racism is alive and well

I must say that I do not understand why a public official would send a racist cartoon, picture, joke, whatever to fellow racists in an email. I am not amazed that there are people who hate Obama because he is Black, but I am totally shocked that these 19th Century idiots would send this material out on the"internets". Then, to make matters worse they aways put forth a lame explanation hoping to exonerate themselves...REALLY!!?? I guess that's what happens when you live in an echo chamber. You come to believe everyone thinks like you.