Nation

‘Preposterous’ and ‘insulting’: Black NC Lt. Gov. slams Dems’ opposition to Georgia election law

Published

3 years ago

April 22, 2021

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In a fervent testimony before a House Judiciary subcommittee, North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson (R) expressed pride in Black Americans’ advancements, while condemning Democrats’ opposition to Georgia’s new election laws as “preposterous” and “insulting,” Fox News reported on Thursday.

At a Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties hearing on voter discrimination, Robinson, the first Black person to hold his office, concentrated on the Georgia law’s identification requirements for both in-person and absentee voting, which Democrats have been calling racist and restrictive.

“Am I to believe that Black Americans, who have overcome the atrocities of slavery, who were victorious in the civil rights movement, and now sit in the highest levels of this government, cannot figure out how to get a free ID to secure their votes? That they need to be coddled by politicians because they don’t think we can figure out how to make our voices heard? Are you kidding me?” the North Carolina Republican said. “The notion that Black people must be protected from a free ID to secure the vote is not just insane, it is insulting.”

Robinson later charged that Democrats’ motivation behind their ongoing voting rights endeavors “doesn’t have anything to do with justice. This has everything to do with power.”

Citing a recent event where Vice President Kamala Harris visited the Woolworth counter in Greensboro, North Carolina to commemorate the 1960 sit-in protesting segregation, the lieutenant governor said that while Harris was there, Clarence Henderson–who took part in the sit-in–was not invited. Henderson, according to the Fox News report, was an outspoken supporter of former President Donald Trump.

“The goal of some individuals in government is not to hear the voices of Black Americans at all. It’s to hear the voices that fit their narratives and ultimately help keep power with one group,” Robinson said.

Robinson labeled Democrats’ wide-ranging election reform bill H.R. 1—also known as the For The People Act—as “despicable” and accused them of attempting to use it “to keep one party in power and ensure they stay there indefinitely.”

You can follow Douglas Braff on Twitter @DouglasPBraff.

Featured

Historic House Vote Expels Rep. George Santos Amidst Scandal

Published

2 days ago

December 1, 2023

Alexander Carter

In a turn of events, the House of Representatives made history on Friday with a vote to expel Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.), marking the first such expulsion in over two decades. A moment fraught with gravity unfolded as Speaker Mike Johnson wielded his gavel to formalize Santos’ removal, setting a precedent in congressional annals.

Santos, indicted on 23 counts related to wire fraud, identity theft, and other charges, has not faced conviction but stands accused of misusing campaign funds for opulent purchases. The bipartisan vote, tallying 311 to 114, signaled robust support for expulsion, with a marginally higher number of Republicans opting to retain Santos.

Questions loomed as Speaker Johnson left the chamber, his silence leaving the fate of the ongoing government spending battle uncertain. According to reports from Fox News, Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer emphasized the non-partisan nature of the decision, asserting that members concluded Santos had tarnished the House’s reputation and was unfit for representation.

Within the GOP, conflicting opinions emerged, with Rep. Darrell Issa arguing against expulsion, citing the presumption of innocence. The tight-lipped stance of the House Ethics Committee played a pivotal role in the deliberations.

Conversely, members of the New York Republican delegation, led by Rep. Marc Molinaro, asserted Santos’ commission of crimes, justifying expulsion based on a comprehensive investigation.

Santos himself predicted the outcome in an exclusive morning interview on “FOX & Friends.” This vote not only underlines the House’s rare use of expulsion powers but also sets a critical precedent in handling members facing severe legal challenges.