Bill Kristol On Sterling: It’s Bad, But No Reason To Get ‘Hysterical’

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Conservative pundit Bill Kristol on Sunday suggested that people have overreacted to Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling’s racist comments.

“The deeds matter more than speech. I do think — look, it’s bad,” Kristol said on ABC’s “This Week” about Sterling and Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy. “Both these people seem to be bigoted and foolish and all that. I don’t think the L.A. Clippers are a bigoted organization, however, they don’t — you know, there’s no evidence of that, obviously.”

“I mean, everyone goes hysterical over two or three sentences, but let’s look at the actual deeds of people. If people discriminate, it’s against the law, they should be punished,” Kristol continued.

He then suggested that such racist remarks should just be dealt with privately.

“People say stupid things — private organizations can deal with — private businesses can fire people, I suppose,” he said.

Sterling told his girlfriend not to bring black people to his games, according to audio obtained by TMZ. Since the audio was published on Friday, prominent figures in the political and sports communities have condemned Sterling’s comments.

In an official statement, the Clippers suggested that the audio might have been altered. The National Basketball Association is investigating the tape.

Image via ABC

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Notable Replies

  1. Kristol is probably feeling a little vulnerable since he wasn’t out there defending Cliven Bundy when that story broke. Instead of seeing that as something to be proud of, he realizes he’s got to prove his right-wing bona fides on race by poo pooing Sterling’s remarks now.

  2. Kristol has never ‘done’ anything with his pathetic life. For instance, he’s never served in the military. Instead he earns his keep by ‘saying’ stuff that other people should go do for him. Like, invade Iraq. So it’s only natural he wants immunity for the words people say.

  3. "I mean, everyone goes hysterical over two or three sentences,… "

    Right. I mean - its not like we’re talking about the Second Amendment .

  4. Krugman is sitting there, sipping on a cup of water, probably wishing it was Jack Daniel’s. “Just kill me now God !” he mutters under his breath, “Puhleeeeeeeze.”

  5. Avatar for drumz drumz says:

    Kristol proves once again he is not the sharpest tool in the shed but a tool, there is no doubt. Why is he even on the talk shows, as a barometer of wrong?

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