GOP State Rep Makes Jew Me Down Comment, Laughs It Off: I Apologize To The Jews | Mediaite
While describing a hypothetical situation in which a small business owner might haggle a price with him, Oklahoma state Rep. Dennis Johnson (R-Duncan) used the phrase Jew me down and subsequently apologized to the Jews, claiming he meant no offense.
The state House Co-Majority Leader was speaking Wednesday before his colleagues about overturning a law that prevents businesses from selling an item at less than 6% above cost. In support of the overturn, Johnson suggested that as a small business owner himself, he understands that customer service ultimately matters more than price.
[Customers] might try to Jew me down on a price, he said. Thats fine. You know what? Thats free market as well.
After a colleague handed him a note likely explaining that he used a phrase widely considered to be a derogatory reference to miserly people of the Jewish faith, Johnson claimed he meant no offense.
I apologize to the Jews, he said as the crowd laughed a bit. Theyre good small businessmen as well.
Speaking later to The Oklahoman, Johnson expanded on his rationale: It just came out of one of the wrinkles of my brain and it was not something that was intentional, he said. I certainly didnt mean to offend anyone and I apologize for the folks I did offend. It is a comment that should never be made. I will never do it again.
While describing a hypothetical situation in which a small business owner might haggle a price with him, Oklahoma state Rep. Dennis Johnson (R-Duncan) used the phrase Jew me down and subsequently apologized to the Jews, claiming he meant no offense.
The state House Co-Majority Leader was speaking Wednesday before his colleagues about overturning a law that prevents businesses from selling an item at less than 6% above cost. In support of the overturn, Johnson suggested that as a small business owner himself, he understands that customer service ultimately matters more than price.
[Customers] might try to Jew me down on a price, he said. Thats fine. You know what? Thats free market as well.
After a colleague handed him a note likely explaining that he used a phrase widely considered to be a derogatory reference to miserly people of the Jewish faith, Johnson claimed he meant no offense.
I apologize to the Jews, he said as the crowd laughed a bit. Theyre good small businessmen as well.
Speaking later to The Oklahoman, Johnson expanded on his rationale: It just came out of one of the wrinkles of my brain and it was not something that was intentional, he said. I certainly didnt mean to offend anyone and I apologize for the folks I did offend. It is a comment that should never be made. I will never do it again.
