Posted on 01/06/2004 7:32:02 PM PST by metalboy
Hillary Clinton Regrets Gandhi Joke Hillary Clinton Says She Regrets Joking That Gandhi Used to Run a Gas Station in St. Louis
The Associated Press
ST. LOUIS Jan. 6 Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton apologized for joking that Mahatma Gandhi used to run a gas station in St. Louis, saying it was "a lame attempt at humor." The New York Democrat made the remark at a fund-raiser Saturday. During an event here for Senate candidate Nancy Farmer, Clinton introduced a quote from Gandhi by saying, "He ran a gas station down in St. Louis."
After laughter from many in the crowd of at least 200 subsided, the former first lady continued, "No, Mahatma Gandhi was a great leader of the 20th century." In a nod to Farmer's underdog status against Republican Sen. Kit Bond, Clinton quoted the Indian independence leader as saying: "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win."
The director of a U.S. center devoted to Gandhi's teachings said the remarks amounted to stereotyping and were insensitive.
After being approached by The Associated Press to clarify the remarks, Clinton suggested in a statement late Monday that she never meant to fuel the stereotype often used as a comedic punch line that certain ethnic groups run America's gas stations.
"I have admired the work and life of Mahatma Gandhi and have spoken publicly about that many times," Clinton said. "I truly regret if a lame attempt at humor suggested otherwise."
Michelle Naef, administrator of the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence, a Memphis, Tenn.-based organization founded in 1991 by a Gandhi grandson, credited Clinton and her husband, former President Clinton, with long having "supported the Gandhi message." But she said Saturday's remarks "could be incredibly harmful."
"I don't think she was, in any way, trying to demean Mahatma Gandhi," Naef said. "To be generous to her, I would say it was a poor attempt at humor. Perhaps I'm overly sensitive, but I find it offensive when people use stereotypes in that way."
On the Net:
M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence,
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Wait one minute, we can't have that!!!
I sent him that so he could see you were new (if he didn't know already) and review your comments so far. Did I complain ? No.Welcome to FreeRepublic.com ...
LOL ! Mornin' ! ...
On Tuesday, she told reporters in Albuquerque, New Mexico: "It was a lame attempt at humour and I am very sorry that it might have been interpreted in a way that causes stress to anyone. I have the highest regard for Mahatma Gandhi and have been a longtime admirer of his life."
--"I am very sorry that it might have been interpreted in a way that causes stress to anyone."
See it's YOUR fault if you thought she was wrong.
My nieghbor is Indian and is an IT manager. He beats my butt in chess all the time.
The gas station at the corner is Indian owned. The guy working behind the counter drives a BMW 735. Nicest person you could ever meet. I was short on cash a couple of times and was told "no problem", we'll square up next time.
Not to mention their self-deprecating humor. He told me DWI actually stands for "Driving While Indian". Horrible drivers he said. LOL.
Hillary has not apologized.
She regrets that it may harm her Presidential campaign that she started the micro-milli-second she found out she won the Senate race in New York by vote buying.
Yeah, she regrets IT WAS CAUGHT ON TAPE!
BTTT.
BUMP!
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