“…These honkeys, these crackers, these pigs, these pink people, these —- people” (New Panther Party spokeswoman on radio)

April 12, 2012 by  
Filed under Americas

New Black Panther Party chief of staff Michelle Williams apologizes after George Zimmerman radio outburst

In her “Apology” Ms Williams threatens a “RACE WAR” – Ok?

 

WTSP

Tampa, Florida – It was an emotional interview for Michelle Williams.

As a community activist and chief of staff for the New Black Panther Party, Michelle is used to addressing many issues.  But when it comes to her passion in the Trayvon Martin case, she gets especially upset and tearful.

WATCH: Michelle Williams’ unedited interview with 10 News reporter Melanie Michael

Through tears she said, “If my words, my words that I had to say out of anger will make the American people address this issue, let it be my time, Melanie. Let it be my time to address this issue with America, that we say enough is enough. We can’t have any more killings.”

Michelle is now offering an apology for her controversial comments.

She spoke openly, “My words were out of anger. I did not incite, I did not promote, nor did I encourage anyone to go and pick up a gun.”

In an online interview this week, Michelle spoke openly of her frustration with what she calls the massive racial problem in this country, especially over the Trayvon Martin case. She admits that her sadness over the case was overwhelming and that she spoke harshly during the online segment.

Her words were not taken lightly and were replayed Tuesday morning by nationally syndicated radio talk show host Bubba the Love Sponge.

Michelle said during that interview, “Let me tell you, the things that’s about to happen, to these honkeys, these crackers, these pigs, these pink people, these —- people. It has been long overdue. My prize right now this evening … is gonna be the bounty, the arrest, dead or alive, for George Zimmerman. You feel me?”

Bubba addressed her saying, “Michelle, really? You are so much better than that, honey.”

“My words that I spoke were very passionate, passionate anger of an activist, of an advocate, of a leader who sat by and watched so much destruction happen. Melanie, my back is against the wall,” she told us.

Michelle is putting out an open invitation to any group – the Ku Klux Klan, black, white, mayors, cops – anyone out there, who wants to talk about keeping peace in the Martin case, she’s willing to listen.

“This whole Trayvon Martin case has been an injustice that America is watching unfold. I feel like I’m reading a Nancy Drew novel right now, because of all the twists and turns. ‘Oh wait a minute, we have him here, no wait, we have him here,’” she said.

In a candid moment during her 10 News interview, she said, “Do I want to see George Zimmerman dead? No. Do I want to see him brought to justice? Hell yes.”

Michelle assured us that she doesn’t want to have anyone out there pick up a gun. “I don’t want violence, I don’t promote violence. That’s why I told you, my words were out of anger.”

Michelle admits that she got a call from Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor Monday. The chief wanted to make sure there would be no violence, and Michelle assured her there would not be.

Michelle also admits she’s gotten a lot of support on Facebook from people who heard her comments. She says they’ve told her, “it’s about time that someone talk about racial problems”… albeit with some harsh words.

Michelle Williams says she’ll keep fighting, no matter what happens with the outcome in this case.  She says the memory of her grandfather keeps her going each and every day.

Then, she adds with a smile, “He’s a white man.”

Photo Gallery: Trayvon Martin photos

More Trayvon Martin stories:

“Fake” Trayvon Martin picture circulates on the web

911 calls released

Racial slur uttered during call?

Trayvon Martin’s death renews Stand Your Ground debate

Who is George Zimmerman?

George Zimmerman seeks donations on new website

Street sign hacked with hate message

New Black Panther Party touts reward, revenge

Bubba the Love Sponge comments on Trayvon Martin

Obama: “If I had a son, he’d look like Trayvon”

No grand jury for Trayvon Martin case

George Zimmerman’s lawyers withdraw from case

Miami Marlins MLB manager “suspended” for Pro Castro / Cuba comment (there is no free speech only PC)

April 10, 2012 by  
Filed under Media

America’s pastime huh? Apple pie and fascism…

 

MIAMI -

Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen has been suspended for five games amid controversy over a comment he made about Fidel Castro.

The Marlins released a statement Tuesday morning, saying, “The Marlins acknowledge the seriousness of the comments attributed to Guillen. The pain and suffering caused by Fidel Castro cannot be minimized, especially in a community filled with victims of the dictatorship.”

 

Time Magazine reported that Guillen said he loves Castro and respects him for staying in power so long.

An emotional Guillen spoke at a Tuesday morning news conference, apologizing again in Spanish before fielding questions in English. He said he was “very embarrassed, very sad.”

WATCH: News conference (English)

WATCH: News conference (Spanish)

PHOTOS: News conference, protest

“I apologize to the people here, outside, and I’m very, very, very sorry about the problem, about what happened. I will do everything to make it better, everything in my power to make it better,” Guillen said.

Guillen has been accused of saying he loves Castro, but when asked at the news conference if he loves the former Cuban dictator, he said, “No.” The Marlins manager said the reporter in the article misinterpreted his remarks and claimed what he really said in Spanish was, “I cannot believe that someone who has hurt so many people over the years is still alive.”

Guillen, who is from Venezuela, repeatedly told reporters he is not pro-Castro or pro-Hugo Chavez.

“I’d prefer to die than vote for Chavez,” Guillen said in Spanish.

A Miami resident, Guillen said that fixing his problem with the community is more important to him than his suspension.

“I don’t blame those people to think what they think right now because they have all the right, because I hurt a lot of people, and I’m aware of that. It’s something, it’s another thing that’s not in my hands,” Guillen said. “If I’m going to be a Miami guy for the rest of my life, I got meet the community every day even if I want to or not, because I live here. I want to walk on the street with my head up and feel not this bad, the way I feel right now.”

RELATED: Marlins struggle to overcome PR missteps

Slideshow: Guillen’s best (or worst) quotes

Will Manso’s Blog: Why Guillen works, doesn’t work for Marlins

Special Section: Miami Marlins

The manager said before Monday’s game he’s had sleepless nights because of his comments and wants to make amends.

“I’m going to make everything clear what’s going on,” he said. “People can see me and talk. I’ve already talked to people. But I think it’s the proper thing to see my eyes. They can see me and ask whatever question they want. I think sooner is better. Better for the ballclub, better for me.”

Guillen said that he will no longer talk politics and that he will stick to baseball.

Members of the Cuban-American community, as well as Miami-Dade County Commission Chairman Joe Martinez and Miami Commission Chairman Francis Suarez, have called for Guillen’s removal.

A group of protesters gathered outside Tuesday morning’s news conference. Some held signs saying, “Boycott the Miami Marlins.”

The protesters were not satisfied by the suspension and the public apologies by Guillen. Some were activists belonging to groups such as Vigilio Mambisa, but others were not.

“There’s no apology. Lack of common sense and stupidity has no room,” said protester Sylvia Unzueta. “How can he guide a group of people to win anything?”

READ MORE

 

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