Do white americans have awards, tv stations, churches that are for white people only? IE, BET, Essence, etc? African Americans are recipients of Oscars, Grammys, etc. if those awards were for whites only can you imagine the outcry from the elder statesman of the african-american community who still live in the sixties?
Ask Mr. Holder how it feels to be the 1st African-American AG; would you get the same reply if the person asking the question is black or white?

I do think that with racism and not talking about it and what not is a generational thing for sure. The older Americans who lived through that time of segregation are more apt to not want to talk about it to get things stirred up again. Where as the younger generations who know nothing of that time but through pics and videos do easily talk about it and are moving away from any racism at all.

I just hope that in time we won't even have to have this discussion and can all just live happily together!

Cindy...Ga.

I watched the 360 segment on racism with Ron Chistie. I must say it is so frustrating to see a black man so out of touch. You have to wonder what is his agenda, or is he nuts. I believe that for the credibility of the program, you need to have contributors that at least understand the times we live in and understand history. Ron Christie is so far off, that it brings down the professional integrity of the show. I would have much rather see a racist white southerner in that seat, than a black man that is a goof, obviously raised in an all white conservative vacuum, and wants nothing more that to please and suck up to those he serves.

Do have him back again!!!!!

Von Thomas
Los Angeles, Ca

There maybe hidden truth in what Eric Holder said-–but as the Chief Law Enforcement of the US it was inappropriate from him to make such a public statement about "race." He has just stirred the"hornet's nest" again--Barack Obama, just one month ago, became the nation’s first black president--now if your father was African and your mother was white--which to me is bi-racial-then why does the black dominace take presedence? The nation has enough problems without having individuals adding more to the pot to stir.

Mr. Foreman, I agree with you this is a generational issue. The subject of race is a non-issue in my children's generation. In large part, my voting age children and their peers, helped to elect President Obama.

Mr. Holder picked an odd time to call us a country of cowards. He apparently harbors some residual anger that does not resonate with my children or their multi-racial friends.

I am puzzled that the administration that promised hope and change would choose this particular time to make such a divisive comment.

Until people of color learn to accept criticism and get a thicker skin, nothing will change. Whites have been subject to criticism and slander for 40-50 years now. There is no free speech in America when it comes to Whites opinions and grievances.

i think that public officials have no business entertaning any racial issues in this case it his job to serve the public i beleive that from his comments i do not think he will be bias and should resign from the uproar of edgy cartoon and these comments from Eric Holder then along comes al sharpton....i am beginning to see why racism is still alive and since racism is a 2 way street i highly doubt it is going to get any better anytime soon..

On another note the cartoon protest outside NY Post is another good example poor judgement in ending racism I beleive if the black community would have contacted the post and ask for a retraction before it turned into a major racial issue and allowed the posts time to make it right instead of going gun-ho just proves that there is no talking between whites and blacks

This is such a frustrating thing because it seems like African Americans are the ones who, ironically, can't get over race. I'm only 23, and I am accepting of all races... but I cannot tolerate stupidity. Talking about race ALWAYS creates a racial wall of division. The old-timer racists will die off soon enough and my color-blind generation will put the nail in the racism coffin. Holder and those like him are creating the problem.

If you were born prior to the 60's, you probably interpreted that last statement as being racist. (Psst that makes YOU racist.)

I am a post 60's child; however, I do still see the affects of racism. While the racism of today is not as "in your face" as it used to be, it still exists. It exists in the board room, the school room , the justice system and beyond. Instead of knowing exactly what you are up against, it is left to decipher what is really behind the smiling exterior. To this day, I still get questions about "what are you?" If we were beyond race, this would not be a question. We, as a nation, do need to sit down and talk – talk about the questions, the fears and the unknown. Once we do so, we can opefully eliminate some, if not most, of the fears of people who live their lives in ignorance. And that goes for ALL races.

Lots of people are asking one simple question.
WHEN?
I am tired of listening to the same thing but with no news regarding
WHEN the USD on the STIMULUS will be awarded to the citizens.
1.Tax cuts:IWhen they will start?
2.Single and Copules get 400 USD,etc,WHEN?
3.Millions of people that get benefits under SSA(Veterans,Disabled,
Pensions,etc) they may get 250 USD,not clear but WHEN??
WHEN is what matters to the American People because they want
to know WHEN extra USD will come to their pockets.
In my particular case I an waiting to buy me the HD TV. But when could
I do it?All news broadcasts avaoid telling when?
May be because the information is not available?
I do not know but PLEASE if it is,tell the public.
Or when you know,give details because not everybody in these
groups or categories will be awarded the funds at the same time...
Thanks and regards
Hugo Saldias
Denver,Co.

I always thought I had no racial intolerance until the early 1980's when my youngest daughter married a Jamacian. I found that I was very uncomfortable with my friends in telling them about the relationship.

Today at 77 years of age, I have 2 wonderful mixed families that has given me 3 exceptional grandchildren and I strongly agree with AG Holder – we need more open conversations and experiences to enrich as a people!

Racism still exist, however, it sometimes exist when African-Americans make it an issue or when you see cartoon images from the newspapers. Its on the minds of everyone, some talk about it at home and some in the public view. But regardless, a discussion needs to take place. Until that discussion takes place, we can not move forward honestly. It does not matter how much pigmentation you have in your skin, we still put our pants on one leg at a time.

Eric holder comments will be correct for Blacks for the forseeaqble future, as black people sees everything as either black or white.
As a foreign born man it is incoseivable to believe that the black population blames everyone for their problem. They are always trying to get ahead on someone's elses effort.

In the 1960's the great society programs created by the Democratic Party was intended to break up the family unit of the inner city. I think it succedded beyound their wildest imigination. The inner cities are poor because the public school structure and the family structure have brolken down. Until the people of inner cities realizes that their biggest downfall is the Democratic Party, because it forces groupism unto them, they will continue to wait for handouts and blame race relations for everything.

I'm really tired of the lopsided coverage racism get vs. sexism. From everything I've lived through and observed, sexism is a much more common problem in this country. The media goes into a feeding frenzy every time they think they detect a hint of racism. However, they not only ignore sexism, they particapate in it (case in point, the treatment Hillary Clinton got during the campaign).
We just observed a national holiday (rightly so) in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. How many Americans even know the names of the women who got half of the population in this country the vote? Why isn't the 70 + cents a woman earns for every dollar a man earns doing the same job worthy of discussion? I could go on, as could every other woman who's spent any time in the workplace, but hopefully you've got my point.

Comment for Michael Lorton "now if your father was African and your mother was white-which to me is bi-racial-then why does the black dominace take presedence?" First of all, I am black and I have a bi-racial child. The father is Caucasian, therefore our child is white, but bi-racial. Why! Because my embryo was fertilize with his sperm. Which scienitic mean without his sperm or any mans' sperm an embryo can't become fertilized. Conculsion you are what your father gentic genes say your are. It is also biblical noted that the human man is the head of any household not the human woman. Therefore, everychild should take the last name of his or her father ,not mother.
For the record we get criticized from all races.

Our love for the human life regardless of errors, looks, hardships, and disagreements allows us to love each other and others. Love your neighbors "humans" as thy love yourself "human". This is how we as human being will, can, and should overcome the evil that is all ways lurking in dark places.

I am so sick of the whining going on about race. Yes, there was great racial strife in the past. I agree with the likes of Bill Cosby – he tells it like it is to the black community. Stop blaming whites for your problems. What blacks do with their life is THEIR responsibility – not the white community's. As said above, whites don't have their own magazines, radio stations, TV stations. If you get an education (and now you get funding if you're a minority (not white)), you can do anything you want, red, white, black or blue. You don't get things handed to you. My family hasn't and we are as needy as anyone else but, because we're white, we don't get the extra perks minorities do. This is 2009, not 1940.

Commenter Larry wrote "Do white americans have awards, tv stations, churches that are for white people only? IE, BET, Essence, etc?" yes they do Larry! Churches are the most segregated places in the country, can you name me one show on three major networks that has a black or latino in a starring role and you can't be so ignorant as to ignore the fact that BET and Essence came about because TV and magazines were ignoring blacks in their coverage. Larry , you bring up the Oscars and ask what if they were for Whites only, well they almost are. Since the Oscars started in 1929 only 12 Blacks have received the award for acting, and this is the reason blacks came together to honor their own. No one is doubting the fact that racial prejudice is not as forthright as it once was, and it is great that Obama won so that my kids can see someone who looks like them in the highest office in the land but there still needs to be frank discussions about race because people like Larry seem blind to struggle both in the past and those still going on.

I was born in the 1970s, and prior to this election, I never saw people as black or white or brown. I saw people. The media has managed to polarize this nation into color groups, and unfortunately the new AG is only making it worse. No longer do I see people, I see people's skin. And that, isn't making things better at all.

Larry – Yes, white americans have awards, tv stations, churches that are for white people "only"? BET, Essence, Howard University – these "Black only" institutions are far more diverse than your favorite network, magazine, or univerisity. Get a reality check, we live in a diverse yet mostly segregated world.

We all know that we sit in our living rooms at night complaining about how we wish we had someone in office that would state the truth and be completely open with us – well, helloooooo – The Attorney General did just that by stating a grim reality that exist in this country. Racism is something that we do not talk about very much in this country – in terms of actually solving it. Mostly, we all complain about it and advance nothing to solve it. I am proud of what the Attorney General said and more people in all levels of government should do just as the Attorney General. Fact is – as humans and peoples of different colors – we naturally separate ourselves into racial factions because of our comon relation with one another racially and for this we can not help that natural occurence. However, as civilized society we learn to adapt, as well as overcome this natural shift to separate racial factions.

Funny. It appears to me that the subsequent "outrage" over Holder's comment is case in point - lots of righteous lobbing of fixed positions around about who's right and who's wrong versus a conversation meant to widen understanding and perspective. I happen to agree with his perspective, though my "position" on the matter has no materiality. More valid is the proof is in current pudding.

I could never understand why anyone would hate or dislike or prejudge someone because of the color of their skin. I also dont understand why I am hated and disliked and prejudged because Im Jewish. We all are human and different. But we all live on the same planet. If someone dislikes my personality or because of something I have done,fine. Not because of my culture or religion or because of the color of my skin. Its really superficial when you think about it. I think there are people out there who dont realize or know that there is more to life than their own little world that they live. We are not a nation of cowards. We are a growing nation that has a long way to go. I wish we had come full circle but we havent. I dont understand the mind set or the way of thinking that makes one person view others as bad when the only difference is appearance. I cant wrap my mind around that. I just know we are all different and thats life. We have to stop focusing on race and live our lives with the highest levels of conduct and behavior and make it known that only the highest standards are acceptable. Get over how someone looks and live life.

I feel Eric Holder should of never said what he did ,people are people no matter what coler skin they have we came along way sence slavery days ,my husband was bi-racial,are kids are to ,but are chief law enforcement of the us seems to have some hang ups ,he lost my vote.

I find it disturbing that the only ones bringing up racial issues and making racial references regarding any and everything these days is the black man. "Cowards" you say! I call it "Kicking a dead horse". Slavery has been over for a long time and it is a part of history that every child in America learns about in school. We are all very much aware of the atrocities committed by the white man and others I might add during a very dark time in American history but to keep stirring this melting pot is keeping racism alive and well. The only one to dictate that a soul should suffer an eternity for any crime committed against man is the Good Lord himself. Not the black man or the white man or any other race. The white man was involved in voting in the new President Obama too remember. So, I think the white man has moved on and is letting go of the hatred and racism. We have paid long enough so brotha to brotha let it go for Christ's sake as well as the sake of this country.

There is plenty of racism in America today despite the fact that plenty of progress has been made over the years. I see white hypocracy manifest its ugly head everyday and everywhere. In sports, and in the continuous segregation of school in this country. Well white kids go to better equipped and higher funded schools in the Suburbs, black and latino kids go to run-down inner city schools that are failing in record numbers. Is this fair and equal? Cops abusing blacks in white cities and the colorfulness of the justice system use in silencing blacks is not an illusion people.
Anyone who oppose healthcare, childcare, good schools and secured neighborhoods for poor people is equally guilty of racism. Most poor people are blacks, latinos and immigrant, and there is no equal opportunity in this country. Period.

This is to the first commentor, Larry. I hear that argument all of the time. Yes, African Americans have these things, however, African American award shows, the NAACP, black tv stations etc, were born out of a time when African Americans were shut out of the mainstream. There will be a time when these things are not needed, very soon I anticipate. However, our nation has not reached the promise land yet. Let's face it the TV (even though not label as such) use to be white tv, and so on. While moving forward we must not dwell in the past, but we shouldn't forget it either. Especially when the civil rights movement ended less that 50 years ago.

We are not cowards for not talking about a lot of issues. We live in a world of limited energy (following the rules of physics), including personal energy.

If we decide not to expend personal energy on specific issues then it is either by choice or necessity. We cannot be hypervigilant and succeed or survive.

Let's talk about university scams and how, for-profit universities spend taxpayers' dollars. And in terms of race issues, what percentage of those for-profit university students are minorities.

He is a racist. He was totally wrong by saying what he did. If they are going to be playing the race card everytime they get up to the podium
we are in big trouble and are going backwards. Also, Clayburn from south Carolina called the White Governors that were against the Stimulus racist because they have large black poor populations in their states. Here we go !!!!!!!!!!!

[...] The discussion about race is long and deep, and is usually held in homogeneous groups.  The election of Barack Obama, a black man with African and Anglo heritage, is allowing us to hold these conversations more openly . . . but with the knee jerk guilt of many majority citizens, when it comes to policy issues (Governor Jindal is taking federal monies for Louisiana to help repair from Bush’s FEMA disaster with Katrina, but he doesn’t want to accept stimulus funds which would directly impact and improve poor black communities in New Orleans) our discussions morph into debate and end in demagoguery. [...]

Don't ask someone in their twenties about race, because they will look bewildered or ask you about ethnic middle-easterners or, if you live in parts of the west, American Indians. The favour of the month that you are expected to be bigoted about is Islam and Arabs. Generation X (Y?, Z?) aren't afraid of ethic Chinese, Mexicans or Africans because their fears were born and nurtured on 9/11 and the Iraq war. And fear is the base for most bigotry, as your President Obama pointed out in his story about his grandmother. As Eric Holder asks young people for help with his computer, he shouldn't be afraid to ask the young about their opinions on race. It's a generational thing.

To Larry,
To answer your question, white America is America of today. Yes they do have Churches, TV stations, Awards etc. Whenever I watch the grammys, CBS, NBC, ABC and see Kenneth Hagin or those other gospel shows on TBN, I see that it's mainly white folks being displayed. The key difference is that blacks and minorities in general are very overt about their racial procilvities, while whites aren't.

I disagree with the tone Mr holder used. america has made a lot of advancements compared to a lot of other countries, when it comes to race, however thereis still a lot of work to do. Callin the nation a bunch of cowards is inappropriate. At least we've had an continue ot have a dialog on race. Most other countries don't.

Not to underscore what this column is about, I believe Eric Holder could have put it in better terms because anytime you call anyone a coward , you will not get the response that help.

So there are still some barriers that need to be broken, but I for one believe it needs to be done but not all over the news all the time. Let not for the News doesn’t really help in these matters.

As a country i would love to just move and tackle the many more important issue facing our country like the world economy. (Not just ours, when we fail they all fail)The United States is guilty of this major collapse, not every single person but we are destroying ourselves from the inside) Our Military is beat-up and worn out but we must have them for another 5-6 years giving up their blood in these failed wars. we have international tensions what were really fired up during the Bush semi-fascism presidency) Now more than ever we need to look out for out fellow citizen because it doesn’t matter who you are right now, white, black, Mexican, Japanese this crisis is hitting us all. And we need our attention to be on this, because our government can’t do it alone.

The is still going to be discrimination in this country but it is our duty for the fellow citizen when we see our friends, our family, or stranger openly say or do things that are against some for any purpose based on religious, color, nationality, or anything that we tell these people we know or don’t know. "THIS WILL NOT BE TOLORATED, TO THEIR FACE THE MOMENT THEY DO THESE ACTIONS". And to me the people that turn the blind eye are worst than the one committing the crime.

Thank You,

The nerve of Eric Holder, America's first African-American Attorney General, to call our country a bunch of cowards on the issue of race both appaling and comedic at the same time. I think Mr. Cooper summed it up best with his analysis of the time in history in which people were born affecting their outlook on people of different race. The reason why people do or do not make relationships is often based on some common interest. Work, school, sports, and hobbies have helped race relations greatly but most people have a niche, and in the real world its much easier to stick to that place than to reach out, especially at an older age, and venture into someone elses interests.

Its very saddening to see someone in such a powerful position greatly simplify the complex nature of society into summing people up as cowards for not adressing an issue that really is a non-issue. For most young people, race doesn't even come up with most people unless its used to describe someones appearance. With older generations it seems like the terms black and white are mentioned as an insult coming from the opposite race.

I really do wonder how politics work when people like this can be shoved into office. Spending your days in anticipation of the opportunity to to give such a frivilous speech that leads nowhere and acoomplishes nothing seems like the last thing an attorney general would focus on. Take some advice from Obama, Holder, and stop bringing these same old tired ideas to the table thinking you are going to make a change.

I absolutely found his speech concerning "a nation of cowards" very straight forward and found nothing wrong with it; however, the timing was offset considering all the racist issues and the fact that he just taken his oath for the seat and 'barely' received it. It opened the door for one to say what they feel and now let us get on with the other issues at hand; war with Afghanistan, our borders, nominations, stimulus on the state levels, etc . I watched the "Hardball" segment with Pat Buchanan and Georgetown Professor, Dr. Dyson. Does Pat Buchanan want an award for speaking out for others who won't?

To Larry:
"Do white americans have awards, tv stations, churches that are for white people only? "

TV stations: NBC, CBS, ABC, WB. There as many black people on shows on those networks as there are white people on BET shows. If there's a discrepancy it's because there is only ONE black network and multiple white ones.

Churches: Are you serious?

Awards: That's the only one you win on.

Number one, none of these things are so much "for blacks only". Rather, when growing up in a culture in which you are the minority, and everything you are taught teaches you that the majority is superior, you need to find ways to love yourself and support yourself.

If you grew up being bullied everyday by a group of boys, and then finally had something they might want, would you expect the bullies to say "Oh, Larry wants to hang by himself but if we wanted to hang by ourselves, we'd be the bad guys"? No. You'd understand that Larry wants to be alone because all you've done is make him feel like a loser. Why is it different when race is involved?

In order for the bullied child to be more outgoing to the bullies, it would be up to the bullies to extend the olive branch – not the bullied. You want to have your cake and eat it too. You want to control the world AND be loved by everyone in it. It doesn't work that way. The nation's made a lot of progress, but there's always more to go...

Speaking from the point of view of the "younger generation," I do not think that the reason why we are not talking about racism is that we are cowards, but rather the topic is no longer relevant. Having grown up in the San Francisco Bay area, I had chances to interact with people from all over the world, my experiences in college has only widen the number of countries where my friends and colleagues comes from. Through these experiences, I have never seen race being a factor for anyone's performance while in school or the work place. Today where social networking over the internet is prevalent, race has become even less relevant because all you know about the person on the other side of the computer screen when you meet them is their screen name. To us that grew up in the post civil rights era, what racism we do see today seems like the dying embers of a bygone era.

Larry,

Are you blind?

Whites still have dominiance in the media, workplace and in politics. But i guess to you 1 minority is 1 too many.

ABC, NBC, CBS, BET (Yes BET Owned by Whites-Viacom!) are White owned. Then count the number of Black or minority cast on each of those stations and compare it to the number of Whites, Then count the number of blacks or any minority who have one the top award for the Oscars and Miss America and including the President, since its existence and tell me if its evenly split. Then and only then will I think you have a point.

I mean just because the title doesn't say "Whites Only" doesn't mean that they really want it that way....all they have to do systematically, not to cast Blacks on their shows.

I find it amazing that so many news organizations and their commentators. Especially FOX NEWS. Finds it hard to call Pres Obama. Pres Obama. Instead they call him Barack Obama. But in the same breath they call George Bush. Pres Bush. Please for goodness sake show the man some respect

Holder is an unappreciative black man who thinks we need to go back in time and boldly and bravely demean each other again in public .

I listen everyday to your program, and have never heard anyone comment on Oil, and natural gas drilling. I am from Texas, and rigs are shutting down right and left. We have to drive our cars everyday until battery-powered cars can be bought. What can you comment about this?

Attorney Gen. Holdler used harsh language, but his message ranged true, even after reconstruction we're a nation divided. Yes we've come along way, but have a long way to go. President Obama is the perfect place to start. We elected the first Black man to the white house, yet prominent publications, depicks him as a chimp. Let's hope we can on day see, we're all in this together, black, white, brown, we're Americans first.

Political girl (Atlanta Ga.)

I honestly think that the truth lies somewhere in the middle. As a high school teacher, I teach in a smaller town with an African American population of less that 10%. I find that my students have knowledge of the Jim Crow era and a generalized shock and horror that it was ever quite so bad. In personal interactions, they all seemingly get along fine. Plenty of interracial friendships and relationships exist. But, there is still a separation that is tangible, and perhaps it is this that we are too cowardly to discuss. We like to think that we've moved completely beyond racism, but we forget the latent and unspoken racisms that exist on both sides of this black/white aisle. The African American community is very tightly bound, and a certain degree of self-segregation occurs. Some black students overreact to any comment that could possibly be taken as racist. They automatically want to fight and don't understand when I try to tell them that these overreactions and violent behavior only serve to exacerbate the issues. Of course I don't condone racist behavior and deal accordingly with students who truly exhibit it, but there are numerous times that I've experienced serious over-reaction to things. And, there are students who are white who do still hold racist views. Surely and completely. But a lot on both sides are really unwilling to truly discuss the issues at hand. Many white students have no idea about the latent racism that prevents African Americans from getting jobs or other opportunities. They don't see the constant issues that they face and they think racism issues are smaller than they are. Some parts of the black community, though, truly act as if all white people are enemies and make any issue a race issue, rather than addressing the true issues. Overall, basically, I see that there ARE still many issues that need honest discussion. Honest discussion that can occur with cool heads and open minds. Simply assuming that Obama's election suddenly makes all race issues goes away is silly. We still have a long way to go.

I feel that much of the division in America has to do with class. Don't get me wrong. Race remains a barrier, but IMHO, most whites will very willingly accept a middle class and well educated person of color as one of "their own". As fear of the cities has decreased, there's been a large number of whites who've left the suburbs and have moved back into places like Chicago, New York City and Washington, DC. Back in the 1980s, many of these same people would have avoided the city like the plague.

Having grown up a minority in the largely middle class predominately white and well educated city of Madison, Wisconsin, I remember knowing a lot of white kids who had black friends or who dated "outside" of their race. Many of my biracial friends had parents who'd moved to Madison because it was a city so accepting of diversity.

Yet many of these same white people would take issue with Blacks and Latinos who came from the city's economically depressed south side, or with the somewhat large ethnic Hmong community that resided in public housing.

I live in DC now and have noticed similar trends. While my condo building has many Black, Asian, Latino and gay resident owners, we're almost all exclusively from relatively well to do backgrounds and are mostly well educated. The demographic is similar to the white people who live in my building, who I've noticed also tend to be from cities that successfully rebounded from the eras of white flight (Seattle, Portland, Chicago, NYC, etc) .

Contrast that with the parts of DC that are still majority African American. A perception persists that these areas are somehow "poor" and "crime infested". While this is true of some of the more economically depressed areas, the perception ignores the fact that DC has a massive Black middle class and that much of this community has opted to create middle class Black neighborhoods. Places like Hillcrest in Ward 8 stand in contrast of the concept of all black neighborhoods being for poor people. Even within the Black community itself there seems to be a division among class lines.

As a country, we've moved forward significantly since even the 1980s. Watching a show like "Madmen" reminds me of how far America has come since even the civil rights era and that was only 45 years ago.

As far as we've come since the end of Jim Crowe and before that slavery is as far as you can assume we'll be in another 50 years. Someday, what constitutes an "American" will be expanded to include Blacks, Latinos, Asians and pretty much anyone who wants to call themselves an American. I look forward to that day, as it will be a sign that we have again made further strides to form a more perfect union.

Michael "C" Lorton, Virginia & Others Who Want To Know:

The reason why the President race is more dominant to Black, than his White heritage and why he is referred to as the First African American President and not Bi-racial is because of the following:

1. Without a picture of his mother, sister or maternal grandparents, and if his name were Barry Dunham, he would visually viewed as just another light-skinned Black man.

2. The fore-fathers who consensually and non-consensually had relations with their Black slaves and bore light-skinned children, shunned them by enacting the 1/5th person law and 1/8th Black blood law to keep them from acknowleding or defining themselves as White, in order to receive full rights under the Constitution.

Now, those fractions are no longer in existance, but because they were upheld for so long, and still to this day a large number of White families do reject interracing and the children from those relationships and Blacks received those mixed children into the fold, as they have always done when female slaves bore children from their master. So old habits are hard to die.

I was born in 1975. In high school I remember walking with two of my friends, one was black, one was Greek, and we were discussing peer pressure. I noticed that one of us was wearing black jeans as opposed to blue jeans and I satirically said something about how he was dumb because he was wearing black jeans.

I remember this because almost immediately I realized that he was black and was worried that he might take offence to my comment (he didn’t). I also remember this because the first thing I could think of to differentiate us was the color of our jeans as opposed to the color of our skin.

Between young people race is more of a historical issue, however a few of my friends have gotten a “you people” comment from older people which shows that it is still relevant to young people.

I wonder what there is to talk about, and if talking about it just brings up historical grievances or actually improves our lives on a day to day basis?

The Black dominance takes precedence because of a practice that dates back to slavery called the "One Drop Rule" which basically states that any person who is born with just one drop of Black blood is considered Black.

It is very interesting to me as a Black woman that when confronted with the issue of racism, White people (and I do acknowledge the generalization) tend to downplay or minimize the issue, which in turn, minimizes all of the experiences and feelings that Black have experienced. It's as if to say, because I have never experienced it, it doesn't exist. Or they get defensive – which usually is a cover for guilt feelings. And to respond to Larry, all of the tv stations, awards shows, and magazines because for more than 150 years, Blacks were not represented or accepted in mainstream society or media, so we had to develop our own so that our young boys and girls and men and women could have positive images that reflected their own unique heritage. Pick up a Vogue or GQ – how many Blacks do you see on the pages even in the year 2009?!

And granted, racism exists on both sides. But I agree 110% with AG Holder that an open and truthful dialogue about race needs to occur. Because even though Blacks are making stride in mainstream society, we are by no means "there" yet. If we were, such a big deal would not be made of the first Black President or the first Black Attorney General. No one would blink an eye, just like they don't when another White man or woman is elected or appointed to one of those positions.

This is what I believe our socialist president Barack Hussein Obama meant whe he called for change. I have Eric Holder calling me a racist. He may have been right back in the 1950's. The blacks got even when the affirmative action program was implemented. Then they got preferential treatment. A current example of black racism is the city of Detroit. After the riots in 1967, it became a combat zone in 1970. There was no safe place to live. It has been know n as murder capitol of the world. The blame can only go to the likes of Eric Holder. They run the city and cannot blame the condition of it on racism. If they keep burning down buildings at the current rate, there won't be any left in 20 years. I am appalled that a official in high office would make such a statement. If I made that statement, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, ACLU and NAACP would file a lawsuit against me. Apparently they think that Eric Holder is one of them, they won't take any action. I have to admit that this would happend under Obama.

As a Canadian living in the US, I really have a hard time understanding the complete obsession people have with "race".

Why is this even an issue at all? Everyone needs to stop obsessing over their differences. On BOTH sides.

I could care less what the color of your skin is, I care what your behavior is.

Does it really matter that he's the attorney general and said these things? The fact is that he's right! Granted, I think the term "coward" was a little harsh, but as a 21 year old young woman at a private university, I see de facto segregation EVERYWHERE!!!!! Most people, of ALL ETHNICITIES, only associate with people of their same ethnicity. Koreans hang out with Koreans, Latinos hang out with Latinos, African Americans hang out with African Americas, and Caucasian Americans hang out with Caucasian Americans. It's true and its sad. And the things people say in my classes are APPALLING–and this is what they really think of particular ethnic groups. We can only move past racism in this country if we CONFRONT it head on. And we're always trying to sweep it under the rug so quickly that we don't deal with it.

Maybe if we did talk about it, open up to one another, etc. maybe we would get somewhere.

When Erich Holder spoke about cowards he spoke to me and my family.I am insulted. He owes this nation an apology.He owes my son who fought to keep this country free an apology.He owes my husband who served in the United States Marine Corps an apology.
We are a biracial family and we have no problems discussing the racial challenges in this world.I hope that the racial gains we have made in the last hundred years will not be ruined by this administration and that they are not compromiseing the security of our country. We are a strong and proud nation .

The cartoon, drawn by Sean Delonas, absolutely compared President Obama with the chimpanzee. This type of imagery gives continuation to a racist discourse that has been part of this country’s history. It is sad and it is not acceptable. When are we going to learn to live in peace?

I’m one of those 43% of Americans who don’t prescribe to Mr. Eric Holder’s church teachings “Whatever they may be.” And so his words neither hurt me or surprise me.. But in fairness to all the shallow and pitiful out there currently clinching on the prospect of Obama’s Riches and Prosperity.. It seems pretty clear to me that the newly appointed Attorney General is inciting a democratic debate. An argument per say.. One of which is unlike all others. Not a debate in which a victor arises (An argument is won or lost.) But one that spurges a level plainfield. In other words, Obama’s philosophy of Nondiscriminatory Anything Goes Family Moral Values. But then if I’m correct.. Neither Obama nor Mr. Eric Holder are religious figures.. Nor were they elected as such. Having said so.. My take on all this could be wrong.. As I said before.. I don’t prescribe to the Attorney General’s religion, and I don't go to their church to listen to their sermon or intentions.

Living in the deep South, in Birmingham Alabama, I've seen a lot of each extreme of the racial spectrum. From white people who brag about their ancestor's KKK membership to African Americans who seem to try to fulfill every stereotypical image about them – its all here with a lot in between. The in-between gives me hope because that is where the majority is – young people who look at you in surprise if you ask a question about racial divides, who have best friends and dates with people of all colors and origins, who just look at people as people and not in racial groups. Remembering the struggle to integrate the schools down here and remembering the church bombs, I think while we have not yet reached that nirvana of perfect racial equality that we have progressed greatly from where we were a few short decades ago. Perhaps our grandchildren will advance society the rest of the way to where race no longer matters.

Great blog, Foreman!
Cowards? Some of us are. Are we as a nation? That is a trickier question and one that I don’t have enough info to answer. But I do know this, I live in a big metropolitan city, Los Angeles. Youth and liberalism are as much in abundance here as sunshine. But just driving around through different neighborhoods with eyes open you can see the separation of races, even among the folks in their 20’s and 30’s. What will it take to make neighborhoods more blended? How much push will be needed? Only time will tell. Or maybe the real discussion is not how hard racial lines are to cross, but economical lines and how one relates to the other.

TGIF!!!

Larry:Essence magazine was created to celebrate black beauty.When was the last time a black woman was featured on the cover of Cosmopolitian? Also, how many non-white actors have won Oscars? I was born in 1969 & I experience racism on a daily basis. It is alive & kicking.

by no means is america immune to criticism foreign or domestic. our long dirty evil history will not allow it. speak the truth AG

Larry:Essence magazine was created to celebrate black beauty.When was the last time a black woman was featured on the cover of Cosmopolitian? Also, how many non-white actors have won Oscars? I was born in 1969 & I experience racism on a daily basis and it is alive & kicking.

Green is the color to focus on bc it's universal. Multiracial communities are positive. However as long as communities are thriving economically etc. it's probably best to assume that they are a successful community. Great stastics. We base things visually but it's good to know statisically that we have come a long way. It seems as if racism is in the minority, if I dared assume at this. In a short amount of time everyone will be so Happa or multiracial that they will have to come up with other terms to define themselves. Good. This shouldn't be an issue and it looks like it won't be, in time : )

So.. you all think that because we have a black president everything is fair. And there are a few minorities sprinkled throuhgout at top level positions. We are not talking about Will Smith and Oprah, Obama or Clarence. We are talking about equality for regular everyday hard working black folks. Contrary to popular beleif we are out here.

Mr Holder remained a great man whom I will always respect at any time , any hour and any day. His words on Racism shows that he wants dialogue and solution.

Those who are calling Mr Holder a sinner does not know what it is and what Black man and woman sees in the work place, public areas and even how hard it is to get a home. They never become victim to racism before.

Look at the US senate which is more than 200 years old;.only two blacks have ever had the opportunity , look at Attorney general, only one Black man who happens to be Holder, Check at the entire ministries especially foreign offices, it is hard to see black people in responsible positions,, Even now that Obama is the president, he is caged and surrounded by whites. look at Black schools,clinics and of blacks locations, very pitiable, very poor and shameful.etc etc etc..

Racism is everywhere, it is alive and very much part of Americans. Blacks are systematically put on check like the Ibos of Nigeria who are meant to be blocked from growth and development..They are kept in perpetual hindrance and every area of development are poorly or not at all provided. Even their peaceful protest and quest for Biafran nation is always responded with brutality

Why did Katarina hurricane issue handled so poorly by the then government, Jet almost one million Blacks are languishing in prison,why is the large Black population infected of Aids in a country that is helps outside world, why are the blacks underdeveloped,

why did the Senat seat of Obama caused such a high profile problem and why is it that the whites do not need another black man in the senate . Upon only one Black man in the Senate, they whites are still calling for Mr Burris`s resignation. When will Racism ends?

How many Black people are in Obama`s cabinet,? Es ist Schwer. und Traurig.

Blacks are suffering and talking of racism is very important.and it is a matter Americans should be bold to discuss.

I hereby boldly recommend "A National conference on Racism" . American president should apologise to Black people fort the obnoxious crime of slavery which emanated racism. And the senate should pass a law which will correct all forms racism , racist words and names. They should pass a law which redefine colour and sign the Durban Treaty which Bush refused to sign.They should pass a law that will inculcate Black history in school curriculum.

Mr Holder is right,he is a man of God, very open and also he should be given credit for his addressing this issue in the presence of African American gathering.

May God bless Mr Holder forever.

Hi Mand,

I preface this by saying I am a brown american. Having said that, you are right. Yes, there is racism (like police brutality) but there is NO reason for violence against one another, or unprotected sex which leads/led to the impoverished nature of some of the communities of which you spoke. In the 50/60's where were the gangs? where was the teenage pregnancy in the brown community? Non existant/slim. I think that brown people have to get themselves out of their OWN situation. We can't blame it solely on racism. The supposed stuggle is bourne out of what? (Slavery? No. Segregation? No. Nothing is stopping them but themselves.) Everyone can get an education, get a job, enter a courtship, marry and raise a family. Racism isn't stopping anyone nowadays.

Eric Holder is brave for saying it and those of you uncomfortable hearing it are precisely the "cowards" he speaks of. Why should we fear the charge if it is untrue. The fact is that it is true and we know it. I see it everyday in my college classroom. I have felt it as a woman and a professsional and a native american in very acute ways throughout my life.

Holder is the attorney general and now has a legal and moral obligation to confront those issues that stand as a barrier to our ability as a society goverened by the rule of law to truly achieve "liberty and justice for all." This is a legal scholar with a keen perspective and his critique, unlike most people, is one of educated insight and integrity. Saying what is politically correct or popular doesn't serve anybodys interest in America especially in the law. He has proven that he is the right person for the job of Attorney General and though his comments may have been indelicate they were honest.

Racism is like a cancer that has been almost cleared up on the outside but still grows and eats us from the inside. The beast has changed instead of overt, sit in the back of the bus, dont live in my neighborhood, drink from the same water fountain or use the same bathroom racism. It is a hidden beast rearing its ugly head behind closed doors in smaller groups that litmus test eachother before they share their view.

Lets have this discussion again when the next white republican president gets elected and see if he spends his 100K rennovating the bathrooms.

I get a little upset when I hear the argument "slavery was a long time ago, get over it." (White) People seem to think that things have been totally fine for Black people since slavery ended. That's absurd. I'll make an analogy. If you're a 60 year old woman who was sexually abused as a little kid or a 60 year old man who's father beat you silly and let the dog bite you, and you still had major hang-ups all these years later because you never got therapy, people would never tell you "get over it." I'm only 23 so I didn't go through the segregation-era brutality and violence, but my dad is 58 and my mom is 57 and they both experienced it. There's an entire generation that is emotionally and mentally scarred by the kinds of things they endured in their childhood, and NONE of them got any kind of therapy for any of it.

People need to think before they speak. My dad had fire hoses turned on him and the dogs and the clubs and the whole nine, and for people to tell him to get over it is exactly the same as telling a victim of repeated child abuse to just get over that. And not for nothing, but a simple apology would do wonders. We don't want money or anything like that, just an issued apology from the government for allowing the atrocities faced by Black Americans to stand for so many years. It doesn't need to be "White America is sorry," just "the American government apologizes." They did it in Australia to the Aborigines and it made a lot of people feel a lot better.

To: Larry

While there may not currently be any TV Stations that are "formally" for whites only, there are many that are in practice (CMA Awards, Fox News, even the Oscars.) For all the great black actors out there, I can count on one hand the number of black actors who have ever won Oscars.

But that isn't the point. The point is that Essence, Ebony, Jet, BET, etc. exist because they were established during a time when there wasn't such a forum for blacks at all. White people don't have to establish anything specifically for them, because in a society where they are the overwhelming majority, that is the default!! Why don't you move to Harlem for 5 years, and then tell me how you feel when you encounter a friendly white person on the street.

I wonder if you typically pose these same questions about the Hispanic TV channels, or the Asian TV channels. Or is it only when you see things for and about black people that you become so indignant?

I also want to point out that we have a Black President that faced plenty of racism, overt or otherwise. He had to go out of his way over and over to prove he wasn't a Muslim, that he didn't want to punish Whites, that he and his wife "truly loved this country," etc. These questions are never raised about a White candidate. I can clearly recall before the SC primary, people asking OUT LOUD on TV is Obama was "Black enough." When was the last time a candidate was questioned on the basis of "is he White enough?"

Hello Mr. Anderson,
First let me address a comment I read on this blog (Larry)pertaining to BET and the like...... these entities historically were formed due to the fact that all industry at one point was not reaching out to people of color.... There's nothing more behind that..... In this day and age it does seem a bit irrelevant now. But at one point, BET, NAACP, and medias of this nature gave people of color hope for a better life, and made lofty goals seem acheivable for us as a people.........Okay fastf oward to 2009....... Race relations are way better now....... However E. Holder was right, we still have further to go(he shouldn't have used such a tough polarizing word though)...... I'm an african american and I wish I had white,asian,indian....basically a whole diverse group of diverse friends...... More than likely I'm probably to blame for not exposing myself to more......Sheesh even in my love life, I would have love to have dated white woman(their hot), and other races,(except people of latin descent..... I guess they live where I live)...... I harbor no hate for any race.... I've just never gotten past cordial relations to people of other races,which may be due to my lack of approach...however sometimes I do feel I've been timid on breaking the ice w/ different races.........Perhaps I do feel like, "OMG I don't want them to think I'm super ghetto or gangsta, as the hip-hop generation put's it. I only hate ignorance......And that's from any man/woman of any race..... I feel we all need to realize that we are way more alike than different....... I feel the United States is definitely getting closer to being more open about race....... Today's generation is so submerged w/ each other due to shared influences, in music, role models, etc...... They will be better than us....... However we should be proud of electing a biracial President......I have to say that again b/c it felt great..... A BI-RACIAL President...Wow God Bless America. It's ironic that this one man embodies our american story, of White, Black, and even immigrant (his father was Kenyan)..... I sure hope before Obama's term(s) is up, that he will revisit race relations....... After this crisis is over that is.....

I do believe on what he say,American needs to remove out races from their heart if the they believe that this nation was blessed by Almighty God.Race still very high special in employment,some companies want you to call so that they can hear your voice, and if your voice sound as black or foreigner,they done with you! I know we have lazy people who can not do the job very good but we need to be very careful,and intelligently to select the good worker among the lazies.Throwing away all black and foreigner do no good to white at all.

BTW CNN there was a women beheading by her husband in Buffalo NY, but I had to read about it in the Buffalo papers or Fox TV. Why didn’t CNN cover this? You were all over the chimp story! You were not afraid of offending chimps, but you were afraid of offending Muslim. A woman lies beheaded and you were too cowardly to report it! Shame on you CNN!!!!!

Well written Alan Lai!!!!!!! I need to check out San Fran sometime!!

The Borgen Project has some good info on the cost of addressing global poverty.

$30 billion: Annual shortfall to end world hunger.
$550 billion: U.S. Defense budget

Racism is universal! I grew up in Asia, I can honestly say that America is light years ahead of Asia on the race issue! Racism runs amok in Asia, if you think it's tough being black in America, trying being black in Asia!!!!!!

Look at the current university system in the U.S. and how for-profit universities seem to take advantage of minorities using taxpayers' dollars?

We pay for these for-profit universities to make their profits using tax dollars while many people agree that the for-profit university students do not receive an equitable educational service in return?

We should ask ourselves, What race compises the majority of the stockholders in these companies? and What race comprises the majority of service recipients in these companies?

This might be a perfect example of racism based on educational services offered and provided to U.S. citizens.

February 20th, 2009 12:19 pm ET

Do white americans have awards, tv stations, churches that are for white people only? IE, BET, Essence, etc? African Americans are recipients of Oscars, Grammys, etc. if those awards were for whites only can you imagine the outcry from the elder statesman of the african-american community who still live in the sixties?
_________________________________________________

I hate to pick "Larry" out because the above argument is voiced by many people...even minorites. But, what promoters of that argument don't understand is that black colleges, black tv stations, black churches, etc were established because blacks in America weren't allowed to participate in the mainstream establishments. These "black" institutions were formed as a direct result of segregation and discrimination.

If you wanted to argue the fact that those organizations and establishments have outlived their usefulness I can understand your point, but it is ignorant to pretend that there never was a "white" Grammys or "white" churches or "white" magazines or "white" Oscar Awards, or "white" colleges... Just because "white" was not in the name doesn't mean that it was open to all people.

That is why dialogue is so important...many people of all races are holding ignorant ideas and thoughts that are becoming more entrenched because they are not shared and explored. Of course some people will retain their erroneous beliefs regardless of evidence to the contrary, but I believe the vast majority of Americans are sincerely looking for a realistic understanding of the racial situations in America.

I'm American and I love America. Our country is the greatest country now and any time in the past, but think about how much better we can be when we shed some of our dysfunctional luggage.

Racism exist because people can not let it go. Racism also goes both ways and is taught to our children by their parents. I have a bi racial marriage and it frustrates my husband when African Americans play the race card every chance they get. He had worked hard and served his country for 23 years and feels so many more people had the same opportunity as he did. Holder is right that African American history should be taught throughout the school year so lets get rid of Black history month and teach it throughout the year but reality is people will still be upset. He should have picked a better choice oe words when preparing his speech. But is a white man would have made that speech he would have been labeled a racist or taken serious but an African American speaks and we assume his word is true.

We all have biases and while it may be true that the generation born after 1970 may be less likely to see things from a race perspective, I think it will be there children who will see a persons character, and not race a the first factor. I also believe that we talk about race like the family's dirty laundry, it must be discussed, within acceptable circles and in a manner that only attacks that which is no longer socially acceptable. The wold will get better.

Anderson, racism isn't old news to me. What is most alarming to this African American is how hollow the dialogue on race continues to be. On the one hand, Attorney General Eric Holder confronts a silent but strong reality about race, while President Obama evades it.

The 2008 Democratic primary was marred by CNN and other mainstream media outlets creating a racial controversy where there wasn't one. The press turned President Clinton, once known as the "first black President" into something he never truthfully was, and smeared Hillary out of contention for the nomination. Yet suddenly the media wants to have the 'right' dialogue about race? Forgive me for being skeptical of the motives here.

Attorney General Holder doesn't have to look very far to play a meaningful role in changing the metrics of race in America. There are tens of thousands of African American youth (like me) who are out here, with advanced degrees, PhD's and in my case a law degree who would be great role models and leaders for the generation Anderson Cooper speaks about who share a chance right now to live a life free of the shackles of the civil rights movement and achieve true racial equality.

My question is, will he? Will Attorney General Holder lead efforts to convince President Obama that the best way to enact real change is by facilitating a real chance? More taxpayer money? Handouts? Bailouts? Quotas? Absolutely not.

What about opportunities for OUR voices to be heard? What about allowing us to be in our communities helping? I see none of that. Was all this talk of change nothing more than politics as usual? My President seems more taken with photo-ops appealing to red state voters than focused on any notion of racial equality or social justice. That is certainly not change and I certainly don't believe in it. As then candidate Obama often said bringing change requires the political will to try something new.

I'm still waiting.

YES, our country is a bunch of cowards, though it is harsh, however, it is true.

I am an American/Native/Mexican. I have grown up with many different races,color of skin, and religions one common area amongst whites is that you hear them talk about other races, talk down and compare their standing as opposed to others along with very demeaning name calling and in some cases, provoked violence occurs.

It needs to STOP! Whites must open up a dialog and we must stamp out those that promote HATE and LIES (Republicans & Hate/Divisive groups) need to learn about the truth and what it means instead of cuddling with SATAN and his minions, Dick Cheney, Karl Rove, W, and etc...

Our country will unite and we see this as an opportunity to go forward and grow up as a country as we have right now as we came together and elected the most qualified person for President. He was elected not for the color of his skin but by the content of his character.

"And this will be the day - this will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with new meaning:"

My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing.

Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim's pride,

From every mountainside, let freedom ring!

Dr. Martin Luther King.Jr.

I am proud to be an American and so are many others of color, race, religions, have no doubts about that, our country is growing up to be an ADULT.

United We Stand, Divided We Fall!
E Pluribus Unum (Out of Many, ONE)

Larry, I could'nt have put it better myself. Could you imagine the outcry if whites had a tv station labeled white entertainment, or a "white history" month. All these race labeled events just create more division among races.

Mr. Foreman-

It could very well be a generational divide but I do not believe so to me it is a state of mind irregardless of how much time has passed.I liked when Mr. Martin asked the question on the ac360 program a couple of days ago about "would you eat at the table with the white kids", and the african-american student said no.

I am white yet was raised by african-americans I learned that I was different early on but that it did not matter and have seen the difficulties of all kinds of race yet love was the first and foremost thing about how I was raised followed quickly by understanding then tolerance.

When we stop identifying people by the color of their skin which also boxes them into their own culture and instead decide who they are by their character and choices, which is their mind, then we will see people for being people and then race would not matter.We would then be united as people not by ethnicity which is divisive and only causes no good to come of anything but as just fellow humankind of one human to another in unity together as one.

I think it was great for Mr. Holder to cause this dialogue where otherwise there would have been no self-awareness or self-examination and I respect him for being willing to speak up and do just that by calling us cowards it spurred a reaction and debate.

Miranda

I am a white woman and I completely agree with Eric Holder. Covert racism is a HUGE problem. I hear it from my co-workers, who tell sly jokse to one another in whispers, I see it in the faces of the all-white bank CEO's called before Congress to testify (oh, one person of color but he is of Indian descent), I see it in Whole Foods Markets where practically the only people of color are the employees, I see it in my nice upper middle-class neighborhood which is lily-white, and on and on. White people who claim there is no more racism in this country are not really looking. They're assuming that such imbalance in our society is normal.

i think President Obama needs to step in on this AG oust him . One of the Post on here said it is a step backwards and i agree with comment he made regardless whatever context you wish to list it was inappropriate and no different than the cartoon STUPIDITY

Look, for God knows how long, African Americans have been telling America that we have a serious problem when it comes to race, yet White America continues to ignore or shy away from it like the plague, until one day, somebody says a statement that rattles their cages to the core. That jolting you're feeling right now is from Black America telling you we need to have a talk.

Now, if you want to compare apples and oranges, Okay, let's do that.

There are some that say that there is no way that we African Americans can be racist; well, we can, but not to the level that we have seen that has been exuded from the likes of the Ku Klux Klan and ANY of their afiliates. We are asked why do we celebrate Black History Month. Simple: OUR HISTORY IS NOT COVERED IN ANY HISTORY BOOK, AND IF IT IS, ONLY A CLIFF NOTE. We celebrate it because we teach our children that they come from a heritage that has sacrificed alot of the promise of freedom, from the dawn of the American Revolution to the Global War On Terrorism, there has not been one conflict in which we have not participated in.

Time and time again, we have been subjected to police brutality, there is a MAJOR disconnect when it come to the justice and education systems, the chances of a majority of us trying to get an economic foothold is dispariging, there is a great schism when it comes to the hiring practice and trying to get a home loan is grievous, to say the least.

As an African American, I find it disturbing, but not altogether shocking, that every February, some fool kicks some dust up, and through ignorance or incompitence, either come up with an image or a statement that greatly maligns us. WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH!!

We need to talk, and if there is ANYONE out there who thinks that just because the nation has elected its first president of color that we don't need to talk about race issues in this country, I like to bring your attention to the devise and racially charged presidential campaign that John McCain and Sarah Palin ran, I like to bring to your attention to the Republican Senator who came up with that damning CD about President Obama, I like to bring to your attention the cartoon that was Depicted in the New York Post, and as a result of you choosing not to talk, the fiery sermon Reverend Jerimiah Wright gave in church, the conversations we have amongst ourselves that can be heard in our barber shops and at our kitchen tables at night when we eat.

AG Eric Holder is right.

WE NEED TO TALK.

I don't like what he had to say, but he is right. I say this as a white woman who voted for our President.. Truth does not always make us feel good.. Now my husband as a bigot thinks he had no right to say that....

funny isn't it... Guess we need to be uncomfortable to grow.

I agree with Mr. Holder's comments. Reading the comments from SN in MN is an excellent example of why we need to talk seriously about race relations and not just surperficially. Do we think just because we have an African American President that racism has vanished? I am proud of our American Citizens who saw beyond color and voted for the best person for the job. Yes we have come a long way but we have a long way to overcome subtle racism. Or make this a country where we don't have to talk about racism. Survey whites vs. blacks on racism and see the varied difference in their response. Mr. Holder's comments meant to "jog" us into meaningful dialogue to better ourselves. Let's start doing that.

Look, for God knows how long, African Americans have been telling America that we have a serious problem when it comes to race, yet White America continues to ignore or shy away from it like the plague, until one day, somebody says a statement that rattles their cages to the core. That jolting you’re feeling right now is from Black America telling you we need to have a talk.

Now, if you want to compare apples and oranges, Okay, let’s do that.

There are some that say that there is no way that we African Americans can be racist; well, we can, but not to the level that we have seen that has been exuded from the likes of the Ku Klux Klan and ANY of their afiliates. We are asked why do we celebrate Black History Month. Simple: OUR HISTORY IS NOT COVERED IN ANY HISTORY BOOK, AND IF IT IS, ONLY A CLIFF NOTE. We celebrate it because we teach our children that they come from a heritage that has sacrificed alot for the sacred promise of freedom, from the dawn of the American Revolution to the Global War On Terrorism, there has not been one conflict in which we have not participated in.

Time and time again, we have been subjected to police brutality, there is a MAJOR disconnect when it come to the justice and education systems, the chances of a majority of us trying to get an economic foothold is dispariging, there is a great schism when it comes to the hiring practice and trying to get a home loan is grievous, to say the least.

As an African American, I find it disturbing, but not altogether shocking, that every February, some fool kicks some dust up, and through ignorance or incompitence, either come up with an image or a statement that greatly maligns us. WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH!!

Colonel Benjamin O. Davis,Jr, a Tuskeegee Airmen, said it best, "Are we merely to be citizens when the mood suits you?".

We need to talk, and if there is ANYONE out there who thinks that just because the nation has elected its first president of color that we don’t need to talk about race issues in this country, I like to bring your attention to the devise and racially charged presidential campaign that John McCain and Sarah Palin ran, I like to bring to your attention to the Republican Senator who came up with that damning CD about President Obama, I like to bring to your attention the cartoon that was Depicted in the New York Post, and as a result of you choosing not to talk, the fiery sermon Reverend Jerimiah Wright gave in church, the conversations we have amongst ourselves that can be heard in our barber shops and at our kitchen tables at night when we eat.

AG Eric Holder is right.

WE NEED TO TALK. Let us sit down together, talk about the issues that trouble us so, and come up with ways to end this matter that has been a subject of heated contention between our two peoples.

Judges, Attorney Generals, Police Officers, ect. who cannot be color blind and non-partisian harm our country. If they cannot interpret and enforce our laws without seeing color first should they really be in these positions. I am so tired of racism this and racism that. If the New York Post cartoon had been of President Bush or Clinton there would have been no outcry. How many pictures of President Bush did we see where President Bush's expression, face and ears resembled "Curious George"? Where was the outcry then? CNN seems to try to create a great divide – American's who voted for President Obama did so to unite – but our media and now Attorney General refuse to let us.

Of course we are, but mostly denial. Denial about race relations. Denial that the octimom had those babies to make money from the publicity. Denial that republicans will never support The President because they want to win Washington back and they can't do it if he's successful. Denial concerning republican Governor's balking at federal funds for the same reason. Denial that we are already in a depression. Denial that trickle down economics doesn't work. Denial that the previous administration kicked their friends on Wall Street some cash before they left office. Denial that the previous administration invaded Iraq for monetary gain. Denial that the monkey cartoon was racially motivated.....and so on and so on and so on...........

The U.S. is an amazingly multicultural society when compared to most places in the world. Try being Chinese in Malaysia or Christian in a Hindu village in India. Consider how many Hindus are left in Karachi. How many Jews were left in Jordan after the 1948 war not to mention the other Arab countries. Consider what it's like for a foreigner to live in Japan.

The U.S. is one of the few countries in the world where ethnicity, religion and race are not fundamentally tied to national identity.

Mr. Foreman, how come CNN has not run the
entire speech? Focusing on 3 words is bad
journalism. This is another one of the so-called
controversies created by lazy journalists. Look
at how the CNN and other media outlets cover
the issue of race. It is only when there is supposedly
controversy. 360 was lackluster in it's coverage on
the matter by using political pundits. Mr. Holder
speaks the truth. In California there are graduation
ceremonies for Asians, Blacks and Hispanics. I
think people's environment determine how they
feel about race more than anything. Sometimes
people are afraid to socialize with people of a
different race. There is a great PSA on this geared
toward kids. Yes, America took a giant step forward
in electing President Obama. But it does not mean
race does not matter.If it did not , how come I have
to fill in race for a driver's license. The media needs
to do a better job in covering race as well. Please
visit a high school or college at lunch and see what
happens.

We are all HUMAN. Race isn't real. There is no difference between people with blue eyes, green eyes, or brown eyes. It is time to STOP talking about this disgusting topic and wipe the entire concept off the face of the earth for good.

Race is a difficult and uncomfortable subject for people to discuss and any mention of it usually leads to anger and defensiveness, but it's still critical that issues that people of all races open up and start talking. It's interesting that some people believe African Americans are constantly whining about racism, but the people who generally say that are not the ones who actually experience it–blacks aren't bringing up the subject for no reason or because they are trying to play the "race card" every chance they get–there are still instances of racism present in nearly every aspect of society–it has not changed simply because a black President has been elected–not to diminish the enormous progress that represents, but racism still a prevalent and unfortunate part of life for some individuals. It's clear that Holder's use of the word "cowards" has obscured the basic truth of his speech–that we still have a long way to go to overcome this deeply ingrained problem in our society.

I have to agree with the commentor who expressed disbelief and disappointment in GOP pundit Ron Christie–Roland Martin's description of him as "delusional" was a HUGE understatement–it was difficult to watch him bend over backwards to rationalize the despicable NY Post cartoon–his views were completely absurd.

I through his remark was fair and true just think about it. He was simply saying what everyone else was afraid of saying, on the acception of President Obama. I don't understand why so many people are making a big deal about this important issue that we as a nation should discuss on a daily basic but don't. We as America's should have been came pass this generation gap among race and learn from the past. I will be happy to have a discussion about race any day, just being it on. In addition, I know this doesn't apply to the topic that we are discussing but hears it. Did they say all this would FEMA has so corrupt that many people was waiting and waiting then get denied when they were support to me eliable for assistance thought FEMA's emergency assistance program. They simply past good funks behind, and gave to people who didn't even stay in New Orleans or Chalmette Lousiana. I am on social security as has been for years, I was not able to just get up and leave Chalmette, LA were i was staying doing the time of Hurriane Katrina. I was denied for my rental assistance because i was in school and Fema simply denied me for my second rental assistance that was to help what housing for 18 months. I really Think FEMA should get sued, and people who was denied should receive something, because they know for a simply reason that i couldn't afford to pay for rental housing especially after such ordeal. I believe just because you are trying to became an better person by getting an education to be able to live a healthy and well live you should be penalise for that.

Fired up by AG Eric Holder's comment? Good! Now that he's got your attention, I hope that we continue to have this conversation. What many fail to see is he wasn't speaking to a specific race but all Americans. This country isn't just black and white. Let us NOT be color blind but embrace who we are and appreciate our similarities just as much as we do our differences.
AG Holder dares us to interact with people outside of our comfort zone. Is that so bad?

I see talk in these comments about "blacks and white" and "the white community" and "the black community" and this is precisely the ill we need to address. I am Caucasian (not "a white") and living in a community that is largely African American and Hispanic in demography. I live here by choice because we really do need to integrate. I could move 3 miles west and the demography would better match my own skin but we seriously need to stop that! Sometimes I am uncomfortable. Sometimes my neighbors ignore me but I don't care. If we don't integrate properly now, then when?

I love America. I love the diverse cross section of humanity that calls America home because America is not a race of people – it's a special place where people pull together to self-regulate and dream up great things. Where the religiously oppressed and politically or socially oppressed can come and decompress and make a new life – as my ancestors have done. I am so proud of us for electing President Obama and we need to take this ball and run with it. And I might add – if you claim to be religious and yet use terms like "the blacks" or "the white people" or think everyone from south of the border is "A Mexican" then you might think about spending a few extra minutes on your knees. There is no way that God can be happy with that.

As a Black Woman who is apart of this younger generation that is talked about. I date outside my race have friends of different races, but that is not to say that I do not know racism when I see it or that it no longer exist because a)its 2009 and slavery and segregation no longer exist b)majority of white america voted for our current president. So dont lump me in you catagory and I would suggest going into inner city schools and HBCU's and talk to those people of this generation that you speak of and see what they say because I gurantee that they will also say that racism still exist.

I live in Kansas City Mo and this past October a young black man went into a Journey's to return some shoes and one of the young caucasian store clerk typed "dumb n*gger" please do not insult the intelligence with this stupid statment that our younger generation does not see color and racism with them is irrelevant now because they see past that because not all of them dont. This was done to a young black youth by a young white youth.

I also like to add that just because I have white friends or friends from different ethnic backgrounds that accept me for me does not mean that we have moved on as a country, only that some have. We may have crossed some hurdles but doesn't mean there are no longer anymore ahead of us.

I am a AA women, who has seen racism from both Whites and Blacks. I worked long and hard to get where I am today. I never blamed anyone for anything that I was able to change myself. Now, that being said I do have some remarks I want to make. When Blacks weren't allowed to attended all White Schools, people were mad, and went about changing the laws. No, there are Black Miss America Pagents, and Black only schools. Now, how is that right? If you want to be treated as an equal, then you must act like an equal. I am very proud of all the advancements Blacks have made,but I am also still upset that there are still so many people in this world who blame everybody else for their problems,instead of getting out there and making things happen for themselves.

1st black President, 1st AG, ect…. These are effective smoke screens that mask racial issues. Moreover, just because African Americans are progressing in society does not rid the country of prejudice toward other races. Politics aside, both black and White America perpetuate this problem in many ways. For example, Many African Americans feel that whites are boring and snobbish. On the other hand, there are many whites that think blacks are substandard and not even worthy of simple common gestures. It all boils down to misconceptions and a lack of WANTING to accept each other. To fully understand what I am saying, take a fair and unbiased self analysis of how you feel about the other races. I predict that there is a hint of racial pride in your prospective! This is the point that Holder was trying to make.
Lastly, I hope that American can see that the media is the biggest instigator of racial tension.

please do not insult the intelligence with this stupid statment that our younger generation does not see color and racism with them is irrelevant now because they see past that because not all of them dont.

@Tyra, 8:35 pm, thank you for pointing out something that I was going to mention, but left out of my post. It is too simplistic and not particularly realistic to claim that "the younger generation" is totally racism-free.

Racism does exist. When you talk about BET and blacks having their own churches...and stuff what about when white america demanded that blacks come in the backdoor, drink from different fountains and don't you dare forget about ROOTS. The pain and memories do exist and our counter parts must always remember that even thou they may not have been apart of history their forefathers where. And what their forefathers lived and felt in their hearts they passed on to their children. Yes, some of that generation has not died off and those that remain are still harboring undisclosed hatred. I wasn't raised to hate but love everyone and its hard when some don't want to be loved by black people. I too wish that racism would end and that all men could just get alone. A strong discussion about racism and some very formal training should be provided to all americans. We still don't GET IT. We have to live on earth together and become helpers of one another.

The biggest obstacle to desegregation is the will to segregate oneself. The government can open the door to integration, but it's up to the people and their "cultures" to allow themselves to actually go through it.

dear coopper
my name is paola, my question is what is the new govrnment going to do about illigal immigrants. President Obama promise us a lot of thing,like he would give them their green card and paperwork. my mother, she a immigrant from haiti who has no paper but she has three of us. A new born baby, a five year old boy, and me. life is rough for us she can not work, basically life is not easy. i do believe family should kept together, if you send her back to her country which is destroy by hurricanes and there is insecurity too.illigal mothers non criminals immigrant should be able to stay in this country because they been waiting patiently for their paperwork(green card) . you should not separe them from their family.

I appreciated our new attorney general's comments and call for Americans to be in dialogue about the race issue. I celebrate that millions of American voters decided to elect President Obama based upon his character, credentials and not his color. But that doesn't mean that racism is gone. The increased internet chatter documented by the Southern Poverty Law Center verifies the rise in hate talk and racist remarks. I'm also concerned that the opposition of many Republicans to the Administration's efforts to resolve the economic crisis is beginning to look like the return of the Confederacy which is ironic as the nation just celebrated the 200th birthday of Pres. Abraham Lincoln. The recent comments by governors that they may not accept the stimulas package is frightening- they are more willing to let their constituents suffer, then be apart of the solution for fear that the Obama Administration will get the credit. One cannot but suspect that there is some "subconcious" racism operating here.

I think that Mr Holter was wrong to voice his opinions so soon after he was accepted as AG. I have turned him off. I don't consider myself a racist or prejudice. I grew up in a prejudiced home. My parents resented the fact that they had to pay taxes for others who did nothing to help themselves. I have strived to spare my children from that thinking. I do have to repeat MLK's speech-we are not a Black America or a White America, but the United States of America. All I hear about now is Black Caucus, Black History Month The Historic Black President. Where is the Irish Caucus, Polish Caucus, Jewish History month? I think we all need to find a way to get along. I just turn it all off now. I'm not iterested in going down that path again.

@ Kathy, Chicago

The unfortunate reality is that MLK is right but the majority has not fully accepted this ideology. Therefore, there are black organizations that foster African American equality and feel that it is imperative to recognize that the majority will never tackle social responsibility for the minorities. It is also important to realize that ancestry nationality is not the base for racial indifference but color is. To be exact, we do not classify people as Irish American, or German American. These groups are generalized as AMERICAN. There is no special need for ethnic recognition because it bleeds through everyday life. I dare you to turn on the T.V and flip through the channels. I guarantee you will see a consistent homage to the majority that is not limited by a month or an insignificant organization.

I really think some white people feal guilty for there treatment of Blacks. I also know it is something they refer not to be reminded of. One thing every one must remember , no one on earth had a choice as to what color they were to be. Since we are not makers of ourselves how can any one question what God has made. All people of color lived in different climaxs. Some people from India,Pakistan,Egypt and other places are just as dark or darker than some blacks. I respect everyone regardless of color. I think it's wonderful that there are all different races. The world would be a very sad place if everyone looked the same. Every artist loves to paint and create . What makes an artist famous, only his desire to create beauty with the use of different colors and imagination to be different.. To live is to love,give,share,care,understanding and peace to all.

Racism seems to be alive and well in America. There are blacks who are racist and veil their feelings through comments such as Eric Holder. President Obama was not only elected by blacks, but by whites, hispanics, and asians. Without the votes of whites, hispanics, and asians, he would not have won the election. I remember the Civil Rights Protests of the 1960s and there were whites that marched along side blacks in protest of the treatment the blacks were receiving. Lets remember these folks during black history month.

Yes, we are cowards that masquerade around the world as "the brave and righteous." But, we do not have the courage to take a stand against the minority of racist Americans ruining our country. Just today I got a message from the Dyer IN police station full of threats and racial remarks. Over what? My dog that got picked-up! America "the Cowards."
I have the message if you'd like to air it.

Personally I do not know which side to take for, against ,somewhere in the middle on Holders comments. I do know how preciously the Media as whole demands its right to freedom of speech, and I hold that truth to be self evident. Consequently it matters not whether any "person" government official or not expresses and opinion as Holder did.
The problem is the perceived need for everyone to be "Proper" in your eyes or morally or religiously justifiable. I believe your duty is to report exactly what he said in full context, and the environment and circumstances in which he said it.
Then, as an old proverb says "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" or put another way whether what he said is either "fair, reasonable or extreme" will be decided by the reader or listener and he will have his supporters, aginst peopleand others who choose thier own approach like Kathy above. We Americans ( in general) get so hung up on Propriety and morality and the so called right and proper, we forget what made this country great. THE DIFFERENCES, and nothing wrong with comment on that. We could all think of better ways of saying something said after the event, but thats free speech, like it or not!
Regards,
Hodgson.

I found Mr. Holder's comment to be inappropriate and out of step and inconsistent with the current dirextion of the country.

The election of Barack Obama as President and his selection of Eric Holder as AG has me speechless. I am a 45 year old Black Male who sat in segregated theaters in the South.

I must admit. I had no idea that this country had come this far. I once felt that most whites were racist, but I was wrong. America has proven me wrong and my blinders are off......

Whittes are afraid of and reluctant to discuss race because they have to tip-toe and walk on egg shells around the issue for fear of being accused of bigotry and racism.

For exaample what would the reaction be to questions like:
Why are black but not white student unions on campuses OK ?
Why is there a black history month but not a white history month?
Why is a "Black in America" TV program OK but not a White in
America TV program?

Honest discussion could result in devestating consequences e.g loss of employment.

I'm right in the middle. I grew up at the end of Vietnam and remember the whole "Black Power" phase. At the same time, I was going to school with black kids, etc. The older generation seemed more concerned about race than the kids my age. I remember seeing my first bi-racial couple. When I look around today, no one thinks twice about it.
I believe kids today wish the "old folk" would just shut up about it. We've got white rappers, black country music artists, and I personally feel if people quit trying to cram the stuff down everyone's throats there'd be a lot less tension.
Unfortunately we have "extremists" who love throwing fuel on the fire. Roland Martin, Al Sharpton, and others search for anything they can twist to stir up racial tension through accusations of racism. Some days I swear they dream of a violent uprising and leading the way into battle. Kids don't want to deal with the crap and just want to get along. They don't want people out there telling them why they should hate.
There are going to be idiots on both sides of the fence who want to play the blame game for their own shortcomings and failure to succeed. There are going to be those who play the race card because it makes them feel powerful and they've learned it's a great way to get their way. Over time, they'll disappear and become irrelevant. Racism will always exist as long as people are different. There's prejudice against women, obese people, smokers, drinkers, athiests, and almost every other "category" you can put people in. As my friend would say, "Don't let the bastards grind you down". The most dangerous thing is people who listen to others instead of forming their own opinions. Say hello and see who says hello back. As someone how their day is going. You might find there are really good people out there. Some aren't, but the majority are. However to discount an entire race because Sharpton, Martin, Naverette, Duke, or others say you should is the greatest form of ignorance.

Maybe people, especially young people, don't naturally address the issue as much, because to them, it's not an issue. Personally, I've had many college roommates and good friends of many different races and backgrounds. There's not a single racist bone in my body. Sure, we have differences. We tend to listen to different types of music and enjoy doing some different activities to a certain extent. (etc..) But that's based on culture and background. In the end, both sides influence eachother and each individual develops his own identity. Why is that a problem? Complete integration is not something that should be enforced by government. The only thing that should be enforced is the prevention of racist crimes and segregation promoted by public organizations.

I'd like to say two things here this morning –

First, how to contact CNN on-line? It shouldn't be this difficult. Other networks make it easy to contact them. I don't believe that CNN is very anxious to hear from viewers; they'd much rather impose THEIR views on US than hear any of our views.

Second, I wish CNN would give up the obsession and worship of BLACKS. I'm weary of hearing black, black, black, racism, racism, racism...so I keep the remote control in my hand and when these subject matters come up, well, I click! Give it up, CNN, and move onward and upward. You're beating a dead black and racist horse!
And, if you open your eyes and minds, you just might see that there are other people in America, and we come in all colors, all of us with our own ethnic triumphs and tragedies. None are better or worse than the others, for all peoples have triumphed, and all peoples have suffered throughout the ages.
Believe it or not!

Will someone at CNN instruct everyone that it is totally inappropriate when speaking about President Obama, to refer to him as 'Mr.' Obama. This is totally disrespectful of the position he holds. Please correct it!

All the LARRY'S on this blog AGREE !!!!!

February 20th, 2009 8:55 pm ET

1st black President, 1st AG, ect…. These are effective smoke screens that mask racial issues. Moreover, just because African Americans are progressing in society does not rid the country of prejudice toward other races. Politics aside, both black and White America perpetuate this problem in many ways. For example, Many African Americans feel that whites are boring and snobbish. On the other hand, there are many whites that think blacks are substandard and not even worthy of simple common gestures. It all boils down to misconceptions and a lack of WANTING to accept each other. To fully understand what I am saying, take a fair and unbiased self analysis of how you feel about the other races. I predict that there is a hint of racial pride in your prospective! This is the point that Holder was trying to make.
Lastly, I hope that American can see that the media is the biggest instigator of racial tension.

I think he must have meant elected cowards ,affraid of addresing our severe border problems, heck illegals can now sue us for turning them in!!! DISGUSTING

It is true in AG Holter message. the "race" subject is hidden under the rug / table for long time and now one has the courage to face it. It happens in the work place more than any where else. At the surface, management team saying they support diversity, EEO, etc, but when the performance review / promotion review, salary review, etc, at the end of the year, "standard" people often get higher performance / promotion, higher salary raise. the "others" have to work double / triple hard to prove they are competence in compariing with the coworkers. So unless, American face/deal/talk about the "race" opening then this national is "courage". I find Ron Chistie is ignorance and stupid with his comments. What planet is he living on. To me he is in a denial stage and blind, although he is black and talk like white. I switched channel when he opened his mouth on Cooper & Brown shows.

why do we use the words "Celebrate black hisory month" when thier is nothing but horrible memories regardless of strides of accomplishment...I am not a racist but i am tired of everytime i turn the television its black,black,black and its turning to blah,blah,blah......

I agree with Larry's comment. I feel that Blacks have TV programmes just for them and awards and even an entire month, but apprently that's not enough. It's not enough for us to finally have the first black president either. The Jews and the Holocost ... now there's a group that deserve a month. Holder's comment was completely inappropraite. Let me ask you this ... How many times has Al Sharpton rallied for a white person? Maybe Holder should start with him.

The media report on missing children, example of Cassey Anthony. They have a long period of report time / air time on this case, for example. The missing little girl was a cute little white girl, but what about cute little Black / Asian / Hispanic / other ethnics little girls? will the media spend their expensive air time to report in details? not a case; it is also same for big white girls too.

It it is not racism, then what?

First the media must have a courage to report / face / talk openly about race.

If any one does not see the recent cartoon about a white police man shooted a chimp with the message, as racism, then AG Holter's message "nation of coward" is true.

The reaction to the comments made by the first black attorney general were spot on. People tend to say that racism dosen't really exist so much in the U.S., but the fact is passive racism still exists. "A nation of cowards", that is how I would describe it in a way also, because people would rather stay inside of there own comfort zone then to truely understand why things are the way they are. The racism that is experienced in this country has many roots, and most are social and economic in nature. Example's of segration are everywhere, but most people would say that is a self inflicted issue. Poor spanish families living in one neighborhood, poor blacks living in another, and upper class whites and asians living in another. In short though.....We as a country are divided on all things because of class issue's, morals, and our overall and underlying inability to understand that we are not different in the fact that we wish to be all the same; to be happy in our lives.

As a Hispanic and attorney, I did not have an easy life with racial prejudice lurking around but it is unfortunate Holder has a chip on his shoulder and doesn't see what accomplishments have came with all man and woman of every walk of life. His comments are pointless and are a disgrace to all real American heroes unlike what he has proved to be. DISGRACEFUL!

I hope Anderson Cooper reads my blog....I admire Anderson Coopers AC360 CNN Nightly News bringing the dark truth to LIGHT IN AMERICA...

Noel Anthony Haughey

What is CNN's responsibility to stop the division? In the U.S. alone, we are now the DIVIDED STATES OF AMERICA. Rich vs poor, democrat vs republican, black vs white, wall street versus main street, conservative versus liberal, large families versus small families.

Not all blacks take advantage of so-called minority "hand-outs" for college, etc. I personally have not and don't know of any at the colleges I've been to that exist. I for one don't know personally any black person that is sitting around waiting for assistance and hoping for a hand-out. The fact that we have Essence and Bet, etc is only because when they were founded blacks were being left out. They are still around because they are successful. And I don't personally believe that BET/Essence are only for blacks, just mostly. If a white person sings R & B, Hip-Hop, etc., then they are featured in these magazines/networks. For example, John B or Robin Thick. And if we do get a little bit more "assistance" than whites, then get over it because we wouldn't have to if the doors hadn't been closed to us in the first place. Procedures were put in place to try to even the playing field for blacks; they wouldn't have been needed if things had been fair in the first place. I for one don't need or want them but others may and I say in some cases it's justified. Everyone is racist in their on way and that's just life.

@lampe. Well said. I believe that what a person makes of their life is 95% in their own control, and 5% due to what happens to them. When I see people like Sharpton whining about a newspaper cartoon, yet doing nothing to combat rampant AA dropout rates and illegitimate births, I wonder how he can be viewed as a leader. The legal framework for equality is now in place, the rest is up to the individual.

The election of Barak Obama, did not surprise me. It wasn't a shocking event when 52% of Americans of every flavor voted to elect him. All along, I saw Americans as Americans just fulfilling their civic duty of voting for the individual, and consequently for the party, they believed was the right one for the times. The Presidency is not a person but an Office. I firmly believe that thinking Americans didn't vote skin but what they reasoned to be the right choice.

No candidate's personal characteristic marked a single voter's ballot. Each voter, in secret, marked their own ballot and cast it to be counted. In this democratic way, Barak Obama was elected to fill the Office of President of these United States. That is the fact, the reality and the voice of our nation.

Rather than believing in any person, I believe in the idea that is America. The idea that receives periodic checkups and maintenance by calling on its citizenry to elect fellow citizens to fill its government Offices.

I had no doubt that Barak Obama could be elected, so it was no surprise to me when he was. To me, it was all just another normal election process except, that is, for the grossly engorged and obscenely obese lady named Dollar singing...

BTW, have you recently heard the phrase: "Well, we won, so ...." The election was not a landslide mandate although the results were decisive. Let us unite to stand guard against establishing “a tyranny of the majority.”

Today you're the color of a rainbow !

As an "American", I am sick and tired of the word "African American". What does the black community think of the Americans that were born in Germany, India, and other countries. Do they think that just because they are black that they are special? They don't seem to understand that all of us who are not black love who we are, but we are not German American, or any other type American. WE ARE AMERICAN!!!!!.

Kathy, you miss the point,whether you know it or not, the home you grew up in has had an adverse effect on you, it's not black history month, it's american history month, and the look in the mirror is evil, ugly, an disgraceful,no other ethnic group, other than NATIVE AMERICANS, INDIAN, have endured, more than black folks (in) this country, you get to assimulate,I'm a black, black man, want to trade places, I don't think so.You see in the deep south, rather than look in that mirror, everybody else just turned their backs, and assimulated, your sick of it all because it's not you and your children experincing these horrible things that are still happening to black folks all over this country, did you hear about the white man in NewYork , step out of his door, and got shot 41 times, by the police, NO , because it was a black man, not you child,did you hear about the white kid who came down to NewOrleans, from Georgia,to hangout in the FRENCH QUARTER,and two500lb men and one200lb man smash the life out of him, while the policeman turned his back, it's on film,NO,it was a black kid, not your child,his mother would like her child back ,did you hear about the old, old retired white school teacher,back after katrina to soon, in the FRENCH QUARTER,trying to buy cigarettes, got banged up against a brick wall, and repeatedly punch too the face, by NOPDand FBI,I'm sorry it was a old, old BLACK man, guess what they were found not guilty, change of venue, your sick of it because these things don't happen to you and your children,so it continues,down here four little girls got blown-up in church, the world saw it, horrible than ,still as horrible now, but it's not televised,you are not interested in AMERICAN HISTORY, it's still being written,stay tuned, or turn your back.GOD, help US.

Watching americans argue about issues affecting its citizenry is amazing,variety of opinions either good or otherwise,anyway from my own viewpoint the AG hasnt committed any blunder by throwing up this question.Am nigerian,while i havnt seen any prejudice based on my colour largely because i live in my country,my folks&friends residing in the US do complain of such shameful treatment meted to blacks.America attained it present status through the use in part of black men &women shipped across the atlantic over 400years ago,they did defended the unity of the country during your civil war,and if am not wrong they constitute part of the military men in iraq&afghanistan.So Eric was right because you dont ask people who give their life to be second class citizen just because they have different colour of skin.Also african-americans,latinos,indians contribute to the economy just like any other whites.so the issue should be discussed and appropriate law should be enacted to sanction anyone using racial comments.

Hello everyone. I think it is time to end the racism in America. I believe it is horrible and very detrimental to the cause of making this country stronger. The problem is racism is so deeply embeded into the minds of Americans and non Americans from all races it is hard to control. I have seen it personally to friends of mine back in the 70'S. I myself being of Italian, French, Irish and native descent saw hatred directed at me because of who my friends were growing up in the 70'S. People who are filled with hate no matter if they are African, Polish, Italian, German, ect... Do not care what you or I think. They will fight for their cause to the death just as the nazis did for their evil ways. Or just as the kkk did for their belief's. The unfortunate reality is it will not go away in this world system. I did my part by writing a book against racism in early 2000. It is called The-Multi Colored Cross. If you feel the need to do something than do it, but do it humanly and moraly just as Martin Luther King did. A man who had the same belief's in the same God and Lord I do.

An honest talk? He doesn't mean that. If it were to be an HONEST talk, he wouldn't want to hear that it is time to stop making excuses, time to stop the self-pity whining and get to work because his race is NOT the center of the universe, nor the ONLY minority in America. The Obama election has done so much good for American Democracy and Holder is showing the ugly underbelly of his own white racism.

I want to know what stories are being told in the African American culture that keep brewing anger and division and this low self esteem in each generation? It's like the Chinese Americans, Mexican Americans, Indian Americans and Vietnamese don't count as minority groups in the eyes of leaders like Mr. Holder. What about what those races have overcome? Honestly, let's talk about how those who built the Union Pacific Railroad in pseudo-slave conditions are now the most successful people in America. Asian Americans faced huge discrimination in California during the 1850's. Then, 100 years later, whole families lost their homes and businesses when they were forced into camps during WWII. In fact, they are now out working African Americans to the degree that spaces in top colleges are being kept from other 'minority groups' to make room for African Americans because it is not enough for them to earn their way, they want VIP victim treatment. We are sorry. Move on.

Not sure if Holter should have used the language he used. We need to confront the race issue yes, and as long as we keep having the conversation that is an important step. When people stop talking about it and go back into their own corners and comfort zones, that allows the issue to simmer and explode.

The cowards are the AFs who are still blaming the White population for the drug use, unmarried mothers, criminal activity, school drop-outs, etc of the young people of AF families.

I gotta tell you, if you’re going to stand for something then stand for it across the board stop all this pick and choose. The cartoon that depicted the monkey shooting and the statement made by the Attorney General are one in the same both messages are derogatory in nature and have malicious intent. You cannot okay the one while condeming the other or comdeming the one while okaying the other got it so get it stand for it or stop it.
As a post-op TS I have endured discrimination abroad from all groups of all kinds even the ones that lay claim to being discriminated against the most you would think they would be the least likely to commit a discrimatory act given their own trials but they are the first in line to discriminate against me how about that, now is that not the kettle calling the pot black?????

If Eric Holder has "us" as a nation of cowards when it comes to race discussions, let him discuss the issue with a 70 year old Jew, me, or, is "he", too, cowardly, and unwilling to accept my offer. I taught school in Newark, N.J. during the race riots! I have been teaching anti-discrimination in Real Estate for over 25 years. As I'm writing this I am watching Larry King and Tyler Perry, and feel inspired and hopeful while listening to this wonderful young man. While Eric Holder does have a point, he needs to rethink his comment and address the issue in a way that inspires "us" to want to be better. Also, as I begin my new career in my 7th decade as a life coach, I offer my services to Mr. Holder free of charge!!

Hey Eric Holder: We voted for a Black man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

hang in there everybody, a new dawn is here. Old wound will healed.ONE LOVE.

Worldwide, there appears to be a inside struggle concerning race since his-tory has been distorted somewhat to have one "class" of "people' appear better than others. This has generated anger and resentment. Until we all can see each other as one in spirit and treat one another as equals......the divide will continue. There is a shift occurring that is forcing us to look outside the box and embrace all cultures so as to establish lasting peace within our global planet. We all must 'know ourselves' and be honest from within before we can embrace the idea of a unified planet with all working as one yet still maintaining our individuality. This should be our aim and objective if we are to save this planet. It will take time but change is a way of life.

Cowards might be an accurate description of Americans when it comes to the issue of race. I think a lot of the problem is that white people have almost nothing to gain from even bringing the subject up. If minorities really want to talk about race, sex, religion, ect., they are going to have to accept that they are going to hear things they don't like and disagree with, and they should stop going into attack mode every time this happens. Pointing fingers and calling people racists doesn't really help keep a reasonable and civilized conversation about racism going.

Although I understand what the Attorney General was trying to say, better word selection was needed to prevent the play on words that is happening today. The real issue that the Attorney General was trying to highlight is that we have more work to do when it comes to race relations in this country. Many people are saying that well "there is a black President" so there is no race issue any more. WRONG!! I think we have started to talk about race relations in this country and by having a black President; this will help us start the discussion with more ease.

However, what are we talking about? This is what the Attorney General was trying to get at. We have to have more substance in what we talk about and not talk just for the sack of talking. I work for a company where there is still inequality when it comes to the sheer numbers of blacks and whites employed. Many of times I find myself in the room of about 30 or 40 people and I am by myself....where there are no other blacks represented. Then I am approached by the others in the room with caution. This has been the case for years, even in college however, I believe I am not lucky to be the black in the room but that the others are unlucky due to they are missing out on the chance to interact with other blacks. Sometimes this is a problem, if the one black in the room doesn’t represent well, it leaves the others with an inadequate impression which they roll forward to each situation they have when they encounter a black person. Just like we come in multiple shades, we also come with multiple backgrounds, values and personalities.

I believe that criticism of the word selection used is warranted, it is only fair but let's move on and not miss the greater point here or the bigger issue............we have to move race relations forward in this country and this could be the best time to do so.

The people who comment here saying "stop playing the race card! just let it go! slavery is over, people!" just make me laugh. I experience racism nearly every day (and I don't even live in the Deep South) and I'm supposed to just laugh it off or keep it to myself? Why? Why shouldn't I be allowed to bring it to attention?

I'm biracial and I grew up in many different environments and see myself first and foremost as a human being. I am not bringing anything upon myself or playing any sort of race card when OTHERS discriminate against ME. It's ridiculous how some people insinuate that racism is the victim's fault for not 'letting it go'.

By the way, Kathy, Jewish History month is in May.

I agree with everything the att. gen said at news conference a few days ago. regarding americans & race.

SUBJECT: A Special Prayer on Behalf of President Barack Obama our 44th President

O Lord, we know thou are perfect and without fault like Rush Limbaugh, Hannity of FOX News, Columnist Star Parker, Armstrong Williams, Glenn Beck, Pat Buchanan, Pastor Hagee, Lou Dobbs and others.

However, after placing President Barack Obama under the conservative microscope we found many faults and imperfections in him. And so we demand that you (GOD) apologize for creating such an imperfect PRESIDENT.

As Patriots and Christians we discovered irrefutable proof. That President Obama ears are too large or too small, he is either too fat, or too skinny, too tall, or too short, over qualified to be president, or not qualified enough, too late, or too early, too Black, or too White, too criticized in the media, or not criticized enough, too smart, or too dumb, too far left, or too far right, too cool or not cool enough, he is either from Hawaii, Mars or Kenya, if he goes up, he should have gone down, if he goes in, he should have gone out. But we always find something wrong and nothing right with this-your imperfect created being.

He is ether a Muslim or terrorists, he is either with us or against us, he tries too hard to win over republican, or he does not try hard enough, his speeches are too long, or too short, he is too confident, or not confident enough, he is too family oriented, or not family oriented enough, he is too liberal in spending tax payers money, or not liberal enough, he is too patriotic, or not patriotic enough, he either wakes up too early or sleep too late. But we always find something wrong with him and nothing right.

He danced too good at the Presidential Balls, or not good enough, he either dress too good, or not good enough, his smile is too accepted by the American people, or not acceptable enough, he is too loved, or too hated, he respects Muslims too much, or not enough, he associates himself with too many different religious leaders from various religions, or he does not. But there is always something wrong and nothing right with our 44th President of the United States.

Unlike The Honorable Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and other perfect human beings. So please O Lord, make President Obama perfect like President Ronald Reagan, Hannity of Fox News and others.

So, Lord, if you do this. We the patriots and Christians will preserve family values. And join you in your holy and conservative world in the hereafter. Amen, God bless America and thank you (God) for your service.

GBR
Retired United States Armed Forces
A concerned citizen and brother of all humanity

I think that some people may have been surprised by his candor on the racial topic as we have spent a lot of time trying to make sure that we don't mention it. To our progress, it is not always on our minds as it was more obvious in the past. However, we continue to have disparities that influence the progress of some groups of people. For this reaason, we need to continue to mention the not so obvious only as much as we look to improve those conditions for all. For example, it was mention on Don's disucssion of this comment, that our prisons are still disproportionately filled with men of African-American heritage. Children with disabilities are disproportionately identified to be mentally retarded around the county. These are the reasons we must never put a blind eye to issues when we can make a difference. After all dignity and respect begins not at the press conference but in the back room of the school and in the small corners of our homes where we may forget who once resided there.

If we are going to have a discussion about race, discrimination etc..then lets have a REAL conversation that hears all sides and all stories: its not just a black versus white issue..there is the First nations and their genocide; the terrible treatment of the chinese building the railroads...the discrimination and prejudice against the Irish when they came to this country. A race of people in their own right oppressed for 800 years before escaping to the new americas to face more hatred..the imprisonment of the Japanese during WW2...the zenophobia towords Latinos and Arabs....this is a class issue and a fear issue....There are many, many well educated and sucessful, wealthy black people in all areas of politics, medicine, finance, business, professional teaching, medicine, science, entertainment and sports...the list goes on...yes, there are poor blacks who face discrimination and their are plenty of poor whites that face discrimination too. Are you smart enough? rich enough? thin enough? politically correct enough? talented enough? young enough? Somehow being "white enough" seems to matter alot less than it did 50 years ago. Lets get up to speed with the real issues.

Being born female is still the greatest indicator of inequality out there.
I predict that gender will be replaced with age as the greatest indicator for inequality in the future.

HEH !Dave i can get over racisim but it always show its ugly face. im from NC and i can show you towns in my state if you are black you might get ran out of town. so dont sit here and tell me we cant get over it. tell your white counter parts to get over it. and you no whats sad most of us just want to work and live a comfortable life but cause the color of our skin we are denied jobs.

He's right. We are cowards. When we point out that the best way to guarantee a lack of upward mobility is to have a bunch of kids from different fathers and to try to live on welfare or disability (while still popping out kids) it makes certain people angry and puts my health at risk when I discuss reasons we have a permanent underclass.

There lots of racism.When my check dont come in the mail the postoffice don't help and act like they don't care. Reperations are needed for all the injustise.

I am from the state of Mississippi, where if you talk about race, many people see you as a trouble maker or stirring up trouble!

Obviously most people have not read Mr. Holders speech and have just ran with what the media pointed out. PLEASE READ HIS SPEECH and then comment.

State of Mississippi has been taking hostaged under radical thinking and radical (KKKs) figures for a long time, now! Some of these figures are politicans (State/Local) and pastors. I am a Mississippian, I do not consider myself Black, White, Yellow, Tan, or etc.

I just don't understand why my state hasn't woke up and taken a stand on our racists divide. I mean, talking opening about it, across ethnic divide. I am not talking about naming things after an African American or creating holidays. I am talking about seriously, having a conversationing about it.

Some of my fello' Mississippians might say, theres nothing wrong with Mississippi, their lying! Plain and simple!

Mississippians are scared when anyone mentions race. We go into a coccon mode.

We have more churches in our state then we have schools and we still don't live be the good book. We preach the teaching of Christ but don't live by it.

Mr. Holder had it right, We are a nation of cowards, I know my state of Mississippi is a big part of that equation!

If you want to see how a racist divide can hurt a state, then Mississippi is a prime example, PERIOD!

Another thing, when you have state congressman and woman that have been in poitical office for 20 to 30 years, you can cancel any racial equality out the window, period!

Freedom Riders: We are a grass root social movement, trying to take back southern states from radical individuals (politicans/ pastors/ and etc), who use our churches and citizens like toliet paper, just for political gains. We have been growing in masses around the south since 2004(VA,FL, TX, MS, GA, AL, AR, TN, SC, NC, KY, LA,). We are working to change southern radical thinking. Opening discussions and finding solutions on social issues.

Cowards!!! I take offense to that for the simple reason some of us do discuss race. However, those in politics live in Lala Land and Holder is owner of some prime real estate there. He is not like me, didn't suffer the same inequities as most blacks, and is in a position that most blacks, whites, and others will never attain. So please save the "Coward" comment for those whom you serve beside, because our country has real issues and those in power are the greatest contributors to those issues.

Some people seem all worked up about the NY Times gorilla cartoon with explicit, racial finger pointing going on, but why don’t we examine for-profit universities that some also accuse of taking advantage of minorities using taxpayers’ dollars? Isn’t this a racial concern?

Maybe we can look deeper than the whole cartoon scandal in the NY Times when that same newspaper is selling for-profit university advertisements that are connected to scams all over the Internet. Now, that’s scandalous!

Isn’t the American society and the U.S. Government losing terribly in these setups? Isn’t anybody concerned? Fleecing U.S. consumers and U.S. taxpayers through our education system is truly an attack from within and a racial concern, since some point out that minority students are explicitly targeted by these for-profit universities.

Are for-profit universities the only well-lubricated, NASDAQ endorsed, Corporate America/U.S. Government setups out there that seems to consistently fleece taxpayers? This might be a perfect example of racism based on educational services provided to U.S. citizens by the U.S. government, through the pretext of business enterprise.