Michigan Supreme Court Justice Bob Young Jr. has been dodging plenty of bullets lately from state Democrats in his re-election bid. But he can’t blame the most recent dustup on Dems.
He can blame former Republican colleague, former Justice Elizabeth Weaver -- and perhaps his own mouth.
This week, Weaver said Young, who is black, had used the N-word when referring to a judicial candidate while in private conference with justices. Weaver, who is white, said she was outraged by the use of the word and told a group in Traverse City this week it showed why Young should not be re-elected.
On Friday, Young admitted to a reporter that he used the word, but said he had used it when he was “hot” about something. He said he couldn’t remember the details.
All of this begs the question: When exactly is it OK for a black person to use the N-word? All the time? Never? It’s been a subject of debate in the black community for many years -- with no clear resolution.
Now, it’s a debate that voters may weigh in on when they enter the voting booths Nov. 2.
