It’s getting harder and harder to defend the city of Hagerstown against the allegation that it’s a racist city.

Washington County judge Boone reprimanded over comments in court
HAGERSTOWN — Washington County Circuit Judge W. Kennedy Boone III has been reprimanded by the Maryland Commission on Judicial Disabilities for referring to three women of color in the Public Defender's Office as "the Supremes" and for suggesting that a defendant who wanted to replace his public defender be given an "experienced male attorney."

The Supremes?

Oh good grief! I wouldn't have even taken that as an insult. Can everyone just stop looking for ways to be offended? The article does not go into what the three women call themselves--and I just bet they have a name for themselves..

Offended? The only thing I feel about this is embarrassment. There is a reason people living elsewhere in the country think that Hagerstown has a real problem with racism. This is just one more of those reasons.

The only place I've ever seen Hagerstown mentioned is on the Weather Channel and Interstate road maps.

I had to answer questions from people living elsewhere after the Willie Mays fiasco. Then there was the refugee controversy.

this is probably going to come off sounding racist... but i gotta throw it out there... i dont know too many women, african american or otherwise, that would be insulted by being jokingly called "the supremes". last i checked the supremes were ground breaking, glamous, elegant, talented megastars. man. what a dig.

I don`t think there is anything wrong with what he said. The 3 women need to get a life.
Here we go again with the Americans of African decent. You call me what I say you can call me. RIGHT!!!

Yeah I know Bent, that was just my weak attempt at being humorous.

Get a life? I wonder who has accomplished more in their life; You or them?

"Americans of Aferican decent" You just can't make this kind of stuff up.

I DID,

If you were born in the U.S. then you are American of African decent.
My "OPINION" got it.

I don't even know what an "Aferican" or what an "OPION" is....

The "Supremes" comment doesn't seem racist. The "experienced male attorney" comment is asinine and sexist.

Personally, I'm really confused about this "African American" tag that's been placed on BLACK folks.

Geez, are there not black people all over the world who did NOT originate in AFRICA?

Are there not BLACK folks who hail from the Carribean? What about BLACKs from Haiti, that sure ain't Africa.

Forgive my geographic disability, but the Moors were black, where the hell ARE the "Moors" on the globe? Africa?

Most of my black friends would rather be called "black" than "African American".

Bent, you know EVERYTHING, wanna answer that one?

When did a funny description become racist? The Supremes what the hell is wrong with that. They were a great musical group in their time. What if three white men would be standing up there and the judge would have called them the three stooges? Nothing it is funny.

Now I do find the other comment sexist. Why would the next attorney have to be a man?

Actually, Bentcorner is right.......if he is talking about the Katrina storm victims when he says "refugees". I remember talking to someone with the Red Cross right after that storm about helping some of the displaced people, and the person I spoke with was ethnocentric enough to actually insult some of the victims for not owning vehicles in which to escape! It showed a distinct lack of understanding of the differences between life in urban areas and life in not so urban areas. Also.....I didn't think he understood just how fast water moves when it's "on a roll". I don't know if the attitude can be chalked up to ignorance or racism and actual hate....but from the Red Cross?

I think Bent's refugee reference is to those folks from Mali or wherever that were placed here by that Church in Virginia.

I guess the next attorney would have to be a man because sexism is still clung to by many an aging law professional in that part of the country. Pardon my frustration with it, but I lived in Maryland for years, and I ran into it there quite a bit. In other places, I have found that many businesses don't want to pay a woman as much as they do a man, and will get away with whatever they can, but the obvious and flagrant disrespect.......it's seems to be older males who don't want to respect women in any role and I met a lot of them in Maryland. A minister in Md., someone I met at work, even told me I should never describe myself as a "single mother" because I was married when all of my children were born! Why was this important to him? Only the shadow knows..................

I loved the Supremes, still do! But, the judge did not show very professional behavior by saying that and adding on to get an "experienced male" attorney.

So, put the two together and it comes across as a put-down. You don't make fun of professionals in a court system. And the judge admitted to that.

But, I like Burns comment....The Supremes are the best!


Checks breaks out in song..."Stop, in the Name of Love, before you break my heart... think it ohh overrr. ...

Well.....since we don't have refugees from anywhere else to compare to, I guess we cannot know how Hagerstown would treat different refugees!

What difference does it make? I am tired of hearing or caring about it. Sure there are a number of idiots in our community that might say or do the wrong thing but we have ALL been branded by local, state, and national news as living in "the most racist town in america".

When you have a city council person that perpetuates this idea every chance they get what do you expect?

I try to be as nice as I can to EVERYONE. Thats all I can do about the problem

Sounds like it so much trouble living here you should move.

The Supreme's comment is not racist, IMO; yes the male attorney comment is sexist. Assuming they were not taken out of context.

But why is it every time a white male makes a comment that someone can construe as racist that the whole friggin town or county is racist? Because you want it to be. People like you and McBean (who has done as much to damage race relations in this area as any single person I can think of).

You know if you want to be offended, you can always find a way..

Because the only thing the three lawyers had in common with the members of The Supremes was the color of their skin. Instead of seeing the women as lawyers, he saw only the color of their skin.

Like you don't know why it was racist.....

You don't get it, Bent, or else you can't.

Even if the comment was intended as racist, why does one white man's dumb comment seem to embody "Hagerstown racism" and spur this talk of how the whole ares is a hotbed of racism?

Dont you see? This is another meaningless issue that Bent can pontificate to death over the next several days. Arent we lucky?

Because that one white man is one of our judges. Plus, people like you defend what he said.

Meaningless issue? Some people tend to believe that our reputation of being backwoods racists is a negative thing. Instead of whining about my participation here, why don't you just block my messages? That way you wont have to see me pontificate. Whatever that means.

I think the whole thing is blown out of porportion. Everyone has said things they regreted later.
The Judge is human too or have we forgotten that. None of us our perfect.

Next time someone call me Honky, Cracker or whatever eles someone can come up with. I'm going to cry Racist.

You can't say the whole town is rasist, just because one person said something that the other person thought they shouldn't.

Time For A Change

I like music too, and The Supremes. I do not like comments that marginalize capable employees, by suggesting an alternative worker would be an improvement because of his gender or race. I found it sexist. Just shows it is all where u sit. I would imagine it would sound racist to African Americans.

Suggesting a male was needed just because....and w/ no relation to the job makes no sense, asking for feedback.

If we were talking about a bathroom attendant, then it would be appropriate to suggest a male work in the men's room. But we are talking lawyers, and job performance in the courts. If the recipient of the comment was incompetent then that should of definitely been addressed, without reference to gender or race. No one should have a problem with addressing incompetencey, it is just wise to do it without side comments that damage your credibility, and slam others. It is inappropriate in today's work place.

I respect the quick and honest response of the judge. Owning up and also reclusing himself, being accountable. That goes a long way compared to someone who digs in deeper, refuses to change, and is a serial offender. It looks like the female lawyers and the Judge have handled the situation effectively. Proving we can learn and move on.

Have I seen racism in Wash Co.? Yes. I have also seen isms on other issues and people too. But I have seen this everywhere. Out West and in Canada too. It is always good to treat others as u would want to be treated. Agree with Sammy's post. There is always room for improvement, but not just on race. Don't see it as a black eye to the city but a reminder to be appropriate in our interactions, or face the music.
(Sorry, bad pun. it slipped out.)

Pontificate-
1)to speak in a pompous or dogmatic manner: Did he pontificate about the responsibilities of a good citizen?
2) BLOWHARD!


As far as "our" reputation as being racists its people like you who perpetuate this. As for whining? Please! you have already earned KING of the whiners around here. You can belittle people and make insulting offhand statements to other members but you dont want to hear mine? You can either hear mine or STFU.

Take your pick!


Why would I block you anyway? You are hilarious!
I've even shown my co-workers some of your skewed takes on topics and they all have the same reaction. "who is that Jacka$$" and thats before I show them the 40 year old comic book guy blog

Charlie's Angels would have worked better. At least then there would be the correlation of fighting for justice instead of skin color.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOKay, my two cents worth.

Let's go back to the Death Penalty thread for a second. Someone posted, I can't remember who , a quote from the Bible about casting the first stone.
In this instance I ask, He/She who has never uttered a derogatory comment, either racist, sexist or any other kind of ist,
in frustration, jest, anger or repeating a joke by someone else, please feel free to cast the first stone.

Please take into consideration, before you post that you check your memory and make sure no one can refute what you say.

Oh and Bent, there has been much written about racism in Washington County, not only in Hagerstown. I realize that a KKK rally at the Antietam National Battlefield is considered Hagerstown, although why I don't know, but there is racism in Washington County juust like there is all over the world. Do I believe what Judge Boone said was meant to be a racist remark, absolutely not. As a matter of fact, I find him protective, probably to a point of seeming sexist to some, of the females that conduct business in his court room. So, I would give him the benefit of the doubt that what he said was meant in an endearing way, and not meant to be a derogatory comment.

I was talking to my hubby about this, last night, and he was saying about the same thing as ExTx. He feels we're all too quick to take offense. Like we're all looking for something to cry about.

I still feel it wasn't appropriate, professionally, but I don't see the Supremes as something bad. Now, the find an EXPERIENCED male lawyer hit a raw nerve with me. Not just as a sexist remark, but I don't like the implication that those three lawyers were inexperienced. Doesn't matter to me if they were male or female. Being that they were female, it's even more of a put down.

But, I like what Communityhagerstown said. The judge owned up to it and the three lawyers seemed to all work it out. I doubt if he will make another comic remark in court again.


We all live and learn. We may have higher expectations for Judges' conduct, but at the end of the day, they're human too.

I agree with you, Communityhagerstown..............no matter where you go, you will run into these attitudes. Someone also likened Hagerstown to a backwoods community; well, it's not. It is very cosmopolitan compared to a lot of other places in this nation. Beyond the "backwoods" there are still people who can't get used to any other complexion, religion, accent (don't go north or to the midwest with a Southern accent and expect locals to leave you alone!!)lifestyle, education level or any other difference. I just call it ethnocentrism and do my best to teach my kids to give everyone a chance and remind them that blind ethnocentrism can cost them a worthy friendship or a valuable opportunity.

In a perfect world we all would be color blind. We all would judge people by how they acted.

In a perfect world we wouldn't think we was better then someone else.

This is not a perfect world and never will be. You either let STUPID PEOPLE get to you or you don't.

Racism will always be around in some form or another. I don't think it will ever died totally.
You have white saying things about black's. You have black saying things about white's.
Well the hell, Let just treat people the way we want to be treated. But that seems to difficult for some.

I always taught my children they are no better then anyone else.
Nobody is better then them. We all are the same. We all bleed red.

But if someone disrespect, harms, hit you, You have every right to not to talk to that person again.
I always judge people by how they acted. There's some pretty stupid acting people in the world of all race.

One thing I forgotten. Most race will say something racial about another race.
But not every race crys about it. I like to think of it as a Stupid Remark by a Stupid People.

Yup, u all make good points. I want to apply the concept of ethnocentrism to a lot in my life. New word for me, thanks Siriunsun. My challenge now is being more generous to Scientology, acting like it is just another form of religion. Getting past that I only see it as L Ron Hubbard and his initial Science Fiction career.
Followed by expensive workshops on EST & Dianetics.

Someone told me I need to be more open to different religions as I had referenced Scientology in a glib way. Inside, I was overcome with laughter. Oh well, I am a work in progress....... .
Anyway, thanks for all the comments on racism, sexism, handicapism, agism, and all the other isms. When its your ism it rings closer to home. It hurts.

Still feel Wash Co and Hagerstown are doing ok. Still learning and growing like the rest of America. Not there yet. But it's getting better. I like the tri-state area.

I don't even know where to begin Let's see, for starters, I am not white. We as a people have been called n****rs, negros, monkeys,colored and black.
Which IMO, is the color of coal, a jelly bean,etc. My skin color happens to be brown. If we ask for other cultures not to call us the names that I listed, what's the problem? I would choose African American over any of the above listed names.

The lawyers would likely want to be referred to as the competent people that they are, not a glamourous female group who is known for their singing, not their intelligence.

There, I said it. For those of you that can't wait to attack me, remember, I live the life of an African American Women everyday. So when you bring it come strong!

Thanks for your input. I've asked friends of mine which term they preferred to be called and most of them said Black was ok. But, I try not to use that term since I don't know for sure if it's offensive or not. African American, is fine, but I always have to wonder if they feel they are, in fact, African. So, it is a dilemma at times. I really like People of Color. I think it was used alot by Bill Cosby. Is that offensive?? Do people still use that?? That covers different shades of brown and black and I think of it as positive. What do you think of it? Very curious here. Thanks.

MWILLIAMS your words speak volumes. None of us can walk in each others shoes. That is why it is helpful to hear diverse takes. I value your insight. Being fairly new to this area, only 5 years, I have lived in many places. While I too see racism I also see many other groups or individuals slighted. Here, and across the country. I am happy there is a dialogue, learning starts when we talk. I see work is needed, but I also see progress. I like the tri-state area....................Thanks again, I had so wanted to hear from forum members, willing to weigh in with their African American experience.

Shoot, if we don't hear or see different views none of us can prosper. We will be passed by. Does not hurt to listen.
Thanks again, MS Williams.

There are lots of cultures that fall under people of color. This just distinguishes our culture from others. I have also heard of Latin American, Asian American, etc.

Thanks to you and Hag for appreciating my view on this.

MW,

My only point of contention over what you have said so far is that I don't like to hear of hyphenated Americans of any sort. My grandmother was very Irish but I never thought of her as Irish-American, nor has anyone in the family, including her. She was an American who happened to be of Irish ancestry, but this was at least a secondary consideration, not primary. But she would not have been offended if someone had referred to her as that little Irish lady.

I often refer to people you would refer to as AA as black, as in, "He's that tall black guy who works in Admin". I surely hope this doesn't make me a racist in the mainstream view, as it is not intended that way. (It probably does in Bent's view, but I figure as long as he and I disagree I'm on pretty safe footing.)

As most of you may or may not know, I am a female attorney in this community. My area of practice is mainly criminal defense, so I am in court quite a bit and know the other criminal attorneys quite well. With that said I will tell you what I think and what I know about this issue.

First, has anyone even stopped to ask if the female lawyers in question were even offended by what Judge Boone said? Answer, NO they were NOT!!!! They did not file the complaint, someone else (a white attorney who does not like the Judge) filed the complaint. The women in question do not have a problem with him and feel really bad that this has happened and continue to practice in front of him. They do NOT find what he said as racist. Anyone that knows him or has practiced in front of him knows that he meant it in an endearing fashion and was trying to be funny. You ask any criminal attorney who their favorite Judge is and they will say Boone. Everyone begs and hopes to have their case set in front of him. Oh and by the way one of the women is not even African American as the HM reported (go figure, they got something wrong again)!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What he said was no different than if he would have called myself and the other women Charlies Angels, the Pussycat dolls (although he probably doesn't even know who they are) or the Go Go's. He happens to really like the Supremes and he also likes the females in question. So stop being overly sensitive and try to educate yourself on all the facts before you race to judgment and quit relying so heavily on that rag of a newspaper.

Now as to the more experienced male attorney comment...Boone is an attorneys attorney, meaning he looks out for us. The Defendant is an A$$hole and very aggressive, manipulative, etc. When the defendant wanted to fire his attorney, Boone asked for a more experienced male attorney to get the case, because he wanted to protect the females in question from this guy and because they were not experienced enough to handle this guy at the time. He did that on my behalf a couple times when I was just starting out and I really appreciated it, as did the females in question. It was not meant to be sexist and the females did not take it that way. Boone was just looking out for the females in the legal community the way he does for every attorney, be them black, white, brown, yellow, male or female. So again stop being overly sensitive and jumping to conclusions.

So there you have it, straight from a female attorneys mouth.

Snoopy, first let me say I don't believe Judge Boone's comment about the Supremes was racist. If anything it was more flirtatious and at the most, maybe a little on the sexual harassment side. Nevertheless, he should know better especially considering the other comment about the next attorney needing to be a man.

Second, I think the reason why Hagerstown continues to have this apparent reputation is because for so long situations that arise that are in fact racially motivated are not treated with zero tolerance and often downplayed as if these types of things only occur marginally. The impact is detrimental to race relations mainly because with each incident, more and more animosity continues to grow. So when one new thing arises even with the slightest overtones of racism, the scabs are pulled off of all the old wounds of the past.

This is why it is very important for everyone (black, white, hispanic, etc.) to exercise racial tolerance for others even if it means remaining silent on an issue we are passionate about.

McBean has been through many trials and tribulations both before and after taking office. In her first year as an elected official there were many calling for her resignation for trivial issues. Why? If history is a measure then it's because she was the first, and each time there is a first especially when it comes to race, comes social intolerance. That social intolerance is still apparent as it is obvious there are many who still have issues with McBean expressing very valid points and bringing those issues to the forefront.

I myself understan her plight and her frustration as I have personally witnessed such racial intolerance even at the highest levels of city government! Attempting to mediate and offer meaningful advice has proven to be fruitless and if the highest levels of government reject race reconciliation then it is impossible for the rest of the city to do so either!

...." has anyone even stopped to ask if the female lawyers in question were even offended by what Judge Boone said? Answer, NO they were NOT!!!!""

No, I have not talked to them. I do not know them. I am not a lawyer or a defendant, I am rarely in court. It would be inappropriate for me to seek them out and call them at home. But I can respond in a measured tone to a forum topic, giving an opinion on the topic being put out for public debate. To me the topic sparked an interest in me to reflect on my own actions. How I do think, or don't think before I speak. I apologize if I offended anyone or cast a shadow on the courts. Totally not in my realm of thought. I have no agenda and certainly am not overlooking MS Cromer's valuable insights. Just feel we can have more than one discussion if it dovetails into a new thread. Not discounting Ms Cromer or others who took the time to post.

If the discussion takes a natural path to more sensitivity about racism, ageism, sexism, or people with different views so be it. Just more to consider. We are richer for it. I enjoy the diversity of responses and applaud the exchange. I find the discussions in the thread lead to side issues we might not of considered on our own. For me, its' helpful to read a variety of stances.

It is human nature, we all bring our life experiences to the discussion. I appreciate MS Cromer's facts. Your insight is helpful. I also welcome the segway into a broader discussion if an individual is so inclined. Just learning as I go. We are all works in progress. Again, I was very positive about the lawyers and the judge. Yet I feel a barrage of harshness approaching..?

The moral of the story is don;t hire Kelly Cromer as your attorney, she only represents criminals

Seriously though, I usually call people...by their name, you know the simple approach, Matt, Jeremy, Jen...soemtime I mix it up and usea nickname, and for close friends I typically use their last name.

Regardless of where our ancestors are from we are all and should all be Americans first, period. There should never be entitlement to any one citizen over another beyond that distinction.

Lawyer or not, only the Attorney's involved can express how they feel. I never said that it was a racist comment , just suggested that they be referred to as the Attorneys that they are. I know how it feels to be judged on apperance alone so I am not judging the Judge.

There's some names in there you haven't mentioned that you call me Kid.

Kelly's post is very important, IMO. Apparently they DID express how they feel, at least to Kelly. And they were not upset. Yet everyone seems to want to overlook the context here and hang the Judge. Almost like some folks have an agenda...

Who's being overly sensitive? Was the judge lying when he later said that his comment was "highly suggestive, if not indicative ... of racial and sexual bias"? I'm tired of Hagerstown getting labeled as a racist city. It's embarrassing.

Not sure who "everyone" is but my response speaks for itself. I feel that everyone's post on this and other topics are important. Damn those folks and their agenda