Our
current
topic:		 Doug Tracht, a k a the Greaseman, a Washington D.C. disc jockey was fired for making the following comment about a song by Grammy award winning Lauryn Hill:
“No wonder people drag them behind trucks”. Tracht now asks to be forgiven for his statement. Should he?

Past discussion topics



Submit Date: 4 MAY 1999
Name: Jennifer
Email:
Response: In MY opinion, this is not an issue of forgiveness. I do not believe that the issue here for blacks to rally around is his statement. Look if you will at ALL the other shock jocks in AMERICA. Look at the MONEY they make. Contrary to popular opinion, this man will have another job and in the very near future. He is making MONEY when he speaks AND the reality is, he is a person of PRIVILGE in THIS society. He will NEVER understand the plight of blacks neither will many of the FOLKS that have responded to this. The issue here, POWER aka MONEY. He can say things like that and so can many others. WHY, they OWN the medium they use and BLACKS/MINORITIES continue to support them with the MONEY aka POWER we have. Therfore, it is not up to me to forgive him or anyone else. It is my DUTY to inform indididuals and groups to STOP SUPPORTING those stations.


Submit Date: 3 MAY 1999
Name: D. Michael
Email: Ebaysistah@aol.com
Response: Haven't we been forgiving people long enough? The question we have to ask is do people know what they are saying is wrong even if there are no consequences. People like this somehow only apologize when they can no longer have their way. Why should he be forgiven if forgiving is not going to change what he really believes?


Submit Date: 3 MAY 1999
Name: Mphasis
Email: jlebron@hotmail.com
Response: I am of the poinion that hate speech in the PUBLIC arena should only be punished when there is an implication of a threat. However, I believe that there are different rules that apply within the PRIVATE sector, aka The Work Force. We just had a situation happen almost identical to this in my home state of North Carolina. An ambassoador from East Carolina University, serving on the Board of Directors, was quoted in a speech saying if the athletics program at ECU could not excel with a new coach and athletic director, there must be a "n**ger in the woodpile." Needless to say, this comment was made in a speech to a homogenuous (White) audience. Governor Hunt called for his resignation, but the African-American student organizations are calling for him to personally apologize to every athlete, along with other "demands." My point is this, it is perfectly within reason to call for someone's job when they have blatently broken a rule of thumb, that being "White people don't make light of Black tragedy." But, can we then support the double standard that is perpetuated on other forms of mass media AGAINST Whites? I myself know of ten "You know that had to be some White people" jokes about tragic events in their communities. I am totally behind Mr. Tracht kicking it down at unemployment because he is an insensitive bastard with some definite hatred of African-Americans, however i don't know if we are setting ourselves up to have our own right to laugh at tragedy taken away. Because as sad as it was, when Martin talked about Jeffrey Dahmer eating black men with a knife and fork, ya'll know ya'll laughed! Additionally, I think forgiveness is like beauty, in the eye of the beholder. Personally, I ain't totally forgiven Whites in general for enslaving my forefathers and mothers, so Mr. Tracht is just gonna have to get in that line too


Submit Date: 3 MAY 1999
Name: Raquel Warley
Email: raquel.warley@ndri.org
Response: No, we should not forgive him. I believe he said that from his heart, and the only reason why he's sorry is because he was fired. Had they not fired him, and just swept it under the rug like they do with so many incidents like this, he would not be asking for forgiveness. Screw him!!!!!!


Submit Date: 3 MAY 1999
Name: Erica Melton
Email:
Response: No, I do not believe that he should be forgiven because this is not the first racially based comment that he has stated while on air. It is obvious by his comments that he is still on a "racial trip." White America already has a lot to say about Blacks, however, we do not need a public figure voicing such comments.


Submit Date: 3 MAY 1999
Name: Darnel Tanksley
Email: Dartanksle@aol.com
Response: Bill Bradley, one of the few Whites with a national profile who acknowledges the true state of American Race, made a great speech on 4/20/99. We should check it out at billbradley.com.


Submit Date: 1 MAY 1999
Name: Jerryn McCray
Email: mccrajj@mail.auburn.edu
Response: As a Afro-American student formerly of the historic Tuskegee University and currently of Auburn University, I say no. This man should not be forgiven for such a bold statement on broadcast radio. As a witness of the results of the struggles of those who came before me, I am very sensitive to racism. My parents, who raised me in Baltimore, and many others fought long and hard so that I could have the opportunity to attend college in Alabama. I could almost expect someone, here, in Alabama to make a such a statement. But, I would not exept or tolerate it. I definitely will not exept or tolerate the same from D.C., of all places. I thought things were a little better up there than down here. I guess I was wrong. Maybe racism is hidden more successfully in some places than others.


Submit Date: 1 MAY 1999
Name:
Email: rbussell@n-link.com
Response: i have heard so many black people claim "black is beautiful white ain't shit". this truly shows the average mentality of your people. and why is it acceptable for a black person to say "nigger", but not a white person? do you think there are not white "niggers"? this term only means an attitude, not a color! only a true racist cannot distinguish, and i for one see many more blacks than whites using this terminology.


Submit Date: 29 APR 1999
Name: Mike
Email: mskembo@hotmail.com
Response: Nemesis, Are you blind? You are the racist problem, you are the person people hold up as the reasons black people are still mistreated. Nothing good will ever happen until we stop basing these issues on color. He is nothing but a shockjock, a moron. By throwing up your hands and screaming about it you give him more attention and more reasons to continue doing these types of things. All this talk of race and hate is disturbing, with all of this "Black Pride" you accomplish nothing but driving a wedge deeper between our people. There is only one way for this world to ever be truly color blind, stop basing our lives around race. BET, JET, Ebony, and many other companies are feeding off of the anger. You really think they care about anyone? Let me ask you a question, what would happen to these companies if we were to become truly color blind? I'll tell you they'd go under, they feed on the turmoil. Let us stop concentrating on people like Greaseman, and start concentrating on the people who are good and kind to us. We cannot pass the buck any longer, we are all to blame. I'd just like to finish by stating that you all are my brothers and sisters, no matter what your color. Mike


Submit Date: 27 APR 1999
Name:
Email: Nemesisx9@webtv.net
Response: This is Typical of 'White Cowardice'!! whitegirl@juno.com This is a Bogus address! I attempted to contact the PHONY, 'whitegirl', and my message was returned by the postmaster. Account Inactive: User Unknown: If you prefer your business in the street whitegirl, Here It Is... (My response to You!!!) So, whitegirl - you say you're Shocked at how African-Americans respond to 'white-racism'? Your comment on the Afroam Discussion Forum, is typically 'white'!!! Whites are forever telling others How To Act - but no advice to themselves on How to Control Their Hatred!! You think your Misguided point of view is the only view the world should follow??? You, who sit on the sideline (silently) and watch YOUR culture destroy other people, and then, have the audacity to be Shocked at how the Victims React to the Filth of Your society - Well, Miss Thang, Who cares what YOU Feel!!! When you have turned BLACK and have Suffered in the same Trenches (for almost 6 hundred years!) as the African-American Warriors have - Then, I'll let you have a VOICE!! Until then keep your mouth SHUT until you have acquired some knowledge of Life! This is just a SCINTILLA of MY HATRED for what YOU FEEL!!! Don't INCITE More!!!!!!!!!!


Submit Date: 27 APR 1999
Name: Candy Mason
Email: cmason@cscc.edu
Response: We can forgive him; however, he needs to ask Jehovah God to forgive him, and to open his eyes to his hateful ways so that he can make a change. Satan has the minds of a lot of Americans. Only Christ can release them from Satan's clutches.


Submit Date: 26 APR 1999
Name:
Email: RBPDR@AOL.COM
Response: I THINK THE DECISSION OF WHEATHER HE SHOULD BE FORGIVEN OR NOT IS BASED ON IF HE REALLY MEANS HE IS SORRY,IF NOT IT IS STILL NOT POLITE TO HOLD A GRUDGE.


Submit Date: 26 APR 1999
Name: Painfully Aware
Email: cmika@yahoo.com
Response: In regards to the "sticks and stones" remark: Your implication that African Americans are fragile beings startles me. Almost. Nothing in our history will support such a hasty minimization of OUR reaction to a clearly calculated attack on sister Lauryn and OUR race. It is evident to me that Mr. Tracht has only begun to apologize when faced with the reality that his blatant ignorance jeopardizes the one thing that has served its catalystic function in the murder, rape, torture and enslavement of people of color since the beginning of time: MONEY (He wants his job). Yes, we can forgive. As a chosen people, our spirits are that strong. Should Mr. Tracht keep his job? No! Believe that any momentary monetary discomfort he may experience, will not serve as full compensation for the degradation that MY people have faced and that his statement supported. The rest of your argument is tired.


Submit Date: 25 APR 1999
Name: Paula Martino
Email: p2cmartino@aol.com
Response: I want to dicuss and participate (key word) in issues that I can actually change. I pay my taxes and I march and I volunteer at Habitat for Humanity and Big Sisters and I try to buy Black and vote for the man or woman who is going to serve the best interest of the black community(whether the candidate is black or white and sometimes it's a white person that will best serve our interests) and I try to encourage fellow sisters to mentor someone they know and have respect for their bodies, their communities and I get so angry and frustrated over bigots like the greaseman who as an adult said what was on is mind, in his heart. But he still won, though he lost his job. Because if he were Black and made that comment about somebody that was white, the good ole boys would have handled him the way the Black Community shouldve handled him if they had any backbone. -Frustrated in Philly.


Submit Date: 23 APR 1999
Name: Christine
Email: ludity101
Response: No, the Greaeman should not be forgiven. he knew very well what he was saying. Is comment was racially insensative and as a person in the public eye, or rather ear, he should have known better than to make such a comment. The sad thing about it, is when a white person make a racial statement that they meant, always look to the Blacks to be so forgiving when they find...people are not so STUPID. HE DID NOT CARE. BUT, WHEN HE REALIZED THERE WAS A REACTION, HE KNEW TO SAVE HIS BUTT, WAS TO PARADE AROUND AS A REPENTED, SELF-REFLECTED, HYPROCRITAL RACIST. EXPECTING THOSE THAT SAW WHAT WAS BEHIND THE MASK, WOULD BE SILENT. I HOPE THE AFRICAN AMERICAN PEOPLE WILL START STANDING TOGETHER AND NOT ALLOW THIS KIND OF VERBAL ABUSE.. TIME FOR US TO HAVE ZERO TOLERANCE!


Submit Date: 23 APR 1999
Name: Lanette King
Email: NetteK1@excite.com
Response: Yes, this man of great hatred should be fired. It dosen't make any sense to degrade anyone. This is a nation where the freedom of speech is taken advantge of and I personnaly am getting tired of everyone and anyone being able to say anything degrading about anyones culture. In this matter I believe he should be stripped of the thing he values most, his voice.


Submit Date: 23 APR 1999
Name: danielle
Email: engy@bellsouth.net
Response: FORGIVEN?!!?!! What is the man thinking? I would bet he'd like to apologize to get his job back. That's not nearly a good enough reason. Remain jobless Mr. Tracht and spend your time on personal education and enrichment of the mind.


Submit Date: 23 APR 1999
Name: Un Important
Email: noreply@merket.zzo.com
Response: What ever happened to sticks & stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me. You mean people are soooo sensitive that even what a person says on the radio has to call for resignation or public ridicule/scrutiny. People should live thier lives and stop being so worried about what some stupid "shock jock" says. If you can forgive a president that has wasted 40 million $$ of our money you can't forgive a stupid person who can speak intelligibly on the radio. Focus your attentions on what really matters on life. Is this the first time some idiot has said a comment like this. There will always be someone saying something about some kind of person, based on race, so grow a thicker skin! Let it go in one ear & out the other!


Submit Date: 23 APR 1999
Name: E.W. Clarke
Email: ewclark@us.ibm.com
Response: I have seen Doug Tracht on several news shows since his statement. He now speaks before Black audiences, but it appears that his only concern is that this time he lost his job. He has done this before when he made the statement on the eve of the MLK Jr. holiday 'Kill four more and get off the whole week. This seems to be a pattern with him. I do not feel he has come to terms with his own racism. He says he did not know how his words could affect Blacks and now he knows only due to his job situation. Anyone in the Mass Media industry knows the power of words. It is very clear Mr. Tracht only wants his job back. When he gets it back he will walk the same chalk line falling over when ever he feels the need to entertain his racist radio audience.


Submit Date: 21 APR 1999
Name: Christina C. Wilson
Email: wilson_c@denison.edu
Response: No, this man should not be forgiven. It is 1999, we are on our way to a new millenium and it's like nothing has changed. If white people are still ignorant about the oppressed situation of black people then there is no reason for people to waste their time on them anymore. The only thing we can do is pray for you. Because it has been too long, when will people understand and think about things they say. I tired of white folks thinking all they have to apologize and they will be forgiven. I am too tired of that mess. Forget it.


Submit Date: 21 APR 1999
Name: Darnel Tanksley
Email: Dartanksle@aol.com
Response: So some High School kids in Colorado kill jocks and minorities (read Negroes). The great state of New Jersey acknowledges racail profiling, Diallo is a word that won't go away in New York and my boss is sure as heck gonna promote the 20 year old white kid above me and my Baby-Boomer rhetoric. The issues are endless. Car 54 where are you?


Submit Date: 20 APR 1999
Name:
Email: RayGil23@aol.com
Response: One must be accountable for your performance in the public domain. I support the firing. I am quite sure that this talk jock has said other provocative things. Did radio management say that he went too far this time? Was their public statement more closely linked to loss of income? Why would such a person be hired in the first place?


Submit Date: 19 APR 1999
Name: Darwin E Johnson
Email: deugenius@aol.com
Response: Forgive? Yes, absolutely. Forget? No, never!!! Punitively, I think that this man should not be allowed to utilize the PUBLIC airwaves ever again (though I belive that some lawyer, somewhere might make -and win - a case for free speech. Beyond that, I believe, as many other of our people, that going beyond the punishment available to us is a diversion to the real issues that plague our citizenry. We should stand up to, and pull down by any means available, those that seek to destroy us (BLACK, WHITE, RED), yet I emplore us all REMEMBER THAT WE MUST BUILD OURSELVES UP BY FOCUSING ON OURSELVES, NOT ON WHAT OTHERS SAY AND/OR THINK ABOUT US. To do otherwise is EXACTLY what will destroy us, which is the real goal of this and other "incidents" like it.


Submit Date: 19 APR 1999
Name: Lamonte Reed
Email: xaalr@cabfs005.co.pg.md.us
Response: "Father forgive them for they know not what they do!" - Jesus For any black person to forget this message and the messenger when dealing with the failings of another human being, then the meaning of said statement is lost on many on us and should give cause to a reaccessment of one's belief. Each and everyone of you who angrily responded to the senseless, vulgar, and racist comments are without question justified, but go beyond the initial pain and act Jesus like. Walk in his shoes. I know it is hard and difficult to be Jesus like, but imagine what Jesus was asking forgiveness for and from whom he was asking. Many of us blacks denounce the racial antics of those groups who denegrate our daily existence on this earth, but if we are truly going to be different than those people who need to step on us to elevate themselves then lets show them by example that we truly are different, WE ARE the CHOSEN children. We are the touchstone, the ones God has chosen to be an example to others. Unfortunately being THE ONE, comes with a price. Stay strong by brothers and sisters, BE LIKE JESUS! c


Submit Date: 19 APR 1999
Name:
Email: superchicken@nni.com
Response: The Greaseman should not be forgiven because he really has no concept of what he has said. He does not believe he said anything wrong. His apology, if you can call it that, bears this out. He does realize he lost his jobs. But he does not understand why.


Submit Date: 18 APR 1999
Name: Tyree Amala
Email: Tyreea@Hotmail.com
Response: See what The Anacostia Gazette has to say on this mess... We say The Greaseman should be nanned from the airwaves... http://www.blackmind.com/AG/Grease.htm


Submit Date: 16 APR 1999
Name: JIM DOW
Email: JDmusix@aol.com
Response: HELL NO!!! No matter what the profsion we have to have minimum standards for that profession. If radio personallities can't control the things they say out of their mouths than they don't meet the minimum standards for that profession and should be doin something else...


Submit Date: 14 APR 1999
Name: Joe
Email: MEasley100@aol.com
Response: I think he should, because that was wrong. How would he fill if some one said that about his mother.


Submit Date: 13 APR 1999
Name: scripture-reader
Email: john3:16@yahoo.com
Response: The Lord said: I the Lord will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.


Submit Date: 13 APR 1999
Name: white girl
Email: whitegirl@juno.com
Response: I agree he made a bad comment, and it was innappropriate to say something like that about anybody, regardless of their race or anything else. ANY generalization is wrong. After reading all these comments about his remark, I was shocked that virtually everyone has put him in a broad category, that all white people feel this way. Well, I'm white and I don't feel the same as he does. In fact, I'm just as horrified as everyone else. But please don't come down on me because of what some ignoramus said. It does everyone a disservice to make broad generalizations like that.


Submit Date: 12 APR 1999
Name: Baby
Email: babygurll51@mailcity
Response: What would it matter if he was forgiven ? He said what he felt, and a apology would only be the backdoor for his Ignorance. What would the apology mean, is he sorry he thought this way ,is he sorry he said this to the public is he sincerly sorry for feeling such cruel thing ?? it would not matter,,he's a racist and it's in his blood you cant make an apology for that!!!!


Submit Date: 11 APR 1999
Name: Asali Atiim
Email: Prisma1401@aol.com
Response: No, this man doesn't deserve forgiveness, because his comment was just a manifestation of the ignorant, devilish beliefs dwelling in his mind. No one would say something like that if there wasn't a deeper hate within, and the only reason he wants forgiveness is that he wants his job back. Those feelings remain within him, and most whites, a result of his devilish nature. It won't be changed, and it shouldn't be forgiven.


Submit Date: 9 APR 1999
Name: tyrone english
Email:
Response: I feel that even discussing a remark as ignorant and unfounded as the Greaseman comment is futile. The only reason "shock jocks" continue to make unjustified, purely incendiary comments is because we are thin skinned enough to cry about them every time, subsequenty giving these idiots free advertising.


Submit Date: 9 APR 1999
Name: simon the Zealot
Email: talib@swbell.net
Response: The idiot should be fired. if he is sorry for what he has done fine. It's probably becasue his sorry self does not have a job. Let him suffer for a while until he comes to repentence. Just like anyone of us. Sorry does not remove the bullet from someones body, or take the crack out of someones bloodstream or erase the words that destroy a persons character. There are repercussions for our actions. Isn,t that beautiful? Doug is going to have change shift his paradigm, renew his mind, turn from this wicked thing he continues to do. In short he needs JESUS! and guess what, so do I!!!!!


Submit Date: 8 APR 1999
Name: Zodiac_ZDC
Email: Zodiac_ZDC@hotmail.com
Response: I believe ignorance is the key through this world. Just because this man has obviously never experienced being dragged behind a truck. It would be perfectly fine for him to make such a ignorant comment. I say educate him. "I HAVE THE ROPE".


Submit Date: 8 APR 1999
Name: ADAWTA UHZION
Email: ldidetroit@worldnet.att.net
Response: Why has the question of forgiveness even come up? The question should be " Why must we respond each time an ignorant person yells"NIGGER!" at us? Who cares what the greaseball or whatever he calls himself says or feels about us, our sheroes,heroes, or our culture? We have in -house issues we need to be concerned about. We are the most forgiving people Jah created when it comes to forgiving our enemies, but will fight to the death our cultural siblings for the slightest infractions..."He dissed me!...Who you callin' a bitch?...so on and so on and so on... Brothers and sisters, stop allowing our enemies blind us to the real fight by allowing them to dictate what is insulting to our personhood. Basically what I trying to say is "F**k the greaseball and ten niggas like him!!! " Who cares what he thinks?


Submit Date: 7 APR 1999
Name: François
Email: fgmichel@dircon.co.uk
Response: 1) He deserve what he got as his coments indicate he is stupid and racist on a primary level. It is too easy to say sorry after , when he was on the air he wasn't sorry at all or was he? 2) What was the song he was dissing?


Submit Date: 7 APR 1999
Name: Karin Smoot
Email: ksmoot@ajc.com
Response: No, the Greaeman should not be forgiven. he knew very well what he was saying. Is comment was racially insensative and as a person in the public eye, or rather ear, he should have known better than to make such a comment. He shoould be fired and black listed from working in any other medium.


Submit Date: 7 APR 1999
Name: LARRY WHITT
Email: WWW.LWHITT1033@AOL.COM
Response: IT'S STATEMENTS LIKE THIS THAT KEEPS SUCH A DIVISION BETWEEN US.YES HE SHOULD HAVE LOST HIS JOB.OVER 200 YRS.HAVE PASSED AND STILL NOTHING (SEEMS AS THOUGH) IT HAS CHANGED.


Submit Date: 6 APR 1999
Name: Bob La Cross
Email: RLacpat@aol.com
Response: How could anyone with any kind of a brain make such a statement. It is beyond me ! This person, by virtue of the fact he is a public figure with a public audience should THINK first...forgive..Yes! Forget...never..he should not be allowed to make anymore public sttements at all..Fire him from his position...


Submit Date: 6 APR 1999
Name:
Email: Nemesisx9@webtv.net
Response: I'd do as much for a dog. It's evident he needs assistance. Schizoids are feeble minded entities. Their headpiece is dysfunctional. Superiority is their pastime delusion; But, inferiority is the reality. Give him the same consideration given to animals.


Submit Date: 6 APR 1999
Name: Dela
Email: delaso@hotmail.com
Response: Listen to Mr. Guerilla. I am not attacking you, brotha, but come now. You have stated, essentially, that to forgive means to forget. Sorry, the black community is under no moral obligation to continue forgiving the transgressions of other cultures, for almost all of them have used us in some form or another; and foolish us, we have allowed them to under this mockery of "love the world, we are the world--we are the children." Quite frankly, and with every society, you are going to have your HAVES and your HAVE NOTS! The question is: Which do BLACKS want to be? One point for sure, if the black community continues this silly need to be viewed by the world as "the culture that accepts everything and anything," our community will continue to be treated like second-class citizens--again--due to our own foolishness. Of course, it feels good to "want" to treat and consider all like yourself. However, the reality of the world is either "get" or be "gotten." Hence, the DJ should PAY LIKE HELL to the black community, and we should make him eat sh*t with the ducks! If a culture knows that you will continue to forgive their behavior, they will continue to walk on you, and your "praying" and "god" have NOTHING to do with your EMOTIONAL STUPIDITY of ALLOWING another group to take advantage of you. But if a culture knows that you will not tolerate their foolishness, and forgiveness is a RARELY USED OPTION, they'll watch what they say or do to you IN THE FIRST PLACE! Now you may pray and THANK GOD for giving you the ability to REASON!


Submit Date: 6 APR 1999
Name: Manu Kant
Email: SKG626@AOL.COM
Response: The negro or the black or the Afro-americano problem I guess and you may correct me for all practical purposes, so, what I am saying is, as old as the hills of Kilimanjaro or as old as the first sighting of the negro or black or African woman or man, depending on who had the first glimpse, the white man or the quintessential white woman or vice-versa, that is, it is quite possible that the black man or black woman in fact had the first glimpse of the hard nosed white man or the very white woman, but then it hardly matters, because into the 21st century what we are talking and tracking about is the abject human condition of the Afro-american uprooted sadly from the African continent and displaced in the context of the white in the midst of the American continent; now then, the intractable debate is about what is to be done about the real injust plight of the BROTHER AND SISTER, in all seriousness, well then - a simple solution, overpower the all-powerful dieties by marching or demarching as one wishes or as all wish, and erecting a couple of statues, for starters, that is, near or just about near the Capitol Hill, the first one to be labeled as duly notarised and sanctioned by the friends of the BROTHER AND SISTER - who? - as Statue of Black Resurrection, and the second one to placed or deplaced, a matter of semantics really, and so could be overlooked comfortably, to be called Statue of Slavery. This first step, symbolic or supersymbolic would set the train in motion for a more equitable relationship between the super people of America, that is, the black and the white or vice-versa, that is, the white or the black. Good for the boy, not so good for the masta. But then, what to do. The cookie has to be shared. This done. My humble submission is: why not label couple of NUKES as Afro-american nukes. Again, a simple matter of symbolics. The overall control ofcourse has to remain with the PRESIDENT OF THE U.S. Finally, as to the matter of the subject. Do as you wish.


Submit Date: 6 APR 1999
Name:
Email:
Response: I think he should be forgiven.


Submit Date: 5 APR 1999
Name: bill
Email: boobs@hotmail.com
Response: The two african americans I believe took it in the wrong way


Submit Date: 5 APR 1999
Name: Louise Thompson
Email: Louthop@webtv.net
Response: Yes he should be fired ,if not thne that sends a message to others that they can say anything that they want about us.


Submit Date: 5 APR 1999
Name:
Email: firsteipiphany@hotmail.com
Response: You are held accountable for your actions. Mr. Tracht made the comment willingly and now he wants to apologize. No. You can't make things right with a simple sorry and everything is alright!!! He should have thought about the reprecutions before he opened his mouth.


Submit Date: 3 APR 1999
Name:
Email: rmitch0503
Response: i think he got what he ask for, what could he have thinking


Submit Date: 3 APR 1999
Name: Jedaree
Email: Jazeladi@netscape.net
Response: Yes, He should be forgiven but he should also suffer the consequences via being laid off for making such an offensive statement.


Submit Date: 3 APR 1999
Name:
Email: Urban_Guerrilla@webtv.net
Response: To the forgivers who claim Religiosity as Beneficiary to the act (and others): When One Forgives -- One Forgets! When One Does Not Forget -- One Has Not Forgiven! When GOD Forgives -- GOD Forgets! Where Is Your GODLIKE Exhibit? Food For Pondering...


Submit Date: 1 APR 1999
Name: DIAMONDS
Email: AIKENS98@BELLATLANTIC.NET
Response: Forgiven, but never forgotten nor reprived. Even though I myself refuse not to forgive because my soul is important to me, I still wonder is it because we as a people have been too forgiving, why whites feel they can continually make remarks like this and do the horrific things to us that they do, because they know we have a forgiving spirit? If History has taught us anything, its that white America has, and continues, to do ANYTHING


Submit Date: 1 APR 1999
Name: Chikongola
Email: A3bmcoal
Response: Forgiveness is easy to do, forgeting in my mind is not easy. Quite frankly, in the long run, he and those like him will ultimatey reap what they sow. As a voice in the airwave, he displayed a realistic deep hidden feelings thataffected my sensitive people. he may have enjoyed it as his tongue lashed out deplorable words before his brains gave him permission. My people are not to warry, we have bigger problems to resolve. we must not react to every racist remarks made by those who are not of our kind. Remenber he is a reflection, a mirror of where we are. His remarks are based on a historical training. He is following a normal trend, one that does not require pre-trip thourght. No doubt, he will get another job in the same field and most likely will make another racist comment about our people, should we respond again? maybe some, but the rest of us should be concentrating on our Chidrens Education, human needs, our global postion on the worlds human table, and looking out for our peoples needs globally. Tracht is not our problem, he is his peoples problem. Lets move on with what is in our best interest.


Submit Date: 31 MAR 1999
Name: raye
Email: ccacjones @aol.com
Response: It seems that the age of the outrageous,offensive, halfway trying to be a commedian news personality is what we are faced with. In a bibilical sense, yes we should forgive. In the world of work and professional ethics, I believe he should have been terminated on multiple accounts. 1)Lauren Hill is not just an award winning artist because of her musical talent. Her lyrics are quite metaphorical and teach us all valuable lessons if we listen. This is a monumental contribution by a young sister and for young and not so young people. I am especially drawn to her spirit because of her humanitarian efforts and peaceful protest of social injustice. The comparison of Lauren to a justification for killing was not a slip of the tongue but evidence of deep rooted hatred that the public should not be subjected to. In some ways I think the majority culture may feel they have a responsibility to one -up the personalities on the Tom Joyner morning show.Don't misunderstand, I am not making a direct correlation but some people do. Too bad the Greaseman didn't think before he spoke.


Submit Date: 31 MAR 1999
Name: nomis
Email:
Response: Get a chain!


Submit Date: 31 MAR 1999
Name: Ms. Burke
Email: sburke1964@aol.com
Response: He should be forgiven, because who are we to judge. However, he should not be rehired because disc jockeys, like most media personalities, have an effect on their audience's perspective on how and what things are. Surely, Mr. Tracht's distasteful remarks are a mirror of his belief, which should not be poured into the general public. African Americans have enough negative stereotyping reinforced by the newspapers, news broadcasters and so forth, additional help is not needed. Mr. Tracht should not now or ever be hired as a disc jockey. In the event that he is rehired, we as African Americans should not listen to the radio station that hires Mr. Tracht.


Submit Date: 31 MAR 1999
Name: D.B.
Email: Delaso@hotmail.com
Response: Forgive him? For WHAT? I am so sick and tired of black people telling other brothas and sistas that we have to FORGIVE some act perpetuated by another culture. Sorry, do not ASSUME that EVERYONE AGREES with your WHITE CHRISTIANIZING. It is so interesting to see black people forgive a person of ANOTHER CULTURE, and then these negroes will pat themselves on the back as if they did something NOBLE! BUT IF a black person did something like that, negroes would be running away like little roaches and FORGIVENESS would be UNTHINKABLE! And then, of course, we are ALWAYS talking about how "MORAL" and "FORGIVING" we are. Hmmm, interesting. Why don't I see that SAME FORGIVENESS directed at your OWN PEOPLE? Black people are NO MORE LOVING THAN ANY OTHER CULTURE. It is just that most blacks have been vicariously taught to LOVE THEIR ENEMIES and HATE those like them, whereas other cultures have been taught to LOVE THEMSELVES and DETEST their enemies. Love everyone? That is not even possiible for you do not KNOW EVERYONE. And if you are so quick to FORGIVE the actions of individuals such as the DJ, why in the WORLD DON'T YOU GO AND STAY OVER THERE WITH THAT DJ. Many brothas and sistas are getting SICK of you and getting SICK of them. It is only SO MUCH that a REASONABLE PERSON takes before FORGIVENESS IS NO LONGER AN OPTION. And many of you, with this specious language, ARE PUSHING THAT ENVELOPE even with your own community.


Submit Date: 30 MAR 1999
Name:
Email: Urban_Guerrilla@webtv.net
Response: I'm told some of you people want to talk to me. The problem is -- Between Urban and Guerrilla, there's an underline (_) not (-) a hyphen. So, if you want to get in touch with me, use the underline (_) not the (-) hyphen!! Urban_Guerrilla@webtv.net That's my address!! I'm waiting for you...GRRRrrrrrrr...!!! FORGIVENESS?? HAH!! I'D RATHER EAT RATTLESNAKES...!!!


Submit Date: 30 MAR 1999
Name: Andrea D. Adams
Email: ada.32@rocketmail.com
Response: Jesus says that we are to forgive as many times as we are forgiven. However, in forgiveness, we need not forget. Mr. Tracht used a very valuable tool to disseminate his racist remarks. People seem to believe that once they are forgiven, then we can resume with business as usual and just watch what we say. That's not true. Even with forgiveness, there is still punishment for their actions. His punishment should be him remaining jobless from the airwaves and media in general. He'd either forgotten how powerful radio was or just assumed he could get away with it. NOT!!!


Submit Date: 28 MAR 1999
Name: tasha
Email: mmixon@webtv.net
Response: it's just another thing that they're(white people) are jeolous of.


Submit Date: 28 MAR 1999
Name: tasha
Email: mmixon@webtv.net
Response: I'd like to meet his mother and father to see the reaction of what kind of son they have raised.


Submit Date: 28 MAR 1999
Name: DOUG
Email: SNKEYES@aol.com
Response: if this about the incident in TX, artical too vague,,,His intent racial, destroy him. if it was in sydistic pun, then slap him,, hard.


Submit Date: 27 MAR 1999
Name: KG
Email: kg13@bellsouth.net
Response: My comment on this is, as a people we have been asked to forgive every and anything against us for over 500 years.When will we get tierd of forgiving everyone or will we just keep turning the away from these things.Personally as a young BLACK MALE I'm ready for a change and if people like this can't wake up a see they need to change,then we need to help them see this (Change).


Submit Date: 27 MAR 1999
Name: Cheryl
Email: cann11@aol.co,
Response: Sure he should be forgiven, but not rehired. Since this was not his first remark he feels as though he can say anything he wishes as long he "apologize" later. An apology is for something you did not mean. He meant every work he said because he had to have planned it out. It was not a slip of the tongue. He carefully and consciencely picked the song and the words. He just wasn't ready for such a strong reaction.


Submit Date: 27 MAR 1999
Name: William Blickley
Email: Blickley@Juno.com
Response: Usually when someone asks for forgiveness it indicates that they recognize that they did something wrong. It usually means that know that they would not have done it if they had not been so ignorant, careless, or selfish. If he has already lost his job and there is no chance for him to regain it ...then his statement of regret may be sincere. We all have done things that we regret. Sometimes our confession of wrong can be a guide post for others to avoid our error. Remember George Wallace? If this man has confessed his great wrong in a very public forum...he may just help others how have thought like him to re-examine their own ignorant and dangerous opinions. Forgiveness is the foundation of a stable society. Besides examples here in the United States; look at the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa where people have a tradition of NO FORGIVENESS. It's always hateful wars to punish some hateful action by someone else. It even gets to the point of "ethnic cleansing"! Forgiveness doesn't mean complete ignorance and forgetfulness. It does mean giving the offender a chance to prove that they recognize the error of their ways and move ahead. Jesus said " Forgive them for they know not what they do", while he was being crucified. Hateful people don't know what they are doing! They wreck themselves, others, and the society in which their children must live.


Submit Date: 26 MAR 1999
Name: Terry Moten
Email: tertramoten@msn.com
Response: Indeed and without equivocation he should be forgiven!!! However, it must be understood that abstaining from discipline is not mutually inclusive in forgiving. Proverbs 19:18 states that "There is hope in discipline...". Implicit in that, is that there is no hope outside of discipline. Please, let us not make the mistake of imploring the secular idea of forgiveness, then judge or qualify it from a divine theological perspective. That is to say, when we speak of forgivness from a divine perspective we understand that we are speaking of the forgivness of sin. No man is qualified to forgive sin, only God can do this. Therefor, let us first remind ourselves that theologically, it is God who forgives another through us, and this is not a personal will nor subsequent act on our part alone. However, the secularist view suggests that "forgiveness" is soley a personal decision of the will, which can be evoked or revoked at anytime by the one choosing to do so, on his own accord. So we must ask ourselves, when we say "forgive", what do we really mean and what are we really asking of ourselves. Does this mean, "let by-gones be by-gones"? Or behave as if this thing did not happen and it will all work out in the end? Oh and I love this one, "Just forgive and forget." Sounds noble enough, but if we were truly able to forget, this thread would not be here nor any of the post in response to the issue. Though a noble jesture, it falls far outside the bounds of reality. That is why such ideas never "really" work. No pun intended. Nevertheless, such type responses in our increasingly "tolerant", "live and let live" culture continue to be en vouge as our state of social existence begans to look more and more like Ancient Egypt, The Greek and Roman Empires, Nazi Germany shortly before their collapses. But hardly is the attitude that Christ takes when dealing with unrighteous behavior. For us Christians, the question goes much deeper. The question for us, is "What is God asking from us, regarding the forgiveness of others?" For the mature Christian, this should not be a mystery. As someone posted earlier, "What would Jesus do?" Not only should the mature Christian know what Jesus would do, but the he should know what Jesus has done and is doing! Which is not rejoicing in iniquity, or codling the unrighteous. God respondes to unrighteous behvavior by disciplining, with charity and mercy, those who practice such behavior. So I say indeed, let us do what Jesus would do!!! Let us not rejoice in unrighteous acts, but respond to such acts with proper discipline tempered with love and mercy. And pray for the forgiveness of others and ourselves. Out of the heart, the mouth speaks!


Submit Date: 26 MAR 1999
Name: Mrs. T
Email: potates@pacbell.net
Response: I believe we all could agree that no one should be dragged behind a truck and dismember....It is not for me to judge him on his stupidity. I am will not feed the evil tension that is raising to trouble heights......I turn this man over to th the care of a power greater than myself, and have no doubt he will reap his sow...I seek conviction to be brought against him....for if he is not a part of the solution, then he is part of the problem that many of us will to not exist....We need peace in our work place, peace in our schools, homes, streets, neighborhoods. We must not egnite the racial bomb is waiting to explode.... Peace be with as you all go and come in and out.


Submit Date: 25 MAR 1999
Name: DORITY
Email: nalset@fuse.net
Response: Yes, not to do so is to add validity to something unspeakable. If we are the people we profess to be than compassion, tolerance and charity are the only that keep us strong and developing. Hatred and condemnation are the tools with which to manipulate and control.


Submit Date: 24 MAR 1999
Name: thelands
Email: thelands@netzero.net
Response: Forgive him - Yes. Should he have been fired - YES! Should I forget - Believe it not I got more important things to think about and to take up space ini my mind, then to hold un to the juvenille tendencies of some un-disciplined person. Peace.


Submit Date: 24 MAR 1999
Name: simon
Email: talib@swbell.net
Response: Forgive him or the racist society that created such an ill-mannered, undiscplined individual. His cooments did not offend me, it just reaffirmed the moral decay within our society. He has the right to speak what is on his mind, (whatever that means) but he has the moral obligation to not share his derogatory comments on a public venue. If his his statement for forgiveness is genuine (and only God knows) then forgive him. Remember "Forgive our tresspasses as we forgive those who tresspass against us," or "Lord, forgive them for they KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO (or say)."


Submit Date: 24 MAR 1999
Name: Nayelly Zamas
Email:
Response: This man is just jealous because Ms. Hill is reaching heights that he will never reach. I would not for give him, he said what he felt and we can't changed that because that's how he feels. He's just crazy.


Submit Date: 24 MAR 1999
Name: reggie timpson
Email: rtimpson@hotmail.com
Response: I can find no excuse, nor would want to find one for his actions. His actions are totally unacceptable, totally unwarrented, absolutely sick. As far as for forgiveness, he needs to sincerely seek God because for anyone to make a comment like that is seriously out of his wits. There is no logic to support his comment. I guess he was trying to clever or humorous. I don't get it. Reggie Timpson


Submit Date: 23 MAR 1999
Name: D. Johnson
Email: lyric_dj@hotmail.com
Response: No he should not be forgiven for making this statement. If for no other reason, in this day and age, those types of negative comments just should not be made. If he did not like the song, so what! He doesn't have to like it or listen to it; just play it. That is his job. Those types of jokes are the kind you make in private, to your other "white" friends, not over the air- waves.


Submit Date: 23 MAR 1999
Name:
Email: Cultural5@aol.com
Response: No. In my opinion, blacks have been forgiving white people far too long. We forgave our slave masters for having us and we forgave the presidents for alowing us to be segregated. If tatat was a black man who said something like "No wonder white people..." he would be fired and then sued. That racisim was in his heart and it came out. That comment was offensive to the family whos relative was dragged behind the truck as well as me.


Submit Date: 23 MAR 1999
Name:
Email: jazmanj@hotmail.com
Response: Forgive. Let us suppose for a moment that we as african americans decide Not to forgive a person that makes a racist comment. What other option do we have, fight back? In order to fight back against racists we would have to battle whites. The same whites that OWN the land we live on, MAKE the money we spend, GROW the food we eat, BUILD the houses we live in, MANUFACTURE the cars we drive, DISTRIBUTE the clothes we wear... need I go on? It seems to me forgiveness is something they worry not about. Whether we forgive him or any other racist system, life goes on ... AS IS. Maybe we'll wake up sooner or later!!!! PEACENESS Jazmanj


Submit Date: 23 MAR 1999
Name:
Email: Urban-Guerrilla@webtv.net
Response: Doug Tracht, is a worthless disease permeating the lives of decent people!! He, is a "Good-For-Nothing!!" Extermination, replaces Forgiveness. Nonremunerative is the adjective which applies!! The forgiveness befitting "greasey" is -- Tar, Feathers, and Impalement (through the seat of his pants) upon a Cactus!!! His value is -- Not Worth The Powder To Blow Him To Hell...African-Americans are far greater than the Nugatory Nuisance of an Unrequired Jackass...!!!


Submit Date: 22 MAR 1999
Name: Krysta Lee
Email: klee173@hotmail.com
Response: In my opinion...certainly- this man should be forgiven. It certainly was a rude/cruel thing to say, but it's neat that he said he was sorry- we see everyone running around w/ these WWJD bracelets, etc- well, according to the bible- Jesus would forgive him and he commands us all to do the same. It's not an opinion, it's a fact, it's a law!


Submit Date: 22 MAR 1999
Name: clara muhammad
Email:
Response: Everyone pays the price for their actions, this includes the D.J.


Submit Date: 21 MAR 1999
Name: April Wood
Email: apwood@chc.edu
Response: A appalaud him for speaking his mind. most racist people can not do that. His target audience whom accepted as well as support his comment will not display themselves publicly, and will not support him openly, unless in a large group. He should not be forgiven due to the fact the majority do not support such ignorance. If he likes to run his mouth, that makes me aware of someone to stay away from.


Submit Date: 20 MAR 1999
Name:
Email:
Response: Let's understand where such a remark is coming from. White people don't like it when blacks achieve fame and fortune. Ms. Hill is an intelligent black woman who will reach heights that greasy will never be able to obtain. He's a fool and knows it. Making stupid remarks is his way of advertising his ignorance. He got fired but someone else will provide him with a platform. There are plenty of racists.


Submit Date: 20 MAR 1999
Name: tinilya thomas
Email: twighead@hotmail.com
Response: there comes a time when the media must take responsibilty for their actions those that hold profession within any form of broadcasting must understand that they should use such an influencial vehcial to promote knowledge, and not for the promotion of ignorance. further more, i believe it only fair that doug tracht deal, in full, with the consequences of his actions.


Submit Date: 20 MAR 1999
Name: Jacquie Wilson
Email: jbenja2706@aol.com
Response: I dont think greaseman apology should be excepted. He has made several derogatory remarks regarding African American.I'm sure he truly means exactly what was quoted.He needs to enroll into a behavior mgmt therapy program.I have no doubt that he will be employed soon and will continue to degrade and insult minorities.


Submit Date: 19 MAR 1999
Name: Glen Cosgrave
Email: BGROVEG@juno.com
Response: Wow what a *&%#!!!! The main thing you have to remember is that radio is a business and that you better not say anything too off color or you can be fired. Especially if you insult your advertisers and listenership. Now I'm on the side of the issue that says that white racism is no where near as rampant as the liberal black media makes it up to be but gosh that was truly an off color statement. Oh well I guess he'll be looking for another job somewhere else and if he does get another job he better watch his mouth. I missed the comment last time about the guy being dragged behind the pickup. On that subject you just have to treat it like any other murder case witch calls for capital punishment in the state of Texas. Enough said..


Submit Date: 19 MAR 1999
Name: vidal
Email: cherpw@aol.com
Response: no, i dont think he should be forgiven. Black people need to be like jewish people when people make racist comments. We should be vigilant and attack every comment andd make sure people like him never get a chance to say it again on a broadcast. Words are powerful and can move people to action and so they should be condemned strongly.


Submit Date: 19 MAR 1999
Name: Juanita Lomax
Email:
Response: My opinion is that he should have been fired along time ago.In reading the article I,ve learned things that I didn,t already know such as his comment on the King holiday he has a real problem and I dont believe that he is sorry.He meant what he said otherwise he wouldn't have said it, he shouldn't have been thinking it,and my question is why was there not a big issue when he made the other statement.It was just as bad.As I said before he's not sorry for what he said but sorry that he said it when he did, and where he said it, and who he said it to.I think it is wonderful that noone has offered him a job why should they, there are a number of different people of different races in every workplace.So just because he apologized doesn't mean his feelings or views have changed. I believe he is a racist and there is no place in society for people like that.As well he should be glad that the family didnt respond to his letter; I can imagine what they would have to say, or at least I know what I would say.That was a very insensative and racist comment, something that someone in the publics eye just should've known not to say.I don't know if I'm being too hard but I just don't feel sorry for him.whatever he gets is what he deserves maybe in the future he will think before he speaks.


Submit Date: 18 MAR 1999
Name: COY
Email: chakiayork@aol.com
Response: Many Euro-americans (aka whites) have been claiming that recent situations such as the radio disc jockey being fired for racist remarks is a result of too much political correctness and too much sensitivity. I disagree. I think that it is a result of too much apathy,forgiveness and a very short memory in the Black Community. We have been allowing comments like this disc jockey's to slide or to be forgiven for too many years. Let's not only wake up--but let's incite and react to comments such as these. I know that My People are a kind and forgiving people but it's time and has been time for many years to stop forgiving the Euros (whites) for their evil-doings against Africans everywhere (especially in the USA). Ponder for a moment, would the Jews ever forgive someone saying any anti-Semitic comment on TV or radio?--Hell, no. And forgiveness should be the last thing on OUR minds! Remember!!! Brothers and Sisters! Remember the Atlantic Slave Trade! Remember the Civil Rights Era! Remember your life and your children's lives! History is a cycle--not a timeline as white idealogy would like us to believe. If it happens now and we don't do anything about it--it will happen again.


Submit Date: 18 MAR 1999
Name: Supra Lover
Email: supranyc@aol.com
Response: No. He should not be forgiven. Had an afro=american said something distasteful, they wouldnt hear the end of it


Submit Date: 17 MAR 1999
Name: Frances Murphy
Email: FrankieLou@aol.com
Response: Forgive? Of course. I find myself doing a lot of forgiving these days because I am a Christian. I forgive those horrible men who dragged Mr. Byrd's body behind their truck, cutting off his head; I forgive those policemen who shot at that New York man 41 times; I forgive the D.C. mayor who wants to move the only public university in town from its beautiful 21-acre campus in a White neighborhood over to a Black section of town because the student body is 90 percent black. Oh yes, I forgive. But I won't forget. I can only pray that the Lord won't forget either and that he has set aside a special place for people like this.


Submit Date: 17 MAR 1999
Name:
Email: Urban-Guerrilla@webtv.net
Response: There's no excuse for Reprehensible Behavior! But, of course, His kind is Raised in this fashion! They thrive on such Disgusting Acts! They live for the Ignorant Attacks Perpetrated Against African-Americans! The Hyena receives Nine-Thumbs-up over them!!! Whatever one harbors in the heart, will reveal itself! Despicable, describes the "greaseboy!!" FORGIVENESS??? HAH!! I'd Rather Eat Rattlesnakes....


Submit Date: 15 MAR 1999
Name:
Email: dominiquewatkins@hotmail.com
Response: Certainly what was said in ignorance or otherwise should be forgiven if an apology was genuinely given. Forgiving doesn't always mean forgetting. We should ask what he is asking forgiveness for. Was it for the backlash received or because he recognizes that his comment is cruel, hateful and ignorant?


Submit Date: 15 MAR 1999
Name: carol hayes
Email: carolh58@yahoo,com
Response: You wanted a response, you wanted the publicity , you wanted a voice in the black community, I could go on, and on, about what you wanted, or what your intentions were, bottom line is "THATS' HOW YOU GOT MY ATTENTION"


Submit Date: 13 MAR 1999
Name:
Email: LMcint4157@aol.com.
Response: I THINK THE RADIO STATION DID THE RIGHT THING BY FIRING HIM.BUT TO FORGIVE HIM, WHO IS HE ASKING TO FORGIVE HIM? WHY IS HE ASKING FOR FORGIVENESS? DID HE NOT LIKE THE MUSIC.DO HE THINK AFRICAN-AMERICANS SHOULD BE DRAG BY THE HEAD TILL DEAD? I THINK WE SHOULD PRAY FOR HIM. TURNTHE DIAL , DON'T LISTEN.OKAY, HE MADE RACIST REMARK.HE WILL GET ANOTHER JOB,BECAUSE THERE ARE PLENTY OF PEOPLE WHO LIKE THAT STUFF.


Submit Date: 13 MAR 1999
Name: denise strong
Email: dstrong@mail.sandi.net
Response: apparently this man has made racial remarks that were negative already, i honestly think that the man is and always be a man that will not change his views on race. the only thing that we can do for him is pray that he doesn't infect others' with his remarks. basically, he should be fired and ultimately banned from radio. if by chance someone else chooses to hire him, their show should be held accountable, finacially, and socially.


Submit Date: 13 MAR 1999
Name: denise strong
Email: dstrong@mail.sandi.net
Response: apparently this man has made racial remarks that were negative already, i honestly think that the man is and always be a man that will not change his views on race. the only thing that we can do for him is pray that he doesn't infect others' with his remarks. basically, he should be fired and ultimately banned from radio. if by chance someone else chooses to hire him, their show should be held accountable, finacially, and socially.


Submit Date: 12 MAR 1999
Name: Malcolm
Email: Malclm7@aol.com
Response: The question once again, is not should this man be forgiven.The question we should be asking our selves, is why is this man being paraded around the country after making such a statement? Why is Rock Newman his right hand man all of a sudden and why did Jesse Jack son give this man air time on his national talk show? This has nothing to do with this man seeking forgiveness in my opinion. This has everything to do with the continuing effort to belittle the value of every black person on the earth!


Submit Date: 12 MAR 1999
Name: Monte Pratt
Email:
Response: No, I won't forgive him. If our paths cross in life, he can expect no favors or assistance from me. Period. There are a lot of historical figures-- tyrants being the most obvious-- that history and mankind don't forgive. Why is "the Greaseman" deserving of anyone's forgiveness? When was the last time an African-American was "forgiven" who said or did something deemed offensive to the majority population? I'm not advocating violence; however, that's usually how this country deals with African-Americans who offend them. Economic ruin is another favorite "forgiveness" used against African-Americans who offend. No forgiveness here. Maybe he should reap what he sows. That's an applicable biblical theme.


Submit Date: 11 MAR 1999
Name: Demeterice
Email: demeterice@yahoo.com
Response: No. If we continue to condone bigotry and racism, how do we intend to ever erase it. He should say what he means and mean what he says, and be man enough to stand behind it.


Submit Date: 11 MAR 1999
Name: Joe B
Email: 77
Response: What an Idiot!! Mr Tracht shows, the need for education. This is your brain on drugs!!!!


Submit Date: 11 MAR 1999
Name: Randall
Email: B1more1@aol.com
Response: Absolutely, We should forgive him. But, never should we forget, that this is not baseball, so we don't need three stricks to get him out !!!!!


Submit Date: 11 MAR 1999
Name: RAFAEL MASSO
Email: RALPHMASSO@HOTMAIL.COM
Response: I THINK HE SHOULD BE FORGIVEN BECAUSE HE HAS THE RIGHT TO SAY HIS OWN OPINION ABOUT LAURYN HILL SONGS AND THOUGH HE IS A DISC JOCKEY HE CAN JUST TELL HIS OWN OPINION BUT HE CANNOT GET FIRED FOR HIS COMMENT SO I THINK HE SHOULD BE FORGIVEN.


Submit Date: 11 MAR 1999
Name: Mrs. C.A. Brown
Email: cybrown@phila.k12.pa.us
Response: This was a most insessitive remark. Doug Tracht is in a most informative position that should not be abused. He is not responsible enough to keep his position , as the murder of the African American in Texas was one of the most hedious crimes of the century.


Submit Date: 10 MAR 1999
Name:
Email: GY13@WEBTV.NET
Response: HELL NO!!!!! He should not be forgiven. This is the second time he's talked about killing Africans in America. I'm glad he said what he said. Many Africans in Amerikkka have been lulled to sleep and I think we need these verbal wake up calls. I know all whites don't feel this way, but if they are over 150 million we don't need them all to feel that way. If 10% or 20% feel that way, that could be 15 to 30 million devils that would advocate "dragging us behind trucks". Remember the new york police and firemen who recreated the dragging of our late Brotha, they had a sign that said "2098 Black to the future". I took that to mean 100 years from the year of the dragging we'll still be dragging you niggers.


Submit Date: 10 MAR 1999
Name: Bonnie Jackson
Email: bonjac@aol.com
Response: What should have been done to the 'greaseman', we have lost our opportunity to do. He got exactly what he wanted - lots and lots of publicity, another notch on his resume to make him marketable to trash radio, and a solid night of fun and frolicking with his friends as they celebrated the way in which he was in control. How was he in control? You are controlled by your emotions. We got angry and we got busy getting into high gear seeking a resolution to this problem. Precious time and hours were spent discussing/resolving an issue that didnot rate the publicity it received. What was gained from this incident? Will he never work in the radio industry again? Did we do something to change the racial tones in America? Did we feed hungry babies? Probably not. What should have been done and wasn't, was to ignore the 'greaseman' - pretend he didn't exist. Have you ever noticed that when people walk away and ignore obnoxious people, they shut up and go away, they collapse! When you responded to them, that is a nutrient and they grow. Once again we have been sidelined. We took our eyes off of the prize. Let us stop casting out pearls to swine. The greaseman doesn't deserve our pearls.


Submit Date: 10 MAR 1999
Name: Bakari
Email: usoto@swbell.net
Response: Should he be forgiven? That is a question that is loaded on both extremes. I must say that he should be given a chance to prove that he is truly sorry. However, as for forgiving him, I don't think so!! What this person did was so far from right that it could not be forgotten or fogiven. We as a people seem to quick to offer our forgiveness at the drop of a hat or drop of a tear an a apology. We need to start holding those accountable for the transgressions that they perform against us. To forget is human and to forgive is devine. We have the devine and the human, now let us try to get the message out that we will not be a foot rest for the community as a whole. Hotep Bakari


Submit Date: 10 MAR 1999
Name: TheIntern
Email:
Response: HELL NO!!!! But it does not matter what WE think anyway, because he will not be coming to our radio stations to work as a broadcaster, now will he? He'll hobknob with some fellow racists, who have "pull" in broadcasting, and think what he said was funny, and he'll have a new job, making more money to boot, tommorow. Don't worry about the Greaseman, or any of these other big-mouths that make offensive statements that have the Black community up in arms for a day or so, and then it dies down. The establishment will fire them on the day we complain about it, then hire them back in a new, more lucrative position as soon as we turn our backs, and focus on some other issue to whine about. It's all a game, and we Blackfolk lack the consistency and organization to play it to our advantage, which is why the whiteman continues to win....


Submit Date: 10 MAR 1999
pName: softie
Email: lartey@banet.net
Response: Of course he should be forgiven. Who are we to withhold forgiveness from any human? If Almighty God forgives them, then who are we not to do likewise? I think, however, that a better point of discussion would be how the Greaseman should demonstrate his sincerity. If he is really sorry for the comment, he should demonstrate it by volunteering time and money to some worthwhile cause.


Submit Date: 10 MAR 1999
Name: Darnel Tanksley
Email: DarTanksley@aol.com
Response: I am sure that Mr. Tracht has stated that he is not racist and has pulled out the obligatory Negro friend. But regardless of whether Mr. Tracht likes his dog or not the fact remains that his statement revealed what I believe all Whites feel: That Negroes are sub-human, sub-intelligent beings. I beleive that until this "sub-human" theory is confronted by White and Negro alike all other talk on race is merely entertainment.


Submit Date: 10 MAR 1999
Name: JKG
Email: Littlejroc@hotmail.com
Response: This isn't the first time this person has said racist remarks. I think we should protest anyone who gives him another job. That wasn't an accident. More importantly this is a reminder of how far we've come, but yet how far we have to go. Together we must unite!


Past discussion topics