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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Interesting that Bob is crying for context. Let’s put his speech in the context of the event. He considered it a privilege to speak at this event, but if you watch all the videos, this was an extreme far-right event, consisting primarily of speakers that don’t live in this valley. The invocation suggested that illegal immigration is “of the Devil…sent straight from hell” which in the context of an invocation, is about as hateful as you can get. We’ve already seen the sign that said “God Damn Obama” and the man that introduced Kellar spoke just minutes before, calling the President a Communist and joked that he invited the President to the event but that he and Michelle were busy hiding his Kenyan birth documents.
Never mind that this was a Minutemen-affilated event, a group that has a certain amount of overlap with white supremacist organizations. Not all minutemen are racist, nor were all the people at that rally, but anyone with a shred of sense knows that some of them are. He spoke to an extremist crowd like that and told them that the racist label is nothing to be ashamed of.
Any elected official, anywhere in this country, should have left that event on the basis of the hateful and distasteful words being spoken. After seeing it for what it was, Kellar should have left. He shouldn’t have been in attendance. It was worse still to speak, worse still to call it a privilege, worse still to leave the hate speech un-refuted, and worst of all to justify it and tell them it’s all right to be called a racist.
Kellar has to go. I’m proud of the three members of the council that had the guts to criticize him on the record in the morning’s Signal, and of TimBen calling him here on this site. I’m surprised that both David Gauny and Laurene Weste have declined to comment publicly. Gauny still proudly advertises Kellar’s endorsement on his website. We’re now a week into the controversy, and I think we can see what these two candidates are made of.
Good points, Mike. Thank you for filling in the context. I am opposed to illegal immigration but I would never have stayed to speak or give support to the “cause” after the “devilish” invocation or upon hearing and seeing what you have described. I would be ashamed to be seen with such folk.
Hi Jeff,
Please correct the reporter’s name. It’s Susan Abram. No “s”
Thanks for posting.
Daily News Editorial
GangBang and Mr. Ferdman,
It is onvious BGH is talking in her sleep!
Laurene Weste, the Mayor of Santa Clarita, has offered a ‘No Comment’???
There’s an election coming up and this City needs to get a message from the people. The best message is: NO VOTES FOR INCUMBENTS.
If you only like one or two of the challengers, fine. Make your vote count for something, and a vote for any incumbent is a vote for all incumbents.
They are definitely too cozy and comfortable right now on the City Council. It’s time to shake things up and get some new blood in there.
“At the Rose Parade a few years back, I saw more Mexican flags being waved around the crowd than American flags,” Kellar said. “What is that? That is disturbing to me.” – Bob Kellar.
Note to Americans attending the Olympics, concerts, or other public events in foreign countries – Bob Kellar will be pissed if he sees you proudly waving your American flags.
Mr. Ferdman: What misrepresentations are you talking about ? You know exactly what I was referring to but if you would like it in plain English here goes. “Berta has called in hundreds of code complaints to the City”. When in fact both of us know who has called in complaints and insisted on code compliance by some residents but not complained about others that he likes with the same exact violations. Can I prove it? No. Anymore than he can prove his lies about me since the City does not confirm or deny the complaining party and he is fully cognizant of that fact. But Al himself has proudly talked about complaints he has called in while myself and others were present. He has used my advocacy for community preservation efforts as cover for himself.
Do you deny that you have been spreading this malicious rumor in order to discredit me? Are you also behind the threats I received where I am warned to “Leave Boydston and Bonelli alone”?
TBB chooses to accept what you say, and parrot those same accusations, without performing his own due diligence. That is his choice but doing so lessens my confidence in his leadership skills among other things. This is particularly troubling since he criticized the current council for relying on information provided by city staff.
I won’t even address your comment about ill will since you have already instigated plenty of that. Responding to that comment would take up more space than readers of this blog can tolerate.
Vince Hans: I understand what you and others are saying. I simply don’t agree. You and others think he should apologize simply to placate those who are calling for it or may have been offended. I don’t. I don’t believe he needs to apologize for saying something he and many others believe is true. I prefer honesty to political correctness. You mention you don’t live here and don’t know Bob. I live in Canyon Country and have known Bob for around 16 years. I have agreed and disagreed with Bob on many issues but have never found him to be a racist. I am not defending him to you just offering a different opinion. I am very attuned to this issue since I have been subjected to irrational prejudice being both female and Hispanic.
The label of racist is a word which I think keeps many people from openly discussing issues such as illegal immigration. They don’t want to be subjected to this kind of stuff. I give Bob props for his guts. I happen to agree with Bob that illegal immigration is a problem that needs to be addressed. People don’t call me a racist for expressing my opinion on illegal immigration. Why? Because I have a Spanish surname and speak Spanish. Talk about a double standard. There are many people of many races, ethnic backgrounds, religions etc who are concerned about the problems created by too many people entering this country without going through the proper channels. Are they all racists? I have attended many meetings where people did and said things I did not necessarily agree with. Attending a meeting or staying for the duration does not mean that I agree with each action or statement made by every other attendee anymore than it does for Bob.
I really think our time would be better spent on addressing the issue of illegal immigration and less on discouraging anyone voicing an opinion regarding this very important issue. I do get what your saying Vince. Do you understand why I disagree?
Okay,after reading all the posts I believe that Mike’s ost dated January 24 at 10:34am, says it all.
Good points, well thought out and put’s the entire ‘rally’ into the correct category.
I agree with Ivogel.
I knew it! BGH is still talking in her sleep. Someone please wake her up so she can go back to sleep!!!!!!!!!!
Ms. Gonzolez-Harper: My comments were in reference to your post on the issue of Kellar Doubles Down on “Proud Racist” Comment. It was you who brought my name into the discussion. No amount of ranting about other subjects or throwing unsubstantiated accusations will disguise the fact that you cannot address the issue at hand. No one needs to discredit you, you are doing well enough on your own.
Oh – Berta lives in Canyon Country…now I understand why she disagrees. (says vince as he waits for Berta to once again hold the “i’m hispanic” label over the rest of us.)
and then, i’ll retort, “Berta, I’ve been married to a Latina for 20 years now and lived in Santa Clarita from 1967 until last year, so I guess that makes me special too.”
Please, please, please be careful and very quiet when you type. I believe she may still be talking inn her sleep. If we hear from her again before morning WAKE HER UP for the sake of all of us!!!!
Insomnia is the answer.
Al Ferdman: If you are interested, go back and read the original post where you were referenced and then read my response again. If you still don’t get it, I have nothing further to add.
Vince Hans: Being married to a Latina makes you a lucky man but not subject to the prejudices I have encountered in my life by real racists. So yes, I will bring out the I am Hispanic comment. When I was a girl there were still signs posted in some establishments that read “no dogs, no blacks, no mexicans”. It did not matter where you were from as long as you had a Spanish surname or “looked” Hispanic. I was referred to by names like beaner, chili choker, and worse. You are obviously an expert and having a great conversation without me so please continue on.
Gramps: I may have to learn to talk and write emails in my sleep. Thanks for the suggestion since I was trying to figure out how to be even more productive.
On Bob Kellar I have already said it all and don’t need to repeat.
“I have already said it all and don’t need to repeat.”
If we could only be so lucky!
I have it on good authority that the Friends of Bob and the Minutemen have invited regional and national TV and press in order to make Santa Clarita the epicenter of a clash of extremists from either side. This is irresponsible madness, and on this basis alone Bob Kellar demonstrates his arrogance and disrespect towards all of the citizens of Santa Clarita. A shame, because he has had a prior record of distinguished service to this community and this country.
BGH does that mean you’ll be asleep and we wo’t have to read your drabble any more?
To all that feel they need to respond to Berta’s unwarranted, juvenile, personal attacks. There is no need to justify and explain yourselves. Just consider the source.
Berta actions and reactions are like ones of an annoying child, how do we deal with annoying children? IGNORE them.
Dear anonymous and all my other critics: I respect your right to your opinion even when I disagree with it. I read your posts even when I know I will probably disagree since by hearing out opposing viewpoints I may learn something I previously did not know. I enjoy hearing your personal experiences and anecdotes so that I better understand your perspective on the world we share. I’m sorry you don’t feel the same way. Part of the reason we as a country are having major problems is because there is this polarization of thought. It has to be your way. We can’t all opine, respectfully discuss and come up with solutions to our shared problems. If I annoy you, to bad. Some of you annoy me too. This is my country and city too and I have just as much right as you do to express myself. If you don’t like what I say, the posters name is at the top. Skip my posts. I won’t skip yours…
Wow, I never knew how many uneducated people lived in SCV. Are you all nuts? Or just listening to the main stream media (and Jeff) on this topic?
Wake up, watch the video, get the facts. Mr Kellar DID NOT call him self a “proud racist”! Listen to his words, he was called that and said stated that if the “left” wanted to call him that because he stands behind our laws, so be it.
Read my comment above on the game that is being played here. Educate yourself, don’t buy into Jeff’s BS and leftist rantings.
If anyone should be help accountable, its Jeff and his way of stirring this pot.
And for the comments above:
@Berta González-Harper: keep it up!
@ GangFang: nice, is that the best you can do? Attack me personally because you have no defense or justification? Typical liberal thing to do.
@lvogel: I said sung in the neighborhood, not that it was mine or I did. But hey, you took my words out of content too, go figure.
@ Jeff: how about responding to the questions others have for you rather than personally attacking me? I never said I want to shoot anyone, just protect my freedom, as should you.
Hey quizmaster,
“I’m a proud racist, you’re damn right I am”
-Bob Kellar
Mike, go back and listen carefully to the entire conversation. Listen to the context. I’m really surprised you keep trying to make it something it was not.
I must say, I used to think most of you posting on this site were fair minded even if we disagreed on a particular issue. I have unfortunately been forced to change my opinion. I get that you some of you don’t care what I think from your dismissive comments. No problem. Fortunately I don’t depend on your approval for my sense of self.
BGH, sense of self? Do u have the sense to come out of the rain? I hear the sound of the wheels on the bus u r riding in coming around the bend
Gramps: You sure dislike me. Your threatened little man comments make you sound just like someone I know too. Are you “close” to Al?
BGH, the guy said he didn’t say it. He said it. He didn’t mean it in the way some people might take it, but he said it. This dude is acting like the basic fact of the matter didn’t occur, and he’s wrong, thus the snark.
Mike I honestly don’t understand how you can say “the guy said he didn’t say it.” He has admitted he said it and he has tried in vain to explain the context in which it was said. He knew full well when he said it he would be called a racist and that was what he was referring to. Anyone bringing up the subject and talking about enforcing our immigration laws gets the same label. Just as I know I will be called a “coconut” or racist by someone at least once every time I express my views on illegal immigration in mixed company.
I think what disturbs me most though is everyone claims we live in a free speech democracy. But only if “I” agree with what you say. Come on guys. Even if I did not agree with Bob he has a right to express himself any way he chooses as a private citizen which is what he did.
Am I a racist if I want Asians to follow our traffic laws, Aborigines to follow our laws against public nudity, Native American casinos to pay taxes, and so on? What is racist about expecting anyone in this country to abide by our laws? I honestly don’t get it.
This attempt at pillorying Bob is going to backfire. Mark my words. You all just gave the more radical factions a new hero. And brought this fight to our doorstep. Bob didn’t do that, the “outrage” and publicity did. People are angry.
I think you all have awakened a sleeping giant and there may be no going back now.
BGH, by “the guy” I meant “SCV guy”, referring to Bob Kellar, not Bob Kellar himself.
Mike: thanks for the clarification.
I did, where? Please Mike, show me where I said that Bob Kellar DIDN’T say those remarks?
Mike says: “BGH, by “the guy” I meant “SCV guy”, referring to Bob Kellar, not Bob Kellar himself.”
BGH, you are 100% correct, its the “outrage” that has made this what it is. We can all blame Jeff and this conservative hating website for a part in that.
“Mr Kellar DID NOT call him self a “proud racist”!”
@Mike: my bad I did type those words, but English must be your 2nd language, because while those words were spoken from Mr Kellar’s mouth, they were not the ones he came up with or labeled himself as.
If you LISTEN to Mr. Kellar’s words, articulate what he is saying you would clearly understand his point. He was saying, “bring on your labels, I am not backing down” – but all you hear are two words…. or in your quote above, only part of the sentence which completely changes the context.
For the record, here is exactly what Bob Kellar said:
“…. I read that, that comment by Teddy Roosevelt, at one of our council meetings here a couple of years ago. I said, ‘Folks, this is important.’
You know, the only thing I heard back from a couple of people is: ‘Bob, you sound like a racist.’
I said, ‘That’s good. If that’s what you think I am because I happen to believe in America, I’m a proud racist. You’re darn right, I am.’
Come-on Mike, you only need to have a 5th grade education to be able to clearly understand his point.
What he said:
http://www.youtube.com/zbsboss#p/u/3/x9LHBrf-SdM
Jeff,
It sounds to me like you are the one that has cracked.
You must be one of those people that advocate breaking of laws (illegal immigration) and preventing people from improving their position in life by keeping them illiterateby preventing them from learning the language of the country they live in.
Then on the other hand you are just probably one of those left wing nuts that lives in California and hsa destroyed the state by the implementation of you agenda.
How long until your state declares bankruptcy?
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