State Representative Mike Clark made of those statements on Facebook today that he’s going to find that you can’t walk back. You can only apologize for it, and hope to move on:
In a Facebook comment, state Rep. Michael Clark, a Hartford Republican, said business owners should have the final say in who they serve.
“He should have the opportunity to run his business the way he wants,” Clark wrote. “If he wants to turn away people of color, then that(‘s) his choice.”
and…
Clark took down the post on Tuesday to re-write it, saying he’d “jumped in on it a little bit too fast.”
In an interview with the Argus Leader, Clark said that business owners with strongly-held beliefs should be able to turn away customers.
“If it’s truly his strongly based belief, he should be able to turn them away,” Clark said. “People shouldn’t be able to use their minority status to bully a business.”
Rep. Clark did add an apology to the story a while later:
I am apologizing for some of my Facebook comments. I would never advocate discriminating against people based on their color or race.
I’ve never found Mike to have a mean bone in his body, and had never heard him say anything of this nature before. I can only hope he’s sincere in his apology, because I suspect he’s going to have to repeat it over and over if history is any lesson. State Senator Phil Jensen made similar statements in 2014, and didn’t apologize, and they erupted into a national firestorm. We’ll see if it rises to that same level .
Representative Clark was quickly penitent for his error. But they were pretty horrible words. That kind of statement is a gaffe that’s hard to move beyond.
SD Republicans should denounce his actions and ask for his resignation. There is no room for this in the party. Judging by those still supporting his comments, racism still runs pretty deep in SD. That is something that needs to be fixed. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out Mr. Clark.
Does it run deep, maybe, if you are looking for it. What needs to be fixed is they way you’ve changed up the narrative. Can you think of a SD business that discriminates? I can’t. What else is difficult to find is where Rep. Clark says he would do just that. I see a man defending freedom and Michelle reminds us about our freedom of association. You want to force people to do whatever you think is right? That’s quite authoritarian of you.
How’s that old poem go… Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
The basis of the cake case is a sincerely held religious belief. This guy injected race out of nowhere. We don’t need to look for it, dude. The guy said it on social media. He needs to accept some responsibility.
Well, dude, you’re still not providing us with MC’s racist quote. Where does MC state he is a racist, that he would discriminate against people based on race? You’re not providing a quote because it doesn’t exist.
You should accept some responsibility and back your claim up.
Klan Member, Many racists do not believe what they are doing is Racist or Bigoted. They are oblivious, find a way to justify their actions and beliefs or simply do not care. Some completely own it but many times they do not.
What do you think of affirmative action? Is that racist enough for you to complain about, cover your face with masks and destroy property?
We all know MC is not a racist, he is a good man. You and your leftist friends are only trying to ruin the people’s lives with whom you disagree with. You are dehumanizing anyone on the right and even some within your own party. That’s what makes it easier for people like Floyd Lee Corkins and James Hodgkinson to try and kill us. You are the evil ones.
Klan Member going down rabbit holes? Deflection does not work and neither will taking us back to Segregation as Micheal Clark would like.
I am glad he was able to get his apology in. I am surprised Ferguson was even willing to print the apology. Yes, he is going to have to apologize for the comment. He of all people should recognize classic liberal comment bait tactics such as equating a gay couple’s actions with race, but he fell for it. On another note l am still waiting for Ms. Ferguson’s apology on her career in journalism concerning the damage she has done to the profession. I see she trolls Facebook for stories now.
Spencer is a shining example of what is wrong with SD. Blame the messenger while trying to justify a racist letting his beliefs slip.
These are excuses and deflecting for what Clark did. His true feelings came out and they were there on his page until he was confronted. Amazingly the Governor, SDGOP legislators he has served with nor the party chair have asked him to resign so evidently it is all cool and just another day in South Dakota where this behavior is just part of life.
Next step since he is just not smart enough to resign is to see if the voter re-elect him again. This will not go away if he is re-elected.
You need a new perspective, check out Jesse Lee Peterson. He shares views similar to what MC expressed, though he doesn’t apologize for them.
Happy White History Month!!
Sometimes peoples true beliefs slip out and when it is an elected official especially in the South Dakota Legislature it is very unfortunate.
and sometimes they don’t slip out
Weak general elections have reduced the quality of legislators coming to serve.
Equally, if not more, unfortunate when a legislator does the same thing, refuses to apologize and still gets elected.
Michael Clark should withdraw from the race. This is not good for South Dakota at all.
He needs to go. There is simply no excuse, and the “apology” will always ring insincere.
Should also note he has yet to post any semblance of a public apology to his own media pages as of 5:05 pm.
Did Dana at the Argus call up and do an interview with a current Democrat Senate candidate posted online statements which equate people who are anti-abortion with sex offenders? Just curious on whether her diligence on offensive words is focused just on Republicans?
Regarding what he originally said, there is no defense which is both gravely offensive and legally incorrect. However, it is relevant if Mike’s intention is racist and bigoted which would include a review of his past statements and consideration of his apology. My experience with Mike is he is a kind and gentle man.
That said, Mike can’t walk the statement back but he can work hard to make people believe he is not racist (knowingly or unknowingly).
Convincing people he is not a racist will take a lot of work and time. The right thing to do would be to disappear from public service and public view.
Unknowingly a racist, give me a break. You, Troy Jones are a terrible friend of MC and Freedom. Pat, I might as well say the same about you, don’t you personally know this guy? It should be the choice of a business owner to choose who to do business with and if they discriminate their business will fail.
You two want to force people to do what you think is right, huh? You wanted that CO baker to be forced to create a cake for a gay couple when it goes against his strongly held religious beliefs? Well, the Supreme Court doesn’t think he should be and as much as you two claim to be freedom fighters, you shouldn’t either.
Do you wear the summer weight White pointy hoodie with the eye holes or still stuck with the warmer winter weight?
I am a real American, fighting for the rights of every man.
The Founders designed our First Amendment free association rights to allow private individuals to live their lives as they see fit, and are defended by patriots. Free markets were considered enough incentive to prevent mass discrimination in the public square. Rep. Clark clearly knows the Constitution and is defending it.
You want to force people to do what you think is right. You are lost. You may need govt control, but I prefer freedom.
Just as that poem so honestly states…
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
Um.. KM, do you realize you’re quoting Hulk Hogan’s theme music?
Umm… Yes, I am aware of that. Did you know it didn’t start as Hogan’s them song?
What I wasn’t aware of is how quickly you jump ship on your friends and freedom.
Is not serving racial minorities part of a sincerely held religious belief? If not: what the hell are you talking about?
Not serving racial minorities is part of the Islamic ideology, so there’s that.
If you can’t comprehend how the First Amendment protects individuals’ rights of free association and freedom of religion, I certainly can’t help you.
KM must stand for Klan Member
You compared the cake case to one the good legislator’s opinion on race. I am not sure you read the case, or most of the case law surrounding these issues because they don’t support your free association claim. If only those idiot SCOTUS justices would listen to the learned KM, MIRITE?
Huh? I can see the justices would not learn proper grammar skills from you.
The cake case and what MC’s statement both fall under is our First Amendment rights, do you know anything about Freedom of Speech? It doesn’t seem to be the case.
Maybe speaking to you at your level would help clarify… get woke on the rights protected in the United States Constitution.
The cake case failed on the grounds of the Colorado Commission’s open animus towards religion in this case. It was a very narrow ruling. You have no idea what you are talking about.
7-2 yes very narrow..
He’s absolutely correct, all business should be allowed to discriminate for any reason. The free market will swallow up any bussinesss that are truely racist or sexist. Just because someone has a right to do something doesn’t mean they should. But it sure doesn’t mean we should take the right of association away.
Oh for people that live in small towns they will have to drive further for goods, services and essential care if they are refused due to any reason to discriminate. Great justification and consequences. Michael Clark needs to resign or withdraw and not be a South Dakota legislator.
You tell ‘em, Michelle. A small town, fundamentalist, born again Christian pharmacist should be able to withhold AIDS medication from a gay guy because his religious beliefs say God wants queers dead. The market will sort it out, huh? Bless your little pea pickin’ heart, sweetie.
Because that happens SOO much in this country. It’s a good thing the government had forced segregation so it could come back in 30 years and fix the problem it created.
I should not be forced to sell animals to people who want to sacrifice them for religious reasons. I should not be forced to do anything that goes against my personal belief. But that also doesn’t mean my job or my business is protected if I hold stupid and back woods ideas. It’s not a complicated problem the constitution spells it out pretty plainly.
Freedom, over everything else, always choose freedom.
I like your style, Michelle;)
Yes! Those white pointy hoods with the eye holes are coming back in style in South Dakota right KM, Michelle and Representative Clark? Might as well put the signs in the windows, advertising and websites who is not served.
You’re an idiot. Do you even know the numbers for people who identify as KKK members? No, you don’t, they are weak for a reason. The free market takes care of businesses that discriminate. Didn’t the Supreme Court just rule on a case where someone was accused of discriminating?
Give me the quote where MC says he’s a racist, says he would discriminate based on race. You can’t, because he didn’t. I’m defending the freedom, our freedom of association. You, you want to force people to do whatever you think is right. Maybe Russia, North Korea, China or Venezuela sounds appealing to you, but not me.
I’m sure former Alabama Judge Roy Moore does not feel he is a Bigot or Racist either so you, Michelle and Michael Clark are in good company.
Yes, they are in good company… freedom loving patriotic Americans.
And your company includes dictators?
Where’s the quote? Give it up.
Long live the Confederacy!
“Give me a quote…”
Quote from MC – “The comments I made we’re very racist. I would like to apologize for those comments.”
You are one of a kind, Klan Member.
Again, MC never stated he was a racist. He’s comments were not racist. If a business is not serving people based on race, they will fail, but they have the freedom to make their own choices.
You want to force people to do what you think is right, that’s what is really scary. Not you pretending I’m a KKK member. Give it up already.
His comments were racist….that is what he said. I think I’ll take his word over yours since he was the one who said it. As was pointed out prior, some people don’t have the option to avoid such places, which is why our govt passed laws to make sure it happened. Better get your hood cleaned for the next meeting.
If you are going to accuse others of being a racist you should come out from behind your anonymous blanket–that is often used by the intolerant
One thing is very clear: Mr. Clark got way out ahead of his skis when opining on the court’s decision. The opinion of the court has plenty of nuance, so the culture warriors best not get comfortable with the notion that there is no limit to what some hold is a “freedom of association”. The court zeroed in on the Colorado board’s dismissal of the baker’s deeply held religious beliefs, that’s it. Whether some of those making comments realize it or not, this same baker (or other merchants) still may not refuse goods or services to those patrons who are in protected classes (which include race, religion for starters). Very alarming that there are so many out there who have such deep-seated hatred, mistrust, lack of understanding (pick one) over fellow human beings who may be different in some way that they won’t associate in any respect. Feel free to find your kind, be comforted in your homogeneity, and allow the world to pass you by. Just don’t do it in the Legislature.
I for one have a deeply held belief where I am suspicious of all persons with really cheesy mustaches. Consistent with the recent decision and the Civil Rights Act, I may discriminate and refuse service to these folks. Mike Clark and John Bolton, take your business elsewhere!
KM: “MC never stated he was a racist.” You are correct. Neither did I.
KM: “He’s comments were not racist.” I found the gravely offensive. Upon reflection, Mike characterized his comments as racist. You do not find them racist. Each of our different reactions to the same words tells something about each of us.
KM: “If a business is not serving people based on race, they will fail” I hope that is the case but there may be some places where not serving blacks is “good business.”
KM: “but they have the freedom to make their own choices.” That is untrue. There is Supreme Court rulings and federal law which makes it seriously illegal to refuse to serve based on race and other protected classes of people.
KM: “You want to force people to do what you think is right.” I don’t know who “you” is but most laws operate in the negative: penalize people for doing what society finds wrong. You can’t drive drunk, speed, steal or deny service to a person who is black. You might not find them wrong but society does through its lawmakers.
KM: “that’s what is really scary” I find scary your obstinate defense of words which Mike is not defending. (Anticipating your new tangent, nobody denies people can say gravely offensive or racist things as a matter or the Right to Free Speech. However, my right to Free Speech allows me to condemn what I find offensive and racist.
KM: “You, Troy Jones are a terrible friend of MC and Freedom.” First, I will let Mike judge whether I said anything “unfriendly.” Your opinion in that matter is of no concern of mine. Second, I’ve always stood behind everyone’s freedom to say things with which I strongly disagree. However, another’s freedom does not become a restriction on what I can say.
I may not have chosen the best words in my Facebook comment. Here is what I meant.
ANY Business has the right to refuse provide ANY product or service to ANYone for ANY reason. No one has the right to demand a product or service to be provided from any one else.
Here are a few examples
A black plumber should have the right to refuse to work on the plumbing in a house owned by a white supremacist or flying the Confederate flag
An owner of a restaurant might want to separate competing groups that might show up for meetings, either by time or distance.
The owner of a gun shop should be able to refuse to sell a gun or ammunition to someone who appears under mental duress. Even if they passed a background check.
A Muslim cater or cook should be able to decline preparing schnitzel. (typically pork)
A cable company declined to provide service to someone who refused to let a dark skinned installer in their home.
Representative Clark you need to resign and withdraw as soon as possible from your legislative race for the good of the state and the district you represent. It gives the SDGOP time to find a replacement candidate. This is bigger than you or a political party. It is about the state and the responsibility of the office.
Michael, When can we expect your withdrawal from your re-election campaign? Today? Tomorrow?
MC, for what it’s worth…
Many of us were already aware of and could comprehend the contexts of your statements. It is of no surprise you were quickly and viciously attacked. Within 20mins of Jack Phillips refusing to create a cake for the homosexual couple he was receiving hateful phone calls… 20mins. They tried to destroy him and that type of destruction is now being focused on you.
Don’t let them grind you down and don’t back out of the race. Not everyone is as ignorant and hateful as the progressive leftists. Look at how Trump is being blamed for Obama’s and Bush’s immigration mess. Facts don’t exist to them. Democrats had eight years to change the law, they did nothing. Dems also rejected legislation that would fix illegal border crossing family separations. They don’t care about the children, it’s all political. The attempts to get you to stop your campaign is all political. They care nothing about your apology, clarification or the history that proves it to be the truth. Don’t back down.
Klan Member, It is not surprising the Klan would be supportive of Michael Clark’s facebook posting that he posted and remained until challenged. Another state legislator brought embarrassment to the state again brought on by a fringe minority of Bigots that would like to bring back the days of Segregation.