John McCain: “I hate Gooks” (Updated and Bumped)
I’m updating and bumping this post to highlight an update below. This story is gaining major traction.
From the San Francisco Chronicle on 2/18/2000:
“I hate the gooks,” McCain said yesterday in response to a question from reporters aboard his campaign bus. “I will hate them as long as I live.”
As you can see from my picture, I am Asian by heritage (specifically Korean). I immigrated (legally) with my parents when I was four months old. They had two suitcases, a baby, and hope for a better life for themselves and their future children and grandchildren. We have lived the American dream.
Growing up, I heard stories of what life was like during the Korean War. My parents and grandparents fled down the Korean Peninsula to make it past the Pusan Perimeter with North Korean Communist troops at their backs. Their generation reveres General Douglas MacArthur and loves the United States of America for the brave sacrifices made in the defense of liberty and freedom. These were not small sacrifices: 36,516 American dead, 92,134 wounded, 8,176 MIA, and 7,245 POW in only 3 years.
John McCain was one of 2,459 POW/MIAs from the Vietnam war. I honor his service. I am thankful for his sacrifice in a way that only someone who understands all too well that were it not for the United States and men like John McCain, I would likely be digging trenches for Kim Jong Il in a labor camp or dead instead of sitting here writing this blog post in the comfort of my home here in Silicon Valley.
I can only imagine the pain inflicted upon John McCain and his fellow POWs by his North Vietnamese captors. I can understand his hatred for these evil men. I don’t judge him for his emotions when he remembers his experience.
At the same time, I am dismayed by a United States Senator and Presidential candidate’s use of the racial slur “Gook.”
Despite being called out on it by the media and Asian American advocacy groups, he refused to apologize. He claimed that he only uses it in reference to the specific North Vietnamese who were holding him captive, as if this should make it okay.
What an individual former POW says in the privacy of his own home, or amongst his personal friends is their business. What the most famous Vietnam POW in America says to the public using the MSM’s megaphone aboard his campaign bus is not just his business. It’s America’s business.
If John McCain had been beaten and robbed by a couple African American gang-bangers, would he be justified in announcing aboard his campaign bus that he hates niggers? Or what about a couple ’spics or wetbacks? Would it be okay as long as he clarified that he was only referring to those individuals who had robbed and beaten him?
Of course not. Words have meaning no matter how many caveats you put around them. The backlash from black or hispanic groups would have been fast, furious, and justified.
I don’t believe that he is a racist. I believe that he is angry and it is a deep seeded anger which has been refined in the fires of hate deep inside his soul for decades. Nonetheless, a man of John McCain’s position and stature using this kind of language sends the message across the country that racial slurs have an acceptable role in our national public discourse. He is contributing to the coarsening of America and validating the some of the worst instincts of the ignorant among us. Afterall, if it is acceptable for John McCain can use the word “Gook” why should anyone else or society at large be held to any higher standard?
*******************************************
UPDATE: This story is getting major traction. Here’s McCain’s response from the San Francisco Chronicle via Jonathan Martin at the Politico:
“I’m not going to waste my time,” a visibly tense McCain said when reminded of his quotes in the column. “You can say what you want. I’m proud of my record, my service with my comrades. And if anyone has any criticism of that, I can only say I stand on my record and my Silver Star, my three Bronze Stars and my Distinguished Flying Cross.
Huh? What do his medals and commendations have to do with his use of a racial slur? This is the classic McCain response to anything he doesn’t want to discuss…become indignant and hide behind his military service.
Please help Mitt get the nomination. Make a donation to his campaign today.
February 1st, 2008 at 4:30 am
Wonderful, thanks for sharing some of your personal story with us.
February 1st, 2008 at 9:31 am
Having spent time in Korea, I too know that there is no country as appreciative of American sacrifice as Korea. Unfortunately it is mostly held by the old generation as the younger generation wasn’t around for the Korean war. Hopefully the younger generation comes around as well.
You are spot on in your explanation of the impact of John McCain’s statement.
February 1st, 2008 at 10:12 am
Excellent piece. Thank you for the perspective.
February 1st, 2008 at 11:47 am
If John McCain is the standard to which we aspire, we are a sorry lot indeed, and on many fronts. Governor Romney simply outclasses him at every turn.
February 1st, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Thank you for such a well written sentiment. You are dead on. I hope you talk louder and louder until America hears.
February 1st, 2008 at 12:24 pm
I am of Korean heritage as well and I find this really offensive. How many groups is McCain going to marginalize before he completely isolates himself?
February 1st, 2008 at 12:28 pm
This in support of a man whose religion teaches that blacks, or niggers as David Kim used in his column, are the cursed seed of Ham and only elevated blacks from their second class status in 1978? Until VERY RECENTLY, Mormonism was virulently racist. George Romney’s civil rights marches notwithstanding, most blacks are aware of this and will never vote for a Mormon because of it. It is precisely what Al Sharpton was referring to several months ago, and it is a reality even if you want to dismiss the message because of the messenger. Trying to fight a “who is the bigger bigot” battle with John McCain is one that Romney would lose every time because all McCain would have to do is crack open the Book of Mormon (and the great many other Mormon writings) and relate what it says about blacks. (He could also relate what it says about Christians, but that is another story for another day).
Also, Romney chose to be in the party that ever since it openly started courting the Strom Thurmonds, Jesse Helms, and the people in places like Boston and Chicago that used to start race riots over busing and would vandalize the homes of whatever blacks moved into their neighborhood. Whether you want to admit it or not, there is a reason why 90% of blacks vote Democrat and follow people like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. Even the GOP justifications for why blacks don’t support them are the typical racist code words: blacks want handouts, are soft on crime, and whatever. You folks are right now suggesting that Republicans should back Mitt because of people like Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity endorsing them. Well, do you want tapes of what Limbaugh and Hannity used to say about blacks in the late 80s before talk radio became this national phenomenon that everyone was paying attention to and were forced to tone down? Limbaugh was every bit as vile as the other New York race baiters Bob Grant (since fired for cheering the death of Commerce Secretary Ron Brown), Don Imus, and Howard Stern. And Hannity, who is from ALABAMA and used to tell the Dixiecrats down there what they wanted to hear before Fox hired him, was even worse.
February 1st, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Maybe, the reporter got the consonant wrong - ‘I hate the Goofs!’
I do to Goofs like David Kim who knows much better. I hate goofs like -
http://hickeysite.blogspot.com/2008/02/john-mccain-willards-queen-rat-and.html
February 1st, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Hoperully, McCain will bring himself down. Is this getting news? Maybe tim Russert will ask him if he stands by that comment this Sunday on meet the press. Jm refuses to debate MR on Meet the Press. He is truly a coward.
February 1st, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Frozone Imitator,
Your use of the typical Liberal talking points is even clumsier than usual for someone from your side of the spectrum. It makes me wonder if you read any of my post other than the n-word.
Did you not read my comment that I do not think JMC is a racist? This post is not about bigotry so much as it is about what kind of language should and should not be part of our National conversation and the role of our top leaders in setting that tone. This is the principal failing of JMC and his use of the word Gook.
By the way, what are you trying to insinuate/imply by highlighting my inclusion of the n-word? The point is that the word “Gook” is every bit as loaded and hurtful as the n-word to a substantial portion of our citizenry. Yet, it doesn’t get the same “outrage” from the MSM. Perhaps because there aren’t as many Asians. Perhaps because we don’t tend to be as vocal in our complaints…there are lots of potential explanations.
If you have anything other than Liberal talking points to say that is reasoned and well thought out, please feel free. Otherwise, please don’t waste our time.
February 1st, 2008 at 4:37 pm
I am surprised by this comment. I thought Mr. McCain claimed to be a compasionate man? Perhaps he forgot about this, just like a few other things.
February 1st, 2008 at 5:48 pm
How is it the word “Macaca” sank George Allen and “Gooks” gets no play on the liberal media?
I know the answer — because a liberal said it so it is okay.
But we all know if that man gets the GOP nomination, this little tidbit will get HOURS of play on TV.
February 1st, 2008 at 6:21 pm
McCain is not used to being held accountable for his words or his actions. I simply tune him out. He has always been rude and offensive. If he becomes the president, I guess that’s a pathetic reflection of American culture.
February 1st, 2008 at 6:37 pm
It’s me, the real frozone. I suggest my impersonator look up ad hominem attacks before he posts again. (He’s tipped his hat as the evil twin, so I’m good to go
)
But I’ll clarify (as he, like all McCain supporters, is clearly confused). It is the conduct of a man that is his measure. Governor Romney doesn’t call people “Jerks” for asking serious questions:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2zx3-0zOPs
He doesn’t make pained faces when others are answering questions. He doesn’t swear at others the disagree with him. He doesn’t blow his lid at every little thing. And he absolutely does NOT use racial slurs.
He answers the questions, and even when badgered, controls his temper, sticks to the facts and treats everyone with dignity and respect (even when that is not reciprocated, and when they clearly don’t deserve it). That is the measure of a man, how he acts towards and treats others, especially when he is not treated well himself.
That is the intent of my first comment, that is what is painfully obvious to every other opened minded participant on this blog, that is the point you missed. Spare us your bigoted irrelevancies and contrived cheap shots.
If anyone doubts that Governor Romney is not the better candidate from a simple people skills perspective, I question your judgment on everything else as well.
Oh, and thanks, impersonator. That you support McCain (or Huckabee, doesn’t matter), warms my heart. I wouldn’t want any of our supporters to spew vitriol like yours on other’s blogs. As impersonation is the truest form a flattery, I’m glad you try to impersonate me and not McCain, but your words bely your true nature, so keep trying.
February 1st, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Good story.
I lived in Arizona (Oro Valley - right outside of Tucson) from ‘99 - ‘06. We had a software company working with the county governments. While Mr. Kyl was “our” Senator and Mr. McCain was the Phoenix money candidate, we put up with his banters and democrap leanings cause, well he couldn’t really hurt us much.
I heard more hate/disrespect for McCain than Kyl the whole time. While Kyl tried time and time again to gain things/issues for Southern Arizona, McCain only seemed to take care of the power in Phoenix and totally forget the rest of the state.
After listening to 4 of the past debates, started paying attention in December, it is clear McCain is the war candidate. I’m not too sure if Romney isn’t also.
When will we see more of the candidate that is not wanting to create more “blowback” problems for the United States? How much more of Romney’s money is he gonna use to promote his run?
My take on the whole S.H. and the media supporting either McCain or Romney is the fact that they both will face hard times against Hillary/Obama or Obama/Hillary in the fall. Only because of both thier lack strong history of being strong on the Constitution, for smaller government, for less hand-outs.
Just my .02,
Daniel S Cochran
Conway, SC
PS. I know TL;DR
February 1st, 2008 at 9:23 pm
McCain is a pathetic, somewhat deranged, old man. He thinks a winning campaign consists of repeatedly saying, “Pick me, I’m a leader.” I can’t think of any true leader having to declare himself in that way. I guess McDeranged thinks leadership consists of telling lies about his opponents and sticking to the lie even when his media buddies point out he is wrong.
February 1st, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Hi David,
A political leader (or anyone for that matter) should not be using demeaning and devisive terminology. I’m glad that this incident is being reported. McCain has quite a history of colorful language, comments, smirks and snide looks. Is this the type of man that we want to represent our country?
February 4th, 2008 at 11:56 pm
His adopted daughter happens to be Bangladeshi, I think. If he is truly a bigot would he adopt a child from a South Asian country?
I’ve read in other news blogs where people were questioning his ability to be objective in dealings with Asian countries based on his “gook” comment, but it’s just plain stupidity to lump the nationality of his capturers with all the other nationalities of Asia.
Typical of liberals.
February 5th, 2008 at 3:21 am
Hi Bev, I think you’re right. I’m not calling him a bigot. I am calling him out on his use of language and the example he is setting…and he may be encouraging others to be bigots.
Thanks for reading.
February 7th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
I am a die hard Republican - the thing is McCain is not a Republican. He is a political cross-dresser at best. He has been promoted by the media while other candidates have not been. The media has a huge influence in this country and it is amazing that smart people don’t think the media has their own agenda, they very clearly do. In addition those “very conservative newspapers” that supported McCain, that McCain bragged about to Mitt Romney that the conservative newspapers in Massachusetts were supporting him over Romney..are the furthest thing from conservative. They among other mainstream media sources have had a huge part in downplaying his unpopularity among Republican’s, also in not reporting, failing or forgetting to report everything that he has done to vote against Republican’s.
On the litmus test issues of our time, only partially excluding Iraq, McCain is a liberal.
– He excoriated Samuel Alito as too “conservative.”
– He promoted amnesty for 20 million illegal immigrants.
– He abridged citizens’ free speech (in favor of the media) with McCain-Feingold.
Now when someone from his camp was asked why they think he is so unpopular among Republican’s they state that it is because he is so outspoken, and such a maverick. As far as a definition, maverick by the way is given to someone who is unpredictable… and that is not what Republican’s want in a representative. The truth is if he was outspoken on REPUBLICAN issues they would love him. Democrats love him as the Republican candidate because he shares their view. When Bill Clinton was asked earlier in the race, when McCain first started making a comeback what he thought the debates would be like between Hillary and McCain if they ended up being the nominee’s… Bill Clinton said “Boring because they agree on so many issues”
McCain wanted to switch from the GOP to the Democratic party just a few short years ago! He supports the rights of people sneaking over the border! He wants Amnesty! If pushed he said “Alright I’ll give them the damn fence” He is a war hero, but that was also 40 years ago! Bush has allowed McCain to happen. Bush has also because of his extreme tolerence of illegals made the Republican party look bad. It is not that I want the country to go down the toilet in the next four years, the fact is IT IS GOING DOWN THE TOILET NO MATTER WHAT - And when it does I don’t want it going down the toilet on a Republican’s (albeit Political Cross-dresser that he is) Let it go down the toilet on the Democrat’s watch… This is the only chance we have of getting a REAL Republican candidate in the White house next time. If we support McCain now - which is what he expects - it is like telling the rest of our generation that this is the Republican party and also that you can be a Republican cross dresser and we’ll put up with it because we have no other choice. The only clear choice in this strategy is Hillary. If Obama gets the White House and does not succeed they will forgive him, he needs time to adjust, he has no experience, he has never even been in charge of anyone in any sort of managerial position before. We need Hillary - to fight against this fake Republican party that has surfaced - to give us time to re-establish the Republican party - to let McCain know that we do have a choice -
America needs to wake up and stop believing everything the media tells them!!!!