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Chambers blisters senator over bill he calls racist

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By JoANNE YOUNG / Lincoln Journal Star

Thursday, Jan 24, 2008 - 07:10:33 pm CST

Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers took a pause Thursday during a congenial tussle with a senator over a bill to blister another colleague over an affirmative action bill introduced Wednesday.

While debating a bill that would protect gun ranges from residential development, Chambers caught a glimpse of Sen. Mark Christensen on the floor. The senator from Imperial on Wednesday had introduced a resolution that would put a constitutional ban on affirmative action on Nebraska’s November ballot.

“Now since Sen. Christensen has chosen to come into my neighborhood, he and I are going to tussle over a thing or two, also,” he said.

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Chambers said Christensen thinks it’s all right to do things for white people, who make up 92 percent of the state’s population. But when groups that have been discriminated against and prevented from getting an education are given compensation, he said, “Here comes old Christian Christensen saying, ‘I want the constitution to say, by god, them people haven’t had no rights and they ain’t gonna get no rights if I can … have it my way.’”

Chambers said he had yet to see Christensen help any group with one of his bills.

“When these narrow-minded people come here with their narrow-minded religious views, they’re going to be counteracted by me,” he said.

And Christensen will have the fight of his life.

“I’m going to call it like I see it,” Chambers said. “It is racism, racism and hatred of black people.”

Christensen’s resolution (LR233CA) says the state cannot discriminate against or grant preferential treatment in employment, education or contracting, based on race, sex, color, national origin or ethnicity. It applies to any state entity, post-secondary public institution or political subdivision.

Christensen said he did not intend the resolution to be discriminatory. In fact, it prevents discrimination, he said. It just doesn’t allow hiring and recruiting quotas.

“If that’s racist, then I’ll claim the title,” he said.

It’s discrimination, he said, if a white man can’t be hired because an employer has to hire a woman or person of color for the sake of diversity, not because that person is the absolute best one for the job.

“If I’m wrong, I’m willing to change,” he said. “My intent was the opposite of what he was saying it was.”

Christensen said he was going to read the resolution again Thursday night and ask Chambers today to talk with him about it. Christensen is scheduled to appear today in front of the Judiciary Committee, of which Chambers is a member, on a different bill.

Chambers’ characterization of him as racist doesn’t bother him, he said, because people who know him know he’s not.

“I don’t get shook about comments like that on the floor,” he said. “It’s no big deal. ... I don’t think his intent was to hurt me.”

He said he likes Chambers and respects his intelligence and knowledge of the law.

In his speech, Chambers also blasted term limits.

“I will stand on this floor and I will fight for those who need to be protected,” he said, “and that is why these white racists wanted me out of the Legislature.”

They voted to change the constitution to show how much they hated gay men and lesbian women, Chambers said, and they changed it to show that black people have no right to elect whomever they choose. They want to force democracy on Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan, he added, but they don’t want people in America to have it.

“Your white voters have fixed the constitution so my constituents cannot put me in office,” he said. “You all don’t want us to have effective representation.

“What are you saying about yourself as a white society? You cannot deal with one black man? Forty-eight people cannot deal with one black man?”

Reach JoAnne Young at 473-7228 or jyoung@journalstar.com.


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over 60 wrote on January 24, 2008 7:21 pm:
" You know ernie you put yourself in the fix youre in. Not all of us wanted term limits to get rid of you. But with your attitude, it turned out to be a good thing. Not everything is racist. You know if there are racist in nebraska you must be the leader. Remember not to many years ago you said you owned the white people. If thats not racist I'll kiss your ___ "
Play that race card again, and again, and again, and again........ wrote on January 24, 2008 8:21 pm:
" Wow, Ernie Chambers taking a bill that makes sense and completely twisting and turning it and making it into a racial issue for his own personal press time. Noooo Waaaay. "
Disenfranchised voter wrote on January 24, 2008 8:44 pm:
" Ernie Chambers is my hero! Keep rockin' on Ernie because we need you now more than ever before! "
Diogenes wrote on January 24, 2008 9:17 pm:
" Go Ernie! "
Ricky wrote on January 24, 2008 10:42 pm:
" You Go Senator Chambers!
Senator Christensen introduced his bill after that guy from California put money into getting petition signatures.
Nebraskans will take their cue from an outside group over those who have lived here?
I don't think so!
Too bad after this session the Legislature will not have a member the statue of Ernie to fight ignorant legislation.

Ricky From Omaha "
come on wrote on January 24, 2008 10:47 pm:
" chambers can be such a good politician and is a very smart man but its these ridiculous tirades he goes on that makes people want him out of office. frame a real argument ernie. dont just state conclusions and have someone else make up the argument for you. "
Michael wrote on January 24, 2008 11:11 pm:
" Chambers seems to be the biggest racist in the Government. If there is an opening to throw the race card, he's gonna do it.

You are who you make yourself to be. Criminal or not, drugger or clean, blue collar or white collar worker, it is what you make of your opportunities that makes the man/woman. The World DOES NOT OWE YOU one single thing.

Make yourself a decent, respectible, law abiding citizen and the rest will take care of itself.

Ernie, give the race card a rest already. "
Amen wrote on January 24, 2008 11:23 pm:
" Evidently those 48 can not deal with one black man. It is a loss to this ever increasingly mediocre state. "
Mrs. Johnson wrote on January 25, 2008 1:04 am:
" Give them hell Ernie! You hit the nail on the head. "
Ej wrote on January 25, 2008 3:39 am:
" I am very tired of his racial tirades. I know he came up in a time when there was alot of racism but times have changed. Ernie can not do any good if he doesn't change with them. "
STW in athens ga wrote on January 25, 2008 5:11 am:
" Right on target Mr Chambers tell it like it is, they can't touch you, I can only feel sorry for the people from Nebraska when you are forced to leave. love you brother "
mitchy_v wrote on January 25, 2008 7:13 am:
" Hopefully next year they can actually get some things done to benifit the state instead of focousing on Ernie. "
Gerard Harbison wrote on January 25, 2008 7:15 am:
" Mark Christensen comes across here as a mature, responsible legislator. Chambers comes across as the same old ranting Ernie he's always been. If only the man had tried to lend his considerable talents to build coalitions to do positive things for his district, rather than insulting his colleagues and acting as a negative force, North Omaha might be a better place to live. "
WCG wrote on January 25, 2008 8:12 am:
" Way to go, Ernie! He's absolutely right about this one, though of course he puts it in his usual florid manner. As a white male, I assure you that racism is alive and well in Nebraska, and 'Christian' Christensen (I like that), with a wink and a nod, is simply catering to it. And it's really, really pathetic that Erie scares these guys so much that they had to amend the constitution to get rid of him. I don't always agree with Ernie Chambers, and he usually goes overboard. And let's face it, he's arrogant, too, with a real penchant for showboating. But he's funny and he's effective, and we've REALLY been lucky to have him. But let's go back to the start of the article. They were "debating a bill that would protect gun ranges from residential development"? Heh, heh. You've got to be kidding me! I'm glad the Unicameral has so much time to spend on inane things like this. I'd hate to think they were actually spending time productively. (No, really. Knowing how our right-wing senators vote, I'm actually glad they're wasting time with garbage like this.) "
Grundle wrote on January 25, 2008 8:29 am:
" Sounds like Ernie finally got a bit of his own medicine and doesn't like the taste. Too bad. Ernie's been pulling the same kind of crap over the years, and his supporters applauded him for it. But now, Sen. Christensen does the same thing Ernie is famous for, and Ernie doesn't like it...and neither do Ernie's supporters. I just find it hilarious that Christensen proposes something that is supposed to BAN discrimination, and Ernie opposes it! It's almost as though Ernie supports discrimination so long as it benefits non-whites...but then again, I've known that for years. "
Big Chief wrote on January 25, 2008 8:59 am:
" Even when Ernie leaves the Unicameral we will still be hearing from him. I usually disagree with Ernie. I did vote for Ernie many years ago when he ran for Attorney General. I wouldn't be a bit surprised to see him make another run for some kind of office like AG or State Auditor. NOW that would be something to see. I think I could vote for him in either one of those jobs. "
dennis Beins wrote on January 25, 2008 9:00 am:
" Is there a bigger Racist than Earnie Chambers?? If he doesnt get his way its because he is Black. To me every time he throws the racist comment he is the one who is be a racist "
Get over yourself wrote on January 25, 2008 9:17 am:
" I voted for term limits and it had nothing to do personally with Ernie. There are other black men who can do just as good a job as Ernie does. (but I'll miss him sometimes) "
Senator Bigot wrote on January 25, 2008 9:47 am:
" You're on your way out and I am glad! "
stignob wrote on January 25, 2008 9:47 am:
" Poor ol' Chambers, I'm sure another good man will come from his district. "
Same old same old wrote on January 25, 2008 9:48 am:
" Goodbye Ernie. I am still waiting to see something you have none for the folks that have elected you. Other than claim racism, there's not much there. Thank heavens for term limits. Ernie you can run for mayor of Omaha, and make a difference there. "
appalled! wrote on January 25, 2008 9:51 am:
" I watched the video and listened to Senator Chambers himself. He said that he "listened to his accent and knew what he was" WHAT! If that is not racist I don't know what is. I am glad you are leaving the legislature. "
Missy wrote on January 25, 2008 10:21 am:
" Gee..Ernie playing the race card? I can't tell you how shocked I am. "
gee wrote on January 25, 2008 10:34 am:
" Hard to believe there might be a business or two organized under a spouse or mother's name in order for the business to obtain state jobs. It's even harder to believe that in this day and age companies have to jump through these political hoops. Bid the job, be the best PERSON for the job, do the job. I could care less who or what does the work as long as it gets done. As far as Chambers goes, I had the unfortunate opportunity to sit through a class with Chambers as a guest speaker. To this day, Chambers is the most racist person I have ever heard publicly speak. About time Ernie hits the bricks. "
just a thought wrote on January 25, 2008 10:40 am:
" Some questions for Ernie and term limits. Is he saying he is the only person in his district who can properly represent his constituents? That is about as arrogant of statement anyone can make. Why does Ernie believe that his constituents can not find someone as capable as him? Is Ernie saying he is the only person smart enough or capable of understanding law? Why is that? Has he made them dependent on his view? Has he kept them from thinking on their own so he can control them? If so, isn't he guilty of exactly what he claims the rest of the state has done to the people of his district?

Everyone else in the state must find new representatives. We all have to play by the same game. That is democracy. "
Hypocrits wrote on January 25, 2008 10:45 am:
" Giving a white person a job because he is white is racist but giving a black person a job because he is black isnt???? "
Say it! wrote on January 25, 2008 10:45 am:
" Once Ernie is gone, who is going to say what really needs to be said? Maybe Tom White ... probably no one. I guess all the pudgy, pasty white senators and the pudgy, pasty white people who hate Ernie can rest easy knowing that no one will challenge them anymore. And by the way, I am a white woman. "
Love theater wrote on January 25, 2008 11:15 am:
" Don'tcha just love ol' Ernie? In a few minutes, he managed to offend virtually everyone in the state: white people (who are all racists, of course), people who voted for term limits (who voted just to get rid of him, of course), his colleagues (whom he "owns"), and anyone who thinks that government preferences based on race and gender should be eliminated (all of the fair-minded people in the state). Has anyone noticed that this sort of behavior, coming from anyone else, would be considered clinical? Well, perhaps Mr. Chambers will have some time to devote to therapy at the end of his final term. "
Melissa wrote on January 25, 2008 11:30 am:
" Ernie calls it racism if the wind blows the wrong direction. It's the only card he knows how to play. "
Ernie... wrote on January 25, 2008 11:31 am:
" Appears to be racist himself. Anyone who has to use the term "white" to describe a person is just as racist as a person who uses the term "black." Too bad Chambers couldn't learn from a more respectable individual who is running for the Presidency. I'm not Obama's biggest fan, but I respect him for not making his candidacy an issue of black and white. "
Elaine wrote on January 25, 2008 11:53 am:
" As a black woman, Ernie even offends me. He gives a bad name to the african american race. He needs to go away and stay away. Nebraska is tired of listening to him whine. Hand the idiot a bottle, rattle and blanket and put him down for a nap. He is one cranky black man. "
Amie wrote on January 25, 2008 12:39 pm:
" Chambers is the conscience of the legislature and he will leave a void. "
Clarene Thomas' take wrote on January 25, 2008 1:28 pm:
" These programs not only raise grave constitutional questions, they also undermine the moral basis of the equal protection principle. Purchased at the price of immeasurable human suffering, the equal protection principle reflects our Nation's understanding that such classifications ultimately have a destructive impact on the individual and our society. Unquestionably, "invidious [racial] discrimination is an engine of oppression." It is also true that "remedial" racial preferences may reflect "a desire to foster equality in society.” But there can be no doubt that racial paternalism and its unintended consequences can be as poisonous and pernicious as any other form of discrimination. So-called "benign" discrimination teaches many that because of chronic and apparently immutable handicaps, minorities cannot compete with them without their patronizing indulgence. Inevitably, such programs engender attitudes of superiority or, alternatively, provoke resentment among those who believe that they have been wronged by the government's use of race. These programs stamp minorities with a badge of inferiority and may cause them to develop dependencies or to adopt an attitude that they are "entitled" to preferences. "
Steve wrote on January 25, 2008 1:52 pm:
" Every effort of Ernie Chambers has been to advance the liberal agenda and to squelch conservatism in a very conservative state like Nebraska. It's shameful that he pushes his narrow-minded views on homosexuality, the death penalty and other things on all Nebraskans. He's an embarrassment to both Nebraska and America. "
Now I hope all the wrote on January 25, 2008 2:29 pm:
" Chambers backers finally see how racist this guy is! The only reason there is still racism is because of people like him. This bill will not create racism but prevent it from happening. I call this reverse racism and that is exactly what this bill will be fighting. Ernie think the paper is racist because there is more white in it than black. How about this, stop claiming every little thing you come across is racist and racism will decrease. "
notshocked wrote on January 25, 2008 2:34 pm:
" Thanks Ernie for the entertainment. I really get a kick out of your thought process. You are able to turn anything into a racist issue. What a hoot! Get over yourself and your personal issues. "
CYAErnie wrote on January 25, 2008 3:12 pm:
" Hey Ernie, wake up! There is a Black Man running for President. This isn't the 1960's. I can't wait until Mr. Chambers leaves. Only then can this State have any progress in the Legislature. "
tim wrote on January 25, 2008 3:50 pm:
" a racist will see racism everywhere. bye bye from the unicam ernie you wont be missed. "
MarkyMark wrote on January 25, 2008 3:57 pm:
" Trust me. This isn't a backward, hick, redneck state because of Ernie Chambers. "
Did you think wrote on January 25, 2008 4:08 pm:
" that Ernie would pass on this one? It is probable that if this bill were to pass it would have some negative effect on the people in Ernie's district. It will have far less, to almost no effect, to someone from Imperial which is why Christian Christiansen has trouble understanding why Ernie got so upset. Ernie was over the top again, but he was effective in getting his point across and bringing attention to the his view. Predictibly, the crusty white folk of this state will look past the issue at hand again and focus on that ranting black man who has the audacity to stand up to them. Like Ernie said, they don't want the minorities of the state to have effective representation. "
Male and White wrote on January 25, 2008 4:12 pm:
" If you are proud to get a job because your race or gender, then you must not have much to offer in way of talent. OK, here if I try real hard I can change my color and gender...mmmmmmmmm...didn't work. "
JR wrote on January 25, 2008 4:46 pm:
" I don't understand why all these posters have such a problem with Sen. Chambers. He doesn't represent a dirt farmer out in Loomis. He represents his very diverse constituency in Omaha. They are the only ones with a vested interest in his positions. If you don't like his "tirades" or "racism" or what he has to say, don't listen to him -- odds are nearly 50:1 he's not speaking on your behalf anyway. And there are 48 other State Senators to vote him down if his legislation won't benefit the state as a whole. If he's the primary reason for term limits being approved in this state, then Nebraska's voters really are as backward and ignorant as it seems. And for the poster using a quote from Clarence Thomas as a prime example of an African-American opposed to the practice of Affirmative Action...please, the only black men whiter than Justice Thomas are Al Roker and Bryant Gumbel! "
nemo wrote on January 25, 2008 5:10 pm:
" How come Ernie calls a guy named "Mark", Christian. You know why? Because Ernie Chambers is a bigot. He is calling this guy what he considers to be a slur. He wants to come off as sarcastic, but it's just bigotry. Someone please publish exactly what Chambers has accomplished in his years in the leg. He complains and whines so much that that is all anyone will ever remember.

"
Robert J. Rovonivich wrote on January 25, 2008 5:25 pm:
" Senator Chamber (only a bigot would call him Ernie unless it was a family member or close friend), speaks the truth. White people are riducously slow. I am ashamed to be represented by the nimrods passing for legislators in the Unicameral. "
nemo wrote on January 25, 2008 5:42 pm:
" And when you call a black man "white" that sounds racist. what the what the? "
Term Limits wrote on January 25, 2008 5:52 pm:
" Thanks to all the voters for making term limits a reality. Ernie wastes more taxpayer time/money than anyone. "
jo wrote on January 25, 2008 6:15 pm:
" would somebody please take Chambers "Racist" card away. He has no clue on how to stand on his own 2 feet. If we could take the word "Racist" out of his vocabulary, the man would have to shut up, for he'd have nothing to whine about! LOL. Your a disapointment, you had every opprutunity to do something good for this state, but you miss used your gift to promote your hate. Your just sad. "
GMD wrote on January 25, 2008 7:19 pm:
" If Ernie Chambers thinks "term limits' was invented just to get rid of him, he certainly has an overblown sense of self-importance. Let's set the record straight, he is a smart man, and could have been a great senator, but he has always been an embarrasment to Nebraska. "
John wrote on January 25, 2008 7:31 pm:
" Let's just take a poll and see how many did vote for term limits to get Senator Chambers out and that was their only reason. "
Doc wrote on January 25, 2008 8:00 pm:
" I can not beleive Ernie thinks hiring the best person for the job is racism. Would you want one of my anesthetists to have the job because of their race or expertise? I hire the best person available... and they just happen to be from a myriad of ethnicities but that is not why they got hired. "
fearful nebraska wrote on January 25, 2008 9:48 pm:
" It seems these pages are full of fear, of different things, different people, different ideas...and these differences are condemned. Nebraska did not seem like it needed to be so fearful, years ago. We encouraged diverse thinking...what has happened that we cannot now hear, or even look at, or allow to exist, a different voice. "
Tom wrote on January 25, 2008 10:57 pm:
" Ernie Chambers is racist. That's the bottom line. The State of Nebraska Legislature had a smart man, yes indeed, but a very very racist one. "
Ricky wrote on January 26, 2008 8:23 am:
" I voted for term limits because Sen. Chambers has been a disgrace in the legislature for too long. It is way past time that our state constitution makes clear that all racial discrimination--including racial preferences under "affirmative action" plans--are unfair and unconstitutional. We need to pass the civil rights initiative this year! "
Doc wrote on January 26, 2008 8:51 am:
" Okay Class. Term limits are affirmative action. We already had term limits. It is called the vote of the people. All the affirmative action does is to make people think that they don't have to work hard to achieve. Think why you are a minority, there has to be something. Skin color, sex, low IQ, high IQ, can't sing, blonde, curly hair, straight hair, can't play an instrument. I'm sure you came up with something that will put you into some special class. "Attention passengers, attention passengers. There will be a slight delay as we look for some almost qualified pilot because the rules state that today we can't use the one that is the best qualified. Passengers that are deplaning as we try to find a pilot, thanks for almost flying with us." "
Hmmm wrote on January 26, 2008 9:52 am:
" Without legislation targeted at increasing diversity, the racism and sexism of many employers prevents women and minorities from getting jobs, even though they are potentially the best person for the job. So this "best person for the job" argument doesn't work. Affirmative action was enacted to correct for this, to say that you cannot discriminate against minorities. Marc Christensen thinks it's discriminatory to not let white people discriminate against women and minorities. That certainly sounds sexist and racist to me. And why are we making an issue of this in a state where the population is 92.1% white? "
Yeah wrote on January 26, 2008 9:55 am:
" Christensen claims this bill is all about preventing discrimination. Then why did he vote to indefinitely postpone a vote on a measure designed to prevent discrimination against homosexuals - essentially killing the bill? It suggests he really only happens about the rare, almost non-existent discrimination that happens to people who are just like him. Interesting for someone who claims to only be motivated by preventing discrimination. "
Hoonio wrote on January 26, 2008 10:57 am:
" Come on, you have to appreciate somebody like Chambers, who can rant with best of them...he will be missed. "
pastorscott wrote on January 26, 2008 11:51 am:
" Affirmative action is the most racially discriminative thing to come down the pipe there is, yet somehow became legal through the good people of America caving in to the LIBERALS. Praise God for people like Sen. Christianson who will stand up for what's right and truly work toward a level playing for all people with no regard to race. "
brian dunlap wrote on January 26, 2008 12:16 pm:
" why is it that trying to get rid of discrimination brands one a racist? that trying to ensure that the best person for the job gets the job describes one as prejudiced? think about it this way. how would you feel if you were a black man that was the best for the job, but you got passed over for a latino because they had to make "quota". sounds racist doesnt it? you got passed over by race when you were the best for the job. this bill would rid us all of that. "
JPD wrote on January 26, 2008 12:30 pm:
" Senator Chambers has done a lot of good over the years and that is what I will remember. He was for the little guy... "

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