Racial Slur

Rep. Young Sorry for ‘Wetbacks’ Comment

“Meant no disrespect by it.”

Alaskan GOP Rep. Don Young disrespected a large portion of the American population. But he meant no disrespect by it. That’s the excuse Rep. Young is giving after finding himself in hot water for calling Hispanic migrant workers the racial slur “wetbacks.” In an interview, Young told a story about being young and his father using “50-60 wetbacks with tomatoes” on his farm. Late Thursday, Young elaborated on his "I heard it growing up" claim in a detailed statement released to the press. It appears to be a banner week for foolish apologies—with Young's falling just one day after rapper Rick Ross lamely apologized for his date-rape song, claiming he never actually used the word “rape." Well done, all.