
Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez prides herself on being unscripted and, sometimes, that can backfire. She’s being vilified by telling a story and then using a “war whoop” in making a point. In that gesture, she may have offended Native Americans. Sanchez has publicly apologized for the comment.
While the public has seen the video and learned of the story, what’s lost is the context behind the initial story. The Democratic Party’s Indian-American caucus was having a reception on Saturday night, so they were inviting people including Ms. Sanchez (I got an invite along with a friend from the LA Times) to attend.
Before a group of people, Sanchez was telling a story of how, way back in 1996, she got a call from someone in Southern California, named Sunil Aghi, who said he said he wanted to help her. And he wanted to know that the Indian-American community was behind her, and he asked to meet. While the words “Indian-American” came out, Sanchez heard “American-Indian.” So she went to the meeting expecting to see a tribal representative, and was surprised when instead, she met with an Indian-American. She was naïve then because the Indian-American community wasn’t very active in Orange County.
Since then, Sanchez has traveled to extensively India (regarding nuclear energy issues and hospital construction), seen the great work that Indian Americans are doing here, and is proud to be supported by Southern California’s Indian-American community. Aghi, a community activist, traveled with President Clinton and Congresswoman Sanchez in 2000 (Aghi has since passed away). Sanchez was trying to convey how far Southern California’s Indian-American community has come in a short time.
The confusion on her part was honest, the attempt at humor wasn’t funny, and for voters, the apology was sincere.
No doubt this was an unintended mistake. But to Native Americans, whom Loretta has taken millions of dollars from HAPPILY this is a slur.
As the frequent commenter on OJB, “truckdrivinmike” said: this was akin to bringing Grape Soda to the Black Caucus.
I don’t see how she survives this and frankly, I am not sure she should. It was an incredible display of ignorance. Especially from a Democrat who has taken money from the Indian casinos.
and with that you can stick a fork in her she’s done.
This does sound believable and somewhat mitigating in favor of LS.
She is becoming to take on the same stench which B1 Bob had. And it makes all of OC stink.
This is nowhere near the level of Claudia Alvarez calling a Jewish man “Hitler” and failing to recognize how offensive it was.
What does this have to do with anything here. There is a wide THREAD of personal animosity amongst the bloggers which diminish their effectiveness and objectives.
It is also no worse, than the may of San Diego accosting his female counterparts. Is that what we have become? The reality is simple: Loretta is accused of being stupid because she acts stupid, Loretta Fumbles the kick off that doesn’t mean she can’t play or win the game.
As for Vern Nelson’s comment about me, I respect that vodka is his drug of choice, but try taking a REALITY PILL (and buying a different suit. Those white rags are getting NASTY).
Hey, I was right – you ARE Pedroza’s “Joe Hill!” Or at least Pedroza’s Joe Hill’s best friend.
And YOU are right about one thing – I need to get new silk pants to match my wonderful (drycleaned twice-a-month) white silk jacket; the cuffs are getting frayed. Still I’m sure I get infinitely more compliments on how I dress than you do – from the womenfolk at least. But I guess that comes with the territory when one of us is a glamorous musician and blogger, and the other an anonymus pesky blog denizen.
Btw I haven’t drunk vodka since the 1990’s, and life is my reality pill. Oh and also, go to hell and all that.
Don’t know who either of those guys were until I saw the SANCHEZ/SANTA ANA TWEET.
I DO KNOW, I once made a simple observation, here and was immediately attacked by Greg Diamond, who didn’t let up. That guy is a either paid political operative or a freakin’ maniac (I think the latter) I don’t like him, I don’t believe him and I think he is a Jerk.
Speaking of Greg Diamond, shouldn’t he be busy defending those poor workers who lost their job in hometown? He is after all a “Workers Rights Attorney” or was that another delusion, like candidate, Activist or whatever………………
One things for sure: The Pennysaver soundslike the only paper that guy coud afford! LOSER.
Leave me alone and I will you.
“There is a wide THREAD of personal animosity amongst the bloggers which diminish their effectiveness and objectives.”
Exactly!! I love it when dems fight among themselves …..
Junior, I believe Mr. Nelson is still a registered Republican.
Junior, I don’t really think of Dan as a Democrat. “In Name Only.”
Twice a month? Compliments from womenfolk? You have a career in stand up comedy Vern.
Well obviously it’s not the only damn thing I wear. And yes, I do have a sense of humor, unlike you.
Have a nice Memorial Day!
You’re a joke Nelson. Nice free ad for those dickwads Bushala and Zenger. All developers are evil except them. What a joke you are
Oh look Pinky! Any more details on my spectacular expulsion from the Dem Convention? No? You may wanna try USING your “pinky” to stop yourself from speaking out your arse so much.
perhaps you’d like to Factcheck Tyler’s story on Minimum wage workers and remind him that city council’s can’t pass EITC, speaking of “speaking out of your arse.”
Nice little blog you got here. Shame if anybody noticed it.
And you can’t stay away
Pinky go EASY. Vern’s GF is up for Mother of the year!
Vern has a girlfriend? I thought he played the field. The ladies love that white silk jacket, right?