Posted on 07/04/2012 10:59:57 AM PDT by mandaladon
Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus says he’s not the “police officer” of the GOP and he refused to condemn Rep. Allen West’s controversial “slave” remarks.
Speaking at a campaign event in Port Saint Lucie, Fla., West had said over the weekend of President Barack Obama: “He does not want you to have the self-esteem of getting up and earning and having the title of American. He’d rather you be his slave and be economically dependent upon him.”
Asked by CNN’s Wolf Blitzer Tuesday whether he would justify the Florida congressman’s remarks, Priebus answered, “I’m not the police officer of the Republican Party.”
He later added, “Allen West is an important member of Congress from South Florida. I’m not going to throw Allen West in a ditch.”
“Allen can say what Allen wants to say, but I think what he’s really trying to say is that if we become a dependent society, if everyone is reliant on the government — I mean, listen,” Priebus told Blitzer. “Barack Obama’s the one that put out this ‘Life of Julia’ website. I think we all know what that is. It’s a life of a girl from preschool to, I think, death or near death showing how every step of her life — “
“Is she a slave?” Blitzer interrupted.
Priebus shot back, “You know what? Listen, it’s semantics.”
But before he could finish, Blitzer once again cut in, saying, “I deplore that kind of language when a Democrat says it or a Republican. We shouldn’t be talking like this. It’s bad enough, the lack of civility in our politics.”
(Excerpt) Read more at politico.com ...
If a democrat had said it Blitzer would be asking him to elaborate on the substance of his criticism.
Priebus did good, but woulda done better to laugh in his face. That said, I think the GOP is finally catching on to this particular trick of the media.
“Is the word “slave” now a racist word?!!”
“Slave” is etymologically related to the word “Slav”. West must be showing his anti-Russian bias. /s
Allen West is one of the ONLY Pubs that has any B@LLS!! He is a TRUE LEADER and he takes no guff! ONWARD ALLEN WEST!! And good for Reince!
BTTT.
Somebody explain the difference for me,
A bunch of black people held in absolute slavery and totally dependent on big massa to come down from the house on the hill and decide what will happen next in their lives.
Versus
A bunch of black people held in virtual slavery and totally dependent on big massa to come down from Washington and decide what will happen next in their lives.
Oh I see the difference now. In one case the slaves pick cotton, in the other they cast votes.
Some difference.
Actually the Mahdi would prefer serfs. Serfdom is a much more advantageous arrangement for the proprietors than slavery. The serfs have to work to create goods that can be sold to pay the proprietor (Income Tax ?) or be required to perform ‘services’ which mean that the serf’s labor is confiscated. Unlike slaves the proprietor has only limited responsibilities to the serfs who have to mostly shift for themselves to find food, raiment and shelter. So the Mahdi and his ilk in DC really desire a new birth of feudalism which is pretty much what socialism turns out to be.
throw them a screw ball... “yes, she is a slave Wolf, as you’re a slave to the Democrat party and Obama. You slavishly defend Obama and the Democrats and have been for years, and its only slaves that view your propagandistic program, you’re all a bunch of brain washed monkeys...” what I wouldn’t give to start hearing our side draw lines in the sand and start kicking sand in their eyes...
Col. West understands the idea of "slavery" in a context which includes the very real human consquences of a government-over-people concept which is that of the so-called "progressives"--a concept which enslaves entire populations to the whims of petty tyrants and rulers.
Perhaps Romney, Priebus, and others connected with the Fall election campaign might use opportunities such as this one with Blitzer as a "teaching moment," instead of halfheartedly defending the Colonel who, by the way, needs no defending.
Examples:
"The liberties of our Country, the freedom of our civil constitution are worth defending at all hazards: And it is our duty to defend them against all attacks. We have receiv'd them as a fair Inheritance from our worthy Ancestors: They purchas'd them for us with toil and danger and expence of treasure and blood; and transmitted them to us with care and diligence. It will bring an everlasting mark of infamy on the present generation, enlightened as it is, if we should suffer them to be wrested from us by violence without a struggle; or be cheated out of them by the artifices of false and designing men. Of the latter we are in most danger at present: Let us therefore be aware of it. Let us contemplate our forefathers and posterity; and resolve to maintain the rights bequeath'd to us from the former, for the sake of the latter. - Instead of sitting down satisfied with the efforts we have already made, which is the wish of our enemies, the necessity of the times, more than ever, calls for our utmost circumspection, deliberation, fortitude, and perseverance. Let us remember that "if we suffer tamely a lawless attack upon our liberty, we encourage it, and involve others in our doom." It is a very serious consideration, which should deeply impress our minds, that millions yet unborn may be the miserable sharers of the event." Samuel Adams - Essay in the Boston Gazette, October 14, 1771
"When designs are form'd to raze the very foundation of a free government, whose few who are to erect their grandeur and fortunes upon the general ruin, will employ every art to sooth the devoted people into a state of indolence, inattention and security, which is forever the fore-runner of slavery." - Article signed "Candidus," in Boston Gazette, December 9, 1771
"If the public are bound to yield obedience to laws to which they cannot give their approbation, they are slaves to those who make such laws and enforce them." Samuel Adams- As Candidus in the Boston Gazette, January 20, 1772
"The right to freedom being the gift of God Almighty, it is not in the power of man to alienate this gift and voluntarily become a slave... These may be best understood by reading and carefully studying the institutes of the great Law Giver and Head of the Christian Church, which are to be found clearly written and promulgated in the New Testament." Samuel Adams - Rights of the Colonists, November 20, 1772
"It is the greatest absurdity to suppose it in the power of one, or any number of men, at the entering into society, to renounce their essential natural rights, or the means of preserving those rights; when the grand end of civil government, from the very nature of its institution, is for the support, protection, and defence of those very rights; the principal of which, as is before observed, are Life, Liberty, and Property. If men, through fear, fraud, or mistake, should in terms renounce or give up any essential natural right, the eternal law of reason and the grand end of society would absolutely vacate such renunciation. The right to freedom being the gift of God Almighty, it is not in the power of man to alienate this gift and voluntarily become a slave." - The Rights of the Colonists, November 20, 1772
Why should freedom-loving Americans be cowered into refraining from using the word "slavery" to describe the condition which results as a consequence of coercive government power over the lives, rights, liberties, and pursuit of happiness of individual citizens in the society?
Explain it and move on, Priebus!
“-$4600.00”
...now THAT’S funny and a half!
Love it.
“Democrat” tenet: A Dependent voter is a Dependable voter.
Our situation regarding “freedom” from an oppressive govt is so upside down today. Consider this: supervisor level employees in local offices where food stamp eligibility is authorized receive annual bonuses on top of their generous taxpayer-funded salary - for INCREASES in the number of new recipients!!!!!
Yes why even give them the chance. Romney better not agree to debate with Obama if there is a liberal moderator. He should refuse and say I will only debate with a impartial or even panel. We have been suckered for to many years at these media run debates. Romney needs to say no!
We should pray for more outspoken leaders like West who have studied the history of civilization, the fountain of ideas out of which America's Declaration of Independence arose, and the ideas of tyranny which today's "progressives" embrace.
One set of ideas leads to individual liberty, and the "progressives'" ideas produce slavery and oppression.
West needs an entire chorus of strong, knowledgeable, men and women who will speak out against the tyranny which is upon us, all in the guise of "we've got your back," about as trite and meaningless a phrase as was ever uttered in America.
Of course, to this Administration, "Forward" means "Backward" to the ideas of the Old World, and "progressive" means "regressive" in terms of the advancement and enlightenment.
FU Wolfie
Preibus is a Romneybot GOPe guy all the way, but I give him credit here for sticking by West.
West can be an intemperate hothead, but I don’t disagree with his comments here at all.
Sure you do, Wolf, sure you do.
That is right!
re: ““Is she a slave?” Blitzer interrupted.”
Blitz, what would YOU call it if her schooling, job, healthcare, housing, food, “retirement” are all dependent on her willingly following and obeying all that the plantation owner. . . excuse me, “government” tells her to do?
great post
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