Another Racist Email and the Consequences

[mimi]

Nashville scene:

Walt Baker, the prominent CEO of the powerful Tennessee Hospitality Association who was a key figure in gaining approval of the controversial $585 million convention center, sent the kind of "joke" email last night -- comparing First Lady Michelle Obama to Tarzan's Cheeta -- that might stop even Michael Richards in his tracks.

UPDATE: Baker says he meant no offense and sent it to what he considered to be "a select group of friends." "If anybody wants to make a political agenda out of it, they're wasting they're time," he tells Pith.

UPDATE, 3/6: Baker sent a one-word follow-up email to the original recipients Friday afternoon. It read only, "Sorry." And today, the publicly funded CVB announced it's canceling its $50,000 marketing contract with Baker's company. Here's the statement today from CVB president Butch Spyridon:

Walt was fired.

Feel free to link to another site for the email in question, but we won't be a mirror for its racist message and content here. Thank you.

http://blogs.nashvillescene.com/pitw/20 ... _monke.php

I'd bet this same chain email is in plains radio forum.

[No Pilikia]

That's great that Walt got fired. The fact that Obama's Presidency will keep outing hidden racists, will be a good thing for the country. Nonetheless, it's sickening to read. Sorry, but I just say again, I'm so thankful for the thousands of miles of water between Hawaii & the Mainland.

[CA Dude]

That's great that Walt got fired. The fact that Obama's Presidency will keep outing hidden racists, will be a good thing for the country. Nonetheless, it's sickening to read. Sorry, but I just say again, I'm so thankful for the thousands of miles of water between Hawaii & the Mainland.

I hate the fact that after 40 damn years we still have these kinds of people. I may not like Obama, but it has nothing to do with his skin color.

[joshaus]

I hate the fact that after 40 damn years we still have these kinds of people. I may not like Obama, but it has nothing to do with his skin color.

You know that is probably the first intelligent thing I've read from you here on Politijab CA Dude. Kudos.

[Justin]

Just a quick note. I have no issue with the discussion of the racist email, but the email itself has been removed from the above post. We can discuss it, we can link to it, but we're certainly not going to have it posted here, which is just another method of spreading its disgusting message, whether that was the intent or not. (It was not, of course.) We want to discuss the issue, not contribute to it. Thanks.

[AuBricker]

I hate the fact that after 40 damn years we still have these kinds of people. I may not like Obama, but it has nothing to do with his skin color.

Except for your dislike of Obama, you describe my feelings exactly. I only wish all the president's opponents shared your view.