header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
March 28
1934 - Bouquet Canyon Reservoir, replacement for ill-fated St. Francis Dam & reservoir, begins to fill with water [story]
Bouquet Reservoir


You Know I'm Right | Commentary by Betty Arenson
| Friday, Jan 10, 2014

bettyarensonUndoubtedly you will recognize the name Mitt Romney, but you might not be familiar with the name Melissa Harris-Perry. Let’s take a look at her.

Harris-Perry is a talk show host on MSNBC. That alone should automatically trigger your mind to Harris-Perry’s ugly genre, but the details of the event that recently gave her notoriety are even uglier.

Mitt Romney, inarguably a wonderfully decent man wholly devoted to his family, posed for a Christmas-card picture with his lovely wife Ann and 22 grandchildren. It was a sea of pink and blue and love. A beautiful thing.

But not so for the likes of Melissa Harris-Perry and her host of “comedians,” Pia Glenn and Dean Obeidallah, who had no problem weighing in on the subject. You see, in the photo, on Romney’s right knee was infant Kieran Romney, a recently adopted grandchild. Oh, did I mention Kieran is black? Harris-Perry, Glenn and Obeidallah certainly did. In fact they found it so funny, they devoted an entire segment to the ridicule.

To put all of this in clearer perspective, here’s more of the Harris-Perry bio.

Melissa Harris-Perry, aka Melissa Victoria Harris-Lacewell, is credited as Ivy-league educated, a professor of political science and an author, all with heavy focus on African American politics and life including being “the founding director of the Anna Julia Cooper Project on Gender, Race, and Politics in the South.” She studied theology and even has an honorary theological doctorate. Oh, did I mention Harris-Perry is black? Actually, that chosen claim of hers is only partly correct. Her dad is black but her mother is white. Clearly Harris-Perry rejects the latter.

Understanding all of that, provocateur Harris-Perry summoned and enjoyed the comments of cohort comedians who referenced the Sesame Street song, saying, “One of These Things Is Not Like the Others,” and (the photo) “really sums up the diversity of the Republican Party.” Harris-Perry herself offered that maybe Kieran could marry Kanye West and Kim Kardashian’s illegitimate child, pointing out Kanye West and Mitt Romney as in-laws.

Decent Americans were and are offended and do not see the humor.

Days later, Harris-Perry dutifully went before the cameras and spoke words of apology. She even managed to elicit some voice-cracking, possibly near-tears emphasis. Her bio didn’t tell us of her actress abilities. Farce. Not only did she intentionally design and maliciously craft this topic as her show’s theme, but it also took a number of days of backlash to drive her to her “apology.” Certainly it’s reasonable to conclude that forces like pro-adoption folks rattled her cage, because conservatives wouldn’t have moved her one iota.

Romney was asked about the subject on Chris Wallace’s show the following Sunday. The quintessentially gracious Romney said he accepted the apology and thought it was “heartfelt”; that MSNBC made a “big mistake” and basically everyone should move on.

Its all a matter of opinion whether the high road was the path to take. Some will see Romney’s kind approach as that of a faithful, good man living a great life of love and charity while leaving the trash in the street. Others, like me, are livid that the Harris-Perrys have advantages many do not to affect the world in positive ways but are allowed the big stage to foist their horrid cruelties onto good human beings without penalty – and moreover with a paying job to do it.

There were comments that the adoption was for political reasons. Note to Melissa Harris-Perry: 1) Mitt Romney did not adopt Kieran; one of his sons did; 2) Mitt Romney is not running for any office, nor is his adoptive son; 3) the family has the resources to get any baby, and it chose Kieran.

Further to Harris-Perry: How many children have you adopted? Would you adopt a child of any skin color? And what would the theme of your show have been if you found out the Romney family had the option of adopting Kieran but did not and chose a white child instead?

Melissa Harris-Perry, wipe off those phony tears and look in the mirror. The Romneys are not the racists.

 

Betty Arenson has lived in the SCV since 1968 and describes herself as a conservative who’s concerned about progressives’ politics and their impacts on the country, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She says she is unashamed to own a gun or a Bible, couldn’t care less about the color of the president’s skin, and demands that he uphold his oath to protect and follow the Constitution of the United States in its entirety. Her commentary publishes Fridays.

 

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

5 Comments

  1. Why is this person allowed a voice every Friday? This tirade is just as nonsensical as the segment she’s criticizing

  2. Marc Deagon Marc Deagon says:

    Her analysis is spot on. Can’t see the point if making fun of people for adopting children.

  3. Renee Page Renee Page says:

    Whose pic is in article, its not Perry.

  4. I agree with the 1st comment. I expect news, not commentary, on my feed.

  5. I agree with the 1st comment. I expect news, not commentary, on my feed.

Leave a Comment


Opinion Section Policy
All opinions and ideas are welcome. Factually inaccurate, libelous, defamatory, profane or hateful statements are not. Your words must be your own. All commentary is subject to editing for legibility. There is no length limit, but the shorter, the better the odds of people reading it. "Local" SCV-related topics are preferred. Send commentary to: LETTERS (at) SCVNEWS.COM. Author's full name, community name, phone number and e-mail address are required. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are not published except at author's request. Acknowledgment of submission does not guarantee publication.
Read More From...
RECENT COMMENTARY
Wednesday, Mar 27, 2024
Remo, Inc. is is the world's leading manufacturer and developer of synthetic drumheads and shells. They’ve been in business for 60 years
Tuesday, Mar 26, 2024
Springtime in Santa Clarita brings not only vibrant blooms and opportunities to embrace the outdoors with warmer weather, but also an array of free, family-friendly events and this Saturday is no exception.
Thursday, Mar 21, 2024
Did you know that each year, Main Street in Old Town Newhall undergoes countless makeovers for different events, such as Light Up Main Street and the Fourth of July Parade?
Thursday, Mar 21, 2024
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, whose Fifth District includes the Santa Clarita Valley, issued the following statement Thursday in response to an announcement by Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel of a proposal to change how calls to the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline are routed.
Monday, Mar 18, 2024
Unlike our children who enjoy a week-long spring break, we adults no longer have that luxury.
Friday, Mar 15, 2024

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
1934 - Bouquet Canyon Reservoir, replacement for ill-fated St. Francis Dam & reservoir, begins to fill with water [story]
Bouquet Reservoir
The California Department of Public Health launched the “Never a Bother” campaign, a youth suicide prevention public awareness and outreach campaign for youth, young adults, and their parents, caregivers, and allies.
California Launches New Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale invites the community to "Let the Sunshine In," a delightful evening of food, wine and song at the annual Cabaret & Cabernet fundraising benefit.
April 20: Santa Clarita Master Chorale’s Cabaret, Cabernet Fundraiser
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:
March 27 Ocean Water Warning
As an integral ingredient necessary to help the Santa Clarita Valley to flourish, feedback from the business community is the secret sauce for achieving great things.
SCVEDEC Asks For the Business Community’s Opinion on Santa Clarita
Raise your heart rate while raising funds for the Santa Clarita Sister Cities Dollars-for-Desks campaign to provide school desks for students in Sariaya, Santa Clarita's Sister City in the Philippines.
April 13: Sister Cities Zumba-thon Fundraiser
Remo, Inc. is is the world's leading manufacturer and developer of synthetic drumheads and shells. They’ve been in business for 60 years
SCVEDC Company Spotlight: Drumming Up Big Business with Remo, Inc.
California State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) and Assemblyman James Ramos (D-Highland) have introduced AB 3074 the "School or athletic team names: California Racial Mascots Act."
Schiavo Introduces Bill to Prohibit ‘Derogatory’ School Mascot Names
Los Angeles County’s Justice, Care and Opportunities Department  in collaboration with Local Initiatives Support Corporation Los Angeles is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Pitch Competition for the cohorts of JCOD's Incubation Academy.
March 28: JCOD Incubation Academy Helps Grassroots Non-Profits For the Second Year
Children’s Bureau is seeking foster families and now offers two virtual ways for individuals and/or couples to learn how to help children in foster care while reunifying with birth families or how to provide legal permanency by adoption.
April 18: Children’s Bureau Hosts Virtual Orientation
The Sunburst track was constructed in 1887 by the Southern Pacific Railroad and was a part of the main line running between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Enjoy Spring With a Ride On The Sunburst Track
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond hosted a Personal Finance Summit today where he announced his support for Assembly Bill 2927 (McCarty), legislation that would require a personal finance education course for California high school graduation.
State Superintendent Announces Support for Personal Finance Graduation Requirement
1847 - Probable birth date of Pico Canyon oil driller Charles Alexander Mentry [story]
C.A. Mentry
The first Music Jam Session at The MAIN was held on Thursday, Feb. 22 and was a hit. Come out and join in for the next one on Thursday, March 28 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
March 28: The MAIN to Host Musicians’ Jam Session
Los Angeles County Inspector General Max Huntsman of the Office of Inspector General has issued a report entitled "Tenth Report Back on Implementing Body-Worn Cameras in Los Angeles County."
Office of Inspector General Issues Latest Report on LASD Body Cams
College of the Canyons women's tennis played to a convincing 7-2 conference win over Ventura College on Moica to strengthen its potential playoff resume.
Canyons Closes Out Ventura 7-2 in Final Home Match
Join the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce with the Latino Business Alliance at the Cinco de Mayo Networking Celebration on Tuesday, May 7.
May 7: Latino Business Alliance Cinco de Mayo Celebration
The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control is hosting March Meowness promotion where all cat adoptions are just $15 from now until April 9.
Adopt a Cat During March Meowness at Castaic Animal Center
California State University, Northridge is partnering with the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians and the Tataviam Land Conservancy to battle the impact of climate change in disadvantaged communities throughout the San Fernando Valley by establishing “urban forests.”
CSUN Partners with Fernandeño Tataviam Band to Build Urban Forests
Join the Santa Clarita Artists Association on Monday, April 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble, 23630 Valencia Blvd., Valencia, CA 91355, for the SCAA monthly meeting and guest demonstrator.
April 15: SCAA Presents Debbie Abshear Watercolor Demo
Residents are invited to join members of the Santa Clarita City Council for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the addition of Santa Clarita's 38th park, Skyline Ranch Park, 18355 Skyline Ranch Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91351, to the Santa Clarita parks system on Saturday, April 6, at 10 a.m.
April 6: Grand Opening for Santa Clarita’s 38th Park
The Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center is preparing for the annual fundraising event, Celebrity Waiter, with the theme “California Dreamin’” on Saturday, April 27 at Bella Vida, 27180 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91351.
Table Sponsorships Still Available for Celebrity Waiter Dinner
Springtime in Santa Clarita brings not only vibrant blooms and opportunities to embrace the outdoors with warmer weather, but also an array of free, family-friendly events and this Saturday is no exception.
Ken Striplin | A Fun, Festive, Egg-Filled Day
SCVNews.com