Late this morning I ran into Assemblyman Ira Hansen. We had about a 10 minute conversation about the past couple of weeks which had him being voted Speaker-elect, then him having resigned that position before he was able to assume the post because of the firestorm which ensued, due in part, to some racially insensitive comments he has made in the past. Ira seemed tired and truly regretful about these comments. He also seemed genuinely concerned that his colleagues, including me, not think of him as having the character that he has been painted as having these past weeks. As you can imagine, I have had my run-ins with racist and people who have made racially insensitive comments my entire life. One thing I cant stand, and prefer not to have, is an apology from someone who doesnt really mean it or understand the insulting comment they made. However, I believe Assemblyman Hansens apology to me was genuine. Do I believe Ira is a racist? Ive never gotten that sense from him. Do I suspect that he has had a very limited view and exposure of other people, cultures and walks of life? Yes. Do I believe he has made insensitive comments about race, women, the poor. Yep. And do I believe he has learned a lesson and will grow from this experience? Only time will tell, but the Ira I do know is a very smart man. During the time I served with Assemblyman Hansen, we certainly have had opposing viewpoints on a few issues. However, he has always treated me with courtesy and respect (Trust me. Not everyone in Carson City have, and none of them have been called racist.). I say all of this to say I believe he is truly apologetic, and I wish him and his family peace of mind.
Posted on: Wed, 03 Dec 2014 04:47:28 +0000
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