Councilman Calls Himself 'Proud Racist'

A veteran city councilman in California has started a firestorm after declaring himself a “proud racist” at an anti-immigration rally. Bob Kellar, also a two-time mayor of Santa Clarita, says his remarks were taken out of context, but he’s refused to apologize. That’s sharply divided the suburban community; some call him a hatemonger, the others defend him as a patriot, the LA Times reports.

At the rally, Kellar quoted Theodore Roosevelt’s line that the US has room for only one flag and one language, then added that if believing that made him a racist, “then I’m a proud racist.” Tuesday was the first city council meeting since the incident and it was packed. Many were there to applaud and defend Kellar. But outside crowds wielded protest signs, and one organizer called him “an embarrassment.” Kellar said he didn't regret his comments.
(More Bob Kellar stories.)