This Warren Furutani moron is 4th generation American Japanese. Looks to me like a professional at ethnic outrage. Can't take a joke or get a joke
Posted on 06/18/2011 9:51:21 AM PDT by SmithL
The Democrat-on-Democrat budget fight wasn't the only drama that went down at the Capitol this week - two lawmakers nearly came to blows over an ethnically charged remark about Italian Americans.
It began with Assemblyman Don Wagner, R-Irvine, speaking against a bill that would eliminate redevelopment agencies and replace them with an alternative program.
He remarked that lawmakers should not "buy an insurance policy that Tony Soprano is selling us." That prompted Italian American Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, D-La Cañada Flintridge (Los Angeles County) to rise from his seat and ask for an apology to Italian Americans. That's where things started to go south.
"I will apologize to any Italians who are not in the Mafia and engaged in insurance scams," Wagner said to audible boos from lawmakers.
Then things really went off the rails. Lawmakers continued to grumble, and Assemblyman Warren Furutani, D-Gardena (Los Angeles County), who sits just steps away from Wagner, became visibly peeved. Then, Wagner rose again.
"My apology, if one is needed, is sincere. My reference is certainly not one that no one in this room gets. ... This is not an attack on anyone. This bill is a bait and switch," he said angrily.
The war of words between Furutani and Wagner continued - and next thing we knew, the two legislators were face to face, exchanging heated words and even seeming to push each other. Their colleagues quickly pulled them apart.
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
Every country has a sleazy, mafia element. It’s no slur on Italians (or Russians, Mexicans etc.) in general. For this politician to feign offense over a reference to Tony Soprano is ridiculous. I suppose he’s also offended by the TV production.
If anyone should be insulted by the comparison between politicians and the Mafia, it’s the Mafia. It says a lot when Chicago’s best government was Al Capone.
Italians are not necessarily easily offended but democrats are.
The guilty are easily offended.
Meanwhile Governor Chris Christie in NJ is routinely insulted as a Tony Soprano.
This Warren Furutani moron is 4th generation American Japanese. Looks to me like a professional at ethnic outrage. Can't take a joke or get a joke
That is because democrat “men” are a bunch of bitches.
Furutani is not even Italian...he's fourth generation Japanese-American, so not sure why he got involved. I'm not insulted by the Tony Soprano comment in any way...wouldn't even think to assume he was insulting Italians. The apology, though, was pretty stupid: "I will apologize to any Italians who are not in the Mafia and engaged in insurance scams," Wagner said.
But, I wouldn't get offended, I'd just fight back and respond with a German Hitler joke since Wagner is a German name. Somewhere this country got off on the wrong track and everyone is so easily offended by simple jokes. The barber shop scene in Grand Torino was great, where Clint Eastwood and his barber were going back and forth with their ethnic insults...reminded me of better days in this country.
Humor has taken a dive - particularly in the Obama administration. Everyone is so worried about being politically correct, they can’t laugh any more.
Looks to me like he eats too much.
Your Victim Card has been rejected.
“and next thing we knew, the two legislators were face to face, exchanging heated words and even seeming to push each other. Their colleagues quickly pulled them apart.”
Too bad. They could have sold tickets.
No kidding, if he ever looses an election he can head over to the Dojo and sign up to be a Sumo wrestler.
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