Racism was clearly a problem at A&M before Gates arrived. More distressing to me is that the President selected a man known to have manipulated intelligence, lied to Congress, and sold weapons to both Iran and Sadaam Hussein (including chemical weapons and cluster bombs).

We need someone in this position who has the good sense to make decisions based upon the facts, and in the best interests of the United States. This nomination is absolutely unacceptable.

My God, what are the Democrat's going to do about this. It has not even been 3 days since they have been elected to power and now we have college students in "Blackface" in Texas. This would have never happened when the Repub's were in charge of the House and Senate. Help us Nancy Pelosi and Ted Kennedy. (Lib's are going to get a tast of what I had to endure for the past 10 years).

Isn't George Bush from Texas? It must be his fault.

WOW! I can't imagine attending a school where something like this has happened. I honestly would cause a riot. And I'm not even african-american! Intersting.

Once an Aggie - Always an Aggie

That makes no sense, Mike Jones.

The Democrats aren't in power until January, and they have nothing to do with the policy of Texas A&M.

Stupid, non-sensical, and baseless.
The 3 Pillars of the GOP and their faithful supporters.

Mike Jones' comment is just idiotic!! The school did not find out about the "Blackface" video until Monday - - one day before the election!! The sad truth is that in the President's home state this type of nonsense is still going on. The Democrats will make change, but Texas is still RED.

It's a real shame; ask yourself if at one point or another, have you not judged a person by the skin? We a pretend to be against racism, but in reality we all participate one way or other.

I only hope that the future generation is able to rid of this hippocracy and usher a new age they all live as equal humans.

mike jones - it is the people of Texas A&M that are complaining about Gates leaving unfinished business, not your boogeyman "democrats." do us all a favor and crawl back under your rock with your heroes Rush and Hannity for another 10 years. America doesn't need your divisive rhetoric anymore.

First of all, it is not said when this video was made. Secondly, what does this have to do with the democrat leadership? Nothing! How could it? You make no sense! Obviously, these boys are racists and were racists long before the democrats took over. Wake up!

This is disgusting. Can't blame Jackie Sheryll for this one he left Texas A&M years ago. I believe Charlie Rangel and Nancy Pelosi must get their act together and get down to Texas with some solutions before this kind of act becomes part a wider epidemic. This Congress must be proactive in stopping bias on our university campuses. I am disappointed that this has already happened on their watch. I voted for you and I expect results yesterday.

We really should get back to what makes our country so great - people who care about what happpens in the world!! Please run for president Al Gore!!!!

Mr. Jones did you make that tape?

It did happen while republican were in office.

Is this racist or just dumb college kids acting like kids? Of course it is tasteless, but I think getting national attention is going a little overboard.

As a student at Texas A&M, I can tell you that this video is just the tip of the iceberg. Over the past 18 months, numerous international students have been physically assaulted by white supremacists. Black, Hispanic, and Asian students all report racist treatment from professors and students, ranging from public racist epithets and mockery to various forms of intimidation.

What is the most frustrating is that the University has consistently done little to nothing to improve the climate here.

Concerned student and faculty organizations have repeatedly presented the administration with actionable steps they could take to correct the obviously racially problematic culture here. Each time, the administration (often in concert with the police department) has done as little as possible.

Texas A&M University's hesitations and refusals to act decisively can only be understood as tacit, or even overt, support for the racist ideology expressed in the recent blackface video.

What a ridiculous "controversy"? Why in the world would anyone believe that some video made by two or three idiots represents the attitudes of an entire university? Furthermore, why would anyone hold the university president accountable for not being able to "end" racism? Racism is a simple fact of humanity, and it occurs in every country in the world and in every state in the United States. How one man can be expected to "end" racism when no person or country on Earth has been able to do so is beyond me.

It's embarassing that any thinking person would believe this video is indicative of anything more than the stupidity of its creators. Just another example of the media frenzy and the irrationality of the average American (as seen in several of the other posted comments).

As a student of A&M, I can tell you that the students in the video have been identified and expelled. There was plenty of outrage on campus, however there is no "systematic racism" on this campus. The sociology profs that are continuously quoted in articles have an agenda and are seizing on an opportunity.

I look at this incident as a form of terrorism. We started a war in Iraq to fight terror, when we are going to start fighting the terrorist who have been attacking blacks in the country for over 300 years. Oh, I’m sorry; the good lord is fighting this battle at home for us. Isn’t Texas staring to look more like Mexico every day? No, no, I mean, isn’t the whole country starting to look like the people who the American terrorist hate the most every day? What are the racist terrorist going to do when the complexion of the citizens in this country gets browner and browner? God is changing the make up of this country because he has heard the cries of the victims of racism. Just wait until all these people start voting.

Since when are you Lib's going to let the facts get in the way of the truth. Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid have been elected and are the Leaders (elect) in charge of the House and Senate and "Look what is going on in Texas" I need to get on the phone with Michael Moore and Cindy Sheehan. I am hoping He will make a movie about this terrible racist tragedy and maybe she will come and state a protest about this bigotry.

I went to Texas A&M University and truly this is not the first time something ignorant and hateful has gone unpunished. Texas A&M needs to actively address and challenge the mentality of the majority "southern boy" student body. Great education, disappointing student life.

Um, . . . Republicans are still in control of congress nubcake.

Oprah just did an episode the other day where high school students participated in an event called Challenge Day. This is where several students from different social and ethnical backgrounds get together to learn about each other. They teach the students about other races and cultures and how they are all facing similar issues in life. It opens the communication lines between students and helps them understand that it is not ok to abuse or make fun of someone just because they are Black, White, Gay, Rich, Poor or whatever.

Also, to blame this incident on anyone other than who perpetrated it is inexcusable. When are we going to stop blaming others for our actions and take responsibility for once? It’s not the Democrats, Republicans or the President it was a select few students who decided they have nothing better to do but make fools of themselves. They should be punished and dealt with accordingly. Then the rest of the student body should be required to participate in a Challenge Day.

I am sure that when the makers of the video are questioned about it their response will be something akin to "we were just playing!"

Unfortunately slavery may be a terrible memory but its ramifications are not. There is nothing humorous or funny about the video (I should add that I have not seen it myself) and Texas A&M should respond quickly and appropiately.

I attended a junior high school that had about 3 other black students. Another class was putting on a Thanksgiving play that involved historical figures and time travel. Rather than leave out George Washington Carver, they put black shoe polish on a white kid! It wasn't funny then and its not funny now.

Hey, that looks like the same blackface photo that Lamont used on that Anti-Lieberman ad.

As a student at Texas A&M, hearing about the video's existence was utterly appauling. This is not just an isolated incident however, as racism and acts of bigotry have existed for years on this campus, making this video a catalyst for change. Many students support Dr. Gate's nomination as the Secretary of Defense and feel honored to have had him serve as our president. However, the person who is going to fill his shoes is going to have a lot of pressure put on him to make sure that this isn't just pushed under the rug and that true means for change occurs.

3 pillars of the Liberal Dem's Base. Use emotion rather than fact, forget the rules or law's(especially if it feels good)
and if all else fails. call all the Repubans's Nazi's.

"hippocracy" - rule by horses, ala Swift's hounyhnhnm. the word you were looking for is "hypocrisy."

our inability as a nation to communicate is bearing its just fruits in the caliber of politicians on both sides of the aisles.

what is up?

Again, why does this story need to be made political? This is an issue for the A&M community, not Republicans and Democrats. The comments about this being related to just Texas and Bush's home state are nonsense. This deep-rooted cultural behavior exists everywhere in this country. That's the sad part.

I believe Mike Jones' comments were tongue in cheek.

I wonder if perhaps Mike Jones has made his ridiculous baseless statement out of the simple desire for people to pay attention to him. Unbelievable, but more so sad that one would need to sink to this level of rhetoric for attention, even if it's negative.

That was great! Anyone who can't find that funny is just stupid! Quit being a baby and getting so offended.

I graduated from A&M in 2003, and it is such a shame that this video came from such a wonderful university. Texas A&M is such a unique institution, and I can assure everyone here reading this story that this is such an extremely isolated incident. Texas A&M should be known for events such as Muster, the Big Event, Silver Taps, and a host of other programs and activites that brighten the landscape of the Brazos Valley, Texas, and the United States. It is so sad that few bad apples have ruined it for all of us. I personally hope these young men are kicked out of the University and are the first individuals ever officially recognized as "Ex-Aggies".

I agree with you Sam.That why this world is so mess up now.

First, those that made this racist video should be punished to the extent possible.

Second, quit politicizing this issue. These people are representative of what is wrong in society, not Texas A&M University. I graduated from Texas A&M, and while there, I was not aware of any institutional policies or organizations that condoned racism.

Unfortunately, there will always be people that are ignorant and fearful of others of different races and religions.

To cast Texas A&M as an overtly racist school would be like saying ABC is a conservative news station, because Sean Hannity was on Good Morning America.

This is wrong....but why is it OK for someone like Farrakhan to speak on campuses across the US???

Wow. Racism at a 40,000 student univerity. What are the odds? I bet it doesnt happen at any other school.

Also, isnt it convenient that an A&M towel happens to be hanging from the guys pocket? Someone wanted this to reflect badly on A&M and the media and every politician is falling into the trap.

DANCE PUPPETS, DANCE!!!

I personally doubt that Gates or anybody in the current A&M administration had any actual involvement in the film, and have condemned it whole heartedly. Dem or Repub, aren't we all kind of sickened by this trash? This isn't a job for the senate, or for the school administration (the first amendment is difficult to digest sometimes) it is a job for parents and our culture as a whole. Quit politicizing and get to work.

Why was this not in the headlines of ABC, racism is racism no matter that you think. It is not just at Texas A&M or UT and it needs to be stopped. See article below:

AUSTIN, Texas A group of first-year law students at the University of Texas at Austin has been chided by the dean for participating in a "Ghetto Fabulous"-themed costume party and posting pictures from it online.

Who cares about this college prank? This is just some kids bs'ing around....Besides, when did it become illegal to be "racist"

Please do not judge all Aggies by this video. This is a very hateful act that could have happened anywhere, and the rest of us Aggies are as upset as everyone else about it. And, don't blame it on Dr. Gates. What could he have done to prevent this. All we can do is encourage him to give these guys the deserved punishment.

Ron. You and I are in agreement. This Has obviously happened under Bush's administration (We all know he is a racist, especially after that black guy was drug behind that truck in Texas a few years ago) by all past logic. Anything that happens under someone's watch is obviously his or her fault. Nancy Pelosi and Charles Rangel should be held accountable after all they have been elected to positions of leadership.

The University of Texas has an annual (for years) "dress up as a black" party. Don't blame one college; blame the stupidity of a few people.

Derrell

That's right--the entire Texas A&M University, with a student body of approximately 45,000 students, who come from across Texas, across the country and from many other countries is racist because 3 dummies make a video and put it on the internet.

I just want to say that I attend Texas A&M University, I am Hispanic, racism exists here, but if you know the background to this story a lot of people commenting on here are just incorrect in their accusations and need to get their facts straight. This has nothing to do with politics, and ya'll DON'T know when this video was made, so leave it be and let us handle our own affairs. We are trying to change some policies, create some new ones and make a change.

The next few years with the Dem's in charge of the House and Senate are going to be a "whole lotta fun". I saw on-line the other day where someone blamed Steve Irwin's death on George W. (something to do with Global warming and making the Stingray mad) Anway, from now on I am going to use the same strategy that all the Lib's have been using on the Repub's. Now that they are driving the bus, lets see how well they drive.

Ron Sonnier, anyone with a brain hin their head knows that the Democarts don't take over until next year. This happened under Republican watch. Let's send Marines down to Texas. Lol.

I am one of the majority of students at Texas A&M that is appalled and disgusted by this video. Don't be ignorant and blame this on the President, or Texas or even Texas A&M. This video may have been made by students at this University, but if you are at all familiar with Aggie terminology, they are Two Percenters, meaning they are not really Aggies at all. This goes against what we refer to as the "Aggie Spirit" which cannot be understood by outsiders and cannot be explained by insiders. For the purposes of this post, I will say that I was raised in an Aggie family and am as blonde haired and blue eyed as a child can be, and am utterly disgusted by this. Be slow to judge our University based on this video, for it is not what Texas A&M is about.

This is a despicable act. It is not however up to the congress or senate to fix. It is up to the people. Quit talking and do something. Taxes, regulations and rhetoric do little. We have plenty of all of them. Social change comes about by actions of the people.

Once an idiot always an idiot

As a current student at Texas A&M, I know for a fact this is an isolated incident. The students here as a whole do not tolerate this kind of crude behavior. I am angered that ABC would turn this political.....the students involved should be kicked out of this school to show that we do not tolerate this kind of behavior. Zero tolerance.

What those few students was hateful and stupid. Notably, the school, under Gate's leadership, disciplined them. Smearing an entire community of nearly 50,000 students, and hundreds of thousands of Aggies based on the actions of these few students is nearly as stupid and hateful.

Keep in mind the full story not being told here is that these students were ostensibly making the video to portray racism at A&M. The video makers are not Klansmen; they're incredibly misguided idiots who have hand delivered a grossly and easily distorted view of a school that I know for a fact is not what it's being made out to be. Neither should you paint the entire state of Texas with one brush unless you want people to start posting all of the racist incidences, remarks, etc. that have come from all of the "more accepting and tolerant" liberal schools and states.

Treat it for what it is.... stupid kids that deserve to be punished..... not a major political event or a condemnation of an entire school or state. Would this have even been news if not for the nomination of Dr. Gates to the Bush Cabinet?

Obviously the making of this video was a poor idea. However, the individuals that produced the video intended to show the evils of racism. Their video is now backfiring on them, as I'm sure they're being faced with disciplinary actions intended to punish racist individuals.

Unfortunately, 99% of the people that view this on ABC and this website have never been to Texas A&M and do not realize how friendly and accepting this community is for people of all ethnicities and backgrounds.

Know that this video is repulsive to Aggies, and this is not an accurate representation of our culture. Thanks for your attention.

Some of you need to turn on your sarcasim meter....

It's not surprising something like this would come out of Texas A&M. After all, they are a school that pretends to be a military academy. It's a school for wannabees.

I'm sure that there are alot of whites that feel that way and they are just as bad or even worst without the black face.

Why is it that a couple of idiots do something, and its automaticly all of us who get blamed? The overwhelming and vast majority of the student body is disgusted by this, but suddenly political sanctions and sweeping changes should be made?

You people need to learn the difference between a few idiots and the rest of the population. Punish the fools that did this, and move on.

People need to get a life... Why isn't anyone outraged by racist comments from Chris Rock or Def Comedy Jam?

When people start preaching "tolerance" it needs to extend both ways. These are college kids obviously in some type of prank - and if you think this type of thing does not happen at schools across the country then you are naive.

A&M is a good school and one that I would be proud for any of my kids to attend - and I'm a Longhorn....

Our leaders have a lot more to worry about than a dumb video prank.

So, two idiots are video taped with black face and all of a sudden the other 45,000 students are racists? Not to mention the entire state?

Racism / bigotry exist around the world! Quit fooling yourself that Texas, the South or the United States holds a monopoly on hatred.

It exists everywhere and if you don't believe that, you are a fool.

These individuals are not reflective of Republicans, Democrats, Texans, or Texas A&M University. No segment of society is without its leaders and its dregs. To stamp a racist brand on A&M because of the actions of 3 horribly insensitive and ignorant students would be as logical as labeling every individual in the US armed forces as a murderer based on the action of one soldier, or to label the US Senate as a bunch of sexual deviants based on the actions of one congressman. More important than what these students did is how the rest of the A&M Community and Society respond to it. No one could be more disgusted than those students and faculty of A&M whom are unfairly represented by this video as belonging to and cultivating a racist culture. Also, I find it disgusting that of all things the media can focus on revolving Robert Gates is the actions of three 'moronic' students. There are far loftier aspects of Mr. Gates career and experiences that have more bearing of his qualifications as Secretary of Defense.

Who cares? Video isn't funny or scary. Nothing to do with politics.Ask Chris Rock. The price of freedom is vulgarity and insult.As Paris would say, "That's hot!

Mike jones:
This video was made about 2 years ago. Sorry to burst your bubble.

Unfortunately, racism exists in most all states and most all cities. If you think it is just a Texas problem and not a problem where you live, then you're blind to reality. It may not be blatant as with the video. But I assure you, there are plenty of democrats and republicans who are racists.

I believe mike jones' comments were bathed in a bit of sarcasm. The video was a few people being complete jerks. It has nothing to do with Texas A&M University. If you people think that racism only exists in Texas then you all have the IQ of a box of rocks.

This is clearly the fault of the Democrats.

Any person that jumps to the conclusion that this video is a true representation of the beliefs of Texas A&M as a whole is a fool. We have all experienced a minority(referring to #s, not race) ruining the reputation of a majority. This is yet another example. Three dumb students tarnishing 50,000.

Everything is about politics!where did you grow up steve!?! Racism is everywhere and I do not believe it will go away! I'm not the all knowing. Myself I am not racist but I have grown up with racial slurs and comments directed towards me. The question is what is the University going to do about this embarrassment?!?

I agree with most of you. I live in the great state of Texas. I must say that this is more the norm than the abnormal. this type of behavior is accepted as their just having fun. As an African American I'm less offended because it only solitifies the fact that this country as a whole is racist and we shouldn't act surprised that this crap still happens.

Now as for the appointment of Mr. Gates. As the President of the University, he's responsible for what comes out of there. If there aren't suspentions handed down then that means the he and the university condone these actions. Putting the I'm disgusted spin will not work. We will nolonger accept your outrage as genuine.

To Erik, this is not a school for "wannabees" as you misspelled it. Don't generalize and assume ignorant events only happen at A&M. They happen everywhere.

What is happening @ Texas A@M in Texas is setting our culture back, and showing some upbringing of our Texas youth of today, and why is the school's administration allowing this to happen? If the school president can't resolve this how can he be placed i n charge of the largest military in the free world??? Hopefully the democrats will not allow this to take place, please! There must be other qualified people for the position of Secretary of Defense.

Gary
Washington State

Just another wonderful example to show my friends and family back in the NORMAL world. One more reason why I am going back to NY and raising my daughter there.

All these comments on politics and this racial embarrasement is bogus. This was done by some dumb kids that is brain washed by their dumb parents. I can't believe that people is racist. This has to stop one day. That is one reason America is screwed up. I mean here it 2006 and you still don't the people who helped build this country. You talk bad and don't want to give jobs to the people who really won the civil war. If it wasn't for the brain washing of blackmen by the politics of America, you might see more succesfull ones. This is crazy. PEOPLE PLEASE LIVE TOGETHER AND NOT APART. I love living in Texas but, being a black you still have to watch your step cause of Racism. America killed BLACK PANTHERS and all they want was equall rights. KKK want to kill blacks and mexicans and still run an operation. YOU FIGURE IT OUT!!!

I am a student at Texas A&M and I assure you that the acts of these individuals are not a true representation of a Texas A&M Aggie. I have no idea what their reasoning was for making such an appauling video. Everybody in Aggieland is disgraced by these individuals and hope this doesn't happen again in the future. For those of you who jump to irrational conclusions and think that because two idiots from a school consiting of 46,000 students produce a racist video, that everybody else there must be racist too, then you are mistaken. If you do not believe me then come to College Station and see for yourself of how friendly people are here. Also, this has absolutely nothing to do with Bush, Republicans, or Democrats.

There is racism in Texas? Im shocked.

Penn State had a mandatory requirement that students take a class in diversity. Many of the classes had small groups that would talk about racial issues where the T.A.'s would play devils advocate.

Im not saying this is a solution to racism but it is something that colleges can do to break down stereotypes and ignite change and discussion.

That wouldnt happen at a community college.....

I am currently a hispanic student at Texas A&M. I have yet to experience any of kind of 'racial hatred' toward myself or anyone I know. These views are not mine or many of the students at Texas A&M. So please, when you speak of how 'culturally setback' people in Texas are, remember that it is just those few. Not us all.

You do that Allison. Take her back where the police shot you 47 times for picking up your wallet, and the Mayor helped them get off. That's better than letting her live with racist. NO WHERE TO RUN NO WHERE TO HIDE Allison. It's in your face get use to it sweatheart.

What was Gates thinking?! I guess he didnt make his rounds to babysit every student that night and tuck them all into bed. Slacker. Those who preach tolerance, acceptance, and understanding should know that one incident does not an epidemic make. There are murderers on other college campuses across the country, so those institutions must be full of homicidal maniacs. It is not Gates' job to parent these ADULTS. They are grown men and should be the only ones responsible for their actions. For every idiot like these, there are 1,000 who are the stark opposite.

"Sherylon Carroll, a university spokesperson, said she could not answer questions about whether any students had been disciplined, citing privacy laws, but did say the students are "no longer enrolled at the university." " - the administration has acted.

"hundreds of students at the university were protesting" - the students have spoken.

I think it's safe to say the school's students and administration are not tolerant of this act.

To Kyle who said that a Texas A&M is a school for wannabees..this school was founded as a military academy and to this day more Aggies have been and are in the armed forces than any other American Institution, women were admitted into the college under our President Rudder. Bush and Texas have nothing to do with this matter nor does TAMU, 3 idiots did this and they have been punished for it, our university is going through a change in regard to race and diveristy because of President Gates. His leadership at this institution has been nothing more than wonderful. If you don't know about A&M don't condemn us because there are racist people every where you go.

you guys will cry about anything.. i'm sure mike jones is enjoying this

Dave Chapelle and other races of comedians say crap all the time. I don't see the media jumping their as* and people crying over it.

I find it disheartening that this issue of racism is met with a prejudice of it's own. Assumptions have been made and that is unfortunate for all parties involved.

I had the benefit and joy of attending Texas A&M University for four years. I know Aggies do not condone or endorse this behaviour. I anticipate that these individuals will suffer consequence for their actions, however misguided.

To deny that racism exists everywhere, on some level, is to deny that the problem exists at all.

So to all who say "Once an Aggie always an Aggie" and insinuate that this is an A&M problem, I would like to say thank you. For I hope to always be an Aggie; with the ability to recognize that that this problem affects more than just my alma mater and the vision to change society for the better. We have too many people passing the buck these days. I am proud to come from a place that is a leader in changing pre-conceived notions and is willing to hold people accountable.

I personally warned Gates by email of the racism on his campus two weeks ago, when a student dressed as a Klansman for Halloween yelled "White power!" at my girlfriend, who is a member of a minority group, and was cheered on by his peers. Gates did not respond. This is NOT an isolated incident, though Gates (in his email) insists on treating it as one.