Deseret News | Buttars misspeaks, offers apology to fellow senators

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Buttars misspeaks, offers apology to fellow senators

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Tom Grover | 1:12 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Also remember that Senator Buttars once remarked on KVNU's For the People that Brown v. Board of Education was a "mistake to begin with".

Anonymous | 3:06 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

WHO KEEPS ELECTING THIS GUY?

MC | 3:49 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Sickening. I have no respect for this man.

Comments continue below

To the People of West Jordan | 3:54 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

I hope you are proud of having the biggest bigot in a legislature full of them. How is this not a lead story? What a despicable thing to say! Especially during Black History Month? But of course, its ok with the Utah Legislature, the same group that for years has had no problem meeting on Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday and for years even opposed recognizing the day as a holiday. Unbelievable.

South Jordan Republican | 6:47 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

It is time for South/West Jordan to elect someone else. Where there is smoke, there is fire and it seems Buttars is always smoking. Enough mini controversies, it is time to move on.

The Kingfish | 7:02 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Sen. Buttars continues his tradition of bigotry that seems to get him reelected time and again.

Mine | 7:14 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Senator Butters is a hateful individual that has been a representative far too long. We continue to put these people on the hill representing us and this is wrong. One of the only good pieces of legislation that he has been on is the DORA act, most everything has been hurtful for people and groups that are marginalized. He is about power, and his goals are to keep the power to those who are Judeo Christian, white, hetero, male, patriarchal, European Americans. He has no use for others that fall outside of his beliefs. I am sorry that he continues to be reelected for we could have someone else that better represents the constituents.

Mayhem Mike | 7:26 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

You're all ignorant about literary phrases used to describe a dire situation and are straining to make Buttars "an offender for his word." A "black" day or "black" event has been used in countless publications to describe a terrible occurence. It has never been used in a racist setting. Comments like those from "To the People," above, are the reason why many people do not want to run for office. One "slip of the tongue" and you're out!

Good man misspoke | 7:37 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Senator Buttars is a good man who made a mistake. I will give him the benefit of forgiveness. I only hope that all of the people who make comments on this story will look inside themselves and evaluate if they have ever misspoke. I think the hate that will be expressed toward Senator Buttars is no better than what you are upset that he did. I know he feels bad about what happened.

Reality | 7:40 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

This is your choice for an elected official? Welcome to reaping the rewards for looking at the ballot blindfolded, everyone. If you truly feel this is the way and view of the Utah populace... Please, Please remain silent. Interesting that a 'SENATOR' can survive after such comments, while a newscaster or the such tends to get a bit more of a response. Which one do we put more trust into? One who states the news.. or makes the news?

S | 7:52 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

I suppose I might be ignorant about some literary phrases, but the term "this baby is black" doesn't really leave much to the imagination.

I don't know that it was intended to be racist, but it certainly comes out as such.

Mine | 7:52 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Mayhem Mike,
This has been more than a slip of the tongue, this man has been hurtful time and again. He continues to make the target of his legislation about marginalizing people. Remember the rhetoric he was using against Gays and Lesbians, and the Brown vs Board? He is the right arm of the Utah Eagle Forum, they are some of the most intolerant groups that exist today. They have lowered themselves to levels of the Arian Brotherhood. This is not the type of people we need in office. He is a bigot, and cares little for those he hurts.

fr1nk | 8:01 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

He didnt miss speak, he just said out loud what he normally tries to keep in his head. The man (I use the term loosely) has a black heart and I guess the people of west Jordan have black hearts as well, after all they keep electing this bigot.

ABC | 8:12 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

It is a good thing we don't all live in glass houses (especially me). Do unto other as you would have others do unto you!! Including the words we say about others.

Not Perfect | 8:21 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

A great man once said something to the effect: Let him who is without sin cast the first stone. It appears there are a lot of people who are without sin in West Jordan because they are quick to cast stones. I'm certainly glad no one is analyzing every word I say. Otherwise, I'd be in trouble . . . as would every person who every walked the earth, except one. Senator Buttars apologized for crying out loud. Does anyone out there know what the word "forgiveness" means? It's no wonder there's little civility any more. For those of you who claim to be Christians, LET IT GO. When you can't forgive others, you are only hurting yourselves.

jc | 8:24 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Mayhem Mike here is what he said "This baby is black. It's a dark, ugly thing," yes, you are ignorant about some literary phrases, do you live in West Jordan?

concerned tacher and grandmother | 8:32 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

He has "miss-spoken" too many times for it to be a mistake. He is mean and hateful. I am the grandmother of Bi-racial children, and he is offensive. Why he is constantly re-elected with this life of hate is beyond me. Look at the picture of him in yesterdays paper, mean and hateful. His face shows his feelings, his mouth, always talks his feelings. He looks miserable, so must be his life.

Mickotis | 8:37 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

To Mine, etal,
Quit making black comments

Utah Resident | 8:41 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Utah's best and brightest for all the World to see.

Oh, Please | 8:51 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

I'd be much more willing to take the Liberal Grievance Lobby's outrage more seriously if the former Kleagle of the West Virginia KKK Robert Byrd wasn't a high-ranking Democrat U.S. Senator in good standing.

This is all about politics, not racism.

Reader | 8:46 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Buttars did not "misspeak." He meant exactly what he said. How do I know? We have this clown's history on which to base such an assumption. Nothing will change. He will be re-elected by lazy voters who rarely take the time to study candidates.

Mickotis | 8:48 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Everyone quit making black comments.

Honestly | 9:00 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

I hope this is the begining of the end of this guy. It's time for him to go and fast! I can't believe he represents my community!

Unreal | 9:24 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

fr1nk is a hypocrite!!

You wrote "The man has a black heart and I guess the people of west Jordan have black hearts as well"

Doesn't that make you just as much a racist bigot as Butters? You are using the term "black" the same way he meant it. So, according to you, he has a heart just like "black" people? Give me a break

Quit reading into what was said. The man apologized for saying something that was interpreted other than what he meant.

To Not Perfect: | 9:29 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Buttars ONLY apologized after it was pointed out that his words were offensive.Otherwise, he would not have said a word! And it wasn't much of an apology, it was "I apologize to anyone who took offense at what I said" which implies that if you took offense it was YOUR fault and Buttars did not take responsibility for his poor choice of words.

I would "forgive" Buttars for this one slip if he hadn't spent the week spewing hate for "the gays" by trying to stop the SLC domestic partner bill and other hate mongering. I am a Christian (not mormon, christian) and I am about forgiveness but Buttars is devisive and has NO tolerance for those who are different than he is. Those actions are unforgivable.

The Truth | 9:30 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Sen. Buttars deserves the benefit of the doubt. He is guilty of carelessness in his speech not racism.

Buttars up for election in '08 | 9:43 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Perhaps someone less offensive to our liberties and sensibilities could seek to represent that senate district.

to oh,please | 9:46 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

So because Robert Bird is a democrat, you are fine with Butters making blatant racist comments?

observer | 9:54 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

You couldn't make this stuff up. Always great "low comedy" when the legislature is in session.

jmdspk | 9:58 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Re: Oh Please, have to bring something up that has nothing to do with the argument? Since we have nothing to do with West Virginia why bring this up? Oh yeah if you do not have a legitimate argument bring up something to deflect.

For those defending Buttars, every year he spews something. He is an embarrassment to the state.

Douglas | 10:03 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Seriously, someone needs to get this guy out of our state politics. It's embarrassing.

no more buttars, PLEASE! | 11:04 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

How can this guy still be around? It seems like he has been embarassing himself, state, and community for a long time. Has he ever actually been re-elected?

It's true... | 11:25 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

The slip of a lip can sink a dip. Buh bye Chris!!

True Colors Shining Through | 11:27 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Thank you Sen Valentine for bringing the matter to the attention of Rep Buttars.

As for Rep. Buttars - it appears your true colors have shown. We can all be assured that none of the upcoming illegal immigration legislation is racist, because, by golly - our legislators would never hold such disdain for persons of color.

"This baby is black, I'll tell you. This is a dark, ugly thing," Buttars said.

Rep. Buttars associated ugliness with a black baby. Why not just an ugly baby? Surely not an ugly white baby! Why couldn't he just say that the bill was an ugly bill? Why, because he was trying to get his point across that the bill is as dark and ugly as a black baby. That is exactly what he said. No literary misspeak.

What does a parent tell her child when they ask "why does Representative Buttars call black babies dark ugly?" - Oh he just misspoke! He didn't really mean that! THEN WHY DID HE SAY/CHOOSE THOSE WORDS IN A NEGATIVE WAY?!!!

Anonymous | 11:32 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

To those of you defending Buttars, it's not like this is the first time he has "put his mouth ahead of his brain". Are you as equally forgiving of Huckabee's bigoted statement about Mormon beliefs? The residents of his senate district however are the ones who should truly be embarrassed for re-electing this puppet of the Gayle Ruzicka crowd.

My Hero | 11:42 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Senator Buttar's is not embarrassing and needs to stay exactly where he is at because he is one of the only political figures out there who stands up for what he believes with integrity. If only we could all stand a little taller and firmer in our beliefs like the good, devoted Senator Buttar's does. He is one of the most kind and generous human I have ever meet. He dedicated his life for 20 years to helping thousands of young boys who were in trouble and had started down a slippery path at the Boys Ranch. He had dedicated his life to helping those in need and taking on the issues that the rest of us are cowards and sit back while he takes on the true issues this state has. He is an amazing and honest man, who we need more of in this state. To you Senator Buttar's you are my hero, you are the person I hope to become and one day emulate.

To:To not perfect | 11:54 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

If he apologized only after it was pointed out that his comments were regarded as offensive by some, that indicates to me that he was not intending to offend and was not using the word in a racist way, the word black has several meanings. If he would have apologized before, that would indicate that he knew his comments could be perceived as derogatory. Give him the benefit of the doubt. Black as used in Black Monday, Tuesday etc means marked by disaster or misfortune. Let's not be so quick to assume the worst of people.
Also lets leave the right to judge what are unforgiveable sins with the One to whom that right belongs.

decency | 12:03 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Senator Buttars, do the moral and decent thing and resign. We are ashamed of you.

A slip of words? | 12:28 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Wasn't Mike Huckabee's comments a slip of words that could be taken as unoffensive if you really wanted it to be? And at least Huckabee didn't say "it is an ugly, mormon, baby" when describing something he felt was bad. I have never heard a group of people as hypocritical as those in Utah. Additionally, I am also a non-Mormon Christian and am more than willing to foregive Mr. Buttars if he stops being hateful those who are different than he. And while I have done many things wrong in my life, I'm not an elected official and don't try to enforce legislation that hurts minority groups or make comments demeaning people.

West Jordan Resident | 12:54 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

To all taking the opportunity to bash Chris Buttars I would say that you need to back off! You obviously dont know him. You are simply taking a statement made in the heat of debate and using it for cannon fodder. I have known this man for nearly forty years and the last word I would use to describe him is racist. He is truly a warrior for his convictions and has never backed down from the hard fight. He is a man of incredible integrity. We need more men like him! Not many people in politics take a hard stand on issues like he does. If he runs again he will be able to count on my support!

Jake | 12:55 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Not Perfect said: "A great man once said something to the effect: Let him who is without sin cast the first stone."

This is bull. The man is an elected official speaking on the public record. We're not talking about an angry mob about to execute an adulterer, which was the context of that quote, we're talking about a public that expects more from its elected officials than hate-speech. Once he willingly put himself in a representative role in our government, those he represents can criticize all they want.

Constituent | 1:02 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Sen Buttars claims to listen to his constituents and follow their wishes. Well, as one of Buttars' constituents I say "Resign from your post Mr. Buttars!"

grundle | 12:59 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Buttars' statement, when taken in context is clearly not a racist remark. Only those with agendas that Buttars stymies is taking up the cause to get him ousted.

My favorite is the statement by Jeanetta Williams. If she couldn't find racism in everything she would be out of job.

How silly this all is.

grundle | 1:04 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

re:True Colors Shining Through

You said "That is exactly what he said. No literary misspeak."

The bill being debated was nicknamed the "ugly baby" bill. Hmmm....you left that out???

What is your agenda? Seems you conveniently left out the context of his statement.

Whose colors are shing through here?

Stevan | 1:11 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Well, well, well - it was only a matter of time before Sen. Buttars allowed his narrow mind to lag behind his opinionated mouth during this legislative session. It reflects more than just a "slip of the tongue" as some suggest. This latest in a series of outlandish remarks tells more of his bigoted beliefs than his speaking for his West Jordan constituents. Are the good people of his district comfortable with this?

grundle | 1:20 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

re:Constituent

Could you give a reference where Buttars has claimed
"to listen to his constituents and follow their wishes"? That would scare me a little bit.

This forum illustrates how diverse opinions are and I would be afraid of a representative that would say such a thing.

The very reason we have a representative government is because we couldn't possibly come to a consensus on any issue. so...we elect representatives that will represent us collectively and apparently the people of West Jordan (collectively) feel differently than you.

Bill | 1:58 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Racist bigot.

Interesting.. | 1:59 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Chris Buttars can say some of the hateful descriminatory things that he does and that's fine, but turn it back on him and all of a sudden some of you act like he's beyond reproach. This man is as big an embarrasment to the state as Rocky Anderson was. Rocky is gone, now it's time for Senator Buttars to leave the stage.

Re Grundle | 2:06 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

No, I'm sure what Senator Buttars meant to say was dark and loathsome baby, the opposite of white and delightsome.

Anonymous | 2:40 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Being both Black and a member of the GOP party of Utah I am offended by his word and yes he opened his mouth before putting his brain in motion.

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