A North Carolina congressman, Robert Pittenger, got dragged for the comments he made regarding the Charlotte protestors.
Although he has since apologized, it is hard to swallow the insensitive remarks he made.
“The grievance in their mind is that the animus, the anger–they hate white people, because white people are successful and they’re not,” he told BBC.
Protesters in #Charlotte "hate white people" – North Carolina Congressman Pittenger tells #newsnight https://t.co/q6ELYD01QV
— BBC Newsnight (@BBCNewsnight) September 22, 2016
“I mean, yes, it is, it is a welfare state. We have spent trillions of dollars on welfare, where we put people in bondage so that they cannot be all that they’re capable of being.” He continued.
The Republican also addressed America being the ‘land of opportunity,’ and not a place where government is supposed to handout freebies to everyone.
“America is a country of opportunity and freedom and liberty,” The congressman said. “It didn’t become that way because of a great government who provided everything for everyone, no.”
When CNN’s Don Lemon asked the congressman if he believes that the “protesters hate white people,” he said no, and that he was only repeating and quoting what he heard from angry protestors.
“I was only trying to convey what they were saying and yet, it didn’t come out right, and I apologize. I have many, many good friends in the African American community,” he said to Don.
A statement released by his office stated the following:
“What is taking place in my hometown right now breaks my heart. My anguish led me to respond to a reporter’s question in a way that I regret. The answer doesn’t reflect who I am. I was quoting statements made by angry protesters last night on national TV. My intent was to discuss the lack of economic mobility for African-Americans because of failed policies. I apologize to those I offended and hope we can bring peace and calm to Charlotte.”
TSR STAFF: Thembi M. @ThembiTV_ on Instagram & ?Twitter
Via: CNN
