Just when you think North Carolina Republicans can’t sink any lower, along comes U.S. Congressman Robert Pittenger to offer his opinions on the violence and unrest in Charlotte, North Carolina. In his opinion, the protesters are just angry because white people are so successful:
Pittenger appeared on a BBC TV news program Thursday and made the statement when asked to describe the “grievance” of the people protesting.
“The grievance in their minds – the animus, the anger – they hate white people because white people are successful and they’re not,” said Pittenger, who then went on to criticize people who receive welfare.
“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 they’re capable of being.”
Holy racist. Yes, he really said that. All of that. And never mind that most welfare recipients are white. How can North Carolina (or any state for that matter) begin to heal and truly address the grievances of communities that suffer from longstanding, systemic poverty and racial bias as long as these good ol’ boys are in charge? Listen to Rep. Pittenger in his own words:
Rep. Pittenger is already signing a different tune this morning, sending out a series of tweets apologizing “if he offended anyone.” In other words, no apology at all.
Sorry, congressman. None of that qualifies as an actual apology.
46 days remain until the election. Click here to make sure you're registered to vote. And while you're at it, make sure your family and friends are registered too.