Did You Need More Proof He’s a Dick?

1. Nader could have made the exact same point without using the term “Uncle Tom”. Using such a term isn’t “edgy” or “ballsy” or a “powerful statement” – it’s just insensitive and inflammatory and smacks of racism. And in this case, Nader’s attempt to call Obama to task was completely and understandably overshadowed by it, so what was the point? “This isn’t showbiz?” He was on godammned Fox News – what the hell else did he think this is?

   As for him being “cut off before he could explain” – he started to say something about the “historical use of the word”, as if somehow everyone would then collectively go, “Ohhhh, now I get it – he was employing the *historical*, non-racist definition of an Uncle Tom, rather than modern, “blacks kowtowing to whites” definition. Whew!” He had a chance to put it in the proper context from the beginning of the interview (assuming that was possible) and he chose not to. He’s either being a jerk or clueless.

   *I get it* that he was trying make a point that potentially had nothing to do with race whatsoever. Despite that, he used an insulting term that’s irrevocably racist, in reference to the first black American president in history, and let it stand. Why? You can argue “the point” he was trying to make all you want – I might even have agreed with it – but he poisoned the whole thing with an inexcusably insensitive phrase in an attempt to make some sort of clever analogy.

   If you still disagree that his quote isn’t racist (intentionally or otherwise), then by all means, present the Nader’s “Choice of Uncles” question to everyone you meet who voted for Obama. I’m sure they’ll focus on the context and intent of your argument, and not get all offended and stuff.

2. tact was never ralph’s strongest point. as a matter of fact, he doesn’t even like people, which is painfully obvious. would he have said that to an african-american reporter? or any african-american? and if so, what would their reaction be?

3. If he had said “does Obama want to serve the corporations or the people” there would have been zero press. Now we are talking about it. Nader clearly doesn’t care what people think about him. He cares about getting the issue of corporate control discussed. If he could do it another way he would, but in our society this is pretty much the only option. My take on the point of the Obama revolution is that it’s time to be adults now and actually listen to the substance of what people say, even people we may not like. It’s about growing up not calling people “Dicks”. Come on Stranger, you can do it.

4. WTF, he needs to go the fuck away, and learn to keep his mouth shut.

5. Uncle Tom is not a racial slur.

   Have any of you even read Uncle Tom’s Cabin? I bet the VAST majority of you haven’t read it or much of anything else for that matter. Well, go on and let an a-hole anchor at Fox News make fools of you all.

6. I think in the post-election excitement, Paul Constant is being a bit too rabid. I voted for Obama and support Obama, but I admire Nader. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with what he said. Too often we treat racism like a great finger pointing game (FOX and these comments) instead of looking at real people and real issues.

   FACT: There are TON of poor black people in the country.
   FACT: Obama, as president, COULD play a major role in helping these people out.
   FACT: If he were to screw these poor people over, he could be considered an Uncle Tom.

   It’s a bit racially charged for a white person to call a black person an “Uncle Tom,” but Nader wasn’t name calling. He was merely suggesting what Obama’s legacy could be.

   chill the fuuuuck out

7. Whether or not you want to debate the historical meaning of Uncle Tom and where or not he was making a valid point….

   …Ralph knew saying it would be controversial and he is a dick head and despite his past achievements….he can go fuck himself now.

8. I wonder if we had an Asian American President, if Nader would say something like, “A Chinaman’s Chance”?

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