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Saturday, May 7, 2011

Like Rep. Steve Nass’ defense of Racist Mascots, Conservatives Unapologetic now for “We jewed ‘em down some” comment by Sauk Cty. Sup. Hartje.

Republicans have learned that apologizing is a sign of weakness, and that nothing serious happens as a consequence. Democrats on the other hand think it’s a sign of strength, even penalizing themselves.

But what happened in Sauk County takes race and ethnic negative stereotypes one step further by providing their own common sense ethnically based reasons why they’re not racially insensitive.
WSJ: Sauk County Supervisor Virgil Hartje of La Valle could have avoided controversy if he would have apologized for his remark … During a late night county board meeting in March, Hartje was asked to describe the county's dealings with a contractor to fellow supervisors. 
"We jewed 'em down some," Hartje said.
Incredibly, he offered these just as offensive reasons:
Some have asked him to apologize. But Hartje has refused, saying the word "jewed" is in the dictionary. He said the word is different from other racial slurs because it is a "business word."
“Jewed ‘em down” is a business term alright, use by many fellow antisemitic Sauk County Supervisors.
Supervisor Andrea Lombard of Baraboo has defended Hartje, saying he did not intend to offend anyone and the term "jewed" is common language for some. 
Some supervisors have said Hartje is not the only one to use offensive language at meetings, and therefore should not be reprimanded or asked to apologize.
Well with everyone using ethnic slurs, what’s the problem?

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