Tonight on Larry King Live!

For decades the Archie Bunkers in the Republican Potty have spewed fear and racism among white voters in a depraved strategy to divide America and win elections. And for decades it worked. The same old strategy is still fully in effect but guess what, it's not working.

A majority of American's do not want a return of segregation, deporting black Americans to Africa, deporting brown Americans to Mexico. A majority of American's do not care if their neighbors are Russian or Chinese. The Republican party of digression and war simply is the party of No Future and No Ideas other than spewing fear and racism.

Mitt Romney the leading Republican 2012 candidate with large special interests donations recently spoke before the US Military complex in his campaign fund raising efforts. Mitt Romney told them he would greatly increase the number of operational Nuclear Weapons in America's arsenal and develop a sizable number of different new Nuclear Weapons! Both of which Bush-Cheney had wanted but were repeatedly turned down by the Democratic led Congress, stopping that insanity dead in it's tracks.

Is Penn Jillette on tonight's episode?

What Hugh Hefner has to say about racism is not of much interest. It's hard to take him seriously on race when almost all of his centerfolds are blonds.

One thing is true. Racism still abounds in America and around the world.

I'm happy that Hef supported causes for African Americans, as did the late Senator Kennedy. However, they seem to also have in common that Agrican Americans are invisible on their staff and premises. I have never seen Hef with an African American bunny and I understand the Kennedy's had no people of color employed at the Hyannisport compound. Just asking.

Hi Larry.
It would be interesting to see what Hefner has to say tonight.
Hi folks.
Its time that Americans wake up to reality & stand up to the likes of Mitt Romney who represent the dark side of America. There are unfortunately those in the main stream politics who thrive & survive on an agenda of hate & fear.They smugly tweak the specter of racism awake when they have nothing of substance to offer from their platforms. Or they would resort to beating the war drums to keep the lords of Military Industrial Complex, the right wing nuts & the likes of
Sarah Palins, Tea Partiers & other dangerous morons happy.
This is not the time for this non sense but for sanity.

The president is at fault no matter what he is in charge when his people screws up then he screws up .

Yes. Leadership takes responsibility for all ignorance.

This has happend twice now is there going to be a third time charges and action without solid proof is dangerous to our overseas activity and domestic .

Race relations in 2010 should become alot better, because like it or not we have a black president who is going to do a great job and in the end will get approval from more people , maybe even the racist will have their eyes opened

according to the question presented on racial relations in 2010 i think that america has come very far but it doesnt subside the fact that we are facing racist comments not just for african americans but from people of all races for example i am a muslim girl who cant go to school in which i am the only veiled girl without someone being racist towards and comparing me to a terrorist. will america ever change i would like to know

I don't understand why no one who knew the whole story didn't speak up. Was that the only time she ever told the story? Why didn't her boss know about her story? She has had a long career albeit not one in front of the public so how is it that NO ONE had a clue that she was telling a story about her past? When I first heard the clip (out of context) it seemed odd that the audience didn't react to her comments....which set off a red flag to me...didn't anyone else pick up on that??

Larry, I just have three words for Mr Andrew Breitbart that has a clear history of distorting the truth (Atwater), (Karma) then (Remorse).

I want to applaud Al Sharpton for not instigating this one .

I think america should be used to the fact that the race diversity is what makes up this coutry. And all of those Neo-Nazi's in the border need to go home and love everyone no matter what color, language or ethnicity they are. I'm mexican and i don't understand why people are so racist.

Mrs. Sherrod was the victim she was ate by her own and Washington .

The state of race relations in America, in 2010 depends on who you're talking to. As a black woman, I see very little difference between today and 30 years ago. It isn't that many haven't tried to make changes–but there is no way to legislate what exists in men's hearts. Making laws is necessary, but as we all know, mankind has always found ways to circumvent laws that they dislike.
Only when people are more concerned with others–beyond themselves, will we see the revolutionary change that we need.
We all need to walk a mile in our neighbor's mocassins...

Larry,
I love how the segment started out with the interview from Shirley Sherrod earlier in the day. She doesn't expect an apology from the President but more than welcomes one from Secretary Gibbs. Come on, this racist any way you look at it . If you were to flip this situation and it was a white speaker talking about a black farmer we would have riots. The fact of the matter is this country will never be united when it comes to race. Whether Democrat/ Republican, white or black.

It dosnt make difference who made the video in false pretence what makes a difference is our government is making grave decisions on hear say proof and not facts .

tea party misleading us time to reject tea party

The true story – that Ms Sherrod was encouraging color-blindness and a conciliatory attitude – is a good thing. If more of us followed the example of people like Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, a lot of relationships would be a lot better. However it is clear that some people feel their political interests are better served when we fear, distrust or hate each other because of racial, sexual or political differences. Of course, it also makes for a livelier media circus, Fortunately, most ordinary Americans are more sensible than they are made out to be.

Hue Hefner is my hero .

America will never be as one,so lets just look at it this way "What do you think will happen when more people get jobs and make more money"? Small things like this will go under the table and will not matter untill times like this happen again.

Yes I agree. This country has trends and tendencies. I just hope I can mentally prepare my children to survive the next wave.

The Sharrod clip was definetly taken out of context. Her boss messed up. He should have put her on administrative paid leave while he investigated the issue. What really needs to happen is the man who posted the clip should be at least sued in a civil suit, if not prosecuted for deliberately attacking Ms. Sharrod to further his own ends. When did truth become a liability in this country?

What a grave miscarriage of justice done to Ms. Sherrod. Sadly enough this is done to blacks on a daily basis. The only difference is that it is never known. My husband and I have both been subjected to such injustice during our nearly forty years of employment.

the 4 guests tonight are crazy. you people analyze every single breath & words people say. If you could just have heard each other at each others throats.I felt shame for you all.

I don't think your "race" issue in polls will go away. The media and statisticians try to put items into groups, ie: white/black, married/single, male/female, age 20-30, 30-40 etc...

Vic what better time to have a tea party movement. This administration can't get it right and there is a lack of communication all around. How are you going to fire someone with out the facts, let alone run a country.

I am sick of the media calling Pres Obama, the first African American Pres. His is the first bi-racial President. He is 'NOT' the first black President.

I have been fired from jobs on a number of occasions over the years and it did make national headlines, but rather than wine about it, I went and found another job.

Time for white house to ignore all these nonsense focus on helping middle class and poor. Some third world countries middle class growing here middle class disappearing

As for race relations, I feel that America has come a long way, but we still have plenty of distance to go.

I find Michael A.'s comment on who's at fault ("It's Obama!!!!") demonstrates blind belief in an ideology that's fading away by the minute in voters that demonstrates a blatant disregard of the wellbeing of the working American or the immigrant.

The state of race in America is "Opportunistic." The NAACP is biased with an agenda that only focuses on the color of one's skin. The issue is truly about those who have and have not. The mission of the NAACP should be changed to addressing the poor. The NAACP should be the NAAPP. We'd come together in greater ways.

How are race relations today? Disgraceful.

Sadly, the people who are to blame are not street gangs or children in schools who are still learning, but highly visible adults. The comments about the President returning to Kenya, the Tea Party's members finding anonymity within the heard, and the debacle centered on Ms. Sherrod keenly indicate that much of the "progress" in race relations over the last fifty years is a sham.

I was fortunate to spend a month in the Republic of South Africa for the World Cup. I traveled to all of the Provinces of the country, and was truly shocked at the lack of racial tension, and how the many people I met viewed life in the new RSA. It is very sad to see that in the 160 years since the election of Lincoln, the USA has not come close to the racial harmony set in motion by Nelson Mandella and F.W. de Klerk only 16 years ago.

we all have to understand the realities of right and wrong with humanity.

I think we have not come very far since that fateful day when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus. As long as people need to oppress or demean other people to feel superior, as long as people need someone to blame for their own failings, we will see racist attitudes endure. Racist fear mongering is being used by ideologues to control the lazy minded, uneducated public and the ratings hungry media are helping them do it. I congratulate Ms. Sherrod for having the courage to stand up to them. Perhaps hers will be the act of courage that sparks a new movement in the U.S., for truth, fairness, and accountability in all media.

We do as were taught and we act as we see and we say what we hear racism is taught .

Racism, homelessness, hunger, poverty, are all the results of greed sponsored by privatization and capitalism, or the unequal distribution of wealth, whereas everyone is fighting over who gets what.

There will be a time when race will play no roll and that is when we breed into one race .

Hugh, how can you say Obama is moving too slow? He has got some for of Health Care accomplished, He has gotten some form of cleaning up Wall Street, He has gotten some form of making a list of contractors that should not be allowed government work, he teaches education, fairness, concerning ourselves with those less fortunate than ourselves every chance he gets and he is working on an economical crisis that he inherited due to Greed.

If Mr Hefner is all about race relations, what took him so long to put a woman of color in the center of Playboy

Grow up!. Really, the color of ones skin defines that person? That is as shallow as it gets. It's embarrassing that some Americans allow the color of ones skin shape thier opinions about people? It is not right and it is not the true Christian way.

Race relations in 2010 is not as bad as it appears. Certain people just making this a big issue. Racism will never end but we just have to tolerate this ordeal.

@ Anita I think Hue was yalking about the ladys .

I think people need to get their heads out of the sand , how naive to even ask if racism still exits. It forever will in these United States, and that's the shame of it.

Larry,

How anyone can deny that this Shirley Sherrod ordeal is not about race is beyond comprehension. While its true, America has come a long way, especially in the last fifty years, racism does in fact still exist and this is a perfect example of that.

Racism and discrimination goes hand and hand the best way to keep it in the closet is not to talk about it .

My comments are directed towards Hugh Hefner. I am not a judgmental person but I am logical. Since when does immorality and morality go hand and hand? Women are attractive and appealing to look at but at the same time they are People. If people really want to fix our country they might want to start with their own moral standards. Equality is a gift from God to man, than man to man. People can not give other people something they themselves can not possess. Where do people think our freedom as a country came from? People should learn their real history not historical revisionism. Politics will be politics until time comes to an end. What will never cease to exist is the freedom and liberty found in Jesus Christ.

How refreshing to hear thoughts from Hugh Hefner. I always thought he was just a playboy. While Dana was on I left and went to water my yard. Fortunately, I returned to the show as Hugh began. The Sherrod issue has been overblown. Obviously taken out of context. Someone just wanting to stir up things and they were successful. Obama was not elected because he was black. He is intelligent, articulate, compassionate, etc. Watching Dana with her condescending attitude is disgusting.

Peggy July 22nd, 2010 9:25 pm ET

"miscarriage of justice" I might be more inclined to say.... abortion of justice as this situation did not occur 'naturally' .

As long as there is 'fear' of the other sex or race gaining control, racism sadly will not dissipate. Prejudice is based in fear whether the person is aware of it or not!

Hey, just as someone who's seen quite a bit on this and a lot of other debates on CNN involving the Tea Party Movt, I got to say I'm a bit puzzled why you keep guesting Dana Loesch on debates. She keeps interrupting other panel members and at times have been pretty rude. Just wondering, I mean, maybe she should just be interviewed so she can talk unopposed.

This is a travesty!

Race relations in this country has not changed, because everyone need to look at the true facts about race.
Raceism is not a black and white issue, and only when the american people except these facts we can move foward, we are not the same, there is many differences between americans.
I was born in 1959 and i have seen both sides of the race issue and who do i blame geuss who?

Hi Larry,
While I have been critical in the past about some of the interviews (Lou Dobbs as he was were trying to promote his intelligence/program), your interview tonight with Hugh Hefner was excellent. Your insight into Hugh Hefner was apparent through your excellent questions. It's nights like tonight where I hope you and CNN find the inspiration to continiue your program.

I turn to CNN every night at 9pm ET and I will miss you if you're not there.

Craig

@ Sharron Dark
Racism is a major issue if you have been placed on the 'back of the bus' for business opportunities, education, wealth, etc. Being a poor black woman, I only hope that you will someday experience what I have!!!

What happened to Ms. Sherrod is irresponsible and unfortunately irreversible. Shame on the NAACP for failing to investigate this incident fully prior to making statements and passing judgment. As the first black skinned president of the USA, Obama is in a damned if you do-damned if you don't predicament. Race has become his Achilles heel.

Obama is moving slow. Has all the pieces in place to make change but put too much focus on forcing a health care reform bill that is too complex and a so-called reform of banks. He should be focusing on stimulus. His comments on the unjust firing of Shirley Sherrod speak volumes his staff's inexperience. Rahm Emanuel is way over his head and will be replaced.

its nice that Obama got around to apologizing to the ousted Ms Sherrod but the damage has been done. my question is why is the jerk who fired her with incomplete information still in his position–should he not be fired on the spot? but wait there is a double standard of justice when it comes to politicians and government officials. we need more official like Ms Sherrod who did her job well and did not see the tint of skin.

This nation has become more divided since we have voted an African American into office. I support President Obama and I would support any person holding that office. But this presidency has really highlighted how far we have come but how much further we need to go. This country has become so liberal that bumper stickers, billboards, blogs, and much more has allowed people express their true feelings of racism but we all are supposed to turn a cheek to what is being exposed. The worst part is how the media likes to segregate the issues even more. It's obvious that fox network hates Obama. NBC supports him. Or how one man can lose his job commenting on women's ethnic hair, but give a man like Limbaugh millions to continue to poison the airwaves. This country is one event from major chaos. I see both sides. Adopted by a white family, raised in that mannerism. Married to an African American, receiving controversy in public from African Americans for interracial marriage. And at the end of it all I'm Korean and that's another whole different issue. I'll just wish for the best and promote and do my part in trying to influence positivity.

I believe that race relations in 2010 is utter ridiculous. We talk about how far we have come and realistically this topic proves we have not come far at all. For the past two months, there has been non stop coverage of race relations in America. All because we have an African American president. It is a shame and America should be ashamed for not supporting our President. We are slowly but surely pushing our President away from us because of all this turmoil. He is doing the best he can to support and represent everyone, so we need to give this race card a break and focus on building our country back up....

I believe as a country that if we embrace differences and have equality in all areas that it would be a country worth being apart of. This race issue started way before the african americans got here. The whites wanted something that someone else had and still to this day all they do is take and then charge the ones they took it from whether it be by moving them off thier lands and taking what belonged to them for generations, to taking people from thier homeland and exploting thier skills that they used to further themselves now to help keep up the land they stole from the Native American. Yes we have come a long way but its not over by a long shot.

Larry, these people are harping too much on this tired and outdated subject, please give it a rest. Al Sharpton actually made a comment that I respect, that he would fight for someone to be wrong. I wholeheartedly agree with him. But tonight, wonderful young people from all of our American racial and ethnic groups are fighting for us in our armed services. Please for God's sake respect them and drop this nonsense right now. At least we don't have the damned racial riots that I remember as a child. Let's just grow up right now.

Race relations will never get better as long as we continue to fear and feel we must appease the other side. To move forward it is as simple as respecting, accepting and appreciating the differences in all people.

First, I do not condone what was posted on the blog and I have no doubt that race was an underlying motivation for most of what transpired. That being said I have once agfain lost respect for Obama. He continually throws people under the bus. It is his answer to blame others or at the very least let others take the blame. In this case the buck does not stop with the Secretary of Agriculture, even though it was (obviously?) his decision. The administration has set the tone for actions like this to be the way they operate. If the attitude of those in the current administrationure including the Agriculture Secretary would have been to verify before taking action that is what would have been done. The overiding tone of this administratrion is a either knee jerk reaction, or to study the issues for a rediculous length of time. The President is responsible for the actions of those who work for him. Considering his reaction to the statements made by a certain General , I am surprised that the Secretatary of Agriculture is not already loking for a new job.

America, the only country in the world denouncings human rights 'abuse' in every country in the world but in 2010, this is the kind of thing that makes the news? Why so much hatred when there are so many other issues that needs to be addressed? The economy, wars, drugs, crime...and this one thing that everyone has control over makes news because of something someone said over 20 years ago and was edited and taken out of content to make this so ugly....so sad.....What an incredible burden for such an a impressive President that the rest of the world so obviously admire...... too bad the energy wasn't spend on finding ways to solve some real problems instead of creating one to divide the nation....

I love you Al Sharpton!! Thank you for sticking to the real issue here and that was a clip taken out of context. We can argue about the reasons behind it all night but the facts are that there was an edited clip taken out of context and it was clearly done in response to the NAACP's concerns over racists elements in Tea Party marches-which are unedited.

There is no more news channels in this country they all have become Talk Shows,all this analyzing all these opinions is what causes a lot of what is going on, why cant the so called News Channels just report the News.I get more news reading what flashes across the bottom of the screen.I really just want news.I realise Larry King is a Talk Show and that is exactly what is on all day on Cnn and all the others.I must say Fox News is an even more hateful Channel.It;s almost like all of you are trying to Brainwash us all.

Today, Pres. Obama said that his Interior Secretary Ken Salazar "jumped the gun." However, Sec. Salazar, after he learned that what was on the tape had been artfully edited to say the reverse of what Ms Sherrod said in her speech, told a CNN reporter that she still had to resign because the circulated quote would make it impossible for her to do the job. What about an apology for that?

Hugh,

Sounds like the truth... as always...Thank you for being honest!

I wish Dana Loesch would be capable of having a discussion without yelling. She is such a hateful girl, and she sits there nodding her head the whole time someone else is speaking. She is a very unpleasant guest, and adds nothing to the conversation.

Larry stated that 80-something % of blacks and only 30-something % of whites approved of Obama, and from those numbers deduced an opinion that somehow RACE is involved with the lack of white support of Obama.

I'm one of the 30-something % white vote that did/does not approve of Obama and it has absolutely NOTHING to do with the color of his skin, but of his policies (too socialist), his background (non-Christian; spent too many of his formative years overseas; raised with a Muslim, not Judeo/Christian theology) and is, in my eyes, not an American, but a foreigner in terms of his mindset; his lack of experience (most Presidents were Governors of a state, ran a company or SOMETHING; Obama's never been responsible for the management of anything).

Give me a qualified black man for ofc with policies I agree with and I'll be the first one in line to vote for him. But please Larry, don't insult the American public with such overly simplistic judgments; they are the furthest thing from the truth.

Larry, It's amazing that you can have murders, dopers and drunks (Lindsay Logan's father) and similar types on your program, but you fail to extend an invitation to have Shirley Sherrod, someone with an awesome story? Is CNN racist as well?

"Racism" does not exist. Ignorance about the "Human" species is what exists. Any eighth grader who studied Biology 101 knows ther e is only one "race". Since we all have"Lucys" DNA at the most basic,rudimentary level we all are related. We are fighting ourselves and what a shameful ignorant ,pitiful thing that is. I see no one jumping off the planet..we are all we've got. What effects one of us effect us all. If one of us is chained..none of us are free. If there is another species then the picture changes...but since we have been on this planet it has ben studied in schools and laboratories everywhere the result is the same...we are all related. Ignorance is the problem. Groopism, colorism,ethnic differences but not race. Let's fight to become enlightened and not controlled by what we are ignorant of.

THANK YOU LARRY KING FOR EVERYTHING YOU HAVE DONE FOR ALL AMERICANS. I WILL MISS WATCHING YOU.

THANK YOU MR. HEFNER, FOR YOUR LOVING CONCERN FOR EVERYONE.

REV. SHARPTON, YOU ALWAYS SPEAK DIRECTLY TO THE ISSUE; I HOPE YOU ARE AROUND FOR MANY, MANY MORE YEARS.

Pearlie Robinson – Atlanta, Ga.
a proud black american

In the discussion panel that Larry King led today, the Tea Party organizer on the panel refused to say there was anything wrong with the Tea Party circulating the misleading tape snippet. That and her shrill combativeness and insistence that Ms. Sherrod was racist (despite the point of her speech being that she had learned that the disadvantaged are in need of help whether they are black or white) towards whites convinces me that Tea Party organization wants to avoid saying anything to antagonize thoset of Tea Party supporters who are bigots and those who are angry about what they perceive to be unfair advantages given to African Americans in reverse discrimination.

By the way, in a supposedly "grass roots" movement such as the Tea Party, who pays the salaries of organizers? Is it still a separate movement or has it been infiltrated with Republican operatives?

you said the polls on obama that 93 percent of blacks approved of his job and 37 percent of whites approved...seems to me the blacks only approve because he is black, not because of his job...why don;t they care about his job rating???we will always have race problems as long as blacks can't accept their color..they need to learn to love themselves...i don't judge people because of color, just actions...

There, will always be a few bad apples who will do anything to hurt someone because they are full of hate and hate to see Americans unite together. If this was not about race then why did that right wing guy edit the tape? i am not going to blame the white house nor the gentleman who fired Mrs. Sharrod, i blame the person who edited the tape and started this whole mess. i use to listen to conservative talk radio and watch Glenn Beck and others, because i thought they were at least telling the truth and are not biased but boy was i wrong, how stupid was i to believe them after posting this horrible edited video. Now, i have i get my news and information else where thanks a lot to the editor.

So many, of our men and women in uniform are of all color, race and religion have lost their lives fighting against hate in iraq, afganistan and around the world and here we are spreading hate and divide. After 9 11, people in this country started bonding together as one, showing those who attacked us that Americans will stand together in the time of need and will NEVER back down from anyone who tries to hurt us. As, a country we must stand together at all times not just when something horrible happens because, we are going to need each other more than ever,because, the way this war is going and the way it seems that terrorist are getting Americans to believe their message and to do harm to America we MUST unite as one to fight the hate. Terrorist, don't see black or white all they want to do is hurt us all. Terrorist, are NOT going to give a white person a pass and they are not going to give a black person a pass no they are going to hurt us all.

WE MUST UNITE NOT DIVIDE

Please, racial commentary is for the uneducated or incarcerated. Remember that those kids in our armed services represent the very best we have to offer. They deserve our love and honor. Please don't drag this nation into another embarassing racial episode.

Tonight's show with Hugh Hefner instigates racial bias. You have assumed the lower percentage (30%) polls for Obama (white votes)were because of racial bias. This is absolutely wrong! There are so many reasons that Obamas polls are sliding because he is an inexperienced President. He is not supporting our constitution, the american population, our country, does not salute our flag, sweeping issues under the carpet, ie, Husan on his security council who gunned down our own military on a military base and haven't heard a word about it, waited two months to address the BP oil spill, supports illegal immigration that continues to destroy our cities with violence, drugs, bankrupting our states due to expense of housing, education, healthcare, jails/prisons, welfare programs for illegals who do not pay taxes when taxpaying citizens have lost their jobs, houses, retirement,
and on and on. It's about right and wrong, not about race! Liberals are continuing to play an old card, but too many americans know it is wrong with the current administrations non-transparency with healthcare. Government isn't addressing major problems.

I am an African-American woman married to a Hispanic man. I think about this question everyday that I work in my pre-dominantly African-American, low-income middle school as a guidance counselor. Our racial problem is bigger than most want to admit. Not only do we have racism from a White/Black perspective, but the evil of its roots filtered into the African-American culture where we are still fighting colorism and prejudiced amongst ourselves. Trying on a daily basis to convince young Black children that BLACK is not an ugly color or definite negative, I feel overwhelmed because it is a cycle not only perpetuated by some Whites in America, but by the families of many Black children. As Black people, we live by a double edge sword always trying to prove ourselves and destroying ourselves at the same time. We began during the Civil Rights Movement to love ourselves and appreciate our own differences, but that has been lost.
Hugh Hefner is so right. We are divided in this country by the most ridiculous and embarrassing things such as Black church/White Church, music, friendships, etc. I think that it is embarrassing for other countries to see such an ugly history and behaviors that do not dissolve. I wrote a book called "Brotha ' Do You Mind?" just because it gave me a chance to do just what you asked tonight-vent about the state of racism in this country. I watch the children who are revolving through the school system every day, racism- we have a huge task on both ends-Blacks and Whites. Yeah, we have a Black president; but a bleak future in regards to racism.

Israeli citizens have differences. An example is that Jews are christian and Arabs are Muslim. Another example is in relationship to citizenship. For example, Arabs occupy the Gaza Strip and either stay or leave while Jews want to return to their homeland. So, the differences between two cultures that occupy one land are several.

As well as differences in people are historical differences between Jews and Arabs. An example is that at one time, Jews dominated the Arabs and the Arabs were submissive to the Jews. Another example is that at one time creation of two separate cultures or nations was discussed between the two peoples. Another historical fact is that treaties have been created between the two cultures to state that the differences between the two cultures must be resolved peacefully. Finally, historically, many things have been tried in Israel with Jews and Arabs in history but nothing to date has really worked.

Thus, to recognize differences and study history is the beginning of taking any approach to understanding two or many cultures. You don't want to repeat the same mistake or not be aware of what mistakes have been made in resolving any cultural issue. If America cannot resolve her problems, perhaps she might examine the problems of other countries in ways that they solve or approach their racial issues. Thus, America should look outside her country to other countries and then take and apply the successes of other countries to herself.

Hi Larry, growing up in a home where my grandma was a slave my grandma grandma was a slave we were never taught to dislike anyone. I believe we separate ourselves as individuals we were all created equal.

Yes, racism still exists and probably always will. However, I don't think it is anywhere close to as bad as it was 20-30-40 years ago. The fact that a Black American was elected president (and I voted for him) is a huge statement. I believe that the people who voted for him looked past whether he was black or not and voted for his agenda. Some people in my mother's generation weighed the options, maybe didn't like the fact that Obama was black, but decided the risk was too great to let that stand in their way. THAT, looking past the race, is what, to me, marks our progress in overcoming racism in this country.

I also think it is time to get behind the president–regardless of race–and help him get done what we need to get done. He is spending a lot of energy having to sell his ideas and his always asking for better ideas. It is time for the Republicans as well as the public and the new commentators to work to draw ALL American interests together to GET IT DONE instead of fussing about polls and fussing about whether Obama's losing ground in the polls, etc.

Larry King, Greta Van Susteren, all of you could ask Republoicans on your shows and focus them on what the answers are instead of go on about what is wrong with Obama, what is wrong with the Democrats, what is wrong with the Republicans. John Kenneday said it best, "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country." Folks, it is time for all of us to stand up and come together FOR OUR COUNTRY. You may not like the fact that Obama or that a Democrat is president. But our president and our country need us. Everyone says Obama is moving too slow. Well, free him up to focus on what he needs to focus on.

It's time for Americans as a community to stand up and ask, "What can I do?" instead of whining about how not enough has been done. Our heritage and our strength has been to dig in TOGETHER, put differences aside, and GET IT DONE!!

Well, first off, I would like to say that I'm a 30 something white man living in rural south Georgia. I can tell you from experience that racism is alive and well here in the south. They don't march down the street in white sheets anymore but certain racist groups are very much a part of life around here. However, it's not just whites hating blacks. There is hate coming from every race and, as Mr. Heffner said, every religion.

I never thought I would see an African-American become president of the United States in my lifetime. I think it's about time. I do believe that it has caused more of a racial divide here in the south. Racism is just personified ignorance. People fear what they do not understand.

I would love to see a world where racism is a distant memory. We as humans are going to have to get past it eventually or else it will destroy us. Maybe we're still licking those wounds that came about from desegregation. It was a necessary step, but a painful one for both sides. My father was in school during desegregation. He told me some of the stories. I'm glad that I never had to undergo change of that magnitude being thrust upon me. I look to my children to close that rift. Perhaps when my children are old men, and those collective memories of past hurt have faded, then they can live in a world that is truly blind to the color of a man.

It's been proven again that the news media are the largest contributors to bias and racism in this country. CNN and their punk LKL moderator's are no different than Fox News when it comes to inciting division. I used to be humored by what I pictured to be a pimple faced post-tween barely able to read editing our contribution's on these blogs. Last night I understood very clearly that it is their network policy to delete content or rewrite individual blogs to suit their style. So adios CNN, my first amendment rights are far more important unused than exhibited within your biased playroom.

As a closet Girls Next Door viewer, I have been charmed by Hef for years. It is so lovely to see him speaking of things other than center folds and pictorials.
I wonder what Hef's biggest hope would be for the legacy of the Playboy brand.

America may look flashy in all the movies and and things we see on tv, but lets get back to reality and how the people live, to be honest its times like this that make me feel proud to be african and be living in africa, because no matter how much talk there is about africa the reality here is that people live peacefully and people get along well.. In america however i have so much doubt whether the black community can say the same thing especially at this time when even the people of america attack their own president of course not directly but i believe with hidden agenda, namely i think because he's black.. In the past months there has been so much talk about what he has and has not done, and how things in america are supposedly going wrong and it all goes back to him, i cant help but wonder if there were similar incidents during the bush administration, the bottom line and the reality is that racism in america is not just about who can go to which school or who can eat where i believe if the white people dont accept and believe that any man black or white can achieve something as long as he has good motives so why not give obama a chance, because racially attacking obama will bring back racism and spread it widely across america and it will be intensified and even worse than before, because the effect of striking the top of a mountain will be felt at the bottom of the mountain....

today's intervue
1- things beeing taken out of context:if you take the basic chimical element of watter H20, you will get Hydrogen and oxygen. Both are combustible, but put togetter, you have watter which EXTINGUISH combustion.

2-the 37% caucasian percentage supporting Obama is pointed as beeing a week support regarding USA president 'color. You have to think outside the box. why do we speak about color here ? the world is in one of it's biggest financial crisis ever. Caucasian on average aroud the world represent the wealth. So.. they are those which are hurt the most. When you are not rich, you can t loose so much.Looking at a black president ( which is half white and half black by the way) gives hope to the poorest. We never tried a non white president before.

I am caucasian, and I frankly admire President Obama because et can vulgarise clearly his action, so everybody can understand. He is gifted and so far, seems not to do worst then anybodyelse before him. We have to see that he did not get a very nice portfolio to administer when he took control.

Thank you

we are all one

@Yvonne Thomas, you said it all! Why people still talk about different races when it´s only one(HUMAN RACE)? Does it mean there are still uneducated people in America? this is sickening and appalling! Grow up People!

Hi Larry, I think Tom Vilsack should resign. And I think President Obama is tired and cannot concentrate. He used to be a cool guy and has a clear vision. But when many of his people prefer a Mr. T type of president's reactions to Oil spill, wall street, government deficit, is he struggling how to make himself understood and accepted? Does he or his team lose energy to be brave but submit to anger? Hope that he can be how he was again!

Oh brother, we're supposed to believe that Hugh Hefner cares about black people when he has spent the last half a century violating America's daughters and polluting the hearts and minds of people with his pornography. Larry King should be ashamed of himself for bringing a libertine like this into his show as some sort of voice on civil rights.

The Sherrod Awakening...has granted each of us a moment to reflect and take inventory of our motives, fears, ignorance and guilt so that we can allow ourselves to face the fact that Racism"INFECTS" each of us on various levels. It is courageous for anyone to look themselves in the eye and see beyond their self-righteousness and strive to rise above being a hostage to hatred. I have to do inventory on a variety of issues on a daily basis... knowing more will come but I welcome it. I am a better person today because I chose to be a better person and I chose to love and heal hate. As painful and disappointing Mrs. Sherrod may have been, her message remains the same, even moreso in this case. Forgive your enemies, pray for humanity and do your very best to be your brother's keeper. GOD BLESS!

Dear Larry,

If (ex-?)General McCrytal can be replaced, Tom Vilsack definitely should be punished for his mis-conduct. At least, he proved that he could not handle a little "normal American political" pressure but submit to it at the expense of justice and fairness. He is a disgrace. He either could not think twice and gathered fact (at least look at the whole video and interview people who were there) or he knew Shirley Sherrid is not a racist but just did it away? Either way is bad judgement for something that can be verified without 24 hours, a week?

Tom Vilsack should be punished (not necessarily fired, but may be replaced..)

It seems Hugh Hefner´s dart doesn´t hit the target anymore, so he needs another hobby.
Yes, it is just fine to care about our own nation and its great problems.
Since Pres. Reagan we are constantly told that we are in great danger and with that in mind we built under Bush the largest secret organisation the world has ever known. There are hundreds of thousands of individuals, belonging to hundreds of different organisations who listen to your calls, read your e-mails, check your bank accounts, etc. to insure our safety. The german nazi gestapo and the soviet KGB combined were just a little boy scout operations compaired to this huge waste of money!!!

Are we safer? Not really, because all those organisations do not talk to eachother, the half of them are private companies like General Dynamics doing work that should be done by a goverment organisation under the FBI. These private employees learn information about us that is not of their business.

So folks, as you worry about our little racial problems, there is a much bigger problem, we are losing our freedom by the minute!! This is what happens when a large nation like we are, acts like a scared rabbit. Check the New York Times on this and it will scare the pants off you, as nobody knows the number of people doing this dirty work, nobody knows who does what and what happens with the info they collect.

People of color!

I find this the most stupid name for our citizens who have african background.
Black and white are no colours, so we all, without exception, are people of colour. We have hundreds of different shades and forms, and all are a part of the human race.

So if you are blue, pink, green or lilac, you may call yourself people of colour, otherwise just stay with caucasian or negroid or chinese, or the many crossings of those lines of a single human race.

We all come from Lucy and we are all cousins, so let´s behave that way. We all bleed red, like it or not!

Hi Larry.
I don't think Hefner made an impact on the issue.People don't take him seriously.

@Ted.
Well said.We all bleed red don't we.
Or perhaps the likes of Tea Partiers,their backers, the far right Christian cartel & wing nuts think different. Perhaps they don't bleed when cut ?

More than 800,000 sniffers spying on American citizenry. All comparisons fail. Its mind boggling.
Well we were led to believe in fear & hate during the Bush-Cheney era of infamy. Unfortunately the web of lies, half truths,propaganda is still clinging to the collective minds of this nation.
The lobbies & special interest if anything,have tightened their noose around our necks. If anyone stands up to them then that person is labeled a :socialist.
Prejudices,hate,bigotry,racism raising their ugly heads again to devour sanity & goodwill towards each other.
Do we care any more???

As I watched this episode, and my husband passed thru the room, I mentioned to him that all of this "tea party" stuff sounded oddly familiar, oddly deja vu......the words that came to mind were "Helter Skelter". Think about it....Charlie Manson wanting to start a race war, wanting to scare people so that he could take over......isn't it oddly familiar? Even though Manson wasn't political per se, its the same sort of tactic....

I'm from South America, and still can't understand why americans define their president as african-american, when the man is bi-racial? Is it because when a white person procreates with a black person, the skin color of the later predominates or what? It's weird and funny to me since I'm a quarter white, a quarter black, a quarter chinese and a quarter native. Thank God I'm latina.

When Michael Moore asked you Larry, if your family had entered legally into this country, the manner in which you answered question sugested to me that you feel you are somehow better than those who did not. Well let me tell you, that those who came here before your family paved the way for you to be able to call yourselves "Legal Citizens" on the blood of the real Americans that you fail to mention and whom your White ancestors persecuted and terrorized the native Americans. So You see Mr. King, you are not superior to anyone! We are all just people sharing the same country and trying to live without being persecuted or terrorized. Agree?