Kramer Blasts Racial Slurs

By now everyone living and dead has heard about what Michael Richards, aka Kramer from Seinfeld, said at a recent stand up comedy show. Michael was working his set when he began to get heckled by members of the audience. They continued on and Richards finally lost his cool and began spouting racial epithets. He used the word nigger repeatedly and made references to slavery. The crowd obviously turned on him and many began to walk out.

Since the incident, the media blitz has been harsh, and rightly so. What Richards did was wrong and stupid. Instead of thinking his way out of the problem, he attacked with words he knew would hurt and anger the black member of the audience that was ruining his show. He lashed out and then found himself lost. He could not continue with his show and did not know where to go, so he left the stage.

One member of the audience, Darryl Pitts, appeared on CNN to tell the tale. Problem is, he lied about what Richards said. He said, quote, "he said, I'm rich and don't care what you think, fuck you nigger. 50 years ago you'd be hanging from a tree." Actually, Richards said, "50 years ago we'd have you upside down with a fork up your ass." And he never said the first part of the quote from Pitts. What he said was still stupid, but the reason I bring it up, is CNN, a major USA news source, didn't even check, or care about what was really said that night in Los Angeles. They jut ran the story, not checking the facts, or apparently, watching the video.

Later, Jerry Seinfeld appeared on David Letterman's show and via satellite, Micheal Richards came on to apologize for what transpired. Richards seemed honestly sad and broken up about what he had done, and owned up to the act. It was not scripted, and Michael seemed to be lost and overwhelmed.

Ok, here are my points on the whole thing.

• What Michael Richards said was stupid and he must apologize (which he has done).
• CNN should check their facts before airing false material.
• Jerry Seinfeld stood by his friend in a time of need, getting him on Letterman, and helping him with the apology. I bring this up, because fellow comedian Paul Rodriguez is jumping on the hate-wagon and throwing Richards under the bus.
• Richards is not a racist. The man lost his temper. It happens to everyone. A situation occurs, and you begin to get angry. You don't think, you just lash out in a way to inflict the most hate and damage possible. Everyone has done it. He knows it was wrong, and I'm sure he will pay for it for quite some time. Do not label him a racist, for a lapse of judgement and a moment of rage.

Michael Richards video is #1 on YouTube and many other video sites if you wish to view it. I have seen enough. The man was wrong, but the world isn't ending. Paul Rodriguez said, "Freedom of speech has its limitations." He is completely wrong! Freedom of speech, is complete freedom to say anything, right or wrong. What we must do as a society, is focus on why things were said, and what we can all do to repair gaps and ignorance between all races and cultures.

George Carlin once said, its not the words you need to worry about, its the racist motherfucker saying them you need to worry about. Kramer showed a large flaw, but one we are all capable of. Not being racist, but not being able to control our tempers!