Deseret News | Buttars says issue is closed

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Buttars says issue is closed

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WHY??? | 9:56 a.m. Feb. 15, 2008

Why are you all repeating yourselves on this site again?? Do what I did, send an email to the Senator and tell him how you feel either for or against him. Put your words where they could be heard by the one that needs to hear it! Then come back here and post, I laugh at some of these comments.

Reasons | 10:01 a.m. Feb. 15, 2008

Maybe the people of West Jordan all feel the same way Buttars feels, they voted for him. May all Black and Minorities should move away from West Jordan. Maybe all the Black players on the Jazz should quit playing for the team becuase most of the people of Utah feel the same way that Buttars does. Maybe all Black LDS members should quit the church becuase most of them feel like Buttars does.

Maybe Utah should be the only state in the US were it can be the place for white people who feel like Buttars. So I ask the people of Utah is this the way you want state represented? In 2012 Mitt will be back running for president and this is what America is going to remember, the country is watching. I guess what really bugs me is that everyone thinks it's ok. I wish this state would stand up and do the right thing, and not be scared to get rid of there past demons that huant so many of you. God Bless You All!

UJACC | 10:14 a.m. Feb. 15, 2008

I heard Don Imus addressed the Utah Senate this week. Not really, but he might as well have. Buttars pulled a classic Imus on the senate floor and basically after the offense was brought to his attention-says we need to just get over it. Interesting that Buttars WHITE good ol boy club members have come to his aid claiming that Buttars didn't mean offense. Well how about we ask the black folk, or the mexicans? When are we as white people the best judge of what is offensive to minorities? Take a look at history people. Buttars needs to step down, he has lost all credibility and does not represent the views of this white guy.

Comments continue below

Anonymous | 10:23 a.m. Feb. 15, 2008

Step down from your position in the Senate. You are a very hateful man and the Senate is no place for a man like you.

VOR | 10:24 a.m. Feb. 15, 2008

Anyone else might have gotten away with this comment. When I listen to it I want to believe heï¿½s calling the bill ï¿½babyï¿½, but I tend to want to believe that people are good, and Iï¿½m willing to give others the benefit of the doubt. But the statement was made AFTER someone else called the bill an ï¿½ugly-babyï¿½. Buttars meant what he said; he called the bill a black baby in a derogatory manner. Buttars track record does not bode well, heï¿½s all but admitted outright that heï¿½s homophobic. Itï¿½s one thing to act as though you are ï¿½defending sanctity of marriageï¿½, but Buttars showed his hand as a bigot when he specifically backed legislation to block Salt Lake Cityï¿½s attempt at the registry. I think there is some validity to linking Buttars age and religious affiliation to his racist mind set. But others donï¿½t see it that way because his religious affiliation as an institution has ï¿½evolvedï¿½ away from that general thinking (IMHO ï¿½ although not completely, but I digress). The younger generation does not understand Buttars or his mindset. Heï¿½s a ï¿½dinosaurï¿½ (hehe).

Ernest T. Bass | 10:30 a.m. Feb. 15, 2008

BUTTars, resign and take Ruzika and the Ealgets with you!

to:What ifs | 10:25 a.m. Feb. 15, 2008

Good for you all for saying this thing is "done."

Wouldn't it be cool if we could all walk around and offend, hurt, act stupid and bigoted, and then "DECLARE" "this issue is done as far as I'm concerned."

Point is, to these people, it's not done just be cause you "DECLARE" it.

You have the same mentality as the Good Senator.

Congrats

Chuckles55 | 10:27 a.m. Feb. 15, 2008

Chris Buttarsis a mean-spirited and far right-wing hack who has outlived his era. The penchant he shows for consistently taking the far right and never moderating to a consensus with those who may not agree with him has long become a thing of the past. Boss Hogg is dead. Hopefully, Chris Buttars' career is not too far behind.

Jimmy | 10:29 a.m. Feb. 15, 2008

I've wanted Sen. Buttars to resign nearly everytime I've heard him say anything, the man is a jerk, but in this instance I don't think it's necessary to resign. Everyone says things they later regret and an apology should be enough.

Furious neo-Con | 10:38 a.m. Feb. 15, 2008

I'm furious with Butters! He needs to resign and stay out of politics! He is the worst thing that can happen to Utah's neo-Con Republicans! I have been a dyed in the wool Republican all my life, but Butters has gone to far.

The neo-Con movement is already weighed down with accusations of being a front for neo-Facism, and for good reason! We neo-Cons do carry things too far, to the point we look like we're trying to push for a one political party in a nation of pluralistic democracy, and along with that appearing to be uncompassionate, selfish and though we harp the Christian moniker, we definitely do not believe in the compassion of Christ where choosing to go to war and sink trillions into that versus making sure those here at home are taken care of, especially our troopers and their families, both while deployed and post-service. So how do we stem looking like a bunch of fanatical fringe politicos hell bent on making this nation a Facist state?

By not letting someone like Butters do the very thing that all Facism is known for... racism, bigotry, slander, etc. He needs to be ejected from politics.

Buttars' role | 10:41 a.m. Feb. 15, 2008

Buttars is a major embarrassment to Utah Republicans. If party leaders in the state fail to acknowledge his long and growing history of grossly inappropriate conduct and act accordingly, they set themselves up for a sound thumping in the polls this November.

I'm starting to think that wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing.

John Harrison | 10:53 a.m. Feb. 15, 2008

Is anyone really shocked that Senator Buttars has once again opened his mouth and something that displays a lack of thoughtfulness comes out? It this man is in the news, and he is in the news two or three times a year, it is always because of his own ignorance.

I doubt that he has the good sense to resign, but I hope that the people he purports to represent will have the integrity to elect someone with a bit more class this November.

Scott Joplin | 10:57 a.m. Feb. 15, 2008

Sen. Buttars "butter" not say anything like that again.

to:Anonymous | 5:55 a.m. Feb. 15 | 10:57 a.m. Feb. 15, 2008

What culture are you referring to? Your ignorance oozes through the context of your message. I live in NYC and I'm not sure what Buttar's culture is. Please describe? You sound to me like a religious bigot. Get a life. Maybe you ought to live out side of Utah to see how great you really have it.

Deseret Dawg | 10:57 a.m. Feb. 15, 2008

I find it pathetic that a politically-correct lynch mob wants to crucify Chris Buttars for making an earthy remark, yet expresses no outrage over the fact that nearly every state lawmaker took gifts from lobbyists in 2007. At the top of the list was Democrat Mike Dmitrich of Price, who took gifts worth $6,777.

Taking gifts from lobbyists is far more serious than some offhand remark about a "black baby". Taking gifts from lobbyists implies that lawmakers can be bought. This actually happened in Alaska; three former lawmakers have been convicted of bribery and are now imprisoned. A fourth ex-lawmaker will go on trial any time now.

Get your priorities straight, Utah!

To West Jordan voters | 11:28 a.m. Feb. 15, 2008

Giving Buttars the benefit of the doubt that he just mixed metaphors and misspoke, it still demonstrates that he's a bumbling idiot that doesn't think before he speaks. If I'm a West Jordan resident, I'm at least looking for someone that can be competent in expressing himself/herself.

Republicans! | 11:44 a.m. Feb. 15, 2008

It's always been guns or Buttars!

Anonymous | 11:45 a.m. Feb. 15, 2008

Like the other guy in Idaho -
he makes ALL of them look bad.

Matsonrun | 11:50 a.m. Feb. 15, 2008

Forgiveness should be granted - Once. Mr Buttars has exceeded his forgiveness quota. How many more times are his constituents going to forgive Mr Buttars for his atrocious behavior. I would hope his constituents retire him in the next election but I fear they will only re-elect him. After all, he is one of them.

Jason | 11:57 a.m. Feb. 15, 2008

Just a question?

When did the free speech not include Chris Buttars, agree disagree but I am so sick of the double standard. We should not have to watch every little thing we say.....this is a free country! Lets act like it. All the cry babies need to move to a country where you can't say what you feel. This isn't like yelling "fire!" in a theatre. This is nonsense, let it go!!!!!!

Republibigot | 12:12 p.m. Feb. 15, 2008

If Buttars steps down- there will just be another Publican pandering to the "values" of West Jordanites to replace him!

MTM | 12:20 p.m. Feb. 15, 2008

The actual disgrace is not what Buttars said, but that the NAACP thinks they are the only ones allowed freedom of speech. Say something against someone who is black and you're a racist, but if you're black you can say anything you want about anyone without any threat of recourse.

The left immideatly starts in name calling "neo-con republicans" and so forth.

Get over it. He has every right to say what he said as you do.

Anonymous | 12:23 p.m. Feb. 15, 2008

I can understand why Utahns get miffed by accusations that they are all like Mark Hacking -
but isn't this guy supposed to be held to the highest standard as a lawmaker?

Enough Whining Already! | 12:31 p.m. Feb. 15, 2008

There are no winners in this argument. Both sides are behaving badly.

Sally Wyne | 1:13 p.m. Feb. 15, 2008

Please forgive me, but shouldn't we all demonstrate the same tolerance to Senator Buttars that Elder Jensen asked that we extend to illegal immigrants? Mr. Buttars simply desires a return to the calmness and serenity of 1950's America. What could possibly be wrong with that?

To: Deseret Dawg | 1:19 p.m. Feb. 15, 2008

I'm just as ticked off as you are when it comes to the legislature taking bribes (oops, meant to say gifts). But my criticism of Buttars is based on a lot more that his remarks that weren't "politically correct". He has a long history of bigoted remarks and bigoted legislation. He is anti-science. His latest dumb remark is part of a long, sorry history.

Jason | 1:22 p.m. Feb. 15, 2008

Constitutional free speech is not a blanket protection.

This is stupid speech, which is protected, but people must still be held accountable.

Senaters | 1:17 p.m. Feb. 15, 2008

My opinion, All of these senitors need to disapear.
We can not afford the good ole boy thing where law makers lerk! and distribute the law
Sen Christensen also needs to go!
He is simpathetic to Dog haters and uses stupid remarks about little boys and Bow and Arrows, and the neighbors cat being shot accidently.
I said something and now a felon, a violation of my freedom of speach
These Judges need to be locked up for life for not following the constitution, Supreme Law of the Land.
One being Judge Kevin Christensen and Judge Ben Hadfield in Box Elder County
The Prosecutors have also failed to act in the peoples behalf which is criminal intent, and a violation of their Public duty
I hurt no body, Another person 69 years old Me falsely charged, We are not seeing all the young people that are charged as well as we become a Jail House State
The Constitution in Box Elder County Courts does not exist.
Mr Christen has been written to about this issue.
I have heard nothing as yet.
The Govenor is not interested in details
The Judicial division of mis Conduct does not act.

Anonymous | 1:19 p.m. Feb. 15, 2008

It's easy to say "both sides are behaving badly."
The question is what do you do when someone comes up to you and shoves you? Ignore it? Shove back?
Let's face it. There is an element in society today that resembles the block bully. If you merely turn the other cheek, these types won't hesitate kicking you in the (blank)! Everything is a game to these childish types and they play to win. They even succeeded in getting a chump for a president elected. (if you want to call that last debacle an electioni)

Senators can 't call him racist | 1:42 p.m. Feb. 15, 2008

Anonymous (12:23 p.m.), you are right that Buttars is held to a higher standard as an elected official when he make such comments in his official capacity as a Utah Senator. Had he said this to his wife, his best friend or neighbors no one would concern themselves with it yet he said it on the floor of the Senate.

MTM, the NAACP has as much of a right to condemn you and Buttars but you and Buttars think you are the only ones with freedom of speech. It would be nice if Wiliams was given the opportunity to go on the Senate floor and call Buttars racist but if any member of the Senate did so they would be censured while the racist Buttars gets to insult blacks with impunity because Johny Valentine is also racist. It seems that Buttars can say anything he wants and no one can object since under Senate rules a Senator can't call Buttars a racist yet apparently the Senate rules allows Buttars to make racist comments so long as he apologizes. See how far that gets a Senator who gets up and calls Buttars a racist on the Senate floor.

where do i sign | 1:39 p.m. Feb. 15, 2008

to get this knucklehead OUT of office website or who do i send the letter to

Joseph | 1:46 p.m. Feb. 15, 2008

I never thought a day will come when I will be so!! outraged by seemingly miscalculated comments by a politician, but coming from this man who has personally insulted me before and has now indirectly called our 22 months old black baby boy ugly!! is simply wrong. This is just wrong and it should not be condoned. The other day, a little boy who lives across the street from us, asked us why we think somebody will call our little handsome black boy ugly!!. Folks the inquisitive minds of these little ones wonder, and so should ours as adults. He needs to resign, Period. And then our minds will stop wondering regarding Buttars motives.

A response would have been censu | 1:56 p.m. Feb. 15, 2008

Jason (11:57 a.m.), "Just a question? When did the free speech not include Chris Buttars, agree disagree but I am so sick of the double standard."

No one is saying that Buttars doesn't have the right to say what he did but if a Senator called him a racist on the floor of the Senate he would be censured even if he apologized for doing it yet Buttars can make racist comments on the floor and apologize to avoid being censured. That's the double standard.

You write, "We should not have to watch every little thing we say.....this is a free country! Lets act like it. All the cry babies need to move to a country where you can't say what you feel. This isn't like yelling "fire!" in a theatre. This is nonsense, let it go!!!!!!"

Every Senator has to watch what they say and do it all the time yet Buttars refuses to do so since he knows that no one will do anything about it since they aren't able to do so under the Senate Rules. They must suffer his comments in silence because if they made any comments in response they would be in trouble.

Hope for Buttars? | 2:06 p.m. Feb. 15, 2008

Regardless of what Sen. Chris Buttars intended with his warped extension on the baby metaphor, one thing is undeniable: the name Buttars has become synonymous to many in Utah and nationally with self-interest, greedy campaign donors, and hatred.

If he truly wants to make a difference, he's going to have to stop doing less arguing and judging and instead begin expressing the compassion and decency so many of his advocates say exists within him.

Otherwise, it's obvious to everyone reading these stories what kind of legacy and memory will follow him forever in the public eye, whether it's deserved or not.

Anon | 2:26 p.m. Feb. 15, 2008

He did not say African Americn Baby - Geez I guess we got a double standard here - black is a color just like red, blue white yellow The PC police are out in force. He apologized get over it move on and if he runs for election then vote him out.

This not a freedom of speech issue - it is a freedom of stupidity and pay the consequences issue

oh brother | 2:38 p.m. Feb. 15, 2008

Re:Joseph

And instead of educating your little boy neighbor that Buttars wasn't refering to black babies, you took up the cause of victim and told the little inquisitive mind to ignore the context and condemn the senator.

What a prize you are!

RangerGordon | 2:42 p.m. Feb. 15, 2008

This is not a free-speech issue. Buttars is free to say what he likes, no matter how misguided.

Others are likewise free to criticize him; we have free-speech rights as well as Buttars, and the Bill of Rights doesn't protect anyone from criticism.

We can even call for his removal from office if we don't like his actions or his words. In a free democracy, we can do these things and it in no way violates Buttars' free-speech rights.

Buttars has no "right" to be a state senator. If enough voters want him gone, he's gone. That's how democracy works.

Jacob | 2:43 p.m. Feb. 15, 2008

Anon 2:26-

This is NOT an isolated incident. He also called Brown v. Board of Education "a mistake" There is no other way to interpret that besides being racist. He also wants to teach creationism in schools. Offensive and out of line.

Get him out.

The Difference | 2:58 p.m. Feb. 15, 2008

is that Al Sharpton, the NAACP and 'Sports Announcers' are not representitives in the State Senate. That comparison is no more valid then, say, Ann Coulter or Sean Hannity comparisons by the left. When you serve the people, you HAVE to be held to a higher standard. This isn't the first time he has made blunders like this and it won't be the last. If people actually educated themselves on voting records and bill votes, I believe Mr. Buttars would have been out of office a long time ago. Unfortunately, it's just too easy to check that 'Party Line Republican' or 'Party Line Democrat' box and cast a vote for everyone of a party regardless of their history...

Hail Buttars! | 2:57 p.m. Feb. 15, 2008

The only reason the NAACP picked up on this is because they HAVE TO keep an eye on this guy!

Guaranteed they are just one of MANY human rights groups who are monitoring the bigotry that spews from his mouth.

Anonymous | 3:13 p.m. Feb. 15, 2008

Another sad example of the radical right-wing mentality going way too far.

BigDaddy | 3:25 p.m. Feb. 15, 2008

Buttars, you still around?

Free Speech | 3:32 p.m. Feb. 15, 2008

Buttars could rail up and down the Senate Floor, using perjorative terms against all races, all colors, all religions, all groups of people with gender preferences, and genders, and his right to free speech is constitutionally protected.

Does he have the right to be an uneducated, ignorant, bigoted, racist?

Does the Utah Senate have the right to censure this person and throw him out?

YES.

Will they???

Only they can decide if they want him to be the poster child of the State of Utah.

(If it were my choice, I'd give him a box, 2 security guards and 10 minutes to get his stuff, and the rest would be sent to his home).

mirror image | 4:30 p.m. Feb. 15, 2008

Buttars has shown his character as a racist. The issue will be laid to rest if and when he runs again and the voters of his district choose to let a bigot be their represtentative and therefore the image they want projected of their community. Sadly, Buttars' character is exemplary of the prevalant leadership in our legislature, or they wouldn't continue to support him.

Anonymous | 4:41 p.m. Feb. 15, 2008

Keep up the good work Buttars!
I feel a new state slogan coming on.

Mase7 | 5:03 p.m. Feb. 15, 2008

I think the State Senate should sensor or impeach him on grounds of conduct unbecoming of a State Senator. If they don't I think we should vote them all out next election. Including the Governor he wants to sweep it under the rug just like the rest of the Senate floor. Our children need a better future, then to listen to that garbage that comes from Buttars mouth. I can not believe all them are state reps. what a shame for Utah.

JAC | 5:12 p.m. Feb. 15, 2008

Generational differences exist in the meaning of Senator Buttars statement and had nothing to do with African-Americans and to take offense is absurd. To his generation ï¿½this babyï¿½ means a problem or "this issue". Saying ï¿½yo, Mommaï¿½ has nothing to do with African-Americans maternal parent but with the lady in their life. What we have here is slang interpretation. So, if I refer to my little black dress as hashed Iï¿½m offending the African-American community? What about the Dark Ages? George Henry, a well respected Utah history teacher who has taken offense, surely has reference to the Dark Ages in his years of teaching. Does this mean he has deliberately used a condescending metaphor disparaging his own race? Letï¿½s demand he apologize for using the words Dark Ages. Oh, by the way Cheer detergent has a product called Color Guard for dark clothing. Letï¿½s demand they call it something else so someone wonï¿½t think Procter & Gamble is referring to African-Americanï¿½s being dirty or let's demand Procter & Gamble close their production lines down because they have disparaged a culture. Come on have a little tolerance and cut Butters some slack. Kindness goes a long way.

Shelama | 5:26 p.m. Feb. 15, 2008

As thoroughly grotesque as is Buttars, one must wonder about the community of West Jordan which elects him: is it possible that Buttars is a garden variety citizen of W. Jordan, at home among neighbors who look, talk, act and believe as he does? When I was a kid here in SLC, there were more cows and goats in that area of the valley than people. Has anything changed?

I'm also reminded of a comment attributed to Buttars about how the thought of homosexual sex made him sick. If that is a basis for legislation than I can only say that the thought of Buttars having sex with anyone, including his wife, makes me sick.

Although much too long for my taste, within another generation or two of die off of the Buttars of this world, this nonsense will be behind us. Just as racism will never totally disappear, the Buttars' brand of intolerance will be severely marginalized.

Buttars justifies at least some of his nonsense by his insistence in his belief in "absolutes." Fine. Osama Bin Laden also believes in absolutes, as did Hitler and Tomï¿½s de Torquemada. West Jordan might be expected to do better.

Anonymous | 5:35 p.m. Feb. 15, 2008

When lawmakers act without impunity -
you have a situation where authoritarianism is out of control.

Bubba | 5:40 p.m. Feb. 15, 2008

Instead of looking at what he says, what does he do? The problem with Salt Lake City allowing domestic partners dooes not have anything to do with gays. Anything that might help a minority is not what he will vote for. Immigration, separation of church and state.Again and again, Buttars is looking for anything that is different than his beliefs. He needs to either look at the issues or forget running again. I am embarasssed by his attitude.

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Buttars says issue is closed