Tennessee Democratic legislators and Black Caucus members are outraged over an e-mail about President Barack Obama that was sent by a state employee who works for Republican State Senator Diane Black.
The e-mail from Sherri Goforth, a legislative aide and twenty year employee for the state was sent to other staff who also work for Republican Senators. Goforth claims to have hit the wrong button and sent the email to the wrong list of people according to published reports.
The controversial email showed either a portrait or photo of all 43 U.S. presidents but when you get to the picture of Barack Obama the 44th president there is only a wide set of white eyes in a black box background.
Senator Diane Black was quoted as saying “I was shocked and I was disappointed.” “It absolutely does not reflect my beliefs or my opinion and I will not tolerate this kind of communication from my office.”
For her actions Sherri Goforth only received a verbal warning and written reprimand placed in her records. Some Tennessee Legislative Democrats as well as Tennessee Democratic Party Chairman Chip Forrester are calling for Goforth to be fired. In a press release the TNDP chairman goes on to say “This e-mail is reprehensible, insults the office of the president and is embarrassing to all Tennesseans regardless of political party,”
Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators Chairman, John Deberry Jr. was quoted as saying “It sort of undermines what we’re trying to do and gives strength to many of the stereotypes that are perceived about us here in the south,”
Many others believe the e-mail has had done serious damage to Tennessee’s image, reputation and will become a blight on the state.
