So, Cliven Bundy’s been running his mouth. For a guy who refuses to acknowledge the legitimacy of the federal government, he sure does a good job of draping himself in the American flag. He also has things like this to say:
I want to tell you one more thing I know about the Negro (…) because they were basically on government subsidy, so now what do they do? They abort their young children, they put their young men in jail, because they never learned how to pick cotton. And I’ve often wondered, are they better off as slaves, picking cotton and having a family life and doing things, or are they better off under government subsidy?
I have to say, I didn’t expect that. He may have been questionable before, but now he’s pure poison to his supporters. They’re doing their best to backpedal at this point, but the damage is done. Those who would accuse conservatives of being anarchists and racists now have all the ammunition they need.
Shouting the right Niemöller quotes and waving the flag around doesn’t make someone a ideal spokesperson. There’s certainly no cause for pulling rifles off the wall and crying wolf on his behalf. Let’s hope some folks learn from this.