Seabrook city councilman takes heat for words

October 5, 2005

John Buhman of the Seabrook, Texas City council is accused of racism by counselwoman Dee Wright. She says his use of the word "tarbaby" is derogatory and is calling for his resignation.

Buhman states that the word is used to refer to a business deal that is a sticky situation, and invited others to check a dictionary. The council will vote on the need to involve an ethics review board.

Merriam-Webster Online lists the sole definition of "tarbaby" as "something from which it is nearly impossible to extricate oneself".