As a right wing Republican who has never voted for a Democratic legislator, I, too, call for Buttars to resign.

The reason: he is a racist and is bringing disgrace to his people, his state and his church.

Please don't anyone be mistaken, Sen. Stephenson used the metaphor of a human baby to make his point. He described this baby as "ugly." Buttars felt more strongly. The human baby was not only ugly, but black.

That is racist. Just go away Buttars. You are a mean, bad person who is bad for all conservatives because you feed the stereotype that we are uneducated and racist.

And we are not, you are.

No, Buttars, the issue is not closed. The public is speaking, and it's high time you listen to them, and yield to their will. No one is demanding perfection from you, however, they are demanding that their representatives not speak about people in such a disgusting manner. A photo of the Senator on the front page of the SL Tribune illustrated how much hate Chris Buttars harbors for anyone who is different from himself.

This is a non issue. The NAACP is good at turning mountains into mole hills. It's amazing how overly sensitive some people can be.

"Former West Jordan City Councilman Rob Bennett, who lives in Buttars' district, said he is reluctant to call for Buttars' resignation." Former Council Member, Bennett also once called a resident a "Wart on the face of society that needed to be removed." He later apologized for his remarks at the insistence of the rest of the council. Senator Buttars remarks certainly smack as being racist. It was also Council Member Bennett who initially blocked the way for the naming of a street after Rosa Parks just after her passing. Eventually West Jordan became the first city in the state to name a street after her. Not everyone in West Jordan is a racist or bigot.

It would appear that the Senator just wants this to all go away and move forward. Please think before you speak as more and more eyes will be on you and your remarks. (Constituents of West and South Jordan.)

my,my,my everyone seems so sensitive to most everything they hear.and to the point that is blown completely out of proportion like small school children would do.to everyone that is super sensitive to remarks and quotes WAKE-UP,GET A LIFE,BE A CONTENDER,BE A CHAMP,BE SOMEBODY INSTEAD OF A LOSER!!!!!this country was created for everyone,not just a chosen few.COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS!!!!

This issue will NOT be closed until Mr. Bigot, I mean Buttars resigns.

Regardless of the public outrage, Buttars won't budge. He won't resign, he won't go away. That's just the kind of man he is. Is he racist? Yes. Would I ever vote for him? No. But I'm afraid he is a Utah State Senator for the time being.

Another bad mark on this culture.
No wonder Romney didn't make the cut.

Buttars cannot go away. He represents the people of his district. Unfortunately, he represents their thinking. Or otherwise he would be gone.

I thought Utahns were better than this. Apparently not.

Buttars just wants it to be closed.
Sorry, Buttars, but you don't get to decide when it's closed. Hopefully it'll stay open until you disappear from the public eye.
The sooner you do that, the better.

I cringe whenever I hear the name Buttars on the news-I know it's not going to be pretty. Ironic considering his calling others ugly.

The "dark and ugly" thing in this sad episode is the chracter of the person making the comment. Now the test is whether Utah will follow the example of Virginia when its former Senator Allen revealed his core values in a similar manner by referring to a young man as "Macaca". Allen was rejected by his constituents. Will West Jordan step up?

I am afraid you just demonstrated that you are what you say he is. Your words are full of anger, hate, prejudice and a lack of forgiveness.

It's really time for this cracker to leave the stage. Utah has many things to do, none of which cater to this clown's hate agenda.

I don't like Senator Buttars, but it not because of this comment and I don't think it was intended to be racist. He wasn't referring to a "human" baby. People refer to many things as "baby". People also refer things with problems as dark or black. (Ever heard something referred to as a "black hole" before?
Buttars simply mixed up (and mis-matched) his metaphores in a very unfortunate way. Hey, I'd like to see Buttars out of the Senate too, but not because I think he is racist. He's probably not. Quit being so ultra-sensitive. Buttars is obviously not a very good impromptu orator, but most of you would say a few stupid things if you were in his place too.

OK, you beat this to death yesterday. How long are you going to keep at it? What's the matter, can't find anything else to write about? Are we going to see anti-Buttars articles every day until election day? I still say this guy's less of an embarrassment than Rocky Andersen. At least he's only part-time and he doesn't strive to keep his name in the headlines like Rock-head did.

Just go!

I voted for Senator Buttars because he seemed to look at things the way I would, but over the years It has become evident that Mr. Buttars goes way beyond what I have ever thought. He does seem to be a mean and arrogant man. I've also noticed that he seems to have a personal agenda and is hard at work on that agenda. He really doesn't represent me nor is he the person I thought he was when I voted for him. I would not have a problem with him resigning.

Why do people have to take such offense when no offense was intended? Chris is a good man. There isn't a racist bone in his body. "Black" can mean other things besides race. There was a time before our politically correct gestapo ruled, that it could be used as a term to conjure up something that is dark, wrong, evil etc.

He has helped thousands of young men at the Boy's Ranch over a decade of service to them...Black, White and Brown. Ask them if any felt he was partial to any race? Many a family will tell you that he saved their son's life as they worked to get them off drugs or deal with difficult teenage issues. He has been a champion of conservative values...the same values that our electorate supports. There are some liberal, divisive groups that pounce on this, not because they truly believe that Buttars is a racist, (they have precious little evidence for that for a man who has live as long as he has) but because he has effectively fought against their liberal agenda which most Utahns abhore. This is their attempt to mute a conservative voice who doesn't agree with them.

What bothers me most about this latest gaff by Buttars is how it exemplifies just how un-Christian this man leading Utah's legislative "morality police" is. He regularly lectures us on how to live "right" (and promotes bills forcing us to do so). However, he does not walk the walk. Instead of being compassionate and forgiving, he identifies those different from him as the enemy and treats them as such. He’s an old warrior of a culture war long since over. He just does not realize it.

Same feelings here. I'm also a Republican--although not right wing--and I totally agree that Buttars has, for the 7 years he's been in the Senate, done nothing but bring disgrace to the legislature, the Church and the Southwest area of Salt Lake Valley. He makes it hard for Republicans in moderate areas where I live. He makes all of us look bad.
I've been heavily involved in the legislature for as long as Buttars's been there and he has made far more derogatory statements than those that have been reported. He is a racist, a bigot, and a male chauvinist of the worst stripe.

As to those who don't see a problem with what he said, I find it interesting that we Mormons who have been so sensitive to criticism during Mitt's White House run can't put ourselves in the other's shoes. What if an non-Mormon legislator had said, "This is an ugly Mormon baby" or "this is a Mormon polygamist such and such?" YOu can bet every senator in that chamber would have flipped around.

Don't file for re-election Buttars. Let someone else take your place. It will still be a Republican anyway.

Those those who say that people are too sensitive. Were we Mormons not to sensitive about Huckabee? Huckabee not a bigot? Most of you believe Huck is a bigot (so do I although I was never a Romney supporter). Romney loses Iowa--Born again Christians are bigots; Romney gets 90% of Utah vote although he fudges on just about every issue--Mormons are not bigot.

Quit saying Buttars is probably not racist; he is. Lots of LDS people his age are, they say they're not but they still believe the Lamanites dark skin etc. Sad but true.

Since when have we let the NAACP (whose own acronym uses a derogatory term) tell us what to do in our political system! Maybe he shouldn't be in there but don't call for a reignation vote him out. Do you people not understand that groups like the NAACP need money to operate. Without a cause they can't get money. They find this cause make a big deal about it and saps send them money to help fight this "great injustice!" Seriously quit being so gullable.

As a West Jordan resident I am once again appalled by Senator Buttars. His true nature seems to lie just below the surface like a festering pimple. He manages to keep it somewhat hidden by using a bottle of self-righteous cover-up and that menacing scowl to keep others at a distance. But as pimples always do, that true nature just erupts unexpectedly from time to time. Senator Buttars, it's time to examine the underlying cause of these breakouts and get some help. Please do that on your own time, not while pretending to be a representative of the decent people of West Jordan. You're a zit on the face of our community.

When our recently departed Mayor, Rocky, made a much more egregious racist remark and refused to apologize the person of color whom he was attacking, where were all of you so very outraged people? Rocky a powerful, wealthy, white, “leader” of Utah’s largest City can make racist comments with impunity. Oh, now I understand: liberals and Democrats are not held to the same standard as conservative Republicans. Sen. Buttars made a disgraceful remark, he apologized, which is more than Mayor Anderson.

I think that people need to get over themselves. If it had been a colored person (someone who isn't white) who said the same thing or that is is a white baby and so on. There wouldn't have been a uproar about it. Cause they can say what they want and not be punished for it because of their skin color. If you don't believe me. Think about the comments that black sports people made about the white sports players this past year. NOTHING was said about them resigning or apologizing for what they said over the air. I think that Buttars does a good job. I don't agree with everything that he does, but I don't think that he should have to resign over his remarks. If you think that he should then those blacks that made their remarks about the whites should also resign from thier jobs. It should be a two way street. Not one set of rules for one and another set for the other. I am for everyone repecting everyone no matter thier skin color. Not just those that is is politically correct to.

He badly mixed metaphors. That is all. The next time the Legislature grades our representatives on grammar, he deserves a c-.

He is not guilty of a crime against humanity, as many of you seem to insinuate.

This scuffy newspaper is embarrassing itself with their foolish Editorial about this tempest in a teapot. And , of course, Bernick does his usual liberal reporter thing in his crummy piece.

Democracy in America is dead if the silly sentiments voiced in these rants become the standard for representatives in our society.

the thought police are out in full force!

I feel another Al Sharpton visit coming on....

Al Sharpton apologized for his latest comment and that was good enough. By the way, he hasn't limited his mistakes to just once either.

I also vote for Chris Buttar's resignation. I don't care for him, either.

W J Resident

It's not up to any of you to decide if he step down, it's up to him and his constituency next time he runs who get to decide when and if he quits. People make mistakes, he made a mistake. He who is without sin cast the first stone. There will be no stones thrown this time, not even by the NAACP woman who is obviously on "higher ground" than Buttars. Not!! We know the NAACP is the most racist organization known to man. So their opinion has no sway.

Some of "you people" don't seem to understand why people get so hot and bothered by comments like these. Gosh, you sure build up a head of steam when people start using words "cult" and "non-christian" just to name a few. Racism is really is indefensible. Get over it.

black: "without any moral quality or goodness; evil; wicked: His black heart has concocted yet another black deed." I call for the resignation of the dictionary!

Does anyone seriously believe the Senator was refering to the race and not a definition of black more like this one?

The old saying is true "You find what you're looking for."

I live in Chris Buttar's Senatorial district. Chris's views are certainly different from mine, but the majority of people here elected him. I think most of those who want him to resign do so because of his extreme views on homosexuals, separation of powers, and the mixing of Church and State. If that is ground for resignation then over half the legislature needs to resign.

The real issue is whether Chris is a racist. I don't believe he is and he recognized his mistake and asked for forgiveness. I think the proper thing to do her is accept the apology and forgive him rather than demand he resign.

For those in the Republican Party who are embarrassed by Chris's antics I have a suggestion. Show up to your own mass meetings, become a delegate, and show up to your own convention! You may be shocked to find that those who are showing up are far closer to Chris Buttar's temperament than you may care for.

I think this is a black [oops] spot in Buttars record. I believe this to be a dark [oops, I apologize] episode in his career and just reflects his black heart [oops, I am so sorry]

Please recognize that Buttars does not believe in evolution. Now I see why...he has never had that benefit.

I love this quote!!!

"this issue is done as far as I'm concerned."

I think others should learn to use this quote.

Michael Vick could have told Federal prosecutors "this issue is done as far as I'm concerned."

Bill Clinton could have told the reportes investigating the Monica Lewinski thing ""this issue is done as far as I'm concerned."

Roger Celmmons should have said yesterday "this issue is done as far as I'm concerned."

Wouldn't it be cool to be a Levithan like Buttars, half man half God, who answers to no one, and is above the law...

Hey, I'm a Bigoted, Racist, Homophobe who thinks the Brown v. Board of Education Decision was wrong, but hey, "this issue is done as far as I'm concerned."

Buttars's has been running bills that scream bigotry for years--why is everyone so surprised when the man's actual speech betrays what everybody already knew? Is there a way to impeach of legislator? It wouldn't be the first time that the citizens of this state have been forced to reign in clueless legislators.

The measure of Buttars' disconnect with reality is revealed in his belief that he can declare this matter closed. When you say something like Buttars said publicly, the matter is closed when the public declares it closed, not when you want it closed. Buttars often seems to believe that he can make unilateral pronouncements to which everyone must accede - and once again, he is wrong.

What ever happened to forgiving someone and he who is without sin casting the first stone. Seems to me there must be a lot of perfect individuals out there.

Those of you who think Buttar's statement was not offensive.

What if the word "black" was replaced by the word "mormon"

Then, would you see the offensiveness of the statement?

So now we can't use the word "black" when describing anything? According to dictionary.com, one definition of black is "7. boding ill; sullen or hostile; threatening: black words; black looks." This definition means exactly what Buttars meant it to. If minorities and their friends weren't so obsessed with racism and political correctness, I doubt it would exist at all. They make it an issue.

Buttars is offensive to me as a human, a caucasion man, a citizen of this state and country, and especially as a member of the same faith. Make no mistake, most definitly he should resign. It can only be assumed that his West Jordan constituients feel as he does, afterall, they keep reelecting him.

And to wit, the NAACP should equally go after the Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, entertainers, music artists, etc. types as well. If your going to fight this type of behavior, don't be two faced about it. Fight it on all sides.

Most offensive to me in this matter are Valentine, Hickman and the likes up there on the hill. They either didn't notice, or didn't care enough to say anything if they did notice when it happeneing on recored right in front of them. Thanks to Sen Romero for being brave enough to bring it to their attention, he should commended. Valentine should be ashamed of himself. He too should aplologize and resign.

What don't you understand about the word DONE?

To MadAtAll: When are you ever not MAD?

To John: Finish the scripture, "go and sin no more" When did it become a sin to make a comment?

To Just The Latest: Get a new name, your post reeks of the same thing you accuse others of.

To Pocket Fishmen: all the examples you list are suspected of crimes. What crime does expressing an opinion violate?

The other person is insane and where is he insance, why, where he disagrees with you?

Dead issue.

Republicans are copping out on this one. They want the voters to decide? Well, the voters will never get a chance, as Buttars has already said he's not running in 08. No, they're just hoping to wait this out until it's all moot. If the Republican leaders were not morally bankrupt themselves, they would realize that this is a highly symbolic issue, that it will not go away, and that it should be dealt with now. Buttars must resign. Now.

For the sake of their own credibility, the Utah legislature must police their own. If Buttars is allowed to continue to serve, the entire legislative body must stand guilty and accountable. Show some courage for a change!

People just have to understand that the word "black" doesn't always mean a person with dark skin. The word is frequently used to refer to things that are dark, evil, scary, or unknown, and has been for a very long time, with no reference at all to those of African descent.

It seems that people are being way too sensitive here. This is an issue of semantics and equivocation. I don't think he meant it as a racial slur at all, although it was a poor choice of words. Although I don't agree with Buttars on everything, I give him credit for standing up to his critics.

and what have you done...another day older ..a new one just begun. And so we'll just keep buttars...cause he buttars your bread without... using his head. A merry , merry Utah..that looks snowhite without any fight!! By the way where did the word Utah come from? Poor guys!

To Buster:you offended me when you said cracker.This is what is wrong with our system.All this bickering about being politically right when we talk.No matter what race or nationality we are someone is going to be offendend by something.When are we going to give it up and move on and let the past die and try to make the future better ?Who gets to decide what is correct and politically right anyway?Black,Brown,White,Yellow,Red,let these represent crayon colors and not human stigmas about race and quit fighting with one another.Its time to pull together instead of pushing apart.Cant we just get along instead of looking for something to fight about?Look for the positive in someone,not always the negitive.