A Glaring Contradiction

Assemblyman Mervyn Dymally is embroiled in a ridiculous controversy over the issuing of “badges” to some of his friends and evidently campaign contributors (see previous post). In reading the stories surrounding this incident and comparing them to another incident from 2004, I couldn’t help but notice a real contradiction between Mr. Dymally’s words, his actions and well… his words. You be the judge.

Mr. Dymally’s response to law enforcement’s objection to the use of a “badge” by Mr. Dymally’s friend in an attempt to get out of a DUI arrest:

"The possession of these badges is not an illegal act," he said. "If it is, then arrest everybody. Arrest some white people too."

Mr. Dymally’s reaction to the call by Speaker Nuñez to investigate the use of "badges":

SACRAMENTO — The assemblyman at the center of a controversy over the issuance of official-looking badges to campaign supporters on Thursday called the fellow lawmaker asked to investigate the practice "the most racist legislator I have encountered in over 40 years."

Assemblyman Mervyn Dymally (D-Compton) made the comment about Assemblyman Hector De La Torre (D-South Gate) in response to a question from a television reporter.

Mr. Dymally’s comment after he cancelled a press conference to call for the resignation of Education Secretary Richard Riordan for bizarre comments Mr. Riordan made about a little girl (the press conference was cancelled after Mr. Dymally learned the little girl was white and not black).

Dymally now says he didn't approve the press conference: "I'm one of those black politicians who doesn't think about race."

So, in your opinion: a glaring contradiction or not?