Bob Kellar tells the Daily News in a Saturday story that he stands by his “I’m a proud racist” comment and he doesn’t really understand what all the fuss is about. Afterall, his “Proud Racist” comment “doesn’t mean I’m going to saddle up the horses at midnight,” he told the paper.
Susan Abram of the Daily News spoke to several people about Kellar’s comments, including Carole Lutness, a local activist and former Signal columnist, who told Abram that Kellar “has done some good stuff in this Valley, but his attitude is whites-only and the rest need not apply.”
Abram then spoke with people about the immigration issue and ended the article speaking to an uncomfortable Marsha McLean, who said this whole unpleasantness was a “very difficult situation” and said that Kellar doesn’t speak for the Council.
When people started emailing me about this Kellar story this morning, I thought for sure he’d take the opportunity to back away from his comments, to smooth things over, to make himself appear more reasonable and level-headed like an elected official should. I didn’t expect an apology, but maybe a “I regret the poor choice of words,” or an “I regret that I put it that way, what I meant to say was….”
Instead he doubled down on his own phrase, invoked Ku Klux Klan imagery (hey, at least our Councilman isn’t as bad as those guys, right?), and flipped the bird to those of us who are compassionate about immigration issues. He repeated what he said last Saturday to a wider audience. And the commenters on the YouTube video and the Daily News site are eating it up, feeling smug and proud that a local elected person is justifying their xenophobia.
Since he didn’t back off his incendiary comments, neither will I. Kellar has cracked his nut. He’s no longer suitable to serve as a City Councilman in Santa Clarita. He is an embarassment to our community and he ought to resign immediately.
Note: The Daily News story isn’t online right now.
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David Gauny – In light of this non-clarification, will you do they decent thing and renounce Kellar’s endorsement?
This is just making me sick to my stomach (literally). I personally know Bob Kellar and until someone convinces me otherwise this has to be come type of undiagnosed pathology that is driving him to speak this way.
The reason he should resign is not because he may or may not be a racist. It is because that through his comments he will stir up and bring straight to our doorsteps the worst elements of either side of this debate.
Bob, please apologize. “Proud Racist” is inappropriate in any context.
You can’t expect a genuine apology from an unrepentant racist. That’s like expecting the IRS to give you back some of the money you paid, believing that they couldn’t possibly have used it all.
And I know there are refunds, but I meant the stuff that sticks.
Back to the topic at hand….apologies can’t be hoped for. Hope this brings you back to the City Council, TBB.
I thought he would have clarified things, too, saying he was using “racist” as shorthand for “anti-illegal-immigration.” Ugh, Bob.
In another development, he now has a death-threat on YouTube from user salazarmark:
“Proud racist huh? I’ll gladly slowly kill this scum.”
I don’t believe Bob Kellar is a racist for wanting American dollars to be spent on those persons legally allowed to be in this country. Read his comments both in the Signal and Daily News in context or better still have a conversation on this topic with Bob himself.
We have laws in effect regulating immigration which worked very well for many years. They are currently being ignored by a vast number of people and our government is turning a blind eye at the expense of the American taxpayer and for the profit of certain unscrupulous business owners. In many cases, taxpayers subsidize the daily living expenses; education, food, housing, healthcare, etc. We also subsidize the lower wages paid to those here illegally so that those business owners can pay them low wages and make their profits.
I have a question for all of you though. Do you believe the United States of America should have immigration laws at all? If so, what should they say? How do you propose they are enforced? What would you do to those violating the law? And how would you deal with all those people still waiting to enter legally while providing amnesty to those already here illegally?
Most of the comments on the Daily News site are favorable toward Kellar. I’m not a fan of Kellar personally but on the subject of illegal immigration, the majority of the people in the U.S. share his view.
Hmmmm, I think when someone makes a statement people jump to take it WAY OUT of context. I watched the youtube video and I am not seeing a man who is racist at all. I see a man who is saying is you want to be here and get help here you must be Legal here. I think some of you have a bone to pick and so you stir the pot….
Am I reading the various comments here differently than others? I don’t think posters here are accusing him of being an actual racist. The point is, he is an experienced politician who should have know better than to choose the words he chose.
Nothing to do with being politically correct either. he should have known that his words would be interpreted as racist. The fact that he still chose to use them . . and further, that he did not back off in that use gives one pause to consider whether he has gone over some edge.
I’m with Jeff. The guy should seriously back off or resign or both.
OK, let me explain the game that is being played here for you folks that are just tuning in…..
Bob Kellar is called a “racist” because he stands behind our Nation’s laws of emigration and wants to see them enforced. This label, no doubt coming from the “far left” and “progressives”.
Instead of cowering, Mr. Kellar says, whatever! Call me what you want, bring it on! I’m happy to take what ever labels you want to throw at me, I’m standing to my beliefs, our countries laws and founding values of our Nation.
The “far left” and “progressives”, then use the very same label they created for Mr. Kellar against him to then smear him in the public eye.
See the game?
At least Mr. Kellar has the guts to stand up to this ridiculous political correctness and left/progressive agenda. Makes you wonder why we have elected the others into the Council and they are equally upholding our laws… maybe something we should consider in this years election.
I’d like to hear each candidate’s views on this topic.
Are they:
___ FOR THE LAWS OF OUR NATION
___ FOR ILLEGAL PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENTS
All of this kinda reminds me of an old song that was song as kids in the neighborhood, a remixed version of our “This Land is Our Land”…
This land is my land, it isn’t your land.
I got a shotgun, and you don’t got one.
If you don’t get off, I’ll blow your head off.
This land is private property.
I’m locked and loaded… this is going to get ugly.
Those who are asking for Bob’s resignation need to pull back the reigns. Context IS king here. He is only saying that IF by definition wanting immigration laws enforced is racist THEN I fit that definition and am proud of it.
That being said, he needs to step up to cool this thing down by clarifying that he does not mean he is a ‘proud racist’ in terms of the normal definition of racist.
Should he resign – no way.
Though I think most of the “progressive” folks here accusing Kellar of racist speech wouldn’t know if a real racist bit them in the rear, there is an element of truth to what Scott said above. One can be adamantly opposed to illegal immigration and loathe a P.C. worldview (as I do on both accounts), but still use his words wisely in expressing himself.
I don’t think the guy should resign or feel the need to placate the mushy,misguide sentiments of his opponents, but he should be mindful of the tact he takes in arguing his point.
@ Jim F – well said.
But let me add, it should NEVER be about having to watch your words. Our Founding Fathers are rolling over in their graves!
My gosh people… “sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt you”. We are turning into pansies!! Next we’ll be renaming ourselves France.
The political correctness (PC) thing is BS, its got to stop. Good for Bob to say it like it is.
We need more like him.
No one works harder for this community or cares more about the people than Councilman Bob Kellar. He has dedicated his life in service to this Country. First in the military then on to 25 years on the Los Angeles Police Dept and now serving on the City Council.
He has the guts to stand up and talk about the ‘elehapant in the room,’ which has completely bankrupted this State! He is for LEGAL immigration and states that he is a PROUD American, and some of you people are calling for his head? Give me a break….and btw, TimBen, just shut up and act…it’s the only thing you know how to do.
@SCV Guy
I’m with you! I don’t need someone to tip toe around their words! Give me a break! He said what he said and the smart ones knew what he meant, then you have the pot stirring idiots who want to make it into something else! I am so sick of the race card being played to ones advantage. This was not about the color of skin, it was about being here legally and not taking advantage of the system!
My question is this: Prior to Mr. Kellars speech at the rally, who ever referred to him as a racist? I heard him only refer to himself as one…why? Most are against ‘illegals’ getting tax payers money, that does not make them racist. As far as ‘stiring the pot’, I think Kellar did that.
BUT, Jim Farley (and I am sure you know this) the definition of racist is NOT wanting immigration laws enforced. Surely Councilman Keller knows this too. How foolish to not even attempt to clarify. That foolishness should cost him his seat on the council NOW.
I don’t want Bob or anyone else to refrain from expressing their heart felt opinions. I don’t have to agree with Bob or anyone else. I was given dual gifts: free will by my maker and living in a democracy where I am free to express myself. I happen to agree with Bob on this issue as I have already said.
Jeff and you others who are slamming Bob, I’m still waiting for the answers to the questions I asked in my post above. I want your solutions. And I also am interested in answers to the questions posed by SCVGuy. Back up your positions or are you just talking out your ….
BGH – I too want political leaders to express their “heart felt opinions” so I know when to ask them to resign and not vote for them in the future. Both of which are my rights as a part of this “democracy” in which we live.
Also BGH – why the free pass for Councilman Keller and not Mr. Boydston in regards to “expressing heart felt opinions.” You seem very hostile about him doing the same in regards to asking questions as a seated Councilman.
“Do you believe the United States of America should have immigration laws at all? If so, what should they say? How do you propose they are enforced? What would you do to those violating the law? And how would you deal with all those people still waiting to enter legally while providing amnesty to those already here illegally?”
I believe there are plenty of ‘immigration’ laws already (in place), which there should be. I believe the problem has been that they have not been adhered to (or enforced) by our law enforcement or politicians and it boils down to the almighty dollar!
Yes people complain about illegals coming here and taking jobs, taking our tax dollars, but the bottom line is many of these illegals are being hired by companies (and private citizens), becauase they don’t want to pay the high salaries Americans would DEMAND!
Many illegals are here because they can get jobs, make money and receive opportunities that they can’t in their own country. I don’t blame them. If it meant smuggling into a country where I could earn money (sometimes BELOW minimum wage), to provide for my family…I’d do it!
Enforce the laws we currently have. Penalize those companies that are not obeying those laws. I would find it interesting to find out just how many companies (big and small) are using the labor of illegals (again, for CHEAP labor) and making hefty profits because of it. But hey, that’s the American way, eh?!
Sneetch: I don’t have a problem with you asking questions. It is the opposite. I have a problem with how you go about things. You don’t independently investigate, check things out yourself, ask the questions of the right people to hear a balanced perspective, but rely on the Bonja’s, Ferdman, and others which is something you slam the current Council for doing via relying on City Staff. You don’t give people the opportunity to do their jobs before you create a scene. You like to stir the pot but don’t produce tangible, workable solutions that don’t create another problem. You make it a habit of making malicious accusations and attempting to discredit people if they don’t agree with you. And you don’t respect and take into consideration different viewpoints before you formulate and espouse your position. You shoot first, ask questions later. I can only go by my personal interactions with you and what I have carefully observed. I wanted to believe in you and support you. I won’t even go into the dishonestly and hypocrisy of posting one thing under your real name and something entirely different under one of your pseudonyms since that has already been covered. I am ready for change, just not the kind you represent.
Ivogel, you and I and most of the others posting here are in agreement regarding immigration. I want to hear from those criticizing Bob. I want to know what they propose. Jeff?
BGH -Seriously, you have ascertained all that about me after I have posted a maximum of 6 or so times on this site? That is some “careful observation” indeed! Clearly based on your last accusation, you have decided I am posting under my real name as well. I assure you I am not. People have all sorts of good reason to not post under their real names. Feel free to not read my posts.
And for the record, I do not disagree that illegal immigration is a major problem. I do feel that public officials that are foolish enough to proclaim themselves to be a “racist” in any context are not fit to serve. I also believe that the illegal immigration issue is wrought with racist overtones in general.
I believe this makes post number 7. At what number does one begin to be considered a regular?
As Mr. Farley stated, “Pull back the reigns!” If you take the time to listen to yourselves and put some thought into what you are expounding you just might realize that clarification will come.
Kellar’s collective behavior for many many years has been nothing short of stellar as has his committment to our country, Santa Clarita, its residents, and mankind. He is obviously a man altruistic in nature and a great american.
Take a breath, curtail your frenzy like behavior and I betall will be O.K.
As Mr. Farley stated, “Pull back the reigns!” If you take the time to listen to yourselves and put some thought into what you are expounding you just might realize that clarification will come.
Kellar’s collective behavior for many many years has been nothing short of stellar as has his committment to our country, Santa Clarita, its residents, and mankind. He is obviously a man altruistic in nature and a great american.
Take a breath, curtail your frenzy like behavior and I bet all will be O.K.
“This land is my land, it isn’t your land.
I got a shotgun, and you don’t got one.
If you don’t get off, I’ll blow your head off.
This land is private property.
I’m locked and loaded… this is going to get ugly.”
Hahahaha….steam rises from the head of the chest beater. DORK!
How come you prolific bloviators haven’t demanded Kellar contact the Reverend Al Sharpton for guidance and prayer?
You mean there’s an ex-cop that’s also a racist?
How long does it take to recognize the sound of a rattlesnakes rattle?
I must admit that the song that SCV Guy sang as a kid, is rather disturbing. Personally if I heard any of my kids singing that, I’d not only have a major discussion about respect and manners, I’d be very disappointed in such vivid and extreme thoughts.
That’s the first I ever heard that made up version of “This Land is your Land” and thankfully I have never heard it prior to this and hopefully never again.
And may I ask, why the “I’m lock and loaded and it’s going to get ugly” comment? I’m just curious, how will this get ugly? What do you feel SCV Guy will cause this particular issue to get ugly?
Yeah, go ahead and call me politically correct, if that’s what you think I am for not liking such extreme thinking, fine I’m a PROUD polical correct citizen of the United States of America!
SCV Guy wants to shoot a pansy liberal….just to watch him die.
all i can say is, if it were me who made comments that are causing a debate such as this, I would at least apologize to those i’ve offended – if nothing more than to make the issue go away. As has been my point all along, it would be the right thing to do – especially if I owned a business where I work with the public. Berta, etc – I don’t see why that is so difficult for you to understand. It’s no different when a professional athlete, actor, etc finds themselves in a less than savory situation – they are held to higher standards – and AGAIN, this has nothing to do what Kellar or any of us think about the immigration issue.
SCV Guy is just concerned with the size of his political penis. Nothing more than a football game to him. He just needs a kiss. C’mere, sweetie….
Kellar is a dinosaur whose stance changes to fit the occasion. DORK!
Vince Hans: Who is Bob Kellar supposed to apologize to, the illegals? He has not offended me or most other American citizens. He has not said he hates Hispanics, Blacks, Asians, etc. He has not said he is against my immigrant parents legally coming to the USA. In fact, I would guess he is from Irish ancestors himself. Why does anyone expressing an opinion that many others share have to feel pressured into apologizing?
I don’t approve of the more radicals groups out there but I do understand their frustration. I don’t consider Bob a radical. I do acknowledge that asking nicely for our government to tackle this huge problem continues to fall on deaf ears and at some point the radical elements will become a problem.
I am offended that my government refuses to protect my interests and continues to allow anyone and everyone to enter my country without the proper screening and permission. Then they expect me to work to support them on top of it. Are you insisting the US government apologize to us for selling us down the river and making us pay for a bunch of uninvited guests?
We need to discuss these issues and get our politicians to do something about this situation before there is a backlash against all immigrants legal or illegal. The current situation is not fair to the American taxpayer, legal immigrants, those waiting in line for permission to come to the USA, or those already here illegally either. It is past time as a country that we deal with this issue instead of worrying about offending anyone.
Sorry, I don’t think he should apologize. I think we should demand action by our government.
I gotta say, that I respect Kellar more than ever for addressing this very real issue of illegal immigration. It is only those willing to talk about it that will get attacked. As many people said here, he said it like it is and didn’t pretty it up. Frankly, it is refreshing to find a politician who doesn’t politicize everything. Good for him.
Much ado about nothing.
CC:
Do you disagree that a not insignificant number of people at the rally in question are black hearted racists?
I have no idea if they are racist or not. I doubt there is a person on this board who doesn’t have an element of racism. But I don’t think Bob deserves half the things said about him. People like to toss out the term ‘racist’ whenever illegal immigration is brought up. Toleration of illegal immigration does a disservice to those who legally immigrated to this country and had to wait their turn. While Bob could have chosen his words more carefully, it is nice to see someone draw a line in the sand.
I am a proud American, but tonight I am not proud that a City Councilmember in my city held a microphone and said ‘I am a proud racist.’ It’s not a statement to be defended in any context. Mr. Kellar should be backing off of his choice of words in no uncertain terms and should be apologizing to anyone who was offended. If he can’t see how people would be offended, he has a real blindness on the issue of racism. This is a great little city, but it’s luster has dulled after this. Yeah, I’m offended, and yes, I’m a Republican.
CC:
Well if we are all racist then none of us are racists, are we? What about the reference to the Klan? That will set off a few wingnuts when it hits the blogosphere.
Having not entered into this conversation, nor having discussed this issue with Ms. Gonzalez-Harper, I find it interesting that she references my name and implies that I would not be the “right people” with a “balanced perspective” to discuss the issue with. Here again, Ms. BGH attempts to make a point with information she knows nothing about and tries to prove a point by inventing a scenario that has never occurred. Continuation of this type behavior will not only spread unnecessary ill will, but will damage the reputation of SCV Talk as well. Ms. BGH needs to understand that SCV Talk is open for the entire community to read and that she will be confronted each time misrepresentations occur.
Hey Nerdman, relax. It’s the internet.
I am a proud American, but tonight I am not proud that a City Councilmember in my city held a microphone and said ‘I am a proud racist.’ It’s not a statement to be defended in any context. Mr. Kellar should be backing off of his choice of words in no uncertain terms and should be apologizing to anyone who was offended. If he can’t see how people would be offended, he has a real blindness on the issue of racism. This is a great little city, but it’s luster has dulled after this. Yeah, I’m offended, and yes, I’m a Republican.”
I agree with EVERYTHING that Rocky has stated (except the republican affiliation) and will add that this has put a shadow upon SCV; there needs to be some serious damage control…
The definition of racist is as follows: rac⋅ism /ˈreɪsɪzəm/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [rey-siz-uhm] Show IPA
Use racist in a Sentence
See images of racist
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–noun 1. a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one’s own race is superior and has the right to rule others.
2. a policy, system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a doctrine; discrimination.
3. hatred or intolerance of another race or other races.
The fact that Bob Kellar has proclaimed himself “a proud racist” speaks for itself. I do not want him representing Santa Clarita. If he does not resign, then we should do whatever it takes to have him removed from the City Council.
Seriously, would anyone “proudly” refer to themselves as being a ‘racist’(in a public arena) and not expect the result of such a proclamation?
i just don’t understand why Berta never seems to get my point. The rest of the world does – otherwise their wouldn’t be such a thing as damage control and PR people wouldn’t have jobs.
I don’t make the rules about public opinion Berta, so I can’t explain it to you.
I’m just offering him advice, Berta – you don’t need to defend him to me. I don’t live in Santa Clarita so he’s not losing any of my business or votes
Could you imagine the media firestorm if Obama or McCain had said something like that.
Good point Publius.
Words are powerful. Some might recall when in “1999, David Howard, an aide to the mayor of Washington DC, was forced to resign after he used the term ‘niggardly’ during a budget meeting. ‘Niggardly‘ is defined as ‘reluctant to give or spend; stingy; miserly’. Despite its resemblance to that most ugly of slurs, etymologists agree that the two words are completely unrelated.” (http://barbadosfreepress.wordpress.com/2007/03/18/a-presidential-hopefuls-tar-baby/)
Fast forward to the next City Council meeting this Tuesday at 6pm…
TV cameras? Crowds of people, including advocates of both extremes? Channel 20 with its highest ratings ever?
I will bet that this City Council now regrets putting public participation at the end of the meeting. It will be uncomfortable to ignore the elephant in the room!
Whatever happens, this is not good for the decent citizens of the City of Santa Clarita. Thanks a lot Mr. Kellar. Personally, I don’t appreciate the drama.