Get Mad or Lighten Up? Rangel's Remarks/Obama's NYC Date
I want to launch a new recurring post on my blog tonight; I’m calling it “Get Mad or Lighten Up?” a handy reference guide for deciding if media responses to a news event/quote are over-the-top or on the money.
We’ll start with Harlem Congressman Charles Rangel’s comment that even President Obama needed to be careful visiting New York in the wake of the Thursday’s fatal shooting of an off-duty African-American police officer by a white on-duty cop. Rangel apologized today:
I’ve seen two basic media responses to Rangel’s attempt at biting humor. There’s the New York Post’s “get mad” perspective:
And there’s the “lighten up” advice from The Village Voice:
“It was a mordant jest, in the manner of Dick Gregory…. (I)t appears the smart-aleck comment….is on its way out as a New York tradition.”
Jim’s Ruling: GET MAD!
The elements of the story of the police officer accidentally shot just don’t add up as a source of humor, smart-alecky or otherwise, especially not from the Congressman who represents the district in which this tragedy unfolded, especially not less than 48-hours after it all happened. Congressman Rangel is the dean of New York’s congressional delegation, a close ally of the president, and an African-American. His role is to be a voice of authoritative calm in a situation that has at least some potential to turn into a full-blown racial crisis—another “New York tradition” that I don’t believe many people want to see carried on. Rangel was right to apologize, and acknowledge his comments as inappropriate.
Secondly, let’s look at that dinner-and-a-show date by the Obama’s Saturday night, separate from the police shooting matter. Lots of Republicans are upset over the president and first lady having a night on the town in NYC, as the nation struggles economically, and just days before General Motors was about to file for bankruptcy.
Jim’s Ruling: LIGHTEN UP!
If Americans were in agreement that a president and his family should cease all attempts at diversion, relaxation, and entertainment during economic hard times, than my ruling would be different. But I think there’s a general consensus that even presidents—perhaps, especially presidents—need some down time and some family time occasionally, in a way that would allow them to do their jobs better when it’s time to head back to the office. With all the various crises and hot spots around the world, it’s almost guaranteed that something will be happening somewhere that would have critics saying the president shouldn’t be seen having fun at taxpayers’ expense. Well, just about every move a president makes is at taxpayers’ expense—it’s sort of in the job description. Going to dinner in Washington D.C. would also come with significant security and transportation costs. It’s the nature of the modern presidency. Singling out this one particular trip by Obama and his wife feels like a desperate attempt by critics to find some sort of partisan angle on an otherwise nonpartisan topic.
Comments: 15
A thoughtless, tasteless remark that just adds fuel to a volatile situation.
I REALLY feel bad for Edward to be shoot, at the back, by another cop. This is a freak accident (or I hope, instead of careless).
"need some down time and some family time occasionally, in a way that would allow them to do their jobs better when it’s time to head back to the office"
While it is true, Obama need to understand that such off time is a real luxury that few can afford these days (besides being lay off).
People need to lighten up. Bush went on vacation almost every month on the tax payers dollar. You mean to tell me this busy man cant go on a trip with his wife every now and then? Please. they said they wanted to take a regular airline but the secret service said no. Geesh.
by the way, I suspect cops, especially those in city, have the habit of "shoot first, ask question later", especially if the targets are minorities.
Even if the white cop didn't know the Edward is a cop, was is necessary to shoot him, 6 times, and at the back???
and I myself won't exclude the possibility that if Edward is a white man, the white cop may not shoot 6 times, and Edward probably won't be shot to dead.
Face it: while none of us like racism, it won't disappear any time soon.
Well Obama working very hard, and he deserve a lil relaxation, if repuplican feels hurt crying by the name of tax payer money, we dont buy it, because we know where they are going, American ppl are better than that.
Lite Up!
"It’s the nature of the modern presidency." ha ha ha ha. Last week it was Viva Vegas and LA Hollywood elite for campaign fund raising. Globe trotting next week for trip to the Pyramids. Easy living, just like royalty.
Go Mad.
Taxpayers should not single out these recurring events. Pay the tab and be happy.
Good for the first couples date night!!!!
I wish my husband would follow suit....
If everyone followed the first couple as our role model, then we'd all be happier and get along.
The Rangel comment was rediculous but not as bad as the Baptist Minister who stated that 33 black officers have been shot and that institutional racism is at play. The confrontation of someone with a gun requires split second decision making usually compounded by external factors that set tragic accidents in motion. A plain clothed or off-duty officer is always at risk when they display a gun or even have their gun observed by someone. A man with a gun running after someone raises concern with any observer.
Remember the poor guy who ran towards his building chased by four guys. He likely thought he was getting robbed when he pulled out his wallet. The four guys being undercover officers believing he is a wanted rapist, they likely believe he has pulled a gun. One cop trips and fires his gun accidently, but the other officers only see him falling as a shot is heard. Thinking their fellow officer is shot by the guy who displayed a black object, they fire until the threat is gone. There lies the guy who couldn't speak enough english to understand what they may have been saying to him, a guy who made the mistake of pulling out his black wallet. Racism? No. Tragic accident? Yes
Back to the current event, what cop wants to shoot another cop?
It's time people stand up to people who even hint
that racism is behind these tragic cases.
Yes the President is entitled to go on a date, but given the current fiscal issues and the fact that CEO's have to take taxi's to Washington now, better decision making was in order. How about planning a couple of days with the whole family after doing some related work, you know UN stuff or other political BS. Bring the babysitters and go for dinner/theater with less of an issue. He definately should have combined it with something work related. Hey...If he really loves her he can flip the $24,000 bill. And yes, GWB took many trips but does he want to be compared to "W"?
Jim, re the Obama visit. It wasn't that many years ago there was a story of Investment Bankers running up a 20G stripper club bill? And then trying to skip out on paying?
$24,000 to get our president and his wife safely in and out of NY is what I consider money well spent.
I don't know how to report this but I believe public schools P.S. 11 and P.S. 126 in the bronx are hiding cases of Swine Flu...Please investigate.....Seriously...I heard parents are taking there children out the school.
I agree completely. Given his (fairly recent) issues involves tax returns (or lack thereof) ... you'd think Rangel would try to fly under the radar a little.
One thing I don't understand about the Obama date story... I've seen various news outlets, as well as bloggers, (conservative , liberal and inbetween)report the cost of this "date". I haven't seen very many people upset by it. Maybe my head is buried in the sand, but it'd be hard for those who don't support Obama to deny that President Bush's trips to Crawford cost a pretty penny too.
It's just something every President has done.
My first gig out of college (Fayetteville AR) President Clinton LOVED this fried chicken restaurant called "The AQ Chicken Ranch". Whenever the president came to town he had a similar amount of planes, choppers, and a motorcade... the interstate would get shut down in the middle of the day...and the restaurant was usually cleared out to where the Clinton party was the only party. So if $24,000 for dinner and a Broadway show is bad... how bad is $24,000 for a plate of fried chicken. It is pretty good chicken though.
I agree completely. Given his (fairly recent) issues involves tax returns (or lack thereof) ... you'd think Rangel would try to fly under the radar a little.
One thing I don't understand about the Obama date story... I've seen various news outlets, as well as bloggers, (conservative , liberal and inbetween)report the cost of this "date". I haven't seen very many people upset by it. Maybe my head is buried in the sand, but it'd be hard for those who don't support Obama to deny that President Bush's trips to Crawford cost a pretty penny too.
It's just something every President has done.
My first gig out of college (Fayetteville AR) President Clinton LOVED this fried chicken restaurant called "The AQ Chicken Ranch". Whenever the president came to town he had a similar amount of planes, choppers, and a motorcade... the interstate would get shut down in the middle of the day...and the restaurant was usually cleared out to where the Clinton party was the only party. So if $24,000 for dinner and a Broadway show is bad... how bad is $24,000 for a plate of fried chicken. It is pretty good chicken though.
Other than famly, no one feels the pain of a fallen police officer more than other officers. If the shooter is another police officer he is traumatized. These situations require split second decisions and no matter how much you train for it, there are times when the circumstances are outside the scope of training. Everytime a cop shoots anyone, especially an African-American, hindsight abounds. Comments need to be withheld by the Sharptons, Rangels, press and others until the all the facts are known. If you have never been involved in a situation like this tragic event, hold your tongue because you can't speak with any authority. Those who speak out from pure emotion cause unnecessary harm and instill disrespect for police. No one comments when an officer puts his life on the line for those of a different ethnicity but you sure hear it when the event is tragic.
Regarding the President taking the First Lady on a date . . . come on, give the guy a break. I do not agree with most of his policies but this is just picking for the sake of picking.
It doesn't matter that he mentioned holy name, what does that he's trying to present every issue as the racial one, even if it obviously isn't. He doesn't have any credibility.