Donald Trump’s racism has infected America and Congress to a frightening degree. Now more than ever, we’re seeing our politicians express their real bigotry out in the open.
Earlier today, the House floor erupted thanks to what appeared to be a racist attack from a Republican to a Democrat right before Congress adjourned for the week. During the incident, Republican Rep. Jason Smith viciously told Democratic Rep. Tony Cárdenas to “Go back to Puerto Rico!”
The incident happened over an ongoing resolution to reopen agencies through the end of February. Cárdenas of California had made an objection, only to be met with the Missouri Republican’s racial attack.
After Smith yelled at Cárdenas to “Go back to Puerto Rico,” the House floor erupted. Many Democrats got out of their seats and tried to find the person who’d shouted it. Texas Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee said:
It came from the other side of the chamber. … We don’t know who it is. I would hope maybe privately the individual would go to Mr. Cárdenas and appropriately apologize.”
It was later confirmed that it was Smith. Now that this incident is getting press coverage, the GOP is trying to cover its ass. Smith’s spokesman Joey Brown stated that it was he who said the Puerto Rico comment, but insisted the statement was not directed at Cárdenas or meant to be racist. Brown said:
Congressman Smith’s comment was directed at all the Democrats who were vacationing down in Puerto Rico last weekend during the government shutdown, not towards any individual member.”
Yeah, ok. Cárdenas, on the other hand, is taking it seriously. He said:
I was shocked, because I often heard those kinds of comments when I was a kid growing up in Pacoima, California.”
However, Cárdenas stated that he accepted an apology from Smith after the GOPer “took responsibility for the comment and sincerely apologized.”
Texas Rep. Sylvia Garcia said:
We’ve been called names and been told to go back to Mexico, go back to whatever, so many times. It’s just unfortunate that it would happen on the floor of the House of Representatives.”
Absolutely disgusting to think this sort of thing could happen in our government. You can watch Smith show himself for the true racist he is below:
Featured image via screen capture
