The state NAACP is objecting to Wake County school board chairman Ron Margiotta calling people "animals" during Tuesday's heated meeting.
Margiotta said “here come the animals out of the cages” in response to the booing that Bill Randall, a black conservative congressional candidate, received Tuesday from supporters of the diversity policy. Randall was among the speakers who had supported the community schools resolution.
The Rev. William Barber, president of the state NAACP, has scheduled a press conference for Friday to address Margiotta’s comments.
“Any public official referring to those with opposing viewpoints, engaged in the democratic process as animals is unacceptable," said state NAACP Executive Director Amina Turner in a press release.
Chris Fitzsimon, executive director of the liberal N.C. Policy Watch, had weighed in as well on Margiotta's comments in a blog post today.
Margiotta acknowledged today that his comments were “out of line.” But he said he was only responding to the lack of courtesy he felt was being shown to critics of the diversity policy.
Speakers on both sides of the resolution creating community schools were booed on Tuesday but the turnout was larger by opponents of the plan to end busing for diversity.
“If I offended anyone, it was not intended,” Margiotta said. “It was said in the heat of the moment.”
Comments
wedding
Mon, 08/09/2010 - 02:04 — cosplayRight....that was the total goal of Gatewood's plan for the night. Not to come to the board meeting to help with the problem, he was there for his own personal gain of causing more trouble and this ignorant man got what he wanted.
This is a statement of our society today [ Adults, needed ]
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 08:56 — Voice_of_Reason_When Mr.Margiotta uttered a metaphorical expression not meant for the public hearing he is condemned by the opposition. Now the NAACP, by being at the forefront of the outrage, somehow is trying to give the public a suggestion it was a racial slur.
Is their really outrage though? Personally, I don't think anyone really cares. I think this is being used as a tool to try to discredit him and try to get him thrown out of office. What they are trying to do it overturn something they couldn't win in the election booth. Is this the type of Democracy we want to live in? I've used that expression before, many of you have also. The expression was used properly because the crowd was ACTING like "animals." Animals in the metaphorical sense, i.e. without regard for the rules of decorum. It is easy to condemn someone and to get caught in the mob psychology of going along with the feeling of a few on your side, but take a breath and look at the big picture. Was Ron talking about individuals or a crowd? [A: Crowd]. Was this racial? [A: No, especially since the crowd was mostly white]. Was Ron angry and making a public statement? [A:No]. WHO WAS MORE IN THE WRONG, Ron M. or the crowd? [ I guess that for you to decide ]. Mr Margiotta apologize, does he need to do more? Many politicians have uttered far worse than this under and above their breath. Politicians of much higher position and power. Did they loose their office? NO. Should they? NO. Do we really want as society a standard that is so high for our politicians that they can't even have "impure thoughts"? Personnally, I would rather a outspoken politician than one that lies, does backroom deals, and says things he does not believe in for political gain.
BL: GET OVER IT, IT ISN'T A BIG DEAL !
P.S. I know, some of you were offended by the subject line, right "kids"?
Well Said!
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 13:32 — power2theseventhBig babies like Rev. Barber need to stop focusing on getting
his "Air Time" and get back to the real issue.. the children. I genuinely
do not see any concern for the kids from this man. Margiotta may have been out
of line, but you're right... GET OVER IT! He is holding the press conference in
Durham, which guess what, doesn't have a diversity policy. Are they his next
target? The only people keeping the “race card” alive are the NAACP, this is
2010, and nobody cares what color you are anymore.
“If I offended anyone, it
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 11:23 — danofnc“If I offended anyone, it was not intended,” Margiotta said. “It was said in the heat of the moment.”
Is that really what passes as an apology these days?
I don't think the NAACP should be having a press conference about it. I don't think the comment had any racial overtones at all.
But, Margiotta criticized Gatewood for addressing the crowd. The speaker that got the reaction that caused Margiotta's comment also addressed the crowd prior to getting the reaction. Shouldn't Margiotta have been admonishing the speaker, instead of the crowd?
Morning Voice You know
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 10:04 — Dove314Morning Voice
You know rhetoric doesn't help the debate. Errors have been made on both sides that aren't helping anyone, least of all our children.
Margiotta's actions are not justified. He knows it AND he apologized. And it's all fine. I'm still waiting for Gatewood to apologize and I don't think his remarks are justified. I'd like to see an apology from him.
Trying to support inflammatory rhetoric from anyone, no matter what their position, doesn't serve any of us or demonstrate maturity nor does continued name-calling.
No one is more right or wrong than the other. It's ALL wrong. Full stop. It's time for everyone to drop the attitudes and try to get constructive for our children.
A lot of people need to apologize
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 10:27 — Voice_of_Reason_Gatewood would be a good start, but Barber would be better. IMHO, that demonstration at the last meeting did nothing to further reasonable debate. In fact, just the opposite. There is room for compromise if the debate is civil and rational. If not, debate is a worthless exercise.
We can each be responsible
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 10:36 — Dove314We can each be responsible for our own actions and not applaud those who are rude who share a given position.
I, for one, choose to make every effort to be civil with all or apologize when not. I think we can do it. I really do.
How about you?
Well Said!
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 11:05 — JanisTangoWell said Dove314. I'm sure we have all been guilty of bad behavior in our lifetime! I know I have!
If you attend Municipal
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 13:00 — CaryCurmudgeonIf you attend Municipal meetings in Raleigh, Cary, Apex or any other town, you will find that each includes a "public speaks" item on their agenda. I personally have attended many Cary Town Council meetings which were packed with angry people. At the beginning of Public Speaks, the mayor makes it clear to the audience that they are in a business meeting, that they are not to direct any comments to an individual council member, and that they are not to disrupt other speakers with applause or other noise. If someone breaks the rules, then the major makes it clear that he will clear the room if he has to.
Like anyone else new in the job, the chair will learn as he goes. I think it is a mistake to allow applause in these meetings, because as soon as you do that you have to allow the boos, and the slippery slope can very quickly lead to insults.
It would be a great first step back to civility of all of the leaders like Pope and Barber issued directives that they condemn cheering, booing or any other behavior which disrupts these meetings.
Yes Sir!
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 14:50 — louiselee44"If someone breaks the rules, then the major makes it clear that he will clear the room if he has to."
I know this was just a typo, but the thought of folks saluting "Major" Meeker gave me a much-needed smile.
Agree with everything
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 13:37 — jenmanAgree with everything here. Very good points and suggestions.
Agree, with one caveat - Dove
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 11:08 — Voice_of_Reason_Rudeness is a gray area. Standing up a calling someone a liar to his face (when true) publicly maybe rude to some, and an act of courage to others. I really don't have a issue with that as long as the facts are concrete and support your statement. I don't agree with it if it is an opinion based assertion, or an assertion that is debatable. Clapping for somebody doing either makes them just as "guilty" as the one who said it. Even in a public forum.
IMHO we let too many people get away with lies just because they are in a position of power. That being said, there is a time and place to call somebody out; that too, is sometimes a gray area.
Actually, I concur that
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 12:17 — Dove314Actually, I concur that applauding the unjust actions of others is wrong. I'll take it a bit further though -- one can not treat all members of opposing groups as if they are identical.
I've come to appreciate that people who post here are not Mr. Woodhouse, Mr. Margiotta, or the other members of the board. Many here may share their opinions on school assignment reform without sharing their attitudes and conduct.
The same holds true for those on the other side of the debate.
I also concur that one should not let someone get away with abuse of power. With power comes a responsibility to wield that power wisely regardless of your own opinions. That includes not telling lies, namecalling, or ignoring opinions which do not agree with your own.
Ignoring Opinions
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 13:00 — Voice_of_Reason_I guess why that is why the school board is in the hands of who it is today. I don't think Mr. Margiotta was calling anyone a name, it was a comment on mob behavior. Wielding power also has to do with doing the wishes of those who elected you unless those wishes harm the whole. I do believe that these board members ran on a platform of specific change to the diversity policy, they have a moral obligation to do what the voters elected them to do. Contrary to what some people have said about voter turnout, they have a very clear mandate on this issue. It was not a "anybody but him" election. Contrary opinions should of done all in their power to get the vote out supporting their views even if they themselves couldn't vote in the district. There was no lack of publicity or dissenting views in the media in the run-up to this election. Elections have consequences, this was a grassroots effort despite what the media seems to say otherwise. A lot of that grassroots have been on this blog a long time. When people were asked to organize, they came in droves; most meetings were standing room only. I never saw political machines, I did see a lot of unhappy mayors at those meetings.
Unlike some of the non- "Gang of 5" members, they did have opposition when they ran and were not appointed by the board. I think a lot of previous elections were unopposed is because the way the last board treated Mr. Margiotta with disdain. I say nothing but support from his constituents though.
Can I just ask if something
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 13:59 — Dove314Can I just ask if something I saw on the morning news is accurate based on the numbers you have?
The morning news reported that the new majority of the board was elected by 22,000 out of 480,000 registered voters in Wake County? Is this true?
Note: Just asking if there are indeed 480,000 registered voters in Wake (regardless of how many voted in the election) AND
whether the votes in favor of the current board were from 22,000?
We are getting tired of
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 14:45 — Gr8SchoolsWe are getting tired of hearing this stale argument (it may not be from you but it is wrong). In District 7 we rallied around a candidate and brought out voters. She clearly stated that she was going to make necessary changes in our community that we have had to wait 3 years to see. If someone had an issue with that, they should have done a better job getting voters to block those changes. All registered voters had the chance to vote. If someone chose not to exercise his right to vote, he should keep his negative attacks to himself.
Whether it was 22 voters or 22,000, the voters spoke and that is how a democracy works.
Not True
Sat, 03/06/2010 - 08:45 — chaboardAs we are seeing in Washington where the will of clear, overwhelming super-majorities of the voters are being denied by obstructionist minorities...."how a Democracy works" (or doesn't work) doesn't stop on election day.
The massive mobilization of oppposition to the new Board is just as much a part of the democratic process as was the mobilization that led to the former Board being overthrown. The hundred speakers signing up at meetings to tell the new Board how wrong they are are every bit a part of the democratic process.
In a real democracy election day is just another day and is the start of the process, not the end.
Vote #s
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 14:37 — ego7601According to the Wake County BOE, in the October vote, there were 482,580 registered voters. 55,121 ballots were cast (including for mayor and town councils) which equates to 11.42% of voter turnout. There were 31,190 votes cast for school board members. Compared to previous elections for school board members, this was by far the largest turnout. In 2005 when these same seats were up for election, only 20,415 voted. In 2007 when there were 5 districts up for election, still only 24,729 people voted for school board members. Municipal elections tend to have smaller voter turnout anyway, but seeing such a large increase in voter numbers for this election of school board members (almost 11,000) speaks volumes about how many voters cared about this election, no matter which candidate they supported.
Thank you for providing the
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 15:00 — Dove314Thank you for providing the answer to my questions with a minimum of positional commentary. I appreciate your assistance as I gain knowledge about the questions on the table.
That's a faulty argument that can be made on any election
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 14:26 — Voice_of_Reason_Unlike Australia, it's not a crime to not vote. You have the freedom to be apathetic, you also have the freedom to vote. Many people have fought to the right to vote in this country, not in battle, but through political means. If you don't vote, you do not really (IMHO) have the right to complain (a least with moral standing). You also have the right to contribute to candidates that you support even if you can't vote for them. Did you do either?
I was more frustrated than you with the last school board because I was not even given the importunity to vote for anyone that supported my opinion due to lack of candidates. I even supported at-large elections and so did many on "my side", "your side" opposed them at the time. It is amazing to me now "your side" is considering supporting them. I am and was upset that the school board has few if any real check and balances, but I am powerless to change that. Personally, I wish it was a smaller beast...broken up; but that takes bipartisan support by our state legislatures to do so. But those are the rules, love them or leave them. I understand your anger, I've been there...but I accepted the rules and played by them. We overcame huge odds to do this. Without a clear mandate of people who this school system mattered , this would major change would have been impossible. This election was as fair and clearcut as they come.
BTW- Even if the turnout was higher, the internal polls suggested the election would have come out the same way, those polls were validated.
Furthermore: I believe if you go back and look at votes in the past, this school board election had a relatively high turnout. In your opinion, how is it possible to get a mandate if people don't come out to vote when the issue was SO CLEAR?
Please do not always ascribe
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 14:56 — Dove314Please do not always ascribe motives to my questions. It gets most tiresome.
I was genuinely asking as to those numbers as I was surprised at the numbers all around.
I'm happy to form my own conclusions from the numbers.
It a "red herring" question - Dove
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 15:17 — Voice_of_Reason_I'm sorry, you did have a motive for asking it. You know I wasn't born yesterday Dove. If you can draw your own conclusions, then why did you ask it? I too can draw conclusions. I read the same article, I don't dispute the numbers. I also saw before the election, how many people voted in previous school board elections, This one had a lot more than normal. It's still a mandate.
I didn't read an article.
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 15:39 — Dove314I didn't read an article. While still very sleepy, getting kids around, the dogs fed, lunches made, and more, I thought I heard a passing comment on the morning news which was on in the background of the mayhem.
To date, you've demonstrated that you've spent a lot of time researching information and felt you had some expertise with the numbers. As a result, I knew you would know the answer, hence I had the trust to ask you if those were correct. Your statements prompted my mental note to ask you. I was actually crediting your knowledge on the subject.
I'll not make the mistake of asking for your insights and expertise again. I get the message loud and clear and will just bring myself up to speed in future. Sheesh.
Uh-huh, yeah-right Dove
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 16:34 — Voice_of_Reason_I forgot some sleepy people listen and spout numbers all the time, my what good ears you have. I'm sure you always go to a blog to verify numbers too. You really don't realize how silly that sounds, do you? But at least I put those numbers in a different perspective than you probably heard though. You probably heard that local Democratic leader spouting that on the radio or TV, I'm sure he didn't have a motive either. I'm also sure you will never hear him say that in any election they win.
Funny, I've always been proud of the way I can judge character, I must be old age sneaking up on me. I'm sooo sorry for doubting your sincerity.
We were sniping back and
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 17:18 — Dove314We were sniping back and forth the other day with regards to "nerves", etc. but truth to tell, I prefer straight discussion with a tinge of humor. No disingenuity required. No "soooooo". After all, what was it you said about rudeness?
And for reference, here are the observations I come to after some here were kind enough to share information-- first, I was a bit surprised at the number of registered voters. For whatever reason, I though the population size and thus the number of voters was larger. Second, I think the historically low voter turn out reflects the apathy a lot of us had towards previous iterations of the board.
If you're such a good judge of character, why do you think I keep making any effort to engage you?
please stop. I don't mean
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 18:08 — jenmanplease stop. I don't mean to sound condescending but please stop both of you. I've 'known' VOR for a while here on the blogs and elsewhere and I do think that maybe you two got off on the wrong foot. He's a thoughtful guy who usually does not engage in petty bickering. Even though you're relatively new here, I can tell from your thoughtful posts that you don't either.
I hope that neither one of you is offended by my saying this. I just feel like we are all (myself included) getting off track here. People are just so angry lately and reacting in ways that we normally wouldn't.
Again, I hope I don't offend.
Thanks Jennifer, but I beat you to the punch
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 22:57 — Voice_of_Reason_I had already called a truce. I'm admittedly sometimes a pit bull. And sometimes bull headed according to my wife.
Yeah, I noticed that I
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 23:38 — jenmanYeah, I noticed that I posted after you did. We either did it at the same time or I just didn't read far enough to see your truce. :-)
Well stated!
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 19:09 — shank56Seriously!
Now lets play one round of " We Are the World" , have a Friday night after 5:00 toddy or beverage of choice, and enjoy the warm and beautiful weekend that we are promised.
Happy weekend!
Thank you. This was
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 18:29 — Eric_BThank you. This was becoming very uncomfortable to read. Like being an innocent bystander stuck next to folks in a heated argument.
Not offended at all.
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 18:14 — Dove314Not offended at all. Thank you, actually.
And truce as well.
Why do you think I respond
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 18:06 — Voice_of_Reason_No rudeness intended. But hey, I'm not a public official either. Anyway, truce.
.
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 13:01 — Voice_of_Reason_. [Sorry there was an "echo" in my voice] :^)
(No subject)
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 13:33 — Dove314Ron Margiotta's Comment
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 00:36 — RandyRockettRon Margiotta's Comment to Wake county teachers a couple of weeks back at a crowded WAKE NCAE teachers meeting via the invitation of President Jennifer Lanane was "Of course not!" when asked by concerned teachers if the new board was going to go back to segregation days.
Ron Margiotta cares about our kids and obviously cares about our teachers as well. Ron Margiotta is reaching out to our teachers. Anybody even remember a school board member or a BoE Chair reaching out to teachers? Where's that headline?
He's opening lines of communications rarely seen around here in quite a while. BRAVO Chairman Margiotta!
Everybody take a deep breath or two and let's keep moving forward.
In other breaking news, the Pope is still Catholic.........
Thu, 03/04/2010 - 23:23 — ApexterWow.
William Barber calling a press conference and making charges of racism.
Who could ever have expected that turn of events?
I want to see his proof he
Thu, 03/04/2010 - 23:27 — aquaman4life68I want to see his proof he was refering to, that he had that supports the diversity policy. It is the right time to do it, he can get all the publicity he wants, air time from the news, he can sing and dance his pitty march...rake Ron over the coals along with shaming the new board majority with all his data he has. But, I'll hold my breathe on that one. He doesn't have anything to back up that flapping tongue he has.
Really
Thu, 03/04/2010 - 22:02 — starsonoursIt took 2 days to realize a comment was unacceptable? WOW Booing and shouting down people is acceptable but to make a comment about this rude behavior (a comment that no one in the audience heard) is out of line and unacceptable? Ron apologized, lets move on...
Wow
Thu, 03/04/2010 - 23:03 — supportwcpssHe didn't apologize in the first go around. It wasn't until he was pushed a bit.
It amazes me how you defend this guy. If Rosa Gill would have said this you would be marching in the streets.
It amazes me how everyone is
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 00:05 — starsonoursIt amazes me how everyone is making such a big deal of this
Wrong
Thu, 03/04/2010 - 22:25 — duvalHe was speaking into a live microphone.
It was picked up by the
Thu, 03/04/2010 - 23:06 — starsonoursIt was picked up by the microphone on the web feed. People in the room said they didnt hear it.
LIve comments
Sat, 03/06/2010 - 00:54 — SDR256Mr. Gatewood's remarks were intentionally rude, insulting, offensive and inflammatory. They were specifically spoken into a live mike especially so the people in the room COULD hear them. Mr. Margiotta was big enough to apologize for his unintended response to an emotional situation. Mr. Gatewood would never dream of apologizing. He has elicited exactly what he intended. The only reason it wasn't any worse (much to the disappointment of Mr. Gatewood undoubtedly) is because Mr. Margiotta had the self control to not react and to call a recess.
Gatewood was there to create
Sat, 03/06/2010 - 10:54 — red_balloonGatewood was there to create a scene. I believe Margiotta handled it well. We can expect more of these incidents.
Right....that was the total
Sat, 03/06/2010 - 17:04 — aquaman4life68Right....that was the total goal of Gatewood's plan for the night. Not to come to the board meeting to help with the problem, he was there for his own personal gain of causing more trouble and this ignorant man got what he wanted.
TIT-Tat
Thu, 03/04/2010 - 23:11 — duvalThe fact is that he did say it and we all know it.
OK
Thu, 03/04/2010 - 23:27 — starsonoursOK we know it, he apologized now what a public flogging?
Please..
Thu, 03/04/2010 - 23:36 — duvalYou are being rediculous.
Decorum would be nice.
Yes it would be, from
Thu, 03/04/2010 - 23:50 — starsonoursYes it would be, from everyone. It was an off handed remark spoken during a trying and tense time, its really not that big a deal.
Really?
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 00:12 — duvalHow often have you been called an animal?