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Southern Republican Congressman Calls the Obamas 'Uppity'

September 04, 2008 7:31 PM

The Hill reports that Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, R-Ga., today -- asked to compare Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin with Michelle Obama -- said "Just from what little I’ve seen of her and Mr. Obama, Sen. Obama, they're a member of an elitist-class individual that thinks that they're uppity."

Asked to clarify that he had, indeed, just used the word “uppity,” the Georgia Republican responded in the affirmative.

“Uppity, yeah," Westmoreland said.

"Uppity" is perceived by many African-Americans as a word used by white racists to describe blacks who have grown too big for their britches and don't know their place.

In April, Rep. Geoff Davis, Republican of Kentucky, said of Obama: “I’m going to tell you something: That boy’s finger does not need to be on the button."

- jpt

September 4, 2008 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (57)

User Comments

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OYW,

It was announced on that "tool of the left'
CNN. And so far, no retraction.

Posted by: Leonard Peltier | Sep 4, 2008 9:11:18 PM

The difference between the two is that Michelle would never sit and giggle while another woman was called a b--- on-air, even if that woman was a political opponent. Sarah did that. She even told the two radio hosts who mocked her opponent, that she'd be honoured if they'd come visit her.

VP material? I don't think so.

Posted by: El_Pajaro | Sep 4, 2008 9:10:12 PM

The difference between the two is that Michelle would never sit and giggle while another woman was called a b--- on-air, even if that woman was a political opponent. Sarah did that. She even told the two radio hosts who mocked her opponent, that she'd be honoured if they'd come visit her.

VP material? I don't think so.

Posted by: El_Pajaro | Sep 4, 2008 9:08:02 PM

I happen to be white, grew up in Detroit and went to a public, technical high school
where half of the 5000 students were black.

Best experience of my life.

Posted by: Leonard Peltier | Sep 4, 2008 9:03:33 PM

Westmoreland you are a pig in the animal farm and a global disaster. This is 21st century. Remember racism has no place in modern America. You belong to the past.Shame on you. No wonder you are of limited intelligence. I am very proud to be a black highly educated professional like the Obamas and Bidens. GO OBAMA/BIDEN 08/12

Posted by: mike | Sep 4, 2008 9:00:14 PM

No, but you will be forced to listen to
classical music and write a book report on something other than comics if you misbehave.

Posted by: Leonard Peltier | Sep 4, 2008 8:59:56 PM

Beer vs. Book

Need I say more?

Posted by: Leonard Peltier | Sep 4, 2008 8:54:13 PM

American hero vs zero!

any questions?

Posted by: joe | Sep 4, 2008 8:52:58 PM

Awesome. If there's one thing that can distract media attention from Mrs. Mooseburger, it's a racist southern Congressman showing you the depths of his racism.

Westmoreland: "My self-destruction. Let me show you it."

Posted by: bughunter | Sep 4, 2008 8:50:59 PM

Nothing Personal, but you can truly never be uppity and black even if you fake it. On the inside you never forget who you really are and we always have comments like these to help us remember.

Posted by: Charice | Sep 4, 2008 8:46:26 PM

The Republicans sure are showing their true colors (or should I say color) at this convention. It's pretty embarrassing.

Posted by: jennie | Sep 4, 2008 8:45:44 PM

I just have to say congratulations to Palin for raising millions of dollars after her speech last night - for OBAMA BABY!

Posted by: jozy | Sep 4, 2008 8:45:06 PM

Westmoreland, from the south, certainly did know the history and negative connotation of such a term unlike his defenders on this site who are ignorant of American history, or at least history they choose not to educate themselves about.

Posted by: lookitup | Sep 4, 2008 8:44:05 PM

It's nice to see American politics once again moving in this direction.

The anarchists must be pleased.

Posted by: Leonard Peltier | Sep 4, 2008 8:41:10 PM

.

Posted by: . | Sep 4, 2008 8:32:34 PM

I LOVE BEING A LIBERAL.

LIBERAL COMES FROM LIBERTY WHICH MEANS FREEDOM.

THIS COUNTRY DESERVES MUCH BETTER THAN REPUBLICAN NAZIS...

THIS COUNTRY DESERVES LIBERALS TO FREE US FROM EVIL.

Posted by: Al | Sep 4, 2008 8:32:34 PM

obama and angry Michelle are sitting in the greek temple right now scratching their heads wondering what went wrong.

ahhh yes, the sweet smell of defeat!

bye bye obama and angry Michelle!

Posted by: . | Sep 4, 2008 8:31:56 PM

"I have never heard of "uppity" being a racist term ... but then when it comes to the Obamas everything has a racial tone to it, it seems."

Francisco you never heard that term because English is your second language.

Posted by: Andy | Sep 4, 2008 8:29:16 PM

ENOUGH OF REPUBLICAN CORRUPTION.

ENOUGH OF REPUBLICAN BLIND HATE.

ENOUGH OF REPUBLICANS IN POWER.

ENOUGH OF REPUBLICAN LIES AND DECEIT.

ENOUGH OF REPUBLICANS.

This year,

DEMOCRATS ALL THE WAY!!

Posted by: Andy | Sep 4, 2008 8:27:21 PM

I'm white, I'm southern, and I grew up hearing the term "uppity" used in a disparaging, demeaning manner toward black people. It made me angry then, it makes me angry now. It is a vile, purely racist term, as is the term "boy" when used in speaking of a black man. I'm old enough to remember the lynchings of "uppity" black people who were not subservient enough for their "betters".

It strikes me that if the Obamas were white, they would be universally referred to as American success stories, which they are. I pity those of you who are so insecure, angry, and threatened by the success of someone whose skin color, heritage, gender, sexual orientation or religion is different from yours. That's not American.

Posted by: fragan4 | Sep 4, 2008 8:26:43 PM

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