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NAACP decries Halloween display as insensitive
Originally published October 30, 2009
By Pamela Rigaux
News-Post Staff
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Photo by Graham Cullen
Guy Djoken, president of the Frederick County chapter of the NAACP, gestures Thursday toward one of three stuffed dummies hanging in a tree in Baker Park. Djoken said he had received about a dozen complaints about the dummies, part of Halloween decorations in the park. |
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Three dummies hang from a willow tree in Baker Park as part of the City of Frederick Parks and Recreation Department's Halloween program. Guy Djoken, president of the local NAACP, said from a distance the dummies look like dead bodies. He is trying to get the city to remove them. "A dead man hanging in a tree, that takes us back to a dark day we don't want to go back to," Djoken said Thursday. "Whoever did this needs some sensitivity training." More than a dozen residents complained about it, he said. A rope attached to torsos holds the dummies high above the walkway next to Carroll Creek near College Avenue. Their overstuffed shirts, blue jeans and white, faceless heads caught the eye of a passer-by Thursday. "The ropes are pretty high," Frederick resident Bryan Jachowski marveled. "That looks 30 feet up," he said. Jachowski said the first thought that came to his mind was somebody's having a good Halloween. But that is not what Frederick resident Reid Fiester thought when he saw the dummies while walking his daughter to school Wednesday. "It instantly reminded me of the pictures of the lynchings that happened in the '20s and '30s in the United States," he said. "I found it very offensive as a white person." He said he thinks it could be extremely hurtful to older African-Americans here. Mayor Jeff Holtzinger said he went to Baker Park to look at the dummies after someone complained they were inappropriate for children. "I could say I don't know I disagree with that," Holtzinger said. "With respect to children walking the parkway, I don't see why we can't reposition them (the dummies) in the park." He said he will talk to parks and recreation staff. "This was done as part of the Halloween walk through the park," Holtzinger said. "They didn't mean to scare anybody or upset schoolchildren."
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Post your comments » |
335 comments |
October 30, 2009 @ 03:13 AM: boxingcoach000
My god the dummies are white,plush the ropes are tied around the waist.NAACP should have more worries than a halloween display put up by the city.
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October 30, 2009 @ 03:50 AM: Trauma-King
Someone with a chip on their shoulder just looking for a reason to have it knocked off! Get a life!.....Grow up!!!
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October 30, 2009 @ 03:52 AM: albi06
Gives the "race hustlers" something to do.
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October 30, 2009 @ 04:17 AM: fourofsix2003
Nothing more than an attention getter for those whose still want to play the race card,its gotten very old.Cant wait to see what they have to say about the "obama xmas trees " wal mart is selling,all the heads of the president hanging from the tree,Bet they have triplets over that one!
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October 30, 2009 @ 04:32 AM: girlpolitic
I am offended by the Mayor's comments about rearranging the dummies in the park. I think he was referring to the current Board of Aldermen
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October 30, 2009 @ 04:50 AM: execu6
I see Guy Djoken missed having his picture in the paper, so he complains about a few Halloween decorations. Get over it, it is NOT about race, or dredging up old memories. It's a Halloween decoration. If the had "black faces" painted on them you might have a point, but they don't so, you have no point either except to stir up trouble over nothing. Brad Jones
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October 30, 2009 @ 05:00 AM: niles_johson
Strange fruit. You stay classy, commenters -- off to a good start!
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October 30, 2009 @ 05:16 AM: verizondave
My goodness, lets get Jessie and Al on the phone. Let's make sure we have all the race baiters in court for this one. Get a life.
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October 30, 2009 @ 05:35 AM: brianburbage
I think it is time to move on. Why is the NAACP opening there mouth anyway? The dummies faces are white.
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October 30, 2009 @ 05:37 AM: niles_johson
I would look to Tom Haverford or Leslie Knope of the P&R department as having been behind such a colossal screwup. Just like the penguin incident.
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October 30, 2009 @ 05:40 AM: soek
I predict 100 comments concerning this matter.
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October 30, 2009 @ 05:52 AM: winstonsmithy
To borrow from Apocalypse Now, "The horror!"
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October 30, 2009 @ 05:56 AM: W_Party_First
The NAACP and the GOP are two organizatins that divide Americans.
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October 30, 2009 @ 06:01 AM: bigstomps
Really people isn't it supposed to be ghost hanging from tress? People hanging from trees seems to be celebrating lynching.
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October 30, 2009 @ 06:05 AM: 555hobo
The naacp are nothing but a bunch of cry babies that want to have their picture in the papers over nothing. There is always gonna be racism as long as these naacp racists are around stirring up stuff. It's Halloween. How many people are complaining about the devils and vampires? They are worse than a dummy hanging from a tree. Jeeeesh. Get a life. naacp tries to seperate the races instead of helping anyone.
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October 30, 2009 @ 06:11 AM: jjrr867509
The tone of these posts is a sad commentary on Frederick.
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October 30, 2009 @ 06:13 AM: suburbanrepublican
I'm outraged as a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Cultivating People (aka Farmers)these insensitive decorations look like farmers hanging from trees... With their flannel shirts and blue work jeans... All their missing is a John Deer hat. I'm pissed. Where's my interview?... LMAO
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October 30, 2009 @ 06:16 AM: suburbanrepublican
jjrr... No you, Guy, and the NAACP are a sad commentary on Frederick. Get over yourselves... I mean come on. This is beyond ridiculous.
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October 30, 2009 @ 06:24 AM: kaneshaven
Come on people it is for Halloween. If they were up in the tree any other time maybe, but cant anyone just have fun anymore on Halloween. What is wrong with asking that they be removed first thing Sunday morning after the holiday. Lighten up people. Lets have fun. Go Trick or Treating with your kids.
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October 30, 2009 @ 06:28 AM: W_Party_First
The GOP and the NAACP are two groups that need racial conflict to survive.
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October 30, 2009 @ 06:37 AM: dmacgriff
Guy D-JOKE-en is a fool and has far too much free time on his hands. The NAACP type are offended by everything they see and find racism behind every door. SHUT UP
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October 30, 2009 @ 06:37 AM: verizondave
Now now folks. Give the NAACP a break. They have to justify their prejudice existance in some form. And thank you suburbanrepubican. Still laughing about your comment.
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October 30, 2009 @ 06:40 AM: maverickseal
Good Flippin gosh, Why are you worried about white scarecrows hanging from a tree, I'd have thought you'd be happy the roles were reversed from the "old times." Next we'll be hearing from the Atheists about how the devils and demons should be removed from Halloween decorations because they're referenced from religion. You complainers make me so sick of being a human.
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October 30, 2009 @ 06:40 AM: maverickseal
Good Flippin gosh, Why are you worried about white scarecrows hanging from a tree, I'd have thought you'd be happy the roles were reversed from the "old times." Next we'll be hearing from the Atheists about how the devils and demons should be removed from Halloween decorations because they're referenced from religion. You complainers make me so sick of being a human.
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October 30, 2009 @ 06:40 AM: jpiotter
W_Party_First,
Your two posts are indicate serious mental impairment. Hyphenated-Americans was a construct of Progressives not the GOP. Repubs are not the ones ALWAYS noticing someones protected class, that would be the 'other' party doing that. And Jeebus H. Chrisholm on a Hockey stick, how the bloody heck do you knuckleheads make the six degrees of separation connection of political affiliation to, well, any stupid thing that happens. That sir (or madam) is some serious faulty wiring right there.
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October 30, 2009 @ 06:52 AM: W_Party_First
"There you go again", another WWW (white wing wacko) attacking a moderate independent who doesn't subscribe to the NAACP or GOP's mandadate to racially polarize REAL Americans.
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October 30, 2009 @ 07:05 AM: randallknight
We are one of the families that called to complain. Beyond the issue of racism (which could have been easily avoided) there are dozens and dozens of young children that walk by there to get to school every day. They are not necessary and should have been removed. The City responded to the parents who complained that, well it was only for a few days and besides they did not have the budget to move them. Now they have spent countless hours fielding complaints and with the press.
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October 30, 2009 @ 07:08 AM: webber1998
Seriously? Get a life !!! Not everything is about the plight of the black man in this country. THIS IS an innocent display of Halloween !!!
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October 30, 2009 @ 07:10 AM: Myersville_Rocker
Just wait till this story hits the national airways...Lay out the red carpet for Jessie and Al!!! I guess my buddies in Florida will be laughing again and I'll get another 2 dozen Fredneck jokes about this one! Thanks Guy for helping to again divide us Americans in half!
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October 30, 2009 @ 07:11 AM: W_Party_First
The NAACP and GOP thrive at America's expense.
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October 30, 2009 @ 07:12 AM: jpiotter
you said @ "There you go again", another WWW (white wing wacko) attacking a moderate independent who doesn't subscribe to the NAACP or GOP's mandadate to racially polarize REAL Americans.
LOL, that's just stupid. Reread it a few times, you'll see that its stupid. Did you spend all weekend coming up with a draft of that 'clever' acronym, Mr REAL American. What the Hegel is a moderate independent, anyway? Is that like a lukewarm iced-latte? Anddddd puhlease show me the GOP manifesto, or any evidence really (besides the Sooper Secret evidence in your head) that the GOP is trying to racially, whats the word, polarize, REAL Americans. And why are you denigrating polish (indigenous tribes of the north pole...or south pole, makes no difference really) people with your negative connotation of the word polar? I find that offensive and demand an apology. NOW!
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October 30, 2009 @ 07:12 AM: connellycs
the racist comments about this are more alarming than anything -- is the klan making a big comeback here?
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October 30, 2009 @ 07:13 AM: verizondave
Folks, you need to pull up with the negative comments. We need to embrace all the NAACP's efforts. More stories like this will only cement the fact that they are an organization of race ambulance chasing morons.
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October 30, 2009 @ 07:14 AM: tomr
What do I see?
I was going to say a ducky and a horsey, but I changed my mind.
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October 30, 2009 @ 07:16 AM: jpiotter
Are the chillins walking alone to school? If so, are they old enough to do so? If yes, then whats the problem? I don't suspect that children that are old enough to walk to school ALONE should be ever so afraid of a scarecrow that might very well be at the pumpkin patch. If they aren't old enough to discern this difference then why are they walking alone? It would seem that this is another example of bubble wrap nation that we find ourselves with. Maybe, rather than insulate the children of the realities of the world, we should, I don't know, educate them on said realities.
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October 30, 2009 @ 07:19 AM: Crustybachelor
The comments on this story are much more hateful and racist than the hanging dummies. It would be nice if the dummies were PART of a Halloween display...rather than just hanging there as they are though. Hanging isn't specifically a Halloween icon.
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October 30, 2009 @ 07:20 AM: annettereese
Get a life man . Like everyone else is saying they have white faces not black . Naacp just wants to start something because they have nothing else to do .
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October 30, 2009 @ 07:21 AM: jpiotter
connellycs, what you interpret as racism, is much more aptly described as desensitization of people to the real plight of minorities and the horrors that have befallen them. The race hustlers HAVE degraded real racism and real acts of hatred by commingling them with superficial things such as this. If it were a noose, with a person in blackface, or a burning cross, then by all means bring the rain. Heck I'll bring my own. But when EVERY little thing is viewed through the prism of racism, the charge loses all meaning.
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October 30, 2009 @ 07:22 AM: jpiotter
Crusty, I guess you see what you want to see, or what you are programmed to see. Try thinking critically for once. Sheesh
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October 30, 2009 @ 07:22 AM: tyhan9698
randallknight... really, "they are unnecessary and should be removed". Thats your argument? Christmas decorations are unnecessary, for that matter, all decorations are unnecessary. Celebrations and public displays of any holidays are unnecessary, lets not offend anyone with any unnecessary displays. If your kids are scared by scarecrows in trees, perhaps you need to explain the real horrors of life to them.
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October 30, 2009 @ 07:28 AM: rocker312172
NAACP needs to get over themselves. They look to cause trouble... everything is offensive. Ok lets see from my families background, according to them ... I should hate Germans because they put my family in concentration camps about what 60 almost 70 years ago. Tortured and beat my family to the point where they would wish they were dead. You read about this sort of stuff hear the stories from family and be thankful that those barbaric times are over with. Hate creates more hate. NAACP is nothing more then a hateful and spiteful organization.
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October 30, 2009 @ 07:29 AM: halritenour
I find this very offensive and city gov. should have known better.
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October 30, 2009 @ 07:30 AM: fran43
Please, the NAACP needs to get a grip. It's Halloween! The hanging man has nothing to do with race....I'm sure you have more important business to discuss.
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October 30, 2009 @ 07:33 AM: man_on_thestreet
OMG. This is getting unreal. Can we please have a list of what WON'T offend Guy?
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October 30, 2009 @ 07:35 AM: tyhan9698
I think Guy is working on that list, if he comes up with anything he will let us know. LOL
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October 30, 2009 @ 07:36 AM: bigstomps
Ever since I moved to this area I have been told Frederick earned the name frednecks because a lot of people here were racist. Reading these comments I now believe that to be true! Scarecrows hanging from trees is not in the spirit of Halloween, Scarecrows around the ground is. And comparing this to Christmas decorations is absurd. It sounds like other people complained also, not just NAACP, why did the FNP just point out this organization?
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October 30, 2009 @ 07:40 AM: TRUCKDRIVING88
Guy Djoken is just like Obama, they are born in another country, come to the US, and try and run things, but are failures.
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October 30, 2009 @ 07:43 AM: man_on_thestreet
randallknight ~~ If the decorations bother you you're going to have your hands full with Trick or Treating.
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October 30, 2009 @ 07:49 AM: tyhan9698
big stomps... decorations are decorations, celebrations are celebrations, if halloween decorations are unnecessary, then the same logic should apply to christmas decorations, just because one holds more reverence to YOU, doesnt make it any more special to everyone else.
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October 30, 2009 @ 07:50 AM: jm21716
Guy and the NAACP has been looking for a reason to sue the City of Frederick for years, now with his big mouth, it might finally happen.
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October 30, 2009 @ 07:53 AM: verizondave
I think this comment thread is a great example that normal everyday people are just plain fed up with the antics of organizations like the NAACP. You know what, if you took offense to a coupe of Halloween decorations that's fine. State your opinion and move on. I think most folks on here will agree That normal Americans are just tired of being held hostage by racial groups such as the NAACP.
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October 30, 2009 @ 07:55 AM: W_Party_First
Both GOP and NAACP put race before country.
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October 30, 2009 @ 07:59 AM: 555hobo
The naacp does not look forward. They dwell in the past. I didn't own slaves and never will. But we get reminded of it everytime this joke of a leader cries wolf over nothing to do with him.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:01 AM: george.gordon
The City of Frederick has come to an all time low. No wonder why it's called by everyone on the East Coast, "Fredneck".
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:03 AM: dgotte
The paper commenting on this alone encourages the race card. the comment about the "farmers" being hung is more appropriate. What about cattle rustlers? They got hung too. Let is go and have a very happy Halloween!
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:03 AM: cellar15
Perhaps if it was a scarcrow it would not offend?
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:04 AM: rgone08
Isn't it odd that Joken correlates the halloween hanging with "racism". Well it appears to be a white dummy to me, and I correlate that to the hangings in the wild west, and that doesn't offend me. What offends me is JOKEN and his follwers always trying to find something to further their cause, and that is forcing people to believe everything he and his follwers say is racially insentive. They rely on believing that when they speak of insensitivity, the white folks of the communities will bow down to their cause because we're afraid.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:04 AM: verizondave
So is it possible that maybe, just maybe, the city put up those decorations in a spirited holiday manner and not in a diabolical racially undertoned way.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:06 AM: george.gordon
So, is it possible that maybe, just maybe, the city put up those decorations in a diabolical racially undertoned way and not in a spirited holiday manner?
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:07 AM: jm21716
I guess Guy will be offended when the white Christmas lights light up downtown Frederick too, after all they are WHITE lights.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:08 AM: jpiotter
All, King George Gordon has spoken. It is racist. Move along.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:09 AM: george.gordon
Why are there more whities in the NBA than whitie republicans in Frederick? LOL
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:10 AM: jpiotter
W_Party_First, using the word 'coloreds' just proves to me what a maroon you are. I don't think its the GOP with the problem, I think, just maybe, its YOU.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:12 AM: becky0515
Someone has too much time on their hands! The dummies are white,dummy!
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:13 AM: george.gordon
What a surprise, no one makes a comment when cmtcpt says "It is HALLOWEEN....Get a LIFE!!!" But when I say It is RACIST....Get a LIFE!!!" someone makes a comment.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:14 AM: george.gordon
The only white dummies are the ones making comments about this article.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:15 AM: Lbrodie662
I love how the NAACP is all about equal rights...of course this is only unitl being a minority benefits them. They should be ashamed of themselves. I am so sick of this crap. At what point do they stop playing both sides of the card and realize that it is 2009. When will they be happy? They have to realize that they create many of their own problems?..of course they do. The Leaders of this group have an interest in creating the perception of racial issues. Without the issues the money doesn't flow and nobody gets paid.
They have to stop now so that the next generation doesn't grow up believing the excuses and propaganda. They know what they are doing! They know exactly what they are doing!!!! They are hurting the people that they claim to want to help. NAACP=DEVISIVE
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:15 AM: man_on_thestreet
W_Party_First ~~ Michael Steele could have been in Congress but the minorities in Maryland want liberals not other minorities.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:20 AM: suburbanrepublican
george.gordon the reverse racist thinks that all of the Frederick City Government, including those of color are racist's. It's appalling, the horror. George I'll offer you the same advice I offered the other whiny punk... Move back to where your from if you don't like Frederick. If your from Frederick and you don't like it pack your stuff and roll out. I mean I'll personally shed a tear, but I'm sure most won't mind.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:20 AM: diabloz
I am from the North... I don't get what all the fuss is about???
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:20 AM: george.gordon
"They shoot each other, have hundreds of children out of wedlock, and are miles behind white students in school." It sounds like someone has never met a black person and is a racist.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:22 AM: george.gordon
suburbanrepublican, if you don't like this area, why don't you move back to Europe.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:23 AM: conservative2
Get a LIFE!!! Go away NAACP! You are not wanted or needed anymore!!! We need an NAAWP!!!
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:23 AM: niles_johson
I would again remind the commenters that this is likely the work of Tom Haverford and/or Leslie Knope in the Parks and Recreation department. If they can't even turn a pit into a park, how do you think they are capable of a decent Halloween display?
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:24 AM: suburbanrepublican
Will someone please pop that growth on Guy's forehead... I find that thing extremely offensive...
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:27 AM: george.gordon
Will someone please pop that growth on suburbanrepublican shoulders... I find that thing extremely offensive...
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:27 AM: W_Party_First
The question that should be asked is why would any republican remain in a county in a state thats projected to be a minority majority in 10 years. If you thinks its hard to stomach diversity now in Frederick just wait a few years.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:27 AM: conservative2
george.gordon - I am a racist because I want EQUALITY for all? I am just saying the NAACP is fueling racial seperation in this day. Maybe we should have a voice for the Whites also so we can all be "equal". Think about it...
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:30 AM: george.gordon
Why do you whan to be equal with blacks when you haven't even met a black person?
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:31 AM: W_Party_First
The diversity multiper effect is when a family of color moves next door and plunges you home value and encourages more diversity and encurages your neighbors to flee leaving you stuck and commenting on the FP. LOL
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:32 AM: bigstomps
I have no complaints about Halloween decorations. Just saying it is ghost that fly around trees not dead people! Now if the NAACP was complaining about ghost hanging from trees, now that would be uncalled for. To complain about what looks like dead people hanging from trees, I can understand. Maybe the city should have dressed them in suits and ties and fancy dresses like the Mayor and city council now that would be funny.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:33 AM: george.gordon
suburbanrepublican, if you're from PG County, why are you here? Do you have some interest in Frederick?
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:34 AM: friedhard
This illustrates how differently people see the world--one group sees a Halloween decoration but the other sees a powerful image of lynching. I do not think white people appreciate the iconic nature of lynching in black people's view of the world. It was a tool of oppression and terror. It is an emblem, like the confederate flag, that touches a nerve. Maybe not intended to be offensive, but not everyone views the world like the NASCAR fans. Take them down, there is no principle to stand on here.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:35 AM: Crustybachelor
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynching_in_the_United_States
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:35 AM: W_Party_First
suburbanrepublican I feel sorry for you I hope you just don't get caught napping again like you did in PG the writing is on the wall Frederick will become Charles County West and eventually PG.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:36 AM: suburbanrepublican
I believe I addressed that in my previous post, or does your reverse racism only allow you to process half of what you read?
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:36 AM: george.gordon
True that, true that friedhard. You are wise.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:38 AM: jpiotter
"They shoot each other, have hundreds of children out of wedlock, and are miles behind white students in school." It sounds like someone has never met a black person and is a racist. ---------------Hey King George, hyperbole aside, the facts are correct, albeit irrelevant to this comment thread. Black on black crime is rampant, 70% of black children are born out of wedlock, and African Americans ARE falling farther behind in school. Maybe instead of calling people racists, you and the NAACP can work on these ACTUAL problems instead of race baiting. But THAT would be logical...and stuff. Oh before you roll out your one trick pony, I am a member of a traditionally black fraternity (Phi Beta Sigma), my best man is black, and I am native american. So yes, I have met a black person.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:39 AM: jm21716
"george.gordon
suburbanrepublican, if you're from PG County, why are you here? Do you have some interest in Frederick?" George, you live in Pennsylvania, and work in Virginia, you have no interest in Frederick either, so pot meet kettle. And don't give us the bull that you still own a house in Frederick cause we all know the truth in that as well.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:40 AM: george.gordon
suburbanrepublican, PLEASE READ MY ENTIRE COMMENTS: if your are in PG County, why are you making comments about what is happing in Frederick? Do you have any interests in Frederick?
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:41 AM: fnpzwack
It seems to be a poor decision for the city government to be placing phony dead bodies, anywhere, any time of year. I love a good Halloween prank, even ones such as this, but I don't think it is the city's place to be staging murder/suicide scenes. That's just plain wierd.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:41 AM: suburbanrepublican
The Confederate flag is just as offensive as the Malcom X t-shirts are... Both reflect hate. Lynchings, unless I was lied to occurred around the neck, primarily to Black people, Not white faced stuffed dummies. I find it offensive that you would derive something as horrific as lynchings from white faced dummies wearing flannel shirts and blue jeans tied around the waist in trees. Get over it. Your argument has no merit.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:41 AM: jm21716
"george.gordon suburbanrepublican, if you're from PG County, why are you here? Do you have some interest in Frederick?" George, you live in Pennsylvania, and work in Virginia, you have no interest in Frederick either, so pot meet kettle. And don't give us the bull that you still own a house in Frederick cause we all know the truth in that as well.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:41 AM: TRUCKDRIVING88
Suburbanrepublican: Just ignor George, you cant argue with IGNORANCE.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:42 AM: jacob21703
Wow! 8:30 am and already a boat load of responses. When I first saw the picture of the goblin hanging from the tree I honestly thought to myself.....this is not a good thing. As a white person that has lived here for over 20 years I guess that makes me a fredneck.....So, if this fredneck cringes then I guess it must be bad. Seriously, my wife and I talked about it this morning. We didn't grow up with too many ghost or goblin hangings. Yes there were hangings in the old days of cattle rustlers and such but they have not normally been associated with Halloween.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:43 AM: george.gordon
jm21716, did someone purchase my house in Frederick? My house in Frederick means I have an interest in Frederick. jm21716 is another whitie whom doesn't know that he is talking about.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:43 AM: suburbanrepublican
I'm not from Europe. My ancestors are from Europe, Just like yours are from Africa? I'm from Gorgeous Prince Georges County. My family moved here after the crime became too much to handle. READ JACKASS, before you put your foot in your mouth for the 3rd time.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:43 AM: jm21716
george, whats the address of the house in question then, I'd like to take a look at it, been looking for reality to purchase.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:44 AM: george.gordon
TRUCKDRIVING88, are you a truck drive? If you are, just shut your mouth.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:44 AM: jm21716
suburbanrepublican, its a lost cause to try to argue with George because you can't argue with stupidity.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:45 AM: jm21716
George, does the real George Gordon know you are slandering his good name?
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:45 AM: newman999
Is there really anything anymore that Guy doesnt find offensive? I feel like Ive read this same story with him for years now...
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:45 AM: tatt2ed_objectivist
Nowhere in our constitution are you protected from being offended.
Get over it.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:47 AM: suburbanrepublican
W_Party_First said "suburbanrepublican I feel sorry for you I hope you just don't get caught napping again like you did in PG the writing is on the wall Frederick will become Charles County West and eventually PG." Sadly your right... with idiots like you, Guy dJOKEn, george george george of the jungle, and the hand full of other moron's Frederick will become another PG County. It's a shame that such a wonderful place falls prey to such trash.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:47 AM: george.gordon
suburbanrepublican, you are "from PG county and moved here [to PG county] after the crime became too much to handle." That means you moved to PG County after the crime became too much to handle. Maybe you should write a littel better.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:49 AM: jm21716
george, whats the address of the house in question then, I'd like to take a look at it, been looking for reality to purchase.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:49 AM: gphoebus
I think the main concern and the emotion that surrounds a scene like this would bring back certain memories of disdain for people. I do think that it could be perceived as insensitive, but I think the means of which this is handled was incorrect. First sighting of this would be to contact the City and make a complaint while reaching a compromise. Both sides of this argument have valid points, but unless the City neglected to reach a compromise on the issue then I could possibly see using the media to bring this to light. I think most of us view things with emotion and respond first without thinking about how our responses affect others. There is a point of being cautious not to offend others and there is a point of being too sensitive. In an issue such as lynchings, I have no authority or history to say it was warranted outrage, but I do know that this is not the first year or first place that dummies have been hanging from trees in and around Frederick. Come to a compromise for the sake of Frederick, is that so difficult?
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:51 AM: jm21716
george, apparently hotmail shut it down because of your daily spamming , the email bounced back, said no email address exists. Thanks for the laugh you loser.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:55 AM: suburbanrepublican
George I want to apologize to you... I didn't know that I was having an internet argument with someone of a lower mental ability. Please in the future make sure that prior to your rants you make everyone aware that you may be a little slower then the average bear. With that said I will spell it out for you. I was born and lived in PG County... My family moved to Frederick County because of the increase in violence and crime in general. Again please accept my apology.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:55 AM: jm21716
suburbanrepublican, no reason to apologize to him, because you can't apologize to stupidity.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:56 AM: jpiotter
I see W_party_first is looking for a ban hammer....so be it
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:56 AM: sc2wvu
Come on people, get a life! If they had black heads, I would see a small basis for arguement. But they are all white faced, and it's a long standing decor around halloween. Bodies, skeletons, ghosts, dummies...how can you point to it and say it reminds you of lynching. Especially when probably 100% of you have only heard about it on the History Channel!!!!!!
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:57 AM: W_Party_First
suburbanrepublican in 15 years your going to have to pack again or welcome some bi-racial grandchildren.
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October 30, 2009 @ 09:01 AM: suburbanrepublican
W_Party_First said "suburbanrepublican in 15 years your going to have to pack again or welcome some bi-racial grandchildren." Why would you relate why I moved to bi-racial grandchildren? I moved because crime was on the rise. Not because people of other decent moved in. Who's the real racist?
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October 30, 2009 @ 09:01 AM: george.gordon
suburbanrepublican, I was just going to apologize to you. I am tired of the ignorance of some of the people in the great City of Frederick. Some people, whom shall rename nameless, do like to start things because they think they know it all, I am sorry to you about the way I reacted.
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October 30, 2009 @ 09:03 AM: mneufeld
To all the wayward, sad people who complained about this traditional, scary and fun Halloween display: Please get a life. You really need a life. And you really, really need to lighten up. And the NAACP really has far more serious things to worry about and whine about than some Halloween displays. For the record, very, very, very simply, honestly and realistically: Hundreds, if not thousands, of trees across the U.S. every Halloween--for decades now--have bodies hanging with ropes, strings, twine, yard, pulleys, other contraptions--and these displays are not insensitive, have absolutely nothing--zero--to do with anything racial, do not depict hangings or lynchings, have been around forever, and are just simply fun, scary Halloween decorations. Anyone who thinks anything otherwise--is wrong. Flat-out wrong. Again, for the ignorant: It is customary in Halloween displays and decorations to have dummies displayed in lawns, on porches, hanging from trees, hanging out of cars, coming out of the ground, wrapped around tombstones, hanging out of windows, crawling across lawns, creeping out of bushes, and anything else that imaginative, fun people come up with. These decorations have nothing--zero--to do with race, racism, bigotry, intolerance, insensitivity, lynchings or anything to do with these issues. It's Halloween, folks--lighten up and have fun. By the way, myself and several friends have recently attended four fall festivals in the region--and at every one of them, there was a booth IN WHICH KIDS GOT TO MAKE THEIR OWN HALLOWEEN DUMMIES FOR DECORATING. That's the truth.
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October 30, 2009 @ 09:03 AM: TRUCKDRIVING88
George Gordon: I am an American Indian, so my ancestors are from this country, I own a trucking company that employees people of all races. Ignorant people like you are just on here to stir up racism. There are plenty of African Americans that do not use the race card to get ahead, their parents instilled a "Stardard Of Execellence and The Will to Strive In Life" in them when they were growing up. They became sucessful in life, and this is what the NAACP show be pursuing instead of living in the past.
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October 30, 2009 @ 09:06 AM: suburbanrepublican
I'll help you out and name them for you. Guy dJOKEn, yourself, and W_Party to name just a few. Your reverse racist views are what is currently holding this country back. It's become extremely obvious to me that people of your likes are just upset that the Hispanic population and CASA de Maryland have replaced you and the NAACP. A better apology would be just climbing back under the rock you surfaced from.
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October 30, 2009 @ 09:12 AM: W_Party_First
Cleary racists groups such as the NAACP and the GOP are dividing our nation so that they may advance their narrow agenda's.
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October 30, 2009 @ 09:12 AM: fnpzwack
Can somebody tell me why the city government is staging murder or suicide scenes in the first place? It seems that this should be beyond their scope of services...very wierd.
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October 30, 2009 @ 09:14 AM: george.gordon
suburbanrepublican, it seems like to blame everyone but themselfs for their own faults. Blacks blame white, white blame black. If we all could just ignore what others are doing and just do the best we can do, then we have no one else to blame but ourselves.
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October 30, 2009 @ 09:14 AM: george.gordon
suburbanrepublican, it seems like people want to blame everyone but themselves for their own faults. Blacks blame whites, white blame black. If we all could just ignore what others are doing and just do the best we can do, then we have no one else to blame but ourselves.
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October 30, 2009 @ 09:14 AM: W_Party_First
Its no coincidence both the NAACP and GOP both have dwindling memberships.
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October 30, 2009 @ 09:14 AM: pma1958
When they had a likeness of G.W.Bush hanging from a noose nobody complained. The naacp just looks for something to grab the headlines.
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October 30, 2009 @ 09:15 AM: mendiola692003
You know what get over it, it is halloween and nothing more how in the world can it be racist or anything to do with what happened many years ago, on top of that they are white faceless dummies. And if the staff needed sensitivity training they would not have made them white. It sounds like that the NAACP wants to get something started, I agree with the other person, you probably have more serious things to worry about, but on the bright side if this is all you are worried about then this is a very good thing.
I get tired of the race issue coming up every time something happens, or said or done. Those terrible days are behind us, not to say there arent racist still out there but there always will be, it is their right not to like someone its what they do about that could be illegal.
do let it go and enjoy Halloween - its a fun time dont bring it down
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October 30, 2009 @ 09:15 AM: verizondave
suburbanrepublican I was informed by the NAACP that "reverse racism" is no longer an accepted term and is not to be used. In the future please use the substitue phrase "affirmative action" Sorry. Had too.
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October 30, 2009 @ 09:17 AM: W_Party_First
I don't believe any malice is involved but I do believe those on the right (GOP) and the left(NAACP) need these types of events to justify their own existence.
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October 30, 2009 @ 09:18 AM: pma1958
Its no coincidence both the NAACP and GOP both have dwindling memberships?
W_Party_First-
You need to stop watching Olberman and Matthews. Liberal brain washing at it's best.
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October 30, 2009 @ 09:23 AM: maxqengineer
Sheesh, too bad the dummys didn't look a bit more ghostly......and I thought they kinda looked Hispanic. Lighten up people......
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October 30, 2009 @ 09:23 AM: dfout
Reading these comments only remind me that Frederick County is still predominantly a Republican domain. You folks really don't get it do you? Like the Confederate flag, a hanging man invokes dark memories to African-Americans. You know, the folks that carry your golf clubs at the club.
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October 30, 2009 @ 09:30 AM: sanctuarymuch
tomr, I got the Peanuts reference...
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October 30, 2009 @ 09:31 AM: suburbanrepublican
Verizondave, I'm sorry... I did get that memo and I forgot. Please allow this apology to cover any other apology's I may need to dish out because of my Reverse Racism, Affirmative Action mishap. LMAO
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October 30, 2009 @ 09:31 AM: haltgovwaste
Being well hung, bald, and white I find this very offensive.
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October 30, 2009 @ 09:32 AM: W_Party_First
Like the NAACP the GOP has abandoned the business of coming up with and articulating a political platform, opting instead to host and promote counter-cultural parties that seem strange and foreign to the vast majority of REAL AMERICANS.
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October 30, 2009 @ 09:34 AM: suburbanrepublican
Reverse racism again... I may be white, but I don't live or belong to any Club's. I don't play golf or have any interest in it. Maybe your the reason, and not I. Now you'll all have to excuse me, I'm late for my Tea and Crumpets.
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October 30, 2009 @ 09:37 AM: george.gordon
I love golf but don't like NASCAR and country music.
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October 30, 2009 @ 09:39 AM: bigdaddy9197
what a joke the NAACP is. Perhaps Guy should contact Chuck Jenkins about this. They could hold hands and make sure the "dummies" are removed asap. DUMMIES
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October 30, 2009 @ 09:43 AM: W_Party_First
I agree the NAACP and the GOP are jokes.
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October 30, 2009 @ 09:47 AM: jessienjim
Had any of you Fredtucky`ens lost friends or family to a hanging of this type you might be more sensitive to the subject. But it`s ALL about YOU! And why was this done with no concern? Because of the near 0% of minorities who work for the city dept who placed these in the trees. The "Good ole boys" still run this backwater town. Then they and thier kind take to posting thier racist views here as a defence to thier stupidity.
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October 30, 2009 @ 09:48 AM: jm21716
I would like to know, is there a bad case of stupid going around???
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October 30, 2009 @ 09:49 AM: maxqengineer
maybe they're really afraid of ghosts......
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October 30, 2009 @ 09:58 AM: kilskeer
One might think Djoken would be so elated to have escaped the endemic malaria, poverty ($2,000 per capita income) and corruption of his native Cameroon, that he would be grateful just to be in this Country. Instead, he makes a living shaking down the public. He is a race hustler, plainly, for if he were idealogically driven wouldn't he return to help those in his native land, whose plight is far more dire than anyone in USA?
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October 30, 2009 @ 09:59 AM: graciepage
jm21716 YUP....172 comments about halloween decorations...bad case of stupid going on in these parts. Why can't the NAACP move on to something more important...
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October 30, 2009 @ 10:01 AM: W_Party_First
kilskeer Africans our forefathers sure did know the value of Africans so much that they imported and impregnanted millions of theses immigrant nation builders.
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October 30, 2009 @ 10:02 AM: scottw
The way I see it is it could be considered racist IF the intent of the display was to promote racism. It is obviously not. It was put there to celebrate Halloween. It is YOUR racism in YOUR mind that takes this celebration of Halloween and makes it racist. The folks that put it up and every other non- racist person that sees it, sees it as it is, a Halloween display.
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October 30, 2009 @ 10:02 AM: W_Party_First
The city of Frederick 22 percent minority and not a single minority in the public works dept?
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October 30, 2009 @ 10:02 AM: george.gordon
jm21716, are you implying that you're going around?
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October 30, 2009 @ 10:03 AM: jm21716
graciepage, I agree, all this uproar over Halloween decorations that someone is trying to portray as racist., We'll its not. Guy and the NAACP needs to get over the fact that not everything is race related in this country.
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October 30, 2009 @ 10:04 AM: W_Party_First
I agree the NAACP and the GOP both need to stop playing the race card.
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October 30, 2009 @ 10:11 AM: lori21769
I am a white person, and I find these "decorations" both insensitive and offensive.
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October 30, 2009 @ 10:17 AM: jm21716
Was Guy here in the 1960s or was he in Nygeria?
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October 30, 2009 @ 10:27 AM: scottw
lori21769, May I ask why you feel these decorations are offesive to you?
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October 30, 2009 @ 10:29 AM: eli.h.roth
I'm certain the intention of the city was no more than to provide the public with some spooky Halloween decorations in the holiday spirit, but it is not up to us (non-blacks) to determine what is and is not offensive to black people. I am Jewish, and I don't allow non-Jews to tell me what is culturally offensive...if it offends me, then it offends me, period. The same goes with any other cultural group. Who are we (white people, mostly) to tell a black man what is and is not perceived to be racist? How many of you white people have suffered from institutional racism? Not one. Not even one. Also, it seems the FNP, in all of its horrid journalistic practice, focused on the complaints of one person while it seems that several community members of all races complained about the dummies. Why did the FNP focus only on the NAACP's objections? If it isn't obvious by the nearly 200 comments on this article, it was to foment discussion and draw more people to the website. This is yellow journalism and brings out the crazies, big time. Finally, it seems to me that if the city offends someone through decorations that are funded by public dollars, they should immediately fix the situation. This is not private property. If it were, they could hang anything they like. But it's not - it is a public park and thus if a particular decoration strikes some community members as racist, the city is obliged to remove it or fix the problem. The one thing everyone should remember is that the majority of downtown residents are well-educated, relatively progressive, open-minded people. Most of these residents do not bother with the FNP because it is trash...the 20 people who post racist comments on these boards are not representative of the community...Even Holtzinger admitted those decorations might have been a mistake. We'll find out the composition of the community on Tuesday. Everyone get out and vote!
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October 30, 2009 @ 10:33 AM: srbmgr
Somebody tell the NAACP that they have tons of costumes and decorations still at FSK Mall. Dr. Frankenstein's guys are ALREADY over there in a picket line.... Me, I'm off to my Friday "sensetivity training" session, as usual! --Berryman.
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October 30, 2009 @ 10:41 AM: jpiotter
eli, respectfully, if the standard is who is offended by which government action, then we've got bigger problems than Halloween decorations. In general, I don't think people have a particular problem with being sensitive to the issues that minorities raise, however, it seems that a majority of their efforts to solve "the black problem" or "the Hispanic problem" focus almost exclusively on external forces. If the NAACP spent half as much time in the black community actually fixing problems rather than finding someone else to demonize, they might have a tad more credibility.
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October 30, 2009 @ 10:42 AM: scottw
eli.h.roth, The problem with your arguement is that we leave open the ability for a minority to say anything is racist. Perhaps Santa Claus is reacist becuase he has a beard and many slave owners had beards. Perhaps the east bunny is racist becuase he is white and not black (or yellow etc). It is about the intent of the action not the action. These decorations were put up not to promote racism. It is racism to take them from what they were intended for, which is Holloween, and make them into what they were not intended for. I am curious for your thoughts.
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October 30, 2009 @ 10:44 AM: W_Party_First
This would be a non story without the NAACP and GOP inciting racism.
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October 30, 2009 @ 10:44 AM: ihulk6307
lol, I can't even read stories like this anymore. No Guy, nobody needs sensitivity training. Nobody owes it to you to be sensitive to your feelings about everything. If it bothers you so much, stay out of Baker Park for a couple days, until the grievous offense is over.
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October 30, 2009 @ 10:49 AM: W_Party_First
If you don't acknowledge symbols of hatred they don't exist. lol
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October 30, 2009 @ 10:50 AM: eli.h.roth
I agree very much with both of you. I do believe that the intent of the decorations was benign and very much in the Halloween spirit, and I also agree that it can be a slippery slope when we begin to lend credence to every whacko with an axe to grind. But in this particular case, these dummies represented, to some, an act of extreme violence and racial hatred from our not-so-distant past. In my opinion, this situation cannot be discounted in the same as, say, someone who complains that Santa Clause is racist or that kosher pickles are discriminatory. This is only my opinion. I also agree that many of these organizations would do well to deal with larger issues facing the community rather than something that was obviously meant to be good Halloween fun. In many ways I don't understand why Mr. Djoken felt the need to make this a matter for the press. I do believe that if he indeed received a dozen complaints from his constituents, he had an obligation to bring this to the attention of the city. He did not necessarily need a front page article in the FNP to remediate the situation, which is to say, to remove the decorations. We all have our opinions, and I respect them (except those of the obvious bigots who use the FNP to spout nonsense), and I happen to feel that in this particular situation, I don't have a right to say if someone should or should not feel offended. I cannot say I'd feel the same next time or the time after that.
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October 30, 2009 @ 10:54 AM: pattydands
Well I see Djoken missed having his picture on the front page. C'mon people it's Halloween and all in good, clean fun. As for scaring the children, I've seen costumes far worse than a dummy tied in a tree. They appear to be white and it's just giving people something to complain about. Incidentally, the Confederate flag is a part of my ancestory and my history and I will continue to fly it with pride. Not because I'm racist, but because it's as much a part of my history as Martin Luther and Malcolm X is to theirs.
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October 30, 2009 @ 10:55 AM: maxqengineer
but...but...but....it had a white head.
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October 30, 2009 @ 10:58 AM: greaseman79
What's ironic is how they get upset over the dummies but they ignore Halloween ghosts that look like KKK members.
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October 30, 2009 @ 10:59 AM: W_Party_First
It's not a dummy its a human sized pinata.
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October 30, 2009 @ 10:59 AM: Rita_Rocks
JM, if you seriously emailed Gordon, you need professional help.
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October 30, 2009 @ 11:00 AM: deanadean519
jacob21703 - GOOD point taken. I think if the "goblin" had actual halloween decorations around it then it wouldn't be a problem. but honestly it just looks like a man hanging from a tree??? maybe its just me but i really don't see the reference of halloween in that picture???
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October 30, 2009 @ 11:03 AM: maxqengineer
.....it has no noose? Look how it's tied in the tree.
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October 30, 2009 @ 11:04 AM: hornetgirl
It's Halloween ... right???? Come on people!
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October 30, 2009 @ 11:05 AM: maxqengineer
Look closely.....the rope goes around the chest.......not the neck. It's not meant to be a hanging....it's a levitated body...in a tree.
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October 30, 2009 @ 11:06 AM: TRUCKDRIVING88
Djoken said this is a "Dead man hanging in a tree, this takes us back to a dark day we dont want to go back to" All I see hanging in this tree is a stuffed pair of jeans, a stuffed flannel shirt and a round white object. Guy has only been in the USA for 7 years, so I wonder what this reminds him of back in Caameron? With Guy Djoken in charge, the local NAACP is loosing all of its credability, Guy needs to be in the newspaper for instilling positive learnings into todays youth and quit living in the past.
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October 30, 2009 @ 11:06 AM: george.gordon
It's Frederick ... right???? Come on people!
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October 30, 2009 @ 11:07 AM: jm21716
"Rita_Rocks
JM, if you seriously emailed Gordon, you need professional help." Rita, if you only responded because of this comment, then we all think you seriously need help. Or is this George's new name trying to get a rise again?
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October 30, 2009 @ 11:09 AM: george.gordon
I will bet that 100% of the people on here whom don't understand how offensive this is are not black.
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October 30, 2009 @ 11:09 AM: ihulk6307
I agree W. It’s much easier to just say everything is a symbol of hatred. That way nothing escapes acknowledgement.
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October 30, 2009 @ 11:11 AM: bulldogfred2008
i think people need to just grow up and stop trying to find stuff to complain about u can tell it is a dummy i walk threw bakers park all of the time and i think people r just that bored in this town and if anything the white people should be the ones complaining about not no african americans so naacp needs to stop trying to get in everybodys business that is not theres
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October 30, 2009 @ 11:12 AM: scottw
eli.h.roth - We are not far fromour views. Let me ask you, if they were to take off the head of the dummy (to give the visual of the headless horseman) or to replace it with a pumpkin, would that make it more symbolic of Holloween? Does any time a dummy is hanging in a tree remind everyone of those nasty times. There was a day when hanging was a form of the death penalty. Should people be affended if there is a electric chair in a Holloween decoration? If my mother was murdered, could I scream racism if someone dresses up like a murderer? If my great great grandmother was burned at the stake for being a witch, coudl I screm racism becuase peopel are dressing up as witches? It is the Intent of the decoration that is what is important. This was not intended to be racist.
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October 30, 2009 @ 11:14 AM: george.gordon
jm21716 must love me because the person talks so much about me. No, I have not received any e-mails from Frednecks.
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October 30, 2009 @ 11:14 AM: Lindsay7519
I think Mr. Djoken is the one who needs sensitivity training. These things were set up to look like ghosts floating in the air at night, when you can't see the rope. Ghosts. Halloween. Kind of go together.
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October 30, 2009 @ 11:15 AM: darlenebal3
If they do take them(the white dummies)down and replace them with white ghost(white sheets)are we then going to hear from the NAACPthat they are the KKK??????Where does it end????Get a life its halloween and the city is doing something for the kids and I'm excited to take my childern there tonite for the haunted trail at Baker Park.I thank the city of Frederick for doing this for the childern!!
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October 30, 2009 @ 11:16 AM: george.gordon
jm, I just saw an article for you: "MARYLAND BEER MONTH- $4 A BOTTLE".
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October 30, 2009 @ 11:28 AM: bigdaddy301
When I commented on a slew of racist comments last week ,my post was deleted. This string of post proves that the FNP supports the Racist Fredneck veiws. IT is indeed a good ole boy paper.
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October 30, 2009 @ 11:31 AM: jm21716
I emailed the city showing support of these ghosts hanging in the tree. The video says "some" but the only one who talked was the joke himself. I don't find that this has offended anyone and just the joke is trying to start his ramblings again against the city. I ask all of you to email the city to show your support to these Halloween decorations. The Joke needs to just get over himself once and for all.
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October 30, 2009 @ 11:32 AM: jpiotter
Gordon,
We(I) are certainly sensitive to the symbolism of lynching. The problem in my view is this is not s symbol of lynching. It has some components, but intent is certainly not one of them. Do you see the symbolism of lynching when a rope, a tree, and an effigy are all in the same vicinity. If so, did you protest when and effigy of GWB was paraded around with a noose around his neck? I'll bet not.
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October 30, 2009 @ 11:33 AM: mneufeld
To all the wayward, sad people who complained about this traditional, scary and fun Halloween display: Please get a life. You really need a life. And you really, really need to lighten up. And the NAACP really has far more serious things to worry about and whine about than some Halloween displays. For the record, very, very, very simply, honestly and realistically: Hundreds, if not thousands, of trees across the U.S. every Halloween--for decades now--have bodies hanging with ropes, strings, twine, yard, pulleys, other contraptions--and these displays are not insensitive, have absolutely nothing--zero--to do with anything racial, do not depict hangings or lynchings, have been around forever, and are just simply fun, scary Halloween decorations. Anyone who thinks anything otherwise--is wrong. Flat-out wrong. Again, for the ignorant: It is customary in Halloween displays and decorations to have dummies displayed in lawns, on porches, hanging from trees, hanging out of cars, coming out of the ground, wrapped around tombstones, hanging out of windows, crawling across lawns, creeping out of bushes, and anything else that imaginative, fun people come up with. These decorations have nothing--zero--to do with race, racism, bigotry, intolerance, insensitivity, lynchings or anything to do with these issues. It's Halloween, folks--lighten up and have fun. By the way, myself and several friends have recently attended four fall festivals in the region--and at every one of them, there was a booth IN WHICH KIDS GOT TO MAKE THEIR OWN HALLOWEEN DUMMIES FOR DECORATING. That's the truth.
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October 30, 2009 @ 11:35 AM: george.gordon
Yes, I did you protest when an effigy of GWB was paraded around with a noose around his neck.
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October 30, 2009 @ 11:35 AM: jpiotter
Eli, good points all, and I mostly agree. So much so that I don't want to belabor the disagreement. I will say that I am highly offended that the public school system makes my daughter learn about Kwanzaa which was founded by a felon who was also a black nationalist/separatist. Just my pointing that out, I am branded by some as a racist. There really needs to be a common set of rules. maybe I'll write the series...rules for white people, rules for black people, rules for Jews, etc etc...
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October 30, 2009 @ 11:37 AM: dewalkers
I hope this cat was able to write the "zemaile" so that the mayor could understand what he was trying to say ... because the video (which is a waste of bandwidth) showed that he should be working on his English speaking instead of something hanging in the trees.
Go back under your rock along Caroll Creek, PAL.
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October 30, 2009 @ 11:38 AM: friedhard
Claiming the confederate flag is a honored symbol of our heritage is like claiming its OK to fly the swastika cuz gramps served in the SS. The confederate flag represents an ideal of people who went to war to preserve the "right" to own other human beings. There was no principle of states rights other than the "right " of slavery. Don't believe that? That kind of gets to the point here--symbols carry powerful meaning to different peoples. Just because you are proud to have forefathers that fought to preserve slavery in the confederacy doesn't mean that others shouldn't be offended by the flag. It has a different meaning to them. So does the image of a body hanging from a tree. Because you don't see that does not mean it is not real to them. First cast out the beam out of your own eye; and then shall you see clearly to cast out the mote out of your brother's eye.
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October 30, 2009 @ 11:48 AM: myscreeeeeename
This is no worse than the Octomom costumed as a pregnant nun and dressing her kids as devils... which I do find very amusing.
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October 30, 2009 @ 11:48 AM: scottw
friedhard - You make a good point except there is one important difference. Flying the confederate flag is different that this in that this Holloween decoration is NOT MEANT TO BE what he is saying it is. Displaying a swastika is different than this becuase is this is NOT MEANT TO BE what he is saying it is. This is a holloween decoration. This does not have the color head that were hung during these times. We hung people (of all colors) as a form of a death penalty. It is not even hung around the neck, it is around the chest. It is with many other Holloween decorations. It is not done with racism in mind, thereofore it is not racist. Careful what you wish for, becuause, if you stretch, almost anything could be racist, including your screenname.
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October 30, 2009 @ 11:50 AM: rscott25
"October 30, 2009 @ 08:32 AM: bigstomps
I have no complaints about Halloween decorations. Just saying it is ghost that fly around trees not dead people! Now if the NAACP was complaining about ghost hanging from trees, now that would be uncalled for. "..........a ghost would invoke rascist cries because it would resemble a white sheet, thus KKK.
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October 30, 2009 @ 11:55 AM: george.gordon
Would a Crucifixion have been a better choice?
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October 30, 2009 @ 11:59 AM: maxqengineer
Maybe Mr.Djoken is looking to launch a new reality TV series from Baker Park....?
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October 30, 2009 @ 12:00 PM: viperch25
just the naacp yelling about nothing again i mean come on get a life
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October 30, 2009 @ 12:01 PM: rscott25
Isn't Djoken a naturalized citizen from Africa?
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October 30, 2009 @ 12:03 PM: friedhard
scottw--perhaps my examples are off-base--and I am not asserting that the the dummies are racist --I certainly don't see them that way--I was trying to illustrate that people view the world in different ways and images mean different things to different people. Maybe Djoken is overreacting and stirring controversy unnecessarily--It just strikes me reading all these comments that the image of body hanging from a tree means something different to a black person than a white person. Meaning is usually created by the one experiencing the event, not just the originator of the event. So, innocent intent is not 100 percent of the issue.
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October 30, 2009 @ 12:06 PM: eli.h.roth
"Rules for Jews" would be a good name for a band.
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October 30, 2009 @ 12:06 PM: W_Party_First
The NAACP and GOP are both vested heavily into racial strife.
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October 30, 2009 @ 12:07 PM: fury159
Someone asked "what would a crucifixion be better?" As dumb as a question as that is, think about it. If it was a bunch of crosses, the church and a few uptight catholics would probably have something to say about it, so the NAACP can certainly complain about this.
It's really disturbing that Frederick is this insensitive to something that really didn't happen not that long ago. The dummies have white heads? Who cares? That doesn't matter! Put yourself in the shoes of a young black male, growing up in those times when things like this happened, and tell me you wouldn't be offended by this. If not, then move back to Thurmont....
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October 30, 2009 @ 12:10 PM: sosg
Djoken says this incident "takes us back to a dark day we don't want to go back to", but every black history month we are shown repeated images from before many of us were born that take us directly and intentionally back to the same dark day. Racism in America will never die until both sides agree to walk away from that era and start anew.
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October 30, 2009 @ 12:12 PM: maxqengineer
Mr. Djoken grew up in Africa....this America. Most young folks in this area have never seen what happened in the 60's.....it's a non issue, move on folks. Much to do about nothing....Mr.Djoken should keep his powder dry for when something bad really does happen.
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October 30, 2009 @ 12:17 PM: myscreeeeeename
fury159~~~ writes: "It's really disturbing that Frederick is this insensitive to something that really didn't happen not that long ago." So, you're saying it really didn't happen, right?
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October 30, 2009 @ 12:17 PM: sorlaw
well, since it turned racial - and memories from all those years ago - was it not white colored men that died to free the dark skin colored man? where is the recognition of that? where is halloween in the bible? why is everything about color and religion? decorate your house & property how ever you want, decorate "public" areas like parks for the season, not the holiday - just a thought - but, i'm sure someone will complain about that too! (PS all rhetorical questions, please don't feel obligated to answer)
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October 30, 2009 @ 12:18 PM: W_Party_First
Racism is rampant in Frederick because the two warring factions lack leaders who can conduct constructive dialogue. GOP and NAACP leaders make a living from strife and hatred.
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October 30, 2009 @ 12:19 PM: deuce1450
I hope jeff keeps the dummies up.
This is a prime example of why this country is so divided.IF A NAACP member gets gum on his shoe, some racist white guy put it there.
WHAT A JOKE
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October 30, 2009 @ 12:20 PM: ihulk6307
"If it was a bunch of crosses, the church and a few uptight catholics would probably have something to say about it.."
--fury, I think that's the point some of us are making. Yes, there probably would be something said about it, and yes, the people that would be claiming they were offended would be looked on as 'uptight'. Just like Guy is here. Certainly, he can complain about whatever it is he wants to, that doesn't mean everybody has to see it as a legitimate complaint.
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October 30, 2009 @ 12:20 PM: W_Party_First
The core problem lies with the public elevating racists politicans and civil rights leaders to do our bidding.
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October 30, 2009 @ 12:21 PM: QuarryshrK
These people need to get a life. What a joke!
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October 30, 2009 @ 12:21 PM: kilskeer
Just watched the video; the nerve of Djoken and his faux outrage. He "wants to be sure" that the dummies are" gone by tomorrow" but perhaps he should get his own house in order instead of trawling for ridiculous non-issues to get some facetime. Citbank and Chase don't care about any color except the greenbacks you owe them, Guy, just as the MD Comptroller made sure you settled your tax arrears. Seems you weren't in such a hurry to clear up your debt as you are to remove dummies from trees. See 'MD Judiciary Case Search'.
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October 30, 2009 @ 12:27 PM: kapahuluhaole
Djoken was not even in the US when lynchings were taking place. Maybe lynchings were being done in his home country. People of all races were lynched, BTW. Djoken needs to get over himself. But wait... there's money in this.
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October 30, 2009 @ 12:27 PM: W_Party_First
kilskeer at least he did not borrow money from a convicted cocaine dealer.
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October 30, 2009 @ 12:29 PM: drewbuddy37
"NAACP decries" they have nothing better to do.
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October 30, 2009 @ 12:31 PM: TellItLikeItIs1111
Fury159 (Or Casey, whichever you prefer) what's up with the Thurmont comment? Keep that crap in Frederick. Thurmont had nothing to do with this.
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October 30, 2009 @ 12:32 PM: sosg
And one can say there was only one side that was in the wrong during the racial struggles of previous decades, but they can also say that only one side today can't seem to forgive and forget.
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October 30, 2009 @ 12:34 PM: glendarby37
What a wonderful Halloween display....both creative and well placed. Impressive - I’ll be decorating my trees the same way next year. Kudos to the talent behind the creation!
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October 30, 2009 @ 12:34 PM: mrb5021
Lynchings/ hanging whatever you want to call it. Was going on long before the 20's & 30's. It happen way back in the Wild West days. Most likely way before that era. Now if someone start burning crosses then you may have something to worry about. This isn't a black or white issue. It's about Halloween. Duhhhhhhhh
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October 30, 2009 @ 12:38 PM: CATFISH
Oh well, who really gives a crap? If all these people who think that Americans are so racist, they should just find another country to live in.
SEE YA!
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October 30, 2009 @ 12:39 PM: conservative2
252 comments !! Some of you really need to get a life! Or a job...
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October 30, 2009 @ 12:40 PM: kapahuluhaole
friedhard: The vast majority of Southerners did not own slaves. Didn't you know that? The War of Northern Aggression was about states rights for the Southerners, not slavery. Lincoln was not concerned about slavery--until it became useful to him.
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October 30, 2009 @ 12:45 PM: maxqengineer
...and the white man ended slavery. Now, lets all get on with this.
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October 30, 2009 @ 12:46 PM: man_on_thestreet
W_Party_First Where do you come up with this stuff. Different ID same old garbage. Michael Steele wasn't the candidate because he was black. You would have to search long and hard for a single negative about him. Who said anything about not stomaching diversity? It's trash like you that have a problem with race. It is used as a crutch continously and is a bunch of BS. You are by far the biggest racist I've seen on here.
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October 30, 2009 @ 12:53 PM: rscott25
"October 30, 2009 @ 12:27 PM: kapahuluhaole
Djoken was not even in the US when lynchings were taking place. Maybe lynchings were being done in his home country. "..........Maybe Djoken's ancestors were some that went out and captured rival tribes to sell to the Americas for slaves. That's why he takes this so personally.
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October 30, 2009 @ 12:55 PM: mysunshineriver
Someone please tell me why??? Is everything always turned into an issue of race??? Lets move past it! These are Halloween decorations, they are not even depicted as "black" hanging dummies! Come on people!!! Get a grip! What a waste of time for the local NAACP!
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October 30, 2009 @ 12:56 PM: friedhard
Krapahulu--exactly what States Rights are you referring to? The right to do what? Why did they secede when Lincoln was elected? crack a book, for Pete's sake.
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October 30, 2009 @ 12:56 PM: mrb5021
If this scare the children then all scary costums need to be bann. No children are allow in a haunted house. No using fake blood either.
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October 30, 2009 @ 01:04 PM: W_Party_First
If Djoken's ancestors sold slaves to lazy newly arriving Europeans in America they should be commended for locating people willing to work.
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October 30, 2009 @ 01:05 PM: greaseman79
Simple solution..it will take 15 minutes and one person: Thread the rope through the leg of the pants and up through the back of the shirt, coming out at the neck. Tie the rope off. Problem solved. Now it's just a suspended dummy in the air.
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October 30, 2009 @ 01:14 PM: kilskeer
kapahuluhaole said:
"The vast majority of Southerners did not own slaves. Didn't you know that? The War of Northern Aggression was about states rights for the Southerners, not slavery. Lincoln was not concerned about slavery--until it became useful to him." Precisely!
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October 30, 2009 @ 01:27 PM: debbiemichael6
W_Party_First- Your gazillion posts today accomplish nothing but trying to cause strife and division. Instead of the NAACP and GOP being "both vested heavily into racial strife," I'd say that is your aim.
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October 30, 2009 @ 01:32 PM: cfjr80
"A dead man hanging in a tree, that takes us back to a dark day we don't want to go back to," Djoken said Thursday. "
Really? No I actually think it's folks like Djoken who take us back to dark days, every chance they get. It's Halloween, it's supposed to look like dead bodies.
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October 30, 2009 @ 01:33 PM: wturn2128
If the dummies were connected to the tree by the lower legs they could be portrayed as low altitude bungee jumpers.
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October 30, 2009 @ 01:35 PM: Sunsetblues48
Guy, you better get your crew together and start canvasing all of the neighborhoods for insensivtive displays of harmless Halloween tradition and fun. You're like the Grinch who stole Halloween!
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October 30, 2009 @ 01:36 PM: EJMAYHEW2
I'd bet if Mr. J spotted a 'scarecrow' in a cornfield, he'd assume it was a body......get a life!!!
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October 30, 2009 @ 01:36 PM: jjrr867509
Hey - there's another thread for y'all to continue your love of Halloween - look at the News updates.
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October 30, 2009 @ 01:37 PM: wturn2128
This Halloween-related article could have been located in the entertainment section of the printed version of the FNP, thus saving the front page for real news.
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October 30, 2009 @ 01:38 PM: kmns81
WOOOOOOOOOOOOW!!! Almost 300 comments...is that a record? And really, when did Halloween become our politically correct holiday?
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October 30, 2009 @ 01:39 PM: mrb5021
cfjr80 - Thank you, I feel the same way. As long as some keep living in the pass. They can't move forward.
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October 30, 2009 @ 01:40 PM: quigley_brown
The video title says: 'Some offended by dummies in Baker Park,' yet it's just GD soloing.
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October 30, 2009 @ 01:42 PM: quigley_brown
Where are the funeral home directors protesting against the politically-incorrect use of tombstones?
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October 30, 2009 @ 01:42 PM: wturn2128
Maybe a spiced-cider summit is brewing.
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October 30, 2009 @ 01:43 PM: suburbanrepublican
One poster states "The dummies have white heads? Who cares? That doesn't matter! Put yourself in the shoes of a young black male, growing up in those times when things like this happened, and tell me you wouldn't be offended by this. If not, then move back to Thurmont...." No I wouldn't be offended by this because it in no way shape or form looked anything like a hanging or lynching....................................................................................................................................jessienjim said "Had any of you Fredtucky`ens lost friends or family to a hanging of this type you might be more sensitive to the subject. But it`s ALL about YOU! And why was this done with no concern? Because of the near 0% of minorities who work for the city dept who placed these in the trees. The "Good ole boys" still run this backwater town. Then they and thier kind take to posting thier racist views here as a defence to thier stupidity." First I have to say... Your spelling is horrible the little red line under your the word means you didn't spell it right. Secondly, have you lost friends or family that you actually have held a conversation with? Just curious, because I'll be completely honest with you, If you haven't then get off your soap box. The horrible things that happened in the past happened in the past... Why keep pulling them back to the surface? What are you accomplishing by doing this? In my eyes absolutely nothing. Again, If Frederick and the people of Frederick cause you that much heart ache... 270 south, 15 north, 70 east and west are available for you to leave. I'd bet you can even arrange a flight from Frederick since we have the airport. Oh and by the way... I find being called a Fredtucken very offensive, I've lived in both Frederick and Kentucky at different points in my life and think that both harbor a rather diverse population. But again, I guess your reverse racism (just because I'm white doesn't mean I'm "backwater" or a "Fredtucken" my family and I are well educated hard working middle class white people) is acceptable because I'm white and you feel that all white people owe you something.
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October 30, 2009 @ 01:43 PM: tylerg113
Can someone explain to me what a reverse racist is????? This absolutley baffles me! A racist is a racist... In my eyes that makes someone not racist!
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October 30, 2009 @ 01:56 PM: jpiotter
tylerg113: Only white people can be racist because we are part of the power structure. That means that it is impossible for a black person to be racist towards a white person because the black person has no institutional power. The term reverse racist was generated to indicate that racism does in fact go both ways but the victim class has co-opted the word racist, therefore an alternate form had to be developed. At least that's my theory. The part about white power structure is taught in college. Yes thats right, you can major in Grievance Studies at most 4 year schools. See also Gender Studies and Gender Confusion Studies
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October 30, 2009 @ 02:11 PM: quigley_brown
suburbanrepublican, put yourself in the sandals of a young Germanic male taken prisoner by the Roman army 2000 years ago.
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October 30, 2009 @ 02:12 PM: sosg
You better get these posts concluded soon, because its about time for another random article about Lincoln High in the FNP. The paper is just as guilty, but since its about selling papers, I guess I undestand why this stuff is sensationalized every time (no matter how stupid).
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October 30, 2009 @ 02:14 PM: dave222330
Wow 285 comments about a Halloween display. GET A LIFE PEOPLE!!!!!!!
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October 30, 2009 @ 02:20 PM: kngpn1288
"Guy Djoken, president of the local NAACP, said from a distance the dummies look like dead bodies."
Uhm....isn't that precisely the Halloween effect they were going for??
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October 30, 2009 @ 02:28 PM: majormajor82
I guess its the nature of the people who lead the NAACP to see racist undertones in everything. That's some heavy baggage. But, as many have pointed out, if they noisily proclaim it over trivial matters, it will be less heard when it really matters.
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October 30, 2009 @ 02:34 PM: t2da_lo
Disappointed, but in no way surprised by the comments. This act was done in POOR TASTE and the display is very INSENSITIVE, to say the least. the mayor comes off as such a you-know-what and by trying to cover his you-know-what he's just thrown salt in the wound. The city could've put WITCHES, BATS, VULTURES, or GHOSTS in the tree to equate the display to Halloween. If you're African American or grew up during the JIM CROW ERA, a display of bodies/dummies in trees conjures up feelings, thoughts, and images of a time when RACIAL TENSION in the US was at its highest. NAACP president is not looking for media time - for heaven's sake, an interviewed resident said he thought it was offensive to his child, COME ON! When you look at the tree, there is nothing that cues you in that this is related to Halloween.
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October 30, 2009 @ 02:42 PM: jm21716
t2da_lo, ever been to a haunted house? ITS JUST A HALLOWEEN DISPLAY FOR CRYING OUT LOUD PEOPLE, IT SHOWS NO BLACK PERSON BEING HUNG FROM A TREE BY A NOOSE, WILL YOU PEOPLE GET OVER YOURSELVES FOR TRYING TO SEE THINGS THAT SIMPLY ISN'T THERE. OMG I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS MAN HAS NOTHING BETTER TO WORRY ABOUT THAN THIS.
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October 30, 2009 @ 02:49 PM: sosg
So t2da_lo you're saying we could put a witch up in the tree (which is still in the shape of a body and just happens to be black and you wouldn't be offended??????
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October 30, 2009 @ 02:50 PM: emtox2011
Get over it...there is nothing racist about the scarecrows. I really thought I was living in 2009 not the 1960's! There was no mal-intent with them. If anything the parents of the kids should educate there kids. Though this happened in our country's short past we have moved leaps and bounds past lynchings. We now use blogs and the internet to discern hate.
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October 30, 2009 @ 02:55 PM: rscott25
"October 30, 2009 @ 02:34 PM: t2da_lo
The city could've put WITCHES, BATS, VULTURES, or GHOSTS in the tree to equate the display to Halloween."...No ghosts, Djoken would say racist because of the white sheets, witches would be offensive to Wiccans, Bats and vultures would be explotation of animals solely for our own amusement. How very insensitive of you to suggest those images be hung up by the city.
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October 30, 2009 @ 02:59 PM: shilo322
jessienjim - how exactly did someone die by being hung from a tree by their waist? Just curious! Happy Halloween!
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October 30, 2009 @ 02:59 PM: Crustybachelor
The Great Halloween Lynching of 2009 is over folks. The city cut the dummies down and hauled them away at 2:30.
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October 30, 2009 @ 02:59 PM: rscott25
"October 30, 2009 @ 02:34 PM: t2da_lo
..an interviewed resident said he thought it was offensive to his child,.. " ....Key word, THOUGHT. In reality, the kid probably knew it was about Halloween and has no idea about the past, and the parent introduced the child to racism and political correctness because of their own neurosis.
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October 30, 2009 @ 03:01 PM: jm21716
Crustybachelor, they were taken down, so they can be reattached at 5PM
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October 30, 2009 @ 03:11 PM: Crustybachelor
They cut the ropes with a tree pruner. I'll be surprised if they put them back up.
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October 30, 2009 @ 03:12 PM: goetta1928
It would be very refreshing if people would use this forum to post intelligent opinions instead of wasting space with what they think is humor and others that are obviously offensive name calling. I don't think the figures are offensive or frightening.
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October 30, 2009 @ 03:24 PM: guy
the NAACP needs to take a hike.............piss and moan, piss and moan
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October 30, 2009 @ 03:25 PM: smile4metoday
Get a life, sir!!! Got your picture in the paper again. I have never seen so many cry babies over halloween decorations. I'm sure you have other areas out there to go and complain about, so why don't you find something else to do besides ruining everyone's halloween. Get a life and stop making everything racist. My goodness what is this world coming to...like stated before you can even say Merry Christmas anymore without offending someone. Well, I say Merry Christmas every Christmas, and, if it offends someone, then get over it!!!!!!
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October 30, 2009 @ 03:26 PM: spatro
I don't recall the NAACP up in arms last Holloween when a man in California dressed a manikin to look like Sarah Palin and hung it by the neck in front of his house.
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October 30, 2009 @ 03:28 PM: smile4metoday
Now, I'm offended that they cut them down...what does that mean? They got their way....some people need to stick to their guns and stop letting the NAACP bully them around.
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October 30, 2009 @ 03:31 PM: kadunkle
I find the hanging dummies completely offensive and I am white. If this was a nativity scene or the 10 commandments there would be a total outcry against it. But, if it something involving Satan it is okay. Beware when men call good evil and evil good.
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October 30, 2009 @ 03:37 PM: scottym1971
Its these kind of actions by this organization that really marginalize it. The group was founded in 1909, almost 50 years before the civil rights movement. I believe this group took a large step on 1/20/09, I think their job is done. Their very name is racist by todays standards(national association advancement of COLORED persons) Groups come and go through time, we havn't had the National American Woman Suffrage Association since the 1950's. This group represented millions. I think the NAACP is an outdated group that really has no purpose anymore.
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October 30, 2009 @ 03:37 PM: scottym1971
Its these kind of actions by this organization that really marginalize it. The group was founded in 1909, almost 50 years before the civil rights movement. I believe this group took a large step on 1/20/09, I think their job is done. Their very name is racist by todays standards(national association advancement of COLORED persons) Groups come and go through time, we havn't had the National American Woman Suffrage Association since the 1950's. This group represented millions. I think the NAACP is an outdated group that really has no purpose anymore.
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October 30, 2009 @ 03:44 PM: btezra
please, people, tell me one example of where bodies hanging in trees has anything to do with a scary Halloween decoration...I can assure you this, it sure does look a lot like this though: http://www.reasonpad.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/Lawrence-Beitler-Lynching.jpg - I really don't think this has anything to do w/ PC, it does have everything to do w/ the imagery of dead bodies hanging in trees like what used to occur after a lynching of a minority
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October 30, 2009 @ 03:50 PM: jm21716
http://family.go.com/blog/halloween_2007/halloween-decorations--tree-ghosts-313781/#
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October 30, 2009 @ 03:51 PM: agrayson
The gentleman from the NAACP makes a good point.
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October 30, 2009 @ 03:51 PM: jm21716
http://thefuntimesguide.com/2009/09/halloween_decorating_ideas.php
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October 30, 2009 @ 03:52 PM: jm21716
http://www.improvementscatalog.com/home/diy/halloween-trees-and-decor
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October 30, 2009 @ 03:57 PM: jm21716
btezra, I don't see the two, since the dummies are tied up by their wastes, not around their necks.
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October 30, 2009 @ 03:58 PM: gr8sunshinyday
The ropes were not around the dummy's neck, it was the waist. The heads were white, not black. Michael Jackon's Thriller was about zombies and the dead. Halloween movies are about scary things not just ghost, skeletons, witches and goblins. I live a block away and never once thought anything about this being a race issue or offensive. It's Guy's perception of something offensive, he's a media hound and will make a mountain out of a molehill.
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October 30, 2009 @ 03:59 PM: agrayson
We should not be attempting to argue that the gentleman from the NAACP feels offended by the decorations. That is a personal feeling and he is entitled to his opinion.
Equally important is the ability of city officials to take these statements into account and ignore them. Only if the intention was malicious should the decorations be removed. Any other capitulation would be adding an official stamp to the complaint.
I am personally offended by decorations in parks near Baker, but my picture is not in the paper.
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October 30, 2009 @ 04:01 PM: jm21716
agrayson, I am offended by my snot nosed neighbors kids but you don't see me running to the media now do you?
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October 30, 2009 @ 04:06 PM: flynnd
Now that the dummies have been taken down, perhaps we could be a little more sensitive and multicultural by adding a necklacing display.
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October 30, 2009 @ 04:06 PM: agrayson
jm21716 An excellent question, sir! Snot-nosed neighbor kids need more press.
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October 30, 2009 @ 04:12 PM: tstright
Were the dummies Black? Didn't look like they were...what a bunch of hurt PC morons.
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October 30, 2009 @ 04:23 PM: quigley_brown
Man alive. Guy's third eye is creepy.
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October 30, 2009 @ 04:24 PM: fnpreader
Dude, what's that big thing on your forehead?
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October 30, 2009 @ 04:42 PM: Crustybachelor
flynnd....Your comments were some of the most hateful that have ever appeared here. You should be ashamed, but of course you aren't. You're proud.
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October 30, 2009 @ 04:48 PM: maxqengineer
fnpreader "Dude, what's that big thing on your forehead?" I think that's his point.
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October 30, 2009 @ 04:48 PM: flynnd
Get over yourself Crusty. I'm pointing out what real racism looks like.
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October 30, 2009 @ 04:59 PM: Crustybachelor
By being an example. But I think that you're the real thing.
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October 30, 2009 @ 05:01 PM: Crustybachelor
And a lot of other people though so too...which is why your posts were removed.
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October 30, 2009 @ 05:04 PM: flynnd
Attack and censor the messenger if you can't counter the argument. You are a typical, easily offended liberal.
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October 30, 2009 @ 05:08 PM: Crustybachelor
Actually it was democracy that caused your hateful racist posts to be removed. It works sometimes !
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October 30, 2009 @ 05:10 PM: info
There is a difference between a ghost hanging from a rope and something that resembles a human being. I think it is ok to pay to go see these things if you like but not on public display. Tolerance and sensativity is a human characteristic that the Mayor isnt displaying...not sure why?
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October 30, 2009 @ 05:12 PM: pgibbs6579
OMG its Holloween!!! Guess no one is to have no fun in Frederick anymore thats why I moved
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October 30, 2009 @ 05:14 PM: rscott25
"October 30, 2009 @ 05:08 PM: Crustybachelor
Actually it was democracy that caused your hateful racist posts to be removed. It works sometimes ! " That is not Democracy. It is a few with thin skin that want to silence people from stating something they do not like to hear. Kind of like the Democratic party and their moves of late. Sticks and stones......
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October 30, 2009 @ 05:23 PM: Crustybachelor
rs.....usually you make a bit more sense. I can only think that they were removed before you read them. They were vile.
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October 30, 2009 @ 05:28 PM: scottw
Racism is a feeling. Racist acts are acts based on racist feelings. Because you say the acts are racist does not make them racist if the feeling did not initiate the action. Making a big deal about this just brought racism to the forefront of the FNP, and the community in a situation that did not initiate with racism. Looks like the people making a big deal about this do not want to put racism behind us and move forward, they want it to continue. What a shame.
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October 30, 2009 @ 05:31 PM: cfrivera
jpoitter your 721 am post is great, it's sad that it seems like every little thing in the US can now have a race issue attached to it in some way. If this had not been in Baker Park, but outside a Haunted House not a word would have been said most likely.
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October 30, 2009 @ 05:50 PM: flynnd
No Crusty, my comments which you successfully had censored illustrated true racism by the Mandelas and the ANC. Their actions are vile. When Djoken and the like ever make the comparison, perhaps they will quit crying wolf (doubtful) and wait for some real racism. As it is, they only exhaust reasonable people with their constant finger pointing and lessen the impact of any legitimate argument they'll have to make in the future. If you had any sense, you'd be able to see that. As it is, you only want your side of the argument presented and you have been successful. Rather than debate, you toss out accusations and profess to read my mind. Fine, pat yourself on your liberal, censorious back.
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October 30, 2009 @ 06:04 PM: maxqengineer
Racism is big business for the NAACP. They ain't gonna miss an opportunity.
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October 30, 2009 @ 06:16 PM: Crustybachelor
I think that the idea to put the dummies up in the tree was probably originated by a couple of white kids employed by the city who probably didn't even know what lynching was. So it was an innocent bad idea. It's been corrected. Hopefully it'll be forgotten. But taking advantage of it to post a bunch of hateful inflammatory racist garbage, and then take pride in doing so could only be perpetrated by someone with a sad amount of hate in them. And it wasn't me who had those posts removed. I'm willing to bet that nearly everyone who had the misfortune to read them reported them to the moderator. And now look at you...proud that one is still there. I'm not going back to look. It made me sick enough the first time.
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October 30, 2009 @ 06:50 PM: wturn2128
Has anyone spoke out on the savagery, using sharp implements, being performed on pumpkins?
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October 30, 2009 @ 06:52 PM: wturn2128
Has anyone spoken out on the savagery, using sharp implements, being performed on pumpkins?
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October 30, 2009 @ 07:00 PM: otterken1
Hey...they just had a story on the news about BLACK BEAR season opening in Maryland. I guess the NAACP idot will have something to cry and complain about tomorrow. Why can't they just go back where they came from if they are always offended about something. What a bunch of crap.
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October 30, 2009 @ 07:09 PM: dcg326
Look like red necks to me or farmers,yea white,get lost ,GUy its halloween.
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October 30, 2009 @ 07:41 PM: mrb5021
I did some searching and this is how Guy really feels. “Together we are going to win. For a long time, they have tried to divide us, Black ... http://www.peoplesworld.org/search/SphinxSearchForm?Search=Guy+Djoken&action_results=search
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October 30, 2009 @ 07:45 PM: mrb5021
If that comment by Guy isn't hate towards the white folks, I don't know what is.
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October 30, 2009 @ 07:54 PM: Crustybachelor
dcg.....please turn your spell check on. And just stick to using a period for punctuation. You're just spitting out meaningless blather.
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October 30, 2009 @ 08:38 PM: zebra305
Typical whining by the usual special interest group(s), and the typical caving in by spineless officials afraid to look at these people and LAUGH IN THEIR face. Stupid. Obviously ole Guy needs some funding (Look at what WE did!! Now give us more money) so this was dreamed up. Gimmie a break.
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October 30, 2009 @ 10:31 PM: niceund
Get a life. Instead of continuing to bring up sins of the past, help to make the future better.
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October 31, 2009 @ 12:08 AM: Fusionmeister
It offends me that so many people are easily offended nowadays!!
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November 05, 2009 @ 02:41 PM: liquidreign
One Maryland is an advocacy group here in Maryland. We oppose the perpetual cries of "white racism" that the NAACP has used to continue to dispossess us. The blog is at http://mdspost.wordpress.com/
Check it out and get involved
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November 05, 2009 @ 09:25 PM: sir_nyk_at_nyte
You have got to be kidding me. I was reading through some of the comments and one caught my eye. "It offends me that so many people are easily offended nowadays!!" Do you know why? Because everything is given, not earned, to the non whites. All anyone has to do is yell "racism" or "hate" and it becomes the top story of the country. NAACP, get a life. There are so many other things going on in this world then to worry about the "PAST". Where is the hate and racism coming from? It is coming from people like yourself. You cause people to hate you and everybody else. We are tired of hearing about "we are oppressed" and "It's time for change". You want change, GROW UP!!!!!
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