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Repub. Downplays Tea Party “Fa**ot" Slur


REP. STEVE KING X390

Rep. Steve King of Iowa sought to downplay Tea Partyers’ use of antigay and racial slurs against lawmakers Saturday, saying that he does not think the comments, which included calling Congressman Barney Frank a “fa**ot," are a big deal.

Protesters against health care reform heckled and spat at lawmakers outside the Capitol on Saturday, directing racist and antigay slurs toward lawmakers including Frank and Rep. John Lewis of Georgia, an African-American and leader of the civil rights movement.

King, a prominent voice in the Tea Party movement who last year called marriage equality part of a socialist agenda, told Roll Call that this past weekend's incidents were isolated.

“I just don’t think it’s anything,” said King. “There are a lot of places in this country that I couldn’t walk through. I wouldn’t live to get to the other end of it.”

The message from King contradicted the Republican leadership, which denounced the slurs on Sunday. Party chairman Michael Steele and House minority leader John Boehner both appeared on NBC’s Meet the Press and described the incidents as “reprehensible.” 

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Reader Comments
  • Name: John Embry
    Date posted: 3/27/2010 4:08:55 AM
    Hometown: San Francisco, CA

    Comment:

    Is representative King the best that Iowa can com up with. Everything coming out of his mouth I hear about is an embarressment to the state, the people he 'represents' and for that matter, the nation. I could think of any number of tlhings to call him, but then I'd be sinking to his level. What an ass!

  • Name: Andrew
    Date posted: 3/26/2010 11:48:59 AM
    Hometown: Sacramento, CA

    Comment:

    "So, do you think all of you will remember what this guy said when election time comes around?" - ALLAN GRAUPMAN Well, HRC should KEEP A LIST of all the BULLSHIT these guys are saying and then REMIND ALL VOTERS of it JUST BEFORE THE UPCOMING ELECTIONS. : ) What's "good" about this teabagging behavior is that it might make it a little harder for the GOP to do the same thing, after they've PUBLICLY denounced it. GOTCHA!

  • Name: Shawn
    Date posted: 3/25/2010 6:38:28 PM
    Hometown: Anaheim

    Comment:

    To Idiot Bob....They called themselves teabaggers! You are just as stupid as they are.

  • Name: Bob
    Date posted: 3/24/2010 8:51:28 AM
    Hometown: Hibbing, mn

    Comment:

    Every time one of you calls them the "teab****rs" you are just as bad as they are. Why is it ok for us to use derogatory name-calling if it's not ok for them? Let's think here people.

  • Name: Beverly Fletcher
    Date posted: 3/23/2010 2:10:54 PM
    Hometown: Fort Worth

    Comment:

    Fred, those of us who have pussies do not like you using the word as a slur. So grow a pair, will ya???

  • Name: fred remus
    Date posted: 3/23/2010 1:23:05 PM
    Hometown: naples new york

    Comment:

    i'll take being called faggot or nigger anytime, just never call me a right wing, racist, hate filled bigot. and once again a bigot refers to himself as a victim, saying there are places i couldn't walk down the street safely. pussy!

  • Name: Richard Ramsowr
    Date posted: 3/23/2010 1:10:58 PM
    Hometown: Houston

    Comment:

    This story tells us all just how fearful the republicans office holders are — when it comes to being tied directly to their fundamentalists christian enablers, i.e., the T-Baggers! The hate speech that has been fostered by the republican party in the past is now in the process of coming back to roost in the same area of it inception — the republican party, their office holders and their enablers and supports! True educated Americans will have nothing to do with hatred, bigotry and racism!

  • Name: Jon
    Date posted: 3/23/2010 12:23:32 PM
    Hometown: West Palm Beach

    Comment:

    Since he's not a member of either targeted group, I could possibly understand that he might not be as offended as someone who is. However, I cannot understand his internalized lack of compassion and his extreme stupidty represented by his comments. I hope this is a career ender for him. How about it, good people of Iowa? You can do better than this.

  • Name: Shawn
    Date posted: 3/23/2010 9:32:19 AM
    Hometown: NYC

    Comment:

    "There are lots of places in this country that I couldn't walk through" Wow! That is the most racist thing ever! Basically, he's saying that he doesn't think he could walk through a community of african americans...or in his thinking...niggers. You know, african american communities are all just dangerous to him. I'm sure he's not talking about Chelsea in New York City where he'd get pummeled by tasteful shoulder bags and gymbags! This man is disgusting!

  • Name: Terry
    Date posted: 3/23/2010 2:44:15 AM
    Hometown: Hillsboro

    Comment:

    Wait, wait, wait!!!!!!!!!! This man, who is suppose to be a representative for a state, Iowa no less. He thnks that what was said is "no big deal?" Excuse me! Calling a member of the legislativea degrading slur is so wrong, and over the top! It is apparent that if he thinks this is acceptable, he should rethink his position on this life saving program, and GET HIS HEAD OUT OF THE DARK AGES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know Iowa is sometimes backwards, but they still support and respect the rights of other's.

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