meaning of his comment was not racist, nor was it intended as such. Move on to something more worthy of energy and time. There is no possible way we as people who speak a language can avoid aggressive trouble makers who jump on slang, expressions, etc. Leave the poor guy alone and worry about causes which are of real value. This bickering over religion & color is a dead horse. When the horse is dead, get off.

Hill | 8:25 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Brigham Young said, "those who take offense, when no offense is intended are fools. Those who take offense when offense IS intended, are usually fools anyway".

To Re: CTR | 8:30 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Glad you injected religion into this. Of course YOU are not a bigot.

Dan | 8:30 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Throw the bum out-he is one of the things that makes us a laughing stock of the country!

Anonymous | 8:37 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Forget bigot Buttars, West Jordan owes the whole state an apology!

phebe | 8:33 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Buttars should resign immediately. He has embarrassed this state before and this should be the last straw.

The NAACP is the most bigotted organization in this country and I don't think Buttars should resign because they have asked that he do so. He should resign knowing that he can't control his mouth and by his own admission, his mouth runs ahead of his brain. No such man should be in public office.

GET A LIFE ! | 8:34 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

IF YOU LOOK AT THE START OF THE BILL DISCUSSION YOU WILL SEE THAT THE BILL WAS ORIGINALLY CALLED "THE UGLY BABY BILL" THE STATEMENT THIS BABY IS BLACK IS ONLY POINTING TO THE DARK UGLY NATURE OF THE BILL ACCORDING TO SEN. BUTTARS VIEW. NO RACIAL INTENTION WAS EVER IMPLIED OR EVEN HINTED AT.WHEN DID WE LOSE ARE RIGHTS TO FREEDOM OF SPEECH?????

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