Racist Halloween incident may have repercussions for Myers, ICE
By Christine Cave
cyberFEDS® Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON -- Federal employees and managers must remember they represent the government at all times -- even when having fun at an office party.
Julie Myers, President Bush's pick to lead the Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement, may have put her Senate confirmation in jeopardy after she participated in a three-judge panel that awarded the agency's most original Halloween costume to a white employee who darkened his complexion with makeup and dressed up in dreadlocks and a striped prison uniform. Myers also posed for a photo with the costumed employee.
The costume drew fire from fellow employees as being racially insensitive and could create liability issues for the agency. Myers was recess-appointed by Bush but must be confirmed by the end of the year to retain her post. Although she was confirmed by the Senate Homeland Security Committee by an 8-1 vote in September, some senators are questioning the nomination following the incident.
Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., said he had serious concerns about Myers' nomination.
"I plan to consult with the chairmen of the committees with jurisdiction over her nomination," he said at a press conference.
Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., has also objected the to nomination and voted against Myers' confirmation in committee.
But Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, met with Myers on Nov. 5, and discussed the incident, according to a staff member. "Collins has concluded that Myers recognized serious mistakes in judgment, regrets the incident and apologized. Collins believes she has done good job at ICE and is inclined to support her," he said.
3 comments:
Hmmm, and this is someone in Immigration and Customs Enforcement, representing out government. Can't say I'm surprised.
I think back to Katrina. I remember seeing some pictures of a couple of black people coming out of a store with what appeared to be some basic essentials, like food diapers, etc. The caption under the picture stated, "People have been spotted looting area stores". Another picture, same scenario, with white people. The caption read something like, "A couple gathering supplies". These pictures and captions were released by the Associated Press! I'm sure that there were some of us out there looting. But I'm also sure that that there were a few white people out there taking advantage of the situation as well.
It is a shame that no matter how far we come in this world, it will never be enough to erase the inbred racism in the heart of America. The black stereotypes are constantly kept alive in the news and through entertainment media.
I completely agree with everything stated above in the original post as well as in Erika's comments. What I don't understand is why people continue to think that Black face Halloween costumes are okay? I would think that bad press from prior Halloweens would give people the heads up, but I guess that's just too much to ask. Sigh.
It's not right but it's American. They built this country on our backs and they still continue to laugh in our face.
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