Posted on 03/29/2005 9:55:41 PM PST by RWR8189
Editor's note: "The Political Skinny" is an inside look at Alabama politics prepared by the staff of the Mobile Register. The column is compiled by Political Editor Jim Van Anglen, who can be reached at :jvananglen@mobileregister.com or 251-219-5608.
During "town hall" meetings in Baldwin County last week, U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner, R-Mobile, most likely expected tough questions about President Bush's Social Security proposal.
But the congressman probably did not anticipate that several constituents at his stop in Gulf Shores would spend much of the hour-long meeting criticizing his support of the Iraq war.
To make his case, Bonner recounted his experience traveling to Iraq and hearing horror stories about Saddam Hussein. The congressman also visited the dictator's torture chambers. He said that although some of the reasons for invading Iraq may have turned out to be off-base, the end result -- Iraq's first free elections -- made the endeavor worthwhile.
None of this satisfied the critics, who said the war was a waste of lives and money. Bonner then said: "The great thing about this country is if you don't like it, you can leave."
That comment drew gasps from the audience, some from those who had told the congressman they agreed with his position on Iraq.
One woman asked, "Excuse me?"
Bonner quickly redacted his remark, saying that he meant no offense, nor that his anti-war constituents in south Baldwin County should pack their bags. It was intended to mean that citizens in a democracy have options not open to those under totalitarian rule, Bonner said.
"My point was not to offend anybody," he said. "My point was that if we don't like something, we can change it peacefully."
(Excerpt) Read more at al.com ...
I wouldn't be surprised if this story had legs. Dumb mistake for a politician to make. I'm not a fan of political correctness, but that guy seems to be looking for freak-outs from the liberal blogs and MSM.
There are times when politicians, just like real people, impulsively say the right thing. No one has their foot nailed to the ground. If they are that unhappy with the state of affairs in this country, they are at perfect liberty to find one that suites them better.
As a resident of Bonner's district (1st) and a man who voted for Bonner last year, I've never been happier to be a Mobilian than right now.
Bonner may not be Sonny Callahan, but he's a no-BS patriot and conservative, and that's all right with me.
You tell 'em, Joe!
It may not be pc,but it's true.What happened to all those dems that threatened to move to Canada?
Agreed! Let a politician stand for something, rather than anything..I think, uh..then vote for it before they vote against it.....uh, right....
Is there ANYTHING inaccurate about what Bonner said? No. That is why the leftwingnuts were offended: he spoke the truth.
"The great thing about this country is if you don't like it, you can leave."
George Soros comes to mind....Madonna, Rich (pardongate), and then those who promised to leave....
What did he say that was incorrect?
This is only a gaffe if it is read out of context, which I believe was the intention of the writer. Unfortunately, the author of the thread didn't detect that.
I don't believe that Bonner was saying "Love It or Leave It," I think he was trying to illustrate the importance of overthrowing the Hussein regime and allowing free and fair elections, since the Iraqis didn't live in a country where they could change their circumstances, or, if worst came to worst, pick up and leave.
IMHO, it reads like Bonner had one of those "I'm not a doctor, but I play one on TV" moments, when it dawns on someone that what he should have said instead is, "I play a doctor on TV, but I'm not a doctor."
They were denied residency for not looking sufficiently third-world.
Many are still here. They lie.
So are they going to leave? Oh pretty please say its true!
I don't take his comments that way at all. I think that it is just a comparison to how people could not escape Saddam's regime.
Foley is in Bonner's district, yes.
Libs will never leave,they have it good here and they know it.We've got a powerful and influencial 5th column in the US,and i'm afraid they're always going to with us.Can u imagine for a minute how much better this country would function if they in fact did leave the US?
Thank you!!!!!!!!
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