Albany, NY – Embattled state Sen. Kevin Parker this afternoon publicly apologized on the floor of the chamber for accusing his colleagues of racism — but vowed to continue to speak out about racial issues.
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Parker acknowledged his accusation last week that most Republicans and some Democrats in the Senate are white supremacists “brought commotion and emotion” to the chamber that may “distract and divide us or divert us from the important work of the people of New York State.”
“If I have offended people in this chamber in any way, I offer my sincerest apologies for my zealous advocacy,” Parker said.
He said his criticisms are not aimed at one person, but an institution that’s failed to right historic wrongs against minorities, women and gays and lesbians.
“I can’t see into anyone’s soul and I should not have personalized my comments because of the issues I spoke about are larger than just one individual or group,” Parker said.
But he said to the extent his comments will stir debate and discussion on issues of race, exclusion and “new opportunity,” he will participate and asked his colleagues to be “partners in that debate.”
Apparently, Parker shouldn’t hold his breath on that one…
Few Republicans approached Parker at a committee meeting held shortly after his statement.
“It speaks for itself; whatever he said, he said,” said Syracuse GOP Sen. John DeFrancisco when asked if he accepted Parker’s apology.
It was DeFrancisco’s questioning of a black nominee to the New York Power Authority last week that initially sent Parker into a two-minute fist-pounding rage.
A day later, he called DeFrancisco specifically and most Senate Republicans and some Democrats in the chamber white supremacists.
Most Republicans were not quick to embrace his apology.
“If he really wanted to apologize, you say, ‘I’m sorry about what I said, I should not have said [it] and in my heart of hearts I didn’t mean it,’” said Sen. Frank Padavan (R-Queens). “That’s a real apology.”
Better to keep quiet and appear dumb, than to open your mouth and advertise your ignorance and foolishness!
I don’t know this guy, but his reputation suggests that he has many more hours of apologies to do. I googled his name. Wow! His mouth has been pretty offensive. Do the recipients of his apologies detect sincerity, or is this just another of his less offensive statements?
Too little, too late. He evidently failed his court mandated anger managment class. He should step down now rather than wait until he’s convicted of assautlting that photographer. He can no longer represent us.
Even his apology is offensive. What a disgrace. He needs to go.
Tufastah merubah loi tufastah!
Before he is fired (can he be??) he should apologize to his constituents. How could you guys vote him in with his history anyway???
What a disgrace to humanity, and in the words of bob granti will say “I really gotta get outa here”
I listened to his apology, The only constituents he has worked for are his black constituents!! What has he done for Flatbush??? When does he come to Flatbush??
Once or twice a year to take a picture — once with COJO maybe ance Chanukah time in BP maybe with Masbia — or with an old people ‘s center!! That’s it!! What has he done for the Yeshivas, Middle age, Jewish unemployed, — He is looking to help the Black unemployed— but he is color blind!!! I rest my case. I hope VIN posts this.