Posted on 05/05/2015 9:52:00 AM PDT by QT3.14
A two-star general resigned his command in San Antonio last week after making a racially-charged comment during a lower-ranking officer's disciplinary hearing, the Air Force said Monday.
Maj. Gen. Michael Keltz, then commander of the 19th Air Force at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, told an accused officer that he appeared “drunker than 10,000 Indians” in a photo of him and another airman. The Air Force confirmed that Keltz made the remark, which initially was reported in a blog.
(Excerpt) Read more at chron.com ...
Indians have the highest rate of alcoholism of any ethnic group. Why is this offensive?
Irishmen?
I used to tell my Soldiers, when things screwed up, that the situation was as “wrong as two boys fornicating.”
Today I would get sent to Leavenworth.
“What kind of Indians? Casinos or motels?”
It is racist for you to imply that Native Americans frequent places of gambling and alcohol ...
It’s unwise and unkind (morally wrong) to use slurs about general racial characteristics, but it’s constitutionally protected speech. Additionally, there’s a degree of truth to this particular slur. American Indians do have a very high rate of alcoholism—much higher than other races.
http://www.ibtimes.com/native-americans-tragedy-alcoholism-214046
It’s also very foolish to ruin the general’s career over a single slur. Would a business fire a top employee—one who significantly affects the business’s bottom line—over a single incident? Maybe so, but a smart company would try to keep (and correct) that employee.
This is the unforgiveable sin. In today’s USA, nothing is worse than SAYING something politically incorrect. DOING something wrong doesn’t count.
Words cause outrage. Actions don’t.
-PJ
Had an Indian in my platoon in 1968. After a few beers, he was a raging drunk. Nice guy when sober.
PC gone completely amuck.
We want generals who can lead soldiers, define and execute strategies, win wars, etc.
Not who have to toe a ridiculous PC line.
Although I understand your frustration, I know these people personally and can vouch that at least 70% of the senior JAG leadership in the Air Force is not what you describe. Neither TJAG (Lt Gen Chris Burne) nor DJAG (Maj Gen Jeff Rockwell)is a “liberal progressive lawyer”. Granted, there are some; however, it’s not the JAGs who are driving the discussion, we’re just trying to keep up with the DACOWITS/sexual assault/LGBTXXX/atheist agendas of much of the non-JAG, mainly civilian, leadership. And we stand our ground more often than not, previous senior leadership notwithstanding.
Colonel, USAFR
I’m American Indian and I approve this message... also, I’m a wee bit drunk right now
It was racist ie, Blackfeet and Hohs.
Yes, both are legitimate tribes!
Yeah. You and 9,999 other Indians.
(kidding!)
Geez, is thin skin a genetic trait of some kind?
When I was young, there was a popular expression: “Those kids are as rowdy as bunch of wild Indians”.
I guess we can’t call a Hawaiian soldier-Pineapple?
It’s amazing to me how this country has become so fearful of something so harmless as a colloquialism.
In concept, that's not a bad idea, it's essentially the Honor Code practiced at the service academies for decades. The problem is what is defined as, 'aberrant,' behavior, and who defines it.
I’m some American Indian and am not offended by the remark. It is an accurate description of many American Indians and a well known trait that they cannot handle liquor at all. Some say this is a genetic predisposition. I can tell you that I myself do not like alcohol of any sort in fact. Still, I am not offended.
If I were named Cooter Jones I also would not be offended by the General saying that the accused was “drunker than Cooter Brown or Jones”.
This is pitiful isn’t it?
I don’t see how anyone can open his mouth or do anything without fear of reprisal.
Anything offends someone these days.
It must be horrible in the USAF. I don’t see how you can endure it.
“where there ought to be a share-point, Mil-Connect mass education program on how to walk on Pins and needles.”
I just can’t see how it can be done. What a dreadful, demeaning, tense, humorless environment.
It explains some of the behavior I have seen. Spiritless, lifeless just going through the motions.
I’m so sorry for you all.
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