The lies roll off the man's lips like music off Yo-Yo Ma's cello. Both are virtuosos - one a cellist, the other a liar.
A partial list.
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Below is a picture of past presidents along with the last one which supposedly represents President Obama.
.
.
The pic was sent by Sherri Goforth, an executive assistant for Tennessee State Rep. Diane Black to a list of Republican email recipients. The extent of Goforth’s apology was that she sent it to the wrong email list. Makes one wonder what the ‘right’ email list would of been.
She’s keeping her job.
UPDATE
The picture was publicized online by one of the email recipients because…
“… it made me mad.
But, you know, people need to know that this stuff is going on. I would be just as angry if a democratic staffer had sent it.
Dammit, Tennessee, haven’t we moved past this kind of crap. I’m serious.”
___
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Sherri Goforth and State Rep Diane Black are disgusting. Make any excuse you want. This is not funny, there is no excuse. You’re bigots and racists and if the majority of your constituents tolerate this they are too.
1. Why was Goforth hired? Why would Ms. Black want this person representing her office in any way?
2. Is she still working there? And, if so, WHY?
3. How could any staffer in a public office think that this is appropriate to send to anyone from her work computer? In most offices you can get in trouble for having inappropriate material on your computer desktop, let alone sharing it with everyone via e-mail.
What, you mean about the fact that Bush couldn’t string an English sentence together that made sense? Yes let’s do a comparison – The Republican president’s brain is missing (again) and now, a man who can delivery long, thoughtful, oratory on any subjects for hours with no notes, all over the world. Beside Bush he is a collossus – that some of you sad and trivial red-neck Americans are too pathetic and racist to realise what you’ve got is a sad comment on yourselves and says nothing at all about the calibre of this man.
Too bad some of his mindless worshipers lack his intelligence and eloquence.
Hey….we may be sad, we may be trivial, and we may even be red necks. At least we aren’t trailer park trash resorting to gutter language. If they are “scummy b–ches”, what does that make a foul mouthed, uncouth person like yourself?
Okay now. All you lovable little loonies don’t go postal on me. But would one of you with a better vocabulary than Ms. Trailer Park Trash here please articulate PRECISELY what you view as “Racist” about this picture? I mean, honestly describe what it is that makes this “racist”.
My reason for asking is while surfing some of the other blogs out there, I am finding quite a few people who say they just don’t see it as racist. (No, no. Liberal as well as Conservative blogs.) So I re-geared my mind, dismissed the fact that I was “TOLD” first thing, right up front that it WAS racist, and looked at it in a different light and tried to understand why it would automatically be considered “racist”.
I’m thinking back to some cartoons I’ve seen where you’ve got pairs of eyes in the dark searching around and when the light comes on, it’s Elmer Fudd and some Hairy Monster or Bugs Bunny.
So, don’t jump the gun and start beating on me. I’m not saying it is NOT racist in nature. I’m just asking someone to articulate why we are inclined to automatically jump on the “racist” bandwagon?
Without being “told” it’s racist, could it possibly be depicting, in a satirical manner, fear?
But either way, it was still in poor taste. Okay? Make you loons happy??
So, you can’t explain it either? I would think if it were so “glaring” one would be able to explain it rather easily.
What’s the problem with you loons? Someone asks you a legitimate question, giving you a platform to air and support your viewpoint, and all you can do is ridicule?
What’s up? All of a sudden Tennessee is on the map and not in a good way as far as I am concerned. Guns in bars and parks, alcohol, racism… something we find in all the States but it happens that TN is at it nonstop this week!
“We hear you, and America hears you!” Said Bush at Ground Zero. It applies to TN and its “New Rules!” It seems they are going backwards rather than forward.
The photo is a sign of ignorance and Dianne Black should apologize for distribution of same.
How pathetic to think that anyone has to surf the net to determine whether an instance of racism is real or not. More a case of one seeking justification for their own bigotry. The country has a long way to go.
Blacking out someone’s face means the person blacking out someone’s face devalues that individual, their character, their essence, thus holding themselves out to be superior. And anyone who chuckles at that representation does the same.
Okay little loony. Take a deeeep breath now. Better?
First off, I wasn’t “surfing” the internet to “determine” anything. Actually, I was looking for any information that might indicate the origination of this picture. While doing that, I came across several posts on different blogs where some seemingly reasonable people did not rush to judge. One post in particular caught my attention and gave me pause to think.
From a Canadian named Jay:
“As a Canadian, I have to admit I don’t really understand racism like it exists in the US. I’m able to appreciate satire like this without thinking of it as “hateful.”
Frankly that picture made me laugh, and I consider Obama to be an admirable man. These two sentiments do not need to be mutually exclusive.”
So, that gave me pause to consider if I was not pre-disposed to view this in a “racial” or “hateful” context, would I have automatically assumed it to be “racist”.
All I did was ask you guys to dispense with your ideological bias and think outside the box. I wasn’t making a statement one way or the other. I was simply making an observation and prodding you guys to forget what your mind is “trained” to see and think about it without embedded inclinations or tendencies.
If you are incapable of doing that, just say so. Why attack me because I have simply asked you to think?
You are absolutely right Janine but it is not even that involved. Obama is black and on a black background only his eyes are visible. You give much too credit to racist thinking. They’re simpletons.
“Blacking out someone’s face means the person blacking out someone’s face devalues that individual, their character, their essence, thus holding themselves out to be superior.”
Can you substantiate that as anything other than your opinion? Warner Brothers blacked out the faces of the cartoon characters to show uncertainty and fear. I don’t think they did it for any nefarious racist reason. Did Blackface Minstrels black out their faces for the reasons you state? I don’t think so.
Please see my last comment to miriam. All I am asking is IF we are not pre-disposed to view it as racist, would we still see it the same way? If the headlines about this picture had been “Picture Depicts A Frightened Obama” would we have still seen it as “racist”? Maybe? Maybe not? I’m just trying to stimulate you guy’s minds beyond your bias.
And I would like to add for a bunch of people that are supposed to be so enlightened, you sure seem a bitter, hateful bunch.
And I would like to make another observation. Although all of you are up in arms about this “Racist” depiction, not one of you have yet articulated what makes it “racist”.
I’m not sure you deserve a reasoned response, but I’ll naively give you one just the same.
Until I read some of the opinions of some who did not categorically view it as racist, I thought it could be perceived as racist. Even in that, there was something tugging at the back of my poor little mind saying, “Wait a minute. Is this really so blatantly, openly, indisputably racist?”
I was looking for information as to the origination of the picture as this lady got it from someone else. I was curious where that might lead, if I could find out. In doing so, I ran across numerous comments on a cross section of blogs where several people didn’t automatically consider it racist.
But I have to say, the comment from Jay the Canadian was the most logical one that really caused me to stop and ask myself, if we weren’t “programmed” to see racism, would we have reached the same conclusion?
And to take it a step further, I think we are all programmed to view criticism of this President to stem from racism and bigotry. It makes it very difficult to express legitimate concern when your complaints will always be viewed as coming from your innate racism.
Honestly, even for myself. I don’t care for President Obama’s Administration and Policies so far. But the rare times when I HAVE agreed with something he has done, and someone voices opposition to the same thing, I have to admit the thought creeps along the edges of my mind that they are just saying that because they don’t like the fact that he’s black.
What is shockingly depressive,our Country has no respect for the elected President.
I would have fired that woman who e-mailed the picture, it is in poor taste. If an executive assistant needs babysitting for any duties she is assigned to, I would think Diane Black has no need for incompetent people like her on her staff. Racist or not, the photo mocks this President.
Folks, he is black! And yes, this is an issue with a lot of Americans. They just cannot respect a man that they consider inferior to them. This is where I believe our elected officials should pave the way to enlighten the public, to be supportive of change and embrace it, not encourage negative thoughts. Obama’s errors,(I am sure he has some) should not be viewed solely because he is black, just a n—–, but rather, let him be judged in time, as to how well his administration is governing.
And yes, this picture touches on that subject, hints at “The Color Black” whether you want to see it or not.
To all Americans out there that have trouble with a black leader…I feel very sorry for your ignorance, for wanting the Country to remain the same as it was 100 years ago, hating any change. God help your children!
LiberalsR . . . you made me think. As soon as I saw the picture I thought it was racist. The heading didn’t sway me, I just knew. After reading your posts I wondered why I knew.
Racism to me is a thought or action that is based upon a belief that one race is superior to another.
Does this e-mail imply that the past President’s are superior to the current President? I think it does. The other President’s appear stately. Obama is seen as afraid in the dark. even you likened it to Elmer Fudd.
Now is this done because one thinks he is less qualified in general or less qualified because of his race. I would say the creator of this e-mail thought he was less qualified because of his race. Why? Because he/she could have dressed Obama in a dunce cap. Or a clown suit, The point would have been made but there would be no racial implication. Instead the creator went back and used a picture we often saw on TV of the scared black man who needed to be protected. I’m thinking the Jack Benny show where Livingston was often seen wide eyed.
My guess is I am older than you and so this picture appeared more racial to me than to you.
@lara…This woman has worked in this capacity for over 20 years with no prior problems. Regardless your position on this unfortunate incident, do you ignore 20+ years of faithful service with no prior instance of trouble to “punish” her for this one indiscretion? I would like to think 20 years of service might buy me a 2nd chance.
@sjc….Thank you. A reasoned response without ridiculing anyone. Refreshing!! But taking your points, I don’t feel it would make him inferior because of race to depict him as afraid or most appropriately, unsure, in the dark. I can’t speak to the intent of the creator of this email.
Bottom line, if I had to guess, I would guess the creator of this email meant it in a racially demeaning manner. But I still say that if the headlines didn’t scream “RACE” at us, it is not a conclusion many would have jumped to.
And I’ll close by saying I think the older we are, the more inclined we might be to view this picture as somewhat racist.
I too remember the Jack Benny Show. Amos and Andy. Little Rascals.
For all you casting stones, this letter was in the Tennessean Newspaper this morning. For all you who know nothing about this person or really, about this situation at all, PLEASE READ this then tell me if you STILL think this woman should be summarily terminated, if not executed!
From the Tennessean Letters Page:
GOFORTH IS INCORRECTLY PAINTED AS A RACIST
To the Editor:
The e-mail Sherri Goforth dispatched is indefensible, as is her poor excuse of sending it to the wrong list of people. Ms. Goforth used very poor judgment in sending the e-mail to anyone or in thinking it was funny or entertaining.
In a sound bite, it is easy to paint Ms. Goforth as a racist and a hater of the disadvantaged. Sherri is anything but a racist or a hater. If Sherri were known as the person she is, it would not be hard to understand why she was not fired.
I have known Sherri since 1968, the year she began her career in state government in Tennessee. I was so impressed by her, I employed her as my personal legal assistant for 13 years while she was not in state government. I found Sherri to be a loving, loyal, compassionate and intelligent person. I never saw her demonstrate anything but respect for people, regardless of their race. I know she goes out of her way to befriend others; I know she sees people as human beings. I know she has a heart for everyone. Sherri is not a racist; she is not a hater. She is not stupid.
This incident is not about politics. For most of her professional career, Sherri worked for Democrats. Her job is not a political appointment. Being a Republican is not a prerequisite for working for a Republican legislator in Tennessee.
Sherri has been married to the same man for over 40 years. Their family is an example for us all to admire and imitate. She and Steve have two adopted children, siblings who were removed from their unfit biological parents by the state.
The Goforths also have a biological child with Down syndrome, Katie, now in her 30s. A few years ago, Steve quit his job to open a small takeout restaurant for Katie so she could become independent. Katie is the chef. The restaurant has been a big success. As a result, Katie has made a name for herself; Sherri and Steve have given Katie a skill that will ensure her independence when they are gone.
Sherri’s entire life has been one of hard work, endurance, sacrifice, loyalty and love.
I never heard either Steve or Sherri complain about their circumstances. They always focused on the challenges and the blessings. Sherri and Steve are supporters of the Special Olympics; they also work with parents of Down syndrome children.
This unfortunate incident does not define Sherri Goforth. Sherri deserves another chance. Sherri truly has a heart for the whole world, without exception.
We can all learn from this incident. We’ve all had lapses in good judgment. In the end, forgiveness always trumps castigation. We are all in this together. I’m grateful
Sen. Black chose not to fire Sherri. Hers was a courageous decision.
liberalsRs….d Last night at this store I met 3 Tennesseneans and I said “wow this week you guys have been on the news!” They said they were not happy with the recent developments with regard to the guns and alcohol and the presidents’ photo was appalling.
Even if Sherri Goforth did not mean to be offensive, she believed in the message in the email enough to forward same. Whether it was offensive or not… in the context of comparing BO to the other presidents as SJCA says above — I believe it is racist indeed. Good point SJCAlumni.
It was a racist picture. Let’s be clear about that. But unless there are other examples of racism in Goforth’s past, I say give her the benefit of the doubt. Most of us are guilty of having made an inappropriate joke which we later regretted. I’d only ask that Goforth come forward and honestly apologize. Claiming it was sent to the wrong email list is not enough.
It’s all they deserve. I respect people until they give me a reason not to and if that pair don’t want to be insulted they shouldn’t have been so obnoxious. I’m not going to respect racists for a second – don’t dish it out if you can’t take it right back at you.
More insult and ignorance from yet another pathetic loser with a challenged intellect and vocabulary. I thought you guys were supposed to be so intellectually elite? Yet the vulgarity, crude language, and most of the insults come from you guys.
[...] Mario Piperni dot Com » Blog Archive » Racism – Alive and WellThe Goforths also have a biological child with Down syndrome, Katie, now in her 30s. A few years ago, Steve quit his job to open a small takeout restaurant for Katie so she could become independent. Katie is the chef. … [...]
Sherri Goforth and State Rep Diane Black are disgusting. Make any excuse you want. This is not funny, there is no excuse. You’re bigots and racists and if the majority of your constituents tolerate this they are too.
1. Why was Goforth hired? Why would Ms. Black want this person representing her office in any way?
2. Is she still working there? And, if so, WHY?
3. How could any staffer in a public office think that this is appropriate to send to anyone from her work computer? In most offices you can get in trouble for having inappropriate material on your computer desktop, let alone sharing it with everyone via e-mail.
Maybe they just felt that because so much similar and worse was freely passed around about the previous administration…….
Hey! I’m beginning to see why President Obama likes blaming everything on the previous administration. Comes in pretty handy at times.
You people have very selective outrage.
What a pair of scummy bitches.
What, you mean about the fact that Bush couldn’t string an English sentence together that made sense? Yes let’s do a comparison – The Republican president’s brain is missing (again) and now, a man who can delivery long, thoughtful, oratory on any subjects for hours with no notes, all over the world. Beside Bush he is a collossus – that some of you sad and trivial red-neck Americans are too pathetic and racist to realise what you’ve got is a sad comment on yourselves and says nothing at all about the calibre of this man.
“What a pair of scummy bitches.”
Too bad some of his mindless worshipers lack his intelligence and eloquence.
Hey….we may be sad, we may be trivial, and we may even be red necks. At least we aren’t trailer park trash resorting to gutter language. If they are “scummy b–ches”, what does that make a foul mouthed, uncouth person like yourself?
Okay now. All you lovable little loonies don’t go postal on me. But would one of you with a better vocabulary than Ms. Trailer Park Trash here please articulate PRECISELY what you view as “Racist” about this picture? I mean, honestly describe what it is that makes this “racist”.
My reason for asking is while surfing some of the other blogs out there, I am finding quite a few people who say they just don’t see it as racist. (No, no. Liberal as well as Conservative blogs.) So I re-geared my mind, dismissed the fact that I was “TOLD” first thing, right up front that it WAS racist, and looked at it in a different light and tried to understand why it would automatically be considered “racist”.
I’m thinking back to some cartoons I’ve seen where you’ve got pairs of eyes in the dark searching around and when the light comes on, it’s Elmer Fudd and some Hairy Monster or Bugs Bunny.
So, don’t jump the gun and start beating on me. I’m not saying it is NOT racist in nature. I’m just asking someone to articulate why we are inclined to automatically jump on the “racist” bandwagon?
Without being “told” it’s racist, could it possibly be depicting, in a satirical manner, fear?
But either way, it was still in poor taste. Okay? Make you loons happy??
If you require someone to point out the glaring racism from that photo, then you might want to question your own thoughts on the subject.
So, you can’t explain it either? I would think if it were so “glaring” one would be able to explain it rather easily.
What’s the problem with you loons? Someone asks you a legitimate question, giving you a platform to air and support your viewpoint, and all you can do is ridicule?
What’s up? All of a sudden Tennessee is on the map and not in a good way as far as I am concerned. Guns in bars and parks, alcohol, racism… something we find in all the States but it happens that TN is at it nonstop this week!
“We hear you, and America hears you!” Said Bush at Ground Zero. It applies to TN and its “New Rules!” It seems they are going backwards rather than forward.
The photo is a sign of ignorance and Dianne Black should apologize for distribution of same.
How pathetic to think that anyone has to surf the net to determine whether an instance of racism is real or not. More a case of one seeking justification for their own bigotry. The country has a long way to go.
Okay Libby, I’ll bite.
Blacking out someone’s face means the person blacking out someone’s face devalues that individual, their character, their essence, thus holding themselves out to be superior. And anyone who chuckles at that representation does the same.
And that is the very definition of racism.
See what happens? This is why I advise us all to refrain from name calling.
Attack the act and not the person. Do we want this site to get all muddied with unncessary language that only promotes anger and not the message?
Just an idea to keep in mind… we do need to agree to disagree gracefully.
You don’t have to agree with me… but it would make it more pleasant if we would refrain from having personal attacks…
Okay little loony. Take a deeeep breath now. Better?
First off, I wasn’t “surfing” the internet to “determine” anything. Actually, I was looking for any information that might indicate the origination of this picture. While doing that, I came across several posts on different blogs where some seemingly reasonable people did not rush to judge. One post in particular caught my attention and gave me pause to think.
From a Canadian named Jay:
“As a Canadian, I have to admit I don’t really understand racism like it exists in the US. I’m able to appreciate satire like this without thinking of it as “hateful.”
Frankly that picture made me laugh, and I consider Obama to be an admirable man. These two sentiments do not need to be mutually exclusive.”
So, that gave me pause to consider if I was not pre-disposed to view this in a “racial” or “hateful” context, would I have automatically assumed it to be “racist”.
All I did was ask you guys to dispense with your ideological bias and think outside the box. I wasn’t making a statement one way or the other. I was simply making an observation and prodding you guys to forget what your mind is “trained” to see and think about it without embedded inclinations or tendencies.
If you are incapable of doing that, just say so. Why attack me because I have simply asked you to think?
@liberal
Why not just come out with it and tell us what YOU think. Is it a racist picture or not?
You are absolutely right Janine but it is not even that involved. Obama is black and on a black background only his eyes are visible. You give much too credit to racist thinking. They’re simpletons.
“Blacking out someone’s face means the person blacking out someone’s face devalues that individual, their character, their essence, thus holding themselves out to be superior.”
Can you substantiate that as anything other than your opinion? Warner Brothers blacked out the faces of the cartoon characters to show uncertainty and fear. I don’t think they did it for any nefarious racist reason. Did Blackface Minstrels black out their faces for the reasons you state? I don’t think so.
Please see my last comment to miriam. All I am asking is IF we are not pre-disposed to view it as racist, would we still see it the same way? If the headlines about this picture had been “Picture Depicts A Frightened Obama” would we have still seen it as “racist”? Maybe? Maybe not? I’m just trying to stimulate you guy’s minds beyond your bias.
And I would like to add for a bunch of people that are supposed to be so enlightened, you sure seem a bitter, hateful bunch.
And I would like to make another observation. Although all of you are up in arms about this “Racist” depiction, not one of you have yet articulated what makes it “racist”.
Maybe I should offer a prize??
Typical. Some pretty deep thinking there.
I’m not sure you deserve a reasoned response, but I’ll naively give you one just the same.
Until I read some of the opinions of some who did not categorically view it as racist, I thought it could be perceived as racist. Even in that, there was something tugging at the back of my poor little mind saying, “Wait a minute. Is this really so blatantly, openly, indisputably racist?”
I was looking for information as to the origination of the picture as this lady got it from someone else. I was curious where that might lead, if I could find out. In doing so, I ran across numerous comments on a cross section of blogs where several people didn’t automatically consider it racist.
But I have to say, the comment from Jay the Canadian was the most logical one that really caused me to stop and ask myself, if we weren’t “programmed” to see racism, would we have reached the same conclusion?
And to take it a step further, I think we are all programmed to view criticism of this President to stem from racism and bigotry. It makes it very difficult to express legitimate concern when your complaints will always be viewed as coming from your innate racism.
Honestly, even for myself. I don’t care for President Obama’s Administration and Policies so far. But the rare times when I HAVE agreed with something he has done, and someone voices opposition to the same thing, I have to admit the thought creeps along the edges of my mind that they are just saying that because they don’t like the fact that he’s black.
Go figure.
What is shockingly depressive,our Country has no respect for the elected President.
I would have fired that woman who e-mailed the picture, it is in poor taste. If an executive assistant needs babysitting for any duties she is assigned to, I would think Diane Black has no need for incompetent people like her on her staff. Racist or not, the photo mocks this President.
Folks, he is black! And yes, this is an issue with a lot of Americans. They just cannot respect a man that they consider inferior to them. This is where I believe our elected officials should pave the way to enlighten the public, to be supportive of change and embrace it, not encourage negative thoughts. Obama’s errors,(I am sure he has some) should not be viewed solely because he is black, just a n—–, but rather, let him be judged in time, as to how well his administration is governing.
And yes, this picture touches on that subject, hints at “The Color Black” whether you want to see it or not.
To all Americans out there that have trouble with a black leader…I feel very sorry for your ignorance, for wanting the Country to remain the same as it was 100 years ago, hating any change. God help your children!
LiberalsR . . . you made me think. As soon as I saw the picture I thought it was racist. The heading didn’t sway me, I just knew. After reading your posts I wondered why I knew.
Racism to me is a thought or action that is based upon a belief that one race is superior to another.
Does this e-mail imply that the past President’s are superior to the current President? I think it does. The other President’s appear stately. Obama is seen as afraid in the dark. even you likened it to Elmer Fudd.
Now is this done because one thinks he is less qualified in general or less qualified because of his race. I would say the creator of this e-mail thought he was less qualified because of his race. Why? Because he/she could have dressed Obama in a dunce cap. Or a clown suit, The point would have been made but there would be no racial implication. Instead the creator went back and used a picture we often saw on TV of the scared black man who needed to be protected. I’m thinking the Jack Benny show where Livingston was often seen wide eyed.
My guess is I am older than you and so this picture appeared more racial to me than to you.
Well said, SJC, well said indeed!
@lara…This woman has worked in this capacity for over 20 years with no prior problems. Regardless your position on this unfortunate incident, do you ignore 20+ years of faithful service with no prior instance of trouble to “punish” her for this one indiscretion? I would like to think 20 years of service might buy me a 2nd chance.
@sjc….Thank you. A reasoned response without ridiculing anyone. Refreshing!! But taking your points, I don’t feel it would make him inferior because of race to depict him as afraid or most appropriately, unsure, in the dark. I can’t speak to the intent of the creator of this email.
Bottom line, if I had to guess, I would guess the creator of this email meant it in a racially demeaning manner. But I still say that if the headlines didn’t scream “RACE” at us, it is not a conclusion many would have jumped to.
And I’ll close by saying I think the older we are, the more inclined we might be to view this picture as somewhat racist.
I too remember the Jack Benny Show. Amos and Andy. Little Rascals.
PLEASE, PLEASE READ!!!!!!
(Then I’ll return to my lonely writer’s garret.)
For all you casting stones, this letter was in the Tennessean Newspaper this morning. For all you who know nothing about this person or really, about this situation at all, PLEASE READ this then tell me if you STILL think this woman should be summarily terminated, if not executed!
From the Tennessean Letters Page:
GOFORTH IS INCORRECTLY PAINTED AS A RACIST
To the Editor:
The e-mail Sherri Goforth dispatched is indefensible, as is her poor excuse of sending it to the wrong list of people. Ms. Goforth used very poor judgment in sending the e-mail to anyone or in thinking it was funny or entertaining.
In a sound bite, it is easy to paint Ms. Goforth as a racist and a hater of the disadvantaged. Sherri is anything but a racist or a hater. If Sherri were known as the person she is, it would not be hard to understand why she was not fired.
I have known Sherri since 1968, the year she began her career in state government in Tennessee. I was so impressed by her, I employed her as my personal legal assistant for 13 years while she was not in state government. I found Sherri to be a loving, loyal, compassionate and intelligent person. I never saw her demonstrate anything but respect for people, regardless of their race. I know she goes out of her way to befriend others; I know she sees people as human beings. I know she has a heart for everyone. Sherri is not a racist; she is not a hater. She is not stupid.
This incident is not about politics. For most of her professional career, Sherri worked for Democrats. Her job is not a political appointment. Being a Republican is not a prerequisite for working for a Republican legislator in Tennessee.
Sherri has been married to the same man for over 40 years. Their family is an example for us all to admire and imitate. She and Steve have two adopted children, siblings who were removed from their unfit biological parents by the state.
The Goforths also have a biological child with Down syndrome, Katie, now in her 30s. A few years ago, Steve quit his job to open a small takeout restaurant for Katie so she could become independent. Katie is the chef. The restaurant has been a big success. As a result, Katie has made a name for herself; Sherri and Steve have given Katie a skill that will ensure her independence when they are gone.
Sherri’s entire life has been one of hard work, endurance, sacrifice, loyalty and love.
I never heard either Steve or Sherri complain about their circumstances. They always focused on the challenges and the blessings. Sherri and Steve are supporters of the Special Olympics; they also work with parents of Down syndrome children.
This unfortunate incident does not define Sherri Goforth. Sherri deserves another chance. Sherri truly has a heart for the whole world, without exception.
We can all learn from this incident. We’ve all had lapses in good judgment. In the end, forgiveness always trumps castigation. We are all in this together. I’m grateful
Sen. Black chose not to fire Sherri. Hers was a courageous decision.
Robert L. Baker, Nashville 37215, rlyn.baker@mac.com
liberalsRs….d Last night at this store I met 3 Tennesseneans and I said “wow this week you guys have been on the news!” They said they were not happy with the recent developments with regard to the guns and alcohol and the presidents’ photo was appalling.
Even if Sherri Goforth did not mean to be offensive, she believed in the message in the email enough to forward same. Whether it was offensive or not… in the context of comparing BO to the other presidents as SJCA says above — I believe it is racist indeed. Good point SJCAlumni.
It was a racist picture. Let’s be clear about that. But unless there are other examples of racism in Goforth’s past, I say give her the benefit of the doubt. Most of us are guilty of having made an inappropriate joke which we later regretted. I’d only ask that Goforth come forward and honestly apologize. Claiming it was sent to the wrong email list is not enough.
It’s all they deserve. I respect people until they give me a reason not to and if that pair don’t want to be insulted they shouldn’t have been so obnoxious. I’m not going to respect racists for a second – don’t dish it out if you can’t take it right back at you.
So, I guess by YOUR criteria, I could rightfully call you an ignorant, scummy, liberal b–ch??
Get a life loony. Do a little research then try to formulate a sentence or two without trailer park trash language.
Marjory, you hit a nerve when you referred to this jerk as a “pathetic redneck”. The truth hit too close too home.
More insult and ignorance from yet another pathetic loser with a challenged intellect and vocabulary. I thought you guys were supposed to be so intellectually elite? Yet the vulgarity, crude language, and most of the insults come from you guys.
What a bunch of hypocrites.
More words of wisdom from our conservative muppet. You can just hear those brain cells disintegrating.
So…I guess that’s a confirmation of my earlier assertion.