KENTUCKY REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE POSTS RACIST PHOTOS OF THE OBAMAS AS APES

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     It is, without question, a despicable display of racism.  And although Kentucky State House of Representatives candidate, Dan Johnson, is protected by the First Amendment and his right to free speech - which, as a journalist, I support...there comes a time when pure common decency should be exercised...even when a Constitutional law allows us freedom for expression.  There is such a thing as good judgment...and what Johnson has done...is disgraceful and reprehensible.

     Johnson, a Republican...posted on his Facebook page, Thursday, September 29th, 2016...several horrendous photos depicting President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama...as apes.  One image is of an infant monkey with the caption, "Obama's baby picture."  Another photo is of former President Ronald Reagan - long before his days in The White House - as he's giving a bottle of baby formula to a young chimpanzee.  The caption reads, "Rare photo of Ronald Reagan babysitting Barack Obama in early 1962."  And a third picture - which was altered through computerized technology - shows Mr. and Mrs. Obama with simian-like features.  I refuse to publish any of the aforementioned disrespectful and detestable photographs with this commentary.  In fact, I've decided not to include a picture of Johnson himself...as I don't want his face to darken my column.

     Johnson is refusing to apologize for his awful actions...despite the fact that the Kentucky State GOP Chairman has condemned the photos.  Mac Brown calls Johnson's posts, "outrageous"...and he has issued his own apology.  "They represent the rankest sort of prejudice present in our society and do not in any way, shape or form represent the views of the Republican Party of Kentucky or the many fine candidates representing us on the ballot this November.  I want to apologize to the members of Kentucky's African-American community."

     Brown and House Republican Floor Leader Jeff Hoover have signed a letter asking Johnson to drop out of the race.  And Democratic Party Chairwoman Sannie Overly has also called for Johnson to remove himself from competition in the November 8th election.  But Johnson says he will not withdraw.  He is 

challenging incumbent Democrat Linda Belcher for the State House seat.  The Democratic Party currently controls Kentucky's legislative chamber and if Johnson were to drop out, then officials of the GOP in "The Bluegrass State" say they would not be able to replace Johnson on the ballot.  Republicans need to gain four seats in the Kentucky State House in order to win a majority for the first time since 1920.

     There is nothing funny about the pictures.  But Johnson has called them "satire"...and he claims, "I have political opinions, but I'm not a racist."

     Posting photos of the President and First Lady of the United States - both of whom are African-Americans - and portraying them as apes...is blatant racism...and Johnson should be ashamed of himself.  He has not only offended President and Mrs. Obama...and African-Americans in Kentucky...but all black people...and any white persons, who are not prejudiced...and who feel pain for those who have been directly hurt by Johnson's inexcusable and bigoted insults. 
 
     What makes a person perform in such a repugnant and hateful manner? Forgetting that I'm a Democrat...I certainly hope that the citizens of Kentucky - no matter what their political party affiliation is - do not vote for someone as wretchedly abhorrent...and as disgustingly atrocious...as Dan Johnson.

     And that's The Controversy for today.

     I'm Gary B. Duglin.

     "We'll talk again."

The Controversy is a publication of GBD Productions.  Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B. Duglin.

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Photo credits: wbko.com and graytvinc.com (Kentucky State Republican Party Chairman Mac Brown), kentuckyhouserepublicans.org (Kentucky State House Republican Floor Leader Jeff Hoover), wbko.com and graytvinc.com (Kentucky State Democratic Party Chairwoman Sannie Overly), courier-journal.com (Kentucky State House Democratic Representative Linda Belcher), cnbc.com (President Barack Obama) and thedailybest.com (First Lady Michelle Obama)

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