NC Rep. Apologizes for Saying Charlotte Protesters ‘Hate White People’
A North Carolina congressman has apologized after making some provocative comments about the protesters and rioters in Charlotte.
Republican Robert Pittenger, who scolded protesters last night for saying they lack the “spirit of Martin Luther King,” talked to the BBC today and made the following remarks:
Protesters in #Charlotte "hate white people" – North Carolina Congressman Pittenger tells #newsnight https://t.co/q6ELYD01QV
— BBC Newsnight (@BBCNewsnight) September 22, 2016
“The grievance in their minds––the animus, the anger––they hate white people because white people are successful and they’re not… It is a welfare state. We have spent trillions of dollars on welfare, and we’ve put people in bondage, so they can’t be all they’re capable of being.”
Well, after that started getting attention, Pittenger offered a profuse apology on Twitter:
What is taking place in my hometown breaks my heart. Today, my anguish led me to respond to a reporter's question in a way that I regret
— Rep Robert Pittenger (@reppittenger) September 22, 2016
My answer to BBC doesn't reflect who I am. I was quoting statements made by angry protesters last night on national TV. Not my intent
— Rep Robert Pittenger (@reppittenger) September 22, 2016
My intent was to discuss the lack of economic mobility for African Americans because of failed policies.
— Rep Robert Pittenger (@reppittenger) September 22, 2016
I apologize to those I offended and hope we can bring peace and calm to Charlotte.
— Rep Robert Pittenger (@reppittenger) September 22, 2016
[image via screengrab]
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