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Scott Brown Staffers Mock Native Americans with Racist Attack On Elizabeth Warren
In a blow to Scott Brown’s image as a moderate pseudo-Democrat, three of his staffers were caught on video chanting and doing tomahawk chops in a frat boy attempt to mock Elizabeth Warren.
Here is the video:
According to WCVB in Boston, the three men pictured in the video were Brown’s deputy Chief of Staff Greg Casey and Constituent Service Counsel Jack Richard, and GOP operative Brad Garrett.
Scott Brown replied to the video with a Romneyesque statement, “It is certainly something that I don’t condone. The real offense is that (Warren) said she was white and then checked the box saying she is Native American, and then she changed her profile in the law directory once she made her tenure.”
Compare Brown’s statement to what Mitt Romney’s campaign said about Ted Nugent’s remarks at the NRA, “Divisive language is offensive no matter what side of the political aisle it comes from. Mitt Romney believes everyone needs to be civil.” Or what Romney said about Rush Limbaugh’s Sandra Fluke comments, “I’ll just say this, which is, it’s not the language I would have used.” Here is how Romney handled Donald Trump going birther right before a joint fundraiser, “You know, I don’t agree with all the people who support me and my guess is they don’t all agree with everything I believe in. But I need to get 50.1 percent or more and I’m appreciative to have the help of a lot of good people.”
For a man who is trying to run away from Mitt Romney, Brown’s response sounded an awful lot like Romney.
Scott Brown’s frat boy staff might have thought they were getting an effective jab in at Elizabeth Warren, but in reality the revealed Brown to be nothing more that the standard issue Tea Party Republican. Judging by the four recent polls that all show Warren leading Brown, the heritage attack is not working. Of course, this means nothing to Brown and his staff, who showed their racism by doubling down on a failed attack.
At this moment, Sen. Scott Brown is losing this election. He was dominated by Elizabeth Warren in the first debate, and this video confirms Warren’s message to voters about Brown. Scott Brown is still a Republican. He may be a Republican who votes with Democrats more often than his colleagues, but he is still a Republican.
Brown knows that Warren’s message to voters is a winner in deep blue Massachusetts, so his strategy is to destroy her credibility as a messenger. However, it is this video and his reaction to it that could destroy his credibility as a moderate.
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30 Responses to Scott Brown Staffers Mock Native Americans with Racist Attack On Elizabeth Warren
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stenc
Sep. 25th, 2012 at 12:31 pm
These people have no respect for anyone, except the far right clowns they support.
A Walkaway
Sep. 25th, 2012 at 12:43 pm
I read this and felt sick.
People think we’re only in the past, or that we’re a bunch of fakes “just wanting casino money”. Nothing could be further from the truth. We exist in every state in this country… and we survived in spite of all the attempts at ethnocide and genocide.
I’d bet that she’s a lot like my wife and I… learning that we aren’t white but are really American Indian (by birth) at middle age (family secrets), and then discovering (to a greater degree) what this country is really like. And yes, we’ve gotten the same sort of treatment at a local level. It’s common. For eastern tribes, discovering that you’re really Indian in later years is also very common… I know people who learned it from their parents (or grandparents) when their parents or grandparents were literally on their deathbed – and as recent as a few years ago. It was especially painful for the dying, because they felt regret and anguish that they were prevented from telling the truth to their families (literal death sentence for most of the last two centuries in much of the southeast). At the last moment they realized that they had to chance it because knowing the truth was too important… their real heritage was just too precious.
It’s tough trying to re-learn reality and come to grips with the fact that your identity for much of your life was based on a lie.
The good thing is that I learned today that I have something else in common with a person I greatly admired.
Elizabeth
Sep. 25th, 2012 at 1:51 pm
I do not, to my knowledge, have any native American blood, but I feel a deep affinity to the land and culture especially here in the NW. My “home” is where-ever the Western Red Cedar thrives. I can understand why the elders haven’t told their children of their heritage, but what an enormous loss. Those staffers are beyond contempt as far as I’m concerned.
blucoyote
Sep. 25th, 2012 at 2:00 pm
So true, with many ethnicities. Why are people acting like it’s a bad thing to discover your heritage?
A Walkaway
Sep. 25th, 2012 at 5:10 pm
We’re supposed to be ashamed of it. We aren’t nice white Christian Americans, after all.
I for one refuse to be ashamed of anything about myself any more. I refuse to be the discard of American culture. I think Brown and Co. are going to learn that respect would have been far more productive than the things they said and did… Elizabeth Warren deserves it (as do we all).
1voice1vote
Sep. 25th, 2012 at 2:09 pm
Scott Brown’s shameless defense of his senatorial campaign staff promoting racism tells us all we need to know about this man. He’s unfit for office.
“Scott Brown can continue attacking my family, but I’m gonna keep fighting for yours.” – Elizabeth Warren
Darla
Sep. 25th, 2012 at 2:14 pm
So far, efforts to civilize racist, ignorant right-winger savages has been unsuccessful. There appears to be little hope.
Kay O2
Sep. 25th, 2012 at 2:20 pm
Being “Indian” is more than discovering you have Native American blood. It’s being immersed in a tribal culture, very different from how most Americans grow up. I think it’s wonderful to learn about your ancestors; but I would never call myself Irish or Native American, no matter how much I learn about those ancestors. I hope Warren comes to recognize that difference; but at least she has a positive regard for her ancestral connections. Brown & his staff are clearly racist, using this issue for political gain.
A Walkaway
Sep. 25th, 2012 at 4:35 pm
You know, people have used that to try to deny me my identity.
I may not be able to move to our rez, but I’ve stayed there (while taking a special class). I’ve been to ceremony – the real thing – many times over the years. I know a few words of our language (more than some). According to the traditions handed down in several families, I’ve been properly named and if you understand, crossed the fire. I’ve studied our history (from the elders), learned what I could in a short time about our culture, and tried my best to regain what was taken from me.
I am American Indian, and have experienced severe persecution for it. After I learned the truth about my heritage (even my “white” name is based on a lie!), and it became public knowledge, I lost just over 61% of my customer base in one month – some with insults and veiled threats and “You lied to us about your identity!” My wife and I were thrown out of an Episcopal church when the rector learned about it. I’ve been threatened with death because of it, told to use the weeds out back for a bathroom by a retail business, and insulted many many times.
At the same time, people tell me I can’t be Indian because I don’t speak my language (it WAS against the law until after 1980!), or because I don’t live on the rez, or because I didn’t grow up on the rez, or because I’m not Cherokee or Lakota or whatever.
My tribe accepts me. The local community accepts that I’m American Indian. I’ve even got a letter with documentation of my known heritage, given to me by my tribe.
If you’re American Indian, you should also know that in order to be able to claim it in many circumstances, your “proof” has to be able to stand up in a court of law. That the federal Recognition process is pure racist politics. Worst of all, because some tribes don’t “look” Indian, they get harassed all the time for it.
Please think about that.
Basheert
Sep. 26th, 2012 at 12:37 pm
To a Walkaway
I cannot imagine ever experiencing the treatment you say you received after learning your Native American heritage. I can assure you that many people do not feel the way that your opposition feels.
Your connection not just to the tribe, but to the heart of our country and its growth is something everyone should feel. Maybe then our society would try to care more for our land and our planet.
Racism is deeply rooted and obviously is passed on from parent to child through words and actions. I don’t understand it. Hatred based upon color and or heritage simply isn’t rational. And it is based on fear.
I envy you and your connection – so many of us are far away from our heritage and really had only threads without meaning in our own history. You share something rich you are lucky to experience.
MLR
Sep. 25th, 2012 at 2:58 pm
Brown can’t run from the rhetoric of stomping upon Ms. Warren’s Native American heritage, which he vigorously promoted for months. It’s an old verse of ramping up hatred.
He’s just a Romeny jr. 2012 version by building a candidacy on vilifying individuals absent ideas.
Doubling down on the hate and this video is confirmation that his constituents support his message.
Romney/Brown differ in age & millions, but not much more…
Beverly Wood
Sep. 25th, 2012 at 3:13 pm
I am a member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. Scott Brown, his staff and many of his supporters owe Elizabeth Warren and all Native Americans an apology. Not all Cherokee can trace their heritage back to an ancestor on the Dawes roll for many reasons, but discrimination on all levels was the main reason. Her family story rings true whether she can prove it or not. I personally know Cherokees who appear to be full-blood but can not prove through the Dawes rolls. Also know blue eyed blondes who are register members of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. My own green eyed and blond daughter always checks the white and Native American boxes with great respect to her heritage. Brown insinuated Native Americans were somehow less qualified for public office…this was condescending and insulting. Would he question Ambassador Chris Steven’s heritage, a proud member of the Chinook Nation of Washinton state who are now morning his death.
A Walkaway
Sep. 25th, 2012 at 4:59 pm
Thanks for speaking up!
I’d like to point out that it is very likely that the blond-haired, blue-eyed members are very likely to be the real thing, just as your daughter is – once there is even a little “mixing of blood”, you can’t predict what a child will look like (or a descendant). You probably know about the “western” tribe that now has more blue-eyed blonds in it because of intermarriage (which tribe it is escapes me right now).
I met a Mvskoke woman one time, who worked in the tribal museum in Oklahoma. The tribe knew her family and her ancestors, but because one of them (I think her grandmother) refused to sign the rolls, she cannot legally be recognized by her own people.
It’s been years, but as I remember she was fair, brown-haired, green eyed, and she DID say she got the “you don’t look Indian” frequently from outsiders.
KatzKids
Sep. 26th, 2012 at 6:16 am
My best friend’s father was a blonde with piercing blue eyes & also a Cherokee from Oklahoma. I was thrilled to death when I learned that & wanted to ask him a million questions. He didn’t want to talk about it, and never did. I was so disappointed at the time & couldn’t understand it. Through the years, I’ve learned why & it saddens and disappoints me whenever I read about it or hear about everything that was done, and continues to be done to our Native Americans.
Even as a very small child, I always rooted for the Indians in the old Cowboy/Indian movies and of course they always lost. I guess I had a gut instinct about the false picture they presented for the most part & hated it. Still do. You have a beautiful culture & I think your religion beliefs and ceremonies come closer to what my idea of spirituality is, certainly more than any of the “organized” religion.
It’s absolutely mind boggling to try to imagine how Brown can possibly think that the more people hear about Elizabeth’s ethnicity, the more they’ll vote for him. His staffers are a direct reflection of his lack of character. Like attracts like. It goes far beyond “tone deaf.” Mitt’s clone.
Basheert
Sep. 26th, 2012 at 12:33 pm
People who would act like this do not have the intelligence to apologize. They have no idea who ignorant and repulsive their behavior appears to most people. It would be up to Scotty Brown to “do the right thing” and fire them.
But Scotty Brown is desperate. So he is using all that he’s got – racism – to try and pull out a win.
Shameful in a State that had Ted Kennedy as a former Senator. Mass has much to be ashamed of – elevating this very nasty piece of work to a seat held by a man like Kennedy who cared about all people, not just “the whites”.
Brenda
Sep. 25th, 2012 at 4:00 pm
They only show their ignorance! To be even part native american is a great honor for the tribes no matter which tribe they all walked this earth with a great respect for the earth, for life~ Brown has no respect for any man including himself nor do any of his staffers, their time, Browns and those like him, their time to lead has come and gone~~peoples eyes are opening to the hate these people carry with them and spread within themselves~we have grown tired of their hate their disrespect for all around them and now is the time for people who spread intelligence, consideration, respect and love to rule this great land~ A VOTE for Elizabeth Warren is a vote for all mankind!!!
KatzKids
Sep. 26th, 2012 at 6:20 am
Excellent comment Brenda. Thanks!
1voice1vote
Sep. 25th, 2012 at 4:57 pm
Names to go with the video of the proud racists:
“Brown’s Deputy Chief of Staff Greg Casey and Constituent Service Counsel Jack Richard, State Director Jerry McDermott, special assistant Jennifer Franks and GOP operative Brad Garnett are pictured in the video” wcvb.com
Dana D. Eilers
Sep. 25th, 2012 at 5:45 pm
Well, he learned a lot from John Boehner and Mitch McConnell, didn’t he? Sounds just like John Boehner saying *I can’t control those guys* with reference to the birthers and the other right wing crazies in the Republican party. How about FIRING these guys, Scott Brown?
galactusx
Sep. 25th, 2012 at 9:32 pm
The damn Weenie Wagger is losing. His mouthbreathing troglodyte minions are doing him no good. They are however, showing the rest of America what is the worst in racist idiot shit. You are done.
Gloria
Sep. 25th, 2012 at 9:47 pm
They remind me of the bunch of jerks – Republican congressional staffers who showed up in Florida during the recount to upset everything in 2000.
Reynardine
Sep. 25th, 2012 at 10:08 pm
When I was but a sprig, a very beautiful classmate of mine, blue-eyed and with the kind of golden blond hair you normally don’t see in nature, told me she was half Apache…that is, each of her parents was that. The remainder came from the German settlers on the frontier, and that was what cropped out when recessives combined. Her Apache heritage had given her grief among white classmates; her fair coloring caused her to be rejected by her Apache relatives. She married, but I doubt she found happiness. That was half a century ago. I had hoped things would be better by now.
RailroadMike
Sep. 26th, 2012 at 6:02 am
This is the true face of Fascism. Reminds me of 1930′s Germany only it was the Hitler Youth in front of homes and businesses of Jews. But I know how to stop this rascism Brown seems to like. A half dozen bus loads of Cherokee Warriors all with protest signs nailed to tomahawks.
Patt Reid
Sep. 26th, 2012 at 10:11 am
This is disgusting. I hope it all falls/crashes down on Scott Brown. It’s not bad enough that we build the country on the racist annihilation of native peoples, but now these racist r.w. nut jobs mock our native people? What unmitigated, arrogant, condescending jerks they are! They think they’re clever? Hah, hah, hah? No, they are lower than low. A pox on them and Scott Brown!
A Walkaway
Sep. 26th, 2012 at 10:52 am
The tomahawk chop… the war whoops… you know what we call what many people trying to insult us by a “war cry” (ululating – or trying to)?
“White person beating self in face.”
Then there are the people who think that they somehow have a right to speak for us… especially on the reservations. There are a lot of stories of white people who do so… some funny and some not so funny. I’ve heard some real belly-busters from Navajos and others “out west”. They never seem to catch on that the people usually don’t need their help, and in some cases don’t want it.
Basheert
Sep. 26th, 2012 at 12:29 pm
In defense – this behavior was much more prevalent during the 50′s and 60′s .. when there were so many Westerns on TV which portrayed Native Americans that way.
We played cowboys and indians when I was a child – none of our kids ever did it nor do the grandkids. We KNOW better now.
Diversity training has taught us sensitivity – (as if it should need to be taught). What these people did was insulting and it was meant to be insulting. For that reason alone, they should be fired.
I seriously doubt that Scotty will do the right thing.
Basheert
Sep. 26th, 2012 at 12:27 pm
In our state there are (I believe) 58 separate tribes of Native Americans. Although many live on the Rez, many others live throughout the state. Let’s be honest here, who cares? People are people.
My state is a white minority – or rapidly becoming one. Again, who cares? This is 2012 – who sees “color” in humans? And why?
I believe that many of us feel great sorry at our past history with our native Americans. The treatment of their populations by not only our people, but by the US Government was shameful.
Scott Brown needs to fire these creeps. Overt and obvious racism? Maybe this is what the REAL GOP stands for now?
Ellen
Sep. 26th, 2012 at 7:53 pm
I’ve read comments that say that the fear of the lily white becoming a minority race is why the old white male republicans are so anti choice. I’m beginning to believe those commenters have a valid point.
Anne
Sep. 27th, 2012 at 12:45 am
Scott Brown is a member of a political party so bereft of new and helpful solutions to problems that like many other Republicans, he has to stoop low in order to win this election. His remark that Elizabeth Warren’s appearance means she can’t have Native American ancestry shows a profound ignorance of genetics in a man who is supposed to be educated. It’s obvious that his own attitude gave these idiots the idea that their atrocious behavior would be acceptable. In reading some of the posts, I feel a sadness that people in the past were made to feel ashamed of that aspect of their heritage, when they had nothing to be ashamed of in the first place. As an African-American, I empathize greatly as I am a member of a race that has been harshly discriminated. The GOP’s appeals to hatred, fear, and ignorance stem to a significant degree from the fear of changing demographics in this country.
Ran WIz
Sep. 29th, 2012 at 12:49 am
The moment I was amazed was 2 years ago when Scott Brown became senator Brown. How did this happen in the first place? I can’t shake the nagging feeling it was that ‘push back’ in response to Obama becoming President in ’08… the ’10 elections were way lopsided on the Republican side – far out of proportion to reality…and the nagging is that race was at the heart of that too. It is not so surprising that many Americans boil over at having a black man as president…the surprise is that so many in Massachusetts (my neighbors !!) went on that band wagon in ’10.
It was a sore point to lose Ted Kennedy’s seat. But that did not predict the way that the Democrats in the Senate have allowed the Republicans to mis-use the filibuster and circumvent the “plurality” vote. We need our senators (all of them) to go back to basics: 51 votes carries a bill !!
If we the people allow the arch conservatives to cheat their way thru, and also let them win elections (like Bush did in ’00 and ’04) then we have to live for decades with the poor outcomes. Maybe the worst of which is the makeup of the supreme court. THIS CURRENT ELECTION is KEY to reversing the conservative makeup of the court, as it is likely that Obama will have the opportunity to appoint as many as FOUR justices. BOTTOM LINE: get out the vote!! Both here in MA and also in New Hampshire !!