[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 138 (Thursday, November 13, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1558]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


         CONDEMNING REMARKS MADE BY FORMER MISSISSIPPI GOVERNOR

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                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 13, 2014

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my 
disappointment in Former Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour's offensive 
remarks regarding President Barack Obama. On a post-election conference 
call Barbour referred to President Obama's policies as ``tar baby.''
  Although some may feel as though Barbour's remarks were a ``slip of 
the tongue'' or not offensive I, as an African American who has been 
the recipient of such references find such remarks reprehensible.
  As the former governor of a state such as Mississippi, Barbour's 
remarks were particularly degrading to those citizens who still 
remember being raised in an era of extreme racial criticism and hatred. 
Remarks such as these demonstrate a lack of racial sensitivity and 
foster a culture of prejudice.
  Mr. Speaker, I am highly offended by Barbour's comments and am 
offended by his insensitivity.

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