How dumb is Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite (R-Florida)?Very.
Last week she issued a press release in which she referred to Puerto Ricans as "foreign citizens".
Calling her comments “infuriating and contradictory,” members of the U.S. Congress and the full Puerto Rican House of Representatives demanded “a public apology” from Brown-Waite for referring to Puerto Ricans as “foreign citizens.”
Puerto Ricans were made American citizens in 1917.
Ms Ginny has thus far refused to correct her mistake and apologize.
Ginny represents an area in Florida's Central Region, which is home to some 600,000 Floridians of Puerto Rican heritage. However, the 5th District that she represents is comprised largely of nonLatino retirees. Perhaps picking a fight with Puerto Ricans is smart politics there--but it can only be a short-term play.
Why?
The district's demographics are changing allowing Democrats to compete in the formerly solid Republican district. But even if Ms Ginny manages to hang on in 2008, 2010 will be more difficult--and we can expect that the post-2010 redistricting will surely rid Central Florida of this embarrassment. But it won't happen so enough.
But let's be clear. Ginny's assault on Puerto Ricans is simply another manifestion of the rightwing's anti-Latino nativism. As I've said before, it's not about the "immigration status" of some Latinos--it's simple bigotry against Latinos.
Related:
Political leaders criticize Brown-Waite's 'foreign' remark
Puerto Ricans to Brown-Waite: You're an insensitive ignoramus
I am a lifetime Republican, a resident of the 5th Congressional District, and a US Citizen who was born in Puerto Rico. I am outraged by the statements made by our representative, Congresswoman Ginny Brown Waite, regarding the people of Puerto Rico and the Economic Stimulus Package recently approved by the House of Representatives.
ReplyDeleteFor the record, I am a social and fiscal conservative, and I completely disagree with the idea of the Federal Government handing out checks to stimulate the economy, especially when that money will most likely be used to purchase goods manufactured in China and not here in the US.
I agree with Congresswoman Brown-Waite that we should not be sending taxpayer funds to those who do not pay income taxes.
That is not at issue here.
The issue is her statement referring to us who were born in Puerto Rico as “foreign citizens”.
Congresswoman Brown-Waite apparently needs a refresher history course, so she can understand that the people of Puerto Rico ARE United States citizens and have been so since 1917 when the Jones Act granted them citizenship. Puerto Ricans have proudly and bravely defended this Nation in every conflict since World War I, and have had the second-highest number of war casualties per capita among jurisdictions of the United States. Over 8,000 Puerto Rican men and women have made the ultimate sacrifice defending this Nation, including 68 (so far) in the Iraq/Afghanistan conflicts. I don’t think their citizenship came into question when they gave their lives so she could have the freedom to say such idiotic things.
I am afraid her comments are not just a product of ignorance but rather some sort of underlying prejudice against those whom she does not consider to be “American” enough. As a Republican I am ashamed at her attitude. There should be no place in the GOP for such prejudice. Be advised, Congresswoman Brown-Waite, that Puerto Ricans are the fastest growing segment of population in Central Florida….and if you wish to continue representing the 5th District you might want to consider apologizing for your ignorant and insensitive comments.
If not, I know of at least one Puerto Rican Republican who would love a shot at your seat to fairly represent them.
This is the old school of thinking that is comon here in Florida. We are working to change this. I am sick of having racism associated with our leaders. Check out Tom Doolan, he is running against Jinny Brown Waite. www.doolanforcongress.com
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