Posted on 04/13/2007 1:45:27 PM PDT by Cagey
TALLAHASSEE -- State Rep. Don Brown thought he was being "cute." His fellow Republicans in the Florida House had another word for it: racist.
Brown, a DeFuniak Springs Republican, apologized Thursday for sending an e-mail to his colleagues that noted the April 17 federal income tax deadline.
"Don't forget to pay your taxes -- 12-million illegal aliens are depending on you!" Brown wrote in a message to his colleagues on a state-issued email account.
What Brown meant as a joke wasn't interpreted that way. The strongest criticism came from his fellow Republicans -- Hispanics with large immigrant constituencies in South Florida.
The Florida Hispanic Legislative Caucus issued a statement saying it "took serious offense."
"It was wrong. It was offensive," said House Speaker Marco Rubio, R-Miami, the son of Cuban immigrants.
Rep. Rene Garcia, R-Hialeah, said the Brown e-mail showed "an ignorance as to the founding of both this state and our country. It deeply saddens me that this mentality still exists in what we consider to be a forward-looking government."
Rep. Juan-Carlos Planas, R-Miami, said Brown's remark was "not just racist on its face, but it's not true."
"It's that type of mentality that is prohibiting passage of a reasonable compromise immigration bill in Washington," Planas said. "As long as that festers, we're losing what the American spirit was all about."
A contrite Brown expressed regret. In a follow-up email, he wrote: "Please accept my sincerest apology."
"I wish I had not sent it out," Brown said in an interview. "I have apologized, and I will apologize again. In fact, I had not given it a whole lot of thought, which was my fault."
Brown added: "I did not think it through. It looked cute to me."
It's the second time in recent months that Brown has found himself at the center of controversy in the House.
In January, Brown, an insurance agent known for his outspoken style, was stripped of his chairmanship of the House Jobs & Entrepreneurship Council after he was one of only two lawmakers who opposed a major piece of insurance legislation.
Isaiah 29
18 ¶ And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness.
19 The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
20 For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off:
21 That make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought.
(Emphasis added)
Both statements above are lies.
It is not racist since "Illegal Immigrant" is not a race. Rep. Planas is the racist in this instance.
And 12 million Illegal immigrants DO depend on the legal taxpayers of this country for a great many things....not the least of which is free health care.
>I got a great business idea, Lets develop a “Sorry Card”.....Our company would put a value on the various words. Lets see....Frog $5; Hymietown $1000;.......the company would get a 20% cut...<
ROTFLOL!! I think you are one heck of an enterprizing guy!
(Dear Heaven, what would we do without our senses of humor?)
Now Rep. Juan-Carlos Planas, R-Miami just wants a piece of the action.
Capitalism works, this is not a shinning moment, but the opportunities are there.
Don't need a card - as long as you have a "D" behind your name...
Yup. This is how I see it anymore:
Republicans: Stupid, weak, keep bringing a knife to a gun fight with the Dems. (There are exceptions. I think — or maybe just hope — that Fred Thompson is one of them.)
Democrats: Arrogant, traitorous, anti-American, but have the Republicans outmatched in politics. They bring the gun (although they want to ban us from having them).
What a choice.
Wish I could vote for him
Why?
"Never apologise - it's a sign of weakness" John Wayne as Capt. Nathan Brittles
He has my vote!
This country is losing it’s sense of humor. And people can’t seem to be able to tell the difference between legal..and illegal. Or maybe they do, and a nerve was struck. We’re doomed, i tell ya, doomed. ;)
“The Post-Imus days are upon us.”
LOL. A nice play on words...Post_Imus, Posthumous...
Absolutely right ! When the facts are in your favor, you should never retreat.
Imus’ treatment was somewhat understandable, as his comment was rude and inaccurate.
This FL. Rep’s statement is easily defended. He should have dared them to prove him wrong and open a debate on the subject.
Allowing a group to stifle debate on any subject is the same as forfeiting the 1st Amendment.
This Rep should be voted out and replaced by someone that can make the SAME statement but defend it rather than trying to weasel away by calling it a joke.
How about “12 million illegal aliens and countless other nappy headed folks are depending on you?” That’s more inclusive, isn’t it?
I think the new minority is the thin-skinned.
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