Frontier worker charged with alleged hate threat
By Brian Maass, CBS4 News
Originally published 12:05 a.m., April 29, 2008
Updated 03:38 p.m., April 29, 2008
Denver police have filed criminal charges against a Frontier Airlines mechanic for what they call a "bias motivated crime."
Police on Monday ticketed Juan Sequeira, 43, citing him for allegedly showing a black co-worker a noose, a symbol of segregation-era lynchings.
The alleged incident occurred April 15 in a break room on Frontier Airlines' "A" concourse at DIA. Sequeira allegedly approached a black co-worker, Kristan Jackson, showed him the noose and asked, "Are you ready?"
When contacted, Sequeira said, "I don't have anything to say about that."
Jackson reported the incident to airport police, but told CBS4 he was not comfortable being interviewed about what happened.
However, another black Frontier employee, Addison Coleman, 69, a materials specialist, said the implication was clear.
"If someone came up to me and said, 'Are you ready?' it means ready to die because I am going to hang you," Coleman said. "That would frighten me."
Police ticketed Sequeira on charges of violating two city ordinances, threats to injure a person or damage property and disturbing the peace. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of a $999 fine and one year in jail.
The airline interviewed employees, but said it was not able to substantiate a racial taunting aspect to the incident.
"Regardless of what they were thinking, the simple fact there was a noose involved, you don't do those types of things, and we want to send a very clear message it's not acceptable at Frontier Airlines," said airline spokesman Steve Snyder.
He said Sequeira, and a second employee accused of making the noose, have been disciplined, though he declined to specify what actions were taken. Snyder said the airline will step up diversity training for employees in the area where the incident took place.
Sequeira has been ordered to appear in court May 16.
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April 29, 2008
7:21 a.m.
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Gene writes:
Were Juan Sequeira's ancestors were brought here against their will? A "bias motivated crime," may have to sort it out.
April 29, 2008
7:31 a.m.
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MarineGrunt writes:
OK... bad joke, I will admit it. But it does not seem that Juan meant to suggest he was going to kill anyone. Out of taste joke, nothing more. As far as I see it, they want it to be a race issue! Instead of telling Juan he is an idiot and going along your way, have to make a huge production about it. If he had done it the past was asked to stop and did it again.. I would say fire him. But a Hate Crime? No...
The reason there is still hate between most folks is someone wants attention. They need the attention to make up for something else.
I guess we will be hearing from the NAACP and ol' Jesse here soon?
April 29, 2008
8:23 a.m.
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RockyDenny writes:
This is the kind of publicity that Frontier does NOT need at this time. Whether or not it would be considered a hate crime is certainly debatable, but it surely was done in poor taste and Mr. Sequeira obviously used no common sense in doing what he did. It would be best for Frontier to demand a public apology from Mr. Sequeira, or terminate his employment if he refuses to do so. I'm sure once Fox, MSNBC, CNN, etc. get ahold of this story, it'll air for days on end! Again, not the kind of publicity Frontier wants or needs!
April 29, 2008
8:25 a.m.
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NYR writes:
I think we all are missing the point which is "RESPECT" each other. Joke or not, it's one's midset that we have to question.
April 29, 2008
9:52 a.m.
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MarineGrunt writes:
"it's one's mindset(that is what you meant, correct?) that we have to question." Agreed! If both side are willing to stop, sit down and think about it.
Do you really think we could ever see that? I wish we would, but the reality is there are people making a living by blowing up an issue like this one to suite their needs and greeds!!
April 29, 2008
9:56 a.m.
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Dan2 writes:
What "crime" was committed? Inside a DIA breakroom, so not public property (I would imagine frontier leases out that area for it's employees, so not really "disturbing the peace"), and hardly a threat if the entire quote was "are you ready?"
If this violated some company policy, then fire the guy. But, and I am being 100% serious, what CRIME was committed?
NYR makes a good point about respect, but respect is something earned, not entitled. Common sense and good manners would have prevented this problem, but since when did being an idiot become a crime? If that is the case, 90% of the posters (including myself at one time or another) should be arrested for stupidity. I certainly don't wish to tread down that path, if making a really dumb comment, one on one, becomes a CRIME! On it's face, this would appear to be something the ACLU would want to jump all over (although they may want to represent both sides - but doubt it) as this appears to be a question of one's right to free speech (being abridged not by the employer, but by the city of Denver - a GOVERNMENT agency).
April 29, 2008
10:01 a.m.
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Spencer writes:
What is the other side, Marine Grunt?
April 29, 2008
10:06 a.m.
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Anonymous2008 writes:
As stated in the article Frontier has disciplined the individuals, and both Mr Jackson nor Mr Sequeira will not comment. Why cant this be left as an irresponsible joke and move on. People do make mistakes. I really dont think that there was physical harm intended. Not that it justifies anything, but this was one minority to another. Could you imagine the escalation of this story if it was from a white man?
April 29, 2008
10:11 a.m.
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MarineGrunt writes:
Let me make it easy... The folks who cry and scream about a joke. They take a piece of sand and turn it into a Mountain!
Jesse Jackson
NAACP
ACLU
CAIR
Etc etc etc... You know they kind. They make a living out of this sort of thing! Take something that could be have been handled internally and made a media circus out if it.
I recommend that this Juan fella' use the Chewbacca Defense!
April 29, 2008
10:19 a.m.
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Anonymous2008 writes:
It was handled internally. But apparently that wasnt good enough.
April 29, 2008
10:26 a.m.
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tm3869 writes:
I agree it should have been handled internally, but whether it was a sick, cruel joke or not, it offended someone. These types of things do not need serious, over-drawn-out media attention, but they still are serious enough that more needs to be done to stop this type of behavior from even occurring at all.
April 29, 2008
10:42 a.m.
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Dan2 writes:
tm3869,
Since when did being offensive become a CRIME? That is what is at issue here. Someone took offense to language and actions, without anything physical taking place, and the offender has been charged with a CRIME!
Since when is the right to not be offended more important than the right to speak one's mind (even if closed and bigoted)? Last time I read my bill of rights (which was this morning), free speech was protected, but the right to live without offense was still missing in my copy.
April 29, 2008
10:45 a.m.
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MarineGrunt writes:
I disagree! People need to let more stuff roll off their backs! So what, someone said something to you that you didn't like. Grow up and let it go... As I see it, that is the bottom line. If the behavior keeps up, then yes it is a problem and handle it at that time. But to go and cry to your boss because someone hurt your feelers in childish. Americans have this self-righteous idea that they have the right to not be offended. You do not. If you feel you do.. then I would have to guess you are unable to take care of yourself and need constant looking after.
Bottom line.. get a little thicker skin. Reach down and grab a hold. Grow up!
Please tell us why you think that, Anonymous2008.
April 29, 2008
10:46 a.m.
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mtnsrfer writes:
I usually think that people need to move on, and leave past injustices behind. But these things are happening all the time. Think about how you would feel about it, if you were a black person. What if there were a long history of white people being stabbed to death, for being white. Then your at work one day, and somebody pulls out a knife and says "are you ready?". I don't think I would find it funny. If these people think nooses are funny, perhaps one is needed around their neck.
Marinegrunt is right about the profitering from racism for J.Jackson, the good Rev. Wright, and many others.
Where's LtnC J.J. Tenant?
April 29, 2008
10:54 a.m.
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Anonymous2008 writes:
Thats the problem now adays. Everyone is offended by everything literally. Things are acceptable and funny until someone is having a bad day and then it bothers them. This seems to be an isolated incident and probably hadnt happened prior. If it had been, then Im sure that piece of information would have been brought to the media as well as to the police officials. What happened to people acting as adults and discussing issues directly with the person that made a comment?
April 29, 2008
10:57 a.m.
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Anonymous2008 writes:
Marine Grunt what comment are you referring to?
April 29, 2008
10:59 a.m.
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kmeissner writes:
I recommend that this Juan fella' use the Chewbacca Defense!
That was great! Best way to sum this whole stupid story up. Get over it! Bad joke, bad taste. Dicipline has happened. Hopefully it won't happen again.
I do agree with Anonymous2008 in one aspect. If it was a white man he'd be in jail right now and Jesse jackson would be here today picketing outside of Frontier.
April 29, 2008
11:21 a.m.
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dilligaf writes:
First I knew marinegrunt and the other well known republican bigots would be chiming in on this. If the black guy would have stood up and punched Juan they would have been yelling like crazy. Sounds like marinegrunt wasn't a very good marine because this type of racism wouldn't be tolerated in the marines. Their is a lot of black marines and I always thought they were considered brothers.
April 29, 2008
11:29 a.m.
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Spencer writes:
Not to pick on you MarineGrunt but how do you feel when people refer to Marines as "Baby Killers"? I think the noose given this countries horrible history with slavery and lynching is way over the line. Not sure there should be any criminal charges but why do these people still have their jobs?
April 29, 2008
11:47 a.m.
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Scott writes:
Spencer,
This old squid, sailor to you, does not like it when he is referred to as a "baby killer", but I do not go whining to the government's Thought Control Gestapo to come riding to my "rescue" by filing charges against idiots that call me names.
During my employment at Bell Labs I, and the other veterans, had to tolerate the sublime discrimination from the "enlightened" liberals that had a disgust for our military service. No, we did not go running to the Courts for redress. We sucked it up and lived with it.
It's called "Freedom of Speech". So long as the speech is not threatening, e.g. "I'm gonna kill you." then no matter how stupid, ignorant or vile the speech is the person saying it is still protected from prosecution. Or at least that's what the Constitution says.
Now whether or not the employer fires someone for saying something stupid, ignorant or vile is a totally different matter. That is not protected by the Constitution. Employers should take this type of speech seriously for two reasons: 1, it leads to a bad work environment and hence poor productivity; 2, the offended person may hire a prostitute (lawyer) to sue the company.
Scott
April 29, 2008
11:48 a.m.
Suggest removal
O_TRAIN writes:
BigJake - I agree, no place for that.
Walking up to a Black man with a noose and saying "are you ready" IS a hate crime. The guy that did it was 43 yrs old - not some young kid, who didn't know better, playing a prank. It is not the responsibilty of the Black man in this incident to get thicker skin and roll with it.
April 29, 2008
11:49 a.m.
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psu96 writes:
i agree with the overall statement that poeple need to let things/jokes roll of their back....but a noose come on. not sure it's a hate crime but one of ignorance
April 29, 2008
11:53 a.m.
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psu96 writes:
marinegrunt,
seems like others are catching on to your troll like behavior. there is also a difference between being offended and being threaten which seems to be the case in this article but troll you will and twist you will
April 29, 2008
11:57 a.m.
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Anonymous2008 writes:
Spencer: It states in the article above that "The airline interviewed employees, but said it was not able to substantiate a racial taunting aspect to the incident".
So if you interview witnesses and noone believes that Mr Sequeira meant physical harm and just made a very bad judgement in this incident. Why fire someone? We all make bad judgements and Im sure he has been reprimanded at work, as thats states as well.
These are mechanics! Since when did they start wearing skirts? Get over it.
Society needs to seriously get over the past. There are more serious issues today that we need to worry about rather than what Hitler did to the Jews and the slaves in the 1850's.
April 29, 2008
12:01 p.m.
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Anonymous2008 writes:
let me rephrase my last comment before someone sees that wrong. I meant hitler and the slaves in 2 seperate incidents in history not together.
April 29, 2008
12:01 p.m.
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Spencer writes:
so holding up a noose and asking a black person if they are ready is not racial?? Hmmm, I guess I thought that it was. You could also take it as a threat. I'm not black but if I was and it were me, the person would be spitting out their teeth.
April 29, 2008
12:03 p.m.
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MaxInEnglewood writes:
Even if this guy did mean it as a joke, it's still hateful and extremely ignorant. Do I agree that it warrants a hate crime charge? No, but I'm glad the media got wind of this story and published Sequeiras' name. Hopefully, all of the coverage and criticism will allow him to walk a mile in Jacksons' shoes, and will embarass and hurt the hell of him, the same way he hurt and embarrassed Jackson.
April 29, 2008
12:15 p.m.
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Anonymous2008 writes:
Bad judgement, yes. If this were indeed an act to seriously harm someone then maybe the others who witnessed this incident would have informed the representative who interviewed them and had been a concern of theirs. It wasnt. Again, these are mechanics,like truck drivers and every other "Manly" profession, they seem to get vulgar and at times go too far with things, but he didnt walk up to him and say Im going to kill you and then use that infamous N word. You know what. I should start to get upset and my feelings hurt because as a white person in this day and age Im the minority now.
April 29, 2008
12:23 p.m.
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PMSXpress writes:
Wonder if there had been previous bad blood between these two that led up to this. For the guy to do that right out of the blue is hard for me to believe. Not defending Juan Sequeira's actions, but thinking that Jackson isn't necessarily so innocent either.
April 29, 2008
12:30 p.m.
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TheDenverB writes:
there's plenty of "jokes" that are both racist, offensive and hate speech.
just because someone says something was done in 'humor' doesn't make it legit. racism is racism, and this guy isn't a comedian -- he's a mechanic.
"So if you interview witnesses and noone believes that Mr Sequeira meant physical harm and just made a very bad judgement in this incident. Why fire someone?"
because people who find "jokes" like that funny don't belong in a productive and multi-racial workplace. do you really think the two of them are going to want to work together now? the guy created a bad environment with his ignorance and bigotry.
now, is it the same as saying 'after work, this will be your necktie'? no. but the underlying premise is the same.
and the worker has every right to be free from feeling threatened... i mean, anyone who finds that "joke" funny, likely doesn't see much wrong with other forms of racism either.
April 29, 2008
12:35 p.m.
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tm3869 writes:
Dan2,
I agree with you it is not a crime, but it is extremely offensive as one of the other poster' s said given this country's history with the treatment of minorities. It is not only offensive, but scary to be black and have somemone swing a noose in your face and have the audacity to ask "Are you ready?" Not knowing that man's family history, his grandfather could have been hung, or any other malcious crime committed to his family!
Some things are very funny, and I laugh at a lot of things my caucasian counterparts say (and vice versa). But a noose was a little much.
I know you all are going to disagree, but I had to respond.....
April 29, 2008
12:42 p.m.
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MarineGrunt writes:
psu.. way to go, idiot! See, someone has a difference in opinion and you open your suck and add nothing to the thread. Well Done, zealot! "I don't like your response and there for you are a troll, taa daa!"
And if your going pick one part of my statement and use it as a platform to bash me, rather then look at it as a whole, I again must think of you as nothing more then a skin bag fill with assorted moronic statements and hate.
Troll? Kettle or pot... pick one!
I bore of you now... carry on.
April 29, 2008
12:44 p.m.
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OhBrother writes:
wow...only like 2-3 posters that think this is wrong. Everybody else just blames the guy that was offended like he is crazy to be upset and/or report it. it wasn't a joke-it was a noose and the last time I checked there is nothing funny about it or it's history. It's typical that the majority of you just don't seem to get it
I guess most of you would probaly wear your white hood to work with pride and say someone was playing the "race card" if they objected...I'm sure that if I come home to a burning cross in my yard I should just laugh it off. Funny stuff. ha ha
April 29, 2008
12:48 p.m.
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Anonymous2008 writes:
To respond back to all comments about Mr Jackson and how a noose is too much, etc. I am not condoning Mr Sequeira's behavior at all. Like "tm 3869" Juan does not know the family history of the other man and what his family may have gone through. These two did work together and may or may not work together in the future, but maybe things wouldnt have gone this far if Mr Jackson explained to Mr Sequeira that his comment was not funny and was offensive and talked things out as adults. Sometimes people dont realize their actions until it is pointed out and discussed, rather than someone going straight to the police.
April 29, 2008
12:48 p.m.
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TheDenverB writes:
you are a troll, grump.
we all see that.
get over yourself, and realize no one buys into your macho bs around here. you act tough on an internet message board, bud. that says a lot about you.
April 29, 2008
12:51 p.m.
Suggest removal
MarineGrunt writes:
Spencer... I could careless what people call me, think, say behind my back, etc etc etc
I know what I have done and continue to do. Free Speech is a wonderful thing, but you have to accept it in both direction. As you can see, many are too ignorant to understand that. And for all their idiot ramblings, that is their Right! And I will continue to defend their Right to be stupid... it is the American way after all!
So, Baby Killer? So be it. If you think that way, cool. Don't be mad when someones lets you know other wise and be will to listen to their side. Not just spewing hate with a closed mind...
For the record, I do believe the noose was out of line. His supervisor should have had a talk to him, explained that that was not acceptable behavior and left it at that. If it was seen again, fire him. But a crime... no.
April 29, 2008
12:54 p.m.
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MarineGrunt writes:
DenverCUmDumpster... did you read what I typed or did you use the Force to infer it?
EPIC FAIL.
April 29, 2008
12:54 p.m.
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psu96 writes:
again marinetroll,
your are a troll not because of you opinion but because you continue to read people's post then start an argument...or post somethin off the wall to inflame an argument....that is a troll. others are catching on...and your elementary name calling is your choice.
I did not pick your statement at all and did not bash you...all extremes that you like to twist...troll on marinetroll...troll on.
April 29, 2008
1 p.m.
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MarineGrunt writes:
Again.. another well thought out post. Thank you!
April 29, 2008
1:03 p.m.
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RealifeTauren writes:
I think the real crime here is how the TSA let someone through security, even an airline employee, with such a deadly weapon as a noose. I think the TSA should look at banning lengths of suitable noose making materials from all secure areas. This kind of security breach is simply unacceptable.
Trey Parker and Matt Stone...if you're reading this...might make a great South Park episode!
April 29, 2008
1:03 p.m.
Suggest removal
TheDenverB writes:
there you go again, further proving my point for me and everyone else who calls you out for what you are.
you are a troll and you come on here mostly to bash others and their ideas and act like the big tough marine you so desperately want to be seen as.
you might not get it, but anyone who has been around message boards before does.
it's pretty clear to all of us, if not yourself. as someone else said, your elementary name calling in just about every one of your post says a lot about you.
but, hey, you arne't going to see any of that, probably call me a few names (cumdumpster?), and continue on being the same idiot we all laugh at from this side of our dells and macs.
thankfully, we don't have to deal with you in real life -- of course, i bet you are worlds different when you aren't anonymous. just like most all internet trolls.
April 29, 2008
1:07 p.m.
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MarineGrunt writes:
Hook.. Line .. and Sinker.... Thank You, Dumpster!
April 29, 2008
1:14 p.m.
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happymike44 writes:
What amazes me is how african americans can sing about capping a white cop and it is not rascist.But it seems that they get upset over every little thing and then it is sue first ask questions later.I have worked with a lot of people of diversity and african americans seem the most loud mouthed least respectful of their fellow citizens.I have worked with some who will not do their work and then pull the race card.Also I would like to point out that my ancestors immigrated from england as indentured servants and that means someone payed their way and then had them work for seven years.So I guess if I see a noose I can scream rascism and that I am terrifeid of whitey the man.I just would like to say some people just need to get over it.Because as long as you stay anchored in the past.You will have no future and you are really hurting yourself by that kind of thinking.Here comes whitey man I gotta go now.
April 29, 2008
1:15 p.m.
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TheDenverB writes:
man, you are so predictable it's becoming sad.
April 29, 2008
1:27 p.m.
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Anonymous2008 writes:
Realife Tauren. These mechanics do not go through TSA. There are other means of them getting to the concourse. They made this item from materials at work. So lets not get on the subject of how TSA is or isnt doing their job.
Happymike44. Thank you. This is so true.
April 29, 2008
1:48 p.m.
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GWBushwacked writes:
He probably said "Are you ready"? because the man he was talking to was lazy.
April 29, 2008
2:04 p.m.
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RickyLee writes:
Come on, surely JUAN isn't racist, right?
April 29, 2008
2:08 p.m.
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Dick_Tater writes:
Quote: showed him the noose and asked, "Are you ready?"
How is this a threat? Maybe we've got it all wrong, we're assuming that Mr. Sequeira is straight. Could he have been hitting on Mr. Jackson. You know what they say about black men being "hung".
April 29, 2008
2:14 p.m.
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Big_D writes:
For menacing you need to have a specific threat and the showing of a noose does this. This one may be just a stupid employee but his actions are enough to be charged. If he would have said something like "I'm going to get you." it would not be specific.
April 29, 2008
2:19 p.m.
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psu96 writes:
marinetroll: this is your quote "Free Speech is a wonderful thing, but you have to accept it in both direction" except in your post about Rev. Wright you chose a different philosophy...hmmm
whats that saying kettle.black.meet
April 29, 2008
2:33 p.m.
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MarineGrunt writes:
Bring another post into this one to prove a point! Well done, psu! Is your chest puffed out?
I went back and read the article and heard the speeches.. still do not like the guy. But what did I post that took away his right to say what he wants? Did I say he did not have a right to say that and he should be shunned? I disagreed, so what...
Do you have a point or just running your suck?
April 29, 2008
2:41 p.m.
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Dan2 writes:
So, accordingly, the comments by TheDenverB should be considered a hate crime, right? Name calling HAS to be worse than an image right?
We are all putting our own spin on this. Was the incident merely one in which a rope, cord, some other instrument in Mr. Sequeira hands that was looped like a noose and they were working together? From the story, it appears there was no outward animosity, right?
The state statute states, for this to be considered a "hate CRIME," that there must be INTENT. In court, intent is VERY hard to prove, especially if one is simply using the phrase "are you ready?" Now, if Mr. Sequeira had the noose around his own neck and mocked a hanging, or was swinging it threateningly, or moved towards Mr. Jackson in a overtly threateningly manner, then yes, of course. But, that is all information we do not have currently, and right now, Mr. Sequeira is literally being persecuted in public without evidence or description of fact.
In my opinion, what we should be concerned with if indeed hate crimes - if they are to cover speech, is the Constitutionality of such a statute. "Abridging the freedom of speech" is protected in our Constitution by persecution from the Government. It is not (at least not yet), illegal to "hate" someone. It is however, illegal to threaten, knowingly intimidate, or harm another person. Key word is KNOWINGLY. Stupidity is not yet a crime...
April 29, 2008
2:50 p.m.
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Scott writes:
Dan2,
You stated this point a whole lot better than I did.
Thanks,
Scott
April 29, 2008
2:58 p.m.
Suggest removal
psu96 writes:
I'll try agin to explain this to you,
your behavior is instigating...that makes you a troll. You post whatever is convientent at the time to instigate...troll.
No one ever said you didnt have the right of free speech either but yet you continue to bring it up...stating people bashing you because they do not agree with what you are saying...when in fact they are just pointing out that you are trolling this website.
People are catching on troll...
April 29, 2008
3:03 p.m.
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Anonymous2008 writes:
Why has it come to the point that a discussion on a forum has resulting in name calling based on differences of opinion. We then wonder why someone acts out in an unjustly manner at work!!!!
April 29, 2008
3:04 p.m.
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TheDenverB writes:
"Was the incident merely one in which a rope, cord, some other instrument in Mr. Sequeira hands that was looped like a noose and they were working together?"
clearly you didn't read the story that well.
"He said Sequeira, and a second employee accused of making the noose, have been disciplined, though he declined to specify what actions were taken."
yes, we all put our own spin on this, but some of us have the background to come up with better logic than others.
April 29, 2008
3:11 p.m.
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MarineGrunt writes:
psu.. kind of like you have been doing the last few days? Catch away idiot..
Dumpster.. you have yet to provide a shred of evidence you have read the article or have a logical base for your rantings.
April 29, 2008
3:14 p.m.
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MarineGrunt writes:
"But But But... your a troll!"
April 29, 2008
3:19 p.m.
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OhBrother writes:
happymike-how is bringing or making a noose at work and then showing it to a black guy have anything to do with rap music? You choose to listen to music, you can't choose to be insulted at work. This may not be a hate crime at all, but it seems to me like your comments exscuse this individuals actions? Why shouldn't a black person be offended by somthing like this?
April 29, 2008
3:24 p.m.
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OhBrother writes:
question: if this is just a joke, how many of you have brought a noose to work ( or made it ) and shown it to someone black and gotten laughs? What famous comeidian has this as part of there bit, that is if it's no big deal and people find it soooo funny?
April 29, 2008
3:31 p.m.
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MarineGrunt writes:
Posted by psu96 on April 29, 2008 at 12:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"denver professional sports teams are an oxy-moron..."
Kinda like that, psu?
You make it too easy and so much fun!
April 29, 2008
3:36 p.m.
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Veteran1975 writes:
Gimme A break! This whole race thing is way out of control. In my opinion which is my given right. I think every race keeps its own Racists attitudes in play by looking, sometime forcing it around every corner. This issue will never be settled there will always be some group or politician or organization or News agency trying to keep racisim alive to suit their own agenda. Come on people!
April 29, 2008
4:03 p.m.
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O_TRAIN writes:
Someone earlier had mentioned - we need to get over the past and move on. I would agree, but incidents like this only revisit the past. One way to get over the past would be to not have people like Juan do "stupid" things like this. One way to accomplish that would be to not tolerate it thru prosecution or as another put it - knock his teeth out. Either way the message needs to be sent - it is not acceptable. Then maybe the future generations can get it right and then we would be able to get over it and move on to other important issues.
Anyone who knows anything about the post-Civil War, reconstruction & Jim Crow era would know that walking up to a Black man with a noose and asking if "you are ready" can have no other meaning but to be offensive, hateful & intimidating bigotry.
Juan is 43 yrs old & should know better. If he was a young kid, I may cut him more slack.
April 29, 2008
4:41 p.m.
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TheDenverB writes:
"Dumpster.. you have yet to provide a shred of evidence you have read the article or have a logical base for your rantings."
do you even think before spewing diarrhea from your fingertips??
how about me pointing out lines in the story that others missed, for starters?
really bud, it's sad to see you try so hard to be such an ass on here and at the same time put your foot in your "suck" over and over and over again while thinking you are being witty and smart.
you must have been the butt of a lot of jokes in your unit and never, ever realized it.
April 29, 2008
4:58 p.m.
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Dan2 writes:
theDenverB,
I did miss that quote. I was referencing "The alleged incident occurred April 15 in a break room on Frontier Airlines' "A" concourse at DIA. Sequeira allegedly approached a black co-worker, Kristan Jackson, showed him the noose and asked, "Are you ready?""
We still don't have enough facts to divine intent though do we, or are facts just not that important if someone's "feelings get hurt?" Because, that that is what really matters isn't it. We certainly don't want to offend, and when we do, there should be HARSH punishment, including putting a "hate crime" association with a statement that in and of itself is idiotic.
April 29, 2008
5:04 p.m.
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Justin_Credible writes:
Why/How does any group "own" the noose. How about actually doing a little research on the subject? The hangman's noose was invented in Elizabethan England to (yes, you guessed it) hang a bunch of white guys and was the de facto form of capital punishment in Europe since 1300. Historically speaking, everyone of European descent should "own" the noose?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hangman%...
And, if any "group" should currently feel threatened by a noose, it should be arabs/muslims as they lead the globe in stringing people up to this very day.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanging
Get over it people.
April 29, 2008
6:11 p.m.
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O_TRAIN writes:
JC - in your quest for research, try these;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynching...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reconstr...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Crow...
Also a book; "Trouble in Mind" by Leon Litwack
April 29, 2008
6:20 p.m.
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surfer1104 writes:
Oh how silly, you cannot even carry a string around and tie it in knots. I think co-workers can be such sissy's. However I find it interesting how this case was treated since it was a brown man verses a black man. If the person with the noose was a white man you would see Rev. Al Sharpston ( would love to see how he got to be a reverend when he cannot even read the bible) flying down to Colorado to organize massive protests and be on the major news outlets demanding federal, state investigations. Oh how the world is a changing.
April 29, 2008
6:33 p.m.
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happymike44 writes:
To OhBrother
Then how is anybody suppose to tell the good people from the bad.Also I would like to point out that it seems that rascism is a two way street.So what needs to happen is both sides need to end it period.But knowing people as I do.I know that it will never happen.I know the racial thing from a neighbor who would threaten me on a daily basis but never arrest that person.What was fair or equal about that?So Mr Ohbrother I did not own any african americans and neither did my whole family.So why am I the big bad wolf for all your problems.Also lets talk about discrimanation of gays,jew,arab,and hindus.Yet they do not get the same treatment as a certain group of minorities seem to get.But then I guess that is my imagination?Also Thank You for pointing out my shortcomings,because I am probably the most objective person you will meet.Also when black person murders a white person why are they not charged equally? I was just wondering maybe you can answer that for me?Because the white person gets a hate crime charge added and not the angry black man?Sorry if this cuts to close to home but you did open the door so I just want to walk through it.
April 29, 2008
7:57 p.m.
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redwhiteandBLUE writes:
A joke ? A joke ? So..who's laughing ?
I agree w/ RickyLee 2:04 and ..dare D.Bruce say illiterate peasants ? They wanted him fired....! And those were just words!
This time the shoe's on the other foot..JUAN!!
April 29, 2008
8:04 p.m.
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Golden writes:
OhBrother - I'm with you. A noose is not a joke. I can't think of a single punch line of any joke that involves a noose. More over, while I can understand people's desire to to bring the good Revs Jackson and Sharpton as well as the ACLU and SPLC into the discussion as examples of people and organizations who often cry rasism when none exist, I can not for any reasons see how Juan showing Jackson a noose and asking him if he is ready can be considered anything but threatening. Threatening someone is a crime.
Now, while I could tolerate some opinions that one must take into account Juan's other actions before you could label him a racist, he certainly deserve to be charged with a crime.
If Juan did this soley because he hates Jackson for being black, end of story, he is a racist. If he did it because he hates Jackson because Jackson chews with his mouth open, then is quilty of threatening him, but not of acting in a racist manner.
April 29, 2008
8:49 p.m.
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John_II writes:
When I first read the headline for this article, I thought this was going to be another wild "hate crime" accusation. I think the terms "hate crime" and "bias motivated crime" are bizarre liberal inventions. The fact that liberalism has created a some-are-more-equal-than-others criminal law is scary. It is mostly the product of females in political office.
Having said that, if someone swung a noose in front of me and asked if I was ready, I would take that as a threat unless I knew the guy was joking. And I am white man. Waving a weapon in front of someone, regardless of race, can be considered threatening.
Now, what really scared me was this final sentence:
"Snyder said the airline will step up diversity training for employees in the area where the incident took place."
Diversity training? This is sick liberalism taken to extreme in the workplace.
Liberalism must be stopped.
April 29, 2008
9:18 p.m.
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RockyDenny writes:
On a more humorous note: No noose is good noose! Ark! Ark!
FLY FRONTIER!!!
April 29, 2008
10:11 p.m.
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titancain writes:
Can you imagine the outrage if a gay man held a cross to a christian woman and said "Are you ready"?
Once again the rightwingers show their hatred oif minorities.
April 29, 2008
10:30 p.m.
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happymike44 writes:
I doubt any self respecting gay man would do that.First of all most gay men are opressed by everyone and it shows in their day by day treatment by the so called moral majority.Also the treatment they recieve from the straight people.So if you think a gay man would act that way I probably would say no.So why not take a poll of 100 gay men and ask would you hold up a cross and ask a woman so let's go.The majority of women would assume 1 To the salon 2Shoe shopping 3 A day of beauty at a spa 4 To get a smart cocktail.What do you think?
April 29, 2008
11:13 p.m.
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bmb527 writes:
Let me say this, I work with the "gentlemen" involved in this incident and as of last week Juan was allowed back to work. If I were Mr. Jackson, I would consider this an insult! Some of you say "Get over it", did any of you read or hear the news when a similar incident happened in Jena Louisiana a year ago? That was a bunch of high school kids. This is grown men. This entire thing is a black eye to all of us at Frontier that work to keep this airline going. I say fire both the idiots, give Kris Jackson a very public apology and hopefully, this will all just be a bad memory and learning experience .
April 29, 2008
11:23 p.m.
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Justin_Credible writes:
O-Train...
Numbers don't lie... more white/european, arabs/muslims have been hung by the neck until dead than any other "group" in history. Are you trying to apply some sort of moral code to why or when?
If so, you'll lose this battle.
April 30, 2008
12:02 a.m.
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redwhiteandBLUE writes:
bmb527
What "learning "experiance should Kris Jackson learn ?
Fire Juan he's the idiot!!
April 30, 2008
2:50 a.m.
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happymike44 writes:
First of all those nooses were not hung up till a group of african american boys assaulted a white boy.So kids will do stupid things.Neither of what both groups did was acceptable period.Everyone has something they are unhappy about.I have never owned a slave nor did any of my family from 1750 till present.It was not acceptable to us nor are we accountable for the people who did.So you think many of us do not understand.My parents faced the biggest challenge of their lives to keep us free from the Nazi's.But now we live in a dark and scary period of time.So some of the big problems eight years ago are now small considering what is going on now.Food shortages and energy crisis is keeping everyone worried about how to take care of their families.So it seems civil rights may not be at the front of the line,like it used to be.We are all trying to just get through the day and make it home to our families.A little forgiveness is needed more then ever for all us to get along.
April 30, 2008
4:53 a.m.
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gwats writes:
I was ready to buy a ticket on Frontier via EVA Air for my annual vacation trip to Thailand via LAX, but as a Black man, I remember the last time some fool made a racially charged threat against me. I did my very best to put that cracker in the Hospital.
You don't discipline, you FIRE the S*B! And make it real public or that Ch. 11 might become a Chapter 7.'Discipline' means this racist keeps his job and will offend again. Firing his a** means you don't tolerate it on any level in the workplace. The last time I looked, Black consumer $$$ are worth the same as anyone else. This is the way wrong time for a boycott unless you really want one. I'm sure Jesse Jackson isn't busy right now. And you KNOW how he loves a good boycott!
I can fly out to CA on United, AA, or America West or Delta. Southwest too! Show ME, what you are made of and fire both of these losers!
Money talks, B*ll$h*t walks.
April 30, 2008
7:36 a.m.
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Barron writes:
Jackson should have taken the noose from him and beat him down with it.
April 30, 2008
7:36 a.m.
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jacka writes:
Juan Sequeira should be fired
April 30, 2008
7:45 a.m.
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Barron writes:
Re: "Liberalism must be stopped."
From the Merriam Webster dictionary (define "Liberalism"):
2 aoften capitalized : a movement in modern Protestantism emphasizing intellectual liberty and the spiritual and ethical content of Christianity b: a theory in economics emphasizing individual freedom from restraint and usually based on free competition, the self-regulating market, and the gold standard c: a political philosophy based on belief in progress, the essential goodness of the human race, and the autonomy of the individual and standing for the protection of political and civil liberties dcapitalized : the principles and policies of a Liberal party
Can someone tell me what's so evil about the description of Liberalism and why it should be stopped? Sounds like the American Way to me.
April 30, 2008
7:47 a.m.
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Barron writes:
Justincredible, do some research on the lynching of Black Americans.
April 30, 2008
8:12 a.m.
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John_II writes:
Barron,
Are you new to this country? If so then I can understand why you looked up the word liberalism in the dictionary. If you are not new to this country, then you are an idiot.
April 30, 2008
8:32 a.m.
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Barron writes:
John, thanks for insulting me, just because I have an opinion that's different from yours. You have a nice day, you are a real stand-up person.
April 30, 2008
9:23 a.m.
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John_II writes:
Barron,
Did you honestly not know what liberalism is? Or were you being a smartas$ by quoting from a dictionary?
The definition you posted had multiple definitions; each one was completely different from the other.
For example, definition (b) is the definition of classical liberalism. Those who fall in the (c) category are in direct opposition to those in the (b) category. Category (c) sounds good on the surface. But, in practice it takes egalitarianism to an extreme where those who have more should be punished with higher taxes and regulation. (c) folks also believe minorities are more equal than the majority. This is evident in crazy laws like the hate crime law and affirmative action.
So, when studying liberalism, you need to distinguish between classic and modern liberalism. They are functional opposites. In fact, modern conservatives can be considered classic liberals.
If you honestly were not being a smartas$ and did not know what liberalism was, I apologize for insulting you.
April 30, 2008
9:51 a.m.
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Barron writes:
John, if you are not new to this country, you understand that in American English a single word can have multiple meanings. Clearly, you are of the ilk that believes "Liberalism" is a bad word. Sorry, but I don't. As a practicing Christian, I strongly believe in the C definition. Obviously, you are one of the people who believe it's a "dirty word." I don't. You do. Don't insult people just because they disagree with you; you can call people all the 3rd-grade playground names you want and it doesn't change their opinion. We all have them. Get over it.
April 30, 2008
10:05 a.m.
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John_II writes:
Fair enough, Barron. I maintain that you are an idiot. You ignored my description of the practice of the (c) definition.
Until now, you had not told us that you prefer the (c) definition. So, I assume you do not support the (b) definition.
Furthermore, the (c) definition was incredibly vague. For example, what does "a political philosophy based on belief in progress" mean? Progress towards what? Socialism? Capitalism? Fascism? And, which party actively opposes "autonomy of the individual and standing for the protection of political and civil liberties"? Every law the liberal Democratic Party supports results in less, not more, autonomy of the individual. And, conservatism also supports the "protection of political and civil liberties". So, where does that leave us? It leaves us with an empty Webster dictionary definition of modern day usage of the word liberalism. So, in other words, you cannot acquire wisdom from a dictionary.
April 30, 2008
10:09 a.m.
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John_II writes:
"John, if you are not new to this country, you understand that in American English a single word can have multiple meanings." - Barron
You may be aware that 99.99% of Americans use the modern day definition of a word. For example, if I call you gay, do you think I mean you are happy or that you choose to have sex with men?
You are further proof that liberalism must be stopped in this Age of Stupidity.
April 30, 2008
10:13 a.m.
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Barron writes:
John, thanks, you are entitled to your opinion of me being an idiot. I don't agree, and won't stoop to your level to describe you, who I don't know anything about other than you are presumptuous and, sounds like you are mad at life. However, I have trouble believing that you don't know what "progress" is. Are you serious? As we are a capitalist (gone amouk) society, then I think it's fair to say progress towards a capitalist society. And now we are talking about political parties? I though the discussion was about "Liberalism." I personally know plenty of Republicans who subscribe to what you call "Liberal" ideals, so all of the sudden throwing political parties into the mix to me is without merit. Conservatism (which I didn't think we we were talking about but since you want to throw it out there, okay) supports protection of political and civil liberties. I disagree. I have friends in committed relationships who would be married if not for the fact that some conservative individuals don't want to "support protection of their political and civil liberties." In a nutshell, what I'm trying to tell you and you won't listen to, but I'll say it again, is opinions are like @ssholes and we all have them. Doesn't make yours right and mine wrong. Get over it.
April 30, 2008
10:17 a.m.
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Barron writes:
"You may be aware that 99.99% of Americans use the modern day definition of a word. For example, if I call you gay, do you think I mean you are happy or that you choose to have sex with men?
You are further proof that liberalism must be stopped in this Age of Stupidity."
This may be true for the word gay, but certainly not the word Liberal, unless you listen to Rush Limbaugh. I would rather chew razor blades.
April 30, 2008
10:29 a.m.
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John_II writes:
"sounds like you are mad at life." - Barron
No. I never said that. I love life. I am mad at liberalism.
"However, I have trouble believing that you don't know what "progress" is. Are you serious? As we are a capitalist (gone amouk) society, then I think it's fair to say progress towards a capitalist society."
So, you define liberalism as a political philosophy that desires progress towards capitalism? That is the first time I ever heard that definition. How does that differ from conservatism?
"I have friends in committed relationships who would be married if not for the fact that some conservative individuals don't want to "support protection of their political and civil liberties.""
Marriage is not a civil liberty. It is not defined in the Constitution. So, I have no idea what you are referring to. If gays want to marry, let them marry regardless of government recognition. What you are calling for is increased government regulation of marriage.
"opinions are like @ssholes and we all have them. Doesn't make yours right and mine wrong."
Sure it does. Just because everyone has an opinion does not mean all opinions are equally right. I am not even sure what your opinion is. I call you an idiot because you are so vague about your own beliefs that you think a dictionary definition sums it up. You responded to my claim that liberalism must be stopped by quoting the dictionary definition of liberalism. Liberalism is much more than that dictionary definition. The actual practice of liberalism is what I want stopped. Simply quoting that liberalism wants protection of civil rights is meaningless. Modern day liberalism desires much more government control of social and economic factors. Therefore, the practice of liberalism is much different than its Webster dictionary definition.
April 30, 2008
10:32 a.m.
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John_II writes:
"This may be true for the word gay, but certainly not the word Liberal, unless you listen to Rush Limbaugh. I would rather chew razor blades."
You posted a definition that listed classical and modern usage of liberalism. Classical is the opposite of the modern day usage. So, are you saying that you disagree with definition (b) of liberalism? Please answer that question.
April 30, 2008
10:45 a.m.
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Barron writes:
John, when I posted the dictionary definition of Liberalism I asked anyone to explain what was bad about the definition. You never answered but went off on some tangent about the evils of the dictionary and how off the mark it is. Perhaps you should be hired to write dictionaries and tell us all the truth, since you know and nobody else does. Progress means giving everyone a chance to make it in our society regardless of the economic/social status that they came into. You surely aren't dense enough to believe that everyone has that opportunity now, are you? Do you really believe that? And if marriage isn't a civil liberty than what is it? A God-given right? So what if it isn't in the Constitution, are there laws preventing it for certain individuals or not? If you have no idea what I'm talking about it's because you are the one being deliberately vague, not me.
As far as your going on and on (again, ad nauseum) about the definition of liberalism as posted in the dictionary, there are multiple definitions and they are all right. As I stated earlier, in the English language one word can mean many things. Unless, of course, you are a (drug addict) Limbaugh-quoting "conservative" which limits your ability to think in more than one way.
April 30, 2008
11:03 a.m.
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John_II writes:
Barron,
Your continued posting on this matter only proves that you are an idiot in the Age of Stupidity.
"John, when I posted the dictionary definition of Liberalism I asked anyone to explain what was bad about the definition. " - Barron
The dictionary definition is completely irrelevant to anything being discussed on this thread.
"Progress means giving everyone a chance to make it in our society regardless of the economic/social status that they came into. "
Well, that is a specific form of "progress" that you have just now admitted to. I think it is bogus and meaningless fluff.
"You surely aren't dense enough to believe that everyone has that opportunity now, are you?"
Yes, I believe in America, every one has the opportunity to succeed economically. That is not a guarantee of success.
"And if marriage isn't a civil liberty than what is it? A God-given right?"
Marriage is a religious institution. Government should not be involved in marriage.
"So what if it isn't in the Constitution..." - Barron
That question sums up liberalism perfectly.
"As I stated earlier, in the English language one word can mean many things. "
Some words can mean multiple things depending on the common usage. Again (again and again), I have told you that the (b) definition of liberalism is not a common usage of the term nor is the (c) definition a complete and accurate definition of the modern usage. I have asked you if you agree with the (b) definition of Websters definition.
April 30, 2008
11:08 a.m.
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Barron writes:
You dance around my questions and conveniently leave out the parts you don't want to discuss, and I do the same to you. And you insult me. We can't dialogue and I'm giving up on you. And yes, you are mad at life. It comes though loud and clear in your tone I wish you the best.
April 30, 2008
11:14 a.m.
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John_II writes:
What questions have I danced around?
April 30, 2008
11:20 a.m.
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John_II writes:
"Again (again and again), I have told you that the (b) definition of liberalism is not a common usage of the term nor is the (c) definition a complete and accurate definition of the modern usage. I have asked you if you agree with the (b) definition of Websters definition."
April 30, 2008
11:30 a.m.
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John_II writes:
"We can't dialogue and I'm giving up on you" - Barron
This is the standard response from liberals whenever they are intellectually cornered. I have seen this type of response from dozens and dozens of liberal posters on all different forums.
Liberalism must be stopped.
May 1, 2008
12:47 p.m.
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bmb527 writes:
I never said Mr. Jackson should consider this a "learning experience". That is meant for the losers that made the noose and the comment to Mr. Jackson. By learning experience, I meant that those guys should learn from the loss of their jobs that that kind of behavior won't be tollerated anywhere.
As for the idiot that thinks he knows about the actions that led to the Jena 6, the assault on the white kid happened AFTER the noose was hung, all because the black kids wanted to hang out under a very large oak tree. The white kids thought it was their tree and hung a noose after some black kids started coming around the tree.