Home > Political Insider > Archives > 2007 > December > 13 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSorry about that Rio Grande reference, says Carroll County chairman
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In today’s Carrollton Times-Georgian, the chairman of the Carroll County commission formally apologizes for another commissioner’s use of the word “wetbacks” at a work session earlier this month.
“I apologize to the Hispanic community and to anyone who was offended by the statement,” Chairman Bill Chappell wrote. “I do not believe Commissioner [Bill] Head had any intent to offend anyone and he has confirmed that with me.”
The newspaper said Head also released a statement, but it doesn’t sound like an apology.
“I made that statement hoping to voice my belief that we need to close our borders to all illegal immigrants,” the 82-year-old Head wrote. “This is the reason for the statement, and was in no way intended toward legal people.”
At a Tuesday work session, Head had said that his county needed additional courtrooms because “of all the criminals moving in from Atlanta, and all the wetbacks coming up from down south.”
We assume, but can’t confirm, that the criminals moving in from Atlanta — obviously won over by Carrollton’s admirable quality of life despite the difficult commute — were included in the statement of regret.
Note to our loyal commentators: We do not condone the use of ethnic slurs, either by politicians or bloggers. Don’t make us delete you.
Comments
By Jerry Gonzalez
December 13, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this
Mr. Head’s statement is not an apology. If he does not apologize, he should resign. It is about personal responsibility. He regrets it offended, but does not apologize. Mr. Head should apologize for his own mistakes. Three words: “I am sorry.” Otherwise, he is not sorry at all and he meant what he said. Therefore, he cannot serve Carroll County without bias against Latinos and he should resign.
By Jerry
December 13, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this
Using ethnic slurs is OK in Carroll County! I wonder how Mr. Head feels about: Micks, wops, dagos, chinks, gooks, mackerel snappers, hebes (well, you fill in the racial or ethnic slur of your choice) in his county. I wonder if any of his people reside in his county - you know, red necks and white trash. (Oops, if I offended I apoligize.)
By Another taxpayer
December 13, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this
OOPS! Just a little slip of the tongue! I didn’t mean for that to get out. You know what I mean.
Isn’t bigotry a deep-rooted thing? Let it be subjected to blight, drought, pesticide, herbicide, etc., and it keeps coming back. It may change its facade from time to time and even go unnoticed for extended periods but, it continues to rear its ugly head. Do we all fall prey eventually to some innermost struggle and strike out by blaming that which is most visible? I’m sure I have and I may even do so again - just not with intent to cause harm. For those teachings, whether deliberate or not, are not so readily purged.
Anyway, I think it helps express my thoughts on the issue.
By CL
December 13, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this
Go to thier community and say that. Just put on a white sheet when you say it to dress the part. I hate Rednecks. Dang see here I go.
By big fabric softena'
December 13, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this
When he dies and faces God who is black by the way good riddance on your way to Hell u bigot
By rustylynn
December 13, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
Maybe he didn’t really apologize on purpose. Maybe he meant to offend hoping for a boycott of Carroll County from “all the criminals moving in from Atlanta, and all the wetbacks coming up from down south”
By Paco & Pablo
December 13, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this
Senors,
You forgot to mention that Carroll County Latinos are planning a sit-in protest demonstration at the next Carroll County Commission meeting on Tuesday - December 18, 2007 @ 5:30PM; in hopes tha tCommisisoner William Head will finally apologize for his bigoted “WETBACKS from the south” statement made at the December 4th commisison meeting.
By Sanchez
December 13, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this
Mis amigos,
por favor - send your Feliz Navidad greetings to Senor William Head - Carroll County Commissioner at 664 Sandhill-Hulett Road in Carrollton, Georgia 3180 or telefono numbre (770) 834-8484. See you at the Tuesday - December 18th Carroll County Commission Meeting muchachos.
By Victoria
December 19, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this
Webster’s Dictionary wetback - n. a Mexican laborer who enters the U.S. illegally.
Bill, you are a fine man and you are willing to stand up for what you beleive. You have served your country and county well and have fought hard for your right to say what you think. You have my support as well as the support of many others.
By nancy t mauro
December 19, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this
AMERICANS ARE ANGRY……..
Hispanics come to America for a better life …..so they say. But once planted here they start ‘demanding’ not requesting. http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/m/montebello-flag.htm Sites like the above, across the web disgust Americans whether natural born or ones that have immigrated here. The first 2 English words illegal aliens should learn is, please and thank you. They are not at all trying to assimilate and unite into an established community. First illegal aliens have planted themselves illegally in the U.S….then twisted the American generosity into being ‘all about you’. They have crossed the borders illegally, then counterfeited documents, driven our highways and injured/killed 48, 000 Americans, since 9/11. They have formed gangs and paraded illegal drugs throughout the United States. They have already disrespected our laws when crossing the border, then taken our flag and fly it upside down and below the Mexican flag. These actions are those of terrorists not a people trying to be part of America. It appears that illegal aliens are attempting to turn our country into the very country they choose to leave. So why have they come here?
United we stand, divided we fall. I am confused here ….what does William Head need to apologize for?