Nevada Republican Issues Worst Apology Ever For Racist, Homophobic Remarks

After several columns were revealed that were penned by Assemblyman Ira Hansen (R-Sparks) who was tapped to be the next speaker of the Nevada Assembly, he has apologized. Sort of. Well, not really.

The Reno Gazette-Journal published his apology, in which he attributes his views to be taken out of context, which is a standard apology for someone that’s not sorry at all.

“I am deeply sorry that comments I have made in the past have offended many Nevadans. It is unfortunate that these comments, made almost 20 years ago as a newspaper columnist and talk radio host, have been taken out of context and are being portrayed as intentionally hurtful and disrespectful. These comments were meant to be purposely provocative in various political, cultural and religious views. I have the utmost respect for all people without regard to race, gender, religious or political beliefs.

Stop right there.

His ‘taken out of context’ views state verbatim that “[t]he relationship of Negroes and Democrats is truly a master-slave relationship, with the benevolent master knowing what’s best for his simple minded darkies.”

On Martin Luther King, “King’s private life was trashy at best. … King Jr. is as low as it gets, a hypocrite, a liar, a phony, and a fraud.” In another piece, he wrote that “[t]he lack of gratitude and the deliberate ignoring of white history in relation to eliminating slavery is a disgrace that Negro leaders should own up to.”

He uses the term “negro.”. His misogynistic views were documented by him. His homophobia was detailed – by him.

But it was “taken out of context” he says.

Senate Minority Leader Aaron Ford (D-Las Vegas) issued a statement on Thursday.

“As the Democratic leader of the State Senate, and more importantly as a father and citizen of Nevada, I wholeheartedly condemn Speaker-designate Ira Hansen’s racist, sexist, and homophobic remarks. I am saddened that I once again find myself in a position where I have to explain to my children why and how someone who was elected to office in our home state would make such antiquated and bigoted comments. Mr. Hansen has stated that his words were meant to be ‘provocative.’ They certainty provoke, but more than that, they are offensive.”

“The Nevada Senate Democratic Caucus is one of the most diverse caucuses in the nation, with male and female members belonging to the African American and Hispanic communities, the LGBT community, and multiple religious communities. Our caucus reflects the cultural diversity of Nevada, and we will continue to condemn remarks like the ones unearthed today. We are committed to representing the communities to which we belong. Moreover, we will represent all Nevadans to foster an inclusive, accepting environment for everyone.”

U.S. Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) weighed in as well.

“Assemblyman Hansen’s past comments and positions on race, religion, and gender that have recently been reported give me great concern. These comments were insensitive, wrong, and extremely offensive and insulting. Statements like these do not have a place in public discourse.”

Hansen keeps a Confederate flag on his wall, which I’m sure he’ll tear down any minute out of respect for the “darkies.”

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