Deseret News | Reader comments: Buttars stands by apology, has no intention of resigning

Reader comments
Buttars stands by apology, has no intention of resigning

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It's up to his constituents now | 2:07 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

What's in THEIR hearts?

Will they go along with the status quo, or be strong enough to stand up to this evil?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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?

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!

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.

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.

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.

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