Colo. lawmaker removed from podium over Mexicans remark

[RTO]

DENVER - A Colorado legislator known for kicking a photographer was ordered to leave the podium of the state House of Representatives on Monday because he called Mexican workers "illiterate peasants."

State Rep. Douglas Bruce, who has a history of provoking controversy, made the comment during debate on a bill that would allow the state to help immigrant workers get temporary federal visas. The measure is intended to ease a shortage of farm workers in the state.

"I would like to have the opportunity to state at the microphone why I don't think we need 5,000 more illiterate peasants in Colorado," Bruce said.

His outburst drew an audible gasp from the House.

"How dare you," said state Rep. Kathleen Curry, a Democrat who was serving as chairwoman during the debate. She told the Republican lawmaker he was no longer recognized to speak.

House Minority Leader Mike May, head of the GOP caucus, said legislative leaders were trying to determine what action to take against Bruce.

Rep. Terrance Carroll, a Democrat, said the remark could result in a formal ethics complaint that would require a hearing and possible suspension, censure or expulsion.

Bruce later defended his remarks.

"I looked up 'illiterate' in the dictionary and it means somebody who is lacking in formal education or is unable to read and write," he said. "I don't think these people who are planning to come over here and pick potatoes or peaches are likely to have much of a formal education. I looked up the word 'peasant.' The word 'peasant' means a person who works in agricultural fields.

"These people, most of them, don't speak English. Most of them haven't had any formal education, that's why they're coming over here. I don't blame them for trying, but I don't think we should pave the way for more aliens to come here," he said.

Story Continues Here....

[Horned Toad]

So what did he say that was untrue? You would not believe the number of wets that come over that cant read and can barely make their make. The real fun ones are the ones from south mexico that still speak just their native Indian dialect. So now you got a guy that cant read or write cant speak Spanish and you had better hope there is a translator in the group.

[Chiron]

In fact he said nothing that was offensive. It’s the chairwoman that seems illiterate. Except if those words mean something other than what the dictionary said. Maybe in “slangâ€

[Ranger Bill]

More and more, there seems to be free speech only if it's politically correct. I guess we can no longer refer to someone who cannot read and write "illiterate." It may hurt their self esteem.

[EvilCouch]

More and more, there seems to be free speech only if it's politically correct. I guess we can no longer refer to someone who cannot read and write "illiterate." It may hurt their self esteem.

Multiplied by a factor of 2.0.

[Chiron]

More and more, there seems to be free speech only if it's politically correct. I guess we can no longer refer to someone who cannot read and write "illiterate." It may hurt their self esteem.

So then the issue of being politically correct will change the dictionary and not academia?

I’m sick and tiered of PC and what it stands for. Can’t we just return to calling a thing what it is instead of beating around the bush?

[Silverback]

"The Mexican Consulate in Denver did not immediately return a call seeking comment."

Who cares? or does the Government of Mexico consider the people referred to in the speech as constituents?

[Rock Island Ranger]

Sounds like the man spoke the truth but didnt say it right....or he said it right but it was taken wrong or maybe he and I need to get together and attend a class on "Taming our out of control mouth". Naaa....kudos to the mother fucker.

[Oto-Man]

This PC Bullshit has to stop! He was spot on with his statement. There was nothing demeaning, hateful, bigoted, or racist in his comments.

I just talked with a friend 2 weeks ago, I may have posted it in another thread, but his sister's school systems can no longer "Fail" a student for fear of affecting their self esteem. They have actually renamed "Failure" to "Deferred Success"?!? So, if you change the name....you change the condition?!?

"I'm a loser because my dad is an alcoholic..."
"No kid...your dad is an alcoholic because you are a loser"


Now if he would have said "There ain't 'nuff room round hea for no damn 5000 heathenistic beaners" he may have still been correct, but I could see some people taking issue with that...considering the venue.

[wade_the_duck]

For some reason I would have thought Hillary would have been the one calling people "illiterate peasants"