The Most Racist Comments About Mexicans Ever Allowed On-Air

By Digby , The Young Turks. Posted May 4, 2009.

I am not quick to call something racist. In fact, I wrote an editorial pleading with everyone not to call the NY Post chimp cartoon racist. I went on MSNBC and defended that position. I’m afraid calling someone racist often times shuts off dialogue and should be reserved for only the clearest and worst cases. I also defended Don Imus and insisted he should not be fired for his comments.

So, I have some credibility here when I say conservative talk show host Jay Severin should absolutely be fired for his racist comments against Mexicans on the radio. I hesitate in writing about this because Severin is a pathetic nobody who might be looking for national attention by making these kinds of incredibly ignorant comments. But, on the other hand, there have to be consequences for this kind of deeply hateful speech. And if people don’t argue forcefully enough against it, there won’t be enough pressure on the station to get rid of this hateful racist.

So, what did he say that’s got me so worked up?

As you heard in the video above, Severin has been suspended by WTKK-FM in Boston. But that is not nearly enough. If you don’t get fired for this, what do you get fired for?

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Cenk Uygur is co-host of The Young Turks, the first liberal radio show to air nationwide.

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