White people, specifically old white people in positions of power, seem to believe passion and hate can only be inspired by envy. This has been a problem for years. Ask most Republicans why terrorists attack us, and they’ll claim it’s because they hate our freedom.
The 9/11 attacks? They hate us ’cause they ain’t us. That’s the official statement from most politicians. Even though we know the horrific attacks were acts of revenge for U.S. policy in the Muslim world. The CIA admitted this, and the terrorists themselves admitted it.
But the Republicans have trouble accepting the truth. It’s happening again with the recent string of protests. We all know why people are protesting in Charlotte. It’s because police shot and killed another black man. It’s because people of color no longer feel safe in their own neighborhood.
Congressman Robert Pittenger doesn’t get it. The North Carolina Republican appeared in an interview with BBC Newsnight on Thursday, and during the interview he made what some people are calling “the most ignorant statement” ever.
“They hate white people because white people are successful and they’re not. I mean, yes, it is, it is a welfare state. We have spent trillions of dollars on welfare, and we’ve put people in bondage so they can’t be all that they are capable of being.”
After his comments were shared on social media, several people on Twitter called him out for being so ignorant:
Congressman Robert Pittenger is so ignorant.
— ➖MIA THE BOSS➖ (@MiaTheBoss) September 23, 2016
One of the most ignorant statements I have ever heard. Ashamed to have served with this fool in the #ncga. #ncpol https://t.co/nZJe6t4b69
— Rep. Grier Martin (@GrierMartin) September 22, 2016
The people of NC and CLT deserve better than devastatingly ignorant and divisive comments, @reppittenger. We must move forward together.
— G. K. Butterfield (@GKButterfield) September 22, 2016
The intense reaction forced Pittenger to release an apology just hours after he made the comments.
You can read the full apology below:
“What is taking place in my hometown right now breaks my heart. My anguish led me to respond to a reporter’s question in a way that I regret. The answer doesn’t reflect who I am. I was quoting statements made by angry protesters last night on national TV. My intent was to discuss the lack of economic mobility for African Americans because of failed policies. I apologize to those I offended and hope that we can bring peace and calm to Charlotte.”
You keep on digging, Mr. Pittenger. Don’t stop now. You can go deeper…we believe in you!
Featured Image Via YouTube video.
