Signature needed: Scalise must go!
The #3 Republican in the House has admitted to associating with white supremacists.
https://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.colorofc...i_Boehner.jpeg
Demand Speaker John Boehner disavow white supremacy and strip Minority Whip Steve Scalise of his leadership position.
Take Action
Dear Chris,
A local Louisiana political writer has uncovered that House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) gave a speech at a 2002 conference for a white supremacist group run by former Ku Klux Klan Grand Wizard David Duke. 1
Rather than take action, House Speaker John Boehner has not only made excuses for Scalise but also issued a statement of support and reaffirmed his position as the #3 Republican in the House of Representatives. 2 It is galling that the Speaker of the House would defend Scalise attending an event like this — let alone speaking at one.
With the convening of the next Congress only days away, Speaker Boehner and the House GOP must repudiate white supremacy by taking immediate action to strip Scalise of his leadership position. Join us now.
When the story broke, Scalise tried to justify his actions and claim he didn’t know the European-American Unity and Rights Organization’s (EURO) hateful purpose. His explanations are not credible. It was widely reported that the conference was so upsetting that a minor league baseball team moved to another hotel. And considering David Duke’s notoriety and legacy, it’s difficult to believe that anyone — especially in Louisiana — would not recognize his name or affiliations.3
In a recent interview, Duke claims that in addition to the conference he and Scalise have met on several occasions. Duke gives Scalise a glowing endorsement calling him “a fine family man and a good person." Scalise has even been known to describe himself as “David Duke without the baggage.” 4 In a 1999 interview with Roll Call, Scalise brags that he and Duke share similar conservative views and he argues that he is a better, more-electable candidate.5
Scalise’s speech to EURO was about supposed corruption within the Housing and Urban Development Fund, implying the program constitutes, “an apparent giveaway to a selective group based on race.” This attack on a government program to help the poor is the same type of racially-divisive rhetoric — though in this case less coded — which far too many in Boehner’s Republican caucus use to rally support.
Let Speaker Boehner and the rest of the Republican party know that racism will not be tolerated in the US Congress.
Why hasn’t Speaker Boehner taken action? Perhaps it’s because David Duke issued him a warning that if Republicans rebuke Scalise “then a lot of them better be looking over their shoulders,” essentially threatening to name other politicians with whom he has met.6 As Speaker, John Boehner has consistently bowed to pressure from the ultra-conservatives on his side of the aisle. As Republicans take control of both houses and Congress on Tuesday, Speaker Boehner and the GOP have an important choice to make: they can disavow white supremacy, strip Steve Scalise of his leadership role and stand up to David Duke; or they can leave Scalise in power and confirm that Republicans are unwilling to confront racism in their own party.
Demand Speaker Boehner stand up to hate in the GOP!
Thanks and peace,
Arisha, Rashad, Aimée, Brandi, Matt, Johnny, Kenneshea and the entire ColorOfChange.org team
References
1. "House Majority Whip Scalise confirms he spoke to white supremacists in 2002" Washington Post, 12-29-14
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/4510....872082.AV_aHh
2. "Republicans Try to Fix Damage Scalise’s 2002 Speech Could Do in 2016" New York Times, 12-30-14
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/4512....872082.AV_aHh
3. “Steve Scalise’s Denials Are Not Believable,” SPLC Hatewatch, 12-30-2014
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/4513....872082.AV_aHh
4. "Stephanie Grace: Scalise’s pitch to Duke supporters seems plausible," The Advocate, 12-31-14
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/4514....872082.AV_aHh
5. See #3
6. "Ex-KKK leader David Duke: Lay off Steve Scalise or I’ll start naming other pols I met with," Raw Story, 12-30-14
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/4515....872082.AV_aHh
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