Ariz. Lawmaker Suggests a Holiday for White People

An Arizona legislator raised eyebrows this week with a suggestion that the state should name a holiday for Caucasians.

State Rep. Cecil Ash's remarks began in jest while he was speaking on the Arizona House floor Monday, but asked to clarify them later, Ash doubled down and said he thought such a holiday was a good idea.

It started when state Rep. Richard Miranda, a Democrat, said Arizona should have a day to celebrate Latino Americans, Phoenix CBS affiliate KPHO-TV reported. According to the station, Miranda's suggestion touched off a tense debate, and that's when Ash stepped in to try to relieve the tension with a moment of levity.

"I’m supportive of this proposition… I just want them to assure me that when we do become in the minority you’ll have a day for us," Ash, a Republican, said.

His words achieved their desired effect and got a few laughs. But after his comments got out, he told KPHO he stood by them.

"I think that if and when the Caucasian population becomes a minority, they may want to celebrate the accomplishments and the contributions of the Caucasian population the same way," Ash said.

He told the station he thinks the state should acknowledge the accomplishments of great people, regardless of their ethnicity.

KPHO spoke with a few Arizonans to get their thoughts about Ash's proposal: Reaction was mixed, with one person calling it a "crazy idea" but another saying it was a "good idea -- Like they have Cinco de Mayo for Mexicans. We need something for whites."