gook: john mccain's racism and why it matters by irwin tang

[AngryABCGirl]

From angryasianman.com blog:

gook: john mccain's racism and why it matters by irwin tang
Now that we're looking at the serious possibility that John McCain could be elected President, I think it's important that people are continually reminded: http://www.angryasianman.com/2008/01...ain-still.html of his past use of the racial slur "gook," as in "I hate the gooks. I will hate them as long as I live." He said this eight years ago on the campaign trail, referring to the the prison guards who tortured and held him captive during the Vietnam War: McCain Criticized for Slur: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...18/MN32194.DTL.

The fact that someone running for public office—the President of the United States, no less—would unabashedly use this term, and then repeatedly refuse to apologize for it (he eventually did), is reasons enough for me to question his character. We as Asian Americans are no strangers to racial epithets being thrown our way, whether they're meant as "jokes" or meant to cause harm. Here, "gook" was clearly being used as expression of resentment. The fact that McCain was a P.O.W. does not excuse him from harboring these feelings. Why is this even under debate?

That said, I recently heard about a new book, Gook: John McCain's Racism and Why It Matters by Irwin Tang: http://www.amazon.com/Gook-John-McCa...3718583&sr=8-1, described as "a political expose, a real-life mystery, and a manifesto on race and war, all in one volume." From the press release I received the other day:

The mystery is this: Is John McCain secretly a white supremacist? No American wants to believe it, but one cannot help asking this question after reading Gook.

The racial slur "gook" has a secret history of its own, evolving from war to war, from the U.S. conquest of the Philippines to its occupation of Haiti, to North African colonial conflicts, to the Korean War. The epithet reached a crescendo during the Vietnam War and then infiltrated the common American vocabulary.

Asian American author Irwin A. Tang writes of his own frightening run-ins with the KKK as a child, but he pulls no punches in chronicling the disturbing history of John McCain's relationships with white supremacists and racist, warmongering preachers.

"John McCain supported the rescinding of Martin Luther King Day while sending his own money to terrorists in Nicaragua," said Tang. "That sums up the entire notion of the word 'gook.' Some people, whether they are black Americans or Asian or Latino peasants, are simply subhuman to the most powerful, most cynical politicians."

Gook examines McCain's partnering with leading white supremacist Richard Quinn, as well as McCain's endorsement of hate group lecturer George Wallace, Jr. for lieutenant governor, both actions fitting with his support for the Confederate flag as an official state symbol.

I haven't read the book yet, but it's just too intriguing not to mention here. Obviously, we're not talking about one of those fair-and-balanced examinations of a politician and his policies. Irwin is out for blood, and basically just wants everyone to know how evil he thinks McCain is. Hell, I don't even know if the book is any good. But I am no friend of John McCain. The book will be officially released next month, July 4, and available for pre-order online from The it Works Publishing/Paul Revere Books: http://www.irwinbooks.com/.

[Player 0]

http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.p...xt=va&aid=9341
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.p...xt=va&aid=9169

This article bears relevance, albeit the source is a very leftist one, but much of what is said here correlates to what the book says, and don't think this site is pro-democrat, it's also extremly critical of Obama and Hilary.

[BillBlythe]

He's got the 'whitist' wife I've ever seen. The woman is practically is colorless. That's racist!

[TB4000]

Honestly, McCain is too senile to be prez. I keep thinking he's going to be at a press conference, see an Asian reporter, go into shell shock and start talking about how Charlie's not gonna get the drop on him this time.

[Sunflare]

If he sees an Asian reporter during a press conference, he'll probably get a post-Vietnam hallucinatory flashback, lose the mike and drop his old zombiefied ass on the floor screaming "FIRE IN THE HOLE !!! FIRE IN THE HOLE !!!"

Goddamn war monger.

[Banana]

Eh, had I been tortured like he was, I would harbor some pretty intense bitterness. Hell, I still hate that bus driver from two weeks ago that didn't know how to turn on the A/C.

[AngryABCGirl]

Originally Posted by Banana

Eh, had I been tortured like he was, I would harbor some pretty intense bitterness. Hell, I still hate that bus driver from two weeks ago that didn't know how to turn on the A/C.

I'm sure I would too. But for the guy who might be president, I'm gonna have to hold him to a highest standard. And considering Asia is only gonna grow in clout, not smart having a guy in office using the word gooks freely.

[kimpossible]

I don't begrudge him a slip or thinking it in his own mind but this is where he crosses the line for me, can't speak for anyone else.

Originally Posted by John McCain

"I will call right now, my interrogator that tortured me, a gook," McCain said. "(I can't believe that) anybody doesn't believe these interrogators and prison guards were cruel and sadistic people who deserve the worst appellations possible

Obviously, he equates race as the worst possible label. Senator, I grew up on military bases and I know soldiers like yourself have an arsenal of epithets a hell of a lot worse. I could come up with better/worse than gooks.

Then again I kinda broke up permanently with McCain when I read his stance towards the current crop of veterans. He's taking that stick up the ass lifer vs. short term enlisted attitude.

[Sunflare]

From article in OP:

"John McCain supported the rescinding of Martin Luther King Day while sending his own money to terrorists in Nicaragua," said Tang. "That sums up the entire notion of the word 'gook.' Some people, whether they are black Americans or Asian or Latino peasants, are simply subhuman to the most powerful, most cynical politicians."

It's a well known fact that this man actually voted AGAINST the creation of the Martin Luther King Holiday a quarter of a century ago for which he stated he later 'regrets'. I think Senator Hillary Clinton brought him to task over this fact on the 40th anniversary of the assassination of MLK back in April of this year. She practically ripped him a new one with harsh criticisms over his opposition to the creation of the holiday during the Reagan administration in the early 1980's.

However according to my understanding he did eventually appeal to former president Ronald Reagan for a MLK holiday in the state of Arizona in 1990 which inevitably failed. It wasn't until the year 2000 I believe that all 50 states including Arizona finally resolved to honor the MLK holiday.

Nevertheless, his shady history along with the fact that he once was in support of white supremacists and their bigoted ideology and now with the revealing of his 'gook' comments should be raising red flags and should be giving all minorities in this country the clear indication that supporting McCain in the presidential race might not be the wisest thing to do after all, despite the experience advantage he may have over Senator Barack Obama.

Senator McCain is really starting to sound like an archetype of David Duke. It would not benefit the American people to have a person like him in office as president, given his obvious racist views towards Asians --- and other minority groups in general as far as I see it.

[Yeahman]

I'd love to rescind MLK Day.

When did McCain support white supremacy? A reputable source would be appreciated. And no, Irwin Tang is not a reputable source.

The "gook" comment is so old. Robert Byrd was a Klansman but blacks have forgiven him. Granted Byrd's Klan membership was a lot farther in the past than McCain's "gook" comment. How many years does it take?

I do put some weight in the "gook" comment. He was like 63 when he last used the word. That means he was stupid for a very long time. What other lingering ignorance does he hold? We already know that he knows jack about the economy.

[SunWuKong]

rescind MLK Day? why? hell if they want to give Bush a day, i'd be all for it. it's a day off.

[Sunflare]

Originally Posted by Yeahman

I'd love to rescind MLK Day.

Okay. So ? Why ?

Originally Posted by Yeahman

When did McCain support white supremacy? A reputable source would be appreciated. And no, Irwin Tang is not a reputable source.

Why in the world would you ask me a question like this ? You know that much of the more sensitive information that contains truth and accurate facts involving this government , the truth about American history and it's politics, etc, untainted by harmful propaganda, is not easily accessible via the web ( as the internet and the western media in general is biased, furthermore censored ) but are contained in published books scattered throughout the various libraries in this country. I'm sure the information is there and I really am not going to spend days wasting my time searching library catalogs just to find it for you for the sake of winning an internet argument.

You want reputable sources ? Go get the damn book by Irwin Tang and read. Or visit your local library and look through the old archived books on the shelves and find it yourself. I got better things to do.

Originally Posted by Yeahman

Robert Byrd was a Klansman but blacks have forgiven him. Granted Byrd's Klan membership was a lot farther in the past than McCain's "gook" comment. How many years does it take?

The blacks forgiven him ? What are you talking about ? He practically tried to stall, no completely stop, the Civil Rights Bill in 1964. He filibustered the bill for almost a day or so in the Senate. On top of that he's been affiliated with the KKK since the 1940's and is still probably loosely connected in secret with the scattered chapters of what was the original KKK today.

No I really don't think that's even rational to say that the blacks forgiven him for his errors. Ridiculous.

Originally Posted by Yeahman

I do put some weight in the "gook" comment. He was like 63 when he last used the word. That means he was stupid for a very long time. What other lingering ignorance does he hold? We already know that he knows jack about the economy.

You want see his ugly side reveal itself as he starts to mislead this country and screw us minorities as our 44th president of the United States if he clinchs the presidency and find out ? The hard way ?

Let me put it this way. I really don't think there can be such a thing as a reformed racist. The fact that he made these gook comments before I was born holds no substance. Perhaps a man who is racist but holds no prominent position anywhere in American politics can be overlooked. He has no influence over anything substantial in this country and cant do anything to affect the flow of rulership and politics in this country affecting millions of people's lives.

But this particular man, with the kind of attitudes and irreprehensible reputation that he obviously has, is taking up a position of the highest authority possible in this country. Can you possibly just simply overlook errors like that in that case ? With a man who will assume such a high position of authority ? I think that is taking a huge risk. In fact I think it's idiotic.

So you are saying "I do put some weight in the "gook" comment. He was like 63 when he last used the word. That means he was stupid for a very long time"

Yes you are correct. We can also say that these internal racist views he may manifest towards Asians has also been lingering in his mind to the point that it must be deeply ingrained at this point. No simple apologies will instantly convince people that he has supposedly overcame his ignorance in his day as a Vietnam soldier and a POW, and is therefore qualified to serve as president of the United States. We are in a sad state of affairs with race relations as it is. Should we as minorities fuck it up even more by supporting McCain ?

[Yeahman]

Originally Posted by SunWuKong

rescind MLK Day? why? hell if they want to give Bush a day, i'd be all for it. it's a day off.

That's exactly why I'd want to rescind it. I don't believe in government-mandated no-work days. Give employees more vacations days they can use anytime.

Originally Posted by Crystal Clear

Why in the world would you ask me a question like this ? You know that much of the more sensitive information that contains truth and accurate facts involving this government , the truth about American history and it's politics, etc, untainted by harmful propaganda, is not easily accessible via the web ( as the internet and the western media in general is biased, furthermore censored ) but are contained in published books scattered throughout the various libraries in this country. I'm sure the information is there and I really am not going to spend days wasting my time searching library catalogs just to find it for you for the sake of winning an internet argument.

You want reputable sources ? Go get the damn book by Irwin Tang and read. Or visit your local library and look through the old archived books on the shelves and find it yourself. I got better things to do.

So do you generally believe everything you read on the internet? Have you given your bank info to the trustee of a Nigerian prince's estate?
We need a license to surf. Some people are just not capable of discerning fact from fiction and the internet makes it all too easy for people like Crystal to get duped.

Originally Posted by Crystal Clear

The blacks forgiven him ? What are you talking about ? He practically tried to stall, no completely stop, the Civil Rights Bill in 1964. He filibustered the bill for almost a day or so in the Senate. On top of that he's been affiliated with the KKK since the 1940's and is still probably loosely connected in secret with the scattered chapters of what was the original KKK today.

No I really don't think that's even rational to say that the blacks forgiven him for his errors. Ridiculous.

Originally Posted by Crystal Clear

Yes you are correct. We can also say that these internal racist views he may manifest towards Asians has also been lingering in his mind to the point that it must be deeply ingrained at this point. No simple apologies will instantly convince people that he has supposedly overcame his ignorance in his day as a Vietnam soldier and a POW, and is therefore qualified to serve as president of the United States. We are in a sad state of affairs with race relations as it is. Should we as minorities fuck it up even more by supporting McCain ?

McCain has a Bangladesh daughter, opened up trade with Vietnam, and supports free trade with Korea and China.

What has Obama done for Asians?

[Sunflare]

Originally Posted by Yeahman

So do you generally believe everything you read on the internet? Have you given your bank info to the trustee of a Nigerian prince's estate? We need a license to surf. Some people are just not capable of discerning fact from fiction and the internet makes it all too easy for people like Crystal to get duped.

Hey !! Did I post anywhere in my comments that the internet is a reliable source of information ? You obviously didn't read my previous post correctly.

Originally Posted by Crystal Clear

The blacks forgiven him ? What are you talking about ? He practically tried to stall, no completely stop, the Civil Rights Bill in 1964. He filibustered the bill for almost a day or so in the Senate. On top of that he's been affiliated with the KKK since the 1940's and is still probably loosely connected in secret with the scattered chapters of what was the original KKK today.

No I really don't think that's even rational to say that the blacks forgiven him for his errors. Ridiculous.

Umm, I'm talking about the everyday Afro-American citizen. Obama Barack does not represent the everyday Afro-American citizen. That's like saying Chris Rock represents all of the Afro-Americans community, which is stupid. Stop making blanket generalizations. Most Afro-Americans I'm sure detest the fact that Robert Byrd did what he did and are appalled that he is even in office still. Next time you take your stroll in Manhattan, Brooklyn , Queens or whatever, go ask some everyday black persons about the issue and see the reactions you will get.

Originally Posted by Yeahman

McCain has a Bangladesh daughter, opened up trade with Vietnam, and supports free trade with Korea and China.

So he has a daughter from Bangladesh. This irrelevant fact does not amount to anything. Marriage and/or adopting Asian children in itself does not cure racism.

And I highly doubt that McCain was absolutely instrumental to the fullest extent in the opening up of free trade with Vietnam as you are trying to imply. Senators John Kerry, and Chuck Hagel, were also taking the lead in promoting free trade in Vietnam.

Furthermore, wasn't former President Bill Clinton the one who lifted the trade embargo on Vietnam in the first place during his presidential terms ?

[thaite]

Ok, let's get this straight so i don't have to explain it again:

In the first half of the 1980s Ariz. Gov. Bruce Babbitt approved and enacted an annual MLK state obsercance and holiday in a manner that was illegal according to Arizona constution. His successor Evan Mecham struck down the action and took away the holiday, saying a taxpayer supported holiday should be approved by a public vote. He was bound by law to do so. This caused Arizona politicians to take sides on the issue. McCain took side with those who wanted a public vote.

Okay? OKAY?

Sheesh.