The Nut Doesn’t Fall Far From The Tree
Posted by: la-t-da on: September 15, 2009
American flags have been flying off the shelves since April in support of the Tea Party protest. One of the flags often seen is the Gadsden Flag: The yellow flag depicting a rattlesnake that is coiled and ready to strike. The infamous words “DONT TREAD ON ME” are positioned below the snake. The flag is credited to American general and statesman Christopher Gadsden of South Carolina . Gadsden was the leader of the South Carolina Patriot movement in the American Revolution.
The current depiction of the coiled rattlesnake snake credited to Gadsden is traced back to Benjamin Franklin. As a means to thank the British for sending their convicted felons to America, Franklin sarcastically recommended that the colonists send rattlesnakes to back to England. A few years later Franklin used the rattlesnake in a political cartoon depicting a snake cut into eight sections. The sections represented the individual colonies. New England was combined into one section as the head. South Carolina represented the tail. In the cartoon Franklin used the words “Join or Die” as plea for unity in defending the colonies during the French and Indian War. The snake later wiggled its way into the Boston Tea Party and the American Revolution.
The Gadsden Flag has now become quite popular in the Tea Party events of current day. Back in April when the Gadsden Flag started flying of the shelves, flag retailer Kerry McCoy had this to say.
For many the “Tea Parties” are very political, for others the events are purely business — and really good business. Flag companies and other retailers carrying patriotic items have seen these flags fly off the shelves. According to Kerry McCoy, owner of FlagandBanner.com in Little Rock, Arkansas, “I wish I would have thought of it sooner and bought all the Gadsden Flags flags on the planet.
Now goodness gracious, with the aforementioned history, past and present, in relation to the Tea Parties, why would the man depicted in the video below be so upset that a few folks who were walking around selling Gadsden Flags? Obviously he does have a real problem with “ACORN”, as he keeps screaming it following a few flag vendors around the 9/12/09 Tea Party protest. Just kinda odd to me. I would think he would be thrilled these people were promoting the Gadsden Flag during this current day Patriot movement as a show of support. Maybe he is just upset that anyone would be exploiting the Gadsden flag for profit. Or maybe he is just upset with ACORN with all the problems that many have had with the organization of community activists during the 2008 primaries and general election. Who knows? It is really hard to get into the head of another. But thank goodness the police showed up to help escort these people out for the safety of everyone.
68 Responses to "The Nut Doesn’t Fall Far From The Tree"
September 15, 2009 at 12:47 PM
Reminds me somewhat of the counter-demonstrations of the late 60′s-early 70’2.
September 15, 2009 at 12:50 PM
How do we know they were ACORN, caroline? Because this man said said so?
September 15, 2009 at 12:53 PM
And if they were from the organization ACORN why would he be upset they are selling the Gadsden Flag?
September 15, 2009 at 12:55 PM
Just a few quotes:
ACORN is a fraud!
The signs are for the profit of ACORN!
Get outta here, ACORN!
The prophet of ACORN!
These people are ACORN in our protest!
You got the wrong symbol here, boy!
September 15, 2009 at 12:59 PM
I can’t watch it at work. Sigh.
Was the guy who was being called “boy” AA, La-t-da? That is straight-up racist, no question.
September 15, 2009 at 1:07 PM
The thing just confused me La. I missed the boy comment. Need to watch it again. Though it makes me nervous as all hell.
Mad, yes the kids were AA. Just kids too. In a sea of white.
September 15, 2009 at 1:11 PM
Yes, Mb. These were three black people, two women and a male teenager.
September 15, 2009 at 1:19 PM
“Boy” was the blatant racist comment, but I didn’t see any of his fellow protesters coming up to him and say, “Hey dude using ‘boy’ is considered a racist comment.”
Shouldn’t people point out statements that are historically used as racist comments to others whether the people pointing this out are conservatives or liberals.
What I am saying is that I think some people are now using the word ACORN to mean black people. I’m pointing out the subtlety of racism rather than blatant comment.
Without the “boy” what the fuck with the terminology “wrong symbol” regarding the Gadsden Flag. Wouldn’t that symbol cover all Americans?
September 15, 2009 at 1:33 PM
La,
Yes, I think you are right. Acorn seems to be the new code word for black people. I knew I didn’t like those tea party people. How any left leaning person can think this tea party crap is just a bunch of fed-up Americans is beyond me. Though I do think that some “fed-up Americans” fell into their trap.
I’m not watching that youtube again La and you can’t make me. It scares the crap out of me.
September 15, 2009 at 1:33 PM
Yup, LTD, I agree that the word “boy” was just the cherry on top. Obviously the comment implied that he did not deserve to wave that flag even before “boy” was added.
I think there is a lot of subtle racism in these protests. I keep coming back to that colonial flag I saw at the one in front of Carolyn Maloney’s office. You know what was going on then that isn’t now? Slavery.
This whole thing of being “patriots who believe in the Constitution” seems racist to me too. Like they are the only ones who care about the Constitution. I care so much that I was calling for Bush’s impeachment years ago. Where were these “patriots” then?!
There is a whole attitude of “we belong here, this is MY America” emanating from these protests that screams “white supremacy” to me. Again, they don’t say it outright, but it sure feels like it, especially when the pundits they worship pretty much admit it.
September 15, 2009 at 1:49 PM
“Though I do think that some “fed-up Americans” fell into their trap.”
I also think that some just “fed-up Americans” might be there. Many in the right or left are fed up. As “fact” from the 9 minute video, I watched none of his peers confront him about the “blatant” racist comment.
From “my speculation”, I wonder how many “fed up Americans” walk away from any Tea Party event going, “Damn, some of those people are racist” and they never return, or return to another event and just keep their mouths shut about any racism they have seen or heard.
September 15, 2009 at 2:05 PM
I agree, LTD and CNAK. There is real outrage out there over health care. A lot of people don’t know what to do, so they go out and protest because this is the only the group doing it.
September 15, 2009 at 2:06 PM
Back in the primary I had a real problem with acorn. I had some not so nice things to say about acorn back then. That was then and this is now. Things have changed. Now that the RW has obviously decided to use “acorn” as code speak, it makes it difficult to speak out about some of acorns practices. I friggin hate all this crap!
September 15, 2009 at 2:08 PM
But Madamab, The tea party people are outraged by the exact opposite reason that I am. Why would I choose to join with them??? I don’t get it?
September 15, 2009 at 2:10 PM
Mad, Maybe you are saying they are not thinking things through?
September 15, 2009 at 2:13 PM
CNAK – Well, obviously we wouldn’t! But remember we are political junkies. Most Americans have no idea who is behind these protests, and the GOP is very good at making their policies sound mainstream, when they are actually batsh*t insane.
Besides, some people don’t care how Obama’s health INSURANCE reform is stopped, they just want it stopped. I want it stopped too, but not because I don’t want government in my Medicare! LOLOLOLOLOLOL
Someone tried to recruit me recently on my personal site to the “Constitution” cause. It was so obvious to me where they were coming from, but I have been steeped in the propaganda for so long that I twigged to it right away.
People I work with went to the first Tea Parties and never went back. I think LTD is right, some people are most likely one-timers only.
September 15, 2009 at 2:15 PM
CNAK, I am just saying they are unaware. The corporate media claims that these are grassroots protestors. Why would the average person who doesn’t like what they’re hearing about health care think anything different?
September 15, 2009 at 2:17 PM
Mad,
Well, I hope they wake up soon because what they are doing is not helpful. LOL
September 15, 2009 at 2:23 PM
Madamab,
You mean to tell me that some people still believe the media??? LOL
September 15, 2009 at 2:27 PM
Even when the Lame Scream Media credits FreedomWorks and their ilk, and even interviews their spokesmen/women, many people, even “political junkies,” refuse to acknowledge the significance.
September 15, 2009 at 2:31 PM
LOL CNAK! Apparently they do!
Cinie – And that is the other side of the coin…NOT believing the media even when (for once) they are right!
ARGGGGHHHHHHHH
September 15, 2009 at 2:32 PM
I was in ACORN in the mid 80′s to help with voter registration. If “ACORN” is the new “code” word, I guess there are “ACORN lovers” as well. This shit never ends in this country.
September 15, 2009 at 2:39 PM
But let me clarify – I am not making excuses for PUMAs. PUMAs should know by now what these Tea Party people represent. If they persist in defending the Tea Partiers then they are defending racism and rightwing nutjobbery.
I am talking about the “fed up Americans” La-t-da was mentioning. I do not count PUMAs among their number. PUMAs are political junkies by nature.
September 15, 2009 at 2:44 PM
Buh…buh…but…MaaaadaaamaaaBeeeee, the “Dimocrats” suck, tooooooo!!!!
September 15, 2009 at 2:53 PM
Okay, I’m the Widdershinnian Contrarian again. “Boy” and “girl” are not always racist. My family refers to their next generation, their kids and friends alike, as such for as long as the previous generation lives, so I’m am living with “girl” into my sixties. That can just be being southern, analagous to displaying our crazy relatives. Now, I do not support calling someone that you do not know well by these appelations, but they are not always straight-up racist, they can be just straight-up Sothronese, as Jimmy Buffet would say.
September 15, 2009 at 2:58 PM
For the record, Chatblu, “boy” to a black man from a white person is always offensive. So is “gal” to a black woman. Better to err on the side of caution.
September 15, 2009 at 3:03 PM
Contrary away, chatblu (LOL), but the white man did not have a Southern accent and if he was “Southern” then he would have experienced his own racism for being with an Asian women, whom I assume was his wife.
You know the one that he threw his coat at the end of the video so he could be interviewed when he said “Hold this” as he was throwing it at her.
From my “Southern” experience. White men usually said “sonnie” not “[house] boy” to white boys as derogatory. Either way, that man was probably the only person that was using racial slurs there at that particular 50,000 person Tea Party event. (snark)
September 15, 2009 at 3:03 PM
I caught the “racism” when the man yelled…Boy!”
I don’t give two hoots what anyone says…This man was not only motivated by his hatred of ACORN but there was a tinge of “racism” in his attack on these people.
So much for their claims of…”Freedom of Speech and to assemble” huh?
His accent killed me though…..”Hey! This is AY_CARN..AY_CARN!”
September 15, 2009 at 3:09 PM
Chatblu -
Sorry, my love, but Cinie has it right.
Cinie permalink
For the record, Chatblu, “boy” to a black man from a white person is always offensive. So is “gal” to a black woman. Better to err on the side of caution.
I will share a story with you. When I was a child, I went to day camp. I was playing a game and a boy started acting like a jerk to me. I started crying and then I was asked who did it. I didn’t know the kid’s name, so I pointed and said “That boy over there.”
You guessed it, the kid was black.
That was my first exposure to the fact that calling an AA “boy” is racist. I never forgot it.
September 15, 2009 at 3:12 PM
Cinie, just for the rest of the record, I have been addressed as “girl” by black men and women as well, if they knew me well, and I have never taken offense. Perhaps we are from different parts of the south – it’s a fairly large region. I do agree that it never correct to address someone whom you do not know well in such a fashion. LTD, there are a number of southern men, black and white, who brought home brides from both Korea and Vietnam, my first cousin being one. She is a lovely person, and we love her dearly.
September 15, 2009 at 3:14 PM
Chatblu, it is different when a white person is addressing a black person.
September 15, 2009 at 3:21 PM
Like I said, “It is really hard to get into the head of another.” Maybe he would have done everything exactly the same if they were 2 white women and 1 white “boy” who were in the organization ACORN.
September 15, 2009 at 3:22 PM
Mad, Cinie, and La, I have obviously touched an exposed nerve. I simply wish to posit the fact that some things are very regional. I will withdraw from the conversation rather than rile, irk, or offend further. See ya next thread!
September 15, 2009 at 3:29 PM
Chatblu, please don’t go away…but not everything is regional. I know you are sensitive about regional discrimination from us Yankees to you Southerners, and with good reason, but this is nothing to do with that at all.
This is a bona fide, pure-d example of racism. The guy was black and he called him “boy.” There’s no excuse for that.
September 15, 2009 at 3:30 PM
Okay, I’m the Widdershinnian Contrarian again…
But you knew you would, Chatblu, with that preface. See you at the next thread.
September 15, 2009 at 3:42 PM
He is probably just “batshit crazy” anyway. Nothing more nothing less.
September 15, 2009 at 3:47 PM
Or, then, again, maybe he is just really well researched on the organization ACORN and all the accusations of fraud and is a really smart man.
September 15, 2009 at 3:49 PM
Chatblu:
I too refer to “younger” men as boys and I understand where you are coming from. That being said…. I ask you to listen to this man’s rant and the venom he exudes. I doubt this man would have felt comfortable tossing the “boy” word around had he been surrounded by AA’s.
You have to understand why this word is offensive, in the context it was spit out and who did the spitting Chatblu.
If that were me and he called out…”Boy,” I would have taken it as a racial slur. I believe that it was given in that spirit.
September 15, 2009 at 3:53 PM
Oh; and racism works both ways as witnessed here…………
So much for “post racial” huh?
September 15, 2009 at 3:57 PM
Or who knows, maybe the man also volunteered for ACORN and the video person and those folks being taunted, and it was all just a set up by ACORN for the video to go viral so people would think Tea Party people are racist.
September 15, 2009 at 4:03 PM
Red, Mad, and Cinie: No, we are not post-racial, and a generous amount of blame is available to all. Beatings and violence are never acceptable. Believe me, I am not defending mean-spirited, venomous hateful folks, irrespective of from whence they come. I am not defending the gentleman, and I use the term loosely, in the video under any circumstances. And thank you, Mad, for that. Southerners are conscious of racial and ethnic epithats as well, but they also vary. In Fl@rida, people do not mind being called “Crackers” because they were mule drivers who “cracked” their whips. There is even a style of home known as a Cracker House built with an expansive front porch. In Georgia, however, the term does not make you friends, as it was applied to malnourished whites by occupying Federal troops, who said that “Their @sses are flatter than crackers”. As the states have contiguous borders, this can be dicey. You can call me a redneck if you like, I’m not offended, and neither is Jeff Foxworthy. Red Dragon, believe it or not, you have just reiterated what I said. It’s not the word, it’s the tone, the speaker and the intent. That would be precisely my point, and I hope that I have clarified my way out of this particular hole.
September 15, 2009 at 4:04 PM
That was horrible, but, was it really racially motivated, Red? There were black and white kids watching. Why didn’t anybody else get involved, or come to the victim’s rescue? I couldn’t really hear what was being said, but the reluctance of the driver to break it up, for whatever reason, pisses me off. I saw that kind of stuff when I was coming up and always said something, whether it helped or not.
September 15, 2009 at 4:04 PM
As you said, LTD, what came BEFORE the “boy” comment was racist.
“Wrong flag?” Why would the “Don’t Tread on Me” flag be “wrong” for the man to carry? Isn’t he an “American,” as the Tea Party people are so fond of saying they are?
If not, WHY NOT?
September 15, 2009 at 4:05 PM
That is mob violence not matter how many ways you parse it. This is a kid who probably faces this taunting and assault everyday. Not sure what the bus driver’s duties are here, but why did he not stop the bus and eject the troublemakers? These are kids with no boundaries, no fear of authority, no other reason than to beat up someone less capable of defending himself.
Call it reverse racism. It is nothing more than brutality being played out by a willing mob of kids who find this stuff amusing. Look at the faces of those watching. Sheer exhuberance for the most part.
Pity the poor kid who does not fit into their mindset. Very sad.
September 15, 2009 at 4:08 PM
I see your point Cinie. I was going by the police report after they had interviewed the kids. The Police claim it was a “racial attack” but it could have been “bullies gone wild” also.
I remember as a kid growing up on 69th and Racine (Chicago ) and having to put up with stuff like this. Many times it was racial and others it was because I was dating a “Fine Nubian/ japanese Sister!” She was killed when someone took a shot at me and it hit her instead.
So I am pretty sensitive about this Cinie.
September 15, 2009 at 4:10 PM
Chatblu, I, for one, am not arguing that the intention of the speaker is always the only factor. Sometimes, people offend other people without meaning to. But, a good rule of thumb is to take it as gospel that black men are always going to get their backs up when a white person calls them “boy.” And, while women do indeed call each other “girl” all the time, most often relatively affectionately, the problem comes when a black woman is addressed as “gal” by a white person. Those are almost always heard as trigger words, whether they’re meant that way, or not.
September 15, 2009 at 4:11 PM
“You got the wrong symbol here!” Just doesn’t sound the same as, “You got the wrong symbol here, boy!
September 15, 2009 at 4:13 PM
Red, Carrie Jacobs Bond, New Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Parker High, sound familiar? 70th and May, here.
And I am so sorry for your loss.
September 15, 2009 at 4:13 PM
“In my estimation, it’s racially motivated,” said Capt. Don Sax of the Belleville Police Department. He said one reason he had formed this opinion was that many of the students, most of whom were black, yelled their support for the beating.
But then the Capt. “Refined” his statements to this…..
BELLEVILLE — A Belleville police spokesman now says an incident where a white student was beaten by teen black assailants on a bus “may not be racially motivated.”
“It was premature on my part,” said Belleville Police Capt. Don Sax. “It was my personal and emotional comment after only seeing the video briefly.”
My point should have been…”Can this also be considered racism?” Who knows what was in the minds of those attacking him, but I do know what will be said…….”Reverse racism!”
Whether that is what happened or not….Glen Beck will use it to stir up more trouble!
September 15, 2009 at 4:21 PM
My father may remember the Church Cinie. He was always seeking out baptist Church’s as he loved the fellowship and music. as for me…I was always a heathen…LOL
I remember the school well though. I was sent to Walter H Dyatt for 7 and 8th grade.. remember that one? I also attended Harper High before I enrolled in St. Rita for football.
And thanks hun….That was a long time ago but I still bear that scar.
September 15, 2009 at 4:40 PM
Well I was right!
Drudge wasted no time putting that video up with this headline…..
“WHITE STUDENT BEATEN ON SCOOL BUS: CROWED CHEERS!
Get ready for Glen Beck and “InsHannity” to take the reigns now!
September 15, 2009 at 4:59 PM
(putting on PUMA hat)
You know, I’m a liberal Dem, but I’ve gotta say, Glenn Beck is right about this school bus thing.
(taking off PUMA hat)
RD62, hugs to you. What a horrible experience that must have been.
Time for rehearsal….later, Widdershins!
September 15, 2009 at 5:34 PM
I understand where Chat is coming from, since I’m a southerner myself.
A lot of it (the use of the term “boy”) depends upon the inflection in one’s voice and the context of the conversation also.
I saw that vid on another blog last night. I believe this guy *was* using the term in a negative way. But in one way, it sounded so damned funny coming out of his yankee mouth! With that and the way he pronounced ACORN.
I’ve used the term boy, but usually when I was referring to the neighborhood kids when they were up to some kind of shit or something no good. There’s a way you can draw it out and it’s a warning. Something like “Boah” and it means (for me) “I’m watching what you’re up to.”
I’d never use the term with an AA person because of the past use of the word, and never with an adult unless I wanted to get the shit beat out of me.
September 15, 2009 at 5:43 PM
Fredster, just to be clear, black men don’t cotton to anybody calling them “boy.” In the black community, even parents refrain from referring to their sons that way.
September 15, 2009 at 5:45 PM
Hit “enter” too soon. I don’t mean to imply that black parents never call their sons “boy,” but as a rule, many consciously try to avoid doing so.
September 15, 2009 at 5:51 PM
“…black men don’t cotton…”
Colloquialisms do always come from somewhere. LOL
September 15, 2009 at 5:57 PM
Fredster, just to be clear, black men don’t cotton to anybody calling them “boy.” In the black community, even parents refrain from referring to their sons that way.
But I wouldn’t know about it from that perspective, would I?
Stole this from Lib Rap (can I steal a youtube?) Anyway, so much here was about what’s what with the tea bag folks, the asshole calling the kid “boy”, and other unpleasantness. So anyway, John had this youtube up concerning “evil animals”. Just for shitz ‘n giggles and a laugh.
September 15, 2009 at 6:04 PM
I just loved the “evil dog”. Dogs can guilt you out man! And I’m not even going to touch the subject of cats.
September 15, 2009 at 6:10 PM
“But I wouldn’t know about it from that perspective, would I?”
I don’t understand what you mean, fredster. You are from the South so you do know what “don’t cotton to” and house “boy” mean.
September 15, 2009 at 6:17 PM
la-t-da: Read Cinie’s statement again. It was about the black community. I said I wouldn’t understand it from **that** perspective, meaning, I’m not black and would not be able to place myself in that position, having never been black.
September 15, 2009 at 6:42 PM
Fredster:
Being Native American, and not black, I can not claim to know the if’s and why’s of this debate but i do know this….
i have been around enough AA’s to know that just like the N word..this is a word that can be viewed as racist if spoken by the “Wrong” people.
I was once called out for using it many years ago. It took a good friend of mine to explain why it was viewed with suspicion when used by someone not of Black origin.
Hell…I just wish we never had to go through this nonsense myself…there is too much else to worry about than this nonsense. 
September 15, 2009 at 6:46 PM
I guess I was thinking about what Chatblu said above about being from the South and the usage of “boy”. I would think that would make any Southerner, white or black, more sensitive to calling someone “boy” white or black. As a Southerner, with the history of slavery, I just automatically think house boy. I do come from an extremely racist family though so it all goes through my own filter from that experience.
September 15, 2009 at 6:49 PM
Fredster, I wasn’t calling you out or taking issue with anything you said. I only directed my comment to you because you were the last person to address the subject.
September 15, 2009 at 7:10 PM
Taggles did some tidbits before she went off to her work training. They will be up in a sec.
September 16, 2009 at 6:46 PM
I’m probably too late to make a comment about this thread, but I’ve been out of town and busy. But, I do want to comment. First, I am so thankful that I was not at the rally and that I did not hear the man following the ACORN people. Although I am not a fan of ACORN because of the primaries, no one should follow a woman screaming anything for as long as this man did. I’m telling you, I would be in jail right now because I would have come to the woman’s defense too. He was a class A jerk.
Having lived in the South, Georgia and Tennessee for close to 30 years. Boy when speaking to a AA is “always” racist. ALWAYS.
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September 15, 2009 at 12:45 PM
Yikes! That youtube was nerve racking! I don’t know what to think about it. Why was ACORN at a conservative march/rally? Wasn’t the man who was informing everyone afraid that something could get out of control? I just don’t know what to think.