‘Kiss My Butt’ Gov. Reverses Course & Attends MLK Event
- Posted on January 17, 2011 at 3:47pm by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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Maine Gov. Paul LePage abruptly changed his Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend plans and showed up at a breakfast honoring the slain civil rights leader Monday, days after he said critics — especially the NAACP — of his decision to skip other events could “kiss my butt.” He even joined some of the participants in an African dance.
The comment drew harsh criticism from state and national leaders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Maine NAACP Director Rachel Talbot Ross said her organization is no special interest, and the group‘s national president and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous said LePage’s comments “inflame racial tension”:
The GOP governor‘s appearance was added to the politician’s calendar on Saturday, the day after he made the controversial remarks about criticism he received over his decision not to attend the state NAACP’s annual King Day celebrations. He said at the time that he didn’t attend events for special interests, and his spokesman cited scheduling conflicts including personal plans and a state trooper’s funeral on Monday.
But on Monday, he found time.
One key difference, however, was the event was not sanctioned by the NAACP, but rather a local senior citizens’ group as well as the localRotary Club. And while the appearance was hastily added to his schedule, LePage attended the same breakfast numerous times in the past while serving as the host town’s mayor.
LePage, who was elected in November with tea party support, didn‘t speak publicly at Monday’s breakfast, but he chatted with some of the roughly 150 participants, most of whom were white. In an interview, he declined to discuss his earlier comments, but acknowledged that the holiday “represents an awful lot, particularly to black America. I mean, Martin Luther King was a peaceful activist and unfortunately he gave his life for it.”
He also adamantly denied his appearance was connected with, or in response to, his statements on Friday.
“Absolutely not, it had nothing to do with it,” he responded when asked about a possible correlation.
In a statement issued later by his office, he said, “Dr. King is someone who spent and ultimately gave his life making sure that people got a fair shake regardless of race. We have come far through the years, but the journey continues to make Dr. King’s dreams a reality. I urge all Mainers to work as one for a better life for all.”
Rep. Effie McClain, pastor of the Oakland-Sidney United Methodist Church, said before her keynote speech that it was time to move beyond LePage’s earlier remarks.
“I think that often times we say things that just come out wrong and if we had all the money in the world we couldn’t take it back,” said McClain, who is black. “Don‘t beat the man continually for something that’s been said.”
Others attending Monday‘s event weren’t so forgiving.
LePage’s attendance was “a political act that has nothing to do with his convictions,” said Julie de Sherbinin, a language professor at Colby College in Waterville. De Sherbinin, who is white, is involved in a campus organization that promotes improved race relations.
LePage stayed for the entire 90-minute event, including an African drum act by a Colby ensemble. The smiling governor clapped his hands and briefly joined others who danced to the pounding rhythm.
In response to the NAACP’s outrage, LePage over the weekend offered to meet with the group, but only “to discuss issues regarding all Maine’s people.” No meeting time has been set.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Comments (105)
oldeagle101
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 5:23pmThis will come around and bite him……
Report Post »pamela kay
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 5:10pmI don’t think that this was a horrible thing. He has a black child, he is not a racist. He knew the importance of Dr. Kings work. He put everything else aside to honor someone that he respected. I feel that it shows that he is a strong man. It shows charecter and personally, I like that.
Report Post »In a Bunker
Posted on January 18, 2011 at 10:52amMy thoughts exactly. I don’t like the knee-jerk reaction here. If he had say, gone to the prisons and only talked to black prisoners like the NAACP requested, then I would say he folded. But he didn’t. This event wasn’t even sponsored by them. I also think it important that as a conservative, we all honor Dr. King – his message was color blind and about individual responsibility.
Report Post »isnrblog
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 5:01pmWhat a sell out wuss! The guy’s history showed that he did not oppose the NAA(L)CP and that he had supported their events in the past. He had a scheduling problem so they, predictably called him racist and he caves. Well, they can kiss my butt. I don’t support the NAA(L)CP becuse they are liberal. I didn’t know there were any Black people in Maine
Report Post »komponist-ZAH
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 6:11pmThere was no selling out or caving in… Read past the headline, please.
He didn‘t say he wouldn’t attend an MLK day event, he said he wouldn’t attend an NAACP event, and he didn’t. So how exactly did he sell out or reverse course?
Report Post »sobsister
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 4:59pmI believe Dr. King would have preferred he attend the State Troopers funeral.
Report Post »Pyx
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 4:58pmAnd other FACTS about King, Jr. that need to be told.;
King Jr.’s name on his birth certificate was Michael King and not Martin Luther.
From http://www.snopes.com/history/american/mlking.asp
The FBI taped King Jr. having sexual encounters with women other than his wife.
Again, if these are not correct, then by all mean, clearly and loudly set the record straight. If these statements are true, then its incumbent the public know.
Report Post »rbcintexas
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 4:50pmWe have a belief in Texas that if a person does not want to attend an event then don’t make them come because they will try to make others miserable.
Report Post »sobsister
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 4:49pmI organized the largest Martin Luther King memorial service our city ever had, he has been a hero to me all my life.
But let me say that the NAACP, who call those who oppose Obama racists, make a mockery of everytiing Dr. King stood for.
The governor was right the first time, I am so livid – what an absolute coward.
He kissed their but. Shame on him.
Report Post »Pyx
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 4:39pmThe Claim of Academic Plagiarism against Martin Luther King Jr.
From amongst several sources;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King,_Jr._authorship_issues
According to civil rights historian Ralph E. Luker, who worked on the King Papers Project directing the research on King’s early life, King’s paper The Chief Characteristics and Doctrines of Mahayana Buddhism was taken almost entirely from secondary sources. He writes:
Moreover, the farther King went in his academic career, the more deeply ingrained the patterns of borrowing language without clear attribution became. Thus, the plagiarism in his dissertation seemed to be, by then, the product of his long-established practice.
Further, this same article states,
The closing passage from King’s “I Have a Dream” speech partially resembles Archibald Carey, Jr.’s address to the 1952 Republican National Convention.
*** Further, I agree that We The People should, QUESTION WITH BOLDNESS. ***
There are substantial claims about Martin Luther King Jr.’s Academic PLAGIARISM and they should be thoroughly investigated by The Blaze.
If King is to be cleared, then by all means, clear him and inform everyone. If however, Martin Luther Kng Jr. is guilty of PLAGIARISM, then everyone should be clearly informed of the truth before another NATIONAL HOLIDAY is dedicated to Martin Luther King, Jr.
Report Post »Nemo13
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 4:27pmCoward. Speak what you believe and hold your ground regardless. MLK: http://www.martinlutherking.org/thebeast.html
Report Post »Blight14
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 4:17pmIndeed, plagiarism, adultery, attended the Highlander Folk School (Communist training facility in Tennessee), etc etc etc……….Who was he with the night before the assassination? Why were his records sealed for 50 years post assassination? Whos writing did he ‘borrow’ for the PhD dissertation and the ‘Have a Dream’ speech?
Report Post »eat-more-bacon-USA
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 4:13pmOkay, but have they kissed his butt yet?
Report Post »DashRipRock
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 4:09pmIn another thread here we were talking about Az. seceding from the Union.
How about we just give Maine to Canada
Report Post »Elrik68
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 4:08pmNational Association for the Advancement of Colored People. How could this be described in any other way than special interest?
Report Post »sandyn
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 4:04pmI’m disappointed.
Report Post »TumbleBumble
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 4:25pmAnd to think I was actually fooled into believing this guy. Call me dunce. I am probably more disappointed in myself.
Report Post »sjohn70037
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 4:02pmAnother gutless politician. Shame on you LePage. Who‘s kissing who’s butt now Gov?
Report Post »code green
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 4:01pmEven participated in an African dance . That is precious . Refresh my wrinkled old mind. Who was to kiss whose butt?
Report Post »LePage .right or wrong, you have just turned into a weak sister.
Taquoshi
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 5:00pmUh, correct me if I’m wrong, but I guess I was under the mistaken impression that MLK was an American, not an African. What does African dance have to do with the slain civil rights leader?
Report Post »HippoNips
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 3:58pmHe didn’t make a mistake. the NAACP isn‘t about civil rights and certainly isn’t following Rev.Dr MLK Jr’s dream
Report Post »CatB
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 4:02pmEXACTLY … they have so corrupted MLK’s “dream” that even MLK would not recognize it.
Report Post »dmforman
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 4:29pmAgreed. I believe Dr. King would be appalled by them, Jesse Jackson, Sharpton, and other “civil rights” “leaders” of today.
Report Post »DashRipRock
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 3:58pmSo now he is officialy the “Kiss My Butt Gov.”
Report Post »NoMoreGray
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 4:04pmHe was, but now he looks more like the “Buttkiss Gov”
Report Post »taskmaster78
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 3:58pmOh well, he still is right they remain a special interest group and should be ignored after all he ran on that.
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 3:58pmAppropriate name for an NAACP president/CEO. Ben Jealous.
Report Post »Rainphyre
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 3:57pmFlip-flopping is nothing new when it comes to politics…
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 3:55pmNo convictions, Just like the other two Maine RINOs.
Report Post »exdem
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 3:54pmNone of them mean what they say. They all bend to the left’s political correctness and bulling tactics.
Report Post »What a shame.
Non-sequitur
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 3:58pmWell, I think he calculated that he won more votes by this move than lost.
Does anyone recall who said (paraphrased) “Politicians didn‘t prove that they’re good leaders, they just proved that they know how to get elected”?
Report Post »liriadavila
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 3:53pmHe made a mistake, but he tried to correct it.
Report Post »Old Truckers
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 4:04pmHe didn’t make a mistake, but he corrected his not making a mistake by correcting his mistake.
Report Post »Elrik68
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 4:05pmHe stood by his word. He previously stated that he would be happy to attend the event, but that he would meet with all peoples. He did not attend with the naacp-tards, and he did not apologize for his comments. More media trying to stir up a story..
Report Post »ovrwlmd
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 4:12pmWhich mistake? What‘s wrong with going to a State Police officer’s funeral? Does that make him insensitive to a MLK event? If he believed strongly with his original plans he should have stuck with them. Then going and dancing at the event? Sounds like OVER-correcting — overcorrecting something that may not have needed correcting in the first place.
Report Post »royalstar
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 4:24pmHe didn‘t make a mistake and he didn’t reverse course. You can spin it any way you want. Ben Jealous talking about devisive rhetoric is as insane as hiring a lion to encourage a vegan diet. The editor of this story needs to work for MSNBC or any ot the other alphabet soup outlets. Those that are critizing the governor for supposed backing down need to learn how to read and listen. Those that are just trying to make what he said about kissing his butt as a racist statement need to get real and stop the politics. I like this governor and is being mis represented by all involved on both sides of the media.
Report Post »demint.disciple
Posted on January 18, 2011 at 11:30am@OTTODIEDACKTICK.. yo, yo, yo who axed yo foh yo opinon ? ya fell me, dawg ?
Report Post »NoMoreGray
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 3:52pmIt’s funny how you can be dissapointed just as quickly as you can be impressed. Let this be alesson to us, “talk is cheap.”
Report Post »BlazingInSC
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 4:01pmYes, I am disappointed in this article’s title too. He didn’t reverse course on his comments. His comments were in response to an NAACP event – to shy away from special interests (not race relations). His praise for MLK and attendance at this event are in no way a reverse course to his original statement. I assume that’s where your disappointment lies since you surely read the article and understood the context of everything (even if the author of the article didn’t).
Report Post »Cobra Blue
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 4:01pmThat’s it…just keep bending and giving in to the pressure from the liberal left when they threaten you especially when it has to do with RACE. I am so SICK of GOP reps talking tough one minute and then when someone challenges them they instantly fold. He went from “Kiss My Butt” to kissing theirs. Nothing like a politician with both feet firnly planted in the air. Why talk tough to begin with. Just be the milk toast politician you are and save the tough talk for a real man. Don’t they realize how weak they look when they do this, We can only dream of one day when there will real men in Washington with BALLS…When hell freezes over at this rate.
Report Post »elmster
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 4:08pmhe has attend the same breakfast many times, it is how he honors the day he did not reverse course. He is doing the right things maybe he doesn’t speak right but who cares as long as he is doing it. And who was it that said if you are ******* off everyone you must be doing something right.
Report Post »DimmuBorgir
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 4:09pm@ Blazing
my exact thoughts. he didn‘t reverse anything or say he wouldn’t celebrate this false holiday. he just said the NAACP could kiss his butt.
Report Post »NoMoreGray
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 4:12pm“Say what you mean, Mean what you say.” I thought that was a big part of the message we sent in November.
Rep. Effie McClain, pastor of the Oakland-Sidney United Methodist Church, said before her keynote speech that it was time to move beyond LePage’s earlier remarks.
“I think that often times we say things that just come out wrong and if we had all the money in the world we couldn’t take it back,” said McClain, who is black. “Don‘t beat the man continually for something that’s been said.”
Disappointed that this is the message that will be taken away.
Report Post »P C BE DAMNED
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 4:15pmWe don’t need these people as we the common citizen who only has any class at all believe in right over wrong. It will all be remembered and we will have those who will carry their shame. God is trying to get us to trust in him as he said he never changes but men do, they all (ALL) will fail us in the end. Look to God as he will carry this to fruition or it will fail solely without him. It truely is His cause. Thanks
Report Post »ottodiedacktick
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 4:19pm@NOMORE
It was simply out of character for LePage to reject the offer the way he did. He is a man and governor of all people. He was the oldest of 18 children who ran away after being abused by his brutish father. I know one thing: he doesn’t appreciate being called a racist and he will punch you in the head if you do.
Report Post »snowleopard3200 {cat folk art}
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 4:23pmI wish the political figures we have would make a stand on their beliefs and stand firm. Consistent in ideals and beliefs, that can be respected and is respectable even if you disagree with them. Well, now we get to see the rest of the group carries on.
Be for something or against something; not waffling on the fence trying to have it both ways.
Just be true and consistent to yourself.
http://www.artinphoenix.com/gallery/grimm
Report Post »BrickWall
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 4:33pm@snowleopard3200
I absolutely agree.
Report Post »NoMoreGray
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 4:34pmIf he has done this event multiple times in past years, he didn’t just find out about it Saturday. So, I don’t know what was in his mind, but neither does anyone else (not even Blazin or Otto). The point is we need to do more than just put them in office we need to watch for warning signs that we got played. He’s not my Governor and I hope this is an anomaly. I am not attacking his character, I am praying for it. I don’t think he should be called a racist, I also would hate to see him labeled an apologist as Rep Mclains remark implied.
Believe me I am watching my new GOP MI Governor even closer. Political games at any level can no longer be tolerated.
Report Post »101
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 4:48pmGreat political move, made a statement “NAACP can Kiss my butt” and was praised for it!
Report Post »watchmany2k
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 4:49pmThe NAACP is using this to boost membership in Maine, I just heard a member in Bangor, state that membership was flagging so much that their charter from the national org was in question.
Report Post »—
I don’t see this as LePage flip-flopping, as mayor he attended this very same event, the continued coverage just plays into the NAACP membership drive.
broker0101
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 4:53pmNOMOREGRAY, “Say what we mean, mean what we say” is a bumper sticker slogan that Glenn Beck sold to you (among many other things you don‘t even realized you’ve bought). It had NOTHING to do with the 2010 elections. You’ve been sold a bill of goods by a very effective huckster, and I applaud Glenn on hiss success. He’s a wildly successful business man. Sadly, his customers are gullible dupes but that’s their fault, not his.
Report Post »cessna152
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 4:56pmFlats the flounder…
Report Post »BlazingInSC
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 4:58pmYou guys are reading into this way too much and way to incorrectly – being led by the article’s headline. There is no politician that shouldn’t be watched closely, regardless of how much you agree with him or her, but to buy into the “reverse course” rhetoric makes you appear to be ignorant. He stood up to the NAACP event and he didn’t attend the NAACP event – so where did he reverse course? I see some other posters on here giving Blazers a bad name too – because they see his dancing to traditional music as being a sign of “wussiness”… or worse yet – playing up to special interests (NAACP). Some of you aer simply shameless.
Report Post »Cemoto78
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 5:03pmChicken.
Report Post »Islesfordian
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 5:19pmSo, he told the NAACP to kiss his butt. He still hasn’t apologized to them, but instead he went to a Rotorary Club MLK breakfast, which he often attended as Mayor and which is not sponsored by the NAACP, and many of you can’t wait to see it as caving in. You’re as quick to call him a coward as Olbermann is to blame Sarah Palin for Tucson.
With friends like you….
Report Post »NoMoreGray
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 6:23pm@Blazin
You accused me of not reading the article, but your whole case seems to be limited to the title, making it appear that is all you read. I never take a teaser title at face value especially if I see “source AP, ABC, NBC, CNN, etc.” anywhere on the page. So let’s assume we are both intelligent people who did read the article we are commenting on and actually listen to what the other is saying.
Concisely, here’s my point, drawn from the accepted facts in the article;
On Friday the Gov, unquestionably not racists, said “kiss my butt” and conservatives tired of PC run amuck cheered. For this special interest and the left attacked him as a racist. On Saturday he suddenly decided to attend a MLK breakfast he had attended multiple times in the past, because he attended this event in the past he obviously new about this event weeks if not months before hand. Suddenly deciding to attend causes any reasonable person to ask why, and also to ask did the previous hours play a role in this decision. Next, while the Gov did not apologize for his Friday position, his actions on Saturday and Sunday give those wishing to minimize his position on Friday the ammunition they needed, as shown by Rep Mclains statement “I think that often times we say things that just come out wrong…” As Blazin adamantly points out the AP and others will jump on scenarios like this one and use comments like Rep Mclains to put out spin stories like above.
So, I am disappointed. As one of the cheering crowd, disappointed, the new Gov did not see this coming before he made his decision Sat., more disappointed if he did not change his Friday view but played politics, really disappointed if the article title turns out to be accurate and his conviction was that shallow. But anyone who looks at this series of events and don’t walk away disappointed is a little blinded themselves.
Report Post »half pint
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 9:17pmyou are so right-just like scott brown-bummer
Report Post »half pint
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 9:18pm@blazing-I have noticed the headlines here (and content) have visibly changed since the huffpo appointment
Report Post »Jackers
Posted on January 18, 2011 at 6:28amWhy is it that our national discussion always revolves around racism towards blacks? Why can we not breathe a word about the ongoing racism showed towards whites? Such a blatant double standard as racism works both ways…
Report Post »Trance
Posted on January 18, 2011 at 1:05pmAs I understood, his “NAACP can kiss my butt.” was in response to them claiming he was a racist for not wanting to attend their event. He didn’t attend their event, but he attended a different one, which is completely appropriate for an elected official to do.
Report Post »ozzmet31
Posted on January 19, 2011 at 12:41amI have a feeling he had been threatened but nobody will check that out. He should stick to his original plan and not show weakness.Giving in after a staement shows weakness or fear.
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