“You Tell ‘Em … LOL”
“…. obama is the new terrorist … muslim is on there (sic) side … need to take this country back from all these mad coons … and illegals.”
Hmmmm-K … now suppose for a moment that one of your friends wrote something like that on your social networking website.
What do you do?
Delete it?
Rebuke it?
Correct their spelling?
Let it sit there unanswered?
Or … do you respond by saying “you tell em (name)! lol!”
According to the website The Conservativist, Audra Shay (above) – a leading candidate for Chairman of the National Young Republicans – chose the latter option, which of course was the wrong option. Well, unless your audience happens to be wearing white robes and pointy hats.
Anyway, in addition to being a die-hard Republican, Shay’s website says she’s an Army veteran, a mom and a small business woman … oh, and a former cheerleader.
Maybe that’s what got into her … the cheerleader thing … but whatever it was, fellow Republicans say it’s precisely the sort of thing that’s got to “get out” of the GOP.
“Rusty DePass didn’t do us any favors, all the other stuff on Facebook didn’t do us any favors,” said Joshua Gross, referring to a series of racially-insensitive gaffes by Palmetto State Republican activists. “This one isn’t going to do us any favors, either.”
Obviously, Shay didn’t call anybody a “coon,” but she gave the remark an “lol,” – which is “laugh out loud” for those of you who don’t speak the language of text messaging.
Gross, who is South Carolina’s National Young Republican Committeeman, says that the GOP has to purge itself of racism.
“We’ve got to a point where people don’t even think in these terms, let alone say something like this, let alone post something like this to a website,” Gross said. “This reinforces every liberal media stereotype about what Republicans are like.”
UPDATE - Audra Shay responds …
Comments
By William Parish on July 2nd, 2009 at 9:38 pm
You have got to be kidding me. Some woman has been given the opportunity to lead a national Republican organization and she’s condoning this trash? We can’t catch a freakin break with people like this trying to run the show. I sincerely hope that, however this organization makes its decision, they throw the book at this one.
By GnuBerry on July 2nd, 2009 at 10:51 pm
stupid post about nonsense
By ich liebe mandy wilkes booth on July 2nd, 2009 at 10:58 pm
dang, aint seen that many white people together since the last indy colts game, shes got that closet racist thing going with the normal right eye but the left eye says it all…all flared up and suspicious looking. I like the muslim international marriage ad on the same page with the young racists, effective marketing.
By hym on July 3rd, 2009 at 12:12 am
Bullshit! Nothing racist about an LOL. Why the hypersenditivity if not to hide true colors of the protagonists. Only those who are apt to patronize and tread everso delicately across the eggshells of political correctness likely harbor racist tendencies and not those who respond with an open and light heart. Let’s not fall into this trap, please.
By Jonathan on July 3rd, 2009 at 12:25 am
As a Young Republican in South Carolina, I can tell you are not telling anywhere near half of the story here.
Joshua Gross is a candidate for a Young Republican national office running as part of a ticket of candidates. Their opposition is the ticket being led by Audra Shay (the Facebook girl above). The owner of The Conservativist blog is also a delegate to the Young Repub national convention from South Carolina. South Carolina Young Repubs recently switched their original endorsement from the slate of candidates led by Audra Shay to the other slate of candidates since Josh Gross had been recruited to run with that ticket.
The guy who wrote the offensive comments also wrote prior non-offensive comments on her Facebook page, which you did not include here on this blog. Here is a screen shote of the comments:
http://www.arktimes.com/assets/documents/audrashayfacebook.jpg
If you give this young lady the benefit of the doubt, she says that she was saying “you tell em lol” to the non-racist comments, and didn’t even notice the racist comments on her wall. Anyway, I don’t have a dog in this fight and could care less who wins (though I hear Joshua Gross’ ticket has already lost the race, hence their making up this story.)
Below is Audra Shay’s explanation and statement about this issue:
Yesterday on Facebook, an unfortunate incident occurred. An individual posted two comments on my Facebook wall, the first comment arguing against big government and the second filled with racially charged comments. I responded supporting the individual’s first post, to continue the fight against big government spending. I was not aware of the racial comments until sometime later, when a third individual brought it to my attention. I immediately deleted the derogatory and outright disgusting comments and subsequently posted a statement on my Facebook Status stating that in no way, shape or form are the comments posted by other individuals a reflection of me or my beliefs as an American, a Veteran, a Mother or a Candidate. I do not, now would I ever, condone that type of language or behavior.
Unfortunately, my opponents have now spun a web of misconception and untruths, desperately trying to paint me as a racists. Nothing could be farther from the truth. In fact, I have made it part of my Young Republican life to ensure that we did not just focus on outreach, but inclusion. Under my leadership as Chairman of the State of Louisiana’s Young Republicans, we were able to raise $90,000 for a minority outreach media campaign. Also under my leadership as Louisiana Chairman we brought the largest minority delegation to the YRNF Convention in 2007.
It is a disgrace that these types of political attacks are taking place and once again, it proves that my opponents will stoop to the lowest levels to steal this election from the jaws of victory. Our Team is one of honor and integrity. We take this service to heart and will not allow others to tarnish our reputations. If you have any questions or concerns about this matter or any other matters, please email, call or Facebook message me. I’m always available.
By damn yankee on July 3rd, 2009 at 1:16 am
Agreed, nothing racist about LOL. What about “mad coons”?…in the same sentence as “obama is a terroist”? I think your comment was well written (imo) and insightful but why disregard the truth? Could be wrong but pretty sure you cant “respond with an open and light heart” to calling our President a mad coon.
By Ron on July 3rd, 2009 at 4:58 am
She is just appealing to the Republican base, as was Rusty DePass. Keep it up, guys, we Dems and liberals love it.
You Republican racists may be able to hold on to a few radical enclaves like South Carolina, but nationally you are toast. And it couldn’t happen to a more deserving group.
Any of you going “hiking” over the holiday weekend?
By Old Bike Dude on July 3rd, 2009 at 7:03 am
Hym, we’re holding a clan, oops,…I mean GOP Sensitivity Rally down on Seaside Road by the migrant camps at 10pm Saturday night. That’s on St Helena Island. Be there and bring your politically correct attire. You’ll be given an opportunity to be a racist with an open and light heart, then you’ll be given the opportunity to run.
By liz on July 3rd, 2009 at 8:28 am
No Fits, you try to explain to this human being who wrote this that people are inherently bad at their core, everyone of us. Then you tell em there are Republicans and Democrats. Sometimes when they go to DC they get mixed up in some other group… they still say R or D, but it is clearly something other group that controls both R and D pols across this land.
It’s sinister, it’s evil and it’s wrong.
But I don’t think we know what to call it, this group probably does have a name. I keep wondering if it’s ” family”, C Street, you know that group Sanford and Demint belong to.
By liz on July 3rd, 2009 at 8:33 am
By the way, Hilliary belongs to the family and C street too.
By follydude on July 3rd, 2009 at 9:35 am
are we to assume that the woman in the photo is a ‘young’ republican?
By Joshua on July 3rd, 2009 at 10:51 am
“Jonathan”,
Here is the inherent flaw in this argument.
Check the screenshot on the Arkansas blog – the two posts she’s referencing happened within 2 minutes of each other, while her response came 8 minutes after the second post.
To believe that she didn’t intend to approve of the second post means you believe that she clicked to respond on the first comment within the first minute, then took 9 minutes to type “You tell ‘em Eric! LOL”
That’s simply not plausible. As usual, the simplest explanation usually holds, which would be that she agreed with that which she apparently said she agreed with.
Even if you give her the benefit of a doubt based on her day-later statement (and it’s a thin doubt, IMHO) what Audra has shown here is at the very least an appalling carelessness and lack of judgment.
…and that lack of judgment, combined with Next Levels commitment to getting the conservative message to a new generation of voters through technology and a really great group of candidates (my presence notwithstanding), is why the Next Level ticket will win the day next Saturday…
JDG
By Todd on July 3rd, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Open letter to Audra Shay
Audra,
I was searching the Internet when I came across an article about racial comments you recently made on your Facebook page. As someone with Jewish heritage, and who has two biracial children (white/Latino,) I am thoroughly disgusted by your comments.
My grandfather fought in World War II against Nazi Germany. He was not only fighting for his country, but against intolerance based on race, religion and ethnicity. As a Jewish American, it took a lot of courage to step on German soil, but he knew he must stand up for what is right. I have thought long and hard about it, and I must also stand up against racial intolerance, by demanding that you resign your position as YRNF Vice Chairman-at-large. I watched scandal after scandal surround your campaign, but this is far too serious for any of us to sit back and tolerate.
Audra, you have embarrassed our organization, our party, and you have let down your friends by participating in bigotry. This behavior must not, and will not be tolerated.
Sincerely,
Todd Goberville
Florida National Committeeman
By Interrloper on July 3rd, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Audra’s statement is selfish and narcissistic. She barely bothers to refute the racist remarks (perhaps because she agrees with them?) and focuses on recruiting for her ticket. The dismissive attitude she has toward racist behavior bolsters the suspicion she is a fellow traveler. As for having recruited minority Republicans in Louisiana, I notice she doesn’t claim to have attracted any to David Duke’s old stomping grounds.
By Jonathan on July 3rd, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Todd Goberville,
Dude, get a life. If you even bothered to read the article you would know that she did not make any racial comments on her Facebook page as you said.
By Charles on July 3rd, 2009 at 6:22 pm
As a life long southerner, I think it is laughable people are feigning surprise at these comments. In reality no one is surprised the comments were made or that this lady agreed with them. They are just surprised she was careless enough to agree on line.
Racism runs deep in the Republican Party in the South. After all it was racism that gave the Party a foothold in the South in the first place; and it still plays a major roll in the party’s dominance there. Purging racists from the Republican Party would be like cutting off one of its limbs, but at least the Reps have come to realize public racism has flipped from a vote getter to a vote loser; and maybe that is a sign of positive change.
By Biggie Tea on July 3rd, 2009 at 6:29 pm
I can’t believe an election for “Young Republican” office would bring out this kind of venom/passion. Wow. But, of course, I’m neither young or Republican so what do I know?
By Dj on July 5th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Cartman has dibs on the “coon”. Anyways, this is just another example of ridiculous high school name calling which really has nothing to do with the discourse on politics here in SC and the rest of the nation. We spend so much time worrying about who said what to whom that we forget what these guys are suppose to be doing…serving the people. I hate this trend of name calling, rumor spreading, and tabloid trashiness that is politics now. It isn’t about politics anymore but about the social soap opera in politics we are so emotionally involved with. We are now fighting over comments made on a social networking site that in the end really doesn’t do anything to further the state or nation…think about it. WE ARE MAKING A BIG DEAL OVER FACEBOOK COMMENTS. Really.
By sic shillie on July 5th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
after the most cursory glance and viewing a few related links, this appears to be obvious infighting for what seems to be a pathetically irrelevant position. Young republicans?LOL who are you kidding? maybe 2 out of 10 seventeen years olds (turning 18) would even consider considering the GOP. But i do find it pretty funny that the apparent losing side in the battle has taken the tack of using racist smears against a REPUBLICAN. LOL these revelations (if true-its a believable sentiment for sure, but this whole sceario reeks of fabrication to be honest)will probably only enhance this shay woman in the eyes of those voting.
By Cassie on July 6th, 2009 at 2:41 am
Members of the National Committee,
I am sorry to take your time with another email, but I feel I can add a fresh firsthand perspective to this situation and want to make sure everyone is fully informed as it is extremely important. If we do not thoroughly vet this situation it reflects very poorly upon Young Republicans (if you are not familiar with what I’m referring to, please see: http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/2009/07/race_and_young_repubs.aspx). Audra Shay’s response to several media articles and blog posts which expressed concern regarding her remarks on Facebook have troubled me. Audra’s response claims that she was “responding to the first post, to continue the fight against big government spending.” This is one of the worst attempted cover ups I have ever seen. Let me tell you why:
Firstly, Eric Piker’s first post, as you can see by this screen shot http://www.arktimes.com/assets/documents/audrashayfacebook.jpg, is not about big government spending. Secondly, Audra made her comments eight minutes after Eric’s racist comment, saying, “You tell em Eric! lol”. Also if Audra really did find these remarks to be “outright disgusting,” then why was her response to immediately de-friend those who made statements against Eric’s blatant racism? I was blocked for stating that Eric’s racist comment was “NOT OKAY. And it is not funny.” Please take a moment look at the entire screenshot linked above, and ask yourself: which comment would lead you to de-friend someone, mine, or Eric’s?
If you look at the screenshot posted on HipHopRepublican.com, http://hiphoprepublican.com/wp-content/uploads/audrashayfacebook-21.jpg, you will see that more than twelve hours later, long after she removed me as a friend, Eric Piker was STILL posting racists remarks saying “…if your ass is black don’t let the sun set on it in a southern town…” Even that comment didn’t cause Audra to remove Eric Piker as a friend. It seems it was only after the media started calling the next day that she knew she HAD to remove him.
I also want to address one other very serious accusation in Audra’s statement. She told the media that this was a “desperate” attempt by her opponent and painted herself as a victim. I can set the record straight firsthand, and this is why I felt the responsibility to email you. What happened did not come from Rachel Hoff or anyone on her ticket. The comments came from me and other offended people who were Audra’s Facebook friends. No one told me to comment, nor did anyone force Audra to make her comments. I saw something that was morally wrong, and as a conservative I took it upon myself as an individual to stand up, and I do not regret it at all. I was attacked for wanting better for Young Republicans – in my lifetime of work for the Republican Party I have never been accused of being a “RINO”, until now, by Audra’s supporters.
I continue to hold that stating “You go get ‘em” and “LOL” to racist remarks are not acceptable for YRs. Her continued inappropriate responses to the situation and utter lack of an apology are quite disconcerting. I do not want to see infighting as we are all on the same team ultimately, but this is unacceptable especially from any of our elected officers. Even despite the red flags of spin pointed out above, and giving Audra the benefit of the doubt regarding racism, at the very best this was extremely poorly handled by turning it into a political attack on people completely uninvolved and by showing allegiance to those making racist statements while choosing to squarely turn her back on those speaking against racism.
All in all, this is a plea to my fellow National Committee Members to look at how this was handled and decide in your own heart and mind if this was appropriate, and if this is how we want to be represented to our country.
Thanks for your time,
Cassie Wallender
National Committeewoman
Washington Young Republican Federation
By yr on July 7th, 2009 at 8:40 pm
If you think that the Young Republican Candidate Audra Shay is bad, you should see her opponent Rachel Hoff:
Pled Guilty to Voter Fraud, even worse!
http://foodforblog.webs.com/