Critics Tee Off on Mecham’s Japanese Quip

PHOENIX — A day after admitting his style has gotten him into trouble, Gov. Evan Mecham is in hot water again--this time for saying a group of Japanese “got round eyes” while talking about their favorite sport.

The remark sparked immediate criticism of the Republican governor, who in the past has angered blacks, Jews, homosexuals and women.

“You’d almost think a person would have to work awfully hard to offend that many people with this regularity,” said House Minority Leader Art Hamilton, a Democrat. “I find no humor in it.”

Mecham, who faces a recall campaign and an indictment, told the Phoenix Kiwanis Club on Tuesday that during a trip to the Far East last fall, he gave a golf club to the head of a major Japanese bank.

“And Japanese like to play golf,” Mecham said. “And their eyes really light up when you say we’ve got over 200 golf courses in Arizona. My goodness, golf courses. Suddenly they got round eyes.” As some in the crowd began to titter, the governor added, “I hope that wasn’t anything out of line.”

In the past, the governor has said working women cause divorce and defended use of the word “pickaninny” in textbooks. He also canceled a holiday for state workers honoring the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.