Racial Costume flap imperils immigration post

[G_j]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071117/ap_on_go_ot/immigration_offensive_costume

By SAM HANANEL, Associated Press Writer
1 hour, 2 minutes ago



WASHINGTON - Just when it appeared Julie Myers had cleared every hurdle in her quest to officially become the nation's top immigration official, a dreadlocked wig and a prisoner's outfit could cost her the job.


Myers, director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ran into trouble earlier this month after she and two other agency managers gave the "most original" costume award to a white employee who came to the agency's Halloween party dressed as an escaped prisoner with dreadlocks and darkened skin.

The incident drew complaints of racial insensitivity and an apology from Myers. It also cast doubt on whether she'll get a confirmation vote before the end of the year, when her original appointment expires.

It would be a stunning collapse for Myers, 38, a native of Shawnee, Kan., who worked hard over the past two years to convince skeptical lawmakers that someone with little immigration experience was up to the task of running the government's second largest investigative force.

With just a few more weeks to go before the end of the session, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., has not scheduled a vote on Myers. Spokesman Jim Manley said this week that Reid has "serious concerns" with the nomination and is consulting with other lawmakers about how to proceed.

..more..

[sam sarrha]

1. the ReThugs so egerly show their true color... a disgusting BIGOTED shade of WHITE..

[H2O Man]

2. I read that.

Strange group, they are.

[marmar]

3. In a Repug mind, an escaped prisoner has to have darker skin, apparently.

How can one party be so filled with assholes?

[tanyev]

4. Poor Julie.

Most of Bush's thugs are successfully confirmed before a public incident reveals their spectacular incompetence.

[annabanana]

5. How obliging of her to shoot herself in the foot

BEFORE she was in a position to screw things up any further.

We ought to give some kind of award for this.