Let’s be honest: is anyone is surprised that Republican Florida state Sen. Frank Artiles still doesn’t think that he did anything wrong when he cursed at his colleagues, called one them a bitch and then called some of them “niggas” earlier this week? Though he tried to apologize on Wednesday, his excuse was less than impressive.
Republican Sen. Frank Artiles tried to say his use of the word was actually "niggas" and explained that's the way people speak in Hialeah, the city near Miami where he grew up. Even as he apologized on the Senate floor Wednesday, he said that his intention in using it was benign.
"I grew up in a diverse community. We share each other's customs, cultures and vernacular," said Artiles, who is Cuban-American.
Diversity is a beautiful thing. It makes this country great. However, it would be a real shame if the use of the word “nigga” is the only cultural custom Artiles picked up living in the community of Hialeah. And apparently, he didn’t learn too much, because among people who grew up in multi-ethnic environments and travel in multiple social circles, we already know full well that certain language (the n-word aside, which is loaded with lots of controversy among black people) is for use at home and in the street and not for the workplace. It’s called code switching. Or better yet, just using good judgment. And plenty of folks from Hialeah disagree with the idea that this is how they talk.
The excuse drew outrage from Senate Democratic Leader Oscar Braynon, whose district borders Hialeah.
"It is not acceptable in Hialeah for that to happen," Braynon said. "It is not how they talk in Hialeah." [...]
Republican Sen. Rene Garcia, who represents Hialeah also took offense.
"My constituents and I would agree that this language is simply unacceptable. Senator Artiles owes the residents of Hialeah an apology for unfairly associating them with this kind of behavior," he said in a written statement.
Though Artiles did apologize to Democratic state Sen. Audrey Gibson, whom he referred to as a “bitch,” he seemed to backtrack later when talking to reporters about the whole incident. He also argued that he believes that Democrats are making this a big deal because he’s planning to run for re-election next year and they are targeting his seat.
"I am so sorry for the words and tone I used with you," Artiles said. "There is no excuse, nor will I offer one. My comments to you are the most regretful of all because they injured you personally."
Artiles seemed less contrite speaking to reporters after his apology.
"I did not insult anybody directly. What I had was a heated debate with a colleague and I basically apologized for that," Artiles said. "Arguments happen."
Frank Artiles should really stop talking. In fact, he should take this little bit of advice: “Sometimes it’s better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.”