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Buttars stands by apology, has no intention of resigning
73 comments | Read story
Constituent | 2:25 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
I, for one, have sent Sen. Buttars an email asking for his immediate
resignation. I hope others will be brave enough to follow in my footsteps.
Anonymous | 2:20 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
This man has no place in public office
Comments continue below
Rep.Voter | 2:23 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
For any gains we made during Mitt Romney's candidacy, we've lost as
much ground by immature, bigoted comments, proposed legislation & actions
from Sen. Buttars. The fact that most of his collegues are just ducking &
waitng for the storm to blow over, rather than stepping up & denouncing him
speaks VERY loudly to Utah outsiders. No wonder the rest of the USA thinks
we're all racist, polygamist, hillbillies.
Tim | 2:26 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
Buttars is an ignorant bigot. I hope he's at least smart enough to resign.
Anonymous | 2:26 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
Who are you people that insist on defending Buttars??! He will even try and
take your rights away if he gets the chance you imperfect imps!
Ouch | 2:28 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
I'm actually more concerned with the Brown v. Board of Education comment.
The "baby" comment really can be construed as a poor choice of words,
albeit a VERY bad choice of words, but you can kind of see what he's saying
if you squint hard enough.
But desegregation as a bad thing? I would LOVE to see the context that would make that palatable. I frankly can't think of one.
But desegregation as a bad thing? I would LOVE to see the context that would make that palatable. I frankly can't think of one.
The Rock | 2:33 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
Senator Buttars should have known better; however, I doubt that he intended to
denegrate anyone.
I recall Trent Lott's comments at the birthday of a 100 year old man: "If you had been elected President we wouldn't be in this mess."
That innocent statement turned into a PR nightmare. Here is what I learned:
Never apologize to a liberal. They will not accept the apology, but the will use it as evidence against you.
My mother always taught me to apologize, even if I did nothing wrong. My mother had never met the kind of dishonesty we see in today's political climate.
I recall Trent Lott's comments at the birthday of a 100 year old man: "If you had been elected President we wouldn't be in this mess."
That innocent statement turned into a PR nightmare. Here is what I learned:
Never apologize to a liberal. They will not accept the apology, but the will use it as evidence against you.
My mother always taught me to apologize, even if I did nothing wrong. My mother had never met the kind of dishonesty we see in today's political climate.
Resign! | 2:40 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
He shouldn't have a choice in this matter. He should me made to resign.
He's an embarrassment to this State and to our Legislature.
I would imagine this would not be a question in any other State in the Union.
I would imagine this would not be a question in any other State in the Union.
Mark | 2:38 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
Buttars will not resign. His type have to be pushed out. And the Republicans
on the hill will not turn on one of their own.
Another Butters Blunder | 2:48 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
This is silly! There are numerous, BETTER reasons to call for Buttars
resignation than his most recent comment!
Utah Resident | 2:55 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
Just like Larry Craig refused to resign. No sir, he's stayin' put
whether the people want it or not.
Turn This Situation Around | 2:55 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
I hope Senator Butters you will use this incident as an opportunity for
reflection and self improvement. If you do, then this will have been a
beneficial situation for all concerned.
God didn't make us all alike, in appearance or other ways. This no doubt so we could learn the lesson even better to love one another. Its up to you.
God didn't make us all alike, in appearance or other ways. This no doubt so we could learn the lesson even better to love one another. Its up to you.
A Pattern | 3:04 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
This is not the first "mis-statement" from Buttars. See another
DesNews article from 2006. An excerpt:
"Buttars said Tuesday he was surprised when asked about the monumental 1954 Supreme Court decision Monday on KVNU-AM radio in Logan while discussing judicial activism and the roles of the courts.
On the radio, Buttars said "Well, I think Brown v. Board of Education is wrong to begin with," then declined to discuss the matter further, citing time constraints."
Of course, he later amended what was originally said. Brown v. Board of Ed. was about segregation in schools.
"Buttars said Tuesday he was surprised when asked about the monumental 1954 Supreme Court decision Monday on KVNU-AM radio in Logan while discussing judicial activism and the roles of the courts.
On the radio, Buttars said "Well, I think Brown v. Board of Education is wrong to begin with," then declined to discuss the matter further, citing time constraints."
Of course, he later amended what was originally said. Brown v. Board of Ed. was about segregation in schools.
A Typical American | 3:00 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
Don't you dare resign Sen. Butters! The socialist left is attempting to
demonize regular speech and vocabulary, with the goal of reducing communication
to a series of grunts and squeaks. This "new speak" is the product of
moral relativism pushed by a block of people that claim morality is what they
say it is, according to "how they feel" at the time. Thankfully, most
in American don't buy into this situational ethic, morally relativistic,
new speak. Most of us can still call a spade a spade knowing that it's not
hate speech but part of our rich english language heritage.
Anonymous | 3:01 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
The Rev. Al Sharpton, who recently urged that radio host Don Imus be fired for
making a racially insensitive remark, said in a debate that ''those of
us who believe in God'' will defeat Republican Mitt Romney for the
White House. All Sharpton had to do was have family home evening with a Utah
Mormon family and all was forgiven. But what happened to Imus?
He was fired. How come it is that the demand is made to fire Butters and Imus, but Sharpton who demanded Imus be fired just had to sing popcorn popping on the Apricot tree to be forgiven. I am fine with either scenario as long as it is consistent among all people. If Buttars ends up losing his post like Imus, fine. Then Sharpton should lose his position also. But to demand Imus be fired then ask for forgivness about your comments is wrong. Shartpon being a Reverend should remember the story about the man who was forgiven of his debt but demanded that his debtor pay him only to cast him into prison when he could not.
He was fired. How come it is that the demand is made to fire Butters and Imus, but Sharpton who demanded Imus be fired just had to sing popcorn popping on the Apricot tree to be forgiven. I am fine with either scenario as long as it is consistent among all people. If Buttars ends up losing his post like Imus, fine. Then Sharpton should lose his position also. But to demand Imus be fired then ask for forgivness about your comments is wrong. Shartpon being a Reverend should remember the story about the man who was forgiven of his debt but demanded that his debtor pay him only to cast him into prison when he could not.
Lynn Young | 3:06 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
From time to time each of us has said something we regret saying - sometimes
immediately, sometimes after others point out the offense. Senator Buttars just
offends more often than most. He has demonstrated by word and by deed that he
is a racist, a sexist, and a religious bigot.
I think these distasteful characteristics are inherent in his nature. So that when he speaks, it doesn't even occur to him how hurtful and hateful his words and ideas are. Perhaps we should give this man some measure of forgiveness due to his innate ignorance.
But as a spokesman and representative for many people, this Senator should be ousted from the honorable position he holds.
I think these distasteful characteristics are inherent in his nature. So that when he speaks, it doesn't even occur to him how hurtful and hateful his words and ideas are. Perhaps we should give this man some measure of forgiveness due to his innate ignorance.
But as a spokesman and representative for many people, this Senator should be ousted from the honorable position he holds.
Anonymous | 3:08 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
Nope, sorry Constituent. But if you are from this culture let me remind you that
you are "subject to (among other things) magistrates." My guess is
Buttars views himself as one of those magistrates ... so ... end of story.
Charlotte, NC | 3:11 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
What Buttars said was studip and insensitive! As a black man living in NC, I
believe we (All Americans) should be pulling together, not apart. Personlly, I
think it is premature for the NAACP to call for Buttars resignation. Let the
people of SLC see how big of a fool he is and afterwards I'll bet some of
them will not vote for him in the next election. Even though SLC is
predominately white, there are some people who will stand for what is right!
Seeking Leadership | 3:11 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
Buttars' comment is worthy of a redneck hick, not a Utah senator. The
leadership of the Utah Senate now has an opportunity to publicly muzzle this
ignorant oaf or to tacitly approve him by taking no significant action. Anybody
want to guess what the "leadership" will do?
LIVE FREE OR DIE | 3:18 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
How did this buffoon ever get into politics?
I really like his support of the bill that protects police misconduct from becomming public information.
Who voted for this guy?
Buttars should just drop the last 3 letters of his name.
I really like his support of the bill that protects police misconduct from becomming public information.
Who voted for this guy?
Buttars should just drop the last 3 letters of his name.
Surprised | 3:20 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
I've been surprised to see so many comments on this subject trying to
discount or dismiss the actions of Senator Buttars. At least even Buttars
recognizes that this comments could be hurtful. Those who are in complete
denial and then backlash and say those of us who criticize Buttars as racists
are simply making matters worse. I have never liked Buttars and in fact
vehemently oppose his viewpoints. I would like to see him resign but I do not
think he should be forced to resign. Our government is a republic and he has to
report to his constituents. Since I do not live in West Jordan (and it's
useless and inane to bash West Jordan residents), it's up to them to decide
who best represents their interests and integrity. I have faith in our system
and in the end, he has to be the one who can live with himself.
A Reader | 3:22 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
Oh, good grief. The phrase refers to a still born birth.
Frosh | 3:23 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
This guy's a real piece o' work.
Anonymous | 3:24 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
RESIGN NOW!
Come on | 3:31 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
He who is without sin let them cast the first stone.
Everything must be PC | 3:29 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
Get over it. It's great that we can all point fingers at these people and
tell them that they have to ALWAYS be perfect in their speech. You've
never said something you wish you hadn't? People never misunderstand your
statements? We've all unintentionally said something that's offended
someone. Give me a break. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.
He's apologized.
MikeGolie | 3:30 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
Any current office holder that is still making comments about the Brown case is
no longer in touch with the current state of affairs. Does this elected
representive really believe that this country would be better off back in
segregated schools? Or wait, is that what that whole school voucher thing was
about, undoing school desegregation?!?
Move on and forgive | 3:35 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
His comments were horrible. That't true. he apologized.
Now I hope both the LDS legislators and LDS voters will be courageoues enough to forgive. I hope that we practice what we preach, and can take to heart the recent messages from the leadership and President Hinckley about forgiveness. No doubt he regrets this mistake. No doubt he wants to make this right.I am not sure what his leaving would accomplish other than satisfy an angry mob.
Now I hope both the LDS legislators and LDS voters will be courageoues enough to forgive. I hope that we practice what we preach, and can take to heart the recent messages from the leadership and President Hinckley about forgiveness. No doubt he regrets this mistake. No doubt he wants to make this right.I am not sure what his leaving would accomplish other than satisfy an angry mob.
Timj | 3:48 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
If it was anyone other than Buttars, I'd give him the benefit of the doubt.
I can see how someone could say those words without meaning to be racist (black
doesn't always mean of African descent).
But Buttars has such a history of spewing ugly, stupid things, that I'm convinced that the comment was racist.
Let's get rid of this guy. Please?
But Buttars has such a history of spewing ugly, stupid things, that I'm convinced that the comment was racist.
Let's get rid of this guy. Please?
Utah Dem | 3:52 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
Can't you folks come up with another name beside Anonymous?
To Anonymous post at 3:01 - by the way, Imus is back on the radio. And Sharpton - how can you be fired from not having a real job?
To Anonymous post at 3:01 - by the way, Imus is back on the radio. And Sharpton - how can you be fired from not having a real job?
Same puishment | 3:51 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
What Butters, Imus and Shaprton all did was wrong. They should all receive the
same punishment.
Another Anonymous | 3:46 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
I cannot believe the tone of these comments, or the hate spewed forth from Ms
Williams of the NAACP. If you remove the ridiculous "politically
correct" climate, and take the words he spoke at their common meaning in
our American English, he said nothing wrong.
What is wrong is that someone like Ms Williams is on the prowl, looking for any possible way to be offended. Once someone in her position makes it public that she is offended by normal speech, people like most of those making comments on this forum jump on the band wagon to let us know that they have bought into this hateful idea of "political correctness."
I think that Ms Williams and all those making statements on this forum that indicate they think the senator should resign, should all make a public apology to the senator for their hateful attitude and comments towards him!
Talk about "hate crimes". You folks are all guilty!
What is wrong is that someone like Ms Williams is on the prowl, looking for any possible way to be offended. Once someone in her position makes it public that she is offended by normal speech, people like most of those making comments on this forum jump on the band wagon to let us know that they have bought into this hateful idea of "political correctness."
I think that Ms Williams and all those making statements on this forum that indicate they think the senator should resign, should all make a public apology to the senator for their hateful attitude and comments towards him!
Talk about "hate crimes". You folks are all guilty!
State Senate | 3:55 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
This all started with a debate between Senators Stephenson and Buttars. Why
don't we call them Bevis and Butthead?
Stupid Words | 3:55 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
That is all they were, a stupid choice of words. When you put his comment in
context, you know he wasn't talking about black babies. Why he would say
it that way is beyond me, but they are just words, for which he offered an
honest apology. Maybe he was trying to slip in a double-entendre, I don't
know. I think the bigger thing to worry about in this whole debacle is that
people won't forgive and move on. Sometimes we shouldn't let people
get away with things they've said, but I don't think this is one of
those times. Some people just always want to be victims even if they're
not. Sen. Buttars: Think before you speak. The rest of us need to be willing
to fogive when an apology is given and not let our feathers get all ruffled over
this issue.
jscotter | 3:52 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
He will resign if his constituents demand it. Where are you West Jordan
residents? Do you really want this guy as your State Representative? Does he
reflect your values and beliefs? If not, do something about it. If he does,
shame on you.
Anonymous | 4:02 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
i just hope that the good people in west jordan will come to their senses next
time this guy runs, and he will run, he likes the power trip
I can forgive him | 4:19 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
Forgiving Sen. Buttars is one thing, allowing him to continue in his position of
authority is another. He has a history of making hateful and even racist
remarks and has no business representing the public. So, just as one can
forgive an abusive spouse but need not remain in the relationship, one can also
forgive Sen. Buttars and need not support him in his legislative position.
Come on "come on" | 4:18 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
If government were conforming to the bible, we'd still be burning people as
witches--not a bad idea in Buttars' case. He obviously has had enough bad
press that he either can't keep his nose clean, and is unlucky, or he
actually is a religious bigot, racist, political blowhard who simply is trying
to make a name for himself by playing on the religious and racist leanings of a
portion of the politically active voters in Utah. If more of the moderate
majority of West Jordan voters spoke up, we might not hear from Buttars in the
news anymore.
Hippocrates | 4:21 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
The Hippocratic Oath, that all doctors must take, says "first, do no
harm".
Our legislators all need to take this oath, also. Because the actions they are taking through their many hateful bills are doing a lot of harm. They are harming citizens, minorities, gays, students, cities... how did we elect this body of hateful people?
And Butters leads them all.
Our legislators all need to take this oath, also. Because the actions they are taking through their many hateful bills are doing a lot of harm. They are harming citizens, minorities, gays, students, cities... how did we elect this body of hateful people?
And Butters leads them all.
Re: Charlotte, NC | 4:37 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
Hey I live near Charlotte too! Down I-77!
Anonymous | 4:39 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
Have you ever seen Mr. Buttars name in the headlines for anything other than
ridiculousness??
whatever | 4:39 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
Someone earlier said the term Mr. Buttars used refered to a still-born birth.
If so, it was descriptive of the situation. If I understand the actual whole
story, beyond the fact that he used the word "black", I don't
know that he at first even realized what he said would be so outrageous to the
speech police, but once it was brought to his attention, he apologized.
There is another word in the English language, a very descriptive word once you understand its meaning and see it used. You have to look hard for it, generally in older literature, because it sounds like a racial slur. The word originated in the 14th century, long before the racial slur ever came into being. The word is "niggard", and it refers to an extremely miserly, cheap, and miserable person. Unfortunately, people are afraid to use it because of ignorant people who, not knowing its meaning, would accuse the user of using a hurtful, racial slur. I wonder if this is not what happened in this instance, with Mr. Buttars, regardless of how you view him or his opinions on other matters.
There is another word in the English language, a very descriptive word once you understand its meaning and see it used. You have to look hard for it, generally in older literature, because it sounds like a racial slur. The word originated in the 14th century, long before the racial slur ever came into being. The word is "niggard", and it refers to an extremely miserly, cheap, and miserable person. Unfortunately, people are afraid to use it because of ignorant people who, not knowing its meaning, would accuse the user of using a hurtful, racial slur. I wonder if this is not what happened in this instance, with Mr. Buttars, regardless of how you view him or his opinions on other matters.
pebble | 4:41 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
I wonder if all the people calling for Mr. Buttars head are the same ones who
consistently defended former SLC mayor Pebble Andersen?? One thing is true of
both of them, they are/were consistent in their beliefs and opinions, and both
generated a lot of comment.
Utah Transplant | 4:46 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
Hatred is all too common in the Utah Legislature. Until Utahns learn to pay
attention to the people they elect, this kind of behavior will not stop. The
"R" on the ballot is all that matters for many voters, even though it
may mean racist. I read that Mr. Buttars is not seeking another term so he can
serve a mission. I hope that he gets a denial letter in the mail instead of a
call.
Tiger | 5:05 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
I'm sick and tired of people who are constantly looking for something or
someone to offend them. They read something into everything that is said by
people in general and certain people in particular. People just need to stop
looking for ways to be offended. "Black" is a color just like
"white" or "red" or "brown". Does that mean that
everytime the word "brown" is used the indians or the hispanic should
get in an uproar. Only someone who can't exist outside of the
"politically correct" spectrum could find something to be offended
about Senator Buttar's reference to "black". Get over it people.
Spend your time and energy doing good things and let the people of West Jordan
worry about whether Sen. Buttars keeps his seat. It's ok if you disagree
with a position he takes on a particular bill but as to what he says, you need
to find something worthwhile to complain about. As to his stance on
homosexuals, I think it is a disgusting life style but that doesn't mean I
think those who choose it are worthless people.
Richard | 5:17 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
Only in Utah can you find people who will defend this racist and bigoted moron.
Common Sense | 5:26 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
Surely none of those who decried the prejudices that Candidate Romney faced are
defending this bigot...
Anonymous | 5:30 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
At least he didn't quote the "white and delightsome" thingy.
Pulleaze!!! | 5:34 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
Just because someone uses the terms "baby", "black",
"dark" and "ugly" in the same sentence doesn't mean any
inference involving people. Anyone who jumps to that conclusion is looking to
pick a fight (and they must be pretty desperate!!). Why on earth, though, would
liberals ever be looking to take down Senator Buttars? Could it be because he
has been a consistent and effective voice for family values during his tenure?
That he was one of the key supporters behind Amendment 3, preserving the
institution of marriage in our state. Hmmm...imagine that!
I agree with others, however, who've noted that his earlier comments about Brown vs. Education DO require an explanation.
I agree with others, however, who've noted that his earlier comments about Brown vs. Education DO require an explanation.
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Will they go along with the status quo, or be strong enough to stand up to this evil?