Don Young

[bravenak]

I was quite surprised to hear Congressman Young's statement today. You know, the one where his dad had 50 or 60 wetbacks working for him to pick crops. Are we ever going to get rid of this guy? I don't care if he apologized, I want him gone!

[Jenoch]

1. He's been in office

much too long. I heard his wetback comment and I read about more of the interview in context. Of course he should not have used that racist pejorative, but I think this is more about a guy almost 80 years old using terminology common years ago rather than a guy who is a racist today.

[Steerpike]

2. He will never leave...

He is a champion to the Native Community and he treats people with respect. Both Mr. Young and Sen. Murkowski are hated by the true believers here in Alaska (Read~Tea Partiers).
He married a Gwichen woman and stayed true to her till she passed away just a few years ago. It's difficult to understand why he is so popular here unless you track his accomplishments.
He has funneled so much money into Alaska that has touched the lives of minorities and women, it falls on deaf ears when people call him a hater. When he appears at the Alaska Federation of Natives Conventions he always gets a heartfelt ovation.
He is quite the walking contradiction.

[bravenak]

3. I understand how you feel.

I don't think the term wetback was ever accepted in my lifetime, and I'm 32. Since I'm black I just substitute the n word automatically when I hear racial slurs. Sorry. Glad he apologized though, nice start.
I'm sure he has done fine work with the Native American population in Alaska, I think that is wonderful. But it is time for someone new. He is not the only person for the job. I hope he gets a real fight next time. I was attached to our former Sen. Ted, but I voted against him eventually.