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Los Alamitos mayor to resign over controversy [UPDATED]

UPDATED 12:43 p.m.














-- Tony Barboza

Comments () | Archives (34)

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This story reminds me of a teacher I had at LAHS that always said that only black people live on Farquhar, and routinely asserted her authority over black students by telling them they don't really belong in Los Al.

I liked the harmless joke of a Sarah Palin mannequin hanging from a rope by the neck.
Why are people so hyper sensitive

Remember, he's only resigning as Mayor. In small cities, that's a ceremonial post.

He's staying on the City Council.

I was at a job interview last October in OC when the interviewer started chuckling. I asked her if it was something I said and she replied, "No, it is a hilarious email sent to me by a friend here at work." I look puzzled and she then turned her computer monitor to show me a cartoon very similar to this. I was offended and expressed my feelings. They soon rescinded the job offer, but I was happy not to work with those clowns.

Whether or not Mayor Grose should resign (or be recalled) for his racist expression is moot. He is a pubic official, subject to public scrutiny and his salary is paid by the public. He willingly ran for office and placed himself in that role, tacitly agreeing to be subject to such public scrutiny. Therefore, distributing the (clearly) racist material isn't about ignorance, but rather thoughtless stupidity. Further, his implausible -- no, impossible -- "ignorance" defense was not only stupid, but it was clearly a lie. I can forgive a *bit* of racism (we all have a bit), a modicum of ignorance, and an occasional stupid mistake. One could argue that politicians, by necessity, must even *lie* occasionally to do their jobs effectively. But I would expect even the least qualified politician to be able to generate plausible, reasonably intelligent or at least well-thought-out lies and excuses. Whatever Mayor Grose's private thoughts are, his stupid act, followed by his even stupider, inept lie should win him a resounding vote of no-confidence from his own electorate. Therefore, we don't even need to discuss how racist he may or may not be, this dolt has just demonstrated, without a doubt, his own incompetence to hold office.

@ Joe: You're the first person that mentioned "Texans". I'm a Texan and I see a big problem with it and anyone who harbors such racial bigotry has no business running a town. The resignation is appropriate. You, however, by painting 24 million people (Texans) with the same brush is kind of a bigoted exercise in stereotyping as well. I'm proud to say I live in an area of Texas (Austin/Central Texas) that is far more progressive than anywhere in Southern California with the exception of maybe Santa Barbara certain parts of L.A. You learn something new every day I guess...


I meant that an apology isn't good enough for him to stay in office and that some people think that an apology is sufficient enough for him to stay mayor. I think his apology and stepping down is good enough. What's with the Sharpton reference? Get over yourself. So rude and apparently not very good comprehension of what I was saying!

Can someone please tell me the difference between this Mayor and Robert E. Lee Byrd, Democratic Senator from the State of West Virginia, who was a proud member of the KKK? Why don't we apply the same standards?

I live in Los Al. The rest of the council majority need to resign for backing Grose up. As mayor it was never his job to lead and we cannot stand his hair.

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