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George Takei on Facebook: I owe Clarence Thomas an apology
Facebook ^ | 07/03/2015 | George Takei

Posted on 07/03/2015 6:27:34 PM PDT by SeekAndFind

I owe an apology. On the eve of this Independence Day, I have a renewed sense of what this country stands for, and how I personally could help achieve it. The promise of equality and freedom is one that all of us have to work for, at all times. I know this as a survivor of the Japanese American internment, which each day drives me only to strive harder to help fulfill that promise for future generations.

I recently was asked by a reporter about Justice Clarence Thomas’s dissent in the marriage equality cases, in which he wrote words that really got under my skin, by suggesting that the government cannot take away human dignity through slavery, or though internment. In my mind that suggested that this meant he felt the government therefore shouldn’t be held accountable, or should do nothing in the face of gross violations of dignity. When asked by a reporter about the opinion, I was still seething, and I referred to him as a “clown in blackface” to suggest that he had abdicated and abandoned his heritage.

This was not intended to be racist, but rather to evoke a history of racism in the theatrical arts. While I continue to vehemently disagree with Justice Thomas, the words I chose, said in the heat of anger, were not carefully considered.

I am reminded, especially on this July 4th holiday, that though we have the freedom to speak our minds, we must use that freedom judiciously. Each of us, as humans, have hot-button topics that can set-us off, and Justice Thomas had hit mine, that is clear. But my choice of words was regrettable, not because I do not believe Justice Thomas is deeply wrong, but because they were ad hominem and uncivil, and for that I am sorry.

I often ask fans to keep the level of discourse on this page and in comments high, and to remember that we all love this country and for what it stands for, even if we often disagree passionately about how to achieve those goals. I did not live up to my own high standards in this instance.

I hope all of you have a wonderful, safe and joyously free July 4t, the first where all married couples in the U.S. can enjoy the full liberties of matrimony equally. It is truly a blessing to be an American today.


TOPICS: Constitution/Conservatism; Culture/Society; News/Current Events; US: Arizona; US: California
KEYWORDS: apology; arizona; california; clarencethomas; freeploader; gaykk; georgetakei; homosexualagenda; ineversearch; libertarians; medicalmarijuana; moreoldnews; obamanation; phoenix; searchandfind
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To: SeekAndFind
"I owe an apology."

OK, George, they why don't you give him one. Your mealy mouth babbling doesn't qualify for anything but self absorbed justification for slamming him.

81 posted on 07/04/2015 4:47:25 AM PDT by norwaypinesavage (The Stone Age did not end because we ran out of stones)
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To: SeekAndFind

His widow Merula and son Matthew might not take you at your word on that, and neither will I.


82 posted on 07/04/2015 5:04:30 AM PDT by ExGeeEye (The enemy's gate is down....and to the left.)
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To: SeekAndFind

That is not an apology. He’s saying that he was right, but used the wrong word to describe Justice Thomas.


83 posted on 07/04/2015 5:51:00 AM PDT by savedbygrace (But God!)
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To: SeekAndFind

Racist, bigot, intolerant, stupid-as-dirt poster boy.


84 posted on 07/04/2015 6:12:37 AM PDT by paulcissa (The first requirement of Liberalism is to stand on your head and tell the world they're upside down)
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To: SeekAndFind
This was not intended to be racist, but rather to evoke a history of racism in the theatrical arts. While I continue to vehemently disagree with Justice Thomas, the words I chose, said in the heat of anger, were not carefully considered

Translation: What is said in anger is the truth people feel deep down, coming out. I should have done what every other liberal does when it comes to politics - I should have chosen my words more carefully in order to deceive people from knowing what I actually believe, and intend to do..

85 posted on 07/04/2015 6:14:39 AM PDT by Go Gordon (Barack McGreevey Obama)
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To: SeekAndFind

He’s an evil racist pig. Apology rejected.


86 posted on 07/04/2015 6:19:32 AM PDT by sitetest (If Roe is not overturned, no unborn child will ever be protected in law.)
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To: SeekAndFind
Why doesn't he legally change his name to George, "interment camp", Takei? Stop your $%^&ing whining. In WWII, there were a LOT of people, millions in fact, that met with far worse fate than losing their belongings and freedom for a few years.
87 posted on 07/04/2015 8:02:45 AM PDT by Dilbert56
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To: bkepley

Buck up, sparky, at least you are still an a-hole.


88 posted on 07/06/2015 5:03:21 AM PDT by Lazamataz (The new GOP slogan: "Vote for us!!! We are exactly the same as the Democrats !!!")
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To: SeekAndFind

Old faggots are a rare breed. The life expectancy of a lifetime practicing faggot is around 50.


89 posted on 07/06/2015 5:12:32 AM PDT by central_va (I won't be reconstructed and I do not give a damn.)
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To: SeekAndFind

Shut up faggot. Keep those rocket ships to Uranus to yourself.


90 posted on 07/06/2015 5:18:16 AM PDT by catfish1957 (I display the Confederate Battle Flag with pride in honor of my brave ancestors who fought w/ valor)
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To: SeekAndFind; bkepley

Nowhere in that statement does George actually *give* Thomas that apology.

Also, bkepley is an a-hole.


91 posted on 07/06/2015 5:18:44 AM PDT by Lazamataz (The new GOP slogan: "Vote for us!!! We are exactly the same as the Democrats !!!")
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