Posted on 09/06/2020 6:52:07 AM PDT by real saxophonist
U.S. Rep Ken Buck draws criticism for T-shirt worn at campaign event
By JADYN WATSON-FISHER
September 3, 2020
One Colorado congressman has received criticism for wearing a T-shirt at a political event with the slogan, “Kill ‘em all, let God sort ‘em out.” Some local leaders say the phrase, no matter the intent, is inappropriate considering the turbulent political climate.
Ken Buck, U.S. Representative from Windsor and Colorado GOP chairman, was photographed wearing the T-shirt at a “BBQ and Guns” rally over the weekend in Grand Junction with Sen. Cory Gardner and congressional candidate Lauren Boebert.
Most of the criticism on social media has come from those outside of his district, but Executive Director of Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra Nick Kenny was among local figures to make public comments about the situation.
Kenny, a registered Independent, said he tries to be understanding of others’ beliefs and opinions but did a double take upon seeing Buck’s photo.
“That shirt incites division, and a good leader should not incite division. A good leader should be bringing people together,” Kenny told the Greeley Tribune Thursday. “That shirt, especially during a time like this, divides us even further or adds fuel to a fire that’s just raging out of control. I don’t think we have anyone who is racing to put that fire out.”
Buck wore the shirt to an event held a few days after 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse, who is white, killed two people in Kenosha, Wisconsin, at a protest supporting Jacob Blake, a Black man who was shot in the back by police seven times.
This was another reason Kenny was prompted to express his disapproval of the slogan. Kenny called himself a relationship builder and wants to see both Democrats and Republicans work to build unity. Seeing a representative from his county do the opposite, even if Buck did not intend to offend or incite violence, was upsetting.
“I just saw that as adding to the division and unease in what we are seeing in our communities and our culture,” Kenny said.
While Buck did not serve in the military, his son, Cody, who graduated from West Point and served in the U.S. Army, gave him the T-shirt. The slogan is well-known and used by Marines and Green Berets.
“Democrats should be spending their energy condemning the violence and unrest in our streets, not wasting their time up in arms about a Marine Corps T-shirt, given to the chairman by his veteran son,” Colorado GOP Communications Director Joe Jackson said in a statement. “I look forward to November.”
Because this event happened at a campaign event, Buck’s office did not release a separate statement.
Kenny said he understands the phrase is used in the military but noted other branches use slogans “that are not as crass.”
Downtown Development Authority Director of Experience Alison Hamling said in a comment on Kenny’s post that her husband and other loved ones would not wear the slogan when they served, calling it “vulgar and very un-Christian.” She said she cannot “imagine any scenario” where the slogan would be acceptable.
“We all make mistakes and do dumb things without really thinking sometimes (personal experience). I will await Ken’s apology,” said Hamling, referencing an apology she made recently after making a negative statement about Trump rally attendees.
The saying “Kill them all, let God sort them out” is loosely translated from the Latin phrase, Caedite eos. Novit enim Dominus qui sunt eius. It was used by a military commander during the Albigensian Crusade in 1209 to eliminate Catharism, which the Catholic church deemed heretical.
Due to the inability to distinguish between the Cathars and Catholics who mostly lived peacefully, the crusaders did not spare anyone in Béziers, a city in southern France. The crusaders reportedly killed more than 20,000 people under the premise that God would properly judge every person killed and sort them into those going to Heaven or Hell.
Kenny said the history behind the phrase is not OK, because 20,000 people died because some of them had different views and beliefs. He does not want that mindset to take hold on either side of the political spectrum.
“We can all learn some lessons from this. I think that’s what I hope might come across Ken Buck’s mind is that a lesson can be learned from that,” Kenny said. “I won’t demand that he apologizes; I’ve said my piece. I’m disappointed in it. I think he could’ve made better choices, and I hope he does again. A leader doesn’t divide us; it brings us together.”
“...but some people criticized him for wearing the slogan that can be viewed as divisive and has violent historical origins.”
Some people criticized some thing.
“...but some people criticized him for wearing the slogan that can be viewed as divisive and has violent historical origins.”
Also...
Like thousands of Antifa/BLM in the streets burning, looting, killing isn’t divisive.
When “some people” criticize the Antifa/BLM crowd...I’ll criticize Ken Buck.
I think Ken’s safe.
Served in USMC (1/6/1959-12/31/1962) when this was popular. Not sure if it’s still used. Have said it several times; always getting a reaction.
Semper fi
Do or die
When is Biden going to condemn beating and killing Trump supporters?
How is that statement NOT inclusive?
It says kill them ALL.
C’mon, man.
OK, what bout using the original Latin? The phrase has been around a long time folks.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caedite_eos._Novit_enim_Dominus_qui_sunt_eius.
This Wikipedia entry doesn’t seem to have been made completely politically correct yet, by the way.
I had a buddy years ago who wore a cap 24/7 that had that slogan on it.He was in his mid 20s and was totally bald on top.That hat provoked a lot of responses!
No matter, they will complain.
A couple of favorites:
Remember Hiroshima, when it was 10,000 degrees in the shade.
Or perhaps the ever-popular ‘Nuke them ‘till they glow... Shoot them in the dark’ tee shirts.
Oh my goodness yes — we don’t dare do, say, think, or feel anything, nor wear a T-shirt with a catchy slogan on it, lest someone (gasp!) CRITICIZE it!
If Americans are so damn weak that they collapse into a quivering blob of Jello at the mere thought of (gasp!) criticism, does the nation even deserve to survive?
The guy needs to wear what he wants, and to say “Screw you” to the damn snowflakes. Oh, and be armed just in case the aforesaid snowflak(s) start something.
When these whiney-assed liberals start objecting to the BLM/Antifa violence and their anti-American rhetoric, I might consider listening .
His next shiet should read “Too effin Bad!”
SHIRT...jeez
That is despicable. Where can we buy one?
https://wycovintage.com/product/1986-kill-em-all-let-god-sort-em-out-shirt-2/
[Note...I saw a link to eBay on my duck-duck-go search. It had a picture of the t-shirt but when I followed the link...it had been pulled at eBay!]
I have that exact same shirt. Used to wear it to work until they told me to stop.
I used to have that same shirt. Not sure where it went, LOL.
Works for me.
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