back to article Yahoo! bureau! chief! sacked! for! Mitt Romney! racism! jibe!

Yahoo! News' Washington bureau chief has been sacked after he joked that Republican US presidential wannabe Mitt Romney was "happy to have a party with black people drowning". The quip was made as the right-wing party held its National Convention and Hurricane Isaac barrelled across the southern state of Louisiana, bringing …

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  1. dogged

    Fired for accurate reporting?

    1. yossarianuk

      Completely true - just look at these fat, religious, non believer of evolution, happy for women to be raped racist freaks

      http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/29/wolf-blitzer-cnn-racist-attack-camerawoman_n_1841316.html?utm_hp_ref=media

      1. Ilgaz

        What if

        What if they aren't republicans? Picking on CNN woman with such a lame action sound suspicious.

        1. kain preacher

          Re: What if

          Except for the RNC confirmed it.

        2. kain preacher

          Re: What if

          http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/cnn-goes-on-air-with-story-about-incident

      2. Shannon Jacobs
        Holmes

        Rational political discourse is no longer possible in America

        The neo-GOP politicians have become masters of propaganda techniques. By reframing the vocabulary of the discourse, they have learned to destroy their opponents without any pretense of rational discussion or compromise.

        Let's say you want to have a rational debate about "conservative", so you need to discuss the other side. What is the other side? It used to be "liberal", but the very word "liberal" has been so debased and destroyed to the point where it no longer has a valid meaning in political discussions. Kind of laughable insofar as the so-called conservatives claim to revere the Founders, many of who regarded themselves as liberals. (Actually, that even includes the founder of the original Republican Party, one Abraham Lincoln. They still like the brand, but the real GOP is quite DEAD.)

        Now they are attempting to do the same thing to the word "dependence". In reality, modern society is complicated, and we all depend on each other. It was hard to attack that idea directly, so they are now attacking indirectly via "culture of dependence". After they win, and it certainly looks like they have enough money to buy victory, how long do you thing America will survive with 'perfect' Ayn-Randian "independence"?

        I think the main difference between the Democrats and Republicans in America is that far more of the Republican voters DEMAND simplistic answers to the most complicated questions. They don't care if their neo-GOP leaders are lying to them, as long as the so-called answers look simple.

    2. Anonymous Coward
      Anonymous Coward

      If only...

      ... he'd left "black" out of the sentence he'd have been fine, people are waaaaay to sensitive about that.

      The fact his comment is probably 100% true is overshadowed by corporate paranoia about appearing racist - whole thing just highlights how badly bigoted people are that they still see a black/white divide that they must try and hush up.

    3. TeeCee Gold badge
      Thumb Up

      Too damned right.

      I believe the other scandal from Romney's beano is the Tea-Potty types chucking peanuts at an animal (apparently a synonym for "black cameraman" in their lexicon), prompting an official complaint from CNN (IIRC from last night's news). All this chap's done is allude to the proven fact that, behind the smiles, there's a bunch of sheeted bigots struggling to get out.

    4. Matt Bryant Silver badge
      FAIL

      Re: dogged

      "Fired for accurate reporting?" For it to be factual reporting it would have to state a proveable fact rather than just an opinion. I'm guessing your not understanding that point is what led to your current state of cluelessness.

  2. Anonymous Coward
    Anonymous Coward

    It's!Really!Getting!Close!To!That!Time!Where!The!\!s!!Headlines!Aren't!Funny!Anymore

    1. Pooka

      You missed...

      The final ! after "Anymore".

      But you're right - it is getting hard to read....

      1. Ken Hagan Gold badge

        Re: You missed...

        ...and hard to write, too. There should be a bang after Mitt, surely?

        Perhaps El Reg could try writing a few articles calling the company "Yahoo". If the company have the good sense to keep their gobs shut, we could declare peace.

        1. J. R. Hartley

          Re: You missed...

          Bang!

          Ahh that takes me back to a more innocent time :)

    2. Anonymous Coward
      Anonymous Coward

      Pot, meet kettle...

      > It's!Really!Getting!Close!To!That!Time!Where!The!\!s!!Headlines!Aren't!Funny!Anymore

      +++Says +++the +++person +++with +++gratuitous +++random +++'+'s +++in +++their +++handle.

      +++Get +++over +++it +++already.

      1. Alister

        Re: Pot, meet kettle...

        Too young to remember the Hayes modem then, obviously

        1. Anonymous Coward
          Anonymous Coward

          Re: Pot, meet kettle...

          @Alister wrote:

          > Too young to remember the Hayes modem then, obviously

          Thanks for the history lesson, grandpa.

          My point still stands regardless. If +++ath wants to maintain an homage to a foible of a random ancient relic of technology then El Reg headline writers have just the same privilege in continuing to poke fun at Yahoo!'s ongoing naming ridiculousness.

          1. Alister

            Re: Pot, meet kettle...

            @AC

            Your point has changed since you had your history lesson, hasn't it, sonny...

            You originally accused +++ath0 of adding "random" and "gratuitous" +++ to his username, whereas you now learn that that was not in fact the case.

      2. Ilgaz

        ATZ

        If you had a Hayes clone for accessing net and saw that post, you would hear a "click" and couldn't reply.

        1. Alan W. Rateliff, II
          Paris Hilton

          Re: ATZ

          Hayes clones, in particular. Real Hayes modems waited for a break in the data stream of about 1.5 seconds (the guard time, IIRC) before accepting ath or ath0 to hang up the modem. If no break in the data occurred, the ath was ignored and treated as part of the stream.

          I recall running into that problem with a Hayes-"compatible" modem when uploading a document which detailed AT commands. It turned out that having any data between the +++ and the ath0 command did not matter, the modem still interpreted it as a switch to command mode and *click*. (I don't remember if this was my Emerson 2400 or Wang 9600.) Switched over to a real Hayes and the problem went away.

          Ah, the good old days.

          Paris, because she misses the BBS days and QWK readers, too.

          1. Matt Bryant Silver badge
            Joke

            Re: Re: ATZ

            No! ... Flashbacks! ..... Smell of PS/2s burning in the morning!

  3. Anonymous Coward
    Anonymous Coward

    Classic Washington Scandal...

    ... screwed up by telling the truth.

    1. Wallyb132
      WTF?

      Re: Classic Washington Scandal...

      "... screwed up by telling the truth."

      Telling the truth huh? why is that the truth?

      is it because only black people live in New Orleans?

      its it because black people cant swim?

      is it because black people were smart enough to get the fuck out before the storm hit?

      Is it because black people are poor and couldnt afford to get the fuck out before the storm hit?

      Sir please do explain to me why this statement is true?

      So far there has been one death in Louisiana related to this storm, and guess what, it wasnt a black person...

  4. banjomike
    FAIL

    Asshole...

    ...Yahoo, not the reporter.

  5. Anonymous Coward
    Anonymous Coward

    Apology

    He should have apologised and said: they're happy to party while black and white people are drowning

    ;-)

    1. Anonymous Coward
      Anonymous Coward

      Re: Apology

      He could have been a little more discreate and said something like "happy to party whilst those who are unlikely to ever vote republican drown" ;)

    2. Rampant Spaniel

      Re: Apology

      Has anyone suggested to Mitt that a tropical storm landing on top of their shindig might be the big man casting his vote for the democrats?

      1. Anonymous Coward
        Anonymous Coward

        Re: Apology, the big man

        Or maybe that he don't like them Mormon critters?

      2. Anonymous Coward
        Anonymous Coward

        Re: Apology

        @Rampant Spaniel: "Has anyone suggested to Mitt that a tropical storm landing on top of their shindig might be the big man casting his vote for the democrats?"

        I'm pretty sure that if it was the Democratic Convention, there's be no shortage of people telling us that the storm was a sign of God's displeasure!

    3. Anonymous Coward
      Anonymous Coward

      Re: Apology

      What a load of racists commenting. Of course, while making this "funny joke", President Obama is busy touring the affected areas and helping out by declaring an emergency at the request of the (Republican) Governor instead of doing the usual presidential business of schmoozing fundraisers and golf, Oh Wait, what....

      And of course the fact that CNN coverage (amongst others) quite deliberately failed to show all but one of the black people who were given key speaking positions at the convention, more racism on the liberal side. Then there's the tirades of hatred and racial abuse showered on those who did speak, like Mia Love. Yet MORE racism, and it's all coming from one side folks.

      It seems that so many commenters have such a shallow appreciation of politics that all they can recognize is "Republican Bad and Racist, Democrat Good"

      1. dogged

        Re: Apology

        @AC - as a fiscal conservative but social liberal, if I were in the USA 40 years ago, I would have proudly considered myself a Republican.

        I do not consider the current Republican party to be Republicans. You can go ahead and vote for the American Taliban if you want, though. I'd make the most of it, if I were you because if they get elected, you might never get to vote again.

    4. Matt Bryant Silver badge
      FAIL

      Re: Apology

      ".... while black and white people...." What, brown and yellow people don't matter to a bigot like you?

  6. Anonymous Coward
    Anonymous Coward

    Whether you read 'party' as 'social gathering' ...

    ... or as 'political grouping', the reporter's remark still rings true

  7. Anonymous Coward
    Anonymous Coward

    OT but...... I wanted to know what was going on with Isaac last night so tried Fox, CNN and CNBC. All of them were obsessing about Romneys Wife, or Ryans brother and completely ignoring Isaac.

    I kinda expected nothing better from Fox, but the other two channels I was disappointed with

    1. Alan W. Rateliff, II
      Paris Hilton

      2/10, you got me to respond. You know, there is such a thing as The Weather Channel. And every local market I visit has some kind of local antennae-based weather channel. To fall, for a moment, into tongue-in-cheek stereotyping: Fox had to gush over the token Republican female subservient to her husband trying to gain power, and the rest had to spend time bashing and mocking her and her husband and his party for the blatant sexism and racism on display.

      There's a reason people hate politics.

      Paris, there's a reason for her, too.

  8. Anonymous Coward 101
    Trollface

    Mitt Romney Rules!

    and I bet Obama would dance if white people drowned!

    1. jai

      Re: Mitt Romney Rules!

      Obama wouldn't, however, drive 12 hours with a dog strapped to the roof rack of his car.

      1. Anonymous Coward
        Anonymous Coward

        Re: Mitt Romney Rules!

        Nope, he'd just eat the dog & be done with it.

      2. MGJ
        IT Angle

        Re: Mitt Romney Rules!

        Hey, the dog just likes fresh air.

        Personally, I just wonder about the Sherman's ability to even consider a candidate who cant remember his own first name (clue, its not Mitt).

      3. fishman

        Re: Mitt Romney Rules!

        "Obama wouldn't, however, drive 12 hours with a dog strapped to the roof rack of his car."

        Obama wouldn't do that - it dries out the meat.

    2. kain preacher

      Re: Mitt Romney Rules!

      That would included his mother or are you ignoring that Obama has a white mother.

      1. Anonymous Coward
        Anonymous Coward

        Re: Mitt Romney Rules!

        Given that Obama declared his (white) grandmother who basically raised him and paid for him to attend good schools etc was a racist, I can easily see that if it was perceived to be to his political advantage that he'd not just dance about but dance upon any non-coloured people who happened to drawn while he played golf and solicited big bucks from donors.

    3. Peter Murphy
      FAIL

      Obama would dance if white people drowned? Really?

      The same Barack Hussein Obama whose mother was white? Whose maternal grandparents (whom he chose to stay with for did high school) were white as well? Who doubtlessly has lot of white relatives on that side of the family?

      There's a lot of things that Obama deserves flack for - unmanned drones, that sort of thing. Anti-white racism ain't one of those.

  9. Not_The_Droids

    So what's he expect MR to be doing?

    So, if the Republicans can't have their convention while a storm is going on, what should they be doing? Hanging around Louisiana in a bucket brigade? News flash, life goes on, even during natural disasters. Life is not all about Louisiana. Not everyone can join in the fun and try to "help" those who are stuck on their roofs in a flood (aka "not having enough common sense to realize that they built their house in a flood zone and should have GTFO while they had the chance"). Honestly, at this point I have little sympathy for anyone who was unprepared for this. You live in southern Louisiana, possibly even below sea level. You KNOW what is going to happen. It WILL happen again.

    Life goes on. Mod me down, I don't care, but the world will keep spinning.

    1. Alan W. Rateliff, II
      Paris Hilton

      Re: So what's he expect MR to be doing?

      Let's not forget that Mr. President was still campaigning and fund raising during this event. Lest we also forget the Evil Republican governors of the affected states (Jindal, Bryant, and Bentley) returned -- or never left -- home, giving the convention a miss to be on-hand for the impending disaster.

      For perspective, let's remember, too, that while Mr. President may have worked behind-the-scenes during the Tennessee floods, it took several days to make a public statement other than a White House web site posting. Perhaps he'll tweet a supportive shout-out to LA and Miss. while he's having breakfast with Joe or during his campaign meetings in the afternoon.

      Paris, she points fingers, too.

      And the whole dog thing; my family traveled quite a lot across the mid-west when I was young. Am I alone in recalling seeing people travel with dog carriers on their cars way back when? I didn't see it often, but frequently enough at that young age to take the practice as acceptable. Not to mention the jealousy... riding on the roof of the car at 55 MPH must have been much more fun than the bed of a truck!

      1. disgruntled yank

        dogs on cars

        I was a number of long car trips across the Midwest back in the day, and never saw anybody with a dog carrier on top of the car. I'm not saying nobody did it, just that I never saw it.

  10. Mr. Great Sage

    The truth is...

    The R's would have been portrayed poorly no matter what they did. If they didn't have their convention, it would have been called "A shallow political move".

    1. Captain Save-a-ho
      Megaphone

      Re: The truth is...

      No reason to let the truth get in the way of slander. How else can they possibly sell ads or papers anymore?

  11. David 164

    I think there are bigger problems for the republicans, it seems that God does not like the republicans party very much, not sure if it there anti abortion stance, racism, anti women, anti dog sitting in a car, general lack of common sense, not praying hard enough or whether he just generally does not like them.

    If he did like them, then surely God could have arrange the hurricane to hit the democrat convention and not the republicans one. An this is what the second time that the Republicans have been sent a hurricane, I bet God wondering how many more has to send before the republicans start taking notice.

  12. Field Marshal Von Krakenfart
    Stop

    Hoooooo-lee Shitttttttt

    Has anyone else read the comments on the newsbusters site

    Nareen Lake posted They don't realize that what Obama represents (a socialist society where the government controls everything) will be a real hardship on every American. Because America is a free country of opportunity, people from foreign countries have come here for many years to escape from communism.

    Two posters then posted that Communism not = Socialism, and I have never seen so many abusive posts tearing into one of the posters.

    I have to love the twisted logic some of them have, for example one poster said "In not one instance did He (Jesus) advocate that the government confiscate the wealth of some to give to others.

    Presumably that is a different Jesus to the one that said "Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's"

    Some of the other comments make the commentarsds here look like wimps!!!!

    I honestly believe that the biggest threat to Amerika is not al-Qaeda, it's right wing republicans.

    1. disgruntled yank

      Re: Hoooooo-lee Shitttttttt

      Al-Qaeda is indeed a trifling threat. But you diminish the force of your argument when you put "Amerika" so spelled and the adverb "honestly" in the same sentence. You do get marks for using "believe" rather than "think", though.

      1. Avalanche

        Re: Hoooooo-lee Shitttttttt

        You know: not everyone here is a native speaker. In some countries, America is spelled 'Amerika'... maybe you should get off your high horse.

      2. Field Marshal Von Krakenfart
        Joke

        Re: Hoooooo-lee Shitttttttt

        A disgruntled yank complaining about English spelling. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.

        Sorry, perhaps I have misunderestimated you, maybe I misspoke (Todd Akin), or is it as G Bush said "the illiteracy level of our children are appalling." American English spelling is a bit of a ( Dan Quayle) hot potatoe.

        All the same, It would be inuspeptic, frasmotic, even compunctious of me to disregard you contribution, and thus I must, with tremiculous incumbulum thank you for your most kind contrafibularities and I do hope I have not caused you any pericombobulation.

  13. Anonymous Coward
    Anonymous Coward

    When told that people were climbing onto their roofs...

    ... to avoid drowning, Mitt asked, "Why didn't they just go their winter homes until the storm passed?"

  14. Tank boy
    FAIL

    Shocked

    The Republicans couldn't figure a way to pin this on Obama, as if he has control of the weather. Shocked.

    1. SaneCentral

      Re: Shocked

      They tried but failed.

  15. cd

    Ya know

    If you were an evil guy with lots of henchmen and you wanted to destroy the US, all you'd have to do is get Republicans elected. Selling natural resources for cheap (fracking), cutting the financial legs out from everyone, encouraging ignorant obedience, helping the psycho 1% hoard even more in whatever game they play at that level...no nukes needed, no terrorist tricks, just get Repubs into office.

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