Bad Rap Rep

Each year we send our state officials to Baton Rouge to solve the state's problems and each year at least one of them becomes part of the problem.

This year's lead candidate for worst state lawmaker in the history of the Universe is 3rd District Representative Barbara Norton of Shreveport.  She's the one who ushered rapper Hurricane Chris Dooley to the House floor to perform his big hit "Halle Berry (She's Fine)."

Oh my gosh, where to begin?  First, I'll give those in the House the benefit of the doubt and assume they didn't have a clue as to what Hurricane Chris was rapping about (I sure didn't), and so that's why they didn't cut him and his clueless sponsor off at the knees right then and there.

But it didn't take long for the rest of us and the rest of the civilized world to get hip to the words to this awful, degrading and despicable song which is now another dubious part of the Louisiana legislative record and Internet Hot List.

Click here for a video and link to the lyrics of this song.  Note: content warning.  They are not for the faint of heart or anyone with a shred of intelligence.  They feature the b word (two b words, actually), the a word, the t word, the p word, the s word of course the n word and lots more.

For Representative Norton, I bestow the i word.  Irresponsible.  She stood there like a proud mama while this young man embarrassed himself and his state.  Both owe Ms. Berry, all women, and the people of Louisiana a formal apology.

Now don't get me wrong.  I'm not a prude and I stand in defense of Mr. Dooley's First Amendment right to record and publish that song for consumption by mature audiences.  But to deliberately hijack our lawmakers' time to somehow honor this kid is an insult, especially to all the citizens of Louisiana, black, white and otherwise, who have legitimately done so many things really worthy of honor.

Representative Norton, we await your apology, and I offer you this platform of a Hot Button Rebuttal to deliver it or to defend yourself if you think I'm being a bit harsh.  In the absence of either, we can only conclude that you stand by your actions and these lyrics, and thus lack the basic good judgment to participate any further in the lawmaking process of our good and decent state.

Comments

[James S]

A case of plain stupidity but then her legislative introductions are the same...

[Luke]

As James said, when you look at the legislation she introduced, why are we even surprised at this little stunt?! Her actions do not speak well for her electorate if they put her back in office. Is it any wonder our governments(Federal, State and Local)come up with the nonsense they do when we have people like this as representatives of their constituencies?!

[Lonnie]

Ah, public education in Louisiana must be shining brightly today.

[Luke]

Lonnie,
Care to elaborate?

[Laurie]

Thank you for bringing attention to this atrocity.

Laurie

[Carolyn Rutherford]

Well, Louisana has again hit bottom. How can this be permitted in the Legislature or civilized society. This woman (surely not a lady) should be disbarred and go crawl in the deepest hole. Where is the outrage?

[JOY M.]

MY QUESTIONS IS THIS, WHY DID ALL THESE PEOPLE SIT THERE AND NOT SAY A WORD. I SAY IF THEY CAN ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN, THEY WILL ALLOW ANYTHING. GET RID OF THE WHOLE DANG BUNCH. WE GET ENOUGH BAD RAP AS BEING A BUNCH OF BACK WOOD HICKS. SO WHAT DOES THIS SAY ABOUT US AS A WHOLE. I'M STARTING TO WONDER IF THERE ARE ANY CHRISTIANS LEFT IN LOUISIANA AND IF THERE IS THERE MOUTHS MUST BE SOWED SHUT.
JOY M. ROANOKE, LA

[Brandon Pitre]

This is another example of white guilt and a total waste of taxpayers’ money. You want to know why we pay higher taxes, how many elected officials in that room make six figures or better a year.

[Monica]

I am appauled by this to be allowed to take place and use taxpayers moeny to do so. Here we are in this state and age trying to better our state and now it seems we stooped so low to degrade ourselves. We try to teach our children respect for one another and then we allow this to take place and disrespect women.

[Janis]

Not only is it hard to believe anyone would voluntary listen to lyrics such as these, it is inconceivable to me that someone would subject others to listen to it in the Louisiana legislature. (Our tax dollars at work?)
Would Ms. Norton hold this song in so much esteem if it were about her or her daughter? I am just flabbergasted that she did this. She has some nerve assuming that the people of Louisiana would condone these lyrics and behavior. Her behavior is a disgrace to the state. I doubt she would condone someone using this type of language about her in an editorial and I fail to see the difference.

[Outraged]

Is the state legislature now a musical venue? I follow the progress of each legislative session, and I must say this is the most ridiculous event I can ever remember taking place. The blame for this travesty rests with Rep. Norton and the Speaker for allowing it to occur. These individuals were elected to represent their constituents responsibly. I wonder what legislative work was ignored to allot time for this ridiculous spectacle.

[Erlilne Jenkins]

I cannot believe one of our state officials would pull a stunt like this. If she wants this person with his foul mouth to succeed in life why doesn't she help him get in a good school where he can accomplish something worth while, or is he so ignorant he can't. Maybe he wasn't encouraged to get in school, stay in school and make his race proud in the right way.

[B]

This angers me. This video is all over YouTube and user comments make fun of our state because of it! The true lyrics to this song are horrible. At least he did the "clean" version there. What a waste of 10 minutes of time.

[Lynn]

Somebody get her out of there. Thanks for making us look stupid once again. I'm so embarrassed.

[Ron T.]

I had the opportunity to read and watch your comments regarding the Rapper. While I think she owes the entire state an apology for irresponsible actions, we must not lose the fact that his performance cost the state valuable time and money. In addition to her actions, why did the SWLA Delegation just sit there and allow this to happen. In 4 minutes, someone could have stopped this circus. It is time that our state and local officials are held accountable for their actions and in this case non-actions. If they do not have the guts to stand and do the right thing, they need to get out.

[Roy]

I don't always agree with you, but you do a good job. You really rapped it out of the ballpark with this "rap reply."
I can't wait to read the lyrics.

[Josh]

Mrs. Norton wants school administrators to stop whipping the kids in school so they will all grow up to be like her "God Son".

[Marc]

Just when I think the bottom of ignorance, shame, and embarrassment has been hit at the center of Louisiana state politics, I am reminded that there is "no bottom". My worst nightmare is that the likes of Representative Barbara Norton might subtly become the accepted norm one day across the legislative floors and that obscenity and distaste will become acceptable practice with lawmakers we ask to stand in our places to make mature and moral decisions on Louisiana's behalf. We now know who Barbara Norton is and she should be immediately sent back home along with her rapper. Neither of them represents MY state of Louisiana.

[GL]

Thank You for your comments. It is time for our responsible legislators to act, Well, Responsible!
I am not a prude ether, and enjoy some of every type of music, but in its time and place.
Please keep your sensible view going, and out the ridicules.
Although, I would really love to hear her response.

[Caroline C.]

Thank God you can't understand what this sick fool is saying. He is a legend in his own mind. Thank you for speaking out!

[Rhonda]

Someone needs to wash his mouth out with soap. Represenative Norton should have to repay the state for the wasted money and time it spent on her and her friend.

[Jessie C]

After merely reading those lyrics, for I don't think I could begin to understand what the young man was saying, I have but one question: What was Rep. Norton thinking?! It will never cease to amaze me and I cannot begin to understand how a government official could be so foolish. The lack of consideration astounds me! As a firm believer in the first ammendment, I agree with this young man's right to publish and release this song as he sees fit. However, there is, indeed, a time, a place, and an audience when this song is applicable and acceptable. The House Floor is not the place, during a session is not the time, and our representatives are certainly not the audience for which this rapper's message, which had absolutely nothing to do with this state or its issues, was needed. As someone who has pride in her state, I believe it is up to Rep. Norton's constituants to make sure this never happens again. Think long and hard, ladies and gentlemen, is this how you want your state to be viewed? If so, you only leave yourself and your neighbors, friends, and family open to condemnation by intelligent society.

[Michelle]

Hello! Bad idea. Why in the world would you bring a rapper to sing a song with more cuss words then a salior can say in one day? Really, that makes no sense. I feel bad for all the poor people who had to hear that. I say they should have to give a formal apology to the people of Louisiana.

[Mary]

Looks like we need to set some strict rules for our legislative branch. Seems they don't think this is a job like any other. Offices, factories, etc. have rules that DO NOT allow for unauthorized "fun" at the expense of productivity! Nor would any RESPECTIFUL business allow something so outlandish, disrespectful and fowl as that little brat put on. Brat is the kindest word I can use or would use here. I sure hope the ones who voted her in vote her right back out. Better yet take her out of office right now. No telling how much more of OUR money she's wasted up to now! (Time is money!) Let's not forget how much respect she's lost for our state with this stupid stunt. Norton, you need to have a NATION wide, televised (on EVERY station) apology to the entire state of Louisiana and announce your resignation as well. No, I didn't use Rep. in front of your name, you don't deserve that title.

[Spencer Hall]

I can't believe that a person of her alleged intelligence would even come up with such a repulsive display. I was offended and shocked and she needs to make a formal apology. As far as I'm concerned her politcal career should be over. Stick a fork in her... she's done!!