It’s just a trickle now, but I think many more members will continue to leave the batshit-crazy Republican party. It’s just too embarrassing:
Miami, Florida (CNN) – The ex-chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, Jim Greer, is now apologizing for stoking fears about President Obama’s address to school children last year.
Greer, now under indictment on fraud and money-laundering charges after being drummed out of the state party, also accused “many within the GOP” of having “racist views.”
In September 2009, conservatives raised questions about the motives of president’s back-to-school speech, which was beamed into many of the nation’s classrooms. Greer was among them, charging that “taxpayer dollars are being used to spread President Obama’s socialist ideology.”
…
Greer is now apologizing for those comments.
“In the year since I issued a prepared statement regarding President Obama speaking to the nation’s school children, I have learned a great deal about the party I so deeply loved and served,” Greer said in a statement Tuesday to CNN and other media outlets.
“Unfortunately, I found that many within the GOP have racist views and I apologize to the President for my opposition to his speech last year and my efforts to placate the extremists who dominate our Party today. My children and I look forward to the President’s speech.”
Sure wish I could agree with you, Suze. But frankly, I thought and wished for the same things way back in the 60’s/70’s, i.e., that America was on the threshold of putting racist, Jim Crowism-type behavior in the rear view mirror. Alas, we had the voting rights laws, fair housing laws, laws prohibiting discrimination in virtually all areas of American life; indeed, many would say we’ve come a loooong way baby! But, having lived through the implimentation and verification of all the so-called advances of the ‘Civil Rights Era’, I know that Dr. King and many, many others didn’t die in vain. Now, having a AA Prez (whose policies I strongly disagree with), we are seeing a non-post-racial America seemingly re-invigorated by his very election. And worse, imho, is the fact that he has spent so much political capitol kissing asses and reaching out to the very assholes who would love to kill him vis-a-vis Dr. King. Nope, I don’t need a rethug or anyone else to remind me how far we haven’t come—-especially as it relates to race—-in this country; yeah, I want MY country back too!
I’m sorry. This is news? ‘Flash: Republicans are Racist!” Who besides the villagers ever believed otherwise?
Watching the primary returns coming in this evening, it’s VERY apparent that the mask has been ripped off and the racist, hate-filled, infantile element of the Republican Party is ascendant. Does anyone think Dems have the least idea of how to capitalize on the moment?
@ron: what makes this news is that it’s one of the guys who claimed that Obama wants to indoctrinate our children, and shouldn’t be allowed to speak at schools. Now he’s recanting the whole thing: when’s the last time you heard a republican apologize for anything and admit to error?
I’ll tell you when: Bob Inglis, another GOP congressman let go by their base.
Good times!
I think it should be news when they recant *before* they are indicted and kicked out, not after. Preferably without an indictment following the announcement.
This way it is too easy to claim that Greer simply lashes out after being
foundaccused of being corrupt.